|
A.D. 1560. May 1.
Haynes, p. 301. | 1. Norfolk to Cecil. (fn. 1) |
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| By a letter from Grey sent herewith, Cecil will perceive
the forwardness they are in, and also how they think good to
defer all things until Leith is taken. Grey writes that he has
not been answered concerning the relinquishment of the
Queen's league and pledges of Scotland, to which the writer
willed him in no case to deal with the matter, till they know
the Queen's pleasure, yet he would be loath to hear that the
Queen would give place to their request. The Bishop of
Valence arrived here yesternight, and infringed his safe conduct; for his passport extended but for eight or ten days, and
he did not return before the 11th. If he be as choleric at Court
as he has been here he can soon be put to silence by Cecil
saying if extremity were taken he might be a prisoner. He
refers the whole matter to Killigrew's report, who he thinks
will so prolong the journey that the Bishop shall not arrive
there for three days. When Chaperon comes the writer will
stay him four or five days, "and yet it shall be cleanly handled."
Lord Hume with others of the Marches have come in to the
number of 300 horses. He thinks the last mass of treasure
will not make full pay for two months, considering the charge
that will arise by the bands that are entertained of the Scots,
and also that Grey would in no case grant the dismissing
of any of the horses.—Berwick, 1 May 1560. Signed. |
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| Orig., in Railton's hol. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary.
Pp. 2. |
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| May 1. | 2. Norfolk to Cecil. |
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| 1. Encloses a letter from Grey which has arrived this morning announcing the sudden breaking out of a fire in Leith.
Whether it chanced with or against the will of the French it
skills not; for if they do it "for the nonst," thinking to go
to the citadel, they mind nothing but to put off their caps
and yield.—Berwick, 1 May 1560. Signed. |
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| 2. P. S.—The Scots Lords marvellously come in upon this
sudden fire. |
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| Orig. Hol. Add. by Railton. Endd. by Cecil's secretary.
Pp. 2. |
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| May 1. | 3. Grey and Others to Norfolk. |
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| 1. Have received his letters of April 30, encouraging them
to hasten the enterprise. Whereas they wrote that their
pieces should be planted this night past, their trenches were so
drowned with rain, which made the earth so deep and dirty
that it would not sustain the weight of the pieces, as Sir
Richard Lee can witness. But this night there is no doubt
of the placing of their battery ready to execute at the dawn
of day. Trust that they will be ready on Saturday next for
the assault, the order whereof they send in a schedule
herewith. Lord Grey thanks the Duke for his honourable
remembrance of his son Arthur, who is past the danger of his
hurt.—Camp before Leith, 1 May 1560. Signed: Grey,
Scrope, Sadler, Croftes. |
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| 2. P. S.—They ask him to write to the Lords of the Coun-
cil in favour of Captain Vaughan for the suits that he has of
them; he has shown himself a worthy valiant soldier and
wise gentleman. |
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| Orig. Add.: Delivered at the camp at 8 p.m. May Day.
Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 2. |
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| May 1. | 4. Clough's Memoranda. |
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| Heads of a "declaration unto Cecil by Richard Clough"
respecting the seven ships in Zealand, the 4,300 soldiers at
Arras, Douai, and S. Omer's, the levying of money in
Flanders and Holland, the death of the Prince of Pied-
mont, the provision of wheat at Bremen for King Philip,
the examination of the friar, "the party" of 300,000 guil-
ders made by Hans Keck with the Duchess, the 25,000l.
to be received of the English merchants, the shipping of
3,000l. from Hamburgh, the making of five or six mills for
powder, the payments by Jasper Schetts, of 20,000 [?] bow-
staves to be delivered free in England, the sending of one
into Holland, the state of King Philip in the Netherlands
for money and munition, the scarcity of munition in the
Netherlands, Eastland, Hungary, and Bohemia, and the muni-
tions taken out of the King's armoury. |
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| Orig. Endd. by Cecil: 1 May. Declaration of Richard
Clough. Pp. 2. |
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May 2.
Forbes, 1. 419. | 5. The King of France to the Queen. |
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| Letter of credence for the Sieur de Randan, a gentleman of
his chamber.—Chenonceau, 2 May 1560. Signed: Francoys,
—De l'Aubespine. |
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| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Broadside. Fr. |
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[May 2.]
Labanoff, vii. 288. | 6. The French Queen to Elizabeth. |
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| Letters of credence for the Bishop of Valence, who is
coming to treat of certain matters connected with the preservation of peace. Signed. |
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| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil: May 1560. Fr. Pp. 2. |
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| [May 2.] | 7. The Queen Mother of France to Queen Elizabeth. |
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| The Bishop of Valence being about to visit the Queen, the
writer has entrusted him with certain matters to be communicated to her; she asks credence for him. Signed. |
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| Orig. Add. Endd. Fr. Pp. 2. |
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| May 2. | 8. Commission of Francis and Mary. (fn. 2) |
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| Commission to the Bishops of Valence and Amiens, MM.
de la Brosse, d'Oysel, Charles de Rochefoucauld, Seigneur
de Randan, instructing them to go to Scotland and negociate
for the restoration of amity between France and England.—
Chenonceau, 2 May 1560. Signed. |
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| Copy. Endd. Fr. Pp. 3. |
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| May 2. | 9. Another copy of the above. |
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| Fr. Pp. 2. |
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| May 2. | 10. Throckmorton to the Council. |
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| Knows nothing of the stay of the French King's couriers,
and complains of the capture of his servant and letters at
Rue, neither of which have been returned to him. Has been
fain to send Francisco Thomaso to the Queen by the long way
of Flanders. Thinks that if the taking and killing of his
first man had not been so lightly passed over, they would not
have used this one so. Doubts, whatsoever be said by the
Cardinal for his setting at liberty, that he is not so well used
as they would make believe. Is informed that the greatest at
the Court say that the English are easy enough to deal with,
and that there are practices for stealing away their hostages,
which they hoped to do before this; and this made them
bold to take his servant.—Amboise, 2 May 1560. Signed. |
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| Orig. A few passages in cipher, deciphered. Add.
Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 3. |
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| May 2. | 11. Norfolk and Sir Francis Leek to Cecil. |
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| The fire that he wrote of yesterday, which was in Leith, is
quenched, and as it can be judged happened by chance.
Hopes that it is a sign of good luck. Cecil may perceive by
Lord Grey's letter that on Saturday next they mind to give
the assault, a copy of the order whereof he encloses. Prays
him to further Mr. Vaughan's suits at the Council board, as
he has well deserved by his great travail.—Berwick, 2 May
1560. Signed. |
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| Orig., in Railton's hol. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary.
