|
| March 17. |
826. H. Killegrew to Lord Burghley. |
|
There be at Stirling, yet undeciphered, two letters from
Lethington to the Bishop of Glasgow, and one to John Chisholm; one of those to the bishop was written since Captain
Errington was at the Castle. The letters were taken by these
means—the Baron Boghill had a son in the Castle, nephew
unto Grange, and the Regent had intelligence that his mother
sent and received letters from him by means of a boy, whereupon
he sent for the father and made him believe that unless he did
something to cancel this fault, it should cost him dear; of this it
came that the father practised to have his son out, which was
granted by them within in hopes to send and have intelligence
by his means. He was made to confess what he had, and how
he was to be made an instrument, and was suffered to deliver
some of his letters and to send a man for more; after the letters
came out, the father, mother, and son were taken for the
saving of their honesties, and so the intelligence was cut off.
If the King's master cannot decipher them, he trusts he shall
have them to see what Mr. Somers can do with them. The
Castle depends wholly upon France; they have sent the King
word that they will deliver him the Castle and go into France
themselves, and would rather die than fall into the hands of
England, against which country they were entered in mortal
hatred. Baron Boghill confessed that Lord Seton, Lady
Livingstone, and Athole were the only conveyers of their
letters. The Regent has determined to lay hand on Lord
Seton, has sent for Lady Livingstone to come to him, and has
written to Athole to come plainly to the King's obedience,
for it cannot be borne that he remain neutral any longer, and
further to abolish his mass, or else he must look to abide the
penalty of the law. To give more credit to this message,
Argyle has gone to his country hard by Athole, and wishes
for some occasion to be upon him, and Huntley is glad for
now that they be come to the King they would have all do
the like. To these three noblemen the French King directed
Verac to make them his by pensions and promises, who is
nothing near that matter, for two of them will not, but would
rather receive the Queen's pensions and depend on her. The
old Duke has made solemn vow that rather than consent to have
any French masters in Scotland he would die in the field against
them, and since the pacification has written earnest thanks
with offers of service to Her Majesty. If the Lady Lennox be
persuaded to betake the government of the earldom into the
charge of the Captain of Dumbarton, the Regent would have
the same to pass by his means and through his hands, because
Dromwrastle detains certain church lands, which in this assembly of the clergy were called upon. Lord Semple and George
Douglas shall have the thirds of Paisley and Arbroath until
the King can do them good by other reward. The preachers
cry out against France in all their sermons and prayers as
earnestly as though the fact had been committed but yesterday. So fain would they have the Castle, that without it
nothing can please them, and this appeared openly upon the
arrival of Colborn's ship, which came in company with a
bark that brought munitions to Berwick, whereupon there
was many a pot of wine drunk. Colborn said there was a
hoy behind laden with powder. Upon this show of joy he
bethought him how sorry he should see them when the contrary
news came which he looks for with more sorrow of heart
than he can well utter. Beseeches him to have in remembrance that the Regent wrote in the favour of Alexander
Home of Manderstone, touching some tithes withholden by
the captains of Home and Fast castles. The Regent would
not have Verac come hither before the parliament be ended,
for the avoiding of inconveniences. The Laird of Lochleven
and his friends were of late to hold a court at Melrose, where
it was thought the Laird of Buccleuch would have made some
business, but no harm was done. Buccleuch is become a suitor
to the Regent for Ferniehurst, and promises that before the
end of May he shall come to the King's obedience. The
Regent was advertised of a meeting between Lord Scrope
and Sir John Forster, where Ferniehurst and other Borderers
should be. They of the Castle turned out within three days
two prisoners which they took in the beginning of the siege,
which makes some think they begin to spare their victual.
One Captain Edmondstone is come for soldiers for the Prince
of Orange. The Regent assuredly thinks the Queen will send
in her forces, and spake with Colborne to make gabions for
the batteries.—Edinburgh, 17 March. Signed.
Add. Endd. by Burghley. Pp. 7. |
|
827. Lethington to Lady Livingstone. |
|
Has received a letter from the Bishop of Glasgow desiring
him in the King of France's name to cause some avail with
Alexander Erskine for the keeping of the Prince and house of
Stirling in his hands, as well from Morton and the Douglases as
from England, because if the Prince come to Morton's hand he
will not fail to be delivered to England, and so thereafter they
would use the Queen more extremely. If he constantly retain
the "bairn" and the house he shall have all things of the
King of France that he shall require. They think in France
that the preservation of the prince out of England's hands is
only the safety of the Queen and of her person. Has caused
Lord Home to write a letter to his sister, Alexander's wife,
which he prays she will herself effectually deliver, pressing
her earnestly to deal with her husband, and obtain his direct
answer. He and Lord Home will make him such assurance
of the King of France's good mind and affection as he shall
require. To make the wife more earnest to persuade her
husband he prays her cast in a bone by proposing a marriage
of her son to Alexander's daughter.—Edinburgh Castle,
23 February 1572. Signed: Yor la. ye knaw quha.
Deciphered. Endd. by Burghley.
