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| July 11. | 298. Instructions to D'Oyzel. |
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| The Queen of Scotland, Queen Dowager of France, desires
to obtain the following from her good sister the Queen
of England, and has charged M. D'Oyzel to the same
effect:— |
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| 1. A passport for her; with a clause that if she arrives in
any port of England, she may tarry there and purchase provisions and necessaries, and if it seems good to her that she
may leave her ships, and pass by land to Scotland. |
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| 2. Another safe-conduct for her to pass through England to
Scotland, with her train and one hundred horses, mules, etc. |
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| 3. Another safe-conduct, with commission for the said
M. D'Oyzel to go and return through England to Scotland. |
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| Copy, in a French hand, endd. by Cecil. Endd.: 11 July
1561. Fr. Pp. 2. |
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| July 11. | 299. W. Herlle to Cecil. |
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| 1. Arrived at Antwerp last Saturday after a very quick
passage, and found much forwardness in that for which he
was sent; he therefore intends to depart towards the place
appointed. The rumour of the Queen having transported
armour into Russia is very "brym" here; and it is told to all
the Princes of Germany that the losing of Livonia is through
the furniture of ammunition which the English sent to the
Russians; it is therefore necessary to send a letter to every
estate, disowning the same. He will do his best to diminish
the false opinions conceived. The Queen is smally bound to
the city of Bremen, and of the other part the Landgrave,
the Bishop of Munster, and Hamburg have showed themselves very much her friends. This injury proceeds from the
house of Burgundy and the Hanse, who do not cease to
practise covertly all the mischief they can, and one of their
chiefest instruments is Duke Henrich of Brunswick. With
him also is one Lazarus Swendi, who has conferred with him
respecting the damage of England, which he will try and
discover. |
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| 2. There is a little book published here of the great cruelties
which the Muscovites use against the prisoners of Livonia, or
Lapland, whom they take; the book does not seem to be any
private case, but rather to proceed from the chiefest to exasperate men's minds against such as are confederates of a
Prince that is a common enemy to the empire. Under the
secret pretence of abasing their coin, means are sought to
rob the English of all their fine money in England, and
that neither the rack nor gibbet can prohibit the same, if any
lucre be proposed; such is the state and iniquity of this iron
age. One thing here breeds much slander, and that is that
daily whole flocks of women come over here, bearing the port
and name of gentility, and using the shadow of conscience in
religion, but who are stark staring strumpets for the most part.
These spread rumours, and men judge and report worse of
those that remain. |
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| 3. George Cobham has come to this town from Germany,
in a miserable state; his apparel consisted of a doublet and
hosen. It appears he should have been apprehended for debt,
and is still in doubt, for his chamber is guarded night and
day with two of the Margrave's officers. |
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| 4. A great sum of money is said to be found in Calais. He
hears the Prince of Orange prepares to depart from hence
towards Leipsic on the 29th instant, with much pomp, taking
800 horse. The expectation of his marriage is so great that
Germany seems to attend to nothing else. Some suspicions
are spread abroad, which are devices practised by colonels to
procure entertainment. At Leipsic the harbingers have
appointed out a place for 10,000 horse, with provision according. Here are better tidings come of the King of Portugal's
Indies, to the discouragement of the Venetians, who were before in hopes of the ancient trade of spicery again. There are
also letters from Constantinople of a late date, received by
way of Venice, carrying credit that the Turks have sent sixty
galleys and forty great ships to reinforce the cities of Caffa
and Theodosia (lying in the Strait of Lacus Meotides) against
the attempts of the Crim Tartars, who mean to invade them
this year at the Russian's pleasure. The Russian threatens
Armenia one way, and the Sophy another way, to assail the
Turk. The King of Denmark pretends great malice to the
bands of Hamburg, and has stopped many of their ships passing through the Sound; this is not known to many, having
occurred but seven days past. The Swedish agent here blazes
about of his master's speedy journey into England, now his
coronation is ended, who only waits for a prosperous wind,
everything being in readiness. This is scarcely credited, in
that he has entangled himself with the protection of Livonia, a
case of more honour than profit, and much danger; he having
at one time to resist the Russians in Livonia, as well as in his
own territories, and to defend his dignity against the Poles,
who claim a former grant of the same. Amongst other things,
the writer has been inquisitive about fine bullion here, the
price whereof is 47s. Flemish, the mark, every mark containing
eight ounces, but, to be plain, there was none to be got at any
price.—Antwerp, 11 July 1561. Signed. |
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| Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 5. |
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| July 12. | 300. Intelligences from various Parts. |
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| Rome, 12 July. King Philip has accepted the Bull concerning the intimation of the Council, declaring he will send
his clergy to Trent by August. Warning was then given to
all Ambassadors at Rome to signify the same to their Princes.
The Pope has written the like to the French King, requesting
him to abstain from other congregations, and to take order
that his clergy may be ready at the time appointed. Puteo
and Simonetta were ordered to put themselves in readiness,
and Cardinal Varmiensis is written to (being at Vienna) to
prepare all things necessary, and join the two above named.
