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| April 12. | 105. Shers to Cecil. |
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| 1. The occurrences this week are few. Those that departed
from Rome for the Council towards at Trenta stay yet by the
way, expecting to be revoked, and now they write from Rome
that the Pope has called this toward Council back into disputation whether it will be better to continue the same, and at
Trenta, or determine for some new Council somewhere else. |
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| 2. The young Caraffa and the Cardinal of Naples are now
at liberty, for which he has restored the jewels and plate for
100,000 crowns, and paid 50,000 crowns in ready money, with
security for 50,000 crowns more, which must be paid within
two months. |
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| 3. What he wrote in his last concerning Sienna is not yet
confirmed, only that the Conté of Pitigliano has entered King
Philip's service; some say he has the government of Port
Hercule and Orbitello, which causes the others to rise. It is
not true the Duke of Florence fortifies with such haste at
Sienna; he would not contend against the King, but would
rather pacify. The Duke has now chosen an Ambassador to
reside here continually. |
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| 4. The marriage of the Emperor's daughter will be solemnized at Mantua on the 26th inst. with much triumph. |
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| 5. By the last letters from Constantinople of the 6th March
the Turk's army was in readiness, but it is not certain
whether it has set forth yet. |
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| 6. The Duke of Savoy seems to have stayed his hasty
opinion concerning his subjects with wars for religion, who
now quiet themselves, without any extreme restraint.—
Venice, 12 April 1561. Signed. |
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| Orig. Hol., with seal, the second leaf is torn at the bottom
corner. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 4. |
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| April 13. | 106. The Queen to Throckmorton. |
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| In reply to his statement of the last of March that he
doubts whether he shall have the place belonging to him in
preceding the Ambassador of Spain, he is informed that he
shall forbear to go where such meeting or preceding should be,
using such pretences as to him shall seem good. His wife
seems very desirous to come to him, and therefore shall have
licence to do so. "We would gladly hear what ye understand
of the proceedings of the Lord James." All things here are in
good quiet. Has his remembrance of Ireland in good memory.
—Westminster, 13 April 1561. Signed. |
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| Orig. Add. Endd. Pp. 2. |
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| April 13. | 107. Draft of the above. |
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| In Cecil's hol., and endd. by his secretary. Pp. 2. |
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April 13.
Keith, ii. 26. Burnet, iii. Collect. p. 313. | 108. Throckmorton to Mary, Queen of Scots. |
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| Reminds her that when the Earl of Bedford was at the
French Court he and the writer demanded of her the ratification of the accord lately made at Edinburgh; whereunto she
answered that her Council (especially the Cardinal of Lorraine)
not being about her, and as she had not heard from her
Council in Scotland, she could make no direct answer; but
that hearing from them, and having consulted with her
Council here, she would satisfy the Queen in the same.
Since this time the Queen of England, having knowledge of
the coming of the Lord James, and nothing doubting of her
consultation with the Cardinal and others of her Council, has
commanded him to remind her thereof and demand the confirmation of the late accord. Asks her to let him know her
resolute answer.—Paris, 13 April 1561. |
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| Copy. Endd. Pp. 2. |
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| April 13. | 109. Throckmorton to the Cardinal of Lorraine. |
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| When the Earl of Bedford was lately at Paris, the Queen
of Scots refused to ratify the treaty recently made at
Edinburgh, under the plea of the absence of her Councillors,
both French and Scottish. Now that the Cardinal and the
Lord James are with her, the writer begs that the Cardinal
will endeavour to procure the confirmation of the said treaty.
—Paris, 13 April 1561. |
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| Copy. Endd. Fr. Pp. 2. |
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| April 13. | 110. Throckmorton to Lord James Stewart. |
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| Complains that the treaty of Edinburgh has not yet been
ratified. The Queen of Scots having said to the Earl of
Bedford that she, not hearing from her Council in Scotland,
was impeached from satisfying the Queen of England
in this behalf; Throckmorton now prays him (as he has
already done in their conferences) to put to his hand, that
the same may now be done "as a thing whereon dependeth
the banishing and extirpating of all unkindnesses and bitternesses for the time to come."—Paris, 13 April 1561. |
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| Copy. Endd. Pp. 2. |
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| April 13. | 111. Count Mansfeld to the Queen. |
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| No news of any importance from Germany. Sends a short
account of what was transacted at Naumburg, together with
the acts of that Conference. As these have not yet been
made public, begs that his name may not be mentioned in
connexion with them. Hears that there is to be another
convention at Frankfort-on-the-Maine on the 22nd inst. of
the Protestant Princes. Has nothing to write about concerning warlike affairs, as all things here are tranquil. The
King of Denmark was a few days ago at a monastery about
four miles from Lubeck, and summoned the Count of Swartzenburg, George Von Holl, and other noblemen, who are
reported to be enlisting soldiers for the King, who wishes to
appoint a new Bishop of Lubeck against the will of the
Canons and Chapter. The King, however, could do this
without going to war; so it is said that he desires through
these means to put his brother in the government of Iceland.
