|
| April 16. |
250. The Queen to Lord Hunsdon. |
|
Directs him to revoke the Marshal and Randolph if by their
next advertisement it appears that the accord shall not take
place. Can be content to make payment of 2,000l. for the
Earl of Northumberland, but orders him to make certain of
his delivery.
Draft in Burghley's writing. Endd. P. 2/3. |
| April 17. |
251. Parties in Scotland. |
|
List of Scottish noblemen who have come to the obedience
of the King, consisting of the Earls of Argyle, Cassillis,
Eglinton, and Crawford, and the Lords Boyd, Maxwell, and
St. Cosme. The Earl of Huntly and Sir James Balfour have
gone back, and are now in the Castle. Lethington and Grange,
who were the principal ministers in depriving the Queen, are
now the chiefest dealers against the King. The Duke never
acknowledged the King's authority.
In Randolph's writing. Endd. P. ½. |
| April 17. |
252. Randolph and Drury to Lethington and Grange. |
|
Copy of a letter enclosing a reply to the answers of the
Castle (see April 11), and desiring to know their resolution on
the first two points, as to acknowledging the King's authority
and the Regent's government.
Endd. Pp. 3⅓. |
| April 18. |
253. Earldom of Lennox. |
|
Grant of the earldom of Lennox to Lord Charles Stewart
and his heirs by James VI.—Leith, 18 April.
Copy. Lat. Pp. 22/3. |
| April 18. |
254. Lord Hunsdon to Queen Elizabeth. |
|
Is confirmed in his opinion that these controversies of
Scotland could not be compounded by treaty, as nothing is
left undone on either side to annoy the contrary by fire or
sword, and so peace the harder to be made. On Wednesday
there was a very hot skirmish, in which four horsemen of the
Castle were taken, who were immediately hanged. They of
the Castle, for revenge, after dinner hanged five of the other
side, whereof one was a Douglas and servant of the Earl of
Morton. As he sees small likelihood of their doing any good
he means to send for her commissioners to-morrow.—Berwick,
18 April 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. P. ¾. |
| April 18. |
255. Lord Hunsdon to Lord Burghley. |
|
Thinks that these controversies will not be ended by treaty,
and that the lack is rather on the King's side, who are not
minded to part from anything that they have got. The
Marshal and Randolph earnestly request to return, for besides
great words of reproach that are given them, on Monday last
the Marshal was shot at and narrowly missed, and therefore he
sends for them to-morrow. The King's side makes as much
account of the 1,000l. as if they had received as many pence.
They think Her Majesty deals not well with them in not
subduing their adversaries by force, and hardly acknowledge
any benefit that they have received from her. There are no
prisoners to be taken henceforth on either side. The King's
side harken as much or more for De Croc's coming as the
other side, which is very suspicious. Lord Seton means to
return into Flanders, but perhaps he will visit Berwick first
against his will. Alva's further meaning cannot be done so
suddenly but there will be knowledge of it.—Berwick, 18
April 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 2. |
| April 17. |
256. Drury and Randolph to Lord Hunsdon. |
|
Desire to be licensed to return, as they are fully persuaded
that the sooner they depart hence the sooner and the
willinger will that be yielded to which now seems fullest of
difficulty, not denying but great reasons may be alleged of
either part in their doings. Trust that the peace may yet be
brought to pass, with a perpetual and firm league and amity
between the realms. On Monday night Mr. Archibald
Douglas was sent for by the Regent, and charged that he was
privy to a letter written out of Flanders to Lethington by
Mr. George Hacket touching the sending of 5,000 crowns into
Scotland, and also a sum of 60,000 which should be sent to
Douglas upon sight of the Queen of Scots' letters. There are
also found in his chambers divers letters in cipher, and one
from Verac. There are divers other bruits upon this apprehension that the Earl of Morton should have been slain.
Great skirmish before Leith, and prisoners hanged on both
sides. Attempt to destroy the mills of Leith. Blackness is
revolted from the Regent, Gilbert Balfour being admitted into
it with 20 harquebussiers. The house of Boughty is delivered
by Lord Gray into the hands of the Regent. Lord Fleming,
Mr. Thomas Fleming, and Mr. James Kirkcaldy are daily
looked for out of France, and perchance may arrive in
England, as Lord Seton did. Lord Fleming may be known
by the paleness and leanness of his face, his nose somewhat
flat; Mr. Thomas black-bearded and very red-faced; Mr.
