|
| August 16. | 404. Queen Elizabeth to Queen Mary. |
|---|
| 1. The Lord of St. Cosme has brought her letters, dated on
the 8th, at Abbeville, signifying that although by the answer
brought to M. D'Oysel, Mary might have had occasion to
have entered into some doubt of the writer's amity, yet, after
certain purposes passed betwixt her and the English Ambassador, she assures herself of her good meaning to live with
her in amity. The said St. Cosme has made the same excuses
for not ratifying the treaty as Mary did to the English Ambassador, whom the writer has briefly answered on all the
same points. (fn. 1) Lest Mary should think that her reasons have
satisfied the writer, she assures her that the answer cannot
be reputed for a satisfaction; she only requires her to perform her promise, whereunto she is bound by her seal and
hand; the writer courts only what is in her power, and
which her own people were made privy to, and without which
no perfect amity can continue. Nevertheless, perceiving by
the report of St. Cosme that she means forthwith upon her
coming home to follow herein the advice of her Council in
Scotland, the writer is content to suspend her conceit of all
unkindness, and assures her that she is fully resolved (upon
this being performed) to unite a sure bond of amity, and live
in neighbourhood with her as assuredly in the knot of friendship as they are in that of nature and blood. Reminds her
of the error to which evil counsellors induced her father, when
Henry VIII. sought to have knit a perpetual bond by inviting him to come to York. |
|---|
| 2. "Where it seemeth that report hath been made unto
you that we had sent our Admiral to the seas with our navy
to impeach your passage, both your servants do well understand how false that is, knowing for a truth that we have not
any more than two or three small barks upon the seas to
apprehend certain pirates; being thereto intreated, and almost
compelled by the earnest complaint of the Spanish Ambassador
made of certain Scotchmen haunting our seas as pirates, under
pretence of letters of marque; of which matter we earnestly
require you at your coming into your realm to have some
good consideration."—Henyngham, 16 Aug. 3 Eliz. |
|---|
| Copy. Add. Broadside. |
|---|
| August 16. | 405. Corrected draft, in Cecil's writing. |
|---|
| Endd. Pp. 4. |
|---|
| August 16. | 406. Otto, Duke of Brunswick, to the Queen. |
|---|
| Has received her letter by William Herle. Had not heard
one word of the report which Herle was commissioned to
refute. Was very much astonished that any one should be
so malignant as to calumniate her; her virtue will, however,
shine forth as the sun in its strength. The evil reports will
be more injurious to the authors than to her. Promises to
do all he can to repress such rumours, and to assist her in
any other way.—Hamburg, 16 Aug. 1561. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. The last leaf torn. Lat. Pp. 5. |
|---|
| August 16. | 407. Thomas Nicolas to Chamberlain. |
|---|
| 1. Antony Hickman and Edward Castlin, of London,
merchants, have written to him and Edward Kingsmill, their
servants in the Canaries, how they have procured the Queen's
letters directed to Chamberlain for the King of Spain, which
they trust he has received. Edward Kingsmill has written
to him [Chamberlain] of the great troubles of their masters.
The writer was taken by those of the Inquisition about
twenty months past, and put into a little dark house about
two paces long, laden with irons, without sight of sun or
moon all the time, and all his master's goods were embargoed.
When he was arraigned they laid to his charge that he had
said that the English Mass was as good, or better than theirs;
that he went not to Mass; that he said that he had rather
give his money to the poor than buy bulls of Rome with it,
with other pretty inventions. He answered, proving their
allegations to be most untrue with many witnesses. Then
they put him again in prison for a certain space, and alleged
anew against him six or seven articles against the Queen;
but, seeing that they could not prevail against him otherwise,
they said that she was an enemy to the faith, that she was
preached to be antichrist, and that she maintained circumcision and the Jewish laws, that also a friar shook off the
dust of his shoes against her and the city of London; which
abominable and untrue things they proved with a force of
forsworn Flemings. Then he stood up to the defence of the
Queen, proving their sayings to be most untrue, and requiring
justice; but was put into Little-ease again till the end of
twenty months, when he protested his innocent blood against
the judge to be demanded before Christ. This is the foundation of proof which they took. The accuser was a "confess
of the Jewish line descended," who had procured his death
above two years, because he would not give him his master's
goods for nought, and had abused him in his house for that
cause. Also the law does not permit a man of Jewish
lineage to be officer in the Inquisition, as the said confess is.
Also, the witnesses are two thieves and two common women;
whereas God has shown His rightful judgment, for one of
them was choked, lying in childbed, by her husband, and he
hanged for it. Therefore, because the judge was covetous
and vicious, and the notary likewise, he refused him for his
judge, in the presence of the Licençiado Spinosa, Licençiado
Sarvantes, promoter, and Don Juan De Vega, writer; the said
judge, however, would not be refused, which was contrary to
law. |
|---|
| 2. Beseeches him to inform the King of Spain how Her
Majesty is reported and of false witnesses accused of his subjects in Canary. Also that he will speak with the Archbishop of Seville, the Inquisitor General of Spain, that he may
understand the articles written in his behalf, and that his
masters have lost by their evil justice near 6,000 French
crowns; and he yet remaining a prisoner for the judge to
work his revenge upon him for refusing him. Desires that
the Archbishop will remit this matter here to the Provincial
of St. Domingo, Doctor Mesias, and the licentiate Spinosa, so
that it may be definitely sentenced without delay. The confess
is called Francisco De Coronado, of the ancient Jews descended.
