|
| May 17. |
1710. Sir William Drury to the Privy Council. |
|
The Regent has held his parliament in a house of the
Cannongate, which is within the liberties of Edinburgh.
They have forfeited Lethington and his brother and two of
the Hamiltons. Lords Herries, Maxwell, and Lochinvar, with
their forces, entered Edinburgh yesternight. On the 15th inst.
the Duke and the rest of the nobility went to the Tolbooth to
hold their parliament, using the crown, sceptre, and sword.
It is said that they have chosen four regents, to wit, the Duke
and the Earls of Huntly, Argyle, and Athole. Divers within
the town are slain and hurt. Without the town the master
gunner and a boy are slain, and an Englishman, two women,
with others, hurt. The Regent has caused proclamation that
all men shall lodge in the Cannongate, and no man, upon pain
of death, to withdraw himself; and not without cause, as they
daily draw homewards. Gives the names of the nobility who
are with the Regent. There is neither mining nor battery or
any other kind of engineering used against the town. There
issued out of Edinburgh certain horsemen who took twentyeight or thirty of the Regent's horses without receiving any
hurt. A ship and a pinnace are hovering to and fro upon the
coast.—Berwick, 17 May 1571. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Pp. 12/3. |
| May 18. |
1711. Advices from Lyons. |
|
Intended interview between the King of France and the
Huguenot leaders, and marriage of Madame Marguerite to the
Prince of Navarre. Match between the Queen of England and
the Duke of Anjou. League between England, France, and
the Protestant princes of Germany for the conquest of Flanders.
—Lyons, 18 May 1571. |
|
Endd. Ital. Pp. 1½. |
| May 19. |
1712. Francis Walsingham to the Earl of Leicester and
Lord Burghley. |
|
They rest here in very good opinion of the matter, and if
the articles were here that are to be propounded by Her
Majesty it would make them more reasonable in the point of
religion. They are content that that article shall be left out.
Montmorency has done very good offices. They stand upon
the Queen's promise to deliver her articles as soon as she
should receive the King's. Beseeches, therefore, that for the
putting away of all jealousy they may be sent with speed.—
Vernon, 19 May 1571. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd., with seal. P. 1. |
| May 19. |
1713. News from Rome. |
|
Conclusion of the league against the Turk. Siege of Rocca
Di Finale. Proceedings in the consistory. |
|
Ital. Pp. 3¾. |
| May 20. |
1714. Sir William Drury to the Privy Council. |
|
The Regent and his company have finished their parliament
and forfeited six persons, viz., the Laird of Lethington and his
two brethren, the Bishop of St. Andrews' son, and the Commendator of Kilwinning and his son. They have established
Acts for the remission of the Earl of Crawford and his friends
for disobedience of the King's authority heretofore, and that
the heirs of those who shall be killed in the King's service
shall have their wardship free. The Regent, with his forces,
left Cannongate for Leith yesternight. His men fall away,
some for want of money, and some by practise. Skirmishes
and sallies before Edinburgh. Lord Herries being advertised
by the Laird of Drumlanrig of the Earl of Morton's lying in
wait for him, fetched a compass, and so entered Edinburgh.
On Morton's burdening Drumlanrig therewith he denied it
not. The Lords of the King's party have refused to contribute
money for the pay of soldiers, lest the precedent should be
prejudicial to them and their posterity. On Friday the Lords
Morton and Herries had conference together. The ministers
and superintendents of the country, taking with them the
minister of Edinburgh, called John Craig, went to the castle,
and there declared before the whole company of the nobility
that seeing the great desolation and ruin of the country like
to ensue through the intestine wars began amongst the nobility
they were come to know what cause moved some of them there
present who had been principal doers in the setting up of the
King's Majesty, so violently to take in hand wars against him
for deposing him and annihilating the government established
under his authority. Secretary Balfour and the captain of the
castle answered that they were of necessity forced to do what
they did, and further said that they marvelled that they would
take upon them to have anything to do with the government
of the State which appertained nothing unto them. The
ministers replied that they marvelled most that Grange having
such trust committed unto him had left so good a cause.
Lethington is presently to pass into France.—Berwick, 20 May
1571. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Injured by damp. Pp. 3. |
| May 20. |
1715. The Queen to Sir William Drury. |
|
Understanding the new troubles arisen at Edinburgh, is
moved to enter into earnest consideration of what is meetest
to be done, which without more certain knowledge she cannot
fully determine. Directs him, therefore, to repair with all
speed to the Regent, and enquire of him his whole estate and
what he intends to do, and of his ability both for offence of his
enemies and defence of himself. He shall also enquire of the
estate and purposes of the other party, to whom he shall let
the Regent know that he has some message to do. He shall
tell Grange and the noblemen joined with him that she finds
it very strange that they have of late attempted to come to
that castle and town with such force in warlike manner and
commit hostile acts against the Regent and his party when it
was meant that he should hold a parliament to appoint commissioners to treat with those of the Queen of Scots to make
an accord for the title of the crown betwixt her and her son,
and consequently re-establish a common peace in that realm
wherein she also intended to employ her labours, which purpose she has caused the captain of the castle to be advertised.
