|
Feb. 1.
R. O. | 295. Gresham to Cecil. |
|---|
| Thanks for the full despatch of his account. On Sunday
night [29 Jan.] despatched a post for the provisions of
the munitions and armour. Having always hitherto had the
Prince's hand to the like schedule, desires the Queen's to this
enclosed for his better discharge. Sends a note of all such
sums of money as he has taken up for the Queen, amounting
to 5,000l. sterling, or 5,479l. 15s. 10d. Flemish. The Queen
having sent a command for the payment of the same into her
Exchequer, he recommends a better and more secret course,
being that which has hitherto been adopted during the two
previous reigns. Requests that in the Queen's warrant the
sums be entered both in sterling and in Flemish money, in
which latter he always accounts with his correspondents. |
|---|
| Has this morning received letters from his factor from
Antwerp, dated 27th ult., with a letter from Mr. Christopher
Mount, inclosing a letter to Cecil from the said Mount, which
is now forwarded. Mount has received the 100 crowns which
the Queen commanded him [Gresham] to pay. |
|---|
| The occurrences are these; the Commissioners of the Queen,
and of the Kings of Spain and France have met. The French
demand six weeks longer respite for the conclusion of the
peace, to which the King of Spain will in no wise consent.
Hereupon great preparations are made of men between both
parties, and all munitions and armour risen to a great price.
The Queen will not be served at the prices she has appointed.
If these wars go forward, doubtless things will be much dearer,
and none to be gotten for money. |
|---|
| Would himself have waited upon Cecil with all these things,
but has had an attack of ague, which took him on Saturday
last. Having used a little physic for the remedy thereof, trusts
the worst is past.—London 1 Feb. 1558. Signed: Thomas
Gresham, mercer. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. Pp. 3. |
|---|
Feb. 1.
R. O. | 296. Loans for the Queen. |
|---|
| "A note of such sums of money as I, Thomas Gresham,
have taken up for the Queen, by exchange in London, to be paid
in Antwerp, amounting to 5,000l. sterling, or 5,479l. 15s. 10d.
Flemish." |
|---|
| Appended is a short letter from Gresham to Cecil, in which
he states that he has not raised the exchange one halfpenny "in
taking up this mass." Signed: Thomas Gresham, mercer. |
|---|
| Pp. 2. |
|---|
Feb. 1.
R.O. | 297. Vergerio to Sir Henry Killigrew. |
|---|
| 1. As soon the Duke (fn. 1) returned to Stuttgard (which he did
on 21 Jan.) he wrote to Vergerio to come to him, and as he
was getting into his carriage, being rather unwell, Killigrew's
messenger arrived from Strasburg most opportunely. He discussed with the Duke the contents of Killigrew's letter, and
at length it was resolved that one of Vergerio's nephews should
be despatched with a letter to the Queen, expressive of
the Duke's opinion. He writes therefore, and sends not
Aurelio, but Ludovico. The advice which the Duke now gives
is of much importance; but as it will be communicated to the
Queen by his nephew, he will now speak on other matters. |
|---|
| 2. The Duke has told him of all the proceedings of that
friend who wishes to make out that the other friend should be
declared illegitimate. The matter is still hot, and the legates
(who, as he had written, were to pass through Strasburg)
will not fail to do their worst. The Duke knows all the
scheme, and will use his good offices. He said also that the
peace between Philip and Henry would be concluded, and
that it was the more necessary that England might be
employed in her own affairs. He added that he had heard
by letter that the Queen had summoned Peter Martyr. When
the writer expressed his disbelief, the Duke replied that such
was the impression current among the Princes, and that this
opinion would endamage her popularity, since it gave rise to
the impression that at the very outset of her reign she wished
to introduce into her kingdom a doctrine contrary to that of
those Princes. |
|---|
| 3. When the writer proceeded to apologize for the tenor of
the mandate given to him by Killigrew he [the Duke] replied
that he had understood it in a very different sense, and that
in dealing with Killigrew there was no need to excuse such a
proceeding, since he well knew that in a business of such
importance it was necessary to advance very quietly and not
give occasion to disturbances. He said another thing of importance, namely, that some English people who had recently
