Elizabeth: May 1574 | British History Online

Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 10, 1572-1574. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1876.

Citation:

'Elizabeth: May 1574', in Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 10, 1572-1574, ed. Allan James Crosby( London, 1876), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/foreign/vol10/pp494-508 [accessed 22 November 2024].

May 1574



May 1.	1402. Francisco Giraldi to Lord Burghley.
	Hopes that the reply which he shall receive from the Queen and the Council will be in accordance with what he expects from Burghley's prudence.—Certola [Chertsey], 1 May 1574. Signed. Add. Endd., with seal. Ital. P. 1.
May 2.	1403. Events in France.
	The King by indisposition and by the length of his illness is reduced to skin and bone, and his legs and thighs are so weak that he cannot hold himself up. Wednesday last his death was expected for he was so short of breath, by reason of a flow of blood from the mouth, but the bleeding is since better. Yesterday he was more ill at ease than ordinarily, and no one entered his room, but at sunrise several gentlemen and priests came in. The priests performed the service, at which the Queen Mother was present. He has been of better countenance since hearing of the execution of De la Mole and Coconnas, and said he hoped to live to see the end of all his conspirators. The Duke craved the pardon of De la Mole and Coconnas of the King, or at all events that they should not suffer public and ignominious death, and was refused. He then fell on his knees to his mother and prayed her to procure from the King that they should not die by public punishment, and if possible their pardon. She obtained from the King their private execution, and that he would write to the parliament to delay the proceedings. But the bearer of the letters, on arriving at Paris, found the Porte St. Antoine closed. The execution was so much hurried that in a moment they were both executed. It is said this was done by reason of a perfumer relating to the first President what had passed in Court, and that the Queen Mother had obtained their pardon. For which cause they were made to come more quickly from the Conciergerie, the carriage made to journey hastily, and directly they arrived at the place of execution they were executed without the usual proclamations. Count Charles de Maussel, who has scarcely anything, has married the eldest daughter of the Marshal of Brissac, and has retired suddenly to Luxembourg, and been pursued as far as Lorraine. The Duke was so grieved at the execution of his friends that he has fallen sick, keeping his bed, and few people enter his room. The truce in Languedoc is continued to the 21st May. The Emperor has written to the King and Queen Mother by all means to try and make peace with their subjects, and that 16,000 reiters have been raised for succour to them of the religion by several of the princes of Germany. Fr. Pp. 2²/3.
May 2.	1404. Instructions to Thomas Leighton, Captain of Jersey, sent into France.
	1. He is referred to himself for his self-governance, and to such light as he shall receive from the ambassador. He is to tell the King the sorrow the Queen has of his sickness, and of her hope for his good recovery; her sorrow to hear of the increase of troubles within his realm, and it being given out that his brother is suspected of being a party and nourisher of the same, her hope that the matter shall be thoroughly examined, and his brother's innocence proved to be such that he shall be restored to his favor, and her wish that he should not be over hasty in giving ear to the advice of such ambitious heads who would be glad to remove from him such as stand between them and the greatness they aspire unto. She cannot but insist still in advising him to the continuance of peace in his realm, though some of his neighbours give him other advice, that he may keep his state in trouble, in respect to the dangers that might otherwise ensue to them. He is to advise the Queen Mother to beware of hasty and violent counsel, especially in this division of the two brothers, and that the Queen is glad there is so indifferent a judge as she to determine the difference between them. The Queen cannot but advise her for the better discharge of so heavy a burden as she sustains in so diseased a state, to make choice of such counsellors as being void of ambition may only seek the repose of the state, and not such as persuade continuance of troubles, and that desire to put in execution violent practices for their particular revenges. About Count Montgomery the Queen avows upon her honour that she knows no cause of his repair to Jersey but for his own particular affairs, and she thinks that at the time of his departure he had no intention to enter into the present action he is now in. If by the King's favour he may speak to the Duke, he is to say that because of the assured opinion she has conceived of his innocency she has given him special charge to recommend his cause to the King and Queen Mother, and not doubting that those who have contrived the division between him and his brother will shortly be discovered and receive due punishment, to the full reparation of his honour.
