Elizabeth: April 1 to 15 1572 | British History Online

Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 10, 1572-1574. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1876.

Citation:

'Elizabeth: April 1 to 15 1572', in Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 10, 1572-1574, ed. Allan James Crosby( London, 1876), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/foreign/vol10/pp69-82 [accessed 22 November 2024].

April 1 to 15 1572



April 1.	210. Lord Hunsdon to Queen Elizabeth.
	Finding those of the Castle (by the report of her Commissioners) to be further off from any accord than they had promised him by their letters and private messages, he thought good to put them in remembrance thereof by his steward with such persuasions as he could use, to exhort them to persevere in their well-doing and not to look back, to the utter ruin of their country, and the overthrow of them and theirs for ever. Has sent their answer to Lord Burghley. It seems by their letter, their other tickets, and also by private message sent to him, that they think themselves hardly dealt with to be pressed to grant to the King's obedience and the Regent's government, which are the principal points the King's side desire, and no surety provided or promise made for their lives, lands, offices, or goods, which they term a preposterous dealing. Sees not how she can in honour require it at their hands. The Castilians have sent him word (although they have not granted so far to her commissioners) that their sureties being provided as before, and the Queen being the conservatrix thereof, they will not refuse to acknowledge the King's authority and the Regent's government being joined with others of their own faction for indifferent judgment when any matter of controversy shall happen, for performance whereof they will put in bonds, and without that they are plainly resolved to abide whatsoever shall happen. She must now resolve how far she will press the King's side to grant unto. The King's side have neither dealt well with her, or according to their promise, for having demanded the delivery of her rebels from Morton and Dunfermline, notwithstanding their promise Swinburne, Smythe, and Palmes were presently set at liberty. Believes that the Earl of Northumberland will not be delivered, but either trifled off with delays, or else such a price set of him as she will hardly grant unto, besides a request to grant his life.— Berwick, 1 April 1572. Signed Add. Endd. Pp. 2.
April 1.	211. Lord Hunsdon to Lord Burghley.
	Sends him the conditions upon which those of the Castle will yield to the King's obedience; also informs him of the release of the English rebels contrary to promise. Lord Lindsay alleges that he wrote sundry times to the Court, and made means to the Queen's ministers, both in Scotland and on the Borders, to be delivered of them, and could have no answer, and therefore being weary of their charges put them away, yet was there no haste until they perceived that the Queen was disposed to have them, and then were they quickly put away, and even so does he think she will be served for the earl. Sends three books lately come out of Flanders sent to him from Grange, one in defence of the Queen of Scots' honour, the other as to the right title to the succession to the crown of England, and the third that the regiment of women is conformable to the laws of God and nature.—Berwick, 1 April 1572. Signed. Add. Endd. Pp. 1⅓.
March 30.	212. Lethington and Grange to Lord Hunsdon.
	When he charges them somewhat hardly of not meaning sincerely in this treaty, they declare that the delay comes not of any desire they have to protract time, but rather against their wills. Have ever offered to the Queen of England's Commissioners to proceed with all articles which concern the private interests of subjects on both sides, leaving those which concern the authority or regiment of the realm to be last treated, but they have always pressed them first to yield obedience to the Prince and the Regent, which they have refused as being preposterous. Remind him how prejudicial it would be for them to come under the government of their capital enemy, and how necessary it is for them to have an equal and indifferent government. If their friend and old acquaintance had favourably interpreted and friendly advertised his Lordship what measures they had offered, he would have thought better of them than by his letter he seems to do. Doubt not but that they will be blamed for the burnings and spoils, and the slaughter of Lord Methven, chanced since this treaty began, but a continual abstinence from hostility was liberally offered on their part.—Edinburgh Castle, 30 March 1572. Signed. Add. Endd. Enclosure. P. 1.
April 1.	213. Matters of Scotland.
	1. A brief note of certain matters propounded by M. De Foix in presence of the Duke of Montmorency and M. De la Mothe Fenelon.
	2. A surcease of arms to be made in Scotland, and the Marshal of Berwick and M. De Croc to determine any difficulties that may occur.