Cardinal De Monte is despatched with the payment of 100,000
crowns; the Duke of Florence has become one of his securities
for payment thereof. The Prince of Florence prepares to go
to Spain in the beginning of September. On Midsummer Day
seven of King Philip's galleys being at sea, seeking for three
foists of the Moors which were about the isle of Filicudi, fell
upon nine vessels of Dragut Rays in such a manner that there
was no retiring without danger of great loss. Thinking the
best way was to stand to it for their defence, they waited the
assailing of Dragut Rays. The fight lasted three hours, with
great loss on both sides, and in the end the Turks had the
victory, and captured the seven galleys and brought them to
Filicudi. In the galleys were the Bishop of Catania, with his
servants and provisions for the Council of Trent, and the
Regent Semarra, with divers others intending to land at
Naples. There were 300,000 crowns in ready money in
them, and the silks and merchandise would amount to as
much more. They were all conveyed to Tripoli. |
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| Copy of a Letter from the Duke of Matalona to the
Viceroy of Naples. |
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| At this date, within two hours of night, the packet enclosed
arrived from the Levant, with news that the Turk's army
on the "8th July" sailed back again towards Constantinople,
whereby it is supposed the Turk is dead, who by the last
letters was sick. Others think it is to aid his countries about
the Euxine Sea, commonly called "Il Mare Maggiore," which
are much troubled by the King of Russia; but it is necessary
for them to be on their guard until they know for a greater
certainty.—2 July 1561. |
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| Endd.: 12th July. Advertisements. Pp. 4. |
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| July 12. | 301. Thomas Bannister to Chamberlain. |
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| Understands from his servant, Christopher Vardie, that
there was no commission directed unto him from the Queen
and Council, and therefore could not do that which it was
his good will to do. Understands further, that he has rather
received more wrong than before, which was enough, for that
they at Valladolid denied his appeal, or at least remitted the
matter from whence it came, where he knows that he will
have no justice, but manifest wrong, not only for that 300
ducats which were in question, but to forge a greater matter
against him without cause. For these and other considerations he, with others, has put up a supplication to the
Queen, upon which he understands she has not only directed
her letters and commission to him, but also written to King
Philip for redress of the same. He therefore begs Chamberlain to stand his good lord in the furtherance of his cause,
that he may have his goods back again, and also that the
matter in the Groine, which his servant showed him, may be
committed to the hearing of indifferent judges. There is one
Sentillian, who gave sentence in his favour, and is now at
Valladolid, who knows the whole causes; if he might be called
Bannister might have justice. As for his 225 dozen felts
which are stayed, he fears that by long lying they are sorely
hurt. Desires that he may have some allowance for the
same.—London, 18 June 1561. Signed. |
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| Orig., with seal. Add. Endd. Pp. 2. |
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| July 13. | 302. The Queen of Scotland to the Lord James. |
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| Thomas Cockburn, William Partridge, William Gaston of
Walderswick; William Smyth, Robert Grymbel, and Richard
Grymbel, merchants of England, Mr. Thomas Gray, master of
a ship of one hundred tons, called the James of Walderswick,
and George Chaser, master of a ship called the Primrose of
Woodbridge, of eighty tons, have complained that in 1558, being
at anchor in the haven of Westmoney in Iceland, in the King
of Denmark's waters, they were cruelly underset and invaded
by Thomas Nicholson of Aberdeen and John Hog of Leith; who
reft, spoiled, and took with them the two ships with their
lading, boats, and anchors, to the value of 2,800l. sterling.
She therefore desires him to call the said persons before him,
and if it be found that the complainants have lost to the
alleged value, to cause restitution to be made, and justice
duly administered.—Paris, 13 July 1561. Signed. |
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| Add. Copy. Endd.: To our cousin, the Prior of St. Andrews. Pp. 2. |
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| July 13. | 303. The Queen to Throckmorton. |
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| 1. Upon M. D'Oysel's arrival and declaration of his
message about the Scottish Queen's passport and safe-conduct,
she required of him whether he had any answer concerning
the ratification of the treaty, whereunto he said that he had
nothing to say. This seeming very strange she deferred to
give him an answer until this present, and has now informed
him that seeing the Queen does not answer her, as honour
and friendship require, she will deal plainly with her, (fn. 1) and
let her understand that she cannot grant these friendly parts
except she shall first accord to do those things that by her
promise, under her hand and seal, she is bound to do. She
has therefore required him to return, offering further, that if
Mary will be content thus to do, the writer will be most glad
to see her in England, and to have such acquaintance with
her as might make an end of all controversies. This answer
D'Oysel seemed quietly to receive, and to conform himself to
return. |
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| 2. Has written to the French King, the Queen Mother,
and the Scottish Queen, as by the copies he will see, and
directs him to repair to them, and to declare that her manner
of dealing is plain and friendly with her friends, and with
others as they use her. She means so to the Scottish Queen
as the world shall perceive that in kindness, honour, and
friendship, she shall not overcome her, and on the other part,
she means not to yield. In anywise he is so to order this
matter that the French, especially the Constable and the
King of Navarre, may allow it. Of the reasons that moved
her hereto he shall more largely understand by her Council's
letters. |
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| Endd. Draft, in Cecil's hol. Endd.: 13 July 1561.
Pp. 4. |
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| July 13. | 304. Throckmorton to the Queen. |
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| 1. Of late the Bishop of Viterbo, the Pope's Ambassador in
France, came very suddenly to Throckmorton's lodging, and
said to him that his master had given him in charge to
declare to him the cause why the Abbot of Martinego was
lately sent; because, he not being admitted, she might perchance be ignorant or misinformed thereof. His legation
was only to intimate to her the publication of the Council at
Trent, like as he had given notice to all Christian Princes; all
of whom had accepted the said Council, and were pleased to
send their clergy thither in September next. He said that
the Emperor had desired to have the continuation of the
former Council removed; the King of Spain could not be
persuaded to condescend to that point, but now of late had
agreed to accept it. The Bishop said that he would ask
the writer, by way of communication, and not by way of his
instructions, what prejudice could grow more to the Queen
than to the Princes of Almain, by admitting the Nuncio to
an audience as they did? |
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| 2. Throckmorton answered, that however the Bishop's instructions bound him to tell him of this matter, his own were
to have nothing to do with him, or with anything that came
from his master; and that no doubt he had heard how the
Queen's Council, after grave deliberation, had answered this
matter already to the King of Spain's Amabssador, so that
there needed no more be said in it. Hereupon the Bishop took
his leave, and the writer took occasion to ask the King of
Navarre whether the French King and his Council had resolved to send their clergy to the Council, as the Nuncio
had told him. He answered that they had not yet resolved
on this point, but that after a conclusion was established he
would advertise him thereof, to signify the same to the Queen.
