|
| April 11. | 1002. The Admiral Chatillon to Cecil. |
|---|
| Cecil's great zeal for true religion and acknowledged
reputation for the advancement of the glory of God, induce
the writer to inform him that the Prince of Condé has sent
M. De Sechelle to the Queen to tell her the causes which
have constrained him and his party to take up arms. Asks
Cecil to show him kindness.—Orleans, 11 April 1562.
Signed. |
|---|
| Orig., with seal. Add. Endd. Fr. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| April 11. | 1003. The Association by the Prince of Condé. |
|---|
| Seeing the great calamities threatening the country, the
undersigned have determined to enter into an association
under the following conditions:— |
|---|
| 1. They will not carry into this alliance any private considerations, but will endeavour to rescue the King and Queen
from captivity and punish the insolence and tyranny of the
disloyal, and the enemies to the Church. |
|---|
| 2. In order that everyone may see that this association has
the fear of God before it, they will not suffer in their companies any idolatry, blasphemy, violence, robbery, image
breaking, or the like, which are forbidden by the edict of
Jan. 31. |
|---|
| 3. They promise to submit to the Prince of Condé, or
whomsoever he may appoint, until the majority of the King,
when this association shall expire. |
|---|
| 4. They have comprised in this instrument all the Councillors of the King, with the exception of those who are in
arms against them. |
|---|
| 5. They promise to be ready with money, arms, etc., at the
first summons of the Prince or his deputy. If anyone turns
traitor they will reveal his treason and acquiesce in his
punishment.—Orleans, 11 April 1562. |
|---|
| Copy. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Fr. Pp. 3. |
|---|
| April 11. | 1004. Another copy of the above.
Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Fr. Pp. 4. |
|---|
| April 13. | 1005. The Council to Winchester. |
|---|
| Request to be informed how the bonds mentioned in an
order of Council of 11 March 1556 (permitting the exportation of 8,500 kerseys and 160 broad cloths, by Italian and
Aragonese merchants) have been executed.—Westminster,
13 April 1562. Signed: N. Bacon, William Petre, W. Cecil,
John Mason, and N. Wotton. |
|---|
| Orig., with seal. Add. Endd. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| April 13. | 1006. Hotoman to Cecil. |
|---|
| Thinks that the bearer, a gentleman named M. Des
Sechelles, is not unknown to him. He has been sent by the
Prince of Condé and the other noblemen who are in arms here,
to inform the Queen of the captivity of the French King and
Queen, and also the calamity which has befallen the religion.
They use the name, seal, and authority of the King as they
choose. Begs Cecil to urge their cause with the Queen
to the utmost of his power.— Orleans, 13 April 1562.
Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Hol., with seal. Add.: D. Cecilio, Magno Angliæ
Cancellario. Endd. by Cecil. Lat. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| April 14. | 1007. John Cuerton to Challoner. |
|---|
| This day he received Challoner's letter of the 30th ult., in
answer to his of the 7th inst. They expect daily a ship from
London. Challoner owes him 2,400 rials, which he can send
when he pleases. Sends the account in Spanish. Perceives
the letter he sent by Tempest did not come to hand.
Whereas Challoner has been at great charges through his
servants, the writer has been the same. Thanks Challoner
for his news concerning the King's journey to Aragon. If
he will come to see them as he writes, at the King's coming
to St. Sebastian, he may command them; besides it is the
best way to go from hence to Pampeluna. A letter he has
received from St. Sebastian, mentions the great provision they
make for the King's coming. "I thank God I am well
amended at your Honour's commandment; and at this day
eight days I was abroad to hunt the wild boar, and we put
up five but we killed none; we had so great wind that did
destroy all, or else we should have had good pastime. More,
we had up four sows, we had up too much for such a vile
day. An your Honour come hither I trust we shall have
some venison. I promise you we had up some boars that
weighed above 300 lbs. Another day we shall have better
chance, God to friend." His wife sends her commendations
to him, and also Roger Jeferson. All things are calm in
France now. Three days since he had a letter from Rochelle
that M. De Gesse [Guise] came to a town of his nigh Rochelle
with 400 men all armed, " and found them at the sarmond,"
and there did kill sixty of them and hurt 400. No news from
England.—Bilbo, 14 April 1562. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Hol., with seal. Add. Endd. by Challoner.
Pp. 3. |
|---|
| April 14. | 1008. W. Honnyng to Challoner. |
|---|
| 1. He is provoked to write by Challoner's servant, Ferneham, who informs him that he [Challoner] can be better contented to have salutem et vale than silence. After curing
Mr. Smith of his "siatique," he turned him back to his cure,
and the writer now attends his term. He thinks now he is a
good lawyer, being well paid for it. After term he hopes to
go to Suffolk and become more silent. Until St. George's
Day is past, he sees no signs of removing hence, and then to
Hampton Court or Greenwich. So few of the rooms of the
Order are void that there is no forespeaking of an election.
Lady Throckmorton has shown herself so good a solicitor for
her husband's revocation, that yesterday Sir Thomas Smith
was ordered to prepare for France to succeed him, where
whatever they do, the Court of Spain is not ignorant thereof,
they being neighbours. |
|---|
| 2. A St. Martin's goldsmith and others have been taken
here for coining reals, consisting of plates of silver double
gilt, and a gold ring about them to deceive the trial thereof.
