intelligences: and finding the same in effect to agree, it hath very
much augmented our suspicion that this train [_design_] now meant by
the enemy, should be made towards your Highness's country or pieces.
Whereupon we, all together, have considered the state of the same; and
said our opinions therein, as it may appear unto your Highness by these
articles which we send herewith to your Majesty, which we have thought
our duties to signify unto you. Most humbly beseeching your Highness to
return unto us your pleasure therein.
So, we pray JESU, grant your Majesty long and prosperous reign.
At your town of Calais, 27th December, 1557.
Your Highness's, &c.
_Our Consultation, made the 27th December, 1557._
+GUISNES.+
_First._ Having no supplement of men other than is presently there,
we think it meetest, if the enemy should give the attempt, to
abandon the Town (which could not be, without very great danger
of the Castle); and defend the Turnpike, which is of the more
importance, because that way only, in necessity, the relief to
the Castle is to be looked for.
_Item._ There is great want of wheat, butter, cheese, and other
victuals.
_Item._ It is requisite to have some men of estimation and service
to be there [_i.e., at Guisnes_], that might be able to take
the charge in hand; if either sickness or other accident should
fortune to me the Lord GREY: which I, the said Lord GREY the
rather require, by reason of Sir HENRY PALMER's hurt; being of
any other person at this present utterly unfurnished.
+HAMPNES CASTLE.+
_Item._ We think the same sufficiently furnished of men for the
sudden; albeit this hard and frosty weather, if it continue,
will give the enemy great advantage: yet we put in as much
water as is possible.
Of victuals, that place is utterly unprovided; except the Captain's
store.
That we also thought meet to have there some man of estimation and
service, for the respects contained in the article of Guisnes:
which also the Lord DUDLEY requires.
+NEWNAM BRIDGE.+
_Item._ We think it meet, upon the occasion, to withdraw the bands
[_companies of soldiers_] from the Causeway thither; and then
are of opinion, the same to be sufficient to defend that piece
for a season; unless the enemy shall get between this town and
the bridge.
It is clean without victuals, other than the Captain's own
provision.
+RYSBANK.+
Because that place standeth upon the sea, and by the shore side,
may the enemy come in a night to it: we think it meet to appoint
hither a band [_company_] of the low country [_the open district
round Calais, within the English pale_] under the leading of
Captain DODD.
It is altogether unfurnished of victuals, other than for the
Captain's own store.
+CALAIS.+
Whereas all your Majesty's pieces on this side, make account to be
furnished of victuals and other necessaries from hence; it is so,
that of victuals your Highness hath presently none here: and also
this town hath none, by reason that the restraint in the realm
hath been so strait as the victuallers (as were wont to bring
daily hither good quantities of butter, cheese, bacon, wheat, and
other things) might not, of late, be suffered to have any recourse
hither; whereby is grown a very great scarcity of all such things
here.
* * * * *
_Finally._ Forasmuch as all the wealth and substance of your
Majesty's whole dominion on this side, is now in your low
country (a thing not unknown to the enemy): and if with this
his great power, coming down (as the bruit goeth) for the
victualling of Ardes, he will give attempt on your Highness's
country; we do not see that the small number here, in respect
of their force, can, by any means, defend it.
And if we should stand to resist their entry into the country [_the
open district_], and there receive any loss or overthrow; the
country should nevertheless be overrun and spoiled: and besides
it would set the enemy in a glory, and also be the more peril to
your Highness's pieces [_towns_]. We therefore, upon the necessity,
think it meet to gather all our men into strengths [_fortresses_];
and with the same to defend your pieces to the uttermost.
Notwithstanding, all the power on this side is insufficient to
defend the pieces, in case the enemy shall tarry any space in the
field.
WENTWORTH,
WILLIAM GREY,
ANTHONY AUCHAR,
JOHN HARLESTON,
EDWARDE GRIMESTONE,
N. ALEXANDER,
EUSTACE HOBYNGTON.
Lord +WENTWORTH+, at Calais.
_Letter to Queen MARY, 1 January, 1558,_
_9 p.m._
[_State Papers. Foreign, MARY, Vol. XII. No. 1._
[One cannot help seeing that in this and the next letter, Lord
WENTWORTH, quite hopeless of any successful attempt, was trying to
make things look as pleasant as he could to the Queen.]
