|
|
510. R. Douglas to Archibald Douglas. |
|
1587, Apr. 3. |
The daily and almost hourly looked for departure of my brother has been the cause that so long your Lordship has been in hearing from us, but now, since he has obtained his despatch, and is ready to take his journey, at his coming you may be fully instructed of all our proceedings here, and may receive particular answers to your last letters. I delivered them to his Majesty, but because my brother was awaiting upon his departure I suffered him to crave the answer thereof, which so far as he could obtain it he will declare to your Lordship, whereunto I refer myself with this one word by the way : that your Lordship may take never so great pains, and be at never so great charges in making of advertisements here, and advancing of his Majesty's service where ye are, yet so long as matters staud in the state they are, your advertisements shall he laughed at, and all your actions misconstrued and interpreted to the worst. But you are wipe enough to consider this and to see where it tends. |
|
I have sent you a demission in the King's hands of your parsonship of Glasgow to be used by me, if need require, for such causes as my brother will impart to your Lordship at length, together with a blank subscribed with my hand to be filled with what conditions it shall best please you, if ye stand any ways in fear of the other. He can report at what great charges I have been since my coming into this country, in following the Court and for your affairs, and that as yet I have neither gotten, nor am like to get, a groat's worth of that you assigned to me. But of that I esteem not so much as any ways to make account thereof, if I were assured to receive but thank at your hands. My man's home coming the other day without the one thing or the other I sought of you, gives me a sufficient argument in what estimation you have me and my doings. For surely the matter I desired was so slender and of so little value that I believed I had deserved far greater at your lordship's hands. Hitherto in what sort I have behaved myself towards you let the world be judge, and if for your cause only and for the love I bare you I have not lost the favour of my dearest friends, who were able to have recompensed my services no less than ever your lordship was, judge yourself. Therefore if any suspicion of me or my dealing be entered in your mind let me know it plainly, and henceforth have no kind of dealing with me, &c.—From Whittingham, this 3rd of April 1587. |
|
1¾ pp.
|
|
511. Sir Francis Walsingham to Archibald Douglas. |
|
1587, Apr. 6. |
I reported unto her Majesty the conference between your lordship, my Lord Treasurer and myself, to the which she thinketh fit to give your lordship answer herself, and therefore you shall do well to send unto my Lord Chamberlain to require that you may have audience to-morrow in the afternoon. I hope that you shall find her Majesty in good disposition, whereby her answer will be to your contentment. And whereas your lordship at our said meeting found yourself aggrieved that you had received no answer unto the first requests that you made, which I signified in like sort unto her Majesty, she willed me that I should send unto you for your said requests, thinking to take order therein. And therefore I pray you I may receive the same from you to deliver unto her Majesty.—From the Court, the 6th of April 1587. |
|
½ p.
|
|
512. The Earl of Leicester to Lord Burghley. |
|
1587, Apr. 7. |
I wrote lately unto you, and would do oftener, if there were any matter here worth the writing. But I pray for you, perceiving by your letter that your Lordship doth yet receive little comfort from her Majesty, for which I am most sorry, and have no doubts but that God will move her Princely heart to have due consideration of your long, approved, painful and faithful service. The cause of her offence, your Lordship seeth, is the same it is to others and us all, as I hear, that subscribed to the letter to my Lord of Shrewsbury. But your place and credit heretofore with her makes it heavier to you, and more noted to the world than to all the rest. For she herself hath acquitted us for our loyalty and careful dealing towards her person. Some folks are not yet of like filled enough with the continual perils and dangers we daily saw her in, nor care not for the remedies, so they may work displeasure to her servants and counsellors. But God defend her still, and I thank him evermore for that which is past, even for her only sake; for her peril set aside, which of us but might have saved ourselves? Well I trust he will direct her and preserve her. |
|
