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| Oct. 6. | 584. William Lord Dacre to Cecil. |
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| 1. Received the Queen's commission with his letter, and
held a session at Carlisle on Saturday last, whereat four
notable thieves were condemned to die, three of whom are
this day put to execution, and the fourth (called Rob Greame)
reprieved until next gaol delivery for notifying the principal
thieves on the frontiers, which he can do. Kept a warden
court the same day, whereat four Scotchmen were for march
treason condemned, and likewise beheaded this day. |
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| 2. The Master of Maxwell is very earnest in calling for
redress according to the order made between the Queen's
commissioners and him at Carlisle; but after receiving from
him for three bills he received a letter from the commissioners
from York desiring him to learn the pleasure of the Lords of
the Council, whether he should proceed according to their
order and agreement or not; of which in his last letter of
18th Sept. he desired advertisement. Also for that the
Master of Maxwell refuses to file certain bills (which he
thinks would be most terror to the disordered persons of
both realms, greatest stay of riding, and most commodity to
the Queen's subjects), he has therefore deferred meeting with
him until this session and warden court were done, thinking
that he would have advertisement of the pleasure of the
Lords of the Council.—Naworth Castle, 6 Oct. 1561. Signed. |
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| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 2. |
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| Oct. 7. | 585. Mundt to the Queen. |
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| 1. No news; the affairs of Germany are more tranquil than
the military men like. Wolfgang, Duke of Deuxponts and
Neuburg, lately made an expedition with 1,000 cavalry
against Count John of Nassau, on account of a dispute about
boundaries; but at the intervention of the other Princes he
has laid down his arms. The Court also was desirous that
the matter should be settled by arbitration. Messengers are
sent frequently from the King of Navarre, Condé, Longueville,
and other French Princes, to the Protestant Princes, in order
to establish an alliance. As they have lately asked that four
divines should be sent into France, the Elector Palatine and
the Duke of Wurtemberg each sent two, who two days ago
passed through this town on their way to France. The
Elector was advised not to send any from Wirtemburg who
would exasperate the sacramental controversy, in which
Brentius took a part, and persuaded the Duke to be of his
opinion. Bullinger and Peter Martyr lately wrote against the
book of Bentius on Ubiquity; but he and the Saxons stick
to the letter, which kills. |
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| 2. The Duke of Wurtemberg is minded to send his son into
France, as the Landgrave thinks of doing with his youngest
son. Mundt has seen letters from the King of Navarre and
Condé, in which they promise to take as much care of their
education as if they were their own children Lewis, the
Landgrave's third son, whom he determined to send into
England, remains now in Wurtemberg. The French most
earnestly strive after the alliance of the German Princes and
the chief captains and leaders of cavalry, as Grumbach and
Ernest von Mandelson, and have confirmed their old pensions
to some others. Pensions have been promised by the King of
Navarre to the two Dukes of Weimar, who have 18,000 florins
per annum. Duke George, the brother of the Elector Palatine, has also an annual pension from France, as have several
others. |
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| 3. Christopher, the young Marquis of Baden, lately set out
with forty men-at-arms to the King of Sweden, in whose
service he is. The King gives him 2,000 dollars for the
expenses of his journey. The French are strongly fortifying
Metz, where they are building a fort in the higher part of the
city, and have demolished above 200 houses for that purpose.
Has conversed with many French noblemen about the restitution of Calais, who openly say that it would be as dangerous
for the French to give it up, as it would be for the English to
surrender Dover; and that neither Calais or Metz will be
restored, except they are compelled by force. With respect
to Metz, the Princes will attempt nothing, unless they are
encouraged by the example of the Emperor. It would therefore be well to enter into treaty with the Emperor and the
Electoral Princes for the recovery of both towns by arms; nor
does Philip take it well that Metz, being strongly fortified,
should thus continually threaten his territory in Luxemburg
and Limburg. |
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| 4. In his letter of April 4, he mentioned the goodwill of
the Duke of Deuxponts towards her. Her father Henry VIII.
