Elizabeth: November 1559, 26-30 | British History Online

Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 2, 1559-1560. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1865.

Citation:

'Elizabeth: November 1559, 26-30', in Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 2, 1559-1560, ed. Joseph Stevenson( London, 1865), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/foreign/vol2/pp142-153 [accessed 22 December 2024].

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November 1559, 26-30



Nov. 26 & 30. R. O.	333. Francis Edwards to Cecil.
	His last letter was of the 18th inst., signifying such news as heard on arriving at Dieppe. Has since passed the coast "alongst" on his affairs; and being at Newhaven on the 22nd inst., the same night there arrived in the road before the town four good ships, most of them of 120 tons each. The Admiral of the same, is a ship of Feckham [Fécamp], of 170 tons. All of them are well appointed and full of soldiers, taken in at Calais, to pass into Scotland; but force of weather (the wind being at nor-north-east) constrained them to return to the aforesaid road. The next day, the Captain and the master of the Admiral came on land and others of their company. He is called Captain Hambure, chief of this band, a man of good service and forty-six years old. "A black grayned man" also in other of the ships is Captain Pollene, and Captain Follene, good soldiers. Other men of note he hears not of. The most part of the soldiers are such as have served the French in their last wars. The master of the great ship reported in the writer's presence to certain merchants that every ship had taken in 300 soldiers, besides mariners, and were victualled for six weeks, and the soldiers for twenty days. This order is taken at Calais, for all such ships and soldiers as shall go into Scotland. He further said that two of these ships were laden for the most part with munition for the wars, gunpowder, shot, morrispikes, etc., and are all fully prepared to depart at the first south or south-west wind, and for that reason they keep their soldiers on board. Perceives no horsemen among them. They say that provision is made about Calais for certain horsemen, but what num ber, or when they shall be shipped, they know not; that their ships can carry few horses; but hoys, or such like shipping, must be provided for horsemen. The truth of this is to be seen at Calais or thereabouts.
	3. He further informs Cecil that there are in readiness at anchor in Newhaven road, twelve other ships of like burden, the most part of which were rigged in Newhaven and some at Hunnpfleet [Honfleur], three days before his coming. When wind serves, they will go to Calais, and there take in such number of men as shall be appointed. The report is here that provision is made for the furniture of 5,000 men, about Calais, to be sent into Scotland, where they hope to have some before the 16th, and all by the last of next month, and very shortly after as many more as can be got ready. The likelihood is so, for provision of wines and wheat is daily made at Calais to be sent into Scotland. It is reported that at St. Valery in Somme, and at Boulogne, three or four ships laden with wheat are about to depart for Scotland.
	4. There are also rigging at Newhaven four merchant ships of six or seven tons each, and also two ships of the French King, which were made at Dive. They are called row barges; one of them is 120 tons, the other ninety, and will be ready within six or eight days, and will likewise to Calais. Those two ships shall carry the Marquis D'Elbeffe or the Treasurer, if they be ready in time, and will accompany the said twelve ships. By the time that those ships have taken in their men, these two row barges will be ready. They report that the Lord Admiral will send them to the Indies; but it is all contrary to men's judgment; if they go to the southward, they will pass that way to Scotland. They hear here that England begins to make her ships ready, which makes them hasten to send away, and are in doubt that the Queen will take part with the Scotch. The merchants of these parts fear that friendship will not long continue between France and England.
	5. The French King requires with speed of Normandy 800,000 francs upon interest. For this came the Duke of "Bollien" to Rouen, but he has returned to the Court. Proclamation has been made in Brittany and on the sea coasts in Normandy, that no wheat or other victuals shall be carried into any foreign country without the King's special licence. The French victual their men in Scotland from these ports with wine and bread. Victuals will be scant with them in Scotland if they send many men. It is said that they will have the full number of 10,000 men sent into Scotland with all speed before Candlemas, and will send them by little and little; all shall pass from Calais.
	6. The "Glaude," and other French ships, whereof he wrote in his last letters, are still unrigged; the "Glaude" must be new made first and the other have a longer time; but the other two row barges that are at Dive shall come to Newhaven.—Rouen, 26 Nov. 1559. Signature partially defaced.