My Lord, I receive letters every day from the Low Countries, and craves (sic) help, relief, order and direction from me. I stand I know not how; her Majesty would seem that I must go, and yet she takes no order for it. Your Lordship doth know what reasonable suits I made : she will grant none, no, nor the money laid out of my purse for horse-levy. Nay, more, her Majesty doth marvel that I remain in pay as her general yet, which does argue to my judgment that she meaneth not to employ me there any more. I have for her service sake written to herself and to Mr. Secretary to know her resolute pleasure, for in this meantime, for lack of help, comfort, and direction to her people and those of the Low Countries, all will be lost. And yet, my Lord, what can I do, when I may not know whether I am her general, or shall be her general or no? It is more than strange, but what remedy? For my part I do return to Mr. Secretary all their letters and requests, and let him receive her Majesty's pleasure. |
|
Touching any Court advertisements, I assure you, my Lord, I have received none since I came. Some letters from Mr. Secretary touching these causes and her Majesty's denial of my suits I have received; none else from any man yet at Court. So, my good Lord, being most heartily sorry for your absence, as much for her Majesty and the Realm's service as for your own particular, I will leave you to his protection that ruleth all, and can give you more true comfort in an hour than all the world can do in the longest man's life. The same comfort I wish you, and leave not still to seek it, and take hold fast of it to the last end of your pilgrimage. And the same I beseech for myself, and beg His grace I may do so.—At the Bath, this 9 of April. |
|
P.S.—Mr. Wolley hath written me the like for my suits. I send your Lordship such letters as I have received from the Low Countries. |
|
Endorsed :—9 April 1587. |
|
1½ pp. [Murdin (imperfectly), p. 586.] |
|
513. Lord Zouche to Lord Burghley. |
|
1587, Apr. 12. |
Your lordship at my last being with you commanded me to acquaint you from time to time how I bestowed myself. Where
unto I most willingly address me, in hope that my last letter hath wrought me some favour in your lordship's sight. If you did know how much I find the want of an advising friend, the account I would make of such an one, and the. unfeigned desire I have to find you the same, I am persuaded I should not need to require it, you would so easily grant it. But if my hard hap be such as I cannot attain thereto, yet let the bringing up you have bestowed of me, the trust my friends hath put you in, the alliance whereby we are knit together, obtain thus much at your hands, as that by your continuing my licence I may die here, making show of striving to attain things serviceable for my country, rather than for want of advice to come home, if I live thereto, void of that I might by such favour attain unto, and die in infamy, a thing I would of all things eschew. Since in likelihood I am the last of that house wherefrom I descended, if it were possible I would be glad to finish that with credit which hath long continued in honour. My mind, I think, is not unknown to your lordship, I may the less while stand in persuading. Only therefore acquainting you with my purpose, until I hear from you I will for this time cease your further trouble. I came by sea to Hamburg, from whence after seven days' rest I came towards Frankfort in the company of Mr. Poole, your lordship's servant, where I now am, but purpose by God's grace within this week to go to Heidelberg, there to remain till I may be further directed in my course by you. The news which be here I know Mr. Poole hath acquainted your lordship with, &c.—From Frankfort, this 12th of April (V.S.). |
|
1 p.
|
|
514. “The Substance of that was delivered me by the Ambassador of Scotland upon the report made by me of her Majesty's answer to his Propositions.” [From heading.] |
|
1587, April 12. |
For the first point, it seemed to him that her Majesty looked that the King his Sovereign should rest satisfied for the indignity offered his mother by the report to be made of her Majesty's grief and severe proceeding against the actors in the execution of his mother. |
|
For the second point, he desireth that the resolution of the Judges may be set down in writing, and the same to be confirmed under her Majesty's own signature and the Great Seal of England. |
|
For the third point, touching the inheritance of Lord Darnley, he saith that, although she could not admit him thereto by right of succession, yet she would be content he should enjoy the lands as of her gift. But now, by my report, he findeth that her Majesty maketh the said inheritance litigious between the King and the Lady Arabella. |
|
He further prayed, in respect of the uncertainty and variety of the answers, he may receive her Majesty's resolute answer in writing, both for more certainty and his own discharge towards his Sovereign.—Undated. |
|
Endorsed :—12 April 1587. |
|
In T. Morgan's (?) handwriting. |
|
1¾ pp. [Murdin, pp. 587–8. In extenso.] |
|
515. The Earl of Leicester to Lord Burghley. |
|
1587, Apr. 14. |
A servant of his, one Henry Bridges of Tangley, co. Oxon, in this last night departed, prays that the mother may have the wardship of the son (now the Queen's ward).—Bath, 14 April 1587. |
|
1 p.