used to encourage these offers of service with most gracious
answers. Some of the Princes of Germany lately wrote to
the French King, asking him to pay certain sums of money
that he owed to their subjects; and threatened that if he did
not do so they would exact what they now requested; and
so means are being taken in France for paying them.—
Strasburg, 7 Oct 1561. Signed. |
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| Add. Endd. Orig. Hol., with seal. Lat. Pp. 4. |
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| Oct. 7. | 586. Mundt to Cecil. |
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| Has had nothing to write and was unwilling to disturb
him while hunting. Two days ago the theologians of the
Elector and the Duke of Wurtemberg passed through here on
their way to Metz and thence into France. For some months
past it has been desired that an honourable embassy should
be sent into France by the Protestant Princes to oppose the
Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian threats, and Mundt thinks
that this mission is intended to be in its place. At Metz,
after much solicitation at Court, and in despite of the opposition of the clergy, they have obtained a church. Many hope
from this that churches will be granted to them in France.
Thinks that the Queen mother desires to do without the
friendship of the Guises, in which the Queen of England
is supposed to have something to do. There are various
rumours about the King of Sweden going into England. The
wisest people say that the Queen could make the best match
in her own kingdom; as foreign marriages are wont to work
disagreeable changes in a nation. Charles has been sent by
his father to the assembly of the Estates of Austria to obtain
money for the defence of Hungary. All hope of succeeding
to their cousin Philip has not been taken away from the sons
of Ferdinand, as his son is very ill and there is not much
hope of issue by his Queen. The Prince of Orange returning
home with his wife, avoided the territory of the Landgrave,
who did not send anyone to the marriage.—Strasburg, 7 Oct.
1561. Signed. |
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| Add. Endd. Lat. Pp. 2. |
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Oct. 7.
Labanoff, i. 110. Keith, ii. 132. | 587. Mary, Queen of Scots, to the Queen. |
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| Thanks her for sending Sir Peter Mewtas to congratulate
her on her safe arrival. She has so answered his message in
every point as it will appear that she means nothing more
earnestly than continuance of tender amity and good intelligence betwixt them.—Holyrood House, 7 Oct. 1561. Signed. |
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| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Broadside. |
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| Oct. 7. | 588. The Lord James to Cecil. (fn. 1) |
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| Perceives by his letter sent by Lethington Cecil's earnest
affection to the advancement of true religion within the whole
isle, as also towards a perfect amity between their Sovereigns.
The writer means to continue as he has begun in the
furtherance of the same, following herein Cecil's most godly
advice. Hopes that the faithful subjection and good obedience
of the professors of the true religion will occasion the Queen
to allow the doctrine of the Evangel, and heartily to embrace
the same. Touching the matter motioned by the Laird of
Lethington, before the Queen's arrival he moved the same by
letters to her. Desires him to be an earnest instrument to
move his Sovereign thereunto. Takes that Cecil sees as far
herein as any other in the whole isle. Has presented Cecil's
commendations to the Queen of Scots, who received the same
in as good part as he could wish. According to his accustomed
homeliness must burden Cecil to present his small services to
the Queen of England.—Holyrood House, 7 Oct. 1561. Signed. |
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| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 3. |
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| Oct. 7. | 589. Fortifications of Berwick. |
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| Warrant to the Treasurer of Berwick to allow Sir Richard
Lee 20s. a day for his entertainment there, the same to
commence ten days before his arrival and during the time
that he is attending upon the charge of the fortifications. |
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| Draft, partly in Cecil's writing. Endd.: 7 Oct. 1561.
Pp. 2. |
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| Oct. 8. | 590. Randolph to the Queen. (fn. 2) |
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| 1. Although Sir Peter Mewtas, her Ambassador, is better
able to report all things done since his arrival here than he
[Randolph] can write, yet he thinks it his duty to inform
her that the self same day that the Queen of Scots gave
audience to the Ambassador, after she had signified such
purposes with him as the effect of his legation required, he
presented her letters. At the receiving of which she said,
before opening them, "I am beholden to the Queen, my dear
sister, that she has sent hither to visit me so good and ancient
a gentleman; he talks wisely in all purposes, and by him I
understand far otherwise of the reports of things than they
are brought unto my ears. I am glad to hear of her goodwill
towards us and good inclination to peace and amity; and
I trust that all those things wherein before this time we
discorded shall in short time be brought unto a good end."
