Border Papers volume 1: May 1593

Calendar of Border Papers: Volume 1, 1560-95. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1894.

This premium content was digitised by double rekeying. All rights reserved.

'Border Papers volume 1: May 1593', in Calendar of Border Papers: Volume 1, 1560-95, (London, 1894) pp. 454-463. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-border-papers/vol1/pp454-463 [accessed 24 March 2024]

Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image

In this section

830. Carey to Burghley. [May 1.]

I make more haste to answer your last, for I hear nothing yet of these needful works, and think it my duty to remind you. What your lordship writes of her Majesty's "lyking of my diligence," is a gracious encouragement of her servant though "of litle desert."

By the note of Mr Vernon's which you sent me, I am glad to see, and wish for the poor man's sake, he were able to perform the one half thereof. As to the pensioners, I meant to have "stayd" them as they fell void till her Majesty's pleasure, as my lord has already ordered me. I enclose a note of their names and pay. As to the munition—I cannot certify for Newcastle in the absence of the master of the ordnance. For Berwick, the master gunner and comptroller's clerk have drawn it, though the master of the ordnance is away with his books, and your honour will find very little has been delivered to the office.

As your lordship warns me, I will have no conference with Bothwell or any other that displeases the King. "Here, it is feared he will prove worse then is hoped for at his handes, and therfore in my poore opinion no harme if a faction were a litle so wisely nourished, therby to kepe his nayles shorter, for heare is great feare he wyll runne a contrarye course to our lykinges."

If her Majesty is disposed for special commissioners on the abuses and disorders here, she shall do as in all her actions, "both royally, graciously, and most wiselye," and I humbly beg your lordship to further the same.

The particulars you wished set down wherein I desired my lord my father's hand for warrant, are but for the captain's wives, and some other women that have men in pay for their relief, besides some men who have the same, to their own profit,—all before my time—and I desired to have her Majesty's order for such reform confirmed by your and my father's hand, to avoid the clamour, if it was thought to be done on my own authority.

If another paymaster be appointed, which it is desired may be Mr Skydmore, your lordship will gain the hearts and prayers of the soldiers.

There are not past 5 or 6 soldiers "of antiquytie" married to Scotswomen—the mayor has banished the rest. I will take order as to any more such marriages while here. "Marye! the countrey is full of Scottes (as I will certifye your honour at more leasure."

Touching tle coming of a marshal, as in the conclusion of your letter, I am sorry that after my long service "I should so basely be thought on, as to be fytt for no better but to prepare the waye for others ease, and so to be discarded with a stayne to my credyte, which I have ever had so deare. But well sence I can not attribute yt to anything but myne owne disabilitie, I must take it for my crosse fortune thus to have my hopes killed even in ther very byrthe—for yt can not be that her Majestie in her swete and graciouse disposition, wolde reward me with disgrace, who is so graciouse to all. And therfore to myne owne misfortunes I must impute all. And yet therein am I wronged, sence my cheif and onlie desier hath ever bene to be employd in some place to doe her service. . . . Thus leaving all to your lordshipes good consideracion."

The men absent at the musters had the governor's passport, for 40 days only, and a few were sick in town.

"This afternoone I have commyt a Scotesman to Haddockes Hole, who was taken walking alougst upon the walle from the highe mount to Roring Megges mount, prying and looking verie circumspectlie about him as he walked. He is reported to be a master of a shipp and hath a ship commyng in hither with salt. I mean to kepe him furth commyng till your lordshippes further pleasure be knowne, for he was very brave and stout with thofficers that tooke him. And was before warned by his hoste in the mornyng, not to comme upon the walle." Berwick. Signed: Jhon Carey.

3 pp. Addressed. Indorsed.

Inclosed in the same:—

(1) (List of pensioners.)

William Selby, captain, has 3 "roomes" viz., one at 2s. per diem, a man at 106s. 8d. per annum, one room at 20d. and another at 16d. per diem,—under letters patent of 2 September 1587, and order by Lord Hunsdon the governor.

