|
| Nov. 2. |
628. Occurrents from France. |
|
Movements of the Christian and Turkish fleets. The
Emperor's son Rodolph crowned King of Hungary, 27th
September. The Duke of Alva troubled with the gout. His
extraordinary levies of money make him generally misliked.
Some say that there is a marriage toward betwixt the Prince
of Orange's son and the Duke of Medina Celi's daughter.
The [French] King has sent divers noblemen to their governments, nevertheless such execution as has been done generally
throughout all France yet continues in some places. The
voyage of Rochelle is partly remitted until the spring, nevertheless the pioneers march forward and are occupied in conducting artillery thither. On the 9th [October] the Marquis
of Aiquemont arrived in post out of Spain. Cardinal Ursini
is looked for daily, whereupon men discourse diversely, not
without just surmise of attempts importing other princes.
Endd. Pp. 1. |
| Nov. 3. |
629. M. Maisonfleur to the Queen. |
|
Has already informed her of the commandment that he has
received from the "personage" who sent him over to report
to him the last words of her answer to La Mole, which he
begs her to remember. Has charge of importance, as the
"personage" has great confidence in his fidelity. The "personage" has not been able to write much, as he is narrowly
watched by those who would report the smallest matters to
those who hate all that he loves. Signed.
Endd. by Burghley. Fr. Pp. 1¼. |
| Nov. 4. |
630. Sir Simon Musgrove to Lord Burghley. |
|
Those of Liddlesdale having made many robberies upon the
Queen's tenants and subjects within the office of Bewcastle,
and not being able to get any redress from the authority of
Scotland, his deputy has made an incursion upon the said
offenders, and taken divers of them prisoners, and got many
horses and cattle. On his repair homewards, however, Martin
Elliott, with a great number of Scots, charged the said deputy
and his company and took him and 28 more prisoners.
Desires his help herein. It is bruited that the Regent of
Scotland is dead, which animates the offenders very much.
Has 40 horsemen and 20 shot in his house, so that his weekly
charge is above 20 marks, and he has only 100l. a year entertainment for this office, so that he has been constrained to sell
100l. a year of his inheritance. Craves that he may taste
some of Her Majesty's liberality. Advises that musters should
be held and such weapons and places appointed to the men as
they are most apt for, and leaders appointed dwelling amongst
them, as commonly in this country light horsemen, archers,
billmen, and all have been intermingled together without
order.—Bewcastle, 4 Nov. 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 1½. |
| Nov. 4. |
631. Queen Elizabeth to the Earl of Morton. |
|
Is sorry to hear the news of the death of the late Regent,
but trusts to him that that accident do not disturb the
looked-for quietness of the kingdom, and the design so well
begun to come to a perfect accord, for she is not ignorant of
the manner he has governed himself in time past when
unlooked-for troubles arose, and hopes that he will follow
in the steps in which he has begun, and so soon as may be set
all doubtful things in order, with the advice of the rest of the
nobility. Has written some part of her advice to Henry
Killegrew to impart unto him, not that she has any mistrust
of him, but to show her goodwill to the order and quiet of the
realm, although the person of the Regent must of necessity
now be changed, and therefore prays him to credit whatever
Mr. Killegrew says.—Windsor Castle, 4 Nov. 1572.
