|
| Dec. 21. | 739. The Duke of Châtellerault and Others to Queen
Elizabeth. |
|---|
| By the late treaty at Berwick it was stipulated that they
should enter certain pledges in her realm, there to remain
during the marriage of the Queen of Scots with the King of
France and for one year after. The marriage being dissolved
and the year completed, they desire her to set them at liberty.
—Edinburgh, 21 Dec. 1561. Signed: James Hamilton,
Argyll, James Stewart, Alexander Glencairn, Menteith. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| Dec. 22. | 740. John Cuerton to Challoner. (fn. 1) |
|---|
| Received Challoner's letter written in Vittoria. Trusts he
has found bread to his content. Would be glad to have order
from Challoner taken with the King about his stuff, as well
for the Inquisition, as for they are desirous that after it leaves
hence they shall not touch it. Hears nothing of Challoner's
servants nor stuff from Plymouth. The wind serves well to
come from England. Two days ago two ships came here
from Chester; one left fifteen days past. They bring news
that the great O'Neil goes to England upon his own goodwill, he came unto the Earl of Kildare, and submitted to
him; and that the Lord Deputy goes also to England. There
is other news for Master Cobam. Thanks him for "that
you laft [left] with my nurses and folks in my house."—
Bilboa, 22 Dec. 1561. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Hol., with seal. Add. Endd. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| Dec. 23. | 741. Windebank to Cecil. |
|---|
| Mr. Thomas enjoys well his health. Cecil may judge by
his writing how much he is advanced in French. Sends
certain small books of their doings in this country. The one
written against Villegagnon is newly brought from Geneva,
where it was printed. Villegagnon has of late set forth divers
trifling books against the Protestants, which he doubts not
Cecil has seen. Another written "Adversus versipellem
quendam," is by Calvin against Balduin, who has answered
him by his commentary, "De famosis libellis." Is promised
shortly to have the book that moved Calvin to write.
Returns the note of those few books that he willed him to
inquire of in as perfect sort as he can get it of the stationers,
who make some difficulty in adding the printer's name, for
they say that divers men have printed the same books in one
place, and the print that liketh one man misliketh another,
and some like Paris print better than Lyons, and contrarily.
Whereas he wrote that they were furnished with money till
March, he now thinks it better for them to be provided beforehand. Desires to know whether they shall travel to see the
country this spring.—Paris, 23 Dec. 1561. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. Pp. 3. |
|---|
| Dec. 23. | 742. Valentine Browne to Cecil. |
|---|
| 1. Yesterday there arrived a mass of the Queen's treasure
which was levied in the north. Understands from the
receivers that it is not so much as they had in readiness by
5,000l. and odd, which for the uncurrency thereof (by reason
of the late proclamation) they are required to carry up
thither. Has received 9,083l., which is so far under that
which is due for Michaelmas that the Governor and he have
more to do in the dividing thereof to please all parties than
they should have had if none at all had come. |
|---|
| 2. Randolph has written that the Queen has enlarged his
diet. Is not warranted to pay him the same, but has
delivered to him, by way of loan, as much as it comes to,
which is after 20s. per diem, and his warrant is but 13s. 4d.
There is very little Scotch money stirring, which makes their
money to go the faster away, "for their accats and other
haberdashe ware."—Berwick, 23 Dec. 1561. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. P. 1. |
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| Dec. 24. | 743. Throckmorton to Cecil. |
|---|
| The bearer, Mr. Elder, wishing to pass into Scotland
through England, desired his recommendation to Cecil by
letters. He has not at any time since his being here perceived
in him any ill affection towards the Queen. Elder has been
a pensioner in this country since he was discharged from his
pension in England, but is now discharged here. Thinks
Cecil might draw some good service forth of him, for the
French at his departing have given him occasion to think
that they could be content to serve themselves by him in
Scotland. He is very skilful in drawing plats for situation of
countries and declaration of the coasts. He is in some credit
with Lord and Lady Lennox, unto whom he brings letters
from their brother, M. Daubeny. — Paris, 24 Dec. 1561.