Note by Carey.—"This Williame a Selbey hathe bothe this penshen and a captyenshipe of feftey men, and hathe note byne hear in the towen sines Midsummer com ij yeare, and wold not a come then, but for bringginge the halfe of the ij yeeres paye—for he was as longe absent befor, or longer."

Robert Hannam, 2s. per diem, and a man at 106s. 8d. per annum.

Raphe Carre, Zackary Looke, William Jowcey, Thomas Wright,—at 20d. each per diem, and a man "the pece" at 106s. 8d. per annum.

John Colloppe, James Swinhoe, William Washeborn, Richard Duncombe,—at 20d. each per diem.

Lancelott Ashe,—at 16d. per diem.

Arthur Barckley, Hughe Lewes, Thomas Larck, William Stanton, John Shaftoe, Richard Kent, Edwarde Conyers, John Coxe, John Crane, Raphe Smithewick, Frances Maddison, Francis Broade, Allen Leeche, Roger Dyall,—at 12d. each per diem.

Henry Wiglesworth, Edward Johnes, William Powell, James Fairfax, William Boyer, James Burrell, Peter Warde, John Tompkins, Edwarde Halle, Thomas Anfield, James Lanye, Thomas Woddrington, William Briddyman, Richard Crowe, Christopher Sheperson, James Cookeson, Raphe Chambers, Henry Thwaites, Thomas Fennick, Richard Mathewe, William Garforthe, James Garston, John Cock, George Nicolson, Robert Coxe, Allen Barker, James Bolton, Jherom Mason, George Fordham, William Addison,—at 10d. "the pece" per diem.

pp. narrow folios. Indorsed: "Pencioners at Barwick."

(2) (Note of munitions.)

[In two parallel columns headed,—"A supplie, Barwick, Newcastell"—are lists of warlike stores for the two places. Under Berwick, 2000 bows and 700 muskets are set down.]

Burghley notes opposite the former—"without shaftes."

2 pp. Indorsed: "1° May 1593. A proportion of powder and municion required by Sir Sim. Musgrave for Barwick and Newcastell." Added by Burghley: "An unresonable bill."

831. Thomas lord Scroope to Burghley. [May 1.]

"As well before, as nowe at my entrance to these Borders, I have bin and am still informed, that Bothwell hath greate receipte and good favour emongst many of her Majesties subjectes within my rule on this marshe. Also myself beinge yesterdaye on Langerbie moore at the horserace, Bothwell addressed one of his favourites unto me, to signefie his beinge neere at hand, with desier to be admitted my favour and conference—which when I seemed to take dislikinglie, he the more covertlie conversed with his frendes of trust, till the race ended, and then quietlie conveyed him selfe (to what place I knowe not). And because I am yet as a stranger both unto state and border causes, I chose onelie to make semblance to be offended, both with his owne and others boldnes for his frequent conversacion and receipte emongste her Majesties subjectes; but do forbeare to entre to any rounde course either towardes him selfe or his receiptoures, untill I may understand her Majesties pleasure and have direccion for my warrante howe to demeane my selfe towardes Bothwell, and such comfortoures as he fyndeth within myne office: as also how I shall entertaine such services for her Majesty as he shall happen to tender unto acceptance, and desier my comendinge to her highnes or to some of her counsell."

I heartily entreat your lordship to signify the above to her highness, and with convenient expedition to procure her Majestys directions what course I shall follow on these matters, which I shall carefully conform myself unto. Carlisle. Signed: T. Scroope.

1 p. Addressed. Indorsed by Burghley: "6 May 1593. L. Scroope, Erl Bothwell."

832. Munition for Berwick. [May 8.]

"The dyfference betwixt the blotted paper of ys so, and the proporcion passed by her Majesties warraunt as followeth, viz.":—

The blotted paper. The warrant. The difference.
Arrowes, 1 sheaf, 2s. 100 sheafes, 10l. 9l. 18s. more.
Bow strings, 200 doz., 6l. 5s. 16 doz. and should have been 60 doz., which is seven strings the bow, 10s.—115s. less.

[The rest relates to trifling articles—packthread, oil, &c.]

½ p. Indorsed.

