(Continued from page143.)5. The following illustrative documents, now in the State Paper Office, London, carry on the story of the Spanish Fury to a somewhat later date.The spelling of the wordGasconis so important, that we took the opinion of several experts at the State Paper Office upon it. They were all unanimous that the word is writtenGascon, and notGastonas printed in Volume 140 of theCalendarof thoseForeign State Papers. That being so and the Christian name being given asGeorge: it is clear thatThomas Heton, in the flurry in which he wrote theMemorialfrom the Company, wroteGeorge Gasconphonetically forGeorge Gascoigne.6. The next two documents are the letters which the Soldier-Poet brought to England, when he got out of Antwerp on 12th November 1576, as stated at page162.S. P.Foreign. Eliz.Vol. 140.1,009.Thomas Hetonto SirFrancis Walsingham.From Antwerp, 10 November 1576.Right Honourable, the 3rd of this month the States' men, Horsemen and Footmen, entered this town with consent: and on the morrow, which was Sunday the 4th of this present, the Spaniards with certain Almains, out of the Castle, entered the town and drave away the States' Power and they fled as they could: the town [being] put to sack, with a pitiful slaughter and a miserable spoil.Our House [was] entered by Twelve Spaniards, soldiers, who put me and the rest of the Company in great fear. We were put to ransom first at 12,000 crowns; and since it is grown one way and [an]other to 3,000 more: and what the Company have lost, that had their chambers and pack-houses in the town in burghers' houses, at this present, I know not; but they are spoiled of all.In the name of the Company there is a letter written to the honourable [Privy] Council of our state [See next document] most humbly beseeching that their Honours would be a mean[s] for us to Her Majesty, as to their Honours in this case they shall think good.If we might have had passport[s] when I required it, first of the States, then of Monsieur [DE]ChampagneyGovernor of this town, and after of the Lords of this town, as both by the Intercourse [of 1507] and Privileges we ought in right to have had; then had we avoided this great peril of life and miserable spoil which we have sustained.And now I most humbly beseech you to move my good Lords that some [persons and money] may be sent over for our comfort, that we may be permitted to pass out of this town in person, and [also] such goods as we have remaining. For in this town we shall lack both victuals and fuel; and also be daily in fear of the like spoil that we have sustained.And thus, what for the great peril that I have sustained, and the burden and charge of my Office; I must crave pardon though my writing be not as it should be.I do perceive they [the Spaniards] stand here in doubt how Her Majesty will take this doing to us.The Lord send me and my wife into England, if it be his good will.At Antwerp, the 10th of November 1576.Thomas Heton.1,010The Merchant Adventurers to the Privy Council.From Antwerp, [10] November 1576.Right Honourable our good and gracious Lords, &c. In all humbleness these are showing to your Honours that in respect of the troubles all over this country, and especially the danger in this town of Antwerp; such of our Society as are here remaining did purpose, and some attempted, to have, in due time, removed from this place both their persons and goods; some by water and some by land, as well towards England as for Duchland [Germany.] And being letted [hindered] of their purpose and attempts both the ways, and not suffered to pass their goods out of this town; whereupon [they] sought to have had free passage and passport here, according to the Intercourse and Safe Conduct.But after many delays, from time to time; the 3rd day of this month, our requests were plainly denied, either to be granted, or by writing answered.So as, the 4th day, we are fallen into great peril of our lives; divers of our Company being hurt, and some slain. And by sacking of this town ever since, we are not only spoiled of our money and goods that were in private houses thereof; but also we are further forced, for ransom and safeguard of our persons and goods within the principal House of our residence here, to answer and content the Spanish soldiers and others who, in the Fury, entered our said House, accounting charges, above the sum of £5,000 Flemish.Towards furniture [furnishing] whereof, we have been constrained to give them all the money and plate that was in our said House; and also to use our credit for so much as we could get besides. And yet all accounted and delivered to them doth not discharge the one half of the sum; and for the rest we have given them Bills payable at a month, and some part at two months: so as now we have not money to provide for our