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| June 21. |
263. Depositions respecting English Pirates. (fn. 1)
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Inquisition at Dunkirk concerning a robbery upon the
fishermen of the widow of Rowland Drivere, 21 June
1561. |
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1. Antony Colyn, master mariner, states, that on Friday,
14 June, being by a place named the Reef, three ships
stopped him, two being rigged for war, and the largest was all
red, of about forty tons, the other being black, of about
twenty-eight or thirty tons. The pirates commanded them
to go below, whereupon the other fired a piece of ordnance
and two arrows at them. They took from them four cords
to fish, the boatmen's apparel, a barrel of flesh, and divers
other things. One said, "Shall we take all from one man?
we shall meet with enough to-day or to-morrow," whereupon
they departed and sailed towards the north-west. |
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2. Anthony Leux, mariner and partner, deposed as above,
adding that the pirates left in their ship 500 fish, and at their
departure cut in pieces cords of their ship, so that she should
not stay there any longer. |
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3. John Schoonoghe, servant in the said ship, agrees with
the others in his depositions.
Pp. 2. |
| June 23. |
264. Lazarus Fuente to Henry Tipton. |
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Details the proceedings of the Court of Grenada in the
matter of the suit of Edward Quinzmyll [Kingsmill], which
had been referred to them by appeal from the Canaries, against
the proceedings of Moreto. The writer, Kingsmill's procurador, finds himself without sufficient power, and asks for
increased authority and additional instructions.—Grenada,
23 June 1561. Signed. |
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Orig. Hol. Add.: A mi señor hentipton at Seville.
Endd. Span. Pp. 2. |
| June 23. |
265. Throckmorton to the Queen. |
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1. On the 10th the Queen of Scotland arrived in this town
where the King and Court had been eight or ten days before.
At her coming she was met a league without the town by the
Duke of Orleans, the King of Navarre, the Prince of Condé,
and all the Princes of the blood who are here, and most
part of the nobility of the Court, and before she came to her
lodgings within the Court; the French King and Queen
Mother met her, the whole accompanying her honourably to
her lodgings. And although the French King minds not to
remove this good while from hence, whereby the Queen of
Scotland will be long hereabouts, yet for that the voice is
that she minds to go shortly into Scotland, he thought good
not to defer any longer the demand for the ratification of the
late accord at Edinburgh. So on the 18th he sent Mr. Somer
to her for audience, who appointed him to come the same day
after dinner, which he did. |
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2. After declaring to her his mistress's gladsomeness at her
return to health, he reminded her of what had passed since
the beginning in the matter of this ratification, adding
thereto the Queen's command for him to renew the same
demand. |
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3. Queen Mary replied that she was not yet in perfect
health; that she remembered all the things that he had
recited; and that she respited the resolute answer in this
matter until she had the advice of the Estates and nobles of
her own realm, whither she intended to make her voyage
very shortly. Though the matter touched her principally, it
also touched them, and they would be most offended if she
proceeded without their advice. She also intended to send
M. D'Oysel to Queen Elizabeth to declare what she trusted
would satisfy her, by whom she would give her to understand of her journey. She meant to embark at Calais, the
King having lent her certain galleys and ships; and she also
intended to require of her good sister those favours that
Princes use to do in such cases. She also meant to retire all
the French out of Scotland, so that she would leave nothing
undone to satisfy all parties; trusting that the Queen
would do the like, and that from henceforth none of her
disobedient subjects should find favour and aid at her hands. |
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4. Throckmorton answered that he was not desirous to
fall into the discourse as to how those terms first began,
because he must charge some party with injury and peril
offered to his mistress, but that there could be no better
occasion offered to put away the former unkindness than by
ratifying the treaty. Whereas she suspends the ratification
of the treaty until she has the advice of the Estates of her
realm, he told her that it was made by their consent. The
Queen answered, not by the consent of all; and that it
would appear when she came amongst them whether they
would be of the same mind; and she assured him of her
desire for amity. He answered that the Queen would use
similar means to her to induce her to be of the same mind.