|
|
516. Richard Douglas to Archibald Douglas. |
|
1587, Apr. 15. |
“Please your lordship, since the last that my brother wrote to you immediately after his Majesty's going to Dumfries, there was little or small occasion of writing offered, especially seeing we were far from the court, and heard nothing but by hearsay and uncertainties, wherewith we thought it very unfit to trouble your lordship, specially seeing day to day we hoped for the truth of matters. Now, since his Majesty is returned to this town, and I have had sufficient time to understand and learn in what estate matters did remain, and what is to be looked for, I could delay no longer but let you understand the estate and proceeding of our affairs. You have heard, I doubt not, both by my brother and Roger Ashtounc, the King's sudden voyage to Dumfries, for suppressing of Maxwell's insolent dealing in that country. What success he has had I think you do sufficiently understand; how that Maxwell, foreseeing of the enterprise by some of his favourers here, gave place to that sudden storm that was like to overwhelm him, so that the King at his coming found not that he looked for. The King remained there about twelve days to take order with the country, placing of Johnstoun in his own room, and dealing with Maxwell's friends to cause him enter and submit himself to his Majesty's will, but all for nought; for he, except the King would grant him such conditions as he required, both for his surety and honour, refused altogether to enter, while at the last, since the King's coming from thence, the Lord Hamilton being left lieutenant there, he is contented to depart out of this country during his Majesty's pleasure within a month, his living always being reserved for his use, to the which the King and the Council are all agreed. It is not yet determined who shall be Warden in that country; the King himself is earnest for Johnstoun to have him in that room. Many of the nobility, and chiefly the Lord Hamilton, prefer the Lord Herries, so that the Lord Hamilton is commanded to remain in that country, while the King shall take further order, and determine who shall be Warden. About that same time that the Lord Maxwell escaped, there was a commission directed by the King to the Sheriff of Ayr and Cragie Wallace, for apprehending cf the late Earl of Arran, but he, being advertised in the like manner, prevented their coming and is escaped. The Lord Claud also, as being suspected to have assisted the Earl of Arran in the writing of the letter you heard of, was summoned to have compeared before the Secret Council, the 10th of this month, but the King being then in Dumfries, he sent to know his Majesty's pleasure where he should compear. The King's answer was that he should delay his coming until the Convention, or else until the time that he were again desired. Before the King's coming from Dumfries, the little Lord Lovat was sent by his mother to the King, to crave his letter to the Sheriff of Ayr that no man should trouble her, nor intromit with any of their gear, which at the desire of Bothwell and Hamilton was granted, which augments the suspicion conceived of Hamilton's friendship both to his brother Arran and Maxwell, which no man looked for before that time. The Secretary had drawn in strait confederacy, for this last purpose that was in hand against Maxwell and Arran, Angus, Mar, Bothwell, Johnstoun, Cesford, and Coldinghowe, for he was sore afraid of them, for he saw it was almost he only whom they sought to hurt. |
|
The Master of Glamis has been, ever since my coming in this country, on the other side of the water, until the fourteenth of this month, at which time he came to this town, understanding of the King's return, rather to see and behold matters how they went, nor [i.e., than for]
any other cause, for he is only to stay this night, and to depart to-morrow. I have spoken with him this night at length in all matters both concerning you, this state, and the state of England. I find him friendly enough to you in your own particular, and to like well also of the course you have in hand, but refuses altogether to meddle with matters in that country, until the time he see further of their meaning, or else he be thereto driven, that your estate be so commoned with his and his fellowship here, that the one may not be well but the other. What you would have him do, or in what you would employ him, let me understand, and I hope I shall cause him be moved . . . . ter with you as you would wish. Since the King's coming to this town, upon the twelfth of this month, at night, the Convention appointed to have been upon the 20th of this month, is deferred until the 5th of May; but since, Huntly and Montrose have written to the King that they will keep the first day appointed. Whether it shall