Endd. P. 1. |
| Nov. 6. |
632. H. Killegrew to Sir Thomas Smith. |
|
The Regent's death has altered his former course, notwithstanding which he will endeavour to satisfy the Queen's
expectation. Thanks him for the pithy instructions in his
last despatch, and hopes that the Queen will write to the
widow of the Regent and her brother, whereby they may
know that they may depend upon her, and not give ear to
the practices of the French, whose tongues are not tied when
they may by fair promises obtain anything for their purpose,
and hands not weary to give pensions to such as may serve
their turns. Sees no cause to alter Captain Errington's instructions, for if they be not substantially answered he can
hope for little good in Scotland, for no honest nobleman
of the King's party will take the "regiment" upon himself
without the Queen's assistance and support. It is certain the
Castilians do what they can to trouble the State, insomuch
as Argyle is borne in hand that he shall have their help to
make him Regent. He is gone to his country to consult with
his friends thereon, supposing to have the help of the Duke,
and the Earls of Huntley, Atholl, Eglinton, and Cassilis, but
the contrary party do not think it fit for him to be Regent,
because he is touched with the death of the King's father,
and is by marriage with the Hamiltons in possibility of the
crown, and also because he is poor and far off in a wild
country, where he can do little either for justice or the defence
of the King's authority, wherein he never yet showed himself
earnest. It is thought the Estates will cast the burden upon
Morton, if he will take it, which the Castilians fear, and
work to the contrary. Morton is loth to enter into so great
a charge, and he believes will refuse it unless the Queen
encourage him with words and good deeds. If the Castilians
can obtain that point, then shall they rise and France bear the
sway in the country. The sparing a little now will occasion
spending ten times as much shortly after. The Earl of
Montrose, accompanied by Tullibardine, met him on his way
to Perth and made him a great dinner, and afterwards brought
him six miles on his way, when the Earl confessed that his
eyes were better opened to the French devices than heretofore.
At Perth he was honourably received by Lord Ruthven, the
provost. The only Castilian who had arrived was the Bishop
of Galloway; afterwards came Sir James Balfour and Mr.
James Hamilton, but the Laird of Lochinvar came not. These
commissioners, with Lord Ruthven, the Abbot of Dunfermline,
and the Laird of "Gylnnorker," for the King's party, met at
his (Killigrew's) lodgings. He then desired them to consider
what time had been spent in vain since the last conference,
wherupon the King's side presented in writing to the Castilians such assurance as they thought was sufficient for them,
which the Castilians would not accept till they had consulted
with the others, misliking that their demands were not
granted in such form as they had couched them. The King's
commissioners, in reply, said that such assurance as they had
given them was in substance as good for them as their own,
for life, honour, lands, goods, &c., but they required time to
advise with the rest, and to give answer on the 15th of the
month in the assembly at Edinburgh. When he saw the conference was at an end, he put them in mind of some points
they would hardly agree upon without an arbitrator, and that
they would do well to refer to the Queen, as the abstinence
was about expiring, to which they promised an answer with all
expedition. The Earls of Huntley and Atholl had promised
to be at Dunkeld, 10 miles off, which was the chief hope of
his travail; that they might have conferred to some good end,
but this was prevented by the Castilians, who sent to Atholl
to draw Huntley to the country of Marr, contrary to their
promise to him before he left Edinburgh. He and Dunfermline came to St. Andrew's to let Morton know their labour
was lost. On the road they dined with Lord Rothes, who
made them great cheer. Morton has written his mind to Lady
Lennox touching what should be done by Her Majesty. It
will be hard to establish a Regent, for though the voices of the
King's party are three to one of the other, yet no honest and
worthy nobleman of that party will take the charge unless
encouraged by the Queen, which he cannot too often repeat,
because it is a matter so necessary to be considered out of
hand. There is a proposal to appoint four nobles to guard
the King, to wit, the Earls of Glencairn and Buchan, Lord
Glammis, and Mr. Alexander Erskine, who has the Castle of
Stirling in keeping during his nephew's nonage; the others
are good Protestants, who are named on purpose to bridle the
Papists that are in the Castle if needs be. They have referred
to the Queen's pleasure to grant the other side what she shall
think good, and he beseeches him to move her that some relief
may come to them for their soldiers for avoiding greater danger
and peril in this broken time.—St. Andrew's, 6 Nov. 1572.
Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 7. |
| Nov. 6. |
633. Commission for M. De Biron. |
|
The late unhappy conspiracy of the Admiral and his
accomplices having been frustrated, he (Charles IX.) has
ordered the town of Rochelle to receive and obey him as
governor. As the towns-people have refused to obey, and have
fortified themselves against their King, he intends to send a
powerful army against them. Commands Biron to summons
them to return to their obedience, and to expel all foreigners,
and authorises him to offer favourable terms in the event of
their compliance.—Paris, 6 Nov. 1572.