needful sustentation.Wherefore we most humbly beseech your good Lordships and Honours, of your accustomed clemencies, to have compassion upon us; and to be means to our most gracious Sovereign Lady, the Queen's Majesty, that speedy order may be given for our relief, and release out of this place: where presently [at present] we are void of money and credit; and shortly are like[ly] to be void of sustenance, and not able to get it for money.The discourse of these tragedies we omit, and refer the same to be reported to your Lordships by this bringer, MasterGeorge Gascon; whose humanity, in this time of trouble, we, for our parts, have experimented.And so leaving the further and due consideration of our case unto your Right Honourable wisdoms and clemencies; we beseech Almighty GOD to preserve your good Lordships and Honours in long health and felicity.Written at Antwerp, this [10th] day of November 1576,By your Lordships' and Honours'Most bound and obedient.The Governor and Fellowship of theEnglish Merchant Adventurers in Antwerp,Thomas Heton.7. In 1602, an anonymously written Play, based on this Narrative, was published in London, under the title,A larum for London, or the Siege of Antwerp, in 4to.8. Five days afterGascoignegot out of Antwerp; the English Ambassador was there. No doubt he helped our Merchant Adventurers in their dire extremity.Jeronimo de Rodas, orRoda, was the supreme villain in command of the troops that had sacked the town; asSanchod'Avilawas in charge of Antwerp Castle. DoctorWilsonthus reports a conversation that he had withRodason the 17th November 1576, thirteen days after the massacre began. This gives us the Spanish view of the matter; and also such miserable excuse as they could possibly offer for their villany, which however is no excuse at all.We must remember that it would be the Ambassador's policy to keep fair withRodas, who was master of the situation for the moment.S. P.Foreign. Eliz.Vol. 140.1,021.DrThomas Wilsonto the Privy Council.19 November 1576.And now, if it please your Honours, I am to declare my coming toRodas, who did send unto me a Safe Conduct for me and mine, upon a letter that I did write to him from Ghent the 10th of this month: and the 17th of the same, I did speak with him; immediately after my coming to Antwerp.And, delivering my Letters of Credit, [I] made him acquainted with all that I did at Brussels; and that my coming [to Flanders] was for the King's benefit and honour: assuring him that if either the Estates would alienate this country [of Flanders] to any foreign Prince, or would convert it to themselves in prejudice of the King [PhilipII.]; Her Majesty would employ all her force to withstand such attempts.These speeches he liked very well: and was persuaded, even by plain demonstration before my departure, that my coming was to none other end; as it was not indeed.Hereupon he declared unto me at large, the whole doings at Brussels, the Mutinies made by the Spaniards at Alost and elsewhere after their victory had at Zierikzee; and blamed greatly the young heads at Brussels, and the fury of the people to use the King's Council, and to break up the door of his Palace, in such sort as they did: [Rodaswas very nearly made prisoner in the Palace at Brusselson 5th September 1576, by the SeigneurDe Hèze:] clearing the Council from all intention of evil to the town, or people, of Brussels; making a very great discourse unto me of this matter."Well," quoth I, "you are well revenged of the people by your late victory here in Antwerp; which hath been very bloody.""Can you blame us?" quoth he. "Is it not natural to withstand force with force; and to kill rather than to be killed? and not to lose the King's piece committed to our charge?"All this I granted: and praised the Spaniards for their valiant courage; that, being so few, could, with policy and manhood, overcome so many."But now," quoth I, "I pray you give me leave to speak a little. After you were lords of the town—which you got wholly and quietly within two hours after your issuing forth—what did you mean, to continue still killing, without mercy, people of all sorts that did bear no armour at all; and to murder them in their houses? to fire the chiefest and fairest part of the city, after you were in full and quiet possession of all? And not contented to spoil the whole town, but to ransom those that were spoiled? And to spare no Nation: although they did bear no arms at all; nor yet were dealers in any practice at all against the King's Ministers, or the Spaniards?"His answer was, That the fury of the soldiers could not be stayed: and that it grieved him much when the city was on fire; and [that there] was no sparing to kill, when all were conquered. The soldiers of Alost were adventurers, had no Captains, desperate persons: and would