|
| April 21. | 129. The Chancellor of Sweden to Cecil. |
|---|
| Has heard that certain of the Council are not satisfied with
him because at his late interview with them he did not
advance more articles. He could not have offered more than he
did, namely, a powerful King, a large kingdom, riches, wealth,
and the alliance of the Gothic nation; and yet he received no
answer. The chief matter is the offer which the King makes
of his own person, the other matters are only subsidiary and
of secondary importance. Will not propose all the articles that
he has before he has had an audience with the Queen, which
he desires may be to-morrow afternoon, after which he will
state to the Council the nature of the other articles which he
has in charge. If his master is rejected, he does not see
how they can possibly expect a more advantageous alliance.
Hopes to have a decisive and definite answer, as the
matter will not bear any longer delay. If Cecil will assist
him, he promises him the perpetual favour of the King, and
the most ample honours and wealth.—Signed: Nicholas
Guldenstern. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary: 21 April 1561.
Lat. Pp. 4. |
|---|
April 22.
Keith, App. No. 11. Burnett, iii. App. No. LXXI. | 130. Mary, Queen of Scots, to Throckmorton. (fn. 1) |
|---|
| Has read his letter, and as she leaves this place very soon
she cannot give him a reply till she comes to Rheims, where
she expects to be at the King's coronation. The Lord James
came only to do his duty to her, without any commission
relating to anything else.—Nancy, 22 April 1561. |
|---|
| Copy. Endd. Fr. |
|---|
| April 22. | 131. The Cardinal of Lorraine to Throckmorton. |
|---|
| Has received his letter and given audience to the bearer.
As Throckmorton will learn from the bearer and the Queen's
letter, the reply and resolution which have been come to
with respect to the affair about which the bearer was sent,
the writer will not trouble Throckmorton further.—Nancy,
22 April 1561. |
|---|
| Copy. Endd. Fr. |
|---|
| April 22. | 132. Thomas Jennyson to Cecil. |
|---|
| 1. Received his letter of the 10th inst. and is much bound to
him for suspending his judgment as to the price of coals which
he advertised. To the end that Sir Richard Lee's books
should not discredit the true report of the writer, he declares
the circumstances. Since the last pay till his first quarter's
certificate, ending the 4th January, Lee's books do not contain any provisions; in which time the writer affirms that
341 chalders were rated to the Queen at 16s. the chalder, a
certificate whereof is with Cecil in writing, and Grimston
and Abington can witness with him of the state. For mitigating the excessive price, and to furnish the works which
were almost at a stay, wanting coals, the writer travelled to
Newcastle, and searching the purveyor's husbandry, found
that he paid for the best 5s. the chalder, and 3d. keelage
ready money. These he rated in his book, which he did
not deliver till Lady Day last, after that he understood how
Jennyson was grown privy thereto, framing his rates as
follows, viz., 14 chalders at 6s. the coals and 10s. freight
of every chalder; 186 chalders at 5s. 3d. the chalder, with
keelage, and 9s. 8d. freight; 32 chalders at 5s. 3d., and 9s
freight; 24 chalders at 5s. 3d., and 8s. 4d. freight; 26 chalders at 5s. 3d., and 6s. 8d. freight, and 48 chalders bought at
Berwick at 16s. the chalder; total 341 chalders, for which
was demanded 16s. the chalder. His own provision of coals
cost 4s. the chalder on shipboard, amongst which he had 30
chalders of the best; the freights ranged from 10s. to 5s. 2d.
which last rate in these works has seldom or never been
seen, wherein Mr. Anderson has deserved thanks. |
|---|
| 2. Lee's books make not prices so high as 5s. or 4s. 8d. from
before Michaelmas last, for if the Queen be burdened with
more than 2s. 10d. or 3s. the chalder for the coals most
spent here, or with more than 3s. 10d., 4s., or 4s. 4d. the
chalder of the best sort, it has been ill husbanded, for coals
are now dearer by the fourth part, and the prices are no
greater than the rates in Lee's books. Troubles him thus
because Lee's books seem to have been shown for non-advancement of his credit. |
|---|
| 3. The pickaxes brought in the three carts were received
andcertified to Lee's men, and the carts carried to the Queen's
stables to be occupied with those horses. The honesty and
skill of Thomas Barton and John Bird may well allow their
continuance as true servants, yet he fears means will be found
to displace them by Lee, which the writer will not be able to
help, albeit the Queen's instructions give him charge to choose
such honest clerks over fifties and hundreds as will serve her.
Trusts that he may have his full power. |
|---|
| 4. Was suitor to Cecil in his letter of 23rd January for
the consideration of the extraordinary furniture which he
was obliged to borrow, coming to above 66l., and that the
Treasurer might pay his entertainment from Michaelmas,
seeing the same is paid quarterly, and he is burdened with
the whole of the service. Touching Philip Butler, (alias
Athlone,) conductor of the Irishmen, he may be considered
according to appointment when the pay comes; which same,
together with the conduct of the ten hard hewers who came
out of Kent, he forgot in the last certificate. Has written to
Lee what wants are most necessary to be supplied here.—
Berwick, 22 April 1561. Signed. |
|---|
| 5. P. S.—Lee has not advertised the Lords' resolution touching the works, more than that he has appointed that one
Cripps, a mason, his own servant, should have the walling of
one bulwark by task; so that the writer and the Surveyor
are uncertain what to do. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 4. |
|---|
| April 23. | 133. Throckmorton to Cecil. |
|---|
| 1. Wrote in sundry of his last letters that Cecil must wink
at the follies and ingratitude of the Scotch, and again reminds him of the same. Supposes that Captain Forbes will
shortly pass that way. Would wish that though Cecil tell
him of his rash oversight in foiling the Queen's post and his
suspicious passing, yet should he be chidden in such sort as
he may not be driven to desperation of his favour, or his
master led to think that he has lost the Queen's good grace.
