James VI: December 1591

James VI: December 1591

625. Robert Bowes to Burghley. [Dec. 4.]

By this letter from Roger Aston enclosed it will appear that little of importance has happened in Scotland since his departure whereof he has not given some notice by former letters. Has received several other letters from friends and a servant in Scotland, all giving little but what Mr. Aston gives.

Her majesty's kind dealing with the King in the contents of his last letter to her has given the King great contentment, as signified by Aston, and also won the hearts of Sir George Hume and Sir Alexander his eldest brother and the whole house of Manderson, who have promised to her majesty such offices on the Borders and otherwise as shall be profitable for her service.

Before his return to England had "laide the platt" to draw together fit instruments to reconcile the Chancellor and the Master of Glammis. By letters now received perceives that the mediators appointed have come to Edinburgh for that purpose, yet it is thought that their labours shall find little success; for the Chancellor has been advertised that secret means are made to take up all matters between the Earl of Crawford and the Master of Glammis, and that this office shall be done by Lord Ogilvie; in recompense whereof the Master shall agree Argyle and Ogilvie. Further, the Earls of Erroll, Marishal, Atholl, Morton, Murray, and Mar shall join to advance this agreement between Crawford and Glammis in case the mediators between the Chancellor and the Master fail. The discovery of this course by the Chancellor shall rather stir him to "pricke at" the overthrow of the Master of Glammis for his own safety, than to yield to any accord whereof he shall think the performance doubtful. The Chancellor shall be earnestly dealt with and warned for the "attonement" with Glammis. Wishes a happy end to this, for the better quietness of that realm.

Huntly, continuing still at court, has agreed with the Laird of Grant and Mackintosh, leaving out the Earl of Murray, otherwise than was promised.

The Master of Ogilvie, the Laird of Craigie his brother, and the Laird of Balfour, being banished for the slaughter of the Campbells belonging to Argyle, agreeable to the late Act of Council, and misliking to pass by sea in the winter, desire to pass through England, wherein the young Laird of Powrie Ogilvie—who has done good offices for her majesty and promises more—prays that in recompense of his services and to encourage him in the same, those gentlemen may find this favour to pass through England with safety; for which they all promise to be found thankful. Recommends their request to his lordship's consideration, and prays direction how to answer them. Barnes. Signed: Robert Bowes.

2 pp. Addressed. Indorsed.

Enclosure with the same:

(Roger Aston to Robert Bowes.)

Nothing has happened here worthy the writing. Has imparted to his majesty the execution of O'Rourke, with the treasons by him committed for which he suffered. When his majesty heard the matters against him, "which was nothing les be my reportt then the were in effec," his answer was that he thought by keeping him alive they might have reaped more profit than by his death, but seeing he was gone, and that for so odious offences, he was well away, saying, "'Be his delivering I could receve no desoner, in resspeke I was so bond both be promes and dettes: the best sortt will nowayes meslike of it; for otheres I care nott.'"

Since writing this there came letters from James Hudson certifying her majesty's answer to the King's request concerning the slaughter of the Laird of Spott; which answer he takes extremely kindly. It appears by Hudson's letters that she grants his desire, having given order to the Lord Chamberlain who is very forward in the matter. If it be followed up, it will give great contentment to this King, and incline the gentleman interested with all his friends to serve her majesty; Sir George Hume's credit is great, he has done good offices, and this will engage him further than before. He says her majesty shall have proof of his honest dealing. Only the King, Sir George, and himself [Aston] know what answer her majesty has given, "for fere the party be skertt."

There is great labour making for the agreement of the Chancellor and the Master of Glammis, by Mar, Newbottle, Blantyre, and others, who have come to Edinburgh for the Master's affairs. Whatever the Chancellor will set down the Master will perform, and the rest will give bond for him. They are sorry that his lordship [Bowes] is not here, for he might have done more than all the rest. If this take effect it will be a good work: the Chancellor is very hard as yet, but hopes he shall be "broken." The Laird of Spynie "takes a deling" for the Master, for which his brother, the Earl of Crawford, and he are fallen out and the Earl gone home. Montrose has taken his leave and gone home.

There is no word of Bothwell's going to Orkney. The Earl and his son depart this day with two hundred "hagbotteres." Bothwell is said to be in Caithness.

Mr. Archibald Douglas is summoned upon sixty days to appear to answer for dealing with false coiners, who have accused him. There was some dealing to agree the Chancellor and him, but it will not be, nor will the King suffer it. Has no quarrel with Mr. Archibald, but knows he cannot serve her majesty, for he is odious to the King and to all that have credit about him; how shall that man do service? If her majesty seek to advance him, she will lose all the rest.

Mr. John Graham is commanded to keep his house for forging false evidence: his brother is in the Tolbooth. The Countess of Murray is dead of child-bearing. The Countess of Atholl has a son. Lord Ochiltree is dead; the Master is now Lord. The ministers are now in hand with the Countess of Huntly, who is content to be reformed, and has desired to be instructed: for that purpose Peter Young and David Lindsay are appointed. Patrick Galloway is here and has dealt with the King concerning the practising of the Papists: the King has offered to do whatever they please. Mr. Patrick desires him [Aston] to learn what he can of their doings. The Chancellor intends to "soutt outt" the castle: he has already dealt with the captain in the matter. Edinburgh. [29 and] 30 November. Signed: Roger Aston.

2½ pp. Holograph, also address. Indorsed by Bowes.

626. James Hudson to Burghley. [Dec. 7.]

"I have deliverid hir majeste's letter to the King, with the credit comitid to me, which his highness hath imbracid in a most kynd sort becaws it came from hir majeste's great caer of his wel doinge, and wil nocht only keip the matter most secret, but wil wachfullie regard the growinge of suche dangers as mae insew upon bussie headid practisers. His majeste is nocht of that mynd that ther is in his land anny great or ryp conspiracie at this instant, but that rather it is the relix of the oweld plat of Jesuits and practisinge preists, who for ther credit and profit must daely gyve far moar owt then ther credit is able to performe. His majeste devyssid that becaws hir highness had writin to hime and sent me, that sume generalls should be maed knowin, whiche was onlie that hir highness did advysse hime to have a regaerd towards practisers and bad peiple, who wer bussie in all princis dominyons, yea, in ther cuntreis and cowrts wher they could any waes have place. Hearupon he callid the Lord Chanceler, and debatid the mater with hime how ther could pressently be any danger, seinge that the instruments, wherupon they wer wuntid to wurk, wer takin awae: for first Bothwel havinge lost his place and so his power mae wel deal with them in words but can effectuat nothinge: then the Earl of Huntley is clein devertid frome thoes courssis and simplie folowith and dependeth only upon his majeste's pleassuer, acknoweledginge his former folies in thoes matters to have caryed hime into a laborinth of truble and unsuertei, boath of his lyff and howss: and for the Duik, he is but a chyld and uncapable of suche deip matters if anny wold maek overters to hime; besyds this he hath no servant nor person abowt hime but suche as the King plassith and displasith at his plesuer, and upon every good or bad occassyon that occurith. The rest of the nobiletei, or whosoever other, ar nocht now as they wunt to be, for they that ar evil effectid and wold truble the peace of the churche and the yll fynd suche firme ressolucyon in the King to withstand thoes cowrssis, evin to blood and to the end, that they now rather sease to hoap then to practiss. Bessyds this the minesterei ar great watcheris in this cace, and ar nocht onlie cowntenansid by the King hearin but ar asurid, if neid requyer, to have the King's majeste in person, as a pryvat man, to persew or perfyt what shalbe requissit to further good and supress evil; and the good sort of peiple do exseid the force or number of the bad by great ods in the hoal estaets of the countrei."

"In this matter I have bein very caerful to inform my self wel, and have had confference with the best effectid and suche as knowe most, and in effect can fynd smal caws of dowt in the matter, for it is nocht as hath bein thowght that the King is governid or carryed by the Chanceler or any other, but he is the very sentter hime self and movith the Chanceller and al the rest as he turnith minyons, and al thowgh he bestow his favor upon sindrei in greatt messuer, therefor it folowith nocht that he is derectid by thoes. The Lord Chansseller is a great cownsseller, and the King seith that his gifts merit his place, and he folowith derectly his majeste's course in al, and by his majeste's favor and good cownttenance hath ridin owt al the great stormes of his enemeis, with owt whiche he had bein evin lyk unto the laet Chanceller, James Stewart, and Bothwel, who ar in many men's opinyons worss then dead, beinge by ther folies depryvid of al ther wuntid honors and goods."