It may please your Highness, having retired the Bands from the Causeway
the last night [_31 December 1557_], and placed them at the Bridge [at
_Newhaven_ or _Newnham_] and within the Brayes [_i.e., Calais walls_]:
this morning early, I returned them to the said Causeway, to defend
that passage in case the enemy would attempt to enter there; and also
to offer skirmish to take some of them, and to learn somewhat of their
power.
Between nine and ten, the enemy showed in a very great bravery about
six ensigns [_regiments_] of footmen, and certain horsemen; and came
from the Chalk Pits down the hill towards the Causeway. Whereupon some
of ours issued and offered the skirmish; but the enemy would in no wise
seem to meddle.
During this their stillness, they caused about 200 harquebussiers to
cut over the marsh from Sandgate and get between ours and the Bridge,
and then to have hotly set on them on both sides. In this time also,
at a venture, I had caused your Majesty's Marshal, with the horsemen,
to go abroad, and maintain the skirmish with the footmen: and by that
[_time_] the Marshal came there, the enemy's harquebussiers that passed
the marshes were discovered; and ours took a very honest retire.
Which the enemies on the land side perceiving, came on, both horsemen
and footmen, marvellously hotly; to whom ours gave divers onsets,
continually skirmishing till they came to the Bridge, and there reposed
themselves. The bridge bestowed divers shot upon the enemy, and hurt
some. Of ours, thanked be GOD! none slain nor hurt, save a man-at-arms
stricken in the leg with a currion.
The alarm continued till one o'clock in the afternoon; before the
end whereof our enemy's number increased: for eleven ensigns more of
footmen came in sight, and three troops of horsemen.
Besides, the alarm went round about our country at that instant, even
from Sandgate to Guisnes; and bands of the enemy at every passage.
They have gotten Froyton Church, and plant themselves at all the
streights [_passages_] into this country. The bulwarks [_? earth
works_] of Froyton and Nesle have this day done their duty very well;
to whom I have this afternoon sent aid of men, and some shot and
powder. Howbeit I am in some doubt of Nesle this night.
I am perfectly advertised, their number of horsemen and footmen already
arrived is above 12,000; whereof little less have come in sight here.
The Duke of GUISE is not yet arrived, but [is] hourly looked for with a
more [_greater_] number.
This evening, I have discovered 500 waggons ladened with victuals and
munition; and have further perfect intelligence, that thirty cannons be
departed from Boulogne hitherwards.
They [_i.e., the French army_] are settled at Sandgate, Galley Moat,
Causeway, Froyton, Calkewell, Nesle, and Syntrecase. At one o'clock
after midnight, I look for them; being low water at the passage over
the haven.
Thus having set all things in the best order I can, I make an end of
three days' work; and leave your Majesty to consider for our speedy
succour. Beseeching GOD to grant your Highness victory, with long and
prosperous reign.
At your town of Calais, this New Year's Day, at nine of the night, 1557.
I have received your Majesty's letter [_of 31st December_] by [JOHN
HIGHFIELD] Master of the Ordnance [at Calais], who came in this
morning. The contents whereof I follow as near as I can.
Your Highness's
Most humble and obedient servant and subject,
+WENTWORTH+.
Lord +WENTWORTH+ at Calais.
_Letter to Queen MARY, 2 January, 1558,_
_10 p.m._
[_State Papers, &c._]
After my humble duty remembered, it may please your Highness. This last
night our enemies lay still, without anything attempting in the places
mentioned in my last letters; as we did well perceive, during the whole
night, by great fires made in the same places.
This morning early, I put out fresh footmen to the Bridge, to relieve
the watched men.
About nine a clock, the enemies in very great number approached the
Bridge, and offered the skirmish: whereupon issued out some of our
harquebussiers and bowmen, and kept them in play, with the help of
the shot from the Bridge, more than an hour; and in the end, being
overmatched with multitude, made their retire with the Turnpike,
without any loss or hurt. The enemies shadowing [_sheltering_]
themselves under the turnpike wall, with their curriors (which
assuredly shot very great bullets, and carry far) kept themselves in
such surety, as our pieces of the Bridge could not annoy them, till
at eleven o'clock, certain of ours, bored holes with augers through
the turnpike, and with harquebusses beat them out into the shot of
ordnance, and so made them retire to the Causeway.