Pp. 2. |
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| May 2. | 12. Grey and Others to Norfolk. |
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| 1. They perceive by his letter of the 1st of May that the
Bishop of Valence is arrived at Berwick, and how he will
entreat Chaperon at his coming. Desire to know some part
of the purport of his commission before his arrival. The
Master of the Ordnance and his lieutenant, Fleming, have not
used such diligence as they might in planting the pieces.
whereby this day is lost. Howbeit in their excuse, the rain
has made the ground marshy and rotten, which (with the
weakness of the limmer horses) was the chief cause of their
disappointment. This night, rather than fail, Grey will help
to draw the pieces himself, yet he trusts to keep the appointed
day of assault. This night or to-morrow they are promised
to have some power of Scotchmen. |
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| 2. The Earl of Huntly shows himself in words forward in
this matter, but though he be here himself yet he has no
power of men with him. What Earl Morton will do and the
other with him they know not; but what they have pro-
mised, his Grace shall understand by the Laird of Lethington's
letters sent herewith to Cecil.—The camp before Leith, 2
May 1560. Signed: Grey, Sadler, Croftes. |
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| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 2. |
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| May 2. | 13. Valentine Brown to Norfolk. |
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| In reply to his letter touching the estimate of the charges
for the army for two months, by his last estimate he has
shown it to be 17,600l. odd monthly, and now is to be added
the 1,200 Scots taken into the Queen's service, the navy,
and the provisions of match, powder, and other things for the
ordnance, so that the whole charge for two months will not
be less than 40,000l. As the present mass of money will
not set all things even, up to the 24th inst., there is more
speed required for the further mass; for the abatement of the
charges by cassing some of the horsemen and carriages is not
agreed unto, nor yet the mustering of the bands. The Eng-
lish are occupied diligently, and yet the bravery of the
French is smally abated, for they annoy them marvellously
with their ordnance and shot. He trusts when the battery
is placed this night he may send good news.—The csmp
before Leith, 2 May 1560. Signed. |
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| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 2. |
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| May 2. | 14. Maitland to Cecil. |
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| 1. Now that all communication is ended, and all men per-
ceive that the Dowager means nothing but to drive time,
that she may have support from beyond, the neutrals
become partakers. The Earl of Huntly has devised a new
bond, in more strait form than any before, which he has sub-
scribed. The Earl of Morton, with all that will do for him,
will be in the camp to-morrow at night, because they believe
that the assault shall be given shortly afterwards. Lord
Home, after he had spoken with the Lords, went home again,
unresolved what to do; the Earl of Huntly holds that he
will return on the 5th inst. The Laird of Cessford has promised to come, whether Lord Home comes or not. The Laird
of Blackadder has promised to come with the Earl of Morton.
They hope to give the assault within four days, and are in
good comfort therein. |
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| 2. The writer has a suit for the Laird of Ormiston, whose
son is at Bourges in Berry, whom he would be glad to have
home. Desires Cecil to write to the Queen's Ambassador in
France to essay to convey him from thence, and to furnish
him with 150 French crowns, which upon the next writing
to Sadler or Croftes shall be delivered to either of them in
Scotland. They have no other means by which they may send
money thither.—Camp before Leith, 2 May 1560. Signed. |
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| Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 3. |
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| May 2. | 15. John Waddington to Gresham. |
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| 1. The 1st of May in Amsterdam there are hired six
plats of fifty and sixty tons burden by certain French gentlemen, whereof two are laden with fir or deal boards, small
masts, and great cables of seventeen and nineteen inches, and
appointed for Dieppe. The other four are appointed to go to
Newcastle for coal and from thence into France, as the
French give out by the brokers, besides that the masters
must be foreigners, that in case any men of war come aboard
they may swear that they have no goods aboard belonging to
Frenchmen. |
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| 2. On further inquiry he finds all the said ships are laden
with fir boards, small masts, great cables, bacon, and gunpowder, and such like, and will be ready within six or eight
days. They must depart out by the Texel and thence what
way they can; Waddington thinks to Dunbar or thereabouts,
or else to victual some ships. They say the cables and fir
boards shall go towards Dieppe. The Prince of Orange left
Amsterdam on the 25th April for Utrecht, five Dutch miles
from thence. Has been informed that he has been secretly in
post at Bremen with M. d'Aremburg, and has had communication there with captains to take up men in Guilderland and
Cleveland. They may not serve any strange Prince. They
say it is the Emperor who does this, or else the empire, to
recover Metz again of the French King; but if it is true, it
is King Philip who works this against England. In coming
to Antwerp this day he met towards Olden six waggons laden
with chests of money, there were only two men to each
waggon; and some of them were appertaining to Lazarus
Swynzell.—Antwerp, 2 May 1560. Signed. |
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| Orig. Endd. by Cecil: 1 May 1560. And by Gresham:
Advertisements by my servant Waddington out of Holland
and those parts Pp. 3. |
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May 3.
Forbes, 1. pp. 421, 424. (fn. 3) | 16. Throckmorton to the Queen. |
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| 1. Having understood from Cecil's letter of the last of April
that a servant of the writer had been stayed at Rue, whom
he despatched to her with letters, he sent to the Cardinal of
Lorraine to remind him that two or three days back he had
sent to him about certain packets which were stayed and in
his [the Cardinal's] hands; and begged to have them. On
the same day the writer heard from England that Stephen
Davy, a servant of his, was stayed at Rue, and his packet
taken from him. He knows not whether this man was killed
or not, as already one of his men has been by the Grand
Prior's men. This he thought was strange dealing, especially
as the like had not been used in England upon the French
Ministers; and therefore he begged the Cardinal to make
good account of his servant and packets, or else he would not
find it strange if the same or worse were used towards their
Ministers in England. |
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| 2. The Cardinal answered that he had heard from the
Governor of Rue, four days past, that he had stayed an Eng-
lishman there that came thither with two or three suspected
persons of Abbeville, heretics, and of the late conspiracy,
whom, (because he hid himself, and would not declare him-
self, and viewed their fortifications there,) he stayed; adding
that he named himself the Ambassador's servant, and said
that he was sent from him with letters to the Queen. When
the King understood that this person was Throckmorton's
servant, order was taken the same day that letters should
be written to the Governor of Rue for his servant's liberation
and the restoration of his packets, and added that had he kept
the highway he should not have been stayed. |
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| 3. The Cardinal was answered that it was his highway from
the place from whence he came; for finding no passage at
Dieppe he went towards Boulogne along the coast, and that
the Governor could pretend no ignorance in him nor his
packets, for they were directed in French. The Cardinal said
that it might be so, but he saw no packets, and that though
it was the first beginning of the French to take packets, it
was not the first time that the English had taken theirs;
mentioning the late outrage on the sea upon the Frenchmen
and packets. Throckmorton answered that the sea is free to
all, and that it was done by pirates, which the English could
not help, and that the Queen was displeased thereat, for their
ship is stayed at Dover and the malefactors imprisoned. The
Cardinal said that it was done in Dover Haven, and their
men were slain, and others robbed, and the English not
touched, and that it was done by Englishmen. And as the
writer wished to know whether the King meant peace or not,
it was strange, for the King has often declared his meaning to
peace, and that his Ambassador in England has said divers
times to the Queen, that he will give his head to be cut off if
the King begins to break; and "so say I," quoth the Cardinal,
"and that if the Queen offer one finger to come to peace, the
King will offer two and a half." And now the English ask
whether the King means peace or war, when they have besieged
his towns and taken daily of his ships; for within these eight
days they have taken sixteen or eighteen French ships. The
Cardinal added that he knew the Queen's intent, however much
she disguised the matter; and that at present it was honour
enough for a Frenchman to know that he had an Englishman
for an enemy. He said it was a poor revenge that was used
of late by their proclamation in England against his brother
and himself; but he took it as not the Queen's doing but the
persuasion of two or three about her, and he hoped she would
soon be better advised, and ere long will punish them, and
wished she had followed the council of elder in government.