	7. P. S.—On the 27th inst. he came to Dieppe for the sure conveyance of this letter, and because he heard of rigging of ships here. Has here perceived that the great Carrick rigs, and three other great ships make ready to go forth; they will not be ready before the end of this month. A new commission has come from the Lord Admiral; of which he will write more fully shortly. These ships lay still as when he departed from this town. He has kept back this letter till the last of this present; when, in the meantime, the wind came about to the S.E. and S.W., and the twelve ships are departed from Newhaven for Calais, and the other four gone "alongst" by Calais. These sixteen ships departed from Newhaven on the night of Tuesday last, 28th inst.—Dieppe, 30 Nov. 1559. Signed, (this signature is also partially defaced). Orig. Hol. Add. Endd.: Francis Edwardes to my master. Pp. 4.
Nov. 28. R. O.	334. The Queen to the Queen Dowager of Scotland.
	1. Has received her three letters all dated 13th inst. In one she prays credit for M. du Rubay, who has had good audience, in which he mentioned many things which she would have thought very strange, but for some appearance of like matter mentioned in the Dowager's letter. He now understands how small occasion he had to minister such doubts.
	2. Touching what the Dowager has written respecting the conservation of amity between the two realms, (certain rebellars having avaunted that they have received, and hope to receive, support against her,) she thinks it much that no surer account is made of her honour in this case, and wishes that before any doubt is conceived in this point she would more certainly understand not what men report but how truly. Her doings shall be always constant and agreeable to honour; and as for her mind to peace, she affirms that she is as well inclined to keep it as she ever was, and will be most sorry to see any occasion given her by the Dowager to the contrary.
	3. As for the two ships by weather driven upon the coast of Northumberland, mentioned in her two several letters, the writer has given charge to the Admiral of England respecting them.—Westminster, 28 Nov. 1559. Draft in Cecil's hol. Pp. 3.
Nov. 28. R. O. 171 B.	335. Another copy of the above. Modern transcript. Pp. 2.
Nov. 28. MS. Burton-Constable. Sadler, 1. 609. No. CLVI.	336. Nynyan Menvell to Sadler and Croftes.
	1. His coming from London with directions for the conveyance of the Bishop of Argyll into Scotland is not past their remembrance, when the writer obtained his hasty deliverance. He trusted to have had like expedition from the Earl of Northumberland, for the matter between him and Fetherstonhawghte of his chain of gold of 29l., together with 5l. of money. In the meantime he begs that letters be addressed to "Halpyeny" [Albany] Fetherstonhalf, to appear before them at Berwick on the 4th or 5th Dec., and also that they will send their letters by post, and himself desires to know their pleasure. He doubts not but his master, Lord Robert Dudley, will show them kindness when occasion offers.— Newcastle, 28 [Nov.] Signed.
	2. P. S.—Would wish, when they write to Fetherstonhalf, that their letters be not laughed to scorn, as were the Earl's. Requires that he may have their answer at the Post House at Newcastle on Thursday next, the last of this inst. Signed. Add.
Nov. 29. R. O. Forbes, 1. 266.	337. Killigrew and Jones to the Queen.
	1. The French King departing from Blois on the 18th arrived at Châtellerault the 23rd inst., when he and the Queen made their entry. The latter came first, over whom was carried by four townsmen a canopy of crimson damask with the arms of England, France, and Scotland quartered thereupon. Over the King was a canopy of purple damask with the arms of France only. The two gates of the town through which they passed were painted; on the right side were the arms of France with the King's name, and on the left the arms of England, France, and Scotland quartered with the Queen's name. Upon which gates, underneath the King and the Queen's pictures were set forth the verses in golden letters which they enclose.
	2. On the 27th the Queen Catholic departed from Châtellerault towards Spain, accompanied with the King and Queen of Navarre and the Cardinal of Bourbon, who conduct her to the frontiers and then return; and also with the Prince of Roche-sur-Yon, who goes through with her to Guadalajara, and carries to Philip the order of St. Michael. Owing to a great snow fallen, the Queen mother, instead of conducting her to Lusignan, went no farther than Châtellerault, from whence the same day the Court removed back again towards Blois.
