|
| Feb. 11. | 983. Chamberlain to Cecil. |
|---|
| Since closing his letters to him and to the Queen, more matter
was ministered to him, as he may perceive by the postscript,
wherein he has declared word for word what was said.
Moreover the party told him that the King would be glad to
show that he was able to do something in friendship with
the Queen rather than men should note her to stick with him
for trifles. Besides, he said that the Count De Feria, bearing
as good will to the amity and service of the Queen as any
man, and having made the alliance that he has, looked for
more favour both in his own respect and his friends. The
King would also be content that it should be known that the
Count was the man whom he favoured, and would accept
right well any pleasure that might be shown him. He also said
that it was a point of wisdom for one Prince to have regard
to the other's minsters. The Regent also said to him that the
King having conceived well of him, would use him to be a
means for him. If the Queen yields to his request it will
give the King great pleasure and advance Chamberlain's
credit. Prays Cecil to help his successor forward, and begs to
be commended to his wife.—Toledo, 11 Feb. 1561. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil: 11 Feb. 1560. Pp. 3. |
|---|
| Feb. 11. | 984. The Earl of Bedford to Cecil. |
|---|
| 1. Since his arrival eight days since, he has tarried for
Throckmorton, whose sickness is in better case, so that he has
been able to travel hither with much ado. They mean to set
forward for Fontainebleau as shortly as they can. The
Queen Mother does most things here, and in manner all,
saving that sometimes she uses the advice of "the Vandôme,"
who is bruited to do much. Religion for this little time has
had good success, and a certain liberty is granted rather by
toleration than by any common order as yet published, so is
there no persecution awhile. |
|---|
| 2. Don Juan Manriques, the King of Spain's Ambassador,
has earnestly moved the Queen Mother to take into her hands
the absolute government, and that for better aid therein his
master will die at her feet. It is hard to judge how religion
would prosper if this took place. The young Queen's going
to Rheims is deferred, because of his coming, yet it is thought
she shall thither afterwards, and so to Janville. The Prince
of Condé is looked for daily at the Court. Manriques is
departed, rewarded with 1,500 crowns. One is appointed to
come over into England to congratulate with the Queen; it
shall be either M. Vielleville or M. Dampville. Guido Cavalcanti is also appointed to come over; but the writer does not
know the effect of his message. The Duchess of Ferrara has
appointed a Knight who attends upon her to come over to
visit the Queen shortly. Throckmorton uses great discretion.
Has been very often and friendly visited, and is lodged in
M. Dampville's house. They have despatched a letter to
Mr. Mundt, and mean shortly to write to Chamberlain. The
Cardinal of Lorraine is gone to Rheims, there to lie all the
Lent season. He says he will preach this Lent, because they
find so much fault with unpreaching Cardinals. |
|---|
| 3. The wife of the Admiral of France was lately delivered of
a child, which he caused to be baptized openly in the vulgar
tongue, after the manner of Geneva; the Admiral was
present thereat himself; the doing of the same was much
commended by many. He comes not to Mass in any open
assembly, but the King of Navarre does. There is a certain
suspicion of the Duke of Nemours brought and uttered to
"the Vandôme," for that he should beget with child a cousin
of "the Vandôme," called Demoiselle De Rohan, whom by
law he should marry, which he utterly refuses. The brother
of this gentlewoman, M. De Rohan, came yesterday to the
Court with 200 horse, and it is thought there will arise some
faction, for that Guise takes part with De Nemours. The
Vandôme has sent for M. De Nemours. M. De Rohan is a
great Protestant. Word has been sent by the Vandôme and
the Constable that they shall lie at Fontainebleau in a lodging
of the King's called the Pavilion, so they will be at the
King's charges, which will cause them to stay the shorter
while there. Notwithstanding they have refused the same
two or three times, yet must they take this offer.—Paris,
11 Feb. 1560. Signed. |
|---|
| 4. P.S.—Throckmorton will follow Cecil's and his other
friends' advice. "You know what I mean." Desires to be
commended to Lady Cecil. |
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| Orig., with armorial seal. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary.
Pp. 4. |
|---|
| Feb. 11. | 985. Thomas Jenyson to Cecil. |
|---|
| 1. Made his repair hither to provide coals, iron, steel,
baskets, nails, hoops, and clapboard, wherein he found as
much aid of Mr. Bertram Anderson as he required. Has
already two ships laden with coals waiting for a southerly
wind. Yesterday his ministers at Berwick advertised him
that the coals of the store were clean spent, whereby the
lime kilns are like to stay work; and that some that were
doers in divers things there at his coming, (whom he bridled
in the liberty they had both in spoiling and converting to
their own use the Queen's provisions,) would impute the
present want to him. Mr. Anderson, at the coming home of
his ships, will send three or four laden with coals and other
furniture, and has already hired two ships, in one whereof he
has abated in the price of coals and freight 12d. per chaldron,
and in the other 20d., for which the writer has promised him
[Anderson] payment at Mr. Brown's coming. For that the
limekilns and smiths' fires consume yearly 1,500 chaldrons of
coal, which are not wholly provided in summer, the Queen is
burdened with 200 or 300 marks yearly that might be saved.
