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| Feb. 16. | 891. Throckmorton to the Queen. |
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| 1. In his letters of the 28th ult., he informed the Queen of
the great ado amongst the Councillors here for the conclusion
of this last assembly, and chiefly about the edict, which he
sent as unauthorized and unpublished. Since then things
have come to a strange issue. The Cardinal of Ferrara has
allured to his devotion the King of Navarre, the Constable,
Marshal St. André, the Cardinal of Tournon, and others, inclined to retain the Romish religion; all of whom are bent
to repress the Protestant religion in France, and to find
means either to range the Queen of Navarre, the Prince and
Princess of Condé, the Admiral and all others who favour
that religion, or to expel them from the Court with all the
ministers and preachers. The Queen Mother, fearing this
confederacy might be the means of losing her authority,
(which is as dear to her as one religion or the other,) and
mistrusting that the Constable went about to reduce the
management of the whole affair into the King of Navarre's
hands (and so into his own), has caused the Constable to
retire from the Court, as it were in disgrace, and intended to
do the like with the Cardinal of Tournon and the Marshal St.
André. The King of Navarre being offended with these proceedings, (and imputing part of her doings to the advice of
the Admiral, the Cardinal Châtillon, and M. D'Andelot, intended to compel those personages to retire also from the Court.
In these garboils the Prince of Condé (being sick at Paris)
was requested to repair to the Court and stand her in stead.
In this time there was great working on both sides to win
the house of Guise, so the Queen Mother wrote to them, they
being in the skirts of Almain, to come to the Court with all
speed. The like means were made by the King of Navarre,
the Cardinal of Ferrara, and the Constable to ally them on
their part. During these solicitations the Duke D'Aumale
arrived at the Court from them, who was requested to solicit
the speedy repair to the Court of the Duke of Guise and the
Cardinal of Lorraine. |
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| 2. According to the Queen's order, the writer did, by Harry
Middlemore, at this time inform the Duke D'Aumale of her
affection to him and all his house, for the Queen of Scotland's
sake, which was thankfully acknowledged. The said Duke
sent word that the Duke of Guise would shortly be at his
house in Nanteuil, and, as matters fell out, would either repair
to the Court or absent himself from thence longer. The
Prince of Condé went from hence in a horse litter to the
Court of St. Germain, where he found the Protestant preachers
prohibited from preaching either in the King's house or in the
town, and that the said King had solemnly vowed to retain and maintain the Romish religion, and had given order
that his son should be instructed in the same. The Prince
finding the Queen of Navarre and the house of Châtillon ready
to leave the Court, fell again dangerously sick, nevertheless
his coming to Court so revived them, as by the covert aid of
the Queen Mother they attempted to make the Protestant
preachers preach again at the town's end of St. Germain, and
were also entreated to abide at the Court, where there is an
assembly which is like to last till Easter. The Cardinal of
Ferrara assists daily at these disputes. The King of Navarre
persists in the house of Châtillon retiring from the Court, and
it is believed the Queen of Navarre, and they, will not tarry
long there. These men desiring to repress the Protestant
religion, it behoves the Queen to show herself there, and to
strangers, willing to maintain it, for thereby depends a great
part of her honour and quietness, so long as the two Princes
of France and Spain endeavour to overthrow it. |
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| 3. Proceedings are so variable here, that perhaps by the time
of the receipt of this letter some alteration will come to pass.
It is now resolved that M. De Candelle with certain French
Bishops shall go to the Council of Trent. M. De Lansac is
despatched to Rome with assurances from the Queen Mother
and the King of Navarre, to the Pope, that they will live in
the Catholic religion, and defend the same. M. De Sulpice,
gentleman of the chamber, is sent to Spain with like assurance, where he will reside as Ambassador, and the Bishop of
Limoges (brother to L'Aubespine), will be revoked. The
King of Spain revokes M. De Chantonet as Ambassador from
France, and intends to send M. De Champaigne (Chantonet's
brother) in his place. |
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| 4. When the Queen Mother and the King of Navarre were
not so much bent to make good the Romish religion, M. De
Cipiere, governor of the King, was displaced, and the Prince
of Rochesurion appointed governor; but since this revolt
Cipiere is restored again as colleague to Rochesurion, but is
named second governor. |
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| 5. It is said here that the French King, the Bishop of Rome,
and the Queen Mother shall be invited to christen the Prince
of Piedmont, and that the Conté Dauphin D'Auvergne, (Duke
of Montpensier's son,) shall be the French King's deputy, the
Cardinal of Trent deputy for the Bishop of Rome, and the
Marshal Strossi's daughter (wife of the Count of Tande's
eldest son, Governor of Provence,) shall be deputy for the
Queen Mother. The ceremony will not take place till after
April. The Prince will be baptised before. |
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| 6. He is informed by a servant of Augustus, Elector of Saxe,
here on business for his master, that the said Elector and the
Marquis of Brandenburg intend to send their Legates to the
Council of Trent, to impeach that no great harm be done, nor
confederacy made against the Protestant religion. |
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| 7. There was lately a great secret assembly of gentlemen,
concerning religion, at Venice, which being discovered some
fled, amongst whom is the Duke of Florence's secretary, named
Pero, agent for his master there, who has arrived in France.
