HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 ELEVENTH REPORT, APPENDIX, PART I. 
 
 THE 
 
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 OF 
 
 HENRY DUNCAN SKRINE, Esq. 
 
 SALVETT1 CORRESPONDENCE. 
 
 $rcrfentt& to botl) fyausiti at parliament op Commantr of %cr jBa\titj}. 
 
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 1887. 
 [C— 5060.] Price Is. Id.
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 ELEVENTH REPORT, .APPENDIX, PART I. 
 
 THE 
 
 MAN U SCRIP T S 
 
 OF 
 
 HENRY DUNCAN SKRINE, E 
 
 SQ. 
 
 SALVETTI CORRESPONDENCE. 
 
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 Sa: 
 
 LONDON: 
 
 PRINTED FOR HER MAJESTY'S STATIONERY OFFICE, 
 
 BY EYRE AND SPOTTISWOODE, 
 
 PRINTERS TO THE QUEEN'S MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTT. 
 
 And to be purchased, either directly or through any Bookseller, from 
 
 EYRE and SPOTTISWOODE. East Harding Street, Fleet Street. E.C., and 
 
 32, Abingdon street, Westminster, S.W. ; or 
 
 ADAM and CHARLES BLACK, 6, North Bridge, Edinburgh ; or 
 
 HODGES, FIGGIS, & Co., 104, Grabtok Street, Dublin 
 
 1887. 
 
 [C.— 5060.] Price Is. id.
 
 1 
 
 THE MANUSCRIPTS OF HENRY DUNCAN ^ 
 SERINE, ESQUIRE, OF CLAVERTON MANOR, 
 SOMERSET. 
 
 SALVETTI CORRESPONDENCE. 
 
 The originals of the following letters are preserved in the Archives MSS. of 
 •of Florence and were written by a certain Alessandro Antelminelli, a H " D 'e^ ixe ' 
 native of Lucca, who adopted the name of Amerigo Salvetti and was — 
 
 for many years the representative of the Grand Dukes of Tuscany at 
 the English Court. They are written in the Tuscan dialect, and partly 
 in cipher, and were translated, in 1881, by the late Mr. Heath Wilson 
 of Florence, shortly before his death. Mr. Wilson's manuscript trans- 
 lation, together with his interesting biographical preface and copious 
 illustrative notes, having been submitted to the Historical Manuscript 
 Commission, by Mr. H. D. Skrine, of Claverton Manor, Somerset, the 
 Commissioners decided so far to avail themselves of Mr. Wilson's labours 
 as to print amongst their Reports his translation of these letters. The 
 latter have never before been published and they show how English 
 affairs were regarded by an intelligent resident foreigner at the com- 
 mencement of the reign of King Charles the First. In 1859 the 
 originals of these despatches, together with the rest of the official cor- 
 respondence of Signor Salvetti and his son, were copied from the 
 Medicean Archives for the Trustees of the British Museum, and the 
 transcripts then made are frequently consulted for the light which they 
 throw on the history of the period that they cover.* 
 
 Amerigo Salvetti (or, more correctly, Alessandro Antelminelli) was 
 born about 1572 and came of a noble family of Lucca. In 1596, whilst 
 he was engaged in business in Antwerp, his father and his three brothers 
 were first tortured and then executed on a charge of high treason 
 against the Republic of Lucca. Alessandro was at the same time 
 summoned home by the Magistrates of Lucca to stand his trial for his 
 alleged participation in the conspiracy of his relatives, but before his 
 arrival he was condemned to death. A price was also set upon his head 
 and assassins were hired to kill him. He learnt these facts whilst on his 
 way to Lucca, to answer the charges brought against him, and then 
 turned aside to Florence. After a brief stay at Florence he fled to 
 London, which, however, he soon left, finding his life in danger from the 
 emissaries of Lucca. In 1599 he took the name of Amerigo Salvetti, 
 giving himself out to be a Florentine, and he travelled on the continent 
 for a few years ; but wherever he went he was pursued by agents of the 
 government of Lucca seeking to kill him. For some time he travelled 
 with Sir Henry Wotton aud a son of Sir Edward Wotton, but this 
 intimacy, as the Archives of Lucca prove, did not prevent Sir Henry 
 Wotton plotting in 1607 to give him up to the Magistrates of Lucca in 
 exchange for a Captain Robert Elliot whom King James the First was 
 anxious to get into his power. Ferdinand Grand Duke of Tuscany 
 frustrated Wotton's plot, and sent Elliot out of danger under a strong 
 escort. Salvetti then came to London, where he resided for the rest of 
 
 * These transcripts are preserved in the British Museum Library under the 
 press-mark Add. MSS. No. 27962. 
 
 U 23533. Wt. 6696. A 
 
 212633
 
 2 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 MSS. of his life; and in 1616 he was appointed, by Cosmo de' Medici, the 
 H ' D eS INE ' Tuscan Resident at the Court of Whitehall. 
 
 — The attempts of the government of Lucca to procure the assassination 
 
 of Salvetti were repeatedly renewed for many years, and lasted at least 
 until 1627, as is shown by leLters preserved in the Archives of Lucca, 
 translations of many of which are printed in the second part of this 
 report. In 1620 a certain Michele Balbani, who had undertaken to 
 procure the assassination of Salvetti, writes to Lucca that he had 
 found willing agents for that purpose but that, one after another, they 
 all excused themselves from making the attempt in London " where 
 every citizen was a policeman." 
 
 The story of Salvetti's life is set out in detail in a privately printed 
 pamphlet by the Cavab'ere Salvatore Bongi, Keeper of the Archives of 
 Lucca. Salvetti continued to act as the Tuscan representative at the 
 English Court until his death in London, at the age of 85, on the 2nd 
 of July 1657, and lies buried under the chancel of St. Bartholomew's 
 Church. His son, Giovanni Salvetti Antelminelli, was appointed to 
 succeed him, as Tuscan Resident at the Court of Whitehall, and held 
 that post until the commencement of the year 1679. 
 
 H. Barr Tometns. 
 
 I. Despatches from the Tuscan Resident at the Court of White- 
 hall to His Serene Highness the Grand Duke at Florence. 
 
 London, 11th April 1625. 
 
 The news of the death of King James must have been known in 
 Florence long before this despatch can arrive there. A special courier 
 was immediately sent by the Venetian Ambassadors to make the occur- 
 rence known to their Republic. I took the opportunity of sending a 
 short letter to the Tuscan Resident at Milan — Signor Buondelmonte — 
 and it was consigned by the Ambassadors to their courier with instruc- 
 tions to deliver it. I hope that he has done so, and that the Resident, as 
 I requested, forwarded the intelligence to you= 
 
 The good King died on Sunday the sixth of this month about noon* 
 to the great sorrow of the courtiers and especially of the Scotch, who, 
 with this bereavement, have lost their chief support. His Majesty 
 desired to partake of his communion at the hands of the Bishop of 
 Lincoln, Keeper of the Great Seal, and he made in the Lord Keeper's 
 presence, and that of other Bishops, a public confession and affirmation of 
 his faith, declaring that it had always been Protestant without any 
 mixture of Roman Catholicism as had been imputed to him by some 
 persons. He added that if it had been needful he would have considered 
 it happiness had he been called upon to suffer martj'rdom for the main- 
 tenance and increase of his faith. On the following Saturday morning 
 the King lost the power of speech, and, although he made several efforts 
 to address the Prince and members of the Privy Council who were 
 present, he was unable to utter a single word which could be understood. 
 It is said that the day before — that is, on Friday — he gave the Prince a 
 paper, written by his own hand, containing various statements ; but of 
 the truth of this there is no information on which we can depend. 
 
 With the death of the King the authority of all the Crown officials 
 terminated. Consequently the Dignitaries of the kingdom who were 
 
 * King James died on the 27th March 1625, old style.
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 6 
 
 present presented themselves in a body to the Prince, .and, having con- mss. of 
 doled with him on the death of his Father, they besought his permis- H. DJSkeine, 
 sion to assemble together for consultation in this crisis on what might — ' 
 
 be most expedient for his service. They held a Council and resolved 
 to proclaim the Prince King without loss of time. The proclamation 
 was read in front of Theobalds, the Royal mansion — where His late 
 Majesty expired — declaring him King of England, France, Scotland and 
 Ireland, and Defender of the Faith. This done they proceeded to 
 London, where, accompanied by the Magistrates of the City, who were on 
 horseback, they again proclaimed King Charles in various places with 
 the customary ceremonies and with all his titles. The people listened 
 with evident appearances of satisfaction. 
 
 On the same evening the new King drove to London in his carriage, 
 accompanied by the Duke of Buckingham, and went to reside in his 
 usual abode till such time as the Royal palace could be prepared and 
 the rooms hung with black cloth. 
 
 All the nobility in Loudon or its neighbourhood were received by His 
 Majesty, and kissed his hand. His demeanour was calm and his manner 
 gracious. 
 
 The Duke of Buckingham, although deeply grieved by the loss of 
 the late King his ever-liberal master, may feel assured that the coun- 
 tenance and favour of the new King will be extended to him to a greater 
 degree if it be possible. This is already shown by the most transparent 
 evidence. He is with His Majesty all day, he sleeps in a room contiguous 
 to the Royal chamber, he has been confirmed in all his offices which are 
 numerous and of the highest importance, and he has also been made Gentle- 
 man of the Bedchamber, and has received the Golden Key, the emblem 
 of his office, so that he can, whenever he pleases and at any hour, enter 
 that chamber as well as any other part of the palace occupied by His 
 Majesty. In fine, nothing is done without him. 
 
 The first act of King Charles has been to confirm all the Members 
 of his father's Privy Council in their offices, and on Monday last they 
 took the usual oaths, with the exception of Lord Baltimore, Secretary 
 of State, who remarked to His Majesty that, as every one knew him to 
 be a Catholic, he could not now serve him in the same high office 
 without exciting jealousy in others, nor was he willing to take an oath 
 so wounding to his religious feelings. It is said that His Majesty 
 replied "that it was much better thus to state his opinions, rather than 
 to retain his office by equivocation, as some did," which the King 
 could not approve. In like manner all the former officers of the Court, 
 all the Governors of Provinces, Judges, and others who administer 
 justice, have been confirmed in their posts by Royal proclamation. 
 Some have been reappointed by returning to them their seals of office, 
 or their official keys or rods, or other emblems of their positions, all of 
 which had been placed in the hands of His Majesty on the death of 
 King James. 
 
 Orders have been given to reappoint all the Ambassadors, Agents 
 and Commissioners, employed abroad, and to send them new credentials. 
 The same steps are to be taken by foreign Princes with respect to their 
 representatives in England who are only recognised as private persons 
 till this is done. 
 
 New Commissions have been issued to the Viceroy of Ireland and the 
 Lord High Chancellor of Scotland for the good government of these 
 realms. 
 
 The servants of His Majesty whilst he was Prince were discharged 
 on Monday last, as he would not make any change in the household of 
 his father, and those who served him whilst Prince will be employed 
 
 A 2
 
 4 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 H. ixSKEnfE otherwise, or will be provided for in someway, or will be rewarded 
 Esq. * ' according to the nature of the offices which they held. 
 
 The body of His late Majesty is to be brought from Theobalds to. 
 London on Monday next, and will be accompanied by all the nobility 
 at present residing in the vicinity, their presence having been commanded 
 Avith their carriages and servants all of whom are to be in mourning. 
 
 The Royal corpse will be deposited in the palace known as Denmark 
 House, so called by the late Queen, wife of King James, and it will 
 remain there till the period of the obsequies, which it is believed will 
 take place a month hence with all that magnificence which is usual with 
 English Kings, and which indeed is wonderful. The cost will be at 
 least two hundred thousand crowns in gold. 
 
 It is calculated that King James died in the sixtieth year of his age, 
 after a reign of fifty-eight years and eight months over Scotland.* The 
 King was happily endowed with moral virtues and with literary tastes. 
 He was pacific by nature, which many called timidity, as Avell as lenient, 
 and averse to the shedding of blood. 
 
 Wise government by the new King may be anticipated. There is 
 nothing to fear except a rupture with Spain, caused by the abiding 
 feeling of displeasure with which he remembers the provocation which 
 he received when he visited that country to marry the Infanta. There 
 are already symptoms of the coming quarrel. 
 
 His Majesty two days ago gave orders to expedite as much as possible 
 the preparation of a naval armament, which will be one of the greatest 
 and most powerful which ever issued from the ports of this kingdom. 
 He also gave instructions for the reinforcement and payment of the 
 English soldiers under Mansfeldt, and under other officers in the service 
 of the Dutch. These proceedings are sufficiently significant. 
 
 There can be no doubt that the death of King dames must delay the 
 marriage of King Charles for some time, for the conditions drawn up and 
 agreed to were in the name of the late King. It will therefore be neces- 
 sary to re-open negotiations. As, however, the general conditions are 
 established both sides may come to a prompt agreement. 
 
 The Duke of Buckingham has recalled his magnificent carriages and 
 horses, which he sent last week to Dover, for conveyance to France, to 
 wait for him at St. Denis, near Paris. The general opinion now is, that 
 he will not go to the Court of His Most Christian Majesty to act as 
 proxy for King Charles in the approaching marriage ceremony, but that 
 His Majesty's procuration will be sent to whatever personage His Most 
 Christian Majesty may select. The prevalent idea is that he will 
 nominate Monsieur his brother. 
 
 The French ought immediately to send an Ambassador with the usual 
 condolrnces and congratulations, to whom they may at the same time 
 give the requisite powers to arrange with the King as to the terms of 
 the settlements which were before agreed upon between the Secretary 
 Monsieur La Ville-aux-Clercs and His late Majesty. 
 
 With regard to the affairs of the Catholics nothing can be predicted at 
 present with any certainty. For them the worst omen is the wish of 
 His Majesty to assemble Parliament on the 27th of May next, for it is 
 certain to be hostile to them and to their religion. 
 
 Sir Humphrey May, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and a 
 Minister of the Crown, was appointed a member of the Star Chamber 
 yesterday, and Sir Edward Conway, Secretary of State, was made a 
 Peer. 
 
 * King James the First died in his fifty-eighth year, having reigned over Scotland 
 fifty-seven years eight months and five days. [H.B.T.]
 
 HISTORICAL -MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 Every one turns his eyes towards the new sun and with listening oars M88. of 
 seeks to penetrate His Majesty's intentions, which all alike believe to H " ^'k ™ INE 
 mean war. — 
 
 London, 18th April 1G25. 
 
 As I have remarked in a former dispatch, it is very desirable thai 
 France should reconstitute the Emtassy here without delay, and should 
 send another Ambassador with full credentials to renew and complete 
 the negotiations regarding the Royal marriage. 
 
 It is not likely that any difficulties will present themselves if the two 
 Kings adhere to the settlement arranged with His late Majesty, and 
 provided that no new suggestions are made with reference to the position 
 of the Roman Catholic subjects of this country. 
 
 Any further interference with that argument might easily lead to 
 unforeseen collision with perilous rocks, the situation of which is unknown 
 since the death of the late King, whose temperate disposition led him to 
 modify the operations of the penal laws against the Catholics. Whether 
 it be from the impending opening of Parliament, to which His Majesty 
 would not willingly give any reasons for dissatisfaction, or whether it be 
 from any other motives, it is perfectly clear to all that, if the King is too 
 much pressed by the French on any question touching the religion 
 of the people, difficulties may be at once created in the principal subject of 
 negotiation ; especially after the promise, which he made when Prince, 
 that on the occasion of his marriage he would not yield on this topic. 
 
 Undoubtedly there will be danger if the marriage settlements cannot 
 be completed before the meeting of Parliament on the 17th of May 
 next, for a debate on religion might be raised with disastrous conse- 
 quences. It would certainly be connected with the grants of money for 
 the promotion of political schemes, and this might lead to a compromise 
 on the religious question, to induce E'arliament to vote supplies, which 
 might be full of peril to the Roman Catholics.* 
 
 Yesterday the writs for the election of Members of Parliament were 
 dispatched to all parts of the kingdom. It is set forth that the elections 
 are to be conducted in conformity with law and usage. Notwithstanding 
 this declaration, it appears that the Puritanical faction is already exciting 
 tumults that they may make sure of a majority. Another section of 
 the voters are adherents of the Anglican Church, but they are a mino- 
 rity. As to the Catholics they are almost entirely excluded as they are 
 from all government employment. 
 
 On Saturday last Sir George Goring returned from France, having, it 
 is said, adjusted the question of the suite which Madame will bring with 
 her to England . 
 
 Owing to the death of King James it has again become necessary 
 to consult the wishes of His Most Christian Majesty, and on this side 
 new documents are prepared, confirmatory of what had been already 
 agreed upon, together with some additions considered necessary before 
 the negotiations can be said to be complete. 
 
 It is now quite certain that the Duke of Buckingham is not to stand 
 proxy for His Majesty at the ceremony of the approaching marriage, but 
 it is said that a procuration will be sent to enable His Serene Highness 
 the Duke de Chevreuse to act in that capacity, the Prince being 
 a relative of the future Queen of England. 
 
 * This is a remarkable statement on the part of Salvetti, showing his insight into 
 the condition of public opinion, and his just estimate of what would be likely to 
 happen. His prophecy was verified.
 
 6 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 MSS. of The resident Ambassador of His Most Christian Majesty, and, following 
 
 Esq. ' his example, the Venetian Ambassador, have paid their respects to the 
 
 — new King, but in their capacities as private persons only their new 
 
 credentials not having arrived. Both were dressed in mourning, as are 
 
 all the foreign political Agents to this Court. 
 
 The body of the defunct King was brought on Monday last from 
 Theobalds to London, at about three o'clock in the morning, and it was 
 accompanied by all the Court, and by numbers of the nobility at present 
 resident in the neighbourhood, all being dressed in mourning. It was 
 conveyed to Denmark House, where it will remain, and will be guarded 
 day and night by the late King's Courtiers. No doubt the chamber 
 where the body lies in state will be visited by crowds of the people till 
 the eighteenth of May, the day fixed for the Royal obsequies, after 
 which the coronation of King Charles will take place as soon as possible ; 
 and who knows but that we may have the Queen here also, to take her 
 part in this great ceremony with its enormous cost of thousands of 
 pounds sterling and its other troubles. 
 
 A member of the Court will be dispatched by His Majesty to-morrow 
 to the Hague, to visit on his part his sister the Princess Palatine, to com- 
 municate to her in a formal manner the death of their father, and to 
 assure her of her Royal brother's affection. The messenger will present 
 her with ten thousand crowns and enough black cloth to dress in 
 mourning, herself, the Prince her husband, their children, and all their 
 household. 
 
 The Duke of Buckingham is somewhat indisposed ; he continues to 
 hold all his offices, is in the greatest favour with the King, and 
 consequently is more powerful than ever. 
 
 Sir Walter Aston, Ambassador to His Catholic Majesty, arrived a 
 few days ago from Spain. If King James had been alive, His Excellency 
 would have returned in clue time to his post ; but, owing to the great 
 change in policy which has taken place, he will not. He has consequently 
 sent for his family and suite, all of whom he had left in Spain. If any 
 representative is sent to the Spanish Court, it will be some one of less 
 rank. In all probability the Secretary of Sir Walter Aston will be 
 appointed. 
 
 Plague has broken out in Lincoln, and twelve persons died this week ; 
 but I believe that those who have charge of the returns conceal the real 
 numbers as much as possible, and that the. number of deaths has been 
 in reality more numerous. 
 
 London, 25th April 1625. 
 Now that all the despatches to foreign countries have been completed 
 on the part of the Court here, announcing the death of King James and 
 the succession to the Crown of his son King Charles, and that new 
 credentials have been given to Ambassadors and Representatives abroad, 
 His Majesty has found time to attend to the organization of his Court 
 and Household, showing himself in all things so strict that already a 
 great change is observable. Dignity, respectful demeanour, and regularity, 
 are insisted upon ; from Avhich every one may readily conjecture how 
 much weight His Majesty will attach to deference and obedience 
 in matters of serious importance. The King has made it known that 
 whoever may have business with him must never approach him by indi- 
 rect ways, by back stairs or private doors leading to his apartments, nor 
 by means of retainers or grooms of the Chambers, as was done in the life- 
 time of his father, but by the public rooms and approaches and on days 
 of the week set apart for receptions. His Majesty will not permit 
 Nobles or Members of the Privy Council to enter the gallery or private
 
 HISTOKICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 7 
 
 apartments without being summoned, as they have been in the habit of MSS. op 
 doing during the last reign. Every one is to take his place in the ante- H< D jwf lNE ' 
 chambers according to his rank, as was the usage in the time of Queen — 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 
 It is obvious that His Majesty will insist on being obeyed. The 
 industry of the King is observable in the manner in which he attends to 
 the business of each day; above all, the ardour with which he hastens the 
 outfit of the naval armament. He has lately given orders, with every 
 necessary strictness, for provisioning and arming the ships of the fleet 
 for a longer period than was at first deter mined — and at the same time 
 for sheathing all the vessels, so that they may be able to keep the sea 
 for a considerable period without being ' worm eaten. All these pre- 
 parations indicate that voyages of some duration and of an important 
 description are in contemplation. 
 
 The selection of two commanders, one for the sea and the other for 
 the land forces, is under consideration ; and although the Duke of Buck- 
 ingham, as Lord High Admiral of England and Ireland, without doubt 
 ought to be placed in command at sea — which His Excellency earnestly 
 desires — his indifferent health, and probably his unwillingness to sepa- 
 rate himself from the person of the King — although that motive is not 
 spoken of — must for the present prevent such a voyage. 
 
 The din of preparation is heard, but where is the thunderbolt to fall ? 
 The Spaniards no doubt have the greatest cause for suspicion, were 
 there no other reasons than the common and daily talk of the people. 
 To this may be added the feelings of the new King, significant of the 
 displeasure excited by his treatment in Spain on the occasion of his 
 visit there. It is intended to raise ten thousand soldiers and six 
 thousand sailors ; that is, to press or compel them to serve, according to 
 the Royal prerogative which in this country enables Kings to force their 
 subjects to serve and to man such armaments. 
 
 It is also proposed to raise more troops to reinforce the four regi- 
 ments which are maintained at the expense of this country in the service 
 of the Dutch, and to fill up the ranks under Mansfeldt ; but till such 
 time as Parliament meets, to provide subsidies for these and other ex- 
 penses .the government of the King must get ou badly with so many 
 undertakings in hand. For — reckoning the expenses of the funeral of 
 King James, of the coronation of King Charles, the outlay for his 
 public entry into the City, his marriage, together with the maintenance 
 of so many Frenchmen who will come in the suite of the Royal bride, 
 and lastly, the allowances for the receptions of so many Ambassadors 
 Extraordinary, who will arrive from various countries to offer condo- 
 lences and congratulations — at least three hundred thousand, pounds will 
 be required, without counting the cost of the Navy and of the troops in 
 Holland which will be very great. Such however is the popularity of 
 a war with Spain that it is believed that Parliament will willingly pro- 
 vide mouey. 
 
 It is said that, since the death of King James, Mansfeldt will be free 
 to do all in his power to damage the Spaniards; the commission which 
 prevented him doing so has expired and it has not been renewed, at 
 all events, with similar conditions. 
 
 It is reported that the Dutch, under the command of Henry of Nassau 
 brother of the Prince of Orange, are ready to take the field with fifty 
 thousand cavalry, and are to make an effort to succour Breda, so that we 
 may soon expect to hear an account of a great battle. If the Spaniards 
 know how, or are able to resist attacks on so many sides, they will 
 indeed prove themselves to be brave men ; but it is doubted here 
 whether they can possibly resist, however brave they may be.
 
 8 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 MSS. op With respect to the alliance with France, it is pushed on all sides. It 
 
 Esq. is consequently eagerly desired here that the espousals should take place 
 
 before the meeting of Parliament. By the last intelligence received 
 from the Court of His Most Christian Majesty, from the Secretary of 
 one of the English Ambassadors, we learn that the French King has 
 resolved to complete the negotiations without waiting for the Pope's dis- 
 pensation, and that he will not ask for any security for the treatment of 
 the Catholics, but will trust to the word of His Majesty. Such is the 
 prevalent belief here. There is naturally great apprehension on the 
 part of those most interested, who hoped at least for as much indulgence 
 under this King as under his predecessor. 
 
 A copy of the procuration to be signed by His Majesty, with reference 
 to his marriage, has been forwarded to Paris, and when these Frenchmen 
 are satisfied with the form, the completed and authentic deed will be 
 dispatched. It is understood that the draft has been returned with 
 some trifling alterations, which, not to make difficulties, His Majesty has 
 ordered to be copied, sealed with the Great Seal, and sent back. 
 
 Whether the Duke de Chevreuse is to act as proxy for His Majesty 
 at the marriage ceremony, or the brother of His Most Christian Majesty, 
 not a soul knows ; but we must have accurate intelligence in a short 
 time, more particularly with regard to the performance of the marriage 
 ceremony. 
 
 It is apparent however that, as it is necessary to sign on both sides, 
 some one must be sent from France Avith authority to do so here. 
 
 Sir Robert Anstruther, a Scotsman, has returned from his mission to 
 the Kings of Denmark and Sweden, having been sent to invite them to 
 assist the cause of the Prince Palatine. He brings news that Denmark 
 is ready to take the field with about thirty thousand men, and that 
 Sweden would be ready also with troops. This is not entirely believed ; 
 for it is known that however rich one of these powers may be it is too 
 fond of money, whilst the other possesses too little. 
 
 The plague is increasing in London, and this week twenty-four 
 deaths have been recorded. Ten parishes, of the entire one hundred 
 and twenty-one, are infected. The disease has also appeared at Dover, a 
 seaport. May it please God that it go no further ! 
 
 The Ambassador of His Most Christian Majesty shows the copy of a 
 letter from the Duke of Savoy, describing an action in the Genoese 
 State with notable loss to the Genoese. Aid has been sent from Milan. 
 Finally it is said that Genoa is in a dangerous position; but this is 
 believed only by those who wish to believe it. 
 
 London, 2nd May 1625. 
 
 These Englishmen being all engaged with their Paschal observances, 
 and attending to almost nothing but preaching and other similar 
 devotional exercises, there is little to tell you by this post.* 
 
 Sir George Goring has been again sent to the Most Christian Court, 
 to visit Her Serene Highness Madame in the name of His Majesty, who 
 had heard that she was indisposed with fever. He was also the bearer 
 of procurations signed by the King ; so that in virtue either of the one 
 or the other the marriage ceremony might be completed, His Majesty 
 being represented either by the brother of His Most Christian Majesty, 
 
 * In 1025 the Church of Rome celebrated Easter on March "- , whilst the 
 
 30th 
 
 Church of England celebrated it on April . These despatches are dated 
 
 27th 
 
 throughout by New Style. [H. B. T.]
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 9 
 
 or by the Prince de Joinville, Duke de Chevreuse, leaving the choice jjss. of 
 exclusively to the French King. The resolution to send two pro- H - D - Serine, 
 derations was taken in consequence of remarks made in France and — ' 
 
 here as to the fitness or unfitness of the Duke de Chevreuse, who was 
 selected as the King's proxy after the death of King James, and as to 
 the withdrawal of the Duke of Buckingham. The settlement of the 
 negotiations regarding the marriage must now be near, expedited as it 
 has been on all sides. It is agreed that there is no need of further 
 ratification on the part of King Charles ; that which he agreed and 
 swore to when Prince, in association with the King his father, is suffi- 
 cient. Neither the absence of the dispensation from the Pope nor any 
 other thing can now prevent the prompt performance of the ceremony 
 of marriage on Sunday next the fourth of this month ; so that we may be 
 permitted to hope that the new Queen will arrive here and be crowned 
 with her husband, thus saving many thousand pounds sterling of 
 expense 
 
 In the meanwhile we await the arrival of the Ambassador Extra- 
 ordinary from France with the usual compliments of condolence and 
 congratulation. The preparations for the reception of the most Serene 
 Bride are in progress, so that all may be done with the requisite mag- 
 nificence provided that the unhappy spread of the plague does not make 
 it necessary to receive her with less pomp in some other part of the 
 kingdom. 
 
 Owing to the expedition with which communications were made to 
 foreign Courts, notifying the death of King James and the succession of 
 His present Majesty, I learn that the messenger who visited Spain with 
 that object carried with him a statement that the Conde de Gondemar 
 might enter this country without hindrance, as he did on former 
 occasions, the King having a wish to hear him. But there is not the 
 smallest hope that his proposals can produce any good effect ; first, 
 because of the slight belief which will be accorded to him, and secondly 
 by reason of the aversion which is now more than ever observable, on 
 the part of the King as well as of his people, towards the Spaniards ; to 
 which may be added the numerous and unfavourable political circum- 
 stances which at the present moment affect Spain. The English hope 
 that with their immense fleet they may do at least as much as the 
 French and Savoyards have done — They have no small pleasure in fore- 
 casting a great success this year and also in hearing of the favourable 
 progress made in the Genoese territory, whilst they entertain an un- 
 doubting belief that after Genoa is taken the Milanese must also submit 
 to the victorious arms of France and Savoy. 
 
 Orders have just been given tc send reinforcements from the western 
 parts of England to Ireland of two thousand five hundred men, pro- 
 vided with ammunition — orders which were immediately obeyed. We 
 have just learnt that in the passage three hundred soldiers and some 
 horses have been lost, as well as all the ammunition which was consider- 
 able in quantity and value. The City of London is in treaty with His 
 Majesty to supply him with a loan of sixty thousand pounds, for which 
 he offers as security certain estates of the Crown. The transaction 
 is not yet completed, but it is well known that the citizens cannot do less 
 than advance the money which is only to be considered a loan. 
 
 Every effort is made to hasten the preparations for the funeral of the 
 late King, that it may take place on the twentieth of the month. It 
 has not been possible to perform it sooner, so great a quantity of black 
 cloth being required to dress so many people and it has been found 
 necessary to dye an infinite supply. It is whispered at Court that the 
 whole of the Catholic Nobility will be excluded from the ceremony, and
 
 10 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 MSS. op consequently from receiving like others a gift of black cloth f or them- 
 H ' D 'Esof lNE ' selves and servants. Should this turn out to be true, then, besides the 
 — insult so publicly given, it will be held to be a bad omen for all who 
 
 profess that religion ; and they are already beyond measure alarmed, 
 especially as they see that His Majesty is very zealous and punctual in 
 the observance of his professed religion, which means that, unless the 
 new Queen and her French Court help and sustain their cause, they 
 may calculate that they have seen the last of their fortunate days. 
 
 His Majesty, accompanied by the Duke of Buckingham, went privately 
 by the Thames to see a considerable portion of the ships of war which 
 are in the river. Orders have been given to repair, provision, and arm, 
 ten others ; so that there will be in all one hundred. The instructions 
 are that they are to be got ready with the utmost expedition. What is 
 to be done with this great force it has been as yet impossible to pene- 
 trate. The Spaniards are very suspicious, and not without reason ; for 
 certainly the explosion will burst on that side, notwithstanding that 
 many, and especially the officers, say that the Mediterranean is the 
 destination of the fleet. The King has selected five Members of his 
 Privy Council to unite the two Courts, his late father's and his own. It 
 is also arranged that the Duke of Buckingham is to be Lord High 
 Treasurer, the Earl of Pembroke Chamberlain, Lord Brooke and the 
 Lord Conway Secretaries of State.* These are His Majesty's select 
 confidants, who are to settle the most important affairs of State with the 
 King, which seriously mortifies other Members of the Privy Council. 
 
 It is reported that there have been twenty-five deaths from plague, 
 and that eleven parishes are affected. 
 
 London, 9th May 1625. 
 
 Whilst we waited anxiously to hear from France, during the course 
 of this week, that the ceremony of marriage took place on Sunday 
 last, the fourth instant, news arrived that it had been deferred to the 
 eleventh, that is Sunday next, because some difference of opinion had 
 arisen in the French Court as to the proxy of His Britannic Majesty, 
 and it has been thought necessary yet once more to ascertain his precise 
 wishes. An answer was instantly dispatched by express courier ; but 
 whether it contains any choice, either of the brother of the French 
 King or of the Duke de Chevreuse, I have not been able to discover. 
 
 I am aware that on this side the last is preferred, because he had 
 been first named, and had consequently made a considerable outlay in 
 preparation; also because he is a relative and confidential friend of His 
 Majesty, whilst he enjoys the reputation here of having on all occasions 
 befriended the Huguenots. 
 
 It is very possible that the French King may enter as a third party, 
 in his desire to obviate dissatisfaction in his own Court, and it is 
 possible that by this last courier he has received a third procuration. 
 Whatever the case may be, we are assured that on Sunday next the 
 marriage ceremony certainly will take place, and that on the following 
 Tuesday there are to be entertainments, and a great festivity, with 
 dancing and other amusements. On Thursday the Royal Bride will 
 commence her journey to Boulogne-on-the-Sea, to which port the Duke 
 of Buckingham, as Grand Admiral of the Kingdom, Avill proceed with 
 a fleet of ships to receive Her Majesty, and to conduct her to Dover 
 
 * Salvetti appears to allude here to the formation of a Committee of the Privy 
 Council to advise the King on foreign affairs. Perhaps from accident he omits the 
 name of Lev, who was one of the members.
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 11 
 
 where she will be met by (he King and by selected ladies of the English mss. oj 
 Court who have been commanded to be there at the time of her arrival. H " L, £ > S ^ EINE: 
 
 Sueh being the arrangement, they are making every effort to corn- — ' 
 
 plete the necessary preparations on this side. The funeral of the late 
 King will be hastened and will be celebrated on the fifteenth, instead 
 of on the twentieth of the month, as at first determined, which will be 
 precisely the day on which Queen Henrietta Maria is to leave Paris for 
 England. 
 
 On Saturday the seventeenth the King will proceed to Dover to 
 await the landing of the Queen, and it is generally believed will there 
 consummate the marriage, and thence conduct Her Majesty to London 
 where they will be crowned together. 
 
 Should the plague increase, and consequently retard this magnificent 
 fete, it will then, in that case, be regulated according to the exi- 
 gencies of the time. It is enough to know that we may see our new 
 Queen here in about twenty days, accompanied by a large suite of 
 French Clergy anil attendants. Rooms are being prepared in the 
 palace for Her Majesty and suite, but as yet there are no signs of a chapel. 
 
 It is reported at Court that His Majesty has received letters of credit 
 for four hundred thousand crowns of gold, being one half of the amount 
 of the stipulated portion of the Queen. This money arrives very 
 opportunely, so great are the causes of expenditure at the present 
 moment. 
 
 Eight ships of war are to be lent to the Most Christian King, and 
 are nearly ready to sail. They are fine vessels, and are well provisioned. 
 They will cost about four thousand pounds a month. The French 
 Ambassador made this agreement with the contractors who provide 
 everything necessary for the crews. These are to be Frenchmen, but 
 the officers are to be Englishmen ; and if it turns out that the ships are 
 to be used against Rochelle and Protestants I believe that they will 
 find the English officers indisposed to lead any such attack. 
 
 We have here at present a certain Chiaus whom the English Am- 
 bassador at Constantinople sent to Algiers to effect a peaceful agreement 
 between these corsairs and British merchants. This he has succeeded 
 in doing, and has since come to London to obtain the ratification of the 
 agreement, as well as the recompense which such people usually 
 expect — like mendicants everywhere — and which will be granted him by 
 the Company of Merchants who trade with Turkey. All his expenses 
 here will be paid. He brought with him two very beautiful Barb 
 horses and a mare which he has presented to the King. He is not 
 provided with letters, except from the English Consul at Algiers 
 directed to the Company of Merchants in London. 
 
 Twenty-six people died of plague in London this week, and nine 
 parishes are infected. 
 
 London, 16th May 1625. 
 
 We received by express courier, on Wednesday last, news of the 
 espousal of Madame of France to our King, the ceremony having taken 
 place on Sunday the 11th* of this month, at one o'clock at night, 
 from deference to I know not what precedent amongst French Princes. 
 
 On the night of the arrival of the news, bonfires were lighted, bells 
 were rung, and there were other indications of public joy expressive 
 of the general satisfaction with which the marriage is regarded. The 
 
 * The marriage was celebrated by proxy on the first of May in fiont of the great 
 west door of Notre Dame, Paris.
 
 12 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 MSB. of onlv wish expressed was to the effect that it was a pity it was not 
 ' Esq? INE ' solemnized in the morning according to the custom of the Anglican 
 — Protestant Church. 
 
 To-morrow the funeral of King James will be performed, and on the 
 twenty-first, which will be Wednesday next, His Majesty will proceed 
 to Dover, to receive his Royal Bride, accompanied by a number of ladies 
 and gentlemen whose attendance has been commanded for the service 
 of the new Queen. 
 
 It is said to be the King's intention to complete the marriage rites at 
 Dover, and afterwards to proceed to his Royal residence at Greenwich, 
 which is on the road between Dover and London, where the whole of 
 the Court and almost all the nobility will assemble; it being the King's 
 wish to celebrate the nuptials with fetes and hospitable entertainment 
 of the French who will accompany the Queen. 
 
 The Duke of Buckingham goes with His Majesty to Dover to embark 
 there with a numerous suite for Boulogne, where he will receive Her 
 Majesty and conduct her to England. There is a prevalent rumour 
 that the King, who is desirous of honouring his Royal Bride to the 
 utmost, hearing that the Queen Mother wishes to consign her daughter 
 personally to him, as well as to see and converse with him, and that 
 His Most Christian Majesty does not intend to accompany his sister 
 farther than Amiens, will embark on one of his own ships and go to 
 Boulogne to receive his Queen, and to hold an interview with the Queen 
 Mother. 
 
 Such is the talk of the Court, and many are inclined to believe that 
 the King, who is young and courageous, may thus show his regard for 
 the French, as he did when he was Prince for the Spaniards, by placing 
 himself in their hands. But there is no certainty of this. It seems to 
 me to be a result of the indiscreet fancies of the Courtiers. No doubt 
 we shall get at the facts hereafter. 
 
 In the confident belief of His Majesty that the negotiations for his 
 marriage would be completed on Sunday last, he on the same day 
 gratified his personal feelings by a first act of favour and clemency 
 towards his Catholic subjects ; for he appended his signature to five 
 mandates, submitted to him by the Ambassador of His Most Christian 
 Majesty, which are to be sealed with the Great Seal and thereafter 
 enforced, if not immediately from deference to Parliament, at all events 
 soon after its first session. 
 
 This Royal act has greatly comforted these unfortunates, who, if not 
 totally without hope, yet have been greatly alarmed. They now have 
 some confidence that the King, notwithstanding his zeal and great 
 partiality for his religion and its professors, will punctually observe all 
 which he has promised, especially if France from time to time refreshes 
 his memory. 
 
 The five ordinances are as follows First, that Lord Conway, First 
 Secretary of State, has authority to publish generally and to every one 
 the desire of His Majesty that all shall desist from molesting Catholics 
 on account of their religion. 
 
 The second and third. That letters shall be directed to the two 
 Metropolitan Archbishops of Canterbury and of York commanding 
 them to abstain from any proceedings whatsoever against the Catholics, 
 as also that they are no longer to inflict fines upon them for refusing to 
 attend Protestant churches on Sunday. 
 
 Fourthly. That the Lord High Treasurer of the kingdom be in- 
 structed to restore to the said Catholics all the written obligations to 
 pay money which he has received since the feast of St. John till the 
 present time, and he is ordered not to receive any more till the next
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 13 
 
 coming feast of St. John, giving discharge and quittance for the said M88. of 
 period, as if they had actually paid the money hitherto cither collected U ' h 'if^ iyE ' 
 
 or to be collected in virtue of any or whatsoever Parliamentary statute 
 
 or other law. The fifth and last ordinance is an express instruction to 
 the Lord Keeper of the Great Seal commanding him to intimate the 
 will of the King to all Judges, Treasurers, Justices of the Peace, and 
 equally to all in office, whether temporal or spiritual, to refrain from 
 molesting the Catholics on account of their religion ; and that, should any 
 complain of being so molested, measures shall be adopted for their 
 protection. 
 
 The Catholics are assured by the Most Christian Ambassador that 
 His Majesty, equally of his good will, will include them in the general 
 pardon which English Kings always grant their subjects on the day of 
 coronation ; by which they will be exempted from the action of the 
 infinity of penal laws against them, even should they remain for any 
 reason whatsoever contumacious till that day. 
 
 As it has not been possible to cash the bills of exchange for four 
 hundred thousand crowns, the half of the Queen's marriage portion, in 
 London, they have been returned to the merchant in Paris who under- 
 took the payment. He has been requested to provide and transmit the 
 money to Calais in Spanish doubloons. At Calais it will be taken on 
 board by one of His Majesty's ships to be brought safely to England. 
 
 A fortnight hence the eight ships of war borrowed by the French 
 Ambassador, which are to include a Galleon the property of His 
 Majesty, will be ready to sail. It is hoped here that His Most Christian 
 Majesty, having important foreign affairs to attend to, may therefore 
 come to an accommodation with his Huguenot subjects, so that he will 
 not use these ships against them, but to assist his projects against the 
 Genoese and the Spaniards, as the English so greatly wish. 
 
 On Tuesday an Ambassador Extraordinary arrived from France, with 
 messages of condolence and also of congratulation to His Majesty. 
 His Excellency has been welcomed with the ceremonies usual on such 
 occasions, and is lodged at the public expense in the palace assigned to 
 the Embassy. 
 
 The Ambassador was presented to the King on Wednesday, being the 
 first public audience which he has held since the death of his father, 
 and he was most graciously received, the interview being of a very 
 satisfactory character on both sides. At an appointed hour both tin; 
 French Ambassadors returned privately to the palace, by the river, and 
 were met at the landing stairs by the Duke of Buckingham who con- 
 veyed them to His Majesty's presence where they remained in intimate 
 conference for about an hour, and similar visits have been repeat 
 every day. 
 
 The preparation of the naval armament proceeds actively, and I 
 believe that next week they will begin to press men to serve on board 
 as soldiers and sailors. The Duke of Buckingham still speaks of going 
 in command of the fleet, but few believe that he will do so. It is rather 
 thought that it will be sent to sea in the name of the Prince Palatine, 
 and under his command, with the object of inflicting injury on the 
 Spaniards without an open declaration of war. These statements can 
 have but little foundation in fact. 
 
 Many triumphal arches and other decorations are being provided 
 the City for the public entrance of Their Majesties, but this ceremony, 
 together with the coronation, has been postponed till the end of the 
 month of September ; consequently the citizens have relaxed their 
 preparations.
 
 14 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 MSS. ov The City has paid the sum of sixty thousand pounds, borrowed by 
 
 H. D. Skbine, jjj s Majesty on certain securities, which will serve till such time as 
 
 ' Parliament provides a larger sum for the various pecuniary demands of 
 
 daily occurrence. 
 
 The plague unhappily increases. Thirty persons died this week ; but 
 the people have not yet taken alarm, and no one has left the City. 
 
 London, 23rd May 1625. 
 
 The funeral of King James took place on Saturday last in the presence 
 of his son King Charles, and of all the Nobility and officials of the realm 
 to the number of five thousand, all dressed in mourning at the Royal 
 expense. I transmit in a separate despatch, as His Serene Highness 
 will observe, an ample and detailed description of the funeral ceremony. 
 
 Both the French Ambassadors attended till the effigy of the late K ing 
 was deposited under the canopy in the choir of Westminster Abbey, 
 after which, making their reverence to King Charles, they retired from 
 the church. The Venetian Ambassador also received the necessary 
 supply of black cloth from Court, but his Excellency, not having been 
 informed — as he asserts — that the French Ambassadors intended to take 
 part, and not wishing to be the only Ambassador present, did not 
 attend. He was at the Duchess of Richmond's, observing the procession 
 from a window, and when he saw the French Ambassadors and their 
 suites he was greatly surprised and mortified. No sooner was the 
 funeral over than he complained in person to the Lord Chamberlain, who 
 replied that the Master of Ceremonies had orders to invite him, and to 
 afford him the necessary information for his guidance, that he had done 
 so to the French Ambassadors, and the Chamberlain could not under- 
 stand why His Excellency had not been treated in the same manner. 
 Dissatisfied with this answer, the Ambassador requested an audience of 
 the King, and laid his complaint before His Majesty, requesting that the 
 functionary should be publicly censured, and stating that otherwise 
 he must communicate with the Republic. 
 
 It appears that, to patch up this question to His Excellency's satisfac- 
 tion, the flood of his wrath must be poured out upon the head of 
 the Master of Ceremonies, whose defence however has not yet been 
 heard. 
 
 At Court there is a secret belief that the absence of the Venetian was 
 the result of a French stratagem, the Ambassadors having given out that 
 they did not mean to attend, knowing that, if they did not do so 
 the Venetian would not. On the day of the funeral they proceeded 
 privately to the palace where the procession was to commence, and, 
 whatever their motive, they gave no hint of their intention to the Master 
 of Ceremonies, nor to the Venetian Ambassador whom they saw and 
 conversed with on various occasions. 
 
 Sir George Goring returned from France on Saturday with intelligence 
 that the Queen would leave Paris for England on the twenty-second 
 current. His Majesty will go to Dover on the twenty-sixth, but, from 
 deference to the wishes of the Queen who desires to repose after her sea 
 voyage, he will not receive her on her disembarkation. It is probable 
 therefore that the King will stop at Canterbury ; although 1 do not 
 believe that he will be so phlegmatic as to remain there beyond the day 
 of the Queen's landing, but [I suppose] that he will go to Dover to 
 meet her on the following day. 
 
 With regard to the prevalent belief that His Majesty would go to 
 Boulogne, it lias now cooled down. The sudden dispatch of the Duke of 
 Buckingham to France, accompanied by the Earl of Montgomery, Sir 
 Albertus Morton, Sir George Goring, and servants, concentrates
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 15 
 
 attention. It is reported that the Duke is to proceed to Amiens to mss. of 
 receive and escort the Royal Bride, but the presence of two Secretaries of H " D, E ^^ RlXE ' 
 State, and the arrival of an express courier from the mission, show that — ■ 
 
 there is matter of more importance than even the reception ot the 
 Queen. In a short time this matter will be cleared up. 
 
 The Earl of Rutland, father-in-law of the Duke, is to proceed with His 
 Majesty's ships io bring the Queen from Boulogne with her attendants, 
 who arc said to be two thousand in number. 
 
 The days for the public entrance of Their Majesties into London 
 and for the Coronation are not yet fixed, nor whether these ceremonies 
 should take place after the Queen's arrival, or should be delayed to the 
 month of October, as then they might be celebrated with more 
 magnificence than is at present possible. 
 
 The eight ships of war for His Most Christian Majesty are now ready, 
 and are waiting for a fair wind to leave the river. 
 
 The naval preparations make rapid progress, and His Majesty this 
 week gave orders to press ten thousand sailors for the fleet. They are 
 to be sent to Plymouth, and each man is to be provided with a great-coat 
 of a military shape, all at the expense of the counties where the men are 
 raised. The great-coats are to be consigned without fail in the month 
 of June. Thus those who have persisted in believing that the warlike 
 preparations have been a mere demonstration will find themselves mis- 
 taken. It may now be concluded that the fleet will be ready to put to 
 sea at the end of June. It is true that the commanders are not yet 
 appointed ; but this may be quickly done, especially if, as some say, they 
 will select English veterans now serving in Holland. 
 
 The Duke of Buckingham still professes his willingness to go in per- 
 son in command of the fleet, but few believe that he will do so ; whilst 
 no one is able to penetrate the secret of the use that is to be made of this 
 great force, for it is admirably kept. Every-day-talk on the part of 
 numbers of people indicates Spain and its Colonies as the objects of 
 attack, whilst some insist that the fleet will enter the Italian Sea, and go 
 against Naples and Sicily. This does not sound probable, nor even that 
 the expedition is to sail in that direction. 
 
 The French Ambassador Extraordinary had his audience of leave on 
 Sunday, and on the following Wednesday he departed for France. The 
 King presented him with a magnificent jewel, consisting of his portrait 
 set in diamonds on the lid of a box, and at the audience His Majesty 
 took a diamond ring off his finger and gave it to His Excellency. The 
 value of these jewels is eight thousand crowns in gold. 
 
 Lord Baltimore, with all his family, has gone to Ireland where he has 
 large estates. 
 
 The plague increases in virulence. Forty-five persons died this week, 
 and thirteen parishes are infected. 
 
 Account of the Funeral 
 
 of James First, King of Great Britain, France and Ireland. The body 
 of the King, as stated in a former dispatch, was transported from the 
 Royal residence of Theobalds to London on the seventeenth of April last, 
 and was deposited in the palace of the late Queen Anne, where it re- 
 mained till the seventeenth of May, being watched daily with every 
 mark of respect and ceremony, as during his lifetime, by the members of 
 the Royal Household. The rooms of the palace were hung from floor 
 to ceiling with black cloth, and the bed chamber with black velvet. 
 The body, which was embalmed and placed in a leaden coffin, Avas 
 deposited under the bier, and a figure, an excellent likeness of the late
 
 16 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 King, lay on it dressed in the Royal costume and robes, with the Imperial 
 crown upon its head, the sceptre in the right hand, and the globe in the 
 left. At night the body was watched in turn by nobles, and other 
 members of the Court, who relieved each other. 
 
 On each side of the bed there were three candlesticks of silver, of the 
 value of one thousand five hundred crowns each, which the present King 
 had ordered to be made in Spain. At night only were the wax torches 
 lighted. Two days before the funeral the body was removed by a 
 private stair and placed in another bier in the presence chamber, whilst 
 the other, with its canopy, was moved into the guardroom. Kis 
 Majesty, attended by the Court and Heralds, was present at the movement 
 of the body. 
 
 The following was the order of the funeral procession which took 
 place on the twelfth of May. The procession, commencing at Denmark 
 House, was headed by four hundred poor men dressed in black their 
 cloaks reaching the ground. These were followed by the servants of the 
 nobles, knights, and gentlemen of the Court, dressed with long black 
 cloaks and marching according to the order of precedence of their masters. 
 Afterthem came all the Ministers of the Chapel Royal in magnificent copes 
 which had belonged to their Catholic predecessors. They sang I know 
 not what hymns. Next came the G-entlemen, Knights, Barons, Bishops, 
 Viscounts, Earls, Marquises, Dukes, and folloAving these the Metro- 
 politan of England the Archbishop of Canterbury, all dressed in long 
 black robes with certain appropriate differences in the shapes dis- 
 tinctive of their ranks. Amongst the Gentlemen, Knights, and Nobles, 
 marched the Aldermen of the City of London, and the Lord Mayor who 
 was placed near the Royal body. After all these came the French Am- 
 bassadors with long black robes borne by twelve French gentlemen in 
 attendance upon each, their trains being each five yards in length. Im- 
 mediately after the Ambassadors certain Gentlemen of the Royal House- 
 hold carried the late King's sword, helmet, gauntlets, coat of mail and 
 other armour, and the golden spurs ; others bearing the arms of England, 
 and some one thing and some another, in front of the bier. After all 
 these came the effigy of the King, richly dressed and crowned and laid 
 on the bier, which was supported on a funeral car open on all sides and 
 covered with black velvet ; the car being drawn by six horses, caparisoned 
 in black velvet, with black feathers on their heads, aud guided by two 
 coachmen and twenty-four grooms who assisted at the car, all being 
 dressed in black velvet ; whilst on the car were two Gentlemen of the 
 Royal Chamber dressed in black cloth, one placed at the head and the 
 other at the feet of the effigy which they appeared to support. Around 
 the car twelve knights supported a black velvet canopy, whilst certain 
 Earls and other gentlemen bore the train of the Royal mantle. Imme- 
 diately after the car His Majesty King Charles followed under a canopy of 
 black' cloth. He was dressed with a long black robe with a black hood. 
 the train being borne by twelve sons of Nobles of the Court. On the 
 King's right hand was the Earl of Arundell, Earl Marshal of the King- 
 dom, and on his left the Earl of Rutland, both of whom supported His 
 Majesty, and both were dressed in black robes with hoods. The Duke of 
 Buckingham, as Master of the Horse, followed leading the Royal steed. 
 The Duke was dressed like the others, the horse caparisoned in black 
 velvet embroidered with silver and pearls. Twelve standards repre- 
 senting the Kingdoms and Dominions followed, carried by Knights, 
 Viscounts and Earls, and accompanied by two Heralds and by horses 
 caparisoned in black, being twelve horses, besides the Royal horse, six 
 being covered with black cloth and six with velvet.
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. ] 7 
 
 In the church ;i sumptuous catafalque bad been erected, covered with MSB. of 
 black velvet, embroidered with the arms of his Kingdoms and Dominions, H " D 'e 5 sq RiNE * 
 on which the figure representing the late King was laid, his body having — 
 
 been buried during the night. The Bishop of Lincoln, Lord Keeper of 
 the Great Seal, preached a sermon in which he lauded the late King ; 
 after which King Charles, going near a table where the high altar of the 
 church had formerly stood, sat down on a seat prepared for him, where 
 there passed before him the twelve standards and all the other emblems 
 or things belonging to the late King his father, and then rising was 
 conducted by the Heralds to make his offering of gold and silver, in a 
 large silver basin, being followed by all the Nobility and others present 
 according to their grades and respective dignities. These offerings 
 were formerly given to the poor, but are now the property of the 
 ministers of the church. The offerings being made the ceremonies 
 ended with certain music and prayers, not however for the dead. The 
 number of persons taking part in the ceremony was about five thousand, 
 and the cost two hundred thousand crowns. 
 
 London, 30th May 1625. 
 
 On Tuesday last Parliament ought to have met, but, as His Majesty 
 with a considerable portion of the nobility are about to start, for Dover 
 to receive the Queen, it has been again prorogued till the eleventh of 
 June, it being believed that His Majesty, with his Royal Bride, will then 
 be in London. Should this not be so, Parliament will be again pro- 
 rogued, for it is not wished that it should meet till the Queen is 
 here. 
 
 I mentioned in my dispatch of last week the sudden journey of the 
 Duke of Buckingham to France, which is still the subject of speculation. 
 To ascertain the real meaning of his mission information must be 
 obtained from the French, as here we can learn nothing. The fact that 
 the Duke is accompanied by a Secretary of State leads me to believe that 
 his embassy must be for the purpose of endeavouring to come to an 
 understanding with reference to the treaty for the league which France 
 would neither allow to precede nor to accompany that for the marriage. 
 The treaty has been earnestly desired here. Its failure involves loss of 
 credit, and there is an unwillingness to believe that some new difficulty 
 has arisen to make so sudden an embassy needful. 
 
 The Venetian Ambassador has not yet received satisfaction on 
 account of his not being present, with the other Ambassadors at the 
 funeral of the late King. Although His Majesty has promised to do him 
 justice, and a gentleman, the Master of the Ceremonies, has been im- 
 prisoned as the culprit. His Excellency however does not consider this 
 sufficient, and has written to his Republic to ask for instructions. He 
 will not consent to take notice of the suggestion that the French 
 Ambassadors have had some hand in the affair, which the Courtiers here 
 believe. 
 
 The eight ships lent to the French King are now at anchor in the 
 Downs, waiting for a favourable wind to sail for France. 
 
 The soldiers and sailors for the great fleet are being raised in the 
 provinces, and are marching to Plymouth, a port, on the west side of this 
 island, looking towards Spain. This will be the place d'armes, for the 
 whole of the month of June, to which Colonel Ogle, a veteran from the 
 army in Flanders, will be sent next week, to meet the troops and to 
 take the command till two thousand experienced soldiers, with the 
 requisite number of officers, come from Holland. The King, by a special 
 messenger, asked the States to allow him to recall these veterans whose 
 places he will supply from the new levies. When the required force is 
 U 25533. u
 
 18 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 MSS. of collected, commanders will be appointed, and then the crews and 
 ' *Esq EI ' regiments will be divided amongst the ships. 
 
 — ~~ Various instruments of warfare are being prepared, such as petards, 
 
 spades, pickaxes for mining, gun carriages and such like things, showing 
 clearly that it is intended to operate on land. But where ? It is not 
 known where. No one, except the King, the Duke of Buckingham and 
 Lord Conway, has any part in the council and management of this 
 undertaking. 
 
 Notwithstanding this secrecy people believe that a considerable por- 
 tion of this force will go to the Mediterranean, at all events those ships 
 which have been coppered. It is asserted that that sea is full of a certain 
 sort of worm which consumes the bottoms of ships much more than is 
 the case in the ocean. Wherever they go it is to be in the name of the 
 Prince Palatine, called here the King of Bohemia, with the object of 
 maintaining outwardly a semblance of peace with Spain. But it is im- 
 possible to disguise the hostile feelings of this people, and an open rupture 
 is sooner or later inevitable. 
 
 The people of Dunkirk a few days ago lost one of their war ships on 
 the coast of England. Whilst defending itself against a Dutch ship it was 
 run ashore. 
 
 The crew escaped to the land, leaving their vessel to the waves, and 
 the Dutch have picked up twenty-four pieces of artillery. 
 
 The Duke of Buckingham, on embarking for France at Dover, left au 
 order to detain all vessels and boats arriving from Dunkirk, or any other 
 part of the dominions of Her Highness of Brussels. This measure will 
 show the Spaniards that no price is set on their good will.. 
 
 The plague advances. There have been thirty * deaths, and it has 
 spread to twelve parishes in the heart of the City. 
 
 London, 6th June 1625. 
 
 Yesterday evening news arrived that our Queen had left Paris on her 
 way to England, being accompanied by the Queen Mother and the Queen 
 Regnant as far as Boulogne-on-the-Sea. 
 
 Our King will not depart to receive her at Dover before Wednesday 
 next, the eleventh of this month, which will be precisely the day on 
 which his Queen leaves Amiens. In the meanwhile His Majesty has 
 given orders to publish a proclamation prohibiting every one not a member 
 of the Court, or not named to attend Their Majesties, to follow the 
 Court, whether on the journey to Dover or to any other place where 
 Their Majesties may be this summer, or to approach their persons within 
 a distance of twelve miles, with various other orders calculated to pre- 
 vent the people from meeting them, or from following them from place 
 to place. All these precautionary measures being taken on account of 
 the plague which every day gains force, and which is greatly spread in 
 this city, the deaths this week having been twenty-eight.f 
 
 Intelligence came to hand last week of the arrival of the Duke of 
 Buckingham at the Most Christian Court, and of his reception there in 
 the most gracious manner by Their Majesties, but we have not been able 
 to learn what is the object of his visit. I am however still of opinion, 
 as I have already mentioned, that His Excellency is gone to make a last 
 effort to induce the French to establish, on a firm basis, the offensive and 
 defensive league which the English so eagerly desired should be 
 negotiated at the same time as the marriage. The treaty of marriage 
 
 * There is obviously a clerical error here. 
 
 f There is here evidently an error of statement.
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 19 
 
 was however ratified without reference to the league, and I have no doubt M|S. of 
 that difficulties are now made by the French. ' Esq. 
 
 Immediately on his arrival in Paris the Duke sent for a portion of 
 the rich dresses which were made when it was intended that he should 
 go to France to act as the King's proxy at the marriage. This step is 
 interpreted here as meaning that he is to make use of them on the occa- 
 sion of another great ceremony ; but, however this may be, there are few 
 who believe that he will be able to accomplish that treaty which they 
 maintain was promised before the marriage, and which is here so 
 anxiously desired as upon it must depend all the resolves and enterprises 
 which are now hatching. 
 
 Parliament will not meet till the Duke returns, therefore His Majesty 
 has again prorogued it to the twenty-third of the present month. 
 
 The captain of the ship of war from Dunkirk which was driven on 
 shore on the coast near Dover has been imprisoned with his crew. The 
 Spanish Envoy complained to His Majesty, and requested redress ; but the 
 only reply vouchsafed has been, that English subjects are daily treated 
 in the same manner on Spanish territory, and that it is necessary to think 
 of a satisfactory arrangement on both sides, with other statements of the 
 most general character, upon receiving which the Spaniard at once 
 dispatched a courier to Spain with a report on the subject for His Most 
 Catholic Majesty. 
 
 London, 13th June 1625. 
 
 As soon as the departure of the Queen from Paris was made known 
 here, six ladies of rank went across the sea to meet Her Majesty at 
 Boulogne. 
 
 The most distinguished of these are^ the Countess of Buckingham, 
 the Countess of Denbigh, and the Marchioness of Hamilton. The first 
 mother, the second sister, and the third niece, of the Duke of Bucking- 
 ham. Others of the Nobility, both gentlemen and ladies, will go to Dover 
 on Monday to await the arrival of the Queen, and the day after they 
 will be followed by Members of the Privy Council. 
 
 It is not certain that the King will go to Boulogne to meet the Queen. 
 He may do so if the Queen Mother comes so far, and it is fully believed 
 that she will do so. Anyhow it is hoped that the Queen will reach 
 England two days hence. 
 
 Their Majesties, after a night's rest at Dover, will proceed to Canterbury, 
 twelve miles distant, where magnificent preparations have been made 
 for their reception, and where the confirmation, declaration, and eon- 
 summation of the marriage will take place. The solemnities at Canter- 
 bury being completed, Her Majesty will be conducted to the Eoyal 
 residence at Greenwich, where Their Majesties will remain, till the days 
 can be fixed for the state entrance into London, and for the coronation, 
 unless the progress of the plague makes it necessary to defer these 
 ceremonials to a more favourable time. The court has thrown aside its 
 mournings during the present festivities, to resume them afterwards. 
 
 With regard to the mission of the Duke of Buckingham to the Most 
 Christian Court, it is still believed that its object is the league in the 
 first place. There are others, however, and probably the opportunity 
 may be taken to try to defeat the negotiations of the Cardinal Legate ; 
 but there can be no certainty that His Excellency will hit the mark. 
 It is very difficult to believe that the French will take a course opposed 
 to the Legate at a time when the universal peace of Christendom is in 
 question. 
 
 The Duke has been received with extraordinary courtesy ; and noble 
 gifts have been presented to him by Their Majesties which are the only 
 
 B 2
 
 20 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 MSS. of results of his mission. The gifts are said to be of great value, and to 
 H ' D 'esq RINE ' include that famous bronze horse which His Christian Majesty received 
 — from Rome from Signer Rucellai.* 
 
 We have not yet heard whether the eight ships of war have sailed 
 from the Downs, but it would be well if they could accompany the 
 squadron which is to receive Her Majesty at Boulogne. 
 
 It is obvious that the great fleet will not be ready to put to sea so 
 soon as has been expected. The provisions on board having been 
 inspected by the officers, they find that there are not enough to last 
 during a voyage of six or eight months, according to the contract ; 
 and, worse still, a great part of the salted beef and pork is spoilt. It 
 has been necessary to kill a number of animals this week to make up 
 the quantity and the loss. This must of necessity delay the time for 
 the sailing of the expedition at least till the middle of July. There is 
 also the further danger that the new meat may spoil like the first 
 supply ; this being an unsuitable season for salting which is usually 
 done in winter. 
 
 In the meanwhile the troops are being disciplined, and Colonel 
 Ogle has been provided with one hundred thousand crowns in cash for 
 this purpose. 
 
 The news of the surrender of Breda to the Marquis Spinola, which 
 reached us here yesterday, has been received with an amount of chagrin 
 which may be readily imagined. 
 
 Sixty-seven persons have died this week of plague, being nine less 
 than last week; but, prevalent as it is in the very heart of the City, the 
 people are much afraid of it ; and, were it not for the anticipated arrival 
 of the new Queen, all the Nobility would at this hour have gone to the 
 country. 
 
 London, 20th June 1625. 
 
 For ten days the Court has been absent from London, consequently 
 we are deprived of news of every kind. The King left Canterbury, 
 and went to Dover, accompanied by five or six only of his suite, of the 
 highest rank, leaving the rest of the Court, as it was still believed 
 that he would embark in one of his ships for Boulogne to receive his 
 Queen and to hold an interview with the Queen Mother, but whether 
 on sea or land we do not know. 
 
 It is the wish of all that he should not make the voyage, nor expose 
 himself to possible perils, but that he should be satisfied to receive 
 Her Majesty in England without going through this formality. The 
 French Ambassador accompanied the King to Dover, and it is said that 
 he has gone to meet Their Majesties at Boulogne. 
 
 The Duke of Buckingham remained in Paris, after the departure of 
 the King of France for Amiens with his sister, that he might promote 
 the negotiations regarding the league and defeat those of the Cardinal 
 Legate. 
 
 Sir Albertus Morton, Secretary of State and Member of the Privy 
 Council, who accompanied the Duke to France, returned here three 
 days ago, and yesterday went to Dover to meet the King. Knowing 
 nothing of what he may have brought from the Christian Court regard- 
 ing the negotiations of the Duke, still it is evident that there can no 
 longer be that certainty of success which was anticipated before the 
 settlement of the marriage. 
 
 As to the great naval armament, I can confirm what I have said 
 already ; the active preparations continue, but it is now said that English 
 
 * Daniello Ricchirelli.
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 21 
 
 projects are thus far disconcerted. The Marquis Spinola has been set JPskkine 
 free for action by the success at Breda — the schemes of England as to ' e'sq. 
 France have failed — the Earl of Holland, who was to command the 
 troops lately raised, is dead in Holland — finally, intelligence has arrived 
 that the Spaniards have assembled powerful forces, in Italy and elsewhere, 
 so that the French and Savoyards are not able to do more at Genoa. 
 
 The eight ships of Avar lent to the French are now at Dover, and are 
 to join the others which are going to Boulogne to escort the Queen. 
 
 Two English merchant ships have been seized on these coasts by 
 His Majesty's ships. They were proceeding from Spain to Dunkirk 
 with cargoes which did not belong to His Catholic Majesty or to 
 private merchants. Nothing can be worse than present prospects — 
 peace cannot be maintained — in fact there remains a mere appearance 
 of it, and it is only a matter of punctilio as to which side shall first 
 declare war. 
 
 The plague augments in virulence — ninety-one have died this week 
 in different parts of the centre of London. The number ninety-one 
 agrees with the official report issued by the magistrates every week, 
 but I believe that owing to the wish to detain the Nobility here as long 
 as possible the real mortality is concealed. The common average of 
 deaths in one week in London is from one hundred and thirty to one 
 hundred and eighty. This week the sum rose to four hundred and 
 forty-five, of which the excess above one hundred and eighty no doubt 
 may be attributed to the contagion. 
 
 I have this moment received intelligence from Dover that the 
 Secretary of the Ambassador of Savoy resident at Paris had arrived 
 there, and was admitted to an audience of His Majesty ; but it is 
 not known what was the subject of conference. 
 
 The King, having dined on one of his ships of war, returned to 
 Canterbury without having crossed to Boulogne. He sent the Earl 
 Marshal to Dover to wait for and receive Her Majesty on her landing, 
 which is expected to take place to-day. It is now said that the Queen 
 Mother not having come to Boulogne, as was intended, His Majesty was 
 induced to change his mind as to going there. 
 
 London. 27th June 1625. 
 
 At last the Royal bride and Queen has arrived in this country, having 
 landed at the harbour of Dover on Sunday last, at twenty-three o'clock,* 
 being received by the Earl of Arundell, and by other nobles sent for the 
 purpose by the King, who had returned to Canterbury after he had 
 learnt that the Queen Mother had no intention of coming to Boulogne, 
 and that his Queen had repeated her desire to rest at Dover after 
 the effects of the sea voyage. His Majesty, however, hastened to Dover 
 the following day, in the most private manner, to see and visit his 
 Queen ; and, having dined with her, he conducted her that afternoon to 
 Canterbury. At a distance of three miles from that city Their Majesties 
 were met, upon a spacious plain, by a numerous and magnificent 
 assemblage of ladies and gentlemen, who had for fifteen days awaited in 
 that neighbourhood the arrival of the Queen. 
 
 The marriage ceremonies and rites were completed at Canterbury, and 
 the following day Their Majesties reached London, coming by water in a 
 Bu centaur towed by a galley, accompanied by many other vessels filled 
 
 * The writer reckons the hour from sunset to sunset in the Italian method. As 
 he dates his letters hy New Style it appears that Queen Henrietta arrived at Dover 
 
 soon after seven o'clock on the evening of Sunday, June [H. B. T.] 
 
 • 22nd.
 
 22 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 J|SS. of with Nobility. Great joy was expressed on their arrival in London, — 
 
 Esq. bonfires were lighted, bells were rung, and two hundred ships, arranged 
 
 in the river, saluted them with all the cannon and musketry which they 
 
 had on board. This really was a most extraordinary spectacle, and it 
 
 delighted the French visitors. 
 
 To-morrow Parliament will begin after having been so often pro- 
 rogued from the desire that the Queen should be here ; and on Sunday 
 the twenty-ninth there will be a great festival at Whitehall, on the 
 formal public proclamation of the marriage. It is said that the coro- 
 nation of Their Majesties will take place as soon as possible, but in 
 comparative privacy on account of the plague which increases out of 
 all measure in the City ; so that all idea of the usual ceremonial is given 
 up, as well as of the public entrance into London, till such time as it can 
 take place with greater safety. We shall probably know soon what is 
 decided. The English are evidently much pleased with their new 
 Queen, and especially praise her courteous demeanour on her first entry 
 into their city, wishing however that she was a little taller, which 
 would be an advantage, being for her age somewhat little and rather 
 pallid. 
 
 The Secretary of State, Sir Albertus Morton, who came back from 
 France lately, was dispatched on Monday to Holland. This sudden 
 measure leads to much talk. It is obvious that his negotiations must in 
 some way be connected with those conducted in France by the Duke of 
 Buckingham, although he returned without having obtained that success 
 which was anticipated and so earnestly desired here. It is hoped that 
 on a second visit to the French Court he may then win a victory. In 
 the meanwhile a Secretary has been sent to Holland to mediate with 
 these States on matters of importance which affect the common cause. 
 
 It is not easy to contemplate with a quiet mind the residence of the 
 Conde de Gondomar at the Court of His Most Christian Majesty, 
 knowing his great ability and dexterity in negotiations, especially if his 
 instructions are directed towards the establishment of general peace, 
 which in the actual state and humour of this people would be in no 
 respect satisfactory. It is wished to do all that is possible to renovate 
 the ancient valour of this nation by taking up arms, and to induce 
 neighbours to embark with it in the same action. 
 
 The loss of Breda, which is so deeply felt, and the lessened hope in the 
 success of the French and Savoyards against Genoa, may still change the 
 compass here. But, however this may be, the naval armament is pushed 
 on with the greatest diligence, so earnest is the wish that it should be 
 got ready for sea, although there is now little hope of that being possible 
 before the end of July. 
 
 The eight ships lent to the King of France have at last sailed. They 
 are admirable vessels and well provisioned, and are lent willingly 
 provided it is understood that they are to be employed against the 
 Genoese and in no case against the Huguenots. 
 
 There have died of plague this week one hundred and sixty-five 
 victims, according to the published report; but it is believed that there 
 must be more than three hundred, for it has spread so much that few 
 parishes are now free from it. 
 
 London, 4th July 1625. 
 I informed you last week of the arrival in London of our new Queen. 
 I have now to add that on Tuesday last, in the Boyal Palace of White- 
 hall, the ceremony of the formal proclamation of the marriage took place, 
 in the presence of Their Majesties, of the Duke de Chevreuse, of the
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 23 
 
 French Ambassadors aud of all the Nobility. Nothing could be more n^2nra 
 splendid than this festival. " esq- 
 
 The King on this occasion dined in public ; without the Queen, how- 
 ever, who dined in her own apartment. The Duke de Chevreuse and 
 the French Ambassadors dined with His Majesty. Her Majesty the 
 Queen since her arrival has not shown herself, except to her French 
 attendants, being somewhat indisposed ; so that Tuesday was the first 
 day that she was seen in public. It is true that she went by the river 
 to Denmark House, but in the most private manner, there being no 
 chapel at Whitehall but only a very small oratory in which no privacy 
 is possible. 
 
 On Saturday last the 28th of June His Majesty opened Parliament, 
 the Queen not being present not having yet entirely recovered from the 
 effects of her sea voyage ; but the Duke and Duchess de Chevreuse, the 
 two French Ambassadors, and a number of other Frenchmen attended, 
 as also the Venetian Ambassador, that they might Avitness the ceremony. 
 The King appeared in his Koyal robes, with the crown upon his head, 
 followed by his Nobility, with their robes, according to their various 
 ranks. His Majesty, having seated himself upon the throne, commenced 
 his speech, exoressing himself as briefly as possible, owing to a defect or 
 impediment of his tongue as well as from want of experience. Not- 
 withstanding he explained himself exceedingly well, and with decision ; 
 saying that the King his father, of happy memory, having abandoned the 
 treaties with his allies to satisfy Parliament, had consequently resigned 
 himself to drawing the sword for the recovery of the patrimony of the 
 Prince Palatine. 
 
 As at that time he was a Member of Parliament, by its desire and 
 with its consent, he had pleaded with his father in favour of that policy ; 
 and he trusted now that he was their King, and still young, that not 
 only would they aid him with their counsel, but would also effectively 
 and powerfully succour him, in the best way to enable him to maintain, 
 both by land and sea, the established policy, which, with their advice, the 
 King his father had undertaken ; placing before them the facts that not 
 only his honour, but also that of the nation, was so pledged by antici- 
 pation that it was impossible to retreat, and that therefore whatever 
 they did they should do it quickly. Time and the plague, which hung 
 over all if they remained long in this city, required the acceleration of 
 business ; and he promised them that if they limited themselves to this 
 point only, without entering into affairs of less consequence, he would 
 call them together wherever they might desire, that they might debate 
 and continue the consideration not only of this but of other matters ; 
 concluding his speech by a declaration of his religious faith, showing it 
 to be that in which he was born and educated, and in which he desired 
 to live and die, although certain malignant spirits had calumniated the 
 integrity of his conduct on this subject. 
 
 The Lord Keeper made an oration after His Majesty had finished his 
 brief speech, amplifying what the King had been pleased to say; ex- 
 horting them to unite to grant money as quickly as possible for the 
 important expedition which their King had undertaken and was 
 engaged in honour to prosecute. This is the substance of the opening 
 of this Parliament, which, if it does not consent to give quickly that 
 which is asked, will be dissolved without delay. 
 
 I have forgotten to mention that before His Majesty commenced his 
 speech the usual prayers were said, the French Ambassadors and other 
 Frenchmen being under the necessity of remaining, not having had time 
 to escape, from the circumstance that they did not previously know that 
 it was usual to offer such prayers.
 
 24 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 M8S. of In the temporary chapel of Denmark House on Saturday last the 
 
 D j^f INE ' Duke de Chevreuse invested the Marquis d'Effiats, Ambassador of the 
 Most Christian King, with the order of the Holy Ghost. His Excellency 
 was the principal negotiator of the late Royal marriage, for which he 
 has received this honour. The Duke of Buckingham and other members 
 of the Court were present at the ceremony. 
 
 Three Ambassadors from Holland arrived in London on Monday to 
 condole with His Majesty, and thereafter to congratulate him on his 
 accession to the crown. It is however to be believed that they Avill take 
 advantage of this occasion to enter upon negotiations, having in their 
 company Monsieur Harseen, who is so highly esteemed by them. One 
 of the three, Monsieur Joachin, will remain as Ambassador to this 
 court. 
 
 Count Mansfeldt it is said has disbanded all his English troops. 
 Great complaints are made against him, it being evident that both 
 money and men have been thrown away. 
 
 The Duke of Buckingham will entertain the Duke and Duchess de 
 Chevreuse, and the two French Ambassadors with other French gentle- 
 men, at a banquet on Wednesday evening. It is obvious that the 
 sooner these people return to France the better will the English be 
 pleased. 
 
 It is said that the mission of Sir Albertus Morton to Holland is to 
 invite those States again to unite with England, in establishing the 
 league of Protestant powers, as it is evident that there is no longer any 
 hope of the desired alliance with France. 
 
 With regard to the Catholic question, I know not what to say, except 
 that the French have already learnt by experience that they are to enjoy 
 none of those liberties which they were led to expect would be granted 
 to them. Since the arrival of the Queen some of them have been 
 brought before Justices without any ceremony, which the Ambassador 
 Monsieur La-ville-aux-Clercs formerly complained of in the proper 
 quarter. I am afraid that it may now be too late to remedy a state of 
 things which with so much ease might have been provided for by those 
 who had charge of the negotiations in France. They Avere not accu- 
 rately informed ; they apparently believed, or induced others to believe, 
 that the English are a sort of Spanish Catholics, different from the 
 French, and they have acted without looking closely into the subject or 
 understanding it. 
 
 Parliament again presses for the execution of the penal laws against 
 the Catholics, and above all that religious orders shall be banished. 
 May it please God that they do not move forward like the crab. 
 
 The number of dead by plague now amounts to four hundred, and 
 the Court will move on Monday to a Royal residence called Hampton 
 Court, fourteen miles from London, and the French suite will follow. 
 
 London, 4th July 1625. 
 To-day the Comte de Tillieres, who has been here as Ambassador 
 from His Most Christian Majesty, and who is now Chamberlain to the 
 Queen, did me the honour to present me. Her Majesty most graciously 
 gave me her hand to kiss, and inquired with much interest after the 
 health of the Grand Duke of Tuscany, our Lord, as well as after their 
 Serene Highnesses the Mother and Grandmother, showing herself much 
 pleased with my assurance of their good health. 
 
 London, 11th July 1625. 
 I inclose for you my usual packet with all the news which the Court 
 offers worth record in<j.
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION". 25 
 
 We now have the plague on all sides with every appearance of its mss. op 
 increase. I cannot longer run the risk of infection, it is spread all H - d ' e |q EINE ' 
 round iny house ; and however inconvenient it may be, as well as expen- — 
 
 sive, I have provided myself with a habitation fourteen miles distant 
 from London. I shall write and dispatch my usual packet every fifteen 
 days by an express messenger to London who will bring me my letters 
 from Italy. 
 
 London, 11th July 1625. 
 
 The new Parliament has taken it into its head not to make a grant 
 of supplies to the King, unless the penal laws against the Catholics are 
 enforced, unless the members of the religious orders are driven out of 
 the Kingdom, and unless certain matters relating to taxation are taken 
 into consideration. 
 
 His Majesty as yet offers no objection., but the three French Ambas- 
 sadors make a noise ; especially the Marquis d'Effiats as he negotiated 
 the amended treatment of the Catholics and reported to his own Court 
 that matters had been settled to his satisfaction. His Excellency induced 
 several of the Catholics to support his statements in writing, and he is 
 now greatly mortified. He is in search of a remedy, but it is evident, 
 as he has also been told by Monsieur La Ville-aux-Clercs, that it is too 
 late, and that everything should have been setcled before the Queen 
 came to England. The Catholics complain of these gentlemen, as they 
 find themselves exposed to peril and with no hope of the peace which 
 they anticipated as a consecpience of the marriage. 
 
 The French equally complain that since the arrival of the Queen 
 the Catholics are persecuted contra: y to agreement, and English and 
 Scotch Protestants are introduced into the service of Her Majesty. 
 The French do all that they can do under these circumstances, but 
 they will find success very difficult. 
 
 The King has acted for the best, having been pleased to name the 
 Duke of Buckingham, the Earl Marshal, the Grand Chamberlain, and 
 Lord Conway, to unite with the Duke de Chevreuse, Monsieur La 
 Ville-aux-Clercs, and the Marquis d'Effiats, to settle and finally appoint 
 the members of Her Majesty's household. It will as I have said be 
 mixed with a good many English and probably in time will contain 
 fewer French, with regard to whom the prevalent wish is to send them 
 to their homes. This feeling is very strong, particularly with reference 
 to the Bishop of Mende,and the twenty-four Priests of the Oratory who 
 came here to be in attendance on the Queen. These people are in no 
 respect pleasing in English eyes, especially when they perambulate the 
 palace in their clerical habits and say mass daily in the little oratory. 
 The King shows the greatest respect and affection for the Queen ; 
 and she, whilst sensitive to all that is gcing on around her, conducts 
 herself with much prudence, and towards the King with every symptom 
 of veneration and regard. She does not show herself much to the 
 English ladies and gentlemen of her Court, probably because she cannot 
 converse with them except through the unpleasant intervention of an 
 interpreter. 
 