To which he answered, that he knew that his Queen desired
nothing more than to live in the fear of God and at peace with
all godly Princes; and that he was glad to see her good incli
nation thereunto. "It is fitter for none," said she, "to live
in peace than for women," which she desired with all her
heart, and that what she might do with honour should be
performed to the uttermost. |
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| 2. After she had read the letters she said, "My sister, your
mistress, writes that you may continue here for the maintenance of amity and intelligence between her and me; I am
glad thereof with all my heart, and you shall be welcome
unto me whensoever you have occasion; and if you be molested
any way by any of my subjects, if I may know it I will be
evil contented and find it remedied." (fn. 3) At the next coming
of the Ambassador she said to Randolph that he should have
letters to his mistress, and be welcome how oft soever he came.
He reminded her of a letter he had before given her from Sir
John Foster for redress of attemptates of late committed by
her subjects, wherein she referred him to be answered by the
Council.—Edinburgh 8 Oct. 1561. Signed. |
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| Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 3. |
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| Oct. 8. | 591. Lord James to Cecil. |
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| Wrote yesterday by Randolph, and now sues for the pardon
of Thomas Nicholson, merchant tailor of London, a banished
man; who says he is known well by his neighbours to have
been at all times a honest, quiet, and sober man, and to have
there dwelling a honest woman his wife, with eight young
children, now fatherless through his exile. It chanced that
upon "thortour" of words strife arose betwixt him and one
Roger Tempeste, and the said Roger gave the first stroke,
hurting the said Thomas in the head, and the said Thomas
wounded him again in the body, whereby death ensued. It
was found by the first inquest impannelled by the coroner
that he killed him by chance medley. Nevertheless a new
inquest was assembled most secretly and deceitfully, wherein
was found that the said Thomas Nicholson had killed the
said Roger through malice prepense. Desires the Queen's
pardon, and to grant the said Thomas' wife access to him that
she may travail for his pardon.—Holyrood House, 8 Oct. 1561.
Signed. |
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| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 3. |
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| Oct. 8. | 592. Throckmorton to the Queen. |
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| 1. Being ready to dispatch his other letter, the Duke of
Guise (who came here on the 4th inst. to prepare himself for
the tourney, which is to be on the 12th inst., at St. Germain),
on the 5th inst. sent M. D'Oysel and requested that he would
come to the Duke's house, or that he [the Duke] might come
to his lodgings. Said he would go to the Duke's house.
D'Oysel told him the Duke was very desirous to get the
good opinion of the Queen, and blot out the evil opinion
formed of him and his house. On the 6th inst. D'Oysel
came in the morning, and said the Duke desired him to
come in the afternoon about four o'clock to the Hostel De
Guise; which he did, and was met at the gate by D'Oysel,
and brought to the Duke, who was accompanied by divers
gentlemen. The Duke (after salutations) took him to a
withdrawing chamber, and thanked him for coming, and
said he did not doubt but that the Queen's desire was satisfied
for the suppressing of Sacconaye's book and punishment of
the author, both here in Paris, at Lyons, and elsewhere. He
also said the Queen Mother, the King of Navarre, and the
King's Council were most willing to give order in that matter.
He being of the Council did advance the same, and so did
his brother the Cardinal, and he knew not of any that did
not. He also swore on his honour that none of their companions were better inclined to this matter than the Cardinal
and he; and desired that the unhappiness of times past might
not hinder the acceptation of their good meaning towards the
Queen. If she can be persuaded that they mean as they say in
this matter betwixt the King and her, they wish that there
should be a perfect amity betwixt her and the Queen, their
niece, who is a widow, and has returned into her realm "with
some adventure, if they should measure things present by things
past." The principal point (he said) of the past unkindness
betwixt the two Queens, and consequently betwixt the Queen
and them, was, the bearing the arms and using the title
of the realm of England by the Queen of Scots. He said
Throckmorton might perceive by Sacconaye's book, that all
were not of the same opinion of the lawfulness of the Queen's
title; and that she has no cause to resent the matter either
against the Queen of Scots, or them, being her uncles,
though they sought to make good their niece's title, seeing
both divines and others of quality did allow it. The Queen
and they are more to be excused, because then there was
war betwixt England and France; and the King and his
son would have the same prosecuted, to work their devices.