Lethington to the Bishop of Glasgow. |
|
Does not write to him in the accustomed cipher, fearing
that since the taking of Mr. James Kyrkcaldy, the key has
become known to their adversaries, has therefore written to
Mr. John Chisholm.
Endd. by Burghley. Fr. P. 1. Enclosure. |
| March 17. |
828. Chancellorship of France. |
|
Appointment by Charles IX. of Rene de Biragues to the
post of Chancellor of France, vacant by the death of Michel
de l'Hopital.—Fontainbleau, 17 March 1573.
Copy. Endd. Fr. Pp. 1⅓. |
| March 17. |
829. The Prince of Orange to Queen Elizabeth. |
|
Requests that the inhabitants of the Isle of Walcheren may
be allowed to purchase and export certain provisions and
munitions from her realms.—Delft, 17 March 1573. Signed.
Add. Endd. Fr. P. ½. |
| March 17. |
830. Advices from Genoa. |
|
Genoa, 17 March.—From Spain the recall of Alva is confirmed, and that the Emperor's son Ernest shall replace him
in the government of the Netherlands, with the Grand
Commendator as his counsellor, and that the Duke of Medina
shall be Viceroy of Naples. Marc Antonio Colonna shall go
with 120 galleys to protect Candia from the Turk. The
Turks have 350 galleys at sea, and are making great prepara
tions by land, and it is doubtful whether the forces of the
league can assemble before May. The King of Portugal has
offered the Pope to assist the League with money instead of
the ships which he had promised. A ship has arrived at
Messina from Spain with 350,000 crowns. It is reported
that the coming of the Duke of Saxony to the Emperor's
court is to procure that the King of Spain may be persuaded
to remove the Spaniards from the government of Flanders,
and put in their place one of the House of Austria.
Endd. Ital. P. 1. |
| March 18. |
831. Answers given to M. M.de la Mothe Fenelon and
La Mole. |
|
1. That the Queen is very desirous to maintain friendship
and peace with the French King, and in order to prevent
certain great dangers and to satisfy her subjects is resolved
to marry when she can find anyone of suitable condition. |
|
2. As for M. Alençon, it is necessary that there should be an
interview, by reason of the reports that have been made of his
looks, as the Queen has always required from all her suitors,
being determined not to accept any husband before she has
seen him. That all the articles that were formerly granted
Monsieur shall be accorded to the Duke of Alençon, save that
of religion, which shall be decided between the Queen and
him at their interview. All reasonable liberty wlll be granted
to him, but the mass will not be suffered. The English
service differs in most parts from that of Rome only in the
language. |
|
3. The Lord Treasurer on being pressed for his opinion
said that he thought it would be best for the Duke to come
over with a moderate suite about May, as a young Prince
desirous of seeing foreign lands, and come in this way to
Greenwich or London, where the affair can be easily managed,
and he trusted that if there was a mutual contentment as to
their persons that religion would not stand in the way. The
Lord Treasurer further said that although the Queen was
most anxious for the friendship of France, yet seeing how the
Protestants were oppressed, if this marriage did not take place
the league would gradually be dissolved, and she would be
compelled to ally herself with the Princes Protestant for
the defence of religion, and to resist those who might wish to
invade her realm.
Endd. 18 March 1572. Answer to the French Ambassador
by the Lord Treasurer. Fr. Pp. 3½. |
| [March.] |
832. Complaints of the French Merchants to M. de la
Mothe Fenelon. |
|
Complain that a sum of 4,000l. due from the sureties of a
certain pirate is withheld from them; also of the detention
of a vessel of Honfleur, and desire that they may not be
obliged to employ Serjeant Swift in any matters that they
may have in the Court of Admiralty.
Endd. Fr. P. 1. |
| March 21. |
833. Bridge at Berwick. |
|
A brief note of the charges of the bridge at Berwick. That
which is already done, and for the which money is received
by Sir Valentine Browne out of the Exchequer, amounts to
2,170l. 11s. 1d. Money now sued for by Sir Valentine for
the finishing of the same amounts to 432l. 12s. Certain
timber trees provided out of the Queen's woods in the north
parts were occupied and spent in and about the said
bridge.