—Canary, 16 Aug. 1561. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Hol., with seal. Add. Pp. 4. |
|---|
| August 16. | 408. Valentine Browne to Cecil. |
|---|
| 1. The letters herewith, which he received this night, were
the longer in coming by reason the way was troubled with
a great number of men raised in arms upon a controversy
between certain gentlemen of the Humes and a kinsman of
Lord Seaton. On the 14th inst. there came two Frenchmen
out of Scotland, whom he has staid for a few days that further knowledge might be had of their qualities, under colour
that such were sought for in these parts by procurement of
the French Ambassador in London upon a piracy. One declares himself to be a merchant, and the other a soldier late
out of France. Has sent to Randolph for further intelligence
of them; and in case he finds no other matter, will remit
them on their journey. They have divers letters, but none
suspicious. Reminds Cecil of his petitions. |
|---|
| 2. Has staid two hoys of Amsterdam, laden with clapboard
and rye, which he has great need of, until he hears of the
licence for transporting of the hides, fells, and tallow, which
come of the slaughter within his charge, with which he might
buy and exchange the same; wherein the Lord Treasurer has
written his letters to the customers to suffer him at this time
to pass; but the same being now made felony by statute, he
dares not adventure but with the Queen's commandment,
without which he will never make half as much as they are
worth, and the less by reason the doing thereof is lawful to
the freemen of the town, who daily ship away the same by
force of their liberties. They will not meddle with him, but
to much "underfote;" perceiving that he is forced to sell it
to them, or lose the most part thereof. |
|---|
| 3. Reminds him of the pays here, now behind for half a
year and more. Touching such part as is for the garrisons unto
Midsummer, the Lord Treasurer has answered him it shall be
sent with speed; but for so much as is due to the workmen,
being about 8,000l., he declares he will not meddle. Requests
that consideration thereof may be had, otherwise the poor
men, besides their great want, are like to be in great distress
this winter for clothes. Has lent them above 2,000l. out of
his charge for the victuals, which not being repaid and employed in new provisions, will utterly disfurnish the store.
The difficulty he has made touching the payment of Mr. Johnson, the surveyor, for his entertainment as master mason, is
this; the office of master mason he has by patent, and therefore nineteen pounds per annum of standing fee, which
Browne pays him without denial. But he claims further
twenty pence per diem during the time of the works, which
the writer has denied, for that it seems a double allowance.—
Berwick, 16 Aug. 1561. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig., with seal. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 3. |
|---|
| August 16. | 409. —[to Shers?] |
|---|
| In his last letter mentioned the death of Rustem Bassa
and of M. Dolus, the French Ambassador in Constantinople.
It appears by subsequent letters of the 14 July that Rustem's
only daughter is dead, leaving 10,000,000 of gold; she died
of the plague, which still rages so that the Turks now begin
to take fright. Aly Bassa, the Christian renegade, who
succeeded Rustem, has shown himself favourably inclined
towards the Signory, and has delivered certain Venetians,
who were seized at Constantinople for having forged bonds
about corn. The Signory are making progress with the
fortifications of Bergamo, in doing which they have destroyed vines equivalent to the production of 5,000 barrels
of wine. The fortifications will be ready in three months.
The citizens of Bergamo are much distressed with the ruin
of their vineyards and houses. The Cardinal of Ferrara,
Legate to France, set out from Ferrara on the 10th instant.
The Duke, his brother, hopes to have in marriage the Infanta of
Portugal. Twenty-seven galleys have arrived at Genoa from
Spain with 3,000 recruits, who will join the 25,000 already at
Naples. Their general is Marco Antonio Doria Del Coretto,
and his lieutenant Giovanni Andrea Doria.—Venice, 16
Aug. 1561. Signature cut off. |
|---|
| Ital. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| August 16. | 410. — [to Shers?] |
|---|
| Wrote on the 7th ultimo and has little to say. The
Count Brocardo Cremonense is hourly expected from the
Court of Spain, who will bring the King's decision as to
the rewards to be given to the Borromei. Ten Cardinals
are about to be created, all of them relatives or friends of
Cardinal Borromeo.—Rome, 16 Aug. 1561. Signature cut off. |
|---|
| Endd. Ital. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| [August 16.] | 411. Intelligence from Venice. |
|---|
| 1. From Constantinople. Ali Bassa has well used the
Ambassadors that visited him by way of congratulation, and
has promised to execute justice without bribery, for which he
blamed his predecessor, and to rid the sea of corsairs. The
Turk has promised the Venetians to set at liberty all slaves
appertaining to any Venetian taken since 1540, and a proclamation is made in Venice that whosoever has any slave in
the Turk's power, shall bring his name in by a certain day.