He wished that Throckmorton were at home to counsel the
Queen to the preservation of peace; and added that De
l'Aubespine had charge to make a despatch to the Governor
of Rue to liberate his man, and for this end he desired his
name. This discourse the Cardinal made on the last of April
to Mr. Somers. |
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May 3.
Throckmorton to the Queen. | 4. The Cardinal was required to send the letter to Throckmorton that he might send it to Rue by one of his own people to have seen the delivery; but the Cardinal refused,
seeing he was so far upon his journey and his stay was made
upon good grounds. The Cardinal's countenance and gestures
in this talk were so demure and grave, mixed with a kind of
pitiful plaint, that they would have persuaded a man that did
not well know him, and known also what a Frenchman is in
a little adversity. |
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| 5. Herewith he sends the minutes of such letters as since
the 6th ult. he has written to her, that she may perceive how
he has been used by the late staying of his servant Davyes,
and also because he doubts the like may happen to Mr. Tremaine, by whom he wrote also to her, and Francisco Thomaso,
whom he sent by Flanders to her on the 28th ult. |
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| 6. He thinks that as they have thus begun to use the
Queen's packets, they will stay others when it serves their
purpose. If she sit still his being here stands her in very
small stead, such weight being laid upon him and his doings
as there is. He doubts much they have misused the packet,
and fears for his servant. Seeing himself thus used he begs
to be revoked. |
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| 7. They are so slack in their preparations, that they will
not be ready till the 15th of July. On the last of April
came news that there was an insurrection in Bretagne of
5,000 of their people, and that letters were written to the
Duke d'Estampes for the appeasing thereof, and that the
King himself goes shortly into Normandy. On the same day
the King of Denmark's Ambassador was despatched from this
Court, who has been well entertained, of whose doings he
thinks the Duke of Holst will presently inform her. The
Count Rhinegrave is now upon his despatch and divers cap-
tains also for levying men of war. In July there shall be
but twenty-five men of war and fourteen galleys. |
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| 8. On the 2nd inst. there arrived at Chenonceau, (the
Court being there,) a Frenchman dwelling in Abchurch Lane,
who passed at Rye and landed at Dieppe. He is a black man
of complexion, burly, with a grayish beard, who has spoken
with the Cardinal of Lorraine, and has seemed to put him in
great comfort of things on that side. Before his arrival were
certain triumphs at Chenonceau, wherein was set forth on the
water a show of the Queen's ships in the Frith, and her
army about Leith, and their winning thereof; yet the pageant
ended in the French King's ships and force overcoming
the English. Throckmorton had on the same day sent Mid-
dlemore, a gentleman of his, to the Court, who, finding the
said Frenchman there, took upon him to be one of Dudley's
company. Wherein the Frenchman being persuaded, told
Middlemore that he was come over to bring here as good
news for France and as evil news for England as ever was
heard of. What this may mean he knows not. As the
pageant of the winning again of Leith was played, there
came news that the same was won by the Queen; and yet
the news which the Frenchman brought revived them again.
The writer thinks that the circumstance of the matter tends
to rebellion in her realm; the particulars whereof the French-
man will only declare to the King, the Cardinal, or the Duke
of Guise. |
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| 9. M. de Randan, brother to Count Rochefocault, shall be
sent into England to treat with her further for peace; or else
M. de Lansac, a gentleman of the King's chamber, lately come
out of Spain. The writer hopes that she, seeing all they have
done hitherto is but wind,—will repose no other trust in the
French Ministers than shall tend to her satisfaction in deeds,
Within these eight miles there are arrived, out of Piedmont,
300 footmen, who report that there are already in France
1,000, and that 2,000 come after them; he therefore advise
her to cause the Lord Admiral to have an eye to their doings
on the sea coasts on this side, for he doubts that the French
have some secret and sudden enterprise.—Amboise, 3 May
1560. Signed. |
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| Orig. Portions in cipher, deciphered. Add. Endd. by
Cecil. Pp. 8. |
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May 3.
Forbes, 1. 427. (fn. 4) | 17. Throckmorton to Cecil. |
|---|
| 1. Has by this bearer received his letter of the 26th ult.,
on the last of the same and another of the same date by
M. de Sevre's secretary, with the good news of Leith. Touch
ing Davyes and Beaumont, he thinks the using of the one
on this side strange, but marvels what the other does there
with Cecil. It was he [Beaumont] at whose hands the writer
had that wherewith he sent his servant Daveys, as may
appear by the Queen's letter sent by him, and that Cesil
may better judge of Beaumont he will declare his usage here
towards him and his opinion of him, his state here, and how
he would have him to be used. |
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| 2. After he had laid wait for the letter of the Regent of
Scotland sent hence, with answer to her's "sent by a maronier," the same happened to be delivered to Beaumont, who
sent it to him [Throckmorton] secretly, declaring that he was
appointed to carry it to Dieppe, and to deliver the same to
Davy Hume, or Harvy the monk, and that it was in cipher.
Having it in his hands it was used as signified to the Queen,
and within two hours despatched. Which being done by
Mr. Somer, and the same made cunningly up again, Throckmorton went out and spake as a private man with Beaumont,
and said that as it was in cipher it could stand him in no
stead, and that he had not looked upon it; praying him at
his arrival at Dieppe to help his man, who should meet
him there, to pass with him that should carry the same,
which he promised to do, saying that he should go no farther.
The writer marvels why Beaumont should deliver the
packet to his [Throckmorton's] servant to be conveyed over,
seeing that it was to be conveyed into Scotland and was his
[Beaumont's] special charge, and more strange that he himself is there. Knows not whether to suspect double dealing
and dissimulation, or else simplicity or ignorance. If Cecil
had written somewhat more at large of him, Throckmorton
could have gone near to have guessed what the matter meant.