arrived in Germany, are found to have xxvii articles, which
differ from the Confession of Augsburg; that these have been
written down, and that the Princes are talking about the
matter. The writer endeavoured to excuse it as he best
could; he denied it, and said he would wager his life that
though one or two might hold such wild opinions, the
others did not. Does not proceed to recount all the matters
discussed, but will content himself with saying briefly that
if the Queen will be contented with a friendship in which
these Princes will feel bound to assist her "with their counsels
and their help," the Duke thinks she can obtain it; but not
an offensive and defensive league, touching matters which
have no reference to religion. |
|---|
| 4. Wishing thoroughly to comprehend him, Vergerio asked
what he meant by the words "with their counsels and their
help." He answered that he meant a good understanding
on both sides, such as giving intelligence of danger and
deliberating together; and that if the Queen were molested
on account of her religion, and should apply for 10,000 or
15,000 men, horse or foot, they should be furnished. The
Duke said that this was a most important thing among the
Protestants, that at a pinch they can always have 15,000
horse and 50,000 foot. Wishes that this information should
be taken as a sort of explanation of, and comment upon,
what he has written to the Queen. Wishes Killigrew to
inform her that he, the writer, has further information to send
her, which he will do as soon as she sends back his nephew.
This will probably suffice, and be the means of giving a
great check to those persons who are wishing to disturb
their kingdom. |
|---|
| 5. The Duke says that the Queen may have this league by
accepting the Confession of Augsburg. It is his duty to
write in plain terms, and this is the point to be settled. The
Emperor and the King of Spain say, (and it is certain that they
have so said,) that since England is not to have the religion
of the Pope, they do not care about it, so long as no other
doctrine than the Augsburg Confession is introduced. If any
other doctrine be adopted, these two persons will be the
Queen's chief enemies; they will help the Pope and the King
of France against her, and such of the Princes as are not yet
hostile. This the writer does not believe. On the other
hand, if she accept the Confession of Augsburg, the Emperor
and the King of Spain (as he has already stated) will not
make war against the Queen on this account; and if they
do not, she will have less to fear from the Pope and France,
more especially as these illustrious princes [the Emperor and
the King of Spain] with their authority, prudence and power,
will stand shoulder to shoulder with her. Hopes that God
will give her grace to make a good choice between these two
sides. The writer is not called on to advise, and his opinion
is not worth much, so he does not write it. This much however, he says outright, that the Article about which the
Lutherans and Zuinglians are disputing is not, in his opinion,
de necessitate salutis. As he has already said verbally, he
trusts the Queen will make the choice which will procure for
her the greater favour of our Heavenly Father His nephew
will tell the rest by word of mouth, so the writer need not say
more. Hopes for a successful issue of the negociation. |
|---|
| In Vergerio's hol. Asks pardon since he cannot write the
letter with his own hand, being indisposed; but ill as he is
he wishes to return to Tubingen.—Stuttgard, 1 Feb. 1559.
Signed: Vergerio. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Sor. Henrico Chillegreuo. Endd. by Cecil:
Pa. Vergerio ad H. Killigrew. Ital. Pp. 4. |
|---|
Feb. 1.
R. O. | 298. Vergerio to Sir Henry Killigrew. |
|---|
| The previous letter referred to matters of greater importance.
On leaving Stuttgard, Killigrew had paid the post not only for
himself but for the whole party. The Duke wishes to have a
copy of Killigrew's letters from Strasburg, saying that he
wrote with zeal and prudence. He will be glad to repay the
said expenses. |
|---|
| If the Queen accepts the offers now made to her, she should
continually keep one of her officers among those Princes with
whom she has contracted alliance. His duty will be to keep
up the friendship and to give daily intelligence. He has
already said that if no other can be found, he [the writer]
would be willing to undertake the office, and would serve for
a couple of years in conjunction with his three nephews.