First, in summer time the coals which are delivered by weight,
or freight of a keel, (and not by measure,) are dry, and the keel
also, which makes the same lighter in the lading than those
laden in winter by two chaldrons at least in every ship's lading;
secondly the coals are more plentiful in summer than in
winter, whereby they and the freight are better by 2s. 6d. in
every chaldron at least; third, the owners and masters of
the ships are not willing to serve almost for any money in
the winter to Berwick (the coast is so dangerous); whereby
the limekilns may oftentimes stay, and yet the burners
continue in wages. Authority should be given to confer and
bargain with them that will the best cheap serve the Queen
with 800 chaldrons of the best coal, called Darewen coal, and
as many of the best Northumberland coal, to be delivered at
Berwick, half by mid August and the rest by the last of
October next; for that their stowage will not stow the whole
together, all of which might be at 13s. the chaldron the first
sort, and 12s. the next. Has communed with Mr. Anderson,
who will not be brought under 14s. 6d. the chaldron, and
to be monthly paid, who is as able as all the rest of the
merchants to serve the turn. |
|---|
| 2. For want of convenient close yards about the store
houses, the carpenters and sawyers not only work abroad and
"slow" their work by working every trifle for others, but
also purloin the Queen's timber and stuff, and so do others
he therefore recommends that three or four yards should be
enclosed. |
|---|
| 3. At his coming hither there was a robbery in the
bishopric by two soldiers who came abroad without passport
whereupon he required the Mayor to charge his inferior
ministers once or twice in the week to search the victualling
houses in the town for soldiers without passports, and to
imprison them till he heard the Governor's pleasure; which
he listed not to do, unless with such as he should find
criminous. Is informed that much of the base money is
conveyed into Scotland, and worth at Edinburgh 18d. in
the lb. In Berwick, money hardly can be had in exchange
for gold, except Scotch money; the price whereof is current
for 15d., albeit five of them are but an ounce and are scantly
sterling. If the same were rated according to its value, he
thinks that it would be some let to the conveyance of English
money. If 10,000l. of new money were sent to this town
it would wholly take up the base money in the bishopric
Northumberland, Westmoreland, and Cumberland; which
being gathered up in those countries, he thinks very little
would be conveyed from any other place. Trusts to Cecil's
memory for the lodgings in the store house, whereby he will
not be occasioned to be absent from his charge.—Newcastle
11 Feb. 1560. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. A small portion
of the bottom corner of the first leaf is torn off. Pp. 4. |
|---|
| Feb. 12. | 986. John Frederick II., Duke of Saxony, to the Queen |
|---|
| Has received her letters by Mundt, who he perceives has
been commissioned by her to speak to them. They have
therefore desired him to declare their minds to her.—Weimar,
12 Feb. 1561. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig., with seal. Add. Endd.: 12 Feb. 1561. Lat.
Pp. 3. |
|---|
| Feb. 12. | 987. Throckmorton to the Queen. |
|---|
| Has received her letter of the 23 Jan. by the Earl of
Bedford, containing her pleasure for his joining with him.
Will strain his best to accompany him to Court. Guido
Cavalcanti goes shortly towards England. The good affection
that he is deemed to bear towards her has greatly hindered
his suits here. Refers her for other occurrences to the Earl
of Bedford's letter.—Paris, 12 Feb. 1560. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 3. |
|---|
| Feb. 12. | 988. The Earl of Bedford to the Queen. |
|---|
| 1. Received her letter of the 4th on the 9th inst., by
Francisco Thomaso. Since his advertisement of the state of
Throckmorton, and his arrival in Paris, he has received letters
from him to the effect that he will be able to come to Paris
before his [Bedford's] going to the Court. By small journeys
he arrived at Paris on the 10th inst. His labouring hitherwards through foul ways and unpleasant weather has much
hindered the way he was in to health, but yet he trusts to
accompany him [the Earl] to the Court within a while in a
litter coach; therefore she need not send anyone to join him
in this legation. Has not failed, according to her commandment, to comfort him with the best persuasions he could,
which have somewhat revived him. |
|---|
| 2. As soon as the French King was advertised about what
time the writer would be at Paris, he sent a gentleman of his
chamber, named M. De Sault, to meet him, with offer of all
pleasure and courtesy. The Constable caused a house of his
in St. Antony's street in Paris to be prepared for him, where
he is very well lodged. Hears that the King is minded to
send M. Dampville into England. Don Juan Menriques, and
the Baron of Boullewiller, (who was sent by the Emperor to
condole,) are both returned homewards; neither of them had
the favour shown them that is prepared for him. The King
has commanded that a pavilion adjoining to his palace of
Fontainebleau shall be sumptuously appointed for him, and
has given order to defray him for his table during his abode.
Takes these extraordinary courtesies to proceed from the good
affection of such as have the charge and order hereof, and
therefore humbly beseeches that the same may be in like case
considered towards M. Dampville. The French Ambassador
in England, M. De Seures, will be shortly revoked, and
the President De L'Aubespine, brother to the Secretary
De L'Aubespine, shall succeed him. |
|---|
| 3. The Princes of Germany have assembled themselves
together, for what purpose he hears not certainly. He and
Throckmorton have taken the opportunity to write by James
Melvill to Mundt to inform himself well of that matter, and
to travail that the Princes depart not without concluding
something amongst themselves for the advancement of
religion; and find means either to procure a free General
Council, or at least to impeach the Council of Trent. He is
also asked to travail that they advertise her of their doings in
that behalf, to have her opinion thereupon; and to solicit
them to send hither some to travail with the Estates here
for the same matter, where they will find many very well
affected. |
|---|
| 4. The Estates held at Orleans are ended, and nothing
concluded but a money matter for the acquitting the King's
debts upon interest, the whole amounting to about 18,000,000
crowns. The King has received in writing the doleances and
requests of the said Estates, which are respited to be answered
by him till the first of May; at which time part of them shall
repair whither the King shall appoint, both for answer to
their requests and to decide how the money shall be paid,
and that within six years. |
|---|
| 5. Guido Cavalcanti is upon his departure towards England.