833. Carey to Burghley. [May 9.]

I know her Majesty will in her wisdom provide a fit marshal, "assuring myself it is but myne owne unworthynes that calles me awaye." I commit the point to your wisdom, only desiring speedy resolution, as many things depend thereon. Whoever shall be marshal, it were time he were here for his own good and that of the town.

For the good management of the works, it is for your lordship to choose such overseers as are "not bownd by facultie" to cosen and deceive the Queen—as she hath been hitherto—for many live thereby.

As to the needfull munition—"I fynd Sir Symond Musgrave doth like an olde parlement man, who goes about to overthrowe a byll with clogging yt with more devotion"—and so more regarding his own than her Majesty's commodity, puts in more than need requires. I only desire powder and some other necessaries during my "smalle tyme."

I would to God Mr Vernon were clear as he says, of his debt, for then I should be saved much trouble by petitions, &c.

The matter now chiefly grieving the Mayor and Aldermen, is a thing I cannot help, it has been so often handled among my lords of the council, yet not settled—it is the restoring of Gynes lawe and the captains' and pensioners' meadows to them—on which I must have farther direction.

Now that I have "a litle overpast" the trobles here, and got some ease, I thought it my duty to go to Norham, the captainship of which I have under my lord my father since my brothers death, there to serve her Majesty. I here send up what I have done, and if your honour wishes me to deal thus in the rest of the wardenry (which I think is more faulty), I must have commandment, it being under Sir John Selby as deputy warden.

Touching the Scots and their affaires, "there condicions are so conversant with ther name," I scarce dare write, they are so false and changeable every day. There have been great practices, as these—"The Chancelour after the Kinges being with him, should have bene kylled or taken by Sir George Hume and his frendes, and Sir George Hume should afterwardes have bene kylled by Bothwell, and the King have been taken if thei could." Nothing has taken effect, or will ever do, I think.

The northern lords and other papists have heard from the King of Spain, by Mr Androe Clerck and another Jesuit, that he can send no help to them this year, but to prepare themselves for it by next spriug—and meantime he sends to England and Scotland for friends and intelligence.

The ambassador coming has been stayed either for want of money or instructions. The chief cause of his coming is for money to provide a guard for the King's person. But his own friends and subjects here think that any money you send him is against her Majestys safety, "an overthrowe" to her friends, and help to her enemies. "For example—it is to levye horse for the Kinges strengthe, who shall have the cheif guard of these horses? The Lorde Hume who is an arrant papist and one of the greatest practisers with Spaigne. And his servant Thomas Tyrye is one of the chefe travellers betwene Spaigne and theme. Sir George Hume is an other of this holie guarde, who is held to be one of the greatest hipocrites lyving. And to say trewe, allmost the wholle court are professors of papistrie. As touchinge Sir George Hume, when the last lettres were taken going to Spaigne, ther was a lettre to my lord Hume, and another to Thomas Tyrie taken amongst theme, which came to Sir George Humes handes, and he put them owt of the way, till the party that brought them, for feare of torment, did confesse those ij° lettres amongst many other. Then were thei agayne brought to decipher, and Thomas Tyrye fledd. Yet did Sir George Hume worck such meanes as gott them agayne by warrant from the King. And so he destroyed the lettres, and then Thomas Tyrye came to court agayne. Heare may your lordship a litle perceave the good likelyhood of successe of this guard!" I hear I have got the King's "mightie displesure," why I know not except for looking after his subjects.

pp. Addressed. Indorsed. Wafer signet: a swan.

834. Lord Scroope to Burghley. [May 12.]

On coming here I consulted with my self what form of government it were best to prescribe to myself for the quietness and order of this office, and her Majesty's subjects therein. And sending for the gentlemen of the wardenry, that I might advise with the best and wisest among them, I offered to their consideration the enclosed "sedule" for their opinions on the various heads thereof, with such farther matter as they should think fit. Whereunto they have made such answer as by the other inclosed your lordship may perceive "withoute further amplificacion." Which proceedings I have chosen to impart to your lordship in whom I am assured of assistance in all matters concerning my good. And beseech "two lynes" of your opinion herein, and what course I should follow as well in my government of our own, as for redress "with th'opposite frontereres."