In the meantime he desired the writer to advertise her that
she might make assured account of him to be wholly hers,
and as ready to do her service as any friend or servant she
had living. |
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| 3. The King of Navarre and the rest of the Privy Council
have been every day for these ten or twelve days at the
Palace in the Court of Parliament to hear the opinions of all
the counsellors of the said Court, being in number 120,
upon the matter of religion, whereof the most part have
already said their minds; and the rest having so done, and
after them the Privy Council, the clergy shall be heard,
which will be about the end of the month. And upon their
conclusions as to what is meetest to be done for the quiet of
the realm, the matter shall be rested and enacted to be
observed. |
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| 4. The Duke of Montpensier, going of late to his house in
Touraine for the burial of his mother, and finding great
numbers in divers towns who made open profession of the
Gospel, by virtue of his governorship of that country, and
being assisted by divers gentlemen of his religion, proceeded
very rigorously upon them by imprisoning about 140 in a
town called Chinon. Herewith the people being moved, (and
not forgeting his late usage towards them in the last year in
King Francis' days, by razing and defacing divers places of
such as he noted to be Protestants, and apprehending their
bodies, and now fearing the like,) assembled in great numbers, about 12,000 or 15,000, and marched so fast towards
him that he was in a manner besieged round about; and he
having no better means to appease them, released all the
prisoners, and so quieted the people. The King has sent for
the said Duke to come to Court, and commanded the rest to
forbear occasioning any more such unquietness in those parts.
He has not yet arrived; some say he is nominated to accompany home the Queen of Scotland. The said Queen goes
shortly to Fécamp, to make her mother's funeral, and from
thence to Calais to embark. It is hitherto appointed that
she shall be accompanied into Scotland with the Duke of
Longueville and M. Damville; her uncles, the Duke D'Aumale,
the Grand Prior, and the Marquis D'Elbœuf; four galleys, and
twelve ships, French and Scottish. The late unquietness in
Scotland has disquieted her very much, and yet stays not her
journey. |
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| 5. On the 5th inst. the Earl Bothwell arrived in post.
M. De Vielleville is returned from the Emperor, but not yet
come to Court. The chief point of his legation was to conclude a marriage between the French King and a daughter
of Maximilian, King of Bohemia, which he has brought to
pass. Is informed that the Duke of Brunswick holds ready,
not far from Hamburg, 7,000 soldiers, which are bruited
to be to hinder the King of Sweden's coming into England;
for that none of the great Princes are in love with his coming
thither. A great doubt arises, however, that the said men of
war shall be to assist the Queen of Scotland at her coming
home to work her desire at the solicitation of the King of
Spain, and some of the French. The knowledge of the truth
thereof from Mr. Brigandine, and especially what shipping is
appointed, would be desirable. Understands that the Prince
of Orange will marry Duke Maurice's daughter by the procurement of the King of Spain, thereby to win to his better
devotion the Duke Augustus of Saxony. They of Metz have
permission to have a church to preach and administer in
publicly. |
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| 6. Understands that the Queen of Scotland is thoroughly
persuaded that the most dangerous man in all the realm is
Knox, and is therefore fully determined to use all means to
banish him thence, or else to assure them that she will never
dwell in that country as long as he is there. Andto make
him the more odious to the Queen, she is minded to send, if
she has not done so already, to lay before her his book against
the Government of Women. Whatsoever she may insinuate
against him, Throckmorton takes him to be as much for her
purpose as any man of all that nation; and that his doing
therein and his zeal sufficiently recompense his fault in writing
that book, and therefore he is not to be driven out of that
realm. Desires that the Lord of St. Colm's Inch may receive
favour from her in his passage through England to Scotland,
as he is well affected towards her. |
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| 7. On the 6th a poor merchant of Woodbridge in Suffolk,
came to complain of a depredation done upon him and divers
merchants of Ipswich by the Scots, in a haven in Iceland,
within the King of Denmark's dominions, three years
past; he has brought letters in their favour from the said
King. Has been to the Queen to set forth the merchants'
request; to which the Queen has answered that after she
had considered the matter the merchants should have answer.
After this she asked him whether he had heard anything
from the Queen touching her safe-conduct. He said that he
had not. She prayed him as soon as he had word of it to
advertise her, and said that her going would be about the
beginning of August. By this it appears that she is very
desirous of the said safe-conduct; and in case it has not been
already delivered to M. De la Haye to bring to her, he thinks
it would be more pertinent to send it to him to deliver into
her hands. On the 4th inst. the said Queen was taken with
a tertian fever, which took her every other day since; and at
his being with her, he might well perceive that it had somewhat appaired her cheer, though she makes no great matter
of it, the worst being past. |
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| 8. Received lately letters from Cecil, with the Queen's commands to him to send her a jeweller garnished with all sorts
of goldsmith's work and set stones. Has found much difficulty
to light upon such a one for divers dangers which they have
alleged, but has got one named Robert Rouvet, a man of
great wealth and livelihood, who has been in England in her
father's time, and who will be shortly with her furnished
with all such things. |
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| 9. Sends herewith the arrest pronounced in this Court of
Parliament in the Prince of Condé's behalf. Sends also
copies of letters which he has received from Lord James
Stewart and the Laird of Lethington, together with his
answer and a letter which he sent to the Earl of Arran.—
Paris, 13 July 1561. Signed. |
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| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil. Pp. 8. |
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| July 13. | 305. Throckmorton to the Lords of the Council. |
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| Gives the same information as that contained in his letter
of the same date to the Queen, omitting the complaint of
the merchants of Suffolk to the Scottish Queen.—Paris, 13
July 1561. Signed. |
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| Orig. Add. Endd. Pp. 5. |
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| July 13. | 306. Throckmorton to Cecil. |