She said that then she trusted that the Queen would not
encourage any of her subjects to continue in their disobedience, nor to take upon them things not appertaining to
subjects. She said that there was much ado in her realm
about matters of religion, and though there was a greater
number of a contrary religion to her than she could desire, yet
there was no reason why subjects should give a law to their
Sovereign, especially in matters of religion, which she feared
they would take in hand. He answered that her realm was
in no other case than the other realms of Christendom were;
that religion was of the greatest force that may be; that she
had been long out of her realm, so that the contrary religion
to hers had now the greatest part of it; and that her mother,
a woman of great experience, had kept her realm in quietness
until she began to constrain men's consciences. As she
thought it unmeet to be constrained by her subjects, so it
was as intolerable for them to be constrained by her in matters
of conscience, for the duty due to God could not be given
to another. She said that God commanded subjects to be
obedient to their Princes. He answered, in those things that
were not against His commandments. "Well," said she, "I will
be plain with you, and tell you what I would all the world
should think of me. The religion that I profess I take to be
most acceptable to God, and indeed neither do I know, nor
desire to know, any other. Constancy doth become all folks
well, but none better than Princes and such as have rule over
realms, and especially in the matter of religion. I have
been brought up in this religion, and who might credit me in
anything if I should show myself light in this case? And
though I am young and not greatly learned, yet I have heard
this matter disputed of by my uncle, my Lord Cardinal,
with some that thought they could say somewhat in the
matter, and I found therein no great reason to change mine
opinion." |
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4. Throckmorton said that for her to judge well she must
be conversant with the Scriptures, and that peradventure she
was so partially affected to her uncle's arguments, that she
could not indifferently consider the other party. He assured
her that the Cardinal had confessed to him that there were
great errors and abuses come into the Church, and great disorders in the ministers and clergy, insomuch as he desired
that there might be a reformation of both. She said that she
had oftentimes heard him say the like. Throckmorton hoped
that there would be a unity of religion throughout Christendom. She hoped that it would be so, but said that she was none
of those who would change their religion every year; she did
not mean to constrain any of her subjects, but trusted that
they would have no support at the Queen's hands to constrain
her. She would send M. D'Oysel to him to know whether he
would [send] anything into England; and prayed him to order
himself in this matter, so that there should be good and perfect
amity between the Queen and her. Throckmorton promised
to do so, and trusted that she would satisfy the Queen by
M. D'Oysel. He then delivered the letter which the Queen
had sent for Somers' credit in this case. He then presented to
her the Earl of Hertford and his brother Carew, whom she
courteously embraced, and said that she was glad to see them,
offering them all kindness, and praying them to come as
boldly into her chamber and use her in all things as they
would the Queen of England at her Court. |
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5. Four or five days before he was at the Court, and presented to the French King and the others the Earl of
Hertford, who, passing through the realm towards Italy, would
not fail to do his reverence to the King, his brother, and the
rest of the Princes of his Court. The King received him very
gently, and said that as long as he would tarry in his realm he
might be bold of him in all things, and that he would take
and repute him as one of his. The like favour and offers he
received of the Queen Mother, the King of Navarre, and the
nobility. Amongst other things, the Duke of Guise (being
great master) made him sit one day at the King's board, when
there was a solemn feast by means of the marriage of M. De
Carnevalet, Governor to M. D'Orleans, with a gentlewoman
of the Court. Upon Corpus Christi Day the people (being in
an uproar in the street near to the Earl's lodgings, by occasion
of a little disorder committed by one,) came with a great fury
to his said lodgings, imagining the cause to have come from
thence, his religion being in hatred to divers of that quarter.
But the watch being at hand in arms and on horseback,
very strong to suppress such disorders, led by M. De Montmorency, Governor of the town, sent away the people and
committed some to ward, assuring the Earl of all the assistance they could show. The same day M. De Montmorency's
provost dined with him, to confirm the assurance, and the
next day the Queen sent the Lieutenant Criminal to do justice
upon those whom he should think had been the occasion
of the disquiet. There is great likelihood of the said Earl's
proving a right worthy personage. He has won much
reputation of all sorts in this Court. |
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6. The Queen having required him by her letters to hearken
as much as he could to the Queen of Scotland's marriage, he
has done so. The King of Spain does not greatly press it,
nor altogether reject it for his son. Perceives that she uses
the directions of the Spanish Ambassador for her doings.