"I have an inkling of a matter that maketh me greatly
afraid, and if it prove true, (as I begin greatly to fear it,)
that it shall be needful that the Queen look well about
her, and you and others of her faithful Councillors to give
her sound and faithful counsel." Sent him word by Henry
Middlemore of the Spanish inclination to further the Queen's
marriage, where it is thought it is much coveted. He now
begins to smell the reason and treason. Can assure him that
the Queen of Scotland will never marry the Earl of Arran, and
yet he knows the King of Navarre has given his ministers
good words, and put them in hope it will take effect, as
has the Queen Mother, and yet she bewrays all to the Queen
of Scotland. Cecil may use this matter to the Earl of
Arran as he shall think good for the Queen's purpose. Lord
James has come to Paris this day on his way homewards,
abiding a despatch from the Queen of Scotland, which
Throckmorton thinks appoints him and others (but rather
him alone,) to the management and superintendence of her
affairs in Scotland till her repair thither, which is said will
be in August next. Before that time the writer suspects
she will be secretly fianced to her husband, and repair into
her country as though she were at liberty, there and thereby
the better to work her husband's purpose. This husband he
suspects is the Prince of Spain, "which I am sure will make
you look about you if it prove true." There is great
working on all sides to bring it to pass, and yet he marvels
greatly that Chamberlain finds not the matter; for the writer
received a letter from him of the 7th of April, wherein he
speaks nothing of this marriage, but says that the King of
Spain looks to be advertised what answer the Queen of
Scots makes for the ratification of the treaty made at Edinburgh, and so speaks of the Turk's great preparations, and
the King of Spain's also. He mentions also that on May
23rd all the Estates of Spain will be assembled to delegate
persons to go to the General Council at Trent. It will not
be amiss for Cecil to move Chamberlain to have an eye to
this matter. The packets betwixt Chamberlain and Throckmorton since the late King's death have been very ill handled,
retained two months and six weeks undelivered, and some
of them miscarried, so that they must find some other means
of sending their letters than by the Spanish Ambassador. |
|---|
| 2. At the writing hereof Sommer was not returned from the
Queen of Scotland, who is at Nancy, in Lorraine; guesses
that she will defer the ratification of the treaty until she
come into Scotland herself, and propose that matter to the
Estates. Thinks that the ratification of the French treaty
will be deferred till that time also, which somewhat confirms his suspicion of the Spanish marriage. Need not use
many words in favour of Lord James, whom he thinks
to be one of the meetest men to be cherished and made
much of by the Queen, of any stranger. "It is a great
matter in this time to find a man of his credit in his country
to be so faithful and sincere as he is. I find in him wit
enough for his years, much honour and great fidelity. It is a
good turn that so direct a man as he is hath the credit and
love at home that he hath. He brought the Queen of Scotland four leagues beyond Jenville, where he took his leave
of her. He meaneth to tarry in this town eight or ten days
and then to return as he came, through England. The
Queen of Scotland would in no wise suffer him to come at
the Court in France, and did what she could to have diverted
him from returning through England; so as I perceive, she
seeketh no amity neither in France nor in England, but doth
shape herself a new amity." An assignation has just been
given him of a place not far from the Court where he should
meet and confer with the Admiral.—Paris, 23 April 1561.
Signed. |
|---|
| 3. P. S.—He who promised to carry this letter has deceived
him, and gone without it. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 4. |
|---|
| April 23. | 134. The Admiral of France to Throckmorton. |
|---|
| Asks credit for the bearer, who will communicate certain
matters.—Fontainebleau, 23 April 1561. (fn. 2) |
|---|
| Copy. Endd. by Cecil's secretary: The copy of the letter
from the Admiral, 17 April 1561. Fr. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| April 23. | 135. Lord Grey to Cecil. |
|---|
| Has seen directions from Lee and the Treasurer to the
Controller and Surveyor of the works to discharge all workmen save 400. The Queen having appointed him Governor
of this town, and not having signified her pleasure for
dissolution of the works, he dares not consent to any such
discharge. Has nevertheless counselled the Controller and
Surveyor to put all things in readiness for such discharge.
Having some experience dearly bought with many years
exercise in the wars, and seeing that there is a meaning of
abstinence from fortification here, if he could be heard speak
before the Council face to face with the engineers and
treasurers, he would make plain how the strength might be
raised to sufficient force in saving the Queen great sums of
treasure, where now it is so weak and out of frame that men
were better for security to be encamped in the field. Has
seen so many changes turn men's imaginations upside down,
and felt so much of the smart thereof, that he is suspicious of
alterations. If he is not to be heard, then he begs that he
may be discharged of this office. " A burnt child fire dreads."