Lately the Venetian Ambassador here informed him that
Guido Genette, the Queen's servant, was liberated from prison
there. The young Conte De Petigliano, who lately expelled
his father from his territory, is now banished by the Duke
of Florence from his state, and the chief possession of the
fortresses thereof is guarded by the Duke. The King of
Spain will not take this matter quietly. The said Duke
grounds his doings upon his devotion to restore the father to
his state. |
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| 8. Since his last despatch, the Cardinal of Ferrara sent the
Abbot of Salerno (accompanied by a Knight of the Order of
Malta,) to him, with a letter and great courtesy, as the
offer of his house. If that did not suit, he requested he
would come to the Court, where they might visit each other,
and that then he would send some gentlemen unto whom
the Cardinal might communicate such purpose as he himself
would rather declare to him. He told the Abbot and
Knight that he would send his kinsman to the Cardinal to
acknowledge this visit. Within two or three days after, he
sent his cousin, Francis Peyto, to the Cardinal, whose negociation there the Queen shall perceive by the letters here
enclosed. |
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| 9. M. De Montignac, the Queen of Scotland's servant (who
lately arrived here from thence) brought him at his return
from Lorraine a letter from the said Queen, a copy of which
he sends with his answer. |
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| 10. The French edict he lately sent is rejected by the Court
of Parliament of Paris. The same has been authorized and
published by the Parliament of Rouen, which is not of so
great authority as that of Paris, so the dissension of opinions
still continues. M. De Morette, who lately came from England,
acknowledged, not only to him, but at the Court and other
places, the great courtesy he received from the Queen. |
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| 11. Since writing these premises Morette sent him from the
Court a packet of letters, to be conveyed to the Queen, wherein
is a letter from the Cardinal of Ferrara, and one from Morette
to her, and the copy of a letter which the said Cardinal sent
to Morette, to have been delivered in England, to the in tent
that it should have been shown to the Queen, which came
not to hand until his arrival this side. |
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| 12. He informed the Queen in his last what passed betwixt
the Queen Mother, the Secretary De L'Aubespine, and him,
concerning De Courtenay, deleagued to be a hostage in England. Since then he finds him to be greatly indebted, and
but a tenant for life of his lands. He sent to the Queen
Mother a bill of all his debts, and his living, whereupon
she would make choice of another, which L'Aubespine informed him of by a letter. Since then she has written to him
again requesting him to accept him. His answer he sends
herewith. |
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| 13. Sig. Paulo Jordano Ursino, who married the Duke of
Florence's daughter, is dead, and the Duke has seized the
best part of his country, and fortresses, wherein he has put
a garrison, under pretence of satisfaction of his daughter's
dowry. The Prince of Condé will recover, because his imposthume (being in a dangerous place) is broken. The adverse affection to the Protestants yet continues in the Queen
Mother and the King of Navarre. |
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| 14. The second son of the Marquis of Brandenburg (being
Bishop of Magdeburg) who was lately for the Papists, has now
become a Protestant, and reforms his church and diocese ac
cordingly. The Muscovite makes great preparation to invade
Livonia, and will attempt to take Revel from the King of
Sweden, or Riga from the King of Poland. Montignac returns in post to the Queen of Scots, who has requested letters
to the Queen for his passport. By him he understands that
the Cardinal of Lorraine and the Duke of Guise will not return to the Court before Easter. Some think they tarry until
the term for surrendering the places in Piedmont is expired;
others say they will not come to Court until the Queen of
Navarre, the Prince of Condé, and the house of Chatillon are
gone from thence.—Paris, 16 Feb. 1561. Signed. |
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| Orig. Add. Endd. Pp. 8. |
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| Feb. 16. | 892. Throckmorton to Cecil. |
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| 1. The Venetians and the Duke of Florence ("who have
the world's estimation to govern their states with very good
conduct,") are always content to be at the charge of having
their ministers at all great diets and assemblies, which they
think is well bestowed, so that they know what is done in
such conventions, and so did King Henry VIII. Now it is a
more apt time for the Queen and the Protestant Princes to
send Legates to this Council to the intent aforesaid than ever
it was before; because the Protestants are so strong in all
states that they shall either cause some good to be done, or
impeach any harm. M. De Morette acknowledges his bond to
the Queen for the kindness he received there; he wished she
had written something to Mme. De Savoy, who wrote to her in
her own hand. If she will do so, he [Throckmorton] will deliver
it to Morette, or to the Bishop of Toulon, the Ambassador from
the Duke of Savoy. Cecil may perceive by letters that Morette
sent to him, to be delivered to the Queen, a clause to move her
to retain the cross and the candles upon the altar, even as it
were for the Cardinal of Ferrara's pleasure. "I would be sorry
Her Majesty should be so conformable in a matter that hath
such affinity with idolatry; and now the time of all others
serveth the worst for many respects, and among others, because
the Doctors of Sorbonne and the chief papistical champions, as
well of Italy as of France, are contented at these disputes to
condescend unto the Protestants that all images of all sorts
shall be removed from the altars and places of adoration, and the
images of the Trinity quite taken forth of the church. And
unto all other images representing any kind of humanity, they
may be tolerated in their opinion in churches, as ornaments
and memories, provided always that the curates and such as
have charge of souls do instruct their parish continually to
have a due and right estimation of those images, and neither
with visitations, candles, kneelings, nor adorations to abuse
them." It is expected the Queen Mother and the King of
Navarre will solicit the Queen, by their Ambassador, to accept
M. De Courtenay for hostage, whom he [Throckmorton] has
refused. Hereafter they will make him a precedent to send
thither many of less quality. Desires to know the Queen's