Condemns him also of falsehood and untruth if it be true that
he has reported to the common people that the Regent is sworn
English against his country and means to deliver all the castles
and strengths to her, as he never signified any such disposition
towards her, nor did she ever motion any such matter to him.
Is to require Grange to notify to her the truth of this. If he
shall in this sort seek to increase the troubles of the realm and
draw in strange forces, as is reported, she will judge that to be
true which by some has been long doubted, that he and his
companions are partially disposed for their own lucre and to
maintain their disordered authorities, to continue these inward
troubles by pretending to favour the Queen, with whom it is
known that before time they could not be content. If this
appear to be their intents she will be ready to avenge their
ingratitude and obstinacy against the common peace. He is
to impute the principal blame to Lethington, as the instrument
and nourisher of these lamentable divisions. If need be he
may add some sharper speech whereby the captain and his
party may conjecture that she will give present aid to the
Regent. After he has considered the state of the Regent and
of the contrary party, he shall consider what possibility there
were to recover Edinburgh Castle, how able the Regent might
be thereto with his own power, and what supply of skilful
men and great ordnance were necessary for that purpose;
"and therein when you shall confer with him to have regard
that his demands may be by you made moderate and reasonable, for we know they will ask largely, and so to use your
speech that he may not conceive any certainty to have such
aid from us until you shall hear from us again." He is to
consider that the supply of men and ordnance must be sent
from the garrison of Berwick, whereof he will be the leader.
Will direct Lord Hunsdon and Sir John Forster to their
charges, to the intent that the Regent's friends may be comforted and their contraries used in contrary manner. Leaves
the rest to his discretion, knowing his judgment, how necessary it is for her that the Regent and his party should not be
ruined. Herle is to be kept as straitly and secretly as possible,
and to be examined on certain articles sent herewith, and let
him "looke to be racked to all extremity if he will conceal
the truth, and, contrarywise, will be pardoned with favour
if he will freely confess." Is to confer with the Earl of
Morton lest he conceive any jealousy of his dealings with the
Regent. |
|
Draft entirely in Burghley's writing. Endd.: 20 May
1571. Pp. 7½. |
| May 21. |
1716. Queen Elizabeth to the Regent Lennox. |
|
Being desirous that the parties contending in Scotland may
be brought to concord, she has sent Sir William Drury, whom
she prays him to credit in all such things as he shall in her
name communicate.—Westminster, 21 May 1571. |
|
Copy. Endd. P. ¼. |
| May 22. |
1717. The Duke of Chatelherault and the Earl of
Huntley to the Queen. |
|
As they doubt not that she hears many things reported to
their disadvantage by their adversaries, they take the boldness to declare to her the state of their proceedings and what
their intentions are. Have long time looked for some end
to these dissensions, with which the country is so miserably
vexed, and have lightly passed over many injuries and indignities done to them, which they could have resisted, or at
least have avenged, having heard what travail she had taken
to procure a union amongst the estates of the realm. Complain of the shifts used by Morton to hinder her intentions by
alleging that he was not sufficiently authorised. Although it
has been offered to them that they might without molestation
assemble themselves in this town and call their convention an
assembly or parliament, as it pleased them, provided they
should meddle in no other matter, but only a sufficient commission to be granted for concluding the treaty, they have
refused this offer. They have held an informal parliament in
a private house in the Cannongate, which tended only to the
setting forth of their private malice against some whom they
misliked, and never entered into anything for the prosecution
of the treaty, but in plain language said that it was quite cut
off. In consideration thereof they can no longer suffer the
people to be blindly led in error upon a surmised dimission of
the crown, whereon they have builded their pretended authority, which they have tyrannously exercised to the overthrow
of the public state. They all know by her own words that
she never could digest that subjects should take upon them
to deprive their princess of their lawful authority. The pretended dimission is known to have been made in the place of
her imprisonment, and extorted under fear of present death,
which can by no law stand in force. Protest that they mean
no disturbance of the amity between the two realms, and that
they will do their uttermost to procure quietness on the
Borders, and will be willing to do her all the service they
may, their allegiance to their own sovereign assured. She
has had experience of their adversaries to her great charges,
and no advantage, and wish she would take like proof of them
who seek nothing but her good favour, and that she will not
aid their adversaries to their prejudice.—Edinburgh, 22 May
1571. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Pp. 2⅓. |
| May 22. |
1718. The Duke of Chatelherault and the Earl of
Huntly to Lord Burghley. |
|
Excuse themselves through haste for not having sent a
suitable messenger with their letter to the Queen. Will give
no occasion why they should not have as good a part in her
favour as any other noblemen in this realm, and beg his mediation that the same may be the more easily obtained.—
Edinburgh, 22 May 1571. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. P. 2/3. |
| May 22. |
1719. Benedict Spinola to Lord Burghley. |
|
Desires to know when his cousin may come and see him,
towards whom he begs he will bestow his favour.—22 May.