	2. Answers to such objections as may be made by the Queen Mother. Two copies of the instructions, one signed by Walsingham. Pp. 11²/3.
May 4.	1405. Francisco Giraldi to Lord Burghley.
	Encloses certain memorials relating to the traffic of the Queen of England's subjects with Barbary, and hopes that the negotiation will come to a satisfactory termination.— Certosa [Chertsey], 4 May 1574. Signed. Add. Endd. Ital. P. 1.
[May.]	1406. Enclosure in Giraldi's letter.
	The substance of what he said to Burghley [in Lord Cobham's house] was that Her Majesty's subjects might not be allowed to trade with Capo Dighel for a limited time under certain restrictions as to numbers, and not to be allowed to carry arms thither, and to touch at some harbour in Portugal in order to be registered. Note in Burghley's writing to the effect that this was not what he required. Endd. Lat. P. 1. Enclosure.
[May.]	1407. Memorial by Giraldi.
	Desires restitution of certain goods belonging to a Portuguese which have been seized by a French pirate, and afterwards recovered by one of the Queen of England's ships. Endd. Ital. P. ⅓. Enclosure.
May 5.	1408. Dr. Dale to Lord Burghley.
	1. Montmorency was never in such credit till the very hour that privy advertisement came of the apprehending of M. Danville in Languedoc, and then he and the Marshal de Cossé were forthwith shut up in the Bastille. The rest are more straitly kept in the Bois de Vincennes, and watch nightly kept before their chambers. The King has his access of the quartain, and is so weak both with voiding of blood and other imperfections that men think him to be in a consumption. Of late Le Gas has come from the King of Poland, and lays the plot with his friends. If anything should come to the King it is thought to be a dangerous matter to the two young gentlemen now Montmorency is fast. The Presidents of the Parliament have been consulted, and given their opinion against their liberty. Sends a declaration of the King of Navarre in which he discourses at large from the massacre, how his men were slain, how he has been kept from his country, and thus utterly lost the obedience of his subjects, and other matters. The King put the Duke in comfort that De la Mole and Coconnas should be stayed, and despatched them in the meantime. Mauvisiere overtook Count Mansfeld with a courteous letter from the King, but he would not return. They give out the cause of his departure to be because he was kept twice out of the King's chamber. The Marshal de Retz is in Germany coming home, and is commanded to persuade the princes there not to aid the Prince of Condé, and make them believe the King is agreed with his brothers and the King of Navarre. The Duke's friends wish they were informed of the truth.—Paris, 5 May 1574.
	2. P.S. 1. — There is some hope that Danville is not taken.
	3. P.S. 2. (in cipher.)—The only hope the Duke has for his liberty is in the Prince of Condé. Add. Endd. by Burghley. Pp. 1²/3.
May 5.	1409. Dr. Dale to Francis Walsingham.
	What expectation there is of all their extremities he can best consider. Doubts not but De la Mothe will have "lenitives" from hence. Is unarmed, because he knows not what counter means to use, yet has not been idle, as the bearer will inform him. Commends the bearer, who has been very careful.—Paris, 5 May. Signed. Add., with seal. Endd. P. 1.
May 7.	1410. The Prince of Orange to Count John of Nassau.
	Complains about the uncertainty of the fate of Duke Christopher and their two brothers, and expresses his resignation in the event of their death, and trust in Providence. The people are in great terror and perplexity. If the new Governor publishes an amnesty great numbers will avail themselves of it, so that it is necessary to encourage them. If this country falls again under the Spanish yoke, the religion stands in danger of being extinguished everywhere. The Germans, English, and French will perceive the peril of temporising. Proposes plans for raising forces and money, and obtaining leaders. Gives an account of the state of their forces by land and sea in Zealand. Has 71 companies of French, English, Scots, Walloons, and Flemings, together with several ships and a great number of smaller vessels.—Dortrecht, 7 May 1574. Copy. Fr. Pp. 12½.
May 9.	1411. The Regent of Scotland to Lord Burghley.