Has heard from a great personage at this Court that the
King of Spain has said that he would be loath to marry his
son to a process, but that, if her matters were clear, he
knew no party that he would more gladly match his son
with. Hears that she is advised by him at her first coming
into Scotland to temporize her proceedings in matters of
religion, and should he end his matters with the Turk well
and the siege of Oran be well ended, then she may proceed
with rigour against those who will persevere in their religion
repugnant to hers. |
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7. Understands that the Count Egmont has levied 10,000
men in the Low Countries, dispersed in divers places; and
that one of the Dukes of Brunswick levies men. Has
written to Gresham's factor in Antwerp to inquire thereof,
and to let her know with speed. It was bruited that the
Queen of Scotland should be conducted home by her uncles,
the Duke of Aumale and the Grand Prior, and four other
Knights of the Order, with six ships and two galleys, and
1,500 men; but now he hears that the number is diminished.
In secret conference with the Spanish Ambassador, he understands that she told him that she minded to go home before
the end of August, or not this year; and that she would let
him know her certain resolution hereon hereafter. The
Ambassador of Sweden departed hence homeward on the
16th instant; he presented sundry of this Court with very
fair horses. M. D'Oysel was not the worst sped, which argues
some further matter towards the Queen of Scotland. |
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8. On the 13th the definite sentence of the Prince of
Condé's process was pronounced by the Parliament of this
town in solemn Court, present and assistant the King of
Navarre and most of the Princes of the blood, Cardinals
nobles, and others, amongst whom were the Duke of Guise
and the Cardinal of Lorraine. He was declared innocent, all
the informations brought against him pronounced false, and
the letters and signatures whereon matters were grounded
counterfeit. At that session were established the Vidame of
Chatres, Mme. De Roye, sister to the Admiral and mother to
the Prince of Condé's wife, De Cancy of Picardy, and De la
Haye. This arrest shall be pronounced in all the Courts of
Parliament of the realm. The Prince will stir in the matter
against the occasioners of his trouble. |
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9. On the 9th inst. the Protestant congregations of the
realm presented a request to the Queen Mother, addressed to
the King, for their liberty in their religion, a copy whereof he
encloses. There is appointed to be an assembly in this town
of learned men of the realm on the 20th July next; and for
that purpose all the Bishops are sent for to be at it, which
shall be as it were a Council National, though not termed so.
Understands that the Princes Protestant of Almain have
offered the French King to levy for him 10,000 men or more,
if he needs, in the cause of religion, at the French charges;
and have also offered to close the passage of the Rhine if the
adversaries of religion stir, or mind to levy men in Almain.
They also mind to send a solemn ambassade to acknowledge
all Princes and gentlemen of this realm as their brethren
who profess that religion. |
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10. One of the Dukes of Brunswick has come lately out of
Spain with large sums of money to levy men in Almain.
The Turk's galleys, esteemed in number but forty-five, are
discovered from Sicily, as the news is from Rome. It is also
said that Oran is rescued, and that the Moors are retired
thence, and that a Spanish ship going thither is taken by the
Turk's galleys. The French have set forth three galleys to
take certain English pirates. The French King's entry into
this town, published to be in July next, is deferred till
January. Though the Queen of Scotland told him that she
was minded to embark at Calais, yet he has been advertised
that she minds to take shipping at Nantes, and, passing by
the west seas, to land at Dumbarton as it were by stealth,
for that it is put into her head not to trust herself too much
on the coast of England. (fn. 2)
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11. The French, mistrusting this levying of men in the Low
Countries, have sent reinforcements for the better security
of Calais. Advertised her about twelve months ago of a
practice the French meant for the Camber of Rye, and, though
some were imprisoned for the same, yet the matter is not yet
seen to the bottom; for, besides those that are in durance,
there are others, both English and French, who are not yet
discovered. If she would cause those who are forthcoming to
be straitly handled, the rest would be got from them. |
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12. There has been with him one Guillaume, now called
M. De Vermigny, whom the late and present Kings entertained as the singularest player on the lute in the whole
realm, who is not unknown to the Marquis or the Lord
Chamberlain; he has contracted himself to a gentlewoman of
this town of good house, contrary to her parent's consent,
who not only bring him within the ordinance, which forbids
such clandestine contracts, but also put him in danger of
his life, so that he has none other means to avoid the
danger but to get him out of the realm. He desires to
come to England and to serve the Queen if she will entertain
him; he is a very honest young man, not much above
20, and plays very well; Throckmorton has not heard a
sweeter or delicater hand upon the lute than his, whereunto
he sings very well; his entertainment is 400 crowns by year.