He advises that Beaumont be kept very secretly in some
place where he be not known to the French Ambassador, and
much made of and well used, and that he be questioned how it
was that the letter was delivered by him to Throckmorton's
man, why he came, and where he took shipping. Since
Throckmorton's coming over he has given him at divers times
advertisements, and always showed a good affection to the
Queen's service. He should be used well. Cecil should see if
he will do service in Scotland for these men and so return into
France, where he may serve the Queen and her Ministers, for
having his wife here of the French Queen's privy chamber he
may be able to serve some good turn and give advertisements
from time to time. He should be well used with words, and
the Queen should give him 100 crowns at the least. |
|---|
| 3. As for Throckmorton's servant Davyes, he shall be sent
into England without returning to him or restoring the
packet. Begs to be revoked, as the longer he continues the
less service he is able to do, and also falls farther into sickness. He wishes to hear as soon as may be touching Beaumont, Davyes, and himself. All means should be used to
continue the Queen's force; nothing can hinder her service so
much as to be too hard in money matters. In the late
Queen's time in sparing a penny, they caused afterward a
pound to be spent to no purpose. Beaumont is a gentleman
archer of this King's guard, and has for that place 800 francs,
he has also a lordship during his life of 800 francs named
Fimis, and has had the charge of 100 light horse. His wife has
also an estate of 400 francs; he therefore thinks that without
certain cause he would not hazard so good a living for a man
of his calling and that there is "some packing." He begs
that Davys may be the next messenger. Warns Cecil of a
certain Frenchman whom he has written about in his other
letters. Recommends to him the bearer. The ordinary has
been used to be 30l. to Blois and back again, and this is two
posts farther and is thirty-three posts from Boulogne, for
which the bearer has had but forty marks. |
|---|
| 4. Recommends (fn. 5) Messrs. Jones and Somers for their pains.
Is certain that he will not recover his health till he drinks ale
or beer in England, which if Cecil provide not for, the
Guises (when they are ready) will provide for the contrary.
Bids him have an eye to the Spanish faction.—Amboise, 3
May 1560. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Portions in cipher, deciphered. Add. Endd. by
Cecil's secretary. Pp. 6. |
|---|
| [May 3.] | 18. Message brought by Hans Keck. |
|---|
| The sum of the message brought by Hans Keck. |
|---|
| 1. An offer of 100,000l. upon assurance of the Steelyard. |
|---|
| 2. 50,000l. upon 12 per cent., to be delivered by certain
noblemen in Almaine upon such assurance as the Queen uses
to give. Upon 10. |
|---|
| 3. That certain of the Princes of Almaine shall meet shortly,
to whom the Queen shall send some personage. It is good
to send some thither. |
|---|
| 4. Offer to serve the Queen with silver and copper for
lead, upon reasonable price. It is good that it be under-
stood. |
|---|
| 5. To declare there be stayed certain of the best Almaine
men of war whom the French would have had, and therein to
know the Queen's pleasure, whether she will have them
proceed or no. To stay them. |
|---|
| Orig. In Cecil's hol., and with marginal notes by him,
here printed in italics. P. 1. |
|---|
| May 3. | 19. The Queen to Count Mansfelt. |
|---|
| She has received his letters of the 6 April by John Keck,
with whom, being unable to conclude any thing, she has
sent him to Antwerp to Gresham, who has full authority
to settle the matter, provided he adheres to the former terms.
She cannot at present write anything certain about the
prospects of a peace with France, as she may possibly come
to terms with that realm. In the event (by no means improbable) of trouble arising from matters of religion, she
trusts to him for procuring for her the assistance of the
Evangelical Princes. |
|---|
| Draft, in Cecil's hol. Endd.: 3 May 1560. The Queen's
letters to the Count Mansfeld. Lat. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| May 3. | 20. The Queen to Gresham. |
|---|
| Has heard what Hans Kecke has to declare from Count
Mansfeld, and perceives that in the matter of the money
he has instructions to demand 5 per cent. interest, and 7 per
cent. in name of entertainment of the Princes to whom the
money belongs. She cannot allow the same but remits him
to Gresham, and is willing for him to conclude on the terms
of 5 for interest and 5 for obligation. Perceiving the scarcity
of money she urges him to be more speedy, so that part may
be bestowed in paying what is due this month. Gives him the
choice of Antwerp, Emden, or Hamburg for receiving the
money. |
|---|
| Copy. Endd.: 3 May 1560. The Queen to Sir Tho.
Gresham by Clough. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| May 3. | 21. Gresham to Cecil. |
|---|
| 1. Wrote last on the 30 ult. On the 2nd at 7 p.m. came
hither the Regent with a great train of gentlemen, the Bishop
of Arras, Count Egmont, M. Barlemont, and divers other
counsellors, it is said for the provisioning of money, and that
after remaining one month she will go to Ghent. On the same
day at 8 p.m., he received Cecil's letter by the order of the
Bishop of Valence, signifying that as yet there has been no
arrest of ways. The merchants as they went greedily to
work, so the matter is over blown and all their business set
in very good order, especially to those indebted here. Will
kiss the Regent's hands to-morrow and welcome her and the
Bishop of Arras to the town. Encloses advertisements from
John Waddington of 1st of May from Amsterdam. Has
sent a man of the country to buy up all the powder that
can be gotten or made between this and the last of June,
only to prevent them and the Court, for this provision cannot pass from thence without their licence, which causes him
to mistrust their doings. The sending away of the 4,400
Spaniards will reveal all. Mislikes the Prince of Orange
being at Bremen and Friesland, where is M. de Erenburg,
Governor of Friesland, a noble captain and one of the Order
of the Toison, who may there presently levy 10,000 horse
and as many foot, for he aided the French King with as
many this last war, which he called Swartzritters. |
|---|
| 2. This day he received a letter from Sir Frederick Spedt,
with one to the Queen and another to Cecil, having matters
of great importance from certain Princes and Dukes in Ger-
many. The messenger assured him that the King of Der-
mark, the Duke of Saxony, the young Landgrave, with other
great Princes, and the Count Palatine, meet at Marpburg
in Hesse on Trinity Sunday, and that his son shall marry
the Landgrave's daughter; and the second brother of the
Duke of Saxony, Duke Hans William, shall marry the
daughter of the Count Palatine. There shall meet above
6,000 or 7,000 horsemen, and it is agreed that the King of
Denmark and all these noble Princes shall come to serve the
Queen to win Calais, or any other exploit she will have
them do against the French King. Has given the messenger
ten crowns and sent him back. |
|---|
| 3. Sends these letters by his servant, James Brocktrope.