	The uncertainty of Killegrew's returning to this country has stayed his writing. Thanks him for his care in avoiding the dangerous practices of such as mean mischievously to disturb the present quiet of both the realms. Has written of their particular to Killegrew. The Borders were never in better or quieter state. Cannot impute the impediment at the West Marches to any "inlaik" of Lord Scrope's goodwill, but to the thieves under his charge, who can hardly be brought to make redress. Some person of credit should see matters at that hand put to point. If some direction be not sent for the eschewing of further inconvenience, their boldness will so increase as it will be more difficult to order them hereafter.—Dalkeith, 9 May 1574. Signed. Add. Endd. P. ²/3.
May 12.	1412. Safe Conduct.
	Draft of a safe conduct for M. de Lumbres.—Bois de Vincennes, 12 May 1574. Signed by Brulart. Fr. P. ½.
May 16.	1413. Jacomo Manucci to Francis Walsingham.
	Communicates a plan by which the Queen may recover Calais and Boulogne by the help of Count Ludovic. Suggests the advisability of sending help to Count Montgomery. Confirmation of the death of the Grand Duke of Tuscany, by the fact that the Ambassador and his household have appeared in mourning; it will make no alteration in Italy.—Paris, 16 May 1574. Signed. Partly in cipher, deciphered. Add. Endd. Ital. P. 1
May 17.	1414. Dr. Dale to Lord Burghley.
	Is sorry Mr. Leighton had not leisure to speak with him before his departure, and that his men neglected to repair to him before their coming away, as those whom these matters most concern know least of them, and he is very desirous of his direction. Strait watch is laid for all men's doings. Mr. Leighton is a man well chosen, as he is Captain of those isles whence they fear Montgomery should be succoured, and since his coming the face of affairs has changed. The Duke has the countenance of the Court, and is followed by three or four score, very pleasant and jocund, whereas before he was scant accompanied with three or four lacqueys and pages Sees no relief for Montmorency, nisi alicujus majoris periculi metum, his judges are already appointed of the Parliament. They look out matter against him that he should be surety for the money Montgomery had in England. Is not forgetful of the matter of Mr. Wickham, has but even now received the writings of the Deanery. The physicians have declared their judgment that the King cannot pass August. The King of Poland is advertised to be in readiness.—Paris, 17 May 1574. Signed. Add., with seal. Endd. by Burghley. Pp. 1⅓.
May 77.	1415. Dr. Dale to the Queen.
	The King could not give Mr. Leighton audience the day he arrived, for by the access of his quartain he was very sick and weak. The 15th he sat up for the purpose, otherwise he cannot abide out of his bed. Mr. Leighton did at large his message, and enforced what consequence it was for him to be in concord with his brother. The King heard him very patiently to the end, yet could he not stand for weakness, and answered that he had fully tried the faithfulness of his brother, and was assured of his constancy. They did as well agree as it was possible for brothers to do, and he did well weigh what a stay his brother was to him. Such as did report to the contrary were impostors, spreading untrue rumours for the maintenance of their own faction. Mr. Leighton demanded if he might do his duty to the Duke; "Oui, Jesus," quoth the King. Thereupon he repaired to the Duke and the King of Navarre, but the Duke shewed by his countenance that he durst not be seen to have any talk with him. Mr. Leighton was then brought to the Queen Mother and declared his message from point to point, and advised her to make up the agreement between her two sons. Their dealing and outward appearance, and the strait guard about the Dukes, could not but engender an opinion in men's hearts, to the rejoicing of them that willed them no good. She answered as roundly as though there had never been any such matter, and that the Duke was no more straitly kept than she and the King, and might go abroad when and whither he would, but that it pleased him not to go from the King and her. She was a woman that had been accustomed to cut off factions between strangers, much more between her own children. That she (the Queen of England) was so careful for Alençon was an undoubted argument and good augury of some good effect to follow of the former matters that had been moved. Mr. Leighton answered that she was well affected to the Duke from the good virtues she had heard were in him, and would employ such reasonable means for him as she had, in his necessity. If he could take her the news that all was well he would have made the most happy voyage he ever made. She must let the Duke go abroad that all men might see him at liberty. He then used as of himself some persuasion with the King and Queen Mother for Montmorency, both of the good service of his father and his own fidelity, and that his imprisonment might do more harm than good for the appeasing of these troubles. They had their answer ready that they were sorry for it, and had borne it as long as they might, and had been constrained to do what they did for the preservation of their own estate. The King said he had done nothing against his person. Thanks her for her comforting letters, and will be careful diligently to observe her pleasure. Copy. Endd. by Burghley. Pp. 5¼. Enclosure.
