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| March 21. | 945. Advices from Italy. |
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| 1. Trent, March 16. The Marquis of Pescara arrived at
Trent on the 14th inst., and was met by eighty Prelates. He
meant to stay there eight days, to return then to Milan, and
to be again at Trent on the day appointed for the next session,
if in the meantime the Count of Luna does not come from
Spain. The Ambassador of Florence arrived at Trent on the
15th inst., and on the morrow the Swiss Ambassadors of the
Five Cantons arrived. One is a layman and the other Abbot of
Valdo. On the 16th inst. the said Marquis was received
by a general congregation, to which he presented the King's
letter of exhortation to go forward in the Council. The next
day was appointed for receiving the Ambassador of Florence,
and the day after the Swiss Ambassadors. |
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| 2. Milan, March 18. News had come from Spain of the arrival
of the Duke of Florence's Ambassador at that Court. The King
of Spain has told the King of Navarre that he would travail
for his satisfaction if he would live a Catholic, and do his
best to bring the Queen to do the like, and reduce the Court
to the same. In the same despatch he exhorted the Queen
Mother and the King of Navarre to hasten the Bishops
forward to the Council. The Duke of Sessa stays leaving
Italy for Spain as much as he can, as the Duchess is great
with child. A gentleman has arrived at the Court from the
Duke of Savoy to desire the King to be his gossip. |
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| 3. From Geneva it was written that the Lomelini had lost
a galley by tempest, in which were drowned Don Inigo, cousin
to the Duke of Florence, brother to the Duchess, a secretary
of the said Duke with his wife and two children, and others;
only twenty-five were saved. The galley was going to Spain
with a number of passengers. |
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| 4. Rome, March 21. Conte Gio. Francisco De Petigliano
having taken possession of Petigliano came to Rome with the
Duke of Florence's soldiers, he not being able to bear the
charge of the garrison. Count Frederico travails to set his
galleys in order, having appointed Signor Gabrio Serbellon
to be his lieutenant. He lost at Civita Vecchia a galliot by
tempest, wherein escaped but three persons. The difference of
Camerino is remitted to the Ambassador Vargas. Cardinal
Farnese offers 60,000 crowns and the Pope 40,000 to increase
the dower of Signora Virginia, and all things to stand as they
do at present; but this seems not much to like the Boromei.
The case of Marc Ant. Colonna is remitted to three Cardinals,
whereof Puteo is one. The Pope is not well; albeit he sets a
good face on it, some fear is had of him, it being his annus
climactericus, he being sixty-three. Count Brocardo is in
great likelihood to be Cardinal, and to be sent again to Spain
for the full despatch of the provisions appointed to the
Baromei. Mgr. Nicolo De Ponte and Mgr. Matheo Dandalo are
appointed to resort to the Council as Ambassadors from
Venice. |
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| Orig. Endd. Pp. 4. |
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| March 22. | 946. Cecil to Mundt. |
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| 1. Lately many means have been made to the Queen from
Spain and France, to send to the Council at Trent, and
within the past four days secret means have been made by
France for the Queen to procure the Protestant Princes of
Almain to send to the Council, as well as herself, which
together might exhibit to the Emperor and other Princes a
complaint of the abuses of the Church by the Pope, and in
so doing the Legates of France should concur. The motion
has an appearance of good meaning; but, being considered,
there is more peril than is meet to be advertised. The Council
is called by the Pope, and is governed by his Legate and President, and none allowed there but such as are sworn to him.
Upon these motions the parties in France are assured that
the Queen will accord with the Protestant Princes of Almain.
He is informed that a gentleman of the Palsgrave reported in
the Court of France that his master was disposed to send an
embassy to Trent. |
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| 2. Upon consideration of these matters the Queen has
resolved to understand the minds of the Princes of Almain,
and for that purpose sends Mundt to the Duke of Wurtemberg, where he is to remind him of the answer that was made
to him [Mundt] last year at Naumburg, the copy of which
he shall receive, lest the other is not at hand. The best
means to do good to this cause would be for the Princes to
send some special messengers to the Queen, to move her that
a conference may be had betwixt her and the confederates of
the Augustan Confession, with all other Princes of the Protestant religion, in which the two following things might be
considered: First, to agree what shall be done towards the
world concerning this General Council; secondly, to make a
confederacy for defence of all parts professing the Gospel. In
the first would be considered whether it would be meet to
send an Ambassador to Trent, and exhibit a complaint against
the Pope and his abuses; or whether to send an ambassade
to the Emperor to declare the causes why the Protestants
will not send to the Council; or thirdly, to notify by public
writing in the name of the Protestants the causes which
cannot be accorded upon without a meeting of Ambassadors of
all parts, together, at some convenient place. |
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| 3. Wishes Mundt to compass that the Princes would speedily
send to the Queen some special persons (though but two) with
letters to treat of these matters in England; or to desire her
to send into some part of Almain, as Strasburg, some men of
authority to meet the Legates of the Protestant Princes; at
which assembly he wishes Ambassadors to be procured for
Denmark, Scotland, and Sweden, with procurators for all the
free Protestant towns of Almain. If this come to pass, it
would give strength to the cause, and animate persons in
France and elsewhere, who seeing the adversary trying to
strengthen themselves daily are afraid to publish themselves.