It is expected he will do the same with Christian prisoners
remaining in his hands, being persuaded by Rostan Bassa
that the detention of them was the cause of the pestilence at
Constantinople. |
|---|
| 2. From Milan. Twenty-eight galleys had arrived at
Genoa from Spain, under the command of Antonio Doria,
which have since departed towards Naples to join the others
there, having aboard, besides others, 1,500 Spaniards. The
Admiral and captain of them is Marc Antonio Coretto
Doria, Prince of Melphe, and son-in-law to old Andrea
Doria, deceased. Order is given him by King Philip to
pursue Dragut Rays with fifty galleys, he having robbed and
spoiled through all the river of Genoa. Antonio Doria
was appointed captain of the galleys of Sicily, who was,
with twenty galleys, ordered to guard the coasts about that
isle. The Signor Centuriane had sixteen galleys for the
defence of Sardinia, and twenty galleys were appointed to
guard the coasts about Naples. Giovanni Ant. Doria will
remain about Genoa with twenty galleys to guard those
quarters, and Giovanni De Mendoça with twenty galleys will
attend to the defence of Spain. Riccio Ormetto is restored
to his sanctuary. A proclamation was made that no man
upon pain of death should wear any dagger or sword, by day
or night, passing a certain measure; and that no assembly
should take place before the great church of more than three
persons. Certain Bishops of Portugal have passed towards
the Council, and more were looked for shortly from Spain. |
|---|
| 3. From Rome. The Pope calls still upon the Bishops to
depart for Trent, and offers aid to those who are not able to
go forward. He has granted to Patriarch Grimanni to refuse
for judges all such Cardinals as he suspects, and to appoint
learned men in their places; and to answer by writing to all
the articles laid to his charge. Conte Broccardo Persico,
whom King Philip has sent to the Pope with the answer
to such matters as the Bishop of Terracina was sent
to Spain for, was daily expected. Don Juan De Ayala had
left Rome with answers to such as he was sent thither for,
by the King. There has been a great earthquake at Naples,
which has destroyed many palaces and sundry houses, and
there withal great flames issued out of Mount Vesuvius,
which has set on fire a number of houses at Puteoli and
thereabouts. At Naples a great part of the churches of
St. Lawrence and St. Augustine were overthrown. The
monastery of St. Maria Regina Cœli was so shaken that it
was ready to fall, and the nuns thereof had fled from the
same. |
|---|
| 4. From Spain. The King had caused the Pope's Nuncio
to be informed that concerning the refusal by the Queen of
England of his messenger, he would let it pass until the end
of the Council, at which time he would not fail to show his
good will to aid the Church. He makes account that by
the spring he will be able to have at sea 200 galleys, so as
the Pope, Naples, Sicily, Aragon, Majorca, and Minorca keep
touch with him. The fleet which lately arrived from the
Indies with a quantity of gold encountered certain pirates,
who called themselves Frenchmen, not far from Seville, where,
coupling with the pirates, they took them, and hung twenty
of them upon their own masts. Amongst them was an
English ship, but piracy not being proved to have been
committed by the same, it was set at liberty. It is thought
one of the ships of the said fleet perished. It is reported
by these that they left at Peru, ready to come away,
another fleet, with far greater treasure than was brought by
this. |
|---|
| Endd. Pp. 4. |
|---|
| August 17. | 412. Duarte Kingsmyll to Sir Thomas Chamberlain. |
|---|
| 1. Has received letters from his masters, Anthony Hickman
and Edward Castlon, merchants of London, whose doings he
has now in these isles, together with a copy of the Queen's
letter to the King of Spain; whereupon he begs Chamberlain
to help his poor countrymen in their trouble, and informs him
of the facts of the case. In 1558 there passed here three
English ships and a pinnace, which remained fourteen or
fifteen days and discharged part of their cargo, and proceeded
towards Guinea. And because a hulk from Flanders was
lacking, it was falsely surmised that they had sunk it, and
the Governor's lieutenant, licençiado Betancor, a malicious
person, thinking to get a bribe, sequestered all the writer's
goods, saying that they were stolen out of the missing hulk.
Kingsmyll however proved this to be feigned, for news came
of its loss on the coast of Bretagne. Betancor then said that
the wares were forfeited, being prohibited goods, which Kingsmyll proved to the contrary at the cost of above 100 doubles.
This matter was so craftily handled by the said Betancor, he
being judge, and a kinsman scrivener of the cause, in order
to see if they could bring him to any agreement, that it
endured four years and is not yet ended. |
|---|
| 2. A little before last Easter the lieutenant condemned him
in a fine of 1,000 ducats for keeping his books in English, and
on the judge giving sentence in Kingsmyll's favour, he appealed, and the matter is now before the judges of appeal. |
|---|
| 3. His next troubles are yet more intolerable. Licençiado
Betancor was succeeded by licençiado Morteo, one for his
evil life and lewdness famous throughout Seville and Cadiz,
where he was lieutenant to the coregidor, and for his evil
doings was fain to embark secretly for these isles, which he
knew was a place for his purpose and for men of his qualities.
