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| Dec. 27. | 820. Randolph to Cecil. |
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| 1. Sends the writings omitted in his last. Reminds him of
the matter he last wrote upon as of a thing in some men's
heads deeply conceived. Doubts it rather to be forged at
home. It is now whispered amongst them that "she"
intends to marry in Denmark. Heard these matters talked
of before it was possible that the news should come so far.
Thereupon they have many discourses what may issue,
which proceed from the clergy and their faction. Some
wish her at home, for that she may not marry any sovereign
Prince without the consent of the Estates, as was agreed in
the contract of her late marriage, Many desire that whereever she marry, the amity between the two realms may long
continue; amongst whom are those who are able to most
further it. The Earl of Argyll is at Stirling. Lord James
to-morrow intends to go towards him, and thence to St.
Andrews, for six or eight days. |
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| 2. Is sure Cecil is not ignorant of Patrick Hume, who
lately passed into France; his chief occasion is to supply
Alexander Clark's place, that the Lords may be better
assured of the state of things there. The Lord of St. John's
has not yet made report of the French King's answer, for
that few of the Lords were present. Lord Seton has not
yet been here or spoken with any of the Lords. Though
he will be well received, yet some there are who would that
he should know that he has not so well deserved as others
who have travailed for the liberty of their country. Is
required by the Duke to write to him in favour of a poor
man named Cuthbert Vesie, who has been out of England
these four years for a slaughter, in whose behalf the Duke
and Arran have themselves written to Cecil.—Edinburgh, 27
—Dec. 1560. Signed. |
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| Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 3. |
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| Dec. 28. | 821. French Hostages in England. |
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| Such as be named to be Hostages in England; viz.: |
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| Le Marquis De Canilhac, of Auvergne, commonly called De
Beaufort; Le Conte De Benon, brother of the Seigneur De la
Tremouille; Le Baron De Courtalein, heir of the Count
Chateauvillain d'Avaugour; the Provost of Paris, Nantouillet.
28 Dec. 1560. |
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| Endd. Pp. 2. |
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| Dec. 28. | 822. John Shers to Cecil. |
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| 1. Both the Duke of Florence and his Duchess are yet at
Rome. The return of the posts from the Emperor and Spain
is answered to the satisfaction neither of the Pope nor Duke.
Shortly after this holiday the Duke returns, as before; for
albeit "Papa omnia potest" if these Princes would not so
take the matter, the days are such that this Pope's authority
might soon be put in the balance of abatement, and this will
be the stay that the Duke return without a King's crown. A
disputation has lately been at Rome among the Cardinals, and
the Pope has had the hearing of what is the cause that France
has thus rebelled from them. The Romans would conclude
that the dissolute living of the French Cardinals, Bishops, and
clergy, was the cause; but the French party and the Bishop
who is Ambassador there say, that nothing has wrought so
much in France as of late the practice in Rome of divers of
the nobility of France, where they have seen such dissolute
living of the clergymen, as returning into France they have
persuaded the rest that the clergy of Rome is of no religion.
Divers write that this Ambassador has spoken so frankly in
the Pope's presence as men do marvel of it. |
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| 2. The General Council goes forth, as appears by the Bull,
and yet before the appointed time there will come out a new
delay. There is news that the Spaniards, unshipped again in
Flanders by the King of Spain's commandment, shall come
into Italy. The Turk's army towards is great, as well for the
Goletta and to drive out the Spaniards of all ports of Africa,
as for Malta. In the mean season the Pope takes his time,
advances his kindred with all haste, and makes no Cardinals;
but shortly some look for from him, "qualche bel tratto di
prete."—Venice, 28 Dec. 1560. Signed. |
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| Orig. Hol., with seal. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary.
Pp. 4. |
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| [Dec. 29.] | 823. The Queen to Randolph. (fn. 1) |
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| He, having showed himself diligent and faithful in her
service, is directed to abide at Edinburgh when the Estates of
Scotland shall be there, and there to continue, or else with
the Duke of Châtellerault, or his son, or otherwise as occasion
shall move, to further the good intelligence begun between
her and Scotland, and to advertise her from time to time of
such occurrences as shall be meet to be known. Has ordered
the Treasurer of Berwick to pay him an entertainment of
[blank] by the day. |
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| Draft, in Cecil's hol. |
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| Dec. 29. | 824. Randolph's Pay. |
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| Warrant to the Treasurer of Berwick to pay to Thomas
Randolph the entertainment of [blank] by the day, in monthly
payments. |
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| Draft, in Cecil's hol., and endd. by his secretary: 29 Dec.
1560. P. 1. |
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| Dec. 30. | 825. The Queen to Mundt. |
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| He shall repair to the assembly of the German Princes.
"which accord with us in profession of religion," and show
them her good meaning, and deliver certain letters to the
different Princes. He is to follow the enclosed instructions.
