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| May 1. |
1682. Sir William Drury to the Privy Council. |
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On the 29th ult., near unto the walls of Edinburgh, there
was a meeting between the King's soldiers and those of
Edinburgh, when, notwithstanding the aid of great shot out
of the castle, the latter returned with great loss. Virac is
either from Leith returned or presently will do so. Great
preparation is made for the meeting of the King's party at
Linlithgow. The Queen's party, for keeping them out of
Edinburgh, if they cannot answer them in the fields, is likewise
occupied.—Berwick, 1 May 1571. Signed. |
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Add. Endd. P. 1¼. |
| May 2. |
1683. Henry Cobham to the Queen. |
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Has been admitted into the King's presence, who, after
reading her letters and giving him further audience, said that
he should be answered and shortly dispatched. Was afterwards accompanied to the Queen, who received her letters
with a pleasant and contented countenance, assuring him that
she would do good offices for the maintenance of the amity.
Finds that if any negligence be used in the government of
her estates they are ready to show diligence to advance their
intentions. The opinion is that all the evil which moves them
to any enterprise towards England or Ireland arises from
thence. The King is often persuaded by letters from the Pope
to attend for to enlarge the Papal power, putting him in mind
of England and Ireland. Her rebels have taken on them that
cloak, soliciting daily for help. The opinion is that the King
has paid dearly for Stuckley's intelligence, whose accustomed
manners have decayed his credit. Understands of no present
preparations of value or force here able to invade.—Madrid,
2 May 1571. Signed. |
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Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 1½. |
| May 2. |
1684. Henry Cobham to Lord Burghley. |
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Gives an account of the audiences with the King and the
Queen of Spain. In the evening, Secretary Cayas visited him,
and told him that he might know that Stuckley's credit was not
such, though the King had been gracious to him as he was to
all Englishmen who were Catholics, and also that the King
well understood how kingdoms were not so easily conquered.
Is informed that the Queen's letter and his speech to the King
must pass to Cardinal Spinosa, and then return to the King,
which will ask some time. The two princes of Hungary
shortly return towards Germany. Don John of Austria shall
go to the seas with fifty galleys, which preparation the Duke
of Florence doubts. The Marquis of Finale professes to deliver his state to the French, whereupon the Genoese has sent
to the governor of Milan for aid, who has sent it. The Duke
of Alva solicits his coming out of Flanders, dissembling his
desire, and by means of Cardinal Pacheco, his nephew at Rome,
the Pope persuades with the King how it imports very much
for the enlarging of the Catholic faith that he should stay in
Flanders. Stuckley makes suit for 11,000 ducats. He shall
have money, but the account will be corrected. Can see no
danger any manner of way towards the Queen. There have
come three English ships very well appointed, one set forth
by Osborne, "who married Huick's daughter" [Hewit]. They
have brought news which has done the Queen small service.
—Madrid, 2 May 1571. Signed. |
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Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 4. |
| May |
1685. Thomas Bannister to Cecil. |
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1. Arrived in this country in November, but by reason of the
winter weather and the practises used against him, it was
the last of April before he could come to the Prince's Court.
In passing up they sold above 1,000 pieces of kerseys for
time. Complains that the company's agent and servants go
about to make their doing appear as evil as others, and have
not spared to attempt the use of vile poison against him.
Secondly, he had for enemies all who had bought their goods
and hoped, by keeping him from the Prince, never to have to
pay. Thirdly, all the Armenians and other merchants who
have the trade to Aleppo, and serve the country with kerseys,
carrying there great quantity of silk enough to serve all Italy,
and with these were joined the Italians lying at Aleppo.