 The Queen hears mass every morning ; she communicates frequently, 
 and on festivals goes privately to Denmark House, at present inhabited 
 by the Duke de Chevreuse, and hears vespers and a sermon. 
 
 We have got a good and devout Princess, and we hope that her good- 
 ness and excellent example will profit this kingdom. May what is thus 
 seen in the beginning of life between their Majesties, continue and 
 increase, as all good men pray.
 
 26 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 mss. of The whole of the Court is preparing to leave London next week, to 
 
 H " D Et|f INI! ' escape the peril of the plague, which is increasing in intensity so as to 
 — terrify every one and to necessitate flight into the country. 
 
 Parliament must make haste to close its meeting. As yet it has settled 
 none of the questions brought before it. The only business which it has 
 done has been to petition the King to enforce the penal laws against 
 Catholics and to banish Priests. It has also obtained His Majesty's 
 sanction to hold a Fast. This is a ceremony which is performed in all 
 the parishes, and consists in staying in church all day, singing psalms, 
 hearing sermons, the one shortly after the other, and making I know 
 not how many prayers, imploring God for the stoppage of the plague 
 and of the ceaseless rain which for a month past has fallen to the 
 detriment of all kinds of crops, and finally that he may be graciously 
 pleased to bless the people, to prosper their undertakings, to give them 
 the victory over all their enemies, and above all to preserve the purity of 
 their religion. 
 
 Members of Parliament are to join in their communion together on 
 the appointed day. By this means they discover Catholics, or those 
 favourable to the Catholic religion, who will not join in the ceremony. 
 
 Parliament has given orders that the Fast is to be observed generally 
 throughout the Kingdom according to the same forms. 
 
 All the French who are here with the Queen, the Duke de Chevreuse 
 and Monsieur La Ville-aux-Clercs, will go into the country at the time 
 of the Fast and the two last will proceed to France as soon as they have 
 settled the questions connected with the Household of Her Majesty. 
 The Duchess de Chevreuse must of necessity remain here till her con- 
 finement, which is immediately expected, is over. 
 
 The Ministers of the French King find that the eight ships of war, 
 which they have borrowed, are too full of Englishmen under the name 
 of sailors, and that they are in excess of the French soldiers on board of 
 each ship, so that the latter might be prevented serving, except where 
 the English please. Who openly declare that they will not go against 
 Rochelle or any Protestants, but only against the Spaniards or Genoese ; 
 and they make this declaration although the ships were lent with an open 
 agreement that they were to be employed as the French pleased. Thus 
 a difference has arisen which it is perhaps too late to remedy, whilst it 
 may also lead to excitement and discontent amongst the crews and 
 soldiers of the fleet which is daily leaving the Thames on its way to 
 Plymouth. 
 
 From day to day it is expected that the baton of General by Sea and 
 Land will be given to the Duke of Buckingham, but it is imposible to 
 believe that this nobleman will thus place himself at a distance from the 
 Royal Person. It is even suggested by some people that the fleet will 
 not go to sea, but will be in readiness to strengthen whatever treaty 
 may be proposed by France or by the Imperial Diet, 
 
 For my part I am not persuaded that so great and costly on armament 
 should be kept in harbour as a mere demonstration. Still less so, when 
 veterans with their officers have been brought from the English troops in 
 Holland, to assist in manning the ships. 
 
 Last week the three Ambassadors from Holland had an interview with 
 His Majesty, but what passed seems only to have been of a compli- 
 mentary nature. They await serious proposals from this side and when 
 these are made will give their answer in conformity with their instruc- 
 tions. 
 
 Nine hundred and forty two persons died this week in London, of 
 whom it may be calculated that at least seven hundred have been the 
 victims of plague, although the Municipality conceals the truth and
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 27 
 
 reports three hundred and ninety. It is now spread through all the MSS. of 
 streets, and it has reached other parts of the kingdom ; with every ' e S q EII,E ' 
 appearance that this year the mortality will equal that of the year 1603, — 
 
 when King James asoended the throne of England and when in London 
 only, in less than ane year, forty-five thousand people died. It is now 
 observed that the commencement of this reign is marked by a similar 
 calamity, that it increases in like manner from week to week, that 
 it began in the same house and street, and also that it was brought 
 in the same way from Holland. 
 
 Parliament this evening voted two subsidies to be given to the King, 
 and also from the Clergy, the two amounting to six hundred thousand 
 crowns, to be paid one half in October and the other half in April 1626. 
 The bill however has not yet been read a third time, as they await 
 the King's consent to the equivalent already described. 
 
 Richmond, 8th August 1625. 
 
 The petition of Parliament against the Catholics, the nature of which 
 I described in my last packet of the 25th ultimo, was presented to 
 His Majesty by twelve of the Members. The King said in reply that he 
 must take time to consider it. He dismissed them however with such 
 gracious expressions of his desire to satisfy them, if not wholly at least 
 in part, that Parliament, encouraged by the hopes thus held out, at once 
 voted the two subsidies and adjourned other business till such time 
 as they should meet again at Oxford. 
 
 His Majesty will soon go there, and will press upon the House 
 the consideration of his present needs so as to obtain farther grants for 
 the cost of the war. 
 
 His Majesty holds that these two subsidies constitute a gift, such as is 
 usually presented to Sovereigns on their accession to the ci'own, and that 
 they are not to be employed therefore in defraying any part of the 
 cost of the expedition. 
 
 On this subject the debates which have already taken place in Par- 
 liament show that there is a general disinclination to go farther. The 
 poverty of various counties is alleged, and the expenditure of so much 
 money is objected to, as well as of so many lives, for objects producing 
 no useful results. The plague stops trade, and a famine is threatened 
 owing to the weather ; these are serious considerations and they prevent 
 Parliament granting a larger sum. 
 
 Notwithstanding all these reasons Parliament must remember that it 
 was its predecessor which pledged His Majesty to war, and which pro- 
 tested its willingness to aid him. It must now be more openhanded for 
 a breach with Spain is inevitable, and is desired by the nation which no 
 doubt will give willingly of its substance for such an object. 
 
 The three French Ambassadors have taken leave. They are dis- 
 satisfied with the obstacles thrown in their way, which have prevented 
 them arranging the household of the Queen as they wished. They are 
 also much displeased with the position of the Catholics. They have 
 been made much of outwardly, and have received superb presents ; the 
 King having given the Duke de Chevreuse a jewel worth six thousand 
 crowns, and another to the Marquis d'Effiats of the value of four 
 thousand crowns. The Queen also has bestowed gifts. So far then they 
 must have gone away contented. 
 
 The Duchess de Chevreuse was unable to accompany her husband, 
 and she was confined on the night of the day on which he left. When 
 she has recovered she will follow him, and will take with her more of 
 the French people who were left with her. They are as anxious to go
 
 28 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 MSS. of away, as the English are that they should depart, so little liking is there 
 Esq. between them. 
 
 — The Queen is very well. She wishes if it be possible to do something 
 
 for the Catholics ; and, for the first time on which she has interfered, she 
 spoke to the King on the subject ; with what result is not known, except 
 to cause upon his part some ill humour with the Duke of Buckingham 
 who as usual governs everything and who perhaps has opposed con- 
 cessions. 
 
 Such is the state of this question ; the Catholics are almost without 
 hope or comfort, and they lay the blame on the Marquis d'Effiats who 
 was charged with their interests. 
 
 As to the great naval armament I have nothing to add except that 
 they say that it is to sail soon, but when this may be, or what soon 
 means, I have totally lost all points of the compass. 
 
 Negotiations have been in progress regarding the eight ships of war 
 so frequently mentioned. The English proprietors will not consent to 
 their employment against persons of their own religion. Consequently a 
 new bargain must be made, either that the ships with English crews 
 are not to serve against Protestants, or that they are to be manned with 
 Frenchmen only, and ample security given that they are to be returned 
 to the owners within a fixed period ; the French employing them in the 
 meanwhile as they please. 
 
 The English Court, now that the French visitors are gone, has 
 resumed mourning. At present it moves from place to place, but will 
 finally go to Oxford, for the re-opening of Parliament, on Tuesday next 
 which will be the twelfth. 
 
 The plague in London becomes daily more disastrous, this week three 
 thousand four hundred died ; it is also spreading in the country, owing 
 to the number of Londoners who have sought refuge there. 
 
 The daughter of the Duke and Duchess de Chevreuse was baptized 
 lately, and their Majesties with the Comte de Tillieres acted as God- 
 fathers and Godmother. 
 
 Pichinond, 19th August 1625. 
 I wrote to Your Excellency on the eighth acknowledging two brief 
 letters of the eighth of June. Yours of the twelfth of July arrived 
 afterwards and I received both in the country to which I have retired, 
 and where 1 am sequestered from news of the Court, in consequence of 
 the plague Avhich keeps us in constant fear and on the wing from one 
 place to another. Although I cannot write so fully as usual yet I shall 
 try to provide your Excellency with a general summary of intelligence, 
 and when I have opportunity I will send my letters to London, although 
 no one is allowed to go there at present, and it can only be done 
 secretly and by payment of money,* so greatly does the plague increase 
 in that famous city. Five thousand died last week. It is believed 
 that the mortality will extend to six thousand when it has reached 
 its height. The Magistrates, in desperation, have abandoned every 
 care ; every one does what he pleases, and the houses of merchants 
 who have left London are broken into and robbed. There never has 
 been such a mortality before. As for me I wish that I was absent, 1 
 sit with my boots upon my legs ready for flight from this great peri), 
 which, besides the cost, is a source of great pertubation of mind. 
 
 * In one of the accounts of expenses regularly presented to his Government, the 
 cost of a despatch sent from Richmond to London, is set down at one shilling.
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 29 
 
 Plague having broken out here also, I must again depart and go ^iss. of 
 
 at least forty miles farther. I advise your Excellency of this in case ' esq. ' ' 
 you should be surprised at not receiving the usual despatches. Inclosed — 
 
 is my despatch of this date. 
 
 Richmond, 10th August 1625. 
 
 His Majesty again opened Parliament in person at Oxford on Monday 
 last at eleven o'clock. He described his present need of money for the 
 maintenance and dispatch of the naval armament, as well as for Ihe 
 other reasons to which a former Parliament had pledged him. He 
 appealed to the Members to have a care for his honour and to aid him 
 quickly, as otherwise the national interests, aud those of the allies of the 
 crown, must suffer from their enemies and be trodden upon by then:. 
 His Majesty concluded by saying that he referred them to the further 
 explanations which would be given them by Lord Conway, Secretary of 
 .State. 
 
 Lord Conway followed with a speech in many words — that of His 
 Majesty having been in very few. He urged that the King's reputation 
 required a grant of money to enable him to carry out the enterprise 
 which by the desire of their predecessors he had undertaken and pledged 
 himself to fulfil, and therefore now was the time to unite to prevent 
 their enemies from treating the kingdom, as we'll as their allies, with 
 contempt. In short the demand was for money, but I do not learn that 
 Parliament is disposed io vote it, but rather to require an account 
 of the expenditure of the grants of their predecessors. Some, who are 
 interested in preventing any inquiry, make a clamour and raise the old 
 complaints against the Catholics and Religious Orders, seeking by such 
 means to divert the public attention from the real question and from an 
 inconvenient scrutiny into the outlay of money. This is a common 
 artifice which however is easily seen through even by the inexperienced. 
 If Parliament maintains its attitude, His Majesty may be compelled to 
 move the meeting to another place, or to adjourn it altogether to another 
 season, for plague has broken out in two houses in Oxford. Such a 
 movement cannot take place without great expense as well as annoyance 
 to Members, who now show that they are very irritable and complain 
 bitterly of the Duke of Buckingham. 
 
 If His Majesty would consent to put in force the laws against 
 the Roman Catholics, and if he would break openly with Spain, lie 
 would satisfy Parliament and obtain whatever money he requires, for it 
 is certain that in these two measures are contained the summum bonum 
 of most of the Members. 
 
 The weekly outlay at Plymouth amounts to six thousand crowns for 
 the cost of the soldiers only, without reckoning the sailors aud other 
 sources of expence. There is not a sign at present of making sail, nor 
 of the appointment of a commander. It is true that they may nominate 
 to this high office Colonel Edward Cecil, who has served in Holland for 
 twenty-four years, as well as other officers of experience trained 
 in the same school to various commands. The season is somewhat 
 advanced and it is to be feared that the plague will also reach 
 Plymouth, and if by evil fortune it should break out in the ships 
 I think that in that case they would not put to sea, with so many on 
 board, to fight with a worse enemy than any they can encounter 
 go where they will. The destination of the fleet is a profound secret ; 
 every effort is made to keep the Spaniards in ignorance of it. The 
 general talk — no doubt mistaken — indicates the Mediterranean, but I 
 believe as I have already said, that the real aim is the coast of Spain.
 
 30 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 mss op I think also that the fleet will be divided into different squadrons, and 
 H. D. skeine, will attack separate places wherever it can damage the Spaniards. 
 EsQ l In that case some ships may enter the Mediterranean, but the loss of all 
 
 hope of taking Genoa, once a dominant idea, ought to prevent any attempt 
 in that direction. It may be as well that all who have interests at 
 stake on the Riviera should be on their guard. At the same time 
 I trust that there is no real cause of fear. 
 
 If it is the case that His Most Christian Majesty has come to terms 
 with De Soubise and the Huguenots, the difficulties with the owners of 
 the eight ships of war, so often referred to, will be overcome, and they 
 may serve against the Spaniards or Genoese, as has been suggested, or 
 they might be united with the ships of De Soubise and both might 
 follow the fortunes of the English fleet. Many there are who believe 
 that the French King is desirous of being saved the outlay of sixteen 
 thousand crowns per mensem which is due to the English contractors 
 who provided the ships. 
 
 Their Majesties came here last week to take leave of the Duchess de 
 Chevreuse who returns to France ; and on the same day the King held 
 the child of the Comte de Tillieres at the Baptismal Font, and at the 
 request of the Queen did the same office for the infant son of Madame 
 St. George, one of her ladies of honour. 
 
 The Roman Catholics are almost hopeless of any modification of their 
 position. The Household of the Queen remains in the same unsettled 
 state, and what is to be done can only be known to the two Kings. For 
 my part I think that the French will be obliged to yield. 
 
 In London nearly four thousand persons died of the plague last week, 
 and there is a threatening of a still greater mortality unless God in his 
 pity grants his aid. 
 
 The ill feeling in Parliament against the Duke of Buckingham in- 
 creases, but such is his power that unless his opponents can influence 
 the King they will gain nothing. 
 
 Huntingdon, 4th September 1625. 
 
 I informed your Excellency in my last that driven away by the 
 plague, which made its appearance in Richmond, I came into this county 
 where, although fifty miles distant from London, we are still in 
 danger of contagion, which is in fact spread all over the kingdom and 
 is every where accompanied by great mortality. Poor London above 
 all other places feels the scourge in a superlative degree, five thousand 
 people having died in one week. 
 
 Parliament, now assembled in Oxford, has not shown that pliability 
 which those who suggested its removal expected, for when new supplies 
 were demanded it replied by calling for an account of the expenditure 
 of those granted last year ; and, unable to obtain any explanation, not 
 only would it not vote others, but it expressed its entire dissatisfaction 
 by a demand to question the Ministers of the crown, particularly naming 
 the Duke of Buckingham. 
 
 His Majesty seeing that Parliament has broken the ice in such a 
 manner, with the obvious intention of pushing its inquiries to the utter- 
 most which cannot be done without discredit and damage to the Duke, 
 resolved to dissolve immediately, and to send the Members to their 
 homes, which accordingly took place on the 22nd of last month. No 
 business has been done except to pass the two grants to His Majesty 
 in supply, in conformity with usage on the accession of a new King. 
 This sudden break up has caused great dissatisfaction and must 
 seriously embarrass affairs, particularly the final preparation of the fleet 
 which is still at Plymouth.
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 31 
 
 The King and Queen are in Hampshire, hunting in the New Forest. mss. of 
 The air there is very healthy, and the place is more than sixty miles H D^Skbine, 
 from London. The number of Courtiers in attendance is reduced, so as — 
 
 to make it easier to move from place to place in the event of being 
 overtaken by the plague. 
 
 Melchbourne, Bedford, loth September 1625. 
 
 The King, having ascertained that his sudden dissolution of Parlia- 
 ment at Oxford has not only offended the Members but most of his 
 subjects, from a desire to conciliate them has lately issued a Royal Pro- 
 clamation granting the petition which was presented to him against 
 the Roman Catholics. The religious orders are to be banished from the 
 country within the present month. 
 
 All the children of Catholics who are being educated in foreign 
 seminaries or colleges are to be recalled. The Catholics generally are 
 required punctually to obey the special laws to which they are subjected, 
 and even some new regulations which are suggested in the petition of 
 Parliament. 
 
 There can be no doubt whatever that this method of satisfying griev- 
 ances of a different nature will not prove successful, however great 
 may be the importance which is attached to any concessions hostile to 
 the Catholics ; if therefore a new Parliament is summoned it may be 
 anticipated that it will begin where the last left off, and will insist on an 
 inquiry into the conduct of those who administered the expenditure of 
 the supplies. 
 
 It is not difficult to foresee that this will again lead to dissolution. 
 His Majesty is aware that the entire flood of the wrath of Parliament is 
 intended to be poured on the head of the Duke of Buckingham, and he 
 has accordingly avowed that the King his father elevated the Duke and 
 finding him ever faithful intrusted to him the administration of the 
 most important affairs of the Kingdom. On his death bed, he recom- 
 mended the Duke to the protection of his son. That besides — the Duke 
 hazarded his life when he accompanied him, then Prince of Wales, into 
 Spain, and at the present time he was equally ready to place himself 
 and all that he possessed at the feet of his King. His Majesty would 
 not permit his ruin, or that he should fall into the hands of those whose 
 only object was to crush him — so that if these bitter sentiments were 
 not moderated there might be no meeting of Parliament for some 
 time. 
 
 Before matters can be adjusted there is a prospect of still greater dis- 
 order for it is now the prevalent opinion that His Majesty, not having 
 been able to obtain money through Parliament, will betake himself to 
 the exercise of his royal prerogative and will raise funds by his man- 
 dates sealed with the Privy seal. This may create still greater discon- 
 tent and increase the ill will with which the Duke is regarded, in 
 which the French Courtiers share—and even Her Majesty the Queen — 
 for her attendants have not met with that fair treatment which they 
 were led to expect and fully anticipated. 
 
 So long as the Duke is protected by the King he may remain with a 
 quiet mind. 
 
 These discords hold every one in suspense, and the business in 
 progress necessarily suffers ; especially the fleet of which I have little to 
 say except that the officers and others are gone to Plymouth to be in 
 readiness. 
 
 Although I hear that every effort is made to depart, still no one knows 
 when that will be. When, in the last sitting of Parliament, the Duke
 
 32 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 mss. of was required to reply to I know not what hostile proposition, he said 
 Esq. ' that his Majesty had prepared this force with three objects and that for 
 no one of these was the- season too far advanced, but he did not say one 
 word in explanation of where the blow would fall. 
 
 Not a few maintain that the fleet will go to the coast of Barbary and 
 city of Algiers to unite with the Moors in an attack upon Spain. This 
 fancy is based on a visit made by two persons from that country who 
 have been negotiating at Court and have been sent home in a ship 
 belonging to an English merchant. Others say that the expedition will 
 attempt a landing at Flanders so as to seize some important place ; others 
 again that it will go to the coasts of Spain or Portugal where it can 
 effectually annoy His Catholic Majesty. The alliance with Barbary is 
 most spoken of, and the intention is to put to sea if no unforeseen 
 impediments aiise. 
 
 Their Majesties, who still hunt in the New Forest, have sent Sir Walter 
 Montagu to France. He is a gentleman of the Court, and a confidant 
 of the Duke of Buckingham, and he carries letters to His Most 
 Christian Majesty. Without knowing the object of these, it may be 
 remarked that a messenger from the Conde de Gondomar has come to 
 this country from Brussels with letters to the King, and to the Duke, 
 containing it is said proposals for a settlement of the questions relating 
 to the Palatinate ; or, as seems much more likely, to give notice in the 
 name of the King, bis Master, that if the naval expedition about to sail 
 injures any part of his dominions he will declare Avar. Now Sir Walter 
 Montagu may be charged to inform His French Majesty as well as to 
 ascertain his sentiments. He is also to visit the Duke and Duchess de 
 Chevreuse on the part of their Majesties to inquire as to their health. 
 
 From four to live thousand die of the plague weekly in London, and 
 almost as many more within a circuit of three miles of its neighbour- 
 hood, whilst the disease is so widely spread over the kingdom that it is 
 impossible to go anywhere without danger. 
 
 Melchebourne, Bedford, 29th September 1625. 
 
 News has come from Southampton that his Majesty is about to visit 
 Plymouth to hasten by his presence the departure of the fleet. It only 
 needs money to sail, and it appears that they have now found this by I 
 know not what expedient. 
 
 During last week men have been pressed in this country to serve as 
 soldiers, and have been dispatched to fill up vacancies caused by death 
 or desertion amongst the first ten thousand which were sent to Plymouth 
 three months ago. From day to day we expect to hear that the fleet 
 has sailed, and what direction it has taken. It is now settled that the 
 Duke is not to go with it, but that Colonel Cecil will be his lieutenant 
 and will command it as well as the army. 
 
 The reply to the Spanish Agent, whom I have mentioned as on a 
 visit to this Court, is that the force was to serve the Prince Palatine, 
 the King's brother-in-law, and that this need be no cause of war. His 
 Catholic Majesty had in the same manner succoured the Emperor against 
 the Prince without peace being broken. 
 
 The Spanish Envoy replied that the cases were not similar, and that 
 the King his Master never approved of the conduct of his son-in-law. 
 No other answer Avas vouchsafed, and it is obvious that the differences 
 between these two crowns cannot be in a worse position. On this side 
 the slightest pretence may avail to declare war, for all inward inclinations 
 favour that course and outward preparations point in the same 
 direction.
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 33 
 
 The long stay which the Archduchess of Brussels and the Marquis MSS. of 
 Spinola with .a part of his array make at Dunkirk has aroused a strong " )- e S q RINE 
 suspicion in this country that, when the fleet is at a distance, an invasion — 
 
 may occur, by means of vessels said to be in preparation, whilst the sail 
 across would not take more than six or eight hours. Picked troops 
 therefore have been sent to the sea coast to oppose a landing, and orders 
 have been given to dispatch towards Dunkirk four of His Majesty's Gal- 
 leons, with twelve armed vessels belonging to merchants, to join eighteen 
 or twenty Dutch ships of war, to watch the harbour, and to prevent 
 any expeditions from leaving it. 
 
 His Most Christian Majesty has made up his mind to buy the war 
 ships lent to him by English contractors. The largest was a gift of 
 His Majesty, and one of the others was the property of an English 
 gentleman who declined to sell it. Since this transaction it is said that 
 there has already been a skirmish with the ships of De Soubise. Sir 
 Albertus Morton has returned from Holland, and has given an account 
 of his negotiation with respect to confederation with the Protestants of 
 those States. He brought dispatches from the Prince Palatine for the 
 naval armament ; and three days after his arrival he died, not without 
 suspicions of plague. 
 
 There is a secret movement in favour of a new Parliament ; but I 
 know not that it will succeed, owing in the first place to the plague, in 
 part to the temper shown by the Members, and for other reasons which 
 I alluded to in my last dispatch. 
 
 Happily the plague in London begins to diminish ; the deaths last 
 week were three thousand, and within the external circuits of two mile3 
 about the same number. Whether it is that there are fewer victims to 
 De killed, or that the season is colder, certainly the malignity and fury 
 of the disease decreases ; although throughout the whole kingdom it 
 makes itself felt, and few indeed are the cities, boroughs, or villages, 
 \vhich it has not visited. 
 
 Melchebourne, Bedford, 14th October 1625. 
 
 The King remains at Plymouth, resolved to see his fleet under sail 
 before he leaves that place. It has been detained by adverse winds ; 
 but now it blows north and east and every one believes that the arma- 
 ment has now departed, but where it has gone to all anxiously desire 
 to know. The latest news which has come here is that of the defeat of 
 Monsieur de Soubise by the French Fleet : news which has been re- 
 ceived by the English people with the reverse of satisfaction. If it 
 is true, as is reported, that De Soubise, with the remains of his fleet 
 consisting of twenty-four ships, has come to the eastern coast of 
 England with the intention of joining the English fleet in the service 
 of the Prince Palatine, it is felt that such a circumstance would balance 
 the satisfaction of the victors by the displeasure with which they would 
 regard such an alliance. 
 
 Close watch is kept along the coast by the six thousand troops, and 
 accessible places are being fortified, so that if the Marquis Spinola 
 should contemplate crossing over he would find it difficult to land 
 should he escape the strong fleet which watches his movements. His 
 Majesty has sent Commissioners into all the counties adjacent to the 
 sea to collect money for the payment of the troops placed on the coast, 
 and to supply the means of paying other expenses. It is said that this is 
 done rather from reasons of state, than from any needs likely to arise. 
 
 A new Parliament is talked of, and preparations are in progress, but 
 it could not be elected before spring for reasons to which I have 
 U 23533. C
 
 34 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 MSS. ob already alluded. In the meanwhile His Majesty, to supply his wants, 
 H " ^E^of INE ' ^ as resolved to send duly sealed letters all over the Kingdom to his 
 — wealthiest subjects, to demand from them, according to their means, a 
 
 loan for eighteen months. The calculations are based on reports of the 
 Lords Lieutenants of the Counties, and it is thought that about four 
 hundred thousand crowns should be thus obtained. Although this is a 
 scheme for obtaining money which all English kings have adopted in 
 emergencies, it has only been under circumstances of great pressure, 
 being a cause of very serious discontent on the part of the people, whilst 
 these forced loans are very rarely repaid. 
 
 A considerable portion of the money which came from France, in 
 payment of one half of Her Majesty's marriage portion, consists of 
 quarter crown pieces which in the existing state of the laws relating to 
 foreign coins are not current. The King therefore by a special edict 
 has made them legal at a value of nineteen pence half-penny, as at the 
 present time owing to the plague they cannot be reeoined. 
 
 The Queen remains at Titchfield awaiting the return of the King 
 from Plymouth. Her Majesty can hardly feel satisfied either with the 
 position of her French attendants, or that of her Clergy who are dis- 
 persed or have returned home, whilst the laws against the Catholics are 
 every where enforced. An Ambassador Extraordinary from France, 
 Monsieur de Blainville is expected ; it is supposed on account of these 
 affairs, but the general feeling is that it is too late. It would have 
 been better for the Frenchmen, if they had arranged matters when tho 
 time was more favourable than it now is. Since the arrival of the French 
 here the scene has shifted. 
 
 All officers, belonging to the armies in Ireland and Holland, who are 
 absent, are ordered to return to their regiments. 
 
 The decline of plague in London is obvious, the deaths last week in 
 the city and neighbourhood being about three thousand. The Kingdom 
 generally is so infected that it is impossible to go any where in safety. 
 London will be for some time a dangerous place of residence, especially 
 for those who return from the fresher air of the country. 
 
 Melchebourne, Bedford, 28th October 1625. 
 
 My distance from Court prevents me receiving certain intelligence of 
 the day of the departure of the fleet from Plymouth. It is however 
 generally believed that it sailed on the sixteenth, the day previously 
 fixed by His Majesty ; and this is very probable, for we knew that 
 everything was in readiness, and that all depended on a favourable 
 change of wind which took place on that day and has since continued. 
 The King, having seen the fleet put to sea, left Plymouth on his return 
 journey and stopped at Salisbury where he awaits the Queen. We 
 also hear that the Duke of Buckingham, so soon as the fleet set off, at 
 once started on his way to Holland to negotiate with the States and 
 the Prince Palatine, as to their common interests and the primary 
 object of humbling Spain and the Austrians in various ways. 
 
 The fleet consists of eighty-one good ships of which twelve are 
 Royal Galleons, the others aimed vessels belonging to merchants. It 
 is divided into three scpiadrons, the first under the command of Colonel 
 Cecil, the second under that of Sir Francis Stuart, and the third under 
 the Earl of Essex ; but notwithstanding his inferior rank Cecil will be 
 Commander-in-Chief of the entire force by sea and land, with the titles 
 of Marshal and Lieutenant-General of the Duke of Buckingham. 
 Many vessels follow the fleet laden with provisions and other things 
 necessary.
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 35 
 
 Whatever may have been expected from Holland, of which we have „ ^ IS ( |- 01 '. 
 no information, the Dutch have not joined the fleet, nor has the report ' Esq. 
 been verified that Monsieur de Soubise had arrived in Plymouth with — 
 
 twenty-four ships, the remains of his fleet, defeated by the arms of His 
 Most Christian Majesty — mentioned in my last as a report generally 
 believed. 
 
 We are all anxious in the meantime to know what has been the 
 route taken by the great armament. Whilst awaiting intelligence we 
 learn that the Royai Galleons which act as a coastguard have seized 
 eleven ships, which were on their way from Spain laden with mer- 
 chandise, with boxes of coin amongst which are a good many golden 
 doubloons. These were brought into Plymouth, and my letters inform 
 me that six are French, two are Danish, one Dutch, one Scotch, and 
 that another belongs to London. 
 
 There is much curiosity to know how they are to be disposed of, 
 for although coming from- Spain they belong to friends. It is believed 
 that they were bound for Dunkirk, with which place an appearance of 
 friendship is still kept up, so that no one can see that their detention is 
 justifiable, therefore they must be restored to their owners. It is 
 thought to be a mere temporary embargo, to give time to the English 
 fleet to get well out to sea with more chance of secrecy. If such is the 
 case they may be finally set at liberty, for otherwise their detention 
 must raise questions as to the loss of interest on the money on board. 
 For a month past all the ports of the Realm have been closed thus pre- 
 venting the dispatch of messengers, and four of our ordinary couriers 
 have been detained at Dover. This doubtless has been done to prevent 
 the spread of intelligence. Fortunately the couriers are now allowed 
 to pass as usual. 
 
 Melchebourne, Bedford, 28th October 1625. 
 I await letters from your Excellency by the return of my mes- 
 senger whom I sent to London to-day with my despatch. It con- 
 tains as much news as I have been able to gather at this distance from 
 the Court, with which there is little intercourse owing to the plague. 
 I beg that your Excellency will pardon what cannot be called negli- 
 gence, for it is a law of nature to try to live and more attention is 
 paid to the health at present than to other matters. I pine to return 
 to London, but I dare not do so till the frost has set in and has 
 purged the infected air. When I may go in safety I shall hasten 
 there to resume my usual style of correspondence and shall write every 
 week. 
 
 Note of the English fleet which has sailed from Plymouth ; in all 
 eighty-one ships with 5,691 mariners and 10,038 soldiers the whole 
 being divided into three squadrons and commanded as follows : — 
 First the Squadron of the Admiral. 
 Colonel Cecil Marshal and Admiral. 
 The Earl of Denbigh Yice-Admiral. 
 Sir William St. Leger Sergeant Major and Rear Admiral. 
 The squadron has four Regiments thus named, 
 Of the Duke of Buckingham Generalissimo, 
 Of Colonel Cecil, 
 Of Sir William St. Leger, 
 Of Colonel Burgh. 
 Second the Squadron of the Vice- Admiral. 
 The Earl of Essex Admiral. 
 Lord Valentia Yice-Admiral. 
 
 C 2
 
 36 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 mss. of Lord Delawarr Rear- Admiral. 
 
 Esq. With four Regiments thus named. 
 
 — Of the Earl of Essex, 
 
 Of Lord Valentia, 
 
 Of Lord Delawarr, 
 
 Of Colonel Howard. 
 Third the Squadron of Rear-Admiral. 
 Sir Frances Stuart Admiral. 
 Lord Cromwell Vice- Admiral. 
 Sir Henry Palmer Rear- Admiral. 
 With the four following Regiments, 
 
 Of Lord Cromwell, 
 
 Of Colonel Rich, 
 
 Of Colonel Conway, 
 
 Of Colonel Bruce, a Scottish Gentleman. 
 
 Warsley, 20th November 1625. 
 
 The fleet has put to sea taking the direction of Spain. There is a 
 general impression that the first attack will be against Lisbon, and should 
 that fail it will lie in wait in the neighbouring seas for the annual 
 Spanish Indian fleet with treasure on board. Up to the present time 
 the wind has been favourable. 
 
 All wish the expedition success, but news of this will reach foreign 
 shores before auything can be known here where intelligence will be 
 looked for with much anxiety. 
 
 Their Majesties shift from place to place to avoid the plague, which 
 however has overtaken many of the lower servants as well as several 
 Officers of the Court. The contagion is everywhere. 
 
 The offensive and defensive alliance, between this crown, the States of 
 Holland, and the Calvinists of Germany, against Spain and the House of 
 Austria, seems to be a settled matter. France is not mentioned, at all 
 events openiy. 
 
 The eleven merchant ships, seized by the English guard ships on this 
 coast, have not yet been restored to their owners ; although it is said that 
 they will be so, with the exception of those which may be found to be 
 the property of citizens of Dunkirk or Brussels. Claims are urged for 
 damages, in the meanwhile, because the money which was found on board 
 has been made use of in this country. 
 
 The English Envoy usually resident at Brussels has been recalled. 
 The Flemish Agent in London looks daily for his summons, as does also 
 the Spanish Envoy. Thus step by step we approach the position of a 
 complete breach of the peace. 
 
 The Catholic question becomes day by day more stringent ; especially 
 in its connection with the position of the French in the Household of the 
 Queen, fur which no remedy can he found ; whilst they they are full to 
 the throat with disgust. They have little hope that the Sieur de 
 Blainville, the new Ambassador Extraordinary from France, con do 
 much to remedy matters, for they think with much reason that it is now 
 too late. 
 
 It is said that Monsieur de Soubise, having arrived at Plymouth, was 
 at once arrested by the Kings orders and has been placed under guard ; 
 but this is a mere report. 
 
 The letters of the King calling fur loans are now in circulation and in 
 the hands of brokers who try to make a profit. 
 
 The plague diminishes and artizans return to London, but evidently 
 it is yet too soon to do so for many of them die. It is said that all the
 
 HISTOK1CAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 37 
 
 posts throughout the kingdom have been stopped, but as letters still ^JSS. of 
 
 come to hand they must be carried by special messengers. I believe ' esq. 
 
 that there are few events of importance taking place of which I do not — 
 receive notice. 
 
 Warsley, 26th November 1625. 
 
 No news of the fleet has yet arrived. Popular rumour is in favour of 
 taking Lisbon or Seville, but only those whose wishes make them blind 
 to possibilities believe these reports. We can hardly now be called 
 upon to wait long before hearing where the thunderbolt has fallen. As 
 it is now forty -two days since the ships sailed from Plymouth, intelli- 
 gence is looked for with the utmost impatience. 
 
 The Duke of Buckingham went twelve days ago to the port of Har- 
 wich, where he will find Royal Galleons and six large well armed mer- 
 chant ships which are to form his convoy to Holland. There it is thought 
 that he will complete the offensive and defensive league with those States 
 against Spain and Austria, whilst he will probably enter into other ne- 
 gotiations also ; but that he is to bring over the young Prince, son of the 
 Prince Palatine, as has been whispered at Court here is not to be 
 believed for many reasons. 
 
 The merchant ships lately taken by the guard-ships have been brought 
 from Plymouth to the Thames, where they have been received with 
 great expressions of joy and the firing of cannon. What does it mean 
 that they are not consigned to their proprietors ? It is insisted that they 
 are Dunkirkers, or that anyhow the cargoes belonged to Spanish subjects. 
 It is boasted that the days of Queen Elizabeth are revived ; a popular 
 idea with this people. We must therefore be prepared not only for acts 
 of hostility between the nations at war, by which the Spaniards will be 
 the heaviest losers, but for infinite damage to commerce in general as 
 the naval power of England, united with that of Holland, must command 
 the ocean. 
 
 The discontent of the French at this Court, increases from day to day. 
 Forty of them have lately been sent to France, and should the remainder 
 voluntarily depart it will be seen that they perfectly understand the 
 resolution taken by the English Protestants to place in the service of the 
 Queen persons of their own religion, and thus combine with that service 
 the exercise of the Protestant faith ; and no doubt they will rigorously 
 enforce the laws against the Catholics, however contrary this may be to 
 the marriage articles as the French insist. Thus there is every prospect 
 of the creation of a permanent bad feeling between the two nations, and 
 the Queen herself as a Catholic shows symptoms of the dissatisfaction 
 with which she regards these proceedings. 
 
 In short, if affairs continue on these terms, not only must the English 
 have Spaniards as open enemies, but in a little while the French will 
 utterly distrust them. Meanwhile the flood of persecution falls upon 
 the unhappy Roman Catholics who, by an order of the Privy Council, 
 are to be disarmed on the pretext that they will join Spinoia and his 
 troops should he effect a landing in England. It is even said that they 
 are provided with ships of war. To give some colour for this discern- 
 ment, compromising letters, from members of the Privy Council who are 
 Catholics, are shown. An effective force of both of infantry and cavalry 
 is kept up on the coast opposite Flanders, but this has been the usual 
 practice in cases of war with Spain. The Catholics have no arms of any 
 importance, which fact, with the presence of the troops on the sea coast, 
 shows that the disarmament does not proceed from any real alarm but 
 from a desire to gratify the populace. 
 
 212633
 
 38 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 MSS. of It is said that the reason for sending away forty Frenchmen attached 
 
 ' Esq. * ' to the Queen's Household was on account of their conduct to one of 
 
 — those preaching ministers who happened, whilst the King was absent at 
 
 Plymouth, to preach in a lower hall of the palace where the Queen was 
 
 living. 
 
 Suddenly Her Majesty issued from her apartments with a number of 
 French attendants, and with her little hunting dogs, all of them entering 
 the hall with the loud cries usual in chasing hares. Thus they interrupted 
 the minister and forced him to stop his sermon. He took an opportunity 
 of complaining to the King and this coming to the ears of the French 
 they abused him and threatened to pistol him. 
 
 Everybody talks of this subject but how far it is true, whether alto- 
 gether or only partly so, I must wait to learn — but, if such things are 
 done, it is easy to infer what must be the position taken by the French 
 in this country. 
 
 Monsieur de Soubise has been conducted from Plymouth into the 
 county of Somerset, to remain there during the King's pleasure ; the 
 object being to avoid giving offence to the French. He is living in the 
 house and under the care of Mr. George Poulett, a gentleman of position, 
 and he is admirably well treated. It is stated that when he was at 
 Plymouth he had an opportunity of conversing with the King. How- 
 ever this may be, it is now certain that, instead of being accompanied by 
 twenty-four ships, he landed in poor condition and even badly clothed. 
 The English show much sympathy towards him in his misfortunes. 
 
 The Great Seal has lately been taken from the Bishop of Lincoln 
 and given to Sir Thomas Coventry, Attorney-General, who thus takes 
 the official position formerly held by the Bishop. It appears that the 
 latter had a difference with the Duke of Buckingham and he suffers in 
 consequence : the Duke's power increasing from day to day. 
 
 The plague in London appears to be dying out. Last week the num- 
 ber of deaths did not exceed three hundred and twenty. As yet no one 
 dares return to the city. 
 
 Warsley, 9th December 1625. 
 
 Still there is no news of the fleet. The public now insist that it 
 must be in the vicinity of Cadiz and St. Lucar, with the object of taking 
 possession of those two places and of then proceeding to the attack of 
 Seville. If the treasure fleet from Peru has arrived in safety in Spain, 
 as we are informed by letters from Antwerp that it has done, the chief 
 cause of anxiety to the Spaniards will have been removed. Their appre- 
 hensions were excited rather by the possibility of the capture of this 
 fleet, than by any prospect of damage by land ; against which it is 
 believed that they are perfectly provided having had so much time to 
 make the necessary preparations. 
 
 It is reported that prizes laden with sugar and merchandise have been 
 taken on the coast of Gallicia, but this is only a report. It is altogether 
 with no little marvel on the part of all that there is such an absence of 
 news of the doings of so mighty an armament. 
 
 The Duke of Buckingham went to Holland on the business of the 
 league and his return is daily expected. His short voyage is guarded by 
 no less than twenty ships of war, to defend him from the Dunkirk fleet 
 which has put to sea and which makes itself felt daily by the damage 
 which it inflicts on English and Dutch trade alike. 
 
 The loss lately suffered by the Dutch is very serious. They carry 
 out a great fishery of herrings, on the coasts of this Island, which 
 employs a large fleet of vessels and many men, the trade being very 
 profitable. Seventy of this fleet have been sunk, the fishing nets and
 
 Esq. 
 
 HISTORICAL, MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 39 
 
 tackle destroyed, the crews made prisoners and conveyed to Dunkirk. ^ ISS> 0B 
 The Dutch will not soon recover from this blow which, for the time U. d^Skhinb, 
 being, has ruined a commerce that reached every part of Europe. 
 
 Several French merchants have come to this country to request the 
 restitution of their ships, money and merchandise, which were taken 
 not long since by vessels of the English navy. They make themselves 
 heard in strong and decided language ; but from this they do not appear 
 to derive any advantage or prospect of reparation, for it is insisted here 
 that the cargoes are either Flemish or Spanish. With regard to the 
 money, part has been already expended in the payment of troops before 
 the fleet put to sea, the balance was taken to the mint and re-coined, 
 and besides the alteration in its character which this involved, it has 
 passed into private hands. There remains then little to say on the 
 subject and as to other portions of the cargoes these may be discussed at 
 leisure. These circumstances, combined with the offence given to the 
 French Courtiers in attendance on the Queen, increase beyond measure 
 the prevalent bad temper, and cannot fail to counteract the good effect 
 which was anticipated from the matrimonial alliance. 
 
 The Archduchess of Flanders has recalled her representative 
 Monsieur Vanmule from this Court, and, being provided with a safe 
 conduct, he was to depart last week in an English vessel which he hired. 
 He had not received the usual Royal gift, but I believe that orders were 
 given to present it. The Spanish Resident hopes to receive his recall 
 very soon, which means that the good intelligence which existed between 
 these two kingdoms and which was fostered by King James, of happy 
 memory, is now in extremis. 
 
 The seas are more and more covered with ships of war, and reprisals 
 are common on both sides. Merchants are unable to distinguish 
 between friends and enemies ; and they follow a middle course, abandon- 
 ing the greater part of their traffic, which consists of the import and 
 export of merchandise. 
 
 The Duchess of Buckingham, to the great satisfaction of all the 
 family, and of friends and adherents, has given birth to a son. An 
 express messenger has been sent to Holland to give the Duke news of 
 the happy event. 
 
 Warsley, 24th December 1625. 
 
 Up to the present time there is no news of the fleet, but, if letters 
 received at Antwerp from Spain are true, after being repulsed at Cadiz, 
 it went out to sea in the direction of the Azores to way lay the treasure 
 ships from Peru. May it have better success than in the first enter- 
 prise. "Whilst intelligence is awaited from day to day of a blow being 
 struck, another fleet composed of Royal ships of war and armed 
 merchantmen is in preparation to reinforce that now at sea. To victual 
 the ships, a prodigious number of oxen and pigs are slaughtered and 
 salted, and a great quantity of beer is made. Such preparations 
 require time, still the fleet may be ready sooner than is agreeable to the 
 Spaniards, for by the exercise of capacity and industry every work 
 becomes easy. 
 
 The Spanish Resident at this court received his recall last week by an 
 express courier, but it appears that the King had previously given him 
 his dismissal, and he must have gone by this time being provided with a 
 safe conduct to enable him to pass by sea without molestation by the 
 Dutch. 
 
 The French and other owners who demand restitution of the eleven 
 ships seized by the Royal Galleons are not as yet successful. Orders 
 have been given to sell these ships. If at any time the owners can
 
 40 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 mss. of prove that the cargoes were also their property they will be repaid, but 
 H ' D 'eIq EINE ' it i s insisted that the ships contained Spanish and Flemish property. 
 — To prove this the couriers boxes between London and Antwerp have 
 
 been seized and placed in the hands of one of the Secretaries of State, 
 who by an examination of the letters of merchants writing from both 
 countries may ascertain the truth of the case. I have not heard the 
 results nor the extent of this detention of the letters. Distrust is on 
 the increase, and this nation perhaps supposes that it has reached the 
 position which it occupied in the time of Elizabeth : that being the 
 great object of its ambition. 
 
 The Duke of Buckingham had not returned last week from Holland, 
 some think that he must visit France first and it is reported that new 
 liveries and horses are to be sent to him there. 
 
 Their Majesties are perfectly well and pass their time at their country 
 palaces waiting till the air of London is free from contagion, for although 
 the plague is now reduced, has indeed almost disappeared, people are 
 unwilling to return to their houses till the furniture in them can be 
 purified. 
 
 There is a general belief that we shall soon have a new Parliament 
 a sit is required in the present state of affairs. 
 
 The position of the Catholics becomes worse and worse ; the penal 
 laws are enforced against them with much stringency, and they have 
 nothing to trust to but the Kings clemency. 
 
 Warsley, 31st December 1625. 
 
 News has come from London of the arrival at Plymouth of the 
 Earl of Essex Avith a squadron of twenty-four Royal Galleons of the Fleet. 
 He proceeded immediately to Court to give information to His Majesty, 
 but we do not hear that he reported any victory either of his squadron 
 or of the others which are at sea, but quite the contrary, and that they 
 will follow his own. We wait to be informed of the real truth, and, 
 according to the account which can be given of the success or failure 
 of the expedition, this nation will praise or blame the authors of the 
 loss of so many men and ot so much money. Were it in their power 
 they would exhibit stronger signs of their dissatisfaction when the truth 
 is fully known. 
 
 The outfit of the second naval armament is pressed on in London, 
 and strenuous efforts are made to get it ready to sail at an early period, 
 but it cannot be so befoi-e spring. 
 
 The Duke of Buckingham returned last week from Holland, and 
 having paid his respects to His Majesty, he hastened to the country to 
 see his Duchess and his only son. 
 
 Warsley, 6th January 1626. 
 
 The return of the Earl of Essex is confirmed. It is also stated that 
 the rest of the fleet has reached the English coast, but we do not hear 
 of the success which was anticipated. Determined on a still greater 
 effort His Majesty has issued a proclamation requiring the soldiers and 
 sailors not to leave the ships and threatening them with severe penalties 
 if they do so without orders. His Majesty has signified that he intends 
 to employ them in another enterprise and that the fleet will be 
 strengthened by the ships now getting ready in the Thames. 
 
 It is obvious that the people are by no means satisfied Avith the last 
 expedition. They express their discontent, in murmurs — if not openly, 
 complaining in the usual way of those who have been in command ; 
 whilst their anger has been intensified by the news that, shortly after
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 41 
 
 the departure of the English fleet from the Spanish coast, the treasure ^ s s- of 
 ships arrived from Peru with, it is said, twenty-six millions on board. ' EsQf INK ' 
 
 Notwithstanding such discouragement, better success is anticipated — 
 
 from a second attempt. This feeling so far mitigates the irritation of 
 the people as to reconcile them to contributing freely towards another 
 attack upon the Spaniards. 
 
 The Court will not run the risk of holding any festivities at Whitehall ; 
 but it will do so at Hampton Court instead, remaining there till the 
 28th of this month, when it will return to London, and the civil and 
 criminal Courts of Justice will return also. 
 
 Her Majesty the Queen and the Ladies of her Court are preparing 
 for a ball to be given in London on Candlemas day. 
 
 At Windsor the King installed the following Knights of the Garter, 
 the foreign knights being represented by their proxies ; the Duke of 
 Brunswick, the Duke de Chevreuse, the Earl of Carlisle — a Scotsman, 
 the Earl of Dorset, and the Earl of Holland. 
 
 Northampton, 13th January 1626. 
 
 Last week the Ambassador of His Highness the Duke of Savoy, the 
 Abbe Scaglia, resident at the Court of His Most Christian Majesty, 
 arrived in London to compliment our new King in the name of his 
 master and at the same time to recommend his interests and to obtain 
 if possible substantial assistance. 
 
 There is also an impression that he has a commission to interpose his 
 good offices to sooth the grievances which have arisen since the marriage 
 either from the fulfilment „ or non-fulfilment of the terms which, 
 according to the different ideas of the two nations, were agreed upon. 
 
 The belief that His Excellency may intervene is strengthened by 
 the fact that in other cases the amicable efforts of the Duke of Savoy 
 have been successful. 
 
 The Abbe Scaglia has been overwhelmed with civilities and honours 
 lavished by the Court and especially by the Duke of Buckingham, who 
 lodged and entertained him at his residence paying him the most 
 courteous attentions, whilst His Excellency has received royal gifts of 
 silver plate partly gilt of the value of 3,000 crowns. 
 
 The Ambassador of Lorraine is still in London, and this can only be 
 accounted for, in my opinion, by a wish to receive the good offices of 
 the King, who is a relative, in settling differences which have arisen 
 between the Duke of Lorraine and the Duchess Dowager. 
 
 I have reason to think that their Majesties will be crowned in 
 February, if the slight increase of plague does not prevent them from 
 coming to Whitehall. If they return to London there will be a meeting 
 of Parliament as without its assistance it will be impossible to pay the 
 cost of the war with Spain. It is also necessary to secure property to 
 the Queen in addition to her dowry ; and lastly it remains to be seen 
 whether Parliament will vote new supplies without insisting upon a 
 clear statement of the expenditure of former grants, which it is alleged 
 have been wasted, and without questioning the authors of this extrava- 
 gance. It is said that judging by the expression on the countenances of 
 the Members they are prepared for extremities. 
 
 Northampton, 20th January 1626. 
 Commerce between this kingdom and Spain and with Flanders was 
 last week prohibited to all subjects of this crown, and this is the first 
 public act declaring war. His Majesty has also issued another procla- 
 mation commanding his subjects not to go to sea. except in well armed 
 ships provided with artillery musketry and boarding pikes and all
 
 42 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 MSS. or things necessary for offence and defence with a considerable number of 
 H * D t ; s ? EINE; sailors on board, under pain of the confiscation of the vessels and cargoes. 
 — ' It is wished by these means to obviate the losses which might be 
 
 sustained from the enemy by unarmed ships, whilst armed at the cost of 
 the proprietors they may be ready for any service required of them. 
 The Earl of Holland, member of the Privy Council, was hurriedly sent 
 last week to the Court of His Most Christian Majesty ; and at the same 
 time the Bishop of Mende, who was in attendance on the Queen, also went 
 to Paris. It is believed that the Earl is sent to seek a remedy for the 
 dissatisfaction felt in England, or which may arise from the proceedings 
 at Eochelle and the treatment of Monsieur de Soubise. Above all, how- 
 ever, it must be his care to tighten as much as possible the union with 
 France for the promotion of the interests of this country against the 
 Spaniards and Austrians. It is now said that, after the coronation and 
 meeting of Parliament, his Majesty will go to Scotland to visit that 
 country, and to be crowned there with similar ceremonial, and to check 
 certain abuses which have made their appearance in the administration. 
 
 London, 30th January 1626. 
 
 We are now at the beginning of a cruel war with Spain and Flanders. 
 Every week new edicts and proclamations are published forbidding 
 intei*course between the subjects of this realm and the enemy. This 
 involves the breach of commercial relations with other nations; even in 
 part with the French, but still more with the Hamburghers and Han- 
 seatic cities, if not with Germany. These cities carry on a profitable 
 trade with the Spaniards furnishing corn, ammunition, and materials for 
 building ships ; but confusion is introduced into the transactions of 
 merchants of every nation who already see that ships of war and 
 privateers, under the colour of damaging the enemy, seriously injure 
 friends and their trade by seizing their vessels and interposing endless 
 and intolerable obstacles to their recovery by requiring proof that the 
 cargoes are not Spanish. All this has been verified by the fact that 
 divers Frenchmen are now here to demand restitution of their property 
 and ships, taken by English war vessels on their way from Spain and 
 have failed to bring the question to an issue. 
 
 The Abbe Scaglia, Ambassador from the Duke of Savoy, was sent 
 to Dover in one of his Majesty's carriages accompanied by a select 
 escort and was conveyed to Calais in a ship of Avar. He may have 
 been requested to exert his good offices at the French court to modify 
 the bad humour prevalent there, and to induce his most Christian 
 Majesty to realise that friendly alliance which was hoped for from 
 the marriage. 
 
 In reply to the Earl of Holland, the French maintain that they have 
 in a certain manner purchased the eight ships of war, or that they 
 leased them for eighteen months, and not for six as the English allege, 
 and they refuse to give them up. 
 
 There is consequently this further difficulty to augment the causes for 
 dissatisfaction. It is hoped, notwithstanding, that means of accommo- 
 dation will be found, seeing how many common interests make it a 
 matter of necessity. The rest of the great fleet has returned having 
 done nothing except show itself on the coast of Spain. This country 
 is now openly at war, which must last till the present ill-humour has 
 found a vent, or till some power sufficiently disinterested and possessed 
 of authority steps in to make peace. For my part I believe that if 
 reputation could be saved, there would be no difficulty in doing so. 
 The Coronation of their Majesties is to be conducted more privately 
 than usual from reasons of economy, and because it is desirable to
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 43 
 
 avoid bringing together a great concourse of people whilst the plague MSS. of 
 
 is still nestling in ibis city. The French Bishop is gone to France, it H. D. Skbihe, 
 
 is generally believed, purposely to hold a consultation as to the — ' 
 presence of the Queen at a ceremonial to be performed by Protestant 
 clergy, and he will bring back the resolution of the French court. 
 
 London, 6th February 1626. 
 
 The naval and military preparations for the war against Spain and 
 Flanders are pushed forward ardently, and in the spring a powerful navy 
 will be ready, as great as the first, but suggestive of better founded hopes 
 of success. A part of the first fleet, consisting of six large men-of-war 
 and twenty armed merchantmen, is now in Ireland under the command 
 of Admiral Cecil. The ships have been much knocked about and 
 injured by tempests at sea and are now undergoing repair. It is neces- 
 sary to work hard to find money, whether to pay the expenses of the 
 naval armament, or to provide for the six thousand infantry maintained 
 by England in the service of the Dutch, or to contribute the sum promised 
 to the King of Denmark, or finally to provide for present wants, which 
 it is not possible to do without a large amount of supply from Par- 
 liament, convoked to meet on the sixteenth of the present month. In 
 the meanwhile, till Parliament provides supplies, it is arranged to make 
 a loan from the Dutch at Amsterdam, for two hundred thousand pounds 
 sterling; to be paid partly here, part to the King of Denmark, part for 
 the maintenance of the English troops in Holland, and twenty thousand, 
 the amount of his yearly pension, to the Prince Palatine, who in the 
 present emergency pledges as his security certain very precious and 
 ancient Crown-jewels, from which security he is to be relieved when 
 money is supplied by Parliament. The coronation is positively to take 
 place on Thursday next, but with much less splendour than is usual. 
 The Queen will not be present. Her Majesty is unwilling to be crowned 
 by the hands of a Protestant Bishop, neither will she take any part in 
 Protestant religious ceremonies. On the other hand no permission can 
 be given to crown her in the Rornan Catholic manner. This has con- 
 siderably increased the ill humour already prevalent between the French 
 and English. The Earl of Holland was sent to France as Ambassador 
 Extraordinary to try aud recover the Royal ship of Avar and the seven 
 armed vessels lent to the French King, as I have already reported. His 
 Excellency was also instructed to endeavour to modify the ill feeling 
 which has arisen between the two nations since the Royal Marriage 
 and the arrival of Her Majesty in this country. He has not yet re- 
 turned ; but he ought to do so soon to anticipate the meeting of Parlia- 
 ment, so that it may be known on what terms this country is to be with 
 France. There is every symptom that if they do not agree to return the 
 English ships, which they are employing against Rochelle in opposition 
 to the will of the people of this country, it may be necessary to recover 
 them by force. The irritation on both sides is very great, but the two 
 nations have too many interests in common to prevent hopes of an 
 accommodation or at any rate of an endeavour to get on peacefully. 
 
 As to the Roman Catholics they daily lose ground. They have been 
 disarmed this summer, and this day an Edict has been published limiting 
 their residence to certain districts. Some priest or other is imprisoned 
 almost daily and the penal laws are enforced against them rigorously. 
 
 Not a few of them, wholly unable to bear this persecution, deprived 
 of the protection of the King and of the laws and of two thirds of their 
 incomes, at last worn out, conform little by little to the customs of the 
 country.
 
 44 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 mss. op Seeing the march of events, and the incompetency with which the reins 
 
 Esq. ' of power are held it is evident that sooner or later a religious war will 
 break out.* 
 
 The plague is now limited to three parishes, and to one case in each. 
 The number of victims from the month of May to to-day in this city 
 and district, having a radius of one mile, has amounted to more than 
 sixty thousand. 
 
 London, 13th February 1626. 
 The Coronation of King Charles took place yesterday in Westminster 
 Abbey but without the customary Royal Cavalcade, and comparatively 
 without the magnificence characteristic of the ceremonial; it being 
 resolved, from motives of economy, to save three hundred thousand 
 crowns which it would have cost and to use the money for other 
 important and needful purposes. It was at the same time desirable to 
 avoid bringing together a numerous assemblage of the people whilst 
 the plague still infests the city in various places. 
 
 The day before the Coronation the ceremony of creating sixty Knights 
 of the Order of the Bath was performed, with no diminution of splendour 
 notwithstanding the pest. The Knights were mostly men of title and 
 well-born gentlemen, they rode in their mantles (of crimson velvet and 
 ermine embroidered with certain white stripes) each Knight being 
 between two Esquires also on horse-back, and with a mounted page in 
 front bearing the sword and gilt spurs of his master. They were also 
 attended by grooms and other officials. On arriving at the palace they 
 were introduced with great ceremony into the Hall, and were there 
 knio-hted by His Majesty, who touched each one on the shoulder with 
 an unsheathed sword. The new Knights were then girt with gilt 
 swords and were invested with a crimson ribbon with a medal of gold 
 attached bearing a device of three crowns in its centre and the motto 
 " Tria juncta in uno." Lastly the spurs were fixed by a noble friend 
 and an assistant and this completed the ceremony. Next Sunday the 
 Kino- will create a number of Earls in honour of the Coronation. It is a 
 dignity of the highest class conferred only on great personages and 
 with much pomp and solemnity. 
 
 On the following Monday Parliament will be opened at the Palace 
 of Westminster by His Majesty in person who will go there accompanied 
 by all the nobility, in their robes, together with all the Officers of the 
 Crown riding in royal state ; and, after hearing prayers and a sermon, 
 the Kino- will then go into the great hall, purposely prepared, and will 
 declare the reasons for the convocation of Parliament; the principal 
 object being, as every one believes, to obtain supplies to go on with the 
 war against Spain. I have mentioned that the Queen would not be 
 present at the Coronation or crowned, and, from the same religious 
 scruples, she will not take any share in the Ceremonial of the opening 
 of Parliament nor be present in the Procession. It is a fact however 
 that the majority of the Peers who profess the Catholic faith have been 
 present at the Coronation of His Majesty and consequently attended, not 
 without scandal to other Catholics, the prayers and preaching made in the 
 church ; but their position is now made so difficult and painful, that 
 doubtless many amongst them think more of their human than of their 
 divine interests. Everyone here is surprised to learn that a general 
 toleration has been extended to all the Catholics in the Kingdom of 
 
 * This is another instance of the foresight of Salvetti verified by subsequent 
 events.
 
 Esq. 
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 45 
 
 Ireland, but political motives rather than a favourable disposition have MSS. of 
 been the reasons. H - D t£™ INE ' 
 
 That country has been at all times, for the most part, constant to the 
 Catholic faith ; and, being very open to incursions of the Spaniards, it is 
 felt to be necessary, by the above means, to keep it loyal and obedient. 
 A messenger was sent last week to recall the Earl of Holland, Ambas- 
 sador Extraordinary to His Most Christian Majesty, it having been 
 understood that he was making no progress in the negotiation for the 
 restitution of the war vessels ; and it was at the same time determined 
 to send from thirty to forty others to relieve Rochelle, the fall of which 
 must be prevented, whilst the English ships must be seized and brought 
 away. If, however, it is true that terms have been made with the 
 Rochellese and the Huguenots, then the fleet may be amicably restored ; 
 and the Ambassador, in that case, may remain for some days to prosecute 
 the other objects of his embassy touching common interests in the war 
 and the pacification of the grudge which has arisen on other accounts. 
 The Abbe Scaglia, Ambassador Extraordinary from Savoy, resident at 
 Paris, sent one of his Gentlemen by express to the Duke of Buckingham 
 with letters which it is believed convey intelligence of the accommoda- 
 tion with the Rochellese, as well as of other matters connected with the 
 league with which His Excellency was commissioned when here. 
 
 The provisioning of the second naval armament makes rapid progress, 
 and the remains of the first fleet are under repair some in Ireland and 
 others on the west coast of England. It is believed that both will be 
 ready for sea in April next. 
 
 London, 20th Eebruary 1626. 
 
 Parliament was opened last Monday by the King who alluded to his 
 inability to make long speeches, and called upon the Keeper of the Great 
 Seal to say what was necessary upon his part. His Excellency made 
 an admirable speech, explaining to the Members the will of His Majesty. 
 He did not enlarge upon the necessity of new supplies, but limited him- 
 self to observations on the great goodness of the King towards his 
 subjects, and explained his desire to communicate frequently with them, 
 through the channel of Parliament, on the most important affairs of the 
 kingdom, that they might acquiesce in making the necessary provision. 
 
 On the following day eight Earls were created, which was a very 
 majestic ceremonial. The following were the noble and distinguished 
 persons who were thus honoured. Viscount Mandeville* ; Viscount 
 Andover, a Knight of the Garter, who had been Master of the Horse to 
 tin- King when Prince of Wales, he was created Earl of Berkshire; 
 Baron Tv'entworth created Earl of Cleveland ; Baron Sheffield, Knight of 
 the Garter, made Earl of Mulgrave ; Baron Danvers, Earl of Denbigh ; 
 Baron Carew, Master of the Ordnance, Earl of Totness ; Baron Carey 
 of Seppington, Earl of Monmouth ; Baron Ley, Treasurer of the 
 Kingdom, Earl of Marlborough. 
 
 Since this great ceremonial, nothing has been done except the election 
 of the Speaker of the House of Commons. There all the representatives 
 of the kingdom assemble, and there all projects are first effectually 
 proposed and voted, and are then sent to the upper chamber, composed of 
 the Peers of the Realm, to be confirmed. The House of Commons 
 consists of four hundred members all persons of excellent intelligence. 
 They are at present engaged in verifying the validity of the elections, and 
 in putting everything in order so as to be ready in the approaching week 
 
 * I lis new title is omitted, he was created Earl of Manchester, and subsequently 
 held the office of Lord Privy Seal.
 
 46 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 aiss. of to attend to business or to whatever may be communicated to them by 
 H.D.™, HisMajeBty . 
 
 — The gentleman sent here lately by the Ambassador of Savoy, resident 
 
 in Paris, with letters for the Duke of Buckingham, as I stated last week, 
 has made very warm representations to obtain I do not know how many 
 ships of war to be employed in the Mediterranean and consequently 
 against the Genoese. He is about to be sent back with letters, and with 
 a beautiful golden neck-chain as a gift, but up to the present time, so far 
 as I can learn, without any promise to meet his request for ships ; so much 
 are these as well as soldiers and mariners required at home. 
 
 Correct intelligence has at last arrived of the nature of the adjustment 
 between His Most Christian Majesty and the Rochellese. Its terms are 
 regarded with much disappointment, and it is held that it cannot be 
 lasting. At all events Messieurs the French must now return the ships 
 which they borrowed. 
 
 The English Ambassadors Extraordinary arc satisfied with the results 
 of some of their negotiations, but with regard to that which is of chief 
 importance it does not appear that any hope of success has been held out 
 to them. There can therefore only be an increase of bitter feeling and 
 there are manifest signs of similar sentiments on this side also ; con- 
 sequently a gentleman has been despatched to France to give informa- 
 tion of the state of things here, and the English ports have been closed 
 so that he may be the first to arrive. 
 
 They insist here that the French Ambassador has left London to be 
 nearer Dover, that he may cross the sea as soon as he receives answers 
 to his last despatches, sent by express courier to his King ; but we hear 
 that his messenger has not been allowed to pass. In reality the sudden 
 departure from London of the French Ambassador has been caused by 
 a notification sent to him that he was no longer to visit the Queen, 
 and further that he would be no longer recognised as Ambassador, 
 
 The plague is again increasing ; it has been found this week in seven 
 parishes in London, and in other parts of the kingdom it is only too 
 active. 
 
 London, 27th February 1626. 
 
 Parliament is still occupied -with preliminary busiuess and with 
 regulations for the preservation of its immunities and privileges. Now 
 that these are almost cleared away, and that the usual formalities are 
 brought to a termination, it will limit itself to the important affairs and 
 to legislation which it may consider most beneficial for the country. 
 There are already signs that it is about to take up the thread of the 
 debates of the last Parliament which sat at Oxford, that is to say an 
 inquiry into the expenditure with other grievances of importance. It 
 therefore means to feel the pulse of those who administered the outlay; in 
 which case we may look for something both novel and interesting. 
 
 The treaty between the Pochellese and the King of France is held 
 here to be not only hurtful but to be ruinous, and efforts will be made 
 to improve their position Avhich is imperilled by the King's occupation 
 of the islands near and of the fort of St. Louis which is the key of 
 the position. Under any circumstances the peace cannot be durable. 
 
 The English Ambassadors ought now to return to give a full account 
 of the resolutions of the French with reference to the invitation so often 
 made of an alliance, as well as with regard to the restitution of captures. 
 This if done might go far to extinguish past and present bad feeling 
 which as I have stated has been on the increase. 
 
 The French Ambassador on being forbidden access to the Queen 
 and refused an audience by His Majesty, immediately left London for a
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 47 
 
 country house six miles distant to await a reply from his King. It MSS. of 
 being ascertained at Court that a courier from France had arrived with Hl D eIq RINE ' 
 
 a message which concerned the Queen, notice was sent to His Excel- 
 
 lency that he might communicate the message to Her Majesty, but that 
 he must limit himself to that and return at once to his residence out of 
 town. 
 
 The Venetian Ambassador has interposed his good offices and done 
 everything in his power to mend matters and to preserve a good under- 
 standing and friendly feeling between the English and the French, but 
 such is their difference of temperament, of religion, and of interests, that 
 his success must be very doubtful; especially on account of the numerous 
 Frenchmen who crowd the Court and are daily met with so that it is 
 difficult to avoid hidden causes of offence. Messieurs the French no 
 doubt will be compelled to retire having reached the last stage of un- 
 popularity. 
 
 The Duke of Savoy makes every effort to obtain a loan of ships of 
 war, and, should those now in the hands of the French be restored, it is 
 quite possible that he may get them ; especially as the Duke of Buck- 
 ingham favours his cause. His Highness must however be prepared to 
 give security not only for the restitution of the ships but also that they 
 shall be employed against Genoa. 
 
 General Cecil has not returned to London ; he remains in Ireland, and 
 although it is said that messages have been sent to him it is thought 
 that he will not come during the sitting of Parliament. 
 
 A Persian Ambassador is expected to treat of the silk trade with 
 Persia, but another Ambassador, Sir Robert Shirley, has been here for 
 years negotiating on this subject without any result Avhatever. 
 
 London, 6th March 1626. 
 
 Parliament meets daily, but there is no appearance as yet of any work 
 of importance. The Members are occupied with the grievances and 
 burdens of the country, which questions open out into so many ramifi- 
 cations that they must keep them employed for many days ; more parti- 
 cularly if they require a precise account of the cost of this last expedition 
 which they have clearly notified their intention of doing. 
 
 Mons. de Blainville remains at his house near Greenwich in a state 
 of great mortification. He is waiting for the return of the gentleman 
 dispatched by the King to the most Christian Court, as Avell as of the 
 courier whom he sent with his own version of the case. Her Majesty 
 the Queen conducts herself with youthful grace. On the day of carni- 
 val, for which Tuesday was set aside, she acted in a beautiful pastoral 
 of her own composition, assisted by twelve of her ladies whom she had 
 trained since Christmas. The pastoral succeeded admirably ; not only in 
 the decorations and changes of scenery, but also in the acting and 
 recitation of the ladies — Her Majesty surpassing all the others. The 
 performance was conducted as privately as possible, inasmuch as it is 
 an unusual thing in this country to see the Queen upon a stage ; the 
 audience consequently was limited to a few of the nobility, expressly 
 invited, no others being admitted. 
 
 The Persian Ambassador arrived here on Saturday, and the first 
 audience was appointed for Monday after dinner. In the meanwhile he 
 accidentally met Sir Robert .Shirley, an Englishman, who has been here 
 for more than three years endeavouring to open a silk trade with Persia. 
 The two ambassadors from words came to blows, and in the encounter 
 His Excellency Sir Robert Shirley had the worst of it, whilst the 
 Persian not only would not recognise him as an Ambassador but tore 
 up the credentials which the Englishman showed in proof of his mis-
 
 48 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 MSS. of sion. In consequence of this incident the audience has not taken place. 
 H ' D Esq EINE ' I d° not see now ** can en( ^ ex cept in proving that one or other is 
 — an impostor. There can be no reception till the matter is cleared up. 
 
 The seizure of English ships and property effected on various parts 
 of the coast of France has made a great noise in this country, and the 
 proprietors are so excited that they have carried their complaints to 
 Parliament to obtain justice. It at once embraced their cause and 
 inquired into the facts so as to come to whatever determination the cir- 
 cumstances may require. No doubt the French must profit by an 
 inquiry into the causes of the seizure of their vessels and property some 
 time ago, by English war-ships, and justice may finally overtake those 
 who were the authors of those scandalous proceedings. 
 
 I mentioned the good offices of the Venetian Ambassador in favour 
 of the French Ambassador ; but the latter does not appear to be pleased, 
 and has expressed a wish that no one should interfere, so that the 
 Venetian has entirely withdrawn from all further interposition. 
 
 London. 13th March 1626. 
 
 Parliament has undertaken an inquiry into the burdens of the people, 
 and has arranged these under several heads all reflecting on the conduct 
 of the administration. Both Parliament and the people in general are 
 roused by the errors which they think have been committed in the 
 management of the last naval expedition, in the loss of men, in the 
 great outlay, and in the forfeiture of reputation ; so that it will not be 
 surprising if there is a general outbreak. It now seems that "the knot 
 draws near the teeth of the comb," * if the present Parliament continues, 
 it cannot do less than insist on retrenchment. 
 
 The seizures which have taken place of French ships and goods, and 
 the reprisals made on the other side on English property, the complaints 
 of the English merchants, and their petition for a remedy, have led to 
 much thought on the part of Parliament, and the questions raised may 
 prove of some prejudice to the original authors of the seizures, particu- 
 larly with reference to the case of a French ship with a very rich cargo 
 which was pronounced in the English Court to be undoubtedly French 
 property. She was ordered to be set free and had proceeded on her voyage 
 when she was again taken possession of by order of the Duke of Buck- 
 ingham. On hearing of this the French retaliated and captured English 
 vessels and goods. Parliament disapproving of this course of action and 
 of the confusion thus caused in fair trade, and possibly for some other 
 reasons, is now busy devising such expedients as may appear to them 
 honorable and needful, the nature of which we shall soon learn. 
 
 The French Ambassador remains at his country house awaiting the 
 orders of his King, and the hostile feeling between the two nations is 
 augmented by the circumstance that the Court here has heard of the 
 detention at Calais of Mr. Montagu, the gentleman whom His Majesty 
 sent three weeks ago to the Court of France with letters to the 
 English Ambassador. Mr. Montagu's detention took place on his 
 return homewards with the Ambassador's reply which it was said was 
 taken from him and sent to Paris. 
 
 The French defend this on the ground that the English acted in the 
 same manner by detaining the Secretary of their Ambassador and pre- 
 venting him crossing the sea to one of their ports, and they also maintain 
 that not only was he thus detained but that his papers were taken from 
 him. All this inci"eases the misunderstanding, of which there are daily 
 
 *A common Tuscan proverb " Tutti i nodi vengono al petrine," which the Resident 
 quotes to show what must necessarily happeD.
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 49 
 
 other symptoms. In short things are in a very bad condition. The mss. of 
 French are no longer so popular as they once were, and the agreement esq. 
 
 made between their king and the Rochellese being so disadvantageous to 
 the Protestant cause is therefore very little to the taste of this people 
 and increases the aversion with which the French are now regarded. 
 The best thing which they can do is to return the ships which they cap- 
 tured, and the English will send them back their compatriots at this 
 Court who are held to be of very little use. On Sunday last a great 
 commotion arose in the town house of the French Ambassador, between 
 some of his servants and the constables and other officials of the supreme 
 Spiritual Court here which is similar to our Inquisition. The disturb- 
 ance took place because the officers of the Court wished to make prisoners 
 of certain English Catholics who attended the Mass at the Embassy. 
 The French being armed wounded several of the officials, and the fray 
 would have become more serious but for the arrival of the Earl Marshal 
 who was sent by His Majesty. 
 
 Parliament, availing itself of the opportunity thus offered, is consider- 
 ing more rigorous penal laws; to correct, it is said, the insolence of the 
 Catholics whose condition never has been more embittered than at the 
 present time. All the laws hostile to them are enforced, without distinc- 
 tion of rank or quality ; the zeal with which His Majesty regards his 
 religion, as well as the hatred with which the Puritans look on all of the 
 Roman faith, concurring with these proceedings. 
 
 In the midst of these discomforts we flatter ourselves with the usual 
 hopes of amendment, and console ourselves by observing the complete 
 and sincere affection which subsists between the King and Queen ; which, 
 if misrepresented by some, is a cause of very general good feeling 
 which will be increased should it please God to give them Royal off- 
 spring. 
 
 The quarrel between the Persian Ambassadors remains undecided, 
 and the last comer has not been received. His Majesty, being desirous of 
 knowing more of both, blames the brutality and barbarity of the one, 
 and the too great endurance of the other, who, considering the relatives 
 and friends which he has in this country, ought to have gained the upper 
 hand. 
 
 The Venetian Ambassador has informed this Court that his Serene 
 Highness the Grand Duke of Tuscany has lent large sums to the 
 Governor of Milan ; this comes from the Venetian resident there and is 
 here regarded with disfavor. 
 
 London, 20th March 1626. 
 One of the French ships, called the St. Peter, lately captured with 
 others, was allowed to depart in accordance with the decision of a Court 
 of Justice ; but, notwithstanding, was again retaken by order of the Duke 
 of Buckingham, Lord High Admiral. The immediate consequences of 
 this act upon his part were numerous reprisals on the part of the French, 
 and the seizure of English vessels with their cargoes to the serious 
 J a mage of the trade of this country. Parliament became at once desirous 
 of instituting inquiries into proceedings, apparently caused by the con- 
 duct of the Duke, when His Majesty through his Attorney- General gave 
 the Members to understand that the Duke had acted by his commands. 
 The King having thus assumed the responsibility, the house has not 
 been able to pursue the subject further. It shows every disposition and 
 determination to avail itself of other means of attack should they offer 
 themselves; but, the Duke having the King on his side, its efforts in this 
 direction will prove futile. 
 
 U 23533. D
 
 50 HISTOBICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 MSS. or Many subjects have been under discussion in Parliament, but no work 
 
 H ' D Eso? rNE ' " as °cen done. The Members however have now entered seriously on 
 
 the necessary business for providing for the internal and external wants 
 
 of the kingdom. 
 
 A proposal has been made in the House of Peers by the Duke of 
 Buckingham, and has been supported by other Peers at all times dis- 
 posed to wound both Spain and the House of Austria ; but it may be 
 opposed in the Lower House, not from a disposition to refuse to contri- 
 bute readily to the wants of His Majesty, but, as I have already said, 
 because there is a wish on the part of the Members to inquire into the 
 expenditure of former supplies, as well as to take measures to remedy 
 existing grievances before granting supplies, or at all events to consider 
 these questions at the same time. There is every appearance that it 
 will be difficult to induce Parliament to do anything in one direction 
 without concessions on the other. 
 
 It is asserted that the affair of Rochelle having been entirely settled 
 the French will not only return our war ships, but will also set free the 
 English merchant vessels lately captured, and besides will grant 
 effectual assistance to present designs. These statements need confirma- 
 tion and they appear to be suggested by people's wishes rather than by 
 realities. 
 
 On Sunday last the King gave orders to imprison Lord Arundel, the 
 Earl Marshal, in the Tower of London, in consequence of the marriage 
 of his son Lord Maltravers with the Lady Elizabeth Stuart, daughter 
 of the late Duke of Lennox and a relative of His Majesty, whom he 
 intended, it is said, to give in marriage to a son of the Earl of Argyle 
 in Scotland. Although the Earl Marshal states in his defence that he 
 knew nothing of the marriage, the King will not accept of this explana- 
 tion but insists that the marriage has been made in spite of his will to 
 the contrary. 
 
 The Duchess of Lennox and the Countess of Arundel, the mothers of 
 the married couple, have been imprisoned in. separate private houses, 
 and the spouses in the residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury. The 
 event is of serious importance and has happened at an unlucky moment. 
 Members of the House of Lords are secretly dissatisfied for they feel 
 that they have lost one of their principal colleagues. 
 
 The new Persian Ambassador has at last had an audience of His 
 Majesty during which, besides the usual compliments, he explained his 
 instructions to invite this nation together with the Dutch — to whom 
 another Ambassador has been sent similarly instructed — to open a trade 
 in silk with Persia, with promises of the most favourable conditions. 
 He also had an audience of the Queen, and is now waiting to communi- 
 cate with commissaries with whom to commence business negotiations. 
 This proposed trade must depend upon the good will of the leading 
 merchants, and it must involve a great expense even to make a beginning. 
 It will not therefore be surprising if after some time spent in discussion 
 it should end in smoke. 
 
 As for the other Ambassador, Shirle}' who carried off such a load of fisty- 
 cuffs from his newly arrived rival, I believe, as I have already said, that 
 he had better remain quiet as there appears to be no remedy, and as he 
 is under the shadow of a suspicion that he has for a long time pretended 
 to be what he is not. 
 
 It now appears that the report that the gentleman sent by His Majesty 
 to Paris was detained at Calais and his despatches taken from him was 
 not true. It is now certain that he was here last week as I have already 
 stated.
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 51 
 
 London, 27th March 1826. MSB. of 
 
 The resolution carried by the Duke of Buckingham in the House of H,!D Es5f Iire ' 
 Lords " that it is necessary to provide immediately for the requirements — 
 
 of His Majesty both for home and foreign affairs" was transmitted to 
 the lower House. The Members replied immediately that they were 
 ready to vote a large sum of money, provided that they were favourably 
 listened to on the subject of the grievances into which they were at 
 present inquiring. They are bent on throwing the greatest share of 
 blame on the Duke of Buckingham, holding him to be the chief author, 
 and they are consequently desirous of proceeding by impeachment. 
 They have been however directly informed by His Majesty that if they 
 arc satisfied to speak of grievances generally without specifying the 
 Duke in particular, his faithful Minister and good servant, whom he 
 would protect and against whom he would listen to no accusation what- 
 ever, he would in that case be ready to hear them and to give them 
 needful satisfaction. It was his desire however that meanwhile they 
 should attend to other business and especially resolve to consider the 
 supplies. The defence of the Kingdom, and the means of attacking the 
 enemy must be provided for. Further, they were themselves called 
 upon to punish two Members of their house who had disrespectfully 
 exaggerated the accusations brought against the Duke, and had in no 
 small measure reflected offensively on His Majesty as well as on the 
 memory of the King his father. This arbitrary mode of speech of the 
 King, opposed to the resolutions which they wished to proceed with 
 and wholly unexpected, has greatly disconcerted the Members ; and their 
 embarrassment is increased by His Majesty's declaration, as well as by 
 the active body of members who take the side of the Duke. It is 
 thought by some that large sums will be granted to His Majesty, and 
 that then the Commons will be dismissed to their homes without having 
 attained their object ; which is to vanquish and cast down the Duke who 
 at the present time is stronger than ever in the regard and favour of the 
 King. 
 