He used such extortion withal that his kingdom endured
but a while, and another was put in his room, and the
first tyranny he used was with Kingsmyll. On the 29th
July in the aforesaid year he came to Kingsmyll's house and
commanded his books of account, who showed him one written in Spanish, contrary to his expectation; he then commanded him to open all the chests in his house and found in
one of them three [yards] and two-thirds of velvet and a
piece of silk, which he took away, saying it was forfeited,
and also another book of account translated into English for
the use of his masters, Antony Hickman and Edward Castlon.
He then made his accusation, as may appear by the process
which Kingsmyll has sent to Mr. Tipton. He begs Chamberlain to move the King to allow it to be perused by some
learned men of his Council, as he thinks that he would not
have been condemned if it had not been that one-third of
the fine went to the judges. |
|---|
| 4. Between 1544 and 1550, in consideration that much money
was conveyed out of Spain, two statutes were made that all
merchants should keep their books in Castilian under pain of
1,000 ducats. Divers learned men on being asked answered
the writer that as he had his manual written in Spanish it
was sufficient, and that it was a plain extortion and robbery
of Morteo. Thinking that the law did not prohibit a merchant from translating his books into his natural tongue, when
the said Morteo offered to consent with him for 100 ducats, he
refused by the advice of his man of law, and offered twenty or
thirty to avoid the trouble of the law, thinking at first that it
was not half a dozen doubles matter. Morteo thereupon caused
a friend to put in an accusation against him, although in deed
he was himself counsellor, accuser, and judge in the matter.
And because the statute chiefly speaks of bankers, the writer
proved that there were no banks in the island, that he never
conveyed money out of the isles, that he brought at one time
2,000 ducats in ready money to buy sugar, and that he yearly
laded with sugar; he also proved that it was more gain for a
merchant in these parts to employ his money in sugars than
to carry ready money; and that he had laden a greater value
of sugar out of the isles than the merchandise sent to him,
as appears by the customs books. Further, there was no
money in the isles that a man might convey away; for
although he has known them seven years, and had doings for
his masters for 30,000 ducats at one time together, yet would
he never get 500 ducats in ready money, there being little
money running, and all their payments being in sugar. He
also proved by interpreters that his book written in English
conformed in all respects with that in Spanish. He also
proved that the said statutes had never been proclaimed, as
was commanded; and that it was the order of all merchants
to translate their books to send to their masters. Notwithstanding the aforesaid, they have for their own proper lucre,
(for that one-third part of the condemnation appertains to
the judges and the King's third has been given them towards
the charge of their officers, etc.,) condemned him in 1,000 ducats
and banishment. In Grenada they confirmed the fine, but released him of the banishment. Sends a letter sent by his procurador in Grenada to Mr. Tipton in Seville, whereby he may
understand the insatiable covetousness of the judges there, who
(forasmuch as the matter touched their own proper lucre) would
not be informed of his justice and right. If the law had
been contrary to him, fifty or 100 ducats fine would have been
sufficient. Concerning the velvets and silks that Morteo took
from him, it is commanded that they should restore them
again; but they have put them to their own uses, so that he
will never be paid, besides a great sum that the Governor and
the lieutenant owe him for merchandise taken from his house.
Desires Chamberlain's aid herein with the King. |
|---|
| 5. The covetousness of Morteo next began to enterprise a
new matter against him. On Feb. 10, 1559, he caused one
of his alguazils to make a denunciation against him, alleging
that the Queen had married a Cavalero de la Rosa, and that
he had commanded to set up new and strange religions, and
every man to live according as he would himself. Whereupon
the said Morteo came to his house and forced him to swear
and declare the goods and money that he had, which he put
in another man's hands until the 8th of March. The like
diligence was used against Thomas Nicolas in the isle of
Teneriffe, as may appear by the testimony sent herewith,
alleging against him that the Queen had proclaimed war
against Spain and ordered all Spaniards to depart by a certain
day. This matter has cost them above 100 doubles in costs
and charges, besides certain pieces of linen that were lost, to
the value of thirty or forty more. Thomas Nicolas was afterwards put in prison; and they would have stayed a ship of
theirs laden with sugar but that it broke out of the port perforce, leaving thirty chests of sugar behind. The said Thomas
was delivered out of prison for that matter, but he has now
been imprisoned for nearly two years, being accused to the
Inquisition, whereby their goods are embargoed.—Grand
Canary, 17 Aug. 1561. Signed. |
|---|
| Add. Endd. Pp. 13. |
|---|
| August 17. | 413. [Cecil] to Count Mansfeld. |
|---|
| 1. Received Mansfeld's letter of the 17th July by Christopher Hartman, by which it appears he has instructions
to say something to the Queen and to request his