Copy. Endd. Fr. Pp. 2½. |
| Nov. 11. |
634. H. Killegrew to Lord Burghley. |
|
1. Thanks him for the excuse he made to the Queen for
him for not stating whether the Regent's death was violent
or natural; confesses it was worthy of reproach, but he
trusts his subsequent letters have satisfied the doubt. The
assembly of the lords is holden doubtful because of the great
practices of the Queen of Scots' faction to the contrary, and
he hears say, though he believes it not, that the Duke, Athol,
Huntley, Eglinton, Cassilis, and Montrose, whom Lord
Lindsay assured him were French, wish Argyle to be Regent.
The Castilians persuade all the lords to profess the King's
obedience, to the end they may have a vote in the assembly,
and so draw on either a divided regency or none at all.
A Highlandman called Glancanner, a follower of Athol, last
year slew a dear friend or two of one Macintosh, who, hearing
by espial that the murderer had come to Perth to receive
money for certain "kie" he had sold, went thither, well
accompanied and defended, and desired the aid of the Provost,
Lord Ruthven to apprehend Glancanner, who had stood long
at the horn. |
|
2. Lord Ruthven sent men to take him, willing that those
who came with Macintosh should remain at the door. The
Highlandman slew one and wounded another, and though
fallen upon with pistols, swords, and daggers, kept them at
play long with an Irish skene, his only weapon, but at
length fell, having received fifty wounds. Morton will not be
at Edinburgh till the 13th. Divers be come out of France,
amongst them "little Douglas," and Drysdale; he is not yet
advertised what they bring, but they, doubtless, come not
empty-handed. Trusts he will advise the Queen to work
effectually with the King's party, and that out of hand.
Grange has had letters of late out of France, and gives out
that the French King has promised him aid if the Queen of
England shall assail him. "Methinks I see the noblemen's
great credit decay in that country, and the barons, boroughs,
and such like take more upon them, the ministry and religion
increaseth, and the desire in them to prevent the practice of
the Papists; the number of able men for service very great
and well furnished, both on horse and foot; their navy so
augmented as it is a thing almost incredible; if this country,
I see, were well governed, Her Majesty might reap good
neighbourhood; and without Her Highness' substantial care
and help to establish the same, I cannot see but a subversion,
unless God preserve it by His miraculous hand." Sees
the wooing of France much like the siren's song, and hears
also of some talk with Spain, which, though he accounts no
better, it were well for policy's sake to yield more thereunto
than of knowledge and conscience he would else do, in these
eminent perils from abroad and conspiracies at home. He
never receives a letter but he fears to open it, expecting ill
news. Has dealt as secretly in "the matter he wots of"
as he could for his life, but the same being in other mouths
he fears there will be an inkling of it, and therefore if there
were any other means to preserve the Queen's life and state
than "by them here," he would it were put in "ure," the
sooner the better, for they be so divided and uncertain in
their doings, as he cannot tell what to write of them, but
assures him he trusts no more than he can see with his eyes
and feel with his fingers. Means to visit the Castilians
to-morrow to understand their minds upon the answers their
commissioners brought them, and what they will say to the
referring of the controversies to the Queen. Suspects they
mean but drift of time till France succour them at last with
money, by which they will entice all the King's soldiers, or
the best of them. Morton thinks to procure a pension by
De Croc, and George Douglas is not returned without somewhat unto him. Wishes that the Queen had had some other
handling with the Electors in the choice of the Emperor. It
is constantly written from Wurtemburg that the Duke of
Bavaria is infected with the disease called "morbus pedicularis." Desires him to give thanks to Sir Valentine Brown
for his friendly usage.—Edinburgh, 11 November 1572.
Signed.
Add. Endd. by Burghley. Pp. 4. |
| Nov. 12. |
635. Sir William Drury to Lord Burghley. |
|
Acknowledges the receipt of letters commanding him to
aid the King of Scots' party. Has informed Lord Scrope and
Sir John Forster of the decease of the late Regent, and
warned the gentlemen of the Marches to stand upon their
guard, and be with theirs in readiness upon an hour's
warning, and also that in every town the third part should
nightly keep watch. Has also caused some of his horsemen
to lie out, who have met with something to answer their
labour. The numbers of the garrison and those out of pay
who could be levied are fewer than at any time he has known
them, so many having for entertainment departed to Flushing
and other places. Encloses notes of such letters as Killegrew
has sent. Desires that Sir Valentine Browne may be directed
to stay here if there be any occasion for further service, as
otherwise he minds to pass to Lynn touching provisions.