"The King saeth he partesipatith with the Quein in natuer as wel as in blood in that he lovith nocht to draw the swoerd of justice with owt great ocassyon. Suerly when so ever ther shalbe anny thinge attemptid hear that mae hurt relegeon or the ametie it wil nocht be with owt great perill to the King's persson; for every man now seith that the King is immovable in thoes two poynts: and hearfor wil his majeste loek caerfully in to this matter of her majeste's advertisment, and upon better conssitheracyon wil answer hir highness' letter and derect me bak to hir majeste ther-withal. Asuridly, my lord, by al secret means that I can usse I sei no peril, and that oftin tymes advertisments be maed upon a show of greatter grownd then afterwards the end afourdith, and seinge the King's majeste hime self firm, and the Chanceller and Sir George Home, boath of them very wysse and very honest, who possesith muche of ther master's favor, hir majeste mae be good cheap servid and wel also, for this King meanith so uprichtly that he hath alwaes laed hime self opin to al intelygensseis, and carith nocht to yeild the best and trewist hime self when it is requisit."

"He exseptid most kyndly of hir majeste's grant to deliver the murtherers of the Laerd of Spot, and I fownd by Sir George the lyk thankfulness, and that his majeste was myndid befoar my cuminge hear to have singnefied no less by his owin letters, a paert wher-of also was acomplishid by the letters last adressid to me by Mr. Aston, whiche paquet I missid by the wae: howbeit that ther was a prevencyon in the performance of hir majeste's pleassuer hearin, and so the King was frustrat of his dessyer and expectasyon. Who so ever did this I can nocht tel, but the murtherers wer advertisid a dae befoar the Quein's pleasuer therin was singnefied to the governer." Edinburgh. Signed: Ja. Hudson.

Postscript.—"Hear is no newis, but the King daely busyeth hime self in the foar none in the Tolboeth and in the afternoen in the Cownssel, takinge great caer and paen how to order this disorderid peiple."

3 pp. Holograph, also address. Indorsed.

627. Robert Bowes to Burghley. [Dec. 9.]

Encloses letter from Roger Aston. For the furtherance of the atonement between the Chancellor and the Master of Glammis has sent directions to his servant remaining in Edinburgh. Fears that the Chancellor, wounded with former breaches, and mistrusting the performance of promises, will be loth to accept any assurance unless the mediators and others deeply engage themselves. Has sought to "pricke forwardes the mediators," that by this agreement dangers may be prevented and peace continued. Finds the Master still charged to ward, and "put at," so that he must either yield his body or suffer horning. Has urged that those extremities be mitigated.

The Duke of Lennox earnestly seeks the keeping of Liddesdale,—in favour of Bothwell as is thought,—but he [Bowes] left the King resolved to place the young Laird of Cesford in that office, wherein he has promised to do very good offices: the King also protests that all he has himself promised for her majesty's contentment shall be accomplished. James Hudson will "staye the passage of the Duke to the porte of his desyre." Will put the said Hudson and others into the best course, and furnish them with fit instruments to prevent the peril that would come to the Borders by planting the Duke in this place, wherein he would only be guided by the advice of such as have been towards Bothwell and the chiefs of the clans in Liddesdale, whose actions towards England are evident. Yet Aston is in hope to win the Duke to her majesty's service: therefore commends the matter to her pleasure, and prays direction.

The secret efforts of the Chancellor and Duke to possess themselves of the castle of Edinburgh are known to his lordship, and appear by Aston's letter to be still continued. Has dealt "inwardlye" to persuade the captain to retain it, for his good offices to her majesty have many ways been proved, and he still professes devotion to her, but he finds the keeping of this place chargeable to him, bringing on him the displeasure of great personages, by whose practice he will be denied his due allowances. Thinks "with support" he might be drawn to hold it, but dares not promise anything out of her majesty's purse.

Other letters show that Scotland continues in quietness. It is doubted whether Parliament will be held at the day appointed if the agreement between the Chancellor and the Master of Glammis do not take effect. The Duke of Lennox has obtained the yearly fee of Lord Treasurer, and Sir Robert Melville still executes the office. Lord Claud Hamilton, lately ready to be converted to the religion, is revolted, and confirmed by Mr. Robert Abercrombie, Jesuit, to the Popish church, bewailing dissimulation. He will not suffer Mr. Robert to come in his house lest it be discovered, but is content to confer with him in the fields as he is in his pastime with his hawks. Great preparation is made by Bothwell's friends for money, and his debts are daily paid. The Catholics are persuaded that he will hold his journey into Spain. Two Englishmen, Catholics, are newly entered into Scotland and have been in Edinburgh. One is sick, the other relieves him, and is found to be of wealth and estimation. Robert Elliott has lately written to George Carr and to his host in Edinburgh, thanking Carr for past courtesies, and showing that he has finished his affairs, requiring to be advertised of the present state of Scotland, and also that he trusts to be there with some friends shortly. But surely he is so discredited with the Chancellor that he need look to himself if he venture to return thither. Barnes. Signed: Robert Bowes.

2½ pp. Addressed. Indorsed.

Enclosure with the same:

(Roger Aston to Robert Bowes.)

His last was of November 29th. The next day advertisement came to Sir George Hume that before her majesty's direction came, all the malefactors—upon secret advertisement—escaped out of Berwick and came into Scotland. Has persuaded "both the King and the party" that their escape was sore against her majesty's will, and that it proceeded by Mr. Archibald Douglas's means. Knows by sound men here that he gave the advertisement; if her majesty was not privy to it she is greatly abused, for the advertisement came to them the day before her order for their delivery. Thus far because he has a sure bearer he thinks good to make known. However it be, all things are very well taken, and the King minded to give as great thanks as if the parties had been delivered.

There is great labour for the agreement of the Chancellor and the Master of Glammis. The Chancellor is very "strett," yet this night the Earl of Mar told him he hopes to put it to a good point. The Duke opposes himself plainly to the Laird of Cesford's commission for the keeping of Liddesdale, saying that in respect that Liddesdale is given to him by the forfeiture of Earl Bothwell, he will be as able to dis[charge] that as any other. He [Aston] has said to the Chancellor, if he want that, he shall want all the rest he has in Scotland. The King knows nothing of this matter, the Duke not having broken it as yet, but he [Aston] sounded the King's mind upon it last night. The King said he had already given the commission to Cesford and knew of no other, but the Duke is bent upon it, and thinks he is dishonoured if any other holds that place. Cesford was coming to Edinburgh to receive his majesty's directions, but hearing of the Duke's determination is returned back again. The Duke is very busy dealing with the captain of the castle for the keeping of the castle; the Chancellor also has an intent that way, yet the matter is not broken to the King. The Duke is condemned as a favourer of Bothwell, in that he has not so surely taken up that living as he might have done, and seeks to preserve all his offices for Bothwell's good rather than any profit to himself. Has means and credit to draw the Duke to her majesty's service if she wish it; if he get Liddesdale and discharge it well, there will be occasion to like the better of him. Desires news of English Papists. There is great want of his [Bowes'] presence for this agreement between the Chancellor and the Master: if that were done there would be no danger. The King's mind continues fast and none dare to control him. Edinburgh. December 4th. Signed: Roger Aston.

Postscript.—When about to close this letter, word was brought that James Hudson was come, but he [Aston] saw him not.

2½ pp. Holograph, also address. Indorsed by Bowes.

628. Lord John Hamilton to Burghley. [Dec. 11.]

"Having directit this berar to find out ane man thatt can work the marble, I have thocht guid to wryt thir few lynes to latt zour lordship understand the guid affection I have to do in all thingis may tend to zour lordship's contentment and plessur, and to offer myself to zour lordship in quhatsumevir I can plessur zour lordship or ony zouris in this cuntrie; as also to pray zour lordship affecteouslie to caus gif ane pasport to this man callit Paull Sitoline, quha hes evir bene ane affectionat servand to hir majestie, quhairfore I will recommend him to zour guid lordship, and will pray zow that he may be exped bak with sic craftismen as he is to bring with him, and to gif him credit in sic thingis as he will schaw to zour lordship in my name. Hamilton." Signed: "Zour lordship's assurit frinde at pouer to coummande J. Hammilton."