Signed. |
|
Add. Endd., with seal. Ital. Pp. 1¼. |
| May 23. |
1720. Sir William Drury to the Privy Council. |
|
On Sunday morning the Regent, with all that remained
with him to the number of 1,500, marched towards Stirling,
and when they were two miles distant from Leith the castle
shot at them divers pieces, which did no harm. They of the
town and castle issued out, when both parties put themselves
in order of battle, but did not fight. In a letter from the
Earl of Morton, he says that money has come out of France to
the Laird of Grange, which has greatly [strengthened] that
part, and if the Queen of England does not take some order
herein that all will turn from evil to worse; wishing that the
Lord Home might want his living, which not only helps him
but others in these actions. There is great misliking of the
Regent even amongst those who concur with him, saying that
he is an Englishman, cruel and extreme where he has the
upper hand—nothing liberal, suspicious, and nothing affable.
They little regard either his words or proclamations. On
Sunday all persons were restrained by proclamation from
bringing provisions to any who were not at the King's
obedience upon pain of treason. Requires their directions
touching Herle, who is now kept in the chamber of the wall.
—Berwick, 23 May 1571. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Pp. 22/3. |
| May 23. |
1721. Lord Scrope to Lord Burghley. |
|
Yesternight the Greames, Forsters, and other borderers, to
the number of 300, set forth to spoil the goods of the town
of Blaikshawe, within five miles of Dumfries. The inhabitants having warning hereof put away all their cattle, so they
got very little, but on their return they seized about 50 head
of nowlt of the town of Annan, which they have brought home
and divided. Lords Herries and Maxwell are returned home
this morning.—Carlisle, 23 May 1571. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. P. ½. |
| May 24. |
1722. Sir William Drury to Lord Burghley. |
|
This night takes his journey towards the Regent. Minds
to procure an abstinence for certain days during his being
there. Takes with him Captain Brickwell and Mr. Lovel,
leaving the charge of the town to the Master of the Ordnance.
Has given order for the stay of John Cobham, a Scotchman.
Sends some matter from Herle in answer to the articles, and
also a packet of letters from Grange. A ship with munitions
for the castle has been taken. A man-of-war and a pinnace
are lying off and on this coast, with a letter of marque from
the Prince of Orange. Desires to know whether he [they] shall
be dealt with to attend the coming of any more munition.—
Berwick, 24 May 1571. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Pp. 12/3. |
| May 25. |
1723. The Duke of Chatelherault and others to—. |
|
Commanding all who profess the Queen of Scots' obedience
to come to them within three days from the receipt hereof.—
Edinburgh, 25 May 1571. |
|
Copy. Endd. P. ⅓. |
|
1724. Another copy of the above. |
|
Endd. by Burghley. P. ⅓. |
| May 25. |
1725. Lord Scrope to Lord Burghley. |
|
Encloses copies of a letter received from Lord Herries and
of his answer thereunto. Has the rather given him this
answer to keep and stay him from his purposed journey to
Edinburgh. Whatsoever Burghley will have him do, either to
the stay of these people or to their encouragement, if he shall
set forth he will be ready to perform.—Carlisle, 25 May 1571.
Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. P. ½. |
| May 24. |
1726. Lord Herries to Lord Scrope. |
|
The Earl of Lennox caused proclaim a pretended parliament to be held in Edinburgh on the 14th inst. It was given
them to understand that the Earl Morton had promised in
England that the same should tend to no other end but to
have their agreement to such heads as were capitulated there
betwixt the Council of England and the commissioners for
their mistress. The captain of the Castle of Edinburgh offered
that the town and tolbooth of Edinburgh should be peaceable,
so that they would pretend no forfeiture or injuries to others.
They being the greater party were not content therewith, and
made a fashion of besieging the town, and held their convention in the Cannongate, and after their manner forfeited the
Abbot of Kilwinning and the others. Has convened with the
Earl of Morton, but could fall to no agreement. Complains
of spoils and slaughters committed by those under Scrope's
charge in Scotland. Has appointed shortly to be in Edinburgh again, and if these things be not amended he must
send and declare that he may not come there for these causes.