Mr. Manne has been preferred by the Archbishop of Canterbury to be the head of a college in Oxford, but the
fellows thereof allow not the election, only after the manner
named by the statutes. Chamberlain has not yet arrived.
About Easter he was in France coming hitherward.—Paul's
Wharf, 14 April 1562. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. by Challoner. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| April 15. | 1009. Exports by Italian and Spanish Merchants. |
|---|
| Note of 5,522 kerseys and forty-six broad cloths "shipped by
merchants, Italians and Aragonese, named in forty-nine
obligations delivered unto my Lord Treasurer by Richard
Tomyowe, late collector of the subsidy of tonnage and poundage outwards in the port of London." |
|---|
| Orig. P. 1. |
|---|
| April 16. | 1010. Lord Gray to Cecil. |
|---|
| 1. Received a letter from the Council of the 9th inst.
touching the apprehension of Clavering, and in like manner
they wrote to the Lord President and the other Wardens.
Clavering is with the Earl of Northumberland and Sir Henry
Percy, and has been with them all this time. Cannot understand their bearing of him and others against right and good
orders. Is loath to be called a complainer; but if such
practices are continued to deface him in the service of his
mistress, he must burst it out; therefore, begs that Cecil will
advise him in these cases, so that such as go about with such
subtle practice may not easily pass over them. |
|---|
| 2. Has mustered all the carts, artifices, and labourers, and
seen them ordered. His opinion of the fortification by
Johnson, the surveyor, (who will speak of it at length to
Cecil,) has been detained by the writer three days that he
might bring a more perfect plat of their estate at present. As
he perceives that the preachers (who are now absent) do not
intend to remain here he would fain depart in their good
company, and become a better man in his old days, and
serve God now. Asks Cecil to help him to have some
quietness, and to remember his age and his long troubled
time in service.—Berwick, 16 April 1562. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| April 16. | 1011. The Duke of Savoy to Throckmorton. |
|---|
| Thanks for the kindness shown to M. De Morette, both by
Throckmorton in France, and England.—Rivoli, 16 April
1562. Signed: Philibert. |
|---|
| Copy. Endd. Fr. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| April 16. | 1012. Challoner's Hosier's Bill. |
|---|
| Bill for articles of dress, chiefly hosiery, furnished to the
English Ambassador [Sir T. Challoner]. |
|---|
| Endd. by Challoner as: Paid, 16 April 1562. Span. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| April 17. | 1013. Throckmorton to the Queen. |
|---|
| 1. Mentioned in his letters of the 10th inst. that according
to his instructions he had deferred negociating with the Queen
Mother concerning the Council of Trent. Since his last
despatch (being informed that M. De Lansac stood upon his
despatch to be sent to Trent) he sent on the 10th inst. to the
Queen Mother to have audience; which was granted for the
same day in the afternoon. Thereupon he proceeded to the
Court, where M. De Chimeau, Master of the Ceremonies,
received him at the gates, and accompanied him to the
Queen's presence, where he found the King, the Duke of
Orleans, the Cardinal of Bourbon, the Prince of Rochesuryon,
the Duchess of Guise, Mme. le Constable, and others. Addressed
the Queen Mother according to the instructions of the 31st ult.,
wherein he declared that his mistress saw no means so good
to have unity in religion, as to have a general reformation of
the abuses in the Church; which could not take effect so
long as the Bishop of Rome and his sworn servants should be
judges in their own cause. Therefore she thought it of little
avail either for her or the King to send their Ambassadors or
clergy to the said Council, unless the Pope would leave off
his arrogance, and submit himself to the judgment of the
Scriptures. He then desired the Queen Mother (until there
was more conformity to make some good conclusion in this
cause of religion) to defer the sending of the King's Ambassador or clergy. |
|---|
| 2. The Queen Mother answered that the Pope had declared
how desirous he was to have reformation in these matters,
and was willing to submit himself to the judgment of the
Council, yet she could not be persuaded that the Council
would bring such good as was requisite for Christendom.
France was in such a state that she could not do otherwise
than send to the Council; for (besides the solicitations of the
Pope, the Emperor, and the King of Spain and almost all
the other States) the King's Council was very desirous for
sending M. De Lansac, as Ambassador, and the clergy; and
although she is inclined to stay the same, she has no means
to do it, unless she saw how she might be better fortified
against such a party as she has to deal with; and therefore
would be glad to know how the Queen finds herself friended
in that matter. It would be a great matter, she said, for her
to resist the request of those great Princes, and the advice
of the King's Council. |
|---|
| 3. He answered that the Queen grounded her resolution for
not sending to the Council upon weighty respects peculiar for
her state; and that she concurred with the Princes of the
Augsburg Confession in opinion that there would be no good
done in the cause of religion at the Council at Trent. She
had lately sent to the Protestant Princes, to know their
resolution, whether they would send or not, and to consult
how the practices of the enemy might be met withal; which
as soon as she knew she would inform the Queen Mother.