Signed. |
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| Orig. Add. Endd. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| [Dec. 24.] | 744. [The Earl of Bedford] to Throckmorton. |
|---|
| 1. His letter of the 26th [ult.] came to hand on the 22nd
inst., with a book. Wishes that he should be both reckoned
a cold and dishonest friend if he should not do what lay in
him to help Throckmorton's return. |
|---|
| 2. My Lord Ambrose [Dudley] shall be to-morrow created
Baron [Lisle] and Earl of Warwick, which induces a good
[expectation] for my Lord Robert, of whose case there [never
was] "greater hope than is even now." All other things in
Court are as they were. |
|---|
| 3. The Queen of Scots' proceedings [are very] well liked,
and likely great amity to grow between the Queen and her.
There is no talk of the King of Sweden's coming, so that
matter is at a point. "For religion there is no more to be
said than ye know." Sends commendations "to my good
lady."—London, Christmas [Eve]. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. Much injured by damp, and in a
fragile condition. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| [Dec. 24.] | 745. Modern copy of the above. |
|---|
| P. 1. |
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| Dec. 26. | 746. Maitland to Cecil. (fn. 2) |
|---|
| 1. Wrote to him on the 15th with letters sent to Lord
Grey at Berwick. Until he hears from Cecil, he delays the
answer of the Queen his Sovereign to the Queen of England's
last letter, "for I will be glad to work by your advice." The
intelligence betwixt them and mutual conference by letters
will serve both to good purpose. Desires him to write plainly
his mind what answer should be made, as the writer knows
the Queen of Scots' intentions, and by long experience Cecil
also knows how his own Sovereign must be dealt with.
Desires him to persuade the Queen to write sometimes with
her own hand; be the letters never so short or of small
moment, yet the Queen of Scots will esteem them. |
|---|
| 2. They are here in a corner of the world, and so do not
hear every day what others are doing abroad. He therefore
desires him when he receives letters from foreign countries to
command one of his men to make an extract of such occurrences as he thinks meet, whereby part of his desire may be
satisfied. Has heard some whispering that the nobility of
that realm is assembled; if it be for such purpose as is noised,
he trusts Cecil will let him know if anything ought to be sent
or written from them. Reminds him that the time for the
continuance of the pledges in England is run out. Some of
the Lords write presently to the Queen that she might be
pleased to set them at liberty. Although the pledges continue
not, he trusts that the Queen will reap the fruits of her
benefits. Prays him, if his leisure serve, to let him hear
oftener.—Edinburgh, 26 Dec. 1561. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 3. |
|---|
| Dec. 26. | 747. Maitland to Lord Robert Dudley. |
|---|
| Thanks him for his friendly letter, which he received by the
hands of Randolph, whereby he perceives that he has not
forgotten their meeting at Hertford Castle. Judges that the
matter is worth consideration and his support. Trusts that
he believes that he wishes the two Princesses to be joined in
tender friendship. Cannot desire more fervent goodwill than
he finds in his mistress towards the Queen of England.
Found the like disposition in Elizabeth at his being in
England, and perceives by his Lordship's letters that it is not
diminished. Prays him to weary not of travailing in so just
a matter, and trusts that the Queen will not more mislike
him for it, and assures him that he may count Queen Mary as
one of his dearest friends. Has not omitted to make to her
such offer as he by his last letter wished, and which she no
less gently received, and has expressed her hearty thanks for
it, and will not fail to make full demonstration of it if
occasion minister. She further said that they resembled one
another so much that he who loved one could not fail to love
the other. Desires him to persuade the Queen to write to his
mistress with her own hand, which shall do her singular
pleasure, as she will take it as a gage of amity. Desires him
to thank the Queen for so kindly inquiring after him of the
Lord of St. Colm.—Edinburgh, 26 Dec. 1561. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Hol. Add. Endd.: Dec. 1560 [sic]. Pp. 4. |
|---|
| Dec. 26. | 748. Valentine Browne to the Privy Council. |
|---|
| Has received their letter of the 16th inst., with a particular declaration of such sums of money as have been
appointed to be paid to him for this charge to Michaelmas
past, requiring him thereby to signify how much he has received