Endd. P. ¾. |
| March 22. |
834. Samuel Lyster to Sir Christopher Hattsen and
Sir William Butts. |
|
1. Ten or twelve sail of Scots are lying in Ostend harbour,
who brought in felts, salt hides, soap ashes, white salt, and
Scotch cloth, they are very well entertained; their lading back
again being all kinds of Low Country commodities, as iron,
soap, hops, madder, "battrye," and haberdash wares. Barley
was worth 11l. the last, but is at present at 9l., and falls
daily. White and red herrings were very scarce, but have
fallen from 22l. the last to 7l. On the 25th February met
Anthony Nollar, an old acquaintance, who told him that
being at Brussels, he understood that the King of Spain had
written to the French King, and greatly commended his
doings with the noblemen, who wrote answer that if it pleased
him to join with him, they would not leave one heretic in the
world, and England should be the first they would begin
with. The said Nollar also told him that he trusted that he
should see his ancient fly upon the walls of Yarmouth, and
400 or 500 men after him in the town, promising he would do
Lyster great friendship if he stood in need. Lyster gave him
thanks, and told him that his name was in the chronicle
amongst the traitors which was taken in Norfolk, as Frogmorton, Broke, and Redmond; who made answer that he
knew it was, and as for that matter they were once fair for
it, but if ever they came to the like again they would not do
as they did. "Think you," said he, "if the Duke of Norfolk
had risen in arms all Norfolk and Suffolk would not have
risen with him?" "Yes, that they would," said I, "and
almost all the realm." Then with most spiteful words he
began to rail on my Lord Burghley, saying he was the cause
of the death of the Duke, but he trusted he should have his
reward, "for," said he, "his death is sworn." I demanded
by whom. "That is no matter," said he, and at last named
Egremont Ratcliffe. To whom I made answer, and said,
He could do little that way." The Duke's ships which
were sent to victual Middleburg be come up again to Antwerp
sore spoiled. The Duke is at Nimeguen, by report very
weak, for that he cannot be spoken with.—Ostend, 22 March
1572. |
|
2. P.S.—About a fortnight past, two scholars of Oxford and
one Nicholas Tereyte [Tyrwhitt] of Hull, came to Bruges, and
from thence were conveyed to Louvain. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 2¼. |
| March 23. |
835. The Vidame of Chartres to Burghley. |
|
1. Of the two people of whom he desired information, the
Frenchman deserted from the King's army to that of the
Prince when he was retreating on the Vienne river, and told
him that he had the means of passing from one army to the
other whenever he liked, and that he had been promised great
rewards to go over to the Prince for the purpose of betraying
his council, even if they did not require him to do something
still more fatal, but that he had preferred to make use of the
opportunity in order to offer his services to the Prince, who
agreed to employ him, and sent him to the enemy's camp.
from which, however, he did not bring back news of anyimportance. In the meanwhile some one or other advised
the Prince to have nothing to do with him on account of his
inconstancy in religion, and also because he was suspected
of bearing a grudge against the Admiral, who many years
before had deprived his brother of his rank with disgrace.
At first he was not kept under restraint, but afterwards,
either through the report of some enemy, or because on
account of his being so disfigured by the loss of an eye, and
his face so discoloured with gunpowder blown under the skin,
and seamed with the small-pox, that no one could gather anything from the expression of his countenance, he fell into so
great mistrust, both with the leaders and with the soldiers,
that he was sent to Rochelle, and there detained for some
time, but not under strict guard, though afterwards he was
put in prison. After a month and a half he was brought to
the camp, and at length the suspicions against him being
cleared up he was set at liberty. As for the Italian, or rather
Milanese, he is less known to the Vidame than to [Burghley].
as he did not know him until after the death of the Prince
of Conde, when he came to Rochelle, where the Vidame was
entertaining the Count of Rochefoucauld and other gentlemen
of the army. Was informed by them that he was much
esteemed by the Prince, and that he was a man of skill and
experience, who has seen much service under Charles the
Fifth. He afterwards told him that he was the Queen of
England's servant, and that the Prince wished to employ him
as a means of more secret communication with her. The
third or fourth day after his arrival, however, he was arrested,
and placed under the custody of M. de Goulenes, the Count
of Rochefoucauld's lieutenant. An Italian friend of his,
named Scipio, who had charge of the fortifications and works
of the town, interceded for him, and some time afterwards,
on the Vidame asking him for what cause Pacheco [the
Milanese] was detained, replied, that he believed it was for a
box on the ear that he had given to the brother of the Mayor
of the town. The Count Rochefoucauld, however, said that
his arrest was ordered by the Admiral, and that he was suspected of being in communication with the King of Spain,
which Pacheco most vehemently denied, and asked the Vidame
that the matter might be gone into as speedily as possible.
Afterwards he interceded for him with the Queen of Navarre,
but in vain, as she said that she knew that he had done evil
turns to the cause of religion, and that she did not believe
that he was a servant of the Queen of England. On the
next or following day the Vidame left Rochelle, after which
he can give little information about them. The Frenchman
having escaped out of prison, visited him in England three
times, and asked his advice about serving the Queen against
her rebels, which he recommended him to do, since which
time he has neither seen or heard anything of him except
that he had gone back to France. Pacheco has been to thank
him for his kindness to him when he was in prison, and has
told him that he was suspected of some design against the
person of the Cardinal of Chatillon, as Petro Bizario had
been, which intention he utterly denied. |
|
2. Complains bitterly of the credence which is given to idle
reports and suspicions which are set about by people who, in
order not to appear indifferent or ignorant, talk about those
things which they know least about. Cannot blame bilious
people because everything appears yellow to them, but cannot
excuse those who give credit to idle dreams.—23 March.