Saw that it was in vain to sue to the Council, and the Prince
has not come abroad for these 20 years, being 74 years of
age. He has placed to reign one of his sons, not being above
13 years of age, who is another young Solomon for wisdom,
and whose favour, by earnest suits, Bannister won. Immediately after the Prince had opened the matter, a gentleman
was sent to command him to send his gifts, which he did;
and within four days, officers of the wardrobe brought him
rich apparel. At his coming to the Court gates he found the
young Prince there to receive him, who brought him to a
great court where was the Emperor, to whom he gave the
Queen's message and letters, but as he could not read them
he commanded them to be put into Tartar. All his requests
were granted, saving one, which was that they might pass
through his dominions into the Indies. He kept Bannister
in talk about two hours and a half, using him very honourably
and reasoning with him of all parts of Christendom, and after
licensed him to depart, saying, "fare ye well Thomas, gentleman." After he was gone there was a trench of earth cast
up from the court gate to the gallery upon which the Emperor
stood, and the Ambassadors of "Grosyne" brought in upon
the earth thrown up, for that he would not suffer them to
tread in his court, saying that they were unclean people, and
when they were gone caused the earth they went upon to be
thrown down into the bottom of the trench. The young
Prince followed Bannister's suits, and got his books under seal
and gave him his despatch. The Emperor bought 200 kerseys
and gave ready money, and commanded his officers to see him
well used. |
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2. Departing out of Casbin towards Teveris (Tiflis) on the
9th November last in company with a serjeant of arms whom
he obtained of the Emperor to apprehend his debtors, and carrying 1,400l., there was good fellows laid for him to the number
of thirty, but he and his men being all armed, and every man
two dags, they were content to let them pass. Having got in
all his debts at Tiflis, he departed towards Shamaki for the
conduction of 200 camels laden with "guoles," spices, and
silk, and 770 tomans, every toman being 5l. sterling. Has
been one month on the journey from Tiflis. One night, by
the way, certain horsemen set upon the caravan, but pieces
being shot off amongst them they fled. Gives details of sales
and of goods belonging to the company remaining in his
hands. Complains of the robberies perpetrated by certain of
the company's servants.—Shamaki, 2 May 1571. Signed. |
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Add. Endd. Pp. 3½. |
| April 22 and May 4. |
1686. Queen Elizabeth to the Regent Lennox. |
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Is glad that Dumbarton Castle is returned into his possession, and wishes that he should make good choice of such as
shall take the charge thereof, that it be not surprised by fraud
or corruption. Forbears the answer of certain other things in
his letter until he may have conferred with the Earl of Morton,
whom she trusts has now arrived. Desires that her subject
Johnson, who was taken in Dumbarton, may be sent to the
Marshal of Berwick.—Westminster, 22 April 1571.
Copy. |
| May 4. |
The Regent Lennox to Queen Elizabeth. |
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Trusts to use Dumbarton to her liking and contentment.
Has conferred with Morton, and understands that her meaning
is that in this approaching Parliament in the middle of May
some should have been appointed for conference and treaty of
pacification in the matters of controversy of this State. Complains of the proceedings of their adversaries, who change
Sovereigns yearly at their fantasy; also that Edinburgh the
capital, where the Parliament and seat of justice ought to be,
is held by waged men raised upon foreign charges. Beseeches
her to look upon the cause as now being in action, and how it
cannot well suffer her longer neutrality. Craves her comfortable aid and maintenance, which she may well give as the
adversaries are with foreign support massing forces together
to suppress the cause of the young King. Has travailed in
the examination of Johnson, and finds him very dissimulate.
—Stirling. |
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Copy. Endd. Pp. 2¼. |
| May 4. |
1687. Queen Elizabeth to the Regent Lennox. |
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Again requires him to send the prisoner taken in Dumbarton to Berwick. If his name is Hawle, thinks him to be a
person very seditious, and who has been by her orders this
last year sought for in Derbyshire. |
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Incomplete. Draft in Burghley's writing. Endd. P. 2/3. |
| May 5. |
1688. Advices from Italy. |
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News from Rome, dated 5 May 1571, chiefly relating to
the proceedings of the league against the Turk. Also reports
from various places. |
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Endd. Ital. Pp. 5. |
| May 5. |
1689. The Queen to Sir Francis Walsingham. |
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Does not so much disallow the Archbishop of Cashel's request for pardon and restitution to his bishopric as the slender
manner of his suit, being void of all recognition of his offences,
and therewith his desire to repair into Ireland without first
coming to England. Is to inform him that if he will come
into England upon warrant he will find her ready to show
him grace according to his humbleness in suing for it. Understands that there is not such great account to be made of him
as he pretends, neither is he of kin to the Earl of Desmond,
nor of any credit in Ireland. Allows well of the Irishman
whom he has employed to attend on him, and desires to be
advertised in what manner he may be best rewarded. |
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Draft in Burghley's writing. Endd. Pp. 12/3. |
| May 6. |
1690. Sir William Drury to Lord Burghley. |
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Duke Hamilton, with 160 persons, is come to Edinburgh.