If he is not heard herein, he will have wrong, wherefore he
asks to repair to the Court.—Berwick, 23 April 1561. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 3. |
|---|
| April 24. | 136. The Queen to the King of Portugal. |
|---|
| Has received letters written by his mother, and has at
various times given audience to his Ambassador, Emanuel
D'Aranjo, whose requests (although unprecedented) she has
granted, and to whom she refers him for further information.
—Westminster, 24 April 1561. |
|---|
| Copy. Endd. Lat. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| [April 24.] | 137. [The Queen to the Queen Regent of Portugal] |
|---|
| Has received his letter of the 22nd of October last, and has
heard all that the Bishop of Aquila has declared in his name.
The answer which was sent by Emanuel Avalius has been
observed, and strait commandment given to her subjects and
merchants neither to traffic in any port of Ethiopia being
under his dominion and tribute, nor to impeach the traffic of
his subjects. If her subjects disobey she will upon proof
thereof see them punished. |
|---|
| Corrected draft. P. 1. |
|---|
| April 24. | 138. Safe Conduct for the Portuguese. |
|---|
| Upon the complaint and at the request of the Portuguese
Ambassador, she grants to the Portuguese these privileges
following, which are embodied in her letters patent. |
|---|
| 1. That the Portuguese be used by her subjects with
favour. |
|---|
| 2. That (although she knows no cause why her subjects
may not sail into any country subject to Portugal, paying
due tribute,) the English are admonished not to enter any
ports in Ethiopia "in which the said King hath dominion,
obedience, and tribute." |
|---|
| 3. That none of her subjects shall aid any Scotchman in
spoiling any Portuguese, nor purchase goods obtained by
letters of marque. |
|---|
| 4. These her orders shall continue in force as long as the
English are lovingly used by the said King. (fn. 3) |
|---|
| Draft, corrected by Cecil, and dated and endd. by his
secretary. Pp. 4. |
|---|
| [April 24.] | 139. Translation of the above into Latin, omitting the concluding paragraph. |
|---|
| Orig. draft in Ascham's hol. Endd. Pp. 4. |
|---|
| April 24. | 140. The Queen to Valentine Brown. |
|---|
| Commission to sell the malt and oats stored up at Berwick
for her army in the north, and which for want of vent and
utterance are likely to be lost, and to transport the same into
Scotland, Flanders, and other parts beyond the seas, or into
the south of England.—Westminster, [blank] April. 3 Eliz. |
|---|
| Corrected draft. Endd. by Cecil's secretary: 24 April
1561. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| April 24. | 141. Thomas Jenyson to Cecil. |
|---|
| Received a letter from Mr. Brown, signifying that the
Lords of the Council are resolved that the workers shall be
discharged to 400, viz., 200 hard hewers, 128 labourers, two
carpenters, four sawyers, six wheelwrights, eight clerks, and
twelve smiths; which thing shall be put in readiness, albeit
the same is not sufficient discharge for him. Thinks that it
were much pity but that the great mass of stuff presently
ready might this seasonable year be bestowed on the walls
already begun, which would well nigh raise the same to the
height, or at least make the same guardable, so far as the
foundations are laid. Has but 100 mason layers to be
taken in the northern counties, though there were as many
discharged, not being so serviceable. The Surveyor of the
works has received a letter to the like effect from Lee, who
frames himself very diligently to observe the orders prescribed,
though very loath that the works should not proceed.—
Berwick, 24 April 1561. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. P. 1. |
|---|
| April 24. | 142. Rowland Johnson to Cecil. |
|---|
| Has received from Lee special letters of the 17th instant,
willing him to discharge all the workmen here except 400.
The Governor has no intelligence hereof. Will see the same
done, as payment can be made for their discharge. Might the
same number be appointed to some special needful service?
There are in stone ready wrought 30,000 feet, and in lime
about 4,000 chalders; with the addition of 100 layers the
walls might be advanced where the foundations are laid, that
between this and Michaelmas they would have been past the
climb on the sudden. Could open matters very serviceable,
were he but two days at the Court.—Berwick, 24 April 1561.
Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 3. |
|---|
| April 25. | 143. The Bishop of Aquila to Cecil. |
|---|
| Having received a letter from the Abbot of Martinego,
desiring him to communicate certain things to the Queen,
begs that Cecil will give him an audience, and afterwards
signify the same to Her Majesty. Has determined that he
will take no step without Cecil's previous knowledge and
concurrence.—25 April 1561. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Lat.
