Elizabeth: December 1565 | British History Online

Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 7, 1564-1565. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1870.

Citation:

'Elizabeth: December 1565', in Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 7, 1564-1565, ed. Joseph Stevenson( London, 1870), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/foreign/vol7/pp530-543 [accessed 22 December 2024].

This volume has gold page scans.
Access these scans with a gold subscription. Key icon

December 1565



[Dec.]	1708. Works at Berwick.
	A brief of the monthly entertainments of officers, and especial of ministers, in the works at Berwick for one month, amounting to 75l. 3s. 4d. Orig. Endd. Pp. 2.
[Dec.]	1709. Works at Berwick.
	Note of a commission to be granted for presting workmen and labourers for Berwick, and also for presting ships to carry provisions thither. Orig. Endd.: 1565. Pp. 2.
Dec. 1. Labanoff, i. 309.	1710. The Queen of Scots to the Queen.
	Asks a passport to James, Duke of Châtelherault, to pass through her realm to parts beyond the sea.—Holyrood, 1 Dec. 1565. Signed. Orig., with seal. Add. Endd. Broadside.
Dec. 1.	1711. Randolph to Cecil.
	This Queen's disease in her side continues, but she keeps no more her bed as she did. It is rather something worse. This is the first day that she came upon horseback since her husband went into Fife, who is not yet returned; but hears that on Tuesday next he meets her at Linlithgow. The Duke is like to speed well enough in his suit to be restored. She continues in one mind towards Murray never to do him good. Robert Melvin arrived on Wednesday last. He has not yet had pressure, and the access unto her is by such as are his enemies. Doubts not for all that but he shall get favour to enjoy his own. Lennox was lately complained upon to the Council for many extortions done in the country where he is lieutenant. Athol finds that the nearer he lives to the Court he is in the more surety. He is now come to the Court, and is content with Argyll's friendship. It is said that he would now with goodwill that Murray were in Scotland with his friends. Morton and Lethington can by no means purge themselves of suspicion. Wilson, that came last from hence towards Cecil, departed without the writer's knowledge. He has the whole practice with the Louvainians.—Edinburgh, 1 Dec. 1565. Signed. Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 3.
Dec. 1.	1712. Bedford to Cecil.
	1. Neither the Abbot of Kilwinning or Robert Melvyn have had any hearing.
	2. As to how the Liddesdale men might be kept to this realm from Bothwell, the Lord Warden of the Middle Marches answers, that most of them being Elwoods, and such notorious thieves (albeit they have hitherto had some relief, such as the Queen bestowed upon them), it is not good that they should be further in such sort relieved, because the same would breed some breech of amity. It were not amiss to suffer them to lie without the debateable ground of their Borders, for so should they keep them friends.—Berwick, 1 Dec. 1565. Signed.
	3. P.S.—This morning the Provost Marshal took a few with him, without the Earl's knowledge, and met certain Scots within their bounds, and rescued the victuallers, and one that seemed to be a friend; whereupon their men were caught in an ambush, and five or six taken, but none slain. Means not to leave this unrevenged. Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 4.
Dec. 1.	1713. Bedford to Cecil.
	Thanks him for his advertisement touching the stay of the Commissioners upon the Borders, and that they are not to go forward into Scotland. Has sent Randolph's letters to him.— Berwick, 1 Dec. 1565. Signed. Orig., with seal. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 2.
Dec. 2.	1714. The Queen to the French King.
	Whereas he received into his service the son of Lord Hunsdon (who has been since residing at Paris to learn the French tongue), she has commanded her ambassador to present him to the King's service. Draft, in Cecil's hol. Endd.: 2 Dec. 1565. Pp. 2.
[Dec. 2.]	1715. Translation of the above into French. Corrected draft. (fn. 1)
Dec. 3.	1716. The Duke of Chatelherault to the Queen.
	Having had place offered him to sue for himself in particular, has been pardoned, with the hard conditions of five years exile, the delivery of all his defensible holds, the confiscation of his moveables, and the like. Asks her to grant him a passport.—Newcastle, 3 Dec. 1565. Signed. Orig. Add. Endd. Pp. 2.
Dec. 3.	1717. The Duke of Chatelherault to Cecil.