Sir John Mason, Treasurer of her chamber, will see Mundt's
charges satisfied. |
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| Draft, in Cecil's writing, and endd. by him and his
secretary: 30 Dec. 1560. P. 1. |
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| [Dec. 30.] | 826. Memorial for Mundt. |
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| 1. He is to repair to the assembly of the Princes Protestant
and to declare to every of them, (especially such as mean
to keep their States free from (fn. 2) such as mean to offend them
in the profession of the Gospel), that the Queen, considering
how meet it is that the Protestants should accord amongst
themselves, and perceiving how busy the Pope is to stir up
daily other Potentates to offend and oppress such as he
esteems adversaries to his pomp and tyranny, (fn. 3) wishes that
they should league amongst themselves, and not permit any
of their people by wage or hire to increase their adversary's
part. |
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| 2. Whereas the Pope makes pretence to have a General
Council, under the cloak whereof is meant to maintain and
recover his tyrannous authority; (fn. 4) the Princes Protestant
should not assent thereto, except it be held in Germany, and in
such place where the parties coming thither may be free
from danger of apprehension; or else that none at all be
agreed unto. For it is seen that no other thing is meant
but a show in words of reformation of the corruption of the
Prelates of the Church, and in very deed a surprise of such
as do reprehend them, and consequently an augmentation of
their worldly authority and pomp. |
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| 3. It will also much advance the cause if it be accorded
that all soldiers who shall go out of the countries of the Princes
Protestant, and serve the French or other Princes not of the
Protestant religion, should first make oath that they should
never employ their weapons against any Protestants. |
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| 4. The Scots in Parliament, (which was kept in August
last by consent of the French Ambassadors, in the name of the
King and Queen) have with one consent renounced the authority of the Pope in that realm, and received the same
religion that is used in Almaine; wherein the progress is
so great and acceptable through the whole realm, that no
manner of difficulty or refusal is had therein. And in all
other things saving this which appertains to God, the whole
realm is very obedient to their Queen; ruling the realm in her
name with great quietness. |
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| 5. It cannot be denied but that the whole people of Scotland,
(partly for the Queen's benefits bestowed on them in saving
that realm last year, and partly for love of religion,) bear
more good will to the Queen of England than ever they
did to any Sovereign of England. The French move the
Scottish Queen to be offended therewith, although the benefit
bestowed by the Queen in preservation of that realm from
conquest does now by the French King's death tend manifestly
to the weal of the said Scottish Queen. |
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| 6. All this Mundt shall utter at length to the Princes
Protestant, and conclude with them that as the Queen means
if she be provoked to send to the General Council to impart
to them her resolution, so she wishes to be made privy of
theirs; considering that as their cause in this point is one, so
their answer and dealing may also be one. |
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| Draft, in Cecil's writing. Pp. 2. |
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| [Dec. 30.] | 827. Memorial for Mundt. |
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| Another copy of the above, with the following addition in
Cecil's writing. Whereas the Queen understands by the
report of Huggins, an Englishman, (who was about October
last with the Landgrave of Hesse, for obtaining licence to
carry certain armour through his country towards Hamburg,)
that she has received courtesy therein, and the said Huggins
having reported that the Landgrave is disposed to send one
of his sons to her Court; Mundt is to assure the Landgrave
that the same will be welcome to the Queen, and he shall
lack no favour as though he were native born. |
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| Draft. Endd. Pp. 4. |
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| Dec. 30. | 828. Sebastian, King of Portugal, to the Queen. |
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| Recommends Manuel Daranjo, whom he despatches to her
upon certain important matters, and for whom he asks
credence.—30 Dec. 1560. |
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| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Portug. Broadside. |
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| Dec. 30. | 829. Sebastian, King of Portugal, to the Earl of Pembroke. |
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| Asks him to assist Manuel Daranjo, despatched to the
Queen on certain important business.—30 Dec. 1560. |
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| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Portug. Pp. 2. |
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| Dec. 30. | 830. Sebastian, King of Portugal, to Cecil. |
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| Asks him to assist Manuel Daranjo, despatched to the Queen
on certain important business.—30 Dec. 1560. |
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| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Portug. Pp. 4. |
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| Dec. 30. | 831. Cecil to Throckmorton. |
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| 1. Has not heard from him since Davis came with tidings of
the French King's death; they are in some perplexity what
shall be the cause. Are occupied with many vain tales of
accidents in France. The Ambassador as yet hath delivered
no letter from the new King to the Queen, whereby she
ought to take notice of the death, "or of his joy;" so that
as yet no special gentleman can be sent over for condolence.