Lat. Pp. 4. |
| March 23. |
836. Advices from Geneva. |
|
Genoa, 23 March. Marc Antonio Colonna will have
charge of 120 galleys to go to the defence of Candia in the
spring. Some say that he will be Viceroy of Sicily. Don
John has sent to Gio. Andrea Doria to join him at once at
Messina with all his galleys. The son of the Pope will not
go any more with the fleet unless as general. The Duke of
Alva has required provision of 800,000 crowns and 5,000
Spanish infantry for Flanders. Confirmation of new warlike
preparations by the Turk. Dispute between the secular and
ecclesiastical jurisdictions at Naples.
Endd. Ital. Pp. 1¾. |
| March 23. |
837. Earl of Huntley to — |
|
Accepts the Regent's answer in good part, hoping justice
will be ministered on his coming to Edinburgh. As he has
begun so shall he continue in honest and upright dealing.
Has let Archibald Douglas' master see his performance of the
rendering of houses, &c.—Spynie, 23rd March.
Extract from a letter to a friend. Endd. P. ⅓. |
| March 24. |
838. Advices from Germany. |
|
In the Marquisate of Baden the son of the Marquis Philibert,
who is only 13 years old, having been declared of age by the
Emperor, has been able to alter the religion, so that now the
Jesuits rule there. This has been managed by the Duke of
Bavaria, who does all he can to extirpate the true religion.
He has been for some time endeavouring to get the Houses of
Burgundy and Lorraine to enter into the League of Landsperg, of which he is the head, which is nothing else than to
form in Germany a strong party against the King [of France].
Fortunately not only has he not been able to obtain his
wishes, but the electors of Mayence and Treves have withdrawn from the said league because the Duke of Bavaria had
promised them that the Duke of Saxony should join. The
writer considers that if he had succeeded it would have been
a matter of very great importance to France, and enumerates
the different princes, bishops, and others who would then
have been incorporated in the league. When the Emperor
understood that those who were already in the league objected
to receive the house of Burgundy, he agreed with them, but
this was only pretence, as he is so entirely given over to
Spain that he is more anxious about their affairs than his
own. He is a very good prince, endowed with many virtues;
and considering the strict alliance that he has with the King
of France, no doubt he wishes him well, but the writer is
certain that if any difficulty arises with the Spaniards he will
do all in his power to assist them. He has been very sick
during this winter and is not yet quite well. He is intriguing
in Poland to get one of his sons elected king, and recently sent
thither the Seigneurs of Rosemberg and Bernestein, two of the
principal men in Bohemia, who have sent word that they
hope to bring matters to a favourable conclusion. However
a new accident has happened which may disappoint this
expectation. The Queen of Poland, who is the Emperor's
sister, died on the 1st inst. at Lintz, and the King, who had
in a manner repudiated her, will no doubt so far bestir himself
as not to allow a successor to be appointed during his lifetime. The Emperor finding himself sick and feeble, is
desirous that the electors should choose a King of the Romans.
His sons, who have returned from Spain, are so "espagnolizes"
that they are not agreeable to the Germans. At their return
they desired that the Emperor would not suffer any Lutheran
to approach them, which was a fine way of gaining favour
with the Protestant Electors, but the writer does not see whom
else they can elect. The Emperor caused the Estates of
Hungary to assemble last month, and not being able to attend
through sickness sent his two eldest sons, whom they would
not listen to, so that in the end he was obliged to go himself.
It is thought that he will move the election of his son, but the
Hungarians appear to desire to have one of their own noblemen who shall be under the protection of the Turk, hoping
by this means to escape the dreadful miseries in which they
have been plunged. About two months ago a large force of
Tartars appeared on the confines of Podolia, but retired on the
nobility of Poland taking up arms. Has just received certain
advertisement that the envoys sent by the Emperor to the
electors are doing all they can to break off the league between
certain of the German Princes and the King of France.
Endd.: 24 March 1572. Fr. Pp. 2½. |
| March 25. |
839. Siege of Haarlem. |
|
On the morning of the 25th March the garrison made a sortie
with 500 men, but did not do anything of importance; but
about 2 o'clock in the afternoon they made another sortie with
900 men, under Captain Sarras, and falling by surprise on the
enemy, consisting of 31 ensigns of Walloons and Germans,
put them to the rout with the loss of 2,000 men, and took five
bronze guns and some others of iron, with all their baggage and provisions, together with nine ensigns and eight
drums.
Endd. by Burghley. Fr. P. ½. |
| March 25. |
840. Sir W. Drury to Lord Burghley. |
|
Thinks it his part to remind him that it were requisite that
both in Yorkshire and the Bishopric some more men were in
readiness. The powder is surely arrived in a very proper
vessel of Rye. Will use the advice of Sir Valentine Browne
in anything that may concern the Queen's service. Even now
is come into the haven the hoys from Newcastle, with all
things needful for the journey.—Berwick, 25 March 1572.
Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1. |
| March 26. |
841. The Regent of Scotland to Lord Burghley. |
|
Since hope of winning by gentle means be past, to procure
the "inquietation" of both realms, he prays him to be a good
mean at the Queen's hand, that by her speedy aid and forces
danger be averted, and foreign and domestic enemies frustrate;
for the, Castle recovered, strangers would find their advantage
small or none. If they address them against the Queen the
Scotch will be as ready and willing as any of her own subjects.