Begs that she will order his pension to be paid to his agent
without further delay. Professes devotion to her service.—
Mansfeld, 13 April 1561. Signed. |
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| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Lat. Pp. 3. |
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| April 14. | 112. The Senate of Hamburg to the Queen. |
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| Certain Princes of the Roman Empire having informed
them that certain large quantities of armour and cannon
shipped from their town belong to private persons, and is
intended for the use of the Grand Duke of the Russians or
Muscovites, against the Livonians, in contravention to the
Imperial decree, which forbids any munitions of war to be sold
for the use of the Muscovites, the writers have hereupon been
obliged to stay the vessels laden therewith. They, therefore,
beg that she will send them an assurance that these arms are
intended for her own service; in which case they will allow
the ships to proceed.—Hamburg, 14 April 1561. Signed. |
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| Orig., on parchment. Add. Endd. Lat. Broadside. |
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| April 15. | 113. Mundt to Cecil. |
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| 1. Wrote to him on 4th inst. from Frankfort, and on his
return from that place called at the Court of the Elector
Palatine for the purpose of ascertaining the cause of the
convention of the Princes, which was about to take place at
Frankfort. The Elector desired him to come to him on the
next day (which was Easter Day) to dinner. On that occasion
he told Mundt that he had no news worth sending to the
Queen, as affairs stood in the same position as at the Convention of Naumburg. He thought that the Electors would
assemble at Frankfort, if certain matters could first be settled.
He then asked Mundt about the condition of England, the
progress of religion, and the Queen's marriage; to the first
two Mundt replied fully, but said that he knew nothing
certain of the last. |
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| 2. In his conversations with the Elector's Chamberlain and
Chancellor he was unable to gather anything further about
the intended convention of the Electors, except that they
meant to confer on the general affairs of the empire; and
that they were going to arrange with the Emperor that they
should meet more frequently, as was appointed in the Golden
Bull. |
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| 3. At Heidelberg Mundt entered into conversation with
Franciscus Baldwinus, professor of civil law in the University,
who, five years previously, used to lecture publicly at Bourges.
He said that it would be most expedient for the Queen to
marry and have an heir, for that the Guises had most eagerly
sought the opinions of the lawyers concerning the succession
to the English throne. Mundt replied that no controversy
could possibly arise, as it was settled by Parliament, and by
the will of Henry VIII. Baldwinus, however, declared that
neither by will or by the decree of Parliament could the
right inherent in any one be taken away, and a new one
created; that the crown of England was not elective, but
descended by legitimate succession to the nearest heir,
whether male or female; and that the Queen of Scotland was
descended from the eldest daughter. Thinks it his duty to
forward this statement. |
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| 4. There is an assembly of divines and lawyers at Erfurt to
consider the reply to be given to the Emperor and the Pope.
Forwards a copy of the letter which the Chancellor of the Duke
of Deuxponts sent to him. Wilevil [Vielleville], the former
Governor of Metz, came to Heidelberg, on the 10th, where
he was honourably received by the Elector, and set out for
the Emperor, to treat with him about the marriage between
the Queen of Scots and his son Ferdinard.—Strasburg, 15
April 1561. Signed. |
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| 5. P. S.—After having finished, a letter was brought to
him from a friend of his in the Palatine's Court, who says
that this convention at Frankfort is not likely to succeed, on
account of various impediments, and chiefly on account of the
warlike preparations of the Guises against the religion, both
in France and elsewhere, under pretence of the rebellion of
certain Princes, as was done by Charles in 1547, and also on
account of this papistical and bloody Council. |
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| Orig. Hol., with seal. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary,
who adds, with a letter sent unto him from a friend of his
at Naumburg. Lat. Pp. 4. |
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| April 16. | 114. The Emperor Ferdinand to the Queen. (fn. 1) |
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| Desires that she will show favour to John Count of
Threczin, a nobleman of Poland and one of his household, who
intends to visit different countries in Europe.—Vienna, 16
April 1561. Signed: Ferdinandus,—M. Singkhmoser. |
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| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil. Lat. Pp. 3. |
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| April 16. | 115. The Vidame of Amiens to Cecil. |
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| Has seen the letter which Cecil wrote to M. le Vidame, the
writer's brother, lately deceased in England; requiring the
release of two Englishmen, taken at sea during the late war,
upon some reasonable composition. Has made search for