He also said that he thought the state of the realm required
a prolongation of sending to the Council, the matter being
in such terms that none could tell what language the Ambassador should use at his arrival there until the issue of
the troubles here were seen. |
|---|
| 4. The Queen Mother said the King had power enough to
reduce his subjects to obedience if they were obstinate; but
she did not doubt there would be an end to the troubles ere
long. The Pope at the Emperor's desire had once prolonged
the session, so she could not tell whether he would defer it
longer, which would be the best means to stay the Ambassador; and for prolonging the session she would move the
Cardinal of Ferrara. He then assured her of the Queen's
amity, which was increased, she being so well inclined
to have a reformation in matters of religion. She said that after
communicating this matter to the said Cardinal, she would
thereupon confer with the King's Council concerning the
sending of Lansac to Trent, and would give him an answer
in two or three days. |
|---|
| 5. On the 14th inst. the Queen Mother requested him to
come to Court that afternoon. Having arrived there, M. De
Sevre conducted him to the Queen's chamber, and said the
Nuncio was with the Queen Mother, and desired him to stay
awhile. Immediately after M. De Lansac came, and brought
him to the King and Queen Mother, with whom he found the
Constable talking, who, upon his access, took his leave. The
Queen Mother then said that she found the Legate inclined
for prolonging the next session, so as he might be assured the
Queen would send her Ambassador thither; as in case the
session should be deferred and then the Queen not send, the
King of Spain (having sent thither) might have cause to
complain of the Pope's proceedings. |
|---|
| 6. He answered that the Queen gave him no charge to treat
of the session at Trent whether it be continued or deferred,
neither did he know of her determination to send thither
her Ambassador or clergy, unless the Council was otherwise
called or ordered. The matter he proposed was that the
King would defer sending to the Council until the Queen
Mother heard from the Queen how the Almain Princes would
proceed therein. |
|---|
| 7. The Queen Mother then said that she told him at his
last audience that she could see no appearance of any good
to be done; but not being alone she could not proceed as
she would, but must follow the advice of the King of Navarre
and the King's Council, unto whom she has proponed the
stay of sending the Ambassadors and clergy to Trent, and
had alleged to them the Queen's reasons, more particularly
concerning France, and to what small purpose it was to send
thither during these troubles. They allege the King and the
Queen Mother's promises, and their assurance that the Ambassadors and clergy should be at Trent for the next session,
and therefore they could not defer sending any longer. She
said she would assure the Queen that Lansac should make
as little haste as possible, and that it would be three weeks
or a month ere he arrived at Trent. He shall have commission to the Pope, to the Emperor, and the King of Spain,
for reformation of religion, and they shall perceive that France
desires a speedy reformation of the abuses of the Church
and cannot abide any longer the delays and evasions in
these matters heretofore used. And if the Queen would send
an Ambassador to the Council, the King's Ambassador shall
have charge to aid him in all things that may be of service to
her. She also desires the Queen to inform her of the Protestant
Princes' determination how they will proceed, and thereupon
her own resolution in this matter of the Council, so that she
may frame her doings thereafter. It would be too great an
hazard for the King to bring upon him the ill will of so many
Princes as retain the Romish religion, besides the greater part
of France, unless they saw how they might be sufficiently
fortified some other way. |
|---|
| 8. The King of Navarre (perceiving the Queen Mother had
communicated the matter of staying the departure to the
Council,) said that she had communicated to him and the
Council the reasons why the King should defer sending to
Trent. The King then said that neither he nor the Council
could accord to any longer delay, considering that the King
is bound by his promise to send this session, which commences
on the 25th inst. And thereupon the King made a discourse
of the necessity of sending thither, considering the troubles of
France, in speaking whereof he seemed greatly irritated against
his brother and the house of Chatillon. Throckmorton then
declared that the Queen took him for her assured friend,
and desired him to examine his state, being banded with
those who not long since meant no good to him, and now
he was joined with his enemies to destroy his brother and
those who professed the true religion; so that the Bishop of
Rome, fearing his credit and ability by means of the Protestants,
desired to satisfy him in all things, and was contented to become an instrument betwixt him and the King of Spain. He
also said the Bishop of Rome was not contented to spoil him
of the amity of his friends of the true religion, but solicited
him to persecute his brother. He reminded the King of the fate
of the Duke of Somerset and his brother the Admiral in England. The King heard him patiently and seemed astonished,
and said he was ready to do the Queen service, and although
he has been scandalised in England, yet he trusted the Queen's
opinion of him was entire. Throckmorton then desired him
to have some consideration for the choice of sufficient hostages
for England, and that every one deleagued for that purpose
should have 120,000 or 140,000 crowns. The King answered
that he would employ himself therein. |
|---|
| 9. Because the despatch of the Lord of St. Colme was so
long deferred, (thinking the Queen would like to know of the
resolution of the house of Guise concerning the interview
between her and the Queen of Scots,) finding the Marquis
D'Elbœuf in the King's chamber, Throckmorton said to him
that he marvelled the said Lord's despatch was so prolonged.
The Marquis desired him to speak with M. De Guise about
that matter, and said he would accompany him unto his
chamber, and thereupon he went, but the Duke not being
there they went to Marshal Brisac's chamber (where the
Duke was in Council) for so the Duke desired. He then
spoke to the Duke of the delay of Lord St. Colme's despatch.
