|
| May 6. | 40. The King of Navarre to Throckmorton. |
|---|
| Has received a letter from Amboise dated 15th ult.; not
knowing him can only conjecture that it comes from him by
its enclosing a proclamation of the Queen, in which he sees
it intimated that the Princes and estates of France have
called her to their aid. As first Prince of the blood he repudiates this, and begs him to inform his mistress that he [the
writer] hopes she will not mention him or the others in her
proclamations again, as it will only injure them with the
King, with whose proceedings they are perfectly contented.
Any slight causes of dissatisfaction which may formerly
have existed are now removed.—Pau, 6 May 1560. Signed:
Antoine. |
|---|
| Modern transcript, together with the two outer leaves of
the original, with seal. Add. Endd. Fr. Pp. 3. |
|---|
| May 6. | 41. Another copy of the above, by Throckmorton's scribe. |
|---|
| Endd. by Throckmorton. Fr. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| May 6. | 42. Randolph to Cecil. |
|---|
| 1. Trusts that such writings as have been sent to the Duke
have come unto Cecil's hands. The writer is required that the
inclosed letters may be safely delivered with some good word
of mouth to supply their default; but that he [Grey ?] is moved
with great desire to do his duty, the time would now hardly
permit him amongst so many shot of cannon to put his pen
to paper; his writings cannot testify his affection to the
cause so much as his pains show. All that have seen the
difficulties must confess that this is a matter of greater importance than that any at first sight was able to judge.
There is no cause to despair of the success of the enterprise
within a few days. |
|---|
| 2. There have this day subscribed to their common bond
Lord Morton, the Lairds of Borthwick, Drumlanrig, Farniherst, the Father Sesford, with twenty-three other men of
good estate; and they daily look for more. Of Parry's
suit and offer of service the Duke has received some advertisement. Hopes to see this day 4,000 Scots in the field,
for they have appointed to show themselves; of which
number there shall be 1,000 delivered for one month to be
employed at Grey's assignment, and the others to remain
for eight days, besides the Lords and their households to
continue as hitherto.—The camp, 6 May 1560. Signed. |
|---|
| 3. P. S.—Other letters that he should have sent cannot be
so hastily despatched. |
|---|
| Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 3. |
|---|
| May 7. | 43. Norfolk and Leek to Cecil. |
|---|
| The slackness of the Master of the Ordnance at Berwick and
Mr. Bennet has been such that till by chance they were asked
by Leek what store of munition they had, they never complained, although there is not above seven last of powder
left at Berwick and Newcastle. He therefore sends Mr.
Bennet, by whose means he may (while the sea is open)
supply the want.—Berwick, 7 May 1560. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig., in Railton's hol. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary.
Pp. 2. |
|---|
| May 7. | 44. Grey and Others to Norfolk. |
|---|
| 1. They would be glad to advertise him of some good
success; but such as it is he must needs understand it. Yesterday, devising all the means they could for the speedy
achieving of their enterprise, according to the Duke's often
advertisement, they caused the officers of the ordnance to
make two breaches: one on the west side of the town, on
both sides of the river which is impaled; and the other on
the bulwark of the church on the south-west side and in
the curtain of the same. Enclose the order of the assault. |
|---|
| 2. This morning before day they had all their men in the
field, and at break of day they attempted the assault in the
several places appointed; but by means of the disorder and
cowardice of their men, who indeed (except the small number
of the bands of Berwick,) were but raw soldiers and unable to
skill of such hot work as appertained to a town so well manned
and defended as Leith, they received the repulse, with the
loss as they think of 1,000 hurt and slain. The English will
be unable to maintain any more assaults, considering their
small power; but the writers think they can keep the field.
By reason of their chief leaders and best soldiers being slain
and hurt, they are in very ill case. They ask to have the
Duke's directions. Their men are much wearied with watch
and ward, as they are enforced to make it very strong for
the guard of the ordnance and the trenches. Would fain
be reinforced with a more power of English, as there is no
trust to be given to the Scots. Their powder and ammunition
are greatly wasted and their sheaf arrows wholly spent.
They have done their uttermost devoir and are not the first
who have received a repulse.—At the camp, 7 May 1560.
Signed: Grey, Scrope, Sadler, Croftes, Howard. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| May 7. | 45. Grey and Others to Norfolk. |
|---|
| Since writing their last letter of the same date they have
perceived that their state stands in worse terms than they
supposed. They have thought meet to address this bearer
Mr. Killinghale to him, by whom he may understand thr
case more fully, for whom they ask credit, and that he may
be directed to the Court to declare the whole to the Queen
and Council.—The camp, 7 May 1560. Signed: Grey, Scrope,
Sadler, Croftes. |
|---|
| Add. Endd. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| May 7. | 46. Sir George Howard to Norfolk. |
|---|
| 1. On Monday were two batteries laid, the one to beat a
pale between the citadel and the town, the other to beat
the curtain and bulwark of the church; and if they made
good breach, then it should be assaulted upon Tuesday
morning at 4 o'clock. Also it was appointed that Mr.
Vaughan should upon his side give assault, and the seamen
by their side, beside the scale round. Upon this resolution the
writer went to Edinburgh, where he lay with his horsemen,
and was in the field next morning between 2 and 3 o'clock
by Lord Grey's command. By the time he came there the
skirmish began very hot, and the English approached fast
to the assault; but within two hours after daylight all things
were contrary, for neither was there breach meet for any
man to assault, nor (as he is informed by them that were
at it) were the scaling ladders long enough by two yards
to reach the top of the wall; no, nor ever a flanker taken
away. For want of these things they have sustained a
marvellous great loss; not only have almost all their worthy
captains been hurt, but they have in killed and hurt he
thinks 1,000 men. This has also put such fear among the
soldiers, that Mr. Hogan and he are fain to encourage them
that every man shall repair to the camp upon pain of death
and receive ten days wage aforehand. |
|---|
| 2. Beseeches him for the sake of all their honours to devise
some order that they may stand to here; as their powse
diminishes daily. He thinks they are worse than when
they left Berwick by at least 2,000 men; besides all their
great and small shot and other munitions are utterly spent.