and who has made default. Has received a like declaration
from the Lord Treasurer, a copy whereof he returns to them,
and has noted upon the margin of every title the money that
has come to him; and in the end a memorial of the whole
charge due unto Michaelmas. The stock of victuals is almost
spent, for the renewing whereof he requests some more money
for his deputy.—Berwick, 26 Dec. 1561. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| Dec. 26. | 749. Charges at Berwick. |
|---|
| 1. A note of such particular sums as the Lord Treasurer has
appointed to be paid to the Treasurer of Berwick. Total
23,172l., whereof 18,335l. 11s. 5d. has been paid. |
|---|
| 2. The whole charge for the garrison and works amounts
to 28,653l. 5s. 6d. |
|---|
| Pp.5. |
|---|
| Dec. 28. | 750. Throckmorton to the Queen. |
|---|
| 1. The Queen's letter of the 27th ult. he received on the
17th inst. by a merchant of London, instructing him how to
proceed with the Cardinal of Ferrara; according to which he
wrote a letter (the copy whereof he sends) with such instructions as he gave to his cousin Petowe to be declared to the
said Cardinal. Also sends a copy of the Cardinal's letter in
reply, and a memorial of such conversation as passed between
the Cardinal and Petowe on the 20th inst. Sent Petowe in
consequence of Henry Middlemore being sick, and having none
so meet to be employed in such an affair for insufficiency of
the language, for Petowe is well experimented in negociating
Princes' affairs and speaks Italian very readily. |
|---|
| 2. He informed the Queen by his last that the French use
all their best means to impeach the amity betwixt her and
the Queen of Scots, and for that purpose they either assure
the Queen of Scots to be theirs, or else (if they find any
difficulty therein), practise to win the Duke of Châtelleraut,
the Earl of Arran, and their favourers, which intent he has had
well confirmed to him. The Lord of St. Colme has declared
unto him their whole negociation with him and their manner
of proceeding, which stands in these points, namely; that
they intend to gratify the Queen of Scots in all such things
as she demands of them, and in proof thereof they have given
order to send her a large supply of artillery and ammunition,
which things the Princes of this realm have been accustomed
to send to the King or Queen of Scotland at their coming
to their State, with other large offers. The French are
desirous to have a Scotch Ambassador resident here, and
they one in Scotland, which they seek to bring to pass by all
honourable means. Lord St. Colme is as likely as any other
to fill that place here, if the Queen of Scots allows the same.
Therefore desires the Queen at his return to give him good
treatment, so that he may continue the good devotion he has
already shown towards her. He had orders given him by the
Queen of Scots after he had received his despatch to repair
to the Cardinal of Lorraine and the Duke of Guise, to whom
he is gone presently to receive despatches for her. |
|---|
| 3. The Cardinal and Duke accompanied by their brethren
in France still pass their time at Joinville (at the Duke's house)
and other places in the skirts of Lorraine, not intending to
return to this Court yet. They send one with letters weekly
to the Court; so whatsoever is meant, the matter breaks not
out yet so grievously against them as was thought. It
appears they have puissant enemies, and some part of the
Queen Mother's affection to them is extenuate; yet they want
no able friends in this Court and country. |
|---|
| 4. The matters against the Duke of Nemours are now laid
asleep, and nothing prosecuted against him, only Linerolles
and his secretary are detained in gentle prison. |
|---|
| 5. The bruit of war betwixt France, Spain, and Savoy has
calmed and they are in more security here upon the answer
given by the King of Spain to M. D'Ozanse (who was sent
thither not long ago), who declared that the said King means
nothing but amity towards the French King. Some fear this
smooth language from Spain after such threatenings is the more
to be suspected than the former threatenings, for the King
of Spain is occupied in making provision for war, as well by
sea as land; and also that the Duke of Alva shall pass into
Italy next spring, where the Bishop of Rome makes great
provision for money; and the Duke of Florence gives order
to build a great number of galleys. The French use all the
means they can to get in money, and are now contented to
pay some reasonable interest to their creditors for money
owing. They do not (as far as he can perceive) mean to
satisfy the principal, and they give it out that they forbear to satisfy the bankers lest the King of Spain, or some