	3. Divers gentlemen, upon the King coming into Châtellerault and Poictiers, fearing to be apprehended, retired. Divers justices and officers there, afraid to be charged with the Earl of Arran's escape and for matter of religion, presented themselves to the Cardinal and Council, and to excuse themselves, laid all the fault upon the Earl of Arran. Answer was made that the King had forgotten the faults passed; but if they did not remedy hereafter such like disorders they would have justice done to them. During the King's abode at Chaâtellerault sundry of the Earl of Arran's company of men-at-arms came thither to complain of the killing of sundry of their fellows, and also to desire such wages to be paid as were due to them. In these suits they had small comfort, so they seemed to be contented to forego their places and go home if they were paid; which some of them had granted to them, conditionally, that if they brought from the Queen Dowager of Scotland certificate of their good behaviour they should be satisfied of the money due to them at their return. The writers have had confirmation of the fact of the absenting of the children at the King's coming to Châtellerault; nevertheless there was no such cause, and the report was grounded only upon the practice of such as mislike the government of the house of Guise. Notwithstanding the fear which the French King was in on hunting at Blois, yet he was abroad at Châtellerault and killed the "hart of force."
	4. The Spanish Ambassador again inquired what was the name of her Ambassador with the King his master. He has confirmed the sending of the Duke D'Aumale with a great army into Scotland in the spring, adding that it was high time for the Queen's realm to look about; but in no wise to break without the consent of his master. A great man of this Court wished her to be advertised that if she aided the Scots openly the King of Spain had promised to aid them here. There is much descanting upon the report of Carouge of her saying for forbearing to give the arms of France if the French Queen will do the like for the arms of England, and of her oath not to aid the Scots; and the Cardinal of Lorraine has said the same in the hearing of the Scotch men; so as thereby, together with the restraint of the Scots' free passing through England, the honestest and wisest here say there is small hope of any succour for them from her; and fear that it will be the worse for both the realms. The French King has sent by the Marquis D'Albœuf letters patents into Scotland, containing pardon for that which is past, so as they will submit themselves to the Queen's laws and obedience; otherwise to confiscate their lands and goods, together with dispensation to all tenants for their oaths to their lords, and that they shall hold their copyhold and such like tenures rent-free, if they depart the field and lay down their arms.
	5. On the 28th inst. the King arrived at the castle of Loches, heretofore English, and built by Englishmen; and by the way he met a post from Dieppe, who reported that the French at Leith had issued forth upon the sudden and assailed and defeated 8,000 Scotchmen, whereof 2,000 were slain, and had also taken Edinburgh. He said he saw the fight, and thereupon took shipping and arrived in five days at Dieppe, but he brought no letters from any party there. The same day at night, "il principe de Solmona," a Neapolitan, arrived at the same castle out of Flanders, on his way to Spain, very well accompanied; which shows how great these men make of the King of Spain's friendship. On the same night a gentlemen praising English geldings to the French Queen, she demanded whether they were good to run up hill and down hill, declaring her determination to run the hart. She desired to be furnished of such. Whereupon one of her masters of household said that none could be had out of England without the Queen's licence, to which she did not hearken much, but said she would have others to buy them and would have some brought out of Scotland, and seemed she would be very near driven before she would use the Queen's friendship for her furniture in this case. She was told if she wrote to her she might be well provided and obtain licence for geldings. Whereupon, after some pause, she she said would write to her Ambassador in England to speak to her. The Queen mother said nothing all this while.
	6. The Marquis D'Albœuf is ready to take shipping at Calais with twelve ensigns of men of war.
	7. St. Quentin's and "the pecis" thereabouts were rendered to M. de Senarpont on the 15th inst. for the King's use.
	8. The Queen Dowager of Scotland shall be revoked home into France, and the Marquis be in her place Regent. The commission goes in the King and Queen's name, with this style, "Franciscus et Maria, Dei gratia, Rex et Regina Franciœ, Scotiœ, Angliœ, et Hiberniœ." The Queen Dowager is revoked for want of health. There are named as the Marquis' assistants in his commission, Martigues, De Labros, and the Bishop of Amiens. M. de Beauvois is not spoken of.