May 17.	1416. Events in France.
	The King's quartain comes to him every fourth day. It is published that his fits are gone, notwithstanding that he is so feeble that he cannot abide out of his bed. The Duke of Guise makes as great power as he is able within his government, so much that he appoints the towns and men of the country to arm them. It is certainly known that Danville is not apprehended, but is strong in the field. The King has very little repair of gentlemen or horsemen, but is fain to use footmen. The wife of Montmorency makes piteous complaints at Court, and specially because she was abused to persuade her husband to come to Court upon fair promises. De Meru has escaped and is earnestly pursued. The captain of the guard has been at the Bastille with the Marshal since it was known of the escape of his brothers. De Cosse takes his trouble very impatiently, but Montmorency is of good constancy. The King was in a rage when he heard Montgomery had departed out of St. Lo; he is much offended with them that let him escape, and mistrusts he is not served faithfully in any place. Montgomery and Guitery are towards Beauce; it is said that they have taken Alençon. The King sends to all quarters for men to reinforce his guard, and has sent old Lansac and the Cent Gentilhommes to Estampes to keep that country. The brother of the governor of Bordeaux with three thousand Gascons is gone with La Noüe to the succour of Fontenay. The Viscount of Turenne is at Bellac with good forces. The Duc de Petite Pierre [Lutzelstein] levies great forces. Reiters and lansquenets levied in Germany for the Protestants. There is such forces of reiters in Lorraine marching towards Champagne that the Duke of Guise has sent the King word that he cannot defend those frontiers without help; the King has appointed the horsemen of Brie to repair to him. It is reported that Strozzi is in arms with them of the religion, and that De la Haye, who was the instrument for the surprising of Rochelle, is in the field against the King with five or six hundred horse in Poitou. Pp. 1²/3. Enclosure.
May 17.	1417. Manner of the Escape of Danville.
	1. The King sent letters to the governor of Narbonne and to De Joyeuse, lieutenant to Danville, to apprehend him in Narbonne, and withal sent letters to Danville to apprehend the governor of Narbonne, for he was suspected of having intelligence with Spain. In the way to Narbonne Danville met in the way with a packet to De Joyeuse, and had also other advertisement of this enterprise, and so turned short to Pesenas, and gathered as much forces as he might. The others made after him, but were repulsed with loss of divers men. Danville is in the field and has taken divers towns, and has repair to him from all parts of that country. He has defeated seven ensigns of footmen, where Maugiron was slain, and it is credibly reported Villeroy taken prisoner.
	2. Danville possesses Beziers, Montpelier, Pesenas, Beauquerre, Baignelles, Le Pont St. Esprit. Endd. by Burghley. P. 1. Enclosure.
May 17.	1418. Dr. Dale to Francis Walsingham.
	Upon the receipt of his letter for the inquiry of the doings in Spain, he happened upon this friar, who affirms those things to be in great forwardness and likelihood of execution. Upon the return of one who is despatched to Rochelle for Turner the matter shall be called on here. There is much difficulty to deal here with secrecy, therefore prays him excuse him if things are not written so fully. Supposes all was supplied at the coming of Jacomo, and by the declaration he brought from the King of Navarre. Sends Capet his books to the Queen, the rest he must tarry for. Thanks him for his letters, which touch the very point, like a good woodman that knows where the deer lie.—Paris, 17 May 1574. Signed. Add., with seal. Endd. Pp. 1½.
May 17.	1419. Dr. Dale to [Francis Walsingham].