¾ p. Addressed. Indorsed: "11 Dec. 1591. L. Claude [sic] Hamilton to my lord, by his servant Paull Sistine."

629. James Hudson to Burghley. [Dec. 16.]

"The King hath oftin promissid my dispache, but his affaers doe scarsly permit hime tyme for it, whiche delae makith me boweld once agaen to truble your lordship by wryttinge. The Duik wer greatly to be dowtid for his affecsyon secretly caryed to Bothwel and that comonwelth whiche the Stewards intertayn in ther naeme, if he wer a mane of great wisdome or curage, but that want staeth the perills that other wysse might folow by his credit, whiche growith upon the great love the King bearith to hime. His suttinges to be lord off Lidisdaell and so governer of that cuntrei and capptaen of the castell of Edinborow myght have bred great dangers and a continewal truble, but the King is fully bent that Sesford shal govern Lidisdael, and that he mae be possesid therof the King hath sent for hime to ressave the office; and for the cassell the Lord Chanceler hath a promiss of it in suche sort that ether he wil get it or els procuer it to rest in Sir James Home his hands stil, who is a very suer man for suche a charge and wil nocht depart with it but to the Chanceler, as they can agrei. The greattist matter that I sei hear is that whiche mae fal owt upon this dissagreiment betwixt the Chanceler and the Master of Glams, for the Master is compellid to usse his greatest enemei to save hime frome wrakkinge, whiche is the Earl of Crafford's brother, the Lord of Speyne, on of the cheiff of the chalmer. Hime hath he wune to get hime to court, whiche is grantid to be upon the 20 of this month; and this was concludid befoar the Chanceler knew of it, and to his great dislyk, thowgh he makith no semb[l]ant ther of; for the Chanceler had the matter at suche a poynt that if this had nocht occurid he had givin the Master a great fall. The Master sowght by al means and offers to have gottin the Chanceler's favor, but the other, havinge the advantage, and loath to trust wher he had bein so oftin dessavid, evin with great danger of his lyff, for he hath oftin brokin faeth in vyl maner to the Chanceler upon his haet towards hime and greidyness to be revengid upon hime and so to fall in his place, whiche the Chanceler wel knowinge wold nocht trust any moar to his frendship. Now if the Master get by this means credit and place agaen he mae maek a step to the worsser syd: and so he [is] moar lyk to prove a head to that faxsyon that is to be fearid rather then the Duik. All this mae be dowtid, for the Master his honesty and conssyence wil disjeast as great a matter, and seinge ther be a great number lyinge at wayt to taek ocassyon by the foarhead, it is to be fearid that sume truble mae folow upon this matter, whiche cannocht wel be sein til tyme discover it. The hoap that is restith in the Chanceler's curage and wit, whiche hath preventid greatter matters then this; for thowgh the King be immovable in relegeon and keipinge the ametei, yit he loekith nocht in to the deipness of practisis and perills til they be almost rype; whiche the Chanceler knoweth and hath oftin felt doth greattly favor danger, and yit must suffer becaws he standith only by the King, and is the King his only secund to keip dowin the bad sort: what they be your lordship knowith wel, ther power and number."

"Now it is most serteyne that Bakclewgh at his last cuminge hoame had derecssyon frome the Duik of Parma and a comissyone to suche as ar hear of that facssyon, and this I dar asuer your lordship to be trew; he hath by al his frends hear bein very earnist to have bein lyssensid to cume hoame, and this was a part of that his mane browght that came in my cumpany. The Lord Home is lykwyss earnist to cume hoame, but the Chanceller hath stayd boath ther suets and seith into the matter. The Lord Sanker I think shal meit the Lord Home at Brussells, wher Home remaynith, and I fear theas thre be of to great aquaynttance with the prince. Now the King beinge sumwhat neklygent in lookinge to the begininge of matters til they be to ryp and the number of evil effectid men who lakith but a head to ther faxsyon, if the Master of Glams inclyn that wae with his craft if he get credit he mae do harme, for theas men befoar menssyonid, with Bothwel and hime self, who wer laet upon the practiss to have slaen the Chanceler, mae doe great hurt; and I think this practiss be nocht clein extingwishid, but dissperssid by the Chanceler his provydence. Upon the other part ther be dyverss wysse and off the best sort, whiche lye under the Chanceller's prottecssyon as the head of the best sort, that think this matter mae breid peril, and the rather becaws hir majeste and your lordship doe nocht give the Chanceler suche favor and cownttenance as hath bein wuntid in lyk cassis, and they sae further that it apearith that God wil have the Quein's freinds to quael and hir ennemeis to prevael becaws hir majeste estrangith hir good cownttenance to the Chanceler, whiche is a caws of incuragement to the other sort. I wish it might pleas hir majeste and your lordship to think wel of the mane and to keip hime up whyls the standith, least al this nasyon can nocht afoerd suche ane other in his place. He thinkith his acsyons merit favour, and that they crave it for hime, and other waes he wil never seik it nether doeth he expect any matter of goods from hir majeste's hands."

"The Lord Clawd Hammilton is now beastly mad, whiche is a matter of no smal importtance, for he was a man that aymid farr. Ther is serteyn men to cume frome the Low Cuntreis, practissers who if they howeld forwards wilbe wel handlid, for the Chanceler is advertisid of theme. Ther is a nottable man hear abowt the King, a preacher, one that is wel effectid and hath the King's ear and is a howshold servant and a mane of wit and jugement, who is a nottable wache-man over the faxsyon of the brige of Dei: he doeth talk freilly agaenst al that syd in ther facis, and with great curage reprehendith them boath in the pulpit and in pryvat, whiche I have hard since my cuminge hear, and that nocht impertenently but evin as if he had knowin what I had in commisyon: he ratefyed my arguments that I held to the King tuchinge practissinge preists and unsownd men to the ametei, the Duik and Huntley beinge pressent, and namid Mr. James Gordon the Jesuet and unkle to Huntley, and the Lard off Fintrei, requyringe the King to purge his land of them and al ther adherants."

"I hastin nocht my dispache greatly becaws it is but a letter, seinge I have writin how matters standith, becaws I wold sei to what end this matter of the Chanceler and the Master is lyk to sort to. I hear the King hath a meaning to wryt unto her majeste and your lordship, that he mae have a serteynty in the matter of his anewetei grantid by hir majeste, boath of the sume and the daes off pament. Suerly his neid is great, for I think or longe sume of his servants wilbe imprissonid that ar the furnishers of his howsse. He hath takin a nottabil order for the deadly feids of his cuntrei, if he keip it pressyesly and get the concurence of his Cownssel and great men to folow it furth." Edinburgh. Signed: Ja. Hudson.

Postscript.—"I wryt nocht of the Spanyard aryvid nor his earand, becaws Mr. Aston hath at length writin to Mr. Bowes of it. The murtherers of the Lard of Spot wer advertysid from this place that the King had writin to hir majeste for ther deliveres."

3 pp. Holograph, also address. Indorsed.

630. Robert Bowes to Burghley. [Dec. 20.]

Received these two letters yesternight, with others from Scotland, certifying occurrences there, mostly agreeing with Roger Aston's letters. Procured that the mediators between the Chancellor and the Master of Glamis should be moved to reconcile them, that the old fellowship well affected to religion and the amity between the crowns might be preserved. But the Chancellor cannot be persuaded to trust the Master, thinking that this new agreement between the houses of Crawford and Glamis is wrought to his prejudice; therefore the mediators have ceased their travail and purpose to withdraw from the court. Was informed that the Duke of Lennox sought the keeping of Liddesdale with such earnestness that the young Laird of Cesford, loth to grieve the Duke by acceptance of it, absented himself from court. Therefore he [Bowes] directed his servant to solicit his friends to move the King to appoint young Cesford keeper of Liddesdale, and that he shall give "indilate redresses" for attempts done by them, as promised by the King, ordained by the Council and imparted to her majesty; and also to stir the Chancellor to further this matter, and the young laird to come speedily to court and accept this office. Upon their labours the King is fully purposed to place Cesford in this office, the Chancellor willing to advance the same, and the laird to come speedily to court and accept it. Nevertheless the matter is not yet void of peril, for although the Duke seems to yield, it is thought that he quietly endeavours to get the place for himself or some other at his devotion, friend to Bothwell and to the chief clans in Liddesdale: also that Buccleuch, having by the Queen's means obtained leave to return home, is likely to be restored to this office, which was before granted to him. Aston thinks the Duke may, through this matter, be drawn to her majesty's devotion: therefore prays direction.