resolution, which he trusts his successor will bring, "or his
John Baptist." The last of April is the last of his three
months, commencing the 3rd February, so that he may return
about the last of April. |
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| 2. This day was published and authorized by the Parliament of Paris, the King's letters patent for the Cardinal of
Ferrara to enjoy his faculties within France, as the Bishop
of Rome's Legate. The King's grant thereto was obtained
long since. He sends one of them by this despatch to the
Lord James Stewart of Scotland with a letter. Unless Cecil
draws Scotland to England's amity now, he never will have
the opportunity hereafter; and failing therein, he must remember what will needs follow after. Thinks the Queen
should declare to M. De Foix, after his first audience, that
she marvels what this alteration of religion means in the
King of Navarre. The Queen Mother not avowing the Protestant religion, whatsoever she does in favour of the Catholics,
the Queen did not interpret it so much amiss as the proceedings of the King of Navarre, who had given assurance that
he was a Protestant. M. De Morette has requested him to
send his packet to the Bishop of Aquila, which he has given
to the bearer to deliver. Is informed that the said Bishop is
requested by the Cardinal of Ferrara and the Spanish Ambassador in France to induce the Queen to send her clergy to the
General Council, and by them acknowledge her obedience to
the See of Rome; and to persuade her to qualify her proceedings in matters of religion, so that all States may perceive
she begins to relent. The Bishop is put in trust also to
understand how Throckmorton frames his advertisements for
their purposes, and how Cecil his advice for the same. Although Cecil's son is not so dedicate to philosophy as Cecil
was, yet he will prove such a gentleman as his father may be
glad to leave behind.—Paris, 16 Feb. 1561. Signed. |
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| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 4. |
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| Feb. 16. | 893. [Throckmorton] to Queen Mary. |
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| The Queen of England having charged him to have her
causes and those of her uncles specially recommended, he promises to do so. |
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| Copy. Endd.: 16 Feb. 1561. Pp. 2. |
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| Feb. 20. | 894. Claude De la Trimouille to Cecil. |
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| Asks him to obtain the Queen's licence for him and M. Dupont to eat flesh during the ensuing Lent, and to allow their
servant to purchase provisions and game outside the town.
He finds fish diet unpleasant and unwholesome.—London,
20 Feb. 1561. Signed. |
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| Orig. Add. Endd. Fr. Pp. 2. |
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| Feb. 20. | 895. Thomas Jenyson to Cecil. |
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| 1. The certificate of 24,448l. 10s., made by Mr. Treasurer
and himself for the full pay of the garrison here to Michaelmas, and for the works to the 11th of October last, was not
fully paid to the former; whereby he was able to make full
pay to the garrison and crews; but the poor workmen for
want of their pays are in great misery, having neither whole
garments to their backs nor sound shoes to their feet, albeit
they work daily at the sea side and in the fields this winter.
They might be paid to the end of the certificate with less
than 500l., besides their imprests. Sends the certificate of the
quarter's charges due at Christmas, together with one for this
quarter ending at our Lady's Annunciation, which is within
five weeks. |
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| 2. Encloses an estimate of the provisions, with the prices,
according to the former rate, and unless these are supplied
the works cannot be conveniently carried on this year. Sir
Richard Lee should consider the estimate, as some things may
be omitted therein which he knows to be needful. |
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| 3. They have burnt out their limekilns for want of coals,
which were kept at work this winter with those coals which
he procured from Newcastle this time twelvemonths, and
with the 250 chaldron that Cocks, the purveyor at Newcastle,
sent at sundry times since last April, for which he is almost
300l. behind. He has appointed sufficient coals for Cocks at
Mr. Anderson's, but shipping cannot be had without their
Lordships furnish their present need with 200 chalders of the
best Darwen coals to serve till April. |
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| 4. In his next certificate shall he continue the pay of
Bryan Fitzwilliam and the 200 soldiers who were sent hence
to Ireland?—Berwick, 20 Feb. 1561. Signed. |
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| Orig., with seal. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 2. |
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| [Feb. 20.] | 896. Fortifications of Berwick. |
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| "A proportion of all such necessaries as are presently to
be provided at London for the furniture of the Queen's
fortifications at Berwick against the next spring, together with an estimate of the prices and the charges
thereof." |
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| The articles specified relate to spades, shovels, and "scowpes,"
malles, steel, soap, elm planks, gin ropes, necessaries for carts
and tumbrels, for spars and deals, and necessaries for the
smith's forges. The total amount is 1,53l. 6s. 8d. |
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| Pp. 3. |
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| Feb. 21. | 897. Randolph to Cecil. |
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| 1. Has lately received from him two letters, with one for
Lethington and a passport for the Marquis, whom St. Colm
accompanies into France, which may be the occasion of his
longer abode here by five or six days. Lethington will an
swer him when the matter has been advised on. Touching
Cecil's device for the Master of Maxwell's declaration to the
Queen of Scots in that which he was charged by Lord Dacres,
the writer sent his letter to him, and he will receive the
answer herewith, both unreasonable and untrue. The writer
let him know that he travailed with him at Glasgow; that
Drumlanrick (who long held back) might have been ridden
upon; that he had copies of his own letters to Dacres imparting the same, and that unless he can prove that those
things for which he demands redress were taken before or
since the late troubles, or upon such as indeed took part with
the Lords of the Congregation, it were better quietly to pass it