	Has advertised the Queen of the constant assertion of concord between the King and his brother, the contrary whereof all the world does see. The Duke and the King of Navarre have been permitted to walk in the park, further and with more liberty than they were wont. The King's fear is that the Queen will suffer succour to come to Montgomery, when he supposes he shall never be able to appease these troubles, whereas with rigour, practice, and length of time he hopes to wear out the rest. And because the isles whereof Mr. Leighton has charge are so commodious for succour of Montgomery, it is thought here that something shall be put in execution by him that way if he have not some good answer. It is incredible what watch is here of all men's doings. Now that Montmorency is fast, the King and Queen Mother mind to proceed to his procès, and because he is a peer the King has appointed them of the Court of Parliament to be his judges. They search matter against him, God knows how untrue, that he bound himself for the money Montgomery had in England, and to certain Princes of Germany for payment of a levy of reiters Besides the quartain, the King is very weak, and his breathing difficult and not without smell.—Paris, 17 May 1574. Signed. Endd. Pp. 1¾.
May 22.	1420. Sir William Livingstone of Killsyth to Walsingham.
	Thanks him for his good and faithful counsel. If righteous dealing shall satisfy the Regent, he shall have no occasion to have jealousy of him. Only upon his counsel has he gone into Scotland, for he has two years longer to remain out of the country, in what place he pleases. If by the persuasion of his enemies he be evil handled, prays that the Treasurer of this town may write to him of his estate and proceeding. Prays that no man win no worse practices than he has done since his coming into England. As soon as he comes home will cause the money he owes him to be paid. Since he has known him has found him faithful, and such a one as fears God without hypocrisy. Would be glad to understand of the Count Montgomery's estate.—Berwick, 22 July, making homeward in haste. Signed. Add. Endd. Pp. 1⅓.
May 22.	1421. Instructions to Killegrew sent into Scotland.
	Immediately upon his arrival he shall diligently search out what alteration has happened since his last being there; whether the Regent continue constant in his affection, how his government is liked, what party the Queen of Scots has there, if any of quality who were devoted to the present government be aliened, by what practice and means; whether any have been lately sent out of France to practise any alteration, especially to have the King delivered into their hands. Touching certain points in a memorial delivered by the Regent, he shall direct his speech as follows:—First, that such of the ordnance taken in Home Castle as shall be proved to belong to the King shall be re-delivered, but the rest by law martial appertains to the Earl of Sussex, who made the enterprise willingly and dangerously. Secondly, the Queen has not been unmindful of his desire to enter into contract for the maintenance of the common cause of religion, seeing how necessary it is for all princes professing one religion with them to join together. Thirdly, it is not necessary to have a league for mutual defence, as none can enter into quarrel unless it be for religion; if he shall insist to think a particular league necessary, he shall tell him, as of himself, the Queen has been always ready to yield assistance when any necessity has required the same. Fourthly, where he has desired some support in respect of the excessive charges he pretends to sustain, and further how necessary it is that somewhat be bestowed in yearly pensions on some of the nobility, he shall touch neither of those two points, but if he be much pressed he shall say he will write in that behalf. Last of all, in all matters wherein he receives no instruction in writing, he shall do as has been by mouth declared to him, or as by letter he shall be hereafter directed.—Signed by Walsingham. Endd. Pp. 2.
May 22.	1422. Dr. Dale to Lord Burghley.
	1. Since Leighton's first audience the Queen Mother has had the Duke and the King of Navarre abroad to supper for countenance sake. On the 20th Leighton had audience touching the double dealing with the Queen touching La Mole, and to persuade the Queen Mother to use plain dealing. She denied that she had made any promise for La Mole, and touching the Duke, the King would put him charge of his chiefest doings very shortly. The King confirmed all she had said, with much demonstration of goodwill, and appointed Leighton to come and take his leave in two or three days. On the 22nd the King fell suddenly sick. The audience appointed with the ambassador of the Duke of Florence was countermanded, the best physicians sent for, and the opinion is that the King is in great danger. The falling down of blood into his lungs is come to him again, and the physicians gave their opinion that if it should happen again they could not assure him of any hope.—Paris, 22 May 1574. Signed.