The bearer is a servant of Lord James, who was well recommended out of Scotland.—30 Dec. 1560. Signed. |
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| 2. P. S.—"Whatsoever reports or opinions be, I know
surely that my Lord Robert himself hath more fear than hope,
and so doth the Queen give him cause." |
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| Orig. Hol. Injured by damp. Add. Endd. Pp. 2. |
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| Dec. 31. | 832. Throckmorton to the Queen. |
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| 1. On the 19th Dec. he received her letters of the 13th, by
Henry Middlemore, instructing him to tell the French King
and his ministers plainly that if they mean not that the
treaty shall be ratified out of hand, they may forbear to send
any messengers to her; together with other matter which she
had caused to be declared to the French Ambassador. At the
writing thereof he perceives that she was not advertised of
the late French King's death. At the end of the letter she
writes of the receipt of his of the 6th, advertising the King's
death, but makes no alteration in her instructions in the
former part to be declared to the King and his ministers,
which he could not do, the present reign requiring no
such thing to be demanded. Yet as her instructions bound
him to repair to the Court, and for that the other resident ministers had been with the King, the Queen Mother,
and King of Navarre, to condole with some and visit others,
he took occasion to ask audience of the Queen Mother and the
King of Navarre, which he had of the Queen Mother on the
22nd Dec. |
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| 2. At his access to her he gave the Queen's doleance for her
son's death, and professions of desire for the continuance of
peace. After some good words, he told her that she could well
remember upon what terms the ratification of the treaty made
in Scotland stood at his last audience with the late King, herself, and the Council, whereof he advertised the Queen; whereupon, when M. De Sevre had audience with her, he was told
that she found it strange that such delays should be used,
and that in case the King and Queen minded not to ratify the
said treaty, they should stay the sending of any personages. |
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Dec. 31.
Throckmorton to
the Queen. | 3. The Queen Mother made answer that since the King
was dead, it now was in the Queen of Scotland to make
answers for the matters of Scotland. Throckmorton said that
though the King's death might change the nature of the
matters of Scotland, yet, to clear all doubts, he prayed her to
devise how a perfect amity might be established. She answered
that she would not fail. Throckmorton said that the Queen
had not yet received knowledge of the said King's death otherwise than by his letters; but that, upon knowledge thereof
from the French Ambassador, she would not fail to send a
gentleman express to condole. And seeing the King standing
fast by her, although he had no commission to do any
message to him, yet he desired to know of the Queen Mother
whether he might speak to him, and present the Queen's hearty
commendations, and condolence unto him, which she prayed
him to do. Which when he had done, the King thanked
her, and said that he would entertain good amity towards
her. |
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| 4. The Constable next presented himself to Throckmorton
and asked him how the Queen did, who replied that she was in
good health, and had commanded him to present her commendations to him, adding that she rejoiced that the Queen Mother
and the King of Navarre desired to have him as a counsellor.
The Constable assured him that there was no Prince to whom
he owed his humble services more than to her. Throckmorton
told him that though he was not at Court at his last audience
with the late King, he doubted not but that he understood in
what terms the ratification of the late peace stood. He
answered that as for such matters as were betwixt the Queen
and the French King, there should be no occasion given of
doubt, but as for the matters of Scotland, it was in the
Scottish Queen to answer. After this Throckmorton was
brought to his horse by M. De Vielleville. |
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| 5. At this audience he found the Court very much altered,
and yet very great; for about the King and Queen Mother
he found the Constable, the Admiral, the Cardinal of Châtillon, D'Andelot, and a great many of that house, and not one
of the house of Guise, nor but few of their friends. |
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| 6. Because the King of Navarre was gone to visit the
Marshal St. André, (who was not well at ease,) Throckmorton
sent Somers that evening to him to know when he might
have access to him. He answered that as he would be
occupied next morning about affairs, and their dinner and
leisure afterwards was so short, and for that he desired to
commune with him at some length, he asked him to come to
supper next night. This he did on the 23rd, and found his
brother the Cardinal of Bourbon, the Dukes of Nevers and
Bouillon, the Admiral and the Count D'Eu. The King took him
by the hand and led him to his bedside from all the company,
and said that he was sorry that he was absent from the Court
at his audience. Throckmorton remarked that the Queen
was rejoiced that he had the chief handling of affairs, for he
had chiefly in regard the true glory and Word of God in
France; the rather that God had dealt very favourably with
him, who lately was beset with some danger. She trusted he
would entertain amity between the French King and her, so
that the subjects on both sides might perceive the difference
between the government of those that profess the true Word
of God and such other as persecute and oppress it. |
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| 7. The King thanked her, and said that he was specially
affected towards her, for that by her the true religion of God
was greatly set forth through all Europe, and he trusted that by
her the same should be amplified. Throckmorton said that
nothing would more further it than that they should be of one
mind in religion, and now that he had the power in his
hands he might strike a great stroke in that matter. If the
King, with his consent, agreed to accept the Council at Trent,
it would not only overthrow religion in France for ever, but
decay the same greatly in other places where it had taken root.
He answered that they were not determined to accept the
Council as published; for they had sent to Rome against
the continuation and suspension of the old Council at Trent,
and to demand a new Council; and although they allowed
the place, they did not allow the continuation of the old that
was begun in the time of Pope Paul III. Throckmorton said
that they had reason so to do; for if they accepted the Council as it was published by the Bull, they would accept all the
Articles which were concluded from the beginning of that
Council, and so conclude before they began to talk of any
matter in question, or of any reformation. The King said
that this moved them to do as they had done, and that they
were minded not to send to the Council, unless the German
Princes either went or sent thither also. Throckmorton asked
him whether he meant the Papist or Protestant Princes? he
said the Protestant; and asked what the Queen minded to do
in that matter? Throckmorton said that he knew not assuredly; but thought that if the Princes Protestant would
send their legates thither, she would do the same. The King
said that she would do well, and that every party must be
content to leave off obstinacy, and give place in some things
for unity's sake. He also thought that if they could not
accord upon this General Council, they should make a National
Council in their own country; and that if the Queen would
send some learned personages thither it would do great good.