France waxes faint, and the King of Navarre is carried from
his conscience with ambition and fear. |
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| 4. Desires Mundt to write to the Queen in this matter, and
inform her how well the Protestant Princes think of her intention; also that if she does not attempt the furtherance of
the Gospel in France, and the keeping asunder of France and
Spain, she will be in greater peril than any other Prince in
Christendom. The Papist Princes that seek to draw her
to their parts, mean her subversion, of the which, were
she informed by any of the Princes there, it would do
great good. It is not intended because three letters are sent,
(namely to the Palsgrave, the Landgrave, and the Duke of
Wurtemberg,) that he should go to any but the Duke, unless
he sees cause; and yet the writer wishes he might see the
others. His charges shall be well paid by order of Mr.
Mason. Hears that Vergerius is dead, in whom he never saw
great weight, and if he lives he would not wish him to come
hither. If any is sent let it be a courtier, or a martial man,
for learned men have not so much credit with Princes as
courtiers or noblemen.—Westminster, 22 March 1561. |
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| Copy. Endd. by Cecil's secretary: My master's letter to
Christopher Mount. Pp. 4. |
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| March 22. | 947. Gresham's Accounts. |
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| A list of various payments made to different persons, amounting to 5,023l. 6s. 8d. Signed by Gresham. |
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| Pp. 3. |
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| March 23. | 948. The Queen to Mundt. |
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| 1. The Queen perceives by Mundt's letters of the 24th ult.,
sent to Cecil, that he had communication with the Duke of
Wurtemberg at his return from Tuberne [Tubingen]. When he
was asked whether any English Bishops were at Trent, and
whether the Queen meant to publish why she refused to send
to the said Council, he [Mundt] has answered them well; but
he is to repair to the said Duke with her letters of credit sent
herewith, and say that none is sent from England to the
Council, nor has she signified to the world her refusal or the
cause thereof. |
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| 2. For the first, it may be that one Goldewell, "a very
simple and fond man," who was named in Queen Mary's
time to the bishopric of St. Asaph (though never thereto
admitted), fleeing from England, on her sister's death, to
Rome, and there using a Bishop's name, might have gone in
some Cardinal's train to Trent, and it is likely the speech has
arisen that an English Bishop is there. |
|---|
| 3. Mundt is to say concerning the not sending to the pretended Council, that the Queen has forborne to determine
anything therein since her answer to the King of Spain's
Ambassador last year, upon a request made for the Pope's
Nuncio to come hither, meaning to observe that appointment
which was made at Naumburg with the said Duke and the
other confederate Princes that were at the Diet; at which
time Mundt assured them that she would not do anything
without giving them knowledge thereof, and they promised
to do the same, and to hold a correspondence with her. Not
having had intelligence from them for a long time, Mundt is
to enquire of the said Duke what has been done and what is
intended by him and the other confederate Princes of the
Augustan Confession concerning the Council of Trent, which
is meet to be signified to her, to the end that like as the
adversary, by conference among themselves, seek to uphold
their faction, so they and all other Princes Protestants must
do the same. |
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| 4. If the Duke and the others think it necessary that an
union be made betwixt her and them, and other potentates
of their profession for a mutual defence of religion, or shall
think it meet to notify to the assembly at Trent, by Ambassadors, or otherwise by public writing, that which is thought
necessary on their part to be declared, she will give ear to
such device for the cause of religion. If the Duke can presently, without the advice of the other confederate Princes,
give a resolute answer to these matters, Mundt is to accept
them; and if not, to accept such answer as may be had within
three or four days, and send them to the Queen by this
bearer. If the same answers shall not seem resolute, and the
Duke offers to procure the advice of his confederates, which
will take some further time, Mundt is to return her courier,
and abide himself where he thinks meet, until a perfect
answer may be had. |
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| 5. If he chances to find any others of the Protestant Princes
with the Duke, he is to communicate so much of this matter
as shall seem meet, praying the Duke to forbear showing to
them that which the Queen has specially written to him.
Because the Count Palatine or the Landgrave, hearing of
Mundt's repair to the Duke, may think it strange that he does
not come to them, the Queen sends herewith letters of credit
to be delivered to both of them for his going to them, and
such of this matter to be imparted to them as shall seem convenient. She desires to know by all means as soon as
possible what is meant by these Princes concerning the
Council, for she would be glad to do that which might tend
to bring some charitable quietness to Christendom on the
one part, and on the other not to be negligent to withstand
the devices of the adversary against the truth, but to accord
in this matter concerning the Council with the said Princes;
so that without inconvenient charges a good league might be
made betwixt her and the Princes of Germany for this cause.
He is not to deal directly therein as her minister, but
rather to leave them if convenient, wherein his wisdom
must be used, setting apart the office he holds at present
of her. |
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| Draft, in Cecil's hol. Pp. 4. |
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| March 23. | 949 Copy of the above, with additional corrections by Cecil. |
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| Endd. by Cecil: 23 Martii 1561. Pp. 8. |
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| March 23. | 950. The Queen to Lord Grey. |
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| His revocation at this spring has not been forgotten, but
she cannot allow it at present. Prays him to execute her
late order touching the conveying of her moneys into
Scotland. |
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| Draft, in Cecil's hol., and endd. by his secretary: 23 March
1561. Pp. 2. |
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| March 23. | 951. Windebank to Cecil. |
|---|
| Mr. Thomas has borrowed twenty crowns from Mr.