James tall, black, and somewhat stump-footed.—Leith, 17
April 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. Enclosure. Pp. 3½. |
| April 18. |
257. Lord Seton's Negociations with the Duke of Alva. |
|
At Lord Seton's last audience the Duke declared himself
satisfied to suffer toleration of religion in case of the invasion
of Scotland by Spanish troops. It would be necessary for him
to have certain ports to fortify and hold, which, however, he
promised to give up again, as his design was not to appropriate any ground in Scotland, or continue in the possession
of any hold or strong place, but only to serve his present turn
for the furtherance of his purpose, which was directed to a
further end; and therefore he would leave the same void, and
either demolish the fortifications, or leave them to be occupied
by the people of the land, at their pleasure. He desired that
order should be taken for the provision of victuals, as he
would not be able to transport as much as would serve his
forces any time. Lord Seton must procure a letter signed and
sealed by the principal nobility professing the obedience [of
the Queen], ratifying the articles treated upon by him in their
names, and also must advertise the Duke what number of
noblemen will join with his forces on their landing. He may
assure as many as were by the Queen's special letters recommended that they shall be particularly considered and fully
satisfied touching the pensions required by them.
Endd. by Lord Burghley. Enclosure. Pp. 12/3. |
| April 19. |
258. John Sturmius to Lord Burghley. |
|
Desires his favour for the bearer, who has been recommended to him by his friends as a man afflicted through no
disgrace or crime of his own, but solely for his constancy in
defending his religion. Frankfort, 19 April 1572. Signed.
Add., with seal. Endd. Lat. P. ⅓. |
| April 19. |
259. Matters of Scotland. |
|
Reply of Drury and Randolph to the answers given by the
Lords of the King of Scots' party to the articles delivered to
them on 2nd April, recommending them to use more moderation in dealing with the opposite party.
Copy. Endd. Pp. 7¼. |
| April 19. |
260. Advertisements from the Low Countries. |
|
The Count de la Marck has landed at Brielle, where he
defeated a garrison of Spaniards and taken 50 prisoners,
whereof some he has hanged and some he reserves yet
alive, to whom a great multitude of people have repaired.
Count Bossu desiring passage for his soldiers through Rotter
dam has taken the town and put to the sword a great number
of men, women, and children. The like murder has been
executed in another place called Berry. These cruelties,
joined with the tax of the tenth penny, &c., cause all the towns
in those countries to stand upon their guard, and to refuse
utterly all Spanish garrisons. They of Flushing would not
receive a garrison of Spaniards, who retired to Middleburgh,
where, beginning a quarrel, the whole town set upon them
and slew divers and drove out the rest; which things the
Duke takes very heavily, tearing the hairs of his head and
beard. He has determined to retire all his forces to Ghent
and Antwerp as places of chief importance.
Endd. Pp. 1½. |
| April 19. |
261. An Answer to M. Zwegenhem. |
|
If he would have shewed any sufficient commission from
the King of Spain authorising him to treat of the arrest, and
also to conclude the manner of restitution, and in what course
the intercourse between the subjects of the two kingdoms
should be restored, the Queen would willingly have assented
to any reasonable means for the same. It is notorious, and it
was declared to him in full council, that the treaty for the
restitution of things arrested on either side could not take
effect, for he would show no commission to bind the King as
reason and common usage betwixt princes require, and
Thomas Fiesco, a Genoese, and no subject to the said King,
was admitted to insert certain articles into the treaty concerning certain monies pretended to belong to certain merchants of Genoa, which were impertinent thereto. The like
occasions for not shewing sufficient commissions to treat was
the cause that M. D'Assonville and the Marquis of Cetona
returned without ending the controversies. The Queen will
grant, for two months from the date hereof, that if any ships
of the subjects of the King of Spain shall by tempest, contrary winds, or manifest lack of victual, be compelled to come
into any of her ports, they shall not be arrested but freely
depart of their own wills; but at the end of the two months
the former order shall continue for the arrests, until by some
treaty some good end may be had for stay of all arrests and
full and final restitution; providing the like be accorded to
the ships of her subjects arriving in such like occasion in the
King of Spain's dominions. Should any ships of her subjects
coming within the ports of the King have been stayed during
the two months, then shall so much be stayed as shall justly
recompence her subjects for their goods stayed. There shall
no arrest be made two months after the arrival of any person
with sufficient authority from the King of Spain, except the
person shall in the said space return and not determine the
controversies by virtue of his commission. The Queen leaves
it to his own choice whether he will continue in England and
advertise the King of Her Majesty's answer, or whether he will
himself depart with the same, which if he do, he shall have a
sufficient safe conduct granted to him, and all manner of
favor convenient. Corrected by Burleigh.