He said that he was not so ambitious as to desire to rule
alone, nor so wilful as to do anything of his own head. The
Queen Mother, (thanks be to God, said he,) begins to take
some taste of the true religion; he hopes she will bring up the
King, her son, in the true fear of God. Throckmorton said
he feared that the Cardinal of Lorraine and his brethren had
too much credit with her, as to turn her from the Papists'
religion. The King said he feared not that, for she was a
wise woman, and made him believe that she reposed great
trust and confidence in him; for a proof whereof she had
agreed that M D'Anjou should marry his daughter, and that
his son should marry Madame Marguerite, her daughter.
Throckmorton said that these were goodly means to advance
the glory of God in this realm; yet he feared it had too
many adversaries. The King trusted God would bring it to
a good pass, and said that as the Queen said He had done
much for him, if she knew all she would indeed say so. He
asked him what he thought was meant when they had him
in a town enclosed, his brother in prison, (who is now in his
[the speaker's] hands,) and had ordered a great band of horse
and foot, Spaniards, to enter his country, but that his wife
had taken good order for the matter in time. Throckmorton
said that there was a bruit that the Spaniards had passage
given them by Bayonne, and other forts of the French King.
The King said that it was true, and that he was about to
verify the letters that are yet denied. Throckmorton said
that it was a strange counsel to be given to any Prince to
suffer so many strangers to enter into his country and seize
themselves of his forts. The King said that although he had
learnt from the Queen how to forgive his enemies, still he
made a difference between them and his friends, and thought
that they should not have so great a power as they had
before; which he thinks the Queen had done with her
adversaries. Throckmorton said that she had none in her
realm. The King asked whether the Queen was married, or
towards marriage. Throckmorton said that she was as far
from marriage as the first day that she came to her crown. The
King said that he always thought she would match herself to
her honour and not abase herself, as the bruit was she would.
The King also desired Throckmorton to write to the Queen
his opinion for an agreement between the two realms in religion; which he has done. |
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| 8. The King further said after supper, to Throckmorton,
that whenever he had occasion to ask audience of the
King he should send to him, and put it to his choice to come
to dinner or supper with him whenever he would, either as
Ambassador or otherwise privately, to devise with him at
any time. |
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| 9. The management of affairs rests chiefly with the Queen
Mother, the King of Navarre, and the Constable. Cannot
but fear the Cardinal of Lorraine's finesse to bring him again
into credit; because he and the Duke of Guise are in great
favour with the Queen Mother. The Estates assembled at this
town on the 13th Dec., but have done little or nothing;
divers of them will not put forth such things as they were
instructed in by other provinces now the King is dead. They
say that by his death many of the people's doleances are
ceased, as the government that they complained about is
ceased. The government by all opinions will light upon the
King of Navarre, for they cannot like that the Queen Mother,
being a woman, should have the pre-eminence in matters of
state; considering the law Salic precludes women from
authority, though she be a daughter of France. Takes the
King of Navarre to be either so modest or circumspect as
that he will not take so great a charge upon him alone without her. |
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| 10. On 20 Dec. the Vidame of Chartres (being released
from the Bastille to the Tournelles, one of the French King's
houses in Paris, but as prisoner,) departed to God, and made
M De Boisy, Grand Ecuyer, his uncle, his executor. He has
given M. Dampville, the Constable's second son, a lordship of
his, called Milly en Gatinois, near Fontainebleau, worth 3,000
crowns yearly. The Prince De Condé was delivered and sent
out of the town on Dec. 24, and is gone to La Fere, in
Picardy, a house of his brother, the King of Navarre, where
and at Haen [Ham] he shall continue till he be called. |
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| 11. On Dec. 23, M. Morette, who was lately with Her
Majesty from the Duke of Savoy, arrived. In talk with the
Queen Mother, the King of Navarre, and the Constable, he
has behaved himself so that he deserves better usage than
Throckmorton hears he received in England. Being straitly
demanded of a matter wherewith the Duke of Guise had
incensed them very dishonourably of the Queen, he affirmed
constantly that he had been misinformed. If she thinks good
to make him a present, he will not depart hence this month. |
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| 12. On the 28th the Count Marsell, kinsman to Count
Roussy, was with the writer and brought the names of certain
gentlemen, whom the King minded to send to redeem the
hostages in England, and asked him to accept them. Throckmorton replied that he had no commission to do so, but would
send them to the Queen, which he accordingly does. Has heard
that when the King removes hence (which shall be in twelve
or fifteen days,) the Scottish Queen goes to Joinville, a house
of the Duke of Guise in the skirts of Lorraine, which is a
long way from any place where the King means to be this
good while. Asks the Queen to instruct his successor whether
he shall ride thither to her. |
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| 13. The Duke of Ferrara has sent Signor Guido Bentivoglio hither to condole. The said Duke through a distemperance in his head is out of his wits. There has been with him
Charles O'Connor, the fourth son of the old O'Connor of
Ireland, aged about 20. He declared that when a child he
was brought to the Queen Dowager in Scotland, with whom he
continued nine years, and lately at the coming away of D'Oysel
came with him to France; he now submits himself to the
Queen, beseeching her to grant him pardon, and permit him
to return home. He promises to travail in her service with
all his family and friends in Ireland.—Orleans, last of Dec.