Encloses a letter from Richard Payne out of Zealand, of the
1st of May. There are laden in four ships which depart
home to-day [ten] pieces of velvet [powder] of two piles and
[ten] pieces of a pile and a half, which is excellent good as ever
one did wear. |
|---|
| 4. On the 2nd inst. the deputy and company of merchants
kept a court at Barowghe at which court there came the
Marquis of Barowghe and required the cause of their sudden
despatch from his town, alleging that his town had such
privileges of the Prince to defend them and their goods
Likewise the matter was moved by the deputy to the com-
pany for the payment of the 25,000l. sterling; they will not
proceed here, but refer the matter to the ancients in London.
This payment made at the present time will more redound to
the Queen's credit than ten times the said sum is worth.
And for payment he does not doubt to furnish her with as
much again next mart if need be. If she proceeds in Ger-
many as she is like to do she will not lack either men or
money.—Antwerp, 3 May 1560. Signed. |
|---|
| 5. P. S.—Has just received his letter of the 30th ult. by John
Brickandine's servant. The matter of Cleveland hath been long
spoken of and they have been warned of the coming of certain
number of soldiers. Knows nothing of Maximilian, he could
not be at "Holstrate" [Hoogstraten], or Gresham would have
had some advertisement, being within twenty English miles
of Antwerp. The French King makes great preparation
to the siege of Leith, and his power is sixty ships of war and
twenty galleys, besides victuallers. |
|---|
| Orig. Hol., with fragment of seal. Add. Endd. by
Cecil's secretary. Pp. 4. |
|---|
| May 3. | 22. Richard Payne to Gresham. |
|---|
| 1. Has been on board all the hulks, and they have no more
ordnance than when he wrote before. The Admiral, (that
is the master,) that was at Camfere, is now come unto the
castle of Sandenborough that is by the Rammekens, and there
rides at anchor, and has taken in brass pieces, two that are
double sakers more than he had; and there lie the rest of the
ships tarrying for the Spaniards. |
|---|
| 2. Has seen a letter that came unto a merchant of this town,
Anthony Villers, from his brother at Seville; there are come
seven great ships from the Indies with gold and silver, and
they look for two more. King Philip lets the merchants take
it into their own hands, which he was wont to reserve in
his own custody. There are come in three hulks laden with
salt from St. Tuein's in Spain. There is laden in a hoy
of Flushing forty tuns of Gascoine wine, of a Scotchman,
but it goes in a Dutchman's name to Leith or Dunbar, if
they may escape the Queen's ships; the Dutchman of the
hoy says that if her captains will pay him his freight he
will deliver it to them; before he depart hence he will
have a security for himself, his ship and mariners. There
are no Scotchmen come of late to Camfer, wherefore they
marvel, for they look for six sail which were lading when
the last ship came from thence, and fear that the Queen's
ships will not let them pass.—Middleburgh, 3 May 1560.
Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Add.: To be delivered in the Long new street,
Antwerp. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| May 3. | 23. Norfolk and Leek to Cecil. |
|---|
| Send letters from Lord Grey and Lethington showing
the state of things, and how the neutrals begin to seek favour
and become plain partakers. If Leith is won there will be
few Scots but that will be open enemies of the French.
Some rain that fell two or three days ago has prolonged
the time; there has been no lack of good will in Lord Grey
to hasten this matter. Encloses a letter from Valentine
Brown showing the state of the Queen's charges. Whereas
Lethington writes of a new bond devised by the Earl of
Huntly, the writer has sent for a copy, which he will
forward with speed.—Berwick, 3 May 1560. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig., with armorial seal, in Railton's hol. Add. Endd.
by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| May 3. | 24. Grey to Norfolk. |
|---|
| Perceives by his letter of the 2nd that Lord Erskine's man
is stayed with him for good consideration. They minded none
otherwise in sending him but that both he and his letters
should be ordered as to the Duke should seem requisite. They
have planted their battery. The gunners have not yet found
the just proportion of their mark. His advertisements must
now be short and sweet.—Camp before Leith, 9 a.m., 3 May
1560. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| May 4. | 25. The Queen to Throckmorton. |
|---|
| Having heard by this bearer matter of importance, she has
sent him with a copy of the French Ambassador's protestation
of the 20th ult., and also copies of her answer thereto in
Latin and French, which he said he had no commission to
receive. Throckmorton is to consider them, and briefly
collect the summary of the arguments, and declare the same
as an answer to the French Ambassador's tale; but is not
to deliver it in writing except he be pressed, and then to
deliver the Latin rather than the French, as she likes not
to contend with them in writing. Is sorry for his ill health,
and will remember his relaxation as soon as she may con-
veniently. |
|---|
| Draft, in Cecil's hol., and endd. by his secretary: 4 May
1560. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| May 4. | 26. Cecil to Throckmorton. |
|---|
| 1. Is not much disposed to credit the bearer hereof, (fn. 6) De
Favoris, whom he recommends as worthy making much of.
The Bishop of Valence has been long occupied in treaty with
the Scots, and when things were grown to some good
towardness, it was found that he had no other commission
but a letter of credit to the Queen Dowager, whereby the
talk broke off on the 28th of the last, and the same day Lord
Grey approached the south-west side of Leith, slaying to the
number of 200 Frenchmen who were secretly laid without.
He planted a battery of eight pieces within nine score yards,
which began to play the same day. [Winter] has handled
the town very hotly, and has offered [if the sailors may
have] the spoil, to take it with his own numbers, but Grey
may not permit it. There has been hitherto no English cap-
tain slain, only Maurice Berkely taken, Arthur Grey hurt, but
not with danger; young Knyvett hurt in the hand, with
more danger, and Brian Fitzwilliam in the leg. He knows
the manner of his countrymen, ready to report the worst of
themselves. |
|---|
| 2. On the French part these have been distressed by a
stratagem in Dunbar, Captains Perrot and Hayes, with fifty-
eight of their numbers. Of the bands of Leith there be
distressed young Charlebois, Captains Pyemot and Pyers, one
Mons. Lorgée; these were slain on the 20th April, seventy-four
slain of the bands of Captains Harbierges and Rycarvile;
Captain Lagard was mortally hurt. Marvels at the Queen's
backwardness and fear in this matter, which are strange to
see. The Scots are lusty and keep all promises; the Earl of
Huntly is very forward. The communication has hindered
many of the Scots from joining. The Queen Dowager remains
in the castle, which if the Queen pleased might be taken in
four days, for so it hath been offered. |
|---|
| 3. The Duke of Holstein departs next week; Cecil thinks
that Maximilian and he shall be of the Order. King Philip's
answer was, if the Queen do not invade the French then
would he aid her; if she did invade them, then the treaty
betwixt him and France compels him to aid them. |
|---|
| 4. Is devising how to revoke him upon pretence of
sickness, but no man will allow to be sent there in this
difficult time. |
|---|
| 5. On the 20th the French Ambassador made a protestation
here to the Queen in presence of her Council, where he would
have had the King Catholic's Ambassadors, but they refused;
he had it ready in writing, and signed, and so delivered it.