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| 1. If the Queen of Scotland's safe-conduct is not yet delivered to M. D'Oysel, thinks that it would be well to send it
to him [the writer] to be by him presented to the Queen
of Scotland, as thereby he might see her accptation
thereof, and also have occasion to see the state of her
health, which presently is casual. Thinks that by so much
as the Queen of Scots covets to expel Mr. Knox from Scotland,
so much the more ought the Queen to use all her friends and
means to retain him there in credit and safety. Reminds
him why Philip of Macedon desired Demosthenes forth of
Athens. |
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| 2. Now that Cecil's son has seen sufficiently the manner of
this Court, the writer will place him with a friend of his to
attain a knowledge of the French tongue. Thinks Cecil has
sufficient cause to hope well of him, as he has both good wit
and good nature, and is subject to no vice. Recommends to
him Robert Rovett, an honest and substantial merchant of
Paris, who makes his voyage into England furnished with
good store of jewels and goldsmith's work. Desires to know
the Queen's pleasure concerning the voyage to Barbary, and
touching M. De Vomany, who is the delicate musician. Encloses a packet, which he requests Cecil to forward to the Lord
James.—Paris, 13 July 1561. Signed. |
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| Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. Pp. 3. |
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| July 13. | 307. Throckmorton to Cecil. |
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| Since the despatch of his letters of this date, he doubts the
conclusion of this great assembly in daily consultation, as he
hears that the King of Navarre does not proceed in the cause
of religion as he made good show; seeming to think that
by this means he may be in case to recover his kingdom of
Navarre, or be adjudged by the Pope capable thereof. No
assured stay can be established where the Princes cannot
assure themselves. There is some bruit that Oran is again in
danger. Begs to know the Queen's pleasure for the Queen of
Scotland's safe-conduct.—Paris, 13 July 1561. Signed. |
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| Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. Pp. 2. |
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| July 13. | 308. Thomas Jenyson to Cecil. |
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| Has sent after the Governor the particular book of the
musters and charges of the garrison and works due for the
quarter ended at Midsummer, who commanded him so to do,
to the intent he might relate the same to the Lords of the
Council. Encloses a brief report of the whole three quarters'
charge ended Midsummer last. The Lord Governor can declare
the state of the works. Since they began, there has not been so
much done with 100l. more charges monthly as has been
finished these three months past; and besides such exact
order is kept, that not one dead pay can pass. The order
taken by the Lords with Sir Richard Lee for the numbers
appointed to continue upon the late discharge of the
workmen he never signified. Desires Cecil to advertise him
in all matters touching his charge, for that Lee is gravelled
with his doings, which shall continue true, though perhaps he
may thereby obtain hatred. Sir Richard seeks to keep him
ignorant of the Lords' determination, thereby to bring him
into error. There is great want of divers necessaries, wherein
Lee has been written to divers times, but he can perceive no
provision made. It is requisite that the Treasurer's deputy
were privy to the prices and parcels shipped. In the last
proportion there was more indented for with the ship master
than arrived, and the prices of divers things excessive, so that
he refuses to vouch for more than he received to Sir Richard.
—Berwick, 13 July 1561. Signed. |
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| Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Cecil. Pp. 3. |
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| July 13. | 309. The Privy Council of England to the Privy Council
of Scotland. |
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| 1. Perceive by their letters to Lord Dacres, Warden of the
West Marches, that upon information given to them by the
master of Maxwell, Warden of the opposite march of Scotland
(who seems to complain of delay of justice), they find some
lack with Lord Dacres' manner of dealing, and require to
have redress made of such disorders as are alleged to have
been committed by the Queen of England's subjects there.
As their motion appears very reasonable, so the writers have
thought meet to let them understand the very truth and
circumstances as they find it. |
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| 2. The Greames, being the greatest number of those that
are charged with the matters wherein justice is required by
the Master of Maxwell, suspecting lest the Lord Dacres (whose
favour they have of long time somewhat mistrusted,) would
not deal so indifferently towards them as justice required,
sent certain of the chief of their surname to the Lords of the
Council, with petition that their cause might be heard by
some indifferent persons. Albeit they think Lord Dacres to
be as becomes a nobleman and officer of such trust, yet could
they not for justice sake but give ear to these men's requests.
This was the cause why the matters about the Greames could
not be answered. Nevertheless, those they offer for all such
matters as were committed before September last, to make
answer according to the old custom of the West Marches; and
for all matters that can be proved to have been committed by
them since the said month they will willingly make recompence, agreeable to the present order upon those Borders.
And because the Queen has committed these men's case to
certain special persons, presently sent about other her affairs,
they pray that they will take order with Maxwell, that in
the meantime he will suspend his complaints, and forbear to
call any further for recompence of those matters wherewith
the said Greames are hitherto charged.—London, 13 July 1561.
Signed: Bacon, Winchester, Northampton, Pembroke; Edward
Derby, E. Clinton, W. Howard, E. Rogers, F. Knollys, W.
Cecil, A. Cave, R. Sackville. |
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| Orig. Add.: To the Duke of Châtellerault and others, the
Lords of the Privy Council of Scotland. Pp. 3. |
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| July 13. | 310. [Throckmorton] to the Queen. |
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| 1. Advertised her that a poor merchant (one Partridge of
Woodbridge, in Suffolk,) had come to complain to the Queen
of Scotland of depredations done upon him and his consorts
in Iceland, and that as soon as she made answer he would
advertise her thereof. This day he had answer by letter addressed to Lord James to see justice duly administered, a
copy whereof he sends. Begs that she will grant him her
gracious recommendations to Lord James. |
|---|
| 2. P. S.—The Queen of Scotland has written to him that
she is minded to send her ecurie through England, and desires to have his favourable letter for their usage on landing.