If it be found convenient to embrace the course entered between Aston and John Geddy—a person honest, wise, and in great credit in all the King's "secrett seales"—will be glad to know her majesty's pleasure. Geddy will look for some gratuity "after the ordinarye manner in Scotland." The secret motion of marriage between the Earl of Argyle and the daughter of the Earl of Morton is likely to take effect unless it be crossed by the King, or by the Chancellor, who will be loth that the party of Glamis should be strengthened with Argyle's great power. Lord Claud Hamilton is visited with his former disease, "more greatlye greaved" than before; many distrust his recovery. Huntly rules all in the north, and over Murray, who since his wife's decease finds little favour at court.

An Englishman called David Lawe came from Spain last July into England, with letters to Catholics there, who have sent him to Scotland with packets to be carried into Flanders by means of the Jesuits in Scotland, and an Englishman called Holland, now at Aberdeen, who had already sent a Scottishman into Flanders with those packets. Lawe and Holland purpose to pass to Spain by the conduct of James Knowes, Lawe intends first, so soon as his leg is whole, to return into England to confer with some Catholics there, and to bring with him for Spain special persons to inform as to preparations of armour and the readiness of the Catholic and neutral people in England to "partye" the King of Spain's army to be sent thither in May next: and also some mariners to carry Lawe and Holland to Spain, and to conduct the army of "Orneye" into England. Sundry Scottish pilots and mariners are ready to sail for Spain by persuasion of the Jesuits in Scotland, of Lawe and Holland, and of James Knowes, a Scottish mariner. Letters from Rome to the Jesuits in Scotland, delivered to them by James Gordon, have stirred "those fathers" to be very busy. Fentry lately has entertained two English Catholics at Salton, and Edmondstone has brought in another English papist. These say that the number of English Catholics is greatly increased, especially in the bishopric of Durham and in Northumberland.

Knows not whether it shall please her majesty to return him into Scotland: the King is content that he remain longer in England if Parliament be not held at the time appointed: his son's coal-pits at Offerton and his own salt-pans "here at Sunderlande" are in such ruinous case that they cannot be repaired without his presence and advice: therefore prays that he may know her majesty's pleasure for his abode here and repair to London, that he may give her satisfaction for his debts and finish his accounts. Barnes. Signed: Robert Bowes.

2¾ pp. Addressed. Indorsed.

Enclosure with the same:

(Roger Aston to Robert Bowes.)

Cott. Calig., D. II, fol. 47.

. . . (fn. 1) such heads as was agreed . . . cencerning the redress for Liddesdale h . . . as he had given order in that matter and [comma]nded me to go to the Chancellor and Clerk of [Regis]ter to know what was done. I presently . . . with the Chancellor, who willed me to let [his m]ajesty understand that there was nothing done [in] that matter, by reason Cesford had not accepted the [keeper]ship of Liddesdale, in respect the Duke had opposed [him]self the eunto. After I had informed his majesty of [the] matter, he presently sent for the Chancellor, with [whom] he was very angry that the resolution taken [was] not put in execution. The Chancellor told him . . . of all proceeded from the Duke, whom neither . . . Cesford were willing to offend. The King would [hear] of no such matter, but commanded the Chancellor . . . ly to send for Cesford, saying he would see that [perfor]med which he had promised to you. I under[stand] the Duke is not so earnest in that matter as . . . however it be Cesford is sent for and shall . . . the charge, and thereafter I shall be earnest for . . . and others, as also for the evidence that . . . wherein the King has promised to give . . . is also to write to Martin Elwartt that the same . . . restored back again if your lordship think good . . . any of the King's letters either to Martin or Robin . . . other in that country for the more . . . to be delivered by the party interested . . . and I shall presently send the letters . . . shall follow it forth by Cesford's means . . . . being considered . . . venison, but rather by such as favor it . . . knowing he had such an intention as to ha[ve him] self stirred up the Duke to cross the matter. . . . has so handled the matter, as the captain and . . . upon these conditions, that the captain s[tays] where he is till the Chancellor provide him [satis]faction for his charges and long service. So [the] doubt I most feared is now removed: the Duke [shall] not get his intent in that matter.

I wrote to your lordship of the proceedings between the [Chancellor] and the Master of Glamis, and what earnest deali[ng there] was for their agreement, which could not be b . . . take that effect as those that were dealers [in the] matter would have wished, so that their tr[avail has] taken no effect; the Master persuing his . . . has cast himself in the hands of his [enemies] the house of Crawford, and by the Laird of Spynie [they] are to be reconciled: for which purpose [Lord] Glamis and the Master are to be here the . . . instant. All this the Chancellor foresees . . . conferred with him in this . . . length; who seems to take little regard [to the] matter, fearing not but to "dobel outt" his . . . the King's favour, which in deed he has [in the] old manner. I see no other but this . . . hatred between these two men will br . . . among us as will greatly hinder . . . and in the end either . . . and this is the opinion . . . of these matters your lordship shall be . . .

. . . of Buccleuch has sent a man to his . . . here to procure his return home . . . has been "solested" to the Queen, who has . . . the King in the matter, but it will not [be gr]anted neither for him nor the Lord Hume. [His] majesty enquired of me this day whether [your lordship] would return at the time appointed or [not]. I answered I could not tell. He said if the [Parlia]ment held your lordship must be here, otherwise [your lordship] might tarry at leisure and do your business . . . h it be not concluded whether the [Parlia]ment will hold or not; yet I can . . . your lordship of my own knowledge it will not . . . and that for sundry respects.

[I mus]t now impart to your lordship another matter [which] I am informed of by Mr. John Geddy, which [your] lordship knows is a very honest man and of sound . . .; the matter is this. The Lord of Barnes . . . know, being captain of the Maye within . . . eight days sent for the said Mr. John Geddy. The [lor]d being sick and the other being his near [kinsma]n desired his opinion of such letters as [he had] lately received from Spain by his brother [and a Spani]ard that was come with him from . . . of the King's army. The effect of the letter . . . as follows. First, he gives the . . . manifold favours which his . . . ha . . . his hand . . . place should come again with a small . . . directions as should content his master's fr[iends] . . . He tells me it appears by the letter there . . . there is in readiness a brother of the said Mr. . . . to Spain with a barque laden with Scots war . . . The Spaniard returns with answer of his letters . . . Barnes writes Mr. John is privy to and writes . . . him self, and I shall know the contents for [he] sought my opinion; which is that he write . . . and commit the credit to Mr. John's brother . . . have the delivery of the letters. He is a proper [man] and can handle the matter very well, and ha[ving it] committed to him will be the abler to desco[ver] . . . there. I have dealt with Mr. John to persuade him to deliver the Spaniard in England as he p . . ., which he is willing to do but fears his brother w[ill not] consent thereto, in respect he lives by his . . ., as also it might hinder a better purpose. H . . . to take such order with his brother as i . . . fall out worthy he shall presently return to . . . In the mean time if any come hither th . . . come to the . . . where, God willing, by . . . we shall understand what they are doing . . . dealt very earnestly with him to enter . . . course which he has undertaken. I will . . . the young man in the mean time if an[y thing] worthy fall out and by his means be disco[vered] we must procure he may be rememb[ered]. He is secretary of the Chamber, which . . . and may do good offices . . . worthy could be so well des . . . [16 Dec. 1591.]

4 pp. Holograph. Imperfect.

631. Sir Richard Cockburn to Burghley. [Dec. 20.]

"This bearare Frances Tennent, merchant of Edinburgh, having procured his majestie's letter of requeist to your lordship for a licence to transport some quantitye of cornes out of that realme, hath bein so instant with me to rceommend his suite, that I have adventured in these few lynes to interpone my unacquentid credit with your lordship, moved thereto upon the losse and skaith it is evident he hath susteaned of late by those of the League, being in like sort acquent with his honest behaviour and cariage of him self in that trade he professeth: to whome yf it shall please your lordship shawe anye favour—which he houpeth to finde by my intercessioun—I will acknowledge my self verie particularlye bound to your lordship, and be most readye at all occasiouns to give acquittell in suche small offices as may further anye carying your lordship's recommendatioun in these partes." Holyrood House. Signed: R. Cokburne.