master's pension. He is sorry the Queen has had cause
given her on Mansfeld's behalf, by one Keck, to think there
is such lack in him. Keck made a promise not only to
Gresham, but to the Queen, of the loan of great sums of
money at five per cent., and showed letters of credit in
Mansfeld's hand and seal; and when the Queen made sure
accompt thereof (being in a kind of war), Keck began so to
vary in his negociations that there appeared a manifest
deceit, and then followed great disappointment of the Queen's
affairs. |
|---|
| 2. Desired Gresham to inform him of this matter long
since, and also declared the same to certain Englishmen that
made means for his pension. The disappointment to the
Queen was a loss of more than 10,000 crowns, besides the
danger of greater evil. Nevertheless, imputing the error to
Keck, Cecil has with some difficulty procured that Gresham
shall pay him his pension at Antwerp, and from thence
his entertainment is to cease, which order was given a month
since. |
|---|
| 3. Cecil beseeches his Lordship to continue that devotion
to the Queen as he has done, and not to neglect his writing
of such occurrences as happen in Almain. |
|---|
| Draft, in Cecil's hol. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 21. |
|---|
| August 17. | 414. Translation of the above into French.—Hemyngham Castle
[Castle Hedingham].—17 Aug. 1561. Signed. |
|---|
| Copy. Endd. Fr. Pp. 3. |
|---|
| August 17. | 415. Cecil to Windebank. |
|---|
| Is sorry to hear that the plague is at Paris, which is to
be avoided. Would have him follow the counsel of the
Ambassador, and not keep company with the Earl of
Hertford, or any Englishman, as thereby Thomas Cecil will
the more profit in the French tongue. Mislikes nothing in
their going to Orleans but that he will not so conveniently
hear from them. Is sorry of Kendall's sickness and thinks
best for him to return; sees no cause for their having any
other. Has had a watchword sent him out of France that
his son's being there shall serve him to little purpose, for
that he spends his time in idleness. If this is confirmed
again he will think himself much deceived in Windebank.
If it be true he would revoke his son.—Hemingham in Essex,
27 Aug. 1561. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Hol. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| August 17. | 416. The Earl of Rutland to Cecil. |
|---|
| This morning about 3 o'clock William Strickland (to
whom he had given order to look to the sea coasts about
Flamborough and Bridlington) came and said that he was
advertised by a man of his from Bridlington, that yesternight
there was seen about 4 o'clock p.m., eight galleys and sixteen
great ships upon the sea, of which two galleys and two
ships coming near the coast strake sail, and the rest seemed
as the wind was by easting about to do the like. "It is
thought they will draw to the shore, which if they do and
arrive, I have given such order as I nothing doubt but
ye shall hear good news of their stay." Has sent Mr. Strickland thither with all speed, with orders to use both diligence
and circumspection.—York, 17 Aug. 1561. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. On the back are
the following memoranda: Haste, post, haste; for life, life;
for life, life, life. Delivered in York, 17 August at four of
the o'clock in the morning: for life. |
|---|
| Received at Ferrybridge at eight of the o'clock in the
morning, the 17th day. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| August 17. | 417. Winchester and Sackville to Cecil. |
|---|
| For answer to Mr. Brown's remembrances sent in Cecil's
letter; to the first they have given him leave for that time
only, because the ships are ready to understand with the
customers what hides, fells, and tallow he had of the Queen's,
and to ship the same. The Queen may not have the pasture
of Sheriff-Hutton, though the fine be great; for lacking it
she would lose as much, or more, than the rent is; and of the
pastures there must be no lease, but only for her service at
Berwick, and the rent must be yearly answered to the
receiver. Think that the Treasurer of Berwick must have
liberty to go and come without asking licence, for that
asking may put him in peril of his life or of robbing. The
storehouses should be employed in the Queen's service, and
removed from the use of Mr. Lee. They have made up
their instructions to the receivers and auditors of Yorkshire,
Lincoln, Northumberland, Cumberland, Westmoreland, Durham, and Lancaster, where they find of good debt what
they trust will be full payment before Christmas; accounting
Michaelmas rents in part of it, as will be full payment for
Easter, Midsummer, and Michaelmas, and for the works
6,000l. Pray him to stay from increase of charges till the
Queen sees more of her debt discharged, and to consider the
warrant for the twenty marks the post had for the last letters
sent into France.—17 Aug. 1561. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig., in Winchester's hol. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary.
Pp. 3. |
|---|
| August 18. | 418. The Queen to Throckmorton. |
|---|
| Perceives by his letter of the 11th, at Abbeville, the
purposes held by the Queen of Scots in defence of her delay
in not ratifying the treaty, wherein the writer sees nothing of
weight, worth the allowance. Requests him to send back the
instrument. " The matter opened to you by the letter from
Mr. Calvin deserveth our hearty thanks to be given unto
him, and so we pray you write to him on our behalf."