	9. The Scots having no ordnance for battery cannot put the French from their footing in Scotland, and therefore unless they convert great part of their force to sea to hinder the French landing they cannot resist long. The French Queen's weakness moves the French to convert a greater force into Scotland to have always a footing there, and the more occasion to annoy the Queen's realm. The French mean to get Dunbriton into their hands for the harbouring of their ships of Bretagne in case of necessity, and for the easier practising in Ireland. How Holy Island stands the writers know not; but one island upon the north sea coast is here noted to be a good harbour for ships, a good situation to be fortified, and also passable to and from at low water.
	10. The Duke of Ferrara passed by Lyons to Marseilles, and thence by sea to Leghorn, where the Duke of Florence met him, and conducted him to Florence; he departs to Ferrara and then shall be married to the daughter of Florence, to whom he was before fianced. Giordano Ursino, who was lately Viceroy for this King at Corsica, is arrived at this Court; who after receiving his discharge and the money due unto him will return to his country.
	11. The rumour of the Pope's election runs now again upon Carpi and Ceci. Bourg is executed the 27th inst. at Paris, where there is still great persecution. At Caen there are also sixty persons in prison for the Word. The news of the Scots' overthrow is somewhat abated, but much more to the French advantage than it was. The Cardinal of Lorraine has said that there issued out of Leith 1,000 French, who overthrew the Scots and slew 300 of them; and so has written to the Chancellor remaining at Blois. He greatly threatens the noblemen of Scotland, but uses clemency to the rest. Four great ships of war well appointed, being at Newhaven to be sent to Guinea under Captain Souris, the Ambassadors of Spain and of Portugal, being thereof suspicious, have charged the Cardinal of Lorraine withal, but are persuaded that the matter touches them not. The writers suspect that when the French shall break with the Queen these ships may on the sudden set forth to spoil her merchants, and be beforehand.
	12. The remaining of the Chancellor Ruby of Scotland at London seems to be thought here very suspicious for her affairs. Notwithstanding the news of the Frenchmen's great victory against the Scots, yet the Marquis and the others appointed to the journey of Scotland go on still and stay not. Encloses a copy of the Latin verses set up at Châtellerault. —Blois, 29 Nov. 1559. Signed.
	Orig. Portions in cipher, deciphered. Add. Endd. Pp. 8.
Nov. 29. B. M. Sloane, 4135. 42.	338. Another copy of the preceding. Forbes' transcript.
Nov. 29. R.O.	339. Another copy of the preceding, with a copy of the verses. Endd. Pp. 8.
Nov. 29. R. O.	340. Copy of the verses referred to in the preceding. Lat. Endd. Pp. 2.
Nov. 29. B. M. Sloane, 4135. 41.	341. Another copy of the preceding verses. Forbes' transcript.
Nov. 29. R. O.	342. Killigrew and Jones to Cecil.
	Sent a packet to him on the 18th inst. by Protestant, the courier. Since which time they have had no commodity to send, owing to the absence of the Court from here. Having something, in their judgment worth advertisement, on the 28th they returned to Blois, where they have made the despatch which they send herewithall. Refer him to their letter to the Queen.—Blois, 29 Nov. 1559. Signed.
	Orig., a few words in cipher, deciphered, with seal. Add. Endd. Pp. 2.
Nov. 29. R. O. Forbes, 1. 271.	343. Jones to Cecil.
	1. Hopes he will not be thought presumptuous, yet cannot but remind Cecil of what certain wise men have made discourse unto him, which is, that as the happy marriage of the Queen must needs turn for the good of the Commonwealth, so it is thought very necessary to be had before the French enter too far into Scotland. For this there is none so meet as Charles of Austria, by whom the French by Germany and the King of Spain by reason of his Low Countries, shall be in doubt to annoy England; and the English be able to keep these two great Kings friends, or otherwise, from time to time, as shall be thought best.