In three days answer was made briefly in words, but afterwards it was put into writing in both French and Latin,
both of which he encloses, wherein Throckmorton may perceive the Queen's meaning, that if it were not looked for
to be delivered in writing it should not be done; and if in
writing, rather in Latin than in French, for he knows how
busy these men be in their words and writings. |
|---|
| 6. Has given this bearer 100 crowns. Begs him to inquire
what two Irishmen named O'Brien lately did in France;
they are returned into Ireland with great bravery of succour
of French power by sea, and it is doubted of a conspiracy
by land. The Earl of Sussex is made Lord Lieutenant, and
goes over with 800 men more, (indeed he shall have but
300, (fn. 7) ) he carries with him 20,000l. To-day Florence takes
his leave of the Queen and returns thither.—Westminster,
4 May 1560. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. hol. Portions in cipher, deciphered. Add. Endd.
Mutilated and in a very fragile condition. Pp. 4. |
|---|
May 4.
Forbes, 1. 432. (fn. 8) | 27. Throckmorton to the Queen. |
|---|
| 1. On the 3rd inst, despatched letters to her and duplicates
of those which he had written since the 6th ult., which he
did thinking that his messengers might have been stayed.
M. de Randan repairs presently to her; he is brother to the
Count Rochfoucault and to the Abbot of Cormery, (who rules
the Cardinal of Lorraine,) a good courtesan and of the faction of Guise. The cause of his coming is upon the news
that Leith is won, to treat with her touching the same. He
has a commission among other things to offer to her Scotland
to be annexed to England if she marry the Earl of Arran;
in which case they will cause the French Queen to renounce
her title for ever to Scotland, in recompence whereof they
will require to have the renunciation of her title to France,
Calais, and to all pensions and arrears due to her realm by
France, and to make a treaty and alliance with her; and
for satisfaction of the French Queen, to grant that in case
the King die, she shall have as much dowry as the revenue
of Scotland comes to. Does not believe that the French
will offer anything so much to her commodity, but if they
do, he advises her to keep the same from the knowledge of
the King of Spain's Ministers and favourers there. Hopes
that as she has well begun and driven them to the point
to offer, so she will continue. France is not in case to do
any hurt, wanting all things necessary and desiring specially
to be quiet. |
|---|
| 2. The Frenchman dwelling in Abchurch Lane lay on the
2nd inst. in the Duke of Guise's chamber, and this day
sets forward to England. Wishes her Court to be as well
furnished as possible when M. de Randan visits her.—Amboise,
4 May 1560. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Portions in cipher, deciphered. Add. Endd. by
Cecil's secretary. Pp. 3. |
|---|
| May 4. | 28. Grey and Others to Norfolk. |
|---|
| 1. Yesterday the battery was applied with diligence to
make a breach; whereupon the French reinforced, and filled
the places battered with so great travail that they seem rather
to have put themselves in more strength than before. No assaultable breach has yet been made. Therefore yesternight he
took order that their ditches might be tried, their flankers
discovered, and themselves occupied, whilst Mr. Pelham with
the pioneers approached the citadel on the north-west part
of the town, by trenches. For this purpose he appointed
Captain Vaughan to give an alarm on the side next his
fort; and Norton (the Provost Marshal's lieutenant), and
Burchall (lieutenant to Yaxley), to assail their trenches
lately cut under the wall, and search the flankers; and the
Admiral to keep the side next the haven occupied, all which
was executed, and Vaughan measured the ditch and rampart,
which is more than a pike's length high. Norton and Burchall have likewise served his expectations. The French
scouts were chased home and many of them slain in their
ditches; three or four English were slain and divers hurt,
Captain Vaughan's ensign-bearer and Norton also hurt. |
|---|
| 2. This instant Mr. Pelham with his pioneers cut the trenches,
according to Grey's direction, in which is placed a sufficient
guard. The battery does yet this day execute, and if it does
not prevail, they will be forced to use the spade and mattock.
Their power is far too weak; if they give the assault and have
the repulse, they will not be able to give the second. They
cannot get past six score Scots in wages.—Camp before Leith,
4 May 1560. Signed: Grey, Scrope, Croftes. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 3. |
|---|
| May 4. | 29. Norfolk to Cecil. |
|---|
| 1. Perceives by Lord Grey's letters that he has good hope
of success. If anything has not been so well ordered as
might have been wished, the fault has rather proceeded
through ignorance than through lack of good will to accomplish his duty. Encloses a letter from Lord Grey. |
|---|
| 2. (fn. 9) Expresses his gratitude for Cecil's friendship.—Berwick, 4 May 1560. Signed. |
|---|
| 3. P. S.—Sends herewith four letters in cipher directed
from them in Scotland to the Duke of Guise and Cardinal of
Lorraine, with a copy of the contract made between the
Queen and the Lords of Scotland. They should have been
conveyed by one of Lord Erskine's men. |
|---|
| Orig. Written partly by Railton, partly by the Duke.
Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 2. |
|---|
May 4.
Stevenson Illust. p. 82. | 30. Assault of Leith. (fn. 10) |
|---|
| 1. "Orders for the assault. Upon Saturday in the morning
at 3 of the clock, God willing, we shall be in readiness to
give the assault in order as followeth, if other impediment
than we know not yet of hinder us not." |
|---|
| For the first assault Capt. Rede, &c. | 3,020 men |
|---|
| For the second assault Capt. Wade, &c. | 2,240 men |
|---|
| To keep the field | 2,400 men |
|---|
| 2. Item, it is ordered that the Vice-Admiral of the ships
shall, when a token is given him, send 500 men out of the
navy into the haven of Leith to give an assault on that side
the town at the same instant when the assault shall be given
on the breach. |
|---|
| 3. It is further ordered that Capt. Vaughan shall at the
time of the assault of the breach, attempt an assault unto the
side of the town that lies next to the foot of Mount Pelham. |
|---|
| 4. And the Scots are ordered with such number as they
can make to attempt an assault upon the west part of the
tower towards the sea. |
|---|
| Pp. 2. |
|---|
| May 5. | 31. The Queen to the French King. |
|---|
| Has heard this bearer Florence in certain matters on his
part, who can disclose her good meaning to make an accord
of all differences betwixt them. Wishes for nothing but
peace, and does not desire that Scotland should be drawn
from its due obedience. As for this bearer's passage into
Scotland, it appears to her more profitable for the accord of
their differences for him to repair back to France. Nothing
has more separated the band of amity than the uncertain
proceedings of his Ministers both in England and Scotland. |
|---|
| Draft, in Cecil's hol. and endd. by his secretary: 5 May
1560. Pp. 2. |
|---|
May 5.