over. Redress being made, the private quarrel may be easily
appointed. Lord Dacres has given ample declaration of his
goodwill towards the maintenance of amity in a letter to the
writer. He sent also a couple of very fat does to the Earl of
Mar against his marriage. Cecil's request as to the divorce
shall be satisfied, though not soon, as it is far out of this town
and hard to come by. Dares not have to do with him whom
Cecil advised. St. Colm's uncle married her after the divorce,
whose name was Henry Steward, of Endermethe. The
Queen's answer for the delivery of the hostages well contents
the Lords; they are ready to further amity at all times. It
has been lately reported to the Duke that the Earl of Arran
should report irreverently of the Queen of England, and that
it should be brought unto her ears. He desired to know
what the writer had heard; who said that no such thing had
come to his hearing, though he did not wonder that other
men marked something strange in the Earl, as he did himself,
which is an opinion over great of his own doings, too sudden
conceit either of goodwill borne towards him, and little means
to entertain the amity of those who can do him good. He
also told him that it was not yet out of men's minds how
suddenly, without any cause, he gave over his suit to the
Queen, the Ambassadors being yet in their earnest travail for
his advancement; since which time he never either wrote to
the Queen, or to any other of whose goodwill he has had experience. The greatest suitors to her did more than this, and
he of all others most bound has done the least; whereupon
he might report further than the writer ever did. The
Duke declared himself most addicted to the Queen's service,
and prayed to know whether the Queen would forward his
son's marriage with the Queen of Scots; to which he answered that if she were sued unto, she would increase her
favour. What is now in their heads he knows not, but it is
the least part of her thoughts, and he knows none amongst
the whole nobility who would have it. |
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| 2. Yesterday arrived a Swede out of Flanders, who landed
at Aberdeen. Thinks it is he who was at Berwick. His
traffics are not yet known. There are now new controversies
between Lords Grey and Hume for the receipt of moneys for
attemptats. Grey looks to be paid as money is current in
England. Hume stands upon the custom to pay 4l. Scotch
for 1l. English. The Council's opinion is, that the custom
is ancient, and that when the twopenny pieces of England
were only worth a "babye" or 1½d., yet they received it as
it was current. They say that it is impossible for them to
get English money, and the gold of Scotland is no more
current in England than their silver. Because there is more
to demand out of Scotland than out of England (as on Monday next 60l. is to be paid for one bill, and shortly for three
horses of Lord Grey's, being sworn to thirty score nobles,)
they think they are hardly dealt with. It has also been
complained that poor men, who brought victuals into Berwick,
have had their money taken from them, having received it
there 3d. sterling dearer the shilling, and 8s. the French crown,
being only 8l. [Scottish] between three men, and being proved
to be not common conveyers of money. |
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| 3. Forbes' errand to France is pretended to be to seek the
revenues of Châtellerault and the Duke's pension, and he has
letters to the King and the Constable. The Earl of Arran is
so bent to recover the place he had in France, that he cannot
content himself with any kind of life at home. In these
imaginations he so torments himself that these eight days he
has kept his bed. In a day or two he will depart with as good
leave to go as to tarry. The controversy between him and
the Earl Bothwell will be accorded. He is better content to
let it pass under the law of oblivion than to commit it to the
Queen.—Edinburgh, 21 Feb. 1561. Signed. |
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| Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 6. |
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| Feb. 21. | 898. Provision to Peter Mellendez. |
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| 1. Peter Mellendez obeying the schedule, answers that
he has no goods of the five English ships that he took in
the Islands of the Azores and brought to Seville. The process
of the Englishmen, which is in custody of Cochoa de Luzando, secretary of the Royal Council of the Indies, proves
this. |
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| 2. Richard Barrett, in the name of the Englishmen, caused
a bill of "requiry" to be notified to Mellendez, requesting him
to restore the things mentioned in the inventory, which
amount to 702,255 marks, which is in ducats 18,778. |
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| 3. Mellendez the next day answered that he had nothing
to say to them, for he had answered the King's provision
that the Englishmen sued for, and that all the goods that
were taken are in writing before the secretary. |
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| 4. Barrett requested the King's bill of the notary, which he
has sent back again with the process. The Englishmen desire
Challoner to assist them; the King having commanded Mellendez to restore all goods taken from them he answers that
he has none. They request that he should pay the value
of the inventory, according to the schedule. |
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| 5. Hugh Tipton desires Challoner to be good unto the
merchants, they having great wrongs; and all costs he is at
Tipton will see defrayed. |
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| 6. John Frampton desires Challoner to obtain the King's
letter, which was being prepared before Chamberlain's departure.—21 Feb. 1562. |
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| Orig. Pp. 3. |
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| Feb. 21. | 899. Edward Castelyn to Challoner. |
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| They understand that Challoner has received his own
money of Roger Jefferson at Bilboa according to the order
taken here with him before his departure, and Challoner's
money was paid here according to his bill. He could be
furnished by Hugh Tipton of Seville with such money as
he required. If the money shall be "cried down" the gold
at forty shillings, and the silver at three shillings and four
pence the ounce, Challoner's diets of 3l. 6s. 8d. the day, will
be worth 5l. 10s. the day. Desires Challoner to take no
money there, to pay there or elsewhere out of the dominions
of Spain; and further to have Mr. Hickman and himself in
remembrance, being still badly used in Canaria.—London,
21 Feb. 1561. Signed. |
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| Orig. Hol., with seal. Add. Endd. by Challoner.