½ p. Holograph, also address. Indorsed.

632. James VI. to Burghley. [Dec. 20.]

"The heavy losse and heirschip sustenit be the berare, Frances Tennent, marchant of our burgh of Edinburgh, be sum of the Leguearis, specialie of sanct Valereis and Newheavin in France the last zeir, sufficientlie notifiit to zou and the remanent of our dearest sister zour soveranis Privie Counsale be inspectioun of his letter of marque and a sentence gevin in ane actioun intentit be him thairanent in the toun of Deip, having devolvit him in greit truble, besyde the hinder of his lauchtfull treade, he hes embraceit, for a maist convenient and fit releiff and support of sum part of that his grevous losse and indempnitie, the sute and procurement of a licence at zour handis for the transport of a thowsand quarteris of quheit toward the pairtis of France for the furnissing of our dearest broder the King of France his army and campt, or sic utheris as zour soverane standis in amitie and league withall. This sute seamyng to ws verray lauchtfull and ressonable, and a means quhairby he may be maist easilie helpit, he being ane of honnest and gude accompt and credit, alsuele in they pairtis of England quhair he commounlie resortis and traffickis as heir in his native soyle, we have taikin occasioun to recommend this his honnest sute to zour favour and courtessie, ernistlie and effectuuslie requeisting zou that for our caus ze will grant him licence to transport the quantitie of quheit afoirsaid toward they pairtis aboverememberit, and for that effect to schip the same in quhatsumevir portis, hevynuis, or pairtis within zour soveranis dominionis, quhairthrow he may upsett sumparte of his grevous losse, to the support and confort of him, his wyffe, and childrene. Quhairin as ze sall do a work baith godlie and equitable, sa sall ze do ws a richt speciall plesur to be requyte in any cais quhair we may gif zou pruiff of our thankfull rememberance of zour gudewill." Holyrood House. Signed: James R.

1 p. Addressed. Indorsed.

633. John Oliver and Derick Derickson to Mr. Archibald Douglas. [Dec. 23.]

"Whearas we wear enforced to become troublesome suters to your lordship for our better redres of the indirect practices of Henricke Barkhoult, we have thearfore thought it our dutyes to acquainte you with our proceedinges thearin; which is, that we have entred into bande to abide the awarde of the merchauntes appointed, or the fynal determinacion of the maier as umpeir yf the merchauntes appointed should not agree uppon the award before the tyme lemited to the arbitrators. It pleased God to caule Henrick Bar[k]hoult out of this mortall life before any award was fynished. By reason thearof we take that all our proceedinges thearin frustrate, for that thear is a partner yet survivinge, and thearfore we cannot understand of any that hath sufficient warraunte to prosecute the purposed end of this controversy; but beinge doubtfull of some extraordinary proceedinge against us by some troublesome persounes intrewdinge them selves hearin without sufficient warrant for owr discharge, which dealinges we most humbly crave your lordship maye be prevented by such meanes to my Lord Tresairer as your lordship shall think meeteste for us, in such sorte as was determyned before by my Lord Tresurer to the arbitrators or maior before writen." Bristol. Signed: John Olyver; Dirk Dirckson.

½ p. Addressed: "To our very good lord the Lord Imbassadoure of Scotland lyinge in Lyme Street these geve, in London." Indorsed.

634. James VI. to the Lady Arbella Stewart. [Dec. 23.]

"Although the naturall bande of bloode, my deare cousine, be sufficient for the good intertenements of amitye, yet will I not absteine from these common offices of letters, having now to long keeped silence till your fame and report of so good parts in you have interpelled me: and as I can not bot in hearte rejoyse, so can I not forebeare to signifye to you hereby what contentment I have receaved hearing of your so vertiouse behaviour: wherein I pray you most hartelye to continew, not that I doubt thereof, being certified of so full concurse of nature and nouriture, bot that you may be the more encouraged to proceade in your vertiouse demeanour; reaping the fruit of so honest estimation, the encrease of your honour and joye of your kindelye affected freindes, speciallye of me whome it pleaseth most to sie soe vertiouse and honorable syouns arise of that race whereof we have both our discent. Now having more certane notice of the place of your abode I will the more frequentlye visite you by my letters, which I would be glade to do in person, expecting also to knowe from time to time of your estate by your owen hand; which I looke you will not wearye to doe, being firste summoned by me, and knowing how farre I shalbe pleased thereby." Holyrood House.

1 p. Copy.

635. Elizabeth to James VI. [Dec. 26.]

Whereas by your letters to us, brought hither by one Andrew King your subject, you have recommended to us a cause of the said King and sundry others joined with him, containing certain complaints for spoils committed against them on the seas by sundry our subjects, for which you do require restitution to be made to them, as of things heretofore proved; we did immediately command our Council and our officers of the admiralty to peruse the said complaints and to give undelayed order for restitution to be made and the offenders punished as the truth of the cause should or might require: whereupon we plainly understand that such diligence hath been by their order used, as every particular complaint hath been perused, and inquisition made to find out and apprehend the offenders to answer thereto and to make restitution. But by reason the most part of the facts as they are by the plaintiff alleged, and in the acts of the court of admiralty do appear, so long time passed committed, as some in the year of our Lord 1572, which is 21 years past [sic], and the latest in 1577, and that at this present not one of them which are charged with the facts are living, but divers have suffered death by ordinary justice for their offences, and all the rest are naturally dead, whereof good proof is showed to the party now complaining; by which occasion there is no means left by any ordinary course of justice, either to make restitution or to punish any offender, and therefore we are forced to return the party with these our letters: who though he be not contented, yet where no ordinary is left, by means of the deaths of such parties as ought to have answered, we can make no other answer than if the complainants were our good subjects we must do. And so we require you to be assured that if any one party delinquent were extant to receive punishment and to make restitution we would as readily have relieved your subjects as though they had been our own, as knoweth the Almighty God."

3 pp. Draft in Burghley's hand. Indorsed.

636. Mr. Archibald Douglas to [William] Tenche. [Dec. 30.]

"It hathe pleased my Lorde Treasorer, your goode lorde and maister, to let mee see a relation sent to his honour by your selfe concerning a yong gentleman my servant, Jeames Moubraye, whearbye I perceave it hathe byn your pleasour bothe to suppresse the veritie of the fact concerning him, and the contentes of a letter whiche I wrote unto yow after that yow had committed the saide Jeames to prison. In your saide relation it is contayned that about the 23th of November ther was presented before yow and the burgesses one Jeames Moubraye, servande to a clockmaker in the Strande, etc. And if it had byn your pleasour to have declared the treuthe, ther is neyther suche a clockmaker as he remayned with dwelling in the Strande at this present, neyther within any pairte of your jurisdiction at that tyme of his apprehension, neyther did the saide Jeames remayne with any clockmaker, but in my lodging, by the space of these five monethes passed. And it is most trew that by crosbyting law he wes invyted frome thence by one wel learned in that profession to a banquet within your jurisdiction, wheare the constables seased upon him, being at his supper, and therafter wes committed by yow to prison, whiche so farre as I can learne is more then even your owen law will affoorde yow to doe to committe any man to prison for a matter whiche he can not come in question till he shall refuse to observe your ordour when the woman is brought a-bed. But as ever that matter shalbe founde, I wrote immidiatlye after his committing to yow, declaring that somewhat might be sayde in that matter whiche for divers respectes I refused to make any speeche of, and speciallye by reason I wolde not that any belonging to mee shoulde seeme to be against any goode ordour of your jurisidiction. I requested yow to take his owen bande for observing of your actes, and whatsoever he should binde himselfe to I wolde take ordour with him that hee shoulde fulfill the same: and if yow will keepe him in prison all the dayes of his lyfe you can get no further of him, by reason that no straunger can be oblidged to carye cautioners whersoever they goe, neyther can they compell any to be cautioner for them; and whosoever straunger that neyther hath neyther can get caution can be no further oblished nisi ad juratoriam [sic] cautionem, that is to saye, to sweare that hee neyther hathe neyther can get any other caution or suretye, but offereth him selfe readye to be bounde: whiche hee did alwayes frome the beginning of his imprisonment offer; wheare hee maye continue all the dayes of his lyfe before any other ordour can be taken for him. And I am assured if my goode lorde your master had byn ryghtlye informed and made acquaynted with the treuthe of this cause, hee wolde have given better ordour then to have suffered a young gentleman to lye in prison and bee made unhable to performe that matter whiche coulde not come in question two monethes after his apprehension."