	Briefly recites what he wrote this day to the Queen, and sends certain capitulations of the Queen of Scots' clemency towards him.—Newcastle, 3 Dec. 1565. Signed. Orig. Add. Endd. Pp. 2
Dec. 3.	1718. Randolph to Cecil.
	This day the Queen is ridden to Linlithgow, to meet her husband, and there purposes to remain until Thursday next. She has taken with her only the woman of her chamber, because she would be the more quiet. She was carried in her horse-litter, she being with child, as now the rumour is again amongst them. It is determined that the Duke shall enjoy his own, and have licence for five years to live where he will. A letter is also written to the Queen from this Queen to licence him to pass beyond the seas. Thus willing is she to be quit of him, and as many as are of that faction; and yet the writer can see no great likelihood of long accord between her father-in-law, the Earl of Lennox, and her. She has already wished that he had not set foot into Scotland for her days. The Papists amongst them grow marvellous proud; the Bishop of St. Andrew's is well made of, and none at this time so far in credit as men of that sort. —Edinburgh, 3 Dec. 1565. Signed. Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 3.
Dec. 4.	1719. Murray to Cecil.
	The Duke has received answer from Scotland, and has obtained appointment upon such heads as Cecil shall understand from him. The writer requests a safe-conduct for the Duke; and because it is requisite he have a safe-conduct of the Queen's for passage forth of this realm, he has desired him to write to him [Cecil], that the same by his means may be despatched to him.—Newcastle, 4 Dec. 1565. Signed. Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 2.
Dec. 4.	1720. Bedford to Cecil.
	1. Understands by his of the 29th ult. that these ambassadors cannot set forward about their charge till answer comes from this Queen. Sends him herewith a writing he received from Mychell for certain small pieces of ground of the Covent Garden, to enlarge his houses on his garden wall, and has signed and sealed it.
	2. Wrote to him the 1st instant that the Scots had "reived" the victualling Scots that come to their market here, and also some Englishmen. The lieutenant to Mr. Marshal here went out, and within their bounds rescued some of them, "so as following the trodde" to apprehend the theives, a laird's man there seemed to be willing to have the theives taken, and so brought them to be entrapped in an ambush, where five or six were taken, and among them Selby, the late porter's son here, who was sore hurt. On Sunday last he appointed Captains Brickwell and Cornwall and others, with their bands, not above 300 shot, with their garrison horsemen, to repair to Chirnside. They took the laird (whose man entrapped their men) and seven or eight more and six or seven nags; and Selby and all their men were fetched home again, saving three.
	3. The Duke of Châtelherault has articles of his "dress" sent him. The effect is that he may live in France or elsewhere four or five years, and enjoy his livings at home; that he confess himself an offender and desire pardon, with other particularities, which the writer thinks the Duke means to send up to Queen Elizabeth. The Earl of Murray finds hard dealing for him, and therefore shall the more need Her Majesty's help by the Commissioners, whose coming Bedford wishes to be the sooner.
	4. The French Ambassador's letters shall be sent with speed. —Berwick, 4 Dec. 1565. Signed. Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 4.
Dec. 4.	1721. Mundt to Cecil.
	1. Sends him a letter which he has received about the Diet.
	2. The Queen should send an envoy to congratulate the Emperor on his succession, and to confer with the Protestant Princes. It is thought that in this Diet something will be done for the recovery of Metz, for the French King has lately got possession of the whole bishopric. Many hope also that the Queen of England will join with them in order to recover Calais. The French have suborned certain persons to inform them of what will happen at future Diets. The Emperor has ordered all electors to be present at the Diet. Desires him to further his suit. Paget promised him a mark a day, which Queen Mary took from him.—Strasburg, 4 Dec. 1565. Signed. Orig. Hol., with seal. Add. Endd. Lat. Pp. 4.
Dec. 6.	1722. William Phayre to Cecil.
	1. There is news that the King of Scots had chased out of the realm all his enemies, and that the Queen had given them good entertainment, and promised them all favour and aid.