He minds to come whether he be entertained or not. |
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13. Sir Thomas Chamberlain writes, that the King of Spain
uses great execution for matters of religion, and that he was
preparing against the Turks, and despatching captains to his
galleys and soldiers for his forts in Africa. The bruit was
that the Moors had already besieged Oran. He said also, that
all the Bishops of Spain were called to appoint such as
should go to the General Council. He also writes, that
Mr. Harvy is coming home by way of Flanders. The other
day the King of Navarre had public preaching in his house
by a Protestant preacher, and has daily service in his
lodgings in the vulgar tongue, which manner he never used
publicly till very lately. |
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14. Being ready to send away this despatch, M. D'Oysel
came to him from the Queen of Scotland, to signify that she
minded to send him into England; he thought that he should
not go for ten days, and that his commission would be to use
all good offices to the Queen of England. Touching on the
injuries done to her in the late King's time by her arms and
title giving, he charged the Cardinal of Lorraine with the
whole of that matter. He also said, that when the Queen of
Scotland had conferred with the nobles and estates of her
realm she would satisfy the Queen. Another point of his
commission he said was to require a passport, or safe-conduct,
for the Queen of Scotland and her train, in case, through
tempest or sickness, she should be forced to land in any part
of England, to be made as amply and favourably as may be,
and as in such case is used to be granted to all Princes who
are good friends and allies. The third point he said was to go
through into Scotland to send all the French thence, and to
give order for the Queen's reception. He said, that the
Queen of Scotland was minded to send a gentleman over
with him to receive it of the Queen, and desired Throckmorton to write hereof to her, and to require her answer,
whereby the Queen's voyage shall be much hastened. He
also said that the Queen was minded to embark at Calais,
whither her uncles, the Cardinals, and others would conduct
her about the end of July or the beginning of August.—
Paris, 23 June 1561. Signed. |
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Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 13. |
| June 23. |
266. Throckmorton to the Lords of the Council. |
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Repeats the information contained in his letter of the same
date to the Queen.—Paris, 23 June 1561. |
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Signed. Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil. Pp. 11. |
| June 23. |
267. Throckmorton to Cecil. |
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1. Refers him for occurrences to his letter to the Queen.
Forbears to write to her what great personages of this realm
and some other Princes' ministers have earnestly required him
to do until he knows Cecil's opinion in the matter. He has
been told by the persons afore-named, and by others of reputation for virtue and learning, that "the good opinion conceived of the Queen for her religion, virtue, and wisdom
doth much decay, and the great good devotion borne her
aforetime marvellously turn." The causes Cecil can guess,
for that partly the writer has touched them in his former
letters; does not know upon what occasions these things are
revived. Desires to know what he shall do herein. |
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2. The late disaster chanced at Paul's Church (fn. 3) is here
maliciously and terribly discoursed of; the best affected
interpret it as Jonah preaching to Ninevah; the malicious
sort apply it to such signs as chanced to Sodom and Jerusalem.
That he may see that other countries have had such prodigious
signs as well as England, he sends him herewith a paper containing strange sights in Provence. Understands by a Scotchman that Cecil's son is arrived at this side, but was not come
to Rouen. Desires to know the Queen's answer for the pass-
ports of the Queen of Scotland and for M. De Vomeny.—
Paris, 23 June 1561. Signed. |
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3. P. S.—Desires that order may be given for the speedy
delivery of certain letters directed to the Lord James and
others, his friends in Scotland, as the Lord of St. Colme's.
Orig, Hol. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 3. |
| June 23. |
268. Another copy of the above.
Endd. Pp. 2. |
| June 23. |
269. Throckmorton to Robert Jones. |
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1. Thanks him for his letters of 25 May. Somers' letters
must excuse his slackness in writing. After many troubles
in sundry parts the Prince assembles his clergy for July 15,
to consult. He, as a looker-on, finds more difficulty to accord
the persons than the matter in controversy. How does Jones
think would the Cardinal of Lorraine approve the Confession
of Augsburg? Trow you, we shall not have a new world.
Some, with great show of judgment in divining by the stars,
and others by theology, say, "Ecce novus orbis, novus propheta." The Queen of Scots embarks shortly at Calais, and
passes by sea, which she requires to do with the Queen's favour.
M. D'Oysel will be shortly in England for that purpose. |
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2. There is a bruit that Oran is rescued, and also of the
retiring of the Turk's galleys. It is thought an interim will
be granted here, promoted by many but hindered by more.