The opposite warden and I have met for conference—when on my demand of redress for the late offences, and offer of the like, and release on both sides of prisoners unlawfully made, their bands and cautioners, without proclamation—his lordship readily yielded to such release: telling me that he had letters from the King ordering him to give redress for all in his charge, which he was ready to obey. He "francklie" offered to my choice the time we should begin. "And tendered to my acceptance, whither till the tyme of his receipte of the Kinges said lettre, which he alleged was broughte to him aboute th'ende of Januarie or begyninge of Febrarie laste—or elles till the tyme of the sittinge and laste conclusions of the comissioneres at Barwicke—or untill the tyme of the corronacion of their kinge. So as it mighte reste in th'absolute power of us the wardens to select and sett downe such nomber of billes as shoulde be redressed for, within any of th'afore prescribed tearmes, and all others to be cast into oblivion." Whereby if I had taken the first and least time, I should have left out the greatest offences done us, the most I was informed being before last February. On the other hand, if [ accepted the King's coronation, I conjectured he intended to claim and "bill for," the Earl of Sussex's roade, Martin's tower, the Debateable land occupied by England, the roades of Stirling, of Falkland and the like. Therefore I required before answering him, to consult with six of the gentlemen of this border, which of these three offers would best satisfy complainants. By their advice I offered to accept the date "since the last conclusion at Barwicke," and from thence (if he pleased) till the coronation—delivering for all and casting none into oblivion. So that we might begin with the last offence first, and proceed thus till all were redressed. On his disliking this, I asked respite till I took her Majestys pleasure on those three offers. But we agreed to deliver for all offences henceforth, and on proclamation then and there made by him, 48 of her Majesty's subjects were to be released, and "we sundered our selfes and ended our yesterdayes worke." Beseeching your lordship to procure and send me her Majestys pleasure that I may satisfy the Lord Maxwell expecting the same—as also your "grave advice and counsell" for my exercise of justice. Carlisle. Signed: T. Scroope.

2 pp. Marginal notes by Burghley. Addressed. Indorsed. Wafer signet: quartered shield.

Inclosed in the same:—

(1) Heads to be resolved on as thought best for the common quietness of these countries.

First.—It is conjectured that disorders and outrages arise both from the remissness of officers and watches, and by the servants of gentlemen heads of surnames, likewise by "trystes" and alliances between English and Scots, which "sortes of people (besides their owne filchereis)," it is thought guide the Scots on their day and night forays, sharing Englishmen's goods among them. Or at least suffer them to pass, without raising hue and cry, as they are bound to do by statute and old Border custom. What course should be taken in reformation is to be considered.

Next.—Whether the order for watches by the late Lord Scrope, Sir John Forster and Sir Symon Musgrave, should not be more strictly renewed; namely that watchers who allow goods to pass them without making "hew and crye" should answer for them.

Whether "the statute for hews and cryes" should not be put in execution: that whosoever is proved before the lord warden not to have risen and followed the fray, shall answer for the goods "so reaved." And how the penalty shall be levied for relief of the party "damnified."

How marriages between English and Scottish may be restrained, as heretofore enacted though too remissly executed. And bonds to be taken of those already allied, for their good demeanour of themselves, their branches and dependers.

Also to be considered what bond should be taken of each gentleman, freeholder and head of a surname, to answer for and bring in to the warden (on his call), any servant or dependant suspected of march transgression, to abide trial, or failing this, to satisfy the party offended.

And as the Grames have no "comaunder" under the warden—what course should be taken to keep good order among them, and the evildoers under them.

How the resort of Lowland men to the inland may be restrained. Who under colour of errands to gentlemen, do evil offices in their passages.

2 pp. Indorsed: "18 May 1593. Certaine articles propounded by the Lord Scrope," &c.

(2) (Replies of the gentlemen.)

First.—We think the lord warden on complaint made should direct warrant to the officer of the district to bring the offender before him,—or if there is no known officer, to the landlord of the offender—on default in either officer or landlord, they to be presented at the wardens discretion. And if the offender fly from justice, the warden may deprive him of his goods and tenements, and punish his resetters.