They are so well esteemed here that all their poor hurt
soldiers are fain to lie in the streets, and he cannot get
house-room for money. Horse-meat is so dear that the
soldiers are not able to live on wage.—Edinburgh, 7 May.
Signed. |
|---|
| 3. P. S.—The gentlemen and soldiers were so wearied with
over watching and warding, that they were desirous to make
any attempt to be eased of their travail; and now that their
numbers are weakened their travail must be greater. (fn. 1) |
|---|
| Orig. Hol. |
|---|
[May 7.]
R. O. | 47. Thomas Hogan to Norfolk. |
|---|
| Has no joy to write these unpleasant news, but assures him
that there wants no courage or painfulness in the rulers here,
but of good order and discreet direction they have no great
plenty. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Cecil: 7 May 1560. Pp. 4. |
|---|
| May 7. | 48. Valentine Brown to Norfolk. |
|---|
| 1. Of the last mass of treasure he brought 19,200l. hither,
and therewith defrayed the charge of the whole army until
the 3rd inst. Has yet 9,150l. left, which (by reason of the
employ of Scots) will not suffice to pay above fourteen days'
wages. Desires that before that time 6,000l. or 7,000l. of
the remainder may be sent, as without that the army will
not be able to continue after the 14th; Edinburgh being so
nigh, where the soldier spends faster than his wage. |
|---|
| 2. Is sure that the Duke is advertised about the assault
this morning by the Lord Lieutenant. Must affirm, as well
by his own knowledge and sight, as also by the like of the
chief and best experienced captains, that their loss has been
altogether from want of good order. The number of footmen remaining are scarce able to keep watch and ward;
and if they are not supplied from Edinburgh with men,
they will be in danger if the French sally in any number.
"The loss of men hurt and slain has been much since the
beginning, but the want in the numbers which the Queen
has paid for hath been greater." This can only be redressed
by the chieftains having exact musters, which he fears they
will not be brought unto. |
|---|
| 3. Has not made any further pay, but has done all by way
of prest. There is great lack of corn powder, and specially of
bills, bows, and arrows, which he signifies, lest the Master of
the Ordnance should forget. A supply of money for the
month beginning the 25th inst. requires speed, as without
money nothing is to be had.—The camp, 7 May 1560.
Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| May 7. | 49. Order of the Assault upon Leith. |
|---|
| 1. To assault the breach beyond the water; Captains Conway, Sutton, Yaxley, etc., with 2,700 men; Sir James Croftes,
with 900 men to attend the artillery or be otherwise employed. |
|---|
| 2. To assault the bulwark at the church: Captains Wood and
Derrick, with 1,050 men. |
|---|
| 3. To assault the curtain of the said bulwark; Captains
Carvell and Sturley, with 1,000 men. |
|---|
| 4. To attempt the bulwark next Mont Pelham; Captain
Vaughan, with 1,200 English and 500 Scots. |
|---|
| 5. To keep the field; Lord Grey, with the Scotch lords and
their servants and 2,400 men. |
|---|
| 6. Sir George Howard, with the armed horse and Mr.
Arthur Grey's band, to guard the fields between fort Mont
Pelham and the sea westward. |
|---|
| 7. Sir Henry Percy, with the light horse, to guard the fields
between the camp and the sea eastwards. |
|---|
| 8. The Admiral with his men by boats to attack the side
next the Haven. |
|---|
| 9. The trench master with his pioneers to enter the ditches
at the instant of the assault, to sap such places as shall be most
convenient. |
|---|
| Endd. by Cecil: 7 May 1560. Broadside. |
|---|
| May 7. | 50. The Assault on Leith. |
|---|
| List of killed and wounded in the assault upon Leith;
about twenty captains, lieutenants, and ensigns hurt, besides
drums and sergeants hurt, "besides many others, and universal
spoil of every band." |
|---|
| Endd. by Cecil: 7 May 1560. Die Martis. P. 1. |
|---|
| May 7. | 51. Gresham to Cecil. |
|---|
| 1. On the 3rd inst. sent his servant James Brocketrope
with a packet of letters, wherein was one to the Queen and
another to Cecil, from certain Princes out of Germany, and
one written to himself from Sir Frederick Spedt, of which,
because of their great importance, he makes a relation. Sent
likewise advertisement from his servant out of Holland, that he
had given order to buy up all the velvets [powder] of two
piles and a pile and a half, although they should lie there for
a certain time; yet there shall be done what may for their
transportation into England. Sent also letters from Payne
of Middleborough out of Zealand, how that no part of the
4,400 Spanish soldiers are yet arrived in Zealand the 3rd inst.