Endd. Pp. 4. |
| April 19. |
262. Charles IX. to Queen Elizabeth. |
|
It having been pointed out by her ambassadors that in the
defensive league concluded by them with his deputies in
April 1572, that though it is provided that they shall assist
one another on every occasion, and for every cause, yet some
doubt may arise whether the cause of religion is included;
he hereby declares that he understands by the said treaty
that if either party is assailed for the cause of religion, or
under any other pretext, that the other is bound to render
assistance. Blois, 19 April 1572.
Copy. Endd. Fr. P. 1. |
|
263. Copy of the above.
Endd. Fr. P. ½. |
|
264. Copies of the above in Latin and French.
Pp. 1½. |
|
265. Copy of the above in French.
Endd. P. 1. |
|
266. Copy of the above, with note by Burghley.
Endd. Fr. P. 1. |
| [April.] |
267. Queen Elizabeth to Charles IX. |
|
Has received his letter of the 19th April declaring that
under the general expressions contained in the league or
mutual defence, he understands the cause of religion to be
comprehended; and for his satisfaction declares her acquiescence
in that interpretation in the same form of words as that used
by the King.
Copy. Endd. French. P. 2/3. |
| April. |
268. [Treaty of Blois.] |
|
Certain points to be propounded to M. de la Mothe as to
the caution to be given for the restitution of such ships as
should be sent to serve with the French, the manner of their
service, and the payment of their crews.
Endd.: "About matters of depredations." Pp. 1¼. |
| April. |
269. Treaty of Blois. |
|
Rough notes and drafts relating to the Treaty of Blois.
Endd. Lat. Pp. 1½. |
| April 19. |
270. Treaty of Blois. |
|
Articles concerning commerce in the treaties of Troyes and
Blois, chiefly relating to the arrest of merchandise.
Endd. Lat. P. 1. |
| April 19. |
271. Treaty of Blois. |
|
Heads of the articles contained in the Treaty of Blois, 39
in number.
Lat. P. 1. |
| April 19. |
272. Treaty of Blois. |
|
Defensive league between Queen Elizabeth and Charles IX.
stipulating the amount of succour by sea or land to be rendered
by either party in case of need, and also providing increased
privileges and advantages for the merchants of either country,
and further arranging what steps should be taken for the
pacification of Scotland. To which is annexed a schedule of
the number and description of the forces to be mutually
furnished, together with their rates of pay. Also the commissions of the two sovereigns to their deputies, authorising
them to conclude the treaty.—Blois, 19 April 1572. Signed
by Montmorency, Biragues, L'Aubespine, and De Foix, on
behalf of Charles IX., and Smith and Walsingham for the
Queen of England.
Copy. Lat. Pp. 21½. |
|
273. Treaty of Blois. |
|
Another copy.
Endd. Lat. Pp. 15½. |
| April 19. |
274. Treaty of Blois. |
|
Abstract of the Treaty of Blois.
Endd. Pp. 4½. |
| April 19. |
275. Treaty of Blois. |
|
Article for mutual defence, with considerations why any
auxiliary forces that may be sent to either party should be
maintained at the charges of the prince requiring them.
Pp. 2. |
| April. |
276. Matters of Scotland. |
|
A copy of such articles and other matters as were exhibited
by the Marshal of Berwick and Mr. Randolph to the Regent
of Scotland for pacifying the controversies in that realm with
their answers from 23rd February to 19th April 1572.
Endd. Pp. 32. |
| April 20. |
277. Embassy of M. De Croc. |
|
Agreement by M. de Croc to suspend the execution of the
fifth article of his instructions, and not to speak of its
contents in Scotland.
Endd. by Burghley. French. P. 1. |
| April 20. |
278. Queen Elizabeth to Charles IX. |
|
His ambassador having pointed out to her that the 36th
article in the treaty whereby it is permitted to her to
prosecute by armed force those Scots who succour or receive
her rebellious subiects, might be the occasion of peril, being
contrary to all customary treaties between princes; she
hereby declares that it is not her intention to suffer her
forces to enter Scotland except in the case of being unable to
obtain the redress provided for by former treaties, and then
only after having first informed the French King.
Endd. Lat. Pp. 1⅓. |
|
279. Copy.
Endd. Lat. Pp. 2. |
| April 21. |
280. Sir Thomas Smith to the Queen. |
|
At last Mr. Walsingham and he have concluded the league,
not without some difficultly, mostly for the Scottish matters,
which, nevertheless, they have passed over in the end. Can
perceive nothing but that the King goes as sincerely and
tam bonâ fide as any prince can. Trust that this league will
be a great defence for her and her crown. If Spain threatens
and shows evil offices (as it has done of late), it will be afraid
hereafter seeing such a wall adjoined. If the House of
Burgundy will be friendly (whereof there is great reason to
doubt), nothing is done on her part to break that amity.