Pp. 2. |
|---|
| April 26. | 144. The Queen to the Council in the North. (fn. 4) |
|---|
| Commission to the Council in the North to take measures
for the better governance and preservation of peace and prevention of crime in the northern counties.—Westminster,
26 April, 3 Eliz. |
|---|
| Copy, corrected and altered by Cecil. Endd. Lat. Pp. 4. |
|---|
| [April 26.] | 145. The Queen to the Council in the North. |
|---|
| Three letters from the Queen to the Council in the North,
to the following effect;— |
|---|
| 1. Authorizing a quorum of them to address letters under
her signet to magistrates and officers, when necessary for
the suppression of disorders. |
|---|
| 2. Discharging them from the necessity of holding a sitting
both at Newcastle and Carlisle in the same year. |
|---|
| 3. Directing them to abate certain disorders in the north. |
|---|
| Draft, in Gargrave's hol., with one correction by Cecil,
and endd. by his secretary: April 1561. Pp. 4. |
|---|
| April 26. | 146. Charles IX. to the Queen. |
|---|
| Having understood that she has some hesitation in continuing to accept M. De Sevres as his Ambassador, Charles
not having written to her since his accession to the Crown,
he now informs her that he has not done so previously,
not deeming it necessary. No other Sovereign has raised a
similar difficulty. Asks credence for Sevres,—Fontainebleau,
25 April 1561. Signed: Charles,—De L'Aubespine. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. Fr. Broadside. |
|---|
| April 26. | 147. Shers to Cecil. |
|---|
| 1. By his last of the 19th inst. he wrote to Cecil of the
deferring of the Council towards at Trenta. By the news from
Rome this week it appears the Pope had received at a secret
audience the gentleman from France with his letters and
demands, but had not yet answered any part of the same. |
|---|
| 2. The Pope (having determined to go to Civita Vecchia to
meet the Duke of Florence upon their new designs, and being
troubled by this French gentleman's message,) would have
put off giving audience to Giovanni Di Ayala, sent from
King Philip, until his return, which will not be these twelve
days; but Ayala made such earnest suit that the Pope was
forced to hear him before he departed. He presented himself
not after the wonted sort (on his knee kissing the Pope's foot),
but lowly and bare-headed, saving that after he had entered
into the pith of his matter, he put on his cap "unbadde,"
and never touched it after, although he was there above an
hour. His behaviour has filled most mouths, and it is thought
he had instructions to do so by his Prince's order. The
vehement part of his message tended to lament of the Pope's behaviour to the King in sundry ways, in that he had admitted the
Duke of Vendôme's Ambassador as from the King of Navarre,
as it were to admit that title again into question; and also
that the Pope had sought to advance the Duke of Florence to
the title of a King of Tuscany. He spoke of this Council
towards at Trenta as though the Spanish clergy should think
meet that the Pope should submit himself to the same. Ayala
had further commission to take new order for Sienna, and
upon this point most men think fortune is against the Duke
of Florence, and that the house of Farnese shall find some
new stay, and that Parma and Placenza must join Milan, a
matter of no small importance for Philip. |
|---|
| 3. To inform himself more fully of this matter the writer
had a discourse this day with the secretary to the Emperor's
Ambassador, who showed him letters, and made copies of
that matter, and that King Philip had travailed diligently by
his Ambassador for the investiture of Sienna as of the empire,
and had obtained the same of the Emperor. Upon these
considerations they confirm that the Pope has prorogued this
Council at Trenta for six months, or as many say ad Calendas
Græcas, or at least during this Pope's time. |
|---|
| 4. The Pope begins again to seek upon Marco Antonio
Colonna for Paliano; and he has left Rome for Civita Vecchia,
where he will stay ten or twelve days. The Duke of Florence's
daughter, who was Duchess of Ferrara, died last Monday, so
the Duke is again a young widower. Part of the Turk's
army is abroad, and a great number of Turkish pirates, who
commit such great depredations that none durst stir in their
seas for them. The rest of Italy is at the old stay.—Venice,
26 April 1561, "and almost in order to take my journey
homeward." Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Hol., with seal. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary.
Pp. 5. |
|---|
| April 26. | 148. Iacomo Ragazzoni to the Privy Council. |
|---|
| Is rejoiced to find that they recognize his former services to
the Queen and have employed him again. Their letters have
reached him only to-day; he will speedily present to the
Prince that from Her Majesty, according to their directions.
When in England he had formed a friendship with Guido
Giannetti. The intervention of the Queen and Lords will
probably be efficacious; at all events there shall be no want
of zeal on the part of the writer, who feels confident of success
in the matter with which they have entrusted him. M.