Has heard a good report from the Lord Ambassador of his
affection towards her. He [Cavalcanti] has been long suitor
here; but being suspected by the Guises to be too well affected
towards her, he departs hence ill satisfied; recommends him
to her favour. Sends a proclamation defending the French
to cavil one against the other in religion.—Paris, 12 Feb.
1560. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 7. |
|---|
| Feb. 12. | 989. The Earl of Bedford to the Council. |
|---|
| Repeats the information contained in his letter of the
same date to the Queen. The Queen of Scotland has despatched a gentleman of this country for Scotland, who put
himself in order to depart out of hand. He minds to pass by
England. Sends the proclamation against religious cavilling.
—Paris, 12 Feb. 1560. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 7. |
|---|
| Feb. 12. | 990. The Earl of Bedford to Cecil. |
|---|
| Commends Francis the post, who has received no payment
from the writer. Retains the other Francis till their next
despatch. M. Noailles visited him yesterday, and shortly
takes his journey hence. All pensions about the Court are
abridged of the third part of their stipends, for that the King
is so greatly indebted; and therefore all tables and such
allowances, as well as the stables and the office of the hawks,
are taken away and sold, both horses and hawks. Has kept
Francis one day longer than he thought to have done.—
Paris, 12 Feb. 1560. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig., with armorial seal. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| Feb. 12. | 991. John Somer to Cecil. |
|---|
| Is rejoiced to see Throckmorton so well on the mending
hand. The Earl of Bedford's coming and comforting for his
revoke has been his best physician. Believes the Queen
would do him more pleasure to tell him plainly that he shall
not be revoked, than to keep him hovering between hope and
doubt; for thereby she will rid him away at once, whereas by
these lingerings he dies living. Has had no leisure to
accomplish his desire for such books as he writes for.—Paris,
12 Feb. 1560. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 3. |
|---|
| Feb. 13. | 992. The Queen to Gresham. |
|---|
| 1. She allows of his doings in obtaining of the Company of
Merchants the loan of 30,000l., which they shall pay for her
the 20th March. The greater part of her debt is due this
month, he is therefore to put over all the rest, excepting such
part as 30,000l. sterling will defray after the rate of twentytwo shillings and sixpence Flemish, for six months, and so
much as the said sum will discharge to put over only for this
month until the 21st March, and herein, with the rest, if he
can, to bring the charge of her interest to ten or twelve, or to
as mean a rate as he can. |
|---|
| 2. As he writes of the service of Gilpyn, his secretary there,
the Queen will be good to him in any reasonable suit. The
Queen trusts (after this February debt is prolonged) his leg
will allow him to go aboard ship to return to her; where for his
own recovery, and for intelligence of his doings, she will be
glad to see him. |
|---|
| Draft, in Cecil's hol., and endd. by Cecil's secretary:
13 Feb. 1560. The ink is much faded. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| [Feb. 13.] | 993. The Queen to the Merchant Adventurers. |
|---|
| She thanks them for aiding her with 30,000l. on that side
the sea, for discharging of part of her debts due this month;
and assures them of repayment according to the rate
of twenty shillings sterling, for twenty-two shillings and
sixpence Flemish. Whereas they require that the same
shall not be paid by them until the 20th March, she will
be pleased if her creditors will forbear till that time upon
her charge. |
|---|
| Draft, in Cecil's hol., and endd. by his secretary. The
ink is much faded. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| Feb. 13. | 994. The Earl of Bedford to the Queen. |
|---|
| On Saturday next they mind to take their journey
towards the Court; of what they shall have done he trusts
to be the messenger himself. Cavalcanti, this bearer, desires
his letters to her in his favour.—Paris, 13 Feb. 1560. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig., with armorial seal. Add. Endd. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| Feb. 13. | 995. Throckmorton to Cecil. |
|---|
| Letter of recommendation for the bearer hereof, Guido
Cavalcanti, who can satisfy them of the state of things at this
Court.—Paris, 13 Feb. 1560. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| Feb. 13. | 996. The Earl of Bedford to Cecil. |
|---|
| Announces his intention of proceeding to the Court on
Saturday next, where they will arrive on the following day,
and desires him to show friendship to Guido Cavalcanti.—
Paris, 13 Feb. 1560. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig., with armorial seal. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary.