Peradventure this will make them the loather, seeing as near
or nearhand so good a vent here for her merchants and
subjects. Thanks her for bestowing upon him the Chancellorship of the Order.—Blois, 21 April 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1. |
| April 22. |
281. Sir Thomas Smith to Lord Burghley. |
|
Of the removing of the court to Paris no man is certain.
Hears that Flanders is in some motion, and that Strozzi's
preparation is [meant] that way. Guido Cavalcanti has been
found at all times ready to aid this concord and agreement.
To-morrow morning takes his journey towards Paris by
Chartres.—Blois, 22 April. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. P. 2/3. |
| April 22. |
282. Walsingham to Lord Burghley. |
|
Cover of a letter. Probably that printed by Digges in his
"Compleat Ambassador," p. 188, and misdated by him 1571.
Armorial seal. |
| April 22. |
283. Catherine de Medicis to Queen Elizabeth. |
|
Sends this letter by Sir Thomas Smith, who can inform
her of the great pleasure caused to them by this new
treaty, and also by the prospect of peace in France through
the marriage of the Prince of Navarre with the Princess
Marguerite.—Blois, 22 April 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. Fr. Royal letter. |
| April 22. |
284. Lord Hunsdon to Lord Burghley. |
|
Sends the resolute answer of both sides in Scotland to the
articles proponed to them by Her Majesty's Commissioners.
The King's side is not only directly contrary to the other
demands, but also disallows the articles proponed by Her
Majesty, either generally, or else makes such additions as
alter the whole matter. The Commissioners for the Regent
are they who have the principal spoil of the others, and
therefore will hinder the pacification all they can, being unwilling to forego any office or benefice they possess of the
others, or restore anything they have got. The principal
hinderers are Lord Lindsay, Dunfermline, James Macgill,
Alexander Home of Manderston, and some others. Doubts
not but if the Castilians have sufficient surety for their lives,
lands, and honours, they will yield to the rest. The Queen's
Commissioners have been in peril of their lives, and no
punishment done to the parties upon complaint.—Berwick,
22 April 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1. |
| April 18. |
285. Sir William Drury to Lord Hunsdon. |
|
It is said that such prisoners as the King's side have shall
be sent for and executed. Six men appointed to die at
Edinburgh, but one named Bruce was forcibly taken by a
captain of that name, who turned him out of the Nether Bow
and bade him shift for himself. The slanderous speeches and
threatening amongst the soldiers and others against them
still continues, and although they have named some of them
no punishment follows. Archibald Douglas has proved that
he had the Regent's and the Earl of Morton's license to confer
with Grange. He has also done what he could to bring this
negociation for peace to a good end, which has made him
enemies. Whatsoever he could learn of Flanders, France, or
this country, which might at all concern Her Majesty, he has
always imparted to Drury. If the least part of his good
works done to England should be now known it would be
to his utter undoing. Was shot at, being on the way
towards Leith, on the 13th, Douglas being then in his
company. Has dealt with the Regent that if his deserts
deserve either punishment or death it may appear open to
the world, and not to cut him off in so secret sort as Moon.
Trusts shortly to hear of their revocation.—Leith, 18 April.
Signed.
Add. Endd. Enclosure. Pp. 2¾. |
| April 23. |
286. Lethington and Grange to Sir William Drury. |
|
Find Lord Home unwilling to yield to those of Leith as
ever he was, but well affected in matters touching the Queen
of England's affairs. The cruel execution of his servants
makes him think that they would visit him with like extremity if he were in their hands, and therefore he thinks he
has good reason to refuse to submit himself to their jurisdiction. If the Queen will restore his house to him, he will be
earnest to maintain the peace upon the Borders; he will not
receive within his bounds any of her rebels or strange forces;
he will not have intelligence with any foreign prince or
nation to the annoyance of her realm; and will refuse nothing
that he can lawfully do to content her. If the Queen will
deal with them as they look for, and not give their enemies
the upper hand, she shall have them as far at her devotion as
she can wish any subjects of this realm.—Edinburgh Castle,
23 April 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 1¾. |
| April 23. |
287. Lord Hunsdon to Lord Burghley. |
|
Mr. Marshal and Randolph are presently returned hither,
who have since received advertisement of an Irish bishop and
four or five with him who are taken at Dundee, and stayed
there, who were to go into Flanders, and so to the Pope; his
commission and letters are also taken, by which all the conspiracy of Ireland may be known. If the Queen writes
earnestly thinks that both he and his letters will be delivered.
He names dimself Archbishop of Cashel. The Regent had
intelligence of him by certain of the Stewarts, who took 300
crowns from him, and so the Regent laid wait for him. It will
be two or three days ere he can have answer how the Earl of
Northumberland shall be delivered.—Berwick, 23 April 1572.
Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ½. |
| April 24. |
288. Lethington and Grange to Lord Hunsdon. |
|
As he will shortly repair towards the Court they trust that
Mr. Marshal has communicated their conceptions to him, and
as they know him to be void of passions in this behalf, they
are glad of the occasion whereby he may be the reporter to
the Queen.—Edinburgh Castle, 24 April 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ½. |
| April 24. |
289. Answer by the Queen of Scots' Party to the English
Commissioners. |
|
Will make no other answer to the first two articles than
they have already done. Will receive no remission at the
hands of those of Leith. A disannulling by Parliament is
most honourable, and no other way can serve. Insist that
all exceptions as to the murders of Murray and Lennox be
put out, as they will only breed new troubles. Suggest verbal
alterations in some of the other articles. Desire that their
debts be paid out of the revenues of the crown and profits of
the benefices intromitted by the adverse faction.
Endd. Pp. 1½. |
| April 24. |
290. Mons. Verac to the French Ambassador. |
|
Gives a summary of the negotiations between the Queen
of Scots' party and the English Commissioners. They are
willing to accept the Queen of England as a mediatrix to
settle their quarrels, but refuse to acknowledge her as judge.
The Marshal of Berwick is very angry with the Earl of Morton
because Mr. Archibald Douglas has been sent prisoner to Lochleven. "The man of the 2,000 crowns" has returned, but
has brought him neither letters nor the 2,000 crowns. They
reproach him much because the Queen of England has used
high language [bravades] to the French King, who, notwithstanding his promises, has done nothing; and that the Queen
said in the French Ambassador's presence that De Croc should
not go into Scotland unless she knew what he went there
for; and also that her Ambassador had told the French King
that his mistress would send a hundred soldiers into Scotland
for each one of his, and that it would be better for him not
to send his subjects there to get their throats cut. A few
days ago on his telling Lethington and Grange that it was
only the contrary wind that prevented the King from sending
them money, they answered that they knew well that it was
only from fear of irritating the Queen of England that he
left them in the mire, and that it was the assurance of his
assistance which induced them to undertake the cause and
quarrel of the Queen of Scots, in which already they had lost
their houses and property, and were in danger of losing their
lives.—Edinburgh, 24 April. Cipher.
Pp. 1¼. |
|
291. Decipher of the above.
Endd. Fr. Pp. 3¼. |
| April 24. |
292. Lord Scrope to Lord Burghley. |
|
Last night the "Lairds Jock," with others of Liddlesdale,
to the number of forty and upwards, came to Whitehall in
Gillesland, being the land of Christopher Dacre, Esquire, and
burnt five houses, and slew a young man named Hetherington,
and took his brother prisoner. They also seized 24 head of
nolt, which were rescued by William Dacre and John Spadadam, with a few men with them. Takes the old traitor,
Anthony Armstrong, to be the principal procurer of this,
whose house, standing within this realm, he dare not burn
without first knowing the Council's pleasure. Has one Nixon,
a Scottish thief, who has confessed to three or four stealths
that he has been at in England with the said "Lairds Jock."
Thinks it would be good to put him to execution for a terror
and example to his other steal-fellows of Liddlesdale, wherein
he desires to have Burghley's opinion.—Carlisle, 24 April 1572.
Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. P. 1. |
|
293. Traffic with the Low Countries. |
| April 24. |
The writer has opened to Sir Francis Knowles and Sir
Walter Mildmay what advice he had from Antwerp of such
secret practices as the Duke of Alva most earnestly seeks to
overthrow the English trade with Hamburgh and Emden,
in which he spares neither money or friends to bring it about,
for both he and the subjects of the Netherlands now find the
lack of that incredible gain and benefit which they secretly
reaped these many years by the amity of the English princes
and the traffic of their subjects. If it can be brought to pass
that the English merchants should have no vent for their
commodities but in the Netherlands, then he is persuaded
that he shall either force the Queen to yield to him in these
controversies betwixt them, or else by staying the traffic
when the merchants and clothiers shall lack vent to make
rebellion or raise tumults in England, whereby he might
more endanger Her Majesty and her subjects than he could
by making open war. Has made a book of large discourse
hereof, wherein he has opened not only the great dangers the
whole Imperial Princes, and especially the Earls of East
Friesland, were sundry ways wrapt in by the policy of the
House of Burgundy, and how the same might be remedied,
but also the great benefit and profit which might come
to the whole Imperial Princes by the amity of the English Princes and the traffic of their subjects. If this book
were translated into Dutch, considering how aptly the time
now serves by the Duke's cruel dealing in the Netherlands, it
would give occasion for the overthrow of most of his proceedings. If he will favour a reasonable suit which he has with the
Lords of the Council, he offers to new make and translate the
said book at his own costs and charges, and also to go
himself into East Friesland, to the Earls, of whom he is well
known, and confer and persuade them to deal in this matter.