not be ruled by any Proclamation or commandment that could be given or made."Well," quoth I, "if the Fury could not be stayed; yet the Ransoming might be forbidden; which is an act against the Law of all Nations." And therefore I required him, in the name of the Queen's Majesty, to command restitution to be made to the English Nation....To conclude, he told me, That he would be glad to do what he might for restitution; but he thought it would be hard. For that which is to be paid with Bills, which for theCompany amounteth to 5,000 crowns, at the month's end: the same [Bills], he saith, shall be discharged; and the bonds cancelled. Further he hath promised to grant a Safe Conduct for all English Merchants to go (with their goods remaining, ships, and merchandizes), without danger, withersoever they will: not aiding, or abetting, the King's enemies.9. We next give the opinion of the Sieurde Champagneyas to how the massacre came about.In the following January, he was in England: and then presented a long Memorial in French, to our Privy Council; in which occurs the following reference to the Spanish Fury.S. P.Foreign. Eliz.Vol. 142.1,029.The Sieurde Champagney's Declaration.At London, in January 1577.That he undertook the Government of Antwerp most unwillingly, at the express desire and command of the King of Spain. That, during his Government, he did all in his power to restrain the excesses of the Spaniards in the Citadel; so far as to incur their odium and hatred. That he was unable to prevent the sack of the town, owing to the treachery of the Almain Colonels [Van Einden&c.] of the only troops under his command; who would not suffer the burghers to arm in their defence.10.Edward Grimeston, in hisGeneral History of the Netherlands to 1608(which is mainly based onJ. F. Le Petit'sChronique, printed at Dordrecht in 1601) gives the following account of the destruction of Antwerp Castle, which had been built by the Duke ofAlva.The inhabitants of Antwerp being still in fear, by reason of their Castle, so long as the war was thus wavering, fearing they should be, at some time, again surprised (terming it a den of thieves, an invention of men full of cruelty, a nest of tyranny, a receptacle of all filthy villany abomination and wickedness) obtained leave of the States to dismantle it towards the town.The which the burghers began the 28th of August [1577],with such spleen as there was neither great nor small (wives children, gentlewomen, and burghers; and all in general) but would pull down a piece of it; men, women, and servants going thither, with their Ensigns displayed, having many victuallers on the plain before the Castle [the Esplanade]; so as it seemed a camp. And although the masons' work was great, strong, and thick; yet were they not long in beating it down on that side.Soon after, in imitation of that of Antwerp, followed the dismantling of the Castles of Ghent, Utrecht, Valenciennes, Bethune, Lille, Aire, and others; and the Citadel of Arras was laid open towards the town. p. 647.]Footnotes[2]The necessary corrections have been herein made.—E.A.[3]This Plan of Antwerp at the time of the Spanish Fury, drawn up from the instructions ofGeorge Gascoigne, is wanting in every copy of this Narrative that we have met with. We have strenuously searched for it in every direction; but without success. Its disappearance is a great loss.—E.A.
(Continued from page143.)
(Continued from page143.)
5. The following illustrative documents, now in the State Paper Office, London, carry on the story of the Spanish Fury to a somewhat later date.The spelling of the wordGasconis so important, that we took the opinion of several experts at the State Paper Office upon it. They were all unanimous that the word is writtenGascon, and notGastonas printed in Volume 140 of theCalendarof thoseForeign State Papers. That being so and the Christian name being given asGeorge: it is clear thatThomas Heton, in the flurry in which he wrote theMemorialfrom the Company, wroteGeorge Gasconphonetically forGeorge Gascoigne.6. The next two documents are the letters which the Soldier-Poet brought to England, when he got out of Antwerp on 12th November 1576, as stated at page162.
5. The following illustrative documents, now in the State Paper Office, London, carry on the story of the Spanish Fury to a somewhat later date.
The spelling of the wordGasconis so important, that we took the opinion of several experts at the State Paper Office upon it. They were all unanimous that the word is writtenGascon, and notGastonas printed in Volume 140 of theCalendarof thoseForeign State Papers. That being so and the Christian name being given asGeorge: it is clear thatThomas Heton, in the flurry in which he wrote theMemorialfrom the Company, wroteGeorge Gasconphonetically forGeorge Gascoigne.