Has received the Queen's recommendation made in favour of
Ferniehurst. She shall find her advice followed, though the
danger in many respects be evident, but trusts that the
bypast deserving of that man toward both the realms, and the
danger and commodity of his restitution, will be considered.—
Holyrood House 26 March 1573. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ¾. |
| March 26. |
842. The Duke of Alençon to the Queen. |
|
Waited till after the feast of the Epiphany for the arrival
of the Earl of Worcester, in order that he might learn from
him what was her disposition towards him, and to declare the
great affection he bore to her. As he could see no certainty
of his coming, and as his brother was going on this campaign,
he did not wish to lose this opportunity of showing how
desirous he was of being where honour might be obtained by
valour, and so was obliged to leave without seeing the said
Earl. Begs her to look favourably on the offers which he has
made, and thus render him the most happy and contented
prince in Christendom.—Camp before Rochelle. Signed.
Holog. Signed. Add. Endd. Fr. P. 1. |
| March 27. |
843. Antonio Bruschetto to Lord Burghley. |
|
Has lately learnt by letters out of Italy of the death of
Senor Gurone Bertano. Promises that he will not fail in his
service to the Queen and his lordship.—London, 27 March
1573. Signed.
Add. Endd. Ital. P. ½. |
| March 27. |
844. Siege of Haarlem. |
|
Extract from a Flemish letter translated into French.—
Schiedam, 27 March. |
|
1. Those of Haarlem, learning by their spies that the
enemy's cavalry had left the camp for the purpose of obtaining
forage, sallied forth and fell upon the German troops under
Count Oberstein, who discharged one volley and then fled,
leaving their arms. They have slain 800 and taken many
prisoners, with eight pieces of artillery, munition, baggage,
and much money. |
|
2. There was great murmuring amongst the Germans, who
before this defeat had determined to leave the Duke's service
as soon as the term of their oaths had expired. |
|
List of Spanish officers.
Fr. Pp. 1½. |
| March 27. |
845. H. Killegrew to Lord Burghley. |
|
Nothing has been left undone in order to end the trouble
without the Queen's forces. One clause in his letter of
the 3rd made him become one of St. Thomas' disciples.
The Castle once in the Regent's hands, he will take some
better order for the security of the King, as he dare not
offend the Countess and Master of Marr, who have the
custody of the Castle of Stirling, and are Papists. Besought
the Regent to leave no means undone to have the
Castle by composition, to avoid the inconvenience a long
siege would bring with it, or the procuring forces out
of England at a time when the Queen and Council were
drawn with cares of other moment concerning the poor Protestants in France and the Low Countries; to which the
Regent replied that he had done what might be done, and
recited the dealings with the Castle, as showing that they
only deluded them until the aid should come out of
France; that he consented to a peace with the noblemen
at the danger of his life, and to the loss of his kinsfolk and
friends, and in case that Grange had rendered the Castle
he had offered for his surety the choice of three castles, and
the priory of St. Andrew's for 10 years, in recompense of his
charges, besides for good usage and for surety he made large
offers. Told the Regent that if Lethington and Grange would
put in good pledges to keep the Castle for the King, as the
Earl of Marr has done for the keeping of the King's person, it
might make an end. With this he was amazed, and said that,
although he would be so mad, the nobility would never grant
thereunto. When Captain Errington brought his letter of
the 26th, he assayed the Regent anew that for many reasons
they might have the same assurance for their lands, lives, &c. as
the other lords had. He desired him not to make that request,
for beside the hazard he was in by granting so far to the rest,
so many would be offended with this that it would endanger
the King's estate and his own life. Moreover, it was not to be
granted without the advice of the council of nobility, which
was absent, howbeit he pressed him so far that he condescended
that Captain Errington should be sent to them offering them
the same pacification the lords had at St. Johnstone's, who
went to the Castle the same day, but could have no other
answer than that when they saw the articles of pacification
they would make answer whether they would stand to them
or no. He marked that there was much labour spent on
fortifying since the first of the month. He supposes the house
stronger by 10 lasts of powder and 200 men than it was then.
"They were all ill-like in the face with over working or
watching." Errington went again with the articles, and they
were a whole day considering their answer, which for his own
part he utterly mislikes as a mock and a thing to drive
time, because their aid was promised in April next, as James
Kyrkcaldy has confessed. Lethington's cunning may be seen
in his answer. He will neither deny the assurance for
offending the noblemen, or allow of it. "The noblemen named
be in sundry parts of the realm, and some in that case that
they cannot come, and in case they would or could come it
must ask a 10 or 12 days space at the least, and then which
of them would go into the Castle without a good hostage to
come forth again, and what hostage have they to give?"
Moreover, by speaking with them Lethington supposes to do
wonders, and to turn them to his mind. Will once again seek
to speak with them before the summoning and the unlading
of the ordnance.—Edinburgh, this 27th, at night. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 8. |
| March 27. |
846. H. Killegrew to Lethington and Grange. |
|
After they have read the articles of pacification accorded at
St. Johnstone's prays them to return their resolute answer,
whether they like of them for themselves or no. It is all he
can obtain, and they will never have the like offer again.