Placido (the writer's brother, and the bearer of this letter,)
will personally inform them of the news from Rome, respecting
which Guido enquired very anxiously.—Venice, 26 April
1561. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig., with armorial seal. Add. Endd. Ital. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| April 27. | 149. Frederic II., King of Denmark, to the Queen. |
|---|
| She, (by her letters dated Westminster, 30 March,) having
requested him (1) to grant to Thomas Alan, merchant, the
privilege of trading through the writer's dominions without
being searched or paying duty, as had been granted to William
Watson, deceased; and (2) to establish a fixed and permanent rate upon all English wares imported into his realms;
the writer gives the reason why he is unable to comply with
these requests.—Copenhagen, 5 Cal. Maii 1561. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd.: 28 May 1561. Broadside. |
|---|
| April 27. | 150. Throckmorton to Cecil. |
|---|
| This bearer Captain Forbes desires that he may pass into
Scotland with convenient speed. He has declared to the
writer at good length all his proceedings since he came forth
of Scotland, and has promised to do the like to Cecil. It
appears that he desires to make his purgation of all such
things as may be suspiciously conceived of him, and for that
purpose only takes his way through England; for otherwise
he might have commodiously passed by sea in a ship of his
own country from Dieppe, wherein are embarked divers of
his own countrymen. He has been ascertained by one of
the Duke of Châtellerault's gentlemen that he should find
great difficulty in passing through England; who said that
he and two of his fellows could not of late be suffered to pass,
so as his companions were constrained to return from London
into Scotland, back again. Forbes said that like as he knew
his master of all others to be furthest off from double dealing,
so he would be loath to commit any act that should breed
any suspicion between the Queen and his master.—Paris,
27 April 1561. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| April 29. | 151. Throckmorton to the Queen. |
|---|
| 1. On the 23 April the Admiral of France sent his steward
to the writer with the enclosed letter, giving him the assignation of a place to meet the said Admiral on the 24th three
leagues from Fontainebleau. When they met, the Admiral
said that the goodwill that he bore the Queen of England
was because she maintains and advances the true religion of
God; and therefore, whatsoever he might know that might
hinder the advancement of God's cause, he would declare it
to Throckmorton. |
|---|
| 2. He said that he had three things to communicate which
especially touched the realms of France and England. The
first was concerning the legation of the Abbot of Martinego
into England (who has arrived at Brussels) to induce the
Queen to acknowledge again the Pope's supremacy, and to
embrace the Romish religion. This is not done (quoth he)
without the solicitation of the Emperor and the King of
Spain; for they have after many discourses concluded that
there is no means so good to retain the religion they profess
and to make their profit otherwise as to divert England from
the religion it holds. For so long as the Queen stands fast
in the Protestant religion, so long will many States of Christendom decline from the Catholic religion, and especially her
countenance will be the occasion that France shall embrace
the same; and France being won thereto, the rest of Christendom shall follow. "Do you not see (say they) within these
two years since she came to the crown of England, that the
same religion is not only planted in her own realm but also
in the realm of Scotland by her means, and a great part of
France infected also by the same means?" The Princes of
Almaine are also more animated and begin to set light by the
Emperor, and all the house of Austria, and all this is through
the countenance of the Queen of England. If she be won
from it the rest will fall asunder one from another, and the
old religion be restored. |
|---|
| 3. The second matter was about the marriage of the Queen
of Scotland with the Prince of Spain, which the Admiral
assured him was very like to take place, and so greatly
advanced that it will not be broken. They did not believe,
he said, that the King of Spain esteems that marriage for
Scotland only, but had an eye to England; and that it would
be better for him to marry in sundry other places, both for
alliance and commodity than there, if he sought nothing else
but the realm of Scotland. As that marriage might bring great
danger to religion and to England, so it would be dangerous
for France, and the more so if both England and Scotland
fall into the hands of the King of Spain. Of the forwardness
of this matter they are advertised by sundry good means
from sundry places. |
|---|
| 4. The third matter was that yesterday it was resolved
in Council, that in August next the King would assemble his
clergy and keep a National Council in France for religion.
And as the Queen of England had dissuaded the King from
accepting the Council at Trent, and to desire one in his own
realm, where things might be handled with more sincerity,
and that it was said that the Queen would assist him therein,
it is now thought that she will show herself a good friend
to the King and to the promotion of true religion if she will
send some of her best learned divines to this assembly, and
exhort the Princes Protestant to do the like; for they know
that her authority is great with them, and that they will be
much advised by her. Hereby she will so fortify her own
doings, that such as like them not will be afraid to attempt
anything against her; and she will also have the principal
honour of the good that shall be done as the first mover
of it. |
|---|
| 5. Throckmorton in reply thanked the Admiral, and
assured him that she would employ all her help to the promotion of God's true religion. As to her assistance at the
assembly, the writer desired to know whether he should
advertise the Queen thereof as from the Admiral, or by
him from the King. The Admiral answered that he would
be very loath to have his name brought in question to any
person but only to the Queen; for this matter was but newly
resolved among the King's Privy Council, and not yet
published. He also said that his affection for religion had
procured him many great enemies, who would be glad to
have such a matter as this, that he should discover to
another Prince's minister the King's privy counsel before
it were ordered that it should be published, and therefore
prayed him not to let him be known as the author of this,
or any other thing that he told him, to any person but the
Queen. He trusted that erelong Throckmorton would hear
it from the King, or from the publication of the edict. |