The Duke answered it was not his fault, but the Cardinal
of Lorraine's, whose opinion had not come to his hands yet,
he being sick. He then said that St. Colme told him at
his coming from Rheims that the Cardinal did allow of the
Queen of Scots' desire for the interview, and said he would
within two days (now fifteen days since) send his opinion, so
that Lord St. Colme might depart. St. Colme has declared to
the writer that he put the Duke in remembrance of this matter,
which the Duke said was true, and that he had sent to
the Cardinal and expected to hear hourly from him. |
|---|
| 10. The Duke then declared to him the doings of the Prince
of Condé, and said that he and the King desired nothing
but obedience to the King, adding there was nothing intended
against any man for religion. Throckmorton does not think
that that conclusion is faithfully intended amongst them, and
remembers that after the troubles at Amboise in King Francis'
time, all persecution there for religion was covered with the
term that they were rebels, and so Bourg, and others who
were apprehended long before the said troubles of Amboise,
were burned a good while after and were charged with sedition.
The Duke also said that the Prince of Condé demanded
unreasonable conditions. He also perceived by some words,
that the Duke was not best affected unto the Admiral of
France. He concluded that if he were "absoyled" for the
feat of Vassy either by the Court of Parliament of Paris, or
by the Peers of France, he could be content to retire from
the Court and live amongst his friends. At taking his leave
the Duke said he would speedily despatch the Lord St. Colme. |
|---|
| 11. His letters of the 10th inst. show what has passed in
divers legations betwixt these two parties. M. De Gonnorre,
(who was sent from hence to Orleans with new offers to the
Prince of Condé,) has returned with an answer that as the
Duke of Guise armed first, he [the Prince] will not disperse
his force until the said Duke, the Constable, and Marshal St.
André have laid down their arms and retired from the Court.
This being done they take the King, the Queen Mother, and
the Duke of Orleans, with the King of Navarre to be at liberty,
and that the King with his Council may then take order for
managing his affairs. Upon these conditions the Prince
would retire to his house or come to the Court. This answer
was not accepted, so order is given to assemble their forces
with speed. |
|---|
| 12. On the 13th inst. the Bishop of Valence returned from
the Prince of Condé to the Court and brought a similar
message as M. De Gonnorre, with the addition that the
article agreed upon by the last Estates at Orleans (concerning
accounts to be rendered of the finances by the Cardinal of
Lorraine, the Duke of Guise, the Constable, and the Marshal
St. André and Brisac,) should be executed. The Prince said
it was not reasonable that the King should be indebted, his
credit lost, and his creditors undone, and they who made
their profit of these matters should enjoy the substance, and
therewith be able to make war. This being declared by the
Bishop, the accountants were greatly irritated, and tried to
set all at sixes and sevens. The Queen Mother, not being
desirous to hazard so far, has found means to send again on
the 13th inst. M. De Gonnorre (accompanied with M. D'Allony)
to the Prince, with offer that the edict lately accorded for
religion should be observed through France, with a provision
that there should be no preaching in Paris by the ministers
of the reformed religion, nor within two English miles
thereof. The edict he sends herewith as published. On the
15th inst. M. De Gonnorre and D'Allony returned with a
declaration what the Prince would do in these matters, which
the Queen may perceive by the copy sent herewith. He also
sends matter worth translating into English, which were
meet to be published. Upon receipt of the Prince's declaration, the Duke of Guise, the Constable, and Marshal St.
André began to be so moved that he believes they put all to
hazard, and he thinks he espies in the King of Navarre
a perplexed mind. These men now begin to assemble their
forces, and intend to abide in this town such assailing as the
Prince shall make against them. It is feared that the Duke
of Guise, the Constable, and St. André, will bring in the King
of Spain to take his part of France rather than the Prince of
Condé shall prosper, or the Queen Mother favour him, fearing
the King would hereafter bring them to reckoning. |
|---|
| 13. In this state of things here it behoves the Queen to
consider whether it is meet for her to make a long journey
from London, or to have an interview with the Queen of
Scots this summer. Within two days the Ambassador of
Spain used such language to the Queen Mother, that she may
perceive the King intends to make war to repress the Prince
of Condé, if the King of France and she do not, he having
interest in the crown of France by his marriage, and also
for the conservation of religion from heresy. It may chance
in these garboils that some opportunity may be offered to
have possession of Calais again, or some place of consequence
on this side; but howsoever, it stands with the Queen's surety
that the Prince of Condé be not overthrown. He reminds
the Queen what credit she has obtained in Scotland by
maintaining her friends. "Assuredly, albeit this papistical
complot did begin here first to break forth, yet the plot
thereof was laid and intended to be executed and practised as
well in your realm, Scotland, and elsewhere." He desires
the Queen to command Gresham (if there), or Guido Cavalcanti, or some one of credit in the bank in Paris, to send him
by her order credit for five or six thousand crowns of the
sun to be employed in her service. |
|---|
| 14. Within the last two days the Papists at Sens in
Burgundy have killed and wounded two hundred persons.
The Cardinal of Guise is Bishop there, and the Duke D'Aumale
governor. There is an evil report of them and their proceedings. She will have good respect that the Papists in
Scotland shall not obtain such courage, they having such
countenance to oppress those of the religion, and therefore
best affected to her. "But contrarywise it would be well
that the Protestants there had a watchword to look to their
case and surety, and to take heed that their adversaries
grow not too great, nor too bold." |
|---|
| 15. Herewith the Queen will receive the association
betwixt the Prince of Condé and his accomplices along with
that which is published against M. De Guise for the feat at
Vassy, with two other edicts lately set forth by the King,
and published.—Paris, 17 April 1562. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig., partly in cipher, deciphered. Pp. 24. |
|---|
| April 17. | 1014. Draft of the above. |
|---|
| Partly in Throckmorton's hol., with passages marked to be
ciphered. Pp. 16. |
|---|
| April 17. | 1015. Throckmorton to Cecil. |
|---|
| 1. Thinks that by the time Cecil has read his despatch to
the Queen he will be of opinion that it is not meet for the
Queen to make a long journey from London, but will rather
give orders for "warly" preparations than for pleasures.