Belmain, and promised the payment thereof by Mr. William
Cook. Mr. Belmain is rather loath that Cecil should know
thereof, although he says that he has done it for his sake.
Since their last there has been such likelihood of great
troubles in this realm that Throckmorton doubts of the safety
in travelling, and yet he thinks sometimes that it will be
safer out of Paris. Both the factions are great in Lyons and
Languedoc. "It may please you, Sir, in your next letters to
remember unto him somewhat earnestly the observing of
our order and custom of prayer."—Paris, 23 March 1561.
Signed. |
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| Orig. Hol., with seal. Add. Endd. Pp. 3. |
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| March 23. | 952. Corrected draft of the above. |
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| In Windebank's hol. Pp. 2. |
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| March 24. | 953. Lord Gray to Cecil. |
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| The enclosed letter from the Lords of the Privy Council of
Scotland will show how circumspect the writer has been in
restraining English moneys from being taken out of the realm.
Prays to know the Queen's pleasure therein. Has written to
Mr. Randolph for suspending the answer.—Berwick, 24 March
1561. Signed. |
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| Orig. P. 1. |
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| March 24. | 954. Throckmorton to Cecil. |
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| 1. Cecil may perceive by his letters to the Queen the state
of things here. The bearer, Mr. Belman, can inform him of
all the particularities. He has declared some things to him
not meet to be written. The bearer deserves thanks. Hubert
Languet, the agent here of Augustus, Elector of Saxe, deserves
good usage if he comes to England, which he may do shortly
for his master; and if the Queen should desire any minister
of hers to treat with the Princes of Germany about the
General Council (as he thinks it necessary to be done) it
would be well for such minister to have some conversation
with the said Hubert, who is a learned and experienced man
in affairs of state, and who knows the humours of the principal
Councillors in Germany and how to treat best with them.
He here herewith the places where Hubert mostly resides,
which is at Dresden or Torgau, where the Duke chiefly
is. If he is not there he is then at Wittenberg. |
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| 2. By letters from Challoner of the 7th inst. he perceives
that the Spanish Council dislikes the toleration the Queen
of Scots allows to the Protestant religion in Scotland, and
that she begins to order the Church lands in such sort as she
does. The Spaniards desire to marry their Prince to her,
he therefore desires Cecil to advance the religion there with
all diligence, and so work that it may appear that the Queen
of Scots will become a Protestant. The Spaniards also practise to impeach the interview between the two Queens. He
perceives by Challoner's last letters that he is not in love with
being in Spain at this time, and therefore he entertains the
amity of the French Ambassador there, by whose means his
letters have better receipt than by the Spanish despatch, for a
packet sent to the writer by the said despatch has miscarried.
Chamberlain was at Bordeaux on the 15th inst., coming hither.
He has sent by Mr. Belman the twelve months, painted,
to set in Cecil's cabinet or gallery. Defers until his next
the news of his negociation with the Duke of Guise. If this
despatch comes to hand before his next (which will be sent
with diligence), Cecil is to inform the Queen that he finds
the Duke of Guise inclined to accord to the interview between
the Queens of England and Scotland. He also finds by the
Duke's conversation that the Queen of Scots is very desirous
to see the Queen in England. The Duke desires, as the
Queen of Scots will go to England, and the Queen will not
go to Scotland, that she will meet the said Queen of Scots as
near Scotland as convenient, and then the Queen may conduct
her where they may be better accommodated. Cecil may
now think of Berwick, Alnwick, Morpeth, or Newcastle as
a place of meeting, and from thence conduct the said Queen
to York; it being a most commodious town for their abode.
He sends herewith to the Queen the safe-conduct granted
by the Legates at Trent to the Protestants of the Augustine
Confession, with an extension to all others dissenting with
them in opinion.—Paris, 24 March 1561. Signed. |
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| 3. P. S.—The full resolution of the interview depends until
the Cardinal of Lorraine's opinion is known, who is at Rheims,
so he thinks the conclusion of the matter will not come
thither until the Lord St. Colme comes, who has done good
offices in this matter since he came hither. |
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| Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary: By Mr.