They fortify within the gates. Lord Boyd is a dealer for the
taking up of matters amongst them, and yesterday there is
passed towards their Queen, James Boyd, a principal servant
of his. Forwards letters.—Berwick, 6 May 1571. Signed. |
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Add. Endd. P. 2/3. |
| May 7. |
1691. The Laird of Grange to the Earl of Morton. |
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Understands by letters from England that the treaty began
in that realm was deferred upon Morton's alleging that he had
not sufficient authority to conclude, desiring a delay till the
commission might be obtained in the Parliament which they
intended to hold in May instant. Perceives by a proclamation that the Earl of Lennox and his adherents are preparing
forces to come shortly to this town. If he and the other
noblemen joined with him will come in quiet manner with
no other purpose than to treat of a commission for the prosecuting of the said treaty without attempting anything
touching forfeitures, the town shall be made patent to them,
and none shall molest them; but if they come with any
other intention they shall have no other entrance but such as
they may purchase by force. Protests if this offer be refused
that the stay of any good purpose shall not be imputed to
the nobility here convened or to himself.—Edinburgh Castle,
7 May 1571. |
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Copy. Endd. P. 1. |
| May 7. |
1692. The Earl of Morton to Kirkcaldy of Grange. |
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As his letter concerns the King's authority and the Regent
and Council, he can of himself give him no direct answer.
Who has been the occasion of the disturbance of the realm
Grange can testify.—Dalkeith, 7 May 1571. |
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Copy. Endd. P. ⅓. |
| May 8. |
1693. Sir William Drury to Lord Burghley. |
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If the Englishman who was taken in Dumbarton is sent
hither he will see him safely kept. One named John Spencer
is already stayed here, whose confession he sends. There is a
new decay of the bridge, for which they lack stuff. They are
forced nightly to leave the drawbridge down. Will follow
his directions touching the passengers from and to Scotland.
Berwick, 8 May 1571. Signed. |
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Add. Endd. P. 1. |
| May 8. |
1694. Lord Scrope to Lord Burghley. |
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Yesterday afternoon Lords Herries and Maxwell and Lochinvar were assembling such force of horsemen as they can in
Annandale, and mind to set forth with them towards Edinburgh on Friday next.—Carlisle, 8 May 1571. Signed. |
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Add. Endd. P. ⅓. |
| May 12. |
1695. News from Italy. |
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Venice, 12 May 1571. Progress of the Holy League. Capture of a vessel with pilgrims from Loretto. Levies of troops.
Capture of a ship bound from Alexandria to Rhodes worth
200,000 crowns. |
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Ital. Pp. 3¼. |
| May 12. |
1696. Henry Cobham to Lord Burghley. |
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Has not as yet received any answer from the King, who is
wholly employed in dispatching the Emperor's two sons, who
leave on the 27th instant. Can perceive no other occasion for
his stay. The going of the Duke of Medina Celi into Flanders is not determined, and the soldiers who should pass thither
to renew the garrisons cannot be shipped afore the end of
June.—Madrid, 12 May 1571. Signed. |
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Add. Endd., with seal. P. 1. |
| [May 12.] |
1697. Benedict Spinola to Lord Burleigh. |
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The Duke of Alva has orders to give up his government, in
whose place the Duke of Medina Celi will succeed. He wishes,
before his departure from Flanders, to settle the matters
touching the traffic and good intelligence with England.
Signed. |
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Add. Endd., with seal. Ital. Pp. 22/3. |
| May 13. |
1698. Sir William Drury to the Privy Council. |
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On the 9th instant the Earl of Argyle and the Lords Arbroath and Boyd, at 5 am., accompanied with fifty-five persons,
came to Edinburgh. The Regent, with his friends to the
number of 4,000, came on the 11th to Leith. About the
midst of the day, certain horsemen issued out of the castle
and skirmished with some of his. There were on either side
two taken. There have been two proclamations made within
the town; the first to warn all who depend on Lennox or
Morton to leave the town within one hour, at their perils;
the other forbidding any of the inhabitants to approach the
walls, or after 2 pm. to come out of their houses. They have
repaired the walls and closed up half of the Nether-Bow. On
the 9th, Grange's brother came out of France with munitions
of powder and shot, morrions, and some calivers, and also
money, which was conveyed up to the castle. James Macgil's
stuff and plate is taken by the soldiers. Mr. Knox is quietly
retired over the water, having understanding that the Hamiltons had vowed him a shrewd turn. The Earl of Argyle
and Lord Boyd are dealers secretly for pacification. Lord
Fleming has departed to France. Has two persons in Edinburgh and Leith. Grange has, since the return of his brother,
paid his soldiers in French crowns. Berwick, 13 May 1571.