Humbly beseeches her to let him know her pleasure therein
with convenient speed.—13 July 1561. |
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| Copy. Endd.: To the Queen, by one Partridge, merchant
of Woodbridge in Suffolk, on his own behalf. Pp. 3. |
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| July 14. | 311. The Queen to the King of France. |
|---|
| Informs him that her refusal of a safe-conduct to the Queen
of Scots was on account of her not ratifying the treaty of
Edinburgh.—London, 14 July 1561. |
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| Copy. Add. Endd. by Cecil. Fr. Pp. 2. |
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| July 14. | 312. Cecil to his Son Thomas. |
|---|
| Wishes him God's blessing, but how he inclines himself to
deserve it, he knows not. Has received three several letters from
him, but none mention at what charge he lives. In anywise
he should be serviceable but not chargeable to Sir N. Throckmorton. "Begin by time to translate into French. Serve God
daily. Take good heed of your health, and visit once a week
your instructions. Fare ye well. Write at every time somewhat to my wife."—London, 14 July 1561. Signed. |
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| Orig. Hol. Add. Endd.: My father to me. Pp. 4. |
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| July 14. | 313. Cecil to Windebank. |
|---|
| Has always allowed of his honesty, and in that respect has
committed to him the governance of his son. How they
spend their time in Paris he knows not. Heartily prays him
that young Cecil may serve God with fear and reverence.
For his [Windebank's] well doing there, trusts to procure he
shall do well at home.—London, 14 July 1561. Signed. |
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| Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Windebank. Pp. 2. |
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| July 14. | 314. Chamberlain to the Queen. |
|---|
| 1. Upon receipt of her letter of the 7th ult. (being then
removing to follow the King to the city of Madrid, where he
now is with his Court,) the writer imparted the same to him.
The King to the first part made such answer as he is ac
customed to make, demanding of her good welfare, etc. He
wished that she had received the Pope's Nuncio's message,
which was none other but the like that had been sent to him
and the rest of the Christian Princes, specially seeing the
matter is of so great moment, and he trusted that the Queen
would consider it. Hereupon Chamberlain repeated what he
had said touching the denial of the Nuncio's admission,
alleging the ancient laws and statutes of the realm against
the like, whereof there remained good records; and further
prayed him to consider the double and suspicious dealing of
the Pope in sending a message to the Queen, whilst by
another he conspired against her, and sought to stir her
subjects to rebellion. He asked the King whether he could
have liking or be without suspicion of the Pope if he should
attempt ought against him in like sort. The King answered,
that the Nuncio would be able to do small hurt to England
by any practices that he might devise; and further said, that
he had heard nothing of the sending of the Nuncio into
Ireland, and that he believed that the Pope would have given
him knowledge of the same, and asked whether the same
Nuncio was of that country or a stranger. Chamberlain said
that he could tell him no more but that there was one sent
expressly with the Pope's Bull, whom, though he joined
himself with some traitors, the rest of the Queen's subjects
had sought to withstand. The King said, that he trusted
that notwithstanding such kind of dealing the Queen would
have great consideration of this General Council that so much
imported. Chamberlain told him, that the Queen made
better answer (in respect of his intermeddling in this matter)
than was desired, or than stood with the laws of her realm,
or could of her nobility and other estates be permitted; and
that when she understood that this General Council should
be universal and free, and that all men might lawfully say
and declare their conscience for the better reformation of all
controversies in religion, (although the same respect had not
been had to her in consulting upon this Council as with the
rest of the Princes,) she would then appoint such personages
of the Church of England as were meet for such a purpose.
But if it should be none other than the last was at Trent,
then she could have small hope of any good success. The
King answered, that the meaning was good, and that he
hoped that all who resorted to the same might be inspired
to conclude upon that wherewith God might be best served,
and the state of Christendom brought to one unity in
religion. For the allegation that the Queen was not dealt
with as became one of the chief Monarchs of Christendom, he
said that the Pope had used to him and the rest none other,
but only made signification of a Council meant, and the place
where it should be celebrated. Chamberlain said, that the
Queen could be content to pass over the respect that ought
to have been had to her, so that the proceedings besides had
not been so suspicious. With this the King seemed willing
to break off, and prayed him to make his most hearty commendations to the Queen, and said that he would write his
mind to his Ambassador. |
|---|
| 2. There is now arrived the Pope's Nuncio, who came to
the King when he and Lord Montague arrived at this Court,
who, for misliking on this side, was shortly afterwards
revoked, and the other who has resided here goes into
Portugal. |
|---|
| 3. When he had prepared thus much to answer her letter,
he was on St. Peter's even suddenly taken with a burning
fever, together with a squinancia in his throat. The fever
held him with continual heat for five days, without intermission, with such extremity that he looked for death.
Wherefore, seeing that this is the fifth time that he has
escaped, always with danger of his life, and can by no means
have his health in this country, he trusts that she will provide some one to succeed him in this charge. Is not yet so
thoroughly recovered that he can promise to be able to
endure the rest of these heats this summer. Wherefore, lest
this should be his last letter, he begs leave to declare in brief
his experience of the state of his country, whereof he finds so
small estimation made and of its ministers that he is in great
sorrow for the same. Nevertheless there appears some good
hope of recovery in that God has appointed her to be the
restorer thereof, with the succession that is to come of her;
he therefore begs her to consider the necessity of the case
without longer delay, being so great as it is, and of so great
importance to her own person and her whole realm. |
|---|
| 4. There are arrived nine ships out of the Indies, which, by
the Azores, met with five English ships, three of Bristol and
two of Barnstable, laden with the wood of those islands,
whom they took as pirates and brought to Spain. Has
opened the matter to the Duke of Alva, to move the King to
have consideration of the poor merchants, which he says,
upon further knowledge from the captain who took them,
shall be had. The King, upon her letter of recommendation
for Hickman and Castelyn, merchants of London, has written
generally to the Governors of the Canaries to give entreaty
to her subjects. Can obtain no redress for the traffic between
the two countries, answer being made that the laws cannot
be broken. The English merchants in Andalusia also complain that they are exacted more than heretofore upon such
wines as they buy to bring into England. Does not know
how to help them, but is persuaded that if they would refrain
for a year to buy wines where they are so exacted they might
lightly obtain redress. |
|---|
| 5. Another Legate is looked for from Rome very shortly.