 The hostile feeling against the Duke began in the Parliament that 
 sat at Oxford ; and, it being dissolved in the manner before described, the 
 present has revived its line of conduct; whilst the recapture of the 
 French ship by order of the Duke after it had been legally liberated, 
 which led to the capture of English property in France, provided the 
 opportunity of looking into his administration. The principal accusa- 
 tions brought against His Excellency, moved by a certain Doctor 
 Turner, are divided under six heads as follows : — 
 
 1st. Whether the reputation of His Majesty's fleet since the Duke of 
 Buckingham has been Admiral has not diminished and the dominion 
 of the neighbouring seas been almost lost ? 
 2nd. Whether in consequence of the innumerable and profuse dona- 
 tions bestowed on the Duke and his relatives the country has not 
 been impoverished ? 
 3rdly. Whether the assumption by the Duke and his relatives of the 
 principal otfices of the kingdom has not been the cause of the present 
 disorders ? 
 Ithly. Whether the sale by the Duke of offices and dignities both 
 spiritual and temporal to unw r orthy persons to the exclusion of 
 candidates of merit is not the cause of disorder and injustice ? 
 5thly. Whether the presence at Court of his mother and godfather who 
 
 are papists does not show that he patronises others of that sect ? 
 6thly. Whether being Grand Admiral and General he ought not to 
 have gone in person with the fleet, and whether its failure is not to 
 be attributed to the selection of little experience to command it ? 
 
 d2
 
 52 historical manuscripts commission. 
 
 It is said that the Members of Parliament wish to inquire into other 
 H. D. Serine, matters, but I am of opinion that they will in the end be obliged to be 
 EsQ - quiet as I see no chance of their success, even in the smallest degree, 
 
 unless the King sided with them which no one believes possible. 
 Towards the end of last week a gentleman arrived at the French Embassy, 
 sent expressly by his most Christian Majesty to make inquiries whether 
 satisfaction can really be obtained for the value of the ships and pro- 
 perty taken by the English, also to ascertain carefully what is the nature 
 of the offence given to His Majesty's Ambassador. 
 
 Having remained for three days, occupied in negociation, and having 
 been received by the Queen — without an audience of the King — the 
 gentleman returned to France on Saturday last. He had with him 
 written copies of the instructions previously given to the French Ambas- 
 sador. They set forth that His Majesty was satisfied to release the Eng- 
 lish property taken in reprisal by the French, provided that, within three 
 weeks, the English should on their parts deliver up and restore all that 
 had been taken from the French. 
 
 It is not apparent how such proposals can be carried out, and it is 
 impossible to do so at so early a period. The greater part of the mer- 
 chandise has been sold for half its value. The money thus obtained has 
 been spent, and the remainder of the goods wasted. 
 
 It is evident that nothing can be done; besides the two sides are further 
 off than ever from a settlement, for it is publicly stated that new cap- 
 tures have been made at Calais, in Picardy, thus increasing still more 
 the hostile feeling- which it will be difficult to soothe ; whilst the injury 
 done to this country may be the greater that the French have in hand 
 so much English property that probably they -will pretend not only to 
 the restitution of the principal but to payments for damages and 
 interest. 
 
 To all this is to be added the indignation with which the French 
 Ambassador is filled to the throat, as well as the French residents at Court 
 here, all of which united with these mercantile disturbances cannot 
 fail to increase the bad understanding between the two nations. 
 
 It will always exist more or less. Mere accidents increase it, not to 
 speak of the residence here of a number of excitable French people who 
 cannot be quiet ; and finally there is the antipathy with which the two 
 nations have long regarded each other. 
 
 The new Persian ambassador presented His Majesty, on the occasion 
 of his audience of Monday, with several long and wide carpets made in 
 his country, with I know not what quantity of gold and silver brocade. 
 It is said of the value of about five thousand crowns. There are yet no 
 Commissioners appointed to consult with the Ambassadors on his 
 proposals. 
 
 As to the other Ambassador, the Englishman Shirley, it is proposed 
 to send a person expressly to Persia to ascertain if he is recognised by 
 the King, and perhaps they will send him also, in company with the 
 messenger, at his own special request. In the meanwhile his rival will 
 be detained here till his return, or till by some means the real facts are 
 ascertained. The Earl Marshal remains a prisoner in the Tower. His 
 Majesty has given orders for his examination by four members of the 
 Privy Council, the nature of which has not transpired. The members 
 of the house of Lords, or at any rate a considerable number, maintain 
 that no Peer can be imprisoned during the sitting of Parliament except 
 for high treason or homicide; they therefore demand, in accordance with 
 their privilege, that the Earl Marshal be liberated and brought before 
 them for examination, when if any offence is established he may be 
 imprisoned by their authority. They have not been listened to ; the
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 53 
 
 King has informed tliem, through the Lord Keeper and the Lord „ ^ s | • 0F . 
 Treasurer, that he had not imprisoned the Earl Marshal for any Esq. 
 
 Parliamentary offence; they were also reminded that the Peers were 
 divided on the question of privilege. Many of their Lordships a:e 
 greatly mortified that they should be called upon to submit to such a 
 precedent. The Duke holds eleven proxies of absent Peers and for the 
 moment it seems that more harm than good has been done by the 
 attempt to promote the liberation of the imprisoned noble. 
 
 London, 3rd April 1626. 
 
 Although the King last week informed Parliament, by word of mouth, 
 that it ought without loss of time to devote its attention to the question 
 of supply, instead of bringing personal charges against the Duke of 
 Buckingham, it evidently will not abandon the course which has been 
 taken. The members on the contrary persevere zealously in their 
 inquiries into the causes of existing burdens. Such inquiries naturally 
 lead to reflections on the administration of the Duke, and many name 
 him in the most open manner as the author of existing evils. They are 
 not likely to give up the habit of doing so, till they have matured the 
 terms of his impeachment, which, with the support of the house of 
 Lords, they will submit to his Majesty petitioning him for justice. 
 
 The King is anxious to prevent this catastrophe, partly because he 
 has already declared his determination to protect the Duke ; whilst, to 
 escape if possible the necessity of again disagreeing with Parliament and 
 of dissolving it, His Majesty has temporised and has written the following 
 loving letter in which "He exhorts the Members to consider the present 
 state of his affairs, and calls upon them to unite together and to take 
 prompt measures to aid him, so that the favourable season may not be 
 lost for making all the preparations necessary for defence and offence, 
 and especially for succouring the King of Denmark with present and 
 future supplies of 30,000/. sterling, as well as 20,000/. for the Count of 
 Mansfeldt, besides what is required to pay for the maintenance of 6,000 
 English troops in Holland." 
 
 " What is of still more importance, they must also provide the money 
 required for the cost of the navy and for the defence of Ireland which 
 will amount to millions. With regard to the statement of grievances, 
 His Majesty will hear it, provided that there is no attack on his 
 government, or on that of his father the late King of happy memory, 
 and that it is expressed in a moderate and temperate manner." 
 
 It will be difficult to avoid stumbling against some one or other of 
 these restrictions ; either Parliament must altogether abandon the dis- 
 cussion of them, or must place itself in the dangerous position of hostility 
 to the Duke, and incur the risk of being dissolved without having 
 succeeded in any one thiug, seeing that the King up to the present time 
 is resolute to support him and that his Excellency is confident that he 
 need not fear the attacks with which he is menaced. The House has 
 taken time till Monday to consider its reply to His Majesty's letter. 
 Possibly it may declare the amount of the supplies which it will grant 
 and under what conditions. In the meanwhile it is considering the best 
 mode of proceeding without abandoning its statement of the grievances 
 that have resulted from the administration of the Duke. In a few 
 days we shall hear of the birth which will relieve this Parliamentary 
 pregnancy which has reached its full period. 
 
 Opinions vary according to inclination and interests. The majority 
 however are straining to compass the ruin of the Duke. To me this 
 appears obvious that his protector will maintain his position with 
 unchanged mind and that Parliament will be obliged at last to provide
 
 54 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 MSS. of ^ supplies, receiving in turn some promise of a future remedy for the evils 
 Esq. " which are complained of. A beginning has been made here to con- 
 sider the steps necessary for the release and restitution of French 
 vessels and cargoes. It is impossible however to perform immediately 
 all that is proposed ; moreover, since the last seizure of English property 
 made at Calais, three French ships have been taken in reprisal. 
 
 The complaints of Mons. de Blainville continue, but he receives no 
 satisfaction whatever. It is difficult therefore to see how so many dis- 
 putes can be patched up without risk of the agreement being broken 
 to pieces on the smallest provocation. His Excellency the French 
 Ambassador has returned to his London residence. I believe that he 
 has done so under instructions which he has received, but I do not hear 
 that he goes to Court or that there is the remotest idea of endeavour- 
 ing to pacify him. A gentleman sent from Paris by the Prince of 
 Piedmont has been here during last week, but beyond the usual com- 
 pliments offered to their Majesties in the name of his Highness it does 
 not appear that he is charged with other business. At the same time 
 another personage has appeared here, sent by the King of Denmark to 
 give an account of his Danish Majesty's present position as to his yearly 
 subsidies, and especially to press for payment of arrears and present 
 obligations, as well as to show the necessity which there is of still larger 
 sums to provide the means of defence and offence against his enemies. 
 
 A message which could not have arrived at a better conjuncture than 
 the present, to serve as a spur to Parliament to induce it promptly 
 to gi*ant larger supplies, although divers Members remain incredulous. 
 
 The Earl Marshal is still in prison in the Tower. Parliament wishes 
 to aid him, but His Majesty will not hear of it ; and the Duke of 
 Buckingham has no desire whatever to see him liberated, on account of 
 his Parliamentary influence against him, especially as he is gifted with 
 a powerful intellect, and is highly esteemed by other Peers : consequently 
 the Duke regards him with little favour. 
 
 The affairs of the unhappy Catholics never were in a worse state 
 than at the present time with every appearance of decline rather than 
 improvement. 
 
 There are at Plymouth about forty ships of war, part of the new fleet 
 which are ready to sail; but, till Parliament provides money, they 
 cannot leave the harbour, or at any rate do more than go a short 
 distance. 
 
 A certain Captain Doper is ready to go to sea at an early day, with 
 two good ships of war and two small pinnaces, having obtained letters 
 of marque against the Spaniards from the King. This man is very well 
 known in Leghorn and its vicinity, it would not be suprising if he should 
 turn up in that neighbourhood, and should despoil friends as well as 
 enemies, being utterly desperate and capable of anything. 
 
 A prodigious inundation which has done infinite damage at Seville 
 has grieved no one here, it is thought rather to be a sign that the Lord 
 fights for this side 
 
 It has now come out that France and Spain have agreed on the 
 question of the Valtelline. If this news be true Italy may breathe again, 
 but it is no cause of satisfaction to this country. 
 
 London, 10th April 1C26. 
 On Monday last, Parliament delivered its answer to the remonstrance 
 made by His Majesty the week before, on the subject of promptly grant- 
 ing a sufficient sum of money. The reply of the House of Commons 
 concluded with a statement thai it was prepared to grant three subsidies 
 and three fifteenths, payable in three rates within a year, amounting in
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 55 
 
 all to about three hundred thousand pounds. The act however would MS|. of 
 not be passed till such time as His Majesty should be pleased to give a ' esq. 
 direct reply to the list of grievances that are now in preparation, and 
 that are to be brought under his notice. 
 
 This list, as already stated, touches the Duke of Buckingham to the 
 quick, and is consequently the cause of alienation between the King and 
 the House of Commons. 
 
 His Majesty summoned all the Members to his presence on Wednesday 
 last, when not only he did not accept or thank them for their promise 
 that they were prepared to grant three subsidies and three fifteenths, but 
 in the most austere manner he informed them "that he had hitherto 
 treated them with lenity in the belief that they woidd have met him in a 
 good spirit, but, observing that his gentleness only increased their dis- 
 position to overstep the bounds of modesty and their duty as good subjects, 
 he was now reduced to the necessity of exercising his royal authority." 
 His Majesty then expressed his determination, "that if by the close of 
 Saturday next they had not consented to support him with a larger 
 amount of supplies without farther reference to the question of grievances 
 which reflected upon his present government as well as upon that of the 
 late King his father, and without intermeddling with the administration 
 of the Duke, who had merited so much from the late King and from the 
 kingdom and whom he was resolved to protect — then they need not 
 think of sitting in Parliament after that day, but would be sent to their 
 homes." 
 
 This absolute mode of speaking, seconded by a speech from the Lord 
 Keeper, roused a bitter and obstinate feeling in the Members of Parlia- 
 ment. They adhered resolutely to the course which they had begun and 
 resumed their debates with equal ardour — when the House of Lords 
 asked for a conference which was agreed to. 
 
 At this conference the Duke of Buckingham stated that he had received 
 His Majesty's orders to offer an explanation which would be found 
 advantageous. He proceeded to state, with much courtesy of manner, 
 that, although His Majesty had allowed them but a brief interval to make 
 up their minds to grant him a larger sum, he had considered the subject 
 and was willing to leave the time to their choice, provided that they kept 
 within reasonable and convenient limits in providing for his urgent 
 requirements, and on condition that they dealt with other matters in a 
 modest and temperate spirit. 
 
 The Duke took the opportunity of making a long speech in justification 
 of himself, denying the misconduct imputed to him. He was not suc- 
 cessful in his defence, and many felt that his apology, associated with the 
 King's expressions on Wednesday, did him more harm than good. 
 
 In short the general disposition of the House is to assail the Duke, for 
 it is resolved to overthrow him. God help him if he commits any blun- 
 der : there may then be no middle course, and if under such circumstances 
 Parliament is dissolved it will excite universal disapprobation. 
 
 The French Ambassador Extraordinary has returned to London and 
 has consented to accept the Court provision and finally to attend an 
 audience granted to him by His Majesty on Tuesday. It is conjectured 
 that His Excellency — his dissatisfaction being evaporated — had better 
 depart so soon as Monsieur de Fosse the new Ambassador in Ordinary 
 arrives. 
 
 The return of the English Ambassadors Extraordinary from France is 
 expected almost from hour to hour. They will be replaced by Sir 
 Edward Barrett as Ambassador in Ordinary. 
 
 The liberation of the property of the merchants on both sides, makes 
 slow progress. The delay maybe the cause of further estrangement
 
 56 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 before it will be possible to make finally a real and substantial agreement,. 
 H. D. Serine, especially as the English observe on the part of the French a growing 
 EsQ - indifference to any union for the promotion of their interests, either 
 
 directly or indirectly; whilst they have almost made a final settlement 
 with the Spaniards, as to the affairs of the Valtelline, without the partici- 
 pation of England ; all leading to the conclusion that there is now no hope 
 of any assistance, such as was held out by the former alliance. 
 
 The Agent from the Duke of Savoy is still here, and is made much 
 of by the Duke of Buckingham, but it has not been possible to discover 
 whether there are negotiations of which the object is to obtain the 
 ships of war for which the Ambassador Scaglia applied. Since the 
 arrangement as to the Valtelline, which must lead to the abandonment 
 of any attack on Genoa, the ships can no longer be required ; and at the 
 present conjuncture His Serene Highness could hardly expect England 
 to spare any of her vessels of war. With regard to the gentleman from 
 Denmark, he will not leave till he receives a supply of money for his 
 King ; but for this he must await the convenience of Parliament. 
 
 The Duke stated in the House of Lords yesterday that the new fleet 
 was almost ready to go to sea, and that all that was wanted was money 
 for the expenses of the expedition in which the Dutch will take part, 
 with twenty ships, when the united fleets will attack the enemy. 
 
 The Bishop of Mende has returned from France, it is said with the 
 intention of remaining, but he has no commission to act in favour of 
 the Catholics. 
 
 London, 17th April 1626. 
 
 The House of Commons has done nothing more than prepare a 
 remonstrance in writing, in which it defends itself, maintaining that it 
 has not departed in any case from customary Parliamentary usages, 
 although the whole of the Members had been reprimanded by His Majesty 
 in his Royal Speech for doing so. They had not attacked either the 
 government of His late Majesty or that of the King, but they had 
 complained of the conduct of a subjert — as they were privileged to do, 
 however great he might be — for which there were many precedents. 
 They reiterated their resolution to grant three subsidies and three 
 fifteenths under the conditions previously stated. 
 
 This document was presented to His Majesty by thirty Members 
 of the House of Commons on Wednesday last, and he stated that he 
 would reply to it on Thursday in the following week ; meanwhile the 
 House would stand adjourned, so that the members might visit their 
 homes and attend to their Easter duties in peace and quiet. 
 
 The practical object is to give time to win Members over to the 
 Duke's side, for he is menaced with ruin although he has a certain 
 popular influence. I still think that, so long as the King remains firm, 
 the Duke can maintain his position and will survive this storm ; that at 
 last Parliament will consent to grant the subsidies, but will leave it to 
 the King in the exercise of his prerogative to impose the additional 
 taxes on everything necessary to raise the supplies 
 
 The House of Lords has again attempted to assert its privilege to 
 liberate the Earl Marshal, but has not been successful ; being .opposed 
 by the Duke, with the aid of his proxies which represent a certain 
 number of votes, in addition to which his adherents in the House 
 comprise nearly all the Bishops who vote as spiritual Barons. 
 
 The opposition however will not abandon a cause which so closely 
 concerns them all, and their immunities and privileges which do not 
 allow any of them to be imprisoned during the sitting of Parliament 
 except for high treason and felony.
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 57 
 
 His Excellency the French Ambassador has been visited by the mss. of 
 Duke of Buckingham and other Members of the Privy Council. The H - D v, Skrixe. 
 
 officials who detained his secretary at the English port, and prevented 
 
 him passing over to France, have been imprisoned; as well as the 
 constables who insulted the Embassy by their attempt to arrest the 
 English Catholics who frequented the Ambassador's Chapel. In short 
 all honour is shown him ; and by such means, aud by the handsome 
 presents which will be made on his departure, it is hoped to satisfy him 
 and to make him the friend of this country when he returns to his own. 
 
 The two Ambassadors Extraordinary to the Court of His most Chris- 
 tian Majesty returned to London on Tuesday last; they affect to be 
 entirely satisfied, but no one is misled by this. On the contrary it is 
 believed that they have been unable to induce the French to join the 
 league proposed to them, and so much desired by the English, nor have 
 they been able to maintain secresy with regard to the question of assist- 
 ance against Spain and the House of Austria, nor to check the arrange- 
 ment in Spain as to the Valtelline. 
 
 The Queen with all her ladies went into retirement in Denmark 
 House for the convenience of her devotions. A long gallery was divided 
 and fitted up with cells, and a refectory, and an oratory, in the manner 
 of a Monastery. There they sang the hours of the Virgin, and lived 
 together like nuns. 
 
 Yesterday, being Holy Thursday in this country,* Her Majesty with 
 her ladies walked to St. James, a distance of a mile, and visited the Holy 
 Sepulchre in the Chapel provided there for her Household ; after which 
 with her attendants she returned to Denmark House in carriages. 
 
 Signor Federigo Tantucci of Siena is here at present, sent by 
 Cardinal Spada to the Queen, with a brief from His Holiness for the 
 Jubilee. 
 
 London, 24th April 1626. 
 
 Yesterday the two Houses of Parliament met for the first time after 
 the adjournment, but as two thirds of their numbers had not returned 
 from the country the others delayed the consideration of their great 
 question of the grievances till Monday next. 
 
 They received however a message from the King touching upon the 
 necessity of speedily voting supplies; so that, according to the promises 
 repeatedly made, he might provide for the defence of the Kingdom ; as 
 well as for prosecuting the war, against Spain and the House of Austria, 
 which, by the persuasion of Parliament, he had undertaken. The Mem- 
 bers however have got it into their heads that, before doing anything 
 else, the grievances must be remedied ; and there can be no doubt that 
 they are most unwilling to gratify His Majesty, except on the condition 
 that they shall be satisfied on the subject of the grievances, if not wholly, 
 at least in part. 
 
 The Earl Marshal on Tuesday last was removed from the Tower to 
 the country house of the Countess his mother, twenty miles from London, 
 to remain there as prisoner, during His Majesty's pleasure, with per- 
 mission however to vote by proxy in the House of Lords. 
 
 We now wait to hear how the House of Lords will appreciate this 
 step which is so wounding to their privileges. The Earl's son with his 
 spouse are also liberated, and sent to the same house, under the same 
 conditions. 
 
 * In 1626 Easter was celebrated by the Church of Rome on April _ — , and bv 
 
 v 12th J 
 
 9 th 
 the Church of England on April TH7T- [H. B. T.j
 
 58 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 H.d. S |keine T ne French Ambassador, Monsieur de Blainville, sometime ago 
 Esq. ' received his instructions to return home ; he is about to take leave and 
 lias seut away the greater part of his property, still he seems to loiter. 
 Some think that he does so to annoy powerful persons whose only wish 
 regarding him is that he should be out of sight. There is no business 
 to detain him and he is amusing himself in the country shooting. 
 
 The Duke of Buckingham, the Earl of Carlisle, and the two Ambas- 
 sadors Extraordinary lately returned from France, have visited the 
 Agent from Savoy, which is held to be a very remarkable demonstra- 
 tion, and not usual except to Princes and Ambassadors, and which has 
 annoyed both the French and the Venetian Ambassadors, especially the 
 latter ; this personage never having visited him, nor communicated to 
 him his business, which indeed is held to be merely visionary and more 
 apparent than real. For my part I think that his only object is to be 
 made a Knight of the Golden Chain. 
 
 Progress is made in fitting out the fleet, but not so much as would be 
 the case if there was more money. Orders have been given to build 
 immediately twenty war vessels of smaller size and lighter draught than 
 the usual Galleons, the object being to combat similar ships, from 
 Dunkirk and Flemish ports, which infest the English coasts and inflict 
 great damage, as well as to pursue them even to their harbours. 
 
 Notwithstanding these warlike preparations it is greatly desired to 
 find means for the promotion and security of general trade, especially 
 of that with Spain which in the time of King James was so active and 
 profitable, which is now felt to be a serious loss, and which English 
 merchants are unwilling to see fall into the hands of the French, or 
 to share with them on disadvantageous terms. To make a beginning 
 in a more satisfactory direction, the Privy Council, with the consent of 
 the King, has lately issued an explanation of the edict and proclamation 
 of his Majesty which some months ago entirely prohibited his subjects 
 from trading with Spaniards and Flemings. It is now declared that 
 this prohibition does not extend beyond supplying provisions and ammu- 
 nition to the enemy, and does not include ordinary merchandise, and 
 it is added that any one may trade with the Spaniards and subjects of 
 the Archduchess of Flanders, but with this reserve that no one is to 
 enter any port or other place where ships and sailors may be taken, as 
 those with fortresses and such like. This reservation is of so much 
 importance that I am of opinion that, without more ample liberty of 
 action, the merchants will not incur the risks. 
 
 It is however evident that this step argues a desire to condescend 
 to improved conditions within a given time ; especially as a few days 
 ago the secretary left behind by the Ambassador, Sir Walter Aston, 
 returned from Spain. He has received presents from his Catholic 
 Majesty, and is much satisfied with the Spaniards who have allowed 
 three English ships to return from Malaga with other property which 
 was in their hands. This mollifies the prevalent ill humour here ; and 
 I think I see that the terms on which the nations now are might be 
 easily improved if some person of sufficient authority would mediate. 
 
 It is indeed whispered that the Queen Mother, having favourably 
 arranged questions depending between the French King and his Catholic 
 Majesty, is now desirous of exerting her good offices in this direction : 
 but apparently no one entertains any hope of success from her good 
 work. 
 
 The merchants of the Turkey Company decline to accept, and to send 
 as Ambassador to Constantinople, Sir Thomas Phillips, a creature of the 
 Duke of Buckingham whom His Majesty has selected and provided 
 with credentials.
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 59 
 
 The merchants say that as they administer affairs, and as the 
 Ambassador is sent at their expense, they ought also to make the 
 selection as they have done before. They wish to have a man of in- 
 telligence and not a courtier, they therefore decline to give him a passage 
 in any of their ships which are about to sail for Turkey. Should ilis 
 Majesty insist upon the appointment made, the Ambassador will be 
 under the necessity of going by land to Italy where he may embark 
 either at Venice or Leghorn for his destination. 
 
 It is said that Burlamacchi is to be sent to France to receive the 
 second half of the Queen's portion which is payable in May. His in- 
 structions will be to appropriate a part of the money to the King of 
 Denmark and part to Mansfeldt in payment of the subsidies due. 
 
 Lord Willoughby has been appointed Lord Chamberlain, an office 
 which was held by the Earl of Oxford, Lord Willoughby being his 
 nearest relation. 
 
 London, 1st May 1626. 
 
 I have nothing to report this week regarding the proceedings of Par- 
 liament except the persistence with which the House of Commons 
 adheres to the great question of the grievances of the nation, of which 
 the Members hold the Duke of Buckingham to be " causa causarum," so 
 that they inquire daily into his administration that they may complete 
 his impeachment, although the King has again twice informed them 
 that they must think of the question of supplies within five days or else 
 he must have recourse to other measures. 
 
 It is apparent that, notwithstanding the threat thus conveyed to them, 
 they will not stir from the course which they have taken ; indeed they 
 make it distinctly understood that they will prosecute no other business, 
 till they have completed the question which they are at present agitat- 
 ing and have received some satisfactory assurance regarding it. 
 
 The House of Lord has also begun to grow warm on the subject of 
 its privileges, so rudely shaken by the imprisonment of the Earl Mar- 
 shal a member of their House. They have again petitioned for his 
 liberation and his restoration to his place in Parliament. In conformity 
 with the Royal promise they look for an answer in a few days, the King 
 remarking that as they had spent some time in consulting on this ques- 
 tion, deeming it of much importance, he also felt it to be necessary to 
 take the requisite time to consider it before coming to a final resolution. 
 
 The Earl of Bristol, who negotiated the treaty of marriage between 
 Charles Prince of Wales and the Infanta of Spain as well as other 
 treaties, and who after his return to England Avas confined as a 
 prisoner to his own house, has presented a petition to the House of 
 Lords, stating that as a Peer of the Realm he wishes to recover his 
 privileges, and to take his place among them, when he will be prepared 
 to justify himself from the imputations cast upon him by the Duke of 
 Buckingham ; especially those of having tried to induce the Prince of 
 Wales, when in Spain, to change his religion and to become a Catholic. 
 He will, he says, impart to them other matters of importance against the 
 said Duke, concerning the honour of the King and the safety of the 
 Kingdom ; amongst others, the loss of the Palatinate for which he will 
 show that the Duke is responsible. The petition was read and listened 
 to with much attention, and there is a disposition to probe it to the 
 bottom ; so that, unless the King interposes, we may see a great combat 
 between the Duke and the Earl, with much probability of the ruin of 
 the one or of the other. The Duke has this advantage that he is 
 supported by the King; whereas the Earl has nothing to depend upon
 
 60 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 h.d. Serine ^>ut the justice of his cause which commands the general sympathy 
 Esq. seeing the ability with which it is defended. 
 
 The discussion is now so warm that the Duke must yield, or the King 
 must dissolve Parliament without having obtained money. This he 
 will be ill able to bear owing to the serious detriment which it will 
 prove to his affairs as well as to those of his foreign confederates. 
 
 At present the Duke is somewhat indisposed ; probably rather mentally 
 than bodily, as he must know that he is the object of the hatred of the 
 greater part of the nation. 
 
 Monsieur de Blainville has at last taken leave of their Majesties and 
 departs on Monday next. Outwardly he appears to be satisfied, but 
 every one believes that inwardly his feelings are very different. 
 
 With respect to the capture of merchants effects on both sides, there 
 is yet no appearance of attaining a satisfactory and substantial settle- 
 ment. The French have double the quantity of prizes in hand, as 
 compared with the English, and insist on receiving the first amends 
 before carrying out on their part the agreement which was made witli 
 the Ambassador. What is of still greater consequence, they as yet take 
 no steps to return the ships of war which were lent to them last year. 
 This excites a clamour in Parliament, and amongst the people who 
 impute to the Duke the serious ei'ror of having lent the fleet, and placed 
 it under the command of the French, to be used against the Protestants 
 of Rochelle. 
 
 The Agents of Denmark and Savoy live in the same house, and it is 
 said that they are about to leave. The first if he is satisfied, which may 
 be done if the French will pay the balance of the Queen's portion. The 
 second says that he is waiting the arrival of a courier before leaving. It 
 is not observable that his negotiations are of the importance which his 
 frequent attendance at Court and on Ministers suggests ; and it is 
 believed that he will depart when he has received his present, whether 
 his business is finished or not, and without waiting for any courier. 
 
 Members of the House of Commons think of forming a company of 
 gentlemen who may subscribe a large sum of money to keep about fifty 
 armed vessels at sea to prey upon the Spaniards, especially the West 
 Indian fleet, under an agreement that the company is to share all the 
 profits with a payment of not more than five per cent, to the King. 
 Consultations are being held, but as there are parts of this plan which 
 touch the Royal rights, as well as the Duke of Buckingham's as Lord 
 High Admiral, it may be difficult to carry out the scheme without con- 
 siderable changes. 
 
 Forty ships from Hamburg passed within sight of the English coast, 
 bound for Spain and laden with ammunition and provisions, without its 
 being possible to send out a single war vessel to interfere with them. At 
 last however a Dunkirk merchantman has been taken, laden with linen 
 and cloth for hangings to the value it is said of twenty thousand pounds 
 sterling. 
 
 The Persian Ambassador, who arrived last, went to Dover on Sunday 
 to catch a vessel belonging to the East India Company in which to return 
 to his country; but it sailed before his arrival, and he returned to London 
 to await another opportunity. 
 
 Sir Robert Shirley, also Persian Ambassador, is about to proceed to 
 Persia, with His Majesty's sanction, in company with Sir Dodmore 
 Cotton with the title of Ambassador, to enquire whether Shirley is actually 
 the Persian Ambassador, and above all to ask for satisfaction on account 
 of the insolent conduct of the Persian who assaulted a well born gentle- 
 man who had been recognised by His Majesty as Persian Ambassador.
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. (il 
 
 The privileges which the Duke of Savoy, by his edict lately printed 
 under the date of the 22nd of March at Turin, has conferred on all nations 
 trading with Nice, Villa Franca and Porto Maurizio, are made known to 
 merchants here. 1 am afraid that they will not bear fruit, merchants 
 here having little disposition to trade with these parts. 
 
 London, 8th May 1626. 
 
 The arraignment of the Duke of Buckingham occupies the exclusive 
 attention of the House of Commons. The excitement grows daily as 
 new and important complaints are brought forward. The Members sit 
 twice a day to expedite the business in hand ; but, I repeat, so long as the 
 Duke is protected by the King, all this labour will only serve at the 
 present time to lay bare his administration and conduct, and to perpetuate 
 the remembrance, as well as to increase the claim with which he is 
 regarded. In the end, however, ruin must overtake him and perhaps by 
 the hand of his present protector. It is calculated that the articles of 
 his impeachment will be ready in a few days, and will be presented to the 
 House of Lords that they may pronounce sentence upon them ; but it 
 remains to be seen whether His Majesty will intervene to prevent this 
 by the exercise of his Koyal authority. 
 
 On Wednesday last the Commons made a declaration of their inten- 
 tion to grant His Majesty a fourth subsidy, on the same terms as the 
 other three, to induce him to satisfy them on the question of the 
 grievances, and particularly as to those of which they accuse the Duke 
 of being the cause. 
 
 The Earl of Bristol is now arrived and by order of Parliament he 
 remains a prisoner in his own house, where however he may be visited 
 by all his friends, till further orders. The questions involved are of the 
 greatest importance, if leave is given to clear them up. The Kino- 
 accuses the Earl, and the Earl accuses the Duke. The disparity is so 
 great that there can be little doubt that the Earl will have the worst of 
 it, unless he brings forward charges of such weight as to cause the sepa- 
 ration of the King from the Duke ; in which case a change might take 
 place which would save the Earl. In short we are at this moment agi- 
 tated by transactions of the most highly coloured description, on the 
 resolution of which must depend the course to be taken with reference 
 to internal and external affairs. 
 
 The French Ambassador took his departure on Monday last and was 
 treated at the audience with special honour and with every wish to 
 soothe his feelings of dissatisfaction. He was presented with a jewel in 
 the form of a pendant worth about eight thousand crowns, and with 
 three thousand ounces of silver-gilt plate. Besides these gifts the King 
 and Queen gave him a portrait of His Majesty on the lid of a jewelled 
 box of the value of four thousand crowns, and all this has been done to 
 send this gentleman to his home with a friendly tongue in his head. 
 Many however are of opinion that although the Ambassador may seem 
 satistied he cannot in reality forget the affronts which he has received 
 publicly and privately. The service most desired at his hands is that he 
 should do what he can at the French Court to promote the return of the 
 eight English men-of-war . I do not see, if they are not sent back, how 
 it will be possible to avoid taking them by force. 
 
 Parliament and the nation equally think that they have been ill used 
 and that the Duke committed a great error in lending them in the way 
 which he did, and this will be made apparent in the articles of accusa- 
 tion to be brought against him. 
 
 The House of Commons has been engaged to-day examining certain 
 Doctors of Medicine, who were in attendance on His late Majesty King
 
 62 HISTOEICAL MANUSCEIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 H d S Skei\-e Sanies, with reference to some sort of sweetmeats given to him, and to a 
 Esq. ' plaster applied by the Duke of Buckingham and his mother without 
 their advice or sanction, when the KiDg was suffering from tertian fever. 
 There is a whisper of poison, but, in a matter of such importance, the 
 exact truth regarding which cannot be ascertained on which to base a 
 condemnatory opinion, they restrict themselves to blaming the act, pre- 
 suming to prove that it had dangerous consequences ; and they submit it, 
 with a statement of many other grievances, to the consideration of the 
 Peers, who will be able to form a judgment regarding it and to dispose 
 of it in the most appropriate manner. 
 
 Even this charge must disappear, as the others also will disappear, 
 for there is not the slightest symptom up to the present time that His 
 Majesty shows any disfavour to the Duke notwithstanding these 
 accusations. 
 
 London, 15th May 1626. 
 The House of Lords on Saturday last commenced the hearing of the 
 case of John Earl of Bristol, who being brought before the Peers was 
 immediately charged by the Attorney- General with the crime of high 
 treason. This accusation the Earl did not then reply to otherwise than 
 by saying that he had no doubt but that at the proper time he should be 
 prepared to justify himself adequately, and to answer all that was 
 brought against him ; but before going farther he on his part accused the 
 Duke of Buckingham of the same crime which the Attorney-General 
 had brought against him, as their Lordships might better iuform them- 
 selves by the terms of his written statement, divided under twelve heads, 
 which he now presented, and which he maintained was true, as he was 
 prepared to prove. The Peers having considered both the acts of accu- 
 sation, decided that that of the King must take precedence of that of the 
 Earl, and consequently must be first tried under the following conditions : 
 that sentence should not be pronounced till he had an opportunity of 
 bringing forward his proofs of the truth of his accusation against the 
 Duke, seeing that if he were convicted and condemned his accusations 
 and proofs would cease to be valid, so that when the case against him 
 was finished they would at once take up that against the Duke. 
 
 I believe that tomorrow the Earl will again be brought before the 
 House of Lords to hear the indictment of the Attorney- General, to 
 which he may reply immediately or he may select a convenient time to 
 do so on another day : remaining in the meanwhile in the custody of an 
 officer of the House, whilst the Duke enjoys his usual liberty, and is in 
 attendance on the King, under no restriction of any kind. It is evident 
 that the favour of His Majesty is undiminished, whilst the Duke has a 
 large party of supporters in the House of Lords where he sits daily 
 notwithstanding the accusations hanging over him. There are com- 
 plaints of the partiality thus shown and a universal feeling of regret for 
 the position of the Earl of Bristol. During this crisis in the Upper 
 House, the Commons are by no means idle but labour with the utmost 
 solicitude to complete their case against the Duke. Their statement is 
 divided into many heads, and is to be presented not to the King, as the 
 parti zans of the Duke insist, but directly to the house of Lords with a 
 demand for justice. 
 
 The Queen has lately shown a partiality for the cause of the Duke, and 
 has made representations to the King in his favour; persuaded, it is said, 
 by the late French Ambassador and the Bishop of Mende, who pro 
 interim attends to the affairs of France in this country. His discharge 
 of the duties of this office excites the approbation of the King and the 
 admiration of every one who, knowing the past, has had an opportunity
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. G3 
 
 of observing the estrangements which existed between the King and the MSS. of 
 Ambassador, the French resilient s and the Dnke. ' e 8 q. 
 
 The Act for granting the four subsidies and a fifteenth which the 
 House of Commons announced its intention of giving to the king has 
 not yet been passed. Although the Members who are Courtiers bring 
 forward the usual arguments which I have so often repeated, still the 
 House remains exclusively occupied with the case against the Duke and 
 is indisposed to do anything till the results are ascertained. There is a 
 general confusion on account of the Duke, and I do not see how this 
 can be remedied to the satisfaction of the people, who hate him so 
 heartily, without some evident reproof, not to say punishment. 
 
 We have heard for three days that there are rumours of events taking 
 place in France, in which are mixed up the brother of the King, the 
 Prince de Conde, and other persons of quality ; also that the Rochellese 
 with others of the Huguenots are on the point of a new outbreak. 
 News which is received here with gratification as it will be of advantage 
 if the movement is really efficacious and leads anew to domestic 
 dissension in France, for then the Huguenots may calculate on obtaining 
 from this country that support which, both from reasons of state and 
 from religious motives, has been hitherto given them ; especially at the 
 present time, when the minds of all here are irritated and there are no 
 symptoms of the return of calmer feelings. 
 
 The gentlemen sent by His Serene Highness the Prince of Piedmont 
 has finally taken leave of His Majesty. He has been presented with a 
 beautiful ornament in diamonds of the value it is said of four thousand 
 crowns, an extraordinary gift such as is only given to Ambassadors and 
 persons of the highest quality. He awaits a dispatch from His Majesty 
 to-day or to-morrow and will leave at once. What he has negotiated 
 no one knows. The Venetian Ambassador has made the greatest efforts 
 to discover his objects ; but he also is quite in the dark and is above all 
 dissatisfied that not only has the Piedmontese not visited him, but has, 
 notwithstanding the friendly relations between the Venetian Republic 
 and the Duke of Savoy, made no statement of the subject of his nego- 
 tiations ; whilst he is surprised to witness the courtesies and presents 
 which have been bestowed upon him, greater, proportionately to his rank, 
 than those given to the French Ambassador. 
 
 The Peers have again petitioned for the liberation of the Earl Marshal, 
 and his restoration to his place in Parliament, in conformity with their 
 privileges ; but the King has answered that he has not sufficiently 
 considered it, that he will do so at a convenient time and let them know 
 his resolution. A reply wholly unsatisfactory and showing that they need 
 not hope to see him in his place this Session. 
 
 London, 22nd May 1626. 
 On Saturday last the Attorney-General stated the case against the 
 Earl of Bristol in the House of Lords. After he had concluded, the 
 Earl brought forward his accusations against the Duke of Buckingham 
 in a long and very eloquent speech. He explained very fully the Duke's 
 administration of the affairs of this country in Spain, and he contradicted 
 the statement which the Duke had brought before the House. The 
 Earl spoke so calmly and modestly that he made a very favourable 
 impression upon the greater number of the Members. His enemies 
 desire to remove the trial to the Court of King's Bench. The Peers 
 penetrate the object of this artifice, and are aware of the ruin which it 
 would bring to the cause of the Earl ; they therefore maintain firmly 
 that as he is a Member of their House of Parliament, and as he has 
 been brought and accused before them, it is for them, and for no others,
 
 64 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 MSS. ov to hear and decide his case. That case, as published by his opponents, 
 
 E8Q. EINE ' is so important that it is said that the Earl will have much to do to 
 
 — defend himself and retort upon the Duke. It amounts to this that he 
 
 endeavoured to pervert the King, then Prince of Wales, when in Spain, 
 
 from the Protestant faith. 
 
 It is debated whether the King, who is the accuser of the Earl, can 
 give evidence against him, being also his supreme judge. 
 
 The confiscation of property which must take place, if he is condemned, 
 is also foreseen, and it is a question whether the Earl can employ counsel 
 to assist him in his defence. These are considerations of so much 
 importance that the House of Peers wishes to settle them before 
 proceeding further with the trial. They desire to maintain all their 
 privileges intact, and they also wish to lighten the case against the Earl 
 as much as possible, probably being inwaixlly convinced of his innocence, 
 whilst they oppose the Duke who takes so strong a part against him. 
 
 The Members of the Lower House have at last completed the list of 
 their grievances against the Duke. It is divided under various heads and 
 was carried to the House of Lords by eight Members of the Commons ; 
 but so numerous were the documents, and so many the details set forth, 
 that the whole was divided into two parts, each being presented by four 
 Members, the first on Monday, and the second on Wednesday last. 
 The Members addressed the Peers in support of the statements ; they 
 amplified and aggravated the faults of the Duke, portraying him in 
 vivid colours without the slightest respect for his person, spoke of him 
 as of insufficient capacity, as corrupt, with every other bad quality, as 
 the cause of the evils which afflicted . the country, and finally they 
 compared him to Sejanus. 
 
 They have farther presented to the House of Lords a remonstrance 
 pointing out that whilst the Duke is accused by them of so many crimes, 
 and by a Member of the Peers with high treason, it is not expedient 
 that he should be permitted to remain at Court near the person of the 
 King, nor that he should sit in Parliament ; but that ipso facto he should 
 be placed in custody so that he may not have it in his power to intimi- 
 date persons who otherwise would be willing to give evidence against 
 him. 
 
 The lofty and determined tone of the House of Commons against the 
 Duke has so irritated the King that unable longer to hear these attacks 
 upon one whom he is determined to protect, holding him to be innocent 
 of these accusations and that they are consequently false and calumnious, 
 His Majesty yesterday, in the exercise of his royal authority, imprisoned 
 two of the eight Members who, in presenting the statement to the 
 House of Peers, described the Duke in such terms. A very Royal act, 
 perhaps, but running the certain risk of ruffling the entire Parliament, 
 which, profoundly resenting this blow, is in gi'eat agitation and will 
 neither act nor discuss any subject till such time as the two Members 
 are restored to freedom. 
 
 Such being the state of the case His Majesty accompanied by the 
 Duke of Buckingham went to the House of Lords and, taking his seat 
 upon the throne, said in a few words how much he had done to set 
 a good example, and that he would ever bear witness against the 
 scandalous accusations of the Duke brought before them by the House 
 of Commons, and that he held the Duke to be entirely innocent, and 
 that he was his faithful servant and minister. This declaration of the 
 King, combined with his presence, prevented the Peers from freely 
 debating the subject of the remonstrance of the Lower House with 
 reference to the proposed imprisonment of the Duke. It is believed 
 that they will discuss the question on Monday ; not that it is supposed
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 05 
 
 that they will succeed, the Duke being supported by a strong party H ^] s |' K r F ine 
 which is encouraged by his presence and by the statements of His Esq. 
 
 Majesty; whilst the example which has been made suggests that, when 
 Parliament is dissolved, those who have opposed the Duke will be placed 
 in peril, being no longer protected by their position. 
 
 The House of Lords again sent eight of its Members to petition His 
 Majesty for the freedom of the Earl Marshal, or at all events for an 
 explicit reply ; but they brought back no other than that, when they 
 made a request in terms becoming subjects, he would respond in a 
 manner becoming their King. Although greatly mortified, the Peers 
 again sent back the eight Members with a renewal of their request, 
 omitting their demand for an explicit reply. To-morrow the King will 
 communicate his decision, and, if it be not in harmony with their 
 wishes, it may be concluded that it is determined to keep the Earl out 
 of Parliament. 
 
 The French have at last sent back the war-ships, but some of them 
 without artillery. They are every way welcome, especially at the present 
 time when there is so great a prospect of a rupture between His Most 
 Christian Majesty and the Rochellese, whose agents are at this Court, 
 whilst Monsieur de Soubise is in the country at the house of the gentle- 
 man before mentioned. He also is doing his best to promote the cause 
 of the Huguenots. 
 
 The Envoy from the Duke of Savoy departed on Monday last and 
 took with him four beautiful horses, as a gift for his master from the 
 Duke of Buckingham. Signor Pisano the Venetian Ambassador has 
 again received by express courier his final recall. He leaves pro interim 
 Signor Andrea Bossi till the arrival from Holland of Signor Contarini 
 his successor. 
 
 London, 29th May 1626. 
 The Members of the House of Commons, unable to tolerate the 
 imprisonment of two of their number, spoke on Saturday last, each in 
 turn, making a declaration that, although they had presented a state- 
 ment of grievances and of accusations against the Duke of Buckingham, 
 nothing had been written or said which was in any way wounding to 
 the honour of the King, as His Majesty had been wrongly informed by 
 some one whom they therefore denounced as a disturber of the peace of 
 the Realm. The Lords adopting the same course as the Commons, 
 stated in justification of the two Members who had been imprisoned, 
 that they had not heard on the part of either anything which could be 
 considered offensive to the King. His Majesty replied that so far he 
 was satisfied; and he set at liberty one of the Members, but retained the 
 other, who had compared the Duke of Buckingham to Sejanus, explaining 
 that he was imprisoned for other offences and not on account of his con- 
 duet in Parliament. The House could not admit this pretext, but 
 insisted that no one of its Members could be imprisoned during the 
 sitting of Parliament unless guilty of high treason or homicide, they 
 therefore again asked for his release or that His Majesty should declare 
 that he was detained for one or other of the above-mentioned crimes. 
 It is very apparent that if they are not satisfied they will not pass the 
 Acts granting supplies ; hence it is probable that His Majesty will set 
 the remaining Member free to avoid the embarrassment which must 
 result at a time when he has so much need of the help of his people, in 
 so many measures of much greater importance than this one. These 
 circumstances, whether premeditated or accidental, have delayed the 
 urgent debates, which before this ought to have been in progress, with 
 U 23533. e
 
 66 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 MSS. os reference to the cases of the Duke of Buckingham and the Eavl of 
 Esq. Bristol. 
 
 It is not apparent how the House of Lords can remove the first from 
 Court, or from his attendance on the King, or can prevent his daily 
 presence in his place in Parliament amongst themselves, whilst they are 
 occupied with the consideration of his conduct, such being the unfailing 
 favour with which he is regarded by the King, and so powerful is the 
 party which he has in the house itself, including nearly all the Bishops 
 — all of whom are dependent on the Court and will therefore always take 
 his side. 
 
 The Earl of Bristol has several times solicited the Peers to proceed 
 with his case, he being quite ready to reply to the charges made against 
 him by the -Attorney-General. After some discussion the majority 
 resolved to hear him to-day, and assembled after dinner, having conceded 
 to him, notwithstanding opposition, that he might employ Counsel to 
 assist him when required. We now await the discussion of this cause, 
 which being of so much importance must occupy many days before it 
 can be decided. Meanwhile public opinion is in favour of the Earl, and 
 the people will rejoice in his acquittal ; such is the odium with which his 
 opponent is regarded. 
 
 The answer which the King gave last Monday to the eight Peers 
 sent by the House of Lords to present the petition for the release of the 
 Earl Marshal, was to this effect : that His Majesty would comply with 
 their request at a convenient time, and without any infringement of their 
 privileges ; but, as there is no symptom of the liberation of the Earl, and 
 as the House of Commons, in a few days, obtained a concession, in 
 favour of one of its Members, which the Peers have striven for in vain 
 for two months and a half, they have resolved to go in a body to the 
 King, and to remonstrate on the great prejudice which they sustain in their 
 privileges, and they therefore hope that His Majesty will be pleased to 
 gratify them, and to deliver to them the person of the Earl Marshal. 
 
 The Venetian Ambassador has finally departed. News has arrived 
 of the defeat of Count Mansfeldt ; it is extenuated as much as possible, 
 but this does not diminish the general regret with which the intelligence 
 has been received. 
 
 Denmark has again sent to demand the subsidies due for the last 
 month and also asks for some troops. For the first it is necessary to 
 await the decision of Parliament ; for the second I altogether doubt if 
 these English will consent to go on military service to so distant a 
 country, and to serve with Germans, on account of the bad treatment to 
 which they are subjected and which they experienced on other occasions 
 from Mansfeldt in particular. 
 
 Articles of the Charges of the Earl of Bristol against the Duke of 
 Buckingham, submitted to the House of Lords on the 1st of May 1626 
 (old style). 
 
 No. 1. That the Duke of Buckingham secretly combined and con- 
 spired with the Conde de Gondomar, Catholic Ambassador, before his 
 last return to Spain in the year 1622, to conduct the Prince, His 
 present Majesty, into Spain, that he might there receive information 
 and be instructed in the Roman religion, and that, his conversion being 
 made, the true religion professed and established in England might be 
 the more easily destroyed, from which affliction and calamity this King- 
 dom was almost miraculously saved under the Providence of God, by 
 the zeal constancy and prudent government of King James of happy 
 memory, notwithstanding the infinite and cunning devices of the Duke 
 to the contrary.
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 67 
 
 No. 2. That Mr. Endymion Porter being duly instructed was sent h.d^'keine. 
 to Spain with messages so constructed that they might well serve as Esq. 
 
 the foundation for putting this conspiracy in practice, which had been 
 arranged months previously, thus abusing the confidence of the King 
 and Prince by inducing them to give their consent to the expedition, 
 which consent was obtained on the return of the said Porter towards 
 the end of December or beginning of January 1622 (old style). 
 
 No. 3. That the Duke on his arrival in Spain, endeavoured to pur- 
 suade the Ministers of State there, that he was well affected towards the 
 Popish faith, strengthening this by absenting himself from the Pro- 
 testant services which were regularly performed in the house of the 
 Earl of Bristol, and frequented by all the English Protestants, and also 
 by conforming to the habits of the Spaniards in various rites of their 
 religion, even to kneeling at the adoration of the Sacrament. His desire 
 being to raise hopes in the said Spaniards of the conversion of the 
 Prince, towards which he worked with all his power, so that he was the 
 cause of the Spaniards proposing new and worse conditions than those 
 previously agreed upon on the subject of religion by the Earl of Bristol 
 and Sir Walter Aston, Ambassador, and signed by their Majesties, with 
 this clause — in the answer of the King of Spain, dated the 12th Dec. 
 1622 — that he admitted that the articles agreed to were quite sufficient 
 to induce the Pope to grant the dispensation. 
 
 No. 4. That the Duke having in sight of the Conde de Gondomar 
 and in the presence of the Earl of Bristol, pressed King James several 
 times to write a letter to the Pope, and with this object, on one occasion, 
 presented to His Majesty a letter prepared for his signature, but the 
 Earl having been informed of the same, energetically opposed the 
 signature or dispatch of such a mission. A short time after the Earl's 
 departure for Spain, His Majesty was induced to write and send the 
 said letter to the Pope, and to give him the title of Most Holy Father, 
 which the Duke had been unable to obtain when the Earl was in 
 England. 
 
 No. 5. That the Pope being informed of the favourable intentions and 
 inclinations of the Duke in matters of religion, sent him immediately a 
 special Brief in his praise, eucouraging him to pervert the Prince from 
 his religion and to embrace Catholicism. 
 
 No. 6. That the manner and deportment of the Duke when in Spain, 
 were such that he so irritated the King and his Ministers that finally 
 they would listen to no terms of reconciliation, nor would they treat 
 further with him; which the Duke observing, as well as that the 
 marriage would be disadvantageous to himself, he immediately resolved 
 to make every effort to break it off, not for the sake of the public 
 service, nor for any dislike which he had to the marriage in itself, nor 
 because he observed, as he afterwards pretended, that the Spaniards 
 were not in reality promoting it, but only for his own particular ends 
 and from personal spite. 
 
 No. 7. That after the Duke had resolved to thwart the marriage, he 
 put in practice many and various artifices, particularly by making use 
 of letters of the Prince to forward his designs, and not for the purposes 
 for which they were written. Concealing also many things of the 
 greatest importance from the notice of the late King by which his 
 objects were defeated and those of the Duke advanced. 
 
 No. 8. That the Duke by his artifices having deceived all, and finally 
 both Houses of Parliament, by laying before them sinister statements as 
 
 E 2
 
 68 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 H d^'kbine *° * ne administration of affairs in Spain, the Earl is prepared to prove 
 Esq. the contrary of nearly all that the Duke said in Paidiament. 
 
 No. 9. With regard to the scandals personally caused by the Duke 
 in Spain, he for instance used his influence with the King of Spain to 
 obtain favours and offices, which he then bestowed upon vile and worth- 
 less people as the reward and payment of his gallantries. These 
 however being matters, which it neither became the Earl of Bristol to 
 relate, nor this noble assembly to hear, he left it to the House to look 
 into so far as they might think fit; but it was a thing which reflected 
 infamy and dishonour upon this nation, that a person of such rank and 
 employment, a privy Counsellor, an Ambassador, high in the favour of 
 the King, and one to whom the care of the Prince was confided, should 
 leave behind him in a foreign country the remembrance of such personal 
 scandals. 
 
 No. 10. That the Duke was in a great measure the cause of the ruin 
 and misfortunes of the Prince Palatine and his State, in so far as these 
 had any relation to this country. 
 
 No. 1 1 . That the Duke in the Statements which he made to the two 
 Houses of Parliament on his return from Spain, injured the Earl of 
 Bristol with malignant imputations against his honour, and thereafter 
 by means of his great power and by his artifices and practices has 
 prevented him from obtaining his freedom. 
 
 No. 12. That the Earl of Bristol revealed to the late King, through 
 friends and by letter, the manner in which the Duke had abused the 
 great confidence which His Majesty had placed in him. To all of which 
 he through various channels received for answer, that the Earl should 
 leave the care to him, for he would know when to select a time to act 
 when it was suitable; and therefore, clays before His Majesty fell ill, he 
 sent to inform the Earl that he would hear him versus the Duke, as he 
 had already heard the Duke against him. This was doue with the know- 
 ledge of the Duke, but not long after the King died and the Duke 
 retaining his power has emitted no opportunity of oppressing and 
 ruining the Earl as he will prove. 
 
 Signed Bristol. 
 
 London, 5th June 1626. 
 
 The Earl of Bristol was in his place in the House of Lords on Friday 
 last, and, in a speech of two hours duration, was listened to with applause 
 and sympathy by the majority of that assembly, which in a great 
 measure was satisfied with the answer which he had prepared with so 
 much care to all the heads of accusation of the Attorney-General. He 
 showed by the help of authentic documents and by other evidence that 
 he had spoken and written the truth. 
 
 The House would then and there have acquitted him, but that it was 
 bound by the usual precedent which required it to hear the Attorney- 
 General in reply. Meanwhile leave has been given to the Earl to take 
 the fresh country air in charge of only the officials. The prevalent 
 disposition is in his favour, and the desire is to absolve him at once, if 
 the powerful party which is opposed to him does not bring forward new 
 charges or throw impediments in the way. 
 
 The following day the whole of the Members of the House of Lords 
 again went to the King, once more to represent to him that their privi- 
 leges had been infringed by the imprisonment of the Earl Marshal ; and 
 they intreated that His Majesty would condescend to liberate him, and 
 not to treat them worse than the House of Commons, to whose represen-
 
 Esi}. 
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 69 
 
 tations he had heen pleased to give up two Members imprisoned in the mss. of 
 Tower. h.'d. skeinb, 
 
 The Peers on this occasion did not, more than on any other, receive 
 a satisfactory reply. His Majesty declared, in the most absolute terms, 
 that he had not imprisoned the Earl Marshal with any reference to 
 Parliamentary affairs, but for other reasons of importance which he 
 would not at present reveal. They must be satisfied to urge him no 
 more ; he assured them that in a short time he would explain the reasons 
 for the retention of the Earl, which was in no respect prejudicial to 
 their privileges. This reply of the King embittered rather than com- 
 posed the feelings of the Lords, for it appears to them that whilst 
 they all suffer and are prejudiced by this Act, they cannot submit to 
 the transmission of such a precedent to their posterity. On these 
 grounds principally, and from the desire to have amongst them a 
 nobleman of such ability, and who would be so useful in the present 
 contingency, they must persevere. For the same reasons the Duke, who 
 is the opponent of the Earl Marshal, is bent on preventing him taking 
 his seat in Parliament. The Peers have therefore appointed a Com- 
 mittee of their number to consider how without offence to His Majesty, 
 they may compass the release of the Earl ; and, in case that it should 
 be found that their authority doss not extend thus far, to consider how 
 their privileges should be maintained, resolved as they are to make 
 every effort to clear up the question and not to leave to their 
 successors so bad an example charged with such dangerous con- 
 sequences. 
 
 The Committee having met and consulted were of opinion, that the 
 House could use no means for the release of the Earl without giving 
 great offence to the King. The Committee therefore advised, that the 
 Peers should again return in a body and repeat their request for the 
 liberation of the Earl Marshal, or that His Majesty should be pleased 
 to notify the cause of his confinement, for which, if it seemed to them 
 that there were good grounds, they would try the case and punish the 
 Marshal in accordance with the nature of his offence, as it appertained 
 to them only and to no other to do justice in such cases. 
 
 This report being generally approved, the Peers had an audience of 
 His Majesty on Wednesday, and presented their request with very little 
 hope that it would be granted. The King was greatly displeased that 
 they should have again returned to trouble him ; he was astonished at 
 their distrust of his Royal word, which he had given them that in good 
 time he would inform them of his motives ; and he asserted that their 
 privileges were in no respect interfered with. He had nothing further to 
 say except that they might feel at ease, and that before the close of 
 Parliament he would inform them why he had retained the Earl. 
 
 The Peers were both dissatisfied and surprised by the unchanging 
 resolution of Flis Majesty ; and as a last step on their part they have 
 resolved only to meet for forms sake, and in accordance with usage, but 
 to do no business, either public or private, till such time as the Earl is 
 given up to them. 
 
 People wait with great anxiety the results of these disputes, from 
 which conclusions may be drawn on other questions of more importance. 
 As for the Duke he retains the same position of favour and power. 
 He goes daily to the House of Lords and is present at all the discus- 
 sions adverse to him ; a most extraordinary circumstance, but which is 
 undoubtedly to his advantage for his party is encouraged and his 
 adversaries are intimidated. 
 
 Since Monday last a Committee has inquired into the accusations 
 made against the Duke by the House of Commons. The Report will be
 
 70 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 mss of referred to the whole House, but as I have already said they cannot 
 H. D. Skeine, excommunicate him from Court or prevent him sitting in his place in 
 Esa - Parliament. He has a large party in his favour lately strengthened by 
 
 making three new Peers of* creatures of his, thus increasing the number 
 of votes of his partizans. It is believed that with these additions, when 
 at last they come to conclusions with him, he will have two thirds of the 
 votes in his favour and so the inquiry will end in smoke. 
 
 The Council of War has received this week an order for the armament 
 and provisioning of forty ships of war, which are the relics of the last 
 great fleet. These will unite with twenty Dutch men-of-war and the 
 combined fleet will attack the Spaniards,, Such is the proposal, but the 
 assistance of Parliament is required and it shows no disposition to vote 
 the supplies. The delay will make it too late, for the season tor going 
 to sea is passing away and therefore the expedition could only be a 
 mere demonstration ; in which case the wish to send it may also pass 
 away. 
 
 The States of Holland will not consent to receive Sir Robert Killi- 
 grew as Ambassador in Ordinary from this country, nor will they allow 
 him to enter into their Councils as other English Ambassadors have 
 done, especially Sir Dudley Carleton the last of them. The English no 
 longer possess Brill, Flushing, and other places which were given to 
 them as security, in right of which possession their Ambassadors took 
 a part in the Councils of the States. There is consequently a delay 
 in sending the Ambassador, and some feeling of dissatisfaction also 
 as it is not wished to lose a privilege so long possessed. 
 
 The Dutch, however, maintain a firm attitude, so that they may not 
 be obliged by this precedent, if allowed, to make a similar concession to 
 the French who are urgent on the subject. Pressed as they are by the 
 necessity of standing well with this people, it seems that they will only 
 grant an exemption in favour of the English provided that Carleton is 
 sent as Ambassador. His presence in that character would show that 
 no novelty had been introduced, which would inevitably appear to be 
 the case if they received a different person and admitted him to the 
 Councils. 
 
 It will not be surprising if under these circumstances the same 
 Ambassador is again sent, although he is now a Peer, a Vice-Chamber- 
 lain, and a Member of the Privy Council. 
 
 Parliament has been prorogued for eight days for the feast of 
 Whitsuntide. 
 
 The Venetian Ambassador departed yesterday for his country, via. 
 France, although he has been kept for five days waiting for the usual 
 present of silver-gilt plate. He has been obliged to go without it, as it 
 is not ready. An order has been given to consign it to his Secretary 
 who will send it after him. 
 
 It is whispered that the King of Denmark is comiug here soon. 
 The people entertain vague hopes that he would be able to settle their 
 affairs favourably, and therefore wish that he would come, but it is 
 not credible that His Majesty should make such a journey. 
 
 London, 12th June 1628. 
 
 The adjournment of Parliament for eight days for the Whitsuntide 
 holidays has caused some dearth of matter to write about this week. 
 
 The Earl Marshal is not yet liberated, but the Peers anticipate that 
 His Majesty will finally set him free or will at least explain the cause 
 of his detention. Should it appear to them to be of a nature to justify 
 his imprisonment, they will take cognizance of his offence and pro- 
 nounce judgment. If no explanation is vouchsafed they will adhere to
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 71 
 
 Iheir resolution to deal with no business, either public or private, till MSS. op 
 satisfaction is given them. H - %*™ iy£ ' 
 
 The Attorney-General will to-day reply lo the speech of the Earl of — 
 
 Bristol, after which the House of Lords will pronounce sentence which 
 it is generally believed will be in his favour. 
 
 The Duke of Buckingham has declared that either to-morrow or 
 next day he will reply to the accusations made against him by the 
 House of Commons. His defence will be comparatively an easy matter, 
 the King being upon his side upholding hiin and taking upon hiinsel 
 the responsibility of many of the acts of which he is accused. He has 
 also a majority of the House of Lords in his favour. With regard to 
 the charge of high treason it will be made light of, and the whole will 
 end in nothing; for although the people cry " crucify him" they have 
 in reality no power to do him any harm. 
 
 It is said that the Duke is about to proceed to Holland to remain for 
 a few days, under the pretext of preventing the States from making any 
 treaty, armistice, or peace, with Spain ; as they make believe here that 
 they are secretly bent on doing, and that the meeting of the Com- 
 missioners from both sides, which is to take place at Middleburgh in 
 Zealand, has in reality a more important object in view. No doubt 
 the Members of the House of Commons will ascribe a sinister motive 
 to a journey made at such a time when they are urging so many personal 
 accusations against him. 
 
 It is true that Lord Carleton will return to Holland as Ambassador, 
 as I mentioned last week. 
 
 There is a report that Tilly has been defeated and slain at Brunswick, 
 but as the news comes from Holland very few believe it. If it is a fact 
 that the Duke of Savoy is coming into France then the policy of this 
 country will not have been in vain, its object having been to keep that 
 Prince in movement against Spain. 
 
 The Venetian Ambassador has received his present of one thousand 
 two hundred ounces of silver-gilt plate, and is so little satisfied that it. 
 is said that he has sent it back. He witnessed the magnificent gifts to 
 the Envoy of Savoy, and contrasted these with the more moderate 
 present to himself. 
 
 The Peers adhere to their resolution regarding the Earl Marshal, 
 and if His Majesty does not give him up there will doubtless be a 
 ferment. 
 
 With regard to the plague ; in London it is reduced to one or two 
 cases in a week, but it is still active in the provinces. 
 
 London, 19th June 1626. 
 
 The two Houses of Parliament met on Saturday last. The House 
 of Lords, in conformity with its resolution to undertake no business 
 till the Earl Marshal was set at liberty, immediately adjourned till this 
 day, on which the Peers are to receive His Majesty's answer, as 
 promised through his Lord Keeper, either that the Earl would be 
 released or the reasons for his detention explained. The reply is ex- 
 pected with much anxiety, the question having been pushed to 
 extremity, so that on its favourable decision or the reverse the most 
 serious consequences depend. The King is pledged on one side to 
 maintain his prerogative, and the Peers on the other to insist on their 
 privileges. It is not easy to see what medium course is to be adopted 
 to adjust the contest without some prejudice to the one side or the 
 other. 
 
 Owing to this disagreement, the Attorney-General has been prevented 
 making his reply to the speech of the Earl of Bristol, and oi calling
 
 72 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 MSB. op upon him to make good bis defence by evidence, but he is to do so 
 
 Esq. EINB ' whenever the House is satisfied on the question of privilege and resumes 
 
 — the discharge of business. The reply being made and the evidence 
 
 brought forward, the Peers will immediately consult upon the merits 
 
 of the case to enable them to pronounce sentence, which, so far as it is 
 
 possible to judge, will be favourable to the Earl. 
 
 The Duke is also ready with his reply to the accusations made 
 against him by the House of Commons. It is said to be so ample and 
 clear that he and his friends are quite satisfied that not only Parlia- 
 ment hut the country will be persuaded of his innocence and of his 
 faithful administration of his various offices. It does not appear that 
 the House of Commons is of this opinion ; on the contrary, the 
 members are convinced that the Peers cannot do less than censure 
 the Duke; but, as has been said again and again, having the King for 
 his protector, with a majority of the House in his favour, the conclu- 
 sion obviously is that if these do not fail him the whole question will 
 prove a nullity. 
 
 The House of Commons on Saturday last committed one of its 
 Members to the Tower, for having spoken seditiously and also dis- 
 respectfully of the King, but three days after he petitioned the House, 
 expressing himself with the utmost humility and regret for what he hud 
 said, and the King making no objection he was set at liberty. 
 
 The Duke of Buckingham, during his late holidays, obtained the 
 office of Chancellor of the University of Cambridge, lately made vacant 
 by the death of the Earl of Suffolk, and he assumed at the same time 
 the dignity of President of the Council of War. The House of 
 Commons is consequently greatly moved, and it appears to the Members 
 that he has done these things to spite and insult them at a time when 
 one of their accusations against him is that he monopolises nearly all 
 the principal offices of dignity in the kingdom. Having considered 
 this subject, as well as other causes of complaint which present them- 
 selves daily against him, they propose to submit a remonstrance to the 
 House of Peers which is also dissatisfied with the increase of his 
 swelling and airogant authority. 
 
 It is commonly reported that the Spaniards have a formidable fleet 
 nearly ready with which they mean to attack this country. No one 
 wishes this to be true, but it may be so far credited as to serve as a 
 spur to obtain money from Parliament. The Members, however, are 
 incredulous, and are suspicious of every kind of artifice ; in fact, their 
 eves are open, and they do not waver in their resolution. 
 
 We have just heard that His Majesty has satisfied the House of Lords 
 by the release of the Earl Marshal, who may now sit in his place in 
 Parliament and is free to go where he pleases except to Court which is 
 forbidden. His Lordship was in the House to-day, the Peers having 
 resumed business, and they heard in the first place the reply made by the 
 Duke to the accusations of the House of Common. The reply, it is said, 
 was very copious but did not generally make a favourable impression. 
 The proofs which are to be offered may however clear up everything. 
 
 The Earl of Bristol was heard after the Duke, — amongst other things 
 he requested, in case what he had said in his last reply was not 
 thought sufficient to justify him from the imputed crime of high treason 
 brought forward by the Attorney-General, that the House would 
 obtain for him His Majesty's permission to make use of a State secret 
 for his defence in that Assembly This he Avouid not have jjroposed 
 to do, but, pressed as he was by the Attorney-General, it was needful as 
 a means of saving his life and honour. The House replied that it would
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 73 
 
 take this request into consideration at the proper time, and then it would mss. or 
 adopt such a resolution as seemed necessary. H - L> jJq RIXE ' 
 
 The Countess of Arundel, with Lord Maltravers and his bride, are still — 
 
 confined in the same place with the Duchess of Lennox the mother of 
 Lady Maltravers. 
 
 The King of Denmark again requests payment of the weekly 
 allowances which have lapsed, and so does the Count of Mansfeldt ; but, 
 whilst there is every wish to satisfy these claims, it is impossible to do 
 so soon or till Parliament provides the means. Neither can the forty 
 ships of the fleet be dispatched for want of money. 
 
 The Queeu is on good terms with the Duke of Buckingham, but there 
 is no appearance of the position of the unfortunate Roman Catholies 
 being ameliorated ; they are rather in a worse state, no one being able to 
 escape the rigorous application of the laws and the harshness of the 
 officials who execute them. 
 
 His Majesty has this day notified by letter to the House of Commons 
 that they must put on one side all other business whatsoever and attend 
 exclusively to passing the bills of supply. He allows them to the 
 twenty-seventh of this month to do so, and if they have not passed them 
 by that time he must take other measures. With this his final admonition 
 he makes his will known to them and protests that, if any evil happens 
 to the State, they are the cause ; therefore they should think seriously, 
 and give him an answer within the time which he has fixed, and above 
 all that they should grant a liberal supply without specifying any 
 conditions. 
 
 All or at any rate the greater number of the Members have been 
 greatly roused by this letter, more so than on any previous occasion, 
 and they have resolved to take into consideration a reply which is to be 
 presented to the King on Tuesday next. The general feeling is that it 
 will not prove in conformity with the wishes of His Majesty, seeing that 
 without a promise of removing the causes of their grievances, especially 
 of those arising from the conduct of the Duke, it will be very difficult to 
 induce them to grant supplies. The difference is of serious importance 
 and may lead to a final rupture between the King and Parliament. 
 
 London, 26th June 1626. 
 
 I acknowledge the receipt of your Excellency's letter, which reached 
 me this week, and at the same time your letters of the 26th May and the 
 2nd of June. 
 
 I send in reply my usual despatch, by which Their Serene Highnesses 
 will see the end of the long Parliament. It took place yesterday, to 
 the great surprise and displeasure of almost every one, and without His 
 Majesty having obtained a grant of money. T also inclose a copy of the 
 letter of the King to the House of Commons upon which the said 
 House ba?ed the declaration which has led to this rupture ; but others 
 say that the Duke of Buckingham not being able to resist or reply to 
 the charges brought against him by the Earl of Bristol has been obliged 
 to adopt this policy and thus to make a way of escape. In the mean- 
 while all is suspended, and may God grant that the question may here 
 end. 
 
 The Letter of the King to the House of Commons. 
 
 Carolus Rex. To our Faithful and Wellbeloved, Health. 
 
 Our House of Commons, the Representatives of Our people, cannot 
 have forgotten how many times and how seriously We have reminded
 
 74 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 MSS. of them of the necessity to expedite that aid, which they themselves have 
 H Esq EINE ' declared their intention of giving for the maintenance of Our great and 
 — weighty affairs, of so much importance lor Our safety and that of Our 
 
 Kingdom. 
 
 As the season is advancing, and as without an immediate decision, We 
 cannot have money or credit within the time prescribed by them, that is 
 to say by the end of this month, and as the postponement can serve no 
 purpose whatever, We being informed from all quarters of the great 
 preparations of the enemy, ready to assail Us, have therefore considered 
 it absolutely necessary by this Our letter to give the Commons Our 
 final admonition and to make them understand that We shall consider 
 any further delay or excuse as an express negative. It is therefore 
 Our will to signify to them that without further procrastination, We 
 expect that they will proceed to vote the subsidies, so that they may 
 be passed without further loss of time, and without conditions annexed 
 by the end of next week, and should they not do so We shall then be 
 compelled to adopt another resolution. 
 
 The Commons are also informed that if they act in conformity with 
 Our desires, We also are resolved to allow them to continue to meet 
 together for the dispatch of their other business, and thereafter to call 
 them together next winter ; but if in case of their procrastination or 
 denial, any evil consequences result, whether within or externally to Our 
 Kingdom, We call God and men to witness, that on Our side We have 
 done all that is possible to prevent it, by calling Parliament together, by 
 declaring Our weighty and urgent need, by seeking its help and 
 assistance in these matters to which by their advice We have pledged 
 Ourself, therefore it is Our will and We give Our command that this 
 Our Letter be publicly read in the House of Commons. 
 
 Given from Our Court of Whitehall 9th June 1626, (old style). 
 
 London, 26th June, 1626. 
 
 After two days consultation the Members of the House of Commons 
 resolved to answer the letter of His Majesty, of Friday last, requiring 
 them to vote the four subsidies, within the time which he had fixed, 
 without annexing any conditions whatever. This answer is in the form 
 of a declaration and remonstrance. It sets forth, in the first place, the 
 humble respect of the Members towards His Majesty and their desire 
 to supply him with the sums which they agreed to give him at the 
 beginning of their session, and which they would have already voted 
 but for the line of conduct and artifices of the Duke of Buckingham 
 and his partizaus which prevented them from following the usual 
 Parliamentary course. Notwithstanding all this, dutifully considering 
 His Majesty's wants, they adhered to the desire to satisfy him by 
 passing, at the earliest opportunity, the Act granting supplies, provided 
 that they are assured that, after this step on their part, the ordinary 
 course of justice against the Duke would not be stayed. They had 
 hoped that His Majesty would have been pleased to indicate this so as 
 to encourage them the more willingly to grant supplies. They also 
 addressed His Majesty on the subject of the overweening power of the 
 Duke, and on his monopoly of the highest and most important offices in 
 the Realm, and since he was the cause of the inaccessibility of the Royal 
 Person, they therefore besought His Majesty, to remove the Duke from 
 his presence and Court so as to give free course to the procedure 
 against him, and to grant to his people an open path to his presence, 
 that he might be faithfully and with all sincerity informed of the facts 
 of the case.
 
 Esq. 
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 75 
 
 In the second part of their address they protested and declared any mss. of 
 one to be deserving of the name of traitor to his country, and of pro- H. D.Skkin-e 
 portionate punishment, who afttr the prorogation of Parliament should 
 counsel, or seek to persuade, the King that he might extract money 
 from his subjects, by means of taxes or in any other manner opposed 
 to the ordinary course of Parliament and the privileges of the people. 
 They grounded this protest on the speech made by a Member of the 
 House, some days previously, in which he stated that the King, if not 
 immediately provided with supplies, would be compelled to take other 
 counsels, which, in their opinion, could only mean that he would imitate 
 other countries where, although they also had their Parliaments, 
 every kind of imposition and burden was imposed exclusively by Royal 
 prerogative. 
 
 On Wednesday the House sent several of its Members to the King 
 to obtain the appointment of a fitting time when the whole body might 
 present their address, but they brought back a statement that the King 
 on the following day would send his resolution which was to dissolve 
 Parliament without hearing them. This he did yesterday morning by 
 the mouth of the Lord Keeper. 
 
 When the Lords heard what was intended they sent a number of 
 Peers to petition the King to put off this dissolution, and to represent 
 the dangers of breaking up' a Parliament which had sat for only four 
 months and a half, and which had so much business on hand of im- 
 portance to the State ; but His Majesty was determined to send all the 
 Members to their homes, and he would not grant the deputation of 
 Peers an audience. Thus His Majesty put an end to this Parliament 
 yesterday to the general dissatisfaction of the country, leaving all the 
 complaints against the Duke of Buckingham undecided so that it is left 
 to everyone to judge of them as he thinks best. 
 
 The Earl of Bristol has special cause of complaint, this break up 
 having taken place before the termination of his case ; for he now 
 remains without protection in the power of those who do not love 
 him, or he must depend on the compassion of the King. 
 
 There is a feeling of apprehension that all those, or at least the 
 leaders, who have opposed the prompt grant of supplies, and have 
 shown hostility to the Duke, may now be in personal danger. It already 
 appears that the play is about to begin ; for it may be asserted that 
 this people never have been more surprised and offended, or more 
 animated by hatred of those whom it supposes to be the promoters of 
 this rupture of the good feeling with which the King hitherto generally 
 regarded them. Were it not for their instability, accompanied by their 
 innate reverence and habits of obedience to their betters, an outburst 
 might be anticipated. 
 
 We all, with open ears, anticipate the consequences which this sudden 
 break up of both Houses of Parliament must lead to ; especially to hear 
 what means His Majesty will adopt to get money from his people, for 
 the supply of his wants and for the defence of the country and of his 
 confederates ; for all of which he will require a large sum. 
 
 All the copies of the declaration and protest which the Clerk of 1 he 
 Parliaments had distributed amongst the Members were called in to-day, 
 by the Secretary of State, to be suppressed ; His Majesty objecting to 
 its registration, or that it should be open to the reading of any one ; but, 
 as 1 have said, I have given, as nearly as I can, its general contents and 
 its statements against the Duke. 
 
 Five days ago an Agent of the Duke of Savoy arrived in London. 
 He does not allow himself to be seen or known by any one, but remains 
 shut up in a room all day, and on one occasion only he was visited in
 
 76 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION, 
 
 mss of tlie ni S ut time by the Duke of Buckingham. What he has come for 
 H. D. s'krine, no one knows, hut it is thought that it must be for some of the old 
 EsQ - schemes of that Prince which like the others will turn out to he more 
 
 shadow then substance. 
 
 We expect immediately Signor Marc Antonio Cossaro and Siguor 
 Ano-elo Contarini, Venetian Ambassadors Extraordinary, who come to 
 pay the usual compliments to the new King, at whose expense they will 
 be provided with a house and living ; this having been settled before 
 his departure by the late Ambassador Pisano, who reminded His 
 Majesty of Ihe extraordinary honours accorded to the Abbe Scaglia 
 Ambassador of Savoy. 
 
 The Earl of Bristol was this evening imprisoned in the Tower of 
 London, and the Earl of Arundel was again commanded to return to 
 the place of his confinement twenty miles from London. Such are the 
 first fruits of the sudden dismissal of Parliament. 
 
 London, 3rd July 1626. 
 
 Since the Dissolution of Parliament, the attention of every one at 
 Court is absorbed, first by speculations as to the best means of satisfying 
 the people with regard to the numerous accusations and complaints 
 brought against the Duke of Buckingham by the House of Commons, 
 and "secondly by considering how money is to be procured for present 
 necessities. 
 
 With regard to the first great question, it appears that there is an 
 intention to settle it and to absolve the Duke from all the denunciations 
 of Parliament, by bringing him before the Court of Star Chamber to 
 which will be issued an extraordinary commission to try the case. 
 
 Although a favourable sentence will be obtained by pressure, in 
 a manner repugnant to the general feeling of the nation, nevertheless it 
 will be seen that everyone must conform to the supreme will which is so 
 resolutely determined in favour of the Duke. As to the second question, 
 His Majesty has called upon the City of London to lend him four 
 hundred thousand crowns ; for which he has offered as security those 
 jewels of the crown which many months ago were sent to Holland, with 
 the same object, but entirely without success. Up to the present time 
 the City has given no reply whether it will or will not lend His Majesty 
 that sum, but it is expected that they will soon do so. Numerous pro- 
 posals have been made to the King as to plans for obtaining money from 
 the people, but as yet none of them have been adopted. 
 
 Of the Earl of Bristol we hear nothing, except that he is to remain 
 a prisoner in the Tower and that no one is to be permitted to see him 
 or speak with him. It may be that his case also will be brought to a 
 conclusion, but probably not to his advantage ; especially if he is taken 
 before the King's Bench, empowered by special commission to decide it, 
 as some people say will happen. As to the charge of high treason which 
 the Earl brought against the Duke, nothing more is said of it, or will 
 be, unless a new Parliament should take it up. 
 