The Duke said he would speak of the Queen's right. If the
Queen should die without issue lawfully begotten (he said),
he should repute the Queen of Scotland lawful heir to the
crown of England; for she is descended of Queen Margaret,
eldest sister of King Henry VIII. As to the others which
are descended of "la royne Marié, la royne blanche," (fn. 4) they
were excluded forth of King Henry's testament; yet if there
was no such matter, they are descended of the youngest
daughter. As to Lady Margaret of Lennox, aunt to the Queen,
who is daughter to Queen Margaret by the Earl of Angus, the
Queen of Scotland ought to be preferred before her, because she
is descended by the first marriage; yet there are more obstacles
in her case than many knows of, for it is said the Earl of
Angus, her father, was affianced to one or two, by whom he
had issue, who were alive when he married Queen Margaret,
which appeared when the said Queen afterwards married in
the Earl's lifetime the "Signor De Meffane" [Lord Methven],
who lived with her as her husband till her death, which could
not have been if the Earl was her lawful husband. The Duke
has heard that the Queen of Scotland is excluded by an
ordinance from inheriting the crown, because she was not
born in England, and that there is a provision in that law for
the King's children. They perceive that sundry Kings have
not been born in England; as the Count De Blois, and Richard
of Bordeaux. He said all laws should be profitable and just,
and this law wants both; for how can a just law be made in
prejudice of a third person who has not offended, and is not
present to allege his right? And how can it be profitable
when it is injurious, and is the cause to bring the realm to a
war, which always follows when Princes are deprived of their
rights and states? He said this matter had been thought on,
and if Throckmorton had spoken with the Cardinal, he could
have otherwise opened it to him, for both are of one mind,
that nothing should be left undone to perfect the amity
betwixt the two Queens in one isle; for good accord betwixt
them would bring more commodities to their realms than
any other amity with other Princes. Though the Queen has
great allies, and is a great Princess, yet it should not be
thought that the Queen of Scots is left destitute; and
some that he makes account of would stand by the Queen of
Scots when she needed the same. The best means that has
been thought on for the quietness of the two Queens is by
following the overture made by Ledington to the Queen on
behalf of the Lords of Scotland, viz., that Queen Elizabeth
should for herself and her heirs peaceably enjoy the crown of
England; and failing herself and her heirs, that the Queen of
Scotland should be accepted next heir to England. How this
has been accepted he knows not. He says the conditions are
honourable and safe for the Queen, and profitable for both
realms. Queen Mary (he said) is in such state as she will be
pleased to be advised by them, her kinsmen, and the Council
of Scotland. Being young, she is likely to marry again, but
she will not marry basely to the disadvantage of her honour;
and if it be to a puissant Prince, they know not what he will
do if the matter be left at large. If this matter takes place
according to the said overture, the Queen, her nobles and
subjects, may be assured that the Queen of Scots will never
in marriage, or any other thing of consequence, proceed
without the advice of the Queen and her realm; and they,
her kinsmen, will never give her any other advice. Throckmorton may see by her usage in her realm, that she has put
forth all Frenchmen, and is advised by her own subjects.
She has already forgiven many faults, even such as would
have deprived her of her estate. She is one of the meekest
and best natured Princesses in the world. If she does anything amiss it is for want of good counsel. Many Princes
have chosen their successors, but none have proved so happy
to the state whereunto they have been chosen, as those
accompanied with right and virtue. Those who have endeavoured to dissever the two Queens and made profit of them
both, will not be pleased if they accord to the said overture.