The Duke of Florence's son will be here about September; a
marriage will be treated between him and this King's sister,
whereof men say that she will not hear. Cannot learn that
any better marriage should be treated between this Prince
and the Scottish Queen; nor is it thought that the French
will yield thereto. (fn. 2) —Madrid, 14 July 1561. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. Pp. 7. |
|---|
| July 14. | 315. Chamberlain to Cecil. |
|---|
| 1. Has received Cecil's instructions for his proceeding in the
matter of the Nuncio repairing from the Pope. Must say
that in the first part of his letter he does not guess amiss, for
the reports of their proceedings are here put forth to the
worst, and therefore if he might from time to time understand somewhat thereof, it could not but serve to a good
purpose. It has been said here that the Queen had good
disposition to intend to the General Council, which, by report
of this Court, is meant to be as free as can be asked. In conference with the King framed his talk to as much advantage as he could, telling him that if the Queen might so
understand thereof, then she would be as ready as the rest of
the Christian Princes. By his answer, and by what his
Ambassador shall now declare, Cecil will be able to conceive
what he looks for besides. He may see that the King had no
great belief of the Legate's arrival and proceedings in Ireland,
whereof nevertheless Chamberlain persuaded him all the
assurance he could. Cecil guesses right of the minister who
goes between in these matters; he makes no better report of
their proceedings than in himself he has liking thereof. Of
such as have been of late attached here will be nothing
believed other than well. Cannot learn that any such
marriage is there treated, nor can he conceive that the French
will yield thereunto. (fn. 3) Throckmorton will be better able to
understand thereof. |
|---|
| 2. Begs Cecil to assist him in obtaining his revocation.
Never thought that the Queen would have made as it were a
divorce between him and his wife, or suffer him at one time
to be so overcharged as he can never be able to recover.
Mr. Osborn can well inform him of his state. |
|---|
| 3. When he had written thus far he was suddenly taken
with such a continual fever and squinancy that he looked for
none other than death. Is not yet in such health that he can
endure to set his secretary to work; wastes away more and
more in health of body and in substance, so that if he endures
longer it can be nothing to the Queen's service, and to his
own great shame and discredit. Never hears whether all
his letters are come to his hands.—Madrid, 14 July 1561.
Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 3. |
|---|
| July 15. | 316. The Queen to Queen Mary. |
|---|
| Has received her letters by M. D'Oysel, whom she has
thought good to send back to her, for certain reasons which
he can explain to her, and which also she has charged her
Ambassador resident at the French Court to communicate. |
|---|
| Copy. Endd. by Cecil: 15 July 1561. Fr. P. 1. |
|---|
| July 15. | 317. Draft of the above. |
|---|
| Add. Endd.: 14 July. Fr. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| [July 15.] | 318. The Queen's Answer to M. D'Oysel. (fn. 4) |
|---|
| 1. Having looked for some good satisfaction from the Scottish Queen concerning the ratification of the treaty, and finding no reasonable answer but continuance of delay, the Queen
plainly requires of her the ratification of the said treaty.
This, if she shall perform, then the Queen is well disposed to
gratify her with any reasonable request, not only to pass by
her realm, with commodity to enter any of her ports, but
rather to pass through any part thereof, with aid of all manner of things; and if it like her, to give order for a friendly
meeting for a corroboration and perfection of their amity. |
|---|
| 2. As for M. D'Oysel's passage into Scotland, she thinks it
meet that he should rather return and signify thus much to
Queen Mary, for which he will have her passport and letters,
to the French King and Queen, and the Queen of Scots. If
he have any letters or messages for Scotland, he may send the
same safely, for which he shall have a passport. |
|---|
| Draft, in Cecil's hol. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| July 15. | 319. Mundt to Cecil. |
|---|
| 1. The Envoy whom the King of Navarre lately sent to the
Protestant Princes on his return told Mundt that he had
made three propositions to them; the first was that if the
Guises, or any of their confederates, tried to enlist soldiers in
Germany, they should do all they could to oppose them, which
was readily agreed to by all. The second was, that if the
King of Navarre, Condé, the Admiral and the rest in France,
should be attacked by the Pope, the King of Spain and the
other accomplices of the Guises, on account of religion, they
should assist them. Some agreed to this, on condition that
those who were assisted should pay the expenses of the
soldiers, but others said that this could only be settled in a
general assembly of the Princes. The third was, that whenever the King of Spain threatened to make war on France, if
they embraced the Lutheran heresy, the Protestant Princes
should send an embassy into France to encourage them against
these Spanish threats. Nearly all of them agreed as to the
sending of this legation, but the question of the person to be
sent and the time was referred to the Elector Palatine as the
chief of the Princes. In this, however, there was some difficulty, as many of the Princes wished that the Confession of
Augsburg should be received in France, whereas the reformed
Church there followed the doctrine of Calvin and the ceremonies of the Church of Geneva, from which the Augsburg
Confession somewhat varies, and in Germany itself there are
different ceremonies used, nor is there the same doctrine
everywhere with respect to the Lord's Supper. |
|---|
| 2. It is to be feared that these differences may be an occasion of offence to the weak, and also lest evil speakers may
draw opportunities of calumniating from the Confession itself,
as in it mention is made of the Mass by name; meaning,
however, one that has been reformed and that is properly
administered. |
|---|
| 3. The Augsburg Confession and its Apology should be
drawn up so that it can be clearly understood, as otherwise it
may be twisted into different meanings. The opinion of the
calmer sort is that they should first look to embracing the
pure religion, and shaking off the yoke of the Pope, and to
making a mutual confederation, and then they may proceed
to establish conformity of religion. |
|---|
| 4. Has no news about the Emperor. Maximilian is said
to be more strongly minded towards the confession of religion.