The Spanish severity lasts still; they were the last to receive
the Pope, and will be the last to leave him. Does he think
that when the Queen of Scotland is at home the writer will
return? They talk strangely of the prodigious fire; some divine
of it as the Romans did of the burning of the Capitol; some
speak of Sodom and Jerusalem, but the most and the best
affected speak of Nineveh. Sends his commendations to
Lord Paget and Sir H. Paget. The King's entry into this
town is deferred until January.—Paris, 23 June 1561.
Signed. |
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Orig. Hol. Add.: To . . . . Mr. Robert Jones at
the Court, one of the Clerks of the Privy Seal. Endd.: Recd.
1 July; answered 4th. (fn. 4)
Pp. 2. |
| June 26. |
270. Throckmorton to the Earl of Arran. |
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1. Asks credit for the bearer. Arran's wise determination
to proceed in other matters must needs serve to very great
purpose, and the more being done before the Queen's coming
home, that she may see that her whisperers are but tale
bearers and bruit makers. Wishes that others were of the
same assured mind to the continuance of amity between the
two countries as the Earl. Some private affection may perhaps
move men to affectate strange amities with foreign Princes
lying far off; but there is none that can be so good for all
as that with England. He must be jealous in the advancement of the common cause of religion, there being yet many
hollow hearts among them in Scotland, and more abroad,
that wish him no good. |
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2. They will shortly have M. D'Oysel with them, as this
bearer can further inform him. It would serve to very great
purpose if it be made appear to him that the coming in of the
Earl of Huntly, and such others as lately united with Arran,
has also brought in a great party, so that the adversaries of
religion are but a handful. He also wishes that he were well
and courteously used there, that he may make good report
thereof, and of the fruits of their profession to the Queen.—
Paris, 26 June 1561. |
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Copy. Endd. by Cecil's secretary: Per Al. Clerke, 26 June
1561. Pp. 2. |
| June 26. |
271. Throckmorton to the Lord James. |
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1. Has received his letters from London of the 20th of May
and from Edinburgh of the 3rd of June. Has hitherto
stayed writing to him for want of a sure through messenger,
but has required Cecil from time to time to signify to him
such of his advertisements as were meet. Refers him to the
bearer for full information. Perceives that his coming home
was in right good season, as he thereby stayed many things
that might have been to the unquiet of that country. The
adversaries may perceive: Non est consilium adversus
Dominum. |
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2. Repeats the information and advice contained in his letter
to the Earl of Arran. Doubtless M. De Noailles, the French
Ambassador, has himself laboured and left some instruments
behind him to be doing in seeking to dissolve their League.
D'Oysel will come shortly. Considering what Lord James
has done since his coming home, whereby it appears that the
devotion of all men will go according to his affection, the
writer is persuaded that their legations in that part will take
but cold effect. Advises the good treatment of D'Oysel, and
wishes that there might be a love day made between him and
the Laird of Grange.—Paris, 26 June 1561. |
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Copy. Endd. by Cecil's secretary: 26 June 1561, per Al.
Clerke. Pp. 3. |
| June 28. |
272. Sir Henry Neville to Throckmorton. |
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1. Neville's want of a messenger has lost Throckmorton the
intelligence of the great breach that then was about the
creation, "which could not be obtained by no means. She
loved the house too well to lay that offensive name upon them
who have been traitors three descents; that was her terms
then, now a new key; for now Robin is clapt on the cheeks
with—No, no, the bear and the ragged staff is not so soon
overthrown,—and now as great as ever; and yet to some, if
they talk with her of having of him, she will pup with her
mouth, and say that she will not be fellow with the Duchess
of Norfolk, that men will come and ask for my Lord's grace;
and when it is answered, that she may make him King, she
will no way agree unto." Leaves the success of the thing to
his judgment. |
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2. The talk is plain that the King will come. The Earl of
Pembroke cannot yet bring his purpose to pass, for the Lady
Catherine will not have his son, "and whatsoever is the cause
I know not, but the Queen has entered into a great misliking
with her." The Ambassador of Sweden says that his master
will come this year much wiser than the last, for he will not
lose 6,000l. in bribing unto the Secretary, and such like.