"But in respect that I wolde bee sorye to trouble his lordship with long letters whiche he wolde for the trying of the veritie cause to be sent to yow, and therafter for the same effect make me acquainted with your answer, for avoyding of suche trouble to his lordship and prolixitie of wryting I will praye yow to examyne by your selfe if this be the treuthe of the matter whiche I have sette doune by wryting; and if so bee, to make my lorde's honour acquaynted therwith, whose advice and grave judgement I wolde wishe yow to follow, whiche I am assured wilbe according to equitie and reason, and to the whiche the saide Jeames shall obeye. Nemo ultra posse tenetur."

1⅓ pp. Copy. Indorsed: "Coppie of the seconde letter sent to Mr. Tenche."

637. Mr. Archibald Douglas to Burghley. [Dec. 30.]

"According to promes I have presumed to sende this bearer Johne Baylye, servitour to my Lorde Hume, to your lordship. Hee desyreth a passeport to goe into Scotlande by poste for receaving of some monye to furnishe his maister's jorney to Italye: also a letter to the governour of Ostend for the recoverye of suche apparrell and monye as wes taken frome him by the soldioures of that toune neere unto Dixmoothe. The inventarye therof I did leave with your lordship." Signed: A. Douglas.

½ p. Addressed. Indorsed

638. Robert Bowes to Burghley. [Dec. 31.]

The enclosed from Roger Aston was carried to Berwick and left there by James Hudson, so that it was only brought today. Hudson has doubtless sent all news, including the return of Bothwell into Lothian, in hope to find speedy end of his troubles, and the manner of his secret entry into Edinburgh, his purpose to attempt some enterprise, and how it has fallen out. All these things are in Aston's letter, which came too late for him [Bowes] to inform thereof.

Sundry noblemen in Scotland were purposed "to present the newe yeare" with a motion to the King against the Chancellor, Sir George Hume, Sir James Sandilands, and other courtiers. It is thought that they have no intelligence with Bothwell, and intend no such violent course as he best likes, but rather to obtain their desire by exhortations and reasons put before the King and Council; but such good intentions may be suddenly laid aside. It is likely that Parliament will either be prorogued or much disquieted by these occasions. The King desiring to hold it at the day limited was "amynded" to send the Queen to Dalkeith and remain himself at Holyrood with some few chosen of the nobility, and to call to Parliament such other members as were well affected to the matters to be "proponed." A new guard shall be erected for the time of this Parliament, for which Maxwell offers one hundred horsemen. The Master of Glamis came to court on the 17th instant, obtained two months respite from his horning, and departed without any reconciliation with the Chancellor. The Earl of Crawford has come to court, and the Chancellor desires him not to proceed in the accords with the Master of Glamis lately moved by Crawford and "assented unto by Spynye and his other brethren." Yet it is thought that the Chancellor will bind Crawford to him. Sir George Hume has got the King's grant subscribed for Coldingham, wherewith Bothwell is much grieved. Young Lord Ochiltree and Farnyhurst lately found sundry coining irons and "addytamentes for coygninge," with sundry coins perfect and imperfect; these tools are said to have belonged to Bothwell. Young Cesford has his remission, but Liddesdale is not committed to him, for the Duke of Lennox still challenges it as part of the earldom of Bothwell granted to him; and Cesford, "disablinge himself," seeks to have Kelso for his maintenance, offering to keep it against Bothwell and others. The matter is not yet resolved, nor does Cesford come to court.

The misery of his case, disabling him from paying his debts to her majesty and doing her service, has been often "rypped up" and made known to his lordship. The repair of the same can be only by her majesty's gracious countenance shown to him, and her licence to set up the salt pans and other means to enable him to pay his debts. Is ready to come and present to her his most humble petition for her favourable and final order, and prays his lordship to further the same. Has entreated his friend John Allen to wait upon his lordship in the absence of himself or his servant Christopher Sheperson. Prays that Allen may have favourable audience. Aske. Signed: Robert Bowes.

2 pp. Addressed. Indorsed.

Enclosure with the same:

(Roger Aston to Robert Bowes.)

The bearer will inform of the present state of matters. Desires him [Bowes] to call upon the King by letter for the redress of Liddesdale; Cesford has not yet come, and such a letter will hasten matters. The Queen has been a means for Buccleuch's ["Bochovkes"] return, which is now granted. Bothwell has been lately in Edinburgh; it is said there is some new practice in hand, but does not believe it. The Master of Glamis has been here and gone again; there is no appearance the Chancellor and he will agree. Certain ships preparing for Spain laden with corn are stayed and their lading confiscate, and strict order taken "that none shall thus awaye." Looks for his gelding so soon as convenient. Edinburgh. 24 Dec. Signed: Roger Aston.

Postscript.—Would gladly know whether the race at "Gartele" holds, as if so means to be there with others of his [Bowes'] good acquaintance. "We are porpist to goo in att the west hand, so thatt I fere we shal nott se you, butt I hope Mr. Rafe wil be there."

1 p. Holograph, also address. Indorsed by Bowes: "Roger Aston. Edinburgh, 24° Decemb. Aske ultimo ejusdem. This letter was left att Barwick by James Hudson, and therby brought thus slowly to me."

639. Robert Bowes to Burghley. [Dec. 31.]

Encloses letter from Roger Aston, delivered by post this night at eight o'clock. The details of this late outrage attempted by Bothwell are already advertised to his lordship by Mr. Aston or his means. James Douglas, Laird of Spott, base son of the Earl of Morton, late regent, Archibald Douglas, son of the Earl of Morton that now is, and John Colvile entered into this action; it is therefore thought that sundry personages of greater quality are privy to this conspiracy. Has in a former letter this day informed his lordship that the noblemen who purpose to move the King against the Chancellor and others had not intelligence with Bothwell; is now advised that they are suspected in the matter; the number of earls in that action is great, and dangerous troubles like to be kindled.

The King, in the church at Edinburgh after the sermon, thanked the provost and burgesses for their good services for the safeguard of his person, then in danger, recounting the several treasons done by Bothwell, and exhorting all men to shake off their affection to Bothwell and faithfully to serve himself. He intends to assemble his Council and others well affected, to take order to apprehend Bothwell and the other conspirators, and to determine the prorogation or holding of Parliament. Young Cesford has come to court, and the King purposes to employ him against Bothwell, wherein he is ready to obey the King's pleasure; for the King's late open actions have removed the common opinion that he would at length embrace Bothwell and accept his submission. Aske. Signed: Robert Bowes.

1 p. Addressed. Indorsed.

Copy of the same.

Cott. Calig., D. II, fol. 60.

Enclosure with the same:

(Roger Aston to Robert Bowes.)

Has not leisure to write at length: George Nicholson will inform of all things. Yesternight, being Monday, the Earl Bothwell entered the palace, accompanied with the Laird of Spott, Mr. John Colvile, and others to the number of sixty, in armour, assailed the house in all parts and took as many as they pleased, and pursued the Chancellor's house with great rigour. The King, being almost alone, for all men were at supper, withdrew himself to the tower "and ramforst the dores," and defended the place till relieved by the town. His Majesty is very well, praised be God. The Chancellor recovered his chamber with great difficulty and defended the same very well. Little blood was drawn, except John Shaye who was slain by Bothwell's men. The King was hardly pursued; his chamber door was set on fire and yet defended. We are all living, God be praised; not without great danger. Seven prisoners were taken, including a brother of John Colvile; they are all to be executed this afternoon. Edinburgh "this Tuesdaye" [28 Dec.]. Unsigned.

1 p. Holograph, also address. Indorsed by Bowes.