 His Majesty has issued a proclamation condemnatory of the last de- 
 claration and protest of the House of Commons which is so caustic in its 
 remarks on the Duke of Buckingham. The proclamation declares it to 
 be scandalous and illegal, commands all who have copies of it to burn 
 them, under pain of incurring the Royal displeasure if they fail to do so, 
 with such punishment as the law and the prerogative may inflict. 
 Another edict is published, prohibiting everyone from arguing, either in 
 writing or otherwise, in favour of any new opinions opposed to the 
 Canons of the Established Church. This is merfnt to extinguish 
 Arminianism which has lately been spreading in this country.
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 77 
 
 London. 10th July 1626. HS& of 
 
 The Municipality of London has met several times during the present D 'EfQ HIXE " 
 week to consult upon the subject of the loan to the King for which His — 
 
 Majesty offers, in security, jewels and silver plate which are the property 
 of the Crown. Up to the present time there is no appearance what- 
 ever of any intention of satisfying this demand. The Magistrates allude, 
 in the first place, to the large debt due by the Crown on account of loans 
 formerly advanced to His late Majesty King James, and also to His pre- 
 sent Majesty. They recall the complete stoppage of trade caused last year 
 by the plague to the great loss of the Merchants of the City ; they de- 
 scribe the seizure of so much property by the French which has not yet 
 been recovered, and which has given a heavy blow to trade, and finally 
 they mention the dissolution of Parliament, which has caused such 
 universal dissatisfaction, and has produced such confusion and distrust 
 that they know not where to turn to obtain money to satisfy His 
 Majesty's demands. 
 
 The King is by no means satisfied with this plain spoken reply, and 
 has sent another letter to the same Magistrates, expressed in more ab- 
 solute terms, calling upon them to come to a resolution without delay to 
 supply his urgent needs. There can be little doubt that the citizens, 
 having shown so resolutely that they cannot or will not lend this money, 
 are likely to remain of the same mind ; either because they do not con- 
 sider the pledge sufficient, or because in reality they are not able, or 
 what is much more likely, they do not care to accustom His Majesty to 
 demand money from his subjects in such a manner, or in any other ex- 
 cept through Parliament, or for other and remote reasons they show 
 themselves most unwilling ; so that after all it may be necessary to 
 summon a new Parliament as the only way to solve the difficulty. 
 
 The Earl of Bristol has been permitted to see his friends. It has 
 been thought that they might be able to do something for him, but, 
 owing to the summer vacations, the Courts of Justice are not sitting, 
 and nothing can be done till October; so that he must remain shut up in 
 the Tower, unless His Majesty will grace him so far as to permit him 
 to reside in confinement elsewhere, which is not very likely. 
 
 Their Majesties received the Venetian Ambassadors on Sunday last 
 at their manor of Greenwich, with the usual ceremonies and with great 
 cordiality. In explaining their message of compliment they alluded in 
 congratulatory terms to the resolution of His Majesty to curb the growth 
 and ambition of Spain, and to his efforts to prevent that monarchy from 
 crushing the friends and confederates of his crown. 
 
 The Ambassadors are paying the usual visits to distinguished members 
 of this Court, and the Duke of Buckingham, accompanied by some 
 friends, has dined with them, which is a very rare compliment on his 
 part. Their Excellencies are accompanied by seven Venetian Nobles, 
 and have a numerous retinue of grooms and other servants dressed in 
 handsome liveries. 
 
 The Queen retired from Court on Monday, and has gone into 
 seclusion in Denmark House, to remain there for a week, that she may 
 with the greater devotion attend to the religious observances of the most 
 holy Jubilee. 
 
 By way of Hamburgh there is a report of the death of Alberstadt, 
 which has been heard at Court with much regret. It is felt that a 
 friend and champion has been lost. Letters state that he died of fever 
 but there are some who suspect poison. 
 
 The drum is beaten in London to obtain recruits to go to Denmark, 
 but few there are at present who will enter the Danish service.
 
 Esq. 
 
 78 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 5ISS_ 0F Loudon, 17th July 1626. 
 
 H. d^Skeine, After several meetings and long consultations of the Municipality of 
 London on the subject of the loan demanded by the King, on the terms 
 explained, it was resolved that the money cannot be advanced for the 
 reasons alleged . His Majesty is deeply displeased at the determined 
 attitude of the Magistrates who consist of twenty four Elders, here called 
 Aldermen, with their Chief or Lord Mayor. To pacify the King they 
 have offered to lend him from their private means eighty thousand crowns 
 on the security of the Customs. This offer has been accepted, and they 
 are at present engaged collecting the money to pay over to the Lord 
 Treasurer ; but, as this sum can serve for a short time only, Royal Letters 
 are to be addressed to all the provinces of the Realm demanding from 
 the people sums of money under the name of Benevolences, no means 
 being left untried to provide for the present urgent wants, to send the 
 fleet to sea, and to pay the King of Denmark at least a part of the 
 arrears which are due to him. 
 
 The Council of War has this week appointed all the Captains and 
 other officers who are to go with the fleet. The Duke of Buckingham 
 gives out that he means to take the command ; but, as was the case last 
 year, so now, the general opinion is that he will neither leave the Court, 
 nor the presence of the King, especially when he is so much disliked by 
 nearly the whole country. 
 
 When the fleet will sail is not exactly known, although it is believed 
 that it will be in a month at latest and that it will go in the direction 
 of the West Indies to meet and seize — if it is able to do so — the 
 Spanish treasure fleet. It is observed that there are no preparations as 
 was the case last year for operations on land. 
 
 On Sunday last the Venetian Ambassadors had a private audience of 
 His Majesty to inform him, it is believed, of the disinclination of the 
 Republic to approve of the adjustment of the affairs of the Valtelline 
 made by the Crowns of France and Spain without any participation of 
 their allies. They desire therefore at the present time to engage this 
 government in their cause, for it appears that the reputation of the 
 Republic suffers from a settlement which has been made without its 
 concurrence. 
 
 Sir Walter Montagu, a creature of the Duke, was dispatched to 
 France last week to endeavour to obtain payment of the second half of 
 the Queen's portion. From a desire to satisfy the French, they are here 
 setting apart landed estates for Her Majesty, according to agreement, but 
 these are to be managed by English officials. As to the other question 
 of the Catholics ; notwithstanding all that was promised at the time of 
 the marriage, it remains in an unhappy position. For some days past 
 however hopes have been held out of some amelioration of their treat- 
 ment which like others on the same subject may prove to be a mere lire 
 of straw. 
 
 The City of Hamburgh has sent two of its citizens to complain of the 
 seizure of their ships and cargoes, as well as of the two ships of war 
 placed at the mouth of their river, the Elbe, to prevent their sending 
 provisions to Spain. These gentlemen explained the whole subject to 
 His Majesty, who referred them to his Privy Council from which they 
 are now soliciting a decision. 
 
 Yesterday an Ambassador Extraordinary landed at Gravesend from ' 
 Denmark and he will come to London to-day. It is generally believed 
 that the object of his visit is to demand payment of the arrears of 
 subsidy which are due, and to protest against the delays which have 
 taken place. We shall be more accurately informed of the facts when he 
 has delivered his message.
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 70 
 
 The King has given orders to publish a manifesto, or declaration, of . MSS - op 
 the true reasons which led him to summon and to dissolve Parliament ; Esq. 
 
 that is to say the first which sat at Oxford and this last one at London. — 
 
 In this document, it is alleged that the cause of the dissolution of the 
 first was the prevalence of the plague. With regard to the second it 
 was rendered necessary by the indisposition of the House of Commons 
 to vote the supplies, without insisting upon the ruin of a peer of the 
 realm the Duke of Buckingham. 
 
 In the same proclamation the King appeals to God and man to bear 
 witness that he had done everything in his power to prevent the danger 
 to which England and Ireland may be exposed by a Spanish invasion. 
 The King of Spain is bent on making himself monarch of the whole 
 world, still his Majesty would not have gone to war against him for the 
 recovery of the hereditary dominions of his brother-in-law the Prince 
 Palatine, nor would he have agreed to give supplies of money to the allies 
 of his Crown, had it not beeu that the House of Commons induced him 
 to do so by promises of assistance in purse and person. 
 
 The Manifesto dwells with bitterness on the want of consideration, 
 and on the malice, of many Members of the House who wished to 
 destroy the Duke more from a feeling of personal enmity than from 
 any regard, for the good of the country. 
 
 This attack has greatly moved most of the Members of the late 
 Parliament, and every one thinks that it would have been better not to 
 have made use of such expressions ; especially when it is considered what 
 effect they may produce on the minds of the Members of a new 
 Parliament, which otherwise might have been favourably disposed to 
 meet the King's wishes. 
 
 A Fast was observed on Wednesday last, by command of His Majesty. 
 This ceremony consists as usual of staying in Church most part of the 
 day, and in listening to long sermons and to prayers, which are expressly 
 composed for the occasion, beseeching the Almighty to preserve the 
 country from its enemies and the perils of invasion. Thanks were also 
 offered for the liberation of this great city from the plague, which how- 
 ever still makes itself felt in various parts of it. 
 
 London, 24th July 1626. 
 
 Their Majesties left London on Monday to go to the country and to 
 enjoy its pure air. They will be away, according to yearly custom, till 
 the month of October. In a few days the Privy Council will follow, 
 remaining for the present in London to transact business for the dispatch 
 of the fleet as it is very desirable that it should sail in a month at 
 furthest. As I have elsewhere stated it is believed that it will proceed 
 to the West Indies in pursuit of the Spanish treasure fleet. 
 
 The great obstacle to the departure of the expedition is the want of 
 money, to raise which the most active exertious are made. His Majesty 
 as sent Circular Letters to all the counties to explain to the people the 
 existing necessity of defending his dominions and those of his allies. 
 Money is asked for under the title of free Benevolences to the amount of 
 at least one of the subsidies. It is pointed out that although Parliament 
 had not formally passed the Act, owing to the circumstance of its dis- 
 solution, still it was enough that it had declared its purpose of doing so 
 within a given time. His Majesty therefore had not the slightest doubt 
 but that his subjects would frankly aid him at this time of urgent 
 necessity. 
 
 ■ What resolution may be adopted in the provinces is not yet known ; 
 but by common report it appears that the people are not inclined to 
 comply, as to do so would be to leave a bad example to their posterity.
 
 80 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 II d S 1' ° F ^ e sna ^ soon near mor 6 on this subject. Other schemes must be 
 Esq. l " devised, more particularly as it is thought that the Royal Revenue 
 might be better and more profitably managed than is at present the 
 case. 
 
 His Majesty has therefore appoiuted eight Commissioners — men of 
 ability — whose duty it will be to reform the expenditure and to regulate 
 the sources of revenue. 
 
 The Commissioners have begun by abolishing the free tables which 
 have been so numerous in this Court, all maintained at the Royal cost. 
 The only tables excepted being that of the Duke of Buckingham as 
 Grand-Equerry, that of the Lord Chamberlain, one for each Secretary 
 of State instead of two, and one for the Comptroller of the Royal 
 Kitchen. 
 
 These reforms have naturally disgusted a number of persons who had 
 free access daily to these tables. Some of them are to be pensioned, 
 inasmuch as the free tables have been a very ancient and peculiar in- 
 stitution. The concourse of people having no employment who thus 
 lived at the public expense formed a peculiar feature of this Court and 
 nation and illustrated the existence of great wealth. 
 
 The Commissioners are also consulting how they may increase the 
 revenue, by reducing the number of parks and forests which are the 
 property of the Crown in different parts of England to a state of pro- 
 fitable cultivation, or even by selling them to whoever offers most money 
 for them. In short the object is to become prudent managers and rich, 
 without the necessity of having recourse to Parliament. 
 
 The Venetian Ambassadors took leave of their Majesties on Sunday 
 last, they have been treated with great distinction by all the Nobles of* 
 the Court, and by the Duke more than by any other ; for he feted and 
 caressed them, as friends and confidants of the Crown, whilst they on 
 their part, besides the usual compliments, have offered assistance against 
 the common enemies of both countries. 
 
 The Danish Ambassador, who arrived on Friday last, was conducted 
 to the country residence of their Majesties where he was received in 
 audience ; and, although Ave do not know exactly what passed, it is never- 
 theless believed that the chief subject of discussion was money, and 
 failing that, the Ambassador made a protest as to the position of their 
 common interests. From this it appears that here they begin to waver, 
 unless the revolt of the peasantry in Upper Austria puts them in better 
 spirits. The Ambassador is lodged at a hostelry and receives from His 
 Majesty seventy crowns a day for his expenses, to be expended in 
 conformity with his own taste. His Excellency has a suite of eighteen 
 persons. 
 
 The dispatch of the merchant Burlamacchi to France, to receive in 
 His Majesty's name one hundred and twenty thousand pounds, the 
 Becond half of the Queen's marriage portion, is still under discussion. 
 The Catholics believe that, so long as they are, oppressed contrary to 
 treaty, His Most Christian Majesty will not pay the money. 
 
 I have already mentioned the arrangements in progress here for pro- 
 viding for the Queen. Her Majesty is to be surrounded chiefly with 
 Protestant Bed-chamber women, amongst whom are sisters and relatives 
 of the Duke of Buckingham. Everything is brought into conformity 
 with the wishes of His Majesty and those of the Minister who rules 
 under him, to the great dissatisfaction of the French who are unable to 
 find any remedy except that of returning to their homes which is 
 precisely the alternative broadly hinted to them. 
 
 The Privy Council, in His Majesty's name, has asked the Flemish 
 and French merchants who reside in London, and who are of the Flemish
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 81 
 
 or French churches, to lend two hundred thousand crowns on the security MSS. op 
 of jewels and silver plate. They have not yet made any reply, but from H> D 'e S q RIKB ' 
 what is said by several of their country-men it appears that they are — 
 
 wholly averse to any such loan. 
 
 The Earl Marshal has been permitted to come to London for a short 
 time to attend to his private affairs, but he is not accompanied by any 
 of his family. 
 
 London, 31st July 1626. 
 
 The Privy Council will remain here for sometime for the dispatch of 
 an infinity of business, and above all to make every effort to raise money 
 for the fleet as well as for other pressing wants. 
 
 On Monday last the Royal Letters were dispatched to ask for the 
 Lenevolences described in my last ; that is, those to whom they were 
 directed were called upon to pay that portion of the subsidy which would 
 have fallen to the share of each, but instead of subsidy the tax is 
 baptised a benevolence. 
 
 It is said that many will pay this demand, some influenced by the 
 lively and persuasive description of the great peril to which the nation 
 is exposed of a Spanish invasion, some because they fear to incur the 
 displeasure of the King, but there are others who are determined not 1o 
 give except in a legal manner by Act of Parliament. 
 
 We do not yet hear what effect the letters will have in the provinces, 
 but the farther they are from the sun the colder they will be and the 
 less disposed to comply ; especially those constituencies whose repre- 
 sentatives in the last Parliament were opposed to voting the supplies 
 and who since the Dissolution have been deprived of the authority 
 which they held in the government of their counties, a manoeuvre 
 which has excited no little comment and which has particularly offended 
 the Puritanical faction. 
 
 We shall soon learn what is to be done ; but, from much that is heard, 
 it is apparent that it will not be to the taste of the Royal party. The 
 general desire of the people is for another Parliament, and this sentiment 
 is combined with a determination not to permit money to be raised 
 without it. 
 
 The Flemish and French merchants excuse themselves as not being 
 members of this nation, and have informed the Privy Council that they 
 cannot pay the two hundred thousand crowns demanded in His Majesty's 
 name. In the meanwhile small sums are being collected by the help of 
 the Royal Letters, sent to persons of substance and known to be able to 
 pay ; and the money thus obtained is used to discharge the arrears due 
 to the officers aud mariners who served in the last Naval expedition, 
 and who are to serve again in that in prospect, so that the council of 
 war may be the better able to dispatch the fleet. 
 
 The expedition is not to be under the command of the Duke of 
 Buckingham, according to his apparent wish, for his medical advisers 
 say that he must not risk his health which has not been robust since 
 his return from Spain. Possibly Lord Willoughby may be named to 
 the command. Owing to the delay which has taken place it is likely 
 that the ships will not do more than guard the shores of this Island. If 
 they go as far as the coast of Spain it will be to try their fortune against 
 the treasure fleet from Peru. 
 
 Lord Carleton is to be sent immediately to the Court of His Most 
 
 Christian Majesty as Ambassador Extraordinary. It is thought that 
 
 the object of the embassy is to obtain the other half of the Queen's 
 
 dowry, for the establishment of her Court here, and the payment of the 
 
 U 23533 F
 
 82 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 mss. op officials. With regard to the management of her estates in this country, 
 H ' D 'eim? IK:B ' ^e Frenchmen must be satisfied to submit to prevalent usages ; it is a 
 — subject on which they have shown themselves very sensitive. Although 
 
 the Court question is the pretext for the sudden mission of Lord Carleton 
 it is believed that negotiations of more importance are meant, even 
 proposals for a general peace to be brought about by the good offices of 
 the Queen Mother ; a difficult thing to believe and still more difficult to 
 accomplish especially by Freuch intervention at the present time. 
 
 The idea of His Majesty's journey to Scotland to be crowned is cooling 
 down. It may take place in autumn but even that is doubtful. The 
 King has sent the Earl of Annandale to explain to his Scotch subjects 
 the necessary delay in the meeting of their Parliament, and to pacify 
 tumults which have arisen. 
 
 The Duke of Buckingham this week contracted his little daughter, 
 who is four years of age, to the eldest son of the Earl of Montgomery, 
 who is seven. He is heir to the Earl of Pembroke, Lord Chamberlain to 
 the King, who is his paternal uncle. The conditions ot the marriage are 
 published. 
 
 In addition to the dowry of the young lady, the youthful Earl is to 
 become Lord Chamberlain, and the Earl of Pembroke Lord Steward of 
 the Royal Household. His Majesty came expressly to London to honour 
 these arrangements with his presence. 
 
 A Royal command has been sent to the City of London to raise four 
 thousand soldiers. They are to be fully equipped, and to be sent wherever 
 his Majesty may choose within the Kingdom, at the cost of the City. 
 The magistrates are busy with the preparations, but the citizens say 
 that this outlay is inflicted upon them because they declined to lend the 
 four hundred thousand crowns which were demanded of them. 
 
 The Queen returned to London on Saturday suffering from cold and 
 toothache, and not a little dissatisfied with the appointment of four 
 English Ladies of the Bedchamber. All the French maintain that this is 
 contrary to agreement ; as well as their not being allowed to nominate 
 officials to manage Her Majesty's dowry, which is not the least of their 
 complaints. 
 
 London, 13th August 1626. 
 
 Always the same difficulty the want of money. Neither the City of 
 London nor the provinces will contribute in any way except through the 
 usual Parliamentary legal course. With the exception of Court depen- 
 dents, who have readily paid, others, made suspicious and in no way 
 edified by the hypocritical example, have adhered to their resolution not 
 to contribute. 
 
 His Majesty as I mentioned in my last came to London to promote 
 the family union between the most important members of his Court, thus 
 strengthening the party of the Duke of Buckingham. Immediately 
 afterwards, without giving an hour's warning, he dismissed the whole of 
 the French attendants of the Queen both male and female. They wei'e 
 at once removed from the palace to a private house, being informed that 
 in a few days they would be sent out of the kingdom. An act so sudden 
 as this has given rise to an infinity of talk, but it has been for a long 
 time premeditated. It had been predicted by Lord Carleton, lately 
 sent as Ambassador Extraordinary to the Most Christian Court, who 
 was followed on some pretext by the Comte de Tillieres soon after his 
 departure. 
 
 I do not know how this outburst which occurred so suddenly will be 
 taken by France, but it is likely to increase the coldness between the two 
 countries. The Queen has only retained one French attendant, and that
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 83 
 
 one because of Her Majesty's entreaty. Three days hence all the others MSS. op 
 will be taken to France. Forty thousand crowns are to be divided H> D, f s K Q * INE ' 
 amongst them in the shape of compensation but they are by no means — 
 
 satisfied. 
 
 All the clergy in attendance on the Queen have been in like manner 
 removed from their houses and chapel and are to return to France. Two 
 Benedictines, one an Englishman and the other a Scotsman, have been 
 appointed to be the Queen's Chaplains. Protestants say that these are 
 worthy men, although they have been for sometime removed from their 
 Monastery. It has thus been resolved that there shall be no more 
 French about the Queen, a resolution which the people have heard of 
 with infinite satisfaction. 
 
 I have little to report this week of the movements of the fleet except 
 that it is generally believed that it is about to sail. It is to consist only 
 of ten or twelve Royal war ships, under the command of the Earl of Den- 
 bigh, to guard the neighbouring seas. They are not able to go farther 
 eight hundred casks of sail, meal are unfit for food, ami plague has 
 broken out in two of the ships. 
 
 It is said that the English troops maintained by this country in 
 Holland will be withdrawn for the sake of economy. The leadiug 
 object is to diminish expenditure so as to avoid having recourse to another 
 Parliament. 
 
 Huntingdon, 14th September 1G26. 
 
 The contributions which His Majesty expected from the provinces 
 are almost reduced to a nullity so that, to provide for his most pressing 
 wants, he has given orders to sell a number of estates which are the 
 property of the Crown reserving only small returns from them as 
 acknowledgment of homage. It is calculated that large sums will be 
 obtained, but ready money may not be quickly forthcoming. 
 
 The arrival of Monsieur de Bassompierre, Ambassador Extraordinary 
 of His Most Christian Majesty was expected in London last week. It 
 is generally believed that his visit will be to the Queen to obtain 
 information as to the causes of the dismissal of Her Majesty's 
 French attendants, and to observe the new Court with which she is 
 surrounded, as well as to enquire into the extent of the landed estates 
 set aside for Her Majesty's jointure, and finally to perform the friendly 
 offices needful in such a predicament as the present. 
 
 The Comte de Tillieres is expected to ai'rive with the Ambassador, 
 but as he with his Countess and two sons were leading members of the 
 late unpopular French household of the Queen, and as he is regarded 
 with distrust, His Majesty sent a gentleman to France with a message 
 that the Count could not be received. 
 
 The Queen is treated with the most tender solicitude. She is 
 surrounded with ladies of the highest rank, as if to show the French 
 Ambassador that she is both better served and with more deference 
 than she was by her French attendants. If the change made does not 
 undermine her religious convictions it is otherwise of little consequence. 
 If some fear is entertained on this subject, still there is room to hope 
 that her constancy will prove an admirable example to the Catholics ; 
 and, if there are any waverers, it may confirm them in their faith. 
 
 The King has called upon the Mayor and Aldermen of London to 
 provide eighteen ships to add to the fleet. They will be about two 
 hundred tons burden each, and will be each armed with from eighteen 
 to twenty-four guns. They are merchant vessels fitted out for the 
 occasion. The owners are receiving money to enable them to prepare 
 
 P 2
 
 84 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 mss. of the vessels for sea as quickly as possible. Their service is to be limited 
 Esq. ' to the coasts of England. 
 
 London, 2nd October 1626. 
 The Royal Commissioners met on Wednesday last for the first time 
 to make a beginning of the sale of the landed estates of the Crown, this 
 plan of raising money having been adopted in consequence of the 
 determination of the inhabitants of the provinces not to contribute 
 except through the action of Parliament. Only a few persons have 
 consented to pay money, whilst the necessity of obtaining it increases 
 daily ; especially to assist the King of Denmark whose army has been 
 completely routed by Tilly which has been the cause of great sorrow 
 in this country. 
 
 Means must be found to obtain money from the people to assist 
 Denmark, but without the intervention of Parliament it is impossible. 
 His Majesty's subjects will not submit to taxation on any other terms, 
 whilst he is wholly averse to it, and will not yield, unless he is reduced 
 to extremity and pulled by the hairs of the head, so much does he 
 dread returning to school with such inflexible masters. 
 
 Since the defeat of the King of Denmark the Privy Council has held 
 many meetings in His Majesty's presence. It has been resolved to 
 dispatch ten thousand soldiers in aid ; that is, six thousand who are in 
 the service of Holland and tour thousand of those who served last year 
 in the expedition to Spain and who are at present in the provinces, if 
 the scarcity of money does not delay the fulfilment of this idea, as it is 
 of great importance to act without loss of time. 
 
 The Earl of Denbigh, with his squadron of ten ships, is not to go to 
 any distance from the east coast of the Island. At the same time it is 
 calculated that the twenty sail provided by the City will be ready in 
 eight days, although the citizens find some difficulty in collecting the 
 necessary funds. The magistrates have therefore decreed that every 
 householder shall advance in one sum tour years amount of the poor 
 rate, which at present they pay in weekly instalments. The working 
 men and others refuse to obey ; it is quite evident that they cannot pay 
 in one sum the amount of the tax for four years, although they can 
 conveniently pay weekly. There is consequently no certain prospect, 
 of obtaining money or of equipping the ships in a satisfactory manner ; 
 and therefore, when they do sail, they will not be able to go far from the 
 coast. 
 
 Four ships belonging to Hamburgh were taken some days ago and 
 brought to the Thames, but are to be allowed to depart on condition of 
 selling all the gunpowder on board which they meant to carry to Spain ; 
 but the courtesy has been extended to them of allowing them to take 
 the grain with which they are laden to its destination, from the wish 
 not to exasperate a people which purchases so extensively the woollen 
 cloths of England. The Hamburgh Agents> who are here, have not yet 
 succeeded in inducing this government to agree to withdraw the two 
 men-of-war which are kept at the mouth of the Elbe to prevent their 
 ships going to sea, at least those bound for Spain with ammunition and 
 other supplies on board. 
 
 The gentleman sent to France by His Majesty to prevent the visit of 
 the Comte de Tillieres to England has returned in a state of great 
 mortification, their French Majesties having refused to receive him. 
 Mons. de Bassompierre is anxiously expected. "When he arrives it will 
 be seen what course he will take to soothe the irritation now existing 
 between the two nations, which would be still more violent on the other
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 85 
 
 side but for existing domestic troubles which preveut them paying so M88. of 
 much attention to what is going on here as would be the case under Eik?™" 8 
 
 other circumstances. It is true that they have sent the Bishop of — 
 
 Mende, the Queen's Almoner, to Rome, to give an account of the state 
 of things to the Pope, a certain sign that they are not indifferent to the 
 position of affairs. It is a mission, however, which is offensive to this 
 country, which cannot see what Rome has to do with its concerns. 
 
 The Queen appears to be very happy and cheerful. She spends most of 
 her time at Denmark House, which belonged to Queen Anne, the mother 
 of the King, and is now hers with all its splendid fittings and furniture. 
 Her Majesty is accompanied by the Duchess of Buckingham, the 
 Marchioness of Hamilton, the Countess of Rutland, and the Countess of 
 Buckingham, the Countess of Denbigh, and Madame Sauvage. This 
 last with the third and fourth of these ladies are Catholics, aud are 
 permitted to go to Mass with the Queen in her little oratory, there being 
 no chapel now as there was before the expulsion of* the French. A 
 suitable chapel however is being fitted up on the ground floor of Den- 
 mark House, so that Monsieur Bassompierre may see that there is no 
 deficiency in this respect; whilst His Excellency will have every oppor- 
 tunity of observing that the Queen is much better served, for besides 
 the eight ladies mentioned, Lord Percy is her Master of the Horse, Sir 
 George Goring is Vice-Chamberlain, some of those who served Queen 
 Anne now attend Her Majesty, and all the offices of her Court are being 
 tilled up. 
 
 The Duchess de la Tremouille has brought her married daughter 
 from Holland. She is the wife of Lord Strange, and the Duchess is 
 very desirous of attaching her to the household of the Queen ; but, with 
 very little prospect of success, either because no more French are 
 desired or because she has no influence with those who dispose of these 
 offices. 
 
 The Earl of Arundel has again received His Majesty's permission to 
 come to London on private affairs, and the Earl of Bristol may absent 
 himself for six weeks from the Tower, and live on his own estate, holding 
 himself ready to return at any time he may be required to do so. He is 
 to be brought before the Tribunal of the Star Chamber, to be examined 
 as to the accusations brought against him in the House of Lords ; at the 
 same time it is possible that no steps may be taken against him, and he 
 may be allowed to live in retirement at a distance from Court. 
 
 The Privy Council has promulgated a regulation which prohibits the 
 importation of every description of French goods. If this is enforced it 
 will cause a great outcry in France, especially if it includes French 
 wines ; for the French sell in England wines, of Gascony alone, to the 
 value of five hundred thousand crowns annually. No one knows why 
 an embargo has been laid on French goods throughout the Kingdom. 
 
 A residence was provided for Monsieur de Bassompierre, and his 
 expenses were to be paid in the usual manner ; but, as the English Am- 
 bassador at Paris is not treated in this liberal way, the order has been 
 withdrawn and the Frenchmen are looking about for houses. 
 
 London, 16th October 1626. 
 On Sunday last, His Majesty received Monsieur de Bassompierre in 
 audience, at Hampton Court whither His Excellency was conducted by 
 the Earl of Carlisle. After the usual compliments to their Majesties, 
 and having presented his credentials, His Excellency, with infinite pru- 
 dence, begged that His Majesty would be pleased to name Commissioners 
 to meet him to consult over the best means of bringing to an end the 
 differences existing between the two crowns principally on account of
 
 86 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 mss. of the late expulsion of the French from the service of the Queen. His 
 H ' D 'esq RI1SE ' Most Christian Majesty was desirous of knowing the real cause, and, that 
 — being explained, to punish according to their demerits such of his 
 
 subjects as had deserved it. His Excellency also proposed to examine 
 carefully the treaty of marriage to ascertain whether in this respect, as 
 in all others, its true sense could be ascertained in a manner satisfactory 
 to His Majesty. He explained that, besides his own friendly wishes, he 
 was provided with Full Powers to bring the subjects of difference to a 
 favourable conclusion, provided that in all that relates to the Queen her 
 interests were considered. There is every appearance that all else will 
 be easily settled, there being a good disposition on both sides, provided 
 that no proposal is made for bringing the French attendants back to this 
 Court. 
 
 We are now waiting to hear if His Majesty will consent to appoint 
 Commissioners and this done if he will again offer to lodge and provide 
 for the Ambassador in the usual manner, and if His Excellency will 
 accept of this courtesy. It is already observable that, owing to his 
 prudent and amicable approaches, things are now on a better footing as 
 compared with their unfortunate position for some time past. There is 
 a cloud however on the horizon on account of the arrival of Father 
 Sancy, of the Order of the Oratory, who accompanies the Ambassador as 
 his Chaplain. On his disembarkation a peremptory order was sent by 
 the King that he should immediately return to France. This message 
 the French Ambassador at once accepted as addressed to himself, and 
 replied to the messenger who brought the order that Father Sancy was 
 a subject of His Most Christian Majesty, expressly sent by him to 
 accompany his representative, and that if he was sent back the Am- 
 bassador must consider himself as sent back also. Nothing further was 
 said, and the Father accompanied Monsieur de Bassompierre to 
 London ; but he was not taken to Court, where he is regarded as a con- 
 tumacious person who gave bad advice to the Queen when he was her 
 Confessor. 
 
 The second part of the fleet sailed last week, but there is no news, 
 except by letters from Plymouth, on the South-west side of this Island. 
 They state that the first squadron under the Earl of Denbigh, which 
 sailed some weeks before, had captured five French ships, on their 
 voyage from Spain, loaded with merchandise which the English insisted 
 on baptizing Flemish property. God grant that these spoils do not 
 prejudice the negotiations in progress for a better understanding with 
 France. There is also the circumstance that Monsieur de Soubise is at 
 present within five miles of the Court, which can hardly fail to give 
 umbrage to the French Ambassador. 
 
 Another attempt is to be made to obtain money by a new plan, all 
 others having failed. His Majesty has called upon each of the 
 Members of his Privy Council and has pointed out to them that now 
 is the time to apply to themselves the arguments which they used to 
 the people. Namely, the urgency of his needs for the defence of his 
 kingdom; for giving assistance to the King of Denmark his uncle; for 
 promoting the cause of the Palatinate ; and for the defence of the 
 Protestant religion, which the Spaniards and the House of Austria 
 wish to destroy. Little by little they try to crush Protestanism, and 
 dangers gradually encompass it on all sides, it is consequently necessary 
 at every sacrifice to support it. His Majesty therefore pressed each 
 of them to pay at once the amount of five years taxation as a loan, 
 which if collected would amount to five hundred thousand pounds 
 sterling. His Majesty also desired that his orders should be sent to all 
 the preachers in the kingdom to preach to the people in an ardent and
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 87 
 
 impressive manner on the duty and importance of giving of their sub- Mss 0F 
 stance For the support of the good cause, also that all the officers of H. d.Skkine, 
 the crown should exert their authority with the same object. _2!i* 
 
 Notwithstanding these efforts it still appears that the greatest repug- 
 nance is manifested to give money without the intervention of a Parlia- 
 ment, which the people call for and without which His Majesty will 
 not be able to obtain the sum that he desires and that is really 
 necessary. 
 
 The personage from Bethlen-Gabor had an audience of His Majesty 
 almost like that of an Ambassador. A Royal carriage was sent for him, 
 and he was accompanied to the Royal presence by a Master of Cere- 
 monies being introduced to the king with the formalities usual with 
 Ambassadors. He was again taken to London and to his hostelry — the 
 same where the Ambassador from Denmark is living — and he has been 
 allowed twenty crowns a day for his expences with four servants. He 
 dines in company with the Dane who has an assignment of eighty 
 crowns per day for his outlay. 
 
 The message from Bethlen-Gabor is expressive of his desire to 
 join the league of England, Holland and Denmark, and to obtain 
 a subsidy to enable him to attack the common enemy on his side 
 also. 
 
 The Queen came on Wednesday to London to receive Monsieur de 
 Bassompierre in audience and returned to Hampton Court in the 
 evening. 
 
 To day His Excellency the French Ambassador left London to be 
 received by His Majesty in private audience. The Duke of Buckingham 
 shows him every courtesy, and from the external signs of good intelligence 
 high hopes are entertained of an accommodation ; especially as it is 
 observed that the French wish it, probably because they apprehend 
 that this country may make a peace with Spain. This would be easily 
 brought about if some Prince of sufficient authority, and who at the 
 same time would be disinterested, could be found to intervene. 
 
 Declaration of the true intent of His Majesty touching the request 
 made to his subjects for their assistance in raising money in the form 
 of loans. 
 
 Carolus Rex. When with the advice of Our Privy Council, We 
 resolved, for the defence of Our Honour, Religion and Kingdom, to 
 request Our beloved subjects to assist Us iu the form of loans, We at 
 the same time commanded Our Commissioners to go as soon as possible 
 throughout all the Provinces and Cities of the Kingdom to carry into 
 effect this Our request. It now appears to Us to be expedient to publish 
 and declare to Our beloved subjects, Our intentions which are under the 
 pressure of events, to provide for the defence of the public cause, and 
 of the religion of the State and people. No other way being at present 
 open to Us and it not being possible to avoid this way, We as King 
 shall maintain this cause and that of religion, and preserve Our honour, 
 assure the safety of Our Kiugdom, and succour Our friends and con- 
 federates -which* We are bound to do by the obligations of the Sovereign 
 power which under God We hold over you. 
 
 By these We publish and declare to Our beloved subjects, that Our 
 true will is, that this path which necessity compels Us to take, — and 
 necessity has no law, — is not meant to be in any way a precedent for the 
 future. And because We hear that certain evil disposed persons, under 
 the pretext of the common liberty, seek by the aid of faction or other 
 indirect means, the ruin of religion and of the State, and, by attempting 
 to delay the present remedy open the way to certain strange practices,
 
 88 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 fl i^skkine publishing amongst other statements that if this manner of raising 
 Esq. money is persevered in, it will overthrow Parliament and will introduce 
 
 the custom of raising taxes annually in this way, We therefore publish 
 and declare that We will not tolerate such statements and practices but 
 will punish those who use them. Thus inasmuch as the sudden and 
 important course of events is such as not to permit Us to lose so much 
 time as the convocation of Parliament would require, and it being also 
 foreign to Our feelings to take advantage of the love of Our people, or 
 to make such loans annual or customary, it is i*ather in conformity with 
 Our intentions to summon the said Parliament at all times and as soon 
 as We can conveniently do, to continue it subsequently, and to recall 
 it as often as reasons of State may require. The love of Our people 
 towards Us will induce them presently to aid Our needs. We have this 
 confidence in Our people. 
 
 Given at Our Court of Whitehall this 7th of October 1626 (old style), 
 in the second year of Our reign. 
 
 London, 23rd October 1626. 
 His Majesty has not yet appointed Commissioners to confer with 
 Monsieur de Bassompierre as requested by His Excellency. He 
 intended to go to a place for hunting fifty miles from London, but 
 having granted a private audience to the French Ambassador he was 
 persuaded to change his mind and not to go. His Majesty, assisted by the 
 Duke of Buckingham, Lord Conway, and other Members of his Privy 
 Council, will listen to a statement of the case of the French. The 
 demeanour of the French Ambassador is so conciliatory that it is Avished, 
 however difficult the case may be, to satisfy him. It is now thought 
 that by taking a few French into the service of the Queen, excluding all 
 those who were sent away, existing difficulties may be modified. But 
 such is the antipathy with which this nation regards the hierarchy and 
 supremacy of Rome that the clergy will not be received. 
 
 The Queen gave a private audience to the French Ambassador. 
 There was a prevalent opinion that this would not be permitted, but 
 differences are being smoothed away. On the part of the French there 
 is an apprehension that England will come to an arrangement with 
 Spain, they even think that there is some private understanding that 
 they will not press so urgently as they might otherwise do for the 
 complete performance of the articles of the treaty of marriage. 
 
 The English Ambassador, Carleton, returned on Saturday last from 
 the Most Christian Court, with handsome presents from their Majesties, 
 a sure sign that he returned satisfied with the results of his mission ; and, 
 such being the case, the French Ambassador must be treated in the same 
 way, the only rock in the path being that he brought Father Sancy with 
 him. He was a second time requested to send him back to France, 
 which tie would have done if the request had been made in courteous 
 terms. He keeps the Father strictly confined to the house, and a watch 
 is kept over him to prevent his receiving any letters or messages from 
 Court. 
 
 Every eifort is made to raise money, but the people continue to 
 exhibit the same indisposition to contribute without the intervention of 
 Parliament. The proclamation of His Majesty has not produced the 
 good effect which he anticipated, although he has declared that this 
 collection of money under the form of loans is by no means to be understood 
 as an interference with the privileges of Parliament, nor as a precedent 
 for the future, but only to meet present necessities till such time as a 
 Parliament can conveniently be summoned. There is no appearance
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 89 
 
 that the determination of the people can be changed by this or any MSs. op 
 other means, except by process of Parliament, so that not even in this H ' L> 'j| S o RINE ' 
 way can money be obtained, and as the fleet is bringing nothing from — ' 
 
 Spain it may finally be necessary to yield to the general wish of the 
 people and to summon a Parliament however contrary tins may be to 
 the wishes of those in power. 
 
 His Majesty has issued another proclamation prohibiting under seven; 
 penalties both soldiers and sailors from coming near the Court in troops. 
 This has been made necessary, inasmuch : s a number of them tumul- 
 tuously assembled on Saturday last and demanded their pay with the 
 greatest insolence, attacking at the same time the carriage and servants 
 of the Duke of Buckingham. They have been paid and dismissed to 
 their quarters. 
 
 The Danish Ambassador and the Messenger from Bethlen-Gabor 
 are pressing for money, but they are obliged to be satisfied with 
 promises in the meanwhile. The first is of consequence, but the second 
 much less so, and they must exercise patience. 
 
 The twenty war-ships provided by the city for His Majesty are ready, 
 but they are very slow about sending them to sea ; so much so, that 
 many think that they will not leave the river this winter. 
 
 London, 30th October 1626. 
 
 His Majesty has at last appointed ten Commissioners to treat with 
 Monsieur de Bassompierre on the proposals which His Excellency has 
 submitted in writing. Several meetings have taken place, but as yet 
 no agreement has been made, so great is the difference of opinion, so 
 varied the sources of difficulty, particularly with reference to admitting 
 French ladies and priests to the service of Her Majesty. Still it is 
 hoped that things will end well. On this side there is the wish to satisfy 
 the Ambassador, but on his he must not insist too much on points with 
 regard to which there exists here a feeling of repugnance. 
 
 In all else His Excellency is made much of and treated with the greatest 
 courtesy by the principal nobles of the Court and especially by the 
 Duke of Buckingham, between whom and the Ambassador there is every 
 sign of a friendly understanding and of a desire to complete the nego- 
 tiations so as to establish good feeling between the two Crowns. 
 
 Although the Ambassador declines to have his expenses paid, which 
 refusal has not been well received here, still the courtiers and especially 
 the Duke of Buckingham dine with him, so that if we may judge from 
 external appearances of good will it might be concluded that all would 
 soon be well between the two nations. But I entertain doubts, for there 
 are many difficulties in the way ; there is the close vicinity of the two 
 nations, there are diversities of interests, now increasing more than ever, 
 and above all there is the trade which the French carry on with Spain 
 on their own account aud that of their allies. 
 
 The collection of money in the manner which I have described has 
 proved more successful in this neighbourhood than was thought possible. 
 If the more distant provinces follow the example, His Majesty may gain 
 his object without having recourse to Parliament, however much it may 
 be doubted. 
 
 It is reported that the fleet has returned to the west coast, bringing 
 in some French and Hamburgh ships accused of having Soanish cargoes 
 on board because they were on their return from Spain. We do not 
 hear that the fleet has done anything else. 
 
 The presence of Monsieur de Soubise, brother of the Duke de Rohan, 
 near London, and the report that he may go to sea in command of 
 English ships, is regarded with suspicion by Monsieur de Bassompierre,
 
 90 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 „ -,¥ o S# 0F find if made known to the French Court may raise a question of some 
 H. D. Skrine, . J 1 
 
 Esq. importance. 
 
 Every effort is making to dispatch six thousand English soldiers 
 from Holland to Denmark. They will be made up of three thousand 
 maintained in Holland at His Majesty's expense, and of oilier three 
 thousand paid by the Dutch who will be replaced by men from 
 England. Other three thousand soldiers of the six thousand paid by 
 the King in Holland will be brought home to this country, their time of 
 service there having expired. They will be placed in garrisons in 
 here. 
 
 When it is possible to do so, money must also be sent if the cause of 
 the league is to be maintained, and at the present moment much 
 encouragement has been derived from news that the peasantry of 
 Austria having united had completely routed the Imperialists and 
 Bavarians, as also that Mansfeldt or the Duke of Weimar, before uniting 
 with Gabor, had defeated troops under Wallenstein. 
 
 This news is not universally believed, still the report produces its 
 •effect. 
 
 We hear that in various parts of France there have been seizures of 
 English property in reprisal for the capture of French vessels. These 
 are accidents which happen too often and are the causes of mutual 
 dissatisfaction and disgust. 
 
 London, 6th November 1626. 
 
 The frequent meetings which the Marshal de Bassompierre has held 
 with the English Commissioners has not as yet led to any settlement. 
 Day by day however the disposition to make concessions increases. On 
 this side there is every wish to satisfy His Excellency, so far as it may be 
 possible to do so, on the general heads of the marriage articles and even 
 in matters of detail. A few French may be admitted to the service of 
 the Queen, such as Ladies of the Bedchamber, and two gentlemen. It is 
 also possible that they may so far yield on the English side as to receive 
 eight Priests, provided that they are not Regulars, but as yet they are 
 indisposed to receive a Bishop, on which point the Ambassador insists. 
 With regard to the English Catholics it is conceded that some indulgences 
 shall be extended to them, but after their past experience they attach 
 little hope to the maintenance of any promises. 
 
 It is generally believed that the confiscation of English property in 
 France, as an act of reprisal, must complicate the negotiations in 
 progress, but these are things apart and have no connexion with the 
 question at issue. The trade which the French carry on in Spain, will 
 no doubt supply causes of complaint, so long as the English insist that 
 French vessels do not cover or protect the transport of Flemish 
 properly. 
 
 Monsieur de Soubise has paid a visit to the French Ambassador without 
 succeeding in removing the suspicions of His Excellency, who complains 
 of having been thus intruded upon, as well as of the treatment which De 
 Soubise receives at the English Court and of his correspondence with 
 English Ministers. 
 
 The greater part of the English fleet returned last week with the 
 exception of twelve ships which have not been heard of. The fleet has 
 suffered severely from storms and has not been able to go more than two 
 hundred miles from these shores, the wind having been adverse. On the 
 return of a part of the fleet, immediate orders were given to the ships 
 provided by the City to leave the river and to proceed to the Downs to 
 there await further orders. Doubtless they will be kept there for good 
 reasons, ready to go wherever it may be required, whilst the other ships
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 91 
 
 go into harbour for repairs. The vessels provided by the City are of mss. of 
 excellent quality, well armed and provisioned for three months. H.D. serine, 
 
 With reference to the dispatch to Denmark of the English troops now — ' 
 
 in Holland, a certain Signor Filippo Calandrini, brother-in-law of PHippo 
 Bnrlamacchi, has received ample authority to make arrangements for the 
 departure of these troops, and with this object he is about to sail for 
 Amsterdam. 
 
 The Marquis of Hamilton, a Scotsman who married the niece of the 
 Duke of Buckingham, went to Scotland on Monday last. The vulgar 
 say that he is disgusted with his wife, that he will have nothing more 
 to do with her, and will not return to Court. Of course there is much 
 talk on this subject and it is not easy to distinguish between what is 
 true and what is false, and as this noble is of the Royal house cf Stuart 
 no doubt reports are exaggerated. 
 
 Four ships have lately arrived from India, belonging to the East India 
 Company, with cargoes on board which are said to be worth four 
 hundred thousand pounds. 
 
 I hear at this moment that a courier arrived last evening at the French 
 Embassy with express instructions that if the Ambassador did not 
 receive precise replies as to details, and not merely those of a general 
 description on the question of the marriage treaty, he was to return 
 immediately. If this is true the English must make up their minds to 
 satisfy his demands for I cannot believe that they will exasperate Franco 
 in the present state of affairs. 
 
 London, 13th .November 1G26. 
 
 The negotiations between the Marshal de Bassompierre and the 
 English Commissioners were concluded on Saturday, when the Duke of 
 Buckingham, who with his colleagues dined with the Marshal, took the 
 documents to his house that he might afterwards lay them before His 
 Majesty. 
 
 I send the substance of the negotiation in the two sheets which I 
 inclose. Copies were sent by Monsieur de Bassompierre to France by 
 express courier for His Most Christian Majesty's inspection. Before 
 taking his leave next week, His Excellency is to witness a partial 
 execution of the convention, and he is also to receive from the Court that 
 hospitable treatment which up to the present time he has declined, and 
 at the same time a magnificent gift from the King of the value of 
 twenty or twenty-five thousand crowns ; so that he may return home very 
 well satisfied, the more so that he has also been successful with regard 
 to the difficult proposal of attaching a Bishop to Her Majesty's suite. 
 It may be that His Excellency Avill also adjust the maritime question, so 
 that French ships may trade in freedom without being molested by the 
 English. This is a point of so much importance that it must be settled 
 at some time, or it will remain an almost daily source of quarrel. 
 
 The Duke of Buckingham is preparing a sumptuous supper for Sunday 
 next, which is to be accompanied by a comedy, an interlude, dances, and 
 other pastimes. A great intimacy is maintained between him and the 
 Ambassador, consequently the Duke is much in favour with the Queen. 
 
 When the Marshal de Bassompierre has departed, Sir George Goring 
 will be sent as Ambassador Extraordinary to the Most Christian Court 
 to communicate the results of the late negotiations, and to give 
 assurances of the good feelings of their Britannic Majesties towards the 
 King and Queen of France. It is also thought that he may be charged 
 to renew the invitation to France to unite with England in promoting 
 the interests of Germany.
 
 92 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 MSS of Nothing is beard of the return of the remainder of the fleet. The 
 
 H.d.Skeine, London ships are gradually dropping down the river to the Downs, but 
 
 Estj - the general opinion is that, owing to the agreement with France, they 
 
 will not go far from the English coast. This is a disappointment to 
 
 Monsieur de Soubise Avhc hoped to obtain the command. 
 
 The Royai Commission, for obtaining subsidies in the form of loans, is 
 now at work in the provinces and, if it is as successful as it has been 
 here and in this neighbourhood it is calculated that from four to five 
 hundred thousand pounds will be raised, with no obligation to Parliament, 
 the very name of which in time may be forgotten, and so the system in this 
 country may be reduced to the same state as that prevalent in France. 
 
 Two gentlemen of station, who declined on principle to contribute to 
 the loans, were immediately imprisoned by order of His Majesty. An 
 example calculated to terrify others who may be badly atfected to the 
 public service. 
 
 The personage who is to go to Holland to expedite the departure of 
 the English troops to Denmark has received his despatches, and only 
 awaits a favourable wind to start. The two Venetian Ambassadors 
 are said to have taken a friendly part in promoting the agreement with 
 France ; but it has been the Dutch Ambassador who was most zealous 
 in o-ood offices, for a friendly understanding between the two Crowns 
 is of more importance to the States than it can be to the Venetians. 
 
 I enclose the substance of the written statement of the Marshal de 
 Bassompierre, and of the reply made to it by the English Eoyal 
 Commissioners. 
 
 Statement of His Excellency the French Ambassador Extraordinary. 
 
 In the articles agreed to between ihe Commissioners of King James 
 the First of England on the one side, and those of His Most Christian 
 Majesty on the other, for the marriage of the Prince of Wales with 
 Her Royal Highness Madame Henrietta Maria, sister of His Most 
 Christian Majesty, it was expressly agreed that the free exercise of 
 the Catholic Apostolic Roman religion was accorded to that Princess 
 and to all her household. That a Bishop with a sufficient number of 
 priests was to be appointed to perform the ceremonies of that religion, 
 and that all her officials Mid servants should be French Catholics selected 
 by His Most Christian Majesty, and that should anyone of these die 
 or be changed or dismissed, their places should be filled with other 
 French Catholics. 
 
 Those articles with many others, which as they do not bear on the 
 late negotiations I omit, were signed on the 20th of November 1624, 
 were subsequently inserted in the contract of marriage concluded at 
 Paris on the 8th of May 1625, and were ratified on oath by His present 
 Majesty with promises of inviolable observation. 
 
 It was further promised by His Majesty King James, of happy 
 memory, in a special deed of the 12th of December 1624, that all 
 his Catholic subjects should enjoy greater privileges and better treatment 
 than had been stipulated for, in virtue of any articles agreed to in the 
 treaty made on the occasion of the proposed marriage with the Infanta 
 of Spain ; by which it was agreed that they should not be molested in 
 their possessions and poisons, nor compelled to take any oath contrary 
 to their religion, so long as they behaved discreetly and rendered to their 
 Kinp - the faith and obedience of true subjects. This deed was on the 
 same day confirmed by the Prince his son, and subsequently, when he 
 became King, it was ratified by another deed, on the 8th day of the 
 month of July, confirming in every respect the first deed.
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 03 
 
 The marriage having been happily completed between Charles, mss. op 
 King of Great Britain, and Henrietta Maria of France, with mutual ' ^sq. ' 
 
 satisfaction, it was on that occasion again solemnly promised, and 
 
 sworn-to, that the marriage articles should be inviolably observed in all 
 that concerned religion, and this especially for the satisfaction of the 
 conscience of the Queen Mother of France. His Most Christian 
 Majesty fully believed that the agreements would be observed in the 
 manner stipulated, but he has lately felt with heartfelt sorrow that, by 
 the express commands of the King of Great Britain, the officers and 
 servants of the Queen his wife had beeu compelled to retire from her 
 presence and finally from the kingdom. This proceeding not being in 
 accordance with the opinion which His Most Christian Majesty had 
 formed of what was necessary to the happiness of the Queen his sister, 
 married to a Prince, of such excellent parts, who had been held and 
 who is held in such high esteem for his generosity and magnanimity, 
 he cannot be persuaded that the King his brother-in-law, distinguished 
 by the above virtues, and who has ever made it his object to preserve 
 inviolably his word and faith, could possibly break them in relation to 
 the convention made on his marriage which was to be maintained and 
 observed in every point. Besides His Majesty the King of Great Britain 
 had entered into these stipulations with a Prince who was his intimate 
 ally, who has been a good brother-in-law and cordial friend. His Most 
 Christian Majesty professes his belief that acting in anyway otherwise 
 than was agreed upon, this union and new relationship, instead of 
 binding the two Kings and their subjects more firmly in friendly 
 alliance, may prove an evil soil in which will be sown the cold seeds 
 of dissension between the two crowns at a time when their strict 
 alliance is of so much benefit to the sovereigns their allies as well as 
 to themselves. 
 
 Such are the causes which have moved His Most Christian Majesty 
 to send the Marshal de Bassompierre, as His Ambassador Extraordinary 
 to the King of Great Britain his brother-in-law, to demand in his name 
 the re-establishment of what was contracted wherever the articles have 
 been broken ; His Most Christian Majesty being obliged, both for the 
 salvation of the conscience of the Queen his sister and for his own 
 reputation, to require that the faith pledged to him should now be 
 maintained as it cannot be violated without manifest iusult. 
 
 Lastly His Most Christian Majesty exhorts, and specially beseeches, 
 the King of Great Britain that, in virtue of the promises made, he will 
 give orders that his Catholic subjects be more kindly treated. 
 
 Saturday, 3rd November 1626. 
 Substance of the reply of the Royal Commissioners to the statements 
 of His Excellency the Marshal de Bassompierre, Ambassador Extra- 
 ordinary of His Most Christian Majesty. 
 
 That our King was obliged to send away the French in the service 
 of Her Majesty on account of their bad behaviour. 
 
 That the Bishop of Mantes came here invested with the authority of 
 a Legate which was intolerable to this State. 
 
 That the French made the palace of the Queen a receptacle for Priests 
 and Jesuits. 
 
 That the French rented houses in various places to open schools 
 for the instruction of children in a religion opposed to that which is 
 established. 
 
 That the French diverted the Queen from forming any atfection for 
 this people and from learning their language.
 
 94 HISTOEICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 MSS. of That the French interposed in a bad spirit between the King and his 
 
 H ' D 'Esof NE Queen and sought to alienate her from his love, the particulars of which 
 — our King does not think it proper to declare except to the King of 
 
 France alone if he wishes it. 
 
 Answer on the question of religion. 
 
 That the promises mentioned in the statement of his Excellency the 
 Ambassador were conceded, for forms sake only, to obtain the dispensa- 
 tion of the Pope ; and without any intention of pressing their observance 
 on the King, as was abundantly declared at the Court of France by 
 his Most Christian Majesty's Ministers to our Ambassadors and by the 
 French Ambassadors to our Ministers here. 
 
 Concluding thus their answer with expressions of the utmost respect 
 for the person of the King of France, and declaring at the same time 
 that, if His Majesty is displeased by what has taken place, our King is 
 desirous of giving him in the future every satisfaction : it being his 
 earnest desire to preserve towards him a true regard and friendship. 
 
 On Saturday the 3rd of November the Commissioners visited the 
 Ambassador to present to him special resolutions of the King in the 
 following terms : — 
 
 That all the ships and French property lately captured shall be re- 
 stored. That with regard to the household of the Queen she is to have 
 one bishop and twelve secular priests ; two ladies of the bedchamber, a 
 principal chamberlain, a secretary, a physician, and surgeon, all to be 
 French ; and that the chapel in the palace of St. James, which was begun 
 for the Infanta of Spain, shall be completed for the use of the Queen 
 and her suite. 
 
 English Catholic priests to be set free from prison, and to be taken 
 across the sea by the Marshal de Bassompierre ; and as to the Catholic 
 lay subjects of His Majesty it is intended to do something in their favour 
 without entering into details. 
 
 London, 20th November 1626. 
 
 Although I stated in my last that the negotiations with the French 
 Ambassador were concluded, I have now to report that they are wrecked 
 upon new rocks. Those whose duty it has been to write the finished 
 and formal copies of the settlement have so altered the words of the 
 minutes agreed-to that His Excellency refused to accept them. The 
 Duke of Buckingham again interfered and assured the Ambassador 
 that the papers should be rewritten in strict conformity with the sense 
 of the originals. 
 
 The Ambassador now awaits the partial realisation of the negocia- 
 tions. No doubt they will be carried out very unwillingly on this side, 
 such is the dislike to the re-admission of French people to this Court 
 and the indisposition to be more openhanded on the religious question ; 
 but still they are anxious to send the Ambassador away satisfied, which 
 would not have been the case had they not yielded on the question of 
 admitting to Her Majesty's service these few French attendants, other 
 details being left to the management of his successor. 
 
 The Duke feasted their Majesties on Sunday in the most splendid 
 manner, the Ambassador sitting at the same table with them, when they 
 were waited upon and served by the Duke of Buckingham and ten 
 other nobles. They were entertained before the supper with vnrious 
 musical performances, after it with dances and comedies ; but the principal 
 spectacle was a marine view representing the sea which divides England 
 from France, and above it the Queen Mother of France, sitting on a
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 95 
 
 regal throne amongst the Gods, beckoning with her hand to the King i) 1 sklbine 
 and Queen of Spain, the Prince and Princess Palatine, and the Priuce 'esq. 
 
 and Princess of Piedmont, to come and unite themselves with her there 
 amongst the Gods, to put an end to all the discords of Christianity. A 
 fanciful and mystic conceit which indicates a desire that such a peaceful 
 result might be attained by the instrumentality pointed o\it in this 
 fiction. The greater part of the night was consumed with dances and 
 other pastimes, the whole being concluded with a splendid refection of 
 sweetmeats; after which, the hour being late, their Majesties remained 
 at the Duke's residence to sleep. Next day the entertainments were 
 renewed with royal magnificence. The expenses have amounted to 
 some thousands of pounds sterling. 
 
 I believe that His Excellency will take leave of their Majesties on 
 Sunday, to return immediately to France with his rieh presents ; but I 
 do not know whether before his departure he will be able to complete 
 everything, particularly the details of the maritime question which, if 
 not adjusted, must inevitably lead to new quarrels. 
 
 As to the marriage portion of the Queen, part of which is still owing, 
 and the dowry to be settled on her here, it is not known if the Ambas- 
 sador has made any arrangement. Probably he has left the question 
 to the Ambassador in Ordinary who will succeed him. Various gentle- 
 men of the Court, however, have received assignments of part of this 
 money from the King, and they have made earnest representations to 
 His Excellency for the payment at least of so much as they are to 
 divide. 
 
 The ships provided by the City are in the Downs awaiting orders. 
 Those of the fleet which were missing are gradually arriving, some in 
 England, others in Ireland ; of two only there is no account. 
 
 It is said that Lord Willoughby is to take the command of the 
 English troops going to Denmark. 
 
 Everything possible is done to induce the people to subscribe to the 
 loan, the money to be paid at a later period, but a serious impediment 
 to this method of raising money has been caused by the refusal of 
 all the judges in the kingdom to sanction it by their signatures. 
 The difficulty has been increased by His Majesty's dismissing from 
 office the Lord Chief Justice of England. 
 
 London, 27th November 1626. 
 
 The Marshal de Lassompierre met the Duke of Buckingham at the 
 house of the Dutch Ambassador, and they once more revised and re- 
 wrote the exact terms of the negotiation as agreed-to regarding the 
 Queen's Household. I believe that these copies will not again be tam- 
 pered with, especially as for some days the Duke has shown a strong 
 desire to win over the French and to strengthen an alliance with them 
 as much as possible. It will not he surprising if he proceeds in person 
 to the Most Christian Court ; provided that he is assured of a favourable 
 reception, and of being met with a reciprocity of good will, all of which 
 he trusts that the Marshal de Bassompierre will obtain for him in return 
 for the honours and courtesies which the Duke bestowed upon him when 
 here as well as from the personal intimacy between them. 
 
 It appears from all this that the English are once more to become 
 French in sympathy, if the French are discreet enough to withdraw 
 from their union with Spain, especially now that by the death of the 
 Conde de Gondomar the compass to steer by is lost. It will be neces- 
 sary that France should in some way compensate England, either by 
 promoting her interests in Germany, or by not pressing the religious 
 question too forcibly, or by making concessions on other points which
 
 96 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 MSS. of are particularly unpopular in this country. Concessions which it is 
 
 H ' r, 'Eso KINE ' eas y to see w 0U ^ ^ e tem P orar y will be broken and become the causes 
 ' of new complications. 
 
 It will be absolutely necessary to adjust the questions connected with 
 maritime affairs ; for, unless this is done, all is vain. The Ambassador 
 says that he must leave this to his successor, who will be resident here, 
 for his stay must now be short. He has prepared everything for his 
 departure as soon as he has seen the ballet and the fete prepared for 
 the Queen. His Excellency has received from the King a magnificent 
 jewel of great value and from the Duke of Buckingham a present of 
 horses of the purest English breed, which, added to the honours 
 showered upon him, ought to send him away well satisfied. 
 
 Ii is proposed to divide the ships of war in the Downs into two squad- 
 rons ; one of which, combined with two Royal Galleons and fifteen Dutch 
 men-of-war, is to cruise in the Spanish seas to annoy the Spaniards, the 
 other is to guard the English coasts. A. Dutch Admiral is to be in 
 command, but they may think better of this as in that case they will not 
 agree when they are at sea and so disorder will prevail. 
 
 Lord Willoughby has refused to accept the command of the troops to 
 be sent from Holland to Denmark, and they are considering the appoint- 
 ment of another officer. The agent who was sent to expedite the dis- 
 patch of the soldiers has been driven back by contrary winds ; conse- 
 quently there is great delay, and the King of Denmark has sent a 
 gentleman to press both for men and money. He informs His Majesty 
 that although by chance he has lost a battle he is not discouraged and 
 he has yet sufficient strength to maintain the common cause. 
 
 London, 4th December 162G. 
 Her Majesty the Queen gave at her palace on Friday last the fete 
 and ballet which she prepared in commemoration of her birthday, and 
 for the entertainment of Monsieur de Bassompierre before his departure. 
 On Sunday he took leave of the King, and he has since then been 
 engaged making preparations for his departure; waiting only for a copy 
 of the instructions to the two Archbishops of Canterbury and York, and 
 for orders issued to certain inferior officers, here called Poursuivants 
 and informers, to desist from molesting Catholic subjects in their persons 
 and from searching their houses for priests or for objects appertaining 
 to their religion. These being in conformity with promises made to the 
 Ambassador. It has been a hard matter to obtain these concessions, 
 which are of great importance to alleviate the treatment of these poor 
 people, could they only be assured that they will be permanent which 
 has never been the case. 
 
 With regard to the rest of his negotiations, his Excellency will take 
 with him the formal documents Avhich have been signed by His Majesty, 
 and nothing now remains to be done except to send here those few 
 French who are to be appointed to the service of Her Majesty, if it is 
 really meant to send them, many believing that the French Court will 
 be satisfied with its victory in argument and will not press the subject 
 further. 
 
 The maritime questions, which are in reality the most important, are 
 to be adjusted on the arrival of the Ambassador in Ordinary. In the 
 meanwhile not to be idle on this side, and as a compensation for all that 
 the French have done, it has been conceded to merchants, subjects of 
 this country, to confiscate all the French goods which came from those 
 ports and cities in which English property was seized, and, in the event 
 of these not being enough, letters of marque will be issued to them to 
 enable them to make reprisals at sea. It is not difficult to prophesy
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 97 
 
 that unless a method is found of putting an end to such proceedings HS8.01 
 these two nations will soon be on very hostile terms. There is at pre- ' \\^ RI " NE ' 
 sent a great increase of mutual ill will between them ; whilst the hostile — 
 
 feeling towards Spain is softened, and there is a disposition to come to 
 terms with that country, and to restore the active and important com- 
 merce which existed in the lifetime of King James, of happy memory, 
 and, what is besides of as much consequence, not to be obliged to con- 
 duet this trade through the French on disadvantageous terms. 
 
 The Ambassador of the King of Denmark, who has been here for 
 four months, has now gone to France to ask for help in men for his King, 
 in addition to the six thousand English troops from Holland, whilst it 
 is proposed to send him two hundred thousand crowns from this country 
 so soon as the money can be obtained which they are so busily trying to 
 raise. But that is a somewhat long affair, as most of it must come from 
 the more distant provinces, which the Royal Commissioners have not 
 yet reached, where they are to be accompanied hy members of the Privy 
 Council to extend their authority especially in dealing with obstinate 
 people unwilling to pay the five subsidies which his Majesty demands. 
 Those who have little ability to pay are to be treated with considera- 
 tion, especially as there never has been an instance in this country of 
 the people being called upon to pay the amount of five subsidies at 
 once. 
 
 The other Personage, or Ambassador, from Bethlen-Gabor is still here ; 
 and, except that his expenses have been paid, he has obtained nothing ; 
 but when money is got he may get some also, in the meanwhile he 
 must wait. 
 
 About two months ago Signor Orazio Gentileschi, a painter, came 
 hither from France; besides his employment in art, I hear that he treats 
 of other matters of higher importance. He is frequently with the King 
 and with the Duke of Buckingham whilst he writes a great deal. He has 
 also made some secret expeditions to Brussels, so that I am inclined to 
 think that this man is perhaps employed to make an opening in some 
 manner with the Grand Duchess, and by her means to arrange a peace 
 with Spain. I am the more persuaded of this from seeing the Duke 
 promotes the transaction. 
 
 London, 11th December 1626. 
 
 His Excellency the Marshal de Bassompierre returned on Friday last 
 to France, and by this time must have nearly reached his Court. As to 
 his negotiations here the belief wavers whether the settlement just made 
 will or will not be executed, many being persuaded that the French 
 will shut their eyes, being satisfied with the mere appearance of their 
 •success in diplomacy, and wi)l not send the French attendants here after 
 all, or at any rate fewer, and these of a more ordinary quality than has 
 been stipulated. But, before indulging in these speculations, it -would 
 be well to wait till we hear the resolution of His Most Christian Majesty 
 after he has heard the statement of his Ambassador regarding his 
 negotiations and the views of the King of England. We have also to 
 learn whether his Excellency has been able to smooth the way for a 
 visit, of the Duke of Buckingham to the French Court as well as for his 
 favourable reception and security. 
 
 The Duke shews a more than ordinary wish to make this journey 
 under the pretext of visiting their Must Christian Majesties, of assuring 
 them of his devotion, of adjustiug the maritime question and others 
 still unsettled which may create new differences between the two 
 crowns, and perhaps to arrange some hidden object of his own. In 
 short if the Marshal de Bassompierre, after seeing his King, should 
 U 23533. Q
 
 98 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 mss. ob encourage the Duke to visit the French Court, I believe that it will be 
 
 H, D. Serine, eas y ^ induce him to do so, although his friends dissuade him for they 
 
 — ' think that the French in general, for vai ious reasons, do not wish to see 
 
 him and that the Marshal may not nave performed all the good 
 
 offices which he promised to the Duke with whom he was on such 
 
 friendly and intimate terms. 
 
 If this journey of the Duke does not take place, another person will be 
 sent as Ambassador Extraordinary to endeavour to settle the maritime 
 question for both nations on an equable and solid basis. Unless this 
 can be done troubles cannot cease, the problem having now passed into 
 such a state that unless a remedy be found an open rupture, as I have 
 before said, must be the consequence. 
 
 The Ambassador de Bassornpierre was to take with him from prison 
 and from this country thirty priests, as well as to leave the condition of 
 the Catholics in an improved state; but after all he did nothing, so that 
 these unfortunates still remain subjected to the penal laws; and, although 
 at the present time a plan has been suggested that they should pay a 
 large sum of money annually to His Majesty so as to free themselves 
 from the action of the laws, it is not believed that this is an honest 
 proposal, but is rather intended as a shoeing horn to obtain money from 
 the puritanical faction which is on principle opposed to absolute 
 monarchy and consequently to this new mode of levying taxes from the 
 people without the approbation of their representatives. The Puritans 
 however rather than that His Majesty should show any favour or indul- 
 gence to the Catholics will put their hands into their pockets and supply 
 him to any amount. 
 
 In this neighbourhood they are pressing for payment of the loan with 
 the greatest diligence, but they have not yet sent commissioners into 
 the more distant provinces, whilst the fact that twelve noblemen amongst 
 the first in the kingdom have absolutely declined to pay, combined with 
 the refusal of the judges to recognise the legality of the demand, has 
 cast on the project a chill which must increase the indisposition to 
 advance money especially in remote places. 
 
 The armed ships provided by the City are still in the river, and the 
 crews are consuming the provisions without useful employment of any 
 kind. 
 
 Another body of about three hundred mutinous sailors have come to 
 London, to demand from the Lord High Admiral payment of the arrears 
 of wages due to them. Some companies of veteran soldiers have been 
 employed to watch them, and to repress any tumult which may take 
 place. The Duke is evidently quite resolved to go to France next week, 
 but, even within so short a time, events may change as they have so often 
 done before. The talk about the project varies from day to day, and 
 obviously has little accurate foundation. The final decision must depend 
 exclusively upon His Majesty, and its nature must be known to the Duke. 
 Probably they are already better informed on the subject in France than 
 we are here. 
 
 General opinion is in favour not only of a settlement of the maritime 
 disputes, which I have already alluded to, but also of making peace with 
 Spain and the rest of Christendom. It is difficult, however, to believe 
 that this can be brought about by the intervention of France. There is 
 news of the Scilly Isles having been taken, by Dunkirk ships of war, 
 which is very serious if it is true. If the Spaniards desire to keep them, 
 they being on the way between England and Spain, they will fortify 
 them.
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 99 
 
 London, 18th December 1626. H $*]££* 
 
 The Marshal de Bassompierre has been compelled by tempestuous Esq. 
 
 weather to return to Dover. The Duke of Buckingham, the Earl of 
 Carlisle and the Earl of Holland, left London at three o'clock on Sunday 
 morning to see His Excellency, and they returned to Court on Wednesday. 
 The object of this renewed conference is not known, but it may readily 
 be surmised that whilst the visit was partly an act of courtesy, it also 
 arose from a desire on the part of the Duke to consult him once more on 
 the subject of his proposed visit to France. The Duke's earnest wish to 
 go is obvious enough, and he has made every preparation for the journey ; 
 still many things may occur to induce him to hesitate before leaving this 
 country, at a time of so much taction and international dissension and 
 when an opportunity might thus be given to the Puritans of conspiring 
 against him during his absence. In addition to these considerations, 
 there is the opposition of his friends and relatives, who do not hesitate to 
 say that he will fail in his embassy. Whilst everything is in this am- 
 biguous state it is clear that the Duke must await the decision of France 
 :i- t<> his reception before he can move. 
 
 In the meanwhile (hey are busy here attempting to lay down fixed and 
 durable principles on which to negotiate the great maritime question 
 which may serve as pretext for the Duke's embassy ; but it is obvious 
 that not only this subject but much higher political arguments must 
 occupy him, whilst it may serve as the basis of another Ambassador's 
 negotiations. As for the true nature of the Duke's diplomatic duties, 
 these must depend on His Majesty ; such as making peace with the 
 Spaniards, through French influence and that of the Queen Mother, a 
 project which is utterly hopeless. In a few days light may be thrown 
 on the objects of this journey, involving sd many questions of home and 
 foreign policy. 
 
 Sixteen of the thirty priests who were liberated at the request of the 
 Marshal Bassompierre are to go abroad as the condition of their free- 
 dom. As to the Catholic question generally, we are not as yet nearer 
 any solution of it. Time is wasted in talk and nothing is done, although 
 His Majesty declared that he meant to grant the Catholics certain 
 indulgences, on condition of pecuniary composition payable yearly the 
 amount of which I have not ascertained, but the powerful Puritanical 
 faction opposes this scheme so obstinately that there is at present no hope 
 of any amendment in the condition of the Catholics. 
 
 This week the Royal Commissioners have been sent into several 
 counties to obtaiu loans on the subsidies. There is no chance of their 
 success in so unpopular an undertaking. They certainly will not procure 
 the sums a-kedfor, which are so much required, especially now that they 
 are proceeding to a greater distance from London ; whilst the refusal 
 of a number of peers to pay the demand, and the expression of the 
 opinions of the judges adverse to its legality, encourage others to act in 
 the same manner and to resist payment. 
 
 This city has sent the twenty armed ships which it provided to the 
 Downs where they will remain for three months, till they consume their 
 provisions, or so long as the fifteen galleons of the enemy are at sea. 
 
 It is now ascertained that the Dunkirkers have not taken the Isles of 
 Scilly. The tumult made by the mutinous sailors has ceased, some of 
 them having been paid and others put into prison. 
 
 The Dutch have several ships of war near the English coast destined 
 to pass into the Spanish seas when they have taken on board provisions 
 and other things needful. 
 
 Xews has come to-day from France that two hundred English and 
 Scottish merchant ships laden with Gascony wine have been taken 
 
 C4 2
 
 100 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 MSS. of possession of in the river at Bordeaux. This act on the part of the 
 
 H.'D. Skkixe, French has caused great excitement in this country, as well as dread of 
 
 —' consequences to trade. Besides ships and barques the French have 
 
 captured from five to six thousand men, and two thousand pieces of 
 
 artillery. 
 
 London, 25th December 1626. 
 
 After the Duke of Buckingham's interview at Dover with the Marshal 
 de Bassompierre he returned here, whilst His Excellency the Ambassador 
 a»ain embarked for Calais on the following Friday. It is now said that 
 the principal reason for the meeting was a letter written by the Marshal 
 to the Duke, before his first embarkation, to inform the latter that the 
 most Christian Court was not satisfied with the negociations here. It 
 had been assumed that, seeing the intimacy which subsisted between His 
 Excellency the Ambassador and the Duke of Buckingham, results more 
 favorable to the French pretentions might have been secured. The Mar- 
 shal under these circumstances requested the Duke not to go to France 
 till on his arrival at his own Court he could personally explain what he 
 had hitherto communicated by courier. Whether this be the truth, or 
 only the ceremonial sense of the communication to prevent the Duke 
 making his journey, we shall soon learn when the Marshal has reached 
 Paris. The Duke continues his preparations so desirous is he of going, 
 but, as I have, already said, all his relatives and friends dissuade him as 
 much as possible, in the hope that he will finally resolve to stay at home, 
 especially since this last embroilment with the French brought about by 
 the capture of the ships at Bordeaux laden with wine on which also 
 the French duties had been paid to the amount of thousands of crowns. 
 The seizure has so irritated the people of this country that the Privy 
 Council has published an edict expressly prohibiting the subjects of this 
 realm, as well as foreigners, from importing French wine into Great 
 Britain till further orders ; and the twenty ships-of-war in the Downs are 
 to join some Royal Galleons and other vessels, all of which have been 
 ordered to proceed to sea and to capture and to bring into English ports 
 all the French ships and boats which they meet with. 
 
 It cannot be believed that the Duke, with so dire a cause of dissension 
 between the two countries, will now leave this Court, having besides so 
 many other reasons for remaining. It will be absolutely necessary to 
 find means of remedying this maritime question, for otherwise the two 
 nations will soon be on the road to a complete rupture. The principal 
 offence to the English consists in the resolution of the French to carry 
 in their trading ships goods belonging to the subjects of Her Serene 
 Highness the Infanta of Brussels, which goods the English insist on 
 confiscating, thus creating innumerable difficulties, and rushing on so 
 many hidden dangers, that to avoid them they would do well to shut 
 their eyes to the transport of these cargoes. To delay longer the settle- 
 ment of the whole question can only lead to the worst consequences, as 
 day by day the feelings of both nations are becoming more exasperated. 
 The merchants who have suffered the great loss at Bordeaux are loud in 
 their complaints, for if no remedy is found many of them will be ruined. 
 Neither will the French merchants in Gascony escape the effects of this 
 blow, as to them it involves the loss of an annual sale of fifty thousand 
 butts of wine. If, under such circumstances, the Duke of Buckingham 
 cannot go to France, another Ambassador Extraordinary must be sent 
 with full powers to arrange the question of capture. Before coming to 
 any resolution, however, it will be prudent to hear what message will be 
 sent by the Marshal de Bassompierre. In the meanwhile every thing Oil 
 this side is in a state of unprecedented disorder.
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 101 
 
 Her Majesty the Queen in this extremity of animosity between the 
 two countries, whilst no doubt she feels the difficulties of her position, 
 acts with perfect calmness and is at this moment occupied with fourteen 
 ladies of her court preparing a ballet which is to be performed at Xma-\ 
 The greater number of the members of the Privy Council are now in the 
 provinces trying to raise money, with what success we have vet to learn ; 
 but it may well be doubted whether the people who are so opposed to 
 their proceedings, including peers of the realm, gentlemen of posirion, 
 and others who refuse to pay, will listen to the commissioners. It will 
 be much if they succeed in raising two hundred thousand pounds. 
 
 The personage who called himself the Ambassador of Bethlen-Gabor is 
 at last gone with a present of eight hundred ounces of silver plate, which 
 I believe to be the principal product of his visit to this court; but a 
 promise has been made to him that his master will be considered a mem- 
 ber of the league between this country and Holland and Denmark and 
 others against the House of Austria. The Venetian Ambassador has not 
 been successful in obtaining the liberation from prison of four Irish 
 priests whose freedom was promised to him so long ago as July last. If 
 they are set free they must leave this country yet may not go to Ireland, 
 but must join instead eleven others released by the intercession of the 
 Marshal de Bassompierre. The number was originally thirty the greater 
 part however prefer to remain in prison in this country, maintained as 
 tiny are by other Catholics, rather than to cross the sea and become 
 mendicants amongst foreigners. It is w r hispered here that if the Duke 
 goes to France he will not be in a hurry to return to England, but will 
 remain there or else will go to Turin till such time as, by the aid of Par- 
 liament, affairs are put on a better footing in this country and the King 
 is restored to a better understanding with his subjects. The Duke would 
 by this means escape the peril which must overtake him if a Parliament 
 is summoned ; yet his power never has been greater than it is at the 
 present time, but so much the greater is the hatred with which he is 
 regarded by the people. 
 
 London, 1st January 1627. 
 
 The Duke perseveres in his resolution to visit the French Court as 
 soon as the Marshal de Bassompierre gives him notice that he may 
 safely do so, and he continues his preparations with the intention of 
 going after Christmas. It is particularly desired to give his mission 
 the character of a project to heal the wounds caused by mutual 
 spoliations at sea. The popular belief points to another object which 
 I alluded to in my last letter ; namely, that he will stay abroad till 
 affairs in this country have been arranged by a new Parliament and till 
 the King is reconciled with his people, whilst by his absence the Duke 
 may escape a second outburst of Parliamentary wrath. Thus, if the 
 reply of Mons. de Bassompierre is favourable, he will at once cross the 
 sea; although there are so raauy reasons why he should not do so, such 
 as absenting himself from the presence and protection of the King, and 
 because he must be aware of the satisfaction with which the puritanical 
 Calvinists will regard his departure and of the opportunity which will 
 thus be given them of conspiring against him. 
 
 It is to be wished that some friend of his had sufficient influence to 
 induce him to abandon his resolution. The intellect often fails in 
 emergencies when its full strength is most needed. 
 
 There can be no prospect of the restoration, of the ships with their 
 cargoes of Gascony wine, to many a subject of no little thought. 
 There may be some hope that, their first outbreak of excited feeling 
 being over, the French may let the ships go, as they had already done
 
 102 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 MSS. op w ith those belonging to the Scotch which were captured at the same 
 H * D 'e S sq RINE ' time as the others. If they do not do so the two nations, as I have 
 — already said, are on the road to open hostilities, and I think I can see 
 
 here that the spirit of the people is prepared for such an alternative. 
 
 There are, notwithstanding, those who are working hard to suppress 
 these feelings and to discover means of adjustment for the sake of the 
 benefits which both nations reciprocally derive from each other. 
 Every cause of delay is hurtful. Monsieur ue Soubise, a Frenchman, does 
 his best to add fuel to the flame, and hopes to obtain employment and 
 to serve his party ; but it is impossible to believe that this nation will 
 give a command at sea to a foreigner and a Frenchman. 
 