others, might furnish themselves of the same money, and
make war with them. The King of Spain has the credit
of paying his debts and dealing more substantially with all
men than the French do. |
|---|
| 6. Religion is at a stay, and as he thinks balanced; for
the King, the Queen Mother, the King of Navarre, the
Cardinals and others hear Mass daily, and the Friars and
Papists preach; and the Queen of Navarre, the Prince of
Condé, the Admiral, and a number with them, daily hear
the public preaching of the ministers of Geneva, and they
mean to have a public assembly on the 1st January in
some place in this town. The Minim who was lately apprehended in this town and taken to Court to answer to his
preaching, was there very courteously treated by the Queen
Mother and the King of Navarre and was desired to persevere in preaching the Catholic doctrine which the French
King did ever profess. Whereupon he has returned to Paris,
and is so emboldened thereby that, whenever he preaches,
he makes invectives against all the Protestants and Geneva
Ministers. |
|---|
| 7. The assembly of which he informed the Queen, which
was to commence on the 20th inst. will not begin until the
1st January, where some means will be devised how this
King may levy of his subjects greater sums of money, and
that some entry shall be made to bring some ecclesiastical
lands into his possession. The clergy have consented to
redeem the King's domains in a certain number of years,
with which relief such as bear rule are not contented; yet
the same will amount to 20,000,000 francs. This King's
neighbours who cannot be assured of his amity, have no cause
to be glad at the augmentation of his revenues. |
|---|
| 8. Lately a murder was committed in Languedoc. M. De
Fuemet, a gentleman of the chamber (whose estate was
Captain De la Porte's), was by certain neighbours violently
murdered, some say it was about religion, he being a great
enemy thereunto. The King has sent M. De Corsolles with
some horsemen and footmen to chastise the offenders, and
arrest them, and to raze the village, put them to death, and
confiscate their goods. How this will be tolerated is doubted
by many men. Some think it will be mitigated, as the
execution is committed to Corsolles, and not to the Constable, who is governor of the country, nor to the Conté
of Villars, his brother-in-law, who is governor there in his
absence, who is very severe in all his doings, especially
against the Protestants. |
|---|
| 9. Madame D'Andelot (sister to the Marquise De la Nesle
and one of the inheritors to M. de la Vale) died lately.
M. D'Andelot has a great loss thereby, she being one of the
greatest marriages in France. D'Andelot has lately come
to Court and countenances the public preaching here, as the
Admiral does. |
|---|
| 10. An Englishman named Thomas Shakerley attending
upon the Cardinal of Ferrara, has, since his coming to Court,
made proof to him of his affection to the Queen. He has
left England nine or ten years, and has spent most of his
time in Rome where he has been retained by the Bishop
as principal organist, in which he is reckoned very skilful.
There are many in this Court very noted for music, but
he has obtained the estimation of a cunning player for the
substance and solemnity of music. The Cardinal of Ferrara
and other Cardinals in Rome have such pleasure in him
that he is well entertained by them, besides the state which
he has of the Bishop of Rome. He is very desirous to serve
her, for he was brought up with Sir Richard Cotton, attending upon King Edward (being then Prince) where he was,
and has thereby great experience of the Queen's disposition.
Throckmorton expects he is known to some of her subjects
who have visited Italy, especially the Earl of Bedford, who
has had some experience of his zeal to the Queen during
the time his Lordship was in Italy. Seems to have employed his time well in the observation of such things as
have chanced there worthy of note. |
|---|
| 11. Lately the Bishop of Troyes in Champagne (son to the
Prince of Malfi), associating himself with the ministers of
Geneva (whose preachings he publicly set forth in his
diocese), was cited to appear before the Archbishop of Sens
his primate, (the Cardinal of Guise) to answer to his schismatical proceedings. The Bishop, fearing the conclusion of
the matter to be tried before his ordinary, refused to appear
and has come to the Court, and desires the King and Council
to take knowledge of his cause, and thus the matter rests.
Not a week passes without intelligence of some commotion in
one place or another in this realm concerning religion. Therefore to prevent further inconveniences, at the meeting of this
assembly some order will be taken to appease these disorders.