They tarry for their wages. They say here that the Regent
has come hither for their despatch, and for money matters,
and to make new Governors of Antwerp. Will not be with
the Regent or Bishop of Arras until he has some occasion of
access. Sent Cecil's letters to Throckmorton by order of
Giles Houseman, who will forward it by express from Paris to
the Court. Some say that King Philip will not suffer the
Spanish soldiers to serve the French, and that they will
remain; the writer takes it to be for lack of payment of their
wages, or else because they mistrust the great assembly of noblemen in Germany at the marriage, which is much feared by the
nobles of this country. The Emperor has written to the
Regent that she need not doubt them for any injury they
will do Philip's dominions here. |
|---|
| 2. Divers English have letters from London of the 30th
ult. that the Queen's army at Leith hath given a great overthrow to the French to the number of 2,000. As he has
received no advertisement thereof in Cecil's letter of the 30th,
he gives less credit thereto. All nations here rejoice at the
news, as it is thought Leith will not hold out any long time.
Begs him to have the Queen's creditors in remembrance for
some portion of payment.—Antwerp, 7 May 1560. Signed. |
|---|
| 3. P. S.—Has sent Cecil two pair of black silk hose and
[blank] pair for his wife. Has secret intelligence that M. de
Erringburgh, Governor of Friesland, entertains divers worthy
captains, and especially Colonels George van Holl and
Helman Monnychewssone, two men of great power and able
to bring into the field of their own charge 5,000 foot and
1,000 horse apiece, and the hardiest and most valiant gentlemen of all that country. The Duke of Holstein first
entertained them; this matter and his being in England is
much doubted and inquired into. It is to be inquired of him
whether he is sure of these two colonels. |
|---|
| 4. The Estates of all the land are commanded to appear in
this town before the Regent, which is doubtless to come by
money; she and the Council will not depart until the
King's resolve be known how he will proceed against the
Queen. It were well for her to have all her ships ready
armed. Cannot see how King Philip can hurt her this year,
as he has no money, ships, men, or munitions. Has given
abroad that she has 200 ships ready, well armed. All men
wish Leith to be taken. All things here with the English
pass very quiet. Trusts that he has despatched Richard
Clough with the Queen's resolution for the sending the munitions from Hamburg. The ten pieces of velvet [powder] are
departed in four ships; begs him to move Mr. Bloomfield to
enter them with secresy at the custom house, as there is
nothing done in the Tower but that the Bishop of Aquila has
good knowledge of. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Hol., with seal. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary.
Pp. 3. |
|---|
| May 7. | 52. Mundt to Cecil. |
|---|
| Concerning the disturbances in France he has little to say.
The time appointed for action was not kept by the Admiral,
whose heart is said to have failed him and to have deserted
his companions. It is reported on good authority that in the
Holy week a treaty was concluded between the French and
Spanish Kings and the Bishop of Rome for the destruction of
Geneva, and for invading Berne and those cantons which
keep lands belonging to the Duke of Savoy, for which purpose
the Duke of Savoy is chosen general. If that war is begun,
the Pope will doubtless persuade those Kings to carry it into
the remaining Protestant cantons. Germany is quiet, mutual
fear curbing the different parties. The French King pretends
that he will hold a national council in his dominions, that
under that pretext 8,000 Italians may enter France under
pretence of guarding the Council. If those Princes who
wished to take arms against the Guises go there, they will lose
their heads; for the Guises will say that they have conspired
against the King and kingdom, and of this they will easily
persuade the people. They say that 600 lances are appointed
to go from France to Scotland. It would be easy to raise a
large body of troops in Germany, for numbers of vagabond
soldiers are perishing from want. The marriage between the
Elector Palatine's son and the Landgrave's daughter will be
at Trinity; it is likely that many of the nobility will be there.
They write out of Saxony that Melancthon is dead.—Strasburg, 7 May 1560. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Hol., with seal. Add. Endd. Lat. Pp. 3. |
|---|
| May 8. | 53. The Queen to Brigantyne. |
|---|
| Directs him to repair to Count Mansfelt, who is in her
pension, and show him that Hans Keck has declared certain
matters contained in the enclosed memorial, which with her
answer he is to consider and show the Count her meaning.
He is to do his best to further the bargain of the 80,000l.
mentioned in the said articles, so that it be offered as before for
10 per cent., whereof five to be for interest and five for entertainment. He is likewise to ask at what prices and in what
quantity she may look for the bargain of the Count's copper
and silver. He is also to tell him that she only requires him
to be in readiness and stay such number of men of war as by
compact he is obliged, without certain entertainment, until
she may clearly see how far the French will proceed, as she
is presently in communication with them. He is not to practise with Frederick Spedt, as he is not meet for her purpose;
nor until he hears further is he to imprest any captain or
soldiers, but preserve them by good words so that they may
be free. He is to certify Gresham of his whole proceeding
with Count Mansfelt, especially in the matter of borrowing
the money. |
|---|
| Draft, in Cecil's hol. Endd.: 8 May 1560. M. from the
Queen to Mr. Brigantine. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| May 8. | 54. Answer to Hans Keck. |
|---|
| 1. As for the practice made by the French to obtain money
and men in Almaine under shadow of their matters in Scotland, and the means used by Count Mansfeld to stay them by
the evil devotion of the Princes of Almaine to serve any of
contrary religion, it needs not to inform him and them that
the purpose of the French and others is to extinguish the
knowledge of the Gospel in all countries. She will therefore
provide for the defence of her own realm, and trusts that they
will not neglect the French practices. |
|---|
| 2. The Queen is not fully resolved what number of men of
war to take up in Almaine, nor when, but will advertise the
Count, and will have consideration to charges sustained by
him for her over his pension. With respect to the two loans
of 50,000l., as the messenger cannot tell the names of the
lenders, or the interest, she can make no reply thereto. With
respect to the 80,000l. loan, as the messenger is not fully instructed she refers them to Gresham, who knowing the names of
the owners shall conclude a bargain with them for 10 per cent.