Forbes, 1. 420. | 32. A Memorial for the Queen. |
|---|
| 1. The French Queen has all this last year borne the arms
of England as Queen of England. She has also entitled
herself Queen of England by her own speech, by her ushers,
by writings, and seals, and by inscriptions in all her
triumphs by her heralds. The French King has also dated
his commissions, "Anno Regni nostri Angliœ et Hiberniœ
primo." All these things have been continually used the
last year, and increased after complaints made. And even
since it was declared by De Sevre and the Bishop of Valence
that these innovations should be redressed, triumphs have
been made at Tours and Chenonceau since Easter. |
|---|
| 2. Perceiving these things so manifestly tending to the
eviction of her crown, and finding that the French had
brought new forces into Scotland, she sees not how she could
preserve her kingdom if she should permit these French proceedings, and specially that their power should take root in
Scotland. Then should the realm have felt such danger by
them as neither the power of England or the aid of the King
of Spain could have resisted. |
|---|
| 3. For remedy whereof she has done all that she has done,
and for no other purpose, whatsoever the French bruit abroad
to slander her. |
|---|
| Endd. by Cecil: 5 May 1560. A memorial for the Queen.
Pp. 2. |
|---|
| May 5. | 33. The Count of Mansfeld to the Queen. |
|---|
| 1. She having requested daily intelligence concerning
matters in Germany and especially the wars, will learn from
Hans Keck (who by the writer's request in March last was
at Frankfort) how the French continue to raise troops and
to buy horses and ammunition. Many Protestants, invited to serve France, have been persuaded by us not to serve
such a tyrannical persecutor of the Christian faith. Possibly
these preparations are being made against the insurgents in
France, but it is doubtful whether, under pretence of aiding
Scotland, they be not intended for the destruction of Christians, and of those who love the truth; as may be gathered
from the disposition of some of our prelates towards the French
party. She should therefore be well informed of the progress
of the French in arming, and what they intend. |
|---|
| 2. On the other hand, as she has ordered the enlistment of
soldiers (which has been done) she should provide for their
maintenance, by a portion at least of their pay, in order that
they may not enter the service of the French or their allies. |
|---|
| 3. Being informed that she would explain her will more
fully in the above matter, for which the time is now favourable, she should begin by granting to them full power to
give earnest money to each of the soldiers according to his
rank. |
|---|
| 4. Having thus secured the most expert soldiers, both horse
and foot, all of whom have been brought up in our faith, they
think that many of them may be hindered by the delay of
payment; they therefore pray her to preserve their reputation
with the soldiers by a gracious answer, with a determination
of what they are to do. |
|---|
| 5. The French are making great offers to the places on the
coast of the Hanse in order to close the sea passages against
her, and the Ambassadors of these countries were to arrange
a favourable treaty and to renew their ancient friendship
with her. He is likely to procure a large sum of money,
concerning which they had no orders to inform her until
now. |
|---|
| 6. The agreement for the money is to pay 50,000l. sterling
in two or three months, and as much more at the end of next
December (at the rate of 12 per cent. per annum) (fn. 11) , understanding that Gresham has bargained for a large sum at the
same rate in Antwerp, although proper security was given.
This security, in the writer's opinion, the Ambassadors of the
maritime states might easily obtain, and the owners of the
money would be satisfied with their promise, and the agents of
the said countries in England could be well assured in London. |
|---|
| 7. A larger sum of money could be raised, the owners
being more willing to lend it to her than to the French, who
are opposed to them in religion, even at less profit. Some
friends have offered them from 75,000l. to 80,000l. at the
same rate, viz., 12 per cent. |
|---|
| 8. A German captain named Reiffenberg, with others of
the French faction, are collecting troops in Germany with the
intention of dispersing the Queen's levies. Certain Princes,
such as the Dukes of Saxony and Wurtemberg, the Palatine
of the Rhine, Baden, the Landgrave of Hesse, and others of
the Confession of Augsburg, have assembled for the purpose
of settling certain articles of their faith, and establishing union
in such a way as to oppose in every respect the impious
Papists and their confederates. The said Dukes and others
have thought it a Christian act to declare by the writer their
intention to her, especially as they know her to have many
secret enemies who are continually employed in hindering the
truth. |
|---|
| 9. The said Lords assembled therefore think that she will
deign to comply with their request to send a learned representative to their conference, more especially seeing that such
an intervention will tend greatly to discourage the enemies
of the Word of God and of herself. |
|---|
| 10. They pray that the person or persons whom she will
send may be learned, especially in theology, and capable of
taking part in so pious and divine a conference. The said
personages assembled hereby declare that they have no other
object in view than the well being of herself and of her kingdom and the salvation of their own souls. Signed: Volrad,
Count of Mansfelt. |
|---|
| Regarding the Mines and Money. |
|---|
| 11. The amount of silver they procure every year is about
60,000 marks of 8 ozs. each, and 30,000 quintals of copper,
of which two-fifths, viz., 24,000 marks of silver and 12,000
quintals of copper, are her share; this they will consign to
her wherever she chooses at a fair price. In return they ask
to raise from her dominions a quantityof lead necessary for the
working of the mines, in part payment of the above consignment. They also ask for a letter of mark for the recovery of
30,000 ducats of gold due to them by Henry II. of France. |
|---|
| Orig. Endd. by Cecil: Instructio de Joh. Keck misso a
Comite Mansfeldt, 5 May 1560. Ital. Pp. 8. |
|---|
| [May 5.] | 34. Answer to the Commissioners of Hans Keck. |
|---|
| 1. The chief points are, That they may have money for
the soldiers. |
|---|
| Answer. What promises have been already made to
them? The end is that they may have the fingering of
money; for let them say what they will, they will serve
where they may have money, without respect of religion, as
appears even in the Protestant wars. If you refuse them,
what harm may they do you? If you keep them, how many?