Bellemayne. Pp. 5. |
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| March 24. | 955. Cecil to Mr. Thomas Cecil. |
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| It is true that bought wit is better than another. Can find
no good in sending his son into France but discomfort and
loss of money, and to him [Mr. Thomas] shame and increase
of lewdness. "I am to seek what to do; to suffer thee there
is my charge faultless; to send for thee home shall be my
discomfort. Well, I am overcome; I know not how to make
a further proffer.—Ye are privy what it hath cost me thereto,
and I advise thee live within the compass, without further
prodigality or borrowing, for I mean to bear no further
burden.—In your writing I see no amendment of your hand;
and where I appointed you to keep a journal observation
of things there, I know not what is done, and therefore see
that you send me by the next convenient messenger a double
of your daily observations in French, that thereby I may
see some account of my money. I have willed you not to
forget to write to my wife more frequently and show yourself careful of the health of your brother and sister, wherein,
besides satisfaction of natural love, you shall acquire your
mother's goodwill." He may show this letter to Windebank. "I wish you grace to spare yourself, and by some
virtue to recover your name of towardness, being here commonly reputed by common fame fleeing from thence, a
dissolute, slothful, negligent, and careless young man, and
specially noted no lover of learning nor knowledge. These
titles be meet for me to hear as thou thinkest, or else thou
wouldest procure me some better reports.—Your father of
an unworthy son."—Westminster, 24 March 1561. |
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| Copy, in Windebank's hol., and endd. by him. Pp. 2. |
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| March 24. | 956. Cecil to Windebank. |
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| 1. "My complaint is strong to you of my son for his
lewdness and for your so long suffrance. If ye had advertised
me thereof I should have been sooner grieved, yet better
contented than I am now. Because you shall see what
offendeth me, will Thomas Cecil to show you my letter now
sent to him. That which I write I hear it by many, and
that part is true without informers I could guess; for what
amendment hath he made of his writing, nay, what empair
ment?" Doubts as to their journey, fearing the country
will prove very tumultuous; "being anywhere known as
you be, you may have of purpose displeasure." Let him
enquire of the Ambassador. Has made over to Windebank
300 crowns by Gresham. Sees their amount rises greatly
with trifles; likes Windebank's own allowance best. "Good
Windebank, if there be left any spark of any recovery of a
good name to my son, attempt all your cunning."—Westminster, 24 March 1561. Signed. |
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| 2. P. S.—"That which is sharply written concerning yourself is only to shadow misliking of my son towards you, so
as you may pretend grief for your own part." (fn. 1) |
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| Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Windebank. Pp. 2, and a
small slip of paper. |
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| March 26. | 957. The Queen to the Keeper of the Privy Seal. |
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| Directing him to make out a passport for Luke Wilson,
a Scotchman, to trade between England and Scotland, or
France.—Westminster, 26 March, 4 Eliz. Signed: John
Somers. |
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| Orig. on vellum, with seal. Add. Endd. Pp. 2. |
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| March 26. | 958. French Hostage. |
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| Oath of Esprit D'Harville, Seigneur De Palloiseau, one of
the hostages sent into England by Charles, King of France,
to the effect that he will observe the articles of the treaty
of 2 April 1559.—Westminster, 26 March 1562. Signed. |
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| Orig., on vellum. Add. Endd. by Cecil. Lat. |
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| March 26. | 959. Challoner to Mason. |
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| 1. The writer's letters to the Queen and Cecil (which he
doubts not Mason will see) will inform him of occurrences
here. All the talk here is about the King going to Monzon;
the affairs of those "Coortes" [Cortes] may detain him a
twelvemonth before he returns, howsoever unwillingly he
suffers himself to be taken from his sirens of Madrid, Prado,
and Aranzuez, his favourite hunting houses, "which, because
he hath no better, he cherisheth most daintily." The Prince
is not yet convalescent, nor his sickly constitution clearly
over-ruled by the physicians. Men judge of him and his
humour diversely, he is sullen and melancholy. "If with
his quartan quitted his solemness alter not, it may prove
worse." |
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| 2. "Don Juan De Austria is of another tremp, the favour
of all sorts of men here do much propend to him. They say,
seeing the Emperor begat him 'solutus cum soluta,' that he is
legitimus. And ye know how Spaniards esteem their
bastards." The Duke of Florence's usurpation of the comté
of Petigliano grieves this King and his Council; they
now see they have made him too great. Of the Duke of
Savoy's case here is little hope the French will restore. It
may breed a new brawl. Verum argentum nondum
cuditur. |
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| 3. This King is so addicted to his natural country, as
nought but wars or sedition may bring him into Flanders.
Perchance, the Cortes ended, he may send the Prince thither
to reside as Regent. Desires a few lines, so that he may know
of his and Lady Mason's welfare. Wishes he were out of this
Hispania, vallis miseriæ, fons superbiæ. Beati qui non
viderunt et crediderunt.— Madrid, 26 March 1562. |
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| Draft, in Challoner's hol. and endd. by him. Pp. 3. |
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| March 26. | 960. Challoner to Hugh Tipton. |
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| 1. A fortnight since he received Tipton's letter sent by
Mr. Rikthorne, with his present of four barrels of herrings
and salmon, two barrels whereof (according to his letter) he
presented on Tipton's behalf to the Countess De Feria. Concerning Tipton's offer to bespeak for him a hanging of
Gwadamezzilles, he is not yet provided readily of his arms
painted to send him for a "patron." This day he received
another packet of letters from him and the merchants of
Bristol. In answer to his private letter he will do all he can
either for himself or others of England. As to their letter
written on the 11th inst., specifying that Peter Mellendez
with his fleet for the Indies would depart from Seville within
fifteen days after the date of the letter, Tipton is to consider
that he only received the letter this day, so he cannot procure
help so speedily as their case requires. The King is absent
from Madrid, being retired for the Easter to a monastery nine
leagues distant, and will not return for ten days, so till then
there is no hope of redress; what may be done shall be done.
Concerning Mr. Frampton, he thought Chamberlain had cleared
his case; not knowing how far he had proceeded he desires
Frampton to send him his original letter, so that he may
solicit the despatch of as much as was promised. Concerning.