Cecil must work with his friends at home, and especially
abroad, so that the King of Spain may have his hand full in
case he aid the Papists in France, "for there lieth our
danger." The Queen may make her profit of these troubles,
as the King of Spain intends to do, for if he fall to catching
on his side, and the Duke of Savoy on his, the Queen must
not be idle. Knows assuredly that the King of Spain
practises to put his foot in Calais. Our friends the Protestants in France must be so handled and dandled that in case
the Duke of Guise, the Constable, the Marshal St. André, and
that sect bring the King of Spain into France, and give him
possession of some places and forts, then the Protestants, for
their defence, or for desire of revenge or affection to the
Queen, may be moved to give her possession of Calais,
Dieppe, or Newhaven; perhaps all the three. This matter
must not be moved to any of them or their ministers, for it
will fall out more aptly of itself upon their demands of aid,
and especially when the Prince of Condé and the Protestants
perceive the Papists bring strangers into France, and give the
King of Spain interest in all things. Would rather the
Prince or the Protestants should offer the Queen possession of
any of their places than that it should be desired by the
English. Reminds Cecil what good the Queen's proceedings
did work in Scotland. Expects a gentleman will be sent
shortly to the Queen from the Prince of Condé, the Admiral,
and M. D'Andelot, with commission to treat with her in these
matters. Cecil must keep him somewhere secretly, so that
his business may not be known. Harry Middlemore will
give Cecil knowledge of it upon his arrival. He is a gentleman of the King's privy chamber, and the person whom the
Bishop of Orleans and M. De Guise demanded of Queen
Mary to be surrendered to the French King, he having fled
to England for religion. Sir Peter Mewtas was his harbinger and host when London was searched for him. He can
tell Cecil his name, but he says he has good cause to know
Cecil's. |
|---|
| 2. Has written to the Queen to send him credit, either by
Gresham's means or by Guido Cavalcanti, for the sum of five
or six thousand crowns of the sun for her service. Sends this
bearer (the Marquis of Northampton's servant) by way of
Dieppe, as one that may better pass than one of his own. It
is necessary that the Queen should send to him with all speed
her letters addressed to the Queen Mother, the King of
Navarre, and the Prince of Condé, the subject being so conceived as may serve for this time and for the Queen's
purpose, referring the credence to him, and the delivery of
the letters, etc. to his discretion, as declared in the Queen's
letter to him. Has appointed Middlemore to attend upon
Cecil for the despatch of the said bills of credit. |
|---|
| 3. M. (fn. 1) De Pont has been long on the way, and has been
four or five days in Paris. Understands he has a packet of
letters for him, which surprises him the more at not having
heard from him. It is now most necessary for the Queen to
hear often from him, and he from thence. Has given the
bearer six crowns to make this voyage, and desires Cecil to
remember him if he makes speed.—Paris, 17 April 1562.
Signed. |
|---|
| 4. P.S.—"Herewith you shall receive a rough hewed
pattern of some letters to be sent hither, as is before spoken
of, and the sooner they come the better." |
|---|
| Orig., the greater portion in cipher, deciphered. Add.
Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 6. |
|---|
| April 17. | 1016. Windebank to Cecil. |
|---|
| Since his last letter the troubles have so increased and
spread that they have divers times been deliberating to travel
towards Flanders, and leave this country wholly for their
safety. If the Prince of Condé with his force (which is very
great) do come to this town, there is no tarrying in it for
danger of the fury of his soldiers, and of those in the town.
It is thought he will come within fourteen or fifteen days,
because his adversaries have denied him those things he has
required. "Things cannot but come to an extremity, and
will move whole Christendom at length, being the religion
mingled among other quarrels." At the worst they will
cleave to Throckmorton, although he wishes that they were in
Flanders. There is great talk of preparation in England to
come over here; if it is so, he wishes that they were gone
hence.—Paris, 17 April 1562. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| April 17. | 1017. Draft of the above. |
|---|
| Hol. Endd.: To my master, by my Lord Marquis his
cook. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| April 17. | 1018. [Challoner] to Mason. |
|---|
| This is the fourth letter he has written to Mason since his
coming hither, and he has not received a letter from the
Court, nor from any friends, except his brethren and servants.
Others here know more of the news from England than he
does. He has nothing to add to his former letters, except
that the departure of the King is deferred for a month, and
perchance it may then be postponed again. Lately a galley
coming from Genoa was lost in a tempest, with divers gentlemen aboard. The King has obtained from the Bishop of
Rome his petitions (as report goes) concerning the 420,000
ducats per annum to be levied upon the Spanish spirituality
for four years, for the entertainment of sixty galleys, besides
his ordinary number; and also a dispensation for the sale of
25,000 ducats rent per annum of ecclesiastical possessions,
which may yield to him for the sale four millions. This is
not yet fully granted. Amongst the King's other devices is,
first, the payment of his debts, with the increase of his
revenues all manner of ways; next, the arming of 160
galleys intended for establishing his greatness to be strong by
sea; thirdly, for private recreation, to make sumptuous
palaces. What time he can spare from his graver affairs he
employs upon hunting, or in devising with engineers upon the
plots of fair houses and forts. Having commenced the Cortes
in Aragon he will leave the Prince his son to achieve the
same, who will be next spring sent to reside in Flanders,
unless the King goes thither himself, for it is said the great
Lords there do not agree, and for quieting of them the King's
presence may be needful. It is useless to write of news from
Italy, they having it much fresher by way of Flanders.
