Elizabeth: February 1567 | British History Online

Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 8, 1566-1568. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1871.

Citation:

'Elizabeth: February 1567', in Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 8, 1566-1568, ed. Allan James Crosby( London, 1871), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/foreign/vol8/pp170-183 [accessed 22 November 2024].

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February 1567



[Feb. 1.]	922. Advices.
	Advices from Vienna of the 23rd and 28th Jan.; Genoa, 25th Jan.; Rome, the 1st Feb.; and Constantinople, 28th Dec. Ital. Pp. 7½.
Feb. 1.	923. John Fitzwilliam to Cecil.
	Has had a long difference with the Lords of Antwerp for certain housing and lands within their new town, and desires the Queen's favourable letters unto them. There have been divers promises made by the counsellors that order should be taken for expedition of the merchants' suits. There are still men gathered together about Guelderland and Friesland. They of Valenciennes defend themselves stoutly. There is like to be great confusion amongst them of the new religion. It were well if the merchant adventurers staid their shipping for a while.—Antwerp, 1 Feb. 1566. Signed. Add. Endd. Pp. 3.
Feb. 1.	924. The Deputies of the Reformed Church at Antwerp to Cecil.
	To the same effect as their letter of January 31, desiring him to explain and recommend their case to the Queen of England.—Feb. 1, 1567. Signed. Add. Endd., with seal. Fr. Pp. 2½.
Feb. 2.	925. Dr. John Man to Cecil.
	Gives a summary of the contents of his letter of the 22nd ult. Desires to have an answer to the King's suit for Sir Francis Englefield. The King has appointed the Cortes for Arragon, Valencia, and Catalonia to be held within forty days.—Madrid, 2 Feb. 1566. Signed. Add. Endd., with seal. P. ½.
Feb. 2.	926. Sir Henry Norris to Cecil.
	1. The Protestants at Valenciennes are in great distress.
	2. Those in Flanders have begun a new stir. At Antwerp the Calvinists entered into the Cordeliers, where they hunted out the friars and set the house on fire.
	3. There has been for religion and for other smaller matters great strife before the King in Council.—Paris, 2 Feb. 1566. Signed. Endd. P. 1.
Feb. 2.	927. Sir Henry Norris to the Queen.
	The Queen Mother does all she may to attain the favour of the King of Spain, insomuch that charge is given to them of the Reformed religion that they give no aid against the King of Spain. The Duchess of Lorraine does what she may to dissuade the King from coming or sending an army. It is said that the Turk has prepared a great army to invade Italy and Hungary. There goes a bruit that they will send Marshal D'Anville into Picardy, the government whereof has the Prince of Condé, which has caused some heart-burning. The Queen Mother, the Bishops of Orleans and Limoges, and L'Aubespine do all.—Paris, 2 February. Signed. Add. Endd. Pp. 1½.
Feb. 2.	928. Sir Henry Norris to Cecil.
	Encloses answer to his demands touching Adamson and the prisoners at Marseilles. Has had advertisement that except they be letted by the Turk, the Emperor, the French King, and the Pope have determined to join together to the suppressing of the Protestants in Almain, France, and England. The Emperor has sent to the King of Spain requesting him to leave off his enterprise against the Gueux till answer from the Turk be had whether he will agree to peace or no.
	2. Pietro Corso has sent for aid to the French King, otherwise he must deliver Corsica into the Turk's hands.—Paris, 2 Feb. 1566. Signed. Add. Endd. P. 1¼.
Jan. 24.	Articles presented to the French King by Sir Henry Norris.
	Touching the restitution of goods taken from Englishmen; free traffic betwixt the subjects of both realms; the punishment of pirates; and the detention of Adamson, a Scot; all of which are answered favourably. Also for the release of the English prisoners at Marseilles, to which it is replied that D'Estrille, a Frenchman detained in England, should also be set at liberty. Endd. Fr. Pp. 2. Enclosure.