The Duke said he thought his persuasions with his niece
should not hinder the matter begun, but rather further it; and
he would fain know what inconvenience by any manner of
way could happen by this agreement to the Queen, her realm,
or subjects; he is sure none at all. The Queen and her heirs
have their rights reserved to them. Some might say that
the issue of "la royne blanche," and Madam Lennox should
be "reculyd" back, as they ought to be. The Queen of
Scotland could not disinherit the right heir (if the Queen
was deceased) to the crown of England. No man need
doubt of her residence in England if she came to the
throne, England being a more commodious and richer realm
than Scotland, and the noblemen, gentlemen, and commoners more agreeable to her than those of Scotland;
therefore she would make no difficulty to reside in England,
where she would be wholly governed by the Council of that
realm, not only for affairs there, but in all matters of importance, wheresoever they occurred. And this benefit all should
have from her, that she would answer with mind and intent
to win all hearts, being void of partialities, affectionate to
no faction, free from inveterate malice and desire to revenge
displeasures and things past. If she would be directed by
the Council of Scotland (as she is), he is sure she would be
content to be advised by the Council of England, who have
always had the reputation throughout the world to be grave
and wise men. The Duke believes that if the Queen would
accord to the said overture, the Queen of Scots would honour
her and love and esteem the nobles and States of England
during her life. |
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| 2. The Duke said that he has heard that he [Throckmorton] has stood in their light, and that the late King and
his Council had little cause to thank him, and Elizabeth
more cause. And as he has well acquitted himself in these
storms, so he shall deserve as well for the Queen if he is
willing to advance the repose and tranquillity which is like
to ensue betwixt the Queens in their realms, if matters are
ended according to the overture. In the opinion of himself
and his brothers there is no means so meet to end this matter
as the conditions offered, wherein the Duke prays him to
employ his credit, and inform the Queen of what he has
said both on his own and the Cardinal's behalf to esteem this
overture and to repute them as affectionate unto her as any
in France. The proof whereof they will show whenever
it pleases her to employ them in anything they can do, in
honour to themselves and in duty to their King. |
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| 3. Throckmorton answered that he would advertise the
Queen of what he declared to him. The Duke seemed to
fortify the overture by some arguments; and amongst others
took exception to the provincial law which excluded all
strangers born from inheritance within the realm. Throckmorton said that that law was as just and reasonable as their
Salic law. The Duke answered, being born in France, he
ought to allow the law of the realm, and being come from the
house of Lorraine, "which doth fall into quenoille," (fn. 5) and the
Queen, his niece, does as the Queen does, take benefit by the
law, so he must allow both the Salic and the other, whereby
women inherit. He then said he would he glad to know how
the Queen accepts the motion. The writer told the Duke
he would not fail to advertise the Queen by his next;
whereupon they parted. |
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| 4. He afterwards called upon Throckmorton and said that
the Queen of Scots lately sent hither a gentleman named
Crosse, who in passing through England found great favour,
and the Duke desired him [the writer] to favour this person
with his letters, which he promised to do. The Duke
acknowledged again the favour showed to his brother, the
Grand Prior, in passing through England, and desired to be
informed when he arrived there again. |
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| 5. He sends herewith a book of the alliances of France
lately set forth, which in his opinion is meet for the Queen's
knowledge. Cecil and Wotton will be able to judge of the
good or bad doings of the author. He also sends the Acts of
Parliament made by this King and his Estates. This day the
Queen Mother sent an express messenger to him with a
letter, the process of De Sacconaye and his book corrected,
all of which he sends herewith. He thinks some gratification
from the Queen to her would be well for this amicable usage.
For two days past the King has been evil disposed, but at
the dispatch hereof was somewhat amended. He has just
received the Queen's letter of the 2nd inst., with her letter to
the Queen of Navarre, the contents whereof, according to
instructions, he will accomplish.—Paris, 8 Oct. 1561. Signed. |
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| Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 13. |
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| Oct. 8. | 593. Catherine de Medicis to Throckmorton. |
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| Has written to the Seneschal of Lyons directing him to
command Gabriel De Sacconaye to alter the offensive passages
in his book, and to prohibit the printer from selling or
exporting any of the copies until this is done. Sends the
proces verbal of the Seneschal, by which he may see that her
commands have been obeyed.—St. Germain-en-Laye, 8 Oct.
1561. Signed. |
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| Copy. Endd. Fr. Pp. 2. |
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| Oct. 8. | 594. Windebank to Cecil. |
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| 1. Mr. Thomas has had two fits of a tertian ague, and a
greater is feared. The physician doubts of some long sickness,
because of the season of the year. The good deliberation
which he had to settle himself, as he said, to some study, is
for the present hindered. |
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| 2. Cecil having spoken of Mr. Thomas's old faults, the
writer states that of the greatest, that is, of play at cards or
dice, he cannot charge him. The others shall be amended.