Desires Mason to write a few lines.—Madrid, 17 April 1562. |
|---|
| Copy. Endd. by Challoner. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| April 17. | 1019. Advices from Italy. |
|---|
| 1. From Rome, April 11. The Genoese ask the Pope to
compound the differences between them and the Marquis of
Finalte [Finale], and also for the differences of Camerino, and
for quieting the Farnese. The Tuscan sea is troubled with
corsairs. There are twenty Turkish vessels at Elba. The
Bull for the galleys of Spain is sent to the King; it exempts
the Cardinals, the Knights of Rhodes, and other orders of
Spain. The King of Portugal sent the Pope a present of a
diamond and a ruby, which were confiscated in passing
through Spain. Heretics have been executed about Avignon,
which the Protestants have well avenged by killing a great
many. France is more travailed in matters of religion than
ever Almain or England was. The Duke of Florence asks
the Pope to mediate between him and the Duke of Ferrara.
The Emperor and King Philip travail instantly for the restitution of the Conte De Petigliano. |
|---|
| 2. Venice, April 17. The Duke of Florence made his entry
into Venice with much pomp. He brought 1,500 persons
with him, of whom 100 were richly apparelled. The Pope's
Ambassador was not present when he was received, as he
said that the Duke is feodary of the Church, nor was the
Emperor's Ambassador present, as he is also a feodary of the
Emperor for Modena and Reggio. He has 100 crowns a day
for his expenses. |
|---|
| 3. The Almains have informed the Emperor that they will
neither resort nor send to the Council unless he will repair
thither as head. |
|---|
| 4. The prelates of Spain require that it be decided whether
the Pope is above the Council or the Council above the
Pope. |
|---|
| 5. The Bassa of Buda has order from the Turk to levy
8,000 horses to aid the King of Transylvania. |
|---|
| Copy, stained by damp. Endd. Pp. 3. |
|---|
| April 18. | 1020. Throckmorton to the Queen. |
|---|
| The French King sends M. De la Ferte Frenoy (the
bearer) as hostage in the place of M. le Conte De Benon. He
has land to the value of 10,000 or 12,000 francs a year, and
is inheritor of a great part of the land of the Duchess of
Sanpol and Touteville in case she die without issue. He is
from Normandy.—Paris, 18 April 1562. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig., with seal. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| April 18. | 1021. Throckmorton to the Privy Council. |
|---|
| Vouches the sufficiency of M. De la Ferte Frenoy, and
repeats the information contained in the previous letter.—
Paris, 18 April 1562. |
|---|
| Orig., with seal. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| April 18. | 1022. Throckmorton to the Queen. |
|---|
| The bearer, M. De Peguilion, (Steward to the Queen of
Scots, and of her Privy Council,) repairing to the Queen to
obtain a passport for his passage through England into
Scotland to his mistress, desires the Queen to grant him a
passport for his train and baggage; also to carry hand guns
or dagges; to have also such horses and geldings as he
brings with him, or any that he shall buy there for his use
in case any of his own should fail by the way.—Paris, 18
April 1562. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| April 18. | 1023. Throckmorton to Cecil. |
|---|
| Another letter to the same effect as the last, varying in
diction, and adding that Mme. Martigny is M. De Peguilion's
daughter.—Paris, 18 April 1562. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary Pp. 2. |
|---|
| April 18. | 1024. The Landgrave of Hesse to the Queen. |
|---|
| Has received her letters, etc., dated March 26, by Munt.
Congratulates her on her succession, and her devotion to true
religion. Is glad to hear that she intends to remain firm in
the agreement of Naumburg. Repeats the statements about
the convention at Erfurth, and makes the same promises as
the Duke of Wurtemberg had done to Mundt (see his letter to
the Queen, April 8, No. 989).—Giessen, 18 April 1562. Signed. |
|---|
| Endd. by Mundt. Lat. Pp. 7. |
|---|
| April 18. | 1025. Christopher Pickard to Challoner. |
|---|
| Last Lent wrote concerning a close, late in the tenure of
Thomas Smith, deceased, and was answered that the cloister
garth was granted unto John Rudierd, which Pickard had
possessed until that time. Is loath to bestow any labour upon
the same until he knows Challoner's pleasure. Being at
London this Easter term for obtaining his money due to him
by Lord Westmoreland (who is at present in trouble) he has
remained there since Candlemas last, concerning the marriage
of Lady Gasquyne, who has now married his Lordship; he
also brought word to Challoner's brother from the bailiff
concerning the springing of Skugdale, where Challoner should
have been indicted last sessions upon a statute. If Challoner
would let on lease Garlinghowe, or could avoid the lease
therein, he would get him a reasonable rent therefrom.