them through all his territory, and found that they were in
the hands of a certain gentleman, and not in any house
appertaining to his said brother. And because he has to
redeem a quantity of plate set in gage by his sister-in-law, he
has found means to get the said Englishmen out of the hands
of him who had them. They have promised to pay him
more than the said plate amounts to. Desires that the said
money may be sent over without let.—Pecquiny, 16 April
1561. Signed: Louis D'Ailly. |
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| Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Fr. Pp. 2. |
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| April 16. | 116. English translation of the above. |
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| Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 2. |
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| April 16. | 117. Lord Grey to Cecil. |
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| 1. Has received his letter of the 10th commending the
writer's travail for the reformation of the disordered state on
the Borders, with which he has been occupied since his coming
hither. Unless it be considered by the Lords of the Council
how unable he is to continue the great burden thereof without
help of discreet men, he must of force give it over utterly, for
it is too great an enterprise to serve alone. Desires that a
Marshal and Treasurer may be sent speedily to relieve him;
and that he continue not always a banished man, without
licence to put his own estate in order of security to his
posterity. Can be well content to receive Mr. Stuckly, or
any other that the Queen allows. Held a day of truce with
Lord Hume on the 14th, who denied him reformation and
willed him complain to the Lords upon him, which he is
driven to do, and will advertise their answer. In the end of
their communing, Lord Hume asked the writer on his honour
whether the English intended to besiege Edinburgh, and
whether the English fleet had taken French ships coming to
Inchkeith with victuals. He answered that he knew nothing
that the Queen and Council meant towards breaking the
good amity between the two realms, and that he dare affirm
that they did not intend anything; and that he had heard no
word of the taking of the French ships. Prays him not to
forget his request for the fishing in controversy between him
and Thomas Carlisle.—Berwick, 16 April 1561. Signed. |
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| 2. P.S.—Desires that the Lords of the Council will inform
him if anything seems allowable in the articles which were
confirmed by the Lords of Scotland. |
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| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. On the back:
At Berwick, 16 April, at eight in the morning. Delivered at
Belford, 16 April, at twelve of the clock, Pp. 3. |
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| April 18. | 118. Intelligences from various Places. |
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| 1. From Rome, 18th April. In the Consistory on the
Monday previous to this date, the beginning of the Council
was deferred for six months, at the request of the Emperor,
King Philip, and the French King. Other things should have
been passed at that Consistory, as the naming of the Cardinals
of Trent and Conza to the bishoprics of Albano and Conza;
the deprivation of the Bishop of Civita di Peña, lately ViceLegate of Bologna; and the admitting of certain Bishops in
Spain presented by King Philip. By reason of the Pope's
haste to Civita Vecchia, all those are deferred until he
returns. |
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| 2. On Wednesday arrived Don John D'Aiala, with a great
company. He, understanding the Pope was to depart next
day, demanded that evening audience; who had answer that
if his errand did not require speed, he should take his ease till
the Pope's return, or that he would go to Civita Vecchia with
him. In the end he was appointed to come to Belvedere
next morning. In the conference it was noticed that he
needed not much to entreat him to put on his cap, and being
once in it he forgot to pluck it off again till the end of the
communications, to the marvel of some that rode by, but
not of such as are acquainted with the Spanish nation. The
same day the Pope took his journey towards Civita Vecchia,
accompanied only by the Cardinal Fiore. |
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| 3. The Friday after, Cardinal Farnese was conducted a
good way on his journey by the Duke of Urbino. The
Duke of Florence is minded by sea to meet the Pope at
Civita Vecchia. The Duchess of Ferrara was despaired of
life, whereof divers discourses are made. The Cardinals of
Pisa and Monte shall suffer death. The Pope has required
of Ascanio Colonna the artillery of Pagliano and the razing
of the fortifications thereof. |
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| 4. From Constantinople, 21st March. At this date there
were only forty galleys ready; the other forty are very
forward, and yet no great haste made in perfecting them.
There was great diligence made in sending aid towards Caffa.
Advertisements come daily of the great outrage done by the
Muscovites in those parts. The Turkish Ambassador was
received at the frontiers of Persia with great pomp, being
presented with two fair horses richly apparelled with gold
and jewels, with the assignation daily of a mutton for every
four of his company, which gives the Turk hope to have
his son delivered into his hands, but none believes it but
himself. In case a peace or truce be concluded with the
Sophy, the Turk intends to send a great army into Hungary.