 The amounts of the loans on the subsidies are obtained without 
 difficulty in some places, but in others more remote the people are very 
 unwilling so that it is doubtful whether His Majesty will obtain so much 
 as one half of the money required. Deputies have been sent from 
 Scotland with a complaint and remonstrance to lay before His Majesty 
 who on hearing of their object sent a gentleman of the court to meet 
 them and to desire them to return home. The Scottish nation is not 
 now possessed of the influence or emoluments enjoyed in the time of 
 King James and consequently is discontented, but being a more resolute 
 and determined people than the English it cannot be concealed that 
 there may be troubles from that quarter also. 
 
 The Queen is preparing her ballet for the day of Epiphany and is 
 waiting anxiously for the two French ladies and other French attendants, 
 included in the negotiations of Marshal de Bassompierre which are to 
 be considered real and substantial and not drawn up for forms sake, as 
 the original marriage contract is now said to have been, which among 
 many other provisions contained some for the benefit of the Catholic 
 subjects of this couutry which have not been observed. 
 
 News has arrived that peace is spoken of in Germany and this if true 
 may have its effect in this country, the more so that the people are not 
 indisposed to it ; but that the Duke of Buckingham should succeed in 
 obtaining a treaty of peace through the agency of their French 
 Majesties is incredible, although some of his friends maintain that he 
 proposes to go to France with that object. 
 
 Her Majesty the Queen has gone into mourning for the Duke of 
 Mantua. 
 
 London, 8th January 1 627. 
 Their Majesties being occupied with the festivities of Christmas, 
 business is not spoken of at Court or in the City. There is therefore 
 little to say, except that the Duke of Buckingham, being resolved to go 
 to Paris, has sent his horses, carriages, and luggage, to Dover to be 
 ready to cross to France. Notwithstanding these preparations, I am 
 certain that he will not leave London till the return of one or other of 
 two gentlemen whom he sent to bring him the Marshal's reply; nothing, 
 however, has been heard from them, and this ominous delay and pro- 
 longed silence induce the Duke's friends to urge him more than ever to 
 stay at home. The French still keep the ships and wine captured at 
 Bordeaux ; but now such a number of French ships have been taken at 
 sea or seized in English ports, some with very rich cargoes, that there 
 is less anxiety about the restitution, and the value of those lost at 
 Bordeaux is more than covered, whilst more are brought in daily, so 
 that the French may be compelled to take the first steps towards a 
 composition. Mons. de Soubise is not losing his opportunity, he is daily 
 with the Duke striking the iron whilst it is hot, but I cannot persuade
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 103 
 
 myself that they will give him a command over English ships. It may MSS. of 
 rather be that they Avill assist him in some other way and by his means ' Esof INE ' 
 foster other schemes, especially with regard to the affairs of Eochelle — 
 
 which it appears are at present in a perilous position. 
 
 The Scottish deputies although ordered to return came to London 
 and presented themselves at Court. His Majesty has received them 
 and treated them with unexpected kindness. The demands which they 
 make refer in the first place to a reform of the conduct of those who 
 are set over them to govern them ; and secondly that His Majesty 
 should be pleased to withdraw the edict by which he resumed, and 
 incorporated with Crown property, estates which his predecessors had 
 granted to nobles on the abolition, by their consent, of abbeys and 
 monasteries. They made also other requests which have not been 
 published. 
 
 The Queen retired to her own palace on Saturday to observe the 
 religious ceremonies of Christmas, and then returned to Whitehall where 
 she is preparing the ballet. 
 
 Sir Edward Barrett, who two years ago was destined to be Ambas- 
 sador in Ordinary to France, will now take his departure for the French 
 Court having been re-appcinted. If nothing occurs to prevent this 
 arrangement it may be considered an evident proof that the Duke of 
 Buckingham is not going. 
 
 London, loth January 1627. 
 
 Whilst so many believed that the Duke of Buckingham was about to 
 start this week on his journey to the most Christian Court, in a moment 
 the scene has shifted. He has ordered his servants with his luggage 
 to return from Dover. This shows that he is not going, at all events 
 for some time to come. The cause of this sudden change of plan is not 
 yet certainly known, although it is believed that his sojourn in England 
 is better than any one beyond the sea, consecpiently he has allowed 
 himself to be persuaded to stay at home, and near the presence of the 
 King, especially at a time so fruitful in discords. It may also be found 
 that the French are unwilling to receive him. 
 
 Sir Edward Barrett who was to have gone as Ambassador in Ordinal-/, 
 who had received his credentials and was ready to mount his horse, 
 has been countermanded. I am of opinion that the capture of French 
 ships made by the English, and which they are still making, being now 
 nearly equivalent in number to those taken by the French must be 
 the cause of this change, as I perceive that they pretend here that the 
 French must take the first steps, and express a wish for restitution, 
 before they dispatch Sir Edward Barrett or anyone else. If the other 
 side would thus act, in that case they might seud an Ambassador 
 Extraordinary, in return for the embassy of the Marshal de Bassompierre, 
 and the Duke of Buckingham might be selected ; always provided that 
 he is assured of hin favourable reception in France. 
 
 In the meanwhile Captain Pennington has been sent to take command 
 of the twenty armed vessels furnished by the City, and he is to make 
 sail, but with wdiat special orders we do not know. Though all believe 
 that the squadron is to cruise on the French coast, and to capture all 
 French ships which may fall into the net, and at the same time to w r atch 
 over the interests of the Rochellese which are said to be in some danger. 
 Thus it is obvious that the questions between these two nations 
 become daily more entangled and plunge more deeply into a disorderly 
 state; so that, if an immediate and prudent solution is not found, they 
 are advancing to open hostilities, and such is the temper of both that 
 this smouldering fire must soon burst into flame. A certain Mons.
 
 104 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 H d S 1kbjne Gouttier, a Frenchman and a famous performer upon the lute who has- 
 Esq. ' given lessons on this instrument to Her Majesty, was arrested on 
 Saturday evening by express command of His Majesty and conveyed 
 to the Tower. The nature of the prison shows that this must be for 
 some reasons of importance, and the occurrence has given occasion for 
 much discussion. Mons. de Soubise is as busy as usual. He is provided 
 by the Court with a house and furniture, but not with provisions, neither 
 has he any employment. The Deputies from Scotland have not yet 
 received any reply to their remonstrance. 
 
 The Queen's ballet was to be performed tomorrow — the Epiphany, 
 but as her Majesty is suffering from toothache the performance is put 
 off till next Tuesday. 
 
 News of the death of Mansfeldt has been received by way of Venice 
 and causes much and general regret. 
 
 London, 22nd January 1627. 
 The journey of the Duke of Buckingham to the most Christian Court 
 is entirely overset and so is the mission of Sir Edward Barrett, neither 
 being now spoken of; for it is persistently upheld that France must take 
 the first steps towards a settlement of the maritime questions, and the 
 restitution of the captures which have been made, there being now more 
 than enough in hand here to balance the seizures made by the French 
 at Bordeaux. The news arrived a few days ago that His Most Christian 
 Majesty disapproves of the terms made by Marshal de Bassompierre. 
 He thus administers a rebuff which makes it apparent that the ill 
 humour of the French towards this people i3 on the increase, and this 
 confirms the resolution here, which appears to me to be very decided, 
 that they must be the first to move, and that the agreement with the 
 Marshal de Bassompierre must be upheld at any cost; so that with 
 these harsh feelings on both sides, they will be led little by little into 
 war. In fact it may be now said that they have already reached this 
 condition, capturing as they are doing both ships and property of which 
 the English have probably taken the greatest quantity ; for without 
 doubt if they persevere in this course the French will have the worst of 
 it on the ocean, from the numerous privateers which plough these seas, 
 whilst the twenty armed vessels provided by the City, with two Boyal 
 Galleons under the command of Captain Pennington, have sailed to 
 plunder on the coast of France and daily seize French ships. It is 
 thought that he has orders to enter the Port of Bordeaux, and to bring 
 away the English ships by force, and to enter ports to pillage burn and 
 destroy property. Much is talked here of such enterprises, but I am of 
 opinion that hostile operations will not be pushed so far, as the French 
 never could digest them, but that they will be satisfied to appropriate 
 ships at sea, to assist the Rochellese, and to watch a number of 
 transports employed to carry Spanish soldiers into Flanders. In 
 conclusion the motives for an outburst are sufficiently obvious, and the 
 instruments most fitted to increase these are ready amongst whom 
 Mons. de Soubise and men of his class take care that no time is lost. 
 
 The Mons. Gouttier, the lute player, remains in prison, and no one is 
 allowed to see him ; nothing is known of him except that he is a worth- 
 less person, and at this Court he has talked of persons far above him in 
 a manner which is intolerable. The King entertains an unfavourable 
 opinion of him, and the Duke of Buckingham one which is still worse, 
 as well as of the other Frenchmen remaining in the service of Her 
 Majesty who will be got rid of like the first their conduct being so 
 unsatisfactory.
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 105 
 
 Her Majesty in the present painful crisis of affairs is very well, but MSS. of 
 will not be able to perform her ballet till Sunday as she still suffers ' Esq? INE ' 
 from toothache. — 
 
 [n the course of this week Members of the Privy Council have visited 
 the counties which have not yet contributed to the loans, only to en- 
 counter new difficulties caused by the unwillingness of the people to 
 meet their demands ; they say, like all others, that if they are to be 
 taxed it ought to be through Parliament and with its consent. The 
 Dutch are demanding the restitution of ships and cargoes which the 
 English captured, after the outbreak with Spain, under the pretext that, 
 covered by the flag of Hamburgh, Dutch vessels traded with the 
 Spaniards, carried Spanish goods, and thus promoted Spanish interests. 
 The Dutch Ambassador has repeatedly demanded restitution without 
 being able to obtain it; a deputation is now to be sent expressly to insist 
 upon reparation, pretesting that if this not granted they will capture 
 English ships wherever they meet them at sea. Thus on that, side also 
 new elements of discord appear which, combined with so many others, 
 certainly will not prejudice the Spanish cause. 
 
 London, 29th January 1627. 
 
 I have learnt that Monsr. Moulins, wno was formerly Secretary to 
 His Excellency the Comte de Tillieres, when he was Ambassador of His 
 Most Christian Majesty in London, and who was afterwards left in tem- 
 porary charge at this Court by the Marshal de Bassompierre, has been 
 instructed, either by his King or by the Cardinal de Richelieu, to inform 
 the English Ministers that, if they are satisfied to name a day on which 
 they will make restitution of captured French ships and property, the 
 French Government will be equally ready to deliver up English property. 
 It does not appear that Mons. Moulins has received the answer to this 
 message which he expected. He has been informed that as His Most 
 Christian Majesty had declined to ratify the late negociations with 
 the Marshal Bassompierre his Ambassador Extraordinary the Ministers 
 could not believe or listen to this proposal unless some security was given 
 to them, in which case they would give a reply suitable to the honour of 
 their King. From this harsh answer it is quite evident that the relations 
 between the two peoples become more and more unfriendly. The readi- 
 ness with which a final rupture may be brought about is evident ; for 
 instance, if Captn. Pennington with his little fleet commits some overt 
 act not easily excusable, and they say here that he is quite prepared to 
 do so, or if Mons. de Soubise, who is believed to have joined bim as a 
 volunteer, spurs him to hostile operations, the position of things may 
 become very serious. 
 
 It is true that the Duke of Buckingham has sent an Agent to Paris, a 
 Frenchman of the name of Gerbier who is a dependent of his, to keep 
 up the appearance of friendliness, but he is of too ordinary a station, 
 and of too little authority, to hold out any hope of success. 
 
 The Members of the Privy Council who are in the provinces are 
 reported to have met with a certain amount of success in some places, 
 but with much unwillingness on the part of the people in others. This 
 plan of raising money is tardy in its operation, and is detrimental and 
 unpopular ; thus the King with all these disadvantages is not likely to 
 get half the supplies which he requires, for a fresh fleet must be got 
 ready for next summer and the number of ships will depend on the 
 amount of money promised or forthcoming. 
 
 On Sunday Her Majesty has at last accomplished the performance of 
 her ballet. The Venetian and Dutch Ambassadors were present and 
 sat near the King. At first it was proposed to give them seats farther
 
 106 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 MSS. or apart, but the Venetian would not consent to this arrangement and conse- 
 
 H. D. Skkine, au ently both Ambassadors were provided with seats more satisfactory to 
 Esq. \ . /. ., r J 
 
 — their digmty. 
 
 The Commissioners from Holland have not yet arrived to demand the 
 restitution of ships and cargoes captured by the English. I do not think 
 that they will be successful, the English complaining of the damage 
 done by the Dutch to their ships and trade in the East Indies and make 
 counter demands. 
 
 Since the last proposal made by the French through Monsieur Moulins, 
 and the answer given by the English Ministry on the subject of the 
 release of ships and property which have been captured, the questions in 
 dispute remain on the same unsatisfactory terms. It remains to be seen 
 if any good effect is to be produced by the mission of Gerbier. 
 
 Captain Pennington has returned to this country without having 
 inflicted any damage on the coast of France. This is a fortunate cir- 
 cumstance, as it holds out a hope that the aspect of things may change 
 for the better, and that an accommodation may still be possible. Un- 
 fortunately, however, the disapproval on the part of France of the 
 settlement made by the Marshal de Bassompierre can hardly fail to 
 prove an impediment, especially if upon this side they insist on the 
 maintenance of the compact lately made. 
 
 The differences between the two nations on this subject can only lead 
 to deplorable results, and there can be no doubt that the discord is 
 promoted by national antipathy on both sides. Some sort of hollow 
 truce may be patched up, but there is no hope of a sincere or durable 
 reconciliation. 
 
 Mons. de Soubise, in consequence of Capt. Pennington's return, is 
 disappointed of his sea voyage, and has come back to London where a 
 house has been provided for him and a pension ot 400 crowns a month. 
 
 They are about to send to France another gentleman named Clarke 
 who has been employed several times in missions to that court by the 
 Duke of Buckingham. On this occasion it is probable that his negotia- 
 tions will rather be with the Catholic Ambassador, or his representatives, 
 than with the ministers of His Most Christian King. There is a wish 
 here to effect a peace with Spain, and to leave no means untried to 
 obtain this object. 
 
 France never will give any sincere aid towards this object, owing to 
 the jealousy which exists between the two nations. The strongest 
 motive on the part of the English is to restore their profitable trade with 
 Spain ; with this object they would make peace if a mediator can be 
 found, and if both nations can learn to forget the injuries which they 
 have inflicted on each other, and if both can offer acceptable terms. 
 
 As to the Duke's proposed visit to France it is no longer talked of, 
 yet it might be revived if affairs took a more favourable shape and he 
 could obtain some assurance of being received in a friendly manner. 
 The loan moves slowly. Two hundred thousand crowns of the amount 
 received have been assigned to the Admiralty to provide for the new 
 fleet which is to be ready in the summer. 
 
 London, 12th February 1627. 
 As yet we do not see on this side any symptom of patching up the 
 sores and disorders which prevail between this country and France. On 
 the contrary it appears that the breach widens daily. The English 
 hold fast to the last agreement with the Marshal de Bassompierre, and 
 they insist also that, as regards the maritime question, the French shall 
 take the first steps towards the restoration of captured ships seized by
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 107 
 
 them at Bordeaux, and this without the intervention of Ambassadors MSS. of 
 on one side or the other. I think that I see that on this side they are H- D JEso HnfE ' 
 not in favour of negotiations, but hold that, as they have now taken — 
 
 property equivalent to what has been seized by the French, the hitter 
 should be the first to make restitution. 
 
 Notwithstanding all this, if Monsieur Gerbier, who was sent to the 
 French Court by the Duke of Buckingham, should return with a state- 
 ment that there is a willingness to send an Ambassador to negociate, 
 there can be no doubt that a corresponding Ambassador would be sent 
 from England. The mission of Mr. Clarke is, consequently, suspended 
 till the return of Mons. Gerbier, or till he sends a courier stating what 
 he has done. As I have already remarked, these personages are not of 
 the rank which the importance of the affairs intrusted to them requires, 
 and there can be but little hope of a successful issue of the mission 
 intended to throw out feelers in the direction of Spain. 
 
 Thus if no remedy can be found, as confusion is everywhere increasing, 
 and commerce is little by little steadily declining, this flourishing Island 
 will lose more and more of her ancient power, riches, and splendour. 
 
 Let us hope, however, that if able to accommodate matters with 
 France and with Spain, especially with the last, England may recover, 
 if not wholly yet in a considerable measure, an important share of the 
 commerce with that state which she enjoyed before the occurrence of 
 these internal and external disorders, for the prosperity and power of 
 this kingdom depend on its trade, They have begun to make the neces- 
 sary preparations for fitting out the fleets, which it is pretended will be 
 in order next summer ; whilst meantime every effort is made to provision 
 ten out of the twenty ships of war provided by the City, and I know not 
 how many Royal Galleons, with the intention of sending them all to 
 sea. What the object may be is not precisely known, but most believe 
 that it is to cruise along the coast not far from home. 
 
 Gouttier, the French lute player, was examined on Friday last before 
 the Privy Council, and with the exception of some love passages, all 
 else has been kept secret ; but, after his examination, a Frenchwoman and 
 two Frenchmen were immediately arrested and imprisoned. They are 
 like himself of an ordinary class of servant of the Queen's household. 
 All those gentlemen, as well as others, who have refused to contribute to 
 the loan have been called upon to present themselves before the Privy 
 Council in London to explain the cause of their unwillingness. Already 
 several have arrived, and are now waiting to see what His Majesty and 
 the Privy Council will say to them. 
 
 The Commissioners Avho some days ago came to Court from Scotland 
 with their remonstrance have been heard by His Majesty, and have now 
 returned home satisfied with the promises which they have received. 
 The Irish also make demands, especially that they should not be molested 
 by English officers on account of their religion. They consent to main- 
 tain five thousand infantry and five hundred cavalry in conformity with 
 the proposal which His Majesty made to them through the Viceroy. 
 
 The questions connected with the loans on the subsidies are discussed 
 with great warmth, but His Majesty is so resolved to have his money 
 that he has imprisoned this day sixteen knights and gentlemen who have 
 absolutely refused to contribute. No doubt many others will follow 
 their example and it will be found that the number of recusants is greater 
 than the King is aware of. God grant that it may go no faither.
 
 108 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 jiss. of Proclamation.* 
 
 H. D. Serine, 
 
 _!2." Carolus Rex. To satisfy a humble petition made by Our Parliament, 
 
 We have resolved to compel the enforcement of all the laws against 
 Jesuits, Priests and other Papists, and from the profits derived therefrom, 
 to increase Our income so as to be better able to meet the extraordinary 
 expenses caused by the defence of Our States, the which Our determina- 
 tion, sealed with the Great Seal of England, We publish, and order to be 
 registered by all Our Courts of Justice, so that it may be prosecuted as 
 much as may be possible, and as We purpose Constantly to do with that 
 expedition and diligence which the industry of Our Officers and Ministers 
 of Justice may effect, the which however cannot be begun and made 
 perfect at once, being a work which requires time. 
 
 Now as We find that divers of Our Subjects who are Papists, murmur 
 and are ready to complain that the laws in vigour against them are so 
 harsh and severe in several respects, involving certain pains and penal- 
 ties, which if literally enforced would ruin them, and disable them with 
 their families and in their substance and living, so that in the course of 
 time they would become mendicants and must be supported by the 
 Parishes in the places where they live, so that We could derive no farther 
 benefit from them. We are therefore to take their humble petition into 
 Our Royal Consideration, desirous always to conduct Ourselves in all 
 things towards all Our subjects with equity and moderation character- 
 istic of a good and just King. 
 
 For Our better information as to the facts, We address Ourselves to Our 
 Royal Commissioners and to several of Our leading peers of the Realm, 
 and others of Our Council to Consider, carefully this affair, and not only 
 to give us information, but to Council Us in what manner We may grant 
 due indulgence to the Papists, without however slackening Our hand in 
 the prosecution of the laws against them, so as not to encourage them by 
 this indulgence to persevere in their errors, and without destroying that 
 portion of the profit which may be befitingly drawn from penalties 
 against them. We have received from Our Commissioners such counsel 
 that in conformity with it We have given orders and instructions to Our 
 Commissioners whom We have employed for this purpose, advising them, 
 under Our sign manual, that they should accurately observe and carry 
 them into execution. And that there be no doubtful interpretation of 
 this Our Clemency and moderation, and that those of Our subjects oppored 
 to Our laws, may not believe or presume that by reason of any impor- 
 tunity, they may at any time put to silence the laws against them, whilst 
 at the same time others of Our subjects who conform to Our laws and to 
 the orthodox religion professed by Us and Our English Church, may not 
 feel any doubt of Our zeal and constant use of the said religion. We 
 have therefore judged it expedient to make this declaration by which all 
 Our subjects may feel assured of Our distinct and sincere intention, which 
 will always be maintained by Us, not to depart in any way from Our first 
 promise touching the execution in this case of Our laws, not wishing at 
 any time or by any one, to be petitioned on this subject, with the intention 
 of proceeding with such moderation that the whole world may be Our 
 witness that We do not seek their ruin but rather their conversion. 
 Wherefore amongst other things on which We have given orders in favour 
 of Papistical recusants, we consent that they, or their friends for them, 
 may let or lease, or rent those two-thirds of their lands or lordships 
 
 * This document, dated as above, is inserted in one of the files in the Archives, 
 but is not accompanied bv any letter explanatory of the circumstances ol its publi- 
 cations.
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 109 
 
 which the strictness of Our laws prohibits, but with this condition that MSS. of 
 they pay that amount of rental that others would pay. Not wishing that " esq? INE ' 
 this should be subject to misinterpretation, nor that it may result in any — 
 
 prejudice to Our service, We publish and declare by these presents that 
 Our will is, that all those leases of lands of the Papists, which have already 
 been contracted or agreed to be contracted under Our Great Seal, or from 
 some other defect, may notwithstanding be carried out in the same man- 
 ner as if contracted, or by other means to be contracted. We consent 
 that the Popish recusants themselves or others for them within three 
 months of the date of this, may make a composition of two-thirds of their 
 land with Our Commissioners, otherwise that time being passed it will be 
 possible for any one to rent them. 
 
 Given at Whitehall, 16th February 1627. 
 
 London, 19th February J 627. 
 
 Nothing comes from France either from Mons. Gerbier or by the 
 express courier sent by Mons. Moulins to the French Court a fort- 
 night ago. It may be inferred from these delays that the French are 
 determined not to come to a hurried decision, but that they will consider 
 well whether they will stand by the agreement made with the Marshal 
 de Bassompierre, and consent at the same time to the mutual restora- 
 tion of ships taken on both sides as well as to try to remedy the existing 
 difficulties in maritime affairs with a view to their removal for the future, 
 or whether they will persist in their negotiations, and require the entire 
 and absolute observance of the first articles of the marriage contract, 
 and insist that the despatch of an Ambassador and the restitution of the 
 ships shall commence on this side. It will then be made manifest that 
 they do not care for the friendship of this people, as they must be 
 perfectly well aware that this nation will not condescend so far as to 
 make the first concessions. They are waiting here to learn the final 
 resolution of the Most Christian Court with some hope that it will be 
 more moderate than some suppose, in which case on this side they will 
 not be unwilling to come to a final accommodation in the present 
 unfortunate state of home and foreign affairs. 
 
 The tempers of both nations are exasperated and the business and 
 trade of merchants are falling iuto the greatest confusion. 
 
 Mr. Clarke has not yet taken his departure for the French Court ; 
 nor will he do so till news is received of the state of feeling towards 
 England and whether there is any prospect of an opening however small 
 towards an accommodation. 
 
 The provisioning of the ships goes on with but little energy although 
 there are a number of Galleons, and of ships of war prepared by the 
 merchants, to be got ready for sea by May, when they will be sent 
 wherever necessity requires. There is some reason for thinking that, 
 if by that time the disputes with France are not settled, the French may 
 be the fiist to feel their powers rather than the Spaniards with whom 
 there is so general a disposition to come to honourable terms of 
 peace. 
 
 The sailors have again, in the course of last week, gathered tuuitil- 
 tuously in the purlieus of the Court insisting upon payment of arrears ; 
 a certain proportion has been given them and promises have been made 
 to give them more in a few days, so once more they returned to their 
 homes. People however live in anxious expectation of these outbreaks, 
 and some company's of the City trainbands have been stationed in the 
 Duke of Buckingham's residence to provide against disorders.
 
 110 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 MSS. of More knights and gentlemen with others come daily from the pro- 
 
 Esq. ' vinces, having been ordered by the Privy Council to present themselves 
 in consequence of their refusal to contribute to the loans. 
 
 They remain in the neighbourhood of the Court but are treated with 
 studied neglect, and they feel that their detention at their own expense 
 is a contrivance to punish them which provokes them greatly, and only 
 makes them more determined and inflexible. This will no doubt 
 strengthen others in their opposition and lead them to show equal de- 
 cision. In short the present is a difficult and rugged state of things. 
 On one side they cannot retire without loss of reputation, whilst 
 on the other there is a firm determination not to consent to such 
 an infringement of the laws, and of the privileges of the people, as is 
 intended. 
 
 Thus any hope of receiving the money required diminishes daily. It 
 is now thought that it may not amount to more than one third, whilst 
 the payments made are in such small sums as to be quite insufficient 
 to meet the public outlay. 
 
 Nothing more is said about the lute player and his companions. It 
 is probably a mere matter of woman's scandal, but he is likely to suffer 
 for it for some time yet. 
 
 London, 26th February 1627. 
 
 A courier dispatched by the English Agent arrived from France on 
 Tuesday last with information that his most Christian Majesty persisted 
 in his disapproval of the late negotiation of the Marshal de Bassompierre : 
 that he required the plenary observance of the first terms of marriage 
 settlement : that an English Ambassador Extraordinary must be sent to 
 his Court, but that he would not receive the Duke of Buckingham : and 
 finally that the English should take the first steps to make restitution 
 of captured ships. 
 
 The message goes on to say : that they will keep the negotiations 
 open for the formal reduction of these conditions to terms which will 
 not exclude all hope of accommodation ; and that the final resolution will 
 be sent through Mons. Gerbier who was about to leave Paris in a few 
 days. 
 
 Whilst waiting for the return of this Agent a sinister interpretation 
 is given to these stipulations, as it is thought that they denote little 
 goodwill. It will not be surprising if they resolve here to sell the 
 cargoes which have been taken, especially those of a perishable nature. 
 It is said that this will be done at the request of the proprietors, but 
 as the money will be put into the Exchequer, and once there will not 
 come out again, people do not believe their statement. There is 
 besides no hope of an accommodation. The refusal to receive the Duke 
 of Buckingham widens the breach still more ; so much has been said 
 of his embassy that it is now impossible to substitute another in his 
 place, for it cannot be done with due regard to the national honour 
 and reputation. 
 
 Whilst thus refusing to receive the Duke, the French demand that 
 an Ambassador may be sent equal in rank to the Marshal de Basson- 
 pierre. All this exasperates and increases the bad state of feeling 
 between the two nations ; and cannot fail to do so for some time to come, 
 at least till the peccant humours now prevalent are well purged and 
 have disappeared. 
 
 If Mons. Gerbier brings with him even the smallest appearance of 
 conciliation I believe that on this side there would be a disposition to 
 favour a temperate solution, but should this not be the case it may be 
 concluded that affairs will go from bad to worse. The present dispute
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. Ill 
 
 with France more than ever points to an arrangement with Spain, if mss. of 
 that country will consent to the peace which is here universally desired. H " D J5s ^ I!rB ' 
 
 The members of the Privy Council are taking the greatest trouble to — 
 
 induce the recusants to contribute to the loans on the five subsidies. 
 Many however remain firm and rather allow themselves to be imprisoned 
 than consent to pay or acknowledge the justice of a method of raising 
 money which they think prejudicial to their immunities and to the fun- 
 damental laws of the State. His Majesty is, however, quite determined 
 to obtain money in this way, without the intervention of a Parliament ; 
 and having committed himself to this policy he cannot now retire from 
 it. and either his subjects must give way, and be satisfied to obey his 
 will, or His Majesty must so enforce his Prerogative as to lay on still 
 heavier burdens ; for money he must have, and he will not hear of a 
 Parliament except on condition that the Members do not intermeddle 
 in questions affecting the Duke of Buckingham as the last insisted on 
 doing. As, however, it will be impossible to prevent them acting in the 
 same way, that method of raising money must be abandoned and another 
 adopted. His Majesty has again and again declared that he does not 
 intend this to be a precedent for the future, still his subjects appear to 
 be so suspicious that numbers of them object to make payment. Thus 
 the loans obtained are in small sums only, which are immediately ex- 
 pended with very little benefit. The large men-of-war for the new fleet 
 are in preparation, it is said that with the Dutch contingent it will 
 amount to one hundred and twenty ships which are to be ready for sea 
 in May next. However this may be they are certainly making an 
 effort to get ready a number of Galleons and other armed vessels, to be 
 placed under the command of Captain Pennington, which are intended 
 not only to be seen but to be felt by the French. Letters of a very un- 
 satisfactory character have passed between Cardinal de Richelieu and the 
 Duke of Buckingham, the result of the Cardinal's opposition to the visit 
 of the Duke of Buckingham to the Most Christian Court. Such corre- 
 spondence only serves to increase the existing ill feeling. 
 
 From nine to ten merchant vessels sailed this week from London for 
 Leghorn under convoy of Dutch men-of-war. 
 
 London, 29th March 1627. 
 
 There is little news to communicate from this quarter at this moment. 
 We await the return of His Majesty to London to give that life and 
 activity to affairs which depend upon his presence. In the meanwhile 
 the differences with France, and the consequent unfriendly feeling, tend 
 more and more towards strife rather than towards accommodation ; 
 although in reality there is a disposition towards the latter, if only a 
 good mediator could be found who would put aside conditions, made by 
 both courts, which are more matters of ceremony than of substantial 
 importance. 
 
 If, as it is positively asserted, the couriers sent last week by their 
 Excellencies the Venetian and Dutch Ambassadors were stopped at 
 Dover and not allowed to pass, this can only be considered an indication 
 that there is no wish to profit by their good offices in the way of media- 
 tion. The questions at issue are becoming more and more entangled, 
 and the difficulty of coming to any peaceful solution is increased by the 
 deep interest which is taken here in the safety of Ptochelle ; a question 
 which is made more embarrassing by the general belief that the French 
 are determined to subjugate the Rochellese Huguenots, while the 
 English are equally determined to save them at whatever price. The 
 opposite views produce much bitterness of feeling on both sides. It is 
 proposed to send an Agent to the Duke of Savoy and another to the
 
 112 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 MSS. of Duke of Lorraine, but with what objects it is impossible to divine ; pos- 
 
 H - D j;f q EINE ' sibly to inflame the first against the Genoese, and, under the pretence of 
 
 — • a compliment to the second, to confer with the Duchesse de Chevreuse 
 
 who is living in exile from the Most Christian Court. It is impossible 
 
 to believe that either the one or the other can interfere effectually in the 
 
 adjustment of terms either with France or Spain. 
 
 Lord Carleton has been appointed Ambassador Extraordinary to 
 Holland. He was to have departed on Monday next, but for a Commis- 
 sioner having arrived to demand the restitution of ships and property 
 which it is asserted that the English have captured from the Dutch ; 
 His Excellency, before he leaves, must have an opportunity of hearing 
 the nature of these demands, and of the answer to be given to them, 
 so as to be better prepared for the course which he is to follow in 
 Holland, where it will be his principal duty to knit more firmly the 
 good understanding with those states and to concert measures for 
 promoting the interests of the Rochellese as well as generally to 
 strengthen the alliances of England in Germany. 
 
 It may be that Lord Carleton will remain as Ambassador, an office 
 which he held before, provided that the States will again permit him 
 to take part in their Councils ; a privilege which they refused to his 
 successor, bein^r desirous of avoiding the establishment of a precedent 
 which might justify the French in urging a similar claim in favour of 
 their Ambassador. The Dutch are however now quite resolved that 
 no Ambassador shall take a part in their National Councils, in the manner 
 granted to this country when it held Flushing, Brill, and Rammekens, 
 as pledges for money advanced but which long since has been 
 redeemed. 
 
 The squadron of men-of-war under the command of Captain Penning- 
 ton will soon be ready to sail. As for the ships of the new fleet, which 
 it is pretended are to be ready in May next, great is the noise of 
 preparation ; but in the absence of money Ave know not what to believe, 
 nor whether the 6,000 men promised to the King of Denmark can be 
 sent, so small are the sums obtained on loan by the Commissioners. 
 A ship of war belonging to the Earl of Warwick has brought in a 
 Portuguese vessel taken on its voyage to Brazil and loaded with 
 merchandise to the value it is said of forty thousand crowns. In a 
 short time the Earl will go himself with six good ships, fitted up, 
 armed, and provisioned for six months at his own expense. It is his 
 intention to cruise on the coast of Spain to annoy the enemy. 
 Mons. Moulins who was left here by Marshal de Bassompierre received 
 a letter of credence from His Most Christian Majesty in which he 
 is invested with the title of Secretary. On presenting this letter lie 
 was not received in the manner which his rank entitled him to, and 
 neither His Majesty nor anyone else vouchsafed a reply to his address; 
 a certain sign of the hot blood which preponderates here. 
 
 London, 2nd April 1627. 
 
 The most important affair which at present occupies the Court here 
 is the serious difference with France ; which, however, there is some 
 reason to think might be arranged if it could be done with repute, or 
 even witli the appearance of it which is held to be necessary to the 
 dignity of so great a King. 
 
 The Ambassador of Holland has offered the good offices of his 
 government for the adjustment of the quarrel, should His Majesty be 
 pleased to accept of them. To this friendly overture we do not hear 
 that any reply has been given, with the exception of expressions of 
 thanks in very general terms. In like manner the Venetian Ambas-
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 113 
 
 sudor has tendered his mediation although he has not suggested that of H ^Ikrine 
 his Republic, probably because he has no instructions to do so, or he Esq. 
 
 has no wish to receive a negative in a merely formal manner. If the 
 Ambassadors of these two Republics at the Most Christian Court also 
 intercede, so far as Ave can learn they are not likely to be more 
 successful, thus it may be concluded that there is much difficulty in 
 coining to an accommodation, and that there is no Avish on this side for 
 intervention, so long as the French are bent on overthroAving the 
 Rochellese Avhom the English are equally resolved to support. 
 
 Mr. Walter Montagu, a gentleman of the Court sent by the Duke 
 of Buckingham to visit Lorraine and Savoy, left this on Friday last, 
 with instructions to proceed in the first place to the Most Christian 
 Court, to confer with the Abbe Scaglia and possibly with the Cardinal 
 de Richelieu — that is if he is sought for by His Eminence. In case 
 this should happen he is duly provided with credentials, and Avith other 
 necessary introductions, to be used in the event of any desire being 
 expressed to see hiin but not otherwise. From these steps it would 
 appear that there exists a disposition to come to a direct negotiation, 
 Avithout any intermediaries of any kind. In the lneamvhile there is no 
 delay as to the dispatch of the squadron of Captain Pennington, or in 
 hastening the armament of tAventy other good ships which Avhen united 
 Avith his Avill proceed to watch over the safety of Rochelle, and perhaps 
 will convey the Duke in person, although there are symptoms that His 
 Excellency, notwithstanding his frequently expressed wish to go, still 
 alloAVS his friends to counsel him to stay at home and near the person 
 of the King, and to send in his place Mons. de Soubise, brother of the 
 Duke de Rohan, who is making every effort to be employed. Lord 
 Carleton Avill not leave for his embassy to Holland till after Easter, and 
 possibly may not go then, if it be true that Lord Conway, First Secretary 
 of State, is about to retire, and that Lord Carleton is to take his place. 
 The 6,000 English troops in Holland, Avhich are to pass into the 
 service of the King of Denmark, must have departed by this time ; that 
 is to say four thousand, for the number is to be made up by two 
 thousand from this country and as many more as can be conveniently 
 raised in Scotland. 
 
 Three ships of Avar and an armed pinnace are to be sent immediately 
 to relieve the four vessels stationed at the mouth of the Elbe to prevent 
 the people of Hamburgh from supplying the Spaniards or others Avith 
 materials for ship building and with cordage and ammunition. 
 
 The Dunkirkers daily plunder some English vessel or other, and a 
 few days ago eight small Dutch vessels bound for England, being driven 
 by bad weather to the vicinity of the coast of Flanders, were taken with 
 their creAVs and property to the value of 60,000 crowns ; and yesterday 
 further intelligence arrived that three good Dutch ships, laden Avith 
 merchandise worth it is said two hundred thousand crowns, Avere also 
 captured. 
 
 The youthful Earl of Coventry only son of the Duke of Buckingham 
 died on Saturday at the age of about tAvo and half years. 
 
 London, 9th April 1627. 
 The unfortunate condition of affairs with France continues Avithout 
 modification or hope of amelioration, both sides being unAvilling to take 
 the first steps towards reconciliation. If however the French should 
 seize the opportunity of Mr. Walter Montagu's passage through Paris, 
 and should invite him to a conference, he might, in accordance with the 
 instructions Avhich he has received, break the ice and begin to spin the 
 thread of friendly and favourable means of adjustment ; but if this 
 U 23533. H
 
 114 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 MSB. of does not happen the division must endure for some time longer, with 
 ' esq RINE> the risk of new mishaps such as are so likely to occur under such 
 — circumstances. 
 
 In the meanwhile a beginning has been made in the City of the sale 
 of French property, and Captain "Pennington has been sent to the western 
 coasts of the island, to bring here safely all the remainder of similar 
 property detained in various sea-ports that it may also be sold and the 
 proceeds paid into the Exchequer, with the intention it is said of sub- 
 sequently restoring it to the owners when the French have given up all 
 the English ships and property which they have captured. The money 
 in the meanwhile will help to meet existing financial necessities. If, 
 however, any good news from France should be transmitted by Mr. 
 Montagu, there might in that case be some modification of these pro- 
 ceedings as well as of the immediate armament of the twenty ships of 
 war which it was proposed to unite with the squadron of Captain 
 Pennington for the defence of Rochelle. 
 
 According to persistent popular report, however, the Duke of Buck- 
 ingham adheres to his purpose of going in person, and His Excellency 
 has given orders for the preparation of ladders, explosives, and an 
 infinity of war-like instruments. The idea is also prevalent that he is 
 to take with him from four thousand to six thousand soldiers. Thus 
 the appearance of a very formidable demonstration will be kept up ; and, 
 although they make believe that this small fleet of thirty ships is really 
 about to sail towards Rochelle or some other part of the coast of France 
 to attempt an important enterprise, it is impossible to credit the state- 
 ment that the Duke will go so far from Court and the person of the 
 King, a step which he has never yet taken. 
 
 The English troops left Holland for Denmark, under the command of 
 Colonel Morgan, a brave veteran soldier, but hardly had they advanced 
 beyond the confines when more than half of the men deserted ; so that to 
 make up the number of six thousand, which was promised, it will be 
 necessary to send enough of men from this country. They are ready it 
 is said to embark for Hamburgh in ships which will sail in company 
 with others belonging to merchants and laden with woollen cloth. All 
 of them will be conveyed by the men-of-war and the armed pinnace 
 appointed to the station at the mouth cf Elbe. 
 
 The capture made by the Dunkirkers of three Dutch ships has turned 
 out to be a much richer one than was at first reported. It is now cer- 
 tain that the prizes amount in value to four hundred thousand crowns, 
 and a number of Dutch and English merchants feel the blow very 
 seriously. An Ambassador is expected daily from Denmark, the same 
 who went hence to the Most Christian Court some time ago. He has 
 returned here to urge the dispatch of all the assistance which can be 
 given by this country to his King, and especially to hasten the departure 
 of the Scottish auxiliaries who according to promise are to be trans- 
 ported free of cost to Hamburgh where the King of Denmark will 
 receive them into his pay, whilst the six thousand English troops are to 
 be paid by commissioners of the Crown. 
 
 Dutch ships of war have brought to Dover a small armed ship of one 
 hundred and twenty tons burden, and carrying eight pieces of cannon, 
 with a crew of sixty meu. This vessel has lately been taken from 
 Dunkirkers but it had no merchandise on board. His Majesty has 
 this day sent to demand of this city the Avhole of the loan on the five 
 subsidies. The magistrates have consented to contribute to the amount 
 of two hundred thousand crowns, provided that all tin; citizens are found 
 ready to pay of which there are some doubts.
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 115 
 
 The Danish Ambassador has arrived, and another gentleman or Am- MS8. of 
 bassador from the same Court, who has been at Venice, having embarked H " ^f^ 1511 ' 
 at Calais for Holland was taken prisoner by the Dunkirkers. — 
 
 London, 16th April 1627. 
 
 Advice has been received of the arrival in Paris of Mr. Montagu, 
 but not as yet that he has been invited by the Cardinal de Richelieu, or 
 by any other Minister of His Most Christian Majesty, to confer on the 
 subject of the disputes between the two nations. Still it is hoped that 
 the French will make proposals to come to terms, as there are indica- 
 tions it is said of a more peaceful disposition on their part brought 
 about, it is here believed, rather by their own internal trouhles than by 
 any friendly feeling. Some think that they desire peace because they 
 are intimidated by the warlike preparations in progress here, and it is 
 therefore wished not to lose the opportunity of obtaining better condi- 
 tions than would be granted at another time. The Danish Ambassador, 
 at his audience on Sunday, having done everything in his power to 
 show the necessity of giving prompt assistance to his King, then stated 
 that he was permitted by His Most Christian Majesty to offer his 
 friendly intervention for the accommodation of existing differences 
 between the two nations, and to say on the part of His Most Christian 
 Majesty that he was so desirous of putting an end to them that he was 
 prepared to meet His Majesty half way. 
 
 The King on hearing this offer, unwilling to show himself adverse to 
 peace, or to receiving unfavourably any eligible opportunity of promoting 
 it, replied that he would not decline the intervention suggested by His 
 Most Christian Majesty. The Danish Ambassador has not heard any 
 thing further from France since his interview with His Majesty ; con- 
 sequently he has been unable to do more in favour of peace, but has 
 taken his audience of leave and has received the gratifying assurance 
 that the sum often thousand pounds stg. would be paid monthly to the 
 King of Denmark, and at the same time an equal sum for the payment 
 of the English troops in his service. Thus the dispute with France 
 remains in the same unhappy position, with no hope of an immediate 
 solution for a long time to come. The general conviction here of the 
 perilous position of the Rochellese and of other Huguenots is the cause 
 of such ceaseless jealousy that I see that no proposals will be listened to 
 till the French consent to come to terms on this vital question. The 
 appearance of good will on the part of the French has not in my opinion 
 been so real as the Ambassador and others have believed. 
 
 There is in short no prospect of anything but a long and difficult 
 negotiation requiring others than the Dane to manage it, so that, unless 
 such personages come on the scene, I have no hope of the termination of 
 existing discord. 
 
 The Commissioner who came from Holland for the purpose has done 
 everything in his power to obtain restitution of the Dutch vessels and 
 property taken by the English after the rupture with Spain and dis- 
 agreement with France, but as yet he has not been successful. 
 
 He has proposed to start with the questions connected with the first 
 captures, and to discuss these in a friendly manner, and to provide 
 against the occurrence of similar mistakes in future, so that trade may 
 fall into its usual course without being subjected to similar dangers. 
 Nothing, however, has been settled, and' it is generally believed here that 
 it is wished that Lord Carleton, who must soon visit Holland as 
 Ambassador Extraordinary, should negotiate this question directly with 
 the States. 
 
 H 2
 
 116 HISTOEICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 MS|. of The results of this proposal are that the Commissioners and the Dutch 
 
 Esq, ' Ambassador are much dissatisfied, and have expressed themselves on the 
 subject with much haughtiness and warmth. Notwithstanding these 
 occasions of offence the Dutch are so much under the necessity of 
 remaining on favourable terms with this country, and this country equally 
 so with them, that these and other differences will no doubt be reconciled. 
 
 London, 23rd April 1627. 
 
 The Dutch Commissioner has had an audience of His Majesty by 
 whom he was referred to the Privy Council for an answer to his demand 
 for the restitution of Dutch ships and property captured by the English 
 men-of-war. The question of restitution will not be easily settled, as the 
 English assert that the Dutch covered with their flag the transport of 
 French goods. 
 
 The loan demanded in the City will not be readily paid, the excuses 
 of the citizens are that so much money has been already lent, and that so 
 much properly has been seized by the French, whilst trade is decaying 
 day by day, that they cannot advance more and are hardly able to 
 maintain themselves and families. 
 
 The Earl of Lincoln has been committed to the Tower, not so much 
 for having refused to pay his share of the loan as for having dissuaded 
 others from doing so. Many other gentlemen are also imprisoned 
 because of their refusal. It becomes more and more difficult to raise 
 money. * * * * 
 
 London, 30th April 1627. 
 
 The brief news which I have to give this week relates chiefly to the 
 active preparations in progress to get the fleet, which is well provided 
 with victuals and munition, ready for sea within a fortnight or three 
 weeks. 
 
 The Duke of Buckingham shows so much earnestness in forwarding 
 this expedition, and in making arrangements for his personal require- 
 ments, that people now begin to believe that he really means what he 
 says and that he will command in person. He appears confidently to 
 believe that by undertaking this voyage he will make so favourable an 
 impression on the people that he will regain their confidence. More faith 
 than usual is now placed in his statements, and his serious intention is 
 also shown by the military costume which he wears, with an immense 
 collar and a magnificent plume of feathers in his hat. He is preparing to 
 take a part in a great action, but it is thought that His Excellency will 
 not be exposed to much danger. 
 
 He is to be accompanied by a number of the nobility, and by the care 
 of his friends he has been provided with a guard of one hundred and 
 fifty mounted Carabineers who will accompany the rest of the troops. 
 
 London, 19th May 1627. 
 
 The Harbours of the Kingdom have been closed for a month, and 
 merchant ships are not permitted to sail. The reason is said to be that 
 the fleet must first be provided with sailors. It was hoped that the 
 ordinary couriers would be allowed to pass, but the regulation is to 
 remain in force till the fleet sails for Portsmouth on the 22d of this 
 month. 
 
 Opinions vary regarding the real destination of the fleet. Some suppose 
 that it is meant to go to Hamburgh, others to Flanders or Spain ; but 
 the greater number agree in thinking that it will set sail for Rochellc 
 and its islands, or to some other point on the coast of France. In spite 
 of these discordant and uncertain notions it is apparent that the expedi-
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 117 
 
 tion will proceed to Rochelle, and this will be made still clearer if Mons. mss. of 
 de Soabise and other French malcontents join it. The embarkation of H ' D ' |gQ INE ' 
 infantry, cavalry, and so great a provision of munitions of war — 
 
 including materials for purposes of attack and fortification, shows that 
 the object is to land somewhere and both to seize and to maintain a 
 position. 
 
 The time for an open rupture with France is at hand, nothing more 
 being required than a hostile landing on French territory. Ceaseless 
 attacks are made at sea on French shipping, to the loss and damage of 
 the great French nation, and greater loss is inflicted than is received. 
 French ships are repeatedly captured. Captain Pennington with only 
 six ships of war has taken twenty vessels of the value of four hundred 
 thousand crowns whilst letters of marque are given to whoever asks for 
 them. 
 
 By Royal interdict the importation of French merchandise whether 
 from France or elsewhere, or in vessels of any nation, is forbidden under 
 pain of capture. The Venetian and Dutch Ambassadors have done 
 every tiling in their power to prevent this war, but things have gone so 
 far and such is the bitter feeling that their good offices are now too late. 
 The Danish Ambassador having received his passports departed last 
 week on board a Dutch ship of war, under the restriction that no one 
 was to accompany him, except members of his family, and that he was 
 to take no letters of any kind. I have reason to believe however that 
 he carried packets both from the Dutch and Venetian Ambassadors. 
 Before taking his leave he was gratified by receiving promises of pay- 
 ment of ten thousand pounds sterling a month to the King of Denmark 
 and an equal sum for the pay of the English troops iu his service. 
 
 A courier sent by Mr. Montagu from Turin has arrived here with 
 despatches to the Duke of Buckingham which give a favourable account 
 of his first interview with His Highness. He is to remain till he receives 
 replies to these letters. 
 
 The real object of his mission is not yet known, nothing beyond what 
 has been already stated. The belief being that it is wished in the usual 
 way to gratify the Duke with the appearance of demonstrations 
 regarding his interests in France and Genoa. 
 
 It is possible however that there is more than this, because a second 
 messenger has been hurried away, after the first one, with more des- 
 patches to Mr. Montagu and a sum of two thousand crowns in addition 
 to the four thousand which he took with him ; a large allowance for one 
 who travels rapidly and has only two servants. 
 
 His Majesty has given the Order of the Garter to the King of Sweden, 
 the Prince of Orange, and the Earl of Suffolk — having sent a Herald to 
 the first two with the garter and other insignia. He has also made 
 the Bishop of Durham and the Bishop of Bath members of the Privy 
 Council, both are excellent and judicious men. 
 
 London, 1st June 1627. 
 
 Yesterday morning a courier who had been dispatched by the Captain 
 of the harbour at Portsmouth arrived here, after a rapid journey, with 
 information that a fleet of ships had been observed passing up the 
 Channel apparently bound for Flanders. They were first estimated to 
 be about sixty in number, with some large Galleons amongst them, but 
 in reality they were not more than twenty-eight and were transports 
 conveying from three to four thousand Spanish troops to Dunkirk. 
 
 The King immediately summoned a meeting of the Privy Council 
 which sat for four hours, after which the Duke of Buckingham proceeded 
 to the Downs, with the intention of embarking in one of the Royal
 
 118 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 II D. S lkRiNE, Galleons which, in union with other English and Dutch war ships sum- 
 Esq. moned by His Excellency to join him, might attack the enemy and 
 
 prevent them from reaching Dunkirk. If the news is true, and not 
 merely a ruse, success may certainly be anticipated ; there is sucli a 
 number of well armed ships, forming part of the fleet which is getting 
 ready, in the numerous English harbours in the Channel, and the wind 
 is adverse to the enemy and offers the English every chance of fighting 
 with advantage. 
 
 In a short time we shall know the results of this sudden movement, 
 as well as whether these ships are really Spaniards or belong to some 
 other country, or whether the whole affair is only to make a show. 
 
 Everyone remains in the meanwhile with suspended judgment, inas- 
 much as this sort of performance is almost of annual occurrence. 
 
 Troops are ordered to proceed to Portsmouth, and have been increased 
 in number to eight thousand infantry and two hundred cavalry. It may 
 be that the Duke, having settled affairs with the pretended Spaniards, 
 may sail for Portsmouth to follow up with the rest of the fleet his 
 menaced attack upon France ; with which country all hope of peace 
 diminishes, for matters become worse and worse from day to day with 
 infinitely more damage at the present time to the French than to the 
 English, who frequently bring into their harbours prizes of great value 
 which are sold to the highest bidder. There is every appearance of 
 reducing the maritime position of the French to a very low state. It 
 would be absurd to make any comparison between the strength at sea of 
 the two nations. 
 
 Unhappily affairs could not be in a worse state or more damaging to 
 merchants and to trade generally. May it please God that this may not 
 be of long duration ! The Duke of Buckingham invited their Majesties 
 to a very beautiful fete given at his residence. A ballet was performed, 
 with various interludes, representing the naval armament and its departure 
 from this island. The Duke appears to have thought that the real fleet 
 would be ready to sail sooner than is generally believed. It may be that, 
 taking advantage of this pretended movement against the Spanish ships, 
 he may go to Portsmouth and embark thore, but everything is not yet 
 ready. lie has also private affairs to detain him, and Monsieur de 
 Soubise has not moved from London although he is to be one of the 
 principal actors in the expedition. 
 
 The Duke of Mantua has lately seut letters to the King and Queen to 
 inform them of his succession to the Duchy. The letters were trans- 
 mitted by Signor Gondi, Resident at Paris, to the Secretary of State 
 here. 
 
 The Queen has already sent her reply, but the King will probably 
 forward his by a certain Signor Laniere, a musician in his service, 
 whom he sends to Mantua to purchase statues and pictures, the property 
 of the late Duke Ferdinand, which are now for sale. I have been informed 
 as a matter of courtesy by the Secretary of State that the English 
 Ambassador at Venice has also received instructions to make purchases. 
 
 News has just arrived that the Duke of Buckingham embarked at 
 Dover on board a ship of war, and that with four others, and eighteen 
 smaller armed vessels, he sailed in a westerly direction to encounter the 
 fleet believed to be making for Dunkirk with soldiers on board. We 
 therefore await early intelligence of a great naval combat. 
 
 London, 18th June 1627. 
 The Duke, having embarked, sailed to meet the supposed Spanish 
 fleet which turned out to be Dutchmen and Hamburghers. His 
 Excellency came ashore at Portsmouth, and returned next day to
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRirTS COMMISSION. 119 
 
 London. He must again go to Portsmouth where the fleet and army MSS 0F 
 wait for him. H - D },f * RIXE ' 
 
 The King went yesterday to Portsmouth and has been followed hy 
 Monsieur de Soubise. His Majesty's object is to hasten the completion 
 of everything connected Avith the expedition which ought to sail in 
 a fortnight at latest, after which in another fortnight we should 
 hear of the outburst which is to take place. Three Frenchmen have 
 been imprisoned this week in the Tower of London for forwarding 
 intelligence to France, one of them being a stipendiary of His Majesty. 
 Affairs with France are sadly embroiled, and as for trade it is in such 
 a deplorable state that we do not even know how to send a letter across 
 the channel with safety. On the question of peace we do not hear a 
 word spoken. On that subject all is silence. Lord Carleton, Member 
 of the Privy Council, leaves in a few days on his embassy to Holland, 
 to commence negotiations, and probably he may meet there the Abbe 
 Scaglia with whom he may have instructions to confer. 
 
 The Duke is not yet gone, nor will he go till Monday or Wednesday 
 next. 
 
 London, 25th June 1627. 
 
 On the 13th of this month the King went to Portsmouth to review 
 the troops, and to give orders for their embarkation on board of his fleet 
 which consists of thirty-six good ships of war, with others for the 
 baggage and necessary stores including some thousands of muskets and 
 other weapons for the purpose of arming partizans after the landing 
 takes place. There are two hundred horses also, and a good supply 
 of corn to feed them which is already on board. The Duke of Buck- 
 ingham also went to Portsmouth two days ago, carrying with him a 
 large sum of money to pay the troops and mariners before making 
 sail which cannot be for another fortnight. 
 
 Thereafter they must know more of the results of the expedition in 
 France than we can do here. Some people persist in thinking that the 
 object really is to make a descent on Spain, but the majority are now 
 persuaded that France is to be attacked — such is the evidence in favour 
 of this opinion that there is no room for doubt. It may be that the 
 Duke will not disembark in person, but will place the command of the 
 military in the hands of Monsieur de Soubise and then follow up the 
 attack — thus showing the enemies of this country that it has the means 
 of setting armies on foot, and of employing them against others when 
 it chooses, whatever they may think of its inability to do so. 
 
 After the fleet has assisted the operations of the Duke a part of it 
 will be detached under the command of Captain Pennington to proceed 
 to the Mediterranean, to attack and capture all ships there except those 
 of the Venetians, Tuscans, and Sardinians. Notwithstanding such a 
 limitation of the operations of the fleet it will in reality damage friends 
 as well as enemies, and will create great confusion in trade. 
 
 The French prizes taken lately have been nearly all sold, and the 
 money has been expended on the army and navy ; it amounts to 500,000 
 crowns. Hardly a day passes that privateers do not bring French 
 prizes into English ports. The French at present have the worst of it 
 without any prospect of remedy. 
 
 The harbours being still closed, the Venetian Ambassador procured 
 last week a Royal passport for the passage of a messenger who will go to 
 Venice by France. Till such time as the fleet has left the seaports 
 will not be opened, and I do not know how under these circumstances 
 letters are to be sent or received by way of Calais without danger to the 
 couriers who may be made prisoners.
 
 120 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 MSS. of An exchange of prisoners is to take place this week. English 
 
 D- Eso RINE ' makers at Dunkirk will be given for a Portuguese Friar and some 
 — ■ Spaniards and Flemings. It having been observed that the Friar is an 
 
 intelligent person he has been seen by His Majesty and the Duke ; he 
 has been courteously treated, and it is reported that he has been informed 
 of the wish to come to an accommodation with Spain. If a mediator 
 could be found peace would not be far off. 
 
 London, 2nd July 1627 
 
 The King remains at Portsmouth, or in its neighbourhood, profoundly 
 interested in drilling the troops which he does almost daily. He fre- 
 quently visits the ships to urge on the preparations for going to sea as 
 quickly as possible. His Majesty dined on board the Admiral's Galleon 
 the Triumph, and whilst his servants were taking ashore the service 
 of silver used daily at the Royal fable the boat accidentally capsized 
 and went to the bottom. It is said that no lives were lost only the 
 plate, which, however, was afterwards for the most part fished up again. 
 The Duke of Buckingham is now with His Majesty, and a further 
 supply of 60,000 crowns was sent to him to-day ; making 200,000 
 crowns which he will take with him, in addition to the 40,000 previously 
 employed to pay the trcops and sailors. The war-ships will not exceed 
 thirty-six or forty in number ; the rest of the fleet will consist of vessels 
 for the transport of soldiers, horses, war materials, provisions, and every 
 kind of baggage. 
 
 With regard to Captain Pennington's projected expedition to the 
 Mediterranean it is to be hoped that it will be prevented by the re- 
 monstrances of the merchants who traffic with Turkey. They have 
 represented to the Members of the Privy Council, how great must be 
 the injury inflicted upon them, and upon others, if privateers enter that 
 sea. Their object no doubt would be to attack only the Spaniards and 
 French, but, as these nations carry on a large trade with Turkey, their 
 ships could not be captured without damage and offence to the Turks. 
 Retaliation would be the inevitable result to the great loss of the English 
 traders. The Privy Council will reconsider the subject carefully, and I 
 and others do all that we can to induce them to abandon the scheme. 
 The Venetian Ambassador also makes urgent representations against 
 our Italian seas being infested with ships of war and privateers, as it 
 would inevitably injure Venetian commerce in various ways. 
 
 News has arrived this week of the death of the Duchess of Orleans, 
 wife of the brother of His Most Christian Majesty, for whom Her 
 Majesty with all her Court have put on mourning. An example which 
 no doubt will be followed by His Majesty. 
 
 As a means of overcoming the great injury done to trade by the 
 closing of the ports, the London merchants have negotiated with the 
 Flemings to supply two vessels for the passage of the Channel. 
 
 At Dunkirk and also at Brussels the question of peace is discussed. 
 
 London, 5th July 1627. 
 
 The King returned from Portsmouth to London on Saturday last, 
 and on the following Wednesday went to the country to hunt ; Her 
 Majesty the Queen will follow to-morrow. 
 
 The Duke of Buckingham having seen to the embarkation of all the 
 soldiery went on board his Galleon, the Triumph, on the fourth of this 
 month, and awaits a favourable wind to go to sea. His Excellency has 
 detached Captain Pennington, with a squadron of ten ships, to New- 
 foundland to attack the French and Biscayan fishermen who are busy
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 121 
 
 there at this season. The number of ships of war which remain to H i^s'krine 
 accompany the expedition is now not more than thirty. About forty Esq. 
 
 others complete the fleet, and take on board the troops which are 
 divided into seven regiments of infantry with two hundred cavalry. 
 There are also sixteen pieces of artillery with the necessary horses. 
 It is thus evident that the force is destined to operate on land. 
 
 The entire fleet is arranged in three divisions, the first under the Duke 
 of Buckingham who is Commander-in-Chief; the second under the Earl 
 of Lindsey, Vice- Admiral ; the third under Lord Denbigh, brother-in-law 
 of the Duke, Avho is Bear-Admiral. 
 
 So confident is the Duke of success that, in anticipation of victory, 
 he has made extraordinary provisions of a personal nature, including 
 carriages and horses as well as saddle horses. 
 
 As soon as news is received of his landing and progress, reinforce- 
 ments of at least three thousand men will be sent with whatever supplies 
 he may require. 
 
 It may happen that the Duke, according to the nature of the advices 
 which he receives from the English Ambassador in Holland — who is to 
 confer with the Abbe Scaglia on the subject of his discoveries or nego- 
 tiations at Brussels — may send the Rear-Admiral the Earl of Denbigh 
 and his ships to attack the Spaniards on the coast of Spain. Orders 
 have been given that the messenger from Holland is to seek the Duke 
 on the coast of France. 
 
 The dispute with France then advances, increasing in bitterness and 
 without hope of adjustment for a long time. We may soon hear of the 
 good or evil results which attend the expedition, but it is possible that 
 the news may reach Italy as soon as this country. 
 
 Nothing more is said of Captain Pennington's visit to the Mediterra- 
 nean. The remonstrances of the merchants who trade with Turkey have 
 produced such an effect that on his return from Newfoundland neither 
 he nor anyone else will be permitted to interfere with the trade of that 
 sea. The English ports are not yet open ; but it is hoped that, after the 
 departure of the Duke, means will be found for the free transport of 
 letters. It is now seven weeks since we have received despatches from 
 any quarter. 
 
 Postscript of the 10th July 1 627. 
 
 We have received intelligence that on the seventh of this month the 
 fleet commanded by the Duke of Buckingham set sail with a very 
 favourable wind, taking the direction of Rochelle and the Islands of 
 Oleron and Rhe. It is now given out that his Excellency is to land at 
 one of those places ; and, by Royal command, a prayer has been printed, 
 to be read in churches for the success and happy return of the 
 expedition. 
 
 News has come by way of Hamburgh that the King of Denmark has 
 captured English ships, laden with woollen cloths, under the pretext that 
 money is due to him which has not been paid. If this is true, a new 
 source of difficulties has been opened in a new quarter and many 
 merchants will be ruined. 
 
 London, 16th July 1627. 
 I stated in my last letter, of the 10th, that the Duke of Buckingham 
 sailed with his fleet on the 7th of this month, from which time nothing 
 has been heard of him. Whether he has arrived at Rochelle, or at the 
 island of Oleron, or that of Rhe, has not been made public. The 
 weather being favourable, we ought not to wait long for news of the expe- 
 dition. It is reported that the Rochellese are about to admit the Duke
 
 122 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 MSS. of j n to their city. Should they do so it would greatly facilitate the opera- 
 Esq. ' tions against the islands as well as the demolition of the fort of St. 
 Louis in front of the town. It is particularly wished to accomplish this 
 because it is said that when His Majesty induced the Rochellese to 
 come to terms with the King of France, the latter promised to destroy 
 the Fort. Ships and additional troops are being prepared for the rein- 
 forcement of the Duke in case he has need of them. There is, however, 
 some talk of accommodation, on the return of Mr. Montagu to this 
 court from Turin, the Duke of Savoy having shown himself so desirous of 
 acting as arbitrator between the two Crowns. Hostilities, however, have 
 gone too far, and we shall now soon hear that they have been carried 
 still further. The French will listen to no proposals of peace as long as 
 the English army is on their coast, neither will they accept the Duke of 
 Savoy as a mediator knowing how much he is influenced by the Duke 
 of Buckingham. It is insisted that Mr. Montagu is about to return to 
 Savoy, and that he will again visit Brussels on his way as he did on his 
 journey to London when he was much made of. This suggests that 
 there are some chances of negotiations of a peaceful character on that 
 side also, in which no doubt Savoy desires to take part — indeed the 
 mission of the Abbe Scaglia at Brussels and in Holland can have no 
 other object however hopeless it may be at present. 
 
 I am of opinion, however, that it would be easier to come to terms 
 with Spain than with France. The rumour which prevailed with 
 regard to the former is much modified, and the King now expresses 
 himself in gentler terms than was his custom. There is a general feeling 
 of regret that the two countries cannot come to terms; the disposition 
 on this side is, undoubtedly, towards peace provided that Holland can 
 be included. We arc far, hovt ever, from such a conclusion unless the 
 consent of Germany, on which power so much depends, can also be 
 obtained. 
 
 The story of the seizure of English ships by the Danes was not true, 
 it was a mere question between them and some Danish Galleons as 
 to which should first lower their sails. 
 
 Two sons of Gentileschi the painter, who are in the service of His 
 Majesty, will go to Italy next week on a special visit to Genoa, being 
 provided with letters of credit for forty thousand crowns to pay for 
 various pictures purchased there for the King. 
 
 The harbours are again open but no one can pass over to France, or 
 come to this country from France, without the certainty of being made 
 a prisoner. 
 
 London, 24th July 1627. 
 
 There is little to say this week, neither the King, the nobility, nor 
 the Court, being in London. His Majesty has commenced his annual 
 lour of hunting in various parts of the kingdom, and the Queen has 
 
 gone to take medicinal waters at Wellingborough * 
 
 She will join His Majesty in about a fortnight, and they will remain in 
 the country till the end of September. 
 
 Of the Duke of Buckingham, and his fleet and army, we ought to 
 have some intelligence byway of France ; but not a word has been heard 
 of him since he sailed, which excites a general feeling of surprise 
 especially as the distance which he has gone is not great. 
 
 * The Italian Diplomatist expresses himself with the usual frankness of his 
 countryfolk as to the state of Her Majesty's health, which made her visits to 
 Wellingborough desirable.
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 123 
 
 Mr. Walter Montagu will soon leave on his return to Turin, with the Tr MSB. of 
 
 • D Skrint 
 
 same title as formerly of Gentleman in the Service of His Majesty. It e s ^. 
 
 appears That these negotiations were first suggested by His Highness — 
 
 the Duke of Savoy, from his earnest desire to act as judge and mediator 
 between France and England. The offer made by His Highness was 
 accepted on this side, as may be seen by a document given to him by 
 Mr. Montagu, and by His Highness to Monsieur Marini Ambassador 
 of His Most Christian Majesty. 1 enclose a copy of this state paper. 
 
 The French decline to accept of the Duke as mediator, or to listen to 
 any terms of accommodation so long as the English threaten them at 
 sea ; consequently Mr. Montagu's negotiations are limited to making 
 earnest representations on the part of the English for the re-establish- 
 ment of peace with His Most Christian Majesty, of which he appears to 
 entertain a lively hope. If his return to the Court of Turin is meant to 
 excite the efforts of those who have held out those hopes, you will know 
 sooner than we can ; unless, as seems likely, the whole affair proves to 
 be a baseless chimera. 
 
 Mr. Montagu, acting in the name of the Duke of Savoy, has made 
 pressing and effective representations to His Majesty in favour of the 
 English merchants frequenting the harbours of Nice, Villa Franca, and 
 Sant Ospizio. His Highness, if the merchants will do so, offers impor- 
 tant privileges which are set forth in a pamphlet of which a copy has 
 been sent to the King. Great efforts have been made to p ersuade the 
 merchants, but I do not hear that they are disposed to desert Leghorn for 
 any other port. 
 
 It is not the first time that the Duke has tried to induce the mer- 
 chants of this ration to frequent his harbours ; but hitherto he has not 
 been successful, nor is it probable that he will be more so on this occa- 
 sion notwithstanding the great intimacy between His Highness and the 
 Duke of Buckingham. 
 
 In conclusion, the merchants tell me that, so long as they are 
 received at Leghorn as favourably as is now the case, they will not leave 
 it for other ports. 
 
 The loan on the five subsidies is not yet finished, and legal proceed- 
 ings are taken against those who refuse. The prisons being full of 
 such recusants they are to be removed to other parts of the kingdom to 
 make way for other prisoners, so determined is His Majesty to succeed 
 by this means. 
 
 Memorial given by Mr. Montagu to the Duke of Savoy and by His 
 
 Highness to Monsieur Marini, Ambassador of His Most Christian 
 
 Majesty. 
 
 " With regard to the statement made by the Ambassador of His Most 
 
 Christian Majesty, that the conduct of the King of Great Britain was 
 
 inconsistent with his pledges, inasmuch as he had expelled the French 
 
 attendants and had captured French Ships. Mr. Montagu, in the 
 
 name of the King of Great Britain, replies that the public agreements 
 
 made no mention of particular persons, and that His Majesty was not 
 
 obliged to maintain the number of officials in attendance upon the 
 
 Queen without a choice of persons who might be agreeable to him ; but, 
 
 having made a sacrifice and having consented to the replacement of all 
 
 whom the Most Christian Ambassador de Bassompierre named, he has 
 
 since adhered to the treaty with inviolable fidelity." 
 
 " With regard to the capture of ships, the first vessels seized had 
 issued from Spanish ports, and by all treaties it was permissible to detain 
 them till such time as it could be decided that the merchandise which 
 they carried belonged to Frenchmen, on proof of which some of them
 
 124 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 MSS. of were restored. His Most Christian Majesty, however, authorised the 
 H - D j|q EINE ' forfeiture of all English property in France, contrary to the treaties of 
 — ' peace between the two Crowns, whereon reprisals were made by the 
 
 English who thus sought to indemnify themselves for their losses." 
 
 " Again, in France, a general embargo was laid on English shipping, 
 and at Bordeaux ships were taken, contrary to those agreements by 
 which they are permitted to depart even in time of war. This conduct 
 was the cause of all the subsequent violent proceedings at sea." 
 
 " Although His Most Christian Majesty refused to ratify the treaty 
 made by his Ambassador the Marshal de Bassompierre, the King of 
 Great Britain has not failed to grant all that was required and agreed 
 to, consequently it cannot be urged that His Britannic Majesty has not 
 done everything in his power for the faithful maintenance of that contract. 
 If the Most Christian King has since asked for something additional, 
 which has been refused, the causes have been, — 
 
 " First. — That France removed every means of negotiation — by recall- 
 ing her Ambassador when the question of guarantees was under con- 
 sideration. Secondly. — That a demand being agreed to, it ought not to be 
 immediately followed by another still more exacting, seeing that His 
 Most Christian Majesty had declined to ratify the treaty made by His 
 Ambassador." 
 
 " It was not expedient that His Excellency the Duke of Bucking- 
 ham, acting for His Majesty, should have volunteered any modification 
 of the treaty, nor was it a fact that he sent Clarke and Gerbier to 
 initiate any advance towards reciprocal adjustment in the absence of 
 proposals made to him." 
 
 " It is true that had the Duke been on the spot, seeing how little was 
 required to make the treaty satisfactory to both parties, had the Marshal 
 de Bassompierre, informed the French Ministers that they need have 
 entertained no doubt that the Duke on his arrival would not have failed to 
 give satisfaction to His Most Christian Majesty, which he might have 
 done without any sacrifice of the interests of his master, there would 
 have been no grounds for alleging that the Duke sent messengers 
 instructed to admit that his King had granted too little, thus giving 
 opportunity to His Most Christian Majesty to make farther demands." 
 
 "In conclusion, the King of Great Britain, on the appeal made to him 
 by His Highness the Duke of Savoy, is satisfied to come to such an 
 accommodation as may be considered honourable and durable. And that 
 it may be known that the guarantees demanded by the English for 
 the observation of promises and treaties are made more in sorrow than 
 in anger — the King of Great Britain is satisfied that His Highness of 
 Savoy may be constituted judge of past events and to place himself 
 in the hands of His Highness to decide upon terms of accommodation." 
 
 London, 31st July 1627. 
 
 Mr. Walter Montagu left London on Tuesday last, to return to the 
 Court of Savoy. He embarked for Holland, and being provided with a 
 passport of Her Serene Highness the Archduchess he will visit Brussels ; 
 after which he will proceed to Lorraine. 
 
 It is not known what is to be the nature of his negotiations, nor 
 whether they are to extend further than those already described. 
 
 The Abbe Scagliais expected here to exercise his powers of persua- 
 sion with the English merchants, to induce them to frequent the 
 harbours of the Duke of Savoy ; but His Highness is more popular with 
 the English Government than with the people. 
 
 The Queen, with His Majesty's permission, has sent to France 
 Mr. Thomas Graham, a gentleman of her suite, to visit the King her
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 12;") 
 
 brother, Her Majesty being unwell • also to offer her condolence to MSS. of 
 the Duke of Orleans on account of the death of the Duchess of H ' D 'e|^, RINE/ 
 Orleans. — 
 
 The message which was sent last week to the Agent of France has 
 been repeated as a positive order to leave this country without delay. 
 He was desirous of communicating with his Court, or that he should 
 receive a written order to leave : but his request has not been complied 
 with, and he is preparing to depart. He has sent a courier to France, 
 but it is doubtful whether he will be allowed to pass in the present state 
 of affairs. 
 
 The Archbishop of Canterbury has been ordered to retire to his 
 residence in his diocese, and to remain there secluded during His 
 Majesty's pleasure. It is said that the cause of this measure is his 
 opposition to the King's demand of loans from his subjects. However 
 this may be, the archbishop's disfavour has been ripening for some time ; 
 for during the last Parliament he showed a want of confidence in the 
 Duke of Buckingham and he favours the Puritanical faction and is 
 hostile to the Roman Catholics. 
 
 A certain Mr. Clarke has been sent to the King of Denmark with 
 bills for twenty thousand pounds ; he is also in charge of one thousand 
 four hundred soldiers, sent to fill up the ranks of the English troops. 
 
 Orders have been issued to raise two thousand men, to send to the 
 Duke of Buckingham, and also to supply provisions. Nothing is as yet 
 known of the progress of the expedition except that it was met in the 
 46th parallel of latitude. News is impatiently looked for, but whatever 
 the results may be they will be known in Italy before intelligence 
 reaches this island. 
 
 London, 2nd August 1627. 
 
 News has been received of the arrival in Holland of Mr. Walter 
 Montagu, who by this time has probably reached the Court of Savoy 
 to continue his negotiations with little prospect of His Highness the 
 Duke accomplishing that which he wishes of being the sole arbiter 
 between the two Crowns — for although the King of England, not to dis- 
 approve of that which Mr. Montagu has done in his name, is apparently 
 entirely satisfied, on the other hand the King of France is not so ; 
 consequently the negotiation becomes a mere matter of empty form, 
 the more so that it is now certain that a battle has been fought between 
 the English and French troops in the island near Rochelle. 
 
 The Abbe Scaglia remains in Holland, and is not to come here so 
 soon as was expected ; probably he is waiting for the return of the Duke 
 of Buckingham, his intimate friend, the better to advance the negotia- 
 tions with which he is charged, the nature of which however we have 
 not ascertained. According to common report the Abbe is in 
 Holland to impede rather than to promote peace with France, unless 
 his sovereign can be the sole umpire, whilst Holland is equally desirous 
 of playing that part. He will come here afterwards with the consent of 
 France, or whenever she may be compelled to give it by the arms of 
 England, and will remain in this country till he obtains the recognition 
 of the Duke of Savoy as King. For this Mr. Montagu has already 
 paved the way, and he has now returned to Turin with the intelligence 
 that it will be successfully accomplished. 
 
 Such is the gossip in the mouths of the principal members of the 
 Court, of the Ambassadors and others, but whether it has any real 
 foundation we shall soon hear. 
 
 Of our Duke of Buckingham we have no account except that he is in 
 the islands off Rochelle, and particularly in that of Rhe, but what he
 
 126 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 D. Ikbikb. nas y e ' done is not known, or is kept concealed ; but this secrecy 
 Esq. ' naturally leads to the suspicion that all is not well. Preparations are 
 in the meanwhile in progress to send men and provisions to his 
 assistance. 
 
 The French diplomatic agent left on Monday last, thus the quarrel 
 with France has reached its climax. 
 
 The Court amuses itself hunting sixty miles from London, but a few 
 members of the Privy Council remain here to attend to business and to 
 find money to provide for demands as they present themselves. 
 
 London, 14th August 1627. 
 
 On Monday last a special messenger, sent by the Duke of Buckingham 
 to His Majesty, brought intelligence of the landing of his army, and of 
 the capture of ihe island of St. Martin de Rhe but not of the fort which 
 still holds out. There is however good hope of its reduction as the 
 English are masters of the island and of the sea. 
 
 Although I feel certain that the narration of these events must 
 already have reached Italy, I am notwithstanding desirous of sending 
 the statement made by the Duke of Buckingham so that the two 
 accounts may be compared. 
 
 So soon as St. Martin is taken it is believed that the expedition will 
 capture the island of Oleron and will then attack the fort of St. Louis in 
 front of Rochelle. 
 
 Such is the conflagration which has been lighted in these parts, which 
 not all the water thrown upon it — by Holland, Venice, Savoy and other 
 places — can extinguish. 
 
 It will not be surprising if the Duke of Buckingham should show him- 
 self on the coast of Spain, with his Galleons, before returning to this 
 country. Encouraged by his first success he will be desirous of showing 
 the world that his King and nation are strong enough to present a bold 
 front to two Kings at the same time. 
 
 Here in the meanwhile they take into anxious consideration how 
 money is to be obtained for the continuation of the Avar. The King 
 has summoned the Privy Council to attend him in the country to con- 
 sult over this important subject. It is thought that His Majesty may 
 resolve to summon Parliament, as by no other means can he be provided 
 with the sums made necessary by the rupture with France. This step 
 being decided upon, Parliament will be summoned in the absence of the 
 Duke of Buckingham in the hope that under these circumstances it will 
 not resume the thread of its complaint against him. 
 
 In conclusion, the dance has begun and they dance to the music made 
 by the French malcontents. We hear that several of these on the 
 landing of the English forces, threw off the mask and declared them- 
 selves, also that the Duke de Soissons had passed the mountains and laid 
 siege to Grenoble in Dauphine, but of this Ave do not believe a Avord. 
 
 In a short time the whole story Avill be published. Pending events, a 
 gentleman of this Court has been sent to Denmark to explain the motives 
 Avhich have induced the King to take up arms against France. The 
 message is someAvhat late and unseasonable. 
 
 The Earl of Warwick Avho went to sea some months ago Avith war-ships 
 fitted out at his oavu expense, and provided with letters of marque, has 
 returned to England having made no captures, but he has been beaten by 
 Portuguese Galleons, and is now in harbour for repairs, with the intention 
 of again going to sea.
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 127 
 
 Statement enclosed being: a relation of the progress made by II is ^ ss - of 
 Britannic Majesty's army under the command of the Duke of Buck- ' e sq . 
 ingham. — 
 
 " The fleet, consisting of about eighty ships of different descriptions, 
 left Portsmouth on the 27th of June last. On the 28th it was off 
 Plymouth, and on the 29th saw land on the 47th parallel of latitude. 
 Between the 30th of June and the 1st of July, thirteen sail of Dunkirk 
 ships were seen and chased for twenty-four hours without overtaking 
 them. Owing to the state of the sea the fleet did not come together again 
 till the 10th of July, when the ships met at the east end of St. Martin de 
 Ehe, where they anchored, and the crews rested for one day and two 
 nights. 
 
 "On the 12th, two thousand soldiers were landed under the fire of the 
 ships' artillery ; although at first repulsed by an attack of one thousand 
 French infantry and two hundred cavalry, they finally succeeded in 
 establishing themselves in the island not, however, without loss in the 
 first failure many being drowned when retiring before the enemy. 
 
 " The Duke had also landed, and seeing this confused retreat he went 
 on board the nearest vessel, and sword in hand, by threats and en- 
 treaties, he induced the soldiers to do their duty and to follow their 
 officers, amongst whom Colonel Burrowes and Colonel Brett especially 
 distinguished themselves. 
 
 "On the loth the army marched in good order, and on reaching the 
 village of St. Marie summoned it to surrender ; which done, it advanced on 
 La Flotte which in like manner surrendered. On the 18th a Council of 
 War was held which decided to march upon and to attack the chief place 
 in the island, the town and fort of St. Martin. On the 17th, whilst 
 moving forward, the army was met by the French cavalry and infantry 
 evidently bent on fighting. The Duke of Buckingham placed himself at 
 the head of the troops and they advanced as the enemy retired, and 
 the English troops reaching the vicinity of St. Martin's encamped on the 
 east side. About half past four the town sent notice of surrender, and 
 the Duke of Buckingham, having quartered troops within it, joined those 
 in command of Colonel Burrowes near the sea shore Avhence he saw that 
 the French had set fire to three English ships which they had captured 
 some time before. 
 