Feb. 4.	929. Sir Thomas Gresham to Francisco Bravo.
	Relating to debts owing to him in Spain which he is desirous of recovering.—London, 4 Feb. 1566. Signed. Copy. Add. Endd. Span. P. ¾.
Feb. 7.	930. The Duke of Alva to the Queen.
	Announces his appointment to the government of the Low Countries.—Brussels, 7 Feb. 1567. Signed. Add. Endd. Fr. Broadside.
Feb. 7.	931. Sir William Drury to Cecil.
	Has received his letter, wherein is signified that except Joseph the Italian discover some matter of substance meet to be known to this state he should be returned. Has not gathered by him any matter of moment. Has not yet returned him. If he returns he utterly despairs any better speed than a prepared death.—Berwick, 7 February 1566. Encloses copies of his letter to Lethington and one from the Queen of Scotland. Add. Endd.
Feb. 6.	Sir William Drury to Lethington.
	Excuses himself for not delivering up Joseph the Italian. Does not deny to do so, but respites it till he be better satisfied of that which behoves him.—6 February. Copy. Enclosure.
[Feb.] 3.	Mary Queen of Scots to Sir William Drury.
	Thanks him for the stay of Joseph. Her desire of his stay tends only that he should not be suffered to proceed further in his journey until he has satisfied some poor merchants and others to whom he was indebted. Desires that he may be conveyed to her, and promises there shall no harm or bodily grief be shown to him.—Edinburgh, 3 January. Copy. Pp. 3. Enclosure.
Feb. 8.	932. Advices.
	News from Milan, 1 Feb. 1567; Genoa, 31 Jan.; and Rome, 8 Feb. Ital. Pp. 4.
Feb. 8.	933. Charges at Berwick.
	Wages due to the garrison, 18,072l. 6s. Sundries connected with the same, 2,783l. 9s. 3d. Fortifications, 9,202l. 8s. 5d. Total 30,058l. 3s. 8d. Also note of monies paid by the receivers, 24,389l. 8s. Endd. Pp. 2.
Feb. 8.	934. Garrison of Berwick.
	A list of certain grounds thought meet to be assigned for the keeping of cattle for the garrison after a reasonable rent. Endd. P. 1.
Feb. 8.	935. Dr. Man to Cecil.
	Had some talk with the Duke of Alva, who told him that the King would have borne with his rebellious subjects of Flanders if it had been nothing but religion, but now minded to bring them to obedience by force of arms. Assured him that in no case could the Queen be induced to favour their naughty doings. Has written letters to the Earl of Arundel. —Madrid, 8 Feb. 1566. Signed. Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 1½.
Feb. 8.	936. The Queen of Scots to Cecil.
	Although there was some bruit otherwise, she has always esteemed him to be a good servant and minister to his mistress and no hinderer to the continuance of their amity. —Edinburgh, 8 Feb. 1566. Signed. Add. Endd., with seal. P. ¾.
Feb. 8.	937. Maitland of Lethington to Cecil.
	Was pressed to make a voyage to England by the Queen, but being so lately married it was not reasonable to make a divorcement from his wife so soon. Would write many things, but refers him to the messenger whose sufficiency will excuse his shortness.—Edinburgh, 8 Feb. 1566. Signed. Add. Endd. P. 1.
Feb. 8.	938. N. Stopio to —.
	Report of the death of St. Pedro Corso.—Venice, 8 Feb. 1567. Signed. Endd. Ital. P. ½.
Feb. 8.	939. Sir Thomas Gresham to Cecil.
	Forwards letters to him. His factor writes most earnestly for his coming over against the payment which begins on the 20th. Desires that he may be paid 2,000l. which has remained upon exchange fifteen months.—Gresham House, Saturday morning. Signed. Add. Endd. P. 1.
Feb. 8.	940. John Fitzwilliam to Cecil.