The Frenchmen who traffic in Spain, and the Bas-Navarrnois
subjects, also, find such handling there about religion that
it is very much misliked here, insomuch that the Bretons
(who have great interchange of merchandise with the
Spaniards) have lately made suit to the King and the Council
in their behalf. |
|---|
| 12. No news had come to Court at the despatch hereof,
of the delivery of the Duchess of Savoy. It is said here
the furthest day of her account is Twelfth Day. |
|---|
| 13. Leonardo Benevento (whose offers for augmenting the
Queen's revenues he sent not long since) has lately requested
him (by the memorial enclosed) to renew his overture.—Paris,
28 Dec. 1561. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil. Pp. 8. |
|---|
| Dec. 28. | 751. Throckmorton to Cecil. |
|---|
| 1. Refers him to his letter to the Queen for his proceedings
with the Cardinal of Ferrara. Finds by some folks' countenance (as the Queen of Navarre, the Prince of Condé, and the
Admiral), and by other means, that the Protonotaire De Foix,
who lately went from hence, has advertised hither something
to his misliking. Desires that if it grows upon his treatment
it may be amended; if it grows upon the matter of his
negociation it may be let pass. |
|---|
| 2. As the 6th of January, the time for his diets, approaches,
he begs that Cecil will order him to be paid according to his
warrant, until it be assuredly meant that he shall come home. |
|---|
| 3. The abuses of the Roman Church and clergy, so long
inveterate, are now so discovered and misliked that there is
no remedy; there must be some reformation universally of
that state and kingdom. The matter has come to that pass
that the Cardinals and Bishops will now condescend to a
reformation rather than hazard an entire destruction. It is
the same with the ecclesiastical princes as with secular
potentates; every man stands upon his reputation, and
desires to make his bargain as honourably and profitably as
he can. As the formulary of the Church of England is better
allowed of the Papists, and less repugnant to them than that
of Geneva, or any form used in Germany, he perceives that
the English order will have more suffrages when the matter
shall come in question than any other. Of late a learned
Papist of great reputation in France told Throckmorton that
he marvelled why the clergy of England did not fortify the
ceremonies, rites, and observations retained in their church
with the authority of the ancient writers, and the examples
of the old churches, both amongst the Greeks and Latins.
Since which time another man, singularly learned and a
great favourer of the true religion, lately advised him to
procure some of the clergy of England, substantially learned,
and that had well travailed in antiquities and ancient Greek
and Latin ecclesiastical writers, to set forth an Apology, to
approve the ceremonies and usages retained in the Church of
England, as he confessed they might do well enough; saying
that the order in England (because they were not noted
contemners of all antiquity and ceremonies) has more estimation amongst the adversaries than the novelties of Geneva.
"For," said he, "these ministers fare as men that would
pluck down an old building which consists of good and bad
stuff, and when they have plucked down that patched
building they leave the world often without any covered
house, unless it be some hovels hastily set up to keep themselves dry withal; whereby they bring themselves into
contempt, and are noted rather spoilers than builders.
Therefore the ecclesiastical form retained in England will
have more allowance when the matter shall come in question
if the ceremonies were but quoted, with such authorities as
make for them gathered forth of the ancient ecclesiastical
histories and writers." Therefore it would be well if Cecil
were to set some of the Bishops and learned men to work
about this matter, and to put the same into Latin, like as is
meet the whole ecclesiastical order should be, whereof there
is already a part well done. A modest Apology will commend
it greatly, and to avoid as much as may be to irritate any
party. There is a good pattern already in the preface of the
Book of Service, printed in Latin. |
|---|
| 4. Albeit some fervent-spirited men, who challenge to
themselves singular gifts of God and extraordinary revelations, will (to put the learned Homilies made in King
Edward's time to silence) say that it is not meet to muzzle or
limit the Holy Ghost, yet in the opinion of great, learned,
and wise men, the continuance of the reading of those
Homilies in the Church of England, and especially in parishes
where curates be not best learned, or not most discreet, wins
great allowance and liking; the rather for that it is in
imitation of the ancient Fathers and the usage of the ancient
Churches. Reminds him that there was a time amongst the
Romans when neither the Tribune of the people nor any other
person might make any oration to the people without being
authorized by the Senate, and especially that order was
observed amongst them for the matters of their religion. He
therefore recommends Cecil to advise the Bishops to continue
their injunctions for the reading of the Homilies in parish
churches throughout the realm, which will continue the
people in obedient simpleness, and preserve them from sects.
—Paris, 28 Dec. 1561. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 4. |
|---|
| Dec. 28. | 752. Lord Grey to Cecil. |
|---|
| Recommends the bearer, Mr. Stephenson, who is occasioned
to repair to the south about certain his own special affairs.