Requests him to open the matter of the preface to the
King of Navarre, or some other, that the book may be
suppressed and the writer punished. The French Ambassador has required her not to show favour to such, as being
found culpable in France in matters of money, are thought
would fly into England, which she has promised, and which
Throckmorton may also show to the King of Navarre. |
|---|
| Draft, in Cecil's hol. Endd. by Cecil's secretary: 1561,
August 18. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| August 18. | 419. The Earl of Rutland to Cecil. |
|---|
| 1. As he wrote yesterday on the report only of a young
man, so now having immediately sent Mr. Strickland and his
[the Earl's] servant, Thomas Bambrough, he is by them
certified of the truth of that before reported. On Saturday,
soon after 3 o'clock, two great galleys were espied at
Flamborough, within half a quarter of a mile of the pier;
which, letting their anchors fall, put forth of either galley
a naked man to swim, and then launched forth two boats
which sounded the depth, to which boats the naked swimmers
returned. One of the galleys, being the greater, was all
white; the other (coloured red) was well trimmed and
appointed; she bare a blue flag with the arms of France,
and in her stern another white flag glistening like silver.
At the same instant there appeared, a good distance from the
galleys, thirty-two sail of tall ships, and shortly after further
off twenty sail, all which for lack of wind tried the seas,
making no haste away; thus they continued in sight till
8 of the clock, and from thence plied along the coast northwards, the wind being somewhat against them. |
|---|
| 2. Sends commendations to the Lord Admiral.—York, 18
Aug. 1561. Signed. |
|---|
| 3. P. S.—They neither landed nor offered to land, but he is
advertised that about ten days past, there was a Fleming
riding in Scarborough roads passing towards Scotland, and
in the same were seen certain gentlewomen. Is credibly informed that divers ships laden with the Scottish Queen's
provisions are landed at Inchkeith and Dunbar. Of the
great dissension between Lords Yester and Seaton, and the
fray between the craftsmen and burgesses of Edinburgh, he
omits to write. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary: On the back.
At York, 18 August, at eight of the clock before noon.
Received at Ferrybridge the same day, at past eleven of the
clock in the forenoon. Pp. 3. |
|---|
| August 18. | 420. Lord Wharton to Cecil. |
|---|
| 1. Was much comforted by the contents of Cecil's letter of
the 12th, (which he received on the 17th,) whom he thanks
for setting forth his service. The Master of the Rolls was
well chosen, who may now induce things to the security of
the plentiful country of Northumberland, as the paper book
sent by him to the Lords, and his declaration at his repair to
Court will show. As this beginning is well ordered for the
time, so the Queen must bear a great charge to the well doing
and better ordering of the fortresses and inhabitation to shut
up the open entries between Cheviot and Berwick, and by
Parliament some grant to be made therefor. |
|---|
| 2. After the coming of himself and colleagues to Berwick,
and so travelling along the Marches, sundry Scotchmen, of
whom he had acquaintance when serving, some calling
openly over the water of Tweed, desiring to speak with him,
and others coming to him before he knew them, by whom he
received the following news, and especially of one spy he had
who came to Hexham:—That the Queen of Scots, writing for
a passport to Queen Elizabeth, had been plainly denied, and
that King Philip and the King of Denmark would aid her to
come, and whether she came without a great power or no they
could not tell; for they said that she knew that the English
ships, with force, were prepared to let her. They hoped that
she would not be married until she came into Scotland. The
espials said that there were but few Lords at the last Convention, and that they had summoned a great number to be
at Edinburgh in September next. They say that the Lords
of the Council are afraid of the Queen's coming, and that the
others are glad. They told him of a fray in Edinburgh on the
7th between the craftsmen and the burgesses, which it busied
the Lords to stay, after two or three killed. They told of
great threatenings between Lord Hume, the Carrs, and their
party with Lord Yeaster against Lord Seaton, the Earl of
Cassilis and their party, who were warned with powers of
men against the 16th. Thinks that this brag will end as they
have ended others, without any bloodshed. The espial told him
that the Queen of Scots had as good intelligence out of London
and out of the Court as any we had out of Scotland. They
said that some of their Lords would serve their Queen, and
that they have got her favour before her coming, and that
they know what office and reward they shall have. Lord
Hume, Sir Andrew Carr, and many borderers are apparently
against the Lords. The thieves on the Borders sow these
disorders, which will give them great boldness to do evil
this winter. Participates such as he hears with the Master
of the Rolls.—At his cousin, Sir Thomas Dacre's house, at
Lanercost, 18 Aug. 1561. Signed. |
|---|
| 3. P. S.—Is informed that Sir Oliver Sinclair, the chief
favourite of the late King of Scots, is chief favourite of the
Queen of Scots. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary: On the back.
Delivered at Thirkall, 18 August, at 7 of the clock at night.