As to the assembly of nobles shortly to be held in Almaine,
she would be glad if time and place were convenient for one
of her Ministers to be there. With respect to the silver and
copper to be sold or exchanged with her for lead, she refers
them to Gresham for particulars of the bargain. |
|---|
| Draft, in Cecil's hol. and endd. by him: 8 May 1560.
Pp. 4. |
|---|
| May 8. | 55. Grey to the Queen. |
|---|
| 1. By the advice of his Council he has approached Leith
and entrenched round three parts of it, which they have
hitherto guarded sufficiently by great travail; and having
considered the parts of the town most feasible for entry by
battery and assault they planted two batteries. As expedition had been several times enjoined them, they determined
to attempt places of the wall, by such order as, if it had
been followed, the town had been won; but through disorder
amongst the men and the want of courage in some of them,
they have been repulsed, a great number hurt and some
slain. Hereby they are so weakened that without a supply
of a good number they will be unable to achieve the exploit
they have in hand. |
|---|
| 2. He therefore requests that a convenient number of
troops may be sent with speed, otherwise they will be in
danger of being defeated, as the bearer, Francis Killinghale,
can more fully declare. As for the Scots, he finds their
nobility painful and willing, but there is no trust of any help
to be given by them in this case.—Camp before Leith, 8 May
1560. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| May 8. | 56. Grey to Cecil. |
|---|
| Repeats the information contained in his letter of the same
date to the Queen, respecting the failure of the assault on
Leith, and the danger incurred thereby (see No. 55), and request
reinforcements to enable them to blockade the town, as the
Scots are not to be trusted. Also further supplies of munition to
be sent from Berwick for greater expedition. They have done
their devoirs to the utmost.—The camp before Leith, 8 May
1560. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. by Railton, endd by Cecil. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| May 8. | 57. Articles for Killinghale. |
|---|
| Articles for Francis Killinghale to my Lord's Grace and to
the Lords of the Council. |
|---|
| 1. The manner of the assault and of the English trenches,
as may appear in a schedule sent by him. |
|---|
| 2. Number of men they have to trust unto for this service. |
|---|
| 3. Report of the captains and officers hurt and slain, and of
the spoil of the bands. |
|---|
| 4. How impossible it is for any more assaults to be given
with these numbers. |
|---|
| 5. How Lord Grey would never have attempted it if he
had not been forced thereto by letters. |
|---|
| 6. Any more number supplied for an assault must be at
least 12,000, and their need requires 20,000. |
|---|
| 7. The enterprise is very feasible if they had sufficient men
and munitions. |
|---|
| 8. How they are utterly destitute of bows, bills, and
arrows, and that powder and shot are very scant. |
|---|
| 9. How they had won it if the men had followed their
directions. |
|---|
| 10. It seems there is great scarcity of victuals in the
town, so as if they had sufficient number of men to enclose
them round they would famish them; for expedition it would
be better to send of the bands of Berwick to reinforce them. |
|---|
| 11. To declare that if the power of France should come,
what danger the Queen's subjects would be in, and what
likelihood there is that many of the Scots now friends would
revolt upon such occasion. |
|---|
| 12. To declare what difficulty it is to entertain any Scots
in wages. |
|---|
| 13. How they must be forced to embark the ordnance if
supply come not with speed. |
|---|
| 14. How the soldiers steal home daily by heaps; and if
the Duke do not punish some of them according to their
demerits for example to the rest they will lose a great number,
to the peril of those who remain. |
|---|
| Endd. by Cecil: 8 May, Kinninghale's [sic] memorial. Pp. 3. |
|---|
May 8.
Haynes, p. 304. | 58. Norfolk to Cecil. (fn. 2) |
|---|
| 1. Sends Lord Grey's letters, by which he will not so much
understand the truth of the matter, as he will by Howard's
and Valentine Browne's letters. The thing was marvellously
ill-handled, for there was no breach saultable, no scaling ladder
long enough by two yards and more, nor yet any flanker
taken away. The matter might have been ordered so that
the thing might have been won with much less loss.—Berwick,
8 May 1560. Signed. |
|---|
| 2. P. S.—The loss falling out as it is, he has sent to levy
2,000 men with all expedition, till he knows the Queen's
pleasure, which number (the case being as it is) is too small.
Desires both money and munitions, else the matter will quail;
and more men, as Cecil thinks good. He has sent 400
men out of Berwick so there remain but 600 footmen.
When (fn. 3) he has digested his melancholy and learned further
the truth he will discourse at more length. |
|---|
| Orig., in Railton's hol. Endd. by Cecil. Pp. 2. |
|---|
May 8.
Haynes, p. 304. | 59. Norfolk to Cecil. (fn. 4) |
|---|
| 1. Since writing this morning Mr. Killinghale arrived here,
whom for necessity of his office in the camp the writer durst
not send to Cecil, but advertises him of the messages that
Killinghale has brought from Grey. First, they went out of
this town 8,500 footmen, now they cannot show 4,500, and if
the Queen wants to take Leith it is not to be done under 20,000
men. The munition and powder are quite spent, they were
fain to borrow five lasts of the ships, who could ill spare it.