—Perregles, 24 May. |
|
Copy. P. 1. Enclosure. |
| May 25. |
1727. Lord Scrope to Lord Herries. |
|
Whatsoever has been attempted by the subjects of England
under his charge to the breach of peace has been done utterly
against his direction and commandment, but there being no
officer opposite sufficiently authorised to answer the like done
against the Queen's subjects, he cannot enter into the making
of any redress at present; nor can he anywise ascertain him
of their future doings.—Carlisle, 25 May 1571. |
|
Copy. P. ¾. Enclosure. |
| May 25. |
1728. Lord Scrope to the Earl of Sussex. |
|
A counterpart of his letter to Lord Burghley.—Carlisle,
25 May 1571. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. P. ½. |
| May 25. |
1729. Francis Walsingham to Lord Burghley. |
|
On the 20th he repaired to Gaillon and declared at large to
the Queen Mother such reasons as moved Her Majesty to
maintain her first answer touching the article of religion; to
which she answered that she saw very well that they were not
to be lightly weighed, and that she would consult with the
King and Monsieur. Afterwards he repaired to Monsieur, and
showed him the great inconveniences that would follow by
such permission as he required; and also that Her Majesty
did not press him to such sudden change of religion as might
cause him to be reputed for an atheist, but only that he
should forbear the use of private mass and examine whether
he might not with good devotion use the form of prayers
appointed throughout her realm, the same being in effect
nothing but that which the Church of Rome uses, saving that
it is in the English tongue, which, if he pleased, might be
translated into French; and further, that the usage of the
Divine service in England did not properly compel any man
to alter his opinion in the great matters being now in controversy in the church. Monsieur replied that the commendations of Her Majesty's rare gifts of mind and body (being,
even as her enemies say, the rarest creature that was in
Europe these five hundred years) had made him yield to be
wholly hers; and therefore he wished that no inconvenience
should ensue to her through him. Considering, however, that
the exercise of his religion touched his soul and conscience, he
hoped that she would dispense with him in that behalf, and
that she would weigh what it was to do anything with scruple
or remorse of conscience. On the following day Walsingham,
having access to the King, showed him the reasons that
led the Queen to maintain her former answer, and requested
him from her that he would persuade his brother not to be so
resolute in requiring a toleration that might prove so dangerous.
The King desired that the articles to be propounded by Her
Majesty might be sent that the whole matter might be jointly
considered of. On repairing to the Queen Mother she said
that as well touching religion as other points, reason should
decide on their parts all such difficulties as should arise. It
is thought that M. De Foix shall be sent over with the King's
answer, and that Montmorency shall be sent over to ratify
such articles as are agreed upon. Desires that a book of
Common Prayer translated into French may be sent that he
may present the same to Monsieur. Count Ludovic has desired
him to move the Queen to license Hawkins underhand to
serve him with certain ships.—Vernon, 25 May 1571. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Printed by Digges. Pp. 5. |
| May 25. |
1730. The Earl of Rutland to Lord Burghley. |
|
Divers French gentlemen having wished him to follow
Monsieur, he desires to have his advice in that matter. If he
does not think it fit that he should do so, he will travel along
the Loire to Rochelle, and so "cut over to" Lyons, whence he
may either go into Italy or Germany.—Paris, 25 May 1571.