Pp. 2. |
|---|
| Feb. 13. | 997. Conference at Naumburg. |
|---|
| 1. John Frederic, Duke of Saxony, having heard what the
Queen of England had been pleased to communicate
through Dr. Mundt, returned the following answer. |
|---|
| 2. Perceives that her friendly warning towards the Princes
and states of the Confession of Augsburg proceeds from
Christian zeal and goodwill towards them, and accordingly
thanks her. She is not ignorant of the fraud by which the
Pope seeks to restore his power, and to extirpate pure and
Christian religion, chiefly among the professors of the Confession of Augsburg. |
|---|
| 3. The Duke has received letters from the Pope through
his Nuncio at Naumburg, concerning the Council, which he
has answered by declaring that he will have no intercourse
with him, and thinks that after this he will be free from all
Papistical meddlings. The Protestant Princes should oppose
the Council, and he will do so himself as far as he can
Thinks also that whenever the French King hires German
troops, it should be provided that no injury shall be inflicted
upon Protestants by their means. Was extremely glad to
hear that the Estates of Scotland had renounced the authority
of the Pope last August, and that this had been done with
her assistance and help; and is sure that nothing will be left
undone by her to further religion. Care must, however, be
taken lest, under pretence of religion, errors and schisms creep
into the kingdom. As the Queen has offered (in the event of
being required to send to the Council,) to communicate her
answer to the Protestant Princes, he hopes she will do so
and that in all matters concerning religion a good intelligence
may be kept up between them.—Weimar, 13 Feb. 1561
Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. by Mundt. Endd. Germ. Pp. 7. |
|---|
| Feb. 13. | 998. Another copy of the above.
Translated into Latin by Mundt, and in his hol. Endd.
1560. Pp. 4. |
|---|
| Feb. 13. | 999. Another translation of the preceding.
Endd. by Cecil: 13 Feb. 1561. Lat. Discoloured and
injured by damp. Pp. 4. |
|---|
| Feb. 15. | 1000. John Shers to Cecil. |
|---|
| 1. Advices this week from Rome and other parts state that
the Pope has won the Emperor's assent for this Council at
Trent. |
|---|
| 2. M. Della Cava, Commissary General appointed by the
Pope for this Council, has left Rome for Trent to prepare there,
and the Pope has sent thither eight of his principal musicians
for the solemn Mass of the Holy Ghost at the beginning of the
Council. |
|---|
| 3. The Cardinal of Mantua has accepted the legation.
From Mantua they write to the contrary. Concerning this
Council it is thought by some to be nothing to the purpose.
They write that the Pope has imprisoned the Cardinal of
Pisa in his castle with the Caraffas, and that a brief is sent
for the Cardinal of Trani, who were made Cardinals by
Paul IV. Some say it is because the Duke of Paliano has
confessed that these Cardinals poisoned Camillo Ursino,
and another Cardinal (whose name he has not), in Paul IV.'s
time. |
|---|
| 4. The Pope will needs have the Duke of Savoy to be
General over this Council with a certain number of men,
so that they may not be disturbed until they have concluded. |
|---|
| 5. They write from Milan of the Duke of Savoy's proceedings, and that a certain vale of his called La Proyna
[Pragelas] has rebelled. The Duke lately subdued this vale
from their religion (which was the same as at Geneva) back
to the Pope, and forced them to build three fortresses at their
charge, which the Duke manned to keep them under; but
now, with the help of certain French subjects of Dauphiné,
which surrounds the vale, they have overthrown M. Della
Trinita and his 3,000 men, recovered the fortresses, slain all
the Papistical preachers whom the Duke sent thither, burned
all sorts of images, and are stronger in themselves. |
|---|
| 6. There is news that the Switzers have agreed amongst
themselves, in their Council at Bada, and that the Duke of
Savoy promised much, and (provoked by the Pope) sent his
Ambassadors thither, to request to have all such places as of
old belonged to his estate; adding, that if they would not
restore the same, the Duke would then request them with
arms. To this answer was made that if he did so, he would
find the Switzers the same men as the Dukes of Savoy had
found them. |
|---|
| 7. The Council of France has changed the wards and
furnished the fortresses they hold in Piedmont with as much
or more strength as was in them before. Berne and other
cantons have promised to assist for the defence of Geneva. |
|---|
| 8. Letters from Constantinople affirm that the Turk's
provision for the Goletta is set forth, and perhaps for Malta. |
|---|
| 9. News from Messina state that one of three ships that
were sent with men and victuals towards the Goletta was
driven into Africa, and fell amongst the Moors, who took and
impaled all the soldiers and mariners, and put them to death
after the Turkish manner, as a terror to all Christians that
shall make that voyage hereafter.—Venice, 15 Feb. 1561.
Signed. |
|---|
| Orig., with seal. Add. Endd.: 15 Feb. 1560. Pp. 4. |
|---|
| Feb 15. | 1001. The Laird of Cessford to Sir John Forster. |
|---|
| Perceives by his letter of 1 Feb. (dated at his house beside
Alnwick) that he [Forster] has considered all the points of his
[Carr's] last writing, dated at Edinburgh, January 17, touching the twelve bills promised between them. The truth is,
there is part of his twelve bills upon Liddlesdale which he has
noted into his roll sent to him, notwithstanding Forster shall
receive it again with the twelve bills of Teviotdale. Therefore he asks him to reform his roll and send it again. As for
his meeting with Lord Borthwick at Jedburgh for answering
the bills of Liddlesdale, it is not needful. Desires him to
appoint a reasonable day at the Staweford for their meeting;
he must not appoint Tuesday in the first week in Lent,
because Lord Grey has agreed to meet him at the Ridingburn. Desires that he will send in his twelve bills; and if he
would proceed with those of Liddlesdale, that he will send in
as many as he can that they may be sent to the Lord Borthwick.—Hallyden, 15 Feb. 1560. Signed: Walter Carre of
Sessforthe. |
|---|
| Copy. P. 1. |
|---|
| [Feb. 16.] | 1002. Money and Plate conveyed into Scotland. |
|---|
| Note of money and plate (chiefly new money) sold and
conveyed into Scotland, by Edward Barwicke, Leonard
Stockdale, John Harrison, and Thomas Carne of Kendall. |
|---|
| Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| Feb. 17. | 1003. Guido Cavalcanti to the Queen. |
|---|
| Cecil having been commissioned by her to answer what the
writer had previously advanced respecting his mission into
Italy, had remarked that the chief obstacle to this design
arose from her unwillingness to be the first to originate such
communication. The writer has already anticipated that
objection, and has proposed that he should be despatched
nominally upon his own private affairs, and not to do harm
to the Venetians. He will have no great difficulty in procuring such information as will be important for her service.