Two Venetian ships laden with wheat without licence, were
taken and brought into the Straits, and are like to be confiscated, being discovered by the Bassa that sold them the
wheat. |
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| 5. From Milan, 16th April. M. Della Trinita had clean
overthrown the Duke's rebels in La Valle d'Angrogna, having
slain twelve principal captains. Trinita lost 150 footmen,
six port ensigns, and sundry captains of name. Oran was
besieged by sea and land with forty galliots and foists, and
25,000 Turks and Arabs, and it is thought cannot hold for
lack of provisions. |
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| 6. News from Naples (though not certain), state that
Captain Cichala in his journey from Naples to Spain was
encountered by a number of foists and galliots, and after a
long fight was taken, with his nephew and others, who were
carried into Barbary. |
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| 7. The Duchess of Ferrara died on Monday the [blank] of
April in the evening. |
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| Copy. Endd.: April 1561. Pp. 4. |
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| April 19. | 119. The Queen to Throckmorton. |
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| 1. On Thursday last, the 17th inst., the French Ambassador
brought the Baron De Courtillan to the Court, requiring her
to accept him as one sent by the King to be a hostage in the
place of the Count De Roussy. As he had brought no letters
from Throckmorton signifying his estate, or from the King,
she was constrained to say that though she had already
accepted one hostage, the Count De Benon, without any letters,
yet she could not further do so. This she did, not to prejudice the credit of the Baron De Courtillan, but only to
show how much she was inclined to have all good offices of
amity observed with order. Then she called unto her the
Baron and bade him welcome, with such entertainment as
she thinks he found no cause of misliking, but yet forbore to
accept him as a hostage. |
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| 2. She requires Throckmorton to enquire into the quality
and value of the said De Courtillan, and imparts briefly all
that passed, that he may make a report thereof to the King
according to his discretion. And in case the Ambassador
here, or Courtillan, should mislike some speech used by Cecil
in talk with him and Mr. Wotton, who said that he was not
authorized to any purpose of weight as an Ambassador, and
although they had never conceived any doubt of his office,
yet if any matter of weight should be treated upon, unless
he brought some letter of credit, the Queen could not but stay
thereupon. Throckmorton is to use his discretion in answering
the same. |
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| 3. Sir Thomas Cotton has great cause of complaint, who
having his son prisoner to Madame Cresaques, last year redeemed one De la Haye with the consent of the said lady to
make an exchange for his son, and the said De la Hay departing upon his faith into France, neither returns nor acquits
young Cotton, as he is bound to do by writing and oath.
The French Ambassador was privy to the contract and shows
himself offended with De la Haye, and has delivered his
testimonial to Sir Thomas Cotton concerning the same, which
Mr. Cotton will send. She requires him to further by all
convenient means the redemption of Mr. Cotton's son. |
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| 4. Has already licensed his wife to come over to him. In
his last letter he mentions a request of Juan De Luna; he
is to let him understand that she takes his offer in good
part, but that the amity between her and the King of Spain
will not permit her to have the use of his services. |
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| Orig. Draft, chiefly in Cecil's hand, and endd. by his
secretary. Pp. 4. |
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| April 19. | 120. Eric XIV. to Cecil. |
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| Has sent Nicholas Swantonson and John Demock to the
Queen with certain letters. Although he does not doubt that
she will perceive his earnest goodwill and love towards her,
nevertheless he begs Cecil to see that his Envoys do not
neglect anything which may conduce to his advantage, and
that he will do what he can to forward the suit of the writer.
—Arboga, 19 April 1561. Signed. |
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| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Lat. Pp. 2. |
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| April 19. | 121. Shers to Cecil. |
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| 1. Since the receipt of Cecil's letters the writer has had a
care for his journey homewards. Few things occur but what
are known here, for they have as it were registers in all
parts, and by that means guess very near what may follow,
as they have done of the famed Council towards at Trenta.
This appears plainly by the advices from Rome, by which it
is said the King of Spain (not for religion) bears against the
Pope. Some think it is for admitting the French Ambassador
to his banquet and not the Spanish, for giving audience
lately to the Duke of Vendôme's Ambassador, as Ambassador
from the King of Navarre, and for seeking to advance the
Duke of Florence to greater honours as King of Tuscany, and
such other proceedings. It is also written from Rome that
the Spanish clergy (notwithstanding their popishness) have
protested that they will not come to this Council unless it is
free, and that the Pope will submit himself to the same, and
that all Christian Princes may enter as members of the same,
and lend themselves to receive and observe such decrees as
shall be concluded upon in that Council for the unity of the
Christian Church. |
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| 2. Don John D'Ayala, who is appointed Ambassador at
Rome in place of Vargas, has not yet arrived there. A
gentleman from France had arrived there to the new Ambassador to be presented to the Pope. He had to present his
message in writing, and to say little by mouth; his letter is
respecting the annates and divers other conclusions, not for
the Pope's profit. The Pope (being informed previously)
will not as yet admit either the bearer or his letters to his
presence. Upon the protest from Spain for the Council, and
this messenger from France, the Pope called a Consistory, in
which many matters were consulted, and it was concluded
to postpone this Council until next September. |
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| 3. From Mirandola. The Conté of Mirandola, the greatest
stay France ever had in Italy, has forsaken them, and is
entertained with King Philip, who has already taken down
the arms and "bandire" [banners] of France, and set up the
other. Of the Turk's army there is nothing new. "There is
a rumour risen here this week amongst the best, and not yet
common, that the late French Queen and the Queen of Scots
has concluded for marriage, or rather, as some others will say,
is about to conclude with the Emperor's son; and upon the
same there want no discoursers and setters forth of many
good good-morrows touching our country." (fn. 2) The Duke of
Savoy is going into France to confirm all the bargains
between him and them.—Venice, 19 April 1561. Signed. |
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| Orig. Hol., with seal. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary.