Trusts his request for the close will be granted, which is
3s. or 3s. 4d. per annum.—London, 18 April 1562. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Challoner. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| April 18. | 1026. Sir Thomas Knyvett to Challoner. |
|---|
| It having spread about that Challoner's brother, Farnham,
was either dead or in great danger, informs him that he is
well recovered. He wishes his brother Anthony Knyvett
was in Challoner's company, but since his departure Anthony
has become possessed of certain lands; wishes also that the
Queen's affairs might allow Challoner's friends to enjoy his
company in England.—London, 18 April 1562. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Hol., with seal. Add. Endd. by Challoner.
Pp. 2. |
|---|
| April 18. | 1027. Advices from Constantinople and Rome. |
|---|
| 1. Constantinople, 24 March 1562. The Turk is still
alive, but his death is imminent. He has sent 100,000
ducats to his son Selim for his journey towards Constantinople. The two Envoys sent to Persia have returned, they
have been well received. All Selim's children arrived at
Scutari on the 16th. The pestilence has again broken out. |
|---|
| 2. Rome, 18 April. Last Sunday the Pope went to the
Magliana, and thence to Ostia, where he is building a
fortress. To-day there was a Consistory, at which were
bestowed eight churches, among others, Perugia, Orvieto, and
Guardia. The Ambassador of Ferrara died yesterday, Mgr.
D'Anglone. The wife of Cesar Gonzaga has given birth to a
daughter. The Pope is urgent for the departure of the
Bishops to Trent, who set out hence daily. The Pope has
revoked all faculties and indulgences formerly granted by
him. The disputes for precedence between Florence and
Ferrara produce great scandals. |
|---|
| Copy, on the same sheet as the letter of N. Stopio, April 25.
Ital. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| April 19. | 1028. Challoner to Cecil. |
|---|
| 1. Wrote last by France, addressed to Throckmorton, to
whom he has also sundry times written without answer,
whence he suspects they have not been safely delivered, he
therefore sends a duplicate of the other. Since the King's
return he has postponed his journey to Aragon for a month,
so it will be about the end of June ere he sets forward. The
Friar Alfonso De Fresneda, his confessor, ("whom you know,")
at the last confession gave him such good advice that now the
King has bestowed on him the bishopric of Cuença, vacant by
the death of the Marquis De Saroas' brother, who left to the
said Marquis in money 80,000 ducats. The bishopric is
worth 40,000 ducats per annum (the King has received from
the profits of the same, for pensions to others, 9,000 ducats);
"and for more accrue of living" the King has not only
retained him still for confessor, and of the Privy Council of
the Wars, but has newly made him Commissary General of
the Cruzada, and Treasurer of the galleys, whereby he may
in all dispend 40,000 ducats yearly; he has served the King
for thirteen years as confessor. |
|---|
| 2. The King, under pretence of his visits to his sporting
houses, gets more leisure to debate upon the payment of his
debts and the increase of his revenues, of which he has papers
by means of Spaniards and Italians, with the names of all
the nobles of Spain, and their revenues, and of all the three
Orders of religious Knights here, with the value of the commanderies. As soon as the writer can be certain of the truth
thereof, he will send them to Cecil, so that he may thereby
perceive the King's revenues, not only of Spain, but of
Flanders, Naples, Milan, and his other provinces, with the
charges and issues yearly for defence of the same; which may
be of use for the Queen's affairs. By conference of this
Prince's revenues with hers it may be seen how much the
same may import in time of enmity. Since the King's return
from Flanders he has increased his yearly revenues to above
400 quents, each quent being rated at 2,666 ducats. |
|---|
| 3. The King takes all the mines of alum and quicksilver
in Spain, compensating the owners thereof, whereby he will
improve his revenues considerably. Has been told that it is
possible for the Queen, by reducing her coin to the old standard
of forty pence, and after twenty pence the ounce, to triple her
revenues, accounting the number of ounces, and that by
means of a little ink and paper, at which they marvel and
confess that no other Prince has that faculty, whereas all their
lands and revenues are so stretched to the uttermost, as it is
impossible for them to reduce their moneys to the old standard,
and therewith to reserve the half of that they now receive.
The King labours to redeem his debts, which done, he purposes to arm 150 galleys, seeing that until he is master of the
Levant seas he cannot assure his dominions in Italy, nor make
conquests upon the coast of Africa, which from Tunis downwards he intends to set upon, and thereby satisfy the
Spaniards, who are wonderfully molested by the Moors of
Algiers. He desires to advance Spain, and make it mistress
of the rest. Unless by some extraordinary matter, he has no
desire to visit Flanders. He intends when the Cortes of
Aragon is achieved, to send thither the Prince, his son, as
Regent. He keeps away from Court under colour of hunting,
and there he delights in devising and drawing plats of
fortresses and fair houses, whereof he intends to build three
or four in certain places. |
|---|
| 4. Count Brocardo (who was lately sent again to the Pope
by the King) has succeeded with him, that the King shall
take yearly, for ten years, of the clergy of Spain, towards
maintaining sixty galleys at 7,000 ducats for each, 420,000
ducats, and after the ten years for five more at the Pope's
pleasure. The other part of his errand, concerning dispensating for the sale of 25,000 ducats yearly revenue of the
clergy, will probably be granted, seeing the King has lately
so liberally considered the Pope's nephews with pensions
above 40,000 ducats per annum. For more than six weeks
it has been said here the Turk was dead; the news of his
death is not certain, but he is in great danger, and then will
these men hearken to the sequel between the two brothers. |
|---|
| 5. The Emperor lately gained two petty victories in
Hungary, one against the Vaivoda's men, the other against
the Turks. Lately he was in great danger through a fall
from his horse whilst hunting. Maximilian's two sons are
expected here, to be brought up in company of the Prince.