As he has been told by the Secretary that his despatches
have hitherto been considered satisfactory by the Queen, he
conceives that they will be equally so hereafter. Advances
reasons for thinking that he can render her further service
which will be useful, and expresses his wish to be employed
by her.—London, 17 Feb. 1561. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. Ital. Pp. 3. |
|---|
| Feb. 17. | 1004. Edward Grimstone to Lord Grey. |
|---|
| Upon a second conference with the Lord Treasurer, wherein
the office of customer of Berwick was brought in talk, his
Lordship disposed the same upon College, his man, for which
Grimstone not only thanks Grey, but further asks him to
thank the Treasurer. Thinks it well for College to be sent
to give bonds and receive instructions, of which the Treasurer
will probably write to him. It will be well for him
not to deal with the office till he receives the Treasurer's
commission; yet it were good for him to require a copy of
the customs' book, which he is sure that Thomas Barton,
whom he left to fill the office, will not refuse.—London,
17 Feb. 1560. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| Feb. 18. | 1005. Chamberlain to the Lords of the Council. |
|---|
| Since his letter of the 9th he has received theirs of the
7th Jan., touching Champneis and Poole, who arrived in the
Isles of Canaries about last September, with a French ship
richly laden with linen cloths, meaning to have made sale
thereof; but certain French merchants saying that they were
pirates, they were stayed of their purpose and their prize
sequestrated. Whereupon they wrote hither, desiring the help
of the Count and Countess of Feria, to procure from the
King that their prize might be restored, alleging letters of
marque given them by the nobility of Scotland. Wherein
the Count travailed, but could obtain nothing; so that it is
likely that they have ere this received their deserts.—Toledo,
18 Feb. 1561. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary: 18 Feb. 1560.
Pp. 2. |
|---|
| Feb. 18. | 1006. Lord Grey to Cecil. |
|---|
| 1. Received his letter with a copy of a grant whereby
Thomas Carlile claims a fishing in controversy between them,
albeit the benefit of the grant does not appertain to him but
to Widow Barrow, as her dowry from her husband, Robert
Barrow, who died seized of the same, and whose interest he
[Lord Grey] has purchased. That is not the present matter of
controversy, but the payment of six barrels of salmon, which
he ought to yield for a standing place on the castle ground,
where use is to launch and draw their nets. For, notwithstanding the waters have been transferred from the office of
the castle by lease granted to Sir Thomas Clifford and Sir
George Lawson, yet has there customarily appertained a duty
to the captains in all times since, for the said landing place,
though not recited in the grant, no more than is the contrary
specified. Sir James Croft for his time took 4l. and four
barrels of salmon yearly. The six barrels of salmon, which
he now desires to pay, he covenanted with the writer for, as
Sir Thomas Grey can witness. Asks Cecil to favour his right
that he might receive no foil at his hands who has behaved
himself as is not sufferable, and who should not slide without
due punishment but for the reverence the writer bears to the
Duke his master. Whereas he says that the writer ministered
punishment towards him, although in communing thereof he
[Carlile] has sundry times used ill language, yet did the writer
spare him till, in presence of the Council, he spoke very
opprobrious words uncomely of Sir James Croftes; and being
warned to attend upon the day of march, did twice obstinately
neglect; which were the causes the writer committed him to
ward and released him incontinent. Now at his repair to
London, being warned to attend the writer before his departure, he went suddenly, so that Grey could not write by him
the matter of the controversy; and at his coming spoke
untruly of him. All which he trusts that Cecil will consider,
that the writer may be encouraged to serve like a governor,
without receiving such checks. |
|---|
| 2. The four Scots stayed here four days, "and at their
departure understood such reason and courtesy in staying
them, that they be nothing at all grieved therewith." Wishes
that he had been appointed sufficiently from the Court to
have prevented them of such mischief as their hearts imagine.
Without doubt they have conveyed in their hearts and
budgets a great mass of treason. God confound them and it
together!—Berwick, 18 Feb. Signed. |
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| Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary: 18 Feb. 1560. Pp. 3. |
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| Feb. 19. | 1007. Lord Grey to the Privy Council. |
|---|
| Has received their letter of the 6th with a copy of a letter
from the Duke of Norfolk touching the ransom of St. John.