This forenoon, certain Swiss and Frenchmen, to the number of 500, got
within the marshes between Froyton and Nesle bulwarks: and the men of
the Bulwarks seeing themselves to be compassed on all sides, and seeing
also that time yet served them well to depart; and (fearing they should
not so do, if they tarried till they were assailed on both sides, as
they could not indeed), forsook their Bulwarks, and right manfully,
notwithstanding their enemies between them and home, saved themselves
through the marshes. In the retire of the enemies, one COOKSON, a
man-at-arms, and few other soldiers, with the countrymen, rescued most
part of the booty (which was certain kine); and took three prisoners
of the Captain of Abbeville's Band.
The report of this enterprise of the enemy being brought to me, fearing
Colham Hill, I forthwith appointed your Majesty's Marshal with the
Horsemen, and 200 footmen to repair thither; and as they should see
their match, so to demean themselves. Ere these men had marched a
quarter of a mile, the enemies were retired out of the country, upon
occasion that wading, as they entered in, up to the girdle stead; and
perceiving the water to increase, [they] thought good to make a speedy
return: and nevertheless, for all their haste, went up to the breast.
And if they had tarried a little longer, I had put in so much water, as
I think would have put them over head and ears: and, GOD willing, at
the next tide, I will take in more.
This afternoon, they have been quiet, and we, in the meantime, be
occupied in cutting up of passages to let in more water about the
Bridge and that part of the marshes; whereby the enemies shall have
very ill watering.
I would also take in the salt water about the town [_of Calais_], but
I cannot do it, by reason I should infect our own water wherewith we
brew: and, notwithstanding all I can do, our brewers be so behindhand
in grinding and otherwise, as we shall find that one of our greatest
lacks. I therefore make all the haste and provision I can there, and
howsoever the matter go, must shortly be forced to let in the salt
water.
The three men taken to-day be very ragged, and ill-appointed. In
examining, they confess that "there is great misery in their camp,
and great want of money and victuals." They say (and I partly believe
it, because it almost appeareth to me), "their number to be 25,000
footmen, whereof 10,000 [are] Swiss; and 10,000 horsemen. The Duke of
GUISE is already among them, and the only deviser and leader of this
enterprise." They say also, "a shot from the Bridgeway to the Causeway
yesterday, struck off the Master of the Camp's leg, called Captain
GOURDAULT."
I am also perfectly advertised, both by these men and otherwise, that
they have no great ordnance yet come, but look for it daily by sea.
It is eighty pieces, whereof thirty be cannons: and are laden, with
munition and victuals, in 140 vessels which shall land at Sandgate;
or rather I think at Boulogne, it to be taken out of great ships
[there], and so again embarked at Sandgate in lesser vessels, as they
have done most part of their victuals and carriage that they have
hitherto occupied [_used_]. And, surely, if your Majesty's ships had
been on this shore, they might either have letted [_hindered_] their
voyage; or, at the least, very much hindered it: and not unlike[ly]
to have distressed them, being only small boats. Their ordnance that
comes, shall be conveyed in the same sort: it may therefore please your
Majesty to consider it.
I have also now fully discovered their enterprise; and am (as a man
may be) most sure they will first attempt upon Rysbanke; and that
way chiefly assail the town. Marry! I think they lie hovering in the
country, for the coming of their great artillery, and also to be
masters of the sea. And therefore I trust your Highness will haste over
all things necessary for us with expedition.
Under your Majesty's reformation [_correction_], I think, if you please
to set the passage at liberty for all men to come that would, bringing
sufficient victuals for themselves for a season; I am of opinion there
would be enow, and with more speed than can be made by order. Marry!
then must it well be foreseen to transport with expedition, victuals
hither.
I have written to the King's Majesty [PHILIP II.] of the enemies being
here: and was bold humbly to beseech his Majesty to give commission to
the governors of his frontiers [that] I might, in necessity, upon my
letter, have 300 or 400 harquebussiers, Spaniards, that now be placed
about St. Omer; whereof I thought it my duty to advertise your Majesty,
for your pleasure, whether I may write to the Governors to that effect,
upon his Majesty's answer, and take them or not?
I, with the rest of the Council here, are forced to put your Majesty
to some charges: for having taken in a confused number of countrymen
[_i.e., peasantry within the English Pale_], we must needs reduce them
to order, and the commoners also; and have therefore called them into
wages, and appointed Captains of the fittest men that presently [_at
this moment_] be here.
