|
| March 17. |
1047. Randolph to Cecil. |
|
1. Upon Friday he declared to the Queen the contents of
the Queen's commandment to him, with which she was more
commoved than for that present she spake. This day she
asked him if Lethington had spoken to him since yesterday,
for she had willed him to ask him [Randolph] to write for a
passport for him to go into France. What her mind is
thereby he may rather conjecture than know. Always finds
her discontented, and hears by some that she has wept her fill
since he declared the Queen's resolution unto her. Some
conference he knows there is between the Cardinal of Lorraine
and Granvelle. A request came lately hither that she would
not be over hasty in any matter to conclude with England.
To confer of these matters she will give credit to none but
Lethington. With him he has not spoken this day, but
yesterday did. Of the answer he says that he does not mislike, but to counsel his mistress to make any longer stay, or
to drive any more time, he neither can nor will. Murray is of
the same opinion that it will in time grow unto further unkindness, and is the sorrowfullest man that can be. This Queen,
and as many as know of the resolution, are grieved at their
heart. Has to write of the Duke and the Lord of Argyle,
and of many other mischiefs like to grow in this country;
some for religion, some for fear of overthrowing of their
houses, some for doubt of her marriage with some papist. |
|
2. Touching himself, he desires to be resolved whether he
may, without offence to the Queen, for all the lothness he
finds in some, as in the Duke Argyle and Murray, purchase
his leave to return, which will sooner be had at this Queen's
hands than with the contentment of many others. Beton
shall be the next that comes if this resolution holds, which he
will overthrow if he can, at least he will give them advice to
take better advisement.—Edinburgh, Saturday, 17 March
1564. Signed.
Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 3. |
| March 17. |
1048. John Fitzwilliam to Cecil. |
|
Two days ago one of the chief magistrates complained of a
book called "The Abridgement of Chronicles of England
gathered by Richard Grafton, citizen of London," wherein
the magistrates of Antwerp are charged with pride and with
having procured the prohibition against the merchants of
England of spite and disdain. They desire that these points
may be reformed by the setter forth. Finds them ready
to seek amity and friendship.—Antwerp, 17 March 1564.
Signed.
Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary: 18 March
[sic.]. Pp. 3. |
| March 17. |
1049. Pietro Bizzari to Cecil. |
|
Sends intelligence from Vienna and a list of the cardinals
recently created in Rome.—Venice, 17 March 1565. Signed:
Pietro Bizzari, Perusino.
Orig. Hol., with seal. Add. Endd. Ital. Pp. 2. |
| March 17. |
1050. The Burgesses of Hamburg to the Queen. |
|
1. Are sorry to hear that on account of some difficulties
between her subjects and those of Burgundy the exportation
of English cloths is entirely prohibited; and they urge her
to allow them to be taken up the Elbe to their city. |
|
2. P.S.—A quantity of cloth bought by the members of
the Hanse having been detained in London, they beg she
will allow it to be exported.—Hamburg, 17 March 1564.
Orig. Add. Endd. Latin. Pp. 6. |
| March 18. |
1051. Bedford to Cecil. |
|
1. Randolph desired him to send this letter to him with
diligence. Has received 600l. for the supply of victuals this
Lent. Mr. Johnson, the surveyor, shall within two days
depart hence, and bring the charge committed to him and the
rest at Carlisle. Prays him to remember the fortifications.—
Berwick, 18 March 1564. |
|
2. Randolph required more haste hence because one Beton
came thither with speed. Signed.
Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 2. |
| March 19. |
1052. Bedford to Cecil. |
|
1. The bearer is the gentleman that by his of yesterday he
signified should come.—Berwick, 19 March 1564. |
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2. This man is a wise and a courteous gentleman, but
never talked with a ranker Papist; and as he is of the
cardinal's house, so may he also well be of his religion.
Prays him, what good words soever he gives him, remember
the fortifications, for as he loves Scotts so he trusts them
nothing at all for these matters. Signed.
Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary: By Mr. Beton.