Tipton's patent of privilege under King Henry VIII.'s seal,
Chamberlain delivered it to him, which is still in his
custody. Desires Tipton to inform him in his next letters
what he would have him do in the matter.—Madrid, 26
March 1562. |
|---|
| 2. P. S.— Sends enclosed a memorial which a friend
delivered to him at London to procure redress to Tipton's
benefit. Requests to be informed what he conceives therein,
so that he may solicit the remedy. Desires Tipton to speak
with Anthony Maznels touching the aforesaid matter, for if
the 200l. be in the judge's hands in deposits, his friend will
send him power to receive it to his use. |
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| Copy. Endd. by Challoner: 26 March 1562. Pp. 3. |
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| March 26. | 961. Challoner to Peter Osborne. |
|---|
| 1. Since his coming over he has not received one letter
from the Court. Osborne is the first (excepting this writer's
brothers and servants) from whom he has heard. They expect
here that in May King Philip will take his journey towards
Aragon, visiting his frontiers by the way, namely, Biscay,
Fontarabia, and Navarre. At Monzon in Aragon the
"Coortes" [Cortes] there so long deferred shall now be kept,
which it is thought will not end in ten or twelve months time. |
|---|
| 2. Chamberlain is by this time about Paris. He is expected
at London by the 12th of April. The way was very bad until
he got beyond Bayonne. Will answer him [Osborne] every
time he writes. Sends commendations, to Mr. Haddon
especially.—Madrid, 26 March 1562. |
|---|
| Copy, in Challoner's hol., and endd. by him. Pp. 3. |
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| March 28. | 962. Charges at Berwick. |
|---|
| "A brief of the charge of the fortifications for six whole
months, ended 28 March, 4 Eliz.," for wages, provisions,
taskwork, and certain necessary charges, amounting to
5,225l. 5s. 6d. |
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| Orig. Pp. 2. |
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| March 30. | 963. Challoner to Cuerton. |
|---|
| 1. By this bearer he received Cuerton's last letter of the
9th inst., informing him that his folks and stuff arrived at
Madrid upon Saturday the 14th inst., upon whose arrival
he wrote to him by those muleteers upon whose mules his
servants rode hither, so that Cuerton should know of their
arrival and how his servant Tempest had lost his letter by
the way, requesting him to write another concerning the
account of the money which Cuerton disbursed for him, which
he expects daily, so that he may know what he owes.
Expects letters and money shortly from England. Thanks
him for the news of Fuentarabia and France, of which here
is little talk, excepting that there should be tumults about
Paris and Languedoc concerning matters of religion. It is
now said the King with the Prince will make his journey
about the middle of May towards the Cortes of Aragon, as
follows: first to Valladolid, thence to Burgos, Vittoria,
St. Sebastian, and so to Fontarabia, at which place he
will fortify, and so to Pampeluna, and thence to Caragoza
[Saragossa] where the Queen will meet him, and then jointly
go to Monzon to keep the Cortes, during which, ere they
be finished, they will visit Valencia and Barcelona, so it may
be twelve months ere they return to Castile. If he goes to
St. Sebastian or Bilboa, Cuerton may be sure he will be glad
to see him and Mrs. Cuerton, to whom he desires his commendations to be given, also to Mr. Jefferson.—Madrid,
30 March 1562. |
|---|
| 2. P. S.—Was sorry to hear of his infirmity, but prays God
to send him a strong body, to chase the wild boar in those
mountains. Sends enclosed the testimonial of the Inquisitor's
deputy, which Cuerton delivered to Tempest, and wrote to
have returned. |
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| Copy. Endd. by Challoner: Ult. Martii 1562. Pp. 2. |
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| March 30. | 964. Lord Grey to Cecil. |
|---|
| The Queen's determination that he shall remain here some
time longer will impoverish him much, he having disfurnished
his provisions here and laid a store in the south. He has also
put his furniture in point for receiving the Queen of Scots,
which will heap charges upon him. Begs Cecil to procure some remorse towards him.—Berwick, 30 March 1562.
Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 2. |
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| March [31]. | 965. The Queen to Throckmorton. |
|---|
| 1. The Queen has requested the French Ambassador here
to inform the Queen Mother and the Prince of Condé that she
allows of their constancy, and sees how dangerous it is for
the King of Navarre to separate from them to join those who
have sought his ruin. The Queen gave him an example of
the overthrow of the late Duke of Somerset, in England, by
dissension with his brother. She requests Throckmorton to
encourage the Queen Mother, the Queen of Navarre, and the
Prince of Condé to show their constancy, for that she means
to assure them and the Admiral of her intention to stand by
them. Sends him herewith letters to the said Queen, the
Prince of Condé, and the Admiral, only requiring them to
give him credit in such things as he shall impart to them. |
|---|
| 2. He is to request the Queen Mother and the Prince of
Condé to avoid the devices of such as seek their own ambition,
and to assure them of the Queen's amity and assistance by all
possible means. As for the Prince of Condé, "let him
remember that in all affairs second attempts be ever more
dangerous than the first." |
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| 3. He is to assure the Admiral that his constancy has
deserved the greatest commendations, and that one of the
causes why the Queen did not follow the advice of the Queen
Mother, opened by her to Throckmorton, for sending to Trent,
was, that until the Queen knew of the intention of the
Almain Princes, she would do nothing to discourage them, or
to comfort the adversaries. As soon as the Queen hears from
them she will omit nothing that may further the tranquillity
of Christendom. |
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| 4. The Court not being near Paris, he must make a journey
thither, where he is to declare to the King of Navarre and
the Queen Mother that she will not hereafter receive any
other hostages than such as shall be comparable with the
first. He is to deal plainly with them, and he is to say
privately to the Queen Mother that she is not to interpret
this, the Queen's earnestness, in any sinister part towards
herself. |
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| Draft. Endd.: Martii 1562. Pp. 4. |
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| March 31. | 966. Another draft of the above, corrected by Cecil. |
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| Endd.: Ult. Martii 1562. Pp. 4. |
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| March 31. | 967. Throckmorton to the Queen. |
|---|
| 1. The Duke of Guise, since he came to Paris, sent the
Lord of St. Colme, the writer requesting to speak with him
at the Duke's house, to which he assented. On the 23rd inst.