	The Prince of Orange and the Lord of Brederode have come to this town. The Count Egmont has got in West Flanders the arms of the people in the country, and carried them into the towns. He travails to have the preachers cease their preaching for four or six months till further order be taken by the King and the States. In some places they consent with certain conditions. There are many of the new religion come hither out of other places, and therefore proclaimed that all such as be come here within these four months should retire themselves, unless they came to use traffic. On Sunday last there was a preacher fetched out of his pulpit besides Mechlin by the Marshal. The Regent makes the Court strong, inclosing a great place before the court gate which shall be kept with soldiers.—Antwerp, 8 Feb. 1566. Signed. Add. Endd. Pp. 2¼.
Feb. 9.	941. Murder of Darnley.
	Coloured drawing of the Kirk O'Field and the neighbourhood, showing the position of Darnley and his servants' bodies when found.
Feb. 11.	942. Lord Scrope to Cecil.
	Upon Saturday for a piece of ground the most part of the race of the Greames and with the one party both Scotchmen and men of other surnames assembled and made a very great fray, insomuch that on both parties seven or eight persons be very sore hurt; wherefore he has thought meet to stay his journey.—Carlisle, 11 February 1566. Signed. Add. Endd., with seal. P. 1.
Feb. 11.	943. Sir William Drury to Cecil.
	At this present advertisement came that Lord Darnley was upon Sunday night slain in his lodging at Edinburgh. Has sent two persons into Scotland whereby he will ere he sleeps know the certainty. It is reported that some evil was meant to his father.—Berwick, 11 February 1566. Signed. Add. Endd. P. ½.
[Feb. 11.]	944. Death of Darnley.
	Information of the death of Darnley, written on a scrap of paper in the Scotch dialect. The signature torn off. P. 1.
Feb. 11.	945. Sir William Drury to Cecil.
	Has now certain knowledge that Darnley is slain. His body was found in the field and strangled as it should seem, his lodging after the death blown up with powder.—Berwick, 11 February, 10 p.m., 1566. Signed. Add. Endd. P. 1.
Feb. 12.	946. Sir William Drury to Cecil.
	Has received a letter from the Queen of Scots in favour of M. Clervault to further his journey into France. He affirms the slaughter of the Lord Darnley. The manner he cannot yet well assure him of. Hears of no man apprehended for it. One of the Elliotts is chosen chieftain of the rebels of England and Scotland.—Berwick, 12 February 1566. Signed. Add. Endd. Pp. 1¼.
Feb. 12.	947. Sir Henry Norris to Cecil.
	Advertises him of three proclamations. The King of Spain has levied 5,000 reiters under the Duke of Brunswick. About Poitou there was levied 600 or 700 soldiers for the reinforcing of Thou, Metz, and Verdun. The Count Egmont has lately used great persuasions to the Protestants in Flanders to depose their arms. Complains of an Englishman here named King, whose only working is for mischief.—Paris, 12 February 1566. Signed. Add. Endd. Pp. 1¾.
Feb. 12.	948. Captain Cockburn to Cecil.
	Has not yet spoken with the English Ambassador. Has forgotten to send him his [stamp]. Desires him to forward certain letters and to send him any news of Scotland.—Paris, 12 Feb. Add. Endd. Pp. 3.
Feb. 14.	949. Sir William Drury to Cecil.
	Desires him to credit the bearer. Melville had come sooner if money could have been procured, and the same is not now great, he arrived here and departed within two [hours] of the forenoon. Lethington's stay was pr—. The Queen of Scots having first understanding by Mons. La Croc (who some think was not ignorant of the Lord Darnley's death to draw nigh) as also by a letter from his father that he would leave Scotland demanded of him the cause. In the end he said that he had no cause which she desired the nobility to be witness of. The servant of the Bishop of Glasgow, the Ambassador in France, passed here on the 9th and brought letters and ciphers from his master, from the Ambassador of Spain, and from the Cardinal of Lorraine to the Queen to advise her to take heed whom she trusted with her secrets, and gave her warning that her husband would shortly be slain.— Berwick, 14 February 1566. Signature torn off. Mutilated. Add. Endd. Pp. 2¼.