640. James Hudson to [Burghley]. [Dec. 31.]

"I find hir majeste's letter to have wroght this good with the King, that he will nocht only have regaerd to suche as shalbe near the yonge Duik, but he wil nocht give hime suche giftes as mae breid peril: and this he hath promisid by his owin letter to hir highness. The caws wher upon this grew was that at my cuminge I fownd that the Duik had maed suet boath for to have the keipinge of Lidsdael and the castel of Edinborow; and thowgh I had no specyal derecsyon ther in, I was boweld upon the generals whiche I had in charge to informe the King what peril it might breid to put suche great matters under his charge, who ment to serve them by sume deputte that had put thoes suets in his head; and that it wold breid hir majeste's great dislyk, seinge I was sent only to foar-warn hime of suche perills; and I fownd the King almost ressolvid to have givin theas offisis to hime if hir majeste had nocht evin then preventid hime; but now Sesford hath the oane and Coldonknolls the other, who is a very suer wel affectid mane. The Duik hath bein delt with by bad pepil but fownd unsuficyent to serve ther purposs, and that is the only cawss it seasid, for he is to kynd stil to Bothwel, and Bothwel is in Lowthyan lurkinge for sume entterpryess, as is thowght, and had laed wache for me, as I was informid."

"The Quein was perswadid by the oweld Lady Farnyhearst to deal with the King for Bacclewgh his lyssence to cume hoame, whiche by greit importunetei the King grantid, and I think it be synd since I came awae; and the Lord Home his servant Baely, who I heare is bowin hoame for the lyk efect for his master: if theas two be suffrid to goe hoame who ar men of power and interprysseis, havinge as I fear to good aquantnanse with the Duik of Parma, it is to be suspectid sume nottabil matter mae folow, joyninge hear with al the demand of the keipinge of Lidisdael, whiche mae most truble hir majeste's Borders, and the castel of Edinborow, with the promiss that is maed for a Spanyard of good acownt to cume shortly frome the general of the King of Spaen his armie by the King's a poyntment and for his service, as was advertisid by Mr. Aston of laet. But if Home and Bakclewgh wer kept abroad, and the Master off Glames at his owin howsse, I think theas things wold be wel quyettid: for this Master of Glams, the Earl Bothwel, and Mr. Archebald Dowglass it is almost in every man's mowth that no man wil beleive a trewth upon ther oath or wryttinge; and in this degrei or near this is Huntley and Montros."

"But the greatist peril that I fynd al wysh me to fear is that the King may be surpryssid by the Earls of Aroll, Moray, and Athol, who ar mor to be dowtid then other upon whoam Bothwel doth most hoap, for the Stewards have a fetche whiche they wil hardly performe, thowgh the howss of Hamilton be much waeknid by the madness of Clawd, wher with the Lord Jhon is begininge to be trublid. This danger of the King's surpryess can nocht be preventid by advyss nor advertissment, for he is of a disposisyon that wil hardly beleive suche maters til they be to evydent, and agaen he wil nocht be restraynid frome the feilds and his pastyme for any respect. And seinge they that possess his ear mae move hime to doe many things when he hearith no other but them, it restith how he mae be presservid frome evil cumpany and this danger, whiche must be by a gaerd, whiche he is nocht able to maentayn by no means, for whyll I was ther his tabil and the queins had lyk to have bein unservid for want. The quein hir howss and traen ar moar costly to hime then his owin, and all his servants of great place abuess hime, and every of them servith oan ane other's turne; and the King, beinge over frank and sumewhat neklygent, sustaynith the want and shaeme: for he hath nothinge that he acowntith serteyne to cume in to his purss but what he hath frome hir majeste, whiche of extreame neid he is drivin soar agaenst his hart to urge hir majeste for sume serteynte in, and that acownt mae be maed and tymes of paement assingnid. This the King wold have had me to have staed for, to have browght his letters and instrucsyons to hir majeste and your lordship, but I shiftid that comissyon. Ther is no wae to devert hime frome hir majeste in the world unless the other facsyon possess hime or otherwyss that plaen nesseste and want should dryve hime to taek of another prince. If it might pleas hir highness to alow hime sume reasonable penssyon, ther wold be meanis fownd to pae fifty horsmen and fifty footmen out of it, whiche wold be a mean to prevent many dangers, and serve to taek bad persons and practissinge knaves. If the King had bein thus provydid, Bothwel had nocht bein to truble the wourld, for now as it is no thinge can be intendid upon a sudaen but advertisment wil prevent it in asemblinge a number for it."

"Baely, my Lord Hom his man, hath bein with me and toweld me your lordship's speaches, and denyeth that his master had any farther to doe with the prince but to kiss his hands; but I wish it wer so." Unsigned.

3 pp. Holograph. Indorsed: Ultimo Dec. 1591. "The report of James Hudson uppon his returne owt of Scotland."

641. Papists and Protestants in Scotland. [1591.] Printed in Letters of . . . Colville, Ban. Club, p. 332.

"The Papistes and discontented erles and lordes."

"The Duke of Lennox, the Erle Huntley, Erle Montrosse, Erle Arroll, Erle Crawforth, Erle Bothwell, Erle Catnes, Erle Atholl, Erle Sotherland, Erle Murray, the Lord Maxwell, Claud Hamilton, Lord Seton, Lord Hume, Lord Gray, Lord Levyston: sixteen."

"The Protestantes and well affected to the course of England."

"The Lord Chancellour, the Erle of Marre, the Lord John Hammilton, the Erle of Anguish, the Erle of Murton, the Erle of Rothusse, the Erle Mershall, the Master of Glamis: eight."

"Many barons and burough townes very well affected in religion."

1 p. Indorsed.

Copy of the same.

Cott. Calig., D. II, fol. 45.

642. Concerning Scottish Clans.

"Angus Makonill of Dunnyveg, lately releevid furth of the castle of Edinburgh, is the sone of James Makonill of Dunnyvaig and Glennis, which James was the sone of Alexander John Canochsone, and the said John proceedit of a bastard of the Lord of the Ilis and Erle of Ross, forfected in the dayes of King James the third. This Angus hath to wyfe the sister of Lauchlane Makclane of Dowart, yet remayning in ward in Edinburgh castell, and betwixt them standes mortall enmyty, by occasioune of haynouse massacres and murders perpetrate by them and their clannis aech agaynst others. This Angus was the sone of James, begotten on his wife named Campbell, base daughter to the Erle of Ergile, foregrandfather to the Erle of Ergile that now is, which woman the forenamed James tooke out of th'andes of the sheriffe of Bute, her first husband, and begat sondry sonnes and daughters on her. And after that James was slayne by Shean Oneill, his wyfe maryed Tarlouch Lanouch, Irishman, who succeeded to Oneill, and shee died not long synce. James had sundry bretherin notable both in Scotland and Ireland, as Sorly Bwy, Alester Oig, and others. There is litle memorable thing extant eyther of Alexander, father to James, or of John, father to Alexander, but that they were sometyme kept in prison by King James the fyft and King James the fourth, and proceedid of a bastard of the lordes of the Ilis forfaltit. Lyke as of one other bastard sonne of the same blood is proceeded Donald Gormsoun or Donald Mcconill Gorme, inhabiting in Sky, one of the north ilis, and hath bene partener with Angus in his tragicall doinges and in his late prisonmente, and is releevid with him upon pledgis. These two races, proceeded of the bastard blood of the lordes of the Ilis, had litle certen inheritaunce by any lawfull right, but they and their clan, named the Clan Donald, possest sondry landes in the south and north ilis."

"Lauchlane Mcclane of Dowart, yet in ward in the castell of Edinburgh, hath ample inheritance procceeded to him from his ancestours, which were counted cheef men under the lordes of the Ilis, and synce their decay have borne out querrell agaynst the race of their bastard blood. This Lauchclane maryed the sister of this Erle of Glencarne, and his mother was the sister lawfull of Colyne, last Erle of Ergile. The principall boundes and possession of Angus and the Clandonald in the south is the whole cuntry of Kyntyre, being the outmost parte of mayne land of the realme of Scotland foranent Ireland, the most part of the Iles of Ilay, Juray, and Collonzoy. The Clandonald in the north, to whome is chiftane Donald Gorme, possessis Slait and Troutirnes in the Ile of Sky, and a parte of North Ewist. The force that this clan may make can not certenly be described, synce comonly they make their force of their freendes, as the Clanrannates, Mcane of Ardnamurchin, Clan Alestir, and diverse others. Makclane possessis the most parte of Ilis of Mull and Terie, Morvern, and summe parte of Lochquhaber in the maynelande, and has principall freendes and partakers Mctbid du Harrich [M'Leod of Harris] Mcneill of Barra, Mckynnoun of Strathordill in the Sky and diverse others."