 " His Excellency then went on board ship to give orders to bring 
 provisions ashore, the French having removed everything of the kind 
 into the fort contiguous to the town of St. Martin's. They battered the 
 town day and night, and although they have kept up this fire from 
 Tuesday to Friday night, only one English soldier has been hurt. 
 
 " The Duke has ordered twenty pieces of field artillery and nine sakers 
 to be lauded to batter the fort, whilst the pioneers are executing the 
 necessary works." 
 
 The following is a list of the killed on the English side : — General Sir 
 William Haydon, of the Artillery Monsieur de S*. Blancard, Lieutenant 
 of Monsieur de Soubise, Lieut.-Col. Thornehurst, General Yorke, 
 Captain Babington, Captain Glyn, Captain Goreing, Captain Blundell, 
 Captain Coventry, Captain Woodhouse, Captain Heathie, Captain Powell, 
 Captain Morgan Powell, Captain Heatherstone, Lieutenant Anderson, 
 Lieutenant Sydenham, Lieutenant Gresham, Mr. Johnson, engineer, 
 Ensign Champernoun, Ensign Gordon, Mr. John Temple, Mr. Green 
 Peterden. The wounded are : — Sir — Blundell, Sergeant-Major of the 
 Camp, Colonel Sir — Rich,* Colonel Sir — Conway, Sir — Greenfield, 
 
 * The Christian names of knights are almost invariably omitted.
 
 128 HISTOEICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 mss. op Sir — Hawley, Captain Abraham, Captain Rutherford, Lieutenant 
 H " D 3esq EINE ' Markham, Lieutenant Thorney, Ensign Bennet, Mr. Conway. 
 
 London, 28th August 1627. 
 
 Leaving on one side the present position of the Duke of Buckingham 
 in the island of St. Martin de Rhe, and the history of his progress — as 
 you must have ample information in Florence, probably of a more 
 accurate description than that which we receive here — I shall limit myself 
 to stating that they are getting ready three thousand English troops, that 
 Scotland is to furnish two thousand and Ireland the same number, and 
 that these will be sent as soon as possible with supplies of money and 
 provisions. The Earl of Holland, Privy Counsellor and Captain of the 
 Guards, is to be in command, being an officer who is much trusted by the 
 Duke. 
 
 Although there will be much difficulty in finding money it must 
 be found, and London must supply the greater part of it. The country 
 is at open war — it is in no respect deceptive as some think, but a 
 reality — with a better chance of making peace with Spain than with 
 France. 
 
 The Dutch Ambassador has offered the good offices of his Govern- 
 ment in the interests of peace, but up to the present time he has only 
 received replies in general terms. The idea here is that any demand 
 for peace should come first from France — than which according to all 
 appearances nothing can be more remote — or that no one should inter- 
 pose except the Duke of Savoy in conformity with the promises of Mr. 
 Montagu, It is wished to give the whole honour to him, partly 
 because this Prince is a valued and intimate friend, and partly because 
 it is hoped that His Highness will operate if needful with the Comte 
 de Soissons. 
 
 The Abbe Scaglia is still in Holland, and his frequent interviews 
 with the English Ambassador is a cause of jealousy on the part of 
 others. When he has completed his negotiations where he now is it 
 is thought that he will come to this country to carry out the second 
 part of his instructions, although as I have already stated it is believed 
 that he will first await the return of the Duke. An Ambassador from 
 Denmark has arrived in London. Without loss of time he proceeded to 
 the country to see His Majesty. It is believed that he also brings offers 
 of service in the name of his King, for the restoration of peace, and 
 also to make proposals for the settlement of the affairs of the Prince 
 Palatine as well as of his own, and finally to ask for money. 
 
 The Ambassador from Mantua has not yet returned from the country, 
 to which he went on Saturday last to have audiences of their Majesties, 
 but as they are at present in different places his audience has been 
 delayed. 
 
 It has been proposed to issue a printed notice to merchants to inform 
 them that they may send their ships to the island of St. Martin de Rhe, 
 which was anciently a hereditary possession of the crown of England. 
 The publication, however, has been suspended as premature, as it may 
 be as well to hear first of the capture of the fort of St. Martin which 
 is still occupied by the French although it is besieged by the English 
 both by sea and laud. 
 
 It appears that the Danish Ambassador is also Chancellor of the 
 King of Denmark, and that he was in Holland when, meeting the Duke 
 of Buckingham on the part of this country, the offensive and defensive 
 league against Spain and the House of Austria was signed. His 
 Excellency has brought with him a coadjutor who also bears the title of 
 Ambassador.
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 129 
 
 The Mantuan Ambassador has been received with great distinction, t) S |'k° P 
 particularly by the Queen ; but an order has been issued not to incur esq. 
 
 such heavy expenses on account of Ambassadors, and for this reason 
 His Excellency has not been entertained with the usual magnificence. 
 Venice has not visited him, insisting that he should be the first to pay 
 that compliment, although the usage at this Court is that the new comer 
 is first visited by the Residents. 
 
 London, 3rd October 1627. 
 
 We are not certain when the reinforcement under the command of 
 the Earl of Holland will move to the assistance of the Duke of Buck- 
 ingham, but it will go as soon as means of transport are provided. 
 
 The Duke of Buckingham writes that he has no doubt that he will 
 be master of the fort in a fortnight from the date of his letter; but 
 news having arrived at the same time that the French have succeeded 
 in succouring it, with men ammunition and food, it is therefore altogether 
 doubtful whether he will be able to take it so soon. The two thousand 
 t loops from Ireland, and the same number from Scotland under the com- 
 mand of the Earl of Morton, have arrived. In the Isle of llhe they 
 only wait for these to enable the English troops to assault the fort of 
 St. Martin and so to have done with it. It is evident that there is a 
 determination to vigorously prosecute the Avar which has been com- 
 menced. The two Danish Ambassadors, however, have striven to 
 bring about an agreement ; they have earnestly represented that as their 
 King, to his great damage, had plunged into war with the Emperor, 
 from regard to His Majesty, so it was felt that His Majesty, from 
 similar motives of regard, should make peace with France, seeing how 
 much harm was done to the common cause by this war. The King 
 replied that the war was absolutely necessary, and that it was beneficial 
 to the common cause, as he knew for certain that the two kings in the 
 last treaty made in Spain, had agreed together, and bound themselves 
 by secret articles, to extirpate the Protestant faith. Notwithstanding, 
 such was his desire to gratify the King his Uncle, that if the French, 
 who had been the first to give occasion for this war, should be the first 
 to ask for peace he was prepared to give a favourable answer. The 
 Ambassadors were far from being satisfied, and made similar repre- 
 sentations to the Privy Council but only received the same reply. 
 Falling back once more to the King they informed His Majesty that 
 they were about to return home through France, that they would 
 arrive in France direct from England, and being the Ambassadors of so 
 near a relation of His Britannic Majesty they thought that they should 
 be provided with documents which might be of service in case a 
 favourable opportunity of negotiation occurred. No reply was vouch- 
 safed to this proposal, except that they might depart when they pleased 
 and that should the French make proposals for peace they would 
 receive an immediate reply. 
 
 The Ambassador from Holland warmly seconded the efforts of the 
 Danes, as did the Venetian, who, whilst expressing himself very clearly, 
 was at the same time careful not to commit his Republic to such a 
 difficult negotiation. All these good offices have been vain. There is 
 the national antipathy to overcome ; there is a determination to see the 
 conclusion of the expedition under the command of the Duke of 
 Buckingham, and that, with sword in hand, he should compel 
 advantageous terms of peace 
 
 The Abbe Scaglia writes that, he has received credentials from the 
 Duke of Savoy for the States of Holland, and for this Court also; but 
 that he would not be able to make use of the first, as they arrived too 
 U 23533. I
 
 130 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 H. i)f Skkine, l ate > but that ne would visit England soon to present the others ; it is 
 Esq. s till my belief that he will not come till the Duke returns. Mr. 
 
 Montagu remains at Turin, but we do not hear that his negotiations 
 strengthen the position of the Duke as a mediator ; and the Earl of 
 Carlisle will not be sent as Ambassador, as has been proposed, inasmuch 
 as his presence is needed at home and there is an indisposition to incur 
 the expense of such an embassy. 
 
 Three Dutch ships with rich cargoes from the East Indies have been 
 seized in the harbour of Portsmouth, whereat the Dutch Ambassador 
 makes a great clamour. The King, in reply to his complaint said that 
 he could not refuse justice to his subjects for their losses in the affair of 
 Amboyna. The Ambassador replied that this question was under dis- 
 cussion in Holland, by duly appointed Commissioners, and that it was 
 improper, pendente lite, to take the law into their own hands. His 
 Majesty promised that nothing Avould be touched in the ships till the 
 inquiry terminated, but that he wished that steps should be taken to 
 expedite the questions at issue. 
 
 But for the absolute necessity of a good understanding between the 
 two nations such proceedings would soon lead to serious misunder- 
 standings. 
 
 The youthful daughter of the Duke of Buckingham has been created 
 Duchess of Buckingham, with transmission of the title to her heirs in 
 case the Duke, her father, should not have a son. This proceeding is of 
 rare occurrence in this kingdom, and may prove quite unnecessary. 
 The Duke and Duchess are young, and the Duchess at the present time 
 is pregnant. 
 
 The Mantuan Ambassador has departed without being visited by the 
 Venetian. He was presented by the King and Queen with jewels of 
 the value of four thousand crowns. His Excellency returns home by 
 France, having embarked in a man-of-war, placed at his disposal 
 by the Dutch Ambassador, one of the squadron which cruises off 
 Dunkirk. 
 
 London, 20th October 1627. 
 
 The Earl of Holland has not yet left Portsmouth, for the Isle of Khe, 
 with the English troops with which he is to reinforce the Duke of 
 Buckingham ; but he ought to go very soon, that is, so soon as the wind 
 is favourable. It appears that he has been waiting for a supply of forty 
 thousand crowns which he is to take with him. 
 
 There is no news, as yet, of the taking of the fort, and the anxiety of 
 the people increases, for the delay may be prejudicial, as winter is 
 approaching when the ships will not be able to keep the sea with 
 safety. 
 
 The Danish Ambassadors have done everything in their power to 
 bring about an accommodation between the two Crowns, but they have not 
 met with any favourable response. The wish on tlris side is in favour 
 of direct negotiations between the two powers rather than through 
 others. 
 
 The Ambassadors have taken leave of His Majesty, and will cross 
 over to France in a few days unless they are induced to delay their 
 journey by the arrival of a Danish gentleman who is said to be a 
 diplomatic agent of the King. 
 
 Captain Trevor, the commander of the ships stationed at the mouth of 
 the Elbe, has been detached by order of His Majesty to watch five 
 galleons built in Holland for His Most Christian Majesty, so that they 
 might be prevented from reaching their destination in France. The 
 English Captain finding two of them in the Texel, where they were
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 131 
 
 waiting for the other three, immediately attacked them, and driving- one H p S | - K °j NB 
 of them ashore captured the other. This ship is called tho Holy Esq. 
 
 Ghost, and has been brought here ; is of eight hundred tons, and is aimed 
 with twenty-four bronze and twenty-four iron guns. There is a cargo 
 on board of two thousand corselets, and two hundred barrels of gun- 
 powder. 
 
 There have been great rejoicings over this capture, and Captain 
 Trevor has been sent to follow up his good fortune, as the English are 
 determined to prevent the French from becoming strong at sea. It 
 appears that the French insist that the Dutch were bound to protect 
 the ships in their ports. However this may be, this fine vessel 
 which is in excellent order will be got ready immediately to go against 
 them. 
 
 The newly arrived gentleman from Denmark was received in audience 
 by the King yesterday. It \s said that he made the same representations 
 as those previously offered by the Ambassadors on the subject of a peace 
 with France, and he showed some letters written by His Most Christian 
 Majesty in which he expressed the satisfaction with which he would 
 hear of the intermediation of the King of Denmark. 
 
 The Ambassadors have again asked for an audience, which has been 
 granted with the condition that it is merely of a private character. It is 
 evident that the temper here is not such as the Danes wish, the English 
 being desirous of taking the Isle of Rhe before consenting to treat 
 of peace. 
 
 The Earl of Holland has not yet sailed with his troops. The Danish 
 gentleman proposes to accompany him and to land at Rocheile where the 
 French Court is said to be at present. The other Ambassadors will also 
 go to France, but by a different route. 
 
 London, 26th November 1627. 
 
 The Duke of Buckingham has fiually abandoned the siege of the fort 
 of St. Martin de Rhe, and has returned to this country with the remains 
 of his army. It is here said that the cause of his retreat has been 
 the want of reinforcements and supplies, because the Earl of Holland who 
 was to have taken them was unable to sail from Plymouth owing to con- 
 trary winds. Thus the Duke, with weakened forces, was unable to resist 
 the attack of from three to four thousand French infantry and two 
 hundred cavalry, sent from the Island of Oleron, which assailed him un- 
 expectedly and compelled him to return to his ships. The troops fought 
 bravely, and the Duke defended himself courageously sword in hand. 
 About four hundred men were lost in the retreat with several officers 
 of rank, besides the small body of cavalry, amounting to about one 
 hundred and twenty men, the commander Lord Mountjoy being taken 
 prisoner. The artillery was saved with the exception of one gun, and the 
 wounded men were transported on board ship. 
 
 From their dislike to the Duke of Buckingham the people exaggerate 
 the amount of loss, but the King retains his personal regard for him. As 
 soon as His Majesty heard of his return he sent the Earl of Montgomery, 
 Lord High Chamberlain, to meet him with one of the Royal carriages 
 and bearing a letter written by his own hand in affectionate terms. As 
 a further pledge of his regard he sent the Duke a magnificent diamond 
 bracelet. 
 
 We expect to hear this evening at Court the real story of this retreat. 
 It may be believed that preparations to compel it had been planned 
 at Paris some time ago, as it took place on the ninth of this month. 
 
 It is asserted that the Duke left eight hundred men in Rocheile who must 
 be immediately reinforced as they are in great peril and may be taken by 
 
 i2
 
 132 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 MSS of ^ e French. I am persuaded that whatever it maybe resolved to do "will 
 
 H. D. Skrine, now be done quickly, for the men who were to be forwarded to the Isle 
 
 ?!^' of Khe are ready. Probably they will hasten their departure, for 
 
 neither His Majesty nor the people are discouraged by the bad success of 
 
 the first expedition. 
 
 The return of the Duke may throw some light on the questions which 
 are debated as well as on the best course to be pursued and the defence to 
 be made of his management. 
 
 The Danish Ambassadors remain here on one pretence or other. One 
 of them is unwell, and they make the most of his malady. It is believed 
 that they are on the watch for an opportunity of promoting peace 
 between the two Crowns, which, owing to the prevalent exasperation, will 
 be much more difficult than they seem to imagine. 
 
 As the Ambassadors are badly provided with money for their 
 expenses, besides the usual gifts of silver gilt plate, His Majesty has 
 presented them with a thousand pounds sterling. 
 
 The Abbe Scaglia, now that the Duke his oracle has returned, will 
 explain the details of his negotiations which he has hitherto spoken 
 of in general terms only and as he felt inclined. He wishes to take 
 a leading part in the great policy which has failed so deplorably and 
 which he desires to revive in its pristine vigour. The infinite number of 
 negotiations which from time to time have been broached from that 
 quarter have never led to anything but the merest shadows and to some 
 jealousy between the crowns. It may be anticipated that the present 
 projects will produce no other results. 
 
 As to the harbour of Villa Franca, which he wishes to induce the 
 English to frequent, I think that it will prove to be the most important 
 negotiation which he has in hand. He and others have done all in 
 their power with representations, court influence, and with hat in hand, 
 to make the merchants frequent those ports of Nice, Villa Franca, and 
 St. Ospizio, and to witness in those places the courtesy with which they 
 will be received. The Ambassador has not however been able to 
 persuade the principal merchants. He has found some on the west 
 coast who to please him have promised to send two or three small ships 
 laden with salt fish. At the same time nine large merchant vessels 
 with rich cargoes of merchandise will sail for Leghorn, of which three 
 will go on to Constantinople one of them having on board the Ambas- 
 sador Wich who goes to the Turkish Court to relieve the present 
 Ambassador Eae. 
 
 Monsieur de Soubise, who went with the Duke of Buckingham, has 
 returned to this country to the general regret, for he is not popular. 
 It is believed that it was he who suggested the expedition to Rochelle. 
 
 Sir Kenelm Digby, who has lived some time at Florence, is preparing 
 two or three armed ships to go to sea with letters of marque. They 
 say that he will pass the Streights of Gibraltar, and into the Medi- 
 terranean, to damage the rich trade between Marseilles and the Levant. 
 
 By order of the Privy Council, the privilege to transport woollen 
 cloth to Dunkirk, accorded to an English merchant who lives in Antwerp, 
 has been withdrawn ; the result of the clamour of other merchants who 
 had not the same licence, and of his refusal to take an oath offensive 
 to his conscience as a Roman Catholic. Unless His Majesty shows 
 more clemency in this case than the merchants the man may lose his 
 property and get, into great trouble at the same time. 
 
 London, 22nd December 1627. 
 Buckingham arrived at this Court on Saturday the 17th of this 
 month. He was met by friends, relatives, and almost all the gentlemen
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 1 '-Y-\ 
 
 of the Court, in carriages which amounted to seventy in number. The M.ss. of 
 
 King, who had written him a letter to assure him of his unaltered D 'eso RIXE ' 
 
 regard, invited him with friendly words to come to Court as usual, -~ 
 
 without apprehension of any kind, as His Majesty was well aware that 
 
 the Duke on his part had not failed to do everything that it was pos- 
 
 sible to do ; that if lie had not succeeded the fault was not his but rather 
 
 that of his officers, whilst the King also blamed himself for not having 
 
 sent the reinforcements which were necessary ; he even went so far as 
 
 to ask the Duke to forgive him. On the Duke's arrival at Court, the 
 
 King, to confirm all that he had written, received him publicly with 
 
 every demonstration of regard. 
 
 The Savoyard Ambassador went to meet the Duke eight miles from 
 London, and the Venetian visited him early on the following morning. 
 All the officers of His Majesty, the Members of the Privy Council, 
 and the greater part of the nobility, have acted in the same manner ; 
 many no doubt from a desire to please the King, and some from motives 
 of fear rather than from any other sentiment. 
 
 Every day the true nature of the retreat from the Isle of Rhe is 
 further disclosed. It took place with a great loss of men, both of 
 infantry and cavalry, of cannon, standards, and reputation. The loss 
 of forty-four colours, which remain as trophies in the hands of the 
 French is deeply mortifying. 
 
 In short the total loss has been very heavy, amounting to two thou- 
 sand, whilst four colonels and a great number of gentlemen remain 
 prisoners. 
 
 Notwithstanding that Buckingham is upheld by the King he never 
 has been more unpopular with the people, and an order has been issued 
 to preachers commanding them to refrain from speaking of him, and 
 of the retreat from Rhe, in their sermons. Another edict to the same 
 effect is expected, but the greater the number of prohibitions so much 
 the worse for his reputation as they only increase the hatred with which 
 the Duke is regarded ; the effect of which would soon be seen but for 
 ihe protection extended to him by the King. 
 
 Consultations take place as to what is best to be done ; the remnants 
 of the regiments of soldiers have been disembarked to be made up to 
 their full numbers, but the season is unfavourable and there is a want of 
 money and of leaders. The possibility of sending succour to the 
 Rochellese occupies the minds of all. Two deputies from Rochelle 
 have come over with the Duke to solicit aid, and there is every wish to 
 comply with their requests. 
 
 As to any prospects of accommodation, these are more remote than 
 ever, and when the Ambassador of Savoy has heard the sentiments of 
 Buckingham he will agree to them, whether they be for peace or war, 
 because he hopes to avail himself of his influence to insure the success 
 of his negotiations in the interests of the harbour of Villa Franca. He 
 has also spoken to the King who is desirous to satisfy him on that head. 
 
 The Venetian Ambassador tells me that Savoy urges the King to 
 issue his command to English merchants to trade at Villa Franca, and 
 that he hopes to obtain this order through Buckingham. Neither the 
 Ambassador nor I believe that such a step will be taken, so prejudicial 
 to other Princes who are friends of the Crown. If any such order is 
 issued, the Venetian is prepared to protest. The merchants in general arc- 
 wholly opposed to the scheme and would remain so in spite of any such 
 Royal order, which however I hope will never be issued. 1 am persuaded 
 that they never will consent to send their slips to Villa Franca. So
 
 Esq 
 
 134 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 mss of they assure me they will not incur risks in the sale of their merchandise 
 H ' D T:fo RIKE ' or hsten to the chimeras of any necessitous Prince. 
 
 I labour principally amongst the merchants on this subject although 
 I am not fortified by the authority of Hie Grand Duke, without which 
 I could not exert myself in higher quarters however desirable it might 
 be to do so. 
 
 The brief friendly correspondence which took place with the Arch- 
 duchess of Flanders on the subject of peace with Spain has entirely 
 ceased. 
 
 The Spaniards having seen the breach with France have declined 
 to treat, which causes much disappointment here as it was wished to 
 come to terms of peace with that power the better to conduct the war 
 with the other. 
 
 London, 11th December 1627. 
 
 Since the return of the Duke of Buckingham from the Isle of Bhe, 
 nothing has been so much thought of as the providing of reinforcements 
 of soldiers, and of victuals to be sent to Rochelle. Notwithstanding 
 the utmost diligence these cannot be ready in time to satisfy the earnest 
 wishes of this people, which considers the welfare of the Eochellese of 
 such importance to their cause. The two Rochellese Deputies who 
 came with the Duke of Buckingham also make earnest representations 
 that their countrymen are in great peril if they are not succoured 
 immediately. 
 
 The fragments of the army are dispersed in the western maritime 
 provinces and the fleet will be kept on the coast, under the command 
 of the Earl of Holland, to watch against the fifteen galleons which 
 have issued from the port of Dunkirk with the intention of joining I 
 do not know how many Spanish and French ships of war that are 
 intended to act against the United Kingdom, and particularly Ireland 
 where however they will meet with the most determined resistance. 
 
 With regard to any accommodation with these two Crowns there is 
 not a shadow of hope. It is true that the long stay of the Danish 
 Ambassador, and the negotiations which they carry on with the Duke, 
 lead many to think that matters are not in so desperate a state as they 
 appear to be, especially with France ; there being many who exert 
 themselves to bring about a peace with that country, for the sake of 
 their particular interests, who at the same time are indifferent as to the 
 conditions of affairs with Spain. 
 
 The Dutch have sent Ambassadors here, and to France, who unite 
 with those of Denmark, Venice, and others, to do their best to patch 
 up a peace. It so happens, however, that each of them is privately 
 desirous of appropriating the exclusive honours of the negotiations 
 which somewhat prejudices their public efforts. 
 
 The Ambassador of Savoy has his pretensions apart, and the Duke 
 of Buckingham siding with him would give him special advantages 
 were it not for the prejudice thereby caused in France which excludes 
 him from the office of intermediary. In short, all depends upon finding 
 a practical solution, which at the present time has become more than 
 ever embarassing on both sides. 
 
 There was a sanguine hope that peace would be made with Spain, 
 and negotiations were in progress at Brussels when the breach with 
 France, so much to the advantage of the Spaniards, took place. At the 
 same time the success of the Emperor still farther contributed to banish 
 any prospect of peace, for under the circumstances the Spaniards would 
 listen to no proposals. No mediator has been found who could influence
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 135 
 
 them favourably ; but rather fomenters of the existing disputes. Thus ^ s |- °* 
 any treaty of peace is rendered very difficult of attainment. ' Esq. 
 
 The Chevalier Petrovich embarked this week for Leghorn, on his way 
 bo Constantinople as Ambassador in Ordinary, his instructions being to 
 make representations in favour of Germany. 
 
 It has been finally determined to send the Earl of Carlisle, a Scottish 
 noble, as Ambassador Extraordinary to Lorraine and Savoy; and, as I have 
 already remarked. His Excellency cannot do less than visit Brussels, 
 being provided with a passport by Her Serene Highness the Arch- 
 duchess. In that case he may again take the opportunity of attempting 
 to open friendly relations ; if not, he may learn what are the prevailing 
 opinions, so as to regulate his proceedings in Lorraine and Savoy. In 
 my opinion such a visit of a public official to the court of an enemy 
 must affect his subsequent journey and proceedings. 
 
 Again the King has been greatly pressed by the Ambassador of 
 <y to order his subjects to visit the port of Villa Franca with their 
 galleons and other merchant ships. His Majesty referred the question 
 to the consideration of His Privy Council, which, having heard the state- 
 ments and arguments of the Ambassadors, the privileges offered in the 
 harbour, the advantages to trade, and also His Majesty's wish to gratify 
 Savoy, conferred with the principal merchants who opposed the proposal, 
 observing that Villa Franca was out of the way, was also without 
 c-tablished merchants, without capital, and in the territory of a neces- 
 sitous Prince with whom they were not disposed to treat. That 
 during the troubles of a time of war, the only port open to them had 
 been Leghorn, where they had experienced excellent treatment from the 
 Grand Duke of Tuscany and his subjects, and that they could not and 
 would not think of abandoning that post for any other in Italy. Should 
 His Majesty issue such orders to them as were suggested they would 
 break up the corporation of Levant trades called the " Turkey 
 Company. - ' 
 
 If the merchants remain linn the Savoyard Ambassador will be sent 
 home again, with the small gratification of having succeeded in obtaining 
 a promise that two ships, partially laden with salt Hsh and ballasted with 
 sand, will proceed to Villa Franca; this favour having been obtained 
 after taking much trouble. 
 
 The Abbe Scaglia wishes to remain at this Court as Ambassador in 
 < )i*li nary for Savoy,but,on the arrival of two Ambassadors Extraordinary 
 from Holland who will endeavour to persuade the government to make 
 peace with France should they have some measure of success he will 
 probably be required to leave to prevent him from embroiling the 
 negotiations. 
 
 London, 28th December 1627. 
 The City of London has finally decided to hand the King four hun- 
 dred and fifty thousand crowns, on condition of being credited by His 
 Majesty with seven hundred and fifty thousand, secured upon landed 
 estates of the crown which the citizen^ may hold or sell as they think 
 best. The money thus raised is to be used for payment of arrears to 
 the army and navy as well as for preparing another expedition in spring. 
 At the same time the Royal Galleons and other ships of war, which 
 have suffered in the expedition to the Isle of Rhe, will be repaired and 
 got ready for sea. Seven ships, including two Galleons, were totally 
 lost during a tempest. A squadron will lie maintained under the 
 command of the Earl of Denbigh, brother-in-law of the Duke of 
 Buckingham, who takes the place of the Earl of Holland who last week 
 returned to court.
 
 136 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 Mss. of His Most Christian Majesty has sent in charge of a gentleman of his 
 
 D 'esq RINE ' Court,* as a gift to the Queen his sister, Lord Mountjoy and other 
 — English prisoners taken in the Isle of Rhe. Lord Mountjoy was in 
 
 command of the cavalry during the expedition, and was treated, as 
 well as the other prisoners, with great distinction and kindness by the 
 French. His Lordship was presented to Her Majesty with a list of the 
 other prisoners given up, who eithor had not arrived or were not of a 
 station to be presented at Court. The French gentleman is lodged and 
 his expenses are paid by Lord Mountjoy, at the express desire of the 
 Court, in acknowledgment of the honours conferred on the English 
 prisoners in France. It appears to me that advantage will be taken of 
 this circumstance to obtain some good fruit from it, whilst, in a similar 
 spirit of courtesy, eight French gentlemen, who were taken prisoners in 
 the Isle of Rhe, have been set free equally without conditions. They 
 also have been treated with the greatest consideration, have been enter- 
 tained at a banquet given by the Countess of Denbigh, first Lady of 
 Honour to the Queen, and have been presented to both their Majesties. 
 Care has been taken that the same ceremonies should be observed in 
 every respect as in the case of Lord Mountjoy, and they will be sent to 
 His Most Christian Majesty in the charge of Monsieur Dalbier, a 
 German follower of the Count de Mansfeldt. The embassy of the Earl 
 of Carlisle to Lorraine and Savoy, if not entirely given up, is suspended 
 in consequence of the capture by French troopers of Mr. Montagu in 
 Lorraine, when his papers were taken from him and he was conveyed to 
 Paris. An unfortunate event calculated to neutralize the good effects of 
 the exchange of prisoners. It is hoped that His Highness of Lorraine 
 will make every effort to obtain the liberation of Mr. Montagu. 
 
 We hear that the Dunkirkers lost four ships of war, and that the 
 Dutch also have lost four ships, in the late gale which is described as 
 having been of so terrible a nature. 
 
 The two Danish Ambassadors having finally received their presents, and 
 a gift of four thousand crowns for expenses, resolved to depart on Saturday 
 last and to go to France. 
 
 London, 18th January 1628. 
 
 The Citizens of London are now paying the sum of four hundred and 
 fifty thousand crowns, according to the agreement lately made under the 
 conditions which I have described. Soldiers and sailors are being satisfied 
 by the discharge of their arrears of pay ; ammunition and food are 
 collected to be sent to Rochelle, although by no means so expeditiously 
 as the Rochellese agents desire. The preparation of a new expedition 
 occupies the general attention, and the means of paying the cost are 
 under His Majesty's consideration, the methods suggested requiring 
 much thought as certain to be unsatisfactory to the people. 
 
 Last week the French envoy who brought over Lord Mountjoy and 
 the other English prisoners returned to France after being honourably 
 treated at Court. The Queen presented him with a valuable diamond 
 in token of her satisfaction. 
 
 The small number of French prisoners taken in the Isle of Rhe, who 
 are to be sent to France, have been entertained by the Duke of Buck- 
 ingham. Such courtesies show an improved temper on both sides, and 
 but for the burning question of Rochelle might lead to amendment in 
 the relations of the two countries ; but on this unhappy topic both are 
 
 * Monsieur de Meaux, a gentleman ic the service of the Cardinal de KioheJieu,
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 137 
 
 equally resolute, the one to subjugate the other to uphold the Kochellese. M8|. of 
 To this insoluble dispute is to be added another of equal difficulty arising ' ' E s Q- 
 
 from the existing navigation laws. The French insist upon a free ocean, 
 
 and the right of traffic with Spain, without, visits to their ships, and 
 search of their cargoes, made by the English. These visits have been a 
 leading cause of the existing rupture. 
 
 The French never will submit to this right, or to the class of searchers 
 who are in most cases guided by private ends rather than by considera- 
 tions of public interest, and who, under the pretence of finding Spanish 
 merchandise in French ships compel them to come to this country to be 
 tried in the English courts. Such disputes are very hard to settle. 
 
 The arrival of the Dutch Ambassadors Extraordinary by the first 
 favourable wind is looked for. They have been sent by the States in 
 the interests of peace as well as to treat of affairs on their own account. 
 I believe that their representations will be respectfully listened to, but 
 the Rochellese quarrel bars the way ; and, so long as that is the case, 
 neither these Ambassadors nor anyone else can succeed. The other 
 questions of reprisals and restitution of prizes are apparently in so hope- 
 less a condition that the Ambassadors might as well have stayed at 
 home. 
 
 The Danish Ambassadors who were lately here have now gone 
 to France to do what they can to promote peace. The Venetian also 
 works in the same direction and has made offer of the conditional good 
 offices of his government. The Republic is ever unwilling to interfere 
 without some certainty of success. 
 
 The Embassy of the Earl of Carlisle to Lorraine and Savoy is 
 definitively postponed for reasons which I have already described. 
 
 An important change in diplomatic relations has occurred here. The 
 Abbe Scaglia does not go to Court so frequently as has been his custom, 
 the cause being the displeasure of the Duke of Buckingham for the fol- 
 lowing reasons. Close to the Ambassador's house is that of the Vis- 
 countess Purbeck, wife of a brother cf the Duke who is of unsound mind 
 and who consequently does not live with her. This Lady having been 
 accused of infidelity was condemned, in conformity with the laws of this 
 country, to do penance, by standing in church, during the time of service 
 in the presence of the congregation, clad in a white sheet with a white rod 
 in her hand. The officers of justice went to her house to take her to the 
 place fixed upon for the execution of her sentence, but they did not find 
 her as she had escaped with the connivance, it is said, of the Ambassador 
 of Savoy. Now, as this affair was regarded with particular interest by 
 the Duke from his desire that the lady should be punished for the wrong 
 which she had done to his brother, and the shame which she had brought 
 on his whole house, he took it very ill that by the help of the Ambassador 
 she had escaped doing penance. 
 
 The Ambassador on the other hand justifies himself, and says that he 
 was incommoded by a mob of four or five thousand persons who blocked 
 up the street in front of his house preventing all ingress and egress. 
 Some of his gentlemen, therefore, dressed his page as a woman covering 
 his face with a mask. The mob and the officers of justice followed the 
 carriage, and the street was cleared. Lady Purbeck took the opportunity 
 of escaping, but he had nothing to do with that. The Duke by no means 
 accepts of this explanation as canonical; and, whether it was done with or 
 without the knowledge of the Ambassador, he is greatly displeased, which 
 has been shown by his refusing to accept a new year gift from the Abbe 
 of two pictures. 
 
 This joke perpetrated by the gentlemen of the Embassy has impaired 
 the confidence and intimacy which before existed between the Ambas-
 
 138 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 MSS. of sador and the Duke of Buckingham and his family, and no doubt 
 EsQ RITrE ' nas prejudiced the Ambassador's iuterests. He has changed his resi- 
 — deuce and no longer visits the Court as he formerly did, staying from 
 
 after dinner till midnight, but remains at home profoundly mortified. 
 This is by no means displeasing to the Courtiers, who were rather 
 tired of him and of his ways. The King has liberated from prison and 
 sequestration all those gentlemen who last year refused to pay their 
 shares of the loans on the subsidies. This great act of grace has so 
 gratified the people, and so smoothed their • temper, that it is thought 
 that if a Parliament was summoned there would be a favourable dis- 
 position to grant His Majesty the supplies which he is so much in 
 need of. 
 
 The Ambassador of Venice also meets with mortifications, like others ; 
 two of his parcels of letters have lately been intercepted in passing to 
 and from Calais. His Excellency has made a great outcry, but hitherto 
 has received no satisfaction beyond a promise of the restoration of the 
 letters. 
 
 The French surgeon in attendance on Her Majesty has been con- 
 signed to a secret prison, for having sent letters to France containing 
 information of proceedings at this Court, and in particular statements 
 adverse to the Duke. 
 
 London, 31st January 1628. 
 The City of London has paid, up to the present date, one half of the 
 money which it agreed to give to the Court, and it will pay the balance 
 when the Crown estates are finally made over in security for the money 
 advanced. 
 
 It is intended to send as soon as possible a force of five hundred 
 infantry to Rochelle with ammunition and provisions. The safety of 
 that place is an object of heartfelt interest to this people, to be maintained 
 in the first place as having been the object of a solemn compact, and in 
 the second as part of the ancient policy of this kingdom, which, if 
 steadily adhered to, will always prove a sharp thorn in the side of 
 France. The French, conscious of this, will not accept of any proposals 
 for peace, although made by friends, so long as the question of Rochelle 
 remains in its present state ; therefore there can be no hope of peace 
 between the two nations, especially if it be true, as has been said, that 
 the Ambassadors Extraordinary who were to come from Holland to 
 intervene in favour of peace have returned to the Hague because His 
 Most Christian Majesty would not tolerate their visit to this country, 
 with any such object, unless the States would in the first place ratify a 
 Treaty with France which His Majesty insists upon. 
 
 The French prisoners were sent to France on Saturday last only, and 
 not with Monsieur Dalbier, as had been arranged, but with a secretary 
 to the Earl of Holland who in His Majesty's name is to present them to 
 the Queen Mother. The French, who desired to have a more distinguished 
 person, or one equal in rank to the gentleman whom their King sent 
 with the English prisoners, are offended. In every other respect they 
 have been treated with especial courtesy. 
 
 The Abbe Scaglia has effected so much, through the good offices of 
 the Earl of Carlisle, thai finally he has succeeded in placing himself on 
 a better footing with the Duke of Buckingham and his family ; obviously, 
 however, with some loss to his private interests, for he can hardly hope 
 to recover entirely his former position of confidential intimacy.
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 139 
 
 The Venetian Ambassador received bis two missing packets of letters mss. of 
 from Court on Saturday, after a detention of a fortnight, tlie packets D 'esq? 1NE ' 
 having been opened and scaled up again. His Excellency has made — 
 
 vehement complaints, and His Majesty, in offering an explanation, said 
 that the opening of the letters had not proceeded from any doubt of tho 
 Ambassador personally, but that it had been done to remove a sus- 
 picion that the packets contained letters from the French residents 
 here and from other malcontents. This mode of procedure had been 
 adopted in the hope that it would be excused by such a friend, and His 
 Majesty begged him to pardon the zeal of his Ministers, for having done 
 that which they considered of so much importance to his service. At 
 the same time the King offered whatever satisfaction might be esteemed 
 necessary, which His Excellency believes to mean a public condemnation 
 of the servant of the Governor of Dover who first laid hands on 
 the letters and opened them and then sent them open to the Duke of 
 Buckingham. 
 
 The Ambassador replied that he would communicate with his 
 Republic, and would state the facts as favourably as possible, and the 
 explanation being received he thought that there would be no objection 
 to accept the reparation offered. 
 
 As has been foreseen the Hamburghers are becoming more and more 
 imperialist and consequently the Privy Council has given notice to 
 merchants, subjects of this Crown, to abstain from sending woollen 
 cloths to that city, and to withdraw as soon as possible whatever goods 
 and effects they may have there. The business of these merchants there- 
 fore diminishes daily, to such an extent that divers of them have retired 
 from the trade. 
 
 London, 6th March 1628. 
 
 I have already mentioned the resolution taken to summon Parliament 
 for the 27th of this month, to enable His Majesty to bring his require- 
 ments before it, and at the same time to demand supplies. The meeting, 
 however, has been delayed till the 8th of May, to give the King the 
 opportunity of making another effort to obtain money from his people, 
 and he has sent Royal Letters to all the provinces of the Kingdom to 
 collect the amount of three subsidies or about eight hundred thousand 
 crowns. At the same time he has issued to nobles, warrants, which 
 are here called Privy Seals, for one hundred thousand crowns. 
 
 I am able to assert that His Majesty has failed in both cases, having 
 encountered the repugnance and decided opposition of the people, so 
 he is made aware that by such means he never can attain his object ; 
 consequently he has reverted to his first idea of assembling Parliament 
 on the 27th of this mouth and has recalled his letters and Privy seals by 
 proclamation. 
 
 As it now appears that there will be no further change, and that 
 Parliament will meet, the usual tumults are taking place in the 
 provinces on the election of Members, with every appearance of the 
 success of the Puritanical party, which will be in the ascendant, 
 predominating over that of the Established Church; whilst some of those 
 who last year refused to advance money on loan, and were consequently 
 imprisoned, are now opposed to government and take a lead in the 
 opposite faction. 
 
 The return of these persons as Members will harden the determination 
 of His Majesty, whilst they will scarcely attain their objects. The 
 people are in suspense, and feel but little hope of fortunate results from 
 this meeting of Parliament, ior although the unpopularity of the Duke 
 of Buckingham is undiminished still his influence is feared.
 
 140 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 H u^Skbine Monsieur Dalbier has been sent into Germany to raise twelve hundred 
 Esq. ' cavalry and to bring them over to this country, which with the distribu- 
 tion of other troops in this neighbourhood is regarded by the people with 
 great dissatisfaction as they are wholly unaccustomed to garrisons. 
 Certainly Parliament will be unable to tolerate their presence. 
 
 The sailors of the fleet which was at the Isle of Rhe have risen in 
 mutiny, demanding their arrears of pay in an insolent manner ; they 
 assembled in front of the house of the Duke of Buckingham with the 
 intention of committing some outrage, and were driven away sword in 
 hand. Some days after they were paid a considerable portion of their 
 wages, with the money provided by the City, and were sent to their ships. 
 The Earl of Denbigh, brother-in-law of the Duke, has not yet left the 
 harbour of Plymouth with the supplies which are to be sent to Rochelle, 
 because, so it is said, he did not find them ready, nor the ships of war 
 which ought to accompany them repaired, nor anything provided. It is 
 hoped however that all will soon be done, although it is feared that no 
 success will be attained if it is true that the French have closed the 
 mouth of the harbour by sinking twenty-seven large ships. 
 
 Two Ambassadors from Holland have arrived, but, because in their 
 official entrance into the City they were not provided with royal 
 carriages which is invariably the case on similar occasions, they have 
 expressed so much dissatisfaction that they have been conducted beyond 
 the bounds of the City, and Royal carriages being provided they entered 
 in state and were duly received in audience next day. In a private 
 interview with His Majesty, they expressed to him the strong and 
 friendly desire of the States to assist in promoting peace and healing the 
 differences between this Crown and His Most Christian Majesty, which 
 would be so much for the benefit not only of those States but also of 
 Denmark and the common cause of religion. They besought His 
 Majesty to give his earnest attention to the subject and to grant them 
 his effectual assistance in opening negotiations, and with this object to 
 name Commissioners with whom they might treat on this important 
 subject. His Majesty was far from averse to their proposals, provided 
 that everything is done with due consideration for his honour, and 
 immediately named twelve of the Members of the Privy Council to 
 negotiate with the Ambassadors. Thus they have made a beginning of 
 their work, and the others who went from this to France have begun 
 theirs. There is, however, every appearance of its being a long and 
 difficult negotiation, at all events so long as Rochelle resists her King. 
 
 The Dutch Ambassadors have not yet united themselves in friendly 
 co-operation with the Venetian, for he insists on the formality of a first 
 visit from Ambassadors who do not represent a crowned head. His 
 Excellency has not yet received the satisfaction which he demands on 
 account of the seizure and opening of his packet of letters. The man 
 who is accused, and who is in prison, the Ambassador knows to be 
 entirely innocent, which he is desirous should be made known to the 
 King ; but as explanations would implicate persons in high quarters 
 neither he nor any one else will enter into them. He is entirely satisfied 
 that His Majesty had nothing to do with the transaction, and equally 
 that hi", entertained no suspicion of him personally or doubt of his 
 integrity. His Majesty has made him a special grant of a Royal pass- 
 port, assuring the free transport of his despatches to France, which 
 passport, although at first delayed by the Ministers whose duty it was to 
 prepare it and who have been cold and unfriendly, has been delivered 
 to him at last upon his expostulation, witli the condition, however, that 
 under no circumstances is he to inclose any letters but his own — now he
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 141 
 
 may safely forward his despatches every week, whilst others in these h. D. skeink, 
 troubled times must wait for opportunities. There is such uncertainty Esq . 
 
 both in despatching and receiving letters that there is universal disorder 
 and the interests of trade suffer in an especial manner. 
 
 The Venetian Ambassador has sent a written statement to the Privy 
 Council relating the facts of the retention of his packet, His Majesty 
 having referred him to it for satisfaction. He has not named the 
 persons whom he is inwardly persuaded are the culprits, nor does he 
 demand any special form of satisfaction or degree of punishment of the 
 offenders ; but he points out that, in other States, any one who violates 
 the correspondence of a private person is punished by the loss of his 
 right hand, and that any one who opens the letters of a Prince may 
 suffer death. Making no suggestion he leaves it to the Privy Council 
 to decide what should be done. The Privy Council is taking time to 
 make its reply, and we must wait to see what means it will take to 
 satisfy the Ambassador and to screen the offenders. 
 
 The nephew of Bethlen-Gabor has been presented to the King by 
 the Duke of Buckingham, and after kissing hands presented a letter 
 from his uncle. The Dutch Ambassadors have made a demand for six 
 thousand English troops, with their wages paid, to enable them, as they 
 explain, to resist the Imperial forces which are approaching the frontiers 
 of eastern Friesland. I am afraid that, in the present necessitous state 
 of affairs, their wishes cannot be complied with unless Parliament 
 should open the national purse. 
 
 The meeting of Parliament holds good for the 27th, no change having 
 been made. All the Members are now elected; and although, the greater 
 number are Puritans, still it is hoped that considering existing necessities, 
 both internal and external, they may be disposed to grant His Majesty 
 a considerable sum of money. 
 
 The Duke of Buckingham went two days ago to Plymouth to hasten 
 the Earl of Denbigh and the supplies which are to proceed to Rochelle, 
 but it is feared that they will not be able to reach it, if, as 1 have already 
 stated, the French have closed the mouth of the harbour. 
 
 The Dutch Ambassadors frequently meet the Commissioners to 
 arrange as to terms of peace between the two Crowns, and they find on 
 this side very favourable inclinations ; but, till such time as we hear what 
 has been done by their colleagues in France, no judgment can be formed 
 of the success of the negotiations which, as I have repeatedly said, will 
 be long and difficult with the question of Rochelle in its present 
 position. 
 
 His Majesty has again resolved to send the Earl of Carlisle to Lor- 
 raine and Savoy to proceed afterwards to Venice. The motive for this 
 mission I believe to be a desire to make a return for the visits of Am- 
 bassadors rather than any special purpose cr object, and to make a 
 friendly demonstration at a time of such universal discord. 
 
 On Sunday last Monseigneur de Saint Michele, a Frenchman, arrived 
 in this city, sent by the Princess of Piedmont, with a beautiful present 
 for the Queen from her sister, consisting of a cabinet chiefly of rock 
 crystal full of nicknacks, with some pieces of cloth of gold and silver, 
 and vases containing jessamine water, the whole said to be of the value 
 of twenty thousand crowns. It is greatly prized by Her Majesty, and 
 will be used for the adornment of her study or boudoir. 
 
 The Privy Council has not yet given any reply to the written state- 
 ment of the Venetian Ambassador. I believe that, for reasons which I 
 have already explained, His Excellency will remain here, although he 
 may not receive any farther explanation.
 
 142 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 mss. of London, 25th March 1628. 
 
 ' Esof INE ' There is little news to forward this week from this Court. Parlia- 
 — ment will meet in two days, and as the Puritanical party will be in a 
 
 majority in the House of Commons, which represents the constituencies, 
 it is feared that the new assembly, beginning where the last left off, will 
 resume the old complaints against the Duke of Buckingham, and in that 
 case, will come to an abrupt end ; for it is impossible to believe that the 
 King, to gratify the people, will in any way give him up, hence it is 
 easy to foresee that so long as Parliament obstinately refuses supplies, 
 unless its grievances are first attended to, it will in that case be very 
 soon dismissed and recourse will again be had to the royal prerogative 
 to raise money. 
 
 The Duke of Buckingham is expected this evening from Plymouth, 
 where he has put matters in order for the departure of the succours to 
 Ptochelle, and he has returned to make arrangements, in his quality as 
 Master of the Horse, for the Royal Procession when the King opens 
 Parliament. 
 
 It is believed that notwithstanding this journey, and the pains which 
 have been taken by the Duke, the expedition will not be ready to sail 
 in less than a fortnight, to the great mortification of the Deputies from 
 Rochelle who are full of impatience for its departure fearing that it 
 may arrive too late to enter the harbour. 
 
 The negotiations of the Dutch Ambassadors make no progress owing 
 to the state of the question regarding Bochelle. 
 
 A gentleman sent by the Duke of Lorraine has just arrived at this 
 Court. Without being able at present to penetrate the motives for this 
 mission, it is generally thought that in all probability it has reference 
 to the arrest of Mr. Montagu, by French troops on Lorrenese ground, 
 when he was on his return from the Court of the Duke of Savoy. The 
 gentleman is provided for in the Palace of His Majesty, to the great 
 admiration of all on account of this most unusual circumstance. 
 
 The Earl of Carlisle is preparing to leave on his embassy to Lorraine, 
 Savoy, and Venice, and has received thirty thousand crowns to meet his 
 expenses. It is said that he will go in a fortnight at latest, taking the 
 road by Flanders, with a passport granted by Her Serene Highness the 
 Infanta, which she has been pleased to give him as Earl of Carlisle, but 
 not as Ambassador, so as not to awaken the jealousy of the French. 
 
 The negotiations of the Venetian Ambassador regarding the opening 
 of his despatches are not yet completed ; he has not yet received any 
 reply or offer of satisfaction from the Privy Council. He is waiting to 
 hear from his own Government on the subject, after which he may re- 
 sume his pressing representations so as to come out of the question with 
 credit. 
 
 His Majesty has this week created three Earls and three Barons, all 
 warm partizans of the Duke of Buckingham and all of whom have given 
 large sums for the honour. One of the Barons is a Catholic, the others 
 are Protestants. 
 
 Five Priests and two Benedictine Fathers have been taken in the 
 house of a Catholic gentleman and have been imprisoned. If this 
 Parliament lasts it will doubtless after the usual fashion fall foul of 
 the unfortunate Catholics. 
 
 London, 3d April 1628. 
 Parliament was opened on the 27th of last month. In his speech on 
 the occasion His Majesty stated to the Members that he had called them 
 together to ask them for money to meet his present necessities, which as
 
 HISTOKICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 143 
 
 they themselves well knew were great in various respects, therefore he mss. of 
 exhorted them to supply him speedily and in such a manner that he H " D 'E S 3 Q RIifE ' 
 might not only be prepared to meet his enemies, but also to assist his — 
 
 friends and particularly the King of Denmark. He wished frankly to 
 inform them that, although by that authority which G-od had placed in 
 his hands he might have obtained money from his subjects by other 
 means, he had not insisted on doing so, from a desire to gratify his 
 people and because he was willing to try once more the way of Parlia- 
 ment which they so greatly preferred and were attached to. He was 
 resolved, however, on his part to adopt other means if they did not 
 supply the requisite amount without delay. He concluded by observing 
 that he did not express himself in this way from a desire to threaten ; he 
 offered no threats except to his equals ; he wished them to know his 
 intentions, and to behave like good subjects, so that he might act in 
 conformity and forget the offence given him by the last Parliament. 
 
 The King having concluded these few words made a sign to the 
 Keeper of the Great Seal to continue the address. He did so by 
 dwelling upon the necessity which His Majesty lay under for supplies. 
 He describes the sales which had been made of Royal estates, of jewels, 
 and of plate belonging to the Crown, sacrificed solely to maintain the 
 honour and reputation of this kingdom, and to give assistance to His 
 Majesty's allies in Germany, as well as to promote the cause of the 
 Palatinate, in which undertakings he had been involved by Parliament, 
 which, in the time of his father, King James of happy memory, had given 
 such assurance of support that he had consequently entered into war 
 with ardour and had formed the requisite alliances. He recommended 
 1 he Members to cast passions aside and to supply His Majesty with a 
 liberal grant, that he might, as promptly as possible seeing that the 
 limes required it, give aid to the King of Denmark and his other allies in 
 Germany against the ambitious House of Austria, as well as defend 
 himself from his enemies who by their great preparations were becoming 
 very formidable. 
 
 Up to the present time the Members of Parliament have done nothing 
 but verify the elections, and take the necessary steps to assert their 
 privileges and immunities which in their opinion have been tampered 
 with and almost broken down ; considerations which touch them to the 
 very quick and are felt to be of the greatest importance. Parliament is 
 resolved, is in fact obstinately bent, upon a settlement of the questions 
 involved before proceeding farther with business. It is hoped that His 
 Majesty will not refuse to satisfy the Commons, at all events in such 
 cases as by no means touch the Royal Prerogative. 
 
 If matters can be arranged without dispute, the grant of supplies will 
 quickly follow, possibly without any renewal of the questions hostile to 
 the Duke of Buckingham. The new Parliament, like its predecessors, 
 already shows a disposition to pass new repressive laws against the 
 unhappy Catholics, for a proposal has already been made to take their 
 children from them and to bring them up as Protestants at the public 
 expense. 
 
 The Earl of Bristol, who on account of his transactions in connexion 
 Avith the proposed Spanish marriage has been for some time in prison 
 and in great trouble, has now been granted his privileges as a Peer of 
 the Realm and will take his place in Parliament; so will the Earl 
 Marsha], the Archbishop of Canterbury, and other nobles. Whence it 
 may be hoped that there will be a change for the better, and that harmony 
 being restored between the King and his people all may now be well. 
 
 Four small ships laden with wheat and other provisions have been 
 sent to Rochelle with orders to enter the harbour, if they can do so ; but,
 
 144 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 mss. ov jf t } iey can not, to wait at sea for the arrival of the Earl of Denbigh with 
 H. D. Serine, , J „ , ' ,., Ll , . j- * l 
 
 Esq. the rest of the succours which are to be sent immediately. 
 
 — The negotiations of the Dutch Ambassadors do not make progress, as 
 
 I said in my last. The Envoy of the Duke of Lorraine after communi- 
 cating to the King the promise of His Most Christian Majesty to give 
 up Mr. Montagu departed with a very handsome present. 
 
 The gentleman who accompanied the French prisoners to the Court 
 of France has come back with a beautiful gift from the Queen Mother, 
 and was greatly pleased with his reception. This may be regarded as 
 a sign of some softening of the relations between the two countries, and 
 holds out some hope of the possibility of an accommodation between 
 them. 
 
 The Earl of Carlisle ought to leave soon, but it is believed that he is 
 waiting to see what turn Pailiamentary affairs will take. 
 
 The Venetian Ambassador has received instructions from his Republic 
 this week by express courier. He is to absent himself from Court, and 
 from all intercourse with the Ministry, till he has received satisfaction 
 for the opening of his despatches. The Venetian government reserves 
 a right to judge of the nature and amount of the reparation which ma) 
 be offered, before it is accepted by the Ambassador. By the same 
 courier His Majesty received letters from his Ambassador at Venice 
 informing him of the state of feeling in the Venetian Senate, and des- 
 cribing the orders sent to the Venetian Ambassador. His Majesty 
 immediately sent three members of the Privy Council to assure the 
 Ambassador once more of his regard for the Republic and for his 
 person, and to apologise for an act for which he was prepared to give 
 every satisfaction in his power, offering at the same time to keep the 
 person who had opened the packet in prison as long as the Republic 
 chose; and His Majesty also requested the Ambassador to convey the 
 assui*ance of his desire to make reparation, and to be forgiven for an act 
 not done with any evil intention. 
 
 As to the Ambassador's visit to Court, for his greater honour His 
 Majesty would send a Member of his Privy Council and one of his 
 carriages for him to bring him to the Royal presence, when he would 
 repeat in person the message which had sent to His Excellency. The 
 Ambassador replied that he would convey His Majesty's message to the 
 Venetian Republic by the express courier who had just arrived. 
 
 The two Dutch Ambassadors Extraordinary and the Venetian have 
 at last exchanged visits. It was managed in this way, the Dutch resident 
 Ambassadors asked all three to dinner. It was understood that this was 
 to be equivalent to a visit. The Dutch Ambassadors then visited the 
 Venetian next day and his Excellency returned their visit. With Savoy 
 he remains on the same terms as heretofore. 
 
 London, 15th April 1628. 
 As yet Parliament has done nothing except petition His Majesty lo 
 put in force all the penal laws enacted by previous Parliaments against 
 the Catholics. His Majesty has replied that, approving generally of the 
 object of the petition, he would take into consideration the best means 
 of satisfying the Members in reference to its details, and would commu- 
 nicate his resolution in due time. His Majesty reminded them that they 
 ought to take into their immediate consideration the supplies which he 
 needed for objects the nature of which was stated in a paper prepared 
 by one of his Secretaries of State and brought before them in his name, 
 lor the season was advancing and it was necessary to place him in a 
 position to provide for the defence of the three kingdoms and to assist 
 his allies.
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 145 
 
 The proposals seem to Parliament extravagant and almost impossible „ ^ s |- 0F 
 of realisation, involving as they do the expenditure of millions of Esq. 
 
 ducats. Nevertheless, when they have been carefully considered, if the 
 House may at the same time state its views clearly of the nature of its 
 privileges and immunities, which are inconsistent with His Majesty's 
 assertion of his rights to raise money from his subjects without the 
 intervention of Parliament and also to imprison those who refuse to pay, 
 then they might be disposed to grant a considerable amount of supplies 
 without reviving the charges against the Duke of Buckingham. These 
 questions are of such importance, and the settlement is pressed with so 
 much earnestness, that I hardly see how this is to be done without a 
 struggle of some duration. Both Houses of Parliament are to observe a 
 religious Fast, a ceremony consisting in staying in church all day, 
 listening to prayers and sermons, followed on the second day by their 
 communion. All the inhabitants of this city join in the observance, and 
 the whole nation is ordered by Royal Proclamation to hold the Fast, when 
 they will pray for the maintenance of the Church and faith, for the 
 preservations of the three kingdoms and their allies, and finally for 
 divine assistance to vanquish their enemies. 
 
 The Venetian Ambassador has sent off the express courier to Venice 
 with a statement of the proposals made by His Majesty, and till he 
 receives a reply from the Republic he will not present himself at Court. 
 
 The expedition destined for Rochelle remains at Plymouth to the 
 surprise of every one. 
 
 Postcript of the 17th April 1628. 
 
 The House of Commons having received a message from His Majesty 
 recognising its immunities and privileges, has to day declared its willing- 
 ness to vote the amount of five subsidies, equal to the sum of one million 
 five hundred thousand crowns. The Act is not yet passed, nor is the 
 time of payment fixed, but this should be done without delay as at the 
 present moment there is no disagreement between the King and Parlia- 
 ment. 
 
 The following are the statements which were made in the House of 
 Commons on the 5th of April last by Sir John Coke, Secretary of State 
 and Member of the Privy Council, on the subject of granting supplies to 
 His Majesty. 
 
 First, for raising ten thousand infantry, and for providing them with 
 arms, clothing, and yearly maintenance. These troops may also serve 
 abroad. 
 
 Secondly, for one thousand cavalry, and for their yearly mainten- 
 ance. 
 
 Thirdly, for raising six thousand infantry, and for their arms, clothing, 
 and maintenance in the service of the King of Denmark. 
 
 Fourthly, for providing thirty galleons armed and provisioned for the 
 defence of the seas and coasts of the United Kingdom. 
 
 Fifthly, for providing ten galleons in the same manner, to be sent to 
 the Baltic. 
 
 Sixthly, for ten galleons for the defence of Rochelle. 
 
 Seventhly, for building twenty galleons yearly for three years and for 
 providing everything necessary for them. 
 
 Eighthly, to pay the arrears due to soldiers and mariners, and to 
 supply the office with funds for providing ammunition, artillery, provi- 
 sions and other requisites. 
 
 U 23533. K
 
 14 G HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 Mss. of London, 28th April 1G28. 
 
 H# D 'esq RINE ' ^* s Majesty has been pleased to give a detailed and favourable reply 
 — to the petition of Parliament against the Catholics, and already the effects 
 
 are seen of the rigorous enforcement of the laws against them.- 
 
 The five subsidies to be given to His Majesty are not yet voted. The 
 House is so eagerly occupied with the question of its privileges, which, 
 as I explained in my last, negative the prerogatives of the King to levy 
 taxes without the consent of Parliament and to imprison those who 
 refuse to pay such taxes. These are questions which are surrounded 
 by difficulties, but which it is to be hoped may be solved to the satisfac- 
 tion of all who are interested in them. In the event of a favourable 
 settlement the Commons will at once proceed to vote the supplies and to 
 fix the time for the payment of the money which His Majesty has so 
 much need of. 
 
 The Earl of Carlisle leaves to-day on his embassy. Pie intends to pass 
 through Flanders but some drink that he will not visit Brussels, others 
 that if he does so it will be with no views to negotiations unless the 
 Spanish Ministers give him an opening. 
 
 It is now generally asserted that the fleet with the supplies for 
 Eochelle sailed three days ago from Plymouth. Many disbelieve the 
 report. 
 
 Parliament, being of opinion that the quartering of troops in various 
 parts of the country is unusual and illegal, and that, on account of the 
 expense as well as of the insolence of the soldiery to the inhabitants, it 
 is desirable to free the provinces from this grievance, has therefore 
 petitioned His Majesty to remove them. A favourable answer has been 
 received and His Majesty will consider how he can accomplish the object 
 of the petition. 
 
 Mr. Montagu, who was made a prisoner in Lorraine by French troops, 
 has been set at liberty, by the influence of Her Majesty the Queen, and 
 has arrived at Court. 
 
 The commencement of a war in Moutferrat gives the people here some 
 hope that the attention of the French will be withdrawn from 
 Rochelle. 
 
 Petition of Parliament against the Catholics. 
 
 Presented to the King on the 10th of April 1628. 
 
 We Your Majesty's most faithful and obedient subjects, the Lords 
 Spiritual and Temporal with the Commons of the Kingdom in Parlia- 
 ment assembled, having with our great satisfaction obtained Your 
 Majesty's pious and gracious consent for the celebration of a general Fast 
 to appease therebye the wrath of God, and at the same time provide 
 against those evils which are apparently impending over us. We now 
 offer Your Majesty our humble thanks, and inasmuch as the hidden sins 
 of the people are undoubtedly the cause of the open evils which at this 
 time have fallen upon us, amongst which it plainly appears by the word 
 of God that idolatry and superstition are the most enormous, but that 
 Ave may have reason to hope that by abandoning those sins which separate 
 God from us, and that the blessing of God may descend upon our act 
 of public humiliation, we therefore humbly and zealously petition Your 
 Most Sacred Majesty that you will be pleased to put in motion all the 
 existing laws against Jesuits, Religious Orders, and others who also have 
 taken orders under the authority of the See of Rome, and in the most 
 Strict sense against those who have most seriously offended against the 
 clemency of Your Majesty, that they may be left to the rigour of the 
 law without admitting any intercession in their favour, and also that
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 147 
 
 those disaffected subjects who have sheltered or concealed this generation M8S. op 
 of vipers in their houses may suffer all the pains and penalties which the H ' ^f^*™ 8 ' 
 law has so justly declared against them. — 
 
 2dlv. That Your Majesty may be pleased to command that the ports 
 of the kingdom may be carefully watched, and that the charge of 
 visiting ships to discover and arrest any Jesuits and Members of 
 Religious Orders who may come into the kingdom, as well as sons of 
 Papists sent across the sea to be taught the poisonous doctrines of rebel- 
 lion and superstition, shall be given to persons of approved religion and 
 fidelity, and that all who may be convicted of having allowed any 
 Papist to enter the country, or to depart from it, may be punished as by 
 law established. 
 
 3dly. Remembering that tremendous peril, never to be forgotten, 
 which included the most sacred person of Your Majesty, with the whole 
 representative body of the kingdom, practised and conspired by reason 
 of the free access of the Papists to this city of London, and to the Court 
 of Your Majesty, may you be pleased to put in force those laws which 
 prohibit them from coming nearer than ten miles from London, as well 
 as that other law which, when in the country, relegates them to their 
 houses and a circuit of five miles, and that in all cases where they may 
 have obtained licences to come to London, these being illegal, shall with- 
 out delay be delared null and void. 
 
 -ithly. It having been generally believed that within the last two or 
 three years large sums of money have been obtained from Papists in 
 this kingdom, a small portion of which has been paid into Your 
 Majesty's Exchequer, so that not only have private persons been 
 enriched, but greater encouragement has been given to Catholics to 
 keep priests in their houses, to perform the mysterious and juggling 
 rites and ceremonies of their superstition without apprehension, as if, 
 judging by those practices, a hidden toleration had been extended to 
 them, therefore we pray that Your Majesty may be pleased to take this 
 into your special consideration, and immediately to abolish this mystery 
 of iniquity, shrouded over and concealed by pretexts of composition, 
 quit-rent, contract, or pre-contract, which only serve to deceive Your 
 Majesty and to evade the law, whilst to others a source of corruption, 
 and of serving their private ends and interests. 
 
 othly. Whilst the persons of Ambassadors of Foreign Princes and of 
 members of their families are free to exercise their religion, it ought 
 not to be tolerated that their houses should be constituted chapels or 
 asylums for Papists who are subjects of Your Majesty, nor should these 
 be permitted to assist at masses or participate in superstituous cere- 
 monies, which are offensive to God, and a scandal in the sight of Your 
 Majesty's loyal and religious subjects. We pray that visits to such 
 places shall be absolutely prohibited, and that guards may be placed so 
 as to arrest all who may be seen on their return, so that they may be 
 severely punished. 
 
 6thly. No office of any authority and command within the provinces 
 of the kingdom, nor over the galleons of Your Majesty should be 
 given to anv Papist, or to any one who has not communicated for a 
 year, or to any who may be suspected of Papistry, or to any Governor 
 or Lieutenant-Governor of a county, justice of the peace, or captains 
 or other officers specified in the Act of the third year of King James of 
 happy memory, Your Majesty's father, and that anv who by connivance 
 may have obtained any such office, may be, by Your Majesty's order, 
 forthwith dismissed. 
 
 k 2
 
 148 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 MSS. of 7thly. All judges and officers of justice, to whoso care and fidelity 
 
 D 'e S q RINE ' are entrustec l tne execution of the law, should by Your Majesty's 
 
 — ' express command enforce all the existing laws against Jesuits, Religious 
 
 Orders, and other Papists, and that they should from time to time report 
 
 to the Lord Keeper so that Your Majesty may be duly informed. 
 
 8thly. That finally, to uproot the Papists, and to raise up and train a 
 holy generation, and to sanctify a peculiar people, till such time as an 
 Act can be passed for the education of their children in the doctrines 
 of our holy faith, in a manner we trust calculated to unite the people 
 under Your Majesty in one faith and one doctrine, and till we consider 
 what pains and penalties may be imposed, may Your Majesty be 
 pleased to take into your royal consideration this our humble petition 
 proceeding from true hearts religiously devoted to God, and to the 
 service of Your Majesty, and to the preservation of your most sacred 
 person. With our most zealous feelings we present this petition to 
 your gracious approbation. 
 
 The King's reply to the Petition of Parliament against the Papists. 
 
 1st. To the first head of the Petition His Majesty replies that in 
 conformity with their request he will enforce the laws against Jesuits 
 and members of Religious Orders ordained by the See of Rome, and 
 further that he will give the strictest orders to all officers of the Crown 
 to discover and imprison them and to leave them to the rigorous appli- 
 cation of the law, with this reservation, however, that if after they are 
 found guilty His Majesty thinks fit to delay the execution of the 
 sentence against any of them he may do so, and banish them far from 
 this to the Castle of Wisbeach, where they will be kept safely as 
 r>risone> ,, e, and prevented from the exercise of their religious functions 
 and from spreading their superstition and their dangerous doctrines, 
 and that those who harbour them may be left to the rigour of the laws. 
 
 2dly. As to the second head His Majesty concedes what is desired, 
 and with this object will give orders to the Treasurer, Admiral, and 
 Warden of the Cinque Ports, that each of them in the execution of their 
 duties may diligently execute the terms of this article by giving strict 
 and precise commands to their officers to be vigilant, it being His 
 Majesty's desire that all those officers should keep their eyes open and 
 watch those Papists, who have habitations which are so placed that 
 they may have ready opportunities both to transport and to receive by 
 sea those specified under this head, which vigilance His Majesty will 
 recognise as good service, as well as that of whomsoever may give infor- 
 mation against any officer who has connived at any transgression of this 
 article, so that he may be duly proceeded against. 
 
 3dly. On the third head His Majesty will give orders to prevent 
 Papists approaching his Court, as well as for executing the rest of the 
 article, and that the law may take its course, and all licences which are 
 illegal may be revoked and annulled. 
 
 4thly. With regard to this head His Majesty is well pleased to punish 
 past and to prevent future abuses and frauds mentioned, declaring that 
 it will be considered good service on the part of everyone, who may 
 give information of any such abuses, either to himself, his Secretary of 
 State, the Judges or other officers, of any means of discovering this 
 mystery of iniquity, commanding every one of those officers to whom 
 information may be given by no means to neglect acting upon it, but to
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 149 
 
 do their utmost to clear up the truth of the ease by giving over into the mss. op 
 hands of justice all delinquents that they may be duly punished, and H - D. Serine, 
 to prevent any secret toleration which may be practised His Majesty — ' 
 
 will rigorously enforce the laws. 
 
 othly. On this head His Majesty is also satisfied to prohibit and 
 restrain all Papists from Frequenting the houses of Ambassadors, and 
 will give orders to keep strict watch to arrest all those who may do so 
 and to punish them accordingly. 
 
 6thly. With regard to the sixth head, His Majesty believes that it 
 is already executed with due care, but, to escape all risk of oversight, 
 His Majesty will give orders to the Lord Keeper to consult, in the 
 course of the next term, all the Judges of the Kingdom so as to obtain 
 information from them of the actual condition of things in the provinces, 
 so that, should it be needful, reforms may be made. Orders also will 
 be given to Admirals and either officers to make careful inquiry, amongst 
 those in authority under them in His Majesty's ships of war, to remedy 
 any abuse should any such exist. 
 
 Tthly. On this head His Majesty concedes all that is asked for. 
 
 London, 9th May 1628. 
 
 Parliament becoming daily warmer :n its resolution to clear up the 
 questions relating to its privileges before passing the Acts for granting 
 supplies, His Majesty, to facilitate, matters, determined to go on Monday 
 last to the House to satisfy the Members and to try to induce them not 
 to pursue farther the delicate subject of the nature of his Prerogatives. 
 Having seated himself on the throne he made a declaration, through the 
 Lord Privy Seal, that the privileges of Parliament continued in their 
 pristine vigour, and he pledged his Royal word that he would maintain 
 them intact in future ; he therefore exhorted them to leave needless dis- 
 cussion, owing to the prejudice thereby caused to the national interests, 
 and to give their exclusive attention to business, more particularly 
 to the supplies which they had promised, so as to enable him to provide 
 for the internal and external necessities of the kingdom without loss of 
 time. 
 
 His Majestv believed that by these statements on his part, and by the 
 voluntary pledge of his Royal word to maintain their privileges, he would 
 anticipate the proposed declaration of Parliament, and that it would be 
 satisfied to accept of his assurances without discussion. But there is as 
 yet no appearance of the success which His Majesty anticipated ; on the 
 contrary, the Members are more than ever sullen and resolved to pass a 
 special Act, to be confirmed by the King, so thai should he insist on 
 their acceptance of his pledge, instead of giving his formal consent to an 
 Act of Parliament, he will only produce, if not a bad effect, certainly a 
 great loss of time, seeing that the House is determined to consider no 
 other business till this question is settled in a satisfactory manner. 
 
 The fleet with provisions and help for Rochelle sailed from Ply- 
 mouth on Sunday last, and as the wealher is fine it is calculated that by 
 this time it must have arrive at its destination. There is an anxious wish 
 for news ; particularly whether it has been able to enter the harbour, as 
 besides the necessary supplies it is provided with fire ships by the aid of 
 which to force a passage. 
 
 The Earl of Carlisle is gone to Holland on his way to Lorraine, 
 Savoy, and Venice, as Ambassador Extraordinary. It may be antici- 
 pated that the results of his embassy will be more showy than sub- 
 stantial.
 
 150 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 H. d/Ikhine. The negotiations of the Dutch Ambassador for peace between the two 
 Esq. crowns are making no progress whatever, they even seem to be farther 
 
 off from this object. The belief apparently is that if succours are 
 successfully thrown into Rochelle, of which no doubt is entertained, France 
 being deprived of all hope of taking the town will desist from the 
 enterprise, and will be disposed to give ear to proposals for an accom- 
 modation ; whilst the English, if successful, will be equally favourably 
 inclined. 
 
 The war in Italy on the question of Mantua is favourably regarded 
 here, and will be fomented as much as possible in the hope of thereby 
 withdrawing the attention of the French from Rochelle, but on the other 
 hand this may be an additional cause of rupture between the two 
 crowns. 
 
 A great number of Dutch vessels, Hamburghers and others, passed 
 the seaboard of England on their way to India and other parts of the 
 world. Mistaken for French and Spanish ships the country flew to 
 arms, but when it was ascertained that they were friends the order for 
 the march of troops to various parts of the coast was countermanded. 
 
 London, 24th May 1628. 
 
 Parliament has done as yet no business of importance. It is spending 
 its time in debates on the grave questions connected with the assertion 
 of its rights and privileges, as well as those of the subjects of the realm, 
 but it is making no progress towards the desired end because its claims 
 are so wounding to the Royal prerogative. 
 
 The Members although anxious not to appear doubtful of the promise 
 which His Majesty gave them to maintain their privileges, still persist 
 in their desire to secure it in the form of a special Act of Parliament, 
 assented to by His Majesty ; whilst, on the other hand, the King is keenly 
 sensible of their distrust and obstinacy and has sent various messages 
 to induce them in a good-tempered manner to put an end to this grave 
 question ; but without producing any other effect than to confirm them 
 in their resolution. 
 
 His Majesty has again addressed them — on this occasion by letter — 
 to press upon their serious consideration the state of affairs in Europe, 
 and of his own in particular, and the consequent necessity for prompt 
 supplies ; calling upon them to think of this without farther loss of time, 
 and that with regard to their privileges, he again desired to assure 
 them that lie would maintain them intact, especially the right on which 
 they so strongly insisted that no subject should be imprisoned without 
 the assignment of the reason, except that he must reserve to himself and 
 his Privy Council the right to do so in cases of emergency the nature 
 of which could not always be revealed for reasons of state. 
 
 The expression "cases of emergency" in no way pleases Parliament, 
 it asks for a clear explanation of it, and what are the bounds of it. The 
 Kiue; observing their stubbornness sent one of his Secretaries of State 
 to insist that without farther delay the Members should grant the five 
 subsidies, as that was the day on which His Majesty had said that he 
 would prorogue Parliament, and that if they did not take advantage of 
 it he would be under the necessity of having recourse to other means of 
 attaining his object. What will be done after this very precise declara- 
 tion of His Majesty we shall see to-day or to-morrow. Such is the 
 heated state of feeling that some outburst must take place, probably 
 followed by serious disorders. This peril is increased by the growing 
 determination of the Members of Parliament not to fail in their objects. 
 They maintain that no subjects can be imprisoned without an explana-
 
 Esq. 
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCBIPTS COMMISSION. 151 
 
 tion of the reasons of their imprisonment, so that without loss of time ^gs. of 
 
 they may invoke the protection of the laws. Also that no Member can H. d. Skrine, 
 
 be burdened either in purse or person Avithout the consent of Parliament. 
 
 Also that the provinces cannot be harrassed by illegally quartering 
 
 troops on them ; and that when there is no war within the kingdom, 
 
 military law cannot be tolerated. These questions may not be easily 
 
 adjusted. 
 
 Notwithstanding all these difficulties it is hoped that when Parliament 
 has seriously considered His Majesty's necessity for immediate supplies 
 it may for the time being put these questions on one side, and so far 
 yield as to gratify His Majesty by providing the necessary funds, whilst 
 he also will be ready to make the concessions which are demanded. 
 
 It is now seventeen days since the fleet sailed for Rochelle, but there 
 is no news whether it has succeeded in its object, which is the cause of 
 much anxiety owing to the earnest desire felt by all to relieve the 
 inhabitants. 
 
 There arrived in this city on Monday evening a certain Signor 
 Barnzzi, secretary it is said of the Prince of Piedmont but sent by the 
 Duke his father. He was presented yesterday to His Majesty by the 
 Abbe Scaglia. We do not know as yet what is the object of his 
 mission, but no doubt it has reference to the affairs of Montferrat. The 
 disturbances in Italy will be promoted here to withdraw the attention of 
 the French from Rochelle, and may also assist the schemes of the Dutch 
 Ambassadors which are at present at a standstill. Notwithstanding 
 that Parliament has fixed the times for the payment of the five subsidies, 
 that is two in the month of July, two in December, and the last in 
 March 1629, — Avhilst the Catholics are to pay double the amount, being 
 treated as aliens, — the Act has been read once only. Parliament hesitates 
 to read it a second and third time so as to pass it in the usual manner, 
 apparently thinking it essential not to do so till the question of privilege 
 is settled. 
 
 London, 5th June 1628. 
 The two Houses of Parliament have at last agreed to unite in the 
 Petition of Rights, setting forth the four heads of the immunities and 
 privileges of the subject described in my last despatch and now to be 
 presented to His Majesty for his Royal Assent and approbation. The 
 Upper House has prepared the way with a declaration, already pre- 
 sented to His Majesty, which maintains that there is no wish to throw 
 obstacles in the just execution of, or to diminish, the Royal Prerogative; 
 but rather to aid and defend it in conformity with the oath taken by the 
 peers at the coronation. This declaration has smoothed the path 
 towards an accommodation, and has greatly gratified the King. He 
 immediately admitted all the peers to his presenre that he might thank 
 them, whilst he gave them all his hand to kiss in token of his satis- 
 faction. Seeing that this question of the liberty of the subject and the 
 preservation of the Royal Prerogative is settled, people live in hope that 
 no new difficulties will arise, but that Parliament will immediately com- 
 plete the grant of the five subsidies, and will then be prorogued to the 
 satisfaction of the King and people ; a consideration of no little import- 
 ance seeing how much doubt and apprehension has been prevalent. 
 The fleet has not succeeded in giving assistance to Rochelle ; some 
 attribute this to the incapacity of those in command, others to the 
 impossibility of entering the harbour. The ships have returned, and the 
 King is so greatly mortified and displeased that he has sent three gentle- 
 men with his commands that it must again go to Rochelle and make
 
 152 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 MSS. of every effort to enter the harbour and to succour the inhabitants. There 
 H ' D 'esq RII,E ' is a report that the place has capitulated to its King which although not 
 — yet substantiated still suggests very serious reflections un the subject of 
 
 the injury done to the Protestant religion, and equally so on the 
 important fact that the warlike enterprises of this people are not 
 now attended by the success which formerly characterised them. The 
 mission of Signor Barozzi to this Court, from the Duke of Savoy, 
 has not done more than to explain to His Majesty the reasons which 
 induced His Highness to attack Monferrat, as well as for his alliance 
 with the Spaniards which he declares to be necessary and beneficial to 
 the common interests and particularly so to those of His Majesty to 
 •which he professes himself devoted. 
 
 It is also understood that he will intervene diplomatically should there 
 be any approach on this side to an agreement with France, so that the 
 Duke of Savoy may not be left on one side but may still take an active 
 part in terminating the Avar. 
 
 This appears to be reasonable and is in harmony with the diplomacy 
 of the Abbe Scaglia. 
 
 There also arrived here three days ago a gentleman, sent by the Duke 
 of Lorraine, who has been with the King. There is a general belief that, 
 inasmuch as the Duke has been at Paris, His Serene Highness has sent 
 this gentlemen to assist in negotiating terms of accommodation between 
 the two crowns, at which the Dutch Ambassador still works with un- 
 flagging zeal. 
 
 Lord Carleton, Ambassador in Holland, is expected daily ; they say 
 he is much dissatisfied, the cause of his dissatisfaction being a declara- 
 tion made by the States against the retention last year of three ships 
 with rich cargoes belonging to their East India Company which were 
 taken in reprisal for certain English property seized by the Dutch in 
 the East Indies. 
 
 The English Ambassador has protested, and the Dutch have retorted 
 with another protest. This appears a more serious case than it really is, 
 for it will be limited to the East Indies where the Dutch are much 
 stronger than the English who are likely to have the worst of it. 
 
 The Dunkirkers make themselves bitterly felt, they have lately taken 
 five English and three Dutch ships principally laden with materials for 
 ship building. It is wished to find a remedy for their insolence, but this 
 is as hopeless as it has proved to be to prevent the fall of Stade. 
 
 London, 14th June 1628. 
 
 The two Houses of Parliament having presented to the King their 
 Petition of Rights received on Monday last this reply: — that His 
 Majesty desired that reason and justice should be done to every one, 
 in conformity with the laws and customs of the realm, and that the 
 statutes should be duly put in execution, so that no one might have 
 reason to complain of wrong, or of oppression, or of any infringement 
 of liberty, to the preservation of which, as well as that of his preroga- 
 tive, His Majesty held himself to be conscientiously bound. 
 