I have placed DODD with his Band in Rysbank, and the rest of the
extraordinary [_i.e., volunteer_] Bands be at the Bridge, and in the
Brayes of this town.
As I was making this discourse, six Ensigns [_regiments_] of footmen,
and certain Bands [_troops_] of horsemen, came from Sandgate by the
downs, within the sight of Rysbank: on whom, that piece, and this town
also, bestowed divers shots.
This evening, they have made their approach to Rysbank, without any
artillery: and, as far as I can perceive, do mind to make the assault
with ladders, hurdles, &c., and other things, and that way get it.
At Calais, the 2nd of January, at ten in the night, 1557.
* * * * *
As I was in communication with your Mayor and Aldermen, touching the
state of this town (whom I find of marvellous good courage, and ready
to live and die in this town), I received letters from my Lords of the
Council, of your Majesty's aid provided for us.
I fear this shall be my last letter, for that the enemy will stop my
passage; but I will do what I can tidily [_duly from time to time_]
to signify unto your Majesty, our state.
Your Majesty's most humble and obedient
servant and subject,
+WENTWORTH+.
[Illustration]
+JOHN HIGHFIELD+, Master of the
Ordnance at Calais.
_To the Queen, our sovereign Lady._
[Lord HARDWICK's _Miscellaneous State Papers_, i. 114. _Ed._ 1788.]
Pleaseth it your Highness to understand the Declaration of your
humblest and faithful servant JOHN HIGHFIELD, concerning the besieging
and loss of your Grace's town of Calais.
First, being appointed by your most honourable Council [_i.e., the
Privy Council in London_] to repair into England [_on the previous 23rd
May, see p. 186_]; I came. And after some intelligence that the French
Army drew towards the English Pale, I was commanded to return with
diligence to my charge at Calais; and I arrived there on New Year's Day
in the morning, the enemy being encamped about Sandgate.
The said morning, after I had delivered letters to my Lord Deputy, from
your Grace's said Council, the said Lord Deputy told me how the alarm
was made the night before, and also what he thought meet for me to be
done for the better furniture of those fortresses which were in most
danger, as the Bulwarks of the High Country [_Froyton and Nesle_],
Guisnes, Newhaven Bridge, and Rysbank: and also for the defence of the
Low Country, because his Lordship thought their enterprise had tended
only to the spoil thereof. Then I showed that there was a sufficient
store of all munitions, and that I would send to all places as need
required; which was done.
_Item._ On Sunday following [_2nd January, 1558_], we perceived the
French ordnance was brought to their camp; whereby appeared that
the enemy meant to batter some place: and thereupon were two mounts
repaired for the better defence. At the same time, I desired to have
some pioneers appointed to help the cannoneers, who were not forty in
number, for the placing and entrenching of our great ordnance; which
pioneers I could never get.
The same day, the enemy forced our men to forsake the Bulwarks of the
High Country. And then it was moved to my Lord Deputy that the sea
might be let in, as well to drown the Causeway beyond Newhaven Bridge,
as also other places about the town: wherein was answered, "Not to be
necessary without more appearance of besieging," and because that "the
sea being entered in, should hinder the pastures of the cattle, and
also the brewing of the beer."
The same day, my Lord took order that victuals and other necessaries
should be sent to Newhaven Bridge for six days; which was done.
_Item._ On Monday [_3rd January_] in the morning, my Lord Deputy, with
the rest of the Council there, perceiving that the enemy intended to
approach nearer, were in doubt whether they might abandon the Low
Country: and by advice, my Lord gave order that the Bailiff of Marke
should appoint the servants and women of the Low Country, with their
superfluous cattle, to draw (if need happened) into the Flemish Pale;
and the said Bailiff with his best men, to repair to Marke Church, and
there to abide further orders.
The same morning before day, the enemy had made their approaches, and
did batter both Newhaven Bridge and the Rysbank; which were given up
before nine o'clock.
The Captain of Newhaven Bridge had word sent him that if he saw no
remedy to avoid the danger, that then he should retire with his company
into the Town.
The Captain of Rysbank did, about the same time, surrender; because, as
he told me since, his pieces were all dismounted, and the soldiers very
loth to tarry at the breach: wherein I know no more.
But after the enemy was entered, I cause the said Rysbank to be
battered; and when my Lord saw how little it profited, he commanded to
cease.