	3. The Queen of Scots to have all reasonable apparel and money sent to her, and to be allowed to walk or ride abroad for her health, in company with the Earl of Shrewsbury, and to have a convenient number of servants to attend upon her.
	4. Also certain matters to be considered in the proposed treaty between France and England. Draft, corrected by Burghley. Pp. 2.
April 2.	214. Matters of Scotland.
	Answer of the commissioners appointed by the Regent of Scotland to certain articles given to them by Randolph and Drury. Insist on the acknowledgment of the King's authority, and also desire to know whether those of the Castle mean to include in the treaty the murderers of the late King, the broken men on the Borders, and other evil doers. The reformed religion to continue. Refuse to grant an oblivion for all past offences, but only such remission as has satisfied the Earls of Argyle, Crawford, and other noblemen who have yielded to the King's authority. Scandalous libels and ballads to be suppressed, but such as touch the honour of the noblemen and others professing the King's obedience may be answered, and especially the book given forth in the name of Morgan Philips. In the general restitution on either side it is unreasonable that there should be equality between that which has been done by law and that which has been attempted by force. All forts and castles to be delivered up to the King. Notes in margin by Burghley. Endd. Pp. 6²/3.
April 2.	215. Instructions for M. De Croc.
	He is to take his journey into Scotland with whomsoever the Queen of England shall depute to go thither, and they two shall deal jointly with the Scots to come to a pacification amongst themselves. He is to make them understand the great grief that the French King has of their troubles in respect of the ancient league and confederacy between the two realms, and is to desire them in the King's name to make a truce and surcease of arms. If he finds any who will not accept just and reasonable conditions of peace he is to warn them not to dismember the body of their state, to the utter ruin thereof, and if they will not yield to gentle persuasion he, with the Queen of England's Ambassador, may let them understand that their Majesties will devise some good means to bring them to their duty. In case any fear to accept the conditions of peace and accord, fearing lest afterwards they might take harm, the ambassadors may, if need be, take them under the protection of their Majesties. The two ambassadors are to proceed jointly and with one accord, as if they were the ambassadors of one prince.—Blois, 2 April 1572. Copy. Endd. Fr. Pp. 1²/3.
	216. Translation of the above.
	Endd. Pp.
April 2.	217. The Queen to Sir Thomas Smith and Walsingham.
	1. Has received their letters, and been impeached from considering her answer by the request of the French Ambassador, and also by a sudden sharp accident of sickness, from which nevertheless within seven or eight days she has been cased, and now lacks nothing but some small time to recover her strength. Has now, upon conference with the French Ambassador, resolved upon the matters in doubt. Where the King has offered to expound the clause for mutual defence to be meant for invasion, under colour of religion, in a special letter according to a copy which they have sent, she does not mislike the contents thereof, but would have it put in Latin, and under the great seal. If however, they cannot obtain this she finds no cause to stay the treaty for that.
	2. In the second matter concerning the aid she is content that the charges should be borne by the requirant, but thinks it meet that the wages and stipends to be paid be certainly expressed for avoiding of ambiguity.
	3. Finds more difficulty in the matter for Scotland, as the ambassador here is much more precise than she looked for in pressing of the matter for the Queen of Scots. Has caused a form to be drawn up agreeable to such parts of theirs as she likes, and leaving the other part not by her allowable, which she sends drawn up in Latin.
	4. Likes very well the article for the suspension of the "droit d'aubaine," for goods of strangers dying in France. Lastly, some special article should be devised to bind the King that all those things concerning the merchants should be enrolled and "omologued" in their parliaments, within some reasonable time. Will give order for a like commission, concerning some treaty with the merchants of that country, for Walsingham, as is sent to the French Ambassador resident in England. Intends to stay De Croc's going into Scotland until she hears what the French King's answer is in that matter. Sends instructions for verbal alterations in different articles, but does not mean that they should stay the treaty for a few words. Draft, corrected by Burghley. Printed in Digges' "Compleat Ambassador," p. 185. Endd. Pp. 8.
April 4.	218. Lord Scrope to Lord Burghley.
	1. This letter was 10 days in coming. Has apprehended "Robbye of the Falde," whose examination he encloses. Has also had Halting Wilson taken in Yorkshire, who utterly denies everything laid to his charge for conveying of letters and messages. Has them both in close prison until he can understand further of the Council's pleasure. Will do his diligence for the apprehension of Davye Greame of Conisborough.