hold then or not, surely I cannot resolve you, but if the Secretary may, he will still drift it, for of all things he fears it most. Claud and Arran suppose their agreeing be dissembled and held in close, yet I am certainly informed by them that know it, that they are ' bott doutt' agreed upon all points, and in one course with the northland faction, both for subversion of religion, and for troubling the present estate of the country. I am certainly informed, both by some counsellors, and others who know the King's mind, that he is resolved and myndy ' altogether to run the English course, if he can have any shew for satisfaction in honour. He looks, whether it be that he is so advertised from England, or that he would have it so, I cannot surely tell, for some great ambassador to be directed in this country to him very shortly, whom he minds to deal with, as I am informed, very squarely. Whether this be done by others by your knowledge or not, I cannot certainly tell; but since it is the King's mind, and that he would have one to come, I think you should advance that matter as far as you may, and cause one to be chosen meetest for your turn. If Sir Walter Mildmay's age might suffer his coming, I know he would be welcomest to the King, because he remains in a very good opinion of him, and I know he would agree all matters, and then he is your very good friend, and will be directed by your advice. I see that the Secretary, for ill will he bears to you, will overthrow his Majesty's service in causing him to appoint with England upon whatsoever conditions; for he only now has the whole doiog and guiding of our affairs. There is less appearance of departure of our ambassadors nor was at my first arrival, saving only that Barnbarroch and Mr. Peter Young are to go shortly to Denmark. John Chisholm is to go in France with the bishop of Glasgow's commission to be ambassador resident. And as for him for Spain, I think it shall expire of itself, for there is no word of it at all. I marvel I have not heard from you since my brother's coming, for by your frequent letters and advertisements, I might have new occasion to speak with his Majesty, whereby I might both the better know his own mind, and thereby grow in familiar dealing with him, both for your profit and advancement of your affairs, and for my own credit. The Master of Gray, since the King's going to Dumfries, has ever been in Dunfermline. He misliked altogether of the voyage, so that it is thought that he is upon the other faction. However it be, I think, as he says, that he remains your friend, but his credit here is very small, and the King daily in a worse opinion of him. If the Convention hold, it will try what is likeliest to fall out, and what course the King will most willingly follow, until which time I may well of divers and contrary reports guess at matters, but may set down no certainty. The young Laird of P. has been this great while in the north, where he is yet unreturned. At his
return you shall be certainly advertised what they mind that are there, and what is to be looked for at their hands. Within these three days, there were apprehended in Leith two seminary priests come from France. The King has commanded them to be kept in very strait ward, where they are presently. Yesterday there is fallen out an accident that troubles me a little, for the Brownfields that before had houghed the good man of Rimolton Lawe's oxen, came again to have done the like in . . . . . . . . town, and some pertaining to him also within a half mile of Moriston. The fray arose, whereupon Mr. Thomas Cranstoun followed them, and has slain one or two of them, himself very ill hurt. The Secretary has taken his escheat, and minds, as we hear, to trouble him further. Therefore his father, who is here, desires you that you will purchase a letter from Secretary Walsingham to Sir John Selby, Sir John Foster, and Sir Thomas Gray, that in case mister be, or necessity compel him, he may safely and with favour retire himself to their quarters. 'Sichlyk' [in like manner] he prays you to get him a placard for two or three horses, for 'be cesson' [by occasion] of this late deadly feud, they will have ado with them. My brother is minded to be at you very shortly, with whom you shall understand more particularly how matters go here. I can hear nothing of the Prior of Blantyre, and therefore after the sitting down of the session, I mind to pursue him by justice I pray your lordship remember the pardon for Wallace, and to do for that honest gentleman Alexander Murray. And thus till the next occasion, after my very humble commendations of service, I commit your lordship to the protection of the Almighty.—From Edinburgh, this 15 of April, 1587, by your lordship's loving nephew to do you service, R. Douglas.” |
|
Seals. 3 pp.