Endd. Pp. 2. |
| April 25. |
294. M. De Croc to Lord Burghley. |
|
Desires that he may have a passport for post horses to go
into Scotland, and that his dispatches may be safely conveyed
to his master.—London, 25 April 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. Fr. P. ⅓. |
| April 25. |
295. M. Zwegenhem to Lord Burghley. |
|
Thanks him for his passport, and desires that he may have
some one to accompany him across the sea for his safe
passage.—London, 25 April 1572. Signed: Francois de
Halewynd.
Add. Endd.: "M. Sweveghem to my L.," with seal. Fr.
P. 1. |
| April 26. |
296. The Archbishop of Cashel to the Earl of Marr. |
|
Having been sent with the King of Spain's commission to
Ireland and the nobility thereof, and having received answers
to the articles and points contained in his commission, has
been arrested on his return towards his master at Dundee,
and his letters taken from him, for which he desires redress.
—Dundee, 26 April 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 1½. |
| April 26. |
297. Parties in Scotland. |
|
A summary of the articles propounded to both parties, with
a note of the answers and the varieties, both from the articles
and amongst themselves.
Rough notes in Lord Burghley's writing. Endd. Pp. 2¾. |
| April 27. |
298. Similar notes in Lord Burghley's writing.
Endd.: 27 April. Pp. 1¼. |
| April 27. |
299. Nicholas Errington to Lord Hunsdon. |
|
Has dealt with the Regent, who will send on Tuesday next
a gentleman about the safe delivery of the Earl, and for better
advertisement of the Irish bishop, who shall be brought to
Leith, and both he and his writings sifted. On Thursday
the Castilians slew five of Captain Michell's soldiers in the
Cannongate, and on Friday the Earl of Morton took five
prisoners, whom he hanged at their return to Leith. The
Castilians hanged two presently afterwards. Many gentlemen of the West country are come in. They of the Castle
fear some extremity, and have sought to disperse their men
in some strengths along the river, but without effect. Mr.
Petere, the schoolmaster, is here, and has deciphered all
Mr. Archibald's writings, to the number of 26, but none
revealed as yet.—Leith, 27 April 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 1¾. |
| April 28. |
300. The Earl of Morton to Lord Burghley. |
|
Reminds him of his former request for redress of injuries
done to his friends at different times on the Borders, and
complains especially of Fergus Greame.—Leith, 28 April
1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ½. |
| April 38. |
301. The Earl of Morton to the Earl of Sussex. |
|
Hearing of Fergus Greame's repair to the Court he has
thought meet to remind him of his former complaints about
injuries done to his friends and tenants by those of the
West Marches, and prays that some order may be taken with
him. Notwithstanding the Duke of Norfolk's arraignment
Fergus spares not by wearing of his coat to give declaration
to the world whose man he is.—Leith, 28 April 1572.
Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 2/3. |
| April 28. |
302. Lord Hunsdon to Lord Burghley. |
|
1. It passes his capacity to deal any more with the parties in
Scotland. The Castle side require surety of their lives, lands,
goods, and honours, where they have reason; and the keeping
of the Castle, because they would be loath to put themselves
into their new reconciled friends' hands until they see some
proof how they and their friends will be dealt with. On the
King's side their malice is so deadly against some of the
Castle as they have more respect to be revenged than regard
to the commonwealth; others are so resolved to keep such
offices, spoils, and authority as they possess by these troubles,
that they will never agree to any composition by treaty; the
meaner sort who live upon entertainment and such spoils as
now and then they can get, and live uncontrolled of any
whatsoever they do, cannot abide to hear of peace. These
things make him think that neither De Croc or they will do
any good. Desires to know how he shall entertain De Croc.
Looks hourly for answer from the Regent how and where he
shall receive the Earl of Northumberland, and therefore his
Lordship must remember how the 2,000l. shall be paid, for
they will look for the money upon the delivery of the man.