Signed. |
|
Add. Endd., with seal. P. 1. |
| May 25. |
1731. The Duke of Montmorency to Lord Burghley. |
|
Has received his letter of the 22nd ult., and is glad to perceive his desire to forward that which has been commenced
for the purpose of forming a good and lasting alliance between
the two kingdoms, which he promises to aid with all his
power.—Gaillon, 25 May 1571. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Fr. P. 1. |
| May [25]. |
1732. Conference between Walsingham and M. De Foix. |
|
Walsingham, after speaking of the importance of the negociations and of his good will to remove all difficulties, said
that he found the only one to be in religion which by
De Foix's good help might be reduced to accord. De Foix
protested that he had never travailed more earnestly in any
matter in his life wherein through the counter practices of
divers others he found no small difficulty, Monsieur being by
them persuaded that it would be his hap to march in rank
with the forsaken. If the Queen continued resolute to maintain her answer in the difficulty of religion the matter was at
an end, for religion being a constant persuasion confirmed by
time cannot but by time be removed, and if Monsieur had no
religion, then was he unworthy of the Queen and of the
place and degree that he bears. As for Monsieur, he knew
him to be religious in his kind, wherein he supposed him not
to be so assuredly grounded but there might grow alteration
and change thereof in time. After some further conversation
Walsingham, touching the inconvenience which would happen
to Monsieur, said that if he joined with the Protestants he
would favour those whom the Queen especially favours, and
gain favour with her councillors, and continue the realm in
repose and quietness; if, on the other side, he persisted in his
religion, he would not gain the Catholics unless they may
have the like liberty as he enjoyed. Secondly, they are
already devoted to the Queen of Scots, and mislike nothing
more than this marriage, and on the other side it will breed
some misliking of him with the Protestants. He then showed
him the inconveniences which would arise to the Queen by
the breach of law; offence of her good subjects, and encouragement of the evil ones, which are of more moment than anything that could happen to Monsieur. To this De Foix
replied that his relenting in religion being a matter of conscience was an inconvenience of more weight than any that
might happen to the Queen. In the end, after many replications on both sides, he concluded that he was well assured
that in no case would Monsieur be brought upon a sudden to
yield to any change of religion, yet he doubted not but that
within a small time after the match the same would easily be
brought to pass without any great difficulty, and declared
that in his opinion and conscience nothing could more further
religion throughout Christendom than this match. Walsingham answered for conclusion, that the Queen was fully
resolved to maintain her answer to the second article or otherwise not to proceed. |
|
Endd. by Burghley. Printed by Digges. Pp. 3¾. |
| May 26. |
1733. Francis Walsingham to Lord Burghley. |
|
Languet has put them in such a fear of the greatness of
the House of Austria by reason of the death of the Vaivode and the hope they have of the kingdom of Poland, that
they think it policy this marriage is not to be refused. Has
of late entered into great intelligence with —, who
carries the sway here, by whom he is assured that nothing
which can reasonably be demanded shall be denied. Being
assured by divers that religion would not be cause of breach
so that the Queen stood firm, he used some round speech to
M. De Foix, whom he found very tractable. Besides the
greatness of Spain the Queen Mother fears that the two
brethren will not agree, and therefore desires this watch.
These causes of their relenting he imparts to him only, for he
knows that being published they would breed a kind of carelessness. The gentleman having great hope that the matter
will take effect, begins already to confer with those who are
acquainted with England how he is to direct himself to have
the good will of the people. Burghley will do well to draw
out for him some cautions. He is altogether inclined to depend
upon advice, being of nature very patient, and nothing of the
French humour. Prays that if any opportunity be offered to
do the Prince of Orange favour he will not omit the same, as
thereby the Queen may have the law in her hands to dispose
of that country.—Poissy, 26 May 1571. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 1¾. |
| May 26. |
1734. Francis Walsingham to Lord Burghley. |
|
Encloses a memorial from the Queen Mother. Of late he
finds here in like cases reasonable expedition of justice, and
therefore desires that they may have like measure. The
Queen Mother has willed him to signify to Her Majesty that
touching the information that the Scottish Ambassador had
dealt with her and Monsieur about some attempt against
Ireland, that he never moved any such thing to them, and
therefore to desire her to grant him the passport which he
requires, as his repair to his mistress is of no evil intent. Has
of late granted passports to certain Scotchmen, there being
no great cause of fear as France is so well inclined.—Nantes,
26 May 1571. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd., with seal. P. ¾. |
|
1735. Memorial by the Queen Mother. |
|
Requesting Walsingham to procure the liberation of two
French vessels which, with their crews and cargoes, have been
detained in England. |
|
Copy. Fr. P. ⅓. Enclosure. |
| May 26. |
1736. News from Rome. |
|
Provisions and arrangements for carrying out the league
against the Turk. An image of the Madonna at Spoleto has
raised to life a dead man, and cured a woman who has been
sick for 20 years. |
|
Ital. Pp. 3¼. |
| May 26. |
1737. News from Italy. |
|
Conclusion of the Holy League. Levy of troops. Naval
attack on Durazzo. Great efforts of the Turks to take Famagosta. Shipwreck of 14 Turkish galleys. Soldier executed
for shooting one of his comrades. Skirmish near Zara. News
out of Spain and Rome..—Venice, 26 May. |
|
Endd. Ital. Pp. 2¾. |
| May 26. |
1738. The Regent Lennox to the Queen. |
|
Has directed the bearer to communicate to her the present
state of matters in Scotland and how they are fallen out far
contrary to her meaning and expectation.—Stirling, 26 May
1571. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd., with calculations in Burghley's writing. P. ⅓. |
| May 26. |
1739. The Regent Lennox to Lord Burghley. |
|
Letter of credit for James Cunningham whom he has sent
to declare how things have lately fallen out to Her Majesty.
—Stirling, 26 May 1571. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. P. ⅓. |
| May 27. |
1740. Instructions for Jo. Cipres. |
|
Instructions for the Spanish Ambassador's secretary to complain to the Privy Council of Dr. Story's condemation, and to
demand that he shall be returned to Flanders.—27 May 1571.