If Cecil levies any more men (as of necessity he must do)
they are not to be had within the writer's lieutenancy. |
|---|
| 2. Grey having sent the writer word that if it had not
been for the hastening he received by letters (by which he
means the Duke's) he would not have ventured the assault,
Cecil may see how unlikely this is, for of haste he [Norfolk]
never wrote to him since he removed from Lastarrick, and
then it was by direction; since then he has praised his doings
and left all to his own direction, saying that he [Grey] being
there could see more than the writer could so far off advise
him. Cecil may perceive, by a letter that Grey sent the
writer on 6th May, that before he attempted any assault he
would advertise him [Norfolk] of the manner thereof and the
time; yet he received a letter from Grey on Monday which
did not mention it, nor did he hear of the matter from him
till this morning, it happening yesterday. It seems Grey
meant to go through with all, and thought to speed well
enough when he wrote a letter wherein he made no doubt of
the matter. Cecil has the copies of those that Grey now
finds fault with.—Berwick, 8 May 1560. Signed. |
|---|
| 3. P. S. (fn. 5) —After writing the above, supposing that Cecil
would be better satisfied if he might speak with Mr. Killingale, who saw the repulse, he thought good to send him.
He will depart hence to-morrow morning. |
|---|
| Orig., in Railton's hol. Add. Endd. by Cecil. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| May 9. | 60. The Queen to Gresham. |
|---|
| Hans Keck seeming to agree that the bargain shall be conconcluded for ten in the hundred, Gresham is with all speed to
conclude it in like manner and assurance as has heretofore been
made by her bond endorsed by the Council and also by the
city of London. If needs be he is to send Richard Clough
to Count Mansfeld. He is to take as much as can be, with
which she may pay parcel of her old debts. |
|---|
| Draft, in Cecil's hol. and endd. by his secretary. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| May 9. | 61. Norfolk to Cecil. |
|---|
| Writes by his own man, whom he sen ds along with Mr.
Kennynghall. Thinks that Grey and the rest would not be
well satisfied with if the Duke wrote their opinions, he
sends their own messenger. Has also given some credit
to Sir Nicholas L'Estrange, by whom he sends copies of such
letters as yet Cecil has not, by which he may judge what
occasion Lord Grey has to impute the fault in them.—Berwick,
9 May 1560. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Cecil. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| May 9. | 62. Articles for Sir Nicholas L'Estrange. |
|---|
| 1. He shall tell Cecil that for that Lord Grey had suffered
no muster to be taken he would spare the bearer for
ten or twelve days. Cecil will overthrow all Kenynghall's
painted tales and letters if he ask him but these questions. |
|---|
| 2. Whether the breach was assaultable, or no? |
|---|
| 3. Whether they that assaulted it were at any time afore
showed the ground, for lack whereof they ran all upon the
wall, they could not tell where? |
|---|
| 4. Whether the scaling ladders were long enough? and
yet Lord Grey writes that the just depth of the ditches had
been taken. |
|---|
| 5. Whether in his conscience he does not think the town
would have been won if it had been followed with the
relief, which indeed stood not within twenty-four score yards? |
|---|
| 6. To remember the munition's shooting at the ramparts
and houses in the town. |
|---|
| 7. For the Duke's own accusation, let Cecil when he has
read his letters say whether he has over-reached or not. |
|---|
| 8. To tell Cecil how the Duke was advertised of the
matter by Grey's letters of the 6th. The Duke was passing
to it. |
|---|
| 9. To remember to tell Cecil for his lieutenancy, Shropshire, Northumberland, Cumberland. |
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| 10. To remember the Scots. |
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| Orig. in Norfolk's hol. Endd. by Cecil: 9 May. Pp. 3. |
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| May 9. | 63. Munitions in the Camp before Leith. |
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| Report of the quantity of gunpowder, shot, munitions, and
weapons, remaining in the camp, the 9th May 1560. Signed:
T. Gower. |
|---|
| Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 2. |
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May 9.
Forbes, 1. 439. (fn. 6) | 64. Throckmorton to the Cardinal of Lorraine. |
|---|
| 1. Has this day received letters from the Queen in which
she writes that on the 20th of April the Ambassador de
Sevre made a protestation to her and her Council first by
mouth and then in writing, to the effect that it was the intention of the King to continue in good peace with her, and
that he had not infringed in the slightest degree the treaty
between them. The Queen and Council returned their
answer in writing which De Sevre refused to receive, not
having commission, having however first read and considered a part of it. |
|---|
| 2. The Queen, desiring that the King should be duly
advertised of what reply she has made to the said protestation, has commanded the writer to notify to the King at
greater length her wishes which she has already declared to
his Ambassador, and that she uses every means to arrive at
peace, which if she prove unsuccessful will be laid at the
door of France. |
|---|
| 3. This, according to his charge, he wished to declare personally to the King, but is compelled by sickness to write
to him thereupon, and begs that the Cardinal will inform
him how it can be laid before the King.—Amboise, 9 May
1560. |
|---|
| Copy. Endd.: 9 May 1560. To the Cardinal of Lorraine. Fr. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| May 10. | 65. The Queen to the King of Spain. |
|---|
| Revokes Viscount Montague from his ambassadorship,
in which however Sir Thomas Chamberlain is to remain.—
Westminster, 10 May 1560. |
|---|
| Copy. Endd. Lat. Pp. 3. |
|---|
May 10.