If Her Majesty proceeds with this treaty with France she
will always have good peace with Scotland, and will not need
any stronger league as Spain is too far off to do them any
good. Prays that Her Majesty may so deal with the Scottish
Queen this parliament as to rid herself of so mortal an enemy,
whereby she may pluck herself out of the quicksands and
frustrate the expectation of her enemies abroad and at home,
and overthrow their devilish practices, which have been, are,
and will be as long as they have any hope of her. Desires
him to send a proxy made to himself, which he will return
signed and sealed, for he dares put his voice in Burghley's
mouth for any matter that shall be treated of now or any
other time.—Berwick, 27 April 1572. |
|
2. P.S.—The Regent will send a gentleman to-morrow to
confer with him touching the Earl of Northumberland and
the Irish Bishop, who, with his letters, is sent for to Leith,
and shall be kept at Her Majesty's commandment. Has
received an answer from those of the Castle to the Queen's
Commissioners, whereby it seems that they will be conformable, their lives, lands, and honours being preserved. They
continue still with killing and hanging on both sides.—
28 April. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 2. |
| April 28. |
303. Lord Hunsdon to Alexander Home of Manderston. |
|
Complains of his dealing with the men of Stychell and
Couche Carrele, and warns him not to meddle with anything
under his charge, as he has behaved so discourteously that
he will not bear it at his hands. If the goods of Gledall, who
was drowned at Eyemouth, which he has often written for, are
not sent out of hand, he will have either them or double their
value, if either Eyemouth or Coldingham be worth it.—
Berwick, 28 April 1572. Signed: "H."
Copy. Endd. P. 1. |
| April 29. |
304. Randolph to Lord Burghley. |
|
In commendation of his old friend Captain Cockburn, who
having taken his leave for ever of Scotland, desires passing
through England to kiss the Queen's hand, and do his duty
to Burghley and other friends there, and so end his life in
France, where he may better live upon what he has there,
and do better service, as no such great account is made of
him here as he has deserved.—Berwick, 29 April 1572.
Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. P. ½. |
| April 29. |
305. Reply of the Regent of Scotland to the Queen's
Commissioners. |
|
Gives reasons why there should not be an amnesty for all
past offences, especially for the murders of the King and of
the two Regents, and shows how inexpedient it would be for
the Castle to remain in Grange's hands.
Endd. Pp. 5½. |
| April 29. |
306. Sir Valentine Browne to Lord Burghley. |
|
The surveyor and officers of the works have been very
earnest with him for such money as is due to sundry workmen,
and for other charges on the bridge, and also that it should be
finished this summer. The timber costs the Queen more for
felling, squaring, and carriage than it could be bought at any
place in England ready wrought. The Warden of the Middle
Marches also calls on him for the pay of 60 harquebussiers at
Harbottle.—Berwick, 29 April 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1. |
|
307. Charges at Berwick. |
|
Note of charges for the wages of the officers of the works,
and for repairs done to the bridge at Berwick.
Endd. Enclosure. P. 2/3. |
|
308. Charges at Berwick. |
|
Note of various charges incurred at Berwick for wages and
repairs.
Endd. Enclosure. Pp. 1¼. |
| April 29. |
309. Thomas Brown to Lord Burghley. |
|
1. Has delivered his letter to Mr. Lee, who by means of
sickness has not been able to do anything therein, or yet to
write of the matter. |
|
2. The "freebutters" remain yet strong in the Brielle, and
have sent part of their folk into Zealand, who are received
into Flushing, and as the bruit here goes have taken Middleburgh by assault. |
|
3. The Duke of Alva has of his Spaniards and Walloons
new levied to the number between 9 and 10,000, and
prepares to pitch his camp between Barrow and Rosendall.
He arms to the sea between 26 and 28 sail of ships.—Antwerp
29 April 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 2/3. |
| April 29. |
310. News from France. |
|
1. Intelligence from Rouen, 20 April 1572, about different
matters, such as the revolt of Flushing, the intended marriage
of the Prince of Navarre, and the increase of some of the
Huguenot churches in France. |
|
2. Rouen. On 27 April there passed the secretary of
Count Ludovic towards Flushing to know if they would
receive certain troops in the name of the Prince of Orange.
The Spaniards having failed in an attempt to surprise Brielle,
amongst other prisoners there were brought to the Count de
la Marck six captains, who after having been reproached for
the cruelties of Alva, and also for those exercised on the
Huguenots, were condemned to be beheaded in retaliation for
the execution of Counts Egmont and Horne, and for an
example to others who might fall into his hands.
Endd. Fr. Pp. 2½. |
| April 30. |
311. The Regent Marr to Lord Burghley. |
|
Looks that the Queen shall now no longer delay to resolve
in this cause of Scotland, as their adversaries in no wise
intend to yield to the King's obedience, and complains of the
danger in which they who profess the King's obedience and
the preservation of the amity with England find themselves
by Her Majesty's manner of proceeding. Although it may be
thought not to become them to be curious in the order of Her
Majesty's dealing in her own realm, yet their special interest
in the matter moves him to lament at least to his Lordship the
occasion of their grief, and to wish that the Queen neglect
not good occasion, nor by lenity put her state in peril which
next herself and subjects will touch the King and themselves.