	2. P.S.—John Moresby, one of his servants, has challenged the "Laird's Jock," for misreporting him, and on Friday will break a staff with him.—Carlisle, 4 April 1572. Signed. Add. Endd., with seal. P. 1.
April 2.	219. Examination of Robbye Greame of the Falde.
	Confesses that he knows certain people, but denies that he has had any dealings with them in the conveying of letters to or from the Queen of Scots.—Dated 2 March 1572. Signed:—Scrope. Enclosure. P. 1.
April 6.	220. Commotion at Flushing.
	1. On Easter-day, 1572, at 6 in the morning, part of the people being in their houses, and the rest at church in the town of Flushing, there arrived two quarter-masters from the Duke of Alva, in order to withdraw the Walloon garrison and to prepare for the entry of the Spaniards. Being assembled in the town hall with the magistrates, which several of the townspeople considered strange on account of the solemnity of the day, a number of them went thither to learn the reason. On their way they met the Walloons beating their drums, who said, "You have kept all the best lodgings for yourselves, now make up your minds to give them up to the Spaniards, along with your wives and daughters, to be used at their pleasure." This talk stirred up the townsmen to go to the guildhall, where they were told by the burgomaster that the Spaniards were expected in a couple of hours, at which they all cried out that they would rather spend the last drop of their blood than submit to the slavery and wrongs of that nation.
	2. The townspeople persisted in their determination, and having seized on the artillery fired a shot at the approaching Spanish vessels, to warn them to withdraw. The Spaniards seeing that they might easily sink them all caused a man to swim ashore, begging that they would not do them any injury, and promising to retire, which they did.
	3. Twelve or fifteen days afterwards there arrived a rich fleet from Spain, out of which, however, the Flushingers only took the munitions of war, giving receipts and acknowledgments for the same.
	4. The Flushingers have sent to the other towns in the island [Walcheren], who, with the exception of Middleburgh, have agreed not to suffer the Spaniards to enter. Endd. Fr. P. 1.
April 7.	221. Commission for Francisco Giraldi.
	Commission by Sebastian King of Portugal authorising Francisco Giraldi to treat in his name with the Queen of England, and to conclude and sign any contract that may be agreed upon.—Almiera, 7 April 1572. Draft. Endd. P. ½.
April 7.	222. Pacification of Scotland.
	Articles containing the intentions of the Queen of England for the reducing the realm of Scotland to an inward peace, to a similar effect as those of March 4, 1572. Endd.: for my Lord Ambassador in France. Pp. 3¼.
	223. Another copy. Endd. April 7. Pp. 3½.
April 8.	224. The Earl of Marr to Randolph.
	The place of delivery of the Earl of Northumberland required by Lord Hunsdon is neither meet nor sure. The overture made by the Laird of Cleish is most sure and likely to be followed out. What appearance Captain Case has found of the adversaries yielding to the last demands he remits to report. There shall be found no want of reason or good-will to peace on his part. Fears that it will be long ere this fashion of dealing gives them peace either by victory or treaty. The Queen of England's irresoluteness is very prejudicial to them, and will work no good effect to herself if they be constrained to seek means elsewhere to sustain this weighty cause. Has sent his answer to the Queen touching the Ireland bishop. The Queen of England has spoken and written that she will maintain the King's estate, and procure unto him an universal obedience of his subjects, which if she would do indeed by repressing with her forces this rebellion, then might she frankly dispose of anything lying in their power as of any most "devinct" unto her; but now considering this long and doubtful dependence they are driven to begin to think what it will avail the state of Scotland to take on them occasion of war with the King of Spain, by staying and delivering into England a man avowing himself to be the said King's man, not being assured how far they may lean and repose on Her Majesty. Writes this familarly not meaning anywise to refuse the Queen's demands. Leaves his meaning to Randolph's discretion. Has written to the Queen to have Home and Fast castles delivered.—Leith, 8 April 1572. Signed. Add. Endd. Pp. 1½.
April 9.	225. The Earl of Morton to the Earl of Leicester.