he went to the Hotel de Guise, where M. D'Oisel met him at
the gate, and conducted him into a chamber where the Duke
was, accompanied by his brethren and many other great
personages. After the Duke had embraced him, he said
openly before all that the occasion not offering for him to
acknowledge to the Queen the greatness of his band to her,
both for the good intelligence betwixt her and the Queen of
Scots, the honour shown to his brothers, the Grand Prior and
the Marquis D'Elbœuf, passing through England, but also to
him and his brethren for the Queen of Scots' sake, he could
do no less than acknowledge it to Throckmorton to enlarge to
her. The Duke then conducted him to his bed-chamber,
where he said that whilst this amity was shown by the
Queen to their niece, he and his house are ready to do her
service. The Duke also told him that he had received a
letter from the Queen of Scots, brought by the Marquis
D'Elbœuf, wherein she declares the Queen's kindness, and the
desire she has to see her, and has taken upon herself to
answer all the objections made by her Council against the
interview. To restrain her from this her desired purpose,
the Council of Scotland has sent to the Cardinal of Lorraine
and him the reasons why they do not allow the same, unless
the matters of difference betwixt the Queens were first
amicably settled according to the matter proposed by the
Duke to him at their last conference, to which the Duke has
had no answer from the Queen, which he desired him to send. |
|---|
| 2. The Duke then repeated some of the reasons alleged by
the Council of Scotland against the interview. |
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| 3. First. It is of great consequence that any Prince should
commit themselves into the hands of another, especially
where there has been such enmity as betwixt Scotland and
England. |
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| 4. Item. The matter is greater, for the difference between
the Queens which remains still uncompounded. |
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| 5. Item. In her absence the perils that may ensue in her
realm, considering that by the casualty of the Queen of Scots,
the crown must fall to those who have not been best affected
to her. |
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| 6. Item. The expenses that must be made, to the profit of
England, for accomplishing this voyage. |
|---|
| 7. Item. That the Queen of Scots should be somewhat
touched in honour to come into England as it were like a
petitioner, who being there might be constrained to accord to
some unreasonable conditions, upon which article they have
discoursed at large. |
|---|
| 8. Item. The jealousy of the King of France by this interview, who might enter into practice with some other Prince,
prejudicial for Scotland. |
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| 9. Item. The demand of a league offensive and defensive
betwixt England and Scotland, which does imply a dissolution
of the ancient league betwixt France and Scotland. |
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| 10. For answer to these matters the Duke said he accorded
to the interview, and for the same to be in England, and in
what place the Queen thinks most commodious; but he
wished the first meeting to be as nigh the frontier as the place
would allow, in respect of their niece's honour; then the
Queen may lead her farther into the country. Throckmorton
was not to take this as a perfect resolution in the matter,
because the Queen and Council desired the Cardinal of
Lorraine's opinion in this, as well as the Duke's, the resolution whereof the Lord of St. Colme shall shortly know, and
return with the same into Scotland through England. The
Duke also perceived that the Council was well disposed to
the amity betwixt the Queens, namely, the Earl of Pembroke,
Lord Robert Dudley, and Cecil, of whose devotion to augment
the amity the Queens, of Scots informed him by her late
letters. He likewise thanked Throckmorton for his good
offices between the Queens, which his niece acknowledges. |
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| 11. If his leisure would allow he said he would tell him
something of his doings at Vassy, to justify himself. The
Duke then declared how arrogantly the Assembly at Vassy
used him and his company. At this moment a gentleman
entered and informed the Duke that the Cardinal of Bourbon,
the Constable, and others of the King's Council requested his
presence at their consultation. The Duke then said he would
end the matter another time. The Duke then took him
forth, where the Duke D'Aumale, the Grand Prior, and
Marquis D'Elbœuf did together and severally acknowledge
themselves bound to the Queen. |
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| 12. The Queen may perceive the state of things here at
that time by his letters of the 24th inst. and Mr. Belman's
report, and how the King of Navarre, the Duke of Guise, and
all their company abiding here did attend the Queen Mother's
repair hither to them, together with the King, to authorize
their determination and doings the better, and for that
purpose the King of Navarre sent M. De Gonorre, brother to
Marshal Brisac, to the Queen Mother at Fontainebleau.