He has been diligent here in setting forth of God's Word,
according to his vocation.—Berwick, 28 Dec. 1561. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| Dec. 30. | 753. Mundt to Cecil. |
|---|
| 1. Wrote last on 9th Dec. The Pope uses every endeavour
that the Council commenced at Trent may be continued, and
has sent thither certain Cardinals and Bishops, no doubt with
the intention of causing the reformed religion to be proscribed
with new censures, and having obtained this, to turn his
arms and those of his followers against it. There is a
compact between the Pope, the King Catholic, the Dukes of
Savoy and other places in Italy, the Guises, and others. The
Guises have sent a very large sum of money from France,
and also above 50,000 crowns to the Bishop of Treves, who is
very hostile to the religion. The Elector Palatine and the
Duke of Wurtemberg have been desired to send envoys to the
Queen to consult about the Council. The Emperor lately
sent a grand embassy to the Elector Augustus, and it is feared
that the same nets will be spread in which Maurice was
formerly taken. The alteration of the Electorate will be a
source of weakness, and will some day cause serious trouble,
for the Dukes of Weimar will not forget the injury, although
now they are kept down by the power of the Emperor. |
|---|
| 2. A French envoy to the Protestant Princes, named Rambouillet, passed lately; he was accompanied by Dr. Hottman,
who was well known to the writer, and with whom he conversed. As far as the writer can learn, their mission is about
two things; the first about the Council, for this envoy has
lately returned from Rome, where he understood from the Pope
of his endeavours for continuing the Council. The French
King has promised to send to it. The second is for assistance
against the Guises and other enemies of religion in France,
If that pernicious dissension about the Lord's Supper had not
disunited the Protestants, they might be a match for their
enemies, and have a council in opposition to theirs, at which
the English, French, Scots, Danes, Swedes, Germans, and
Swiss might attend, like the ancient Council of Constantinople
in the time of Constantine, and that of Elvira. If the Pope
goes on with his Council without further summoning the
German Princes, war will break out; and it will be very
dangerous for the Protestant states to be left alone, as the
power of the Papists in Germany is not to be despised, and
should the King of Spain aid them the result will be very
doubtful. The French envoys will go to the Marquis of
Baden, who two years ago offered his services to the Queen.
They have other letters to deliver as shall seem meet. The
Rhinegrave remains in Saxony, where he met the King of
Denmark at the marriage in Zell. The French insinuate
themselves into the favour of the German Princes as much as
they can. It is reported that the Emperor goes soon to
Inspruck, in order to be near the Council.—Strasburg,
30 Dec. 1561. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. Lat. Pp 3. |
|---|
| Dec. 31. | 754. Maitland to Cecil. |
|---|
| — "all my former requests." All things are in good
quietness. Randolph informs the writer that Cecil finds
fault with his short and seldom writing, yet this is the fifth
letter he has written this month, on the 7th, 15th, 26th, and
27th.—Edinburgh, last of Dec. 1561. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Cecil. The conclusion of a
letter only. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| Dec. 31. | 755. John Denis and Richard Laxton to Challoner. |
|---|
| They request Challoner (before his departure) to command
them to appear before him, to clear themselves of what he or
any other is about to accuse them of, prejudicial to the
Queen, crown, or country. They sent thirty days ago a man
to him, requesting before he departed for England to hear
them; for there were tales brought from him to them, and
from them to him. He said he would, and appointed within
two days; he afterwards said he might displease them, considering his place; and from that time they "aspected" unto
this present. He has not only defaced them to the Queen,
but does prosecute his malicious desire to take their lives.
If his Lordship shall at any time command them to repair
into England, they will seek for licence from the King to
depart, there to answer his charges.—Madrid, 31 Dec. 1561.
Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Add.: To Challoner, at "Madril," and endd. by him.
Pp. 3. |
|---|
| Dec. 31. | 756. The Merchants of Bristol. |
|---|
| 1. Two "provances" [acts of accusation], the former made
in Seville, 29 Dec. 1561, against Peter Mellendez, and the
second made in Madrid, 31 Dec., against the same person. |
|---|
| 2. A testimonial of the process against the merchants made
by John Dias, Notary of Seville, and the accusation made by
the Promoter Fiscal, Diego Venegas, 27th August 1561. |
|---|
| 3. He accuses Richard Barret, merchant of Bristol, and the
other merchants and mariners taken in the five ships by
P. Mellendez, and brought from the Azores. They went from
England under colour of getting merchandise (so they should
not be stopped by the ships of Spain which they met at sea)
to the island of St. Michael, and robbed and carried away a
ship; and tarried there for the ships that came from the
Indies laden with gold and silver, to rob them. This appears
by the pipes of wine marked with iron that were found in
the said ships, and blue thread and carpets of Flanders, which
is merchandise used to be sent out of Spain for the Indies,
and Irish mantles, fine and red, which is not English merchandise, kersies and Venice glasses, felt hats, and cords of
hemp. |
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| 4. He therefore requests their punishment in the most
rigorous manner, and the confiscation of their goods. A
copy of the accusation was ordered to be given to the English
merchants. |
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| 5. They made their answer in a bill presented in the
process, and the Justice received the parties. |
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| Copy. Endd. Pp. 4. |
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| Dec. 31. | 757. The Merchants of Bristol. |
|---|
| Copy of the notarial accusation made in Madrid, 31 Dec.