	Moves for the redress of certain attempts committed by the Queen of England's subjects inhabiting the West March, under the charge of Lord Scrope, to whom he desires that commands may be sent to cause the injuries and scaithes to be redressed.—Leith, 9 April 1572. Signed. Add. Endd. P. ½.
April 9.	226. The Earl of Morton to Lord Burghley.
	Desires that he may have redress for injuries committed upon his tenants at the time when the Queen of England's forces came to Dumfries under the Earl of Sussex, and since by certain of her subjects in the West Marches. There shall not be found any lack of goodwill on their part to have their troubles quieted by the Queen of England's means. Trusts that obstinacy and want of reason being found on the adverse part, Her Majesty will declare her misliking and let them feel indeed her indignation. They must still repose on his Lordship's care for the weal and furtherance of these matters and the King's estate.—Leith, 9 April 1572. Signed. Add. Endd. P. ²/3.
April 10.	227. Matters of Scotland.
	Answer to the articles presented to the Queen of Scots' lieutenants the 7th April, and conferred upon with the commissioners the 10th, and delivered to them on the 13th April 1572. Religion to be maintained, no mention to be made of remissions, and most of the other articles agreed to. Endd. Pp. 2.
April 10.	228. Thomas Randolph to Lord Burghley.
	Understanding by Lord Seton of a great number of books that were in the ship that he came out of Flanders in, written for answer to a little pamphlet called "the whom matche," and being desirous to hear what can be said to impugn the truth of that, he desires that he may have one or two. Trusts that there may be some way for their suppression if any more come into this country. Some man well able to write might make the reply thereunto, if so it be thought good, as perchance he may hear of before long, replied to the first book set forth in the name of Philip Marchant, which here are common, at least 300 sent at one time into the Castle. Sends certain verses by Buchanan.—Leith, 10 April. Signed. Add. Endd. P. ¾.
April 10.	229. Zwegenhem's Remonstrance.
	Complaining of the seizure of the goods of Spanish subjects in England, and of various piracies against Spanish vessels committed at sea; the keeping of Spanish merchants away from the Royal Exchange; the encouragement given to the rebels against the King of Spain, and of goods taken from the Genoese, and that Spanish vessels cannot put into English ports from stress of weather or fear of pirates without danger of being seized. Endd. Fr. Pp. 6⅓.
April 10.	230. Answer to M. Zwegenham's Articles.
	Answers to 15 articles proposed by M. de Zwegenhem for the restoration of the money belonging to the Genoese merchants, the removal of the arrest in England from Spanish ships, and the suppression of piracy. Copy, corrected and Endd. by Burghley. Pp. 3¼.
	231. Copy of the above in French.
	Endd. by Burghley. Pp. 2½.
April 10.	232. Randolph and Drury to Lord Hunsdon.
	Not finding any resolution like to grow thereof, they have left dealing with either party, and presented to them the full intentions of the Queen of England for the pacification of these troubles as they have received them in their instructions, adding certain short articles of which they send the copy. Nothing is left undone of either side that may annoy the other. They of the Castle began with burning. The Regent to keep them from victual has placed men in Craigmillar, Redshawe, and Corstorphine, and has broken down all the mills to the number of 30 or more within four miles of Edinburgh, and for better assurance that none repair to the town they have sent for 300 highlandmen of Argyle's and Clanarcher's country to place in villages and cottages about the town to spoil as many as come. Great skirmish under the Castle for the destruction of five or six mills. The practise for the betrayal of Dumbarton is discovered and the danger prevented. The Captain of Blackness is like to break off with Grange and that faction. Lords Herries and Maxwell will yield their obedience to the King and the Regent. There has been lately a jar between Lord Seton and Grange about the money received from the Duke of Alva, no part of which has come to the Queen's friends' use. It is thought that Seton has somewhat in store to serve himself. Their own lives were never so miserable or in such danger, and therefore they pray that they may have letters for their return. The least sum that Lochleven demands for the Earl of Northumberland is 2000l. sterling. If this condition seems good to Her Majesty he may be brought to the waterside from Lochleven, and conveyed by water secretly to whatsoever place she will have him. Find that Lord Maxwell has not dealt of long time with any of Her Majesty's rebels. Divers of the Earl of Northumberland's servants are lately arrived out of Flanders and some gone into England. Seven boats of corn from the north that should have gone into Clydesdale have been taken and brought to this town. The Earl of Huntley's brother is strong in the north. Hope that there will be no haste in De Croc's despatch hither as they fear that it will do no good. The soldiers in this town are paid for three months.—Leith, 10 April 1572. Signed. Add. Endd. Pp. 4.