	2. On the 28th ult. he went to the Count De Feria to sue for the prisoners at St. Sebastian, and found with him the Duke of Alva. When the Duke asked him for news from England he said that the Queen was in good health and the realm in quietness; that she did by all means procure the peace and tranquillity of Scotland, and had seemed to be very much offended with some of the principal that suddenly came to her Court without licence, who departed again in haste ill-despatched and worse contented, but at their humble requests she sent an ambassador to procure their pardon. The Duke asked him if he had any letter of this last point. Phayre answered yes, albeit he borrowed that, for he had no advertisement but by a letter he saw of Mr. Harvey's. The Count said that the King had divers advertisements from England, Scotland, Flanders, and France how the Queen aided the contrary faction, not only privily but openly, declaring that she would maintain all those who would follow her religion; but neither the King nor his Council thought she would be so ill-ruled as to maintain rebels against their own natural Princes. They however assured the writer that nothing should move the King until he saw matters clear. By their words they would gladly have someone sent with commission to discourse upon matters.
	3. The peace that was to be made between the Emperor and the Turk now takes no effect. The Grand Master has protested to forsake Malta if by January he be not well succoured. Don Garcia De Toledo has lost almost all his reputation. The King's mind is clean changed for going to Flanders.
	4. Sends him herewith copies of the new proclamations. By reason of Challoner's death he is driven to ask Cecil to be good to him.—Madrid, 6 Dec. 1565.
	5. This morning there was news from France of a great sort of ships sent from England to Germany to fetch over men against the King of Scots. There are some certain Flemings crying out with open mouths to have redress of great robberies done of late by Englishmen.
	6. Wishes that some ambassador were sent, or else in the meantime he had some authority, as he has no further credit than that which Challoner left. With regard to the licence for twelve horses, if it pleases the Queen he can do some service, as he has acquaintances in Andalusia. The Archbishop of Armagh is here; although he keeps himself so secretly Phayre knew of his coming the next day. He comes with some unwise complaints, or else he seeks a pension.—14 Dec. Signed. Orig., in Phayre's hol. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp.8.
Dec. 6.	1723. Another copy of the above. Orig., in Phayre's hol. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 8.
Dec. 7.	1724. The Queen to the Queen of Scots.
	Has received hers of the 24th ult. desiring her to put the Earl of Sutherland at liberty. The French Ambassador has dealt in the same. As disorders are committed on the Borders, and the leagues of amity remain violated on Queen Mary's part, trusts that she will not disallow of her forbearing to do so until the complaints made on both parts may be heard and redressed.—Westminster, 7 Dec. 1565. Signed. Copy. Add. Broadside.
Dec. 7.	1725. Draft of the above. In Cecil's hol. Endd. Pp. 2.
Dec. 7.	1726. Murray to Cecil.
	Desires that he will obtain licence from the Archbishop of York for Mr. Goodman (who has continued in the kirk of St. Andrew's nearly six years) to preach throughout his jurisdiction. From Mr. Melville the writer has never received word nor answer as yet.—Newcastle, 7 Dec. 1565. Signed. Orig., Add. Endd. Pp. 2.
Dec. 10.	1727. Bedford to Cecil.
	Touching the first attemptates committed by the Scots, and the taking of their men, there has been no breach of the peace. Asks for the continuance of the 300 men here.— Berwick, 10 Dec. 1565. Signed. Orig., with seal. Add. Endd. Pp.2.
Dec. 10.	1728. Smith to Cecil.
	1. Cecil's letter of the 11th November is answered in a letter to the Queen. The King (who had his lesson taught him) pressed him that it was an evil example to receive or defend any other Prince's rebels, and the example might return upon the receivers. Smith said as before, that the Queen could do no less for humanity's sake than receive them flying, not from justice of law, but from rage and fury. It is true, said the Queen. De Mauvissier told her that he was by when the Queen spoke roughly and sharply to Lord James, that he came into her presence, being disfamed to be a rebel, and that she would maintain no such men. And so reports M. De Foix, for she would have them both present at Murray's coming to the Court.
	2. Of long time the Duke De Montpensier alone has governed the King and Queen. Small justice is done for the murders upon them of the religion at Tours and Maine. The Huguenots look that the edict of pacification should forthwith be broken, and they to have no other remedy but to take themselves to their weapons. The Papists also look for no less but that the King and Queen should openly declare, either at Amboise or here, that they would have but one religion in France. The hasty expulsing of such of the nobility of Scotland and the small help and little resistance that was made there, gave them courage and hope to have the same here. They gaped even now, and in their hope devoured the spoil of the Huguenots. And now the King is come hither. Here is also the Cardinal Châtillon, the Prince and Princess of Condé, newly married after the reformed religion.—Blois, 10 Dec. 1565. Signed. Orig., with seal. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 4.