	2. The French are very suspicious of the Ambassador's tarrying, and will not believe it is on account of his wife's illness. The Duke of Guise said at his table, that it has not been seen that Ambassadors leave their place in respect of private affairs; and it is thought on his return he will not be very acceptable unto them.
	3. He sends catalogues of books lately imprinted. The greatest was made by a bookseller of his acquaintance, the others he received from Mr. Phitzwilliams and Mr. Haydon, with whom he left his boy to receive them. As there were so many, he was fain to have them made by divers men, and brought in such order as he will perceive, and so they could not be sent sooner.—Blois, 29 Nov. 1559. Signed.
	Orig. Portions in cipher, deciphered. With seal. Add. Endd. Pp. 2.
Nov. 29. B. M. Sloane, 4135. 52.	344. Another copy of the above. Forbes' transcript.
Nov. 29. R. O.	345. Catalogues of Books.
	Two catalogues of printed books referred to in the previous letter:
	1. Memoire de livres nouveau imprime (sic) depuis deulx et trois an jusque à ce present an, 1559. Fr. Pp. 7.
	2. Livres nouveaux depuis l'an 1558, lesquelz sont imprimes à Paris. Fr. Pp. 2.
Nov. 29. R. O.	346. The Earl of Arran to Sadler and Croftes.
	They have received their letters on 28 Nov., late, whereby they perceive the good mind towards the furtherance of the common cause; whereby they bind him to do them [Sadler and Croftes] pleasure, if ever God shall make him able. Prays heartily their continuance in the same. They have written at more length to the Court things newly occurred, as this bearer will declare, for whom they ask credit as for themselves, and he to receive such things at their hands as they have written for, they having sent an acquittance subscribed with their hands this night in haste, as the bearer will show. — Saint Andrews, 29 Nov. Signed: James Hamylton. Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil: 29 Nov. 1559, Earl of Arran, Lord James. Pp. 2.
Nov. 29. MS. Burton-Constable. Sadler, 1. 611. No. CLVII.	347. Sir John Forster to Sadler.
	1. According to his command, has been to Hexham, and received the office of Tynedale of Marmaduke Slyngsbye. Thought to have had a perfect knowledge from him of the state of that office, and know the obedient subjects from the rebels; but Slingsbye said he had been discharged of that office on the 18th, and was only an officer by Sadler's commandment. Notwithstanding he had written to the bailiffs of Tynedale ward, to warn certain of the bandsmen to be at Hexham, but none appeared. The writer then demanded such as were named in the schedule Sadler had sent, and received nine prisoners in Hexham prison. And Jarry Charlton is delivered home on band, and the rest were in his brother's custody, so he could deliver no more. He then sent warning throughout Tynedale, that those who would not meet him at Chipchase on Sunday last, should be accounted rebels. Thereupon most of the country came out, without such assurance as they have had of their other keepers, and some came who have been rebels for two years. Great suit was made by their friends that they might come and speak to him safely, which he utterly denied, unless they submitted themselves as good subjects to the Queen, and in the end they put themselves at her mercy. He has made a book of their names, and delivered the charge of that evil country to Mr. Heron.
	2. The night after Slingsbye left, sheep were stolen within a mile of Hexham (he thinks to spite him), but he had them restored next day, and the offenders put in Newcastle jail. On Sunday at Whelpington he took two notable thieves, being gentlemen called Fenwick, and sent them also there. Has sent John Halle to Redesdale, to stay the same as best he can. Thinks this country requires a very speedy reformation, in which he will be ready to do to the best of his power.—At his house nigh Alnwick, 29 Nov. 1559. Signed.
	Add.
Nov. 29. Petrie's Church Hist.. p. 215. (fn. 1) Keith, 1. 246.	348. Proclamation of Francis II. and Queen Mary.