1560. Signed. |
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| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil. Pp. 17. |
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| Dec. 31. | 833. Throckmorton to the Lords of the Council. |
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| 1. Recapitulates his interviews with the Queen Mother, the
King, the Constable, and the King of Navarre, as is contained
in his letter to the Queen of the same date; but adding that he
begs them not to bring the King of Navarre forward as the
author or utterer of anything that passed between them.
Sends them a copy of the Emperor's opinion touching the
General Council, also a copy of the Bull sent from Rome for
the publication of the same at Trent next Easter. Gives
similar information touching the Government, the Parliament,
the Vidame of Chartres, and Signor Morette, as is contained
in his letter to the Queen. He then proceeds thus: |
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| 2. The Duke of Savoy takes it strange that the Lords have
not answered his letters. The Bishop of Glasgow is one of
the principal doers about the Scottish Queen for the matters
of Scotland. Understands that the Pope minds to send
shortly an Abbot, who is brother to Count Martinego, into
England, by the advice of the Emperor and King of
Spain, to persuade the Queen to accord and send to the
Council; and that the Emperor undertakes to persuade the
Princes Protestant to send their legations to the said Council. |
|---|
| 3. "Now that death hath thus disposed of the late French
King, whereby the Scottish Queen is left a widow, one of the
special things your Lordships have to consider, and to have
an eye to, is the marriage of that Queen. During her husband's life there was no great account made of her, for that,
being under band of marriage and subjection of her husband
(who carried the burden and care of all her matters), there
was offered no great occasion to know what was in her. But
since her husband's death, she hath showed (and so continueth)
that she is both of great wisdom for her years, modesty, and
also of great judgment in the wise handling herself and her
matters, which, increasing with her years, cannot but turn
greatly to her commendation, reputation, honour, and great
benefit of her and her country. Already it appears that some
such as made no great account of her, do now, seeing her
wisdom, both honour and pity her. Immediately upon her
husband's death she changed her lodging, withdrew herself
from all company, and became so solitary and exempt of all
worldliness, that she doth not to this day see daylight, and so
will continue out forty days. For the space of fifteen days
after the death of her said husband, she admitted no man to
come into her chamber, but the King, his brethren, the King
of Navarre, the Constable, and her uncles; and about four or
five days after that was content to admit some Bishops and
the ancient Knights of the Order, and none of the younger,
saving Martigues, who having done her good service and
married the chief gentlewoman of the chamber, had so much
favour showed him. The Ambassadors were also lastly
admitted as they came, who have all been with her to condole,
saving I, which I have forborne to do, knowing not the
Queen's pleasure in that behalf." |
|---|
| 4. The Ambassador of Spain has been with her above an
hour together, which is thought to be for more than the
ceremony of condoling required. He has also since that time
dined and had great conference with the Cardinal of Lorraine,
and though the writer thinks the Council of Spain too wise
to think of marrying her to the Prince of Spain without
other commodity, yet it is not amiss to hearken to the
matter, "for the using herself as she beginneth will make
herself to be beloved, and to lack no good means of offers. As
long as the matter shall be well handled in England, and that
now in time good occasions be not let pass, the King of Spain
will have little mind that way. And for my part, I see her
behaviour to be such, and her wisdom and kingly modesty so
great, in that she thinketh herself not too wise, but is content
to be ruled by good counsel and wise men (which is a great
virtue in a Prince or Princess, and which argueth a great
judgment and wisdom in her), that by their means she
cannot do amiss, and I cannot but fear her proceedings with
the time, if any means be left and offered her to take
advantage by." |
|---|
| 5. Understands very credibly that she desires to return to
Scotland, but wishes it to be at the request and suit of her
subjects, to compass which she has sent Robert Lesley (who
pretends title to the earldom of Rothes) to Scotland, to work
by such as are hers and of the French faction. Amongst
others, she holds herself sure of the Lord James, and of all the
Stewarts. She mistrusts none but the Duke of Châtellerault
and his party. She nothing doubts to assure to herself with
easy persuasion all those who hold themselves neuters, besides
the common people, who now, to have their Queen home, she
thinks will altogether lean and incline to her. She will
demand that the principal forts and holds shall be delivered
into her hands, or to such as she shall appoint. She also
works that those who shall request her to come home shall
also promise all obedience, to whom she will assure all good
favour that a Prince can promise to a subject. |
|---|
| 6. The Spanish Ambassador has of late visited him, who
said that though the Abbot of S. Salute could not be admitted
to come into England, yet the Emperor and King of Spain
have persuaded the Pope to send thither again to solicit her to
send to the said Council. Throckmorton told him that he
thought that she would send if it was a free Council, and
no prejudice. |
|---|
| 7. Being the other day with the Admiral, a French captain
named Languedoc told him that Mr. Harleston, late Captain
of Ruisbank, was his prisoner, and that he let him go into
England upon his faith to return thither again by Easter
last, or send 1,500 crowns for his ransom. He prayed Throckmorton as did the Admiral, to write hereof to their Lordships,
that he might have reason therein. Sends his request in
writing herewith. Hears that the French King is about to
change his Ambassador in England; there is some talk of M.