Killigrew knows in how good esteem they stand with the
Princes. Has already written that he does not wish to enter
into a bargain, but to serve the Queen faithfully, and to her
advantage. |
|---|
| He adds somewhat with his own hand. In serving such a
cause he serves Christ, and would willingly endure fatigue,
expense, and inconvenience. He neither asks, nor thinks
of, remuneration, God knows. But having extricated these
his nephews from the papacy and having employed them
against Antichrist, he cannot think of their return into Italy.
He wishes to see them established in England, where if one
were employed he would divide his income with the others.
They would wait obediently upon every wish of Killigrew's.
They must, however, be detached from Marilach. He will
send the letter to M. Abel.—Stuttgard, 1 Feb. 1559. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig., partly autograph. Add. Endd. by Cecil: 1 Feb.
1558. Ital. Pp. 2. |
|---|
Feb. 1.
B.M. Harl. 169. 28 b. | 299. Proceedings of Privy Council. |
|---|
| Westminster, 1 Feb. 1558.—Present: the Lords Great Seal
and Steward; the Earls of Shrewsbury, Bedford, and Pembroke; the Lord Admiral; Mr. Secretary, Mr. Cave, Mr. Peetre,
Mr. Mason. |
|---|
| A letter to Sir Edward Carne, late Ambassador resident at
Rome, signifying unto him that the Queen is pleased, in con
sideration there is no further cause why he should make any
further abode there, that he do put himself in order to return
home at such time and with such speed as he shall think most
meet. |
|---|
| A letter to Sir James Croftes and Sir William Ingleby to
consider both what proportions of munition, ordnance, and
other things Thomas Gower, Master of the Ordnance in the
north, has issued out of his office for the Queen's service
at Berwick, and to comptrol his books from time to time as
the case shall require; and when they will have anything out
of the said office for the service and furniture of the said town,
they are required to address their warrant to Mr. Gower,
signed with both their hands. |
|---|
Feb. 1.
R. O. 27 V. 73. | 300. Another copy of the above.
Modern transcript. |
|---|
Feb. 3.
R. O. | 301. Celio Magno to the Queen. |
|---|
| Congratulates her on her accession to the throne in adulatory terms; pays an indirect compliment to her personal
attractions, largely commends her talents and acquirements,
especially her acquaintance with the Greek, Latin, and Italian
languages, and encloses two sonnets in her praise. |
|---|
| The first commences,
"Ecco mirabil Sol, ch' in Occidente
Del Britannico mar sorge à noi fuore,
E comparte al suo ciel gratia e favore
Tal, ch' invidia ne porge à l'Oriente." |
|---|
| The second,
"Nel felice giardin, ch' irriga e'nfiora
Tamigi, e l'Ocean cinge d'intorno,
Spiega candida Rosa il crine adorno
Dopo lungo tardar d'amica Aurora." |
|---|
| Orig. Sig. Add. Endd. by Cecil: 3 Feb. 1558. Ital.
Pp. 4. |
|---|
Feb. 3.
R. O. | 302. The Privy Council to the Earl of Northumberland. |
|---|
| "Minute to the Earl of Northumberland touching the
supply and ordering of the bands under his charge." |
|---|
| The Lords have received his letters of the 24th [ult.] and
regret the late mishap that has chanced unto Captain
Ellercar and his band, occasioned by his negligence and overboldness. |
|---|
| The Earl having requested that some numbers of horsemen might be levied and sent unto him, thereby to supply
the want of the decayed and unserviceable bands, they
recommend as the easier and more expeditious plan, that they
be levied in the north, as they may be gotten. |
|---|
| Corrected draft. Endd.: 1558, Feb. 3. Pp. 4. |
|---|
Feb. 4.
B. M. Harl. 169. 29 b. | 303. Proceedings of Privy Council. |
|---|
| Westminster, 4 Feb. 1558.—Present: the Lords Treasurer
and Steward; the Earls of Shrewsbury and Bedford; Mr.