Forbes, 1. 444. | 66. The Queen to Montague and Chamberlain. (fn. 7) |
|---|
| 1. Since their departure she has received three advertisements, the first by their letters of the 18th March, the second
dated 10th April, by Mr. Culpepper, (in which they mention
letters written the 30th March, whereby they signified their
access to the King Catholic, which letters never came to her,)
the third, dated April 16, came within these two days in
the King's packet to the Bishop of Aquila, which was the
double of the letters of the 10th April. |
|---|
| 2. She sent letters to them by Francisco the courier by sea,
and the double thereof through France by means of her Ambassador, dated 18th April, by which they might understand
how things had then passed; and now considering that they
will not do any further good to treat with the King, who, as
the Duke of Alva says, has remitted the negociations hereof
to his Ambassadors on both parts, she revokes Montague,
and orders Chamberlain to reside for a season, until, at the
coming of Montague, she may consider how to send some
other in his place. For this purpose she encloses letters to
the King Catholic, before delivering which they are to declare
to him that she perceives his great goodwill to her, and
doubts not that when he is well informed by M. de Glassion
how fraudulently and dangerously she is used by the French,
he will allow that she is earnest in removing such manifest
dangers to her realm. |
|---|
| 3. First, in case it is objected that 3,000 French need not be
a terror to England, yet considering their having in their hands
all the forts and havens next to England, they might
induce the rest of Scotland to join with them and recover
the favour of France by invasion of England. The French
Ministers say that they mean no hurt to England, yet she
cannot trust their speeches. When their Ambassador affirmed
that the French King would cease all his injuries, and forbear the taking of her style, and that his wife should rather
be sent into Scotland than use the same, and that he would revoke his men of war save four or five ensigns, and would receive
his subjects in Scotland into favour, and for perfecting hereof
required that persons might treat, she was so contented as
forthwith to send to her army that they should not march
near the Borders, for that she hoped to have all the dangers
removed by treaty. Hereupon she sent into France to understand the very disposition of the French King, where it was
affirmed that their Ambassador had exceeded his commission,
and after more delay it was said that they had sent the
Bishop of Valence with full authority by whom she should
have a resolute answer to her contentation; which delay
she bore, and was content to rest in expectation, to her great
charge, what the Bishop would do. He pretended great authority, but being conferred with he could show no commission
at all to treat or accord, and would never make any answer,
saying he had no direction thereto. In the end he desired
to go into Scotland, where he said that he would pacify all
things, but could show no commission, but a letter of credit
from the French King to the Queen Dowager, having no
letter or writing from the Scottish Queen, in whose name
all things are governed in Scotland. All this time she stayed
her army, causing the Dowager to be gently required that
she would come to some accord, and, receiving the obedience
of her daughter's subjects, would remove the forces, whereunto
no direct answer could be gotten. Then perceiving the year
entered into spring, the preparations of the French, her
great charges in keeping her force; understanding of the
new trophies of the French Queen in usurping her arms,
and being certified out of Almaine what practices were made
near the coasts for ships and men of war to be transported
in the beginning of summer;—she could not devise how these
doings could be avoided, but by removing the men of war
out of Scotland, and yet not thereby to withdraw the right
of the country from the French Queen, as the French would
have many to think. |
|---|
May 10.
The Queen to Montague and Chamberlain. | 4. After this came M. de Glassion, to whom she made answer
as she before signified unto them. If there could be any
surety for her, considering the greatness of the French preparations to revoke her army, she would be glad to do so, and
also if there may be a general revocation. Where the French
pretend the necessity to keep their army in Scotland, it is
manifest that it needs not, if they will receive the nobility
of the land into their favour and obedience, which they humbly
seek, so as they may be out of danger of the men of war; and
for the manner of conclusion hereof they offer to appoint men
to treat, and will be glad to have the advice and aid of the
Spanish Ministers. But still the French delay; for about
the 16th of April they sent Florence Diaceto thither, a man
of small weight to deal in those cases; who came with a
message of no value, requiring that he might also pass into
Scotland, and could show no commission to treat, but of
himself began to devise new matters of marriage between
France and England, and would needs return into France
with an opinion of himself to do great things to make an
accord betwixt France and England, wherein she would not
deal with him but left him to his own devices. Whilst he
was busied in these things the Ambassador came to her with
great solemnity, and made a long harangue and delivered the
same in writing, a copy whereof she sends with her answer
thereto. |
|---|
| 5. Within four days after this there came another gentleman from France, who said he had large commission to the
Queen Dowager from her daughter, whereupon the Queen
gave order that he should be safely conducted, and that if the
Dowager would come to any reasonable order whereby she
might preserve her frontier out of danger there should be
an accord made. What comes of this she does not yet
know. |
|---|
| 6. As for the Bishop of Valence, when the Scots desired
to see his commission he was forced to confess that he had
only a letter of credit to the Dowager, who would not be
induced to make any qualification of her former authority,
or of abating of the French force, although he much intreated
her thereto. Thinks that the delays and courtesies of her
ministers in the field have been the occasion of the stay of
the French from reasonable accord, wherefore, if the French
come not to accord, they will do their best to take the town of
Leith, wherein are 3,500 men of war. Understands that
M. de Randan, brother to the Count Rochefaucault, has come
to the sea side with a new commission for a full accord.
She likes good offers, but when she sees so many messengers
and so little end thereof, she mistrusts their doings; she therefore means not to neglect her surety. |
|---|
| 7. They are to remind the King of Spain and his Council
how far it is beyond example that France has ever had
comfort by him or his progenitors against England, how
often has England aided them against France, and in this
last age spent treasure and blood, both for service done in
Spain, Terouaine, Tournay, Landrecy, and St. Quentins. |
|---|
| 8. P. S.—Since signing this, their other letters of 30 March
were brought, having made a long voyage by way of Flanders
and elsewhere; nothing in them moves her to alter this
letter. |
|---|
| Draft, in Cecil's hol. Endd.: 10 May 1560. M. from the
Queen to Montague and Chamberlain. Pp. 8. |
|---|
May 10.