Pp. 2. |
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| Feb. 21. | 900. — to Shers. |
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| Letters of the 22nd ult. from Constantinople state that the
Turk could not live eight days; but the intelligence of his
decease has not yet arrived. The Duke of Ferrara is expected
here next week. The King of Navarre has sent M. De Lansac
to the Pope, who now intercedes with the King of Spain for
some compensation to be made for Navarre. The King
lives in France like a Catholic. Petigliano is given to Count
Giovanni Francisco. The Ambassadors of the Emperor and
of Portugal have arrived at the Council, and the French
Envoys are expected. The Germans have protested.—Venice,
21 Feb. 1562. Signed, but the signature is torn off. |
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| Orig., with armorial seal. Add.: To Shers, in London. Ital.
Pp. 2. |
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| Feb. 21. | 901. M. Stopio to Mason. |
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| Wrote last Saturday, as usual. No news. The death of the
Turk is not yet confirmed. Great preparations are being
made for the Duke of Ferrara, but it is not known whether
he will arrive before or after Easter.—Venice, 21 Feb. 1562.
Signed. |
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| Orig. Hol., with seal Add. Endd: Advertisements.
Ital. Pp. 2. |
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| Feb. 22. | 902. Sir Thomas Dacres to Lord Grey. |
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| Received this day with Mr. Randolph's letters a packet
for Cecil. Randolph writes that "the Marquis" will not be
here for eight or ten days. Will do as directed touching
the order in the Council's letter for receiving the Marquis.
The Swede, who was here when his Lordship was, has arrived
in Scotland, but as yet his doings there are not known.—
Berwick, 22 Feb. 1561. Signed. |
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| Orig. Add. Endd. Pp. 2. |
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| Feb. 22. | 903. Lazaro Suendi to Francis Yaxley. |
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| 1. Having returned from Germany, he thanks Yaxley for
the affection shown to him in his letters sent to him thither;
and to maintain the friendship formed between them when
he was in England, he will serve him in any way he may
be able. |
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| 2. Thanks also Lord Robert for his remembrance of him,
of whom he has made honourable mention to many Princes
and gentlemen in Germany. |
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| 3. Everything is peaceful in Germany, but a disturbance
is feared against the Bishops. The Protestant Princes have
lately assembled and have determined to live and die in the
Confession of Augsburg. There is little hope that they will
attend or submit to the Council.—Brussels, 22 Feb. 1561.
Signed. |
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| 4. P. S.—Has bought some English swords and weapons
altogether not worth twenty or thirty crowns, but the German merchants have not been able to send them hither,
being articles of war. Prays for licence for them to be sent. |
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| Orig. Hol. [?] Add. Endd. Span. Pp. 2. |
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| Feb. 24. | 904. Lord Gray to Cecil. |
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| Received his letters of the 10th inst., in favour of the
Earl of Northumberland's tenants. It has been reported
that they were no parties in the spoil of the ship, but the
contrary was proved here before the Earl by the confession
of his own servants. Has diligently examined the matter
of the carriers of Cecil's former letters being committed to
prison by the writer's men during his absence, and finds
that Clerckson, the Earl's man, was committed for debt, as
he ought to be. The party who committed him had no
authority to open any of Cecil's letters. If any of the writer's
servants did so, he would make them feel the smart. As proof
of his and his deputies' reverence for his letters, his Lordship
might have stated that as soon as Colwich understood the
man had a letter from the Council for the writer or his
deputies, and when he saw it came from Cecil, he immediately
released the parties without satisfying the debt, although
his letter did not request him to do so. Desires that Cecil's
requests in his of the 10th may be fully inquired into. Will
inform Cecil of his causes of complaint when he can speak
with him. Is most grieved that complaints, whether true or
not, are still received against him, and that his answers to
them are not regarded.—York, 24 Feb. 1561. Signed. |
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| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 3. |
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| Feb. 25. | 905. John Sharpe to William Fayer. |
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| Has received two or three letters from him since he returned
an answer. Is ashamed he has not sent the money which
Fayer wrote for. It is not three days since he was told not
to send any, but if matters are the same as when he wrote, he
will promise to send it. The rest which Francisco Bravo
owes Fayer he will not pay to the writer, but will pay it
unto Fayer. They expect every hour when that "Euys Tho
Scovall [Escoval?] shall lie down. I beseech God send her
a good deliverance, for I do promise you she is very big.