April 10.	233. Additional articles added to Drury and Randolph's instructions.
	Endd. Enclosure. P. ¾.
April 11.	234. Lethington and Grange to Lord Burghley.
	The two articles touching the sovereignty and the regiment of the realm are so prejudicial that if they once yield thereto they can neither live with reputation or safety hereafter. Pray that by his good means the Queen may be moved graciously to consider of their causes and make such an accord as may continue without the prejudice of either side. Have delivered a plat of what they may be brought unto to the Marshal of Berwick to be communicated to his Lordship. If Her Majesty allows thereof they desire his promise in particular that besides the Queen of England's protection he will hold them in hand in all things touching their weal, safety, and advancement, as persons towards whom it has pleased him to extend his private friendship. Trust that he will keep this offer to himself.—Edinburgh Castle, 11 April 1572. Signed. Add. Endd. P. 1.
April 11.	235. Lethington and Grange to Sir William Drury.
	Deny that they only meant drift of time in their communications. Have always laboured to eschew one point, which is to lay themselves open before they see what end they may have. Send him a plat of that whereunto they may be brought if they are favourably dealt with, and desire him and Lord Hunsdon to be mediators for a favourable answer. If there is anything misliked or omitted out of the plat which may concern the Queen of England, if they may understand it by him, he shall see how willing they are to satisfy her reasonable desires in anything.—Edinburgh Castle, 11 April 1572. Signed. Add. Endd. P. 1.
April 11.	336. The Overture of them of the Castle.
	Require nothing to be accorded to them but what they are content to accord to their adversaries. The greatest difficulty consists in two articles touching the title to the throne and the administration of the authority. Point out the evils of minorities, especially in Scotland, where it is not sufficient for a man to contain himself within the bounds of the law in order to live in peace, as during a minority the noblemen and others usurp a certain liberty to live as they list, or rather a tyranny over such as are not equal to them in power. If the government be set up in faction there will be no safety for the rest to dwell in Scotland, who must either avoid the realm or fight continually for their lives and lands. They therefore propose that the government should consist of six persons, three to be nominated by either party. Cannot forget the favour and benefits bestowed upon them by the Queen of Scots without being judged ungrateful. Regret that the Queen of England is not on such friendly terms with her, but still hope that things which are now far out of joint shall with time be redressed and they shall become good friends, and until then they will conform themselves to the Queen of England's pleasure. Desire, however, the oath of obedience may be qualified, as it is hard to press men to swear directly against their conscience, and that it may be that during all the time that the Queen of England shall detain the Queen of Scots full obedience shall be yielded to the King without question or contradiction. Endd. Enclosure. Pp. 3¼.
April 11.	237. Another copy of the above.
	Endd.: 17 April. Pp. 4.
April 11.	238. Contract of Marriage between Henry of Navarre and the Princess Margaret.
	Stipulating for the payment as dower of the sum of 300,000 crowns of the sun by Charles IX., 200,000 livres by the Queen Mother, 50,000 by the Dukes of Alençon and Anjou, and arranging for the application of the money in the event of the dissolution of the marriage, or the death of either of the parties, and also for its distribution in the event of any children being born. Further sums of money to be provided by the Prince of Navarre, his mother, and the Cardinal of Bourbon.—Blois, 11 April 1572. Signed: Charles Catherine Jehanne. Countersigned: Brulart, Pinart. Endd. Fr. Pp. 5¼.
April 12.	239. Lord Scrope to Lord Burghley.
	Is credibly informed that Lord Herries has set forth towards Leith to make his atonement with the King and the Regent, which he trusts will bring greater quietness to the Borders. Davye Greame of Conisborough is secretly lurking on the Borders, and alleges his repair into this country to be for killing of a man.