It is said here that the Electors have assembled to choose
Maximilian for King of the Romans. |
|---|
| 6. Cecil may impart such of the news here mentioned, as
he thinks meet, to the Queen. Renews the suit mentioned in
former letters, for if he tarries here two years (all things
being excessively dear) he will be obliged to crave an extraordinary allowance. To prove how he is pinched he sends
Cecil an extract of the prices of some kinds of victuals and
other things here, and Chamberlain can declare the same. |
|---|
| 7. Has not received any letters since he left England from
the Council or Court friends. Here are divers reports of
affairs in England, whereof being asked by other Ambassadors
he is not able to give an answer, much to his discredit. A
few lines from Cecil monthly would be a great comfort to
him. If Cecil will send him his arms and "poesie" he can
with little cost provide him such summer hangings as
he will be thankful for. He is to send him the number of
pieces and the depth withal.—Madrid, [blank] April 1562.
Signed. |
|---|
| Corrected draft in Challoner's hol., and endd. by him:
M. to Mr. Secretary, 19 April 1562, by Flanders. Pp. 12. |
|---|
| April 19. | 1029. John Cuerton to Challoner. |
|---|
| Four days since he answered Challoner's letters of the 30th
ult., which he received on the 14th. Yesterday two ships
arrived here from London, and he expects two more daily.
"They departed before this a month, these departed the third
of the last." They bring news from England that the King
of Sweden goes thither, and that ten of the Queen's ships
were being made ready to receive him. Would be glad to
have the King's schedules for Chamberlain's chests, and the
gentlewoman's to the Countess De Feria, so as to send them
in one of these ships. Desires Challoner to obtain for him an
audience with the Conte De Feria, and to desire the Contesse
to give a good word in the bearer's favour; also requests
Challoner to invite him to a dinner or a supper whilst there.
It rests with Challoner whether the Conte and Contesse
De Feria shall help him. In these ships he has some "hops
byere," if Challoner comes this way he will keep part for him
and Mr. Cobham, to whom he and his wife send their commendations.—Bilbo, 19 April 1562. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Challoner. Pp. 3. |
|---|
| April 19. | 1030. John Cuerton to Challoner. |
|---|
| The raiment in the chest here where the books were found
in English is not delivered up yet. The provision is all
things belonging to Challoner, but it does not mention his
servants. What Thomas Shipman lost is there, and he has
certain things which were missing from Shipman's chest. In
Calahora, where the Ambassador is of these parts, there is an
Englishman called Francisco D'Alberto condemned to perpetual prison. The Ambassador in England wrote letters to
the Archbishop of Seville and to the King's confessor, since
made a Bishop, for his relief, but no answer has been given
to them.—19 April 1562. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Challoner. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| April 19. | 1031. The Queen to M. D'Anville. |
|---|
| Perceives by his letters and otherwise that he is thankful
for the favour shown unto him, by offering his service, and
that she cannot reasonably require more. She thinks part of
her office consists in conquering the good wills of noblemen
abroad by benefits, and by good governance to retain the
hearts of her subjects at home. |
|---|
| Draft, in Cecil's hol., and endd. by his secretary: 19 April
1562. Copy of the Q. letters sent to the Grand Prior and
M. D'Anville by Mauvissery. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| April 19. | 1032. Translation of the above in French.
Corrected draft. Endd. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| [April 19.] | 1033. The Queen to the [Grand Prior]. |
|---|
| Perceives by his letter sent to her that he is thankful for
the courtesy shown unto him, for which he offers his service.
"Glad we be that our favour hath been showed where it is
so well bestowed. We assure you our nature shall always
appear to be ready to continue our favour where it is thankfully acknowledged; and (to write plainly) in contrarywise
we can use contrariety." |
|---|
| Draft, in Cecil's hol. P. 1. |
|---|
| April 20. | 1034. A draft of the same in French, appended to which is the
following: |
|---|
| P.S.—"And for the ring you sent to us, we both thank
you for the same, and see your memory good to perform that
you promised, which we meant before this time to have
acquited with some token not unmeet if after our device
thereof the workman had not failed." (fn. 2) |
|---|
| April 20. | Also a translation of the P. S. into Fr., and dated Westminster, 20 April 1562. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| April 20. | 1035. Lord Gray to Cecil. |
|---|
| Answered the letter of the Lords of the Council touching
the recompence of Sir Thomas Dacre, who served in the
writer's absence, and wrote them somewhat plainly of his
estate and necessity. "Extreme necessity causeth me thus
plainly to open my misery, for I know this charge was
thought a relief for me. I was undone before I came to it,
and I am now worse, and every day the longer the worse."
He is a very beggar.—Berwick, 20 April 1562. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| April 20. | 1036. Lord Robert Dudley to Throckmorton. |
|---|
| A man of the writer, one Merbury, went to France last
summer without his knowledge or the Queen's licence; he
was thereby evil judged. Informs Throckmorton that the
bearer, Robert Hutton, younger brother of John Hutton, of
Cambridgeshire, (for the desire he has to learn the French
tongue,) has his licence to bestow a year or two there.—From
the Court, 20 April 1562. Signed. |
|---|
| Modern transcript. Add. |
|---|