Her mother doth begin to come well forward with all her
stuff."—Seville, 25 Feb. 1562. Signed. |
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| Orig. Hol. Add.: To Guillermo Fayer at Toledo. Pp. 2. |
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| Feb. 26. | 906. Randolph to Cecil. |
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| Requests that the bearer, M. Buttencourt, and his company
may be licensed to carry their pistols for their better security
in their journey through England towards France.—Edinburgh, 26 Feb. 1561. Signed. |
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| Orig. Hol. P. 1. |
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Feb. 26.
Labb. Concil. xiv. 841. Raynaldi, A.D. 1562, § 20. | 907. The Council of Trent. |
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| Decree of the second session of the Council of Trent
respecting the censure of suspected and dangerous books. The
Council is prorogued to 14 May next. |
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| Copy. Lat. Pp. 2. |
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| Feb. 26. | 908. Another copy of the above. |
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| Lat. Pp. 2. (fn. 1) |
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| Feb. 28. | 909. The Queen to Lord Dacre. |
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| 1. Certain orders having been lately devised for justice and
amity on the East and Middle Marches, she has thought it
meet that he shall conform to the same in sort as that, if the
Master of Maxwell will do the like, better justice may ensue
through all the said Borders. |
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| 2. She has likewise been informed that the Earl of Bothwell
and the Master of Maxwell require of him a meeting. She
wills him to proceed in these matters without further delay. |
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| Draft, corrected by Cecil. Endd.: Ult. Feb. 1561. Pp. 4. |
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| Feb. 28. | 910. Maitland to Cecil. (fn. 2) |
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| By Randolph's man answered Cecil's letter of the 10th inst.
Queen Mary, in those cases which she has with Elizabeth,
will employ none but the writer, although he has earnestly
pressed the contrary, and unless he would offend her he must
yield, and so be a minister for this interview, and the
clearing of such points as would be considered before.
Although he allows it with his heart, and will further it at
his uttermost, yet he sees his peril if anything fall out amiss.
Is sure Cecil considers in what case he has sometimes been
with the Queen, and how many would be glad to disgrace
him anew. This shall not stay him if he can have any
comfort from Cecil that good is like to succeed. Trusts he
will speak frankly, upon his promise that no man shall be
privy to it. If he will only write, "Come, you shall be
welcome," he will boldly proceed. Is thought here to be one
of Cecil's creatures, and will never disavow it. Rather than
that amity he has travailed in betwixt these two realms be
not brought to pass, he will give a shrewd venture. Has
consecrated himself to the uniting of the isle in friendship;
this has been a scope whereat he has long shot, and whereunto
all his actions have been directed these five or six years.
He pressed at it in Queen Mary's days, although frustrated;
in the present Queen's time many ways, and ever as one
occasion fails him he begins to shuffle the cards anew, always
keeping the same ground. Encloses a letter. Prays that the
Marquis may perceive the Queen by her conversation to be
well affected towards his mistress.—Edinburgh, 28 Feb. 1561.
Signed. |
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| Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 3. |
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| Feb. 28. | 911. Randolph to Cecil. |
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| 1. The Marquis departs with better will of both Papists and
Protestants than he came into the country. The Papists now
see that his credit failed him, and the Queen herself may be
content to spare him. He was ever counted a better soldier
than counsellor. She spares much by his departure; he spent
daily at his table 3l. He has received great honour, and such
presents as this country brings forth, as hawks, hounds,
greyhounds, and horses, which are passed all by sea. He
desires to do service unto the Queen of England. The good
entertainment of the Grand Prior and M. Danville has
put into him a marvellous conceit how welcome he shall be
to the Queen, especially as he can more assuredly report of
this Queen's hearty goodwill than the others could. This
Queen desires that his usage may be kind, so that he may
report it to her uncles. He is to talk to her touching the
continuance of their goodwill. |
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| 2. It has been communicated to him for a great secret, that
the interview is so far resolved between the Queen, the Lord
James, and the Laird of Lethington, that if it be not utterly
refused, it shall pass any man's power in Scotland to stay it.
There have been many consultations, and there can be
nothing alleged that can make it either unhonourable or
unprofitable to either. All suspicion is quite set apart. It
has been said to the writer that the dishonour of her father in
breaking his promise shall be repaired with the affiance that
the daughter has in the Queen's honour. |
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| 3. Some one shall be sent hence to treat upon those heads
which are most doubtful, to see the Queen, and take order
how it may be brought to pass. This Queen has already
pressed twice or thrice the Laird of Lethington to pass in
post to demand an interview, and to accord how it may be
ordered. Because, if the success of the matter be not good to
his Sovereign it will be very dangerous to himself, he shifts
this burden from him, or at least delays, in hope of hearing
from the Queen or Cecil what good there may be to either
realm, to both of which he seems to bear indifferent favour.