Second.—We think your lordship has effectually considered the watches. But we think as sometimes one place is better than another, your lordship should give charge to the justices and gentlemen to meet in several parts of the wardenry, and with advice of the officers and discreet men of the quarter, to set down where watch is most needful, and "prefer" a book thereof, whereon your lordship will issue commissions to the said gentlemen in one place and other, to see the watches duly established there.

Third.—Concerning the statute of hew and crye, commonly called here "the following of the fraye," we all think it should be put in execution, and that all who fail to follow, stop or resist any follower, be called before the warden and punished, leaving those offended to seek farther redress by common law.

Fourth.—For intermarriages, we think her Majesty's pleasure should be known before taking order against the same—but for those already married we think bonds should be taken from them, and also from the headsmen of the Grames, Hetheringtons, Taylors, &c., to be of good behaviour, and answerable for those under them, committing them if they refuse, till they be willing.

Fifth.—All persons suspect of felony brought before your lordship, should without exception be kept in ward, till justified or bailed.

Sixth.—So long as the Grames have no proper head, we think that your lordship as warden, by the express words of your patent, is officer over them, and may from time to time call their principal men before you to answer for all.

Seventh.—We think your lordship should proclaim that no Scots or suspected borderers do enter Westmorland or Cumberland above Carlisle, without your licence—the justices or other officers to apprehend such and bring them before you for examination—and that no gentleman who receives such men in service, shall dismiss them without signifying it to your lordship, that they may answer any charges.

3 pp. Written by Scrope's clerk. Indorsed: "18 May 1593. The gentlemens awnsweres and opinions of the Lord Scroopes propositions."

835. Carey to Burghley. [May 17. 1593.]

I received your letter of the 7th and find how honourably the wants certified by me, have been supplied by your lordship's dealing with her Majesty.

As your lordship writes that Mr Clapton receiver of Northumberland is to pay the soldiers, on their behalf I humbly thank you for refusing Mr Skydmore, who you write is commonly "behind hand" with her Majesty, and keeps the money in hand. For it seems this town has had too many such paymasters already, causing its poverty and misery.

As for the bridge and pier, which you desire taken in hand presently, I have talked with the officers, who say that the men are in such poor case, that nothing can be taken in hand till Mr Clapton comes down to take order for their pay.

I have been delayed replying to your last, for I have kept courts every day "this sevennight" in Norham and Island shire, and settled many suits and actions and ended many quarrells. There was then a great gathering of Scots—the Laird of Wetherburne a Hume, against Sir John Carre laird of Spielawe for possession of the house and goods of Spielawe. The question is too long to trouble your lordship with. But there were 400 or 500 men "on both sides," and if the gathering had held, I meant to put some soldiers into Wark to guard it, being so near and in sight of all. But Sir John's party being weaker, after the breaking of many staves and shot of many "pistolles," he was put to the worse. It is thought he will gather his surname if he can, and "displace the possession;" but I doubt this, they have been so long about it, and the "King a partie on the Humes syde."

There is but "brabling" and disagreements among the Scots. "The King runnes a violent course still against thErle Bothwell, for laitly the Laird of Cluny Crighton is apprehended and put in ward in the Tolebooth of Edenbroughe, for entercommonynge with Bothwell. And the papistes lordes doe growe still greater and greater in court."

I humbly beg her Majesty's resolution by your means whether I stay or return, for here I live at great charge, and know not what to decide as to my wife and household.

Many other things require decision some way or other, for I know not what to trust to, whereby "all goes to wrack." Thus humbly praying for a "determynate resolucion," till which time I meddle not with the marshal's office, expecting every day to be put out—for it is high time he were come. Berwick. Signed: Jhon Carey.

2 pp. Addressed. Indorsed. Wafer signet as before.

836. Lady Woddryngton to Burghley. [May 18.]

"It may please yow (most honorable and my very good lord) by a lettre from your lordship delyvered me by the Maior of this towne, he is cleared of a reporte said to be gyven by him to her Majestie and your honour of me, fyndinge lykewise by the same, that her Majestie hath bene enfourmed I shoulde beare a great stroke with my late husbande in matters of his office. The reporters wherof, could I have the happe by your honorable favoure to knowe, I should disprove to myne owne credyte and there desert that wold so unjustly wronge me, who in truth never bare further stroke with him then in domestick affaires fittest for my reatch.