|
|
517. The Earl of Arundel to Lord Burghley. |
|
1587, April 15. |
Her Majesty was content that I should remove, so that my lodging had no prospect to any place whereby people usually passed, for that, if I had such a lodging, I might make signs, &c. There is no prison in all this house, excepting this, but hath prospect either to St. Catharine's, East Smithfield, Tower Hill, or Tower Wharf, all common passages; neither have I given (as I hope), cause, at any time, to be reputed so dangerous a man, as I might not be lodged in a place where I might see men as they passed. Her Majesty added withal, that I made quarrels to particular men, with much more. Surely, my good Lord, it seemeth that particular men have quarrels to me, and have incensed her Majesty against me more than I deserved, or they are able in truth to justify, or can in conscience answer. I was in good hope that my dutiful mind, together with the time of my imprisonment, and my innocency most manifestly appearing in all these late conspiracies, should have found more favour in her Majesty's sight. Wherefore, I beseech your lordship to speak to Mr. Secretary in my behalf, that he would stand my indifferent friend. I never gave him any cause of offence in my life, and therefore, I hope there is no cause of any other particular man, that shall move him to carry a hard conceit towards me.—15 April 1587. |
|
Endorsed by Burghley;—“Earl Arundel. For to have a better lodging in the Tower.” |
|
1 p.
|
|
518. Sir John Selby to Mr. Fowler. |
|
1587, April 18. |
Acknowledges his letters of the 11th inst., and thanks him for his careful dealing. Has received a letter from Roger Aston,
whereby he perceives that the commission for apprehending Captain James Stewart goeth forward again. Lord Maxwell is granted licence to pass into France. Lord Hamilton is appointed to speak with him. There is lately arrived in Scotland two priests papists, who have many letters which the King hath gotten. — Berwick, the 18th of April 1587. |
|
½ p.
|
|
519. Lord Lennox to Abchibajld Douglas. |
|
1587, April 20. |
Requiring him to see that David Gordon is paid the 16l. taken from him by English pirates.—From Holyrood House, this 20th of April 1587. |
|
¼ p.
|
|
520. Lord Bellenden to Archibald Douglas. |
|
1587, April 20. |
It will please your lordship to be informed touching the right of your benefice of the sub-deanery of Orkney made by you to my uncle, Sir Patrick” Bellenden, that, during the time of your trouble in his Majesty's minority, he sustained such damage as the whole of the benefice might be worth. For he was secluded altogether therefrom, while now it has pleased his Majesty to extend his favour towards your lordship. During the which trouble the tak set by your lordship to the said Sir Patrick of the said sub-deanery for the space of 19 years is almost run, albeit you made to him sufficient right upon the said benefice for all the days of your lordship's listing, &c. Therefore we must most heartily desire you to subscribe and seal a new 19 years tak of the said benefice to the said Sir Patrick, which can be no ways hurtful to you, since you have sufficient security for payment yearly, to you and your factors, of fourscore pounds, &c.—Edinburgh, 20 April 1587. |
|
¾ p.
|
|
521. James VI. of Scotland to Archibald Douglas. |
|
1587, Apr. 21. |
Requesting him to further David Gordon in his suit for recovery of 176l., of which he was robbed by English pirates last Hallowmas.—Holyrood House, 21 April 1587. |
|
¼ p.
|
|
522. George Wayte, Edmond Woodward, James Maggenon and Arthur Maperlet, servants of the Queen to [ ]. |
|
1587, Apr. 22. |
For lease of certain tithes in Staffordshire, late parcel of the possessions of Lord Paget.—Undated. |
|
Note by Sir W. Mildmay to Mr. Kyng to deliver a particular of the premises to the parties.—22 April 1587. |
|
1 p.