1561, against Petro Mellendez, in the case of the merchants
of Bristol, mentioned in the previous document. |
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| Notarial copy. Endd. Span. Pp. 46. |
|---|
| Dec. 31. | 758. Intelligences. |
|---|
| 1. Milan, 12th Nov. 1561. The Envoys have returned
from the Diet of the Grisons, and report the complaints made
by that body respecting the Bishop of Como. The Duke of
Sessa is expected. The Marquis has ordered all the soldiers
of the King of Spain to attend musters, which he himself will
attend. |
|---|
| 2. Rome, 15th Nov. Long discussions in the last Consistory
between the Pope and the Ambassador of France (see No. 669,
s. 2). The Ambassador says that the French King will send
M. De Condom to the Council. |
|---|
| 3. Rome, 29th Nov. Letters from Giovanni De Mendoza, of
28th Oct., state that the galleys are waiting for fine weather
to pass to the Goletta. After the despatch of Cardinal
Simonetta several Bishops will set out for the Council. Cardinal Emps has not yet received his legatine cross; but will
certainly be despatched to Trent. |
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| 4. The Pope has been occupied in reforming abuses. |
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| 5. Rome, 6th Dec. 1561.—The Papal Nuncio has arrived in
France, of which he gives a sad account. Six Spanish galleys
will set out from Naples for the Goletta. |
|---|
| 6. Rome, 13th Dec. 1561. When the steward carried
the breakfast to the Pope last Sunday His Holiness caused
him to be arrested in consequence of his complicity in a
murder. M. Crivelli has set out for Spain. At the last
Congregation various reforms were discussed, but nothing
finally decided. |
|---|
| 7. Rome, 19th Dec. 1561. At the last Consistory the cross
was given to the Cardinal Emps, who sets out for Trent.
The church of Cassano is given to the Cardinal Castellano.
The Bull of the reformation of the Conclave will be speedily
published. Gasparino Bargello and Ventura Bargello, auditors of the Camera, have been imprisoned on account of the
steward of the Papal household. Letters have been received
from France to the effect that Lutheranism is everywhere
preached, and that the doors are guarded for the protection
of the Protestants against the Catholics. The Pope has had
the gout. The Bull of the Conclave provides that the
Cardinals, during the vacancy of the Papacy, shall fare on
bread and water. The Spanish troops are about to move
from Naples into Piedmont, in consequence of the proceedings of Vendôme. Ascanio Della Cornia will certainly
be sent by the Pope to Trent. |
|---|
| 8. Milan, 11th Dec. Letters from Spain of the 17th ult.
say that the King has gone to hunt at Segovia, where he would
remain until St. Andrew's tide, whence he would proceed to
Navarre to provide against the movements of the Protestants
under Vendôme. The disorders occasioned by the false religion in France increase. The Duke of Florence wishes to
be crowned as King of Tuscany, but the King will not consent. The Queen Mother has sent to the Duchess of Savoy
fifty mules laden with articles for the nursery. Rumours of
wars in Piedmont are still rife. |
|---|
| 9. Prague, 17th Nov. 1561. The news of the defeat of
4,000 Turks is confirmed. The Emperor will send the Baron
of Nihaus to be present at Rosenberg's marriage, to whom
he will present plate to the value of 10,000 florins, and will
treat with the Electors respecting the Imperial Diet. Maximilian has gone to Lintz from Vienna on account of the
plague. |
|---|
| 10. Constantinople, 3rd Nov. The Ambassador of the
Sofi has arrived with 200 horses, and has had an audience.