Howbeit my bonde to your honour is greatly encreased, who was pleased not to receave such bad reports for trothes. God rewarde yt yow with good, better your healthe, and encrease your lordship with desyred contentments. Barwick the xviijth of May. Your honours humble to be commanded. Signed: Elyz. Woddryngtun.

1 p. Holograph. A fine bold hand. Addressed by Lady W.: "To the right honorable my especiall good lord the Lord highe thesaurer of Englande." Indorsed: "18 May 1593. Lady Wotherington to my Lord." Wafer signet: the late Sir Henry's.

837. The Mayor, &c., of Berwick to Burghley. [May 22.]

Mr Carye still perseveres in derogation of ourselves and our liberties, in withholding the watchword from our mayor, as we heretofore wrote to your honour, thus preventing us from knowing our own security. For the mayor on search, finding a deficiency of watchmen procured amendment therein, "but to himselff, God knowes, hard sayenges, which may more easalye be forgotten then his necessarye servyce in this point omytted." For remedy of these grievances we "have drawen downe in due and decent maner oure informacion to her highnes, beseachinge your good lordship for the love of God and of her Majestie, and of the zeale which your good lordship moste honorablie and worthelie dyd ever hold steedfast as the father of our poore languishinge comen wealthe, that by your honours meanes the same may be delyvered to her gracyous Majestie and some help in this yminent tyme of daunger afforded us. And we and our successors, which never dye, shall in everlastinge from our soules praye to the God of glorye and peace to bless your good lordship and your moste honorable famelye longe to beare rule, Amen." Berwick. The Mayor and Aldermen. Signed: Wyll'm Morton, Edwarde Mery, John Ourd, Thomas More, Thomas Parkinson, Hughe Fewell, (fn. 1) Thomas Hogge, (fn. 1) George Morton, Crastofer Morton.

1 p. Addressed: "The Lord High Treasurer." Indorsed. Wafer signet: the town device—a bear. Faint.

Inclosed in same:—

(Petition to the Queen.)

The mayor, burgesses, and poor townsmen of Berwick represent to her Majesty the evils inflicted on them "by the cheiff martyall rulers here," and by Mr Carey under the orders as he says of Lord Hunsdon, and humbly pray for her help in their former and present complaints, which they offer to prove by inquisition of good men before fit commissioners. Berwick, 23d of May 1593. Not signed.

1 p. Broad sheet. Written in a small neat hand. Addressed: "To the Quenes moste excellent Majestie." Indorsed: "The towne of Barwicke to the Queene." Red wax seal: a bear passing before a tree.

838. Carey to Burghley. [May 24.]

I see by a letter from my lord my father, and another from "my honorable good frend" Sir Robert Cecill, that her Majesty "hath no lyking" that I should be marshal here, nor do I see any order for my leaving "in hast"—wherefore I have sent for my wife and family, being unable to maintain two households—assuring myself that her Majesty will not let me perish under the burden of her service, which I willingly will accomplish for one year, referring myself to her grace and mercy to think of my willing service, "which I doe more thristie after then any other worldly thing."

I will seek no more for anything disliking to her Majesty.

I have kept many courts as captain of Norham under my lord, and appeased many quarrells and actions among the Queen's subjects there, who for lack of good looking to in my lord's long absence, have almost grown wild. And the strongest rules the poorer sorte who are most willing to obey, but the chief lords have had liberty so long, they refuse restraint.

There is nothing yet done to mending the pier and bridge, for the officers say there is no timber for the latter. Your lordship must therefore send your warrant down to Chopwell, which is the nearest place, and transport cheaper than from the south. The officers say they need "very neare three score tunne," but I think not so much. What is left over shall be laid up till needed for gun carriages or the like. Things here seem to have been badly managed, when so many defects remain to be made good, after all their allowances.