Has made Killegrew acquainted with the Queen's letter, and
when he hears from him will send such aid as may be spared.
Desires that the treasurer may have warrant to furnish money
for the soldiers.—12 November 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 2½. |
|
636. Letters sent by Killegrew. |
|
Note of letters sent out of Scotland by Henry Killegrew.
Signed: John Williams.
Enclosure. P. 2/3. |
| Nov. 12. |
637. M. Langvilliers to Queen Elizabeth. |
|
Laments the miserable condition into which they are
brought by the long civil war and the perfidy of their enemies,
and by the disloyal and tyrannic dissimulation of the King. A
number of gentlemen having found a retreat in Rochelle they
beg that the Queen will extend her favour to them and afford
them succour.—Rochelle, 12 Nov. 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. Fr. P. 1. |
| Nov. 13. |
638. Sir Valentine Browne and Drury to Lord
Burghley. |
|
Have intercepted a Scotch merchant who had about him
coin to the value of 40l. in dollars and Spanish reals, and
desire to be advertised his opinion whether it be as lawful
forfeiture as if it were English currency.—Berwick, 13 Nov.
1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ½. |
| Nov. 13. |
639. Drury and Forster to the Privy Council. |
|
According to the Queen's letter they have met at Belford
and conferred together, and are ready with such force as is
under their charge to accomplish Her Highness' commands.
Have written to Killegrew to be advertised what number of
men he thinks will serve the purpose, and also to know the
opinion of the Lords of the King's party adjoining upon the
frontiers, that they may better prevent such as are his
unfriends and keep them occupied at home, and keep the
Marches from hurt. Intend presently to take open musters
within the Marches.—Belford, 13 Nov. 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 2/3. |
| Nov. 13. |
640. The Inhabitants of Rochelle to Queen Elizabeth. |
|
Implore her aid and protection against their enemies, who
have combined to wage a deadly war of extermination
against those of the reformed religion.—Rochelle, 13 Nov.
1572.
Add. Endd. Fr. Pp. 1⅓. |
| Nov. 14. |
641. Sir John Forster to Lord Burghley. |
|
Since meeting with Drury he remembers that there are
100 soldiers at Jedburgh, and if they go with their forces
into Scotland for the aid of the King's authority, they should
go likewise, for fear they make some entry into England in
the time of their absence. Ferniehurst has been very earnest
in hand for an answer to his request, which he sent to him
before. If the matter be not well looked to a great number
of the noblemen of Scotland are like to speak French.
Sends a letter from Ferniehurst.—Alnwick, 14 Nov. 1572.
Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1. |
| Nov. 15. |
642. Names of Nobles, &c. convened for the choice of the
Regent of Scotland. |
|
A list of 7 earls, 14 lords, 11 bishops, commendators, and
provosts, 11 commissioners of boroughs, and 74 lairds and
others.
Endd. by Killigrew. Pp. 2. |
| Nov. 18. |
643. John Tayllere to Lord Burghley. |
|
Mentions the dispatch of several letters, which he trusts
have come to his hands. On the 16th inst. the ships of war
of this town went towards Zealand, but were put to flight
by the Gueux, who also have burnt a village called Nordam,
by the river side, together with three ships, so that this town
is straitly kept from all provision by water. The soldiers
leave nothing in the country to the husbandmen, nor yet to
the gentlemen.—Antwerp, 18 Nov. 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. P. 1. |
| Nov. 19. |
644. Nobles, &c. present at a Convention at Edinburgh. |
|
A list of 5 earls, 12 lords, 3 archbishops and bishops,
7 abbots, provosts, and commendators, commissioners of 12
boroughs, and 35 lairds. There were also several lairds,
barons, and gentlemen not mentioned. The Earls of Cassilis, Glencairn, and Menteith (against the names of the
first two of which Killigrew has noted "already come,"
against the last "yet to come"), and the Lords Semple,
Somerville, Yester, and Sinclair (noted as "all are come this
21st November"), are stated to be looked for before the dissolution of the Convention.