Asks to be informed of Cecil's pleasure as to the horses. |
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| 3. Mr. Thomas has escaped both a tertian and quartan,
and is well amended. They have continued during his
sickness " in my Lord's house." Has stayed Thomas Kendall
for three or four days. On Michaelmas eve they went to the
Court and saw the celebration of this King's order.—Paris,
8 Oct. 1561. Signed. |
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| 4. P. S.—They returned out of the country fourteen days
past, and now go to their old house. Will send information
respecting the books, but very little choice of charts is to be
had here. |
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| Orig. Hol., with seal. Add. Endd. by Cecil. Pp. 3. |
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| Oct. 9. | 595. Throckmorton to the Queen. |
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| 1. In his last letter of the 26th ult. he informed the Queen
that the Cardinal of Ferrara was likely to prevail with the
Queen Mother so that the Protestant ministers should have
no further conference with the clergy of this realm. Since
then the Queen of Navarre, the Prince of Condé, and the
Admiral have so travailed in the matter, that the ministers
have had conference twice with the clergy at Poissy, the
sum whereof she will understand by the copy of the letters
of M. De Saulle (the minister of the French church in London),
lately sent to him, which he sends herewith. |
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| 2. In the late disputes a Spanish friar of the order of the
"Jezewitts" [Jesuits], (having the reputation of a learned
man, and brought hither by the Cardinal of Ferrara to do
great things in confutations), has showed himself so passionate,
indiscreet, and unlearned, that he has won here the estimation of a very ignorant person. |
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| 3. The King held the order of St. Michael this year at
St. Germain, where the twelve named in a bill enclosed, did
assist. The Prince of Condé, the Duke of Longueville, the
Admiral, and the Count de Rochefoucault accompanied the
Queen of Navarre during the time of the order to Argenteuil
(four miles from the Court), where M. De Roaghame (near
kinsman to the Queen of Navarre) did marry Mlle. De Brabanson. The Queen and these noblemen assigned the marriage
at this time notoriously to avoid the King at such ceremonies
as were used at the keeping of the order. M. De Beza married them publicly after the manner of Geneva. Those that
profess that religion are less fearful than they were. |
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| 4. The Dukes De Nemours and Aumale left the Court the
day the order began, which is talked of diversely. The Cardinal
of Lorraine a short time before the feast of the order, resigned
the chancellorship thereof to the Bishop of Evreux. It is
thought the Duke and all the house of Guise will retire from
the Court for two or three causes. The first is that the King
of Navarre and the house of Bourbon have so great a sway.
The second, for that they will scheme to be partakers of the
alterations which are like to ensue in the minority of this
Prince. Thirdly, that they can more commodiously and with
less show of suspicion practise their designs, being from the
Court. |
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| 5. Madame De Fleming, the widow who passed through
England a twelvemonth ago, has requested him to obtain the
Queen's passport to repass into Scotland accompanied by
fifteen men, women, and horses. She being sick here, her
physicians have advised her to go to her native country for
recovery of her health. |
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| 6. He informed the Queen in his last what order was
taken by the King and his Council for suppressing Sacconaye's
book at Lyons. Since then a command has come to this
town to the "Lieutenant Civil" to suppress all the said books,
who has made such curious search amongst the booksellers of
this town that he has got into his hands eight hundred. The
ordinance is so severe that whosoever sells any of the books
shall have all his goods confiscated, and be imprisoned. The
Queen has cause to acknowledge this friendly usage to the
French Ambassador. |
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| 7. It is determined to send certain presidents and learned
personages into Piedmont to the Duke of Savoy from the
King to debate his title to the towns that he holds in Piedmont; so it is not meant to restore any of the towns to the
said Duke. |
|---|
| 8. The Prince of Condé will be Governor of Picardy, which
Marshal Brisac lately held; in recompence whereof Brisac's
son is to be colonel of the footmen in Piedmont, with some
other charge there. Many (upon these two appointments)
suspect that amity with not continue long betwixt France
and Spain. |
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| 9. John Baptista Baltrand (of whom he wrote on the 26th