 This reply has proved in no respect conformable to the wishes of 
 Members of Parliament ; it appears to them too indefinite, and to have 
 fallen short of the King's promises ; hence, whilst the amicable settle- 
 ment of everything was confidently hoped for from the reply now given 
 by His Majesty, there is a renewal of jealous feeling and an amount of 
 disappointment which will not only lead to a refusal of supply but to 
 other results of the most serious consequence. The M embers during the
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 153 
 
 last three or four days have been expressing themselves with great energy, 
 being determined to represent to the King, both orally and in writing, 
 that the principal cause of existing internal and external disorders is 
 the absence of wise administration. All enterprises have ended in 
 disasters, there has been great loss of treasure, of* officers and soldiers, of 
 ships and sailors, and worst of all of the ancient good name of the 
 nation. 
 
 Parliament is now consulting and is desirous of coming to a resolution 
 if not prevented doing so by another message from the King. When 
 His Majesty heard of the dissatisfaction caused by his reply to the 
 petition, and of the intention to remonstrate on the present condition 
 of affairs, he sent to say that his reply to the petition had been ample 
 and that he would not withdraw it, therefore the Commons should give 
 their attention exclusively to business, without entering upon new 
 questions, as His Majesty meant to prorogue Parliament on the 21st of 
 the present month. 
 
 What may be the result of this very decided communication will soon 
 be seen, but from the temper of the Members it may be doubted whether 
 it will produce a beneficial effect ; still, I think that in the present con- 
 juncture of affairs, with the interest of the Kingdom and of its allies at 
 stake, necessity will compel the King and his subjects to come to an 
 understanding. The fleet is in Portsmouth harbour for the repair of 
 the ships, and to take on board more provisions ; some of them on 
 their return from Eochelle fell into the hands of the Dunkirkers, whilst 
 most of the others have suffered serious damage. It has therefore been 
 determined to increase the number, and to send the fleet back to 
 Eochelle to provision that place, and Monsieur de Soubise is to 
 accompany the expedition, as he maintains tiiat the harbour is not sealed 
 up, but that with a high tide and a determined effort it may be forced. 
 Others are of opinion that both time and money will be thrown away. 
 Signor Barozzi, who was sent to this Court by the Duke of Savoy, is now 
 gone, without having done more than deliver his message which I have 
 described, and the gentleman from Lorraine is also about to leave, 
 having done as little ; everything in fact depends on the issue of events 
 at Rochelle. The two Danish Ambassadors who some months ago went 
 from this Court to that of His Most Christian Majesty have again 
 returned here to take up the thread of the negotiations for promoting 
 peace between the two crowns, as well as to obtain assistance for their 
 King; a matter of serious importance, but which at the present moment 
 they will find it very difficult to bring to a successful issue. 
 
 The report that the Earl of Carlisle has been at Brussels, and has been 
 received in audience by the Serene Infanta, has revived the feeling here, 
 which previously existed, that possibly there may be an opening for 
 peace on that side, which might be even more welcome than with France. 
 In whatever way affairs may be adjusted, provided it can be done with 
 credit, there would be a disposition here to make peace with both 
 powers. 
 
 The House of Commons received on Thursday morning another 
 message from His Majesty requiring and commanding it to abstain 
 from debating questions calculated to discredit His Majesty's Govern- 
 ment and Ministers, and calling upon the Members to limit themselves 
 to the completion of business in hand, for the time was short and the 
 King was resolved to prorogue Parliament on the day which he had 
 fixed. This message produced so much excitement that the Members 
 were unable to contain themselves, and there was an outburst of their 
 long suppressed wrath against the Duke of Buckingham, naming him 
 unanimously as the originator and leading cause of these discords. They
 
 154 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 H. D. s'keike would have proceeded still farther but for a second message from His 
 -Esy. Majesty, expressed in more conciliatory terms, explaining that he had no 
 
 intention of prejudicing their privileges, and assuring them that he was 
 satisfied to leave them to debate whatever they thought necessary 
 provided that they did not attack his government. This message so far 
 pacified the Members of the House of Commons that they did not 
 pursue farther their attack upou the Duke, but resumed the thread of 
 their business, particularly that of a Remonstrance to be laid before the 
 King, on the existing state of internal and external affairs and praying 
 for a remedy, expressed in such respectful terms that His Majesty 
 cannot do less than listen to them favourably. After this tempest it is 
 hoped that a calm may follow, and that finally the questions at issue 
 may be settled to the general satisfaction without further encounters of 
 hidden rocks and quicksands. 
 
 The Duke addressed the House of Lords with reference to the injurious 
 remarks made against him in the other House, and offered to justify 
 himself whenever his accusers, leaving the domain of mere generalities, 
 brought forward their statements in detail. It is thought that on this 
 occasion the House of Commons has not made much by its attack upon 
 the Duke. 
 
 London, 19th June 1628. 
 
 The unusual delay of the Antwerp courier bas given me an oppor- 
 tunity of now adding to my last that both Houses of Paidiament have 
 agreed to present a Remonstrance to His Majesty, as well as another 
 brief address drawing attention to the Petition of Rights inasmuch as a 
 good understanding between the King and his people depends upon the 
 reply. They therefore again humbly pray that His Majesty may be 
 pleased to give them a distinct assurance from the throne. His Majesty, 
 desirous of satisfying them, went that same afternoon to the House of 
 Peers and seated on the throne received the second petition, and 
 immediately said in few words that as they were not satisfied with his 
 first answer, which he had given them by the advice and consent of the 
 Privy Council, he had come there in conformity with their wishes, and 
 he desired that the Petition of Rights might then be read which was 
 done at once by the Secretary of Parliament. Thereon a reply was 
 read by the Secretary of State in the following words " Let it be exactly 
 done as is desired" after which His Majesty added with his own 
 mouth that having done his part it rested with them to do theirs 
 for if this Parliament had no fortunate issue the fault would be 
 theirs. 
 
 This sudden resolution on the part of the King to please his subjects 
 was entirely unexpected, and has caused the greatest joy and content- 
 ment to the people in general who show their feelings by extraordinary 
 demonstrations, and by the ringing of bells, and by fireworks in every 
 part of the city. 
 
 London, 26th June 1628. 
 After his Majesty had entirely satisfied both Houses of Parliament on 
 the subject of their liberties and privileges, in conformity with their 
 Petition of Rights, the House of Commons at once proceeded to grant 
 the five subsidies and sent the Act to the Upper House for confirmation. 
 This being done the consideration of the Remonstrance on the state 
 of the kingdom was resumed. As it was already far advanced it was 
 made ready for presentation next day. It has been reduced to nine 
 heads, the first expressing the fears entertained of innovations in 
 religion, the second of innovations in government, the third dwelt upon
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION'. 155 
 
 the bad success attendant on the national enterprises, the fourth on ^ss. or 
 
 the decline of strength of the kingdom, the hfth on the want of military H - i>. Skkixe, 
 
 stores, the sixth on the decay of trade, the seventh on the want of ships — ' 
 
 and mariners, the eighth on the bad guardianship at sea, and the ninth 
 
 on the excessive authority of the Duke of Buckingham and its abuse as 
 
 the chief cause of the evils fallen on the King and kingdom, and 
 
 consequently that it ought to be considered by His Majesty whether he 
 
 ought to be so near the Royal person and a member of his Council. 
 
 On each of these heads ample and clear explanations are given. Sanguine 
 
 expectations have been formed of the results to be expected from this 
 
 urgent remonstrance. It is generally felt, however, that after his 
 
 Majesty has received it, and has said that he will consider it, he will 
 
 consent to nothing prejudicial to the Duke of Buckingham, His Majesty 
 
 being exceedingly displeased that after he had advised the House not to 
 
 refer to the Duke, he has been named with so little courtesy and 
 
 respect. 
 
 Thus to the general regret of Members of Parliament the Duke will 
 retain his position, and Parliament will be prorogued so soon as the 
 House of Lords has passed the supplies, which will be in the course of 
 this week. His Majesty detains one of his Secretaries of State at 
 Portsmouth to hasten the expedition for the relief of Rochelle, to which 
 twenty more ships will be added, as it is determined to make every effort 
 or at ali events to show the world that everything has been done that 
 could be done. Notwithstanding this zeal few believe that the ships 
 will be ready to sail in good time. 
 
 The Danish Ambassadors have had an audience of His Majesty, a 
 mere formality for they are unable to report that any advance has been 
 made towards an accommodation between the two crowns ; so, leaving 
 that subject on one side for the present, they devote themselves to 
 procuring pecuniary assistance which is very needful at this time. 
 Colonel Morgan, who has lately arrived from Stade, has remonstrated in 
 strong terms on the necessity of sending assistance to the King. 
 
 The Venetian Ambassador now goes to Court as usual, having been 
 conducted there on the first occasion in one of the Royal carriages, 
 attended by the Earl of Exeter, a Member of the Privy Council. His 
 Excellency was received by the King in public audience with the 
 greatest affability, and two days after had a private audience so that the 
 negotiation regarding the reteution and opening of the letters has been 
 finally and peacefully settled. 
 
 London, 1st July 1628. 
 On Tuesday last the House of Lords passed the Bill granting the 
 five subsidies, so that the King may receive payment on the dates fixed 
 by Parliament. On the same day His Majesty received and heard the 
 Remonstance prepared by the House of Commons, containing the nine 
 heads which I specified in my letter of the 26th of June, with the 
 addition however of long paragraphs directed against the Catholics, 
 against the Countess of Buckingham, mother of the Duke, who is 
 mentioned as a Papist and protector of Papists, against the Bishops 
 of Winchester and Bath, accusing them of being Armenians, and 
 finallv against the Duke of Buckingham as the chief cause of all the 
 evils of the state. The Kings answer was brief and pungent, he 
 said that having a short time previously conceded all that had been 
 asked on the subject of privilege he never expected that the Mem- 
 bers, not satisfied by so much grace on his part, would have thus 
 proceeded to intermeddle in questions of religion and state, which they
 
 356 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 MSS. of did not understand ; had it been otherwise, he would have taken their 
 Esq. " Remonstrance into consideration, and if necessary would have given an 
 answer in conformity with their merits. 
 
 This reply has so offended the Members of Parliament that had the 
 supplies not been voted it may well be doubted whether they would 
 have been granted whatever the consequences. His Majesty is, how- 
 ever, free from this danger, and in a few days he will terminate this 
 Session, without giving a further reply, unless before the Members 
 return to their homes he may wish somewhat to smooth matters, so 
 that if he should again call them together towards the end of the year 
 they may not be in the temper in which they now are. Every effort is 
 made to despatch the expedition to Rochelle, but maritime preparations 
 are far more tedious than those connected with land service so that it is 
 still doubtful if the ships will be ready so quickly as the Agents for 
 Rochelle desire. 
 
 Colonel Morgan is to be despatched with troops collected from the 
 provinces, His Majesty having promised to free them of the presence of 
 soldiers so soon as he had money with which to pay them. It is thought 
 strange that the Earl of Carlisle when in Brussels was lodged and pro- 
 vided for by the Archbishop and was admitted to two audiences. The 
 King to shut the mouths of those who murmur expresses his disappro- 
 bation, and says absolutely that he gave no such commission but that 
 the Ambassador had merely complied with the courteous invitation of 
 the Infanta and had excused himself saying that he could not do less 
 than accept the compliment. 
 
 The opinions regarding this affair vary with the tendencies of the 
 speakers, most think that an accommodation would be acceptable to the 
 Court and merchants but in no way whatsoever to the Puritans. 
 
 On Saturday last in a violent tumult of the populace an English- 
 man known as Doctor Lambe was assailed whilst going about his own 
 affairs in the streets of the city. He was abused and vituperated by the 
 mob as a magician and sorcerer in the service of the Duke of Bucking- 
 ham, and they murdered the object of their fury with sticks and stones; 
 it being shown by their outcries what they would have done to the Duke 
 had lie fallen into their hands, when they could thus assassinate a man 
 whose only fault it was that he was in the Duke's service. 
 
 London, 12th July 1628. 
 
 The Queen has urged the King not to assent to the Act which 
 Parliament had passed against the Roman Catholics. It will in my 
 opinion, as well as in that of others of the same faith, be a breach of 
 the concessions formerly made in their favour.* By their request I 
 have made a representation, and the Venetian Ambassador has also had 
 an audience of His Majesty with a similar object, and some good has 
 been done. The visit of the Ambassador Lord Carlisle, to Flanders, and 
 his interview with the Archduchess which it is said took place without 
 instructions, has been of a mysterious nature. Of an equally mysterious 
 character is that which is to be made to Spain by Mr. Endymion 
 Porter, a gentleman of the King's Chamber and formerly a page of 
 Count Olivarez, who is to be sent in the first place to Italy as a pur- 
 chaser of pictures for His Majesty. 
 
 The disposition to make peace with Spain is at the present time very 
 V apparent. All that is wanted to bring it about is a mediator. 
 
 * This letter is in cipher and somewhat obscure,, a translation appended to it is 
 imperfect.
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 157 
 
 The close of Parliament has been dark and stormy, and consequently ^ S S- o*\ 
 the breach between the King and his people is now wider than it has ' usq. 
 ever been before. 
 
 London, 12th July 1628. 
 His Majesty having maturely considered the Remonstrance of the 
 House of Commons, and finding it arrogant and very little to his taste, 
 not only would not give any further reply, but, by dismissing the 
 Members to their homes on Thursday last, the 6th inst., he evidently 
 desired to prevent the presentation of another Remonstrance, on the 
 question of dissolution, which was in preparation. His Majesty also 
 stated verbally, that whilst he would maintain the privileges of the 
 Members, in agreement with his answer to their Petition of Rights, he 
 would of his own Prerogative and authority appropriate the receipts of 
 the Custom-house without the consent of Parliament, in as much as 
 former Parliaments had always granted these payments to provide for 
 the defence of the high seas whilst this one had refused to do so. 
 This has been a bitter dose to Parliament, as it will probably show 
 if his Majesty summons it again on the 30th of October next the day 
 to which it was adjourned by the King. But His Majesty may by 
 Proclamation adjourn it again till February, or even to a later date, 
 according to what may seem necessary or advisable. 
 
 The Acts which His Majesty has assented to this session have been 
 for the most part of a private character, and few have been public. Of 
 these there are two against the Catholics ; one of which is a breach of 
 all the treaties made in their favour for the last sixty years, regarding 
 compositions made with tho Crown and other usages involving the 
 temporary or apparent transfer of their property to Protestant friends 
 or relatives to escape the action of the law and the loss of all that they 
 possessed. The other Act declared that whoever sent his children 
 abroad for education in the Catholic faith should not only lose all his 
 property but should be subject to imprisonment for life. 
 
 His Majesty refused to assent to the first Act, as it interfered with 
 his prerogative, but assented to the second as of minor importance. 
 
 Now that the sittings of Parliament are at an end for some time, and 
 the Members sent to their homes, His Majesty will be chiefly occupied 
 with the payments of the first two subsidies, which must be paid without 
 opposition ; although very unwillingly so by the Puritans, whilst by the 
 terms of the Act the Catholics are to pay twice as much as the Pro- 
 testants. 
 
 The fleet for the assistance of Rochelle has not yet sailed, for several 
 warlike engines are in preparation as well as ten ships with light 
 draught of water, which are to contain these machines and are to be 
 armed with artillery. 
 
 The Duke of Buckingham says that he will command the expedition 
 in person, but, as it will be a very dangerous one, he is advised by his 
 friends to stay at home. 
 
 The Danish Ambassadors are assured that assistance will be given to 
 their King when the subsidies are paid. 
 
 Mr. Endymion Porter is gone to Genoa where he will embark for 
 Spain to treat with Olivarez in the hope of bringing about an accommo- 
 dation. Peace with Spain is much desired at the present time, and it 
 is believed that Savoy is giving its assistance. Porter will be accom- 
 panied by an Irish Dominican Friar who lately came from Spain with 
 a statement of the inclination of the Count Olivarez to make peace with 
 England. Probably Porter will send this Friar to Spain before him to 
 prepare the way and to inform the Count Olivarez of the nature of his
 
 158 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 mss. ov mission, and to obtain His Excellency's approbation of his visit to Spain ; 
 H ' D 'esq EIXE ' as be is provided with instructions to open up the question of peace, to 
 — suggest the appoint of Commissioners, and to ask that a place of meeting 
 
 may be named. 
 
 In the meanwhile till the Friar has had time Porter will visit the 
 Italian Courts. 
 
 If the Spaniards are disposed to listen to these preliminaries they will 
 find this country very willing to enter into negotiations, and especially 
 the Duke of Buckingham, for the promotion of his own interests ; for he 
 now well knows by experience how necessary it is that amidst so many 
 wars the King should have the help of his people, whilst they are so 
 opposed to the Duke that he is in danger of falling from power. 
 
 London, 25th July 1628. 
 
 Since the prorogation of Parliament to the 30th of October next, nothing 
 is attended to, except to gather in the sum of four hundred thousand 
 crowns which is about the amount of the first two subsidies, so as to 
 expedite various matters and especially the assistance to be given to 
 Eochelle ; with which object, as I explained last week, they are now 
 prepariuo- fireships with stones and engines on board which are intended 
 to force the entrance of the harbour. Every effort is made to get the 
 fleet ready for its departure, but it is doubtful whether it will be so for 
 a fortnight yet. 
 
 The Kino- intends to go to Portsmouth where the mass of this naval 
 force, which is so much more powerful than the last, now is, and he will 
 not leave that place till it sails. 
 
 The Duke of Buckingham says that he will take the command ; but, 
 all his friends and relatives do all that they can to turn him from this 
 idea, the enterprise being of so dangerous a nature. It is hoped that he 
 will be guided by their advice unless as is suggested by some he means 
 to effect a diversion by attacking some other place. 
 
 When his Majesty returns from Portsmouth it is said that he will go 
 to Scotland to be crowned ; and to keep his promise of visiting that part 
 of his Dominions ; but there is no certainty of this, nor does the time 
 seem to be suitable in the present position of affairs. 
 
 The Queen is preparing to go to Wellingborough to take the waters 
 there as she did last year. 
 
 To the King of Denmark no supply of money has yet been remitted 
 although it is constantly spoken of. In the meanwhile funds have been 
 sent to Holland to pay those two or three thousand English troops 
 which Colonel Morgan led from Stade, who with their colonel and 
 some reinforcements perhaps may be again forwarded to the same 
 
 parts. 
 
 The Ambassador of Savoy is preparing to leave next week by way of 
 Flanders, but if he goes in the first place, as he says he will, to see the 
 King at Portsmouth he will greatly delay his departure. 
 
 The Duke of Buckingham has resigned one of his offices, that of 
 Warden of the Cinque Ports. It is a charge of much importance and 
 His Majesty has bestowed it upon the Earl of Suffolk, a confidential 
 friend of the Duke of Buckingham. 
 
 The Earl of Melbourne (Marlborough ?) has resigned his office of 
 Lord Treasurer, receiving in compensation fifty thousand crowns ; and 
 the office has been at once bestowed on Lord Weston, a worthy man, 
 also an intimate friend of the Duke. 
 
 The Earl of Dorset has been appointed to the office of Lord Chamber- 
 lain to the Queen, which at one time was held by the Comte de Tillieres
 
 IIISTOK1CAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 159 
 
 before the expulsion of the French, after which Lord Goring was made MSS - ov 
 Vice-Chamberlain. H - D j^f iyr 
 
 In compliance Avith the representations of the Dutch Ambassador, — ' 
 
 His Majesty has consented to set free those ships which many months 
 ago were seized at Portsmouth with rich cargoes on board when on 
 their way from the East Indies. It has been made a condition that Holland 
 shall send Commissioners here, empowered to give satisfaction for the 
 numerous injuries inflicted upon English merchants in India. 
 
 Mr. Endymiou Porter will go next week to Flanders, and afterwards to 
 Spain, but it is uncertain whether he will take Italy on his way. It is 
 enough to know that he is to endeavour to open negotiations for peace 
 •with Spain, towards which object the Spanish Secretary of State has 
 3een working. Peace is much desired here and this is made known to 
 the Spaniards. There are some who maintain that England and Savoy 
 do all this with no other object than to arouse the apprehensions of the 
 French. 
 
 London, oth August 1628. 
 
 On Monday His Majesty proceeded to Portsmouth and the Duke of 
 Buckingham is to follow him to-day. His Excellency having remained 
 here for a short time for the discharge of public and private business. 
 It appears that he is determined to take the command of the naval 
 expedition and to do all that he can to assist Eochelle ; but, as I have 
 already hinted, it is thought that there is some other design afoot, and 
 this is the more readily believed because there is news from Calais of 
 great preparations for defence along the French coast. 
 
 The day before the departure of the King the following Members 
 attended a meeting of the Privy Council. The Earl of Lindsey Lord 
 High Chamberlain, the Earl of Denbigh, Viscount Wilmot, Lord New- 
 burgh Chancellor of the Exchequer, and I know not how many more 
 Irish Viscounts and English Lords. The day was happily ended by 
 the restoration to His Majesty's favour of the Earl of Arundel, the 
 Countess, and their son. This took place at the residence of the Duke 
 of Buckingham who presented the Earl to the King who received him 
 most graciously and twice gave him his hand to kiss. The Earl and his 
 family have been in disgrace for two years ; now he may go with them 
 where he pleases, may attend Court on the King's return to London, 
 and will resume his seat at the Privy Council. 
 
 The proposed visit of His Majesty to Scotland will not be made till 
 next month, and even then may come to nothing. If it does take place 
 then, to save time His Majesty will travel post. 
 
 The Ambassador of Savoy is booted and spurred ready for his journey, 
 and Mr. Endymion Porter will go with him as far as Brussels, and, 
 after they have stayed there a short time, perhaps to Italy. The 
 Venetian Ambassador had an audience with His Majesty on Sunday at 
 which he made an urgent complaint, on the part of the Republic, of a 
 certain Digby, who, provided with letters of reprisal by the English 
 Admiralty against the French and Spaniards, entered the Adriatic and 
 insisted on visiting all the vessels which navigate that sea, had landed 
 by force at Zante spite of the representations of the officers of health, 
 had attacked Venetian vessels and others even within their harbours, 
 and had committed an infinity of insolent acts which were described to 
 the King by the Ambassador. His Majesty requested that these com- 
 plaints should be put in writing and given to his principal Secretary of 
 State that they may be answered. 
 
 His Majesty has presented the Ambassador of Savoy with a cross of 
 diamonds of the value of six or seven thousand ducats. A noble and
 
 1G0 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 d S |'kei\e extraordinary present ; but the intimate relations with the Duke of 
 Esq. '' Savoy, whether they be real or only ceremonious, are at all events such 
 that on this occasion more has been done than is usual. 
 
 Various English Noblemen have been appointed to high offices in the 
 Court of the Queen. 
 
 London, 19th August 1628. 
 
 His Majesty has been hunting in the New Forest, not far from the 
 harbour of Portsmouth where the greater part of the fleet is assembled, 
 but the Duke of Buckingham who is to command it has not yet left 
 London, being detained by business ; after which he will hasten to join 
 the King who has pressed him to come and embark. 
 
 The fleet consists of one hundred and fifty ships, between large and 
 small ones, with eight thousand mariners and four thousand troops. It 
 is provided with fireships and engines to remove obstacles to entering 
 the harbour of Rochelle. 
 
 By some it is questioned whether after all this attempt will be made, 
 for it is asserted that it is impossible to force the way and that some 
 other enterprise is intended to create a diversion in favour of Kochelle. 
 However this may be, slow progress is made in the preparation of the 
 fleet ; every day discoveries are made of new wants, and spite of every 
 effort a fortnight may still elapse before it is ready. 
 
 The Ambassador of Savoy still loiters. He is probably waiting for 
 despatches, from Italy and from Brussels, relating to the object of his 
 journey and to the mission of Mr. Porter which it is pretended is to 
 purchase pictures for the King. 
 
 A Proclamation has appeared, which commands all the authorities in 
 the Kingdom to put in force the laws against the unhappy Roman 
 Catholics, particularly Jesuits and members of other religious bodies. 
 This is manifestly a sign that in case His Majesty has occasion to 
 summon Parliament he wishes to conciliate the Members by thus grati- 
 fying their strongest prejudices. 
 
 The Venetian Ambassador is about to send his Secretary to Prance, 
 with what object is not yet known. 
 
 A dispatch from the Earl of Carlisle has arrived from Turin in nine 
 days and was immediately sent to the King. It is believed that it 
 includes the letters to the Ambassador of Savoy with the reply which 
 he was waiting for the absence of which delayed the departure of His 
 Excellency and that of Mr. Porter. 
 
 London, 21st August 1628. 
 
 The Secretary of the Venetian Ambassador is about to depart for 
 France to visit the camp of the Most Christian King ; he will probably 
 be the carrier of this letter as far as Calais. The cause of this very 
 sudden mission has been the receipt by the Venetian Ambassador of a 
 despatch from his colleague in France containing a proposal for new 
 terms of accommodation between these two crowns before the English 
 can have time to put to the proof whether they can or cannot succour 
 Rochelle. 
 
 The proposed terms have been favourably received on this side, par- 
 ticularly by the Duke of Buckingham, and a ready consent has been 
 <riven to the Ambassador to send his Secretary with a statement which, 
 so far as I can conjecture, is to this effect : that they are prepared to 
 enter into an agreement provided that Rochelle does not fall under the 
 absolute power of His Most Christian Majesty. 
 
 Nevertheless, as the time is short, they will dispatch the fleet to 
 Rochelle, and, on its arrival, if Buckingham, who is invested with ample
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 161 
 
 authority to hear or to propose terms or to conclude an accommodation, ^ss. of 
 is able to do so with due regard to the honour and reputation of the ' esq. " ' 
 King and the safety of Rochelle, all will then have been done, or at all 
 events tried, which the Ambassadors of Holland and Denmark were 
 authorized to do. These Ambassadors have kept the negotiations open 
 for a long time, and at the present moment are acting with even increased 
 zeal; probably, because they have perceived in the French some appearance 
 of an inclination to make peace ; consecpaently, acting in concert with 
 Venice, they have also sent messengers to France. 
 
 The mission to Spain by way of Italy and Genoa is I believe changed 
 thus far, that Sir Francis Cottington, who has been much in Spain 
 and was a confidential agent of King James, will now take the place of 
 Mr. Endymion Porter. I think, however, if the plan of Venice, Holland, 
 and Denmark, for making peace between France and England succeeds, 
 that there will be found those who will prevent any accommodation 
 with Spain. Buckingham will lend a willing ear especially if the Earl 
 of Carlisle, now in Savoy, can induce that Court to join with France 
 and to fall upon Spain. Such ideas are entertained by Buckingham 
 and others, but they are subject to variation from day to day. It is 
 impossible to convey any news which can be absolutely depended upon. 
 That which is agitated one week maybe cast aside next week; nothing is 
 certain. In conclusion there is a tendency to negotiate with all kings 
 sword in hand, whilst the disposition really is to make peace on any 
 terms. With regard to the affairs of Italy it is necessary that she 
 should be on her guard. 
 
 The Ambassador of Savoy will embark to day at Gravesend for 
 Holland whence he will go to Brussels. 
 
 London, 25th August 1628. 
 
 The Duke of Buckingham left this city on Tuesday last for Ports- 
 mouth, to make every effort to put to sea at once ; but I do not believe 
 that he will be able to do so sooner than the time which I have already 
 mentioned. 
 
 The Ambassador of Savoy sailed on Monday for Holland whence he 
 will proceed to Brussels to resume his negotiations in person. Mr. 
 Endymion Porter has accompanied him. He is to cross the sea and to 
 go so far on his projected journey to save his feelings, his appointment 
 being well known ; but substantially the management of the negotiations 
 will be in other hands as I stated in my last inclosure. 
 
 The Venetian Ambassador has not yet sent his Secretary to the 
 French Camp. I hear that he is waiting for a more favourable reply 
 than that which has been given him. If that reply does not anticipate 
 the sailing of the fleet it Avill be useless ; and the same fate will attend 
 the negotiations of the Dutch Ambassador, however zealously they may 
 be prosecuted. 
 
 Colonel Morgan will be sent to the aid of Denmark with some few 
 English troops, but as the cost of the fleet has somewhat exhausted the 
 exchecpier his expedition must be delayed. 
 
 The Queen is still at Wellingborough but more on account of her taste 
 for the country, and because the dances of the peasantry amuse her, than 
 for her bodily benefit from the waters which are so diluted by the rain 
 that at the present time they are of little service. 
 
 Warden, Bedfordshire, ,5th September 628. 
 Immediately after my arrival at this place, the news reached me of 
 the tragical end of the Duke of Buckingham at Portsmouth. The 
 U 235.53. L
 
 ]62 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 H. i>. Serine, author of it is in the position of a gentleman, and it is said that the cause 
 
 Esq. of his act was that the Duke refused to give him the Company of 
 
 Infantry which he maintained was his by right when his Captain died. 
 
 He avenged himself by a stab with a knife which killed the Duke before 
 
 he had time to say a word. 
 
 The news of this fatal blow has spread rapidly over the whole 
 kingdom; and, if I may express myself frankly, the appearances of satis- 
 faction are almost universal. His Majesty more than any one is touched 
 to the quick by this assassination, he feels it so much that they say that 
 he is both profoundly afflicted and incensed. 
 
 The Duke's relatives and dependents are those who will be most 
 affected by this loss. As to others, they rejoice in the prospect of 
 dividing the spoils and the offices which he held in the government. All 
 the principal Members of the Privy Council went immediately to His 
 Majesty to offer their services, and as all the active management of the 
 government was in the hands of the Duke it will require sometime to 
 make the arrangements which may be rendered necessary by a possible 
 change of policy in home and foreign affairs. 
 
 It is only too evident that the people are gratified by the death of the 
 Duke, and they seem to think that they have gained by the act of his 
 slayer that deliverance which Parliament never could obtain. The 
 murderer is named Felton. He is a prisoner and will be strictly examined 
 to discover if he has accomplices, after which in conformity with the laws 
 he must die. 
 
 With regard to the numerous offices held by the Duke they will be 
 distributed when His Majesty returns to London. The Queen will join 
 him having left Wellingborough. 
 
 Such is the intelligence which I have been able to obtain at a hundred 
 miles distance from Portsmouth and the Court. I have written to a 
 friend in London to forward direct to Florence any further intelligence 
 of importance. I hope to be in London in a fortnight and to resume 
 my correspondence. 
 
 The death of the Duke took place on Saturday the 2nd of this month. 
 The Puritans now will gain all that they desire, the Catholics will be 
 losers. As to the transactions with Spain promoted by the Duke they 
 will be overset for the Puritans are hostile and rather lean to peace 
 with France. 
 
 It is said that the King is attacked by smallpox. 
 
 London, 16th September 1628.* 
 The Venetian Ambassador on the 10th inst. having received a courier 
 from his colleague at the French Court, who is at the camp before 
 Rochelle, immediately went to Court and has not yet returned. The 
 Secretary who brought the despatches says that but for the death of 
 the Duke of Buckingham everything would have been settled with 
 France, inasmuch as His Most Christian Majesty had agreed to the 
 proposals of the Duke. The despatch (written before the Duke's death 
 was known) invites him to visit France as Ambassador when everything 
 would be arranged. The Secretary further informed me that if the 
 expedition had not sailed, neither would it sail ; but, however that might 
 be, the Ambassador is authorised to arrange matters with the King, and 
 peace will be made, and Rochelle left to its King. He also told me 
 
 * This singular letter, in very indifferent Italian, is written by the President 
 Salvetti's correspondent ; it is of no value except where it states that the Lord 
 Treasurer Weston was a friend of Salvetti's, an important consideration when con- 
 nected with its influence on the despatches.
 
 HISTORICAL .MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 163 
 
 that the leader of the expedition had orders to ascertain what the mss. of 
 French had to say, and to do whatever he can for peace without sue- H - D. Serine, 
 couring Rochelle. It is not however believed that the fleet can have — ' 
 
 arrived there. 
 
 Cottington is not going to Spain, Endyruion Porter has made secret 
 negotiations with Her Serene Highness the Infanta at Brussels and is 
 gone to Lorraine. 
 
 The Treasurer Weston a particular friend of Salvetti's is now at the 
 head of affairs. 
 
 Lord Carlisle is recalled. Felton is in the tower, as also one Savage 
 who says that Felton offered him money to murder the Duke. 
 
 Their Majesties will be here in ten days. Orders have been given 
 to bury the body of the Duke on the 29th of this month without any 
 pomp. 
 
 London, 16th September 1628. 
 
 On the 23rd of August (Stile Anglio) an English soldier, Felton by 
 name, killed the Duke of Buckingham at Portsmouth, with a knife, 
 whilst he was conversing with some officers in an antechamber where 
 there wei*e upwards of eighty persons. The blow was given so sud- 
 denly that it was not actually seen by any one. The Duke was heard 
 to exclaim, " Vile animal, you have killed me," and with his own hand 
 he drew the knife from the wound ; then, stepping back as if to draw 
 his sword, he fell to the ground and blood flowed from his mouth and 
 nostrils. In seven or eight minutes he expired without uttering a word. 
 
 On the fall of the Duke many of those present drew their swords 
 and turned towards Monsieur de Soubise who was in the anteroom, and 
 who ran a special risk of being killed from the circumstance that 
 several took it into their heads that he had struck the blow inasmuch as 
 about an hour previously some warm words had passed between him 
 and the Duke in public. The actual murderer, seeing that the crowd 
 threw itself upon Soubise, called out, " the Duke is dead, and it was 1 
 " who killed him." One of those standing by with his sworn drawn, 
 made a lounge at him. This Felton parried, and throwing down his 
 sword said, " do what you like with me." He was made prisoner, and 
 being questioned he said that he had struck the blow and that he had 
 intended to do so for some days. Being asked if he was sorry for what 
 he had done said " No," and that if it were still to do, he would do 
 it, having no fear except of the displeasure of God. 
 
 On the 4th of September he was brought to Loudon and committed 
 to the Tower. It is said that he will be tortured to discover if he has 
 accomplices, and then he will be put to death. 
 
 The body of the Duke was brought here, and from a distance of three 
 miles from London it was accompanied by eighty carriages and about 
 two hundred torch bearers. 
 
 His Majesty has ordered the Privy Council to provide whatever is 
 required for a solemn funeral ceremony, but as there is no money to 
 spare it is doubtful whether any splendour is possible. 
 
 The Courts of the King and Queen have put on mourning. His 
 Majesty is deeply grieved ; he remained for two days shut up in his 
 apartment and gave no audience to anyone. He sent a message of con- 
 dolence to the Duchess and informed her that he would extend the 
 protection of a husband and father to her and to her children. These 
 are a girl and a boy. 
 
 No one of the offices held by the late Duke has yet been tilled up 
 except that of Commander-in-Chief of the army and navy. The fleet, 
 consisting of eighty-six sail, departed yesterday the 5th of September. 
 
 L 2
 
 164 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 H d S skkine ^he General is Lord Willoughby, the Lieutenant Lord Morton, and the 
 Esq. ' third in command is Lord Mountjoy who commanded the Cavalry in the 
 Isle of Rhe. 
 
 It is held that without fail the fleet will succour Rochelle inasmuch 
 as it has been stated that a tempestuous sea has removed all the defences 
 made by order of His Most Christian Majesty, and it is also said that 
 His Majesty has left the camp of the besiegers. 
 
 The Earl of Holland has been appointed Master of I he Horse for six 
 months, and it is believed that he will be succeeded by the Marquis of 
 Hamilton, a Scottish Nobleman, provided that he marries the widow of 
 the Duke of Buckingham.* 
 
 The Courts of the King and Queen ought to arrive in London in 
 a week. Then it will be seen how the different offices will be dis- 
 tributed, and what will be the inclinations of His Majesty. 
 
 The Danish, Dutch, and Venetian, Ambassadors have returned after 
 an absence of sixteen days with the Court. So far as it is possible to 
 form an opinion they have not been able to do anything, and the journey 
 which the Venetian Secretary was to make to France has been counter- 
 manded. In like manner Sir Francis Cottington is not to go to Spain. 
 
 The English hold that, if they can succour Rochelle, His Most 
 Christian Majesty will be compelled to make peace with the Huguenots, 
 and with England, and to turn his attention to the affairs of Mantua in 
 Italy. 
 
 London, 20th October 1628. 
 It is now nearly a month since the fleet sailed from Portsmouth and 
 no intelligence whatever has been heard of it, except that it had 
 anchored in front of Rochelle to wait for the high tide at the time of 
 full moon on Friday last to enable it to enter the harbour. 
 
 All people are anxiously desirous to learn what the Earl of Lindsey,f 
 who is in command of the expedition, has been able to do in favour of 
 the Rochellese, either by arms or by negotiations. He has sufficient 
 powers for either alternative, although it is generally believed that he 
 will have recourse to the first, it being held that the defences are in 
 reality much weaker than the French describe them to be. 
 
 If the Duke had not so unhappily fallen, I believe that peace would 
 have been made without recourse to arms, seeing that the good offices 
 of the Ambassadors of Venice, of Denmark, and of Holland, had so far 
 arranged matters that the Duke, invited by the French to do so, would 
 have landed from the fleet and as Ambassador would have adjusted 
 everything. His death has made a change of scene, insomuch that the 
 same absolute authority has not been given to the General who is now 
 in command. 
 
 There remains, however, I do not know exactly what remnant of the 
 transactions of the Venetian Ambassador conducted with the King's 
 consent ; he may endeavour to come to an arrangement, whatever the 
 success of His Majesty's arms, but I think that no resolution can in 
 reality be adopted till the result of the expedition is ascertained. I 
 would add for the information of your Serene Highness that the Rochel- 
 lese do not lament the death of the Duke of Buckingham whom they 
 suspected of having deserted their cause. This has also been the belief 
 of Monsieur de Soubise. 
 
 1 have already described in two letters to your Serene Highness the 
 manner of the death of the Duke of Buckingham. I have now to add 
 
 * He was already married to the late Duke's niece. 
 f Lord Willouphby created Karl of Lindsey.
 
 HISTOEICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 1G5 
 
 that a few days ago lie was interred in Westminster Abbey, without pomp 
 of any kind in order to escape any demonstration of public fury. 
 
 John Felton who killed him with a single blow of a knife was im- 
 prisoned in the Tower and has been rigorously examined without 
 ascertaining that he had accomplices. He says " that he did it moved 
 by zeal, and by reading the Remonstrance presented to the Kin^ by 
 Parliament in which he was denounced as the causa causarum of the 
 national ills. He must pay for what he has done with his life, but 
 he knows how to die and that he will soon be forgotten." 
 
 The King was greatly grieved by the death of the Duke, and the Queen 
 expressed her participation in his sorrow and did all in her power to com- 
 fort and console him. Her Majesty went personally to visit and condole 
 the Duke's relations, an act upon her part which has greatly gratified the 
 King by whom she is more than ever beloved ; and, were she not so 
 youthful, and so carried away by her companionships, it would be an 
 easy matter for her to make the King do whatever she pleased, so much 
 is he attached to her. 
 
 Their Majesties are at Hampton Court and in excellent health and 
 are enjoying the pleasures of the chase. 
 
 The offices of the late Duke have not yet been distributed, several of 
 them have been put into commission. The Privy Council now manages 
 everything, and of this Council Lord Treasurer Weston, the Earl of 
 Pembroke, and Lord Carlington, have the ear of the King in all matters 
 of importance. 
 
 Parliament ought to have met on the 30th of this month, but it has 
 been prorogued by His Majesty to the 30th of January next as it is 
 wished to see what may be the result of the expedition to Rochelle, and 
 of the negotiations of the Venetian Ambassadors as well as of those of 
 Mr. Endymion Porter who went first to Brussels where he had an 
 interview with the Archduchess. Her Serene Highness provided him 
 with a Spaniard who, as her Secretary, protected him during his journey 
 by post through France. He had shaved off his beard so as not to be 
 known. His object is to ascertain if there are such favourable disposi- 
 tions that a person of more importance might be sent, probably Sir 
 Francis Cottington, to come to an understanding with those who govern 
 and with the merchants also. 
 
 A gentleman sent by the Duke of Lorraine has been here lately ; what 
 his object may have been is not known except that he inquired for the 
 health of His Majesty who was reported to have the smallpox. It is 
 thought that his real object has been to observe what changes have 
 taken place iu the government of the country, in consequence of the 
 death of the Duke of Buckingham, and in the relations between it and 
 His Serene Highness. 
 
 A monk has been condemned by the Judges to be hanged and quar- 
 tered in Lancashire. This is the first whom they have executed for a 
 long time, and it is said that His Majesty does not approve of the 
 conduct of the Judges in this case. 
 
 The Earl of Carlisle, His Majesty's Ambassador in Italy, has been 
 recalled ; and I believe that the death of the Duke must have made him 
 wish more than once that he was in this country, as in the present 
 conjuncture of affairs his absence must be hurtful to his personal 
 interests. 
 
 The English Ambassador at Venice has written that differences have 
 sprung up between the Pope and your Serene Highness with reference 
 to the affairs of the State of Urbino and that tin; Emperor has assisted 
 you with promises and otherwise. In consequence of this intelligence 
 I have been questioned by several persons of this Court.
 
 166 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 MSB. of London, 24th October 1628. 
 
 H - d e s S q RINE * The fact that the Court is in the country, occupied with the pleasures 
 — ' of the chase, leaves me this week without English news of any kind ; 
 
 whilst we are deprived of foreign intelligence, and we do not know 
 Avhether the fleet has been able to assist the Eochellese, considered here 
 a matter of the first importance by reason of the consequences which 
 the success of the attempt may produce on the policy of this country, 
 both in relation to internal and foreign affairs as well as on the nego- 
 tiations now on the tapis for the adjustment of relations with France. 
 
 There is naturally great impatience that for forty days no news has 
 been received whether the powerful fleet has performed the object with 
 which it was sent or has not done so. 
 
 Colonel Morgan, who fought in aid of Denmark and who finally 
 yielded Stade to the Imperialists, will again be sent to these parts with 
 two thousand English troops that he may throw himself into Gluckstadt 
 for the defence of that place ; but he is not to go immediately as he must 
 wait for soldiers who are at present with the fleet. 
 
 It appears that there has been some attempt at commotion in Ireland, 
 the Viceroy having imprisoned a number of Irishmen accused by him 
 of maintaining intelligence with the Spaniards. His Majesty without 
 loss of time has sent a commission to the Irish Chancellor and others 
 to inquire into the truth, and a message to the Viceroy to suspend the 
 action of the law, and not to meddle farther, quite as if His Majesty 
 privately believed that, seeing the small regard which the Viceroy has 
 for the Irish, his conduct towards them calls for explanation. Felton, 
 who killed the Duke of Buckingham, has not yet been sentenced, from 
 a desire to ascertain, before he is put to death, whether he had any 
 accomplices. 
 
 Postscript of the 25th October 1628. 
 
 Last night the Venetian Ambassador received an express courier from 
 the French camp before Rochelle bringing despatches from his colleague. 
 The courier has been only five days on his journey. The Ambassador 
 went to Hampton Court this morning to see the King to give him the 
 intelligence which he had received and a statement of the progress of 
 the negotiations of his colleague in favour of an accommodation with 
 His Most Christian Majesty. 
 
 Mr. Walter Montagu also appeared this morning, having come by sea, 
 and bringing, it is believed, similar news to that of the courier, for His 
 Majesty unexpectedly visited London to consult with the Privy Council 
 before giving an answer to the Ambassador. The news brought is far 
 from satisfactory. The expedition has been unable to succour Rochelle ; 
 many fine ships have been lost, and worse still there is no prospect of 
 being able to do anything. 
 
 The King is now consulting with his Privy Council as to what is to 
 be done ; whether to revictual the army and to send orders to make 
 another attempt, or whether to withdraw the fleet and to leave the question 
 in the hands of the Venetian Ambassador. 
 
 I believe that the King inclines to the first opinion and, should it 
 prevail, I apprehend that we may look for more dangers encountered 
 and fresh disasters sustained. 
 
 London, 26th October 1628. 
 The King, with the advice of his Privy Council, has resolved to 
 provision the fleet without loss of time and to send express orders to 
 follow up the enterprise whatever the difficulties to be encountered,
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 167 
 
 His Majesty being called upon, both by his conscience and for the 
 maintenance of his reputation, to relieve the Rochellese. 
 
 Mr. Montagu did not come directly from' the fleet but from the 
 Most Christian camp, having landed on pretence of negotiations for 
 exchange of prisoners. He bad a lengthened interview with Cardinal 
 Richelieu who informed him of the negotiations of the Venetian Am- 
 bassador, after which, accompanied by a gentleman of the suite of the 
 Cardinal, he w r as conducted to St. Malo in Normandy where he em- 
 barked for England to give information to His Majesty. 
 
 The Venetian Ambassador anticipated Mr. Montagu, his courier 
 having arrived the clay before, and His Excellency informed the King 
 of Mr. Montagu's arrival and of his interview with the Cardinal, not 
 without displeasure and some jealous feeling that the negotiations 
 might be withdrawn from his hands and the honour of them given to 
 Mr. Montagu. 
 
 But as affairs are now conducted by the Privy Council, and no longer 
 by one head only as in the time of Buckingham, Mr. Montagu has been 
 sent back to St. Malo where he will find the French gentlemen waiting 
 for him ready to conduct him to the camp. He is to express generally 
 the desire on this side to come to terms with France and he is to press the 
 Ambassador to obtain a detailed reply, as it is here wished to arrange 
 everything ; nothing remaining, as I have been informed by the Venetian 
 Ambassador here, except to settle a particular article of the negotiations 
 between the late Duke and the Marshal de Bassompierre, regarding the 
 Household of the Queen, and to press the Cardinal to make certain 
 concessions on this subject which he had previously declined to do. 
 
 The Ambassador has sent the courier back to France, with infor- 
 mation to his colleague of the dispatch of Montagu ; and he holds another 
 ready to convey the principal and detailed answer in which Rochelle is 
 in no way mentioned, France having so willed it from its desire that 
 England should not meddle in the affairs of French subjects or other- 
 Avise treat with reference to them except in the way of intercession. 
 
 With regard to the affairs of Rochelle people hope, what they wish 
 for, that there soon may be an accommodation with France, and that 
 peace may be made with Spain also, for a courier has arrived today from 
 Mr. Endymion Porter by way of Flanders bearing despatches for the 
 King. Although the precise contents are not known, it is easy to see 
 that there is a confirmation of favourable news from Spain and a corre- 
 sponding sympathy Avith the wishes of this country for peace. 
 
 Therefore peace is hoped for on that side also and it is desired by the 
 King and by his government who are anxious alike to escape the 
 necessity of having recourse for money to the Puritans, who would take 
 advantage of the opportunity to drive a sharp bargain. 
 
 His Majesty the Privy Council and all moderate persons desire peace 
 Avith both crowns, but the Puritans with that of France only. 
 
 London, 1st November 1628. 
 I gave intelligence last Aveek of the negotiation by Mr. Montagu and 
 of his return to the Most Christian Camp, and to the fleet, charged with 
 a general answer regarding the subject of reconciliation with the French 
 and at the same time with a detailed message to the Earl of Lindsey, 
 commander of the expedition, requiring him to make another attempt to 
 force the harbour so as to show that His Majesty, feeling bound by 
 conscience and by his honour, has done everything in his power to succour 
 the Rochellese and has directed the leader of his fleet and army ac- 
 eordingly.
 
 168 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 MSS. of Persisting in this resolution to tempt fortune once more, provisions 
 
 H - I) ' E ^Q EIr,E ' and ammunition are to be dispatched immediately to the fleet; although 
 
 — there is an inward conviction of the impossibility of success and that the 
 
 fall of Eochelle is a mere question of days. There is at the same time 
 
 an intense wish that it should not take place in the presence of the 
 
 English fleet. 
 
 The Venetian Ambassador is at Court daily and exerts himself to the 
 uttermost to bring his proposed treaty of peace to a successful issue, 
 and having on his side the Queen, who now exercises a great influence 
 on the King, His Excellency is not without hope of success although 
 there still is obstinacy to overcome for, even within the present week, 
 a hostile proclamation was issued by the King's orders forbidding his 
 subjects, under heavy penalties, from exporting to France either pro- 
 visions or ammunition. 
 
 The Ambassador has not given up hope of a successful termination of 
 the negotiation which he presses ardently. He says that the King has 
 given him his word that he will come to terms, but that it is evident that 
 His Majesty still wishes to see the upshot of the operations of his fleet 
 at Hochelle with the intention of subsequently acting as may seem 
 expedient. 
 
 "With regard to the negotiations with Spain, if it is true that Sir 
 Francis Cottington is to go to Brussels in a few days to see the Arch- 
 duchess, it may in that case be believed that that treaty is also on the 
 road to adjustment, and perhaps with as good an appearance of ending 
 well as that with France promoted by the Queen, by Denmark, Venice 
 and Holland, with some others who however are all with the exception 
 of the Queen opposed to the Spaniards. 
 
 Of Irish affairs there is no further news, and of the expedition of 
 Colonel Morgan to assist Gluckstadt and Krempe nothing can be known 
 till the return of the troops now with the fleet. 
 
 Their Majesties are now in London with all the Court, and two days 
 ago the Marquis of Hamilton returned ; being summoned to do so by His 
 Majesty who has made him Master of the Horse, an office which was 
 held by the Duke of Buckingham. He must therefore remain in the 
 society of the niece of the late Duke, whom he married but for whom 
 it appears that he does not care. 
 
 London, 6th November 1628. 
 
 All this Court and Kingdom long inexpressibly to hear what the fleet 
 has been able to do for the relief of the Rochellese, after receiving the 
 last instructions, sent by Mr. Montagu, to make another attempt. It 
 is not unreasonable to suppose that certain news may come soon unless 
 it has been thought necessary to wait for the tide of the full moon of 
 this week. In the meanwhile all is in abeyance here, more particularly 
 with reference to the negotiations ol the Vsnetian Ambassador, who 
 for the time being is prevented making any advance from the desire on 
 this side to delay till the results of the action of the fleet are seen. 
 
 In the treaty of peace in preparation the Rochellese will not be 
 mentioned, because the French v/ill have it so; and the English are 
 apparently unwilling to pledge themselves farther in their cause, having 
 no hope left of making such conditions as they wish. They prefer to 
 do all that it is humanly possible to do to assist them and, failing in the 
 effort, to leave them to capitulate on the best terms which they can 
 obtain without interference on their part. 
 
 The Venetian Ambassador gives his utmost attention to his negotia- 
 tions ; he is daily at Court conferring with the most important Members 
 of the Privy Council to try and come to an understanding with them.
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 169 
 
 In short with the exercise of his good offices on this side, and with the ^gg. 0F 
 
 expedition of couriers too and fro every week, he does as much as it, is H. D.Skkine. 
 
 possible to do ; but, His Majesty having said that it is necessary to await — 
 
 the result of the attempt to relieve Rochelle, his diligence at present 
 
 only serves to keep his hand in, so that no one else may interfere to 
 
 gather the fruits of his labours. Amongst many others, Denmark and 
 
 Holland are covetous of the honour, as they were the first to sow good 
 
 seeds, and His Majesty declared to them in writing that their good 
 
 offices were pleasing to him. In conclusion we must wait for news from 
 
 Rochelle, we shall then see on which side there is reason and who is to 
 
 have the credit. 
 
 As to affairs with the other Crown, there are good hopes of success, 
 as soon as news arrives of the negotiations of the gentleman sent to 
 that Court, in spire of the interests and the opposition which counteract 
 them. 
 
 The Earl of Arundel has been recalled by His Majesty to take his 
 place in the Privy Council. The Countess and her son and daughter- 
 in-law have come to Court. This Earl is one of the first persons in 
 the Kingdom for ancient family and great ability. By reason of 
 differences with the late Duke of Buckingham* he has been exiled from 
 Court for three years and has been out of favour with the King. Now 
 that he is replaced he will take a distinguished part in the government 
 of the State. 
 
 London, 17th November 1628. 
 
 Although indirect news has arrived of the reduction of Rochelle by 
 the King cf France, and that it is known that the Dutch Ambassador 
 has received letters to that effect from Paris, still it is not believed by 
 His Majesty and by many of the Court ; partly because no intelligence 
 has come from the fleet, and partly because there is the greatest un- 
 willingness to believe in the possibility of this defeat -without having 
 succeeded in inflicting any damage upon the enemy. 
 
 If the news is true, we ought soon to hear of the return of the fleet 
 together Avith the manner and conditions of the surrender of the place. 
 It is very apparent here how deep the grief is with which this loss is 
 regarded from the failure uf the attempt to render assistance, and partly 
 by reason of the waste of life and treasure which has been made to so 
 little purpose. These misfortunes are imputed to the unhappy manage- 
 ment of the dead Duke on whose memory the people's wrath is dis- 
 charged. 
 
 The Venetian Ambassador every hour expects the arrival of an 
 express courier from France who will convey to him the opinion of His 
 Most Christian Majesty after this important victory. Should that 
 opinion be of the same nature as before the conquest of Rochelle His 
 Excellency -will then push his efforts for the adjustment of the 
 differences between the two crowns ; although I am of opinion that 
 there are more difficulties to be overcome than the Ambassador is 
 aware of, amongst which is the King of England's disposition to make 
 peace with Spain. 
 
 London, 25th November 1628. 
 
 Certain news has arrived of the reduction of Rochelle which has been 
 heard here with the deepest concern. Had this country abandoned this 
 cause sooner it would have been more economical and the Rochellese 
 might have saved thousand of lives. 
 
 * The Resident evidently forgets here the precise circumstances and does injustice 
 to the Duke of Buckingham.
 
 V 
 
 170 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 31 ss. of The fleet has been dispersed on its return by terrible tempests, and is 
 
 Esq EIKE ' now appearing gradually at various points of the west coast. Serious 
 apprehension is felt that we shall hear of wrecks, and the serious 
 damage of most of the ships. Officers have been sent to the different 
 seaports provided with sums of money to pay off the soldiers and 
 mariners as they arrive, so as to put an end to unprofitable outlay and 
 to save the provinces from the necessity of maintaining them of which 
 such bitter complaints were made in Parliament. This is a manifest 
 indication of a desire to listen to terms of accommodation with France 
 which the Venetian Ambassador on this side continues to push 
 energetically ; and with this object he sent this week an express courier 
 to his colleague in France to renew the negotiations, and to endeavour to 
 bring them to a close, which may perhaps be facilitated by the circum- 
 stance, on the other side, that they do not insist on the restoration of the 
 French attendants on the Queen which is so obnoxious to the feelings 
 and opinions of the King. 
 
 There still remains this difficulty that England being desirous of 
 making peace with both Crowns which is to have the precedence ? Or, if 
 it be necessary to make peace with one only, which is to be selected ? 
 Arguing for and against, and the question being reduced to considera- 
 tions of interest, honour, and durable peace, intelligent people think that, 
 all conditions being weighed, Spain is preferred as compared with 
 France, not so much from the fact of the smaller profit in trade derived 
 Irom the latter as by reason of the long existing antipathy between the 
 two nations which has been lately revived by so much mutual offence, 
 as well as by a prevalent conviction of the instability of the French ; 
 whilst, so far as the Spaniards are concerned, the only exception taken to 
 them is their overstrained zeal for their religion and the common belief 
 that they aim at universal sovereignty. 
 
 Such are some of the arguments which are advanced and debated in 
 this country, without however coming to any conclusion. 
 
 If the special inclination of the Puritans be considered, the effectual 
 intervention of the Queen, the friendly offices of the King of Denmark, 
 of the Venetian Abassadors, and of many others, France will be placed 
 first in the negotiations even at the risk of excluding Spain. On the 
 other hand, considering the motives which influence Princes in such 
 transactions, it may be assumed that the aim will be to make peace 
 with both crowns. In that case Spain must necessarily be placed first ; 
 not that peace with France is less desired, but in the conviction that 
 there must be peace with Spain if it is to be maintained with France. 
 There remains this difficulty that, if in the negotiations any preference 
 is shown for Spain, France will not come to terms so readily as she 
 would do if exclusively dealt with. 
 
 We must soon know what fruits may be gathered from the negotia- 
 tions of the Venetian Ambassadors with France, and of Mr. Endymion 
 Porter in Spain. Meanwhile the jealousies amongst Diplomatists, as to 
 who should be the first to succeed, are fomented here, for the promotion of 
 English interests, in the efforts now making to come to terms with both 
 powers ; failing which then to do so with the power which offers the 
 best terms which I believe will be Spain. 
 
 It has not yet been determined whether the two thousand infantry 
 promised to Denmark shall be selected from the soldiery just returned 
 or from others. Either way the expedition is procrastinated to the 
 great regret of the Ambassadors. 
 
 The Marquis of Hamilton has been placed in possession of his office 
 hs Master of the Horse, and thereon he has consummated his marriage, 
 
 X
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 171 
 
 made years ago with the niece of the late Duke of Buckingham, which M8& 
 up to the present time he has refused to do. Esq* 1 *" 
 
 Sir Francis Cottingtou, who was at one time Agent in Spain, who 
 took a part in the negotiation of the Spanish marriage, and who was 
 lately nominated to conduct the peace negotiations with that power, was 
 yesterday made a Member of the Privy Council. He is a person of 
 ability and the friend of a peaceful policy. 
 
 London, 2d December 1628. 
 
 The fleet has appeared, but much damaged by the sea, and with the 
 total loss of some of the smaller vessels. The General, with the rest of 
 the officers, have come here to pay their respects to His Majesty ahd to 
 give him an account of their voyage. The troops are disbanded and 
 sent to their homes, each receiving two crowns for their expenses, from 
 which I infer that there really is an inclination towards quiet and that 
 all now points to a general peace, although the Puritans are violently 
 opposed to any reconciliation with Spain and are supported by persons 
 of high position as well as by some foreign states who have little regard 
 for that crown. Negotiations with both France and Spain are notwith- 
 standing in progress. 
 
 The Venetian Ambassadors do their part with France, Avhilst others 
 do theirs at Brussels, to assist a settlement with Spain. The former 
 expect new conditions on the part of His Most Christian Majesty 
 since his victory at Rochelle, but I know not, as yet, what statement 
 may come from Mr. Endymion Porter, who is in Spain. Everyway 1 
 believe that the disposition of the King is entirely in favour of peace with 
 the two Crowns. But with which first ? This is the question which the 
 negotiators weary themselves to overcome, in the hope that, if no diffi- 
 culty be started on the part of Spain, and that their efforts may not 
 be defeated by the Puritans who in anticipation of the meeting of Par- XT 
 liament are preparing for the struggle, they may in spite of all such 
 hindrances hit the mark with Spain with which there are not so many 
 questions to settle as with France. 
 
 News has come this week from Holland that the Dutch fleet, which 
 was sent some time ago to the West Indies, has taken four Spanish 
 Galleons from La Plata, and twelve other ships laden with merchandise, » 
 the whole being estimated to be worth twelve millions of florins which 
 is equal to five millions of crowns. This has greatly encouraged the 
 Puritanical party which is consequently more than ever disposed to press 
 for the continuation of the Spanish war. I believe, notwithstanding all 
 this, that no change will take place in the negotiations in progress, nor 
 that His Majesty will abandon his first purpose, although advantage may 
 be taken of the disaster in making the conditions of peace. 
 
 The return of Mr. Endymion Porter is daily expected, and by him 
 the views of the Spaniards will be made known, at the same time we 
 shall hear what is to be the final determination here ; we shall learn also 
 what turn the negotiations of the Venetian Ambassador are taking for 
 every hour he expects a courier with the reply of the French. 
 
 These are the only negotiations which agitate the Court at present, 
 everyone waiting with the greatest anxiety to hear the results. 
 
 The Dutch gentlemen overcome by excessive joy on account of the 
 news of the success of their fleet against the Spaniards, whether from 
 having drunk too much or for some other reason, were in great danger 
 two days ago of being burnt alive in their beds, having in their jubila- 
 tion set the house on fire without knowing how. It was burnt to the 
 ground and they lost all their furniture.
 
 172 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 MSS. of One of four ships the property of the East India Company, lately ar- 
 
 H D 'e^q RINE ' rivfd from India, was driven from the Downs by the late tempest into the 
 — Dutch seas where it was lost, the cargo being worth eighty thousand 
 
 pounds sterling. 
 
 Every day disputes arise between sailors and His Majesty's Custom- 
 house officers, The sailors refuse to pay the usual duties, insisting that 
 Parliament did not grant them to this King as it did to his father. 
 There is great embarassment at Court as to the best means of amending 
 this, seeing that Parliament is about to meet. It is a question of the 
 greatest consequence and, unless a remedy is found, the royal power will 
 suffer, as day by day there are symptoms of the growing and daring 
 opposition of the people. 
 
 London, 9th December 1628. 
 The payment of the troops and sailors is hastened as much as possible, 
 and the men are sent to their homes so as to save the Royal purse from 
 farther depletion and the provinces from the cost of maintaining them. 
 The ships are in various harbours for repairs which are much needed after 
 their disastrous expedition. It now appears that sixteen have been lost 
 with all their officers and at least 6ve hundred men between soldiers and 
 their crews. 
 
 At last Colonel Morgan has been sent with fifteen hundred men, 
 whom he brought with him from Stade, to throw himself into Gliick- 
 stadt on the Elbe. The inhabitants would not receive the troops, not 
 being able to maintain so many mouths ; orders have therefore been given 
 to supply without loss of time a large sum of money, for provisions for 
 the troops, in order to do all that is possible for the safety of the place. 
 With regard to the treaties of peace with the two crowns, it does not 
 appear to me that any progress is made. The Venetian Ambassador 
 has not received any communication from France since the reduction 
 of Rochelle, they augur ill here of the disposition of France in consequence 
 of this suspicious delay. 
 
 As to the other treaty, although advice has been received of the 
 arrival in Brussels of the Spanish Plenipotentiary, there is no appearance 
 here of any increase in the usual pace; and that which is done is done coldly, 
 amounting to nothing more than the appointment up to the present time 
 of selected members of the Privy Council, to consult over what may be 
 fitting or the revei'se, and to settle what ought to be demanded and what 
 conceded, in case of reaching the consideration of the details of a treaty 
 which at present is only expressed in general terms. 
 
 Mr. Endymion Porter ought to have returned from Spain by this 
 time ; when he comes, possibly he may bring something to warm the 
 negotiations, if the powerful Puritanical faction, with the aid of 
 Parliament, does not throw everything into disorder to promote the 
 arrangement with France which the Puritans ardently support ; a policy 
 in which they may easily succeed, whilst the King with a few of his 
 councillors pursue a course devoid of decision or steadiness of purpose, 
 when duty calls for both. 
 
 We have here at pi'esent a Muscovite Ambassador who has come to 
 congratulate His Majesty on his succession to the throne. He was 
 received by the Magistracy of London with the usual cei'emony observed 
 towards Ambassadors. He has in fact been sent by merchants who 
 trade in Muscovy. To-morrow being Sunday he will be received in 
 audience by His Majesty with the usual pomp. He has not brought 
 any presents, such as sables and other rich furs of that country, conse- 
 quently the merchants here who pay all his expenses may send him home 
 without presents or with some of small value.
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 173 
 
 Yesterday sentence was at last pronounced on John Felton and on MSS. of 
 Monday next lie will be executed. He will only be hanged, the law not H ' D *e S S q RINE ' 
 permitting any severer penalty for homicide. — 
 
 *The Abbe Scaglia formerly Ambassador from Savoy to this Court 
 has written to His Majesty that he has been invited by Count Olivarez 
 to visit Spain to treat orally with reference to certain interests. With 
 the consent of his Sovereign and that of the Earl of Carlisle, when in 
 Spain he would interpose his good offices, and he asks that an English 
 Galleon may be provided to enable him, as soon as he has completed his 
 negotiations, to set out at once for England to give an account of his 
 proceedings. Orders have been given to get ready a good ship to go to 
 the coast of Galicia, to bring him away and to land him in this country. 
 Thus this policy is still alive and Savoy is still at work in the interests 
 of peace. 
 
 London, 16th December 1628. 
 
 We are this week without news of importance. Preparations are 
 making for the meeting of Parliament, which takes on the 30th of next 
 month, and to extract new subsidies from it. His Majesty in anticipa- 
 tion of its meeting, and to gratify it, has declared publicly, through the 
 Lord Keeper, that it is his will and that he commands all judges and 
 other officers to put vigorously in force the penal law against the Roman 
 Catholics ; and in particular that members of religious orders be sought 
 out everywhere and imprisoned, and brought to trial and condemned, in 
 conformity with the rigour of the law, but they are not to be put to 
 death without reference to His Majesty. 
 
 It appears that the King does not wish that the extreme penalty of 
 the law should be inflicted upon them, but that they should be sent to 
 finish their lives in a certain castle far from this where malaria 
 prevails. 
 
 With regard to lay Catholics, they are to be confined to certain places 
 and must pay punctually the usual exactions. All this is to please the 
 Puritans and to conciliate the new Parliament ; but, as with these people 
 it is a maxim to oppose everything, never to be satisfied with the 
 present, nor to agree with what is proposed for the future, so it may be 
 believed that all these Anticipations and preparations, which are already 
 regarded with suspicion, will not produce the effect which His Majesty 
 supposes, but that as usual he may encounter in the body of the Members 
 the same turbulent spirit as before. 
 
 It does not appear that the death of the Duke of Buckingham, who 
 was held to be the originator of all the evils of the State, has in the least 
 modified their peccant humours or their small regard for the monarchy. 
 Hence I conclude that without the greatest dexterity, and display of mag- 
 nanimity, His Majesty will not succeed in inducing the Puritans to vote 
 large supplies. 
 
 The King and his* people in no way get on well together and I fear, 
 if he cannot succeed in subduing them, that the affairs of this Kingdom 
 will go very badly, seeing that the Puritans win more space to act 
 with increasing daring against the King who unless he makes peace 
 abroad will never know it in his home and will never be an absolute 
 monarch. 
 
 As to the negotiations with the two Crowns apparently they are gone 
 to sleep, nothing is heard from either. The Venetian Ambassador is in 
 
 * This paragraph to the end of the letter is in cypher.
 
 Esq. 
 
 174 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 mss. of great trouble ou account of the delay made by France, with accounts of 
 H ' D '-r^» RINE ' tne d ec i s i° u of the King of France after his great victory at Rochelle. 
 This Court consequently entertains a very jealous feeling caused by this 
 unusual coldness on the part of France and thinks that it entertains very 
 different intentions from those held before its victory. 
 
 As to Spain I can add nothing, the Ambassador, Mr. Endymion 
 Porter, not having returned. 1 foresee how much depends on the 
 manner in which Parliament and the King come to terms, on these 
 depend the resolution of His Majesty whether it is to be peace or 
 war. 
 
 John Felton has been hauged in this city and his dead body sent to 
 Portsmouth, where he committed the murder, where it will be hung and 
 left on the gallows permanently in the sight of all the people. 
 
 II. — Documents illustrating the Life op Salvettt. 
 
 THE GONFALONIERE TO JAMES I. 
 
 Sacred and Royal Majesty, Lucca, the 27th of April 1607. 
 
 We feel so certain that Your Majesty justly abhors those who 
 dare to plot treason against their Princes or national rulers, that we, 
 referring to a certain Alessandro Antelminelli, a citizen of Lucca, who 
 lives in your most happy State, under the name of Amerigo Salvetti a 
 Florentine, supplicate Your Majesty by this letter, that you will be 
 graciously pleased to deliver up this man, as guilty of high treason, 
 against this Republic, to an authorised agent, who will be there to 
 receive him, and to bring him within the reach of justice, for which we 
 shall ever remain your greatly obliged servants, ready at all times to do 
 everything in our power for Your Majesty's service. 
 
 Beseeching the Almighty for Your Majesty's preservation and 
 happiness. 
 
 We are Your Sacred and Royal Majesty's 
 Most humble Servants, 
 For the Elders, 
 
 The Gonfaloniere. 
 
 Sir Henry Wotton to The Gonfaloniere. 
 
 Magnificent Sirs, Venice, 5th May 1607. 
 
 George Roche, a gentleman of my family who is greatly con- 
 fided in by me returned here yesterday evening. He informed me of all 
 that had been said to him at Lucca, all of which is satisfactory to me. 
 I think, therefore, that it would be now well that a trustworthy and 
 capable person should be appointed, with whom I may converse on 
 subjects of reciprocal interest and importance. 
 
 I write this letter with my own hand, as this appears to me to be 
 suitable to the circumstances of the case. I should have sent George 
 Roche with it, had I not been apprehensive of rousing suspicion, 
 especially as it would be necessary for him to pass through the 
 States of a Prince, who is very inquisitive and who has been lately, if 
 not offended, at least not too well pleased with the necessary perform- 
 ance of a duty within his dominions by the said George Roche.* 
 
 I retain the letter written to His Majesty, till such time as we have 
 adjusted the reciprocal business which may best be done viva voce, and 
 
 * This was the delivery of a summons to return to England, to Sir Robert Dudley 
 calling himself Earl of Warwick who at the time was befriended by the Grand Dnke.
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 175 
 
 if it appears to you desirable I would send a trustworthy person with a mss. of 
 cipher for future use. I hope to be of service to your noble Republic H. d.^Skrink, 
 not only on the present occasion, but perhaps also in matters of more — 
 
 importance which I shall make known to you. I kiss your hands. 
 
 I am of Your Magnificences, 
 
 With every assurance of sincerity and secrecy, 
 
 The Humble Servant, 
 
 Henry Wotton. 
 
 The Gonfaloniere to Sir Henry Wotton. 
 
 Noble and Dear Sir, The Palace, Lucca, 24th May 1607. 
 
 We give you for your instruction the following statement 
 which was yesterday approved by their Eminences the Magistrates in 
 Council. 
 
 " Although George Roche entered into negotiations, regarding the 
 reciprocal services alluded to by the English Ambassador with the person 
 whom we appointed, to replace the Magistrate previously in office, who 
 first opened the transaction, nevertheless the said George Roche assigned 
 no reasons. We, therefore, think it desirable to send an eminent and 
 sagacious citizen, such as the importance of the case requires, to Venice, 
 provided with credentials to the English Ambassador, that he may 
 explain to his Excellency, that a certain Magistrate here has specific 
 orders to obtain possession of the person of Alessandro Antelminelli, 
 by every possible means, the said Antelminelli being at present in 
 England. 
 
 The Magistrate having been informed that Mr. George Roche an 
 English gentleman then in Lucca would willingly give ear to any pro- 
 posal for the attainment of his object, an arrangement was made to pay 
 him two thousand crowns in gold, if within the term of two years, lie 
 delivered up the said Antelminelli at present called Amerigo Salvetti, on 
 the shore at Viareggio within the territory of Lucca. Whilst this 
 negotiation was impending, a letter came to hand, from his Excellency 
 the English Ambassador at Venice, directed to the Magnificent Messer 
 Nicolao and the respectable Ascanio Saminiati two of the Magistrates, 
 by which letter it has been seen that his Excellency willingly promises 
 to employ his influence for obtaining possession of this man from His 
 Majesty the King of England. An Agent may therefore be sent, not 
 only to return courteous thanks, but also to inquire what his Excellency 
 means by subjects of reciprocal interest, the nature of which has not 
 been explained and farther to request that he will be pleased to show 
 their eminences what is meant at the end of his letter by his statement 
 of his willingness to be of service to the Republic, not only on the 
 present occasion, but also in a matter of more importance. 
 
 To induce the Ambassador to explain the nature of the reciprocal 
 services which he wishes to promote the Citizen may state that although 
 no arrangement was made with George Roche, except that above 
 described, by anyone in authority here, nevertheless his Excellency 
 will find a ready disposition on the part cf the Magistrates to serve His 
 Majesty in the manner which he desires. The Citizen must make 
 every effort to obtain a clear reply to his inquiries calculated to be 
 satisfactory to the Magistrates, of which reply it is hoped that he may 
 be the bearer. Without a precise knowledge of the circumstances 
 alluded to by the Ambassador all is dark and nothing can be done. 
 
 With regard to the results aimed at we incline to the opinion that 
 the Eminent Council cannot promise to hand over any prisoner.
 
 176 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 ^ S f' 0F - We think it desirable however to obtain more accurate information 
 
 Esq. * ' regarding the rank of this Englishman and of the reasons why the King 
 wishes to obtain possession of him, as well as why he is absent from his 
 own country. 
 
 It is left to the judgment of the Citizen who is to go to Venice to decide 
 whether he will return after performing his mission, or whether he will 
 remain and write as to what has been done. He may decide in accor- 
 dance with what may seem to be most expedient for the attainment of 
 his object, which is to understand his Excellency, and to obtain from 
 him an explanation of the words at the close of his letter. 
 
 This is all that occurs to us, and with the most humble reverence, 
 we are 
 
 THE GONFALON1ERE AND THE ClTIZEXS DEPUTIES. 
 
 Francesco Tegrini to The Gonfaloniere. 
 
 Illustrious Sir, 
 
 God be thanked I arrived at Venice in safety on Thursday the last 
 day of May. I gave out that I had come to visit this city solely for my 
 gratification, never having seen it before, and I conducted myself in 
 such a manner that no one could suppose that I am here on public 
 business. I feel certain that my real object will not be discovered, for 
 I have given no one an opportunity of forming an opiniou. 
 
 The morning after my arrival, desirous of executing my commission, 
 I went out without my servant, and taking a gondola I was conveyed to 
 the house of the English Ambassador. I was announced as a Lucchese 
 gentleman, and the Ambassador advancing to meet me, at once divined 
 from whom I came, and conducted me to a room, when, having dis- 
 missed those who were in it, he shut the door and requested me to 
 explain the cause of my visit. 
 
 I thanked His Excellency on the part of my Lords, and told him 
 that their Excellencies having seen his letter to two of the Magistrates 
 of Lucca, containing particulars of much importance, had thought it 
 expedient to appoint me to convey their reply to him, so that I might 
 personally explain their views, as His Excellency would see by the 
 credentials which 1 now presented to him. 
 
 He took the credentials and read them with much attention, and then 
 remarked that all was well and that he would be glad to hear me. In 
 accordance with my instructions I explained to him the nature of the 
 business agreed upon with George Eoche. He interrupted me, saying 
 that Eoche was entirely in his confidence, and was so trustworthy that 
 he was informed even of the most important secrets, and therefore he 
 wished him to be present at our interview, as he might have occasion to 
 refer to him. He then called him into the room, requesting me in the 
 most courteous terms to permit him to be present. I immediately 
 resumed my remarks, and informed him that one of the principal 
 magistrates of the Eepublic of Lucca was specially instructed, to obtain 
 by every means, possession of the person of Alessandro Antelminelli, 
 who is at present resident in London under the name of Amerigo 
 Salvetti. It was made known to this magistrate that Mr. George 
 Eoche would listen favourably to an arrangement, consequently a 
 negotiation was opened with him, and an agreement was made to pay 
 him two thousand ducats, provided that within the term of two years he 
 delivered Antelminelli on the beach at Viareggio to the authorities of 
 Lucca. Whilst this transaction was in progress, two Magistrates of the 
 Republic received a letter from your Excellency, in which you expressed 
 a wish to benefit the Eepublic, in consequence of which communication
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 177 
 
 their Excellencies have sent me to declare their humble thanks to you, mss. of 
 in replv to vour infinite courtesy, and to ascertain what are your pro- H.D.&rars 
 posals referred to in the words " reciprocal benefits." 1 also requested — — 
 
 tbe Ambassador, in pressing terms, to honour me with his confidence so 
 
 far as to explain what those things are which he alluded to near the end 
 of his letter, winch are of so much importance to the Republic of Lucca. 
 I also said, your Excellency may repose every confidence in the good 
 faith of the Republic and on the permanency of its feelings of obligation. 
 I dwelt at some length on this portion of my subject. 
 
 The Ambassador listened with much attention, and replied that he 
 was much obliged to the illustrious magistracy for the favour which 
 they had conferred upon him, by sending a gentleman to treat with him 
 personally: he regretted the inconvenience to which I had been exposed, 
 and assured me that I should meet with the most straightforward treat* 
 nient from him. He said that he hoped that the results would finally 
 be satisfactory to His Majesty the King, his master, and to the 
 Republic of Lucca. He then explained that about three years ago, 
 accompanied by his nephew he came to Italy with this man. He 
 believed him to be a Florentine as he said he was — and he knew that he 
 was a pensioner of the Grand Duke of Tuscany. 
 
 When they were together at Pisa, Antelminelii was recognised as a 
 Luechese, and the account which he then heard of him so completely 
 undeceived him that he forbade him his house. His Excellency further 
 told me that whilst Antelminelii lived in the house of his nephew, he 
 was not known to be a traitor, but now knowing him to be so, he 
 conscientiously believed him to be deserving of punishment, and he was 
 strengthened in this opinion, acting as he was now doing in the service 
 of the Republic. 
 
 The Ambassador then went on to say that Roche had given him an 
 account of the negotiation and that his Excellency preferred the project 
 of an exchange. Interrupting His Excellency, I said to him, that my 
 information did not agree with that statement. The Ambassador then 
 asked Roche for an explanation, and he replied, that he had spoken with 
 Ascanio Saminiati several times, and with one of the Deputies in his 
 presence, suggesting that an exchange might be made. 
 
 The Ambassador resuming, said that it was of little importance 
 whether 1 was aware of it or not, in its letter to the King the Republic 
 says, that it abhors traitors to their sovereigns and I must believe that 
 its practice must be in harmony with its principles. 1 desire to serve 
 the Republic, and in return, 1 hope that it will do His Majesty a signal 
 favour by arresting a certain person who gives himself out to be a 
 Captain, and who is the adherent of an Englishman resident at Pisa 
 with his wife, who calls himself an Earl although he is not so. 
 
 It will be an easy matter to obtain possession of the Captain for he is 
 an inquisitive person and may be readily induced to come to Lucca. 
 Should he do so and should the Republic show me that it wishes to 
 please His Majesty, we shall then so proceed, that Antelminelii may be 
 brought to Viareggio and your Excellency may be satisfied. With 
 regard to this man Elliot whom we wish to be delivered up. he is a 
 traitor to his Prince, and is in the service of the Grand Duke, who has 
 acted as an enemy of my king for some time, receiving and protecting 
 any malefactor who may rebel against His Majesty. This pretended 
 Karl is contumacious, and the King having required him to return to 
 England under threat of a penalty If he does not do so, he has refused 
 to obey. George Roche conveyed His Majesty's summons to this 
 refugee, and for this reason he has incurred the displeasure of the Grand 
 U 23533. M
 
 178 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 Duke who pensions both Dudley and Elliot. Little does the King care 
 for the displeasure of the Grand Duke who acts in this unfriendly- 
 manner. 
 
 The Ambassador went on to say, that he was anxious that I should 
 feel satisfied that he had no intention of taking advantage of me in this 
 transaction, but such was the importance of not losing the present 
 opportunity that he must press the Republic to do this favour to the 
 King without loss of time. The service which it required would be 
 performed at a later period, Antelminelli was known to be in London, 
 and the necessary orders regarding him would be issued. 
 
 I replied, that he might feel satisfied that the Magistrates would never 
 act unreasonably ; if they hated and persecuted subjects of their own 
 guilty of treason, they equally hated traitors against other princes; I 
 therefore believed that the Republic was disposed to serve His Majesty, 
 and that for my part I should not fail on my return to my country, — 
 which would be as soon as his Excellency was graciously inclined to 
 set me at liberty, — to bring his wishes clearly before the Magistrates ; 
 but before departing, I must request him to honour me so far as to 
 explain the meaning of the words at the close of his letter referring to 
 advantages to the Republic. Sir Henry Wotton thanked me for what 
 I had said, and made a sign to Roche to leave the room ; he then in- 
 formed me that for about two months he had been aware that negotiations 
 were in progress which although they did not directly touch the interests 
 of the Republic, they might do so indirectly ; these were that the Grand 
 
 Duke and * intimately associated with Holland had 
 
 invited him and shown him the way to make himself master of one of 
 the harbours belonging to the King of Spain in Tuscany, he did not 
 know precisely which, but was advised that it was either Porto Ercole, 
 Telamone or Viarreggio. I remarked that Viarreggio belonged to the 
 Republic of Lucca, he replied — true, but such is my information, the 
 transaction is quite certain, but I am not exactly informed as to the 
 details, I shall however know what they are in a few days, and I shall 
 send you information, but that 1 may write to you with perfect safety it 
 will be necessary for me to provide you with a cipher. A knowledge 
 of the information which I now give you cannot fail to be of service to 
 the King of Spain. I request that if in Lucca you hear of anything 
 inimical to the interests of my King you will inform me. I shall 
 thereby be obliged and we may thus establish a friendly correspondence, 
 the more so that we have interests in common and we are both opposed 
 to the Duke of Florence. To this I replied that the Republic of Lucca 
 on account of its small size and for reasons connected with its preserva- 
 tion and that of its territory, was of necessity cautious, keeping its eyes 
 open to its own interests. Doubting all, still it possessed to believe all, 
 and ever kept itself within the limits of those observances which were 
 due to the Grand Duke, of whom it was my duty to speak with the 
 respect befitting his greatness. I fully believed that if his Serene 
 Highness could render a service to His Majesty of England he would 
 do so with the greatest solicitude. 
 