Nothing will be added or diminished unto those articles for
their assurance. It will nothing content the noblemen when
they hear they have refused such appointment as they have
accepted. If they accept them and render the house to the
King they shall find no less friendship in England than has
been already offered. Sends Grange a copy of the Queen's letter
in favour of Ferniehurst, that he may see her good nature.
Also sends a letter of Lady Athole to Lady Lethington, that
she may see he has not forgotten to help to preserve her house,
which others go about to overthrow. Prays them to be good
to themselves and not undo their friends. Assures them that
their enemies would not have them yield, and, that there is no
hope of support for them, and if they render not the house,
they shall feel the cannon in eight days. If they answer not
directly in writing, nor accept the articles, they must never
look to hear from him, nor shall the like offer be made them
again.—27 March. Signed: "By your old acquaintance and
friend hitherto."
Endd. Copy. P. 1. Enclosure. |
| March 28. |
847. Answer of the Regent of Scotland to Articles sent
to Sir W. Drury by the Privy Council. |
|
Harbingers shall have the choice of the town of Edinburgh
for place to contain the companies together. Names 14
hostages, among whom he trusts to find so many as shall be
sufficient, and would be advertised what day they should be
prepared. Also what day the ships of war will be in readiness
to conduct the hoys, if it be thought necessary, as there is no
peril appearing. Oxen shall be provided for drawing the
ordnance from Leith to Edinburgh, and carriage horses for
conveying powder, bullets, and other provisions. There shall
be sufficient company of horsemen to conduct the footbands by
land to Edinburgh. The victualling is not to be doubted, for
the longer they stay the greater abundance shall they find. The
Marshal shall be allowed to use his authority over the English
as if they were in Berwick without any other jurisdiction to
be used. Such as give the assault to the Castle shall have the
spoil within, and prisoners according to the manner of war, excepting the ordnance and munitions, royal plate, jewels, household stuff and records. Grange, Lethington, and Lord Home
shall be reserved to be justified by the laws of Scotland. As for
the soldiers that shall happen to be slain or hurt, they will accord
as far as the articles of war shall serve, and the ambassador
find reasonable and possible, as also they will accord for the
ordnance that shall happen to be broken. After the exploit is
done all favourable means shall be used to expedite the English
soldiers and the ordnance.—Holyrood House, 28 March 1573.
Endd. Pp. 1½. |
| March 28. |
848. The Count of Montgomery to Lord Burghley. |
|
Desires that he will obtain the Queen's pardon for the
brother of Captain Paumiers [Palmer], who is in custody for
having slain another gentleman in a quarrel, in which he
assures him Palmer was in the right. Is much annoyed at
the delays which prevent him from embarking for Rochelle.
—Plymouth, 28 March 1573. Signed.
Add. Endd. Fr. P. 1. |
| March 28. |
849. Lord Burghley to M. De la Mothe Fenelon. |
|
According to his motion he has conferred with the Queen
concerning the matter of religion to be tolerated to the Duke
of Alençon. The meaning is, that from the first she is
resolved not to marry without mutual sight and liking, nor
yet to have the matter of religion to be a cause of trouble to
her estate, and is of the same mind now. What is to be done
further by M. le Duc she leaves to the King and him. If upon
the interview the marriage does not succeed, it will be best to
impute it to lack of satisfaction for religion, whereby no
offence ought to follow.
Draft by Burghley. Endd. Pp. 1¼. |
|
850. Copy of the above.
Corrected by Burghley. Fr. P. 1. |
| March 28. |
851. Advices from Venice. |
|
The pilgrims to Loretto are ordered by the Seignory to go
by land for the purpose of avoiding the corsairs, who annually
capture from 200 to 300 persons. Discovery of the dead
body of a giant 40 feet long in the Morea. Death of the
Duke of Aumale before Rochelle. Warlike preparations by
the Turks.
Endd. Ital. Pp. 2. |
| March 29. |
852. H. Killegrew to Lord Burghley. |
|
1. The first hostages were in the town so long that they withdrew again to their friends, so little hope had they of support to
win the Castle by force; when they come again promise shall be
made for their return at the parting of the ordnance from Leith.
The Duke and the Earl of Huntley cannot send hostages, as
they are not yet fully restored, which must be done in parliament, and by the Queen's advice to the Regent, which is not
yet come. The Regent has taken great care to have in readiness such furniture as he promised for his part. Can desire
nothing of the Regent in the Queen's name that he will deny.
There were eight burgesses of the town condemned and ready to
be executed, but their wives did so hang upon him that he was
driven to write in their favour to the Regent, who pardoned
their lives and banished them. He suffers no occasion of breach
or unkindness since the peace at St. Johnstone's, and the Duke
and the Earl of Huntley have hitherto done the like, and yet
the devil is busy. The Regent thinks much unkindness in
Sir John Forster for suing for Ferniehurst, who is a wicked man.