Pp. 4. |
|---|
| August 19. | 421. Throckmorton to the Queen. |
|---|
| 1. On 15th inst. received her letter of the 7th, written at
Smallbridge, whereupon next morning he resorted to the Earl
of Hertford's lodging, and declared her pleasure for his
immediate return, who answered that he was sick in bed
of a fever, and was grieved that he could not with all diligence
perform her commandment, and trusted that she would not
interpret the worse if he delayed his setting forward for three
or four days. The Earl having asked him whether it was
not meet that he should take his leave of the French King
and his Court, Throckmorton answered, that weighing the
honour that had been done to him it would not be amiss for
him to do so; according to which he minds to go to the Court
within a day or two, and then to repair home with all
diligence. |
|---|
| 2. The assembly of the clergy at Poissy have devised certain articles to be disputed upon, which he sends herewith.
Cannot perceive that they intend to bring in any question of
ceremonies, doctrine, alterations, or grave reformation of
abuses in the Church, as was hoped. They say that it belongs not to them to determine on those points, but that it
must be done by a General Council of Christendom; and as
the King of Spain's delegated ministers are on their way to
the General Council, why should not they assist at it as well as
the others? Whereupon a great number of gentlemen, to the
number of 200, on the 17th, devised a request with a confession of their faith, and presented it to the King of Navarre,
who put them over to the Queen Mother, and they have
offered to dispute with the clergy thereupon; but at the
despatch hereof they had no answer. Beza and Peter Martyr
are daily looked for to come to this assembly, but seeing that
the greater part is like to overcome the better, there is little
hope that wit will be able to weigh with will. |
|---|
| 3. The Estates assembled at Pontoise are like to grant the
King great sums of money. The clergy and nobility have
accorded that the governance of the realm shall rest upon the
King of Navarre and the Queen Mother, but the third Estate
will not yet consent thereto, alleging that their charge is to
agree to none but to the Princes of the blood, and until they
have other answer from their provinces they can go no
farther. |
|---|
| 4. The Cardinal of Ferrara comes hitherward as Legate from
the Pope. |
|---|
| 5. The writer's servant, coming by Calais, saw the Queen
of Scotland haling out of that haven on the 14th inst.
about noon, with two galleys and two great ships. Sure
news has come out of Italy, that Dragut Raiz has lately
taken seven galleys of the King of Spain, going towards
Sicily, very rich, wherein were a great many gentlemen of
good estimation. Hears some secret whispering that the
Cardinal Granville will come this way shortly in post to pass
into Spain.—Paris, 19 Aug. 1561. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 4. |
|---|
| Sept. | 422. Council of Poissy. |
|---|
| 1. "Principal points of religion disputable in France,"
viz:— |
|---|
| 1. The use of images. |
| 2. The administration of the Sacrament of baptism. |
| 3. The Holy Communion. |
| 4. The sacrifice of the Mass. |
| 5. The imposition of hands, and the vocation of
ministers. |
| 6. To consider if there is any hope of a complete accord
in doctrine. |
| 2. On which points it is necessary to consider the reasons
of separation, and also the usages of the primitive Church;
and lastly, to see if some means cannot be found for arriving
at a good union. |
|---|
| Orig. Endd. Fr. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| August 19. | 423. Throckmorton to the Privy Council. |
|---|
| Recapitulates the contents of his letter to the Queen of
the same date. Now that the Queen of Scots is gone, he
trusts that he may be recalled. As they have wrought for
Chamberlain's revoke, who came forth almost twelve months
after the writer did, so he hopes that they will be a means to
the Queen that he may not be stayed here.—Paris, 19 Aug.
1561. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 4. |
|---|
| August 19. | 424. Throckmorton to Cecil. |
|---|
| 1. The Queen's letters of the 12th reached him on the 15th.
As far as the writer can judge, Lord Hertford means to return
in post as soon as possible. He has given charge to the
bearer, his servant, to meet him again at the sea side. He
seems very ignorant of what the matter may mean. On the
18th instant two of his servants, Jenkin Crisp and Towle,
arrived here, who were lately at the Court. Would be sorry
he should incur the Queen's displeasure, for in him are many
good parts, and he has, since his coming here, deserved the best
thanks. |
|---|
| 2. Cecil's son departs from the town to his host's house in
the country to avoid the danger of the plague, which is rife
here. If it cease when the cold weather comes he will repair
hither again. Hears that Mr. Harry Knollys is in towardness to be Master of Eton College, and thereby will be
better enabled to countenance this charge. Hopes that by
Cecil's next despatch Knollys will be preferred to the College,
and charged to put himself in readiness to occupy this place.
Has presented some writing touching his revocation to the
Lords, but not to the Queen.—Paris, 19 Aug. 1561. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 3. |
|---|
August 19.
Burgon, i. 395. | 425. Gresham to Cecil. |
|---|
| 1. Wrote last upon arriving at Dunkirk, and on the
18th instant he arrived at Antwerp. Has done nothing yet
in the Queen's affairs, but perceives the merchant adventurers and staplers are ready for paying the money at the
time appointed. There is great scarcity of money here at
this present, and the exchange has fallen for London from
22s. 4d. to 22s., which will doubtless rise after this payment is
past. |
|---|
| 2. The King of Sweden has sent Commissioners into
Wurtemberg to take up a number of horsemen and footmen;
some think to make war against the King of Demark, who,
with the Duke of Holst, arrests all the ships they can get at
Hamburg and Bremen; for what purpose is not known.