|---|
| 6. Throckmorton then spoke of the marriage of the Prince
of Spain with the Queen of Scotland, saying that but that
he heard it from the Admiral he would not credit the matter,
for that he saw no commodity that could grow thereby to the
King of Spain. For though he had secretly in his mind the
compassing of England by having of Scotland, yet there was
therein no great facility. Moreover the King of Spain could
not be ignorant in what terms the Queen of Scotland stood
with her subjects; also seeing it was so dangerous a matter
for France, he could not believe that her uncles would suffer
her to do an act so damaging to their Sovereign; for the
King would hereafter repute them his enemies, and withhold from her all the dowry she had in France. |
|---|
| 7. As to the Pope's Nuncio they need not, he said, suspect
the Queen's proceedings in that matter, for she would not
admit the usurped authority of the Pope there again, or
change her religion, unless there were better authority to persuade her than the words of an Abbot or messenger sent from
the Pope. It were no greater inconvenience for the Queen
to admit him than any other Prince's Ambassador. As for
the practices of the Pope and the King of Spain, there was
no doubt they had their ministers as well in her realm as
in all other Princes' states. Besides, he could not tell
assuredly whether the Abbot of Martinego would be suffered
to enter the realm. |
|---|
| 8. The Admiral said that whereas Throckmorton had sent
by M. De Secellus to be satisfied about a bruit of the rigging
of certain ships, he assured him upon his honour, that there
was no other preparation in hand at sea but that of their
merchants. They make three notable navigations in the
year; in the spring time to Newfoundland fishing, in August
to the "Bourbage," and in October to Bordeaux and Rochelle
for wines, at which time some of them go into Spain and
from thence into Barbary. This was the substance of what
passed between them, save that the Admiral wished that the
King or the Duke of Orleans were of more years, or the
Queen of England of fewer. And so the Admiral would
needs have him dine with him at a place where he had prepared a very good dinner. |
|---|
| 9. After dinner he made a short recital of the matters
before rehearsed, and desired him to solicit the Queen that
this National Council might be furnished of learned men by
her means; and that the King, the Queen Mother, and King
of Navarre, might be animated to proceed to assemble the
said Council as it was now resolved. Thus they parted; the
Admiral went to the Court, and the writer to Paris. |
|---|
| 10. "The Lord James, being the same day arrived at this
town came to my lodging secretly unto me, and declared
unto me at good length all that passed between the Queen,
his sister, and him, and between the Cardinal of Lorraine and
him; whereof he will declare unto your Majesty, particularly
when he cometh into your presence. I suppose he will be in
England about the 10th or 12th of May." The writer notes
these things specially in Lord James' proceedings with the
Queen and the Cardinal. |
|---|
| 11. That she would not suffer him to accompany her to
Nancy, in Lorraine; whereby he gathers that there is something there in hand that she would be loath he should be
privy to. |
|---|
| 12. That she is not disposed to ratify the treaty of Edinburgh, deferring it until she come into Scotland, that she
may have the advice of her three Estates. |
|---|
| 13. That she is not glad of the kindness between England
and Scotland, and does not like such as be affected to the
Queen or realm of England, but covets to dissolve the league
made betwixt the realms, and to provide that there shall be
no traffic between them. |
|---|
| 14. That she has said that she will never marry the Earl
of Arran, for so lately the Duke of Guise's master of the
horse told the writer. |
|---|
| 15. That she will use all means to win the consent of her
realm to marry some foreign Prince. |
|---|
| 16. That she is as careless of the amity of France as she is
of England, and means to defer the ratification of the French
treaty until she come into Scotland; for she has commanded
that the Estates of the realm shall not be assembled, or no
matter of importance ordered or answered, until she come
there. |
|---|
| 17. That she means to return into her country by sea. |
|---|
| 18. That she gives no great ear to the King of Denmark's
suit for marriage. Nevertheless, many of her wisest subjects
in Scotland greatly wish that if she marry not the Earl of
Arran, she should marry the King of Sweden; for the King
of Denmark is a dissolute and insolent Prince (albeit he be a
Protestant), and the King of Sweden reputed to be a wise
and virtuous Prince. |
|---|
| 19. "Lastly, I do well perceive the Lord James to be a
very honourable, sincere, and godly gentleman, and very
much affected to your Majesty, upon whom you never
bestowed good turn better than on him in my opinion."
He is a man for many respects worthy to be cherished, and
his amity entertained. For besides his own well deserving,
he is as well able to serve her turn by himself and friends as
any man in Scotland; though the Queen, his sister, will
seek to bring in some puissant foreign Prince to subvert all
upside down; or though she would seek to serve her turn by
some others of her nation, who be inclined to great inconstancy and corruption. Believes that the Earl of Arran and
his father will be glad to have the Queen of England's
favour; for the writer cannot perceive that their friends in
France are able to stand them in any great stead, and he
suspects that the Queen of Scotland will bear them but
hollow heart. "They be such as for your own surety and
commodity you may take good of them; and therefore they
are not to be neglected, nor cast off, or driven into despair
by your disfavour or ill opinion conceived of them; for if I
be not greatly deceived, no man can tell yet, or is able to
ground a certain judgment what shall become of the realm of
Scotland. And therefore it shall be good for your Majesty
upon all events to retain and win as many friends as you
can, that if one will not serve your turn another may." |
|---|
| 20. There are attending here on Lord James two men,
amongst others, who are to be cherished by her; one is the
Laird of Pitarro, a grave wise man, and such a one as the
Queen of Scotland for God's cause and Elizabeth's does much
dislike. The other is Mr. John Wood, secretary to Lord
James, in whom there is much virtue and sufficiency. There
are two others who are in like case to be well cherished—
Alexander Clarke and Robert Melvin. |
|---|
| 21. Has been by other good means advertised of the
towardness of the marriage of the Queen of Scotland with
the Prince of Spain, and that the Spaniards assure themselves
of a very good party within England when they see occasion.
