Border Papers volume 1: February 1590

657. Bowes to Forster. [Feb. 11. 1589–90.]

On receipt of your letters and notes of complaint by this bearer John Butherforth, I first moved Earl Bothwell, next wrote by special messenger to Lord Hamilton, lord lieutenant of the Marches, and lastly travailed with the whole Council, for speedy redress, specially for Fernyherst's outrage at Sydewood in Tyndale.

Bothwell has promised satisfaction for all under his rule. Lord Hamilton has written, as the copy of his letter shows, and promised by his messenger to come with all speed to the Borders for justice. The Council have written to Hamilton to go immediately to Peebles, calling to him the Lord Maxwell and Cesford, to see that the offenders are apprehended, and have written to them thereon, as will appear by copies of these letters enclosed. The Council and Hamilton have asked me to write to you to stay and restrain all attempts by those under your rule, while they are labouring to give the redress promised.

I pray you to advise me what manner and sort of redress shall be demanded for the satisfaction of yourself and those in your wardenry. Edinburgh. Signed: Robert Bowes.

1½ pp. Addressed.

Inclosed in the same:—

(1) (The Council to Hamilton.)

Signifying the complaint that day by the English ambassador of two great attempts lately committed—one by Pharnihirst in Tinedale, the other at Myndrom in Glendale, by Eskdale, Liddesdale and other borderers, with fireraising and other outrages. Commanding him at once to write to Maxwell and Cesford to meet him at Peebles, Selkirk, or some indifferent place, and labour with them to have the principals arrested and tried; also for his own honour and the trust reposed in him by the King, to take extraordinary care and pains towards redress, and prevention of further evil. Offering their best advice if he sends for it, but urging him without delay to haste to the Borders, and take steps with Maxwell especially, to seize some of the offenders on the West March before his arrival. "At Edinbrucht the tene day of February 1589."

1 p. Copy by Bowes' clerk.

(2) (The Council to Maxwell.)

Signifying the same outrages, whereof they have written to Lord Hamilton, who will certify him farther. Since the most of the offenders are in the West March, as "the Armstrangis of Arkiltoun and the Gyngelis, the Ellottis of Ewysdaill and the Batysons and Litillis in Eskdall," they recommend him to have some of the principals in hand ready to be delivered for trial to Lord Hamilton on his arrival, that the peace, so earnestly commended to him by the King at departing, and so carefully conserved till now, shall not be "cassen lowse and put in danger by these wicked men." Edinburgh [same date as last.]

1 p. Copy by Bowes' clerk.

(3) (The Council to Cesford.)

Acknowledging a letter from him. Signifying the English ambassador's complaint, on which they have written both to Lord Hamilton and Lord Maxwell—requiring him to issue proclamation under pain of death against all who break the peace—to get the names of the offenders, summoning the barons and gentlemen of his country for their advice, and make them keep good watch. "For it is woundred howe sicke a nomber sould have ridden through East Tividale head and brought their praye the gate they traveled." Edinburgh [same date as last.]

1 p. Copy by Bowes' clerk.

(4) (Lord Hamilton to Bowes.)

I received your letter and am sorry their should be occasion of complaint, but shall see matters redressed to your contentment. "But in respect that ever since his Majesties departure (albeit I have ane especiall powre by myself to have taken order within the boundes committed to my chardge, as your lordschip knowes), I have used the advise of his Majesties counsell resident at Edenburgh, ye will apperdon me that before I enter forder in taking order with this speciall accident, I seeke to know their opinion, and to have their gude advise how I sall proceede in reparinge of this great wrange." Praying you meantime to ask Sir John Forster to prevent any incursions, and inform him that redress shall be made with all possible speed. My servant the bearer is directed to bring back the council's answer, and to inform you of my mind. Of Hamilton this 10^th February 1589.

½ p. Copy by Bowes' clerk. Indorsed.

658. Forster to Walsingham. [Feb. 14.]

"Uppon the commytteinge of certaine outragious facts by Pharnyhurste and others of thopposite realme, I did sende my warden sergeant immediatlie to M^r Bowes her Majesties ambassador, to move the Erle Hammelton, and the reste of the Counsell of Scotland, either to see some spedie order taken for the redress therof, or els the Borders would breake." Whereon I received answer from M^r Bowes that the lords were carefull to keep the peace, and had specially directed Lord Maxwell and the Laird of Cesford to see that some of the offenders were taken in hand against Lord Hamilton's repair to the Border—as appears by the inclosed copies of letters sent by M^r Bowes to me. On this I have given strait proclamation in my office for all to remain quiet under pain of death, and earnestly laboured to preserve peace,—" which is as harde to doe, as ever yt was sence I was her Majesties officer." I have appointed a meeting with the opposite warden on the 19^th or 20^th instant. At my house nigh Alnwick. Signed: John Forster.

1 p. Addressed. Indorsed. Inclosing No. 657 &c.

659. Bowes to Forster. [Feb. 26.]

Before your letter of 21^st arrived, I had spokeu with the Lord lieutenant and whole council assembled. Because the storm is here so great that hardly any can travel, it was thought fit to stay the lieutenant's journey to Jedworth, but to command Cesford by their letters already delivered to Andrew Carre, to meet you and Sir John Selby at such time and place as you appoint, and there file the bills for Sydewood and Myndrom in such manner as you choose—thereon you sending me the copy of the bill, when I shall earnestly press the council and lieutenant to give the necessary orders for redress. The expedition of this now chiefly rests with yourself.

In all the other bills sent by you, I have likewise moved the lieutenant and council for redress, which they have promised, and I trust you shall find it so. "Edeuburghe, 26° February 1589." Signed: Robert Bowes.

1 p. Addressed. Indorsed by Forster's clerk: "From M^r Bowes her Majesties ambassador the last of Februarie 1589."

660. Cesfurde to Forster. [Feb. 27.]

Signifying that he had received letters from the Lord lieutenant and the Council, as the former could not keep his "appoinctitt dyatt be ressouu of the vehemeiicie of the storme," directing him to meet at Stalfurd Bay with Forster and Sir John Selby, to do justice for the attempts of Sydewood and Myndrom—requesting Forster to name a certain day, ten days after sending his answer—and to say what number of gentlemen he will bring besides the complainers—that it is not needful to meet with more than "ane honest and quyett cumpany …Frome Jedburcht the peunult of Februar 1589.' Signed: Cesfurde.

1 p. Addressed. Indorsed: "1589. The last of Februarie from the L. Cesfourde."