Pp. 2. |
| March 20. |
1053. The Countess of Emden to the Queen. |
|
The pension of 2,000 French crowns granted by the Queen
to her son the Count John, being now a year in arrear, she
desires that the same may be paid at Antwerp or Emden.—
Ex Arce Gretana, 20 March 1565. Signed.
Orig., with seal. Add. Endd. Latin. Pp. 3. |
| March 20. |
1054. Countess of Emden and her Sons to Cecil. |
|
Desires his aid in procuring license for her subjects to
export a certain quantity of cloth from England.—Dantzic,
20 March 1565.
Orig., with three seals. Add. Endd. Latin. Pp. 3. |
| March 20. |
1055. The Countess of Emden and her Sons to Cecil. |
|
They desire his assistance in obtaining license for their
subjects to export cloth.—Dantzic, 20 March 1565.
Orig., with three seals. Add. Endd. Lat. Pp. 3. |
| March 20. |
1056. The Countess of Emden to Cecil. |
|
Desires his assistance in obtaining the payment of the
pension of 2,000 French crowns awarded to her son John.—
Dantzic, 20 March 1565.
Orig., with seal. Add. Endd. Lat. Pp. 2. |
| March 21. |
1057. Bedford to the Queen. |
|
Desires to know her resolution for the works here. Understands how she accepts his good meaning in her service, and
that she has granted him licence to come up to do his duty
to her, which he means to do soon after Easter. Prays her
to have consideration of some officer for the provision of
victuals, that one may be had here.—Berwick, 21 March
1564. Signed.
Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil. Pp. 2. |
| March 21. |
1058. Bedford to Cecil. |
|
1. By the bearer, Mr. Johnson, has sent a book of the
doings of such as were sent to Carlisle and the places adjoining the frontiers. |
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2. Desires them to make provision for beeves and other
flesh against Easter. Has received 600l. at Newcastle.
Sends the Mayor's letter, because there has been some division
among them, which he has laboured to put down, but could
not. The manner of calling together the brethren was evil,
and the end for so little sum, so many troubled, and so by
piecemeal as to demand 40s. of a man, was unfitting for so
wealthy a body. |
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3. The Bishop of Durham readily offered 300l. to be impressed for this service, which the writer offered to take if
money otherwise came not in roundly. |
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4. Prays him be good to Mrs. Partridge, who is of a good
house. Her father was Burbege of Middlesex, of kindred to
Lord Windsor; and she is now driven to her shifts by her
husband's disorder. |
|
5. Has given allowance to Captain Brickewell and the rest
employed at Carlisle of their charges. Asks him to let him
know of the holding and continuance of the Parliament now
after Easter, and also that he may be dispensed with for his
presence at St. George's day.—Berwick, 21 March 1564. |
|
6. P.S.—The townsmen have directed their book to the
Lord Treasurer, to whom he has sent it. Signed.
Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil and again by his secretary.
Pp. 4. |
| March 21. |
1059. Dr. Wotton to Cecil. |
|
Describes his journey from London to Dunkirk. This day
he, Lord Montague, and Mr. Haddon are come to Nieuport.—
Nieuport, 21 March 1564. Signed.
Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 2. |
| March 22. |
1060. Passport for M. de Lugerie. |
|
Passport for M. Lugerie, Physician to the Queen of Scotland, and nineteen persons, with twenty horses, going into
France.—Berwick, 22 March 1564. Signed: F. Bedford and
W. Sage.
Orig. Add. Endd. Pp. 3. |
| March 23. |
1061. Bedford to Cecil. |
|
Looks for answer touching the fortifications here. Has
from time to time sent him Randolph's letters, wherein he
shall see what Bothwell does.—Berwick, 23 March 1564.
Signed.
Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 2. |
| March 24. |
1062. Bedford to Cecil. |
|
1. For the necessity of the fortifications to be followed this
summer he prays him consider what may ensue by Bothwell's being in Scotland, to whom resort all the outlaws,
thieves, and rovers of these marches. And albeit day be given
him to come by the 24th of May to underlie the law, yet it is
feared that the Queen there secretly aids him; and notwithstanding the means made by the Earl of Murray and Lethington to bring him in, he will scarce for all that keep troth,
if force be not used. Lethington's going to France makes the
writer to look on all sides about him, and to crave order for
the going forward of the fortifications, and to stand upon his
guard here. |
|
2. There are a sort of outlaws promised to be brought into
his hands, and so nearly must he go to work as to set one
brother to fetch another by fair promises. He has gone so
far therein as to promise to get the workman that takes this
gear in hand his pardon. Prays him to help in obtaining it. |
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3. Cesford has deferred a day of trewe with him till eight
days after the day appointed that he should receive of him
for 160 bills. |
|
4. The Master of the Ordnance remains here, having tasted
the Queen's goodness towards him, and yet is neither in full
possession of his keys and office, nor yet discharged from the
same. |
|
5. This afternoon came hither in a secret manner Lord
Seton, and means to tarry here. The cause of his coming is
for the death of one Francis Douglas, whom he has slain, or
at least he fears that he will die. Has written to Randolph
for his advice for the using him here; and means to stay
him till he shall hear the contrary from the Queen.—Berwick,
24 March 1564. |
|
6. P.S.—Fears that Murray and Lethington will be deceived in Bothwell. Signed.
Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 4. |
| March 25. |
1063. Bedford to Cecil. |
|
1. Cecil's of the 20th inst. came to hand on the 25th. Concerning the tippets and caps he is very sorry to hear, and
afraid to think of the inconvenience that is like to ensue to
the ministry for lack of pastors enough to feed the flock.
Knows Cecil's goodwill thereunto, and has heard how he has
travailed in the same. |
|
2. Lord Seton has brought with him the Queen of Scots'
letter for his passage towards France; sends the same enclosed, which he prays him to return. Means not to stay
him, but to grant him a passport to come to Cecil, else per
adventure he would not come. "He is not the wisest Scot in
Scotland, and therein I am of opinion with you." The man
is not dead whom he hurt, but in no hope of his life, which
news caused him to come this way. |
|
3. Bothwell lies still at the Hermitage, and has great resort
of Liddesdale men to him. When in France he used great
and high words of " that Queen," Murray and Lethington,
and said also he would kill him [Cecil]; for which talk one
Dandy Pringle (son of Sandy Pringle, dwelling beside Newcastle), has been sent for, and avouched the words he heard
spoken by Bothwell. Murray says that the Queen will take
order for him, and he is bound in 200l. Scottish to come in by
the 24th of May, and underlie the law. "The length of time
and the easiness of his bond maketh me to think that the
Queen there doth secretly favour him. If he get fair weather
on his back, he may chance to wax wanton and work them
some trouble before they catch him." |
|
4. For Grayme's matter of the ship he would gladly hear
some resolution. The man is greedy, and calls soon for his
money; and the country is so poor that here it is not to
be had. |
|
5. During his absence proposes to commit the custody of
his charge to Mr. Marshall here.—Berwick, 27 March 1565. |
|
6. P.S.—"Bothwell had this talk of you in France, that he
meant not to kill any in England so soon as you and one
Riveley, whose pardon you had gotten. This did Pringle
(who was sent for to open the matter to the Queen) declare
unto me. You may think yourself happy that such an unhappy man doth bear you evil will, which is for no other
cause but for doing justice and loving your country."
Signed.
Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 4. |
| March 25. |
1064. Thomaso Baroncelli to [Leicester]. |
|
Sends this by Heliseo Libertes, who will bring two suits
of armour wrought by his own hand, together with a suit of
horse armour, and a dagger of exquisite workmanship worthy
of the Queen's inspection. Has been informed by Gio. Baptista Castiglione of her wishes in these matters. Heliseo
brings with him the earl's arquebus.—Antwerp, 25 March
1565. Signed.
Orig. Hol. Ital. P. 1. |
| March 25. |
1065. John Shers to Cecil. |
|
The Ambassadors arrived at Dunkirk on the 20th, at
Nieuport on the 23rd, and on the next day at Bruges. At
each place by the way they were presented with wine at the
town's charges. They have been well received.—Bruges,
25 March 1565. Signed.
Orig. Hol., with seal. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary.