Pp. 5. |
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| April 19. | 122. Intelligences from various Places. |
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| 1. From Rome, 13th April. The Cardinal of Naples was
delivered, having paid before to the chief officer of accompts
50,000 crowns, and must pay another 50,000 within two
months. The Cardinals Monte, Pulciano, and Vitelli and
Bishop Vestano were securities for the payment. Cardinal
Farnese has lent him 10,000 crowns for four years, and
Cardinal Santo Fiore the same sum for one year, both
without interest. The Pope gave him such a lesson at his
coming out that he had not a word to answer, but departed
to his house, which he must not leave without licence. He
intends to go to Padua, "there to lie scholar-like" until he
may grow out of debt. |
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| 2. There was a suspicion of war likely to be in Tuscany
which is founded upon the Duke fortifying with haste
Sienna, and that the King of Spain has taken in service the
Conté Petiliano, (a great enemy to the Duke,) and given him
the charge of Porto Hercole and Orbitello; and, finally, that
Philip has lately received the investiture of the said state
from the Emperor. Cardinal Monte will be shortly liberated;
of Cardinal Pisa there was no speaking. |
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| 3. By letters from Spain it is said Don John D'Aiala
should be Ambassador from the King, and is looked for daily. |
|---|
| 4. On the 10th of April the Cardinal of Naples was set at
full liberty with comfortable words, so that he may go to his
book and resort to any place of study subject to the Church,
and to no other university. The Signor De Cenobio should
depart next day with the Rose to the Queen of Bohemia and
with the hat to the elect of Trent. Signor Pietro Antonio
Luna, son-in-law to Duke Urbino, was appointed to go to
Mantua to the Duke's marriage with a present of 30,000
crowns. The generalship of the Church was given unto
Count Frederico Boromeo, and Ascanio della Cornia is his
lieutenant. |
|---|
| 5. On April 12th there was a Consistory, in which was
great discoursing of the Council; but it is thought that
matter will be deferred to September, as both King Philip
and the Emperor have requested the same, minding in the
meantime to see what may be done to persuade the Princes
of Almain to resort thereunto. |
|---|
| 6. From France it is written that the King of Navarre was
minded to send an Ambassador to reside at Rome on his
behalf, which Philip will take in ill-part, as he is already
offended because the Pope has received his obedience as King
of Navarre. |
|---|
| 7. From Venice, 19th April. The Duchess of Ferrara,
daughter to the Duke of Florence, lay at the point of death,
forsaken by the physicians. Don John D'Aiala had arrived
at Milan on his way to Rome as Philip's Ambassador. The
Princes and nobility of Italy would resort to the marriage of
the Duke of Mantua, which will be about the end of the
month. The Pope made a request to the state to send Guido
Bonetti [sic] to Rome, but they have refused, thinking it
more convenient that his cause be determined there. |
|---|
| 8. Vienna, 31st March. The Emperor has delivered
investiture to the Bishop of Saltzburg, having sworn fidelity. |
|---|
| 9. On May 15th the King and Queen of Bohemia would be
crowned in Posonia, a city of Hungary, after which their
style will be King and Queen of Hungary. The Emperor
will be present. |
|---|
| 10. From Constantinople, 6th March. It was confirmed
that the Turk's army should not pass eighty galleys, whereof
sixty were ready. The Muscovites had overthrown the
Tartars, subjects to the Turk, about the coast of Caffa, which
would prevent the Turks being busy with Christendom.
There was a great scarcity of bread and wine in Constantinople, and the pestilence was very great there, which had
caused many to forsake the city. Bajazet, the Turk's son,
was still made much of by the Sophi, to whom the Turk had
sent a notable Ambassador with great presents, as he was in
hope to have him delivered into his hands. In Constantinople there was a great persecution of such as were found to
drink wine in any place but in Pera, where it was lawful for
Christians to drink it, but none of the Turk's subjects.
Warning was given to the Emperor's Ambassador to abstain
from drinking of wine, or else to go with his family to Pera. |
|---|
| Copy. Endd. Pp. 4. |
|---|
| April 20. | 123. Frederic II., King of Denmark, to the Queen. |
|---|
| Johannes Spithovius being about to apply to her for the
restitution of his property in England, has asked the writer
for letters in his favour. Reminds her that the absence of the
petitioner was unavoidable.—Copenhagen, 20 April. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Injured by damp, and slightly imperfect. Add.
Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Lat. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| April 20. | 124. Throckmorton to the Queen. |
|---|
| 1. Advertised Cecil that ten ships were rigging on the
coast of Normandy. Being desirous to know the truth thereof, and knowing of the Constable's coming to this town, he
thought good to learn of him the matter of the said rigging.