	2. P.S.—It is much spoken that Montgomery is hardly distressed in Domfront, yet there is hope that he is either escaped or able to abide the siege for a month. The King has sent his pardon to all in the town except him and two or three more, to the intent that he should be forsaken. It is said M. de Gordes is apprehended upon suspicion; that the Count de Lude withdraws himself for doubt of the like, and that Biron is suspected.
	3. P.S. (in cipher, deciphered by Burghley). The Duke of Alençon and the King of Navarre think if the French King should be dead, there is no other mean for them but to corrupt the guard. They are unprovided of money. Their request is to be holpen of the Queen readily upon the sudden therein. Add., with seal. Endd. by Burghley. Pp. 2.
May 22.	1423. Thomas Leighton to [Francis Walsingham].
	Has declared to the King and Queen Mother the Queen's opinion of the spoils done on her subjects, and received as good words as might be given. The Queen Mother denied having given promise for La Mole either by letter to the Queen or by directions to De la Mothe. The night after his audience the King fell dangerously sick again, and began to void blood from his lungs, a sure sign of death. Whereupon the Duke of Alençon sent for him to give him to understand that as soon as the breath is out of the King's body he feared lest he should be shut up in the Bastille with the rest. He thought he might bribe the guards if he had wherewithal, and therefore desired him to entreat the Queen to send to the ambassador here bills of credit for thirty or forty thousand crowns, for the achieving of his enterprise and liberty. The Duke and the King of Navarre have had more liberty, but with continual watch for fear of their escaping. The Queen Mother said Montgomery was cooped up in Damfront, and she hoped to see him soon in the King's hands. Is advertised that a M. de Croze is sent by the Queen Mother, under pretext of other matters, to observe and note what is done in England. —Paris, 22 May 1574. Signed. Partly in cipher, deciphered Pp. 1²/3.
May 22.	1424. Dr. Dale to Sir Thomas Smith and Francis Walsingham.
	Containing the same news as his letter to Burghley of the same date, with a copy of the two postscripts to that letter.— Paris, 22 May 1574. Signed. Add. Endd. Pp. 2¼.
May 23.	1425. Francis Walsingham to Dr. Dale.
	At his next access to the King and his Mother he is tell the King that when the Queen heard of the execution of La Mole she was very sorry therefor, a thing done with so great expedition, that required some good deliberation, considering how near he was to the Duke in credit, and how nearly therefore it would touch him in honour. If it be true that La Mole's intention tended but to procure his master's liberty, she could not but lament that so faithful a servant should receive so sharp and grievous a punishment. Seeing so many tokens of danger that are like to reach the King by the practice of those that seek to draw into suspicion them that are nearest to him, she cannot but advise him to beware whose counsel he follows. Concerning the two Marshals, who by sundry services have deserved so well of him and of the state, the Queen is sorry to see after the spoil of so many rare subjects, the loyalty of such principal members of his state called into controversy. She does the less marvel thereat when she considers that those nearest to him in blood are not spared; but so long as the advice of those who have been the entertainers of all the troubles in that realm is followed, none that wish well to him shall escape untouched. This she is bold to deliver to him, not as curious to intermeddle in his policy, but of an especial love she bears him as her good neighbour and ally. He is to use the same speeches to the Queen Mother, and the rather because he may hardly have any access to the King in respect of his weakness. Yet it were well if he were made acquainted with the good counsel given him, though there is small hope he will take profit thereof. He is to put the King in mind that if Marshal Montmorency had had any intention to have attempted anything against his person, he would not have let slip to have done it when he was last at his house. If the King and Queen Mother dislike the Queen's intercession for him, he must tell them that having honoured him with the order of the Garter she can do no less than intercede for him. He is to give the King the Queen's hearty thanks that he is content at her request to pay to Sir Arthur Champernoun a sum due to him by Count Montgomery.—Greenwich, 23 May 1574. Copy. Endd. Pp. 3.
	1426. Another copy. Endd. Pp. 2¾.
May 23.	1427. The Regent of Scotland to H. Killegrew.