Feb. 15.	950. John Fitzwilliam to Cecil.
	It chanced three days after the Count of Egmont's coming to Brussels that Mons. De [Re] a Burgundian being at the Count's house laying his head on one of the lady's laps rose to do the Countess honour, and that done in lying down again his dagger fell out and he fell on the point and it ran so deep into his body that he died in five days. They have gone forward apace again with the building the new churches. There are more men sent to Valenciennes, and it is threatened that ordnance shall be sent there, but they of the town come out and skirmish and put the other to the worst. The russet coats and iron chains have long been hidden that the Gueux did wear. The Spanish and Italian merchants remove their goods to Cologne and other places. The preacher that was taken out of the pulpit besides Mechlin is hanged in a tree by the highway side.—Antwerp, 15 Feb. 1566. Signed. Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 2½.
Feb. 15.	951. N. Stopio to —.
	Encloses news from Vienna of the 6th inst.—Venice, 15 Feb. 1567. Signed. Endd. Ital. Pp. 2.
Feb. 16.	952. Pietro Bizzari to Cecil.
	1. Sends news from Rome of the 8th inst.; from Madrid of Jan. 14, concerning the preparations of the Duke of Alva to go into Flanders; also intelligence from Malta; from Troppau about the Emperor's Court.—Venice, 16 Feb. 1567. Signed.
	2. P.S.—News from Constantinople of the 28 Dec. A concubine of the Grand Seignior Selim reported to be a bastard of King Francis I. Revolt among the Janissaries.— Venice, 16 Feb. 1567. Signed. Add. Endd., with seal. Ital. Pp. 5.
Feb. 16.	953. Report of M. De Clarnault.
	On Sunday the 9th, the Queen of Scots having visited Darnley went afterwards to the wedding of one of her people. About two in the morning a great noise was heard, and the King's lodgings were blown up and he found dead together with two servants in a garden between sixty and eighty paces distant. Anyone may imagine in what distress and agony the Queen was, especially as this happened when she and the King were on the best possible terms. It is clearly seen that this proceeds from a mine, but the doer cannot be discovered. Endd. Fr. P. 1.
Feb.	954. Thomas Crawford's Declaration.
	1. Was sent to meet the Queen of Scots on her coming to Glasgow to fetch the King, and to excuse his master's the Earl of Lennox not doing so for want of health, and also because he would not presume to come into her presence because of the sharp words that she had spoken of him at Stirling. She answered that he would not be afraid in case he were not culpable. The words which were betwixt the King and Queen in Glasgow when she took him away to Edinburgh. Darnley confessed that he had failed in some things, but that he was young he craved her pardon and protested that he would not fail again, and desired nothing but that they might be together as man and wife. She said she was sorry for his sickness and would find remedy therefor as soon as she might. On Darnley's complaining that she always found some ado to draw herself from him to her own lodgings she became very pensive, whereat he found fault. He said if she would promise him that he and she might be together at bed and board he would go with her where she pleased, and she answered that her coming was only to that effect. Notwithstanding before they could come together he must be purged and cleansed of his sickness. She asked him how he liked the Lady Reres, and if he were angry with her. He answered that he had little mind of such as she was and wished she might serve her to her honour. He also asked her not to move any of the nobility against him.
	2. He afterwards told Crawford that he feared himself indeed, save for the confidence he had in her promise. Endd. Pp. 6.
Feb. 17.	955. Sir William Drury to Cecil.
	Has certain knowledge that the Queen of Scots will be this night at Dunbar accompanied with many noblemen to the number of 100 horses.—Berwick, 17 February 1566. Signed. Add. Endd. P. 1.
Feb. 17.	956. Captain Cockburn to Cecil.
	1. Has been with the ambassador, and they have found it good he should pass to Dieppe to try further in those matters. If Cecil should write to them he desires he will send his letters to Mr. Chapman in Rye. Many messages come daily betwixt the Scotch Papists and the French.—Paris, 17 Feb. Signed.