Forbes, 1. 437. and 449. (fn. 8) | 67. Throckmorton to the Queen. |
|---|
| 1. On the 3rd and 4th inst. he despatched letters to her by
an express messenger and M. de Randan; the minute whereof
(because De Randan's going over depended on the news he
should hear at Boulogne from the French Ambassador on that
side,) he has despatched to her. Though the writer sent to Randan yet the latter did not visit him [the writer] nor participate
any part of the cause of his going to him. Owing to her success
upon the sea and in Scotland, the Spanish Ambassador used towards him more courtesy than he expected in visiting him
when sick. On the 3rd inst. the Spanish Ambassador sent his
secretary, with whom Throckmorton was somewhat plain
in declaring his intelligence here of the King of Spain's
doubtful and unkind dealing with her, and the next day he
sent Jones on his behalf to visit the Ambassador, who on the
5th inst. came himself to the writer, and in speaking of the
matters of Scotland said that the Cardinal of Lorraine, talking with him of the Queen's doings in Scotland, declared that
when the marriage between the Scotch Queen and the
Dauphin of France was perfected, (for which the Duke of
Châtellerault was Chief Commissioner,) the nobility of Scotland by a writing passed among them, whereunto the Duke's
hand was, declared that the very crown of Scotland (and not
the matrimonial crown) should be delivered to be kept at St.
Denis, and that when the Dauphin should be crowned French
King he should also be crowned King of Scotland; and
whereas the late King Henry desired that Scotland should
fall to a second son to come of that marriage, the Scotch
nobility desired that though there was no issue at all yet the
crown should fall to the Dauphin, who should have Scotland
for ever, one Dauphin after another, as a thing incident to
him depending upon the crown of France. The said Cardinal
also said that among other things the Duke desired the King
to keep among them French governors, because they would
not accord if any of themselves had authority above the rest.
The Ambassador seeming scrupulous to believe this, the Cardinal promised him a copy of the compact signed by De l'Aubespine. Will she command a copy to be obtained in Scotland and
sent to him to show? If the Cardinal's report be false he
advises her to inform M. de Glayon and the Bishop of Aquila
thereof, to cause them to conceive better of the reason of her
doings in Scotland. |
|---|
| 2. The Ambassador of Spain, having knowledge of the
strange communication used by the Count Feria, told Throckmorton that he marvelled that the Count did so overshoot
himself, and that whatsoever they reported here the King his
master had great estimation of her amity and would do nothing
that should prejudice her, setting forth some reasons to persuade him to think so. She may thus see the advantage of a
good countenance, accompanied with force indeed, over present
friendship or ancient alliance, neither of which would have
served her had she been determined to be ordered by Spain or
France. Trusts she will continue in care how to bring these
things to a good end, and thereby to have a long peace, which
cannot be had "if the iron be not stricken and ployed now it
be hot." As the house of Guise has begun these matters, at
their hands is perfection to be sought for her satisfaction,
whereunto of themselves they have small good wills. Nevertheless, as their chief mark is to govern in France, there is
nothing good for them but peace; therefore it is judged, after
the French are driven out of Scotland, if she continue her
force and stomach the matter, she may cause them to come to
reason and she has no need but to ask and have: and whatsoever she can honourably devise they will find means to
grant. |
|---|
May 10.
Throckmorton to the Queen. | 3. In his letters of the 3rd he advertised her of the coming
of Randan or Lansac. The chief cause is upon occasion of
letters sent hither by M. de Sevre, whereby he signifies her
success in Scotland is evil and that she is afraid of Philip, or
not able to go through with her matters, and therefore has
written supposing she will fall to composition. |
|---|
| 4. If she uses the French as they have used her by fair
tales and promises, and use notwithstanding the advantage
she has, her wisdom were therein greatly to be esteemed. Is
sorry that before things be brought to perfection on her part,
they should still abuse her with deceitful words and have
thereby leisure to work their wills with the time. Assures
her that for these 300 years France was not in so evil a case
as it now is, and therefore mere necessity and not goodwill
or desire for peace drives them to these points. They make
as much preparation as possible for ships, horsemen, and footmen, and all things necessary for the war. For putting things
in order there are presently at Dieppe the Dukes d'Aumale
and Boullion, and the Marquis d'Elbœuf and M. de Villebon. There are arrived at the coast four companies of men
at arms and the Marquis's men prepared for Scotland, and
they daily expect their men from Piedmont and Metz.
Though their force will not be ready till the end of July, yet
they have some enterprise in hand which they mean to
execute before. Trusts that through their troubles at home
and the state of the finances they will not at least this year
be able to impeach her. |
|---|
| 5. One Vincent, a captain of the sea, has taken upon him
the charge of conveying three ships laden with wine and
powder into Scotland, and to discharge the same at Leith or
Dunbar. Notwithstanding the inhibitions that no man shall
keep any of her proclamations, he has caused them to be
printed in France, and made them current both in Normandy,
Brittany, Paris, and other places. Sends her two of the
same, and also the proclamation against the house of Guise,
together with an answer to a publication for the induction of a
provincial council here in France for reformation of matters
of religion, whereby she may perceive how her adversaries
stand. |
|---|
| 6. On the 9th he received a letter from his servant Davyes,
taken at Rue, who signifies that, arriving on the 14th ult. at
Dieppe, he sought to have passage there, which the Governor
denied him. After having stayed there two days he was told
by the Governor that if he tarried five days longer he should
depart. Doubting somewhat was meant towards him he
went towards Boulogne to take shipping there, and so passing
by Rue on his way there he was stayed by the captain of the
town; his mallet, letters, and all that he had taken from him,
and he himself committed to ward. Notwithstanding his
declaration that he was the writer's servant, and the endorsement of the letter he carried proclaimed it was for her, he
was conveyed to Crotoy, a prison near St. Valery, where he
writes he is so miserably handled that unless soon relieved he
will die. If it be passed over he may meet the same lot as his
other servant did by the Grand Prior's means. These men are
glad to understand that the Dowager is in the castle at Edinburgh, supposing that however things go at Leith they shall
be able to retire to that fort, which is what the French have
chiefly desired in their letters to the Queen. Advises her to
speedily put her out of possession there, and to account her
and the French there as her enemies in war, for having her
thence she is assured of her affairs in Scotland. |
|---|
| 7. On the 4th inst. one Steward [and] Sesellis, a gentleman
of the King of Navarre, who has been prisoner since the King
was at Rheims, the Prince of Conde's squire and a preacher
of estimation, being prisoners at Tours, are escaped, and not
yet heard of. |
|---|
| 8. Received her letters on the 9th with a copy of an answer
to the French Ambassador's protestation by De Favory. As
the Court was seventeen leagues from hence, he despatched
Mr. Somer thither with a letter to the Cardinal of Lorraine,
desiring him to devise some means how he might do the King
to understand her pleasure, as he is too sick to repair thither
himself.—Amboise, 10 May, at midnight, 1560. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig., portions in cipher, deciphered. Add. Endd. Pp. 7. |
|---|
May 10.