De Noailles. On Nov. 6 there passed George Dudley, a
Knight of Rhodes (brother to Henry Dudley), coming from
Malta; by him Throckmorton wrote to them concerning
himself only, and sent the copy of the letter which he received
from Sir Francis Inglefield, dated at Rome. Has not yet
heard of his arrival.—Orleans, last of December 1560. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil. Pp. 20. |
|---|
| Dec. 31. | 834. Throckmorton to Cecil. |
|---|
| 1. By his letters to the Queen and the Lords, Cecil may
perceive the proceedings of the writer and the state of things
here since his despatch of Dec. 9. The writer has sent to the
Queen his letter to Lethington, unsealed, for her to allow the
same; begs Cecil to seal it and send it by his next despatch,
and to let Francis Lenant, the Scotch merchant of Edinburgh,
perceive that he has done amiss in delivering the packet to
the Regent of Scotland, whereby sundry letters addressed to
Scotchmen here from their friends are in a way to occasion
some trouble. He is a very lewd person; he has the Queen's
passports to come and go through England; it will be well to
say something of him to those in authority in Scotland.
Prays him to help to repair the injury done to M. De Morette,
the Duke of Savoy's Ambassador, as since his return he has
said very well of Cecil to the great personages here, who have
been very curious to know of him touching the Queen, her
marriage, and her Council, unto whom he has so behaved
himself that Throckmorton must say he is an honest and
good-natured man. Has spoken of him to the Queen and
Lords. |
|---|
| 2. The house of Guise does presently bear small rule; the
continuance and hope they have is of the King of Spain, who
for religion and other respects will help their credit. The
principal managing of affairs is with the Queen Mother, the
King of Navarre, and the Constable; therefore the Queen's
letters to them, and his instructions who shall come hither,
should be framed thereafter. |
|---|
| 3. As the King of Spain will earnestly travail to repress
religion, so it is the Queen's policy to be as diligent to advance it. He sees that if she does all the good offices that are
necessary, the true religion is very like to take place in
France, and so throughout all Europe. Has lately addressed
himself to the Admiral, who for his virtue and wisdom is
much esteemed; he has great credit above all others with the
King of Navarre and his uncle, the Constable. Finds by him
that if the Queen will put to an earnest mind and hand in
this matter, it will be here well accepted and work very good
effect. |
|---|
| 4. He [the Admiral] thinks the General Council cannot
take place, but that the King must assemble a National
Council, whereunto. if the Queen send some great learned
man, he does not doubt all will be well; in the meantime he
wishes good intelligence and mutual conference between the
Princes by their ministers. Will declare at good length
when he comes home what his discourse was on those matters.
Wishes the Queen to write a friendly letter to the Admiral
by him who shall come next hither, who should be here
before the 18th January, as the Queen of Scots will depart
hence for Joinville about the 20th. |
|---|
| 5. "But if Her Majesty do so foully forget herself in her
marriage as the bruit runneth here, never think to bring
anything to pass, either here or elsewhere. I would you did
hear the lamentation, the declamation, and sundry affections
which hath course here for that matter. Sir, do not so
forget yourself as to think you do enough because you do not
further the matter; remember your mistress is young, and
subject to affections; you are her sworn counsellor, and in
great credit with her; you know there be some of your
colleagues which have promoted the matter; there is nobody
reputed of judgment and authority that doth to Her Majesty
disallow it, for such as be so wise as to mislike it, be too
timorous to show it; so as Her Majesty's affection doth find
rather wind and sail to set it forward than any advice to
quench it, my duty to her, my good will to you, doth move
me to speak plainly." Prays him to procure the Queen's
good grace and clemency upon young Thomas Oliver. |
|---|
| 6. Has an inkling of a matter that should have heed taken
to it in time. It is no matter that shall be handled by the
rulers here, nor does it directly touch this State. One of
the best places to decipher it is Venice; Guido Cavalcanti is
the fittest to be chosen for that purpose, if he were for a time
the Queen's agent to the Signory. The parties who have to
do in this matter are these:—the Emperor, the Kings of
Spain, Denmark, and Sweden, the Pope, the Queen of Scotland, the Cardinal of Lorraine, and the Dukes of Austria and
Guise. The matter is, that the Duke of Austria shall marry
the Queen of Scotland, and the Kings of Denmark and
Sweden two of the Emperor's daughters. These matters are
like to be treated with great secresy. Cavalcanti has great
means to know what shall be contrived either at Venice or
Rome, and for the time the Queen has need of an instrument
which shall be able to tell more than the news of the Rialto,
and either Rome or Venice are the places to decipher the
secret practices of Princes. |
|---|
| 7. The Ambassador of Spain has just visited him, who did,
amongst other matters, "earnestly require me to tell him
whether the Queen, my mistress, were not secretly married to
the Lord Robert; for, said he, I assure you, M. l'Ambassadeur, this Court is full of it, and whatsoever any man doth
make your mistress believe, assure yourself there was never
Princess so overseen if she do not give order in that matter
betimes. The bruits of her doings, said he, be very strange
in all Courts and countries. He said the Queen, your mistress,
doth show that she hath honour but for a few in her realm,
for no man will advise her to leave her folly;—with other
things which were grievous for me to hear." |
|---|
| 8. Encloses copies of his letters to the Lord Robert Dudley (fn. 5)
and the Queen, to remove suspicion of double and indirect
dealings. |
|---|
| Copy, slightly injured in the outer margin. Endd.: Ult.