Our custom is beginning to be very great, and I hope will be greater. If it pleased her Majesty, it might in time serve for the yearly reparation of the bridge, and anything else that needed—"for nowe it is but in one mans handes who will enrich himself and doe no other good—which is Mr Parkinson of Barwick. I think yt wold be better employd to her Majesties service some other wayes."

I hear certainly that Bothwell has been much sought to join the Spanish faction, which he has refused and says all the world shall witness that he is cast off from England before he leaves it or take any other course. And when this is known to all men that he has no other remedy, he must shift for himself. I heare the Earl of Atholl has put to the sword 50 of Huntly's men, and that Argyll will take Atholl's part. There is no other news but such like brawls among themselves. It is said Sir Robert Melvin is dispatched from court hither. On the 20th an ambassador from Denmark arrived at Leith. His embassage is not yet known, only "gest at." Other Scottish news to avoid tediousness, I inclose. Berwick. Signed: Jhon Carey.

2 pp. Addressed. Indorsed. Jottings by Burghley. Wafer signet.

839. Carey to Sir Robert Cecil. [May 24.]

I acknowledge myself most bound for your favours most unworthily deserved by me, and shall be ever ready to perform "all dewtyfull service whatsoever yow shall command, and so I beseach yow to think of me. As for her Majesties unwillingnes that I should be marshall, and my lord the governor—the perill were not great, considering I have nowe full as much aucthoritie as then I should—but sence it is not her Majesties pleasure, I will never seke yt." I shall ever most earnestly desire to do her service, trusting her gracious consideration will never suffer her servants to go unrewarded.

You sent me one thing in your pacquet not meant for me which I return herein. I sent my lord your father any Scottish news and think you may see them, or else I would have written them here. Berwick. Signed: Jhon Carey.

1 p. Addressed: "To the most honorable Sir Robert Cecyll knight one of her Majesties most honorable pryvie counsell." Indorsed: "To my master."

840. Carey to Burghley. [May 30.]

This gentleman the bearer having occasion to come to London, and being one whose travell in other countries hath made him "perfect in fortifications and drawing of mappes," I have caused him to draw up the things he shall present to you, to show our present necessities, and by keeping "thes mappes," you shall understand how things decay. Your honour shall find him a very sensible and sufficient man, if it please you "to trye him, eyther in languages, or knowledge of other countreys."

Although I promised to make no further suit for the marshalship, yet I think it my duty being in trust here to say—first there are so many poor men who have suits depending that can only be tried in a marshal's court, that I am daily called on for justice which is not in my power to give.

Secondly.—It is the custom every year that the horsegarrison, the freemen and stallingers of the town "doe runne for the meadowes of the Bowndes," which often causes great quarrels and blood, and is more likely now for want of a marshal's authority. There are also divers grounds and meadows belonging to the marshal for keeping his horses, which may go to decay, for I having no certainty of abode here, am loth to be at charge for another man's profit. I thought fit to signify these matters, for without farther direction, I may not meddle therein.

Thanks to God, there is settled within these few days, one of the greatest causes on Northumberland for these 40 years—which had it not been "taken even nowe in the ripenes, ther had bene great dainger of the overthrowing of the most of the principall howses therin. Which was the quarrell betwene Mr Raphe Gray and Mr Herry Woddrington—which quarrell my lord president of Yorck, the judges of assise, and the gentlemen of this shire, have severally delt in, and were able to doe no good. And yet it hath pleased God to raise up a meaner instrument to bring this great matter to quyetnes and frendshipp, to the great joy and comforthe of all the countrey."

I hope her Majesty and your lordship will consider that my desire to serve can not maintain my willingness therein much longer—for my ability will fail—beseeching you to consider that "I am the fyrst that ever her Majestie did lay so hard a measure upon, to serve her wholly upon myne owne purse, being so weak of fowndacion"—which I would not grudge at if I were able. Berwick. Signed: Jhon Carey.

I think if the municion on its way, come down in "Hills his ship" your honour should appoint some of her Majesty's ships to "wafte" him, lest some of the "Dunkiskers" take it.

2 pp. Addressed. Indorsed.

Footnotes

  • 1. These sign by mark.