However the Spanish Ambassador makes fair countenance
to her. (fn. 5) He has also heard of the discourse concerning the
Pope's Nuncio, after the same manner as by the Admiral;
with the addition that the Pope, the Emperor, and the King
of Spain, make their account greatly to their advantage, if
this legation might only bring her into suspicion among the
Protestants, though she could not be reduced to the obedience
of the Church of Rome. For they say that if she lose her
estimation among the Protestants she will be easy enough to
deal with, as the King of Navarre is, who is trusted on no
side. |
|---|
| 22. Was by the Lord James informed of the talk which
the Cardinal of Lorraine and the Queen of Scotland had with
him of the Queen's religion, "and how they made their
advantage of the cross and candles in your chapel, saying
you were not yet resolved of what religion you should be."
Throckmorton is sure that the testimony of her conscience
warrants the religion she professes, so that to so godly a
Queen persuasions are superfluous. But if she were no otherwise stirred with religion than Numa Pompilius or Sertorius,
she may not alter her religion for her safety and policy's sake.
Her servants at home, being Protestants, are not the worst
she has, and her best allies abroad are Protestants. Which of
her ancestors had that power in Scotland that she has, or the
same intelligence in France, or so many Almaine Princes at
their devotion? It is her religion chiefly that has made her
amity so valued, and herself so honoured through all Europe.
Not many days past, in a discourse with the King of
Navarre, the Constable said that the Queen of England was
the happiest Princess, and her amity the best in Christendom.
She has had great honour of her enemies, and has honourably kept promise with her friends. If any demonstration
should make him [the Constable] change his religion, the
Queen of England's felicity would have great power, for in
three years it has made the most contemned state in Christendom to become the most honoured. |
|---|
| 23. Throckmorton will now proceed to open the Queen's
hidden perils. If she accepts the Romish religion she will
recover the same amity that her sister bought to her cost.
What benefit will she have by so pleasing the Pope, the
Emperor, and the King of Spain? Either they will importune her to run their fortune and be unquieted with their
quarrels (which are infinite), or she will be put in fear
by their threatenings continually, which she will not want
when she has lost the Protestants. Now she has war with
nobody; but if she enter into further kindness with the
King of Spain, about a year hence a quarrel must rise
with France for the rendition of the towns to the Duke of
Savoy in Piedmont, whereby she will be drawn into a new
war with France. Then the Prince of Orange has another
quarrel for lands in Bretagne, and the King of Spain has
another for the county of St. Pol, besides an infinite number
of other actions, as Milan, Naples, Sicily, Navarre, Rousilion,
Franche Compté, the Comté Charolois, the duchies of
Burgundy, Gueldres, Brabant, and Luxemburg. If her profit
arises by trouble and partialities in France (as he is sure
it does), nothing serves so well for her purpose as to
maintain a Protestant faction, which cannot be done if she
changes her religion, or gives any suspicion thereof. As the
King of Spain, by countenancing the Papists in his own and
other countries, greatly advances his particular greatness; so
it will be her most advantage to sustain the Protestants in
her own realm and other countries. Reminds her of the
Queen of Scotland's pretence against her, and by what
religion she fortified the same, and of what religion her kin,
her new and old friends, are. It is more than strange that
any well meaning man should persuade her to leave a
certainty for an uncertainty, and adhere to that religion
which shall quail her own prosperity and advance others'
felicity. Peradventure she may marvel at his humour, which
enters into those reasonings, doubts, and disputes of the
stability of her religion. Assures her that the Pope, the
Emperor, and the King of Spain are ascertained from England
that there is no great difficulty to make her change the state
of her religion, and are persuaded that now is the time to
make an attempt of it. |
|---|
| 24. Another matter offers her a present consideration. At
this present she has peace with all the world, and no war will
arise from any place or person but by the Queen of Scotland,
neither any danger to her realm but by Scotland. Wisdom
advises her to buy her surety, though it cost her dear. The
means to assure this, is in time, before any other put in his
foot, to win to her party the mightiest, wisest, and most
honest of the realm of Scotland. Though this be to her great
charge (as 20,000l. yearly), yet is it in no wise to be omitted.
In sorting her entertainment to every person, there should be
some special consideration had of the Earl of Arran, because
he is the second person of the realm; "and in like manner to
the Lord James, whose credit, love, and honesty is comparable
in my judgment, to any man of that realm." And forasmuch
as neither the Queen of Scotland can yet reduce the people of
that realm or her subjects' affections to such point as she
covets, and with speed intends, and also because no Prince
that means to marry with her can resolve how to proceed to
win the goodwill of that people, neither can well see the end
and issue of that marriage, and therefore are compelled to
prolong to put in execution their devices, and because the
French can yet make no good reckoning to be at any cost
with Scotland, by reason of the Queen's hollow affection;—so
it is now the Queen's time, and she will never have better
opportunity to work the Scotch affection to her devotion.