Decembris 1560, by Mr. N. Tremaine, and (by Throckmorton's
son) Dissuading the dishonourable matching with the Lord of
Leicester. Pp. 4. |
|---|
| Dec. 31. | 835. Original of the above, as despatched.—Orleans, last of Dec.
1560. Signed. |
|---|
| Hol. Add. Endd. by Cecil. Pp. 6. |
|---|
| Dec. 31. | 836. Memorial for Throckmorton. |
|---|
| "Things to be answered to the Ambassador in France at the
next despatch from the Queen and Council." |
|---|
| 1. The Queen to write kind letters to the Queen Mother,
the King of Navarre, and the Constable. |
|---|
| 2. To write to the Queen of Scotland, if the Queen thinks
good. |
|---|
| 3. To bring letters to the Cardinals of Lorraine and Tournon, the Duke of Guise, and the Admiral. |
|---|
| 4. If the Queen of Scotland is gone to Rheims, or Joinville, before his coming that shall condole, etc., whether he
shall go where she shall be? |
|---|
| 5. To bring copies of all such letters as the Queen shall
write. |
|---|
| 6. To know her pleasure for Charles O'Connor's pardon. |
|---|
| 7. To remind her for M. De Morette's present, the same to
be sent by the next; and such of the Council as the Duke of
Savoy wrote to, to be moved whether they will write to
him again. |
|---|
| 8. To have answer for the acceptation of the new hostages;
named Dec. 28. |
|---|
| 9. To have answer touching the ransom of Mr. Hurleston,
late Captain of Ruisbank. |
|---|
| 10. To have answer of his letter to the Queen. |
|---|
| 11. To send the Laird of Lethington the said Ambassador's
letter. |
|---|
| Endd. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| [Dec.] | 837. Government of France. |
|---|
| It is thought the government of affairs shall be ordered
thus: the Queen Mother, principal; the King of Navarre,
the Cardinals of Lorraine and Tournon, the Duke of Guise,
the Constable, the Marshals Brissac and St. Andre and the
Chancellor, to be counsellors. Signed: N. Throckmorton. |
|---|
| Orig. Written on a leaf of paper, headed: Practice discovered at Calais. Endd. by Cecil. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| [Dec.] | 838. The Queen to [the Queen Mother of France]. (fn. 6) |
|---|
| Condoles on the death of the late King and congratulates
on the accession of the present King. Is especially glad to be
informed by the English Ambassador of the Queen's desire
to reform the abuses in religion at present so rife and to
endeavour to re-unite Christendom, on which heads the
Ambassador will communicate with her more fully. |
|---|
| Copy. Fr. P. 1. |
|---|
| [Dec.] | 839. The Queen to [the King of Navarre]. |
|---|
| She has commissioned her Ambassador, Throckmorton, to
assure him of her desire to support his [the King's] administration of the present government of France along with
the Queen Mother. Hopes that they will aim at the reformation of abuses and the union of Christendom. |
|---|
| Draft. Fr. P. 1. |
|---|
| [Dec.] | 840. The Queen to [the Constable Montmorency]. |
|---|
| She has heard of the valuable services he has rendered to
the advancement of true Christianity, and of his efforts for
the removal of the great abuses which have been dominant
until the present time. Hopes he will persevere in these,
aiming at the union of Christendom. She has commissioned
her Ambassador to discuss these subjects with him more
fully. |
|---|
| Draft. Fr. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| Dec. 31. | 841. Jones to Throckmorton. |
|---|
| 1. Beseeches him to decipher this letter himself. Directs
this letter as it is, for that it is committed to the conveyance of the French Ambassador. Is ready to go to horse
towards his old mansion to Drayton. Wrote on Christmas
Eve by George Barnesby, Lord Robert's servant. Mr. Secretary is Master of the Wards, and Steward of Westminster,
an office worth three hundred marks a-year. He still keeps
the privy seal and executes the secretaryship; whereby he
declares his ability for execution of many offices without
other aid. Thought that some of the windfalls happened
by Mr. Treasurer's death would have lighted upon Throckmorton; but there blew so many contrary winds as nothing
can pass the sea, nor he come over. Mr. Vice-Chamberlain
will be Treasurer and Mr. Wroth Vice-Chamberlain. |
|---|
| 2. It is said that Lord Robert about Twelvetide shall be
created Earl of Leicester, and his brother Earl of Warwick.