	Of late has understood the King's coin has been counterfeited in great quantities in a part of Galloway, and found the workers had come out of England. Before he had perfectly tried the matter they had returned thither. The principal was an Italian goldsmith, a dependant upon the Marshal of Berwick. The Treasurer made direction for his apprehension, which failed, but doubts not he has done his duty since. This stranger, calling himself Lawrence, has used this unlawful trade of a long continuance, and has assayed the Queen's coin also. Has written for him to be delivered into his hand, to be examined and used as he deserves, or to be surely kept at Berwick, and used as he shall be found worthy. It is true George Douglas has come home, and has already conferred with him, and in the same things he was employed to have served against them, they will make him serve their own turn. He gave him knowledge of a boy lately come from the Queen of Scots out of England directed to him and to Lord Seton for such writings as they had to send. Finds him and his sons very conformable to pleasure him, and they are absolved of their excommunication. The boy was sent by Mr. Alexander Hamilton, teacher of the Earl of Shrewsbury's children, who gave him directions how to go, and to meet him again at the Red Bull in Doncaster, or to send word to a glover in Sheffield. There is a man of the Laird of Buccleuch's of reasonable good stature, having a little round black beard, a blue jerkin, white hose, black bonnet, and without a cloak, who has long been a traveller with letters between the Queen and Lady Livingstone, likewise a woman called Janet, high of stature, and yellow hair, also one called Robert Liddell passes with letters. Has thought good to let him understand this, that direction may be sent to apprehend and examine them in time before they shall know of the apprehension of the boy. The persons among them, partners in the dealing, shall be so ordered that their practice shall be stopped.—Holyrood House, 23 May 1574. Signed. Copy. Endd. Pp. 2.
May 23.	1428. The Regent of Scotland to Lord Burghley.
	Has made his good friend Mr. Killegrew full narration of his demands. Prays that commandment may be sent to the Treasurer of Berwick for the staying and making sure of an Italian who has counterfeited the King's coin, and that good heed may be taken to some persons remaining near the mother of the King, who leave not to entertain practice and intelligence here.—Holyrood House, 23 May 1574. Signed. Add. Endd. P. ¾.
May 24.	1429. The Chiefs of the Huguenots to Lord Burghley.
	Justifying their taking up arms, and stating what need there is of the favour and protection of the Queen, which they would that he obtained for them, as they know from past experience his good affection towards them.—Carentan, 24 May 1574. Signed by Montgomery and five others. Add. Fr. P. 1.
May 25.	1430. Dr. Dale to Lord Burghley.
	Mr. Leighton has been in a continual fever since the 20th. The King has had two fits of a double tertian, whereby he is not able to give audience, but is in great danger, having this new accident joined to his former weakness.—Paris, 25 May 1574. Signed. Add., with seal. Endd. P. ⅓.
May 26.	1431. Lord Burghley to Francis Walsingham.
	It is necessary that the Duke's person be preserved to counterpoise the tyrant that shall come from Poland. Thinks no means so ready as, if the King should die, to corrupt the guards, wherein great circumspection would be used, and the Duke warned not to deal with many, for by the like error about his escape became he prisoner. For provision of money to be secretly conveyed is hard, and therefore divers ways are to be provided for smaller sums of money that may have the appearance of a use probable. Would have the Earl of Leicester deal with Acerbo only for 2,000 or 3,000 crowns, upon pretence that Leighton has made a bargain for ten or twelve coursers of Naples, and four or six carriage "moyllets," so that the money may be in the hands of the Ambassador to pay 1,000 crowns presently, and the rest at a day shortly. Spinola may from Antwerp procure 10,000 crowns in this manner. He may pretend he has a bargain by the Vidame of Chartres of a sale of La Ferte and another seignory which the Count of Retz has long desired, and will give 100,000 crowns or more for it, and the Vidame requires to have the greatest part of his money in England, and 10,000 crowns only at Paris, minding himself to remain here prisoner until the King's goodwill be thereto had. And because Spinola hopes to gain 20,000 crowns by the bargain, he would be in readiness to have both money here and at Paris, and having credit for what shall be required, he shall require 10,000 crowns to be paid to the Ambassador, for so does the Vidame appoint it. The Ambassador's son Doctor Forth also may make over 2,000 or 3,000 crowns by his usual exchange. The two merchants, Gammage and Offley, may carry over to Dieppe 2,000 or 3,000 crowns. The Duke may be assured by the Ambassador that he will be responsible to any trusty banker of the religion for a reasonable sum. Will be with him to-morrow at the court before noon. For warrant for the money the Queen's bill signed written by himself without passing signet or privy seal may suffice.—25 March (sic) 1575. Signed. Add. Endd. Holograph. Pp. 2½.