ult.), has been with him two or three times lately, and has
assured him that Maniola the Corfu is determined to repair
into England very shortly. Baltrand says he will accompany
Maniola thither, and has requested him to send one of his,
either before or with them, so that order may be taken for
the apprehension of Maniola and the things he takes with
him, before he repairs to the Bishop of Aquila, which he
intends to do upon his arrival. Baltrand is unknown to him
[Throckmorton], who has no experience of his integrity; he
may be a practiser; yet he has promised to send one of
his when they depart. Baltrand says he is well known to
one Mr. Wilson, who has spent some time in Italy, who is
preferred to the mastership of St. Katherine's in London since
his coming home. Baptista came to him on the 7th inst.,
and said that Maniola had departed secretly the day before,
without making him privy thereto, and gone by way of
Dieppe to England. If any such man repairs there the
Queen must give order for him accordingly. The description
of the man is as follows; he is about the age of forty, black
beard, somewhat "grysonned," of a mean stature, and corpulent, and on the left side of his nose there is a cut. |
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| 10. Lazarus Van Swenden, one of the principal colonels of
the King of Spain, has passed this way very secretly in post.
He has gone into Spain, but his passage was not so secretly
managed but that these men had knowledge thereof, and
thereupon suspect some kindling of fire.—Paris, 9 Oct. 1561.
Signed. |
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| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 5. |
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| Oct. 9. | 596. Throckmorton to Cecil. |
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| 1. Received on 30th ult. (by order of Mr. Jones) Cecil's
letter of the 11th ult., written at Hertford Castle, and perceives that he finds difficulties in the matter lately proposed
to the Queen by the Laird of Lethington. Thinks that not
dealing in it is more dangerous, especially if the Queen is
taken from them without issue. Therefore he prays God and
the Council so to inspire her that they may not be left to
the rage of factions, and mercy of others. Lives by the hope
Cecil put him in of the Queen's resolution to be made at
St. James's for his revocation. |
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| 2. Mr. Thomas Cecil by the writer's advice, has seen the
ceremony of this King's order kept at St. Germain, from which
the writer was absent, so as not to get into the inconveniences
he did last year. Was desired to be there on the King's
behalf, but excused himself on account of sickness. None
were made of the order, because of the number made last
year. Fears lest the Queen's answer to Lethington will set
forward the renewing of the league offensive and defensive
betwixt France and Scotland, which he perceived hung in
suspense. He suspects lest the answer may induce other
thoughts of marriage to the Queen of Scots than they would
have cause to be glad of. If the Queen and her Council shall
hereafter approve of this overture, and in the meantime the
Queen of Scots, left desperate of the success thereof, may
proceed in alliance otherwise than the Queen shall have
cause to like hereafter, then it would not be meet that things
should be doubtfully handled, that the uncertainty may
work more harm than good. |
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| 3. Has sent two books to Cecil of the genealogies of the
principal houses in France, one is for the Queen, and the
other for himself. He leaves to him and Mr. Wotton to
approve of the author's pains. He has not perused them.
It would be well for the Queen to acknowledge by letter to
the Queen Mother her good acceptation for the suppressing
of Sacconaye's book. The Queen Mother has just sent him
by an express messenger a letter, the proces verbal, and the
book corrected, the copies of which are sent in the Queen's
packet. He thinks some present of three or four hackneys
from the Queen to her would be well for her kindness, which
would be accompanied by another present from hence. If
Cecil thinks the Queen will do such gratification, he will
write by his next how the same may be handled. At least
the Queen may let the French Ambassador know of her
thanks for the amicable usage in this matter. Secretary
Bourdin has showed himself very willing to prosecute the
same. Has received the Queen's packet by his servant,
Thomas Hawkins, and her letters of the 2nd inst., with Cecil's
of the 23rd ult. and 3rd inst., with a letter to the Queen of
Navarre, the copies of the Master of Malta's letter to her,
and her letter to the Queen of Navarre. His hope for his
return is by Cecil's last well increased by writing that he
trusts Somer shall come with Mr. Danett, his successor. Will
refer all contained in this his [Cecil's] despatch to his next.