Suspecting this assembly there, she answered that there was
little need of her presence there. As for herself, she thought
it more meet to have regard to the health of the King than
to inform so many wise men what they had to do in a time
of so many garboils. This answer little pleased the King of
Navarre and his assistants, who on the 26th inst. left Paris
(towards Fontainebleau) for Corbeil, to his bed. On Good
Friday, 27th inst., the said King with his company went
from Corbeil to Fontainebleau, where the King, and especially
the Queen Mother, made them strange countenance, because
the train came in arms to the Court. After the Easter
holidays, if the King of Navarre and his company prevail, he
means to bring the King to Bois de Vincennes, to strengthen
with his name the authority of their doings, which will prove
to the disadvantage of the Protestants. The Prince of Condé
has changed his determination to receive the Communion at
his own house, for he and his company are come to Meaux in
Brie to receive the same. |
|---|
| 13. At the closing hereof the Duke of Guise sent the
letter enclosed, not sealed, for the Queen. M. De Lansac has
arrived in France from Rome, and will be shortly at Court,
so his legation as the King's Ambassador at the Council of
Trent hangs in suspense. It is thought he brings the resolution
of the recompence which the King of Spain will give the King
of Navarre in satisfaction for Navarre. Suspects the matter
will be drawn at such length that the King of Navarre in the
end will find himself abused. The King of Spain intends to
make his profit of the Bishop of Rome and his party, for
lately he has given amongst the Pope's kinsfolk in one place
and another, but chiefly in Naples, the yearly sum of
100,000 ducats at least. |
|---|
| 14. The Spanish Ambassador at Trent has requested the
Council there to defer the next session (one being finished)
until the 20th April next, at which time the Ambassador said
the Princes of Germany and others who do not accord with
the Roman Church will send their Ambassadors and clergy
thither; adding in the end threatening speech if they do not.
—Paris, 31 March 1562. Signed. |
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| Orig. Add. Endd. Pp. 9. |
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| March 31. | 968. Throckmorton to Cecil. |
|---|
| 1. Cecil may perceive by his despatch to the Queen what
passed with the Duke of Guise. The bearer is Adam Hume,
kinsman to Lord Hume, who has done the Queen and him
good service. Had it not been for his bringing this packet,
he would have had to send it by an express courier, so forty
or fifty crowns given him to pay for his post-horse home and
thither will be well bestowed. The Duke of Guise and his
brethren (by Lord St. Colme's news) is the cause of Hume
making this journey, to renew him again into his Sovereign's
favour, which was very strange to him before, because in the
time of the garboils during King Francis' reign a packet of
letters was brought to the Queen of Scots' hands directed
from the said Adam to him. Cecil's son will inform him
[Cecil] how courteously the Duke of Guise lately declared
himself to be Cecil's friend. The Lord of St. Colme has done
good offices to advance the amity between them. |
|---|
| 2. Perceives that if the interview takes place, the Queen of
Scots intends to show her liberality as well to ladies as to
gentlemen of the English Court, if finance would be by any
means recovered here, or if the Cardinal of Lorraine would
lend or employ some part of his treasure. Prays Cecil that
Sir Thomas Smythe's oversight may be no cause to stay him
from hence.—Paris, 31 March 1562. Signed. |
|---|
| 3. P. S.—His despatch being thus forward, the Governor of
the English merchants at Antwerp, named Mr. Fitzwilliams,
with six or eight merchants, arrived here, who passed hitherwards by Valenciennes, where there was some trouble; for
there were two men condemned to die for religion, which the
people will impeach. He said there is like to be garboils in
the Low Countries. In the writer's opinion, it would not be
amiss if the Count of Egmont and the Prince of Orange could
be by some good words brought to believe that the Queen did
repute them as her friends. That would advance the pique
betwixt them and the Cardinal Granvelle, which it is said
here is well forward. |
|---|
| Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| March 31. | 969. Throckmorton to Cecil. |
|---|
| Having made up the Queen's packet, and this gentleman
stopping three or four hours longer than he expected, the
writer understands the Prince of Condé, accompanied by the
Admiral and M. D'Andelot, repaired to Paris with a great
force, and at the despatch hereof were within two miles of the
same. Whereupon the Cardinal of Bourbon (being the King's
lieutenant here), assisted by Marshal De Termes, M. Candalle,
and others, has given orders to put the same in force, and
has drawn up all the bridges. He knows not what will
become of the town or those therein, nor what will be the
sequel. Desires these advertisements to be communicated to
the Queen.—Paris, 31 March 1562. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd.: Send these letters to Mons. De
Foix. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| March 31. | 970. The Master of Maxwell to Cecil. |
|---|
| Offers of service and professions of devotion.—Dumfries,
31 March 1562. Signed: John Maxwell. |
|---|
| Add. Endd. Pp. 2. |
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| March 31. | 971. Randolph to Cecil. |
|---|
| 1. On 28th inst. received Cecil's of the 14th. The Marquis's good entertainment is very well spoken of here. He
left nothing unreported by his letters to this Queen, who let
Randolph have the reading of them. He wrote also to the
four principal ladies of his entertainment from day to day.
The Earl of Mar delivered the Queen's letter to this Queen,
who laughed heartily all the time of the reading of it, and
said to Randolph that she was much beholden to her good
sister for writing so long a letter with her own hand and
trusted that when they saw each other she would know her
heart better than she could judge of her writing, and continued many purposes of her desire to the interview. Trusts
that Lethington will shortly be sent with ample commission
to demand the same. The Queen writes to her uncles that it
is a thing resolved in her heart, and is so expedient that she
cannot maintain her state without it, or keep her people in
obedience. As Cecil writes that there are some in England,
so are there many here who envy greatly that any such
interview should be. Some allege the hazard of herself and
nobles; many are loath for the charge; others say that,
amity being once made, her power will be the greater, and she
will exercise it upon such as have ruled at will. The charges
will be great, and it will be a hard matter to find so much
gold in Scotland that is current in England as will furnish
this voyage. Knows that this last point is more feared of
many in Scotland than either of the other two. Such shall
be appointed to come as are most suspected to practise at
home, and have most money in their purses to work mischief
with. The difficulty is for the exchange, as many who have
great sums of silver have little gold. Lethington will have
commission to confer on this and other points with the Lords
of the Council. |
|---|
| 2. Is grieved that Cecil has not yet the divorce. Has no
means to come by it but by the Justice Clerk, who is
presently here, and has promised to let Randolph have it
within four days; and for recompence he has promised him a
horse, or to be a means for a licence for a couple. It is
nothing lamented here that the Earl of Lennox is in the
Tower. The Queen likes not the marriage with the Lord
Darnley, and this he knows from those who know most.