|
|
523. R. Douglas to Archibald Douglas. |
|
1587, April 22. |
I received your last, dated 11 April, the 19th of the same, from Robert Carwell, very late. I was ready to have come away before the receipt of the same, but I had no other answer of hia Majesty nor I wrote to you of before, or near by the like. As for answer of my letter of credit I had from Secretary Walsingham, my uncle promised to write with me before my departure. Always, by word, he willed me to signify to the first part of my credit, that since the King had taken so moderate a course (for thither did the same tend), the wrongs that he had received being so great and so recent, that it was
a great wonder to many here, and if reason were done to him, it could not be touched but the same should continue and augment rather than be altered. As for the next, he affirms that for him, like as he had no particular, although so also in time bygone had he not been acquainted with your course in that country, neither “lowit to grepe in ye mirke.” Wherefore, when he was acquainted with matters, and finding the same tending to the advancement of the King's service, he would, without respecting of persons, deal in the same. And while we were in this talk, we were interrupted by the presence of some noblemen. The Justice Clerk was auditor, to all your friend, and plain in all matters. |
|
The next day after the receipt of your letters, the King was so “timous” at his pastime, and returned not till ten at night. After that he had supped in Enderleithe, that no commodity could be had to deal with him; but, after the reading of a letter directed from Sir Robert Melville, whom he had sent to Sir Johnstone, he went to bed. The cause of his sending came upon this occasion. The Convention being .appointed to be in Edinburgh the 20 of this instant, the Earls of Huntly, Crawford, Montrose, and some others, met “into Sautionsterme,” thinking to come from thence all together, to the effect that they might seem the abler to resist, if anything should be attempted against any of them by their particular unfriends; which diffidence being signified to his Majesty, he directed Sir Robert (who but a day or two before was come from travailing in reconciling the noblemen next adjacent to these parts), to advertise thern of the deferring of the Convention till the 10 of the next month, before which time he would have all controversies and particular enmities taken away, willing the Earl of Huntly, as one who had particular with none, to come forward to him, the rest to retire themselves to their own houses until his further advertisement. Whereunto Sir Robert finding them most willing, let the King understand the same by letter the 21 day. Being a preaching day, he, partly upon the former's day travail, partly upon some other occasion, lay longer than he was accustomed to do, so that before he could be clad the preacher came for him to “sermunt.” Being at breakfast, Roger let him wit that there were letters come from you, which he willed to be shewn him at his better leisure. After his return from “sermunt “, the letters were delivered to him by Mr. Richard, as he directed, together with the epistle and verses. The letters, because they were long, and he to go to dine, were delivered to Roger the verses he read openly at the table to Monsieur de Moulins' great “pryse,” the whole talk of the dinner was of him and the desire I affirmed he had to be in Scotland. After dinner there was Council appointed, which caused the Secretary to come in sooner nor he was accustomed, and “impeschit” me. Soon after, the Earl of Huntly came and made his reverence. After a while's conference with him he departed towards his lodging, and so his Majesty went to Council for taking order with such pledges as were appointed to enter for quieting of the borders, and specially of the Maxwells', part being appointed to one ward, part to another. The Council continued till supper time. After supper the King very quickly sent for his boots, and, about nine of the clock, leapt upon horseback, only accompanied with a dozen of his most familiar servants, and is gone towards Burlej, where it is touched he will remain two days or three. There he thinketh to have the matter submitted between the Earl of Crawford and the Master of Glamis; the place being proper, the Master being with his godfather in the new house, and the Earl in his house of Carnei. His Majesty took occasion upon Sir Robert's letter to take the journey, which I doubt not will be diversely,
upon the first report, both taken and “exponit” by reason of his sudden, and secret departure. But this is the verity of the matter. So I am forced to stay upon his return, at what time, God willing, I shall return fully instructed. |
|
This last journey taken towards Dumfries has marvellously “consiliat” the hearts of the whole commonalty; all good and well “devoat” men towards the religion showing good mind, he being (?) as well to suppressing of papistry as the quieting of the country and delivering the poor homes from oppression of thieves; so that all common people have in their mouths, they hope that in short time he shall cause the rash base keep the law. The nobility seeing also his virtuous proceedings, begin to further respect and reverence his will, that willingly, at his command, they are like to submit all their differences to such neutral men as he shall please to appoint in all, he being “oversman” himself. The Sunday last his Majesty came to “Sir Gellis” his kirk, to sermon, wherein Walter Tuke occasioned to insist in his praises and commendation of his godly and virtuous enterprises, praying God to accompany the same with the assistance of his Holy Spirit, affirming all his good and true subjects would so follow him, and had followed him, that they who were not with him in body were present in mind, and wished to be with him and assist him with their good prayer, with many other long speeches uttered, to his encouragement and the great contentment of all the auditor[s], that their whole consent was confirmed by their great silence while he spoke, and, in the end, by a great noise among the people without any distinct words. |
|
Maclean has been here making his plaints on MacConnell, and is returned to his country contented. I see no appearance but of the greatest quietness that ever was in my time, and so is there many more of this mind, the King being so careful to see it so himself. He is very well devoted to entertain quietness with that realm also, and will be most sorry to enter in such courses as some would persuade him, if with honour he may any other wise do. But in the particular of all these matters I shall let you know further at my coming, which, in grace of God, shall be immediately upon the King's return to this.—Edinburgh, 22 April 1587. |
|
[P.S.]—His Majesty had written to you himself, as well in his own affairs as at the sign of sundry his poor subjects, who are imperilled and can get no redress, and for redressing of the “pecasses” committed beforetimes. But he is stayed by some here, who will not have the King to deal with you but by mediate persons. |
|
Four Seals. 3¼ pp.