6. The next two documents are the letters which the Soldier-Poet brought to England, when he got out of Antwerp on 12th November 1576, as stated at page162.
Right Honourable, the 3rd of this month the States' men, Horsemen and Footmen, entered this town with consent: and on the morrow, which was Sunday the 4th of this present, the Spaniards with certain Almains, out of the Castle, entered the town and drave away the States' Power and they fled as they could: the town [being] put to sack, with a pitiful slaughter and a miserable spoil.
Our House [was] entered by Twelve Spaniards, soldiers, who put me and the rest of the Company in great fear. We were put to ransom first at 12,000 crowns; and since it is grown one way and [an]other to 3,000 more: and what the Company have lost, that had their chambers and pack-houses in the town in burghers' houses, at this present, I know not; but they are spoiled of all.
In the name of the Company there is a letter written to the honourable [Privy] Council of our state [See next document] most humbly beseeching that their Honours would be a mean[s] for us to Her Majesty, as to their Honours in this case they shall think good.
If we might have had passport[s] when I required it, first of the States, then of Monsieur [DE]ChampagneyGovernor of this town, and after of the Lords of this town, as both by the Intercourse [of 1507] and Privileges we ought in right to have had; then had we avoided this great peril of life and miserable spoil which we have sustained.
And now I most humbly beseech you to move my good Lords that some [persons and money] may be sent over for our comfort, that we may be permitted to pass out of this town in person, and [also] such goods as we have remaining. For in this town we shall lack both victuals and fuel; and also be daily in fear of the like spoil that we have sustained.
And thus, what for the great peril that I have sustained, and the burden and charge of my Office; I must crave pardon though my writing be not as it should be.
I do perceive they [the Spaniards] stand here in doubt how Her Majesty will take this doing to us.
The Lord send me and my wife into England, if it be his good will.
At Antwerp, the 10th of November 1576.
Thomas Heton.
Right Honourable our good and gracious Lords, &c. In all humbleness these are showing to your Honours that in respect of the troubles all over this country, and especially the danger in this town of Antwerp; such of our Society as are here remaining did purpose, and some attempted, to have, in due time, removed from this place both their persons and goods; some by water and some by land, as well towards England as for Duchland [Germany.] And being letted [hindered] of their purpose and attempts both the ways, and not suffered to pass their goods out of this town; whereupon [they] sought to have had free passage and passport here, according to the Intercourse and Safe Conduct.
But after many delays, from time to time; the 3rd day of this month, our requests were plainly denied, either to be granted, or by writing answered.
So as, the 4th day, we are fallen into great peril of our lives; divers of our Company being hurt, and some slain. And by sacking of this town ever since, we are not only spoiled of our money and goods that were in private houses thereof; but also we are further forced, for ransom and safeguard of our persons and goods within the principal House of our residence here, to answer and content the Spanish soldiers and others who, in the Fury, entered our said House, accounting charges, above the sum of £5,000 Flemish.
Towards furniture [furnishing] whereof, we have been constrained to give them all the money and plate that was in our said House; and also to use our credit for so much as we could get besides. And yet all accounted and delivered to them doth not discharge the one half of the sum; and for the rest we have given them Bills payable at a month, and some part at two months: so as now we have not money to provide for our needful sustentation.
Wherefore we most humbly beseech your good Lordships and Honours, of your accustomed clemencies, to have compassion upon us; and to be means to our most gracious Sovereign Lady, the Queen's Majesty, that speedy order may be given for our relief, and release out of this place: where presently [at present] we are void of money and credit; and shortly are like[ly] to be void of sustenance, and not able to get it for money.
The discourse of these tragedies we omit, and refer the same to be reported to your Lordships by this bringer, MasterGeorge Gascon; whose humanity, in this time of trouble, we, for our parts, have experimented.
And so leaving the further and due consideration of our case unto your Right Honourable wisdoms and clemencies; we beseech Almighty GOD to preserve your good Lordships and Honours in long health and felicity.
Written at Antwerp, this [10th] day of November 1576,By your Lordships' and Honours'Most bound and obedient.The Governor and Fellowship of theEnglish Merchant Adventurers in Antwerp,Thomas Heton.