May 31.	1432. Dr. Dale to Lord Burghley.
	Has written to the Council how Nutshawe has been dallied withal for his wheat taken from him at Rochelle. He has warrant under the Broad Seal to his great cost for his payment, but was directed to such men as either say they have no money, or that they have nothing to do with the matter, or dwell as far as Marseilles and in the Isle of Rhé, and such other places as are more than dangerous to come by. When he could do no more for him, sent him home at leastways with good and evident testimony of his right, and of the diligence of them both. Paris, last of May 1574. Signed. Add., with seal. Endd. P. ²/3.
May 31.	1433. Thomas Wilkes to Francis Walsingham.
	The King has departed this world, and the state of the princes as bad as it was before, if not worse. Their foes are too strong, and their friends here venture little. Fair words and entreaty prevail naught. About 200 Spanish vessels are ready to set to the sea. The King of Poland means to return by sea. The Prince of Condé is at Strasburg. There are about Sedan about 6,000 or 7,000 reiters, French and Swiss, that report themselves to be the Prince's.—Paris, last of May 1574. Signed. Add. Endd. P. ²/3.
[May.]	1434. Chevalier Breton to the Baron of Viteaux, &c.
	1. The warrior of Normandy must depart from him, and have the charge of such troops as come from thence. If he would have reason of the wrong done him, now is the opportunity presented and the match made an easy prize. Wishes himself with him to take part with him, that both their quarrels might be revenged by their hands that have most interest to do it. He will never be master of that commodity if now he let it slip. Extract from letter from the same writer to Setchvaux at Calais, praying him to forward the above. Villeroy and Bodin were commissioners to examine Chevalier Breton, and Chartier was appointed their griffier. Many of the interrogatories concerned Simier, and to bolt out those that were affected to him and to Viteaux, or any way associated with them. Endd. P. ½.
[May.]	1435. Sir William Livingstone of Killsyth to Mr. Walsingham.
	Is thoroughly persuaded he is his great friend. Bears the Queen and her country only goodwill, and would be sorry to wish or know of harm to either, whoever he be that has made this report to put him in jealousy with the Queen. As to his passing to Tilmouth, it had no meaning but that certain honest men of the town of Newcastle desired him to pass his time in hunting. Is secretly advertised from Scotland that his unfriends are very busy seeking to put him in jealousy with the Regent, and have persuaded some debauched people to avow tales of him, whereby he may be troubled. Has purchased licence from the Lord Treasurer to send a servant into Scotland to his friends to try out the malice better. The Regent would suffer neither wife, friend, or servant to come to speak with him. Prays him to obtain licence that he may remain in some place till the Regent be better persuaded of his good behaviour, otherwise he will put himself in Edinburgh before the Regent and Council. Signed. Add. Endd. Pp. 1²/3.
	1436. Copy of the above. Endd. Pp. 1²/3.
[May.]	1437. Reply of the Queen to Giraldi's Demands.
	Her Majesty is pleased that all articles that have been agreed upon between him and her Council, for the regulation of her subjects' traffic, and the restitution of things taken under the arrest, shall be performed. Her Majesty is unwilling to bind herself by any contract that will interfere with the trade of her subjects with Barbary; still in order to gratify the King of Portugal she will consent that the article which he requires shall have effect for all traffic beyond Cape Blanco. As for the traffic with Barbary, the Queen promises to take steps to prevent the importation of arms into that country by her subjects. Draft, corrected by Burghley. Endd. Lat. Pp. 1½.