	P.S.—John Morseby yesterday kept the time and place appointed by "the Lairds Jock" to meet and break a spear, but he came not to answer him.—Carlisle, 12 April 1572. Signed. Add. Endd., with seal. P. ¾.
April 12.	240. Francesco Giraldi to Lord Burghley.
	Is glad to hear of the recovery of Spinola from his illness. Sends his secretary to inform him that it is not disinclination but press of business that prevents his visiting him. 12 April 1572. Signed. Add. Endd. Ital. P. 1.
April 13.	241. Sir William Drury to Lord Burghley.
	Is earnestly required that the offers from the Castle may not be shown or sent into France as other overtures they have made of late have been, whereby James Kirkcaldy and others travailing there for them, have been charged with committing their cause to the Queen of England, at whose hands they were told to seek relief. They are greatly in debt for the provision of their men of war, and if they receive not their Queen's dower out of France, they will do their best to satisfy the Queen of England's desire, as some other way must be devised for their relief, else shall they be in worse case than they think either the Queen or Burghley would have them. They have been by Lord Seton earnestly pressed to run the course of Flanders, though as he takes it the instructions from Alva were chiefly sent to Huntley and Lethington, and to be kept from Grange. Has dealt with Grange and Lethington to stay that course, and has received their assured promises that they will not yield thereunto if without their utter wreck they may eschew the same. The Duke and Lord Seton can by no means be drawn to agree to this accord, but wish to leave the country, their friends, and servants enjoying their livings and obeying the King. Hereby Lord Seton thinks to keep his credit with his Queen, and be welcome to the Duke of Alva, the Pope, and all that faction. He will never concur in anything in which the Queen of England is a doer, and has offered to hinder this accord by returning to the Duke of Alva, and thence to the Pope. He has given them 2,500 crowns, but has consumed not the least part of the money which he brought vainly and about himself, which bred the unkindness between him and Grange. He is now reconciled and has a place with them in council. It seems by his speech that Sir Francis Englefield was a great doer in the articles which he brought from the Duke of Alva. A Scotchman named George Akek [Hackett], conservator of the Scottish house at Campveer, is a great dealer with the Duke. The Captain of Blackness has received 20 soldiers of Edinburgh for the better guard of the Castle. The Earls of Argyle, Athol, Montrose, and other noblemen have arrived at Saint Johnstone's, whose intent was to knit themselves together in a more sure league and bond of friendship under their hands and seals, which broke off from a private [grudge] between Argyle and Athole for the profits growing out of the Bishopric of Dunkeld. George Pringle, son of Sandy Pringle, dwelling near Newcastle, a servant of the Earl of Northumberland, who is ready to pass into Flanders, has promised to do any good he can in revealing the secrets of the Queen of England's rebels there. Has appointed him if he meet with any matter worthy either to bring or send it to Burghley. Sends herewith a cipher he left. If he come not himself, his messenger will be known "by offering his left thumb and ruff of his shirt wrist." The crowns that Lord Seton meant to have delivered to them of the Castle are taken here with some more money. Understands that Lord Seton intends to make fair weather with the Regent to procure licence to depart and enjoy his living with, alleging that he leaves them of the Castle as misliking their doings; making them privy thereunto, and seeking earnestly at their hands to have commission to the Duke of Alva and the Pope, which he cannot obtain as Drury is promised he shall not. He will then feign one as coming from them. He vows himself a Papist for his life. Drury is promised to be made acquainted with the time and manner of his departure, and to have him taken if Her Majesty so pleases. He is vain and wilful, and as great an enemy as she has in Scotland. Has the inkling of another matter of no small importance which he will advertise on getting the certainty thereof. They of the Castle are the loather to agree to the first two articles, lest if they be not satisfied in the rest, they should be burdened that not for the general but for their private [interests] they broke off.—Leith, 13 April. Signed. Add. Endd. Pp. 6.
April 13.	242. Sir Valentine Browne to Lord Burghley.
	The King's party more earnestly follow those of the Castle than formerly, and keep all the passages about the town and Castle, which if they continue the other party will not be able to hold out any long time. Has refused certain lands in satisfaction of his debt from Lord Monteagle.—Berwick, 13 April. Signed. Add. Endd. P. ¾.