	2. P.S.—Sends a chart that was presented to the Queen who gave it him to keep. Will send his letters to the Queen of Scotland over to M. De la Forrest. Add. Endd. P. 1.
Feb. 17.	957. Frederic II. of Denmark to the Queen.
	Having given commission to his agents to bargain for a great ship of war in London, together with her equipment, and also to levy a proportion of sailors, pilots, and gunners for the same, he desires that she will grant them her license for that effect.—Copenhagen, 17 Feb. 1567. Signed. Add. Endd. Lat. Pp. 3.
Feb. 18.	958. Dr. Man to Cecil.
	1. There is such dearth in Aragon, Valencia, and Catalonia that the King cannot come there before harvest. Roger Bodman has offered to advance the commodities of Spain in working and making fusible certain metals and to bring skilful men out of England. The Turk has lost 100,000 men in Hungary by sickness.
	2. Wishes that another were appointed in his place.— Madrid, 18 Feb. 1566. Signed. Add. Endd., with seal. P. 1½.
Feb. 18.	959. Sir Henry Norris to Cecil.
	1. The Ambassador of Portugal has offered him some injury for the antecedence of his place.
	2. Captain Cockburn has required him to send this.—Paris, 18 Feb. 1566. Signed. Add. Endd. P. 1.
Feb. 19.	960. Sir William Drury to Cecil.
	This afternoon arrived certain of the Queen of Scots' servants, whereof Sebastian was one, the rest being French all apparelled in "Iland wede," saving one Scotchman. The Queen remains at Seton. On the 17th a bill was set upon the Tolbooth accusing Bothwell and others of the King's murder. Francis the Italian steward to the Queen has been two nights sought at his house, not by his friends. It is said there be certain at Lockleven who begin to "covyne." The laird of the place is half brother to the Earl of Murray. The Queen has written to the Earl of Lennox to repair unto her. Desires for the captains and officers to have three or four lines in their commendation for their quiet and dutiful governing of themselves.—Berwick, 19 February 1566. Signed. Add. Endd. Pp. 3.
Feb. 19.	961. Lord Scrope to Cecil.
	This day the Greames who were sent for all came and entered to him. Has taken bonds for the escape of some, and the residue he has left in close ward within the castle.—From his cousin Lowther's house in Westmoreland. Signed. Add. Endd. P. 1.
[1567.] Feb. 19.	962. Guillaume Acquenan to Cecil.
	Forwards "missives" from Captain Colborn, to which he refers him for news.—Dieppe, 19 Feb. 1567. Signed. Add. Endd.: 1566. Fr. P. 1.
Feb. 20.	963. The Queen's Debts beyond the Seas.
	Note of money taken up by Sir Thomas Gresham from different merchants for the prolongation of the Queen's debts from 20th February to 20th August, amounting to 291,024 florins. Endd. Pp. 1½.
Feb. 21.	964. Sir Henry Norris to Cecil.
	Has been earnestly requested by Captain Cockburn to write and let him have the conveying of the letters. On the 19th Mons. De la Croc arrived with the news of the killing of the King of Scotland and his father. Sends this of purpose to prove whether there be not some cunning used to intercept his letters.—Paris, 21 Feb. 1566. Signed. The last sentence in cipher. Add. Endd. P. ½.
Feb. 23.	965. Sigismund II. King of Poland to Queen Elizabeth.
	One Giles Gray having obtained her letters to the magistrates of Dantzick for redress of certain injuries, they have desired him to interpose with her. The said Giles having secretly carried goods into Sweden contrary to his edict, was on his return to Dantzick arrested, and by sentence of his Commissioners fined. Is willing to hear his case again.— Knissin, 23 Feb. 1567. Signed: Sigismundus Augustus. Add. Endd., with seal. Lat. P. 2.
Feb. 23.	966. The Count of Montgomery to Cecil.