The Turk has promised to permit the export of corn to the
Venetians. The plague has ceased entirely. |
|---|
| 11. Rome, 27th Dec. 1561. News had arrived from Milan
of the death of the Bishop of Bobbio, who had been sent
thither by Cardinal Borromeo"; the see will be given to
M. Castiglione, a Milanese. The Pope has had an attack of
the gout. Cardinal Gaddi's death is reported. Various promotions are expected. The government of Fermo will be
given to Cardinal Borromeo. Letters of the 13th, from
France, speak of that country as in a lamentable condition. |
|---|
| 12. France, 1st Dec. 1561. The Ambassador has arrived at
this Court who was sent to Rome by the King of Navarre to
induce the Pope to intercede in his behalf with the King of
Spain. The King of Navarre has publicly spoken in the
most outrageous terms of the Pope, remarking that as the
French have once taken Rome so they may take it the
second time. The Marquis of Saluzzo having left his state to
the Crown of France will probably be the occasion of some
dispute with the Duke of Savoy. |
|---|
| 13. Paris, 31 Dec. 1561. The Bishops have all left Poissy
fifteen days ago. Certain canons were confirmed for the
reformation of the Gallican Church, which will be sent to the
Pope and the Council of Trent for their approbation. No
conclusion has been arrived at, Beza and Peter Martyr refusing to subscribe the two articles respecting the Eucharist and
the authority of the Church, but they preach daily to large
numbers of the nobility and others. Similar proceedings took
place throughout France, and caution is necessary on account
of the populace, which is most Catholic. Five hundred Reformers having assembled near the Porte S. Antoine, were attacked by the people, who killed twenty of them. The Prince
of Rocca Sarcion [Rochesurion] the Governor of the city and
the Marshal De Termeneli [sic] having restored order. The
populace are committing many robberies under the pretext
of searching for preachers. Similar outrages have taken
place in Normandy and Gascony. The money raised for the
annates will be applied to the fortifications. The whole of
the Guises have withdrawn to Lorraine; the Constable has
gone to Ecouen, and others have left the Court. The King of
Navarre conducts himself with prudence in his administration. |
|---|
| 14. Paris, 4 Dec. 1561. The Cardinal of Ferrara is indignant with the Queen Mother for having invited him to a
banquet with the Queen of Navarre, after which was preached
a Lutheran sermon. The Cardinal of Tournon is angry with
the Queens, and also with Ferrara for having permitted himself to be so entrapped. Peter Martyr is dead on his return
from France. The King of Navarre permits the Lutherans
to preach in Paris, and has appointed guards for their
protection. |
|---|
| Orig. Add.: To Gresham in London. Endd.: 12 Jan.
1561. Advertisements. Ital. Pp. 7. |
|---|
| [Dec.] | 759. English Vessels in Spain. |
|---|
| Proceedings in the Admiralty Court of Spain respecting
the capture of certain English ships of Bristol and Barnstable,
arrested upon the charge of piracy on their return from the
Indies. |
|---|
| Notarial copy, attested by Juan Diaz. Endd.: 1561. Span.
Pp. 10. |
|---|
| [Dec.] | 760. Other proceedings in the same process. |
|---|
| Attested copy. Endd. Span. Pp. 14. |
|---|
| [Dec.] | 761. Petition of William Browne. |
|---|
| Recites the circumstances connected with the capture of
two Portuguese vessels, which sailed from Southampton, by
an English pinnace, of which the commander was Thomas
Phetypas, and various incidents which thereupon followed.
The petitioner afterwards going into Spain was thrown into
prison at Bilbao, in which he has continued for more than
twelve months. |
|---|
| Orig. Probably addressed to Challoner. Dated 1561.
Pp. 2. |
|---|
| [Dec.] | 762. Complaints of the Spanish Merchants. |
|---|
| Complaints of "the merchants and others of the Low
Countries, subjects to the King of Spain, trafficing to England,"
respecting the violation by the English of the treaty of A.D.
1495. (fn. 3) |
|---|
| Copy. Pp. 3. |
|---|
| [Dec.] | 763. Revenues of Spain. |
|---|
| A calculation of the revenues of the King of Spain, specifying the various sources whence derived. |
|---|
| Endd. Span. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| [Dec.] | 764. Gresham's Accounts. |
|---|
| Munitions and stores shipped by Gresham in various ships,
the names of which are specified. |
|---|
| Orig. Endd. by Cecil: Oliver Dyrickson's bill. Pp. 3. |
|---|
| [Dec.] | 765. Tithes, &c., in Cumberland. |
|---|
| Calculations by Challoner of the value of certain lands,
tithes, saltpans, coalpits, &c. in Hensingham, Annerdale,
Laweswater, Roskow Park, Whitehaven, Sandwath, Arowthwaite, St. Bees, and elsewhere in Cumberland. |
|---|
| Draft. Hol. Endd. Pp. 4. |
|---|