Signed. |
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Add Endd. P. ½. |
| May 13. |
1699. The Earl of Morton to Kirkcaldy of Grange. |
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Has shown his letter to the Regent and Council, and will
now give him a direct answer. Knows not what his letters
from England contained, but if he had conferred with him he
would have made him understand that the matter was otherwise than his letter imports. He is himself the manifest
occasion that the Estates of Scotland come to Edinburgh in
arms, which ought to be patent to all the King's good subjects
without such trouble as he now ministers. Defends Lennox's
fitness for the post of Regent, in which room Grange has
recognised him, as his handwriting bears witness, and cannot
believe that any should mislike his regiment except such as
find themselves pricked with such odious crimes, which peradventure they think he occupying the charge, cannot well
remit. The withstanding of the holding of Parliament by
force has never been attempted before, except by those who
were plain rebels. Finds it very strange and proud that he
being but a private man, should prescribe to the Regent and
the Estates of the Realm what they should treat upon being
convened in Parliament, and how and what manner they
should convene thereto, and for him to take their surety upon
himself when they are more able to make his surety than he
to make theirs. If any inconvenience falls out his unreasonable proceedings will be the occasion thereof, and if any of the
King's obedient subjects shall perish in the prosecution of his
cause, their blood will be required at his hands, for it had not
been in the power of the adversaries to have resisted the
King's authority if Grange had not given over himself and
the house committed to his trust for the safeguard of the disowners of his authority, and such as are suspected guilty of
heinous and odious crimes.—Leith, 13 May 1571. |
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Copy. Endd. Pp. 2½. |
| May 13. |
1700. Carolus Danicus to James VI. |
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Begs that he will again intercede with the King of Denmark for the liberation of Captain John Clark.—13 May
1571. Signed: Carolus Danicus. |
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Lat. Pp. 1¼. |
| May 14. |
1701. The Regent Lennox to the Queen. |
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Has sent the Englishman who was taken at Dumbarton to
Berwick, together with such information and notes as could
be had of him. Some contrariety appears in his declarations
which gives occasion to try him more nearly, but being an
Englishman it was not thought convenient here "to urge him
by pains." If he or the Bishop of Ross declares anything
touching the King or his estate he craves that he may be made
participant thereto.—Leith, 14 May 1571. Signed. |
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Add. Endd. P. ½. |
| May 14. |
1702. The Regent Lennox to Lord Burghley. |
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Sends herewith such notes and informations as he could
gather from John Hall, who was apprehended in Dumbarton,
and whom he has sent to Berwick. Is lying at Leith with a
good company of noblemen and others ready to hold the
Parliament, from which the adversaries in Edinburgh joined
with Grange think to debar them, having made all kinds
of fortifications in the town, and lately received succours of
money and munition from France.—Leith, 14 May 1571.
Signed. |
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Add. Endd. P. ½. |
| May 14. |
1703. The Queen to the Earl of Morton. |
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For the restitution of certain woad belonging to Acerbo
Velutelli, an Italian merchant residing in England, which has
been taken upon the seas by pirates, and brought into Scotland. |
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Draft. Endd. P. 2/3. |
| May 14. |
1704. Francis Walsingham to Lord Burghley. |
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Has given the pretended Archbishop, who is now at Nantes,
to understand that Her Majesty does not allow the slender
manner of his submission, neither can think him worthy of
favour or grace unless he repairs into England, and there with
all humility sues unto her for the same. Has informed Capt.