	Desires him to obtain license from the Queen to export twelve geldings.—Onet, 23 Feb. 1566. Signed. Add. Endd. Fr. P. ½.
Feb. 23.	967. Maitland of Lethington to Cecil.
	As it will be long before the bearer will come to him he leaves to trouble him with any other matter, but only to desire him to make always account of him.—Seton, 23 Feb. 1566. Signed. Add. Endd. P. ½.
Feb. 23.	968. Robert Melville to Cecil.
	If the Queen of England would dispatch a gentleman to his mistress it would be well taken of her and do much good at this time. Desires to know what time in the morning he may speak with her Highness. Signed. Add. Endd., with seal. P. ¾.
Feb. 23.	969. Pietro Bizarri to Cecil.
	Sends news from Rome of 15 Feb. 1567; and Troppan, 10 Feb.—Venice, 23 Feb. 1567. Signed. Add. Endd., with seal. Ital. Pp. 3.
Feb. 24.	970. John Bennet to Cecil.
	Has had motion made to him that because he has been lately complained of to have sold to certain pirates the Queen's ordnance and artillery it were not good for him to deny Nicholas Harrington's suit lest a worse thing might chance to him. Has removed by purgation the suggestion concerning the sale, and desires license to come up to require hearing concerning all the premises. Signed. Add. Endd.: 24 Feb. 1566. P. 1.
Feb. 24.	971. The Queen to Mary Queen of Scots.
	Is horrified at the abominable murder of her husband. Most people say that she has not looked to the revenge of this deed, nor to touch those who have done it. Exhorts her to show to the world what a noble princess and loyal wife she is. Desires her to ratify the treaty made six or seven years ago.—Westminster, 24 Feb. Copy. Endd. Fr. P. 1.
Feb. 25.	972. Richard Frearson and others to Sir Henry Norris.
	Beg that he will take pity and help them, being twentyfour poor Englishmen taken at Rouen and now in the galleys at Marseilles.—Marseilles, 25 Feb. 1566. Signed. Add. P. 1.
Feb. 26.	973. Robert Melville to Cecil.
	Desires that the treasurer of the Queen of Scots may have the favour of kissing the Queen's hand. The Queen has gone to Seton to repose. The Earl of Murray is sent for. The Earl of Athol has parted. All the Lords are sent for. The committers of this last fact are not revealed. Parliament is proclaimed for 14th April. The Prince is at Holyrood. Signed. Add. Endd. P. 1.
Feb. 26.	974. Sir Thomas Gresham to Cecil.
	Desires that he may have 4,000l. or 5,000l. by the 1st of April for the better satisfaction of the Queen's credits.— Canterbury, 26 Feb. 1566. Signed. Add. Endd. P. ½.
Feb. 27.	975. Council of Ten.
	Regulations by the Council of Ten for the internal management of Venice. Printed pamphlet. Ital. Pp. 3.
Feb. 27.	976. Captain Cockburn to Cecil.
	1. There appeared to him for many causes that things would fall out in England, or rather Scotland, by reason that he has seen of long time a great business betwixt the Pope's Ambassador and those of Spain and Scotland to set up the old Popish religion in England and Scotland. Has seen of late many posts come by sea from the Papists, who address themselves to Captain Sarlabois. Has seen sundry come to him, amongst others Robert Stewart son and heir to James Stewart, and John Semple. Advises him to desire the ambassador to make a new remonstrance about the ships preparing at Bordeaux. When the news of the death of the King of Scots came, the Queen asked him if ever he heard of such a foul murder; he said he heard the like when he was in Scotland, which was the death of Monsr. De Guise; she asked him what he believed was the cause; he said it was the Pope, for he [Darnley] had promised to set up the Mass again, and caused to say Mass in Glasgow a little before his death. This was the fairest excuse he could find. Desires him to write at length, especially about all matters of Scotland. Believes all the Princes of the religion will be in Paris within four or five days. Desires him to forward certain letters.—Dieppe, 26 Feb. Signed.