Signed: Guerau D'Espes. |
|
Endd. Span. Pp. 1⅓. |
| May 28. |
1741. Francis Walsingham to Lord Burghley. |
|
Desires his favour and good encouragement for the bearer,
who is very honest, discreet, and secret, and who has given
him no small light in the cause which he is dealing in.—Paris,
28 May 1571. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd., with seal. P. ½. |
| May 28. |
1742. Madame Chatillon to the Queen. |
|
Hopes that she will excuse her not coming in person to
take leave of her before quitting her realm, as she is so ill
that she has to be carried in a litter.—Canterbury, 28 May
1571. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd., with seal. Fr. P. ½. |
| May 28. |
1743. The Regent Lennox to the Queen. |
|
Has received her gracious letter on the 27th instant from
Sir William Drury, with whom he has conferred upon such
matters as he had in charge, and imparted his mind at large
for him to declare to her.—Stirling, 28 May 1571. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd., with seal. P. ⅓. |
| [May 28.] |
1744. Declaration of the State of Scotland by the Regent
Lennox. |
|
Lennox is at Stirling making preparations against the
attempts of the adversaries and to establish the ordinary justice there, seeing Edinburgh is now garnished with men of
war under the tyranny of the King's disobedient subjects,
the Laird of Grange having at last declared himself avowed
enemy to the King's cause and assembled to his society the
instruments of all the mischief in Scotland, and who maintained the Queen of England's rebels last year and invaded
her realm with fire and sword. Lennox's soldiers, being
400 footmen and 50 horse, are with the Earl of Morton at
Dalkeith attending on the enemy. The like or rather greater
number are entertained at Edinburgh upon foreign money;
100 men of war with a captain are recently landed from
Denmark, who being suited to for the service of the enemy, he
has provided for their entertainment during some short time
in hopes of money forth of England, which if it comes not in
time the adversaries number will be augmented with this 100,
for they will pass where they may have money. Desires that
the Queen of England will send them enough money to pay
400 foot and 50 horse during May and 500 foot and 200 horse
during June, and this to continue monthly until Edinburgh
Castle be by her force and power recovered and delivered
over to him. If there be not expedition made in sending the
money, their men of war will break themselves and pass to the
enemy, and the noblemen and others still neutral will for
their safety knit up matters amongst them and the adversaries. Intends to reduce the realm to the universal obedience
of the King and to begin with the recovery of the town and
castle of Edinburgh, which is the only means whereby the
rebellion is maintained. Is able not only to make a match
with their adversaries but to be their master in the fields if
they have no power of men or money but their own, and can
continue his power as long as they can theirs. How Edinburgh Castle may be won is as well known to the Marshal of
Berwick and others, as to any Scotchman. Are not able to
sustain waged force on Scottish rents, and pieces of battery
sent for such a purpose are not in Scotland out of the said
castle. It will be meet to send eight cannon, four culverins,
and two "battertis" with munitions and pioneers, and 1,000
foot and 300 horsemen. Foreign power is certainly expected
on the part of the adversaries. Signed by Lennox. |
|
Endd. by Burghley. Pp. 22/3. |
| May 28. |
1745. Lord Lindsay to Randolph. |
|
Complains that he has received no answer touching the
Queen of England's pleasure about Swinburn and the other
prisoners, who are very cumbersome and chargeable to him.—
Byres, 28 May. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. P. ¼. |
| May 29. |
1746. The Earl of Morton to Lord Burghley. |
|
Since his departure from England the troubles here have
been great, the special cause whereof is by the defection of
the Laird of Grange, who has made the castle a receptacle for
all who are suspected to be the murderers of the King and
the Regent, for whose defence he has hired bands of men
of war and has received silver to that effect both out of England and France. They cannot defend against the puissance
of other princes except they be aided in like manner. As it
is only the castle of Edinburgh which is the occasion of all
these troubles, he doubts not but that Burghley considering
the weightiness of these matters will procure the Queen of
England to help them.—Dalkeith, 29 May 1571. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. P. 1. |
| May 29. |
1747. Advices. |
|
Genoa, 4 May. Siege of Finale. Number and stations of
the King of Spain's galleys. |
|
Antwerp, 29 May. Favour shown to the Duke of Alva
and his sons by the King of Spain. |
|
Endd.: 1571. Ital. P. 1. |
| May 30. |
1748. Maitland of Lethington to the Queen of England. |
|
The Marshal of Berwick being here with her commission, in
conference with the captain of the castle and other noblemen
having charged him very sharply as the instrument and
nourisher of all these lamentable divisions, it grieves him
very sore that the malice of his enemies should have so far
prevailed as to induce Her Majesty to conceive any doubt
of him. Has been this year past assaulted with all kind of
wicked calumnies none of which have proved true in effect.