Sends herewith a supplication against him by his mother. The
Regent in a way of talk has inquired if there be no marriage
in England fit for the young King. The King has written a
letter to the Queen, which contains thanks and a desire for aid,
as the princess upon whom he most leans for help. If he can
procure for the Regent the Order of the Garter the Queen will
have bestowed none better to any stranger in her days. |
|
2. Argyll is much sought by France, and as 200l. pension
may stay him desires to know what further he may do
therein. Will go to the Castle himself on the first reasonable
occasion, for none of the King's side can stay the peace for greediness if the Castle be delivered; for the Regent has promised
on his honour that the Castilians shall enjoy their own as
well as any of the rest that have come to the King's obedience.
Were his father in the Castle he could desire to pleasure him no
more than he has done Lethington and Grange. If he can do
nothing with the Castle before the Marshal's coming, it is
thought they will render then. Left the jewels with the
Treasurer at his coming from Berwick, willing Beverley to
carry them to Mr. Randall; one of them was a little scratched
lying with a diamond, before they came to his hand. They are
worth the money, and as much more as Her Majesty has sent
into Scotland since his being there, which was 2,500l.—
Edinburgh, 29 March. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 5. |
| March 29. |
853. Sir W. Drury to Lord Burghley. |
|
It were better Lords Livingstone and Molynes were stayed
there until he entered and had tried by fair or foul means
what he could prevail, for from hence they could more aptly
send their minds to their favourers, which might do harm.
Verac's coming is in nowise requisite. By Sir Valentine
Browne he will see an estimate of charges likely to grow in
this service. Sends a plat of the Castle of Edinburgh with
the same that they within have done lately for their more
strength and defence, which Captain Errington has seen;
gathers also from him that they are victualled till Michaelmas,
and expect daily some aid and relief from France. They
have promised to hold the Castle till Whitsuntide, and have
received promise from France in that time to be relieved.—
Berwick, 29 March. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 12/3. |
| March 27. |
854. Nicholas Errington to Sir W. Drury. |
|
Account of his mission from the Regent and Killegrew to
the Castle. They still look for aid from France, for the time
of promise is not yet expired, which is Whitsuntide next.
Fears lest they be driven into desperate minds rather to die
than yield, and to save their honours, which they stand not a
little upon, and trust to the strength of the place, which truly
is strong. They have since his former being there made
great fortifications with earth, stone, and timber, and have
left nothing undone that they could devise to do for their
safeguard. They have saved two or three lasts of powder,
looking for his (Drury's) coming, which otherwise they might
have bestowed upon their adversaries. The Ambassador said
he would use all means possible to persuade the Regent to
use some conference with them, although it is against the
Regent's will, for he would rather overcome them by force,
than that his friends should lose or render those livings of
theirs which they possess. His simple opinion is that it
were not amiss to procure some secret commission to avoid
all doubts which may happen by their desperate minds or the
unknown strength of the place. Signed.
Add. Endd. by Drury. Pp. 2¼. Enclosure. |
| March 29. |
855. Battery against Edinburgh Castle. |
|
Estimate of the charges of the forces to be sent into Scotland for the seige of Edinburgh Castle, for the expulsion of
the King's rebels there, amounting to 105l. 16s. per diem.
Corrected and noted by Burghley.
Endd. Pp. 2¼. |
| March 30. |
856. H. Killegrew to Lord Burghley. |
|
The Earl of Huntley has greatly satisfied the Regent; his
caution is coming, and he has sent two letters in cipher which
came from the Bishop of Glasgow and Lord Ogilvie, unciphered, to the Regent. By reason of the absence of Argyle
and Boyd, who are solicitors for him, the Duke's cautioners
or bonds be not brought in, but the said lords are looked for
in three or four days. Two of the hostages be already come, to
wit, the Regent's and Lord Semple's; when the rest shall come
he has agreed with the Regent, not without some ado, to go
to the Castle to prove them once again before the coming of
the army, which if it do no good shall prepare the way to the
summoning. Would be glad if he knew how to have an end
of this matter to the Queen's contentation, and to deliver him
of the burden he fears so much. The Regent makes diligent
search and labour to have all things contained in his promise
performed. The most part of the nobility will be here to
accompany him, and at the coming of the army he will call
hither another band of men which lie at Jedworth to prevent
the incursions of Ferniehurst and his band, whereof many are
English. He has determined that his soldiers shall go to the
assault, although he dare not promise so much; howbeit if it
come to a breach made by our men they will be loth to give
the honour to Scots, and therefore if the Marshal think it good,
has bethought him that the Scots bands and the English gunners
should make and assail one breach, and the English the two
others. He might "touch" a word to the Marshal for sparing
his men at watch and ward as at the assault, if it come to that,
as he cannot hear any of judgment say it will, for there is none
within that ever bided a siege except Kirkcaldy; and by all
men's judgment the soldiers knowing no remedy or recompense
to be looked for at Grange's hand, will not abide the terror of
the cannon and the danger, to which end the Regent has
secretly practised to corrupt them with the offer of 2,000 crowns
and their pardons if they will leave the Castle. Learns that
Robert Melvil and one Patadro [Pittarrow], constable of the
Castle, would gladly be thence with their honour, as they term
it. Begs him to do good for his pardon to George Pringle,
sometime servant to the Earl of Northumberland, late executed;
he uses his service, which he would not do were he not in
some hope for his pardon; to cancel his faults he had offered
service to the Marshal of Berwick and Mr. Randall, by whom
he was sent twice into Flanders for intelligence, and acquitted
himself honestly, until being discovered he could no more go
thither.—Edinburgh, in some haste, 30 March. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 3. |
| March 30. |
857. Sir Valentine Browne to [Lord Burghley]. |
|
Upon conference with Sir W. Drury has made a brief
estimate of the charges convenient for this journey for one
month, according to the numbers at present accounted upon,
and that he may understand how he is furnished with money,
herein encloses a reckoning of sums received since Michaelmas
last for extraordinary causes. They have adventured the
sending of the master carpenter and certain men of art to
Edinburgh to employ themselves about making engines and
instruments, to prove what fear the same may breed, as also
of a hoy laden with timber and things of small importance
named to be laden with ordnance. Hopes the same may take
the effect they require for avoiding further business and charges.