Thomas how Her Majesty has accepted in very good part his
late services, who has desired to have some charge either in
Ireland or elsewhere. There is very good account made of
him here, and though most of the captains and soldiers are
discharged he is allowed by the King 16 crowns a month
pension. His father's name was Bathe, one of the justices in
Ireland, and his brother is Recorder of Drogheda. Is secretly
given to understand that Ridolphi had letters of credit from
the Spanish Ambassador to the Duke of Alva, whereupon,
after long conference with the Duke, he was despatched to
Rome with letters of credit to the Pope, and also with
letters to the King of Spain, promising to be at Madrid
on the 20th inst. Can learn nothing as yet touching the
matter committed to him. The Scots here have some enterprise in hand, as he is informed by the party whom he
appointed to observe Lord Seton's doings. Virac is in hopes
to return to Scotland with new forces, which secretly he says
to his friends depends only on the resolution of the marriage
now in hand. Lord Seton departs into Flanders, being sent
for by the Queen's rebels there, who have somewhat in hand
presently to be executed. They of late have been very importunate for passports, which he has thought good to make some
stay of for a time. Understands that De la Roche's enterprise
in Ireland was to have executed a plot of conquest devised
by Peter Strozzi in King Henry's time, which, if the match
go not forward, he is promised he shall go in hand withal.
The Queen Mother denies now that she prefixed a day of
answer. Must needs confess that in requiring the same she
used such words as Her Majesty has no cause to be justly
offended, which omitting to impart to her, he craves pardon.
Sends a packet which he has received from Mr. Cobham.—
Paris, 14 May 1571. Signed. |
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Add. Endd. Printed by Digges. Pp. 32/3. |
| May 14. |
1705. M. Dupin to Lord Burghley. |
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Is desired by M. Montmorency to inform him of his contentation at learning the happy termination which he is about to
put to the plan of the late Cardinal of Chatillon for establishing a perpetual friendship between the two kingdoms.—
Paris, 14 May 1571. Signed. |
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Add. Endd. Fr. P. ¾. |
| May 15. |
1706. Lord Scrope to Lord Burghley. |
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On Sunday, about midnight, the Regent entered the Cannongate at Edinburgh. Lord Herries was yesternight at Biggar
and cannot come nearer Edinburgh, for the Earl of Morton
has laid in his way. The town of Edinburgh greatly favours
the Regent's party.—Carlisle, 15 May 1571. Signed. |
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Add. Endd. P. ¼. |
| May 15. |
1707. Sir William Drury to the Privy Council. |
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Has received the Englishman who was taken in Dumbarton
and prays that some order may be taken for his calling from
hence. On the 13th Lord Ruthven, with the men of St.
Johnstone's and Dundee, came into the Cannongate, and have
placed two small pieces on the hill above the Queen's College
to dismount a piece or two on the walls. A gentleman of the
Earl of Glencairn's was the same night slain by one of the
soldiers of the same side. One who came thence yesterday
about nine was not come half-a-mile, but he heard six great
pieces shoot out at the castle, and all the way hitherwards so
far as pieces might be heard he heard shooting. Lord Herries
and his company being impeached by Morton with 800 men,
is retired back again. Ferniehurst has entered Edinburgh
with 80 persons. The Earl of Huntley and others are stirring
up and down the streets for doubt of the inhabitants, whom
they greatly suspect. It is said that they have caused the
clock of the town to stay, fearing the certain time and appointment of warning to be agreed between them and those
without when they should attempt to enter. The Regent has
sent word that Grange having assembled the bailiffs and chiefs
of the town declared that he had sworn himself English,
offering with his body to prove it. Certain houses in the
Potter's row were set on fire yesterday morning. There is
great labour for the defence of the town, which he thinks will
serve for any Scottish seige. Liddlesdale and Tividale have
of late done them some displeasure.—Berwick, 15 May 1571.
Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Pp. 2¾. |
| May 15. |
1708. Advices from Germany. |
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News from Prague of 9 May and from Vienna of the
15 May 1571. |
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Endd. Ital. P. 1. |
| May 15. |
1709. Francis Walsingham to Lord Burghley. |
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Thanks him for his Spanish and Scottish advertisements.
Is glad that Stuckley is in no better grace, yet could have
wished the fear thereof to have remained for some other respect. They rest here amazed for that the answer is so long
deferred. Challenges to himself no great judgment, but if
this matter proceed not he sees their ruin at hand.—Paris,
15 May 1571. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd., with seal. P. 2/3. |