Therefore on the 11th inst., (not being able to go himself
through the grief of sickness,) he sent Somers to him with the
Queen's good opinion of him, and to say that though in the late
King Francis's reign there were occasions of jealousy given,
yet now those things being brought to better terms she trusts
to live in quiet and good amity. Moreover, that having
heard of the rigging of some ships, which might occasion
mistrust and jealousy, (though he was not curious in seeking
the secret meaning therein towards any other voyage abroad,)
he desired to be ascertained that they were not meant against
the Queen or against Scotland; upon whose assurance he
would be well satisfied. |
|---|
| 2. The Constable said that he had ever borne good affection
to the Queen, the rather for that the late King Henry, his
master, bare such a singular goodwill towards her. "And
there had up again this old tale of his said master's desire to
see her, if God had lent him life." He told Throckmorton
that he knew no more about the rigging of any ships than of
the day of judgment, and assured him on pain of his damnation (which he set forth very earnestly,) that the King meant
to live in peace with the Queen, and rehearsed some reasons
to move the King to seek to live in quiet, as his minority,
it being not meet that his Council should procure him any
wars unless he were provoked thereto; his coming to the
crown poor, and also that they seek to acquit him of his
debts, which cannot be done if he have war. He also said
that he knew of no men, munition, or artillery for these ships;
that now was the time that their men used to prepare to go
to Newfoundland for fishing; and that peradventure these are
some merchants who would make a voyage to Rome. Throckmorton believes that what the Constable said is true. He also
sent word that the King would depart from Fontainebleau
about the 21st and go towards Rheims by sporting journeys,
there to be sacred about the 10th or 12th of May, and on
the 20th July minds to make his entry into Paris. The
Constable goes to Chantilly, a house of his ten leagues from
Paris; where he marries one of his sons to a daughter of
M. De Humieres. |
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| 3. There has been very much business this Easter in divers
places of the realm, "specially about the administering of the
Sacrament," as at Angers, Mans, Beauvais, and Pontoise. At
Beauvais the Cardinal of Châtillon, (who is Archbishop there)
caused to be preached, and (as some say) " the Cene openly
administered in his chapel after the manner of Geneva, though
something discrepant," wherewith the canons and divers of
the popular people not content murmured, and assembled to
good numbers to have wrought their wicked wills upon the
Cardinal, who shut himself and his, with divers of the communicants of the town, within his house; yet not so speedily
but that some were hurt and killed, and one of the townsmen
brought violently before the Cardinal's gate and there burnt
out of hand without further proceeding with justice in the
matter. They sought by forcing the gates to enter upon the
Cardinal, who was fain to stand to defence until rescue was
sent. Thinks that unless great severity be used upon the
seditious offenders there are like to ensue great things, to
the unquiet of the whole state. |
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| 4. Sent Somers on the 15th to the Queen of Scotland, who
is departed from Rheims, and gone towards Lorraine, taking
the Duke of Guise's house, Jenville, by the way. |
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| 5. Cecil wrote to him lately to understand what answer
the Ambassador of Portugal had to his request or complaint,
fearing the French going to the castle of Mina. It is nothing
to his pleasing, being much after this sort; for fishing and
other places whither the French use to go, they mind to
go forward with their journey, not the King, but his merchant adventurers, who mind to go strongly. |
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| 6. Has just received her letters of the 13th of April by
Francisco, this bearer, whereby she is pleased that he should
absent himself from the sacre of this King for avoiding contentions with the Ambassador of Spain; which matter his
present indisposition comes well to colour. The contention
that was lately at Rome betwixt the French and Spanish
Ambassadors for their range is so ended that the French
precede. M. De Sault has greatly commended her, her Court
and usage, to the King, the Queen Mother, and others. Hears
that the Baron De la Garde, Knight of the Order, is going
to the King of Denmark in legation, and carries his master's
order to him and the King of Sweden, which argues that
there is some more in hand that way than common visitation. Cannot think that so much kindness is meant only to
the King of Sweden, considering that he has sent hither no
embassy. |
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| 7. The King has changed his Ambassador at Rome, because
he, being Bishop of Angoulême, accepted the Cardinal's hat
without the King's knowledge; and has delegated M. De
Lisle, son of M. De Mortier, noted in the Court not to be best
affected to papistry. There is much talk that the Pope minds
to send shortly the Abbot of Martinego in legation to her.
The King is advertised that the Turk with great speed puts
his army to the sea, to the number of 120 galleys, which the
writer fears will make some part of Christendom smart.
Men talk of Sicily and the Goullet. Dragotrey has promised
great things upon the coast of Barbary, which will prove
a great unquietness to the south of Spain. There is a report
that the King of Spain means to repair into the Low Countries, but the writer thinks that this alarm of the Turk will
stay him. Hears that the King's sacre is deferred until the
20th of May, which arises upon some doubt of attempts to
be made by the house of Guise. In very deed the talk here
argues great unquietness in this realm.—Paris, 20 April 1561.