Dec. 11.	1729. Smith to Leicester and Cecil.
	1. Dec. 11. De Chasigny went hence with above thirty horse this day. Some business was because the Queen of Navarre, the Prince of Condé, and the Duchess of Ferrara had preaching in the Court. The Cardinal of Bourbon charged the Queen of Navarre that she did contrary to the edicts. She said she did none other than as she was licenced by the King at Lyons. Those three were licensed to have preaching and exercise of the religion in their chambers in the Court, but to their domestics, and the door shut. This was on Sunday the 10th inst. Has since heard that the Prince's chamber and coffers have been searched, which he takes hotly, and says it was his brother's, the Cardinal's doing.
	2. There are twelve, some of the Order, chosen of both the religions to visit all quarters of this town, and see who is lodged in every place, and who comes and goes.
	3. Dec. 12. This day all is changed. A cry was made here in Blois, that such as had suits here to the Privy Council should resort to such of the Privy Council as should he left here. Orig. Add. Endd. Pp. 3.
Dec. 12.	1730. Charles IX. to the Queen.
	Sends M. de Rambouillet to attend at his installation into her Order of the Garter, and to present his Order to the Duke of Norfolk and the Earl of Leicester.—Blois, 12 Dec. 1565. Signed. Orig., with seal. Add. Endd. Fr. Broadside.
Dec. 12.	1731. Smith to Cecil.
	1. For matters of Scotland he would Cecil sent a despatch before this bearer comes and compose it "doucelie."
	2. Here has been a rumour that the Burgundians would have surprised Montreuil, and that King Philip has begun to do great execution upon the Lutherans in the Low Countries. The French King cast out words here that Flanders should appertain to him, and that he will assay one day whether the amity of the Swiss and Scots could help him to recover his right there. There are gentlemen appointed to see who is lodged in every house, and make report from time to time thence who comes and goes.—Blois, 12 Dec. 1565. Signed. Orig., with seal. Portions in cipher, deciphered. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 2.
Dec. 12.	1732. The Magistrates of Dunkirk to the Marquis of Winchester.
	Desire his favour for the bearer, whom they have appointed to purchase the corn which the Queen has lately given them licence to export.—Dunkirk, 12 Dec. 1565. Orig. Add. Endd. Lat. Pp. 3.
Dec. [12].	1733. The Magistrates of Dunkirk to Cecil.
	Thank him for his assistance in obtaining them licence to export corn.—Dunkirk. Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Lat. Pp. 3.
Dec. 13.	1734. Smith to Leicester and Cecil.
	1. Dec. 13. The day before the King left Blois those that kept the bears, the ounce, the lions, the great dogs and bulls of England, which were ten or twelve persons, were cassed, the bears and dogs given away, and the ounce and one bear sent to St. Germain-de-Laye.
	2. Dec. 15. This day Count Montgomery came to Blois, and is well entertained of the Constable.
	3 Dec. 16. A fray betwixt the Portugal Ambassador's men and a captain called Mathuryn and others of this town.
	4. Dec. 19. The Ambassador of Portugal went hence towards Paris by Orleans; the Spanish Ambassador, sick, in the Queen's horse-litter, sent him with four of her pages, went hence towards Orleans.
	5. The Spaniards have met John Ribault and his son and others going to Florida, and discomforted them. He and his saved themselves, asking the Spaniards why they assailed them. Answer was made that the King of Spain had war against the French King. This report was written to him by John Ribault's son.
	6. Conte Bassompierre showed a friend of his at Orleans that he had seen letters from the Queen Mother to the Cardinal of Lorraine, in which she wrote that the Huguenots had 2,000 horse in readiness, whereof she being afraid went to Moulins, whither she would have the said Cardinal was MM. De Guise to come. He said that the Cardinal was already departed from Rheims and would come to Moulins by Dijon.