"You have heard of our conquerors I am sure, but I think
you have not heard of their confession, for therein if it had
not been friendly handled Arundel and Robert had been as
far in as any others." |
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3. Is going into Wiltshire, and marvels that Throckmorton
does not will him to bestow a buck this summer among his
friends in London; does he think that the Queen killed all
last year? |
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4. Returns not before the Scottish Queen has set her foot
on Scottish ground. Hopes God will prosper His word in
France; in England they would fain have a change, which
will be mad enough when it comes.—Signed. |
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Modern transcript, from an original formerly in the
Conway Collection. Add. Endd.: 28 June 1561. |
| June 28. |
273. —to [Shers]. |
|
Did not write last Saturday, having nothing to say. Yesterday received his letter of 10 June, and is rejoiced to hear
of his safe arrival in Augsburg. Yesterday at a Consistory
the Cardinal of Ferrara received his legatine cross for his
mission into France, to which he proceeds with great pomp,
having with him 400 horses. He is to have 1,000 scudi a
mouth. The mission, however, is unpopular in France in
consequence of his connexion with the house of Guise, which
is much disliked there. Last week twenty-eight galleys sailed
from Naples. Until the Pope clearly sees the course which
France will pursue in regard to the Council, be it General or
National, he can make no other resolution than he has done.
King Philip stands in the like position. The writer holds
to his first plan, and hopes to be with him [Shers] next
September or October. In the meantime, will Shers intimate
his wishes?—Rome, 28 June 1561. Signed, but signature
torn off. |
|
Orig. Endd.: Advertisements. Ital. Pp. 2. |
| June 28. |
274. Thomas Windebank to Cecil. |
|
1. On their arrival at Paris on the 24th, they immediately
resorted to Throckmorton, who lodged them that night in a
house which he had provided, in very good air. The owner
wrote of ten or twelve crowns by the month for the house
only, he trusts it shall not pass five or six crowns, which is
good cheap. They must buy their own provisions, although
Throckmorton would have them resort to him at meat and
drink. Although Cecil's pleasure is to avoid putting Throckmorton to charges, yet it were best for Mr. Thomas to resort
thither; for being in the company of such as come thither, he
will learn to behave himself, not only at table, but also otherwise, according to his estate, although it be a hindrance to
the French tongue to be so long in the company of Englishmen. Throckmorton advises them to take the commodity
of learning things by often repairing thither with the Earl
of Hertford; and when the Court shall be gone, he minds to
put them with some advocate, or other gentleman of reputation, who can instruct Mr. Thomas in all things meet to be
known of this country. |
|
2. Has told Throckmorton why Cecil did not write to him
by Mr. Carew, and moved him for his opinion touching the
succeeding of Mr. Carew in his place, who answered that
although there was in him some meet parts, yet there lacks
in him a second and greater degree than to be a good courtier,
that is, skill in negociation of matters, not having been traded
nor given thereunto, but chiefly to pleasure; and though he
is glad of such honour shown to his brother, yet he thinks
him not a meet man that could succeed him. |
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3. Throckmorton advises the writer to sell their horses,
for the hobby being in very evil point, they look not for
more than 7l. or 8l., and for the other two 10l. or 12l. The
Earl of Hertford will not leave for six weeks, and towards
September minds to go towards Italy.—Paris, 28 June 1561.
Signed. |
|
Orig. Hol., with seal. Add. Endd. by Cecil. Pp. 3. |
| June 28. |
275. Corrected draft of the above. |
|
Endd.: From myself to my master, July 1561. Pp. 4. |
| June 29. |
276. Throckmorton to the Queen. |
|
M. D'Oysel having announced to the writer on the 28th his
despatch towards England, the writer requests his good usage
in passing through England towards Scotland, in post with
twelve in his company. Has written to her officers in Dover
for his good reception.—Paris, 29 June 1561. Signed. |
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Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 2. |
| June 29. |
277. Throckmorton to the Lords of the Council. |
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Desires that M. D' Oysel may be well received. Reminds
them how much it imports to the maintenance of good amity
to have the Queen of Scots in her own country, as she is presently minded to go indeed. Desires that a Scottish gentleman, named Scoggell, may also be well treated. Notwithstanding the Queen's determination to go home, yet she will
stay the conclusion until she hears from D'Oysel.—Paris,
29 June 1561. Signed. |
|
Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 5. |
June 29.