Answer whereof is, that at the time of his journey last in
Scotland he was required by Cecil to grant to the Duke his
part of St. John, having bought the one half of him from
his nephew Somerset for 300 crowns, whereof he paid one
hundred, and is daily called for the other 200. He yielded
the said part over to the Duke, so that he should content his
nephew of the said debt, and Mr. Marcham for his half. Has
never swerved from this promise; albeit he would have
gained 10,000 crowns towards the payment of his own ransom
if he had not surrendered his part. Desires them to regard
the terms that he is in, that for his good will he may not be
endamaged. The Lairds of Craigmillar, Findlater, and Blanerne have declared that St. John paid 600 crowns to Barkley.
If that is true he uses no courtesy to be both winner and
plaintiff.—Berwick, 19 Feb. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd.: 19 Feb. 1560. Pp. 7. |
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| Feb. 19. | 1008. Immanuel Tremellio to Cecil. |
|---|
| Having understood from the Duke of Bedford that Cecil is
now even more influential in the Court of Queen Elizabeth
than he formerly was in that of King Edward, he congratulates him thereupon. The writer was one of the earliest of
the Evangelical foreigners who were patronized by that King,
from whom he received the gift of a free denizenship, a salary,
and a canonry in Carlisle. But the publication of an edict
concerning the restitution of the Mass, upon St. Thomas's
Day in December [29 Dec.], 1553, induced him to set out
from England about Christmas, along with a large body of
English merchants, leaving his wife and family to follow him
into Germany in the spring, after having sold the furniture
of their house. In the meantime the sedition broke out
headed by the Duke of Suffolk; whereupon Master Mor, the
guardian of the Church of the Minories, (near which the
family of the writer resided,) obtained from the Chancellor
[the Bishop of] Winchester authority to confiscate the said
furniture and goods, which he contrived to appropriate to
himself. For the truth of this statement, Cecil is referred to
George Medele. The writer was also deprived of his annual
stipend of fifty marks payable by the Treasurer of the
Augmentations, Sir John Williams, and the prebend which
had been given him by King Edward, with leave of nonresidence. He asks Cecil to cause a reasonable compensation
to be made to him for these losses.—Fontainebleau, 19 Feb.
1561. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Ital. Pp. 4. |
|---|
Feb. 20.
Labanoff, 1. 92. | 1009. Mary, Queen of Scots, to the Queen. |
|---|
| Thanks her for her expressions of friendship conveyed by
the Earl of Bedford. She will do her utmost to preserve the
Queen's friendship.—Fontainebleau, 20 Feb. 1560. Signed:
Votre bonne cousine, Marie. |
|---|
| Orig., with seal. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Fr.
Broadside. |
|---|
| Feb. 20. | 1010. Charles IX. to the Queen. |
|---|
| Thanks her for her good offices expressed by the Earl of
Bedford and by her resident Ambassador, and assures her of
his desire for amity between the realms.—Fontainebleau,
20 Feb. 1560. Signed: Charles,—De L'Aubespine. |
|---|
| Orig., with seal. Add. Endd. Fr. Broadside. |
|---|
| Feb. 20. | 1011. Catherine De Medicis to the Queen. |
|---|
| Acknowledges the receipt of her letters by the Earl of
Bedford; thanks her for her good will and expresses her own
friendship.—Fontainebleau, 20 Feb. 1560. Signed: Caterine,
—De L'Aubespine. |
|---|
| Orig., with seal. Add. Endd. Fr. Broadside. |
|---|
| Feb. 20. | 1012. The King of Navarre to the Queen. |
|---|
| Thanks her for her letters by the Earl of Bedford, and
assures her of his affection towards her, and his desire to
co-operate with the King of France and the Queen Mother for
the preservation of amity between the two realms.—Fontainebleau, 20 Feb. 1560. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. Fr. Broadside. |
|---|
| Feb. 20. | 1013. The Dowager Duchess of Ferrara to the Queen. |
|---|
| Thanks her for her good opinion expressed by her letter
conveyed by the Earl of Bedford and her Ambassador. Has
asked the Earl to express her sentiments more fully.—Fontainebleau, 20 Feb. Signed: Renee de France. |
|---|
| Orig., with seal. Add. Endd. Fr. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| Feb. 20. | 1014. The Dowager Duchess of Ferrara to the Queen. |
|---|
| Letter of credence for the Chevalier Rimynalde, a gentleman of Ferrara, (who had accompanied the writer into France,)
now proceeding into England in company with the Earl of
Bedford.—Fontainebleau, 20 Feb. 1560. Signed: Renee de
France. |
|---|
| Orig., with seal. Add. Endd. Fr. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| Feb. 20. | 1015. The Constable of France to the Queen. |
|---|
| Has received her letter from the Earl of Bedford, and
thanks her for her friendship towards him. Offers his services
to preserve the amity between her and the French King, who
is a gentle Prince, and one who loves virtue.—Fontainebleau,
20 Feb. 1560. Signed: Montmorency. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Fr. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| Feb. 20. | 1016. Francis Edwards to Cecil. |
|---|
| The payments for the gold crowns and pistolets are above
their valuation, as may appear by the enclosed proclamation.