The same day, the passages being both lost, the enemy planted their
ordnance on the Sand Hill, to batter the north side of the town;
and then I moved my Lord to call in as many countrymen [_English
peasantry_] as he could, and to appoint them Captains and their several
quarters, for the relief of those which did most commonly watch and
attend on the walls. Who answered, "He had determined already so to
do." Howbeit the women did more labour [_watch_] about the ramparts
than the said countrymen; which, for lack of order in time, did absent
themselves in houses and other secret places.
The same evening, Captain SALIGUES [_or SELLYN_] came into Calais;
whereupon the people rejoiced, hoping some succour: but after that
time, it was too late to receive help by land, because the French
horsemen were entered the Low Country.
_Item._ On Tuesday [_4th January_] in the morning, the enemy began
their battery to the Town; on which side I had placed fourteen brass
pieces. Howbeit, within short time, the enemy having so commodious
a place, did dismount certain of our best pieces, and consumed some
of the gunners, which stood very open for lack of mounds and good
fortification. For if the rampart had been finished, then might divers
pieces have been brought from other places; which were above sixty
in number, ready mounted: but lacking convenient place, and chiefly
cannoneers and pioneers, it was hard to displace the French battery.
Which counter battery could not have been maintained for lack of
powder. For, at the beginning, having in store, 400 barrels; I found
there was spent within five days, 100.
_Item._ On Wednesday [_5th January_], the enemy continued their battery
on the town, without great hurt done, because they could not beat the
foot of the wall, for that the _contremure_ was of a good height, and
we reinforced the breach, in the night, with timber, wool, and other
matter sufficiently; and we looked that the enemy would have attempted
the assault the same evening; whereupon I caused two flankers to be
made ready, and also placed two bombards, by the help of the soldiers,
appointing weapons and fireworks to be in readiness at the said breach.
At which time, my Lord commanded the soldiers of the garrison to keep
their ordinary wards, and Master GRIMSTON to the breach with the
residue of the best soldiers. And then my Lord exhorted all men to
fight, with other good words as in such cases appertaineth. And my Lord
told me, divers times, that "although there came no succour; yet he
would never yield, nor stand to answer the loss of such a town."
_Item._ On Thursday [_6th January_], began one other battery to the
Castle; which being a high and weak wall without ramparts, was made
[as]saultable the same day. Whereupon, the Captain of the Castle
desired some more help to defend this breach, or else to know what my
Lord thought best in that behalf. Then, after long debating, my Lord
determined to have the towers overthrown, which one SAULLE took upon
him to do; notwithstanding, I said openly that "if the Castle were
abandoned, it should be the loss of the Town."
The same night, my Lord appointed me to be at the breach of the town
with him: and, about eight of the clock, the enemy waded over the
haven, at the low water, with certain harquebussiers, to view the
breaches; and, coming to the Castle, found no resistance, and so
entered. Then the said SAULLE failed to give fire unto the train of
powder [_see p. 204_].
Then my Lord, understanding that the enemy were entered into the
Castle, commanded me to give order for battering of the Castle;
whereupon incontinent there were bent three cannons and one saker [_p.
251_] before the gate, to beat the bridge; which, being in the night,
did not greatly annoy.
The same time, Master Marshall [_Sir ANTHONY AUCHER, see p. 176_]
with divers soldiers, came towards the Castle, lest the enemy should
enter the town also. And after we had skirmished upon the bridge,
seeing no remedy to recover the Castle, we did burn and break the said
bridge: and there was a trench immediately cast before the Castle,
which was [the] only help at that time.
Within one hour after, upon necessity of things, [my Lord] determined
to send a trumpet with a herald, declaring that "If the Frenchmen would
send one gentleman, then he would send one other in gage." Whereupon
my Lord sent for me, and commanded that I should go forth of the town
for the same purpose; wherein I desired his Lordship that he would send
some other, and rather throw me over the walls. Then he spake likewise
to one WINDEBANKE, and to MASSINGBERD, as I remember, which were both
to go unto such service.
Then my Lord sent for me again, in PEYTON's house; and being
eftsoons commanded by the Council there, I went forth with a trumpet
[_trumpeter_], and received in a French gentleman: who, as I heard,
was brought to my Lord Deputy's house, and treated upon some Articles;
which were brought, within one hour, by one HALL, merchant of the
staple.