Signed. |
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| 8. P. S.—Don John De Luna has just desired him to renew
his suit to her, and presses for an answer. |
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| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 8. |
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| April 20. | 125. Throckmorton to Cecil. |
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| 1. Received Cecil's letter of the 4th by M. De Sault, on
the 15th, who greatly praised the Queen of England, before
the Queen Mother, the King of Navarre, and all the Princes
of the Court. The Admiral said openly that she was a
pattern for all the Princesses of Christendom, and showed
well the difference betwixt those who profess the true
religion of God, and those who retain the contrary. What
he knows of the Lord James, Cecil shall understand by
letters to the Queen. Has sent to Lord James all such
letters as came by Mr. Somers. |
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| 2. On the 17th received Cecil's letters of the 14th by
Francesco, this bearer. Thinks that the Ambassador of
Portugal is reasonably and discreetly answered, and not far
discrepant from the answer they made him here. The
Baron De Courtillain (otherwise called M. D'Avaugour), is
esteemed a sufficient hostage. If Cecil had not advertised
him of the coming of the Pope's Nuncio thither, he would
have said something therein," but I forbear until I may come
to the certainty of a greater mystery, whereof I will not fail
to advertise Her Majesty in my next despatches." Thinks
that it will be convenient to use the advice of the German
Princes for the receiving of the said Nuncio, and also the
advice of their well-wishers in Scotland, and it will not be
altogether impertinent to make the Ministers of the King
of Sweden, and the Duke of Holst, privy to their proceedings in that matter, that they may not conceive doubtfully of her proceedings in "the cause of religion, common
to them all." Wishes the like to be done to her friends
in these parts. Forasmuch as Mr. Harry Killegrew means
to accompany the wife of the writer hither, it is not un
meet that he should declare the Queen's intentions herein
to the King of Navarre, the Prince of Condé, and the
Admiral; and more so because he guesses that some shall
be sent from them to Her Majesty, and somewhat concerning the Abbot of Martinego's negociation. |
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| 3. Is sorry that he can find no grace for Charles O'Connor,
whose offence was not malicious, but rather childish; it
will grieve him the less if there be meant indeed a substantial reformation of Ireland. "And I do herein accord
with you, and wish that there should not be one inhabitant
left of the old evil seed, if you can find the means to
replenish it with good, faithful, and obedient people."
Reminds him what the Romans and all Princes and states
have done to retain countries in their obedience, which
have been far distant, or not conjoined to them; and how
the Spaniards have kept the realm of Naples and enjoy their
New Indies, and yet God forbid that such as be noble faithful, loyal and obedient subjects, should not be well cherished,,
and in their own country, well maintained. "You must
abolish that choshery, coyne, and livery, their Bryans laws,
and many other savage and monstrous absurdities amongst
them; and howsoever you do, inhabit the coasts and ports
with good people, and specially the coast that lieth towards
Scotland." |
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| 4. Desires to have the Queen's answer to Don Juan De
Luna's suit. He is a man of a noble house, of the age of
55, presently vexed with a quartan. He was Castellan of
Milan, and had very good charge and experience in the
late Emperor's wars; his wife is of the house of Palœolagus,
a Greek born. " The Bishop of Aquila must not know of
these matters." (fn. 3) Don John seems not to be best affected
towards Rugomus' [Ruy Gomez] faction, whereof he takes
the Bishop to be one. The writer perceives by him that
the Duke of Alva is the Queen's best friend in the Spanish
Council. Thus much he declared to the Earl of Bedford
before he spake with Don John De Luna. |
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| 5. The Irish matters must be so cunningly and secretly
handled that neither the stout rebels may perceive whereabouts Cecil goes, or the Scots, their neighbours. It seems
that the Duke of Châtellerault and all his (he would fain
except the Earl of Arran), are very much inclined to become
French again. Need not tell him the same tale of the Earl
of Huntly, and all his; yet the case of England is such,
and the terms of other states is such, that the Queen must
needs wink at these ingratitudes and make a virtue of
necessity, for there is no remedy to keep England in the
good case it is in, and in the reputation it has; but the
Queen must needs have either Roland or Oliver, if she may
not have both, and therefore all sorts must be cherished.
Prays him to remember that without delay the following
people ("the most able and sufficient of these Irish,") be
all made the Queen's pensioners,—the Earl of Argyll, the
Earl of Glencairn, and some of his sufficient friends, the
Master of Maxwell, the Earl of Morton, the Lairds of
Lethington and Grange, Lord Ruthven, Mr. Henry Boneuus
[Balnaves], (though he be of no great power), the Laird of
Pataro, Mr John Wood, secretary to Lord James, Lord
Hume, ("though he be elvish enough") the Laird of Sesford,
and some others, the ablest and fittest of the surname of
the Humes and Carrs. "Remember, I say, in anywise that
presently without delay they be all made the Queen's
pensioners. I could wish it to be kept secret for a time, but
I think it impossible. As to the Earl of Arran and the Lord
James, because they are forth of this predicament, and I
cannot tell what will become of either of them, I will pass
them over for this time." Wishes that all kindness and
favour might be shown to the whole realm of Scotland, and
that the English officers were not too vigilant and severe
in exercising their offices for penal laws and traffic prohibited, and this to last at least as long as the French
Ambassador shall reside in Scotland; "for I judge the
commonalty will strike a stroke in the renewing of the
treaty betwixt France and Scotland, and in renewing also
your treaty when the term thereof shall be expired." When
all sorts shall have tasted of this amity and beneficial profit
it will be hard for the French to dissever it, though they
win the Earl of Huntly and the Duke, both. Is advertised
that the Duke seeks to be restored to his things here,
which is a venial sin; and that the Earl of Huntly employs
all his friends, and sends messengers hither apace to recover
his pension, and be brought into credit with these men.