	It being understood by the reformed Lords of the Privy Council that the authority of the Queen Dowager is now, by God's providence, devolved upon them, and their chief study being to advance the glory of God, the reformation of religion and subversion of idolatry, the King and Queen charge such of the clergy as have not yet joined the Congregation and renonnced idolatry, to appear before the Council at S. Andrews, there to give open testification of their conversion, with plain confession of their faith and renunciation of superstition and idolatry. If they fail they shall be reported enemies of God, and their benefices shall be taken away; one part whereof shall be given to the true preachers of the Word, and the remnant to the common weal of the realm.—Glasgow, 29 Nov., 1st and 17th years of their reigns.
	Issued by the Lords of the Congregation under the names of "Francis and Mary, King and Queen of Scots, Dauphin and Dauphiness of Viennois."
Nov. 30. R. O. Sadler, 1. 615. No. CLIX.	349. Sadler to Cecil.
	1. The Earl of Northumberland at his departing left the unruly country of Tynedale void of a keeper, for that his brother-in-law, Francis Slingsbye, would needs leave the same without regard how he left it. The Earl wrote to him [Sadler] that the said Slingsbye had given it up because he did not receive from the Earl such entertainment as was meet to have it well executed. As soon as the Earl had departed, there came to the writer Marmaduke Slingsbye, brother to the said Francis, who always supplied the office under him; saying that his brother, being discharged of the said office, had gone with the Earl into Yorkshire, and required him [the writer] to appoint whom he thought good to take the charge of Tynedale. Sadler answered that the warning was very short, but as it was unmeet for the place to be unfurnished, he required him to remain upon the charge as he had done under his brother for a time, till some meet man was provided to receive it at his hands. But the more he intreated him the less regard he had thereof, so he was obliged to charge him, as he would answer to the contrary, to continue upon his charge till he might be orderly discharged, which with much ado he was content withall, and so returned to Hexham, where he used before to reside for the execution of the office, a place not the meetest for that service.
	2. Within five days after Sir John Forster, at Sadler's desire, repaired to Hexham to discharge the said Marmaduke, and to commit the charge to George Heron of Chipchase, who is meet and dwells very aptly for the same. Refers him to a copy of Sir John Forster's letter to him, which he encloses, (fn. 2) for knowledge of what he did therein, by which Cecil will perceive that good officers would soon bring this country to some order. Sadler has had somewhat to do to bring this said George Heron to be keeper of Tynedale, which he is content for a time, more for the writer's sake than for any profit. Has promised him to have consideration of his pain and travail in that behalf.
	3. By the occasion of this office Sadler must needs be at a great deal more charge than he was before. Has prevailed upon Sir John Forster to use under him the wardenry of the Middle Marches, and has promised him 13s. 4d. a day. Also to Sir Ralph Grey for the East Marches, 10s. a day, and to George Heron he must give at least 5s. a day, as the Earl of Northumberland gave to Slingsbye 13s. 8d. a day. Those who have been wardens before this time have given as much, or more, to have the office well executed. Has also entertained twenty horsemen to wait upon him, and gives them 20s. a day. Never knew any southern man appointed to this office with less than five marks a day and 100 horsemen in wages; yet they were better able to bear the burden than he himself is. Trusts that this will be considered, for as he desires not to gain, so he hopes not to be a loser by his office.—Berwick, 30 Nov. 1559. Signed.
	Orig. Sadler's hol. Add., with seal. Endd. Pp. 3.
Nov. 30. MS. Burton-Constable.	350. Another copy of the above.
Nov. 30. R. O. Sadler, 1. 620. No. CLXI.	351. The Earl of Arran and the Lord James, to Sadler and Croftes.
	Thanks them for their kindness and for the powder received. Intended not for a long time to have charged them with any support of money, yet the present necessity compels them, since the castle of Edinburgh stands in such danger; therefore desire to have by the bearer, Alex. Whitlaw, 2,000l., besides the other succours and furnishing which the Lord James promised to him, as he was desired by Captain Drury at Edinburgh. Being desired by Lethington's writing to keep this secret, they have not opened it to the Lords at Glasgow. For the rest, refer to the bearer.—St. Andrews, Nov. 30. Signed.
	Copy, in Sadler's hol., from the original in cipher, deciphered. P. 1.