7. In 1602, an anonymously written Play, based on this Narrative, was published in London, under the title,A larum for London, or the Siege of Antwerp, in 4to.8. Five days afterGascoignegot out of Antwerp; the English Ambassador was there. No doubt he helped our Merchant Adventurers in their dire extremity.Jeronimo de Rodas, orRoda, was the supreme villain in command of the troops that had sacked the town; asSanchod'Avilawas in charge of Antwerp Castle. DoctorWilsonthus reports a conversation that he had withRodason the 17th November 1576, thirteen days after the massacre began. This gives us the Spanish view of the matter; and also such miserable excuse as they could possibly offer for their villany, which however is no excuse at all.We must remember that it would be the Ambassador's policy to keep fair withRodas, who was master of the situation for the moment.
7. In 1602, an anonymously written Play, based on this Narrative, was published in London, under the title,A larum for London, or the Siege of Antwerp, in 4to.
8. Five days afterGascoignegot out of Antwerp; the English Ambassador was there. No doubt he helped our Merchant Adventurers in their dire extremity.
Jeronimo de Rodas, orRoda, was the supreme villain in command of the troops that had sacked the town; asSanchod'Avilawas in charge of Antwerp Castle. DoctorWilsonthus reports a conversation that he had withRodason the 17th November 1576, thirteen days after the massacre began. This gives us the Spanish view of the matter; and also such miserable excuse as they could possibly offer for their villany, which however is no excuse at all.
We must remember that it would be the Ambassador's policy to keep fair withRodas, who was master of the situation for the moment.
And now, if it please your Honours, I am to declare my coming toRodas, who did send unto me a Safe Conduct for me and mine, upon a letter that I did write to him from Ghent the 10th of this month: and the 17th of the same, I did speak with him; immediately after my coming to Antwerp.
And, delivering my Letters of Credit, [I] made him acquainted with all that I did at Brussels; and that my coming [to Flanders] was for the King's benefit and honour: assuring him that if either the Estates would alienate this country [of Flanders] to any foreign Prince, or would convert it to themselves in prejudice of the King [PhilipII.]; Her Majesty would employ all her force to withstand such attempts.
These speeches he liked very well: and was persuaded, even by plain demonstration before my departure, that my coming was to none other end; as it was not indeed.
Hereupon he declared unto me at large, the whole doings at Brussels, the Mutinies made by the Spaniards at Alost and elsewhere after their victory had at Zierikzee; and blamed greatly the young heads at Brussels, and the fury of the people to use the King's Council, and to break up the door of his Palace, in such sort as they did: [Rodaswas very nearly made prisoner in the Palace at Brusselson 5th September 1576, by the SeigneurDe Hèze:] clearing the Council from all intention of evil to the town, or people, of Brussels; making a very great discourse unto me of this matter.
"Well," quoth I, "you are well revenged of the people by your late victory here in Antwerp; which hath been very bloody."
"Can you blame us?" quoth he. "Is it not natural to withstand force with force; and to kill rather than to be killed? and not to lose the King's piece committed to our charge?"
All this I granted: and praised the Spaniards for their valiant courage; that, being so few, could, with policy and manhood, overcome so many.
"But now," quoth I, "I pray you give me leave to speak a little. After you were lords of the town—which you got wholly and quietly within two hours after your issuing forth—what did you mean, to continue still killing, without mercy, people of all sorts that did bear no armour at all; and to murder them in their houses? to fire the chiefest and fairest part of the city, after you were in full and quiet possession of all? And not contented to spoil the whole town, but to ransom those that were spoiled? And to spare no Nation: although they did bear no arms at all; nor yet were dealers in any practice at all against the King's Ministers, or the Spaniards?"
His answer was, That the fury of the soldiers could not be stayed: and that it grieved him much when the city was on fire; and [that there] was no sparing to kill, when all were conquered. The soldiers of Alost were adventurers, had no Captains, desperate persons: and would not be ruled by any Proclamation or commandment that could be given or made.
"Well," quoth I, "if the Fury could not be stayed; yet the Ransoming might be forbidden; which is an act against the Law of all Nations." And therefore I required him, in the name of the Queen's Majesty, to command restitution to be made to the English Nation....