Will shift as best he can with those that be left behind for
the guard of the town, but there be many old men and some
absent as appears by the musters.—Berwick, 30 March 1573.
Signed.
P. 1. |
|
858. Brief note of Sir Valentine Browne's receipts. |
|
Received since Michaelmas 5,360l., paid 3,189l., remaining
in his custody 2,171l.—Berwick, 29 March.
P. 1. Enclosure. |
| March 31. |
859. Bishop of Galloway to John Gordon at the Court
of France. |
|
It is alleged that he has set forth a prologue with a
book in the manner of an apology against Master George
Buchanan's, in which there are libels of infamy against the
principal councillors of England, whereof he desires to know
the truth. Has travailed with the ambassador of England to
cause this letter to come to his hands, which is to desire him
to purchase the goodwill of the Kings of France and Navarre to
come home, in especial as he is waxed old, and has such disease
that is able to shorten his days, and therefore would be glad to
have him here to put order to such things as may concern his
advancement hereafter. Has purchased a safe-conduct of the
Queen of England for him to return that way, where he doubts
not he shall find favour if he has not forfeited it, which he
were loth he should have done.—Tongueland, last day of
March. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ¾. |
| March. |
860. Note of Writings sent by Killegrew to Sir Thomas
Smith. |
|
Enumeration of letters and other documents, amounting
to seventeen, sent in a packet from Scotland by Killegrew,
ambassador there, to Sir Thomas Smith.
Endd. P. 2/3. |
| [March.] |
861. Philip Strozzi. |
|
The writer learnt a year ago last August that Philip
Strozzi was in Lower Normandy under colour of looking at
a house which he had bought, and was making inquiries
about the havens, and even if he could hire ships fit for war.
It was thought that he had some design upon the islands of
Jersey and Guernsey, like his late uncle had. He has since
visited the district of Caux, and inspected the ports and
harbours. He declares that he is determined to avenge the
death of Captain Monluc, who was slain at Madeira.
Fr. P. 1. |
| March. |
862. Siege of Rochelle. |
|
MM. de Biron and Monluc are dead. M. d'Aumale was
killed before. 500 Gascons cut to pieces by the townsmen.
On the 20th the King's camp was fiercely repelled with the
loss of 900 men. On Easter day they began their shot on
both sides of the town. La Noue, with 12 others, departed
from Rochelle more than 15 days since, whereof there are not
re-entered passing three.
Endd.: Occurrents from Rochelle. March 1573. P. 2/3. |
| March. |
863. Renewal of the Intercourse with Spain and the
Low Countries. |
|
Articles for the renewal of traffic and free navigation between
England and the dominions of the King of Spain, as it was
formerly before the arrests. The Queen of England's subjects
are not to be molested by the Inquisition, but whosoever
shall commit any act to the contempt of the other's religion
is to be banished. The rebels against either Prince not to
remain in the other's dominions. All pirates to be suppressed.
The intercourse to continue for two years, and commissioners
to be appointed to decide all controversies, and, if need be,
to agree upon articles for further amity. The commissioners
are to treat for the restitution or recompense of goods arrested
on either part, and no further arrest to be made on any goods
brought into either country within the said two years, but
shall be by them aliened or carried away within three months
following. Two commissioners to be named by the King of
Spain, who shall meet those of the Queen in London, and if
within three months following they cannot agree, then two
others to be sent out of England to Bruges, with power to
confer with two others of like quality upon such things as
cannot be accorded by the commissioners at London.
Draft. Endd. and corrected by Burghley. Pp. 3½. |
| March 1. |
864. Renewal of the Intercourse. |
|
Draft of a treaty embodying the above articles, with corrections in Burghley's writing, together with a clause in his
own name, promising the ratification by the Queen.
Endd.: 1 March. Lat. Pp. 6. |
| March 15. |
865. Another draft of the above, with a clause for its observance,
in the name of the Duke of Alva.—Nimeguen, 15 March
1573.
Endd. Lat. P. 5. |