1¾ pp. Indorsed.

643. Notes on Scottish Affairs. Cott. Calig., D. II, fol. 33.

"5 Aprill. Alley, a Catholick, cam out of Scotland, wher he sayth that Collonell Stuard used hym frendly, and shewed hym that the King had gyven warning secretly to O'Rorke to escape."

". . . (fn. 2) Aprill. O'Rork is taken at Glasco and delyvered to Carmychell by Blantyre, ageynst the myndes of the men of Glasguo. Carmychell will carry hym to Caerlile. Henry Lock attended upon this service. Mackonnell, Macklan, and Donald Gorme are delyvered, and they do offer ther service to the Queen's majesty."

"Archebald, Erle of Angush, is in perill of deth, beyng bewitched. His son backward in religion. Sondry witches taken: some that intended to bewitch the King."

"Erle Murray, with Grant and Mackantoiss, joyne against Huntley."

". . . Aprill. The Lord Scroop sendeth O'Rork to York by Richard [Booth?]."

' . . . Aprill. Patrick Adamson, bishop of St. Androos, knolledgeth his offence against the presbitery, namely in wrytyng a book called 'The King's Declaration,' to show the authorite of judicatory to be abiding in the King and not in the presbitery. He chargeth the Chancellor and the Secretory to have moved hym thereto."

". . . Aprill. Allett cam out of Scotland, having sent Georg Carr to the Erl of Huntley to be ther ageynst the tyme that certen shall come by Allett's apointment with monny into Scotland."

"Duke of Lennox marryed with the Erl of Gowryes doughter ageynst the King's will."

"Erle Bothwell accused by Richard Graham to have by wytchcraft killed the King [is] committed to the Castell."

"27 Aprill. Richard Cowborn son to the Chancellor's sister . . . the Chancellor surrender."

"5 Maii. Erle Bothwell still in prison for the charg of . . ."

"8 Maii. Mr. Bowes letters intercepted in Scotland."

"9 Maii. Snowden a servant of Sir William Reades sent with letters of . . . by two horssmen and one footeman robbed of his . . ."

"21 Maii. H. Lock sent by Mr. Bowes with sondry a . . . of request for monny to be delivered to Ha . . ."

"[1] Junii. A notable speche of the King to reprehend the I . . ."

"11 Junii. The King wryteth for favor to Mr. Carlt . . ."

"14 Junii. The King desyreth his pension and to be re . . ."

"19 Junii. Erle Bothwell offreth cautiouns Erle of Ar[ran] and Sesford: but the Erle lyketh not of the . . ."

"21. The Erle escaped out of the Castell, breakyng a hole . . . and at the west port of the town, the . . . on Gilbert Rennicok furnishyng hym with horss."

"25 June. Proclamation declaryng Bothwells escape . . . gyven ageynst hym for treason."

". . . ded to the Duk."

". . . The King rydeth to the Borders with intent to reform the [di]sorders in Lyddesdale."

". . . lii. Erle of Anguss and his son contynueth obstinat in popery. The Erle Huntley secretly come to Edenburgh but the ministery have summoned hym to appeare."

". . . Julii. Three of Bothwells houses with the office of admyrall gyven to the Duk."

". . . Julii. Sir Alexander Stuart, that went to the Duke of Parma with the Scottish Kings letters, is gon with pretence to serve the States, wherin he is suspected."

". . . Aug. Bucklugh, beyng half brother to Bothwell, refuseth to joyn with hym, and desyreth passport to travell through England."

". . . Aug. The Lord Hume discharged out of Black Ness and sueth to travell through England. Lord Jhon Hamilton brought the Erle of Huntley to the ambassador, who offreth his service to hir majesty and conformite in religion."

"Jhon Ogleby, lard of Pery Ogleby, offreth to travell abrode and ther [with to] serve hir majesty."

"The Erle Marshal delivered out of Edenburgh castell by the Queen of Scottes mean."

"The lard of Buchleugh hath surrendred the kepyng of Lyddesdale, [an]d it is thought that yong Sesford, whan he shall be pardoned [the kil]lyng of William Carr, shall be kepar ther."

". . . ct of the [Lord] of Rosslyng a party with Bothwell gyven to Huntley."

". . . on H . . ."

"The laird of Ogletre followed the [sute] . . . answer is therto made."

"17 September 1591. Erle of Anguss hath subscribed the . . ."

"2 September 1591. The Master of Glamis delyvered owt of . . . conseyved to remayn beyond the water of Dee."

"3 October 1591. Francis Dacres took shippyng at Leth."

"23 September—19 October. Erle Bothwell in Leth, wher also the Duk . . . war playeng on the sandes, and sent word to the King . . . thyther, but Bothwell escaped."

"10 November. Mr. Bowes had licenss from the Queen to come into the . . . but the Kyng requyred hym to stey a whyll."

"18. Yung Sir Robert Car, laird of Sesford, is made keper of Lyd[desdale], beyng warden of the Midle Marches."

"21 November. Mr. Bowes cum to Barwyk."

"Montross is restored to the office of the Lord Tresorer, which w . . . at Sterlyng and gyven to the Master of Glamis, but sh[all secr]atly surrender it to the use of Sir Robert Melvyll."

"28 December. Erle Bothwell brak into the court at Holly[rood], accompanyed with the laird of Spott base son to the . . . and Archibald Dowglass, son to the present Erle of . . . Colvile. They fyred the Kings chamber doore, but . . . towre, and was rescued from Edenburgh."

". . . ell of Scotland weif to Sir Robert Car the yong laird of . . . justyce in Lydesdale."

". . . the lard of Robertland, and Mr. James Darham that marryed . . . sistar by his mother committed."

". . . Stuard suspected of the Erle Bothwell's action seketh . . . into Flanders."

". . . [Jan]u. Roger Ashton retorneth to Scotland." [1591-2.]

". . . [Jan]u. The Chancellor putteth his trust in Maxwell and Montross."

". . . [Ja]nu. Collonell Stuart committed to the castell. . . . and Queen do lodg in the town of Edenburgh."

"[Th]e Duke and Huntley took on Smallett a servant of Bothwells. [who co]nfessed to have bene at the act of Holyrood houss, [prom]isyng to get Bothwell so his liff might be saved."

"[The Er]le of Huntley murdred the Erle Murray 5 February at [the ho]uss of Dunibrussills in Fiff neare the Queens Ferry." [1591-2.]

"11 Martii. The Chancellor hath agreed with . . ."

5 pp. and 2 lines. In Burghley's hand.

644. A Combination of the Nobility of Scotland. (fn. 3) Cott. Calig., D. II., fol. 13.

"[We of the] (fn. 4) [nob]ility[and peers]of this [realme] [sub]scribed, understanding by [credi]ble reportes and seeing causes that the desolacion and subvercion of justice with the perilling of true religion professed in this realme hath consisted in the pernicious and evill councell of certeine evill inspired persons, usurping our places in estate and civile administration most proper and pertinent for us and our calling, and beeing borne to that effect, as the lowable lawes and actes of parliament made there against in the dayes of his majesties noble progenitors at more length beares; nevertheles, to our great prejudice and hurt, certein of base degree and small linage in the time of his highnes minority and lesse age contracted such familiarity with his majestie, our soveraigne lord, that thereby they have obteyned the said offices and other dignities due unto the nobility of this realme as said is."

"And in that behalf we are altogether debarred from his highnes presence, and frustrate of our particuler affayres depending before the civile magistrate, which indeede is a thing that noe sanctuary [sic] can lesumlie digest with silence."

"For by their sinister informacion and coloured forme of doinges and proceedinges against us they make his highnes and the most parte of his loving subjectes to understand us to be evill affected to the true religion, and unquiet members to the common weale, howbeit they by all apparent signes kyethes themselves to be of that inclinacion."

"For remedie whereof we binde and oblige us hinc inde by our great oath of verity, that in case any of us shall attempt or take upon hand directly or undirectly to doe any thing whereby the said seditious persons may be cut of and reduced to their former manner of living, or execute otherwise to them death for their demerites, that then and in that case we, after subscribing as is afore rehearsed, shall fortifie and assist the committer of the said facte to the uttermost of our power; and in case of fayling to be [repeu]te and esteemed as defamed persons and never to [hav]e credit hereafter." . . .

1 p.