As soon as the Queen's answer to this Queen's letter sent by
Montignac comes, if it may in any manner of way give her
comfort, she will despatch Lethington to consider how it may
be contrived. Is earnestly required from the Queen to make
means unto Cecil that she may shortly have the said answer;
and also by the Earl of Mar, that by Cecil's good advice the
Queen will give such a favourable answer that he and others
may be further encouraged to deal with her the bolder for the
perpetual uniting of both realms in amity; the sooner also
that the governors of France are become the mortal and
professed enemies of Christ, and seek daily to renew their old
league and bond. |
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| 4. Cannot tell him what conferences he has daily with
those whom he trusts furthest of these matters. Some think
nothing so fit for the security of the whole as a bond offensive
and defensive, which he likes best. Other, qui haud stulte
sapiunt, think good to make it defensive tantum, so that
they may live at peace with their neighbours, and retain
friendship with their old acquaintance. Some others daily beat
into his head the great charges that this Queen must be at if
any such solemn meeting be had; alleging the poverty of the
noblemen, and the expenses men have been at these years
past. To this it has been said that the Queen for her own
household has wherewith honourably to do; the rest will be
such as have enough of their own. Also, because it touches
as much the Cardinal's honour as the Queen's that she should
live in peace, it is thought that he will give or lend an
honest portion of money. Those who shall be assigned to this
journey are those whom she thinks most danger to leave at
home. The Duke, or the Earl of Arran, shall assuredly be
one. Of her prelates very few, though he doubts not some
way will be found to wring out of their benevolence. Within
these seven days she said to the writer, talking of the Queen's
picture (which daily she looks for), that it would do her good
to have it, but it would not content her heart until she had
spoken with her; adding, that the fault should not be in her.
The writer answered that impediment there might be, but
fault he was sure there would be none in his mistress. It
stays therefore only on the Queen's answer that Lethington
come not to them. What the Lord James desires towards
the answer, also what good may be done if the Marquis
receive some good words from the Queen, he has reported.
Has lately talked with the Earl of Arran, and also with his
father before his departure. Quid cum illis agas, quibus
neque mens neque consilium? The father is so inconstant,
saving in greediness, that in three moments he will take five
purposes; his son so drowned in dreams or fed with fantasies,
that either men fear he will fall into some incurable sickness,
or play some mad part that will bring himself to mischief.
His mind is nothing but to be French. For that purpose he
has sent Forbes, and pretends to his secret friends that this
Queen would that he were there. He muses also that now
those who profess Christ are not so friendly looked upon as
his enemies, and the murderers of his people. Does not know
what alteration the changes in France and the revolt of the
King of Navarre may breed in him. His mind is otherwise
wholly that way to recover an honest state of life, to live
freely in conscience, and be out of hazard of his person. The
Papists rejoice not a little of their noble emption of the King
of Navarre. They hope they know not what. The day is
now past they looked for here. |
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| 5. There came lately a book from the Abbot of Crosraguel,
(the "lypperie" Abbot who made the book that the old
Bishop of Durham so greatly delighted in,) sent unto Mr.
Knox, containing eighty-three articles, requiring them to be
answered, wherein both Mr. Knox and the most part of the
noblemen of Scotland are accused of sedition, murder, and
treason. Cecil shall receive it and the answer. The Swede
has had presence. It is he who was at Berwick. Sends the
copy of his master's letter; the answer is as to such matters
are commonly given, which the writer saw and read. He departs shortly. Much ado there has been to agree the Earls of
Arran and Bothwell. Has concluded with James Macconel
for Sir Ralph Bagnal's pledge, and is bound to pay him 120
angels and his best horse, and he within forty days to deliver
the man. For this and some particulars he sends this bearer,
Robert Askew, to attend on Cecil, and also to see Randolph's
old mother in Dover Castle. He has also charge to do the
Marquis all the service in his journey that he can.—Edinburgh,
28 Feb. 1561. Signed. |
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| 6. P. S.—Has in continual mind the divorce. Is surer to
have it than he can point any certain time. It is far off, and
hard to come by. |
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| Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Cecil. Pp. 8. |
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| Feb. 28. | 912. Robert Moffett to Cecil. |
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| 1. The writer and the Ambassador's servants departed from
Plymouth on the last of January, and on the fourth day after
they were landed in Spain. They had tarried three months
for those four days, being six times at sea, and put back
again, many ships being lost upon all coasts. The next day,
being over the bars of Portugal at anchor, the Commissioners
to the Holy Fathers came to open their coffers, and out of
malice would see the Ambassador's coffer. His servant said
they had not the key. He standing by, one of the Spaniards
told the commissary that he [Moffat] was one of King
Philip's servants of the chamber in England and Flanders;
whereupon they came to him, proferring courtesy, and turned
to call for the keys, or else they would break them open. He
desired them not to do so, for he was the Queen's Ambassador, and that her officers did not use the Bishop of Aquila
so in England, nor any other that came from their King or
other Prince. They said they were charged to do the same
upon the major excommunication, so that they will not only
lose their soul, but their body and goods if they do not do it.