	7. Conte Rhinegrave is not gone, but goes in outward show to the marriage of his nephew, who shall marry a great inheritrix in Lorraine. From thence he goes also to the Diet of the Princes of Almain. The King came to Moulins on Christmas eve. From Paris he understood that on the 23rd ult., at night, the Treasurer Paiot slew his wife and an Italian lying together naked in his bed. The next morning he went to the Châtelet, warning them to fetch the two dead bodies in his house, to sit upon them, as the manner is when any are slain in Paris, and rode to the Court for his remission, no man apprehending him. The bodies next day at the Châtelet were a gazing stock for men and women.
	8. The Pope died the 9th inst.; they have to celebrate his exequies at Paris.
	9. Dec. 29. The Constable and the Admiral are at the Court, where there is nothing but dancing and mummeries. They despatch no matters, especially for suitors. Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 5.
Dec. 13.	1735. Alessandro Citolino to the Earl of Leicester.
	It would be important for the interests of England that some one should attend the approaching Diet at Augsburg, where will be assembled the chief Princes of all Europe. Would be glad to be employed there inthe Queen's service.— 13 Dec. 1565. Signed. Orig. Hol., with seal. Add. Ital. Pp. 3.
Dec. 13.	1736. Alessandro Citolino to Cecil.
	Forwards to him a translation into Latin of the above letter. Orig. Hol., with seal. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Lat. Pp. 3.
Dec. 13.	1737. The Commendador çapata to Ruy Gomez.
	Account of the events in Malta upon the disembarkation of Don Garcia. The Moors defeated with great slaughter. Copy. Span. P. 1.
Dec. 14.	1738. Smith to Cecil.
	The King this day departs hence to Moulins. Mr. Hobbie might have come hither while the King had been nearer. Prays him hasten him away.—Blois, 14 Dec. 1565. Signed. Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 2.
Dec. 15.	1739. Randolph to Cecil.
	Has been to Linlithgow and declared to the Queen what he had command touching the meeting of the Commissioners. He had much ado to persuade her to accord to send any man. She said that offence she has made none, and the reparation shall be as small. She said she was pleased that he had so far overshot himself as to mistake the Queen's letters; and of that as of other matters she had to complain; wherein he had done many evil offices contrary to command. She was content in the end that he should propound unto her Council what he had said to her, which he did at Edinburgh upon Thursday. What they have concluded he knows not yet by themselves, but they have referred the answer until the Queen's coming here upon Monday. By others he understands her mind is to agree unto a meeting of Commissioners. Mr. Colwich has been here with many complaints against the Laird of Cessford. There are no words given of hope of redress.—Edinburgh, 15 Dec. 1565. Signed. Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 2.
Dec. 15.	1740. Smith to Cecil.
	Makes various conjectures as to the future movements of the King, and the probable causes for the same.—Blois, 15 Dec. 1565. Signed. Orig., with seal. Add. Endd. Pp. 2.
Dec. 16.	1741. Bedford to Cecil.
	Has sent his man to the Court there, whose answer he hears of in general terms, which he likes well touching the declaration of the violence used by the Scots, and the revenge of the same by the English. The Duke's despatch proceeds as fast as may be, albeit both the King and his father hinder the same. Wishes that the Commissioners were here soon, lest some mischief happen to hinder the good Duke, now upon the point of doing for himself.—Berwick, 16 Dec. 1565. Signed. Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 2.
Dec. 16.	1742. Jenyson to Cecil.
	The books and reckonings will, for the year's charges ending at Michaelmas last, be finished within eight days. Asks licence for his repair to Ireland for three months. Complains of Johnson taking upon him the authority of the surveyor, displacing some, and putting his countrymen in their rooms, and increasing the charges.—Berwick, 16 Dec. 1565. Signed. Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 2.
Dec. 16.	1743. Pietro Bizzari to Cecil.
	Desires to know whether Cecil has received the books which the writer sent. The last news from Rome is that the Pope is dead. Speculations as to his successor—Venice, 16 Dec. 1565. Signed. Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Lat. Pp. 2.
Dec. 17.	1744. Count George John, Palatine of the Rhine, to the Queen.
	Expresses his gratitude for her kindness shown to Christopher Marquis of Baden and his wife, during their visit to England.—Lutzelstein, 17 Dec. 1565. Signed. Orig., with seal. Add. Endd. Lat. Pp. 3.
Dec. 17.	1745. The Countess Palatine of the Rhine to the Queen.