Forbes, 1. 451. (fn. 9) | 68. Throckmorton to Cecil. |
|---|
| 1. Received by De Favori his letters of the 4th inst. on
the 9th inst. At which time he was so sick and weak that
he could scarcely creep off his bed. Wants the French
Ambassador's protestation, which both the Queen and he
say in their letters that they have sent him, and which will
help him somewhat to frame his discourse orderly to the
French, therefore begs him to send it by the next as also
the "counterpain" of Lord Montague's cipher which Cecil
ordained to serve betwixt them and the writer. They have
the one part, and, understanding that he wants the other,
they have not written to him so liberally by this courier as
they would, and so have left him in great perplexity. If
Cecil finds by the delivery of his letters that he does his duty
he must cherish him well. He has told Throckmorton that
the King of Spain gave him great charge to pass with secresy
and diligence with this despatch into England. "You may
see what it is to be aforehand, God keep you there." |
|---|
| 2. Begs that he may hear of the Spanish marvels mentioned
in Montague's letter. The Spaniards are afraid that England
will ally herself with France, and that the English descant
unkindly of their doings. Why should not the Queen look
up? She had never so much cause, for now both these great
Princes strive for her amity. For his revocation he will
abide by the decision of war or peace; if war, Cecil must
revoke him, or they will detain him here. |
|---|
| 3. Recommends as his successor either Mr. Sidney or Mr.
Challoner; "but that your sister will be angry I could remember your brother, Mr. Thomas Hobie." Thinks, of the two
Knights of the Order to be chosen, the King of Bohemia, as
the case stands, is better suited, though the other would hazard
more for them and stand them in more stead when they
shall have need. The King of Spain greatly mistrusts
the revolt in his Low Countries and dares not retire his
Spaniards from thence. Cecil may see how many ways they
there do serve his turn to animate and make the English
afraid and the French alternately, to keep his Low Countries
from revolt and others greedy of them from assailing them.
Begs him to tell the Queen that it is a well spent penny
to save a pound, and a well made war for one year to make
a peace for twenty years. He need not be dismayed with
bruits of these men's practices in Ireland or elsewhere, for
they will nourish as many as they can, but are not in case
to execute any great matters as yet.—Amboise, 10 May 1560.
Signed. |
|---|
| 4. P. S.—Cecil makes no mention of the receipt of his letters
sent by De Favori and Francisco Thomaso. |
|---|
| Orig., portions in cipher, deciphered. Add. Endd. by
Cecil's secretary. Pp. 4. |
|---|
| May 10. | 69. The Cardinal of Lorraine to Throckmorton. |
|---|
| Encloses a letter which the King of Navarre has desired
him to forward in reply to one from Throckmorton, a copy
of which he has sent to the Cardinal. Asks for English news,
of which he has heard nothing for a long time.—Chinon,
10 May 1560. Signed: Claude de Lorraine [sic]. |
|---|
| Copy. Endd. Fr. Pp. 2. |
|---|
May [10].
Knox, ii. 46. Calderw. 1. 478. | 70. Confirmation of the Articles of Berwick. (fn. 10) |
|---|
| James, Duke of Châtellerault, the Council, nobility, and
principal estates of Scotland, considering on the one hand
how wealthy and flourishing their kingdom would become
if it were joined with England and on the other the tyranny
of the French, have been of necessity constrained to employ
the aid of the Queen of England, which she has most gently
and liberally granted, specified in a treaty past at Berwick
between the Duke of Norfolk on the one part and certain
Commissioners on the other, the import of which is here
recited, (fn. 11) to which they now affix their hands and seals of
arms.—Dated [blank] May 1560. Signed by: The Duke of
Châtellerault, the Earls of Argyle, Arran, Huntly, Glencairn, Morton, Rothes, and John Earl of [blank,] the Bishop
of Galloway, the Prior of St. Andrews, James Steward, Lords
Russell, of the Isles, Ogilvy, Bogole, St. Johns, Eastar, Sommerville, Ochiltree, John Steward, John Kendores, Cameskenneth, the Bishop of Argyll, the Abbots of Kenloss,
Kilwyning, Culross, and Mr. Car of Newbottle. |
|---|
| Pp. 7. |
|---|
| May 10. | 71. Another copy of the preceding. |
|---|
| Williamson's transcript. Pp. 5. |
|---|
| The Cardinal of Lorraine [to Throckmorton]. |
|---|