Wishes that the Queen and Council would remember in the
case of her servants the proportion that Aristotle calls
"analogica."—Paris, 20 April 1561. Signed. |
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| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 5. |
|---|
| April 20. | 126. Draft of the above, partly in Throckmorton's hand, a few
paragraphs transposed. |
|---|
| Endd. Pp. 7. |
|---|
| April 20. | 127. Lord Grey to Cecil. |
|---|
| 1. Desires to be advertised whether he received the
parcel sent by the ordinary post, containing such letters as
came to the writer's hands from one that found Captain
Forbes' budget. Because Forbes lay lurking by the way
long after he had lost his letters, and because Grey has
not heard of their receipt, he has entered into a jealousy.
Divers Scots have reported that Forbes's despatch into
France tended to the hindrance of Lord James and his
purposes. Men think it strange that he cannot be heard
of since his departure from London; his brethren write
daily to Grey for news, but he can learn none to comfort
them withal. |
|---|
| 2. Lord Gray of Scotland has been called upon for his
entry to relieve his sureties, but answers that unless the
Earl of Northumberland write to him directly he will not
do so. Wherefore Thomas Clark has been twice to great
charges with the Earl for his letters, who has denied them.
Desires Cecil to write to him for reason therein. Hopes
shortly to see him at Court.—Berwick, 20 April 1561.
Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 3. |
|---|
| April 20. | 128. Declaration by the Ambassador of Portugal. |
|---|
| 1. Two chief objections having been made to the petition
on the behalf of the King of Portugal touching the let of the
subjects into the countries of Guinea, Brazil, and other parts
of the conquest of the said King, the writer, for the information
of the Lords of the Council, makes a confutation of the said
two objections. |
|---|
| 2. To the first objection, that the King of Portugal does
injury to the subjects of other Princes by disbarring them from
the commodities of his said conquests; it is answered, that all
kinds of merchandise are brought out of the said conquests,
and all the other nations of Christendom are abundantly
furnished of the same by means of their merchants who traffic
into Portugal. Notwithstanding this, the English will go to
the said coasts of Guinea and Brazils to traffic for themselves.
This is not for lack of the commodities, but for their own
singular profit, and to take away the peculiar profit and
dominion of the King of Portugal. His predecessors have
always enjoyed the same, being the first discoverers and conquerors of the same navigation unknown to the world, and at
that time thought impossible, having spent about the same all
the treasure of their realm and all their power for many years,
and in the same lost the lives of many lords and gentlemen.
Had the same cost been employed against the Moors in Africa,
or in other places in Europe, without doubt the King would
have enlarged his dominions, as many other Christian Princes
have done. But he would rather employ himself upon this
enterprise for the advancement of the Catholic faith. And
this has been approved of all, as well of the spirituality as
temporality, and particularly by the predecessors of the
Queen of England. |
|---|
| 3. To the second objection, it is alleged that the English
do not pretend to dispossess the King of Portugal of his said
conquest where he is acknowledged for King, but only to
traffic to such places as are not subject or known to the
Portuguese. To this it is answered that the dominion, etc.,
of the said places is the King of Portugal's for the reasons
aforesaid, and in case there are any provinces unknown, the
same shall not make any bar to his title. And because he
intends to do it thoroughly, it is not meet that any friendly
Prince should aid or favour the same people. Besides this,
there is not a province maritime or kingdom on the coast of
Autyopia, or any other place of the same conquest, but
acknowledges more or less the said King of Portugal to be
superior and lord of the same navigation. The King of
Portugal acknowledges that it is sometimes needful to suffer
some parts to have more liberty than others, and sometimes
it is done to bring them better and gently to the predication
of the Gospel, and to treat them friendly and amicable and
not by way of cruelty. It is to be considered that in such a
great dominion, and so dispersed, it is impossible in such a
small time to possess all the said countries, as it is unto
Kings in Europe to possess all their dominions. And in case
one or two ships of merchants or others, particularly Englishmen, think to have resort in any of the same provinces or
conquests, it is to be credited more that the armies of the
said King of Portugal would do it sooner by force; and in
case the English pretend to use the same not of force but only
to traffic, the King has there what will let that nobody shall
there traffic. |
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| Copy, dated and endd. by Cecil. Pp. 6. |
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