The marriage of the Prince of Orange with the daughter of
Maurice will be celebrated with great pomp at Leipsic on the
24th August. The King of Denmark will be there, but the
Landgrave will not, for reasons which the writer stated in his
letter of the 3rd June.—Strasburg, 15 July 1561. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Hol., with seal. Add. Endd. Lat. Pp. 3. |
|---|
| July 15. | 320. Cecil to Throckmorton. |
|---|
| Before the closing up of the letters directed to him there
was a despatch made to Chamberlain, meant to be sent by
the merchants, because it specially concerned their cause.
The King of Spain has by a new order in Castile prohibited
foreign vessels from carrying any wares of Spain as long as
any Spaniard will, by which means all the English ships
return empty. The like attempt was in the Emperor Charles's
time, but of necessity of both parts revoked. Besides this,
the merchants make no small complaints of injustice done to
them in sundry ports of Spain. There is little remedy by complaining to the Spanish Ambassador, who attempts to work in as
many shops as he can find tools to discredit him [Cecil] with
the Queen. This he attempts in two ways; one by stating
that he [Cecil] only is the author of the change of religion and
the stay now from a qualification; the other, as the principal
hinderer of the good will that ought to be betwixt the Queen
and his master. Yesterday, finding him absent all day, he travailed much herein with the Queen; and he [the writer] coming
secretly to the knowledge hereof, means to sound her heart to
feel how many roots he has shaken; not that he weighs his
particular the value of a halfpenny, but if the Ambassador may
thus feel his strength without encountering, knows he will
there rest. For the heads of his accusation he must confess
to the Queen that of the one he is guilty, but not thereby in
fault, and thereunto he will stand as long as he lives; for the
second he must confess no more, but that he always has and
will advise her to exercise her amity with the King of Spain
cum bonâ cautione, and so to love him as she may also bear
the lack of his love. For his furtherance the Ambassador
seems to further by all means the marriage here, and labours
to procure the Lord Robert to have evil thoughts of him [Cecil],
wherein hitherto he does not think he has had much profit;
for he will never desire towards him but well, as he trusts he
understands. Prays him to forward the packet to Chamberlain.—Havering, 15 July 1561. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig., with seal. Hol. Add. Endd.: By Francis the
courier. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| July 16. | 321. Throckmorton to the Queen. |
|---|
| 1. Whereas on 13th of July he advertised her that the
Queen of Scotland minded to embark at Calais according to
her former opportunity, now she is resolved to take shipping
at Newhaven, with as great speed as her preparations will be
ready. She will be accompanied with her uncles, the Duke
D'Aumale, the Grand Prior, and the Marquis D'Elbœuf. It
is said that the Duke of Longueville, M. Damville, and others
of the King's Chamber, will accompany her home also; all of
whom mind to return home through England. She has sent
to him sundry times of late to understand if he could ascertain her concerning the safe-conduct. On the 15th she sent a
gentleman named Levison to desire the writer's letters for his
passage through England, with certain her mules and carriage
horses, and that he might have Throckmorton's accommodation to provide his mistress with some ambling hackneys
for her own saddle, which might be suffered to pass forth
into Scotland. As the writer does not know her resolute
pleasure herein, he has deferred his answer until his next
access to the Queen of Scotland. |
|---|
| 2. Nothing is concluded in the matter of religion in this
long and great consultation other than before; but now the
resolution is deferred until the end of the consultation of the
bishops and clergy, who assemble at Poissy, near St. Germains,
on the 25th. The Prince of Condé and the Duke of Guise
remain unreconciled, though many great personages have
travailed to compound their differences. |
|---|
| 3. The Cardinal of Ferrara is greatly advanced in his
journey hitherwards, who comes hither as the Bishop of
Rome's Legate; the said Bishop of Rome sends one of his new
made Cardinals, Mulo, as his Legate into Spain. The French
King sends the Rhinegraf instead of the Baron De la Garde
to present his order to the King of Denmark, of whom there
is some secret speech of marriage with the Queen of Scotland,
and that the said Rhinegraf has the handling of the matter.
Of late Mr. Harvey came this way out of Spain towards Flanders, and desired him to testify unto her of his truth and
allegiance; he said that the King of Spain has given him
500 crowns pension, payable in the Low Countries. Begs
her good usage for Robert Rouvet, a jeweller of Paris, who
makes his repair into England. On the 14th of July he received her letters of the 18th of June by M. De Noailles, late
Ambassador in Scotland, and intends thereupon to repair to
St. Germain, where the King is.—Paris, 16 July 1561.
Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 4. |
|---|
| July 17. | 322. Count Mansfeld to Cecil. |
|---|
| Having received no reply to his letter to the Queen, more
especially about his pension, (now a year in arrear,) the
writer sends his servant, Christopher Hartman. If the
Queen has heard any evil report of him he begs Cecil to state
what it is. Asks him to obtain an audience with the Queen
for his servant, and also that he will aid him in getting his
pension paid.—Mansfelt, 17 July 1561. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 3. |
|---|
| July 19. | 323. The Bishop of Carlisle to Cecil. |
|---|
| After three sermons in the Cathedral (unto which a great
number did resort) the common people affirmed that they
had been deceived; which also happened throughout all his
visitation in the diocese, the two next weeks following. The
gentlemen of the county received him with much civility; but
he cannot express the entertainment of Lord Wharton and
Lady Musgrave, his daughter, for the Gospel's sake. The
priests are wicked imps of Antichrist, and for the most part
very ignorant and stubborn; past measure false and subtle.
Only fear makes them obedient. Three only absented themselves from his visitation and fled, because they would not
subscribe. Two belong to Lord Dacre and one to the Earl of
Cumberland. About twelve or thirteen churches in Gilsland, all under Lord Dacre, do not appear, but refuse to
come in, and at Stapleton and sundry of the others have
Mass openly, at whom my Lord and his officers wink. Although they stand excommunicate, the writer does not meddle
with them until he has some aid from the Council of the
North, lest he might trouble the country. Lord Dacre is
something too mighty in this country, and as it were a Prince;
and the Warden of the West Marches of Scotland and he are
great friends. He suffers the Scots to do harm in England
unpunished, of policy. He is too long detained in London.