Mr. Secretary is the only minister for Lord Robert, and so
has been a good time; this comes from a good place, and
how it is to be credited the circumstance of some doings
can well declare. Fears that Throckmorton's friendliness
has at his hands been used thereafter. Asks him to take no
knowledge thereof at his hands. |
|---|
| 3. Mr. Tamworth has said that all goes well on their side,
and that some matters shall come to pass sooner than was
looked for; and preachers convert their sermons that we
may have no strangers to rule over us. Mr. Killigrew is
often with the French here, and knows their occurrents
"The Bishops and others of the old crew" will not receive
their liberty upon the conditions proposed unto them, and
mentioned in his last. My Lady has not yet returned to
town.—London, New Year's Eve, 1560. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Injured by damp. A few portions in cipher, deciphered. Add.: A M. mon mary, M. De Throckmorton.
Endd.: 1 Jan. 1560. Pp. 3. |
|---|
| Dec. 31. | 842. Lord Grey to Cecil. |
|---|
| 1. Is much comforted by his letter of Christmas Day thanking his diligence "in reformation of Northumberland's disorders." Perceives how Cecil esteems his [Grey's] favour
to France and the house of Guise, to whom he bears such
good will as they have given him cause. Whereas the writer
is required to lay strait watch that the base money should
not be gathered and sent into Scotland, it has been one of
his chiefest cares; for the more surety whereof he has comforted the soldiers to search the passengers, and has from time
to time appointed his own household servants to the same.
This he will continue till such time as the Lords of the
Council shall appoint a searcher with some reasonable fee.—
Berwick, last of December, 1560. Signed. |
|---|
| 2. P. S.—Desires that a Marshal may be sent, as he is left
without any man who can counsel discreetly. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| Dec. 31. | 843. Mundt to Cecil. |
|---|
| 1. Wrote on the 17th that the death of the French King
might cause the assembly of the Protestant Princes to be
postponed; but he has now learnt for certain that they will
meet on the 20th Jan. at Naumberg in Thuringia, to the
number of three Electors, and twenty-one other Princes. This
place is chosen because it is equally convenient for the Electors of Saxony and Brandenburg, and the Elector Palatine,
and also for the Princes of Saxony, Pomerania, Mecklenburg,
Lunenburg, Hesse, and Anhalt. The Duke of Wurtemberg
has determined to set out on the 8th. It is probable that
they will deliberate as to the conditions on which they will
assent to the General Council, for it is affirmed that the
Pope desires that the Council of Trent should be continued;
and because the dispute about the mode of the Presence in
the Sacrament of the Supper has broken out again, whereupon the Princes will enjoin moderation on their preachers,
and that they shall abstain from abusive and libellous words.
Desires to be informed speedily whether he is to go to the
assembly of the Princes.—Strasburg, 31 Dec. 1560. Signed. |
|---|
| 2. P. S.—This letter will reach Antwerp by Jan. 6, and the
Court four days after; the deliberation and answer will take
up four more; the answer will arrive at Antwerp on the 18th
and will reach him late on the 25th. It will take him nine
days to get to Naumberg, which will make it 4th Feb. It
is probable that the Princes will be occupied about fourteen
days in their deliberations. |
|---|
| Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. Lat. Pp. 4. |
|---|
| [Dec.] | 844. The Queen's Debts in Flanders. |
|---|
| "A brief note of all such sums of money as that I, Thomas
Gresham, have received and paid for Your Majesty's behoof
since 21 Dec. 1558." viz.: |
|---|
| | £ | s. | d. |
|---|
| Sum total paid | 339,996 | 13 | 4 |
|---|
| Sum total received | 337,958 | 14 | 0 |
|---|
| | 2,037 | 19 | 4 |
|---|
| exclusive of charges for transportation of armour. Signed by
Gresham. |
|---|
| Orig. Endd. by Cecil: 1560. Pp. 4. |
|---|
| [Dec.] | 845. The Queen's Debts in Flanders. |
|---|
| 1. Money prolonged and taken up from the payment of the
Syngzon Mart, 1560, till the payments of the Cold Marte 1560,
being six months. |
|---|
| 2. Sum total, with interest and brokerage, 92,232l. 13s. 4d.
Endd. by Cecil. Pp. 3. |
|---|
| [Dec.] | 846. English Ecclesiastics Abroad. |
|---|
| A list of twenty-seven names of Englishmen, chiefly priests
and deacons, with sums of thirty or twenty florins placed
after their names, being the amount of the alms awarded to
them by King Philip. Dr. Story and Henry Jolliffe,
almoner to the late Queen Mary, are provided by the King's
special letters to the Duke with one hundred florins a-piece
out of the abbey of St. Gertrude in Louvain. Mr. Bell is
with Lady Dormer. If her Grace likes, the writer will send
some of these forms to be corrected and altered, and having
been put into Spanish by Mr. Kempe, they may be sent to
Gayns to procure it to be signed. |
|---|
| Endd.: Names of certain in Louvain; for the distribution
of the King's alms. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| [Dec.] | 847. Bond for the Appearance of Lord Grey. |
|---|
| Bond by Sir Walter Ker of Cessford, Sir John Ker of
Farnihurst, and Sir Ralph Grey of Chillingham to the Queen
in 1,000l. for the surrender of the Lord Gray of Scotland,
taken prisoner in the late wars. |
|---|
| Draft. Lat. and Engl. Pp. 3. |
|---|