The Duke Augustus has sent the Count Swartzenburg and
another Count in post to the King of Denmark. The said
Duke and other nobles in Germany take it ill that King
Philip would not allow any of his nobles to accompany the
Prince of Orange to his marriage with Duke Maurice's daughter,
fearing they should be corrupted with their heresies. The
French King has sent the Order of St. Michael to the King
of Denmark. He has shipped Cecil's four leather chairs
and two of velvet, the others will be ready next week. Asks
Cecil, at the Queen's coming to Enfield, to remember him for
passing his account, and that he will write for Sir Walter
Mildmay to be there. Sends his commendations to the Lord
Admiral, Sir Francis Knollys, and Lady Cecil.—Antwerp,
19 Aug. 1561. |
|---|
| 3. P. S.— There is no mention now of the King of Sweden's
coming to England, for there is a practice for him to marry
the daughter of the King of Poland, and Ambassadors are
sent on both parts. The town is still triumphing and
drinking which of the towns shall win the Land Jewel;
there has been spent above 100,000l. Letters from Germany
mention that the Emperor has the ague, and is in great
danger. Sends herewith a letter from Dr. Mount. |
|---|
| Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 3. |
|---|
| August 19. | 426. Advertisements from Italy. |
|---|
| 1. Milan, 13 August 1561. Letters have arrived this day
from Genoa of the 11th inst., which announces the arrival of
Marco Antonio Caretto Doria, the Spanish admiral-in-chief.
He will hoist his flag at Naples, where he will sail with the
whole fleet in search of Dragut. The Marquis of Pescara will
meet the Cardinal of Ferrara at Pavia, whence he will proceed to Casal. Sforzo Pallavicino has cleared a large open
space round Bergamo, to the ruin of the vineyards and the
destruction of the houses. The fortifications will be very costly. |
|---|
| 2. Rome, 16 August. The Pope, after having been enjoying himself moving about from place to place, has now returned to St. Peter's. Although it is reported that he will go
to Bologna, Viterbo, Perugia, and Loretto, many think that he
will not pass beyond Frescati or Tivoli, as he has much to keep
him busy at Rome. He is much interested about the buildings
which have been begun. Count Broccardo Persico of Cremona
(the bearer of the King of Spain's resolution about the gifts
to the Signiori Borromei) is expected. The Cardinal Borromeo will have a pension of 12,000 ducats and the see of
Toledo. The Count will also finish the negociations begun by
Don Juan D'Ayala, who has returned to Spain. The rivers
have risen much and are so filthy that the fish die, and are
taken out in great plenty. A pestilence, such as happened
before the taking of Rome, is hence apprehended. The palace,
or rather the ruins of the Quatri Coronati of St. Clement,
will be given to the Orphan House; but it is too distant and
is very inconvenient. King Philip has distributed pensions
to various Cardinals, whose names, and the amount received
by them, are not known. A promotion of Cardinals will take
place in September, all of whom are friends and relations of
the Borromei. |
|---|
| 3. At Naples, the Benedictines of the Order of St. George
have quarrelled with the brethren of the Order of St. Lena,
one of whom has been killed, whereupon the Pope has said
that he will proceed against the entire body. The murderer
has been secured and sent to the Pope, with the request that
he would punish the criminal and not the Order. |
|---|
| 4. Don Cæsar Gonzaga still has the fever, for which the
Pope, who is much attached to him, is in great anxiety. The
King of Spain has granted great powers to Don Cæsar
through Ruy Gomez in remembrance of former obligations.
King Philip has obtained extended privileges from the Pope
respecting the galleys fitted out by him against the Turks.
Cardinal Farnese is still in trouble in consequence of the ill
turn which he did to the Duke of Florence with the King of
Spain. The reported death of the Cardinal of Marsilia is
not true. |
|---|
| 5. Ferrara, 19 August. Don Giovanni De Guevarra, keeper
of the castle of Piacenza, has arrived here to condole, in the
name of the King of Spain, upon the death of the Duchess;
he next proceeds to Florence. But he is planning a marriage
between the Duke of Ferrara and the Infante of Portugal. (fn. 2)
She is about 22 years old, very beautiful, with a dower
of 300,000 ducats. He has 100,000 from his father, King
Philip gives him as many, and he has 50,000 from the Duke
of Savoy (the chief manager of this match), and 50,000
from his uncle, the Duke of Braganza. Cardinal D'Este is
still ill. |
|---|
| Orig. Endd. Ital. Pp. 4. |
|---|
| August 20. | 427. The Queen to the Marshal and Treasurer of Berwick. |
|---|
| They shall send Captain Reid with 200 soldiers, the most
part of whom are to be harquebussiers, to the coast of Cumberland, there to take shipping for Carlingford in Ireland,
to serve at Armagh, where the Lord Lieutenant will be on
the 30th. |
|---|
| Copy. Endd. Pp. 3. |
|---|