He then took his cap in his hand and laid his hands upon his
crown, and swore by that and his priesthood that it grieved
him he could do no more for them; he also said he would
seal the coffers and place them in a house until the keys came,
or a letter from the Court, from the Bishop of Seville (and
not from the King), that the coffers should not be seen. |
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| 2. The writer then told the commissary he desired the
coffers to go to Bilboa, and that he would not land them here,
which upon great desire he obtained, and he was then showed
how Lord Montague was misused at Bilboa by an officer, and
how the said Lord behaved; saying that if a nobleman of
Spain had done the like in England or France, the Spaniards
would have put it in a chronicle. All this country marvels
that the Ambassador Leger did not follow by request for
punishment. |
|---|
| 3. That night they came to the town to one Mr. Kyrtone,
who is sworn to the Inquisition, notwithstanding he is an
honest English gentleman, "whereas my Lord and master
Cobham did lie," who so persuaded the higher commissary
here and his company, that in six days they brought up the
coffers here and opened them. Whereas he wrote to Lord
Robert that the coffers which they took from the Ambassador's first servants were Lord Cobham's, it was not so; it
was one Mr. Reede, one "of my Lord's men," who would not
have been here if he had stayed by his books. Since the
Constable of Spain died, there is a customer at Vidonet,
seven leagues hence, who will not allow coffers nor mails that
come from the sea to pass unsearched, which must pay customs
for all new things, unless they have a letter from the King;
therefore the steward will not consent to go farther until
"my Lord's" letter comes. At their first coming a post was
sent, which is not returned, the cause thereof is the snow.
They cannot hear of any certain news from the Court, for no
post has come this month. In the last it was written that the
Condé Feria should be Viceroy of Navarre, and that the King
intends this year to go to Monson. |
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| 4. Five days since one of Chester came from Seville, who
met Chamberlain at Burgos going homeward. The said man
said, before he came from hence there came to Calais a great
hulk richly laden, bringing with them two Spaniards and
their chests; and when the Flemings asked for their passage they said they would bring it, and went to the fathers
and accused the Flemings of eating flesh on Friday; so
they were taken, their legs tied under the horses, and so
brought to Seville. He thinks there are near a thousand of
all nations, and many will famish, (corn and victuals being so
dear,) "and the rest be in prison in Calais, and the ship and
goods for the fathers." About that time a merchant of London
named Hudson brought certain butts of sack, and gave to his
broker a mark and made a red cross upon the head, and when
he saw it he rubbed the cross out and put on his own mark;
and for this he was accused, and sent up as the Flemings
were. The commissary and others came to him praying him
to exhort all master mariners, and others of England, to go to
church; and when they saw the Sacrament in the church or
street to kneel down and not laugh, else the people will
accuse them, and then there is no remedy. All the principals
here when in conversation ask whether any Doctors or
Bishops go to the General Council (for which they daily pray),
they say they think, yea. He sends his commendations to
Mason. There was one Lacone, a friar, who came from
England for religion and is since changed, and is now in
prison for the same, as the merchant of Chester saith.—Bilboa,
last of February. Signed: Robert Moffatt. |
|---|
| Orig. Hol., with seal. Add. Endd.: Ult. Feb. 1561.
Pp. 2. |
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| Feb. 28. | 913. Advices from Italy. (fn. 3) |
|---|
| 1. Milan, 25 Feb. 1562. The Duke of Sessa has written
on 30th ult. from Spain that he will spend his Easter at
Milan. The King of Spain has written to the Marquis of
Pescara to send his Ambassador to the Council. The Catholic
Cantons of Switzerland will also send certain Bishops and
others thither. The people of Bergamo have been cutting
wood in a forest, which has embroiled them with their neighbours. |
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| 2. Rome, last Feb. Count Brocardo states that King
Philip has resolved to pension the Boromei, and will give to
the Cardinal 10,000 scudi (others say 8,000) and to his brother
the Count 15,000, with other concessions. Certain other
Cardinals are also to be pensioned. The Pope has been requested to impose silence in the cause of the Camerino, to
invest Marc Antonio as the Lord of Paliano, and to receive
him into favour. He can grant all but the first, so the affair
will probably come to a good issue. A very strict Bull has
been published against the privileges of the Cardinals and
others at Rome. The Pope has had good tidings from Rome
and speaks of making new Cardinals, of whom the Count
Brocardo Persico of Cremona will be the first. The Cardinal
of Corregio has the fever. The Pope will send the Datary
and the Governor to the Council. M. De Lansac has had
several private conferences with His Holiness and the Ambassador Vargas. |
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| Orig. Ital. Pp. 2. |
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| Feb. 28. | 914. Gresham's Accounts. |
|---|
| Statement of certain sums of money taken up of different
merchants in London and Antwerp for the purpose of paying
the Queen's debts. The names of the persons from whom the
money is borrowed, and to whom it is to be paid, are given.
They are carried through the greater part of 1561; the last
date which occurs is Feb. 28, 1561. |
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| Pp. 38. |
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| Feb. | 915. Gresham's Accounts. |
|---|
| A note of the money taken up by exchange in London to
raise the exchange to twenty-three, amounting to 2,663l. 2s. 8d.
Signed by Gresham. |
|---|
| Endd.: Payable in Feb. 1561. Pp. 3. |
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