Endd. Pp. 1½. |
| Nov. 20. |
645. Sir Valentine Browne to Lord Burghley. |
|
Minds not presently to go southwards for the furtherance
of the provisions of this place, having by his servants taken
order for the supply of such wants against the spring as may
serve the ordinary charge. Desires that he may renew the
leases of certain farms which he has enjoyed these 20
years, and is informed that some about the Court are in hand
to obtain from him by reversion.—Berwick, 20 Nov. 1572.
Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 2/3. |
| Nov. 21. |
646. H. Killigrew to Lord Burghley and the Earl of
Leicester. |
|
There is one request in the enclosed worthy of consideration, to wit, that the adversaries of the King of Scotland, as
well within the realm as without, may receive due punishment. Has credible information that the Castle wells have
been dry this month and more. He requests that he may [be
revoked]. unless Her Majesty mean [to proceed] otherwise
than he has any comfort of, for unless Errington bring money
or certain promise, and substantial encouragement to make a
Regent, "I do see this state most miserable and inclining to
ruin," and his credit so shaken that he will not be able to do
that service to the Queen his heart desires.—Edinburgh, 21
Nov. 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. Slightly mutilated. Pp. 1⅓. |
| Nov. 23. |
647. Sir William Drury to Lord Burghley. |
|
Encloses the copy of a note brought by a Scotchman out of
Poland, whom he caused to be searched, and found on him
[...]ivers letters, but none of consequence. Desires that the
officers of ports and creeks may be reminded heedfully to look
to such as shall land.—Berwick, 23 Nov. 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ½. |
| Nov. 23. |
648. H. Killigrew to [Burghley and Leicester]. |
|
Whatsoever cause his "confounded" manner of writing
gave them to think so, he has never passed his commission in
handling the "great cause," nor has he used the Queen's name
therein; if it can be proved that he has he will never desire
more favours, and would that justice should be done upon him.
"I forget not, my lords, the great charge Her Majesty gave
me at my coming hither, saying that no more was privy to
this matter but your honours and I." Promised it should
be to him as his life, and even when he knew the Lord Keeper
was also made acquainted with the matter he never directed
his letters to him. Only took the articles from the Abbot
of Dunfermline under protest, to show Morton and ask if it
were his meaning therein; but the Regent lay a dying at the
time, which much occupied his mind, so he sent them with a
confused letter, to let them see their manner of dealing;
told Morton afterwards that he had not sent them. Cannot
excuse himself that by negligence and evil favoured utterance
he has given them just occasion to conceive as they have
done, but he would crave their pardon, and also that it
would please them to let the Queen understand whence the
error proceeded, so as to procure a continuance of her favour,
without which his life shall be rather a heavy burden than a
comfort to him. On reading of their letter he was stricken
with such sorrow as not since to be able to brook anything he
took for sustenance. Is moved to be a suitor to the Queen in
respect of his unableness to answer the expectation conceived
of him, and the necessity of some fitter man for her service,
to be called home where he may serve in some vocation more
apt for his capacity.—Edinburgh, 23 Nov. 1572. Signed.
Endd. Pp. 3½. |
| Nov. 26. |
649. Walsingham to Randolph. |
|
The French are resolved to send some treasure to Scotland
to keep a party there until they have settled their things at
home, and mean with fair speech to make the contrary
believed. "Henry's" speech used in the presence of De Croc
against the King here very much offends them, and he must
therefore take his leave of France during this government.
Desires to be excused to Mr. Sampson for not writing.
Randolph's books are in his house, where they must stay
until his stuff comes.—Paris, 26 Nov. 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. P. 1. |
| Nov. |
650. The Form of the Pacification in Scotland. |
|
Consists of twelve articles, chiefly providing for the terms
upon which the Castle of Edinburgh is to be kept by Grange,
the sureties to be given by him and by Lethington, the appointments of officers of state, the restitution of property,
and enumerating the persons who are to be excepted from
the benefit of the pacification. Embodied also in the form
of an Act of Parliament.