Secretary, Mr. Peetre, Mr. Masone, Mr. Sackville. |
|---|
| A letter to the Mayor and Barteram Anderson of Newcastle, and Thomas Gower, Master of the Ordnance in the
North, that whereas the Lords are informed that certain pieces
of ordnance there are concealed by certain of the inhabitants
of that town of Newcastle, which ordnance were delivered
forth by John Bennet, late Master of the Ordnance there,
they are willed to examine diligently where and in whose
hands any of the same pieces remain, and by what warrant
they came by the same, and thereupon to cause the same to
be returned to the officer of the ordnance and to signify
hither what they shall have found herein. It is also signified
unto them that it is informed here that they have caused the
Queen's arms and mark to be defaced and taken out of the said
ordnance. |
|---|
Feb. 6.
R. O. | 304. [Cecil?] to Paulo Vergerio. |
|---|
| 1. Hears with great satisfaction from Kylligrew (who had
received letters from Vergerio dated 3 Jan.) that Vergerio
had informed the illustrious Prince, his master, of the whole
matter. The Prince, in his zeal for the propagation of the
glory and honour of God, (which are highly commended,)
having suggested that a confederacy in the cause of religion
be entered into by the Protestant Princes, and in furtherance
of this project having instructed his orators to the Diet at
Augsburg to discuss the matter with the other Princes;—in
reply thereto she sees difficulty in this plan, which cannot
be dealt with as one would act in secular matters, by forming
a treaty offensive as well as defensive, but accepts it in
good part. |
|---|
| 2. Having heard that he is anxious to know how an embassy
sent to the Queen for such a league, were it formed, would be
received by her, (of which embassy Vergerio desired to be
one,) he is informed in reply that in the meantime she wishes
to know who are the princes who will despatch the embassy,
and what will be its object and result. When she is made
acquainted with these points she will answer; at present she
will say nothing further. She presumes from his letter that
the affair has advanced somewhat further, which, however,
she will attribute to his desire to promote the Gospel, in
which matter she will be found to be neither slow nor
cowardly. |
|---|
| 3. As to the request of those persons who wished that the
Confession of Augsburg should be received and approved by
her, she informs them that she has certainly no intention of
departing from that mutual agreement of Christian churches,
amongst which that of Augsburg appears to her to be the
most weighty. (fn. 2) |
|---|
| 4. Thus far the present letter expresses the Queen's reply to
the letters which she had received from Vegerio. But now
the writer desires to express plainly and clearly his own
sentiments. Nothing is more gratifying to him than to take
part in this cleansing of the church and her restitution to her
primitive beauty. Although far inferior in learning to others,
he will not yield in labour and diligence to the best workman
in the Lord's vineyard. The Church of Christ in England
again revives, after having undergone immense and miserable
afflictions. Recommends it to the prayers and assistance of
Vergerio. The adversaries should be made to understand
that the Princes of the Evangelical Alliance regard the affairs
of England with as much interest as their own. The defence
must be as vigorous as the attack. |
|---|
| Draft, with many corrections, one by Cecil. Endd.:
Copia literarum ad Paulum Vergerium, 1558, 6 Feb. Pp. 4.
Lat. |
|---|
Feb. 7.
R. O. | 305. Mundt to the Queen. |
|---|
| On the last of January he had audience given him by the
secret and chief council of this town, wherein he declared
her wish to maintain such amity as had existed between
Henry VIII. and Edward VI. and the Princes and Estates
Protestants in Germany. They answered that they had heard
with great joy that she was ordained to this high dignity,
to the singular benefit, not only of England but of all
Christendom. |
|---|
| On Feb. 2 there came with a safe conduct from the
Emperor to this town Achiepiscopus Viennensis, Mariliacus, and M. Burdilion, the French King's Ambassadors, going
to the Diet at Augsburg, with about fifty horses and six
mules. They remained here a day. A learned man of this
town, among other communications with the Archbishop,
said: "If it should please your master the King to render
Calais to England again, tanquam in dotem, with the Duke
of Saxony, peradventure a treaty might be had upon a
marriage with the Queen and him, and that thereby a perpetual confederacy might ensue between the realms." To this
talk the Bishop would give no ear, saying, "James, james
nows rendderon le villa de Calays." The magistrates, against
their old custom, presented no wine to the French Ambassadors. The Princes have not yet come to Augsburg, nor is
the Diet begun. Intends to go thither with the commissaries
of this town on the 15th.—Argentin, 7 Feb. 1559. |
|---|
| Orig. Hol. Add. Endd.: 7 Feb. 1558. Pp. 3. |
|---|
Feb. 7.