Pp. 3. |
| March 26 and 27. |
1066. Marriage of the Queen with the French King. |
|
March 26. 1. There is no necessity for an immediate
answer on the Queen's part, seeing that the King will not be
of a marriageable age for two or three years; also, before
deciding, she wants to know more of the King's state and
condition. Viewing the inconveniences which arose through
her sister's marriage, it is necessary that she should consult
some of her nobility. She therefore desires delay, and that
the King may come to Normandy or Picardy. In the meanwhile she promises to keep free of any engagement. |
|
March 27. 2. The French Ambassador replies that an
early reply is needful as, at the approaching conference at
Bayonne, the King of Spain is expected to propose the marriage of the French king with one of the daughters of the
Emperor.
Orig. in Cecil's hol., and endd. by him: My communication
with the French Ambassador. Lat. Pp. 4. |
| March 27. |
1067. Randolph to Bedford. |
|
1. This morning wrote to him what he thought then should
have served him for a whole day; but, calling this evening
to mind what purpose he had this day with Murray, thought
he would not leave the same unwritten. |
|
2. Yesterday came a post out of France, who brought the
certainty of the Cardinal of Lorraine's chase in Paris, and
confirms that the Constable allows his son's doings and that
cumber is like to ensue. These matters grieve not little the
Queen, for in this Cardinal is her whole trust. The Cardinal
desires instantly to have some resolution from this Queen
of the marriage propounded unto her for the Duke of Orleans,
which, both by herself and those next about her, is so dispited
as nothing can be. This the Cardinal does to assure his own
estate that way, as he has confirmed the same with the Prince
of Condé by his sister-in-law, the Duchess of Guise. He is
earnest to have this Queen send Lethington into France with
her mind. What to do, or whereupon to resolve, she is in
doubt. Her desire is to do what may be most to the Queen's
contentment. This she finds most profitable and expedient,
and most agreeable to her people's desire, who find what the
friendship of the English is worth. To this she is brought
only by Murray, who fears that if she match with France
they shall not long agree with England, besides the doubt of
erecting papistry; and if she takes a fantasy to this new-come
gift, then shall there be mischief, sedition, and debate at home.
To remedy these he says it lies in the Queen's hands, and so
to have this Queen at her devoution as ever any prince had
another, besides the hearts of all the godly that fear to fall
into these miseries that hang over their heads. |
|
3. While the Queen was in Fife her household tarried in
Holyrood House, where there was a priest assigned to say mass
daily, to which there was such resort that the godly were offend
ed, and consultation was had how it might be remedied. Some
would have gone to work plainly and hung the priest; others
by proclamation to command that none should repair to that
place but such as were the Queen's servants and household.
The wiser sort found it best that the Queen were advertised,
and requested that her own order might be observed. With
this message a messenger was dispatched over the water, and
the Queen heard his errand and promised redress. And because
there should be no doubt of the performance, lest that upon
Sunday last the fury of the people might extend against Sir
John, she hastened her journey to be home before Sunday, and
yet at her mass time there came many to the gates, but could
not be let in. At her coming into the Laird of Lundie's house
in Fife (who is an ancient man with white head and beard),
he knelt down and said, Madame, this is your house and
the lands belonging to the same. All my good and gear is
is yours. These seven boys, which are as tall men as any man
has in Scotland for so many sons (and the least 25 years of
age), and myself, will wear our bodies in your service without
your Majesty's charge. But one humble petition I would
make unto you in recompense of this, that your Majesty will
have no mass in this house so long as you please to tarry in
it. She took well these words, but asked him why? He
said that he knew it to be worse than the "mickil devil,"
with many other spiteful words against it. The request was
granted. The Laird of "Bamonto," elder than the other,
an inveterate papist for his life, gave his house and land
unto the Queen upon quite the contrary condition, saving his
seven sons (so many he has also), which, he said, forsake
him all in his religion, which makes him sorry. There she
had mass and both he and his wife at it.—Edinburgh, 27
[March]. Signed.