	Thanks for kindness shown to the Princess Cecilia, the writer's sister.—Lutzelstein, 17 Dec. 1565. Signed. Orig. Add. Endd. Lat. Pp. 4.
Dec. 20.	1746. Bedford to Cecil.
	1. Has received his letters of the 6th, 7th, and 11th. The Queen within these two days had not come back from Linlithgow. The sooner the Commissioners come the better for Murray. Hopes that the Queen will send by them some round speeches, which may obtain such "dress". as the Duke has.
	2. Lord Darnley follows more his pastime than the Queen is content with. There is some misliking between them.
	3. There were two among the rest that would resist the recovery of Ralfe Selby, a prisoner of theirs, taken by the Scots, and the Scots will not let them have the help of surgeons.—Berwick, 20 Dec. 1565. Signed. Orig., with seal. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 4.
[Dec. 23.]	1747. Randolph to the Council of Scotland.
	If the Queen of Scots will send Commissioners, his mistress will be willing to send any such of hers as shall be found fit.—Edinburgh. Copy. P. 1.
Dec. 23.	1748. Randolph to Cecil.
	1. The day after the Queen's arrivel here he required answer touching the sending of Commissioners. The matter was long debated by the whole Council, and she and her husband being present, much was said why she needed not to send any, for offence she had none; that she desired but to live in peace and amity, and that in case the Queen was grieved it were advisedly done of her to send to complain and seek redress. After long discourse with the Council he received resolute answer that the Queen intended to send none. But after rehearsal of unkindnesses and many things wherein she burdened Queen Elizabeth, she said that she would yet further confer with her Council, and willed him to be with her the next day, which he did, and received answer that their Sovereign was content to send Commissioners to the Borders. The time of their meeting is desired to be known the sooner, because of the Parliament that approaches; and for more speed he was desired to send his servant that he might return with diligence. Whom this Queen will appoint he knows not, nor find any willing to take the charge upon him. The old courtiers she likes not, and the new are as unfit for that purpose as for the place they occupy.
	2. The Lords that are in England are summoned to the Parliament to their forfeiture against the 12th of February. Fowler is put out of service, and embarks this day towards London. He has cut his beard and disguises himself.—Edinburgh, 23 Dec. 1565. Signed. Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 4.
Dec. 24.	1749. Bedford to Cecil.
	1. On the 22nd instant a fire burnt a poor man's house here, and another adjoining, and the evening before that a boat of Lynn laden with butter, cheese, and corn was driven on land on the east of this haven, but being lightened of her burden the men escaped, and the victuals are brought hither to Her Majesty's storehouses.
	2. Touching the small pieces of ground in Covent Garden that he demands, he will send Mychell to him to view the same and satisfy him.—Berwick, 24 Dec. 1565. Signed. Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 3.
Dec. 24.	1750. Drury to Cecil.
	Sends him a book containing the Acts of the last Parliament of Scotland. Forbears advertising him of the disgrace happened to Fowler with the Lord Darnley.—Berwick, 24 Dec. 1565. Signed. Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 2.
Dec. 25.	1751. Murray to [Leicester].
	The occasion of his delay in writing was that he looked daily for Melville, or one from him, with answer. The Duke has obtained his appointment at the Queen's hand; howbeit the King has not yet subscribed the same. And as to the best of them that were joined in that action (as well those here resident, as the Lords Argyll and Boyd and divers other noblemen) forty or thereby were summoned upon the 18th instant to hear themselves forfeited at this next Parliament, which shall be the 12th of March following. And there is nothing meant towards them but extremity.—Newcastle, 25 Dec. 1565. Signed. Orig. P. 1.
Dec. 25.	1752. Randolph to Cecil.
	1. It is said that this Queen has of late received comfort out of Spain. Of their own they have little store, saving about 1500 francs that lately came out of France, and three horses bought there by Lord Seton, and given to the Queen's husband, who never gave greater token of his religion than that this last night he was at matins and Mass in the morning before day, and heard high Mass devoutly upon his knees; though she herself the most part of the night sat up at cards, and went to bed when it was almost day. Howsoever of some these things are liked, it breeds here great suspicion that they are both enemies to God's Word, and seek but their time how the same may be clean thrust out of this country. The next way thereunto is already taken, for there is not a minister in Scotland that is sure of his living. It is said that at this Parliament liberty of conscience shall be granted. Touching the policy, it is grown already unto that liberty that every man does what he likes, if he has either credit or friend in Court, or be of power more than his neighbour. These things ought little to grieve the writer, considering how little friendship is borne to the Queen; for that he fears greater inconvenience may ensue to his country if all things succeed according to their boasts and expectations.