Tytler, vi. 468. |
278. Mary, Queen of Scots, to Lethington. |
|
1. Has received his letter of the 10th. If he employs himself in her service and acts faithfully, as he professed his wish
to do, he need not fear caluminators, whom she never receives
well. She looks to deeds before putting her faith in everything that is told her. As for the scruple that may arise
from his acquaintances in England, he can easily remedy that
if he pleases. Forasmuch as he has been the chief instrument and principal negociator in all the intrigues that her
nobles have had with England, if he wishes that she should
not only forget all past offences, (as she has written to say she
would,) but should also trust and employ him, let him cause
the hostages who are in England to be removed, and employ
himself in undoing that which he has brought about in that
country. If he does this, she can then rely on his loyalty.
He has the ability of doing even more; and nothing passes
amongst the Scottish nobility of which he has not knowledge, and in which his advice is not taken. She will not
conceal from him, that if anything goes wrong in that respect
after trusting in him, he will be the person whom she will
blame the first. |
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2. Wishes to be a friend and good neighbour to the Queen
of England. Is on the point of departing for Scotland, where
she hopes to arrive at the time which she has announced to
the Prior of St. Andrews. On her arrival she will need
ready money for her household and other expenses, which
she directs him to obtain from some quarter or other. He is
to inform her of all that passes. Learns by his letter that he
has published and executed the orders which she has lately
sent touching the alienation of Church lands. As she will set
out speedily, she will declare her further intentions on her
arrival. Wishes to know how all matters have passed, both
before and after the commencement of the troubles.—Paris,
29 June 1561. |
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Copy. Endd. by Cecil. Fr. Pp. 2. |
| June 29. |
279. Throckmorton to Cecil. |
|
1. Cecil's son arrived on the 23rd, and is lodged quietly, not
far from the writer, where he means him to continue for a
fortnight or three weeks, until he has seen so much of the
Court as is meet; and then order shall be taken for his
placing for his better learning the French tongue. |
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2. There has been with the writer a Portuguese named
Captain Melchior, aged about 60 years, who has traded
much in Barbary, well experimented in navigation, and for
that purpose was entertained by the late old King Francis
and King Henry of France. Since their death he has been
with the King of Navarre, of whom he has 200 crowns yearly;
and for that it is not sufficient to find him, his wife, and
children, and is not well paid, he is content to leave it to be
received elsewhere. He has uttered to Throckmorton in great
secret (with conjuration to show the same to none but the
Queen and her trusty merchants,) a trade which will be profitable to the English, and which is not traded at this day by
any other. He says that he has lived twelve years in the
kingdom of Sus, Morocco, and Fez, and knows the secrets of
the country, the commodities that may be had there, and
what is most esteemed to be sold for great gain. And where
men are desirous to seek out the Indies, Guinea, and Bignie,
which are long voyages and dangerous for heats (especially to
the English, who are not so well acquainted with the matter
as the Portuguese,) this voyage is nothing so far nor so
dangerous, and may be traded all times of the year, and yet
as great commodities may be had thence (pepper excepted) as
from the other. The Kings of Spain and Portugal are at
continual war with those Princes, and therefore cannot trade
thither safely. There are (he says) these commodities in great
store: gold, copper of the reddest and best for artillery, sugar,
dates, gum arabic for clothiers, amber, wax, skins dressed for
wearing, and horses better than in Spain. The things most
esteemed there are tin, sword blades, lances of the longest
sort, oars for galleys, iron, and carisays blue and watchet;
so the voyage is meeter for the English than any other
people. |
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3. He says that the King will have two thirds of the tin as
his prize, which is for fifteen ducats the hundred, in consideration of all the imports and customs for the wars; and the
other third part to be sold as it may be, which is commonly
worth thirty ducats the hundred. Lances and oars are commonly worth two ducats at least apiece, and sword blades
are sold at a very great price. He offers the Queen, or any
other who will fit forth a ship of 100 tons, or rather under,
for a trial of his offer, and to go without bruit the first time, to
go in it himself, and show the way and trade thither. He
desires to have some men skilled in navigation to make them
acquainted with the voyage, to leave the knowledge thereof
after his death. He also desires to have some merchant to
know how to handle the feat of those merchandises to and
fro. And if it shall appear that he deserves to be made of,
then he desires to be so rewarded as he shall be thought
worthy of, or for want of yearly entertainment to be well
rewarded and so discharged. He also desires that this matter
may be handled with great secresy; for the King of Portugal,
knowing his sufficiency in this trade, and fearing lest he
bring some other Prince into it, has sought by divers ways to
undo him, for that he will not dwell in Portugal and serve
him; and if he know of this matter, it will animate him the
more against him. Throckmorton recommends that a trial
should be made, as he offers to go himself. He will bring
another Portuguese with him, the best pilot in the world.