At what charges? How shall they be employed? If they
should bring many into the realm, it were not only perilous,
but also there appears hitherto no great cause. It had been
good that a regiment had been in Scotland to have spared
the English. Knows not how their charges shall be maintained, not being privy to the enemy's treasure. If the
Queen have no other treasure but only on the interest, it is
not possible long to maintain the wars, where in short time a
great deal will be consumed, and daily she will be compelled
to borrow, and in the meantime the interest, like a mole, will
eat up much. The treasure were better employed to make
hot war by the Almaines by invading France; for if they use
them not they shall make rich captains, and the common
soldiers shall be at liberty to go where they list. |
|---|
| 2. For the Steelyard how necessary they are, and how the
French offer them great privileges because they would let the
traffic of the English; and for the sea cities' bond? |
|---|
| Answer. It seems that he who wrote the letter is required
to prefer their cause. It is small benefit that they should be
surety for 80,000l. and have counter surety here. Great prudence must be used, lest by granting them too much they
undo their own subjects, and by granting them nothing they
alienate them. |
|---|
| 3. To the fourth, for the sending learned men to the meeting
of the Princes of Dutchland? |
|---|
| Answer. It is not amiss to send thither both learned men
and gentlemen of knowledge, that might confer with them,
and see their inclinations. So is it the manner of the Dutch
Princes in such matters to join of both sorts together; the
nobility keeping the state, and the learned men being troubled
with nothing, but only to apply their study. |
|---|
| 4. Of the gain of his mines, and how much silver and
copper he can serve the Queen with? |
|---|
| Answer. This needs no discourse, because it is but an
advice. |
|---|
| 5. For a letter of marque against the French for the recovery of 30,000 crowns. |
|---|
| Answer. Experience will declare what has been done in
like matters in times past. |
|---|
| Endd. by Cecil. Pp. 4. |
|---|
| [May 5.] | 35. Cecil's Memoranda. |
|---|
| Various memoranda, among which occur some having reference to foreign affairs, as, the Bishop of London and Sir
William Pickering [to] Count Mansfeld; Duke of Holst, 500
horsemen. |
|---|
| In Cecil's hol. P. 1. |
|---|
May 5.
Haynes, p. 303. | 36. Norfolk to Cecil. (fn. 12) |
|---|
| 1. If he had not sent Grey's letters to him, but had
written his own opinion of them, Cecil might have thought
the changeableness to have proceeded from him, for when he
shall see Grey's letters he will find great alterations. If the
writer had been there he would have gone through with all, or
else have lain in the ditches, seeing they have set their hands
to sundry letters, that they made no doubt of the winning
thereof. "The service is my mistress's and therefore I may
not be silent, whereby the fault may be hereafter laid in my
neck." Out of doubt Grey's service consists but upon a
courage without any conduct; "every man that can lead a
band of horsemen is not meet for so great an enterprise; and
to abate his forwardness there be that be as backward." |
|---|
| 2. Prays him to confer Valentine Brown letter with this
of Grey's for the number of the Scots, and then judge
whether Brown would deceive the Queen of the pay of so
many hundreds or no: prays to God to send him more quietness with their letters there than he has here.—Berwick, 5
May 1560. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig., in Railton's hol. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary.
Pp. 2. |
|---|
May 5.
Wright, 1. 27. Stevenson's Illust. p. 80. | 37. The Queen Dowager of Scotland to D'Oysel. (fn. 13) |
|---|
| 1. Has heard nothing from him since the arrival of the
enemy at Leith. Has sent divers to him, and has learnt that
they have all been taken, if a gentleman of Lord Seaton's has
not arrived, by whom she has written largely to D'Oysel. The
negociation is broken off upon the coming of the Duke of
Norfolk, because the Scotch will not or cannot leave off; it
is eight days since they left. |
|---|
| 2. The Queen of England continues her dissimulations; the
King does not trust her, and has told the King of Spain
thereof, who has promised him ships and victuals. The King,
in the meantime, has caused twenty-four great ships to be
armed and sent hither with other force, which is preparing.
This is the substance of a letter sent by her brothers. She
finds the cipher very dangerous; for two days ago she was
shown a translation into English, word for word, of the
letter which she received on the 19th February, where so
much is said of the castle, and of temporizing with the
rebels. |
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| 3. What was written by M. Baptist was in good earnest,
and she prays him to send her the remedy. Has twice,
within the last ten days, sent four hundred crowns to Sieur
Sarlabos. Sends a memorial lately forwarded to her, touching
the enterprise of the enemy, who yesterday evening purposed
to begin their trench on the north side of the water near the
citadel, to undermine it. |
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| 4. A man who has lately arrived from London, has promised Lord Grey, in three days and nights, to separate the
new bulwark of S. Antoine from the town, so as to make it
easy to assail the rest of the town; he should provide
for it on that side. Lord Grey vaunteth that by Monday
or Tuesday night, (the 6th or 7th of May,) he will enter into
the town, meaning to give the assault at day break. It is
required that the Lords, Lairds, and Scotch gentlemen, shall
each take an English gentleman of like degree by the hand
when they go to the assault. (fn. 14) |
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| Copy, in Throckmorton's cipher, deciphered, and translated. P. 1. |
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| May 5. | 38. Grey to Norfolk. |
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| 1. Caused trenches to be cut on the north-west side for the
destruction of the mills that grind their corn, and yesternight
caused two pieces to be planted in one trench for that purpose, but the French, fearing the ordnance, abandoned them
this morning, so that the English found no resistance, and
burnt the mills. The French have lost many men in skirmishes lately, and the English have had some hurt and a few
slain, but nothing in comparison to their number. He shall
understand the order and the instant of the assault beforehand.—At the camp, 7 May 1560. Signed. |
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| 2. P. S.—This letter should have been early with the Duke,
but that he wanted a convenient messenger till 7 p.m. |
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| Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 2. |
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| May 5. | 39. Killigrew to Cecil. (fn. 15) |
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| 1. The Bishop of Valence arrived here yesternight, where
he understood that M. Chaperon was passed by to Berwick
and had made great inquiry for him, wherefore he sent after
him to Berwick a man in post, minding to remain here himself, until the messenger return, who is Killigrew's man
directed to the Duke, whereof the writer advertises Cecil,
that the coming of the Bishop and the writer may not
seem over long. The Bishop is very sorry that he cannot
carry peace home, and would be glad to have good occasion
to return for that purpose. The Queen Dowager was nothing
so well inclined thereto, she hoped so much that Leith
would not be won. |
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| 2. Killigrew thinks that the Bishop would now be contented that the castle of Dumbarton should remain in
the Duke of Châtellerault's hands, and would require no
pledges from them for obedience, nor that the league betwixt them and England should be broken, but only modified
in some points; also to have all the French out of Scotland
unto 200. It is too late, as the soldiers will either have concluded a better or a worse bargain. Has heard that the
Queen Dowager has begun a new overture of peace through
Lord Erskine. |
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| 3. The Bishop judges the only let of peace to be in the
Queen of England and her Ministers, who had too great
advantage to grant unto any such peace as might stand with
his honour to make or his masters to receive; which minded
him not to offer such good conditions as otherwise he intended
to have done. Killigrew answered that the Queen desired
nothing but peace. Since which time he never saw him
quiet, nor merry, but a man the most wayward and full
of extreme passion. Wishes he were well delivered of him.—
Darlington, 5 May 1560, 9 a.m. Signed. |
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| Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 3. |
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