Has from the beginning of her reign gone about by all good
offices possible to procure her favour, and has for the last year
and a half by his letters dealt with her ministers and frankly
uttered his opinion for the maintenance of good intelligence
between the two realms, which he fears has not been communicated to her. Never refused to do anything which her
ministers required him to do or meddled in anything prejudicial to her person or estate, nor has he since the commotion
in the North written a letter to any of her subjects except
the Earls of Leicester and Sussex and Lord Burghley. Has
never comforted any of her rebels to the value of one shilling.
These are all the points which may justly touch her, and if in
any of them he could be found guilty, he would put his person
in her hands to be executed to death. As to his doings at
home she has never uttered any misliking that he should
serve his Queen, but on the contrary seemed to be offended
that he and others had undutifully behaved towards her, and
none of her ministers have ever admonished him that she
would take it unkindly that he dealt for his mistress' causes.
This then cannot be the fault with which he is charged. At
home immediately after the Earl of Murray's death, he went
about to persuade the nobility on both sides to yield some
part of their particular passions for public respects, and advised
them to direct two noblemen to her to put the matter and all
their differences in her hand, and when this could not be
brought to pass he advised as many as were content to direct
a letter to her containing the same motion. His brother
going in message to the Earl of Sussex was apprehended by
the other party. When he was at Athole for the recovery of
his health and not intending to meddle in public affairs, his
resolution was interrupted by a letter from the Earl of Sussex
requiring him to deal with the Earls of Huntly and Argyle
for the pacification of these trouble. Complains that the
other side have deprived him of his office of secretary and
disposessed him and his brother of their lands and revenues.
Wishes that his most conjured enemies would come forth and
charge him in any one point of division practised by him if
they will condescend in particular, which they cannot, and
therefore only beat the general proposition in the ears of men
that he is the very instrument and nourisher of all these
divisions. Repents that ever he joined in fellowship with
any of them seeing to what mischievous end they tend.
Complains of the proceedings of their adversaries who will
bring the realm to that miserable decay that when the Prince
shall take upon him the administration of the kingdom he
shall find no kingdom to rule, but a confused chaos and a
country divided into 200 or 300 kingdoms resembling Shane
O'Neil's. It is imputed to him for a seditious crime that he
does not allow that five or six Earls and Lords should overrule the whole remaining noblemen, and keep silence until
they have wrecked the most part of them, at least such as
will not become slaves to them, intruding themselves into
livings and so little by little to possess the whole realm. Has
been robbed of all his goods and compelled with his brother
to live by credit for more than a year. Offers his services to
the Queen to procure a union of all the estates of Scotland to
maintain the peace with England, and that she shall be put
in trust to make a final end of all these controversies, this
point reserved that she will so deal with the Queen of Scots
that they may not be justly burdened to have dealt undutifully towards her Highness.—Edinburgh, 30 May 1571.
Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. by Burghley. Pp. 6¼. |
|
1749. Another copy. |
|
Endd. by Burghley. Pp. 5¼. |
| May 30. |
1750. Kirkcaldy of Grange to the Queen. |
|
1. Has received her letter of the 21st inst. from the Marshal
of Berwick, from whom he understands to his great grief that
she is offended with him and his doings, but has this consolation that the offence proceeds only from the misreports of his
enemies. Where she finds it strange that he has stayed the
Earl of Lennox and his party from entering Edinburgh at
this time of their pretended parliament, and thereby hindered
their good purposes for the common peace and quiet of the
realm; he by his special letter to the Earl of Morton offered
to make the town patent to them for all the intents and purposes mentioned by Her Majesty's direction given to the
Marshal, providing they would surcease from proceeding in
other things tending to the prejudice of the State and his
friends. Morton answered him that the matter was otherwise than his writing imported, and declared in plain terms
to Lord Boyd and others that the treaty was dissolved in
England and clean cut off without any promise of abstinence
or hope of recontinuation. If it had appeared that the Earl
of Lennox and his party truly meant to have assembled to
make a choice of persons authorised to carry out what Her
Highness took their purpose to have been, he protests that he
would have furthered the same by all possible means. As
they have rejected all overtures by himself, Huntly, and
others to confer amicably upon what terms matters might
rest at home during the time that the treaty might be prosecuted in England, he has just cause to concur with the other
noblemen to stay their disordered designs, and in so doing
has not contravened any point of his promises made to the
Earls of Leicester and Sussex and Lord Burghley. Never
meant to begin a new civil war but only resisted to wars