—Rose Castle, 19 July 1561. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 3. |
|---|
| July 19. | 324. Sir John Mason and Dr. Wotton to Cecil. |
|---|
| 1. On Thursday afternoon they resorted to King Philip's
Ambassador, and the effect of their discourse was that he
complained of a number of spoils made lately upon eighty of
his master's subjects, specially of the Low Countries, whereof
few or none were redressed, and most of all this robbery was
done under their noses. And albeit now and then there was
a pretence of a meaning of justice, and some of the offenders
were taken, yet either they were let go again, or at the suit
of one or other pardoned. Amongst whom he named Marichurch, Johnson, and Handsom of Faversham, who so long as
they were abroad, so long might the complainants be sure to
have none other rule but daily spoils and daily complaints.
Marichurch, he said, was once apprehended and let go by the collusion of the serjeant, who is as much suspected as the common
robbers; and to mend the matter he took upon him to get
him into his hands again, and for that effect had of the poor
plaintiff a crown a day, the whole amounting to 30l., and in
the end brought word that he could not find him. Johnson
being taken with an open piracy, was constrained to deliver
again so much as pleased him of the goods, amounting
to scant one half of the value, and had none other
punishment. |
|---|
| 2. He much complained of the charges in the suits in the
Admiralty Court, and for example alleged that 50l. had been
disbursed without request of any party, the whole matter
not passing 200l.; whereby many poor men were constrained
to content themselves with their losses. The ships haunting
the seas as pirates were suffered, he said, to be made, dressed,
rigged, and set forth openly; Johnson's ship being dressed
and set forth at Boston, the town and country murmuring at
it. They have in sundry places staples of weapons, powder,
and munitions, wherein he named Marichurch, whose staple
was at Perin [Penryn] in the West country. Sometimes,
quoth he, a poor knave or two are hanged, but the ringleaders ever escape. He knew how well the Queen was
affected to justice, and wished that others were so too. It
was a marvellous grief to him to trouble her so often in
these melancholy matters; but the occasions were so thick,
and the King's and the Duchess of Parma's letters so earnest,
as he could no less do. Some of the letters he showed,
which were indeed somewhat earnest, being commanded by
the same to procure a resolute answer how those subjects
and others should hereafter live together, and whether they
should be forced for lack of remedy to devise a remedy for
the surety of their subjects so daily spoiled, as either they
must give up their traffic and fishing (as many of them have
already done,) or else by wafters must be defended. In his
opinion the only way was to apprehend such as are notably
known, among whom he harps still upon Marichurch, who
was seen at Lowestoft within this month, albeit it is alleged
that he cannot be found. Handsam, and more especially
Johnson, were talked about in all places, and in no place
more than in England. If the first two were forthcoming
it might breed some quietness. |
|---|
| 3. They told him that justice was never denied, and that
it might be that most of their complaints might more justly
light upon the Scots, and that if the parties were the Queen's
subjects her express meaning was that they should receive
exemplary punishment. In the end he prayed them to
appoint a time for the hearing of particular complaints, for
which purpose they assigned the next day at nine. At
which time there resorted to them eight or nine men of
honest sort in appearance, whereof two or three seemed to be
learned men, of such sort as they call their pensioners, hired
by the rest to tell their tales, and draw their requests in
writing, who read all their writings and said us much as they
were able to say. Whereby it better appeared that they
were spoiled than by whom the spoil was made, saving that
Marichurch, Johnson, and Handsam seemed much to be
charged. Their request was that some way should be devised
for the remedy of their damage; in the meantime their earnest
request was whether they might safely haunt their accustomed
fishing, whereof now is the chief time, which was the cause
of their resorting to the realm; and in case it should be
said that they might use the trade as heretofore, without
fear of spoil, order might be taken for the same. They were
told that there was no doubt that the Queen's pleasure was
that they should resort hither and use their fishing in as
liberal sort as ever they did; and albeit some lewd men had
heretofore troubled them, the Queen would devise ways to
rid the seas of them; and, promising to advertise the Queen
of their requests, they dismissed them. They have perused
and abridged their informations and turned them into English. |
|---|
| 4. For the satisfaction of their requests they know no
better way (unless the Queen should send an armed vessel or
two to the sea) than to send immediately to all the ports to
inquire what vessels haunt unto them; with commandment
upon pain of death to stay all suspected persons, and permit no
fisher or other to go abroad without surety found not to
offend any of the Queen's friends, and to answer all such
things as may be laid to their charge. They name especially
fishers; for the manner of the malefactors is to go well
manned to the sea, and finding a poor fisherman of the Low
Countries, to take from him his fish and nets, and make them
of the port believe that the fish was of their own catching.
Marichurch, Johnson, and Hadsam, to be apprehended,
especially the first two; and at least be bound in sufficient
securities to be forthcoming to answer any charges against
them, and in the mean season to be of good abearing; the
best way, however, to content all parties would be to lay
them fast. And for the finding out of such as have for the
last two years so foully used the complainants, there might be
an examination in the said ports of what vessels were
abroad at the time that they complain, especially black, red,
or yellow; for such do they allege were those who robbed
them. |
|---|
| 5. One Thackwell, serjeant of the Admiralty, who is
notoriously suspected to collude with them, should be charged
with such of the forenamed as he has suffered to escape. He
is charged also to have stayed a ship at Newcastle, known to
be culpable; and he should be examined as to what has
become of it. Thomas Arnott, Jaggs of Lowestoffe, and
Thomas Barman, who are accused to have consented with
the pirates, or at least to have had good knowledge of their
doings, as appears from their examination taken before
Sir Thomas Woodhouse, should be effectually spoken with.
Two of them are well able to answer, the third is a servant,
by whose confession it appears that his master had good
understanding with the pirates.—London, 19 July 1561.
Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 7. |
|---|