	2. P.S.—Has changed purpose at the closing of this and sends his lackey. Has written to Norris of matters of importance. Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 4.
Feb. 28.	977. Sir William Drury to Cecil.
	1. Sent the Italian to the Queen of Scots by a lieutenant of this garrison; she caused the Earl of Bothwell to deal with him, who offered him fair speech to tarry, but he would not. He satisfied such debt as the tailor could demand. The Queen willed to give him thirty crowns and has returned him again. There have been other bills upon the church door and the Tron. There was present at the meeting at Dunkeld the Earls of Murray, Morton, Athol, and others. There is with the Queen at Seton Argyll, Huntly, Bothwell, and Livingston. Lord Seton is gone, having left the whole house to the Queen.
	2. There is a rich ship of Scotland bound to Flanders lost last week at Holy Island. Edward Collingwood one of this garrison horsemen is returned from the Earl of Bothwell, having remained with him in Scotland this quarter of a year. Has committed him to ward.
	3. The gates of Seton are very straightly kept. Captain Colleyne [Cullen] with his company have the credit nearest her person. The Earl Bothwell was upon Tuesday at Edinburgh, where he declared that if he knew who were the setters up of the bills he would wash his hands in their blood. His followers to the number of fifty follow him very near, their gesture as his is much noted. His hand as he talks to any that is not assured to him upon his dagger with a strange countenance.
	4. Sends a copy of some of the bills, whereby he may see how undutifully the doers behave against their Soveriegn. The Lady Bothwell is extremely sick and not likely to live. It is brought him that the Queen came upon Wednesday night to the Lord [Wharton's] house at Tranant; the Lord Seton and the Earl of Huntly paid for the dinner, the Queen and the Earl of Bothwell having at a match of shooting won the same. There is proclamation forbidding all persons from raising any of the stones or timber at the house where Darnley was murdered. There is one of Edinburgh who affirms how Mr. James Balfour bought of him powder as much as he should have paid sixty pounds Scots, but he must [perfume it with oil] to that value. Balfour came to Edinburgh upon Wednesday night accompanied with thirty horsemen. Cessford and Farniehurst are now at Edinburgh for the conformance of the agreement amongst them.
	5. To-morrow suffer by fire in this town two women for murdering of a child new born, the mother and her midwife. —Berwick, last of February. Signed. Add. Endd. Pp. 5.
Feb. 18 & 19.	Murder of Darnley.
	Copies of bills set upon the Tolbooth door on the 18th and 19th of February. The first one denounces the Earl Bothwell and others as the murderers and claims the reward of 2,000l. offered for their detection. The second one also desires that the money may be paid and certain people taken. P. 1.
Feb. 28.	978. Sir John Forster to Cecil.
	Sundry of the Lords mind to be in Edinburgh next week for the trial of the King's murder. Cessford is in such fear of the thieves that he is glad to keep his house. John Hall, brother to the Clement Hall who suffered at Morpeth, with a hundred of the Armstrongs and Nixons of Liddlesdale have in revenge burnt and destroyed the house and goods of his servant John Barrow and have carried off 480 of his own sheep. Has in gaol two of the Armstrongs and two of the Nixons, and has of their goods eighty head of nowt and eight horses. Desires that he may have twenty soldiers from Berwick in Harbottle castle. The thieves daily practise for his life. The Lords are in convention at Stirling.—Berwick, last of Feb. Signed. Add. Endd. Pp. 2½.
Feb. March.	979. Advices.
	From Madrid, Feb. 18, 1567. Loss of thirty vessels laden with munitions for Italy. From Messina, 4 March. The Grand Master has sent to different places for munitions and other necessaries for the defence of Malta. News from other places in Italy and from Prague. Endd. Ital. Pp. 3½.
Feb. and March.	980. Advices from Italy.
	News from Lyons, Vienna, Rome, and other places in Italy during the months of February and March. Ital. Pp. 3¼.