long continued by the adverse faction, and of late directly
intended for the overthrow of himself and friends. Denies
that he has ever reported to the common people by his cartels
that the Earl of Lennox was sworn English against his
country and meant to deliver up to her the castles and
strengths which he had. Will not disavow that he has said
in conference with some men that the Earl of Lennox was her
subject by oath, but if any gentleman undefamed of England
or Scotland will charge him that he has written or uttered
any word against her honour he offers with his person to
maintain that he has spoken untruly. |
|
2. Has always meant well towards her, and though he has
joined with other noblemen to oppose the disordered doings
of the Earl of Lennox and his faction, he prays that she will
not condemn him that in so doing he practises to increase the
troubles of the realm for his own lucre and to maintain his disordered authority. A great part of the other faction are maintained by unjust lucre arising of the oppression of the poor and
spoil of other men's goods, and possess at this day other men's
livings whereunto they have no just title, amounting to a
greater yearly rent than all the earls and lords of that side
may justly expend of their lawful inheritance. Neither he
nor his friends can be charged that they have had one groat
of other men's livings or gone about to enrich themselves by
other men's losses. Whether the adverse faction has climbed
above their own degree and for maintenance of their usurped
authority has nourished this civil dissension, he remits to the
judgment of all indifferent persons who will narrowly examine
their proceedings. It is not meant to draw any strange forces
into the realm although his brother has been of late in France,
but the Earl of Lennox having wrongfully dispossessed him
of the revenues assigned for the sustenation of this place, they
have been obliged to get powder and other munitions of war
from France, of which a sufficiency to serve his turn for a
good season has been brought by his brother. Although the
Earl of Lennox and his party got no entrance within the
town, yet they held a parliament without the walls, which
if it was as they said sufficient for all other purposes it
was also valuable for the intents specified in Her Majesty's
said direction. If, therefore, being assembled they have not
granted commission, &c., it may be inferred that they never
meant to do so. The noblemen with whom he is joined are
content to send commissioners into England sufficiently
authorised within a month or shorter time if she shall require
it, and if she will deal favourably with them they will not
receive within the realm any strange forces or procure any
to be sent, and will also submit all particular debates and
quarrels depending between them and the other party to her
decision. If there is anything with which she is not fully
satisfied he offers to send a special friend sufficiently instructed
from the noblemen and himself to her.—Edinburgh Castle,
30 May 1571. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Pp. 5⅓. |
|
1751. Another copy. |
|
Endd. Pp. 4¼. |
| May 30. |
1752. Lethington and Grange to Sir William Drury. |
|
Have either of them written to the Queen answering specially such objections as Drury upon her behalf laid out against
them, and if further be required they intend to send some
gentleman to her fully instructed with their minds. Desire
him to procure a passport containing no name. Lethington
would go himself if the disposition of his body were able.
Complains of Sussex, Leicester, and Burghley for not answering his letters, whose silence he takes for a discharge of
further dealing with him.—Edinburgh, 30 May 1571. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. P. ¾. |
| May 31. |
1753. Sir William Drury to Lord Burghley. |
|
Returned this morning. Left the Regent at Stirling. The
contrary party prepare their forces against the 8th. All
that the Regent's party may do is but to defend.—Berwick,
31 May 1571. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. P. 2/3. |
| May 31. |
1754. Lord Seton to Lethington. |
|
The Queen Mother of France holds him in great hate.
Cannot get the silver owing to him by reason of his estate in
the chamber, or that lent at Leith, which passes 8,500 franks.
Was constrained to pray the Queen not to forget the old
alliance for the new one, which she was making between her
son and the Queen of England, and told her that since
Charlemagne's days there was never sent from Scotland a
more honourable suit than the present; and reminded her
how their predecessors had offered themselves for France and
left their bones behind them. As it is the Queen's will that
he shall go to Flanders, begs that he will send an affectionate letter to the Duke of Alva, with many fair words with
credit for himself.—Paris, 31 May 1571. Signed. |
|
Add. Endd. Pp. 1¼. |
| May 31. |
1755. The Queen's Debts in Antwerp and London. |
|
Note of the prolongation of the Queen's debts due in Antwerp and London. Total in the former place for money advanced and interest at the rate of six per cent., with brokerage
at one per cent. for six months, 21,102l. 16s. 8d. Total in
London at the same rate of interest and brokerage, 27,054l. 10s.
Signed by Gresham. |
|
Endd. Pp. 3. |
| May. |
1756. English Ships taken by the Spaniards. |
|
Note of complaints of English ships taken by the Spaniards, partly driven in by the weather, and partly by force,
amounting to ten or eleven in number. |
|
Endd. Pp. 2⅓. |
|
1757. Copy of the above in French. |
|
Endd. Pp. 2½. |