R. O. | 306. Mundt to Cecil. |
|---|
| Has signified to the Queen such occurrences as they have
here. The King of Denmark died cal. Januarii, and now his
eldest son Frederick reigns. "Hie hath a iunger brother
whiche hath but one iye." It is reported that the King now
is quite French. The French King has had an ambassador
in Denmark for more than two years, and has sent many
gifts to Frederick. Desires to be recommended to Sir Anthony
Cooke.—Argentin, 7 Feb. 1559. |
|---|
| Orig. Hol. Add., with armorial seal. Endd.: 7 Feb.
1558. Pp. 2. |
|---|
Feb. 6.
B. M. Harl. 169. 30. | 307. Proceedings of Privy Council. |
|---|
| Westminster, 6 Feb. 1558.—Present: The Lords Treasurer
and Steward; the Earls of Shrewsbury and Bedford; Mr.
Vice-Chamberlain, Mr. Secretary; Mr. Peeter, Mr. Mason,
Mr. Sackvill. |
|---|
| A letter to Sir William Ingleby, Knt., Treasurer of
Berwick, whereby he is requird to signify hither the occasion
and lets by the way that the Queen's treasure (wherewith
he was despatched hence so long ago) is not hitherto arrived
at Berwick; for that the Lords were given to understand
the same treasure was not gone so far as Durham the
27th of January last. |
|---|
Feb. 6.
R. O. 27 V. 76. | 308. Another copy of the above.
Modern transcript. |
|---|
[Feb. 6.]
R. O. | 309. Treasure for Berwick. |
|---|
| "The charges of Sir William Inglebie, Knt., Treasurer of
Berwick, for the transporting of 12,000l. of the Queen's treasure from London to Berwick" (268 miles), amounting to
49l. 3s. 9d. |
|---|
| Pp. 2. |
|---|
Feb. 9.
R. O. | 310. Lord Eure to the Privy Council. |
|---|
| In his letters of the last of Jan. had signified that he
stayed here only in expectation of the arrival of the treasure,
which now he finds had come to Alnwick four days ago, and
is likely there to remain, although he has several times in
vain sent convoy and has written to the Lord Warden for
expedition thereof. Signifies his stay to them, as he must see
the servitors here under him of all sorts paid, they having been
long unpaid, often mustered, wanting apparel and necessaries,
and by that cause driven to the greater need of money. For
all which respects in his opinion Mr. Treasurer is too slow in
conveying the treasure hither.—Berwick, 9 Feb. 1558. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd.: 9 Feb. 1558. Pp. 2. |
|---|
Feb. 10.
R. O. | 311. The Earl of Northumberland to the Lords of the
Council. |
|---|
| The Queen's treasure, in its journey towards Berwick,
between Morpeth and Alnwick, came to a place called Felton,
where they should have had new carriages. They took
certain cattle for the same purpose by the Queen's commission
and the Earl's given to the sheriffs and bailiffs to that effect.