|
|
524. T. Phillips to Archibald Douglas. |
|
1587, Apr. 25. |
Having imparted your desire to Mr. Secretary, he willed me to let you understand that it will be a day or two ere he shall be able to speak with you, in respect of a general despatch of suitors now, before her Majesty's short progress, which will be to-morrow, and then his meaning is to be at London, whereof your lordship shall be advised, for that himself desireth also to confer with you.—The Court, 25 April 1587. |
|
½ p.
|
|
525. Sir Francis Walsingham to Archibald Douglas. |
|
1587, Apr. 25. |
I have thought good for sundry respects to pray you to move my Lord Ambassador of Scotland to send hither, set down in writing,
such points of his charge propounded unto her Majesty whereunto he desireth her Highness' answer; which the sooner I shall receive from you, the sooner shall he receive his despatch. And so I commit you to God.—From Barnelms, the 25th of April 1587. |
|
½ p.
|
|
526. T. Cranstoun to Archibald Douglas. |
|
1587, Apr. 29. |
As I have written to you before and sent them up by Sir John Selby, I am presently resident at Wark, where the gentleman, bearer hereof, bears charge, of whom I have received great courtesy. Wherefore, I pray your lordship to extend your credit in his favour, especially in respect of his great charge sustained in this matter, and of my necessity with him at this time, for, if he speed in his suit, he may serve well to “indomage” our common enemy. Sir John has by writ advertised Lord Hunsdon of my coming thither, and of my kindred to your lordship, therefore, it may please you to apeak him in this matter, and move him to take it in good part, for of old he loved not my face (?) Finally, I pray your lordship not to be unmindful of my former letters and desires, sent by William Wallace and Sir John Selby. Since the delivery hereof, I have heard not out of our country, saving only that Mark Hume, being at me, assured me that Glames and Crawford were agreed by his Majesty, who is about also to reconcile the rest of his nobility; Claud and Huntly being sent to his Majesty by the rest to offer all to his Majesty's own pleasure.—Wark, 29 April 1587. |
|
Signed :—“Your lordship's nephew,” &c. |
|
1 p.
|
|
527. Robert Cecil to Lord Burghley. |
|
1587, Apr. 30. |
This afternoon went to my Lord Chancellor's, with a message from my Lady of congratulation for the honour her Majesty had called him unto. Of Burghley, his lordship said : England never should have such a councillor, nor he would never think to find so true and just a friend, that now, when friends were to be tried, had so constantly stuck to him; when, if he had been once put by, considering the world was so deeply thereof possessed, the Queen could not have repaired after his honour, if she had given him the Duchy of Lancaster. “He [the Chancellor] hath left his cap and feather, and now wears a flat velvet cap not different from your Lordship's.” My Lady of Oxford hath willed me to desire your Lordship, if in your wisdom you think it may do any good, to impart her letter to your Lordship to the Queen, otherwise, according to your pleasure, to let it alone.—30 April 1587. |
|
Holograph. Portion of a seal. 1 p.
|
|
[Murdin, pp. 588–9. In extenso, with the exception of the last paragraph.] |
|
528. Goods laden for Bristol. |
|
1587, Apr. |
Factor of goods laden for Bristol by Richard Staper in the “Angel” of Menilicke, Master, Cornelius Albertson. The goods consist chiefly of various cloths, skins, wrought pewter, kettles, iron wire, &c., and their total value is 798l. 17s. 6d.
|
|
3 pp.