Desires her so to use his letter that his liberal speech of the
state of the Emperor and the King of Spain be not an
occasion to bring him in disgrace of those great Princes and
their well-wishers, for their hands and ears stretch far, "yea,
if it be true that I hear, into your private chamber." |
|---|
| 25. The more kindness that she shows the French the
more she will advance her own tranquillity, for it shall be
most to her profit to make them believe that they are in
great security for anything she intends. Therefore, whensoever the French Ambassador shall conceive any jealousy,
either of arming her ships or any other provision necessary
for her affairs, it will not be inconvenient to satisfy him in
his suspicions. The more they be assured of her, the more
troubles will grow amongst themselves at home, and so
prepare better her advantage than can be done by any other
device.—Paris, 29 April 1561. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 17. |
|---|
| April 29. | 152. The Queen to the Earl of Rutland. |
|---|
| Thanks for diligent service, in which he is to persevere.
Directs him to continue to be diligent in resort to divine
service at the church, whereby others may be more provoked;
to administer justice indifferently, and to cut off long delays
of suits, whereby oftentimes the poorer sort are compelled
rather to suffer wrong than abide the length of trial.—Greenwich, 29 April, 3 Eliz. |
|---|
| Draft. Add. Endd. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| April 29. | 153. The Marquis of Winchester to Cecil. |
|---|
| Encloses a petition from ten gunners of Carlisle, begging
that their wages may be paid to them by the Queen's receiver
at Carlisle, as they consume most of them in going to
Berwick to be paid, being seventy-two miles distant.
Thinks that if they continue at Carlisle their petition should
be granted.—29 April 1561. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig., with seal. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary.
Pp. 2. |
|---|
| April 29. | 154. Lord Grey to Cecil. |
|---|
| By Cecil's letters of the 24th the writer perceives he has
not got the packet of Forbes's letters, which he lost between
Alnwick and Morpeth, and which a soldier who found them
brought to the writer. Guesses the number of them to be
sixteen, to the Queen of Scotland, the Duke of Vendôme, and
sundry to brethren of the house of Guise, with the Constable,
and other Estates of France. Opened one to the Bishop of
Glasgow, a copy whereof he sends. By it he perceived such
cause for misliking the rest, that he thought it convenient to
send them to him, which he did by the ordinary post. As
he heard it reported how Forbes lay lingering at Alnwick,
Morpeth, and Newcastle, after he had lost his budget, he
conjectures that he has practised with some of the posts or
postillions and recovered it. They use great negligence in
delivering the packet to travellers for sparing their horses,
whereby many letters have come to him opened, and such as
he sends are many times opened; besides keeping letters in
their houses that three or four may have conveyance together.
—Berwick, 29 April 1561. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| April 30. | 155. Throckmorton to the Lords of the Council. |
|---|
| 1. Lord James Stewart departs from this town homewards
about 4th of May. He has appointed to go by Dieppe, and
so to land at Rye. He has made so good report here of his
good usage in England, that the same was very well bestowed.
Since his coming hither the writer has known him "to be a
sincere and upright honest gentleman, and in all his doings
declared his goodwill and constant affection towards the
Queen and our country, by his frank and liberal dealings
with me in the same." The favour and courtesy they shall
bestow on him at his return will be right well bestowed. |
|---|
| 2. The deliberation of the King's sacre to be at Rheims the
15th of May holds still; yet even this day, by reason of the
Queen Mother's indisposition, begins to be doubtful. |
|---|
| 3. According to the Queen's pleasure he has written to the
Queen of Scotland, and sent Mr. Somer to Nancy in Lorraine
to have her answer touching the ratification of the late accord
made in Scotland. Mr. Somer returned on 28th inst. with
such answer as he has sent to the Queen, to the effect that at
her coming to Rheims (where she minds to be on the 8th May)
Throckmorton shall have her resolute answer. For certain considerations known to the Queen and them, besides his indisposition, he cannot be at Rheims. Has therefore written to the
Queen to send her letters of credit authorizing Mr. Somer
to demand the said answer. As she will not tarry long at
Rheims he begs that the letters may be sent with diligence. |
|---|
| 4. On the 28th of April in the evening about one hundred
gentlemen and others assembled in a house in the suburbs
near the Pré-aux-clercs, and there had a sermon and such
other service as they thought good. Wherewith the people
offended gathered together in great numbers, and forced a
breach through a wall upon them. The others (not able to
assuage by words the people's rage,) stood to their defence
with good harquebusses and other weapons that they had
provided against all events, and slew seven or eight of the
assailants; and so continued with great fury till the Parliament and Justice of the town retired the people. In the
night the gentlemen shifted themselves away secretly without great hurt. Many of these disorders have happened of
late in divers places of the realm; and unless better order be
devised, greater matters may ensue to the unquiet of the whole
realm.—Paris, 30 April 1561. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 3. |
|---|
| April 30. | 156. The Senate of Cologne to the Queen. |
|---|
| Having heard that a very considerable amount of arms,
offensive and defensive, were being shipped by her order,
(especially of the kind required for men-at-arms, such
as hand-guns,) they were unwilling to hinder the quiet
transportation of the same for her service. It having just
now come to their knowledge however, that certain English
traders convey these arms either into Muscovy direct, or to
parts from which they may be carried thither, contrary
to the interests of the empire, the writers intimate to her
that they cannot sanction such traffic. If, however, she
desires to purchase any military stores she shall be provided
with the same upon specifying in writing the kind and
quantity she may require.—Cologne, prid. Cal. Maii, 1561.
Signed. |
|---|
| Orig., with seal. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Lat.
Broadside. |
|---|