April 13.	243. Mons. De Croc's Instructions.
	Alteration of the 6th article in M. De Croc's instructions, directing him to exhort the Queen of Scots' party to submit themselves to the obedience of the King.
	Draft, with many alterations by Burghley, and endorsed by him, "not liked by the Queen's Majesty. 14 April 1572. Pp. 1¼.
	244. Another copy, with corrections by Burghley.
	Endd. P. 1.
April 14.	245. Lord Hunsdon to Lord Burghley.
	Sends a letter which he has received from the "Castilians," by which he may see whether he wrote truly when he wrote that Master Randolph's cunning should do little good in this service. Fears that the lack of accord rests with the King's side, for he rests of opinion that they will neither make restitution of goods, or give over such offices and other benefits as they now enjoy, but if the Queen press them thereunto, there is great likelihood of agreement.—Berwick, 14 April 1572. Signed. Add. Endd. P. 1.
April 11.	246. Lethington and Grange to Lord Hunsdon.
	Have declared to him that it was not convenient for them to lay themselves open and utter their whole meaning in the beginning of a treaty, and till they saw some likelihood of obtaining a good and favourable end, and have had as yet no great cause given to change this deliberation. Can, however, be well content to deal with his Lordship and the Marshal of Berwick in the very inward of their matters, provided they be secretly used, for they like not that Mr. Randolph be made privy of their intentions, whom they take to be more passioned in these matters and addicted to the adverse faction than reason would, or the Queen of England's service requires. Have found, as yet, no other but honourable and upright dealing in his Lordship, and in the Marshal sincere and true meaning towards his country, and yet his behaviour towards themselves has always been honest and indifferent.— Edinburgh Castle, 11 April 1572. Signed. Add. Endd. Enclosure. P. ¾.
April 14.	247. Proclamation by the Prince of Orange to the Inhabitants of the Low Countries.
	Expresses his great grief at the miseries they suffer from the unsupportable exactions, outrages, cruelties, and other wrongs inflicted on them by the Spaniards, and assures them of his intention to use all means to deliver them from this foreign tyranny. As many towns and ports have surrendered themselves to him as their legitimate governor under the King, he exhorts others to follow their example, as if they let this opportunity escape, it is to be feared that they will not have the like offered again. Intends to use all his power to procure for them the enjoyment of their ancient privileges and liberties under the King's obedience, and begs them not to render his efforts vain through their cowardice and timidity.—Dillembourg, 14 April 1572. Copy. Fr. Pp. 1½.
April 15.	248. Lord Scrope to Lord Burghley.
	The bearer, Fergus Greame, desires to be discharged from keeping the assurance which he made with Edward Irwen of the Boneshaw. He will promise not to offend any other Scotsman depending on the King's authority, saving those of Boneshaw, with whom he has this feud. Begs that he will set him at liberty against the said Boneshaw, with whom he will promise not to deal with burning, but that he may be free to their persons and goods. Those of Liddlesdale, notwithstanding their great brags, since the time they were burnt have been more quiet. Desires him to further the dispatch of the bearer, whose service is very requisite against them.—Carlisle, 15 April 1572. Signed. Add. Endd. P. 1.
April 15.	249. The Bishop of Carlisle to Lord Burghley.
	Commends the bearer, Fergus Greame, who with his faction have been found firm, fast, and assured subjects in these late turmoils, neither do they depend on the Dacres, who are sustained by those of Netherby. They may be won for ever if he will loose the reins and let slip against Irwin of the Boneshaw, than whom there is not a falser Scot, nor one that more maintains the rebels to his ability. Sees that small credit is to be given to many, even of the King's side, for private feud is the quarrel, although the King and Queen be made the pretence. Considering how the commons bear the idol of a Dacre as a god still in their hearts, to encounter any attempt the warden should be armed, which cannot be better done than by assuring the bearer by letting him wreak on a Scot, an enemy and a maintainer of traitors, his feud. Though he detests and hates their bloody feuds, yet he loves his country, and so tenders his gracious Queen's and sovereign's estate that such policies in that consideration he thinks not to be neglected.—Rose Castle, 15 April 1572. Signed. Add. Endd. Pp. 1¼.