|
|
529. K. Fynes to Lord Burghley. |
|
1587, Apr. |
It pleased my lord of Leicester by Mr. Thomas Dudley to appoint me to attend upon his lordship at Wansted upon Thursday, at what time it pleased his lordship to let me first to understand that his pleasure was to compound with me for my interest in the parsonage of Witney, the goodness whereof after that I had made known, as also the price it cost me, I told his lordship I would refer myself to his lordship's most honourable consideration. But as yet it pleased him therein not to conclude of anything. Then it pleased his lordship to tell me that for the Barony he had told her Majesty I had as good right unto it as his lordship had to his Earldom. “And,” saith he, “if I procure you not that forthwith, then never trust me in any thing again; but,” saith he, “you have relied upon Raw therein, and he will fail you.” “My good lord,” quoth I, “next unto your Lordship, I have chiefly depended upon my Lord Chancellor for the moving thereof; and, for the other, in respect that he was allied unto my wife, and had made offer of his best help, I might not but entertain his friendship with thanksgiving. But I neither greatly sought it, or reposed my trust therein, as my Lord Chancellor, unto whom I have been greatly bounden, can best make known unto your Lordship; for that I have only used him before your Lordship's coming to move it, although it pleased her Majesty to refer also the consideration thereof unto my Lord Treasurer, who together with my Lord Chancellor that now is, did according to the equity of the cause humbly beseech her Majesty for me. But my lord, my Lord Treasurer asking me whether I had not sought your lordship's favour therein, said your father was ever greatly bound unto my lord of Leicester, for he ever loved him well, and so hath he done you, and no man may do you more good herein.” Then his lordship said : “there hath been many that have sought to do evil offices between my Lord Treasurer and me, and my Lord Chancellor and me, but for my own part I will esteem of them as they are, for they are bad people, for I know they be my good friends.” “Truly, my lord,” said I, “these people, whosoever they are, are enemies to God, her Majesty, their country, and to every one of your lordships, and so I pray God that every one of you may ever think them to be.” Then it pleased him to tell me that he had lately spoken unto her Majesty to confirm her first grant made unto him, touching my Lord Dacres' lands, “the which,” saith he, “I will transfer unto you, and we will agree well enough, but as yet I will not tell you in what sort.” “My Lord,” quoth I, “if it might please your Lordship to let me know in what manner your pleasure were to transfer it, and that it might be known unto her Majesty that your lordship's meaning is so to do, I doubt not but that in respect it hath already pleased her Majesty to ask my lady Dacres, whether I were not of that house, saying, 'Madam, he is an honest man, and one that we like well of, and it cannot be better done of my lord than to wish well to his name.' My lady Dacres replied I was the kinsman that my lord of all others had best cause to like of.” And therefore, my lord, not as one that intendeth to be either in duty or thanksgiving less thankful to your lordship than shall be thought fit by your lordship, but rather hoping that, my name being used therein, the enterprise, in respect it should appear unto all men that your Lordship doeth it for the next heir male, shall be adjudged for your lordship the more honourable, and receive the freer passage. I take boldness thus much humbly to advertise your lordship for my lord, under reformation, although your lordship's own
merit deserve much more from her Majesty, yet may it seem happily more pleasing to the world that the next heir male should participate with the sister, and the nearest in blood rather than a stranger. Although notwithstanding the due thanksgiving that I shall therefore yield your lordship may be such and so great as my poor ability may to the uttermost yield.” “It is true,” saith his lordship, “and indeed at the last time I found my Lord Treasurer somewhat inclined to Leinorde.” “Truly, my Lord,” quoth I, “I do not think but that my Lord Treasurer doth much more respect your lordship than Mr. Leinorde, although the nearness of blood between my Lord Dacres and Mr. Leinorde might justly move my Lord much; but, my Lord, when his lordship shall see your lordship's honourable disposition in seeking nothing more than to advance and enable thereby a branch of the same tree : such hath been in all other cases his honourable disposition, as that his lordship hath ever had a religious regard of the continuance of ancient houses, insomuch as, although my own desert can challenge nothing from him, yet the great interest your lordship hath in him, as also the respect of the name and house, will move him.” And that I hope much. Then it pleased him in every wise to wish my attendance at court, whither, having by your favour reduced somewhat my poor estate to better terms, I am now going for the most part to continue, beseeching the Almighty never to prosper me or my posterity longer than that we shall in all sincerity of faith and service perform such offices of duty and thanksgiving as may best become those that are most bounden. Most humbly craving pardon for this boldness, &c. |
|
Endorsed :—“April 1587.—Mr. Fynes.” |
|
1 p.
|