All foreign coins still go at a high price. Gives the prices of
English rose nobles, six francs 12 sous, and angels, four francs
six sous, and also of imperials and Philipps, four francs six
sous. The prices aforesaid makes gold to come hither. The
winds are calm, and the coasts all clear. Sends such printed
matters as are set forth. French wines are very small this
year and dear. The small sort is worth fifty-one francs the
tun, and good wines few to get, and worth sixty-eight francs
the tun, and few to be found that will abide to the latter end
of the year. If Cecil will have any bought, Edwards desires
him to write shortly.—Rouen, 20 Feb. 1560. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Hol., with seal. Add. Endd. Pp. 3. |
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| Feb. 20. | 1017. J. Dymmak to Cecil. |
|---|
| 1. Immediately after the delivery of his last letters of the
9th inst., written at Lubeck, being informed that the
Chancellor of Sweden would be here within four or five days,
he remained until he came to this town, on the 15th inst.
Since then he has had two interviews with the Chancellor,
who declared to him that at his leaving Stockholm, the King
with his brothers and sisters was in good health, and that
there was never greater amity between the King and Duke
John his brother, notwithstanding the reports which have
been noised. Dymmak perceives the Chancellor has commission to go into England, and will remain there six or eight
weeks at least; he will be accompanied with twenty horses.
Boreus, the Ambassador now in London, will upon this man's
coming return again to Sweden. The Chancellor intends to
leave Lubeck on the 22nd inst. He [Dymmak] cannot
perceive that this King's good will towards the Queen has
abated, but has rather increased; he has been offered great
marriages, as the Emperor's daughter, the King of Poland's
sister, with other Princesses, which he has refused, living still
in hope the Queen will not deny him. In consequence he has
sent this man to know her pleasure, and in the meantime
great preparations are being made both for his coronation,
and his journey to England as soon after as possible, providing this man is not denied of the Queen. The King will not
leave his realm unless he has some comfortable answer beforehand, for other Princes would laugh him to scorn if he
ventured so far, and then be denied. He sends enclosed the
order of the burial of Gustavus, late King of Sweden.—
Lubeck, 20 Feb. 1560. Signed. |
|---|
| 2. P. S.—The King of Sweden's Chancellor desired to know
whether Cecil was not against the marriage of the King and
Queen. Dymmak answered that he thought Cecil indifferent,
so that it pleased the Queen. The Chancellor then desired
him to write to Cecil not to take this in evil part. Whereas
he wrote that George Guildenstern came with the Chancellor,
he wrote amiss. The Chancellor's name is Nicholas Guildenstern. |
|---|
| Orig. The P. S. in hol. Injured by damp. Add. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| Feb. 20. | 1018. English Pirates. |
|---|
| Depositions of certain piracies committed by the English,
taken before Regnier Van Urssele, echevin, and Jehan
Van Asseliers, secretary of the city of Antwerp. |
|---|
| 1. Bertelmieu Pauwelson, mariner of Antwerp, deposes
that after last Christmas as he was voyaging towards London
with several other ships, and had arrived off Margate, where
were eight or nine English merchant ships lying at anchor,
the mariners of the said ships cried out to them to strike
sail, and when he took no notice, fired on him, and shot
arrows after him, and shot away the halliards of his ship,
nevertheless by setting all sail he escaped. Being asked
if the English had ever before committed the like outrage,
he answered that about nine years ago, they took out of
his ship 900 kersey cloths. A year ago at Christmas, certain
Englishmen boarded him at night and took from him two
guns, gunpowder, bread, meat, and cheese, together with all
the money that the merchants, his passengers, had about
them. |
|---|
| 2. Adrien Pietersson, mariner of Antwerp, trading to
London, declares on oath, that on his passage to London, being
off Margate, on the 24th of last Jan., about an hour after
sunset, he was boarded by eight or ten armed Englishmen out
of a certain "flouin," (fn. 1) who beat one of his mariners and
compelled him to run below to save himself, and who was
hid by his master in the hold, as otherwise the English would
have killed him, for they had given him many blows and had
wounded him in the arm. The English afterwards entering
the hold spoiled the deponent of all his money, and drove
him with his servant and two others into the galley, whilst
they plundered the ship of merchandise to the value of more
than 200 gros livres of Flanders, and of his own property to
the value of ten livres. The deponent could not recognize
any of the robbers, but they were English by their language.
They wore caps before their faces like masks, and were otherwise disguised. Three or four years ago a similar thing
happened to him. He daily hears like complaints against the
English. |
|---|
| 3. Berthelmieu Cornelisson, mariner of Antwerp, declares
on oath, that throughout the whole year he has been unable
to make a voyage to England peaceably, without the English
robbing him of his victuals, clothes, shirts, or other things;
which they do not only on the coast but even in the Thames.