Has received the twelve medals. Howsoever Cecil's does, in
anywise for many respects it were not amiss to so order his proceedings that the French may have no cause to suspect the
Queen's amity towards them, nor that she will lean to the
King of Spain in his quarrels and attempts. Sees there is
likely to be a breach betwixt these Princes; and therein
lies our profit. Cecil speaks of "revisiting" the league betwixt
the Queen and the Queen of Scots. If all things be well considered and all circumstances well observed, the league betwixt
England and the Low Country would have a revisitation, and
for their profit should be new made. He has lately received
knowledge from Sir Francis Englefeld that he acknowledges
himself bound to Cecil for prolonging his being abroad.—
Paris, 9 Oct. 1561. Signed. |
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| 4. P.S.—After closing the Queen's letter, a friend told
him that news had come to the Court that the Emperor was
either dead or in great danger, and that the King of Spain
seeks for the Empire. Requests Cecil to take heed of the
matter, for there is nothing more dangerous for the Queen
and quietness of the realm. The bruit is great here that
the Duchess of Savoy is with child. " I do remember Queen
Mary's great belly." |
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| Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 5. |
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| Oct. 9. | 597. The Officers of Berwick to the Privy Council. |
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| 1. With respect to the condition of the fortifications, provisions, and debt at Berwick, they advertise as follows: |
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| 2. The pays and charges are paid for the first quarter of the
year ended at Christmas last, but wholly behind and unpaid
since, amounting to 10,616l. How the same has grown will
appear by the particular declaration herewith sent. The
workmen have been holpen with ready money, victual, and
apparel at divers times this year, whereof they make no
deduction, for the same is owing to the Queen upon her stock
of victuals as to divers inhabitants here, which is " to be
recuped" upon the pay of the said debt. |
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| 3. The work to be done about the bringing up of the new
wall round, with stone, (being at this present not equal, and
in some places the ditch not rid of the earthwork), to the
height of twenty feet, will appear in the said declaration by
the Surveyor. It should be done this next year, as the old
wall stands in many places so bare, without ramparts, as it is
not to be guarded, and in some places is in danger to fall.
Thus the charges for this winter cannot be much less than
they presently are, but rather more, in case the ditch be cut
and the foundations laid to Heron's house. Intend within
these four days to discharge twenty or more of the Irish
hard-hewers, and as many of the English that are sickly, and
to take in as many able men. The charges to accomplish the
said works, for wages, provisions, and freight, will be little
less than 26,000l. There is due to the garrison and certain
extraordinary artificers in the ordnance 13,832l. The want
is very great, by reason the pays are not kept. and that as
well the merchants and inhabitants of the town as the soldiers
and workmen depend wholly thereon. Having no relief but
upon the Queen's store of victuals, the same has much
decreased, which is not able to furnish this expenditure above
three months; and without the help thereof (albeit the pays
were quarterly made), these numbers were not here to be
victualled. |
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| 4. In case this work is to be finished this next year,
whereby more numbers are to be occupied, the Treasurer
requests that he may be advertised thereof, so that he may
foresee their victualling, and that he may have 1,000l. or
2,000l. more for enlarging the stock, which afterwards shall
stand instead of so much money towards their pay.—Berwick,
9 Oct. 1561. Signed: Thomas Dacre, Valentine Browne,
T. Jenyson, Rowland Johnson. |
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| Orig., with seal. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 3. |
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| Oct. 9. | 598. Fortifications of Berwick. |
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| "The estate of the charges of the works according to this
present month to be ended on the 11th Oct., both in the
numbers of men and carriages, and also their particular rates
of wages." Total of men, 524; of carts, 27; of money,
719l. 10s. 8d. |
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| Orig. Endd. by Cecil. Pp. 4. |
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| Oct. 10. | 599. Albert, Marquis of Brandenburg, to the Queen. |
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| Sends her ten falcons as a token of his goodwill.—Königsburg, 10 Oct. 1561. Signed. |
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| Orig. Add. Endd. Lat. Pp. 2. |
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