Cecil's opinion of Shane O'Neale's wisdom is confirmed by the
Earl of Argyll, who is here: It will be easier for Shane to
beguile himself than to go beyond Cecil. He wrote to the
Earl as his good friend, trusting for like friendship. The
Earl desires Cecil to remember O'Donnel and his wife, who
are yet prisoners. |
|---|
| 3. Has conferred with Lethington touching the Master of
Maxwell. It passes their wits to accord Lord Dacre and
him, unless the Councils of both realms order the controversies
between them. It is known how the Earl of Bothwell has
used the Earl of Arran. Means have been sought since the
Queen's return to accord them. Within fourteen days the
Earl of Bothwell, with eight in company, lay again in wait for
the Laird of Ormiston. The Laird, with his wife and eldest
son, a young man about twenty-four, riding about the fields
hunting, espied these eight horsemen, and retired himself and
his wife to a little town of his own, and willed his son to ride
and see far off what the others were. He approached so near
that, being within the Earl Bothwell's danger, he discharged
his dag at the Earl, and thought, being well mounted, to have
avoided the danger. Howbeit he fell into their hands, and
was led away near to Crighton, where the neighbours of the
country (friends to the Laird of Ormiston) rescued him, and
drove the Earl into his own house. This discontented the
whole country, but especially the Queen and Council. Three
days after this enterprise, Bothwell wrote to the Earl of
Arran that he was sorry that he had offended him, and that he
had means to do him notable service to his great advancement if his counsel were followed. This purpose so well
liked Arran that they embraced one another, as if no unkindness had ever passed between. Within four days all Edinburgh and most of Scotland spoke of their sudden familiarity,
as well in common, in preaching, hunting, and otherwhere.
The Queen thought it strange, and gave order to have further
intelligence of their doings. The Duke, being at Keneil, rode
to see him. Bothwell began in this wise to the Earl of
Arran: "I know that you are the man most hated of any
man in Scotland, with the Queen, the Lord Mar, and Lethington in special. I know this to be true upon such conference
as I have had with the Queen's self and other; therefore it
stands you upon to see to yourself. If you will follow my
counsel and give me credit, I have an easy way to remedy
the whole; that is, to put the Queen into your hands, and to
take away your chief enemies." |
|---|
| 4. It was concluded between them that the Queen should
be taken away by force, and brought to Dumbarton, and the
Earl of Mar and Lethington slain. The Earl of Arran, moved
in conscience, detected the whole practice with letters to the
Queen and Earl of Mar from Keneil upon Easter Eve, and
desired advertisement what he should do. Answer was given
that he should continue in his duty. The Earl (seeing his
father overmuch bent unto Bothwell's persuasions) did what
he could to alter his purpose; and when he found him so
addicted thereunto, he declared plainly that it was wicked,
and that he had detected the same unto the Queen. This put
the Duke in such a rage that he would have slain his son.
That night and the next day the Earl kept his chamber, and
that night (seeing his father in that continual rage) he wrote
a letter in cipher to the Lord Mar, which he gave to his
servant for Randolph to give to him, which Randolph received
as he was hunting with the Queen on Monday. Sends Cecil
the copy. The servant said that Randolph must once again
save his master's life. The Earl of Mar desired him to show
the letter to the Queen, which he did. The Abbot of Kilwinning came, who declared that the Earl of Arran, having
offended his father and falsely accused him, was that night
escaped out of his chamber with cords made of the sheets of
his bed, and no man wist where he was. He desired Her
Majesty not to give credit to anything that he had written, or
should report, for it was all false, both of his father and of the
Earl Bothwell. The Abbot was committed to safe custody.
In an hour after the Earl Bothwell arrived to purge himself,
who also was committed to ward, being found guilty by his
own confession in some points. The next morning the Laird
of Grange came and declared that the Earl of Arran was come
over the water to his house, late at night, and disguised.
The Earl of Mar has ridden to him, and this night they will
be both here. |
|---|
| 5. Has received Cecil's other letters and those of the Lords
of the Council. Has also received the Queen's letter to this
Queen, with the packet. The Frenchman who should take
this letter departs not for three days.—Falkland, Easter
Tuesday, 4 p.m., 1562. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Hol. Pp. 8. |
|---|
| [March?] | 972. Garrison of Berwick. |
|---|
| The petition of Captains Browne, Carvell, Pickman, Brickwell, Carew, Pragell, Yaxlee, Tremayne, Strelly, and Woode,
of Berwick, to the Queen, in which they state that they have
hitherto at their own charge kept in their bands divers
soldiers, in the hope that consideration would have been
obtained for their continuance here by the Queen; but no
order having been taken, they beseech her to grant such pays
as others have. Appended are the lists of soldiers serving
under various captains at Berwick. |
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| Copy. Pp. 12. |
|---|