Even before the Queen's palace at Greenwich, they fired at
him four or five cannon shot, which tore his sails, which the
Queen might have seen from her windows if she had been
there; and which was done chiefly because he would not
allow them to board him for the purpose of plunder. |
|---|
| 4. Jehan Verdonck, mariner of Antwerp, declares that
about two years ago, as he was leaving London, certain
English boarded him in the river and took thirteen barrels
of beer, a quantity of herrings and other victuals, and
beat him and his people like dogs. He has heard several
others complain of the like violence which the English
perpetrate daily on the Low Country mariners. As he was
lying at anchor off Margate he heard of their plundering
Adrien Pietersson; and was obliged to lend him some bread,
as the English had taken all his victuals. |
|---|
| 5. Gerard Roosen, mariner of Antwerp, declares that he
saw about two months ago certain English board the ships of
Adrien Adrienson and Anthony Willemson, and take thence
beer and other provisions; but they were not able to take the
deponent, as he outsailed them. About three years ago as he
was coming from London, they took away from him a chest
of sugar, his clothes and provisions. Hears that they are in
the daily habit of doing the like. About two years ago he
was boarded and attacked with daggers, and stabbed in the
face, to the great danger of his eyesight, because he had no
money to give. |
|---|
| 6. Corneille Moon, mariner of Antwerp, deposes that he
has not traded to England for two years; but that before that
time, certain English boarded him and took all the provisions,
goods, and stores in his ship, and gave him a good beating,
which they are notoriously in the habit of doing daily to
other seamen.—Sworn the 4th Feb. 1560. |
|---|
| 7. Oliver Robertz, mariner of Antwerp, declares that about
a year ago a certain English ship (as far as he could make out
by their language, for he could not learn her name,) boarded
him, and took one hundred bundles of dressed flax, belonging
to Pierre Moucheron, worth 150 livres gros of Flanders, and
also his clothes, and the greater part of his victuals. About
the same time they boarded the vessel of Michael Vanden
Wrele and took three packages and a half of dressed flax, a
package of spices, and also his best cable, together with his
clothes. This happened opposite the castle of Folkestone on
their voyage towards Honfleur. And on their return towards
Antwerp the same English vessel, which carried a flag with
the arms of England, took out of the ship of Michael Vanden
Wrele fifty casks of wine, but was unable to take anything
from the deponent, as he outsailed them. About a year and
a half ago, however, he was pillaged. |
|---|
| 8. Albert Jacobsson, mariner of Antwerp, deposes that about
six weeks ago as he was coming from London, and was near
Erith, eight or nine English in a large row boat came alongside
about midnight, and pretending that they were going to put
some passenger on board, by that means got on deck, and
cutting and thrusting at them drove all the people in the
ship (to the number of eighteen) below, and then took all the
garments and money which they could find, both that belonging to the passengers as well as to himself and crew, to the
value of forty livres de gros. And the said deponent being
able to recognize them, because one of their number named
Guytelier had no nose, he caused them to be arrested and
taken before the justices, who allowed them to depart with a
simple caution. Moreover the deponent is certain that it was
the same persons belonging to Redriff who pursued him as
far as Erith on Saturday last, so that he was compelled to
fight in his defence, to prevent them from plundering his
vessel. Nevertheless they shot so sharply at him that they
wounded two of his people, one with an arrow that penetrated
his back to the depth of four fingers, and the other in the
arm, which arrows he has preserved to show to the Commissioners. Moreover he hears that the English daily do the
like. |
|---|
| 9. Corneille Jorisson, mariner of Antwerp, deposes that on
the 29th of last January, as he was coming from London and
was off the English coast, he fell in with three or four vessels
lying at anchor, whom he knew to be English by their ensigns
and the language of the crew. They hailed him to bring to
and strike his sails, and on his approach seven or eight men
in a brigantine, armed with bows and arrows, shot at his
vessel, but not being able to board him, on account of the
high wind, fired ten or twelve cannon shot at him which
would certainly have sunk him if they had hit the ship; and
those in the brigantine kept up so sharp a fire that ten or
twelve of their arrows stuck in his ship. A little more than
a year ago certain Englishmen plundered him of his sails,
his boat, and his provisions, and broke his compass. These
things they do so frequently that no one can sail with safety
into England. |
|---|
| 10. Jacques Wolffaert, mariner of Antwerp, deposes that
last Saturday he sailed from London in company with Albert
Jacobsson, and that when they were near Erith, a bark, or
chaloupe, full of men tried to board Jacobsson's ship, who called
on deponent to assist him; whereupon he steered towards him,
when the English withdrew, keeping up a sharp fire of arrows.
Moreover, about six weeks ago on his voyage from London,
as he was in the Downs near the castle, certain Englishmen in a bark assailed him sword in hand, and took from
him four shirts and all his money, together with that of another
young man on board. They did not meddle, however, with
an English vessel that happened to be lying there. A year
ago last Easter an English man-of-war, named the Mary Rose,
boarded him, and took away a barrel of beer. Declares further
that these outrages are of frequent occurrence. |
|---|
| 11. Nicholas Cornelisson, mariner of Antwerp, deposes that
yesterday week on his voyage from London, when he was off
the North Foreland, an English vessel lying at anchor there
signalled him to bring to, but seeing as he was doing so, a
boat approaching to plunder him, as he heard they had done
to others, he made all sail; whereupon the English fired a
great gun at them, which missed the ship by less than six
feet, and which would have sent them to the bottom if it had
hit them. However, as it blew strongly, he escaped without
damage from them. About a fortnight before last Christmas,
as the deponent, in company with other ships of Antwerp,
Flanders, and Flushing, was voyaging from London, one of
the Queen's ships called the Double Rose, (fn. 2) which was at anchor
about thirteen leagues from the said town, commanded them
to bring up, which after they had done, the English went
from one vessel to another and took what they chose, namely,
beer and other provisions, clothes, and money. Coming to
his ship, in which there happened to be fortunately two
English merchants, who knew some of those in the boat, after
they had spoken to them they went away without plundering
the deponent.—Sworn the 21st Feb. 1560. |
|---|
| French translation from the Dutch. Endd. by Cecil:
Sent by the Spanish Ambassador, 14 April 1561. Pp. 11. |
|---|