 The Ambassador then said that it would be desirable to fix upon 
 someone through whom letters might be safely transmitted. I replied 
 that on my return to Lucca I should refer this to the Magistrates, and 
 that everything needful would be done. 1 proposed to return to His 
 Excellency, the second day of Easter, to receive his reply to the 
 credentials and at the same time the cijmer above-mentioned, together 
 
 * Cipher whioh cannot be read but is the name of a person.
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 179 
 
 with the other symbols which he wished to give me, and so I took my mss.of 
 leave. Esq. 
 
 On the evening of the same day, George Eoche called upon me, and 
 told me that the Ambassador would like to see me next day between 
 thirteen and fourteen o'clock. I called upon His Excellency as re- 
 quested, and he explained that during the night he had carefully con- 
 sidered the nature of our negotiation, and drawing from his pocket a 
 silver box, he took out of it, the written obligation given to Eoche by the 
 two Deputies and handing it to me said, that it could not be made public 
 on either side with due consideration for the dignity of the King, there- 
 fore, he requested me to restore it to my Lords. He added that he 
 would write to the King and would assign good reasons for the arrest 
 of Antelminelli whom he knew to be in Loudon. He would thereafter 
 write to Lucca to explain the motives upon which His Majesty was 
 acting, and he requested me to write by this days post to the Rulers of 
 the Republic to press them in his name to agree to his wishes, justified 
 as this would be by the nature of the request which they had made to 
 him. He also urged me to wait in Venice for the reply, on the arrival 
 of which, if favourable he would send an express courier to England. 
 His Excellency then gave me a written description of Elliot which I 
 inclose. Eeflecting on the fact that he had reiterated several times that 
 this Elliot was a pensioner of the Grand Duke, I could not refrain from 
 reminding him of the great respect with which we were compelled to 
 regard His Highness, and that therefore the negotiation was one of no 
 common difficulty, to which he replied that he Avas conscious that we 
 were in a position requiring us to act with great prudence, but Elliot 
 once made a prisoner, the deed would be excused by stating that it had 
 been done from motives of respect for the King of England, and at the 
 request of his Ambassador in Venice. 
 
 How far such excuses as these may be thought of value is not for my 
 consideration but for your judgment. His Excellency explained that he 
 would forward the letter of the Eepublic addressed to His Majesty by 
 the express courier, but he wished it to be first sent to Lucca to be 
 rewritten and to be redirected to His Majesty the King of Great 
 Britain, as otherwise he would be offended. I did not fail to apologize 
 for the mistake saying that we were not aware of the change of title. 
 The Ambassador added, that for very special reasons he wished their 
 Excellencies the Magistrates to give a written obligation to the King 
 that if Antelminelli was not found guilty of high treason he should be 
 sent back to the place from which he had been taken. 
 
 Having replied that I should give a faithful account to the 
 Magistrates of all that he had said, I took leave, with the intention of 
 writing these particulars to you and waiting here for your reply. 
 
 I do not know whether you will approve of this resolution, but it 
 seems to me that I cannot do less. Pardon me if I have erred and 
 cover the weakness of my judgment with the shield of my good inten- 
 tions in your service. 
 
 "With my humble salutations, 
 
 I am your most obedient servant, 
 
 Francesco Tegrini to the Magistrates of Lucca. 
 
 Illustrious Signori, Venice, the 16th of June 1607. 
 
 I did not write by last post because I had nothing of importance 
 to say in addition to ray previous letter, nor have I received any com- 
 munication from Lucca," which I greatly desire, having no farther in- 
 
 M 2
 
 ISO HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 mss. op structions. I hope that I shall hear on Wednesday what is the decision 
 Esq. H> °f your Excellencies, when I shall act in conformity with my duties. 
 — ■ This morning I called upon the English Ambassador, not having 
 
 done so since my last visit. I informed him that I had not received any 
 reply to the letter which I had written in his name to the Magistrates, 
 and that therefore I was unable to say more to him at present, but that 
 I hoped soon to receive fresh instructions when I should lay them before 
 him. With regard to the delay which has taken place I informed him 
 that was the usual practice of the Republic to consult very carefully 
 over matters of business. The Ambassador accepted the apology, 
 thanking me in friendly terms for the trouble which I had taken by 
 visiting him. He then informed me that he had written to England to 
 make sure of the arrest of our friend, he farther said that he had learnt 
 that the Captain came frequently to Lucca to visit his countrymen in 
 prison, so that it would be an easy matter to make sure of him. 
 
 After a brief discussion of these points, he turned to the subject of 
 general news, and told me that it was fully believed in Venice that the 
 sister of the King of Spain was about to marry the Prince of Tuscany, 
 but that for his part he did not believe it, because the Ambassador of 
 His Highness was not in favour of the Spanish Court. 
 
 If the marriage took place the Kin^s, both of England and France, 
 would be dissatisfied, and His Excellency showed me in the clearest 
 manner how little friendly feeling exists at present between his King 
 and the Grand Duke. He then spoke of the Tuscan flotilla which His 
 Excellency believes to be destined against the kingdom of Cyprus, with 
 the intention, if His Highness can obtain even temporary possession of 
 it, to assume the title of king of which he is very ambitious. I thanked 
 His Excellency for the news which he had given me, and I then asked 
 him if he had any further intelligence as to which Port was to be occu- 
 pied by the Dutch, for great would be the obligation of the Republic 
 if he could give me any certain intelligence on this head. He replied 
 that he had heard nothing more, and 1 then took my leave. 
 
 (Signed) Francesco Tegrini. 
 
 The Magistrates of Lucca to F. Tegrini (Draft). 
 
 We received your letter of the 2nd instant, with the description 
 of the marks for the identification of Robert Elliot the Englishman. 
 We have laid your letter before the Council and we are instructed 
 to say in reply that you may again return with every precaution as to 
 secrecy, to the Ambassador, and that you may say to him that whilst 
 the Signoria is disposed to serve His Majesty, especially on the present 
 occasion and to make the exchange proposed, nevertheless the transaction 
 is not free from difficulties on their part, from prudent considerations, 
 well known to your Excellency. The Signoria require more time 
 before coming to a decision. In the meanwhile it is desirable to 
 remove every appearance of communication between you and the 
 English Ambassador, communication which might be observed if you 
 remain longer in Venice and are seen to frequent his house, it is there- 
 lore thought to be desirable that you should return here, bringing with 
 you the cipher offered by his Excellency, by the help of which the 
 farther consideration and final decision of this business may be com- 
 municated. 
 
 Thank his Excellency in the meanwhile for the information which he 
 has already given with the complimentary language due to his rank, and 
 invite him to make us aware of anything regarding these affairs which 
 may come to hi* knowledge.
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 181 
 
 As it appears that his Excellency is desirous of establishing a ,, ^ s §- ov 
 ,. P . J ,. , » H. D. Serine, 
 
 medium 01 correspondence, you may propose to him the mercantile Esq. 
 
 house of Signori Franeiotti and Bartolini, advising his Excellency to 
 
 inclose his letters written by himself and addressed to the Magistrate 
 
 Massacincoli under cover to Signor Ascanio Saminiati and this again 
 
 under cover to the above merchants. You say in your letter that tue 
 
 Ambassador has returned the agreement made with George Roche, but 
 
 you did not enclose it. It will be well to bring it with you, torn in such 
 
 a manner that if it is lost no one will be able to read it. 
 
 Return as soon as possible and may you have a prosperous journey. 
 
 Siu Henry Wotton to 
 
 Illustrious Sir, 8th July 1607. 
 
 I have received your friendly letter of the 28th ultimo. You 
 have acted very prudently in not having given my letter to the 
 prisoners, although 1 had provided against any inconvenience which 
 might have resulted from yonr doing so. It is true that mention is 
 made therein of a friend of mine who has returned to Lucca, but that 
 is applicable also to the person of Signor Antonio Santini. 
 
 Perhaps when it. was heard that I had written to the prisoners 83 
 (Captain George Elliot) who is curious to know all that happens, might 
 the sooner fall into the net. But I place myself in your hands, you are 
 on the spot and can judge best what is to be done. I thank you for 
 your courteous and humane offices in favour of the prisoners. 
 
 The opinion gains strength here that 44 (the Grand Duke) will take 
 2128343532 (Cyprus) believe me in that case the gentlemen here will 
 not sleep. At a more convenient time I shall write of other matters. 
 With most sincere regards I kiss your hands. 
 
 Your aftectiouate Servant, 
 
 92 (Henry Wotton). 
 
 [The following is the official letter written to Teodoro Paleologo the 
 Bravo who undertook the assassination of Salvetti in 1597. It is 
 addressed to Signor Teodoro Paleologo of Pesaro.] 
 
 " Very magnificent Signor. I have heard with much pleasure that 
 you keep me in your remembrance as I do you, and to show you my 
 confidence in you I take an opportunity of employing you in my affairs. 
 By the bearer of this you will be informed what it is that I require, and 
 I beg and request that you will place entire confidence in him. I on 
 my part shall not be ungrateful for besides the usual reward of your 
 Avork I think of securing you a pension.'' 
 
 (Signed) Francesco Andreotti. 
 
 The following note is appended. " The Magistrate Andreotti sub- 
 scribed the above letter without understanding either to whom or to 
 what place it was to be sent, or what was its object, in tine knowing 
 nothing of its meaning. 
 
 [The Grand Duchess Christina of Lorraine and Maria Maddalena 
 Regents of Tuscany appear to have required an account of the pretended 
 Earl of Warwick then a resident in that country. Salvetti forwarded 
 the following statement :] 
 
 London, 15th October 1621. 
 To obey the wishes of your Excellency expressed in your letter of the 
 4th of last month calling for a statement of the genealogy of this Earl 
 of Warwick. I shall begin with John Sutton alias Dudley his grand- 
 father, because I find that all that has been written or said of the real
 
 182 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 MSB. ov descent of this family before his time is both very obscure and not trust- 
 
 ' esq RINE ' worthy, therefore I do not touch upon it. 
 
 — John Sutton Dudley then, having reached his majority exhibited a 
 
 subtle and energetic character. About the year 1546 takiug advantage 
 of the minority of King Edward the Sixth, and an active part in the 
 prevalent faction, he acquired the character of a man of ability and 
 valour especially with the Catholics. With their aid and that of friends 
 (whom by his influence he had raised to positions of dignity, having also 
 acquired for himself the titles of Viscount Lisle, Earl of Warwick, and 
 finally Duke of Northumberland) he attained to such power, that he 
 was able to cause the imprisonment of the Duke of Somerset, maternal 
 Uncle of the King and Protector of the realm, as well as that of mem- 
 bers of his party, all of whom he caused to be beheaded. This done 
 thinking all England on his side he aimed still higher and intrigued to 
 make himself master of the Crown in the following manner : 
 
 The Duke of Suffolk of the family of Grey married Frances the 
 daughter of a sister of Henry VIII., father of Edward VI.* by whom 
 he had three daughters the eldest of whom was Lady Jane Grey. This 
 lady at the instigation of the Duke of Northumberland was named by 
 the dying King, his successor to the throne, to the exclusion of Mary 
 and Elizabeth his father's daughters. This done the Duke brought about 
 the marriage of his second son Lord Guilford Dudley with Lady Jane 
 Grey. On the death of King Edward, Lady Jane and her husband, 
 were proclaimed Queen and King of England, but Mary the true heir 
 displaced them, and becoming Queen, imprisoned her opponents and 
 caused them to be beheaded as well as the Duke of Northumberland the 
 author of so much wrong. The Queen also degraded his descendants 
 from titles and fortune. 
 
 Of eight sons which this John Duke of Northumberland had by his 
 wife Anne the daughter of Sir William Guilford, Ambrose and Robert 
 alone survived. They were restored to their titles by Elizabeth when 
 she became Queen, Ambrose as Earl of Warwick and Robert as Earl of 
 Leicester. Ambrose died without sons. Robert was treated with 
 special favour by Queen Elizabeth. He privately married Amy the 
 daughter of Sir Hugh Robsart, who in descending the stair of the 
 house in which she lived fell and broke her neck, it being generally 
 believed that the fatal accident was brought about by her husband. 
 She left a son, called Lord Denbigh, who died when seven or eight 
 years old. Afterwards by reason of the marked regard of the Queen, 
 who did not like married people being herself a maiden, the Earl who 
 shared the ambition of his father and whose aims were high, being at 
 the same time crafty, without religion and sensual in his habits, gained 
 the lpve of Douglas Howard Lady Sheffield a widow, and of this union 
 was born Robert Dudley who at the present time is in Italy under the 
 title of Earl of Warwick. After a time Leicester thinking no more of 
 Lady Sheffield, secretly married Lettice the widow of the Earl of Essex. 
 Notwithstanding that Lady Sheffield had maintained that Leicester was 
 her husband and that she had only concealed the marriage at his desire 
 
 * Salvetti here falls into error in his genealogical researches. Charles Brandon 
 Duke of Suffolk married Mary Tudor the sister of Henry VIII. and widow of Louis 
 XII. King of France. The issue of this union was Frances who married Henry 
 Grey Marquis of Dorset, the eldest daughter of this marriage was Lady Jane Grey, 
 who was horn at the family seat in Leicestershire in 1537. The statement above that 
 the Duke of Northumberland gained the confidence of the Catholics is inconsistent 
 with the fact «f the elevation of Lady Jane Grey to the Throne, a Protestant to 
 the exclusion of the Catholic Princess Mary who displaced her rival after a reign 
 •f nine days.
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 183 
 
 from fear of giving offence to the Queen, no sooner did she hear of his H iPIkiuwz. 
 secret marriage to Lady Essex than she married the Chevalier Stafford Esq. 
 
 forgetful of her own houour and the claims to legitimacy of her son. 
 
 At the beginning of the reign of the present King James, Sir Robert 
 Dudley desired to prove the marriage of his mother with the Earl of 
 Leicester and consequently his own legitimacy and claim to the titles 
 of Earl of Warwick and Earl of Leicester. The case Avas brought 
 before the Star Chamber. He was opposed by the Earl of Lisle, the 
 son of a sister of his father, who maintained that he was the true heir. 
 The claimant Robert Dudley being unable to prove the marriage of his 
 mother lost his cause. Infinitely disgusted and offended he left this 
 country taking with him the daughter of a cousin-german and abandon- 
 ing his wife and three children. 
 
 Opinions as to his legitimacy differ. The King neither considers him 
 legitimate nor au Earl. His friends maintain that his father married 
 Lady Sheffield, but they are unable to account for her marriage during 
 the lifetime of her husband, an act so injurious to the alleged legitimacy 
 of her son. That the Earl had deserted her and married another would 
 not have prejudiced her cause, as he was a man known to be indifferent 
 to how many wives he married, and who, if he thought that they lived 
 too long, sent them to paradise before their time. 
 
 The adversaries of Robert Dudley make these assertions, and state 
 further that the late Earl refers to him in his last will in the following- 
 terms " I leave to my natural son Robert." 
 
 In short this pretended legitimacy of Sir Robert Dudley is so obscure, 
 that beyond his personal friends no one believes it, and the feelinc is 
 strengthened by the odium with which he is regarded on account of his 
 plurality of wives. His first wife was a lady of the Cavendish family 
 who with her children by him is dead. The second wife was a daughter 
 of Sir Thomas Lee of an ancient family held in high esteem. She is 
 now living with her three children — who are of marriageable age— on a 
 property settled upon her by her husband and is much respected and of 
 the highest character. 
 
 The third wife, as he calls her, is now with him in Italy, a daughter 
 of the houise of Southwell and of his cousin german. She left England 
 with him in the dress of a page, and they were married it is said 
 at Lyons, under the pretext that neither his first nor his second 
 marriages were valid alleging that when young he had pledged hi' faith 
 and contracted himself to another young woman and he held that in 
 consequence of this contract both his subsequent marriages were void 
 and that this with Miss Southwell was the only true marriage, as it had 
 taken place after the death of the lady to whom he had been affianced. 
 
 This is all that I am able to say to satisfy your curiosity. I am 
 unable to travesty the story as Doctor Dempster does, who is seeking to 
 gratify his wishes rather than to speak the truth. 
 
 As to the title of the Duke of Dudley it is entirely his own invention, 
 no such title is known in England, he has probably adopted this 
 title finding that his assumption of the territorial titles of Warwick, 
 Leicester or Northumberland is offensive to the King. These titles 
 were borne by members of his family, but his name is Sutton. 
 
 Archives, Florence. Amehigo Salvetti. 
 
 [This statement of the Tuscan Resident is entirely in harmony with 
 the declaration of Sir Henry Wotton when he alludes "to au English- 
 man resident at Pisa with his wife who calls himself an Earl although 
 he is not so." He Avas a man of ability and celebrated for his skill in 
 hydraulic engineering. The deaths of two of his children are recorded 
 in documents in the Archives at Florence.]
 
 184 
 
 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 
 
 III. Key to Cipher used by Sir Henry Wotton. 
 
 The following are the keys to the ciphers which Sir Henry Wotton 
 sent to the Magistrates of Lucca, by the help of which his letters may 
 be read. Unfortunately another cipher occurs to which there is no key; 
 it is used in the letter referring to the revelations which His Excellency 
 made regarding a project on the part of the Dutch to seize PortErcole, 
 Telamone, or Viareggio. No allusion to this notable plan is found 
 in Muzzarosa's history of Lucca, and it was probably a canard, for it is 
 impossible to suppose that the Dutch, however much they disliked the 
 Spaniards, would try one of three harbours so utterly valueless for 
 commercial purposes, two of them fatally unhealthy, and the third, 
 Viareggio, not only not a Spanish possession, but owing to the vicinity 
 of Leghorn useless except for coasting trade. 
 
 A 
 
 B 
 
 C 
 
 D 
 
 E 
 
 F 
 
 G 
 
 H 
 
 I 
 
 L 
 
 M 
 
 N 
 
 
 
 P 
 
 Q 
 
 R 
 
 S 
 
 T 
 
 Y 
 
 Z 
 
 1 
 
 23 
 
 21 24 
 
 31 
 
 25 
 
 26 
 
 27 
 
 28 
 
 8 
 
 51 
 
 29 
 
 32 
 
 34 
 
 9 
 
 35 
 
 6 
 
 36 
 
 37 
 
 38 
 
 \ / Ambassador of England. "V^3 Alexander Antelminelli. 
 
 \f Ambassador of Spain. *^t€ Kin g ot En gla»d. 
 
 XDoge of Venice. | Republic of Lucca. 
 
 X- Duke of Florence. fpj King of Spain. 
 
 George Elliot 
 King of England 
 Republic of Lucca 
 Republic of Genoa - 
 Duke of Tuscany 
 Prince of Tuscany - 
 Duke of Savoy 
 Prince of Savoy 
 Duke of Mantua 
 Prince of Mantua 
 Archduke Ferdinand 
 Queen of Spain 
 Duke of Lerma 
 English Amb r in Spain 
 King of France 
 Don Giov 1 de Medicis 
 Don Ant de Medici - 
 Duke of Modena 
 Ships 
 Money 
 
 83 
 
 Galleys 
 
 - 
 
 65 
 
 39 
 
 Ammunition 
 
 - 
 
 67 
 
 42 
 
 Marriage 
 
 - 
 
 68 
 
 43 
 
 Shore at Viareggio - 
 
 - 
 
 72 
 
 44 
 
 Port Ercole - 
 
 - 
 
 73 
 
 45 
 
 Telamone 
 
 - 
 
 24 
 
 47 
 
 Elba 
 
 - 
 
 75 
 
 49 
 
 Peace 
 
 . 
 
 77 
 
 52 
 
 Truce 
 
 - 
 
 78 
 
 53 
 
 War - 
 
 - 
 
 29 
 
 54 
 
 A Antelminelli 
 
 - 
 
 82 
 
 55 
 
 Warwick at Leghorn 
 
 - 
 
 84 
 
 56 
 
 Wife 
 
 - 
 
 85 
 
 57 
 
 F. Tegrini - 
 
 - 
 
 86 
 
 58 
 
 Two prisoners 
 
 - 
 
 87 
 
 59 
 
 English Privateers in the 
 
 ser- 
 
 
 62 
 
 vice of Tuscany 
 
 - 
 
 88 
 
 63 
 
 G. Roche 
 
 - 
 
 89 
 
 64 
 
 Henry Wotton 
 
 - 
 
 92 
 
 66 
 
 

 
 185 
 
 I N I) E X, 
 
 A. 
 
 Abraham, Captain, wounded at Khe ; 128. 
 Adriatic, the, Sir K. Dighy's attack on 
 
 ships in ; 159. 
 Alberstadt, his death ; 77. 
 Algiers ; 32. 
 
 corsairs of; 11. 
 Amboyna, affair of; 130. 
 Amiens; 12, 15, 18, 20. 
 Amsterdam, loan negotiated at; 43. 
 Anderson, Lieut., killed at Khe ; 127. 
 Andover, Viscount, made Earl of Berk- 
 shire ; 45. 
 Andreotti, Francesco, letter of; 181. 
 Annandale, Earl of (1626) ; 82. 
 Anne, Queen, of Denmark ; 85. 
 Austruther, Sir Robert, his mission ; 8. 
 Antelminelli, Alessandro, alias Salvetti : 
 
 account of; 1,2. 
 
 his son ; 2. 
 
 papers concerning ; 1 74 et seq. 
 Antwerp ; 1. 
 
 English merchant at ; 132. 
 Argyle, Earl of, his son ; 50. 
 Arminianism : 
 
 edict against ; 76. 
 
 Bishops charged with ; 155. 
 Arundel : 
 
 Earl of, Earl Marshal ; 16,21. 
 
 imprisoned for his son's marriage ; 
 
 50, 52. 
 
 attempts for his liberation: 52, 
 
 53,54, 56. 
 
 removed from the Tower ; 57. 
 
 petitions of the peers concerning ; 
 
 59, 63, 65, 66. 
 
 again confined ; 76. 
 
 released for a time; 81. 85. 
 
 privileges restored to ; 143. 
 
 his restoration of favour; 159, 
 
 169. 
 
 Countess of, imprisoned ; 50, 73. 
 Aston, Sir Walter, ambassador to Spain ; 
 
 6, 58, 67. 
 Austria, revolt of peasantry in ; 80, 90. 
 
 B. 
 
 Babington, Captain, killed at Rhe; 127. 
 Balbani, Michele, letter of ; 2. 
 Ballets; 96, 105, 118. 
 
 Baltic, the ; 145. 
 Baltimore : 
 
 Lord (1625), declines office ; 3. 
 
 in Ireland ; 15. 
 
 Barbary, coast of; 32. 
 
 Barozzi, Siguor, his mission from Savoy ; 
 
 151-153. 
 Barrett, Sir Edward, ambassador to 
 
 France; 55, 103, 104. 
 Bartolini, Franciotti and, merchants ; 181. 
 Bassompierre : 
 
 Mons. de, ambassador from France; 
 83, 84, 85. 
 
 received at Hampton Court ; 85. 
 
 Commissioners conferring with ; 
 
 88-91. 
 
 ; — agreement with ; 92-94. 
 
 visit of M. de Soubise to ; 90. 
 
 Buckingham's entertainment in 
 
 honour of; 94, 95. 
 
 the Queen's fete to ; 96. 
 
 his return to France ; 97, 99, 100. 
 
 disapproval of terms made by ; 
 
 104, 105, 106, 110. 
 
 his treaty; 123, 124. 
 
 Bath: 
 
 the, knights of, creation of; 44. 
 
 Bishop of; 117, 155. 
 Bedford, Melchbourne, letters from; 31- 
 
 35. 
 Benevolences : 
 
 demands on the provinces for; 78, 79, 
 81. 
 
 their expected effect; 81. 
 
 failure of; 83, 84. 
 Bennet, Ensign, wounded at Rhe; 128. 
 Berkshire, Earl of; 45. 
 Bethlen-Gabor : 
 
 Prince of Transylvania ; 90. 
 
 reception of envoy from ; 87, 89, 
 
 97. 
 
 his departure ; 101. 
 
 his nephew in England ; 141. 
 
 Blainville : 
 
 M. de, ambassador ; 34, 36. 
 
 refused audience ; 46. 
 
 at Greenwich ; 47, 48. 
 
 affray with his servants ; 49. 
 
 his complaints unsatisfied ; 54. 
 
 attempts to pacify ; 57. 
 
 his delay to return home ; 58. 
 
 departure of ; 60,61. 
 
 presents to ; 61. 
 
 Blundell : 
 
 Captain, killed at Rhe ; 127. 
 
 Sir — , wounded at Rhe ; ib.
 
 186 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Bohemia, King of, the Prince Palatine ; 18. 
 
 Bongi, Salvatore ; 2. 
 
 Bordeaux, ships taken at; 100, 102, 104, 
 
 106, 124. 
 Bossi, Signor Andrea ; 65. 
 Boulogne-sur-Mer ; 10, 12, 14, 15, 18, 19, 
 
 20, 21. 
 Breda; 7. 
 
 surrender of; 20,21,22. 
 Brett, Colonel, at Rhe ; 127. 
 Brill; 70, 112. 
 Bristol : 
 
 Earl of (1626), petition to recover 
 his privileges ; 59. 
 
 still a prisoner; 61. 
 
 trial of ; 62 et seq. 
 
 his articles against Bucking- 
 ham; 66. 
 
 his speech in Parliament ; 68. 
 
 the Attorney-General's reply to ; 
 
 71- 
 his case stopped hy the dissolu- 
 tion; 75. 
 
 imprisoned in the Tower ; 76, 77. 
 
 released from the Tower ; 85. 
 
 to appear hefore the Star 
 
 Chamher; ib. 
 
 privileges restored to ; 143. 
 
 Brooke, Lord (1625) ; 10. 
 Bruce, Colonel ; 36. 
 Brunswick : 
 
 alleged defeat of Tilly at ; 71. 
 Duke of; 41. 
 Brussels; 156, 161, 165. 
 
 ships belonging to citizens of; 36. 
 English resident at ; ib. 
 secret negotiations with ; 97. 
 Montagu at ; 124. 
 Archduchess of; 33. 
 Buckingham : 
 
 Duke of (1625), after James I. s 
 death; 3. 
 
 his favour with Charles I. ; 3, 6. 
 
 his proposed visit to France ; 
 
 4,5. 
 
 as Lord High Admiral ; 7 . 
 
 Lord Treasurer ; 10. 
 
 abandons the siege of fort St. 
 
 Martin; 131. 
 
 causes of his retreat ; ib. 
 
 . sent to Prance ; 14, 17. 
 
 his command of the fleet ; 15. 
 
 his reception in Paris ; 18, 19. 
 
 gifts to ; 19, 20. 
 
 . general by sea and land ; 26. 
 
 Charles's ill-humour with ; 28. 
 
 complaints against; 29, 30, 31. 
 
 Charles's avowal concerning ; 31. 
 
 his mission to Holland; 34,37, 
 
 38, 40. 
 
 generalissimo ; 35. 
 
 at Harwich ; 37. 
 
 Bishop of Lincoln and ; 38. 
 
 . Lord High Admiral ; 49. 
 
 opposition by Parliament to; 
 
 49,51. 
 
 his resolution carried by the 
 
 peers; 51. 
 
 Buckingham — coiit. 
 
 Duke of, principal accusations against ; 
 51. 
 
 Lord Arundel and ; 54, 56. 
 
 his creature Phillips; 58. 
 
 his imputations on Lord Bristol ; 
 
 59, 61 et seq. 
 
 indisposition of ; 60. 
 
 ■ charged with poisoning James 
 
 I. ; 62. 
 
 list of grievances against ; 64. 
 
 his great power and influence ; 
 
 69, 70, 71. 
 
 his reply to accusations ; 72. 
 
 made Chancellor of Cambridge 
 
 University; ib. 
 
 charges against, defeated by the 
 
 dissolution; 75. 
 
 to be brought before the Star 
 
 Chamber; 76. 
 
 his command of the fleet; 78, 
 
 81. 
 
 his bad health; 81. 
 
 contract for his little daughter's 
 
 marriage ; 82. 
 
 his friendliness to Bassompierre ; 
 
 89. 
 
 attack on his carriage and 
 
 servants ; ib. 
 
 sumptuous entertainments by ; 
 
 91, 94, 95. 
 . his proposed visit to Prance ; 97 
 
 going to France ; 102. 
 
 his journey stopped ; 103, 104. 
 
 his agents Moulins and Clarke ; 
 
 105, 106, 107, 109, 124. 
 
 refused as ambassador to France ; 
 
 110. 
 
 ■ Richelieu's opposition to ; 111. 
 
 death of his son; 113. 
 
 his expedition to Rochelle ; 114, 
 
 116. 
 
 his military costume and guard ; 
 
 116. 
 
 sent to attack the supposed 
 
 Spanish fleet; 117,118. 
 
 fete given by ; 118. 
 
 embarks at Dover ; ib. 
 
 at Portsmouth ; 118, 119, 120. 
 
 on board the Triumph ; 120. 
 
 sets sail for Rhe ; 121. 
 
 the Archbishop of Canterbury 
 
 and; 125. 
 
 more men and provisions sent 
 
 to ; ib. 
 his capture of Rhe island ; 126, 
 
 127. 
 his daughter made Duchess ; 
 
 130. 
 
 his reception at Court ; 132, 133. 
 
 great unpopularity of ; 133. 
 
 his quarrel with the Abbe Sca- 
 
 glia; 137, 138. 
 
 his unpopularity ; 139. 
 
 demonstration of sailors before 
 
 his house ; 140. 
 
 at Plymouth ; 141, 142. 
 
 — — promotion of his friends ; 142.
 
 INDEX. 
 
 187 
 
 Buckingham — coiit. 
 
 Duke of, outburst of Parliament 
 against; 153 et seq. 
 
 his speech to the peers ; 154. 
 
 advised not to go to Roehelle : 
 
 157, 158. 
 
 resigns one of his offices ; 158. 
 
 his departure for Portsmouth ; 
 
 161. 
 
 account of his murder ; 161-163. 
 
 effect of his death ; 162. • 
 
 preparations for his funeral ; 
 
 163, 165. 
 
 his widow ; 1 64. 
 
 his niece, Lady Hamilton ; 91. 
 
 Countess of; 19. 
 
 an alleged Papist ; 155. 
 
 Duchess of ; 85. 
 
 gives birth to a son ; 3 'J, 4 it. 
 
 Buondelmonte, Signor ; 2 . 
 Burgh, Colonel ; 35. 
 I'urlainacchi, Filippo ; 91. 
 
 sent to France ; 59, 80. 
 Burrowes, Colonel, at Rhe ; 127. 
 
 c. 
 
 Cadiz, English fleet near ; 38, 39. 
 Calais; 13, 42, 48, 50, 52,54, 100, 115, 
 
 159, 160. 
 Calandrini, Filippo ; 91. 
 Canterbury; 14, 19, 20. 
 
 Charles I. and his Queen at; 21. 
 
 Archbishop of (1625) ; 16. 
 
 instructions to, about Catholics ; 
 
 96. 
 
 his opposition to the King's de- 
 mands ; 125. 
 
 favourable to the Puritans ; ib. 
 
 privileges restored to ; 143. 
 
 Carew, Lord, made Earl of Totues ; 45. 
 Carey, Lord, made Earl of Monmouth ; 
 
 45. 
 Carleton, Sir Dudley or Lord: 
 
 his embassy to Holland; 70, 71. 
 
 ambassador to France ; 81, 82. 
 
 his return from France ; 88. 
 
 ambassador to Holland; 112, 113, 
 115, 119, 152. 
 CarJington, Lord ; 165. 
 Carlisle : 
 
 Earl of; 41, 58, 85, 99, 130. 
 
 his embassy to Lorraine ; 135- 
 
 156, passim. 
 
 despatch from ; 160. 
 
 his recall; 163, 165. 
 
 his mission to Spain ; 173. 
 
 Catholics, the : 
 
 Charles I. and ; 4, 5. 
 
 and James I.'s funeral ; 9, 10. 
 
 ordinances concerning ; 12,13. 
 
 Parliament, opposition to ; 24-29. 
 
 proclamation against ; 31. 
 
 oppression and disarming of; 37, 40. 
 
 Catholics, the — cont. 
 
 limited to certain districts ; 43. 
 
 in Ireland, toleration of; 44. 
 
 peers at the coronation ; ib. 
 
 intended penalties on ; 49. 
 
 bad state of; 54, 73, 78. 
 
 priests to be set free ; 94. 
 
 orders concerning molestation of ; 
 
 96. 
 liberation of the priests ; 98, 99, 101. 
 demands from Ireland ; 107. 
 proclamation against priests, &c. ; 
 
 108. 
 arrest of priests ; 142. 
 the new Parliament and; 142-141, 
 
 155. 
 petition of Parliament against ; 146. 
 to pay double subsidies ; 151, 157. 
 Henrietta Maria's efforts for ; 156. 
 passing of Acts against; 157. 
 proclamation against ; 1 60 r 
 penalties enforced against; 173. 
 Cavendish family ; 183. 
 Cecil : 
 
 Admiral, his fleet sent to Ireland; 
 
 43. 
 Col. Edward, his appointment to the 
 
 fleet; 29,32. 
 — — squadron under ; 34, 35. 
 General, in Ireland ; 47. 
 Champernown, Ensign, killed at Rhe ; 127. 
 Charles I. : 
 
 at his father's deathbed ; 2. 
 proclamation of ; 3. 
 renews the state appointments ; ib. 
 arrangements for his marriage ; 4, 5, 
 
 7,8. 
 his sister ; 6. 
 
 regulations of his household, &c. ; 6. 
 his manner of business ; 7. 
 his marriage by proxy ; 10, 11. 
 his clemency to the Catholics; 12,13. 
 his present to the French ambassa- 
 dor ; 15. 
 at his father's funeral ; 16, 17. 
 speech on opening Parliament ; 23. 
 Parliament opened at Oxford by ; 29. 
 in the New Forest ; 31, 32. 
 his defence of Buckingham ; 31. 
 at Plymouth; 32-34, 38. 
 his scheme for loans ; 34, 36. 
 preparations for his coronation ; 41- 
 
 43. 
 his coronation and opening of Par- 
 liament ; 44, 45. 
 attempts to coerce Parliament ; 50 cl 
 
 seq. 
 defends Buckingham ; 51, 64. 
 as Prince, in Spain ; 59, 63, 64. 
 imprisons members of Parliament ; 
 
 64. 
 his declaration concerning Lord 
 
 Arundel ; 69. 
 his admonition to Parliament; 73,74. 
 demands a loan from the City ; 76, 
 
 11. 
 private advance to ; 78. 
 his manifesto on the dissolution ; 79.
 
 188 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Charles I. — cont. 
 
 his reform of the revenue ; 80. 
 
 free tables at his court; ib. 
 
 his proposed journey to Scotland ; 
 
 82. 
 sale of crown estates by ; 83. 
 his new plan for raising money ; 86, 
 
 88, 89, 92, 95, 98, 99. 
 declaration of; 87. 
 
 his proclamation against soldiers and 
 
 sailors coming near the Court ; 89. 
 
 imprisons non-contributors to the 
 
 loans; 107, 111, 116. 
 his proclamation against Jesuits, &c. ; 
 
 108. 
 his purchase of statues, &c. ; 118, 122. 
 reviewing troops, &c. at Portsmouth ; 
 
 119, 120. 
 his annual tour of hunting; 122, 126. 
 expected to call a Parliament ; 126. 
 his kind reception of Buckingham from 
 
 Rhe; 131, 133. 
 loan from the City to ; 135. 
 releases those imprisoned for non- 
 payment of subsidies ; 138. 
 further efforts to get money ; 139. 
 sale of royal estates by ; 143. 
 and the Catholics ; 144, 146. 
 his reply to petition of Parliament ; 
 
 149. 
 his declaration on the privileges of 
 
 Parliament; 149, 150. 
 declaration of the peers to ; 151. 
 his reply to Petition of Right ; 152- 
 
 154. 
 his answer to the Remonstrance; 155 
 
 et seq. 
 purchase of pictures by; 156, 160. 
 dismisses Parliament; 157. 
 visits Portsmouth ; 158,159. 
 in the New Forest; 160. 
 reported to have the small-pox ; 162, 
 
 165. 
 his grief at Buckingham's death ; 162 
 
 et seq. 
 his attachment to the Queen ; 16.5. 
 Chevreuse : 
 
 Duke de; 5, 8, 9, 10, 22-32 passim. 
 
 gift to; 27. 
 
 Duchess of; 23, 26, 27, 30, 32, 112. 
 
 her daughter ; 28. 
 
 Chiaus, his mission ; 11. 
 
 Clarke, — , his mission to Frauce; 106, 
 
 107, 109, 124, 125. 
 Cleveland, Earl of ; 45. 
 Cloth, black, distribution of, for James I.'s 
 
 funeral; 9, 10, 14. 
 Coke, Sir John, Secretary of State ; 145. 
 Conde, Prince de ; 63. 
 Constantinople : 
 
 ambassador to; 11, 58, 59, 132, 135. 
 English trade with ; 132. 
 Contarini, Angelo, ambassador from Ven- 
 ice ; 65, 76, 77. 
 Conway : 
 
 Colonel ; 36. 
 
 Sir — , wounded at Rhe ; 127. 
 
 Mr., wounded at Rhe; 128. 
 
 Conway — cont. 
 
 Sir Edward, made a peer ; 4. 
 Lord, Secretary of State ; 10, 12, 88. 
 
 speech of ; 29. 
 
 retirement of; 113. 
 
 Cossaro, Marc Antonio, Venetian ambas- 
 sador ; 76, 77. 
 Cottington : 
 
 Sir Francis, his mission to Spain ; 
 161-165 passim. 
 
 going to Brussels ; 168. 
 
 a privy councillor; 171. 
 
 Cotton, Sir Dodmore, going to Persia ; 
 
 60. 
 Coventry : 
 
 Captain, killed at Rhe ; 127. 
 
 Earl of, Buckingham's son, his death ; 
 
 113. 
 Sir Thomas, Great Seal given to ; 38. 
 
 his speech on opening of Par- 
 liament ; 45. 
 
 Cromwell, Lord (1625); 36. 
 
 Customs, the, disputes with sailors about ; 
 
 172. 
 Cyprus; 180, 181. 
 
 D. 
 
 Dalbier, Mons. ; 136, 138, 140. 
 
 Danvers, Lord, made Earl of Denbigh ; 
 
 45. 
 Delawarr, Lord, Rear- Admiral ; 36. 
 Dempster, Doctor ; 183. 
 Denbigh : 
 
 Earl of; 45, 159. 
 
 Vice-Admiral ; 35. 
 
 war ships under; 83, 84. 
 
 French ships captured by ; 86, 
 
 89. 
 
 division of fleet under; 121. 
 
 squadron under ; 135, 144. 
 
 delayed at Plymouth ; 140, 
 
 141. 
 Lord, son of Amy Robsart; 182. 
 Countess of; 19, 85. 
 
 banquet given by ; 136. 
 
 Denmark, and King of : 
 
 Prince Palatine and ; 8. 
 
 his expected visit to England ; 70. 
 
 subsidies to ; 43, 53, 59, 66, 73, 78, 
 
 84, 89, 115, 117, 125, 157, 158. 
 ambassadors, &c. from ; 54, 56, 60, 
 78, 114, 115, 117, 128-137. 
 
 suite and expenses of; 80. 
 
 recruits wanted for ; 77. 
 
 defeated by Tilly ; 84. 
 
 English troops to be sent to ; 90, 91, 
 
 92, 95, 96. 
 envoy from, goes to France ; 97. 
 men promised to; 112, 113. 
 departure of English soldiers for ; 
 
 114. 
 alleged seizure of English ships by ; 
 121, 122.
 
 INDEX. 
 
 189 
 
 Denmark — cont. 
 
 infantry to lie raised for ; 145. 
 Charles I.'a desire to aid ; 143. 
 Digby : 
 
 Sir Keitelm, armed ships prepared by ; 
 132. 
 
 his attack on Venetian ships ; 
 
 159. 
 Doper, Captain, letters of marque granted 
 
 to; 54. 
 Dorset : 
 
 Earl of; 41. 
 
 Lord Chamberlain ; 158. 
 
 Dover; 4, 10, 11, 12, 14, 17, 18, 20,21, 
 42, 46, 99, 100, 102, 103, 111, 114. 
 plague in ; 8. 
 governor of ; 139. 
 Dudley : 
 
 family, account of ; 182. 
 (J/r/sSutton, John ; 181, 182. 
 Sir Robert, pretended Earl of War- 
 wick ; 174 note, 181-183. 
 Dunkirk : 
 
 loss of war ship by ; 18, 19. 
 
 army at ; 33. 
 
 Marquis Spinola at ; 33. 
 
 seizure of ships bound for ; 35, 36, 37. 
 
 ships from, depredations by, &c. ; 58, 
 
 98, 99, 114, 127, 152, 153. 
 exchange of English prisoners at ; 
 
 120. 
 supposed Spanish fleet bound to ; 117, 
 
 118. 
 transportation of woollen cloths to ; 
 132. 
 Durham, Bishop of ; 117. 
 
 E. 
 
 Easter, English observance of; 8. 
 Effiats : 
 
 Marquis d', ambassador; 23, 24, 25. 
 
 gift to ; 27. 
 
 the Catholics and ; 28. 
 
 Elbe, the river; 78, 84, 113, 130, 172. 
 Elizabeth : 
 
 Queen, her manner of sriving audience ; 
 7. 
 
 her dislike to married people ; 
 
 183. 
 
 Princess Palatine ; 6. 
 Elliott, Capt. Robert; 2, 177-181. 
 Essex : 
 
 Earl of, (temp. Eliz.) his widow mar- 
 ried to Leicester; 182, 183. 
 
 (1625), squadron under ; 31, 
 
 35. 
 
 return of his squadron ; 40. 
 
 Estates, crown : 
 
 sale of; 83, 84. 
 
 pledged to the City ; 135. 138. 
 Exeter, Earl of; 155. 
 
 Fast, a : 
 
 descriptions of; 26, 79. 
 
 to be observed by Parliament and the 
 nation ; 145. 
 Felton, John : 
 
 his murder of Buckingham ; 162, 163. 
 
 examination of; 165. 
 
 his execution ; 173, 1 74. 
 Flanders : 
 
 Archduchess of: .ill. 
 
 merchants' letter- seized ; 40. 
 
 Mar declared with ; 41, 42. 
 
 preparations against ; 13. 
 Fleet, the. See Navy. 
 Florence; 132. 
 
 Archives of; 1. 
 
 Salvetti at; 1. 
 Flushing; 70, 112. 
 Forest, the New, Charles I. in- 31 32 
 
 160. 
 Forests and parks, royal, proposed sale of- 
 
 80. 
 Fosse, M. de, French ambassador ; 55. 
 France : 
 
 and Charles I.'s marriage ; 4 ct seq. 
 
 and the accession of Charles I. ; 4, 5. 
 
 English ships lent to ; 1 1-33 passim, 
 42, 65. 
 
 Queen Mother of; 12. 18,20 *>1 58 
 94. 
 
 ambassadors from; 13, 14, 15,34, 36, 
 83, 84, 85, et passim. 
 
 at the opening of Parliament ; 
 
 23. 
 
 and the English Catholics ; 25. 
 
 gifts to ; 27, 
 
 refused audience ; 46, 47, 48. 
 
 crown pieces of, in England ; 34. 
 ill feeling towards England ; 39. 
 claims by merchants of; ib. 
 English ships seized by; 48, 49 52 
 
 60. 
 retaliations on ; ib. 
 Lord Carleton's embassy to; 81, 82 
 
 88. 
 importation of goods from, prohibited ■ 
 
 85, 100. 
 retaliations on English ships ; 90, 96. 
 Buckingham's mission to ; 97, 102. 
 
 stopped ; 103, 104. 
 
 seizure of ships and artillery by ; 100 
 
 102. 
 Bassompierre's terms disapproved of • 
 
 104. 
 proposed restitutions to ; 105. 
 widening of breach with England ; 
 
 106, 109, 110, 112. 
 Montagu's mission to ; 1 14, 115. 
 prospects of peace with ; 1 1 :>. 
 preparations for an open rupture 
 
 with; 117. 
 its maritime position ; 11^.
 
 190 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 France — cont. 
 
 losses inflicted on, by privateers ; 119. 
 negotiations for peace with ; 122 et 
 
 seq. 
 agent of, ordered to quit England ; 
 
 125, 126. 
 Denmark urges peace with ; 129, 130, 
 
 131. 
 ships of, built in Holland, captured ; 
 
 131. 
 mediations for peace with ; 134, 136. 
 kind treatment of English prisoners 
 
 by; 136. 
 renewed attempts to promote peace 
 
 with; 153, 160, 161, 167. 
 effect of Buckingham's death on peace 
 with ; 162, 164. 
 Franciotti and Bartolini, merchants ; 181. 
 Friesland; 141. 
 Funeral of James I., description of; 15-17. 
 
 (-!. 
 
 Galicia, coast of ; 38. 
 Garter, the : 
 
 knights of ; 41. 
 
 order of; 117. 
 Gascony merchants ; 1 00. 
 Genoa ; 22, 30, 46, 47, 56, 122. 
 
 reported defeat of ; 8,9. 
 Gentileschi, Orazio : 
 
 a painter ; 97. 
 
 his sons ; 122. 
 Gerbier, agent in France for Buckingham ; 
 
 105, 106, 107, 109, 110, 124. 
 Germany : 
 
 Calvinists of ; 36. 
 
 and the war witli Spain ; 42. 
 Gibraltar, Straits of ; 132. 
 Gluckstadt ; 166, 168, 172. 
 Glyn, Captain, killed at Rhe ; 127. 
 Gondi, Signor, resident at Paris ; 118. 
 Gondomar, Conde de : 
 
 his mission to England ; 9, 22, 32. 
 
 alleged conspiracy of Buckingham 
 with ; 66, 67. 
 
 his death ; 95. 
 Cordon, Ensign, killed at Rhe ; 127. 
 Goring : 
 
 Captain, killed at Rhe ; ib. 
 
 Sir George, in France ; 5, 8, 14, 85. 
 
 ambassador to France ; 91. 
 
 Lord, Vice-Chamberlain ; 158. 
 Gouttier, Mons. : 
 
 arrest of ; 104. 
 
 examination of; 107, 110. 
 Graham, Thomas, his mission to France ; 
 
 124. 
 Gravesend ; 161. 
 Greenfield, Sir — , wounded at Rhe ; 127. 
 
 Greenwich : 
 
 palace at ; 12, 19, 77. 
 M. de Blainville at ; 47. 
 Grenoble, reported siege of ; 126. 
 Gresham, Lieut, killed at Rhe ; 127. 
 Grey, Lady Jane, account of her family ; 
 
 182. 
 Guilford, Sir William, his daughter Anne ; 
 182. 
 
 H. 
 
 Hague, the ; 6. 
 Hamburgh : 
 
 and the war with Spain ; 42. 
 
 ships from ; 60. 
 
 complaint from ; 78. 
 
 capture of ships from ; 84. 
 
 supplies to Spain from ; 89, 113. 
 
 ships seized ; 105. 
 
 soldiers embarked for ; 114. 
 
 English traffic with ; 139. 
 Hamilton : 
 
 Marquis of; 164, 166. 
 
 leaves his wife ; 91. 
 
 his marriage to Buckingham's 
 
 niece ; 168, 170. 
 
 Marchioness of; 19, 85. 
 Hampton Court ; 41, 85, 87, 165, 166. 
 
 Charles I. at ; 24. 
 Harseen, Mons., from Holland ; ib. 
 Harwich, Duke of Buckingham at ; 37. 
 Hawley, Sir — , wounded at Rhe ; 128. 
 Ilaydon, General Sir AVilliam, killed at 
 
 Rhe ; 127. 
 Heatherstone, Captain, killed at Rhe ; ib. 
 Heathie, Captain, killed at Rhe ; ib. 
 Henrietta Maria, Queen : 
 
 her marriage ; 10 et seq. 
 
 her dowry ; 10, 12. 
 
 English opinion of ; 22. 
 
 her indisposition ; 23. 
 
 settlement of her household ; 25. 
 
 her attendants and clergy dispersed ; 
 34-38 passim. 
 
 her alleged treatment of a minister ; 
 38. 
 
 not at the coronation or opening of 
 Parliament ; 43, 44. 
 
 acts in a pastoral ; 47. 
 
 arrangements for her devotions in 
 Denmark House ; 57. 
 
 payment of second half of her portion ; 
 59, 78, 80, 81, 95. 
 
 her liking for Buckingham ; 62. 
 
 her religious observances ; 77. 
 
 her Protestant attendants ; 80, 82. 
 
 her French servants and clergy dis- 
 missed ; 82, 83. 
 
 the great care shown towards ; 83. 
 
 her interview with Bassompierre ; 
 88. 
 
 her life at Denmark House ; 85.
 
 INDEX. 
 
 191 
 
 Henrietta Maria, Queen — cont. 
 
 proposals and statements regarding 
 her French attendants ; 89,91-94. 
 
 entertainment given by ; 96. 
 
 ballet preparing by ; 101-105. 
 
 her lute-player arrested ; 104. 
 
 arrest of her French servants ; 107. 
 
 at Wellingborough; 122, 158, 161, 
 162. 
 
 sends an envoy to France ; 124. 
 
 English prisoners presented to ; 136. 
 
 her French surgeon ; 138. 
 
 present from her sister ; 141. 
 
 her efforts for the Catholics ; 156. 
 
 appointments of English in her court ; 
 160. 
 
 her sympathy with Buckingham's 
 family; 165. 
 Holland : 
 
 English in service of; 4, 7, 15, 17, 
 26, 29, 43. 
 
 negotiations with ; 22. 
 
 ambassadors from ; 24, 26. 
 
 Buckingham's mission to ; 34, 37, 39, 
 40. 
 
 great losses by; 38. 
 
 English troops in ; 53, 83, 84, 90, 91. 
 
 difficulties about an English ambas- 
 sador to ; 70. 
 
 its designs on Spain ; 70, 71. 
 
 jewels sent to ; 76. 
 
 commissioners from; 106, 115, 116, 
 130. 
 
 offers to mediate with France ; 112. 
 
 its secret trade with Spain ; 105. 
 
 Lord Carleton ambassador to; 112, 
 113, 115, 119, 121, 152. 
 
 ambassadors excluded from their 
 Councils; 112. 
 
 its mediation between France and 
 England; 125, 128, 150. 
 
 ships of, seized at Portsmouth ; 130. 
 
 ambassadors from, dissatisfied with 
 their reception ; 140. 
 
 their dispute with Venetian am- 
 bassador ; 140, 144. 
 
 demands for assistance by ; 141. 
 
 ships of, seized ; 152, 159. 
 
 Spanish ships taken by ; 171. 
 
 Earl of (1625), death of; 21. 
 
 (1626) ; 41. 
 
 his embassy to France ; 42, 43, 
 
 45. 
 
 at Dover; 99. 
 
 to command troops sent to Rhe ; 
 
 128, 129, 130, 131. 
 
 fleet under; 134, 135. 
 
 ■ his secretary ; 138, 
 
 — master of the horse ; 164. 
 Howard, Colonel ; 36. 
 Huguenots, the ; 10, 13, 22, 30, 45, 63, 65, 
 
 111, 115, 164. 
 Huntingdon, letters dated at ; 30, 83. 
 
 1. 
 
 India : 
 
 ships from ; 91. 
 
 English property in, seized by the 
 Dutch; 152. 
 
 East, Company of, loss of ship by ; 
 172. 
 Ireland ; 9, 15. 
 
 fleet sent to ; 43. 
 
 Catholics in, toleration of; 44, 45. 
 
 demands of; 107. 
 
 defence of; 53. 
 
 imprisonment of priests from ; 101. 
 
 troops to be furnished by ; 128, 129. 
 
 Viceroy of; 166. 
 
 the Spaniards and ; ib. 
 
 J. 
 
 James I. : 
 
 account of his death ; 2. 
 
 removal of his body; 4, 6. 
 
 his character ; 4. 
 
 his funeral, cost of; 6, 7. 
 
 preparations for; 9, 11, 12. 
 
 account of; 14, 15-17. 
 
 inquiries into the cause of his death ; 
 61, 62. 
 
 induced by Buckingham to write to 
 the Pope ; 67. 
 
 letter to; 174. 
 Jewels, crown, attempt to pledge; 76, 77. 
 Jesuits : 
 
 proclamations against ; 108,160. 
 
 petition agaiast ; 146-148. 
 Joachin, Mons., ambassador from Holland ; 
 
 24. 
 Johnson, engineer, killed at Rhe ; 127. 
 Joinville, Prince de ; 9. 
 
 K. 
 
 Killigrew, Sir Robert, his embassy to 
 
 Holland; 70. 
 Krempe; 168. 
 
 Lambe, Doctor, murder of; 156. 
 Lambeth Palace, prisoners in ; 50. 
 Lancaster, Duchy of ; 4. 
 Laniere, Signor, musician ; 118. 
 Lee, Sir Thomas, his family ; 183. 
 Leghorn ; 54, 59, 111, 123, 132, 135.
 
 192 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Leicester, Earl of, Robert Dudley, his 
 
 wives; 182, 183. 
 Lennox : 
 
 Duke of, his daughter married ; 50. 
 Duchess of, imprisoned ; 50. 
 
 still in confinement ; 73. 
 
 Levant, the ; 132, 135. 
 
 Ley, Lord, made Earl of Marlborough ; 
 
 45. 
 Lincoln : 
 
 plague in ; 6. 
 
 Bishop of (1625), at the death bed of 
 James I. ; 2. 
 
 his sermon on James I. ; 17. 
 
 his speech to Parliament ; 23. 
 
 — — Great Seal taken from ; 38. 
 
 Earl of, committed to the tower; 116. 
 Lindsey : 
 
 Earl of, division of fleet under; 121. 
 
 Lord High Chamberlain ; 159. 
 
 ■ commanding expedition to Ro- 
 
 chelle; 164, 167. 
 Lisbon, expected attack on ; 36, 37. 
 Lisle, Earl of; 183. 
 London : 
 
 Denmark House ; 4, 6, 16, 23, 25, 77, 
 85. 
 
 temporary chapel in; 24. 
 
 fitted up like a nunnery ; 57. 
 
 St. Bartholomew's Church ; 2. 
 
 St. James's Palace, chapel in ; 57, 94. 
 
 Tower; 57, 104, 116, 119, 163. 
 
 Westminster Abbey ; 14. 
 
 coronation of Charles I. in ; 44. 
 
 Buckingham buried in ; 165. 
 
 Whitehall, documents dated at ; 88, 
 109. 
 
 Palace ; 22. 
 
 reception of Charles T. and his queen 
 at ; 22. 
 
 plague in (1603) ; 27. 
 
 (1625); 8-46 passim, 71, 77, 
 
 79. 
 
 its loans to Charles I. ; 9, 14, 76, 77, 
 
 78, 135, 136, 138. 
 French and Flemish merchants in, 
 
 asked for a loan ; 80, 81. 
 4,000 soldiers to be raised by; 82. 
 called upon to provide eighteen ships ; 
 
 83, 84, 90-107 passim. 
 loan on subsidies demanded from ; 
 
 114, 116. 
 merchants, effect of closing ports on ; 
 
 120. 
 petition against presence of Papists 
 
 in ; 147. 
 Lorraine : 
 
 Duke of; 41. 
 
 ambassadors or envoys from ; 
 
 41, 152, 153, 165. 
 
 ambassador to; 135, 136, 141, 
 
 142. 
 
 Montagu's mission to; 112, 113. 
 
 Duchess Christiana of ; 181. 
 Lucca; 1. 
 
 magistrates of; 1, 2, 175 et se</. 
 letters dated at ; 174, 175, 180. 
 
 M. 
 
 Malaga; 58. 
 Maltravers : 
 
 Lord (1626), his marriage ; 50. 
 
 still in confinement ; 73. 
 
 Manchester, Earl of; 45. 
 Mandeville, Viscount, made Earl of Man- 
 chester; 45. 
 Mausfeldt : 
 
 Count, English serving under ; 4, 7, 24. 
 
 subsidies to ; 53, 59, 73. 
 
 defeat of; 66. 
 
 his reported defeat of Wallen- 
 
 stein ; 90. 
 
 his death ; 104. 
 
 Mantes, Bishop of; 93. 
 Mantua : 
 
 Duke of; 118. 
 
 mourning for ; 102. 
 
 ambassador from ; 128, 129, 130.- 
 
 Marini, French ambassador at Turin ; 123. 
 
 Markham, Lieut., wounded at Rhe ; 128. 
 
 Marlborough, Earl of ( 1 626) ; 45. 
 
 Marriage contract ; 82. 
 
 Marseilles; 132. 
 
 May, Sir Humphrey ; 4. 
 
 Meaux, M. de ; 136. 
 
 Mediterranean, the ; 119-121, 132. 
 
 worms in ; 18. 
 (?) Melbourne, Earl of ; 158. 
 Mende, Bishop of; 42, 56, 62, 85. 
 
 with Queen Henrietta Maria ; 25. 
 Middleburgh in Zealand, commissioners 
 
 at ; 71. 
 Milan ; 2, 8. 
 
 governor of ; 49. 
 Monk, a, execution of; 165. 
 Monmouth, Earl of (1626) ; 45. 
 Montagu : 
 
 Walter, sent to France ; 32, 48, 78. 
 
 his visit to Lorraine ; 113. 
 
 in Paris; 115. 
 
 at Turin ; 117, 122, 123. 
 
 money sent to ; 117. 
 
 his second mission ; 124, 125. 
 
 arrested by the French ; 136, 142, 
 
 144. 
 
 release of; 146. 
 
 his return to England ; 166, 167, 
 
 170. 
 Montferrat : 
 
 •war in ; 146. 
 affairs in ; 151, 152. 
 Montgomery : 
 
 Earl of; 14, 131. 
 
 contract for his son's marriage ; 
 
 82. 
 Morgan : 
 
 Colonel, his command In Denmark ; 
 114. 
 
 troops under ; 155, 156,158, 161, 
 
 166, 168, 172. 
 Morton : 
 
 Sir Albertus, in France; 14, 20. 
 sent to Holland ; 22.
 
 INDEX. 
 
 193 
 
 Morton — cont. 
 
 Sir Albertus, returns from Holland j 
 33. 
 
 his death ; ib. 
 
 Earl of, Scotch troops under ; 129. 
 
 Lord; 164. 
 Moulins : 
 
 Secretary to French Embassy ; 105, 
 106, 109. 
 
 his cold reception at court ; 112, 113. 
 Mountjoy : 
 
 Lord; 164. 
 
 taken prisoner; 131, 136. 
 
 Mulgrave, Earl of ; 45. 
 Muscovy, ambassador from ; 172. 
 
 N. 
 
 Nassau, Prince Henry of ; 7. 
 
 Navy, the : 
 
 strengthened by Charles I. ; 4, 7. 
 loan of ships to France; 11-33 passim, 
 
 42, 65. 
 
 great impressment of sailors ; Jo, 17. 
 
 defective provisions for ; 20. 
 preparations of, at Tlymouth ; 29, 30, 
 
 32. 
 strength of, at Plymouth ; 34. 
 accusations against Buckingham re- 
 garding ; 51. 
 increase of; 58. 
 appointments to the fleet ; 78. 
 squadron under Lord Denbigh ; 83, 
 
 84. 
 further increase of ; 89. 
 return of the fleet; 90,92. 
 mutinies in; 98,99, 109, 140. 
 preparation of a new fleet ; 106, 110. 
 lack of sailors for; 116. 
 royal inspection, at Portsmouth ; 1 19, 
 
 120. 
 repair of the fleet; 135. 
 disasters of, at Rochelle ; 166, 167. 
 Newburgh, Lord; 159. 
 Nice; 61, 123, 132. 
 Northampton, letters dated at ; 41. 
 Northumberland, Duke of, Dudley, account 
 of; 182. 
 
 0. 
 
 Ogle, Colonel ; 17,20. 
 
 Oleron, island of ; 121,126,131. 
 
 Olivarez : 
 
 Count, his page ; 156. 
 
 negotiations with ; 157. 
 
 Abbe Scaglia and ; 173. 
 Orange : 
 
 Prince of; 117. 
 
 (1625), his brother ; 7. 
 
 Orleans : 
 
 Duke of ; 125. 
 
 Duchess of, her death ; 120, 12o. 
 
 U 23533. 
 
 Oxford : 
 
 Parliament at ; 27, 28, 29, 30, 46, 51. 
 
 plague at ; 29. 
 
 Earl of, Lord Chamberlain ; 59. 
 
 P. 
 
 Palatine : 
 
 Prince; 33, 95, 128. 
 
 his son ; 37. 
 
 his Crown jewels ; 43. 
 
 his misfortunes ascribed to 
 
 Buckingham; 68. 
 
 his hereditary dominions ; 79. 
 
 Paleologo, Teodoro, letter to ; 181. 
 Palmer, Sir Henry, Rear-Admiral ; 36. 
 Paris, Notre Dame ; 11. 
 Parks and forests, royal, proposed 6ale of ; 
 
 80. 
 Parliament : 
 
 election of members ; 5. 
 
 Charles I.'s first speech to ; 23. 
 
 urged to grant money ; ib. 
 
 the Catholics and ; 24, 25, 26, 27, 49. 
 
 two subsidies voted by ; 27. 
 
 its objection to war ; ib. 
 
 its resistance to demands for money ; 
 
 29, 30. 
 dissolution of ; 30, 31. 
 opening of (1626) ; 44, 45. 
 grievances of ; 46, 47, 48. 
 its hostility to Buckingham ; 49, 51. 
 grievances discussed by ; 50 et seq. 
 its attempts to impeach Buckingham ; 
 
 53 et seq. 
 its list of grievances against Bucking- 
 ham ; 64. 
 members imprisoned ; 64, 65, 69. 
 members committed to the Tower ; 
 
 72. 
 still reluctant to grant supplies ; 72, 
 
 73. 
 the King's final admonition to ; 73, 
 
 74. 
 declaration and remonstrance ot ; 74, 
 
 75. ■ 
 dissolved ; 75. 
 
 peril of Buckingham with ; 101. 
 meeting of, delayed ; 138. 
 tumults on elections to ; 139. 
 its disposition to grant supplies ; 141. 
 Charles I.'s speech on opening of; 142. 
 its opposition to the Catholics; 143, 
 
 144. 
 consideration of supplies urged on 
 
 144, 145. 
 fast to be observed by ; 145. 
 object for which supplies are to be 
 
 granted by ; ib. 
 remonstrates against quartering of 
 
 troops; 146. 
 its petition against the Catholics ; ib. 
 the King's reply to ; 148. 
 
 N
 
 194 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Parliament — cont. 
 
 dissatisfied with the King's declara- 
 tions ; 149. 
 
 debates on its privileges ; ISO. 
 
 the Petition of Right ; 151-153. 
 
 its outburst against Buckingham ; 
 153,154. 
 
 grants five subsidies; 154, 155. 
 
 Remonstrance on state of the king- 
 dom by; 154 et seq. 
 
 close of its sittings ; 157. 
 
 preparations for meeting of ; 173. 
 
 the King's attempts to gratify ; ib. 
 Peerages, purchase of ; 152. 
 Pembroke : 
 
 Earl of (1625) ; 10. 
 
 his heir; 82,165. 
 
 Pennington : 
 
 Captain, command given to ; 103. 
 
 on the French coast ; 104-106. 
 
 — — new fleet fitting under; 111, 
 112,113. 
 
 « sent to the western coast j 114. 
 
 ships taken by ; 117. 
 
 — — his projected expedition to the 
 Mediterranean; 119, 120, 121. 
 
 — — sent to Newfoundland ; 120. 
 Percy, Lord; 85. 
 Persia : 
 
 ambassadors from, dispute between ; 
 47-50, 60. 
 
 silk trade with : 47-50. 
 
 ambassador from, present to Charles 
 I. by ; 52. 
 
 — — his return home ; 60. 
 Peru, treasure fleet from; 38, 39, 41, 81. 
 Pesaro; 181. 
 
 Peterden, Green, killed at Rhe ; 127. 
 Petition of Rights ; 151 et seq. 
 Petrovich, Chevalier, ambassador to 
 
 Turkey; 135. 
 Phillips, Sir Thomas ; 58. 
 Pictures ; 118, 122, 156, 160. 
 Piedmont : 
 
 Prince of, his envoy ; 54, 63. 
 
 — — his secretary ; 151. 
 
 Princess of; 141. 
 Pisa; 177,183. 
 Pi6ano : 
 
 Signor, Venetian ambassador ; 65, 66, 
 70, 76. 
 
 See Venice. 
 Plagues ; 6-46 passim, 71, 77, 79. 
 Plymouth; 15, 17, 26, 127, 141, 145, 146, 
 149. 
 
 cost of soldiers at ; 29. 
 
 preparations at ; 29-35. 
 
 note of fleet sailed from ; 35. 
 
 arrest of M. do Soubise at ; 38. 
 
 return of the fleet to ; 40. 
 
 new fleet at ; 54. 
 Pope, the : 
 
 James I. and ; 67. 
 
 and English affairs ; 85. 
 Porter : 
 
 Endymion, sent to Spain ; 67. 
 
 ——his mission to Spain ; 156, 157, 
 159, 160, 161. 
 
 Porter, Endymion — cont. 
 
 — — sent to Lorraine ; 163. 
 
 at Brussels ; 165. 
 
 his journey through France ; ib. 
 
 in Spain; 171, 172, 174. 
 
 Porto : 
 
 Ercolo; 178. 
 
 Maurizio; 61. 
 Portsmouth ; 117. 
 
 troops ordered to; 118. 
 
 Charles I. and Buckingham at; 118, 
 119. 
 
 sail of Buckingham's fleet from ; 121, 
 127. 
 
 Dutch ships seized at ; 130. 
 
 fleet at; 153, 155. 
 
 Charles I. at; 158, 159. 
 
 fleet for Rochelle at ; 160. 
 
 Felton's body sent to ; 174. 
 Portugal, friar from, a prisoner ; 120. 
 Poulett, George, M. de Soubise placed 
 
 with; 38. 
 Powell : 
 
 Captain, killed at Rhe ; 127. 
 
 Capt. Morgan, killed at Rhe ; ib. 
 Priests, proposed banishment of; 25, 26. 
 Purbeck : 
 
 Viscountess, penance to be done by ; 
 136. 
 
 her escape ; ib. 
 
 Puritans, the; 49, 98, 99, 125, 139, 141, 
 142, 156, 162, 167, 170-173. 
 
 R. 
 
 Rae, Ambassador to Turkey ; 132. 
 
 Rammekens ; 112. 
 
 Revenue, the scheme for reforming ; 80. 
 
 Rhe: 
 
 isle of, the expedition to; 121, 125- 
 
 128. 
 list of killed and wounded at ; 127. 
 siege of fort St. Martin at; 129-131. 
 great English loss at ; 133. 
 Rich: 
 
 Colonel ; 36. 
 
 Sir — , wounded at Rhe ; 127. 
 j Richelieu: 
 
 Cardinal; 105, 136 note. 
 
 his opposition to Buckingham ; 
 
 111, 113. 
 Montagu and ; 167. 
 Richmond: 
 
 Duchess of ; 14. 
 
 Surrey, letters dated at ; 27-29. 
 
 plague at ; 30. 
 
 Riviera, the ; 30. 
 
 Robsart, Amy, daughter of Sir Hugh, her 
 
 death; 182. 
 Roche, George, his mission to Lucca ; 
 174-181. 
 ' Rochelle and the Huguenots, attempts to 
 relieve; 11, 26, 42-50, 60, 63, 65, 103- 
 174 passim.
 
 INDEX, 
 
 195 
 
 Rohan, Duke de, his brother ; 89, 113. 
 Rutherford, Captain, wounded at Rhe : 
 
 128. 
 Rutland : 
 
 Earl of, (1625); 15, 16. 
 
 Countess of; 85. 
 
 s. 
 
 Sailor?. See Navy. 
 
 St. Blancard, M. de, killed at Rhe ; 127. 
 
 St. Denis ; 4. 
 
 St. George, Madame ; 30. 
 
 St. Leger, Sir William ; 35. 
 
 St. Louis, fort of ; 46. 
 
 St. Lucar, English fleet near ; 38. 
 
 St. Malo, Montagu at; 167. 
 
 Saint Michele, M. de, present brought by ; 
 
 141. 
 St. Ospizio, trade with ; 132, 
 St. Peter, French ship ; 49. 
 Salisbury ; 34. 
 Salvetti : 
 
 Amerigo, account of ; 1. 
 
 documents illustrating his life ; 
 
 174-183. 
 Saminiati, Ascanio ; 175, 177, 181. 
 Sancy, Father, chaplain to the French 
 
 Embassy, difficulties about ; 86, 88. 
 Sant Ospizio ; 123. 
 Santini, Antonio ; 181. 
 Sauvage, Madame ; 85. 
 Savage, Felton and ; 163. 
 Savoy, Duke of (1625) ; 8, 47. 
 
 ambassadors of; 41, 65, 133, 135. 
 his agents in England ; 56, 58, 60, 71, 
 
 75. 
 trading privileges granted by ; 61. 
 mission to ; 111. 
 Montagu's negotiations with ; 122, 
 
 123, 125. See Turin. 
 English merchants trading with; 123, 
 
 124. 
 his attack ou Montferrat ; 151, 152. 
 ambassador froin,. present to ; 159. 
 
 departure of; 160, 161. 
 
 Scaglia: 
 
 Abbe, envoy from Savoy; 41,42,45, 
 46. 56, 76, 113, 119-135 passim, 
 151, 152. 
 and Lady Purbeck ; 137. 
 Scilly isles ; 98, 99. 
 Scotland: 
 
 Charles's proposed journey to ; 82. 
 complaint and remonstrance from ; 
 
 102, 103. 
 more resolute than England; 102, 103, 
 
 107. 
 men to be raised in ; 113. 
 troops to be furnished by; 128, 129. 
 coronation of Charles I. in ; 158, 159. 
 Sejanus, Buckingham compared with ; 64, 
 65. 
 
 Seville: 
 
 projected attack ou ; 38. 
 inundation at ; 54. 
 Sheffield: 
 
 Lord, made Earl of Mulgrave ; 45. 
 Lady, the Earl of Leicester and; 182. 
 
 . her son Robert Dudley; 182. 
 
 Ships. See Navy. 
 Shirley : 
 
 Sir Robert, dispute about his embassy 
 
 from Persia ; 47-50 
 going to Persia ; 60. 
 Siena ; 57. 
 Silk, Persian ; 47, 50. 
 Silver plate, sunk at Portsmouth ; 120. 
 Soissons, Duke de ; 126, 128. 
 Somerset, Duke of, Protector; 182. 
 Soubise : 
 
 Prince or M. de, his ships ; 30, 33, 65. 
 
 defeat of; 33. 
 
 reported to be at Plymouth ; 35. 
 
 arrest of; 36, 38. 
 
 treatment of ; 42. 
 
 = near Hampton Court ; 86, 89. 
 
 his visit to Bassompierre ; 90. 
 
 — — his hope of a command ; 92. 
 
 command to ; 102. 
 
 house, &c, provided for ; 104, 
 
 106. 
 — — a volunteer in the fleet ; 105, 
 113. 
 
 and the Rochelle expedition ; 
 
 117, 118. 
 
 at Portsmouth ; 119. 
 
 his lieutenant killed ; 127. 
 
 his return from the Rhe expedi- 
 tion ; 132. 
 
 to go to Rochelle ; 153. 
 
 present at Buckingham's mur- 
 der; 163. 
 
 his suspicion of Buckingham ; 
 
 164. 
 Southwell family ; 183. 
 Spada, Cardinal ; 57. 
 Spain: 
 
 Charles I. and ; 4; 7, 9. 
 
 expected war with ; 7, 9. 
 
 Sir Walter Aston's return from ; 6. 
 
 intended attack on ; 13, 15. 18, 27, 
 
 29, 32. 
 candlesticks made in ; 16. 
 complaint from ; 19. 
 forces assembled by ; 21. 
 Gondomar's mission to England ; 22. 
 Charles and Buckingham in ; 31. 
 seizure of ships from ; 35, 36. 
 expedition to ; 36. 
 recall of envoy from ; 39. 
 another fleet prepared against ; ib. 
 war declared with ; 41, 42. 
 preparations against ; 43. 
 trade of German towns with ; 42. 
 Ireland's relations towards ; 45. 
 Capt. Doper's expedition against ; 54, 
 English trade with ; 58. 
 better feeling towards ; ib. 
 Prince Charles in ; 59, 63, 64, 66-68. 
 company forming against ; 60.
 
 \m 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 ^pain — cont. 
 
 Buckingham's alleged uegotiations 
 
 with ; 66-68. 
 designs of Holland on ; 70, 71. 
 formidable fleet of ; 72. 
 treasure fleet of ; 78, 79, 81. 
 Charles I.'s manifesto against ; 79. 
 supplies furnished by Hamburgh to ; 
 
 84. 
 squadron sent to annoy ; 96. 
 making peace with ; 98, 99, 106, 107. 
 Holland's secret traffic with ; 105. 
 supposed fleet of, in the Channel ; 
 
 117, 118. 
 declines to treat for peace ; 134. 
 desire for peace with ; 156, 157, 159. 
 Endymion Porter's mission to ; 165, 
 
 167, 170. 
 arguments for making peace with ; 
 
 170. 
 the English Puritans' hostility to ; 
 171,172. 
 Spinola : 
 
 Marauis ; 20, 21. 
 
 "at Dunkirk ; 33. 
 
 Stade; 155, 158, 166, 172. 
 
 Stafford, Chevalier, his marriage j 183. 
 
 Star Chamber, the ; 4, 85, 183. 
 
 Buckingham to be brought before ; 
 76. 
 Statues ; 118. 
 
 Strange, Lord, his wife ; 85. 
 Stuart: 
 
 Lady Elizabeth, her marriage ; 50. 
 Sir Francis, squadron under ; 34, 86. 
 Subsidies, levying of; 86 et seq., passim. 
 Suffolk : 
 
 Earl of, late Chancellor of Cambridge 
 
 University ; 72. 
 — — grants to ; 117, 158. 
 Duke of, Grey, account of his family ; 
 182. 
 Sutton alias Dudley, John ; 181, 182. 
 Sweden : 
 
 and the Prince Palatine ; 8. 
 King of; 117. 
 Sydenham, Lieut., killed at Rhe ; 127. 
 
 T. 
 
 Tables, free, at court, custom of ; 80. 
 
 Tantucci, Federigo ; 57. 
 
 Tegrini, Francesco, lettei'9 of ; 176-180. 
 
 Telainone ; 178. 
 
 Temnle, John, killed at Rhe ; 127. 
 
 Texe'l, the ; 130. 
 
 Thames, tbe : 
 
 ships of war in ; 10. 
 
 captured ships brought into ; 37. 
 Theobalds ; 15. 
 
 Charles I. proclaimed at ; 3. 
 Thornehurst, Lieut.-Col., killed at Rhe ; 
 
 127. 
 Thorney, Lieut., wounded at Rhe ; 128. 
 Tillieres, Comte dc ; 24, 28, 30, 82, 83, 84, 
 158. 
 
 Tilly: 
 
 reported defeat of ; 71. 
 
 his defeat of Denmark ; 84. 
 Titehfield, the Queen at ; 34. 
 Totness, Earl of ; 45. 
 Transylvania, Prince of. See Bethlen- 
 
 Gabor. 
 Tremouille, Duchess de la ; 85. 
 Trevor, Captain, ships captured by; 130, 
 
 131. 
 Triumph, the, admiral's ship ; 120. 
 Turin; 61, 101. 
 
 Montagu at ; 117, 122, 125, 123, 129. 
 Turkey : 
 
 English trade with ; 11, 120, 121. 
 
 Company, the ; 58, 59, 135. 
 Turner, Dr., his accusations against Buck- 
 ingham ; 51. 
 Tnscanv: 
 
 Duke of; 135. 
 
 pensioner of; 177, 179. 
 
 Regents of; 181. 
 
 u. 
 
 Urbino, state of ; 165, 
 
 V. 
 
 Valentia, Lord, Vice-Admiral ; 35, 36. 
 Valtelline, the, France and ; 54, 56, 78. 
 Vanmule, Mons., envoy from Flanders ; 
 
 39. 
 Venice : 
 
 affairs of the Valtelline and ; 78. 
 offers to mediate with France ; 112. 
 
 113. 
 letters dated at ; 174, 179. 
 ambassador from ; 6, 47, 48, 58, 63, 
 65, 66, 70, 76, 77, 92, 101-138 
 passim. 
 
 and James I.'s funeral ; 14, 17. 
 
 his letters opened ; 139,140,141, 
 
 144, 145, 155. 
 
 his complaint against Digby ; 
 
 159. 
 
 his negotiations for peace with 
 
 France ; 160-174. 
 
 English ambassador at ; 165. 
 Viareggio ; 175, 176, 178. 
 Villa Franca ; 61, 123, 131, 133, 135. 
 Ville-aux-Cleres, Mons. La ; 4, 24, 25, 26 
 
 w. 
 
 Wallenstein, reported defeat of ; 90. 
 Warden, letter dated at ; 161. 
 Warsley, letters dated at ; 36-40. 
 Warwick, Earl of: 
 
 ships of war fitted up by ; 112. 
 
 failure of his expedition ; 126.
 
 INDEX. 
 
 197 
 
 Warwick, Earl of — eont. 
 
 Sir R. Dudley pretended ; 174 note, 
 
 181-183. 
 Ambrose ; 182. 
 Weimar, Duke of, bis reported defeat of 
 
 Wallenstein; 90. 
 Wellingborough, Henrietta Maria at ; 122, 
 
 158, 161, 162. 
 Wentwortb . Lord, made Earl of Cleveland ; 
 
 45. 
 Weston, Lord, Lord Treasurer; 158, 165. 
 Wicb, ambassador to Turkey ; 132. 
 Willoughby: 
 
 Lord, Lord Chamberlain ; 59. 
 — — his command of the fleet ; 81. 
 — — his command in Denmark ; 95,96. 
 — — general ; 164. 
 Wilmot, Viscount ; 159. 
 Wilson, Mr. Heath, his translation of Sal- 
 
 vctti's letters ; 1. 
 Winchester, Bishop of ; 155. 
 Windsor, knights of the garter at ; 41. 
 Wines, Gascony, sale of, in England ; 85, 
 99, 101. 
 
 Wisbeach Castle, Jesuits, &c. iu ; 148. 
 Woodhouse, Captain, killed at Rhe ; 127. 
 Wotton : 
 
 Sir Edward, his son ; 1. 
 
 Sir Henry, and Salvetti ; 1, 2. 
 
 letters of and to ; 174. 
 
 cipher used by ; 184. 
 
 Y. 
 
 York, Archbishop of, instructions to, about 
 
 Catholics ; 96. 
 Yorke, General, killed at Rhe ; 127 
 
 z. 
 
 Zante, Sir K. Digby at ; 159,
 
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