Endd. Pp. 7⅓. |
| Nov. |
651. The Regent's Answer to the Castle's Demands. |
|
A similar document to the preceding.
Endd. Pp. 4. |
| Nov. |
652. The Reasons why the Regent cannot allow the
Castle's Demands. |
|
If acts and deeds on either side are put in oblivion then
shall the King admit that the war was equal, that the acts of
the adversaries were as lawful as his, the oblivion would
be a subterfuge for all murderers, thieves, reivers, idolaters,
pirates, &c.; the oblivion would take away all actions civil
and criminal between party and party, however just; it
would not fail to subvert the King's estate, making him a
friend to his enemies, and an enemy to his friends; it would
retain all rebellious factions together, and all evil and wicked
men would be drawn to them; the King would win the
favour of his adversaries with the gear of his true subjects,
who would be loth to resist fresh troubles if they arose,
seeing their enemies were gratified, and they sustained the
loss. Their desire that all things done against them should
be null and invalid cannot be granted, as that would impart plainly that the King had no jurisdiction; and their
desire that all writings be obliterated and cancelled cannot
be granted, as in so doing the King would admit that he
had done manifest wrong. The following are the causes
why the Castle of Edinburgh should be delivered to the King,
and not left in the hands of Grange, who is known to be the
only instrument of the beginning and the continuance of the
troubles. 1. What other faith can he give for his obedience
to the King, but that which he has already violated ? 2. If
he should remain in possession, the people would think that
he had defended a just cause, and that the King and his true
subjects were at fault, his faction would be undissolved, and
ready to make new revolt, and the people could not remain
in Edinburgh on his promises, as he had broken them before.
3. Every one may declare how he has answered the expectation that the Earl of Murray made of him who put that
house in his hands. 4. The magistrates of Edinburgh could
not freely execute judgment upon any of his friends, in that
he before took his man from the Tolbooth of Edinburgh, that
had been apprehended for a slaughter, and discharged ordnance
against the town to the terror of the inhabitants. 5. He had
declared to Lord Fleming that he would hold all between Stirling and Berwick as tributaries to him, and has left nothing
undone to perform the same, joining himself to the King's
capital enemies, and with the murderers of his master, the Earl
of Murray, who put him in trust of the house. 6. No nobleman or others who have served the King against him could
remain in Edinburgh, as the King's grandfather and late Regent
experienced in the winter of 1570. 7. Can he be answerable
for matters of such moment as the care of the Castle of Edinburgh, his former behaviour considered ? He cannot be
better trusted in times coming than he has given cause in
time bypast; he has no care but only for his own life, for if
there was quietness he would not be able to bear forth the
twentieth part of the state that he now does. 8. He persuades
himself that he is now safe, and that he can have no surety
in rendering the Castle. Honour, equity, and reason show there
can be no equality between prince and subject, and the surety
of the King should be preferred to that of Grange. There
can be no security received of the Laird of Grange but by the
delivery of the Castle, as he has twice subscribed bond, and
made public defection therefrom; and the Earl of Huntley,
Lord Home, young Lethington, Sir James Balfour, the
Bishop of Galloway, the Lairds of Buccleuch and Ferniehurst,
and Adam Gordon must put in pledges to the Regent and find
securities in sums of money, because they have every one of
them contrary to their oaths and subscriptions given for
obedience to the King made plain defection therefrom.
Endd. by Killigrew. Pp. 4¾. |
| Nov. |
653. Penitents received into the Kirk of Edinburgh, and
the Answer of the Kirk thereto. |
|
1. A list of 92 persons who have given in their supplication to be reconciled to the Kirk of Edinburgh and the
King for their defection during the late troubles. |
|
2. The Kirk recognizing their earnest suit and desire,
has of duty received them as brethren in all times hereafter,
and therefore has ordained the minister to signify the
same upon Sunday next to come to the whole people, and
that this their particular purgation shall not prejudge nor
hurt any brother that has or pretends to have just action
against them for the same.
Endd. P. 1. |