Nov. 30. MS. Burton-Constable. Sadler, 1. 617. No. CLX.	352. John Wood to Randolph.
	1. On the 18th Nov., two letters from the Dowager to the Earl of Huntly and Marshall were come in Dunde, wherein, after narration of the siege of Leith, she concluded (to stop the work of God betwixt us, no doubt,) to give open proclamation to all boroughs, that, notwithstanding their assistance to the Congregation, she willed not their destruction, requiring them to send in two principals to obtain pardon, ready for the asking. These were taken in S. Johnston by Lord Ruthven, and contrary letters were proclaimed by him. The like was done to [by?] the Duke in Glasgow. Soon after the Dowager fell sick, and was despaired of all men, but is partly convalescent, "but esperance of long life." A day or two after her convalescing, talking with one her familiar, she said she marvelled at the stiffness of the Lords of the Congregation, especially Lord James, who never did take rest to write against her, though others took some repose. When time served she would be mindful thereupon.
	2. On the 22nd the Earl of Arran sent the Baron of Pitterrowe to the Earl of Huntly and the Earl Marshall to persuade them to trust him in Aberdeen, if they should not be persuaded to come to Brechin or Montrose, and is determined to speak with them.
	3. On the 24th, convened the Earl of Arran, Lord James, Lords Rothes and Ruthven, the Master of Lindsay, and Provost of Dunde, in S. Andrews; they resolved first to set forth the [blank] of the Council established by them, and to the same effect to the Duke and the Lords at Glasgow, to be earnest in the same, as the writer doubts not they shall. That day a Frenchman, with the Earl Bothwell and Lord Seton, went to Lithco, but hearing the common bell and "tabbern," they retreated as if pursued, losing some weapons by the way.
	4. On 25th, letters were given out to arrest all goods belonging to the Duke, Sir James Hamilton, the Lord James, the Lord Ruthven, the Baron of Dundas, Brumston, Ormeston, Braid, ("with room left for others,") and forbidding persons to buy or sell with them, for treason committed. The writer was secretly advertised that Lord Bothwell spoke with Ormeston; of the constancy of the latter he has no doubt. Posts came from the castle of Edinburgh to Lord James on the 24th and 29th. The Dowager desired the house by the Clerk of the Registry, and being told by the Captain he had it from Parliament, and would not deliver it without the same, she said she would have it. Then came the second ambassade, the Deans of Glasgow and Restalrig, and while they were speaking to the Captain, some friends arrived whom he had sent for, fearing a siege, bringing an enseign and an experimented cannonier; who, entering by the low postern, were espied by the Frenchmen, who first gently desired the cannonier should go to Charletons, and on refusing, were forced by them. The castle perceiving, issued, "and with strokes from the Block house to the Butter Trone relieved him," and some French were hurt. The Ambassadors, glad to escape the fume of the Captain, returned without an answer. The Captain desired Lord James and others of the Lords, to draw with these gentlemen of Stirling, and have their commons in readiness. Encloses a copy of the proclamation. The Lord James has written to the Congregation at Glasgow to spare them, and in like manner to the said Captain, he proving the honest man as we hope he shall. This compels the Earl of Arran and Lord James to send to Sadler and Croftes for 2,000l., for succouring the present necessity. Alex. Whitlaw was ready to depart for the same on 1st Dec. Asks that Lethington be informed of the same.
	5. On Nov. 30, one of the Dowager's victuallers with wheat was taken coming up the Frith, by the boats of the Lord James off Pittenweem. Is told surely that Ormeston has put off the Earl Bothwell with fair words without any promise, and "so driven time honestly." This is the writer's first work. Commendations to Lethington. Encloses signs in cipher for Lethington, Randolph, Cecil, and himself.—30 Nov. Signed.
	"The copy of John Wood's letter to Thomas Randall, deciphered."
Nov. 30. R. O.	353. Debts due by the Crown.
	Statement of debts due by the Crown at Antwerp, Berwick, and elsewhere, amounting to 226,910l. 19s. 8d.
	Pp. 2.