To conclude, he told me, That he would be glad to do what he might for restitution; but he thought it would be hard. For that which is to be paid with Bills, which for theCompany amounteth to 5,000 crowns, at the month's end: the same [Bills], he saith, shall be discharged; and the bonds cancelled. Further he hath promised to grant a Safe Conduct for all English Merchants to go (with their goods remaining, ships, and merchandizes), without danger, withersoever they will: not aiding, or abetting, the King's enemies.
9. We next give the opinion of the Sieurde Champagneyas to how the massacre came about.In the following January, he was in England: and then presented a long Memorial in French, to our Privy Council; in which occurs the following reference to the Spanish Fury.
9. We next give the opinion of the Sieurde Champagneyas to how the massacre came about.
In the following January, he was in England: and then presented a long Memorial in French, to our Privy Council; in which occurs the following reference to the Spanish Fury.
That he undertook the Government of Antwerp most unwillingly, at the express desire and command of the King of Spain. That, during his Government, he did all in his power to restrain the excesses of the Spaniards in the Citadel; so far as to incur their odium and hatred. That he was unable to prevent the sack of the town, owing to the treachery of the Almain Colonels [Van Einden&c.] of the only troops under his command; who would not suffer the burghers to arm in their defence.
10.Edward Grimeston, in hisGeneral History of the Netherlands to 1608(which is mainly based onJ. F. Le Petit'sChronique, printed at Dordrecht in 1601) gives the following account of the destruction of Antwerp Castle, which had been built by the Duke ofAlva.
10.Edward Grimeston, in hisGeneral History of the Netherlands to 1608(which is mainly based onJ. F. Le Petit'sChronique, printed at Dordrecht in 1601) gives the following account of the destruction of Antwerp Castle, which had been built by the Duke ofAlva.
The inhabitants of Antwerp being still in fear, by reason of their Castle, so long as the war was thus wavering, fearing they should be, at some time, again surprised (terming it a den of thieves, an invention of men full of cruelty, a nest of tyranny, a receptacle of all filthy villany abomination and wickedness) obtained leave of the States to dismantle it towards the town.
The which the burghers began the 28th of August [1577],with such spleen as there was neither great nor small (wives children, gentlewomen, and burghers; and all in general) but would pull down a piece of it; men, women, and servants going thither, with their Ensigns displayed, having many victuallers on the plain before the Castle [the Esplanade]; so as it seemed a camp. And although the masons' work was great, strong, and thick; yet were they not long in beating it down on that side.
Soon after, in imitation of that of Antwerp, followed the dismantling of the Castles of Ghent, Utrecht, Valenciennes, Bethune, Lille, Aire, and others; and the Citadel of Arras was laid open towards the town. p. 647.]
Footnotes[2]The necessary corrections have been herein made.—E.A.[3]This Plan of Antwerp at the time of the Spanish Fury, drawn up from the instructions ofGeorge Gascoigne, is wanting in every copy of this Narrative that we have met with. We have strenuously searched for it in every direction; but without success. Its disappearance is a great loss.—E.A.
Footnotes[2]The necessary corrections have been herein made.—E.A.[3]This Plan of Antwerp at the time of the Spanish Fury, drawn up from the instructions ofGeorge Gascoigne, is wanting in every copy of this Narrative that we have met with. We have strenuously searched for it in every direction; but without success. Its disappearance is a great loss.—E.A.
Footnotes
[2]The necessary corrections have been herein made.—E.A.
[2]The necessary corrections have been herein made.—E.A.
[3]This Plan of Antwerp at the time of the Spanish Fury, drawn up from the instructions ofGeorge Gascoigne, is wanting in every copy of this Narrative that we have met with. We have strenuously searched for it in every direction; but without success. Its disappearance is a great loss.—E.A.
[3]This Plan of Antwerp at the time of the Spanish Fury, drawn up from the instructions ofGeorge Gascoigne, is wanting in every copy of this Narrative that we have met with. We have strenuously searched for it in every direction; but without success. Its disappearance is a great loss.—E.A.