Orig. Hol. Add. Endd.: 27 March 1565. Pp. 4. |
| March 28. |
1068. Bedford to Cecil. |
|
Yesterday wrote to him of the coming of the bearer, Lord
Seton, to the Court, and sent him the letter of Queen Mary,
which he brought with him. He means to see the Queen, and go
towards France; but the writer thinks rather towards Flanders; peradventure for some little spice of devotion, because
France is in some points altered since he saw it. His Sovereign favours him, for albeit he should come in by the 22nd
of May, yet is he suffered to depart. The man whom he hurt
is like to do well. Trusts Cecil will remember the fortifications.
—Berwick, 28 March 1565. Signed.
Orig. Add. Endd., by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 2. |
| March 30. |
1069. Complaints of the English Merchants. |
|
1.—That the free transit of arms and munitions through
Flanders is not permitted.
Reply.—That it had ceased by long use and the tacit consent of the princes. |
|
2.—That the merchants of Ireland and the Channel Isles
are not allowed to enjoy the privileges of the treaty of
1495. |
|
R.—That the Irish have always paid the customs according
to the rates of Zealand. |
|
3.—Complaints of various exactions by the customers,
which are either simply denied or justified by usage. That
the English ships are compelled to give up their berths in the
port of Antwerp to others. |
|
R.—This only happened once six years ago to a ship which
had completed her lading. |
|
4.—Complain that they are obliged to make separate inventories of their goods for the customers of Antwerp and
Zealand. |
|
R.—This is necessary to prevent fraud. |
|
15.—Complain that they have to pay duty on each article
separately. |
|
R.—This is necessary, as the rates of duty are different. |
|
16–22.—Complaints of the imposition of various tolls on
their ships, which are either denied or justified. |
|
23.—Contrary to the treaty they are not suffered to lade
goods at Antwerp except in Antwerp vessels. |
|
R.—This question is being at present tried; besides the
treaty reserved all local rights and statutes. |
|
24.—That they will not permit the English merchants at
Antwerp to use the services of their own labourers and
servants. |
|
R.—All nations have their close guilds of workmen, which
it is necessary to preserve. |
|
25.—They have been always forbidden in time of war from
carrying merchandize between Flanders and France. |
|
R.—This can in no wise be permitted. |
|
26.—They are not suffered to export arms and munitions. |
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R.—Answered to the first. |
|
27.—To the same effect as No. 25. |
|
28.—That the customer of Brabant takes more duty for paper
and certain other wares than he ought. |
|
R.—As they deny this it must be proved. |
|
29.—Certain English were arbitrarily arrested at Antwerp. |
|
R.—It is not likely that any one was arrested without
ordinary process, and the matter shall be looked into for the
future. |
|
30.—Complain of the injury sustained by the delay of their
law causes. |
|
R.—This shall be looked to in the future. |
|
31.—Contrary to the treaty of Calais, 1499, their merchants
are hindered from receiving their debts by vexatious legal
impediments. |
|
R.—There are severe laws against this. |
|
32.—Complain that they are defrauded by pretended
bankruptcies. |
|
33.—Complain that they are prohibited from importing or
exporting alum. |
|
R.—The traffic of alum differs from other things. |
|
34.—They cannot obtain redress when plundered. |
|
R.—Every one on proving his wrong shall obtain redress. |
|
35.—Merchants who do not belong to their society have
not been punished for importing cloth. |
|
R.—Cannot see what this has to do with the treaty and
their privileges. |
|
36.—The Governor of their Company in Holland and
Zealand has been obstructed in the execution of his authority. |
|
R.—This lacks proof.
Endd. Lat. Pp. 15. |
March 30.
Labanoff, i. 257. |
1070. The Queen of Scots to the Queen. |
|
Asks a passport for George Lord Seton and others with
him to pass through her realm to France.—Palace of Holyrood
House, 30 March; 23 Mary. Signed.