Strangways will be a very meet man to go with him. |
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4. Melchior requires to be answered in this matter as soon
as may be, for the King of Navarre is in hand with him to
undertake a voyage. There can nothing be lost of the merchants, for it cannot be that more commodity will arise to
them than his entertainment can hinder them; besides he
cannot live long, being 60 years old, but yet a lusty man.
He has a wife and children, who are at a little house in
Navarre that the King has given him. He minds to make
the King privy to his going abroad, but not whither he goes;
and minds not to remove his household until he finds how his
voyage will speed his living in England. The port where
he will bring his ship is but 150 leagues beyond the Straits,
fourteen leagues up a river, and because of the river the ship
must not be above 100 tons. This must be kept secret from
the Spaniards and Portuguese. Although a Portuguese, he has
been a minister there for the French, and has a safe-conduct
to traffic thither. He said that the Prince there very much
desired tin to be brought into his country. If Cecil likes this
matter, they may prepare the ship, and when it is ready
Captain Melchior will come, whereby time will be won and
the same prepared more secretly.—Paris, 29 June 1561.
Signed. |
|
Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 5. |
| June 30. |
280. Throckmorton to Cecil. |
|
1. Recommends the bearer, M. D'Oysel, (fn. 5) to the Queen and
Council. Amongst his errands in England and Scotland none
are greatly dangerous, saving that he has in charge to labour
by all possible means to dissolve the league between the Scots
and England, and to tie them to the French. Wishes that he
may receive the best usage and plain dealing in England, (and
also for his journey into Scotland, where he goes in post with
twelve of his company,) that between the contrary or any
suspicion, he conceive no doubt to hinder the Queen of Scotland going into Scotland, for upon her answer back much
depends. Her going home is the thing that they ought to
desire, for then the greatest part of the Queen's care that
way is carried. |
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2. There comes with D'Oysel a Scotch gentleman, named
Scoggell, to fetch the safe conduct. He is very evil affected
and much given to lying, and therefore the writer wishes
that his usage were such, though not for his sake or for any
devotion towards his person, as if he would lie at his return
he might do so upon some honest ground. Such a dangerous
must be made of as men use to offer candles to the devil;
he is one of the archers of the guard.—Paris, 30 June 1561.
Signed. |
|
Orig. Chiefly in cipher, deciphered. Add. Endd. by
Cecil's secretary. Pp. 2. |
| June 30. |
281. Throckmorton to Maitland. |
|
Received on 21 June Maitland's letters of the 10th by this
bearer, to whom he refers for full information. "It is a
great pleasure and comfort to me to hear of your wise
proceedings with the French Ambassador." Whereas he says
with Chaucer,
"With empty hands men should no haukis lure;"
he confesses it so with wild and "ramish" hawks, who
will prey upon every carrion without respect, but with
hawks of gentle kind and well reclaimed it is otherwise; for
they will fast a meal or two rather than do against their
kind. Rome was not built all in one day. Quod differter
non aufertur. Tout vient à point, qui peult attendre. Refers
the rest to the bearer.—Paris, 30 June 1561. |
|
Copy. Endd. Pp. 2. |
| June 30. |
282. Throckmorton to Cecil. |
|
1. In his packet sent yesterday by Proctor, a merchant of
London, he touched upon the commodities that might arise
from the voyage to Barbary; "such traffic may open a moyen
to tell you how some may be occupied that way, which be
desirous and practise to occupy the Queen with cumber
another way. This matter is meeter to be told than written."
Desires to be advertised of his [Cecil's] and the Queen's
acceptation of this by his next; for the captain and pilot are
greatly pressed to be otherwise employed. Is advertised that
next summer the French mind to sail that way. |
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2. M. D'Oysel told him that he was minded to depart on
Sunday, June 29. Desires Cecil to give order for his good
usage in his passage through. This bearer is desirous to be
at home before D'Oysel's arrival in Scotland. Is some way
moved to think that the Queen's devotion and inclination to
retain and entertain the benevolence of a party in Scotland
decays and waxes cold. Fears that the same is less advanced
because he is an earnest solicitor to have it take place. Desires Cecil not to let so good an occasion be omitted for his
accidental disgrace. By the enclosed copy of a letter lately
sent he may perceive that he speaks not without book.—
Paris, 30 June 1561. Signed. |
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Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 3. |