The town and poor men of Felton, not being willing that
their cattle should be taken, resisted stubbornly the commission, whereupon one of the Treasurer's servants gave a
man a blow of the ear. The matter being well pacified, the
treasure was carted and set forward, when there came a
gentleman named Harvy, brother to Mrs. Leslie, a gentlewoman of Felton, with divers of her household servants; who,
having lance-staves, pursued the Treasurer's men and asked
who gave the blow of the ear ? He coming so near, one of
the Treasurer's men kept off the first blow and got within
his lance-staff, and hurt the said Harvie on the head, whereof
he is dead. Yet they of Felton deem that they disobeyed the
Queen's commission. |
|---|
| Sir William Inglebie himself, by reason of extreme sickness,
was forced to stay in Yorkshire. The man who killed Harvy
immediately after came to the Earl, but afterwards fled; but
he has sent to apprehend him. |
|---|
| In his opinion either the treasure should be otherwise
conveyed to Berwick, or else remain at Newcastle; and
especially in winter, as the cattle of this country are so little
and so weak and the way so deep that they can scarce draw
an empty carriage; in all the last wars the treasure came no
further than Newcastle, unless it were in an army time. |
|---|
| P.S.—The enemy has done nothing lately on these borders,
except that about eight nights ago forty Scots came into England and "took up a town" and burnt nothing, but carried
away eight prisoners with them. |
|---|
| On the same night by chance Christopher Rokbie (whom
he had appointed keeper of Ridesdale and Harbottell) was
forth at a fray, and had followed the Scots seven miles into
Scotland. On his return he "subitanlie," met in the dark
night about twenty of the Scots who had the prisoners. They
gave the first onset of him, and he relieved all our prisoners
and took sixteen of the greatest Scotch riders in Jedworth
forest. The residue leapt from their horses and gat away in
the dark.—Warkworth, 10 Feb. 1558. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Pp. 4. |
|---|
Feb. 10.
R. O. | 312. William Lord Dacre to Leonard Dacre. |
|---|
| Sends hearty commendation and God's blessing and his
own. All things in these borders are in good state. Having
been informed by his secret espials, that fifty cannons are
shipped already in the New-Haven, in France, and are looked
for with Duke de Guise, and that 10,000 Frenchmen are to
arrive in Scotland about, or soon after, Easter, to aid that
realm; and that it is concluded between the Kings of Spain
and France that the Prince of Spain shall marry the French
King's daughter, and the Prince of Pymont the French King's
sister, for which the said Prince shall have all his lands again
except two or three holds on the uttermost frontier, for which
he shall have lands in France,—has thought it meet to inform
his son thereof in order that he may advertise the Privy Council
thereupon. Will from time to time advertise the Lords of what
occurs. |
|---|
| Sends a letter to Thomas Baxter to pay to his son-in-law,
Mr. Culpepper, 100l.; and when his own suits are gone through
he shall repair home.—Carlisle, 10 Feb. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Endd.: 10 Feb. 1558. L. Dacre to Mr. Leonard
Dacre, his son. Add.: To my loving son Leonard Dacre,
Esquire, at my house besides Ivy Bridge at London." |
|---|
| On the back occur the following memoranda: Post, haste
with all possible diligence, haste, haste. From the Lord
Dacre. Delivered to the post of Carlisle the 11 Feb. at 4
of clock in the morning. Received at Newcastle, 12 Feb. at
9 of the clock before noon. Received at Duresme [Durham]
12 Feb. at 12 of the clock at noon. Received at Alverton
[Northallerton] 13 Feb. at 12 of the clock at noon. Received
at Burrobr[idge at] . . . . . . . . . clock, afternoon. Received at
Wetherby . . . . . . 13 Feb., at 8 of the [clock at] night. |
|---|
| Pp. 2. |
|---|
Feb. 10.
R. O. | 313. Henry Tamme to the Consuls and Senate of Hamburg. |
|---|
| In the beginning of 1557 John Moller, a citizen of Hamburg
then resident in London, had bought for him 39 pieces of
English cloth, the exportation of which was forbidden. The
Senate at that time had written to the aldermen and merchants of the German house in London, but ineffectually. He
then offered the cloth for sale to the English, who refused to
buy it. The cloth was purchased by him before the promulgation of the decree by which it was supposed to be affected.
It is now said to be damaged by mice. He prays the Senate
to aid him in obtaining licence for him either to export it from
England or to sell it to the English.—Hamburg, 10 Feb. 1559.
Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Lat. Pp. 3. |
|---|