	2. Robert Melvin has been a long suitor for Murray; he finds yet no favour, which proceeds more of her husband than herself. If no good be done for him by the Commissioners, he is like to be at a hard point. By some it is thought that if her favour be earnestly sought by the Queen (and upon that point Her Majesty earnestly stands), some grace may be found for Murray and his friends. Some advise him to come home quietly, two or three in company, and to put himself in the Queen's will. There is neither honour nor safety in it, and yet necessity must force him to somewhat, how full soever of peril it be, rather than live in misery and without support. Knows that he has not 200 crowns in the world.
	3. Never knew so many alterations as are now in this government. Awhile there was nothing but King and Queen, His Majesty and hers; now the Queen's husband is the most common word. He was wont in all writings to be first named, but now he is placed second. Lately pieces of money were coined with both their faces, "Hen. et Maria;" these are called in and others framed as the one he sends him. Some private disorders there are among themselves.—Edinburgh, 25 Dec. 1565. Signed. Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 4.
Dec. 25.	1753. Safe-conduct.
	Copy of a safe-conduct for Gaspar Caldeyra and Anton Luys for Africa.—Aranjuez, Dec. 25, 1565. Signed, Yo el Rey and Francisco De Arasso. Copied by William Winter. Endd. by Cecil. Span. Pp. 2.
Dec. 26.	1754. Murray to Cecil.
	To the same effect as his to Leicester of the 25th. Desires that the Commissioners may be shortly despatched.—Newcastle, 26 Dec. 1565. Signed. Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 2.
Dec. 26.	1755. The Queen to the King of Denmark.
	Understands by his letter of 13th Oct. that he is not satisfied about the affair of Henry Billinghausen. Although she gave directions to her judges to expedite his cause, he has fled, taking with him the best part of the goods in dispute. Whereas the King brings articles of treaty to prove that Billinghausen was unjustly detained, she brings others to show that it is not so. Trusts that he now sees what right Billinghausen has to demand compensation, or that "extraneous" remedy which the King so often made mention of in his letters. Requests redress and compensation for William Peterson and his companions, who have been spoiled by certain of his subjects.—Westminster, 26 Dec. 1565. Corrected draft, in Ascham's hol. Endd. Lat. Pp. 4.
Dec. 28.	1756. The Spanish Ambassador to Cecil.
	The shows and tournaments have prevented his doing anything about the affairs of commerce. Hoped to have been in London by Christmas, but has been prevented by sickness. —Brussels, 28 Dec. 1565. Signed, Guzman De Silva. Orig., with seal. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Lat. Pp. 2.
Dec. 30.	1757. Bedford to Cecil.
	1. Yesternight he received these letters from Randolph, wherein is a new silver coin of Scotland, far different from any other like coin lately set forth, but more lately called in.
	2. Prays him remember them here for a pay to be made, also that order may be given for the Queen's men's board and diets that were sent up unto him.—Berwick, 30 Dec. 1565. Signed. Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 2.
Dec. 31.	1758. Murray to the Queen.
	Asks her to have regard to his cause, and that of such other noblemen as were joined with him, and to travail with his Sovereign to remit the offence conceived against them.—Newcastle, 31 Dec. 1565. Signed. Orig. Add. Endd. Pp. 2.
Dec. 31.	1759. Murray to Cecil.
	Understands that there is little favour to be looked for by him and such as have dipped with him in this action, except through the Queen, and begs him to travail with her therein. Encloses a letter to the Queen.—Newcastle, 31 Dec. 1565. Signed. Orig. Add. Endd. Pp. 2.
Dec. 31.	1760. Thomas Jenye to Randolph.
	An epistle dedicatory to Randolph, with a copy of verses entitled Master Randolph's Phantasy, a brief calculation of the proceedings in Scotland from the first of July to the last of December. In two parts, one a soliloquy by Randolph, and the other by the Queen of Scots.—Edinburgh, 31 Dec. 1565. Endd. P. 29.