Orig., with seal. Add. Endd. Broadside. |
| March 30. |
1071. The Queen of Scots to Bedford. |
|
Desires him to grant a passport to Lord Seton, the bearer,
going into France.—Holyrood House, Penult., March 1565.
Signed.
Orig. Add. Endd. Pp. 2. |
| March 30. |
1072. Randolph to Cecil. |
|
1. In the matter of the master Marshal both Murray and
Lethington are beholden to Leicester and him. The order
for preachers to submit themselves to a uniform order in
apparel they allow. To constrain them to that which has
been brought in by the Pope, and used by none but papists
as their badge and livery, this all the godly wish to be
reformed. Once again they desire him and Leicester to have
consideration hereof, and to travail that so great an offence to
the godly may be removed. They would also be sorry that
this Queen should by any example from theirs be confirmed
in that whereof she has already too much by reason of her
education. |
|
2. There fly daily almost such news and reports unto this
country out of their Court, that they that willingly believe
anything that of England is evil spoken of lack no matter to
clatter at their pleasure. The first tale is, that the Queen
reproved openly the preacher, and willed him to return to his
text or hold his peace. The next, that Her Majesty for three
days together wore a pair of beads with a crucifix hanging at
them. The third, that Bonner in his defence at his arraignment said, that there was never a lawful bishop in England,
which so astonished a great number of the best learned that
yet they know not what answer to give him; and where it
was determined he should have suffered, he is remitted to the
place from whence he came, and no more said unto him. Has
been so many times told that England is in an uproar upon
the controversy of caps, tippets, &c. that openly he is fain to
reprove as many as speak of it. These things being brought
to this Queen's ear, though he doubt not but she judges of
them with good discretion, yet he believes it confirms still somewhat of that which is over deeply printed in her heart. From
thence this people has had their example for the rooting out
of idolatry; from thence the beginning of the true worshipping
of God; and anything that may redound unto His dishonour, if
it be used there, diminishes or at least darkens the glory that
He has to have His word truly preached here. |
|
3. It is here whispered by one that this day arrived, that
marriage is intended between France and England. This day
Beton arrived and departed towards the Court at Stirling. Tomorrow Lethington and he follow to know what news he has
brought. There came two days since out of Flanders the new
bishop of Dumblane, to whom the Queen has given the bishoprick since the last died. He may be his son, for he bears his
name, like him in conditions, saving this man has but two
children, where the other had 10 or 12, besides what he begot
upon his own daughter; but in papistry all one, or worse, if
it may be. He has here reported that Flanders and England
are not like to accord. He has brought from Louvain with
him a man of the Jesuit's order, the first that ever in Scotland
durst show his face. Bothwell has as grievously offended this
Queen for words spoken against the Queen's Majesty, as those
that he spoke of herself, calling her Cardinal's whore. She
has sworn unto him that he shall never receive favour at
her hands. F. Douglas is yet living, but no hope of his
recovery.—30 March 1565. Signed.
Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 4. |
| March 31. |
1073. Randolph to Throckmorton. |
|
1. [Imperfect] The Duke and the Earl of Leicester playing
at tennis, the Queen beholding of them, Lord Robert, being
hot and sweating, took the Queen's napkin out of her hand,
and wiped his face, which the Duke seeing, said that he was too
saucy, and swore that he would lay his racket upon his face;
hereupon rose a great trouble, and the Queen offended sore
with the Duke. This tale was told by the Earl of Athol the
same day that Fowler came to this town with his master's
licence. Bothwell said, when he was in France, that both
the Queens could not make one honest woman; and, for his
own, if she had taken any but a cardinal it had been better
to be borne with.—Edinburgh (ready to ride to Stirling,)
31 March 1565. |
|
2. P.S.—Alexander Clerke, the writer's treasurer, is sorry
that it was not his chance to come to this country. He
intended to have met him at Berwick, and to have lodged
him at his coming to Edinburgh. This darling of theirs is
so dandled amongst them that he fears they shall show some
of their folly. Signed.
Orig. Hol., with seal. Add. Endd., imperfect at beginning. Pp. 2. |