Begs to have the Queen's speedy answer what certainty they
may look for at her hands, and in the meantime support of
money for their entertainment of the men of war. Their
adversaries are daily aided, and there is 60,000 crowns of the
Pope's money in Flanders destined for the entertainment of
this rebellion in Scotland, which is to be a pathway for the
overthrowing of true religion and erecting first here the
tyranny and superstition of the Pope and Spain, which with
time cannot but annoy the Queen of England's estate. This
practise is divers ways disclosed, and amongst others by the
Bishop of Cashel, who is fallen into their hands, and for whom
they would be glad to understand the Queen of England's
mind.—Leith, 30 April 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 1⅓. |
| April 30. |
312. The Regent Marr to Queen Elizabeth. |
|
Now that the obstinacy of their adversaries is known he
looks that Her Majesty will not longer delay to resolve in
this cause of Scotland, and where favourable admonitions
avail not will use the next remedy.—Leith, 30 April 1572.
Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ⅓. |
| April 30. |
313. Queen Elizabeth to Lord Hunsdon. |
|
Has agreed that De Croc shall have her license to repair into
Scotland. As she has just cause to maintain the King's
estate, for that she cannot endure that the Queen of Scots
shall be restored to the crown for respects grown by her evil
demerits against her, she has ordered Sir William Drury, to
whom she has sent her instructions, to join with De Croc.
Draft in Burghley's writing.
Endd. P 1. |
| April 30. |
314. Queen Elizabeth to Thomas Randolph. |
|
Gives him license to return having ordered Sir William
Drury to joinwith M. De Croc.
Draft in Burghley's writing.
Endd. P. ⅓. |
| April 30. |
315. Queen Elizabeth to Sir William Drury. |
|
Sends instructions for his conduct in the negotiations with
De Croc. Would be glad if he can induce him upon respect
of the adventures which he found, which may also be as dangerous for De Croc, to remain at Berwick, and procure that
some persons might be chosen on both sides to come thither
to treat. Although he is to use all good courtesy towards
De Croc, it will be well for him to beware of his negotiation,
and to direct himself in all things to maintain the estate of the
King. As she is of opinion that if Lethington were satisfied
for his surety, and restitution of his lands and estates, and
Grange either permitted to continue officer of the Castle, or
have in recompense the Priory of St. Andrew's, the rest of the
matters might be easily accorded, he will do well to labour
earnestly with the Regent herein.
Draft in Burghley's writing.
Endd. Pp. 22/3. |
| April 30. |
316. Instructions for Sir William Drury. |
|
Directions for him to join with M. De Croc, the French
King's Commissioner, for the purpose of appeasing the civil
commotions in Scotland.
Draft in Burghley's writing.
Endd. Pp. 5½. |
|
317. Copy of a portion of the above.
Pp. 12/3. |
| April. |
318. Matters of Scotland. |
|
"A brief note of that which seems reasonable in the
articles following, until some further matter may appear to
move the change hereof."
Endd. Pp. 1¼. |
|
319. Copy of the above in French.
P. 1. |
| April. |
320. Matters of Scotland. |
|
Summary of the articles proposed by the two parties for
the purpose of causing a cessation of the civil war in Scotland, together with certain others added by those of the
Castle.
Endd. Fr. Pp. 12/3. |
| April. |
321. Claims for Spanish Money stayed. |
|
Out of 291,518 ducats, the Genoese and Luccois claim
227,421 ducats, leaving 64,097 ducats for the Spaniards.
Endd. P. ½. |
| [April.] |
322. The French King's intent towards Scotland. |
|
News coming out of England that the Duke Hamilton had condescended to the Queen of England, and that she had promised
to maintain him and the King of Scots' action, the King stayed
Mr. James Kirkcaldy and the money. Order is to be taken
to embark 5,000 Frenchmen to go to Scotland under colour
to be sent to Rochelle. The Earl of Westmorland and Dacres
have promised to land in Scotland and get divers Englishmen
to serve the French King there. 6,000 francs have been sent
out of France to Edinburgh Castle, and Scotch merchants
repaid for money they had lent Grange.
Endd. Pp. 2¼. |
| [April.] |
323. Catherine de Medicis to the Queen. |
|
Letter of credence for Guido Cavalcanti, to whom she has
entrusted certain matters to communicate to her. Holograph.
Signed.
Add. Endd. Fr. P. ⅓. |
| April & May. |
324. Affairs of the Low Countries. |
|
Expulsion of the Spaniards from Flushing and the Isle of
Walcheren. Movements of forces on either side. Arrival of
English and French volunteers.
(Duplicates, see April 6 and May 21.)
Regulations by the Prince of Orange for the behaviour of
his soldiers quartered in Walcheren and Zealand.
Fr. Pp. 4½. |
