Cecil Papers: July-December 1570 | British History Online

Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 1, 1306-1571. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1883.

'Cecil Papers: July-December 1570', in Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 1, 1306-1571, (London, 1883) pp. 474-491. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol1/pp474-491 [accessed 25 April 2024]

July–December 1570



	1500. Sir Wm. Cecil and the Earl of Oxford.
1570. July 10.	A statement, in Sir W. Cecil's handwriting, regarding certain slanderous reports as to his conduct towards the Earl of Oxford. After an indignant denial of the truth of such reports, Cecil proceeds at some length to show the falsehood of two charges thus stated by him :—
	“1. Who so ever saith that I was the occasion or privy that in my Lord of Oxford's absence, a certain book of his, entailing of his lands to his heirs male, was not enrolled in the Chancery, saith therein utterly untruly.
	“2. Who so ever saith that I did stay my Lord of Oxford's money here, so as he had no money in Italy by the space of six months, they say also untruly.”
	Endorsed by Cecil :—“10 Julii 1570.—Concerning the Earl of Oxford.”
	3 pp.
	1501. Sir Henry Nevell to Sir Wm. Cecil.
1570, July 11.	“My duty considered; forasmuch as my lord's grace [the Duke of Norfolk] doth perceive by the bent of the world that he is here for how long God He knoweth, his request unto you is, that as soon as you shall plainly see their mind, to follow that course with him which will not be long unto, then he prays you to help as ye may that he may have the free liberty of the tower, as well for the relief of his men that have long continued here with him, whom he would cha[nge], as also that he may have his friends and merchants freely to come unto him, for that you know at this hour he hath great affairs with him. My lord of Leicester sings his old song unto his friends, that is, that he had the queen in very good tune, till you took her aside, and dealt with her secretly and then she was very strange suddenly; these dealings of his gives my lord plainly to understand that he minds to keep him here this summer, and longer if he may. Now, sir, for my dealing in her majesty's other service. I fear I take a wrong course, for I think I shall in the end be 'shent' for it, for I see there is such secret dealing with the Ambassadors, as I think they durst not do it, unless the queen were privy to it; if it so be, then is there some determination of change of religion or some such like matter. I causing this last week some of my friends to watch the bishop of Ross's house for the Spanish priest, they at midnight saw John Dudley come out from thence; if the report be true that he seeks to marry her, then he must become a catholic, as she terms them, for none but a catholic she saith she will marry, and as for the Ambassador's priest, he re6ts not long in a place. On Sunday he was at Acerbo Vitelli's house, and at Ridolphi's house some think he is now. The Ambassador saith he shall not go away, for he doubts not to qualify the matter at the Court well enough. One inkling I have heard, that the Ambassador himself minds to steal away : if I can learn any more thereof I will send you word. I am promised if this priest come to his woman, or she to him, I shall know their lodging; if I do, I will venture a 'shentyng' to have him. The strangers in this town are very pleasant; what their hope is, God knoweth. Out of Flanders they say the Duke ships for Ireland. Thus I leave you to God to defend you from your enemies.”
	Endorsed :—11 July, 1570.
	1 p.
	1502. The Duke of Norfolk to Sir Wm. Cecil.
1570, July 14.	Thanks him for his friendly dealing on his behalf. Cecil's open speeches touching his true dealing on the writer's behalf have sufficiently purged him [Cecil], and laid the fault on those who deserved it. Thinks the matter ought to rest there, as further proceedings would occasion mischief.—14 July, 1570.
	Endorsed by Cecil :—“14 Jul. 1570. The Duke of Norfolk to stay my proceeding concerning the slanderous reports.”
	1 p. [Haynes, p. 596. In extenso.]
	1503. Sir Henry Nevell to Sir Wm. Cecil.
1570, July 14.	Thanks him heartily for obtaining his suit to the relief of his great necessity. Begs Cecil to get him leave to be with his wife at her confinement. “I have since heard of the Spanish priest that he is removed towards the Ambassador's house, but I cannot vet learn where, but the messenger that goeth betwixt them I know, and have laid one to dog him. If it be possible to have him, there shall lack no diligence. The Ambassador himself carried not half his plate to Halywell, and, as I am informed, hath made over a great deal of money about the time of his remove. If the queen would let Mr. Cobham go out upon sureties, I believe he would advertise you of all his determinations. It were great pity that the queen's majesty should hinder her own service to revenge other men's malice. He, ame[ndin]g his former life as he hath professed to do, may, both in person by sea or by land and otherwise here, to give you such intelligence as he can learn, do her majesty better service than he that hinders him.”
	[Postcript.]—“Sir I think Hylyard can be no further touched than he is already.”—The Tower, 14 July.
	Endorsed :—14 Julii, 1570.
	1 p.
	1504. The Duke of Norfolk to the Lords of tee Privy Council.
1570, July 15.	Craves release from his confinement [in the Tower], as he thinks he has done as much as the Queen or their Lordships will require of him. Sends a copy of his submission. Defies any of his accusers to substantiate their charges against him. Doubts not that he will be able to prove his truth and fidelity. Hopes their Lordships will then move the Queen on his behalf, that he may not be suffered to remain where he is. Mentions the great risk to his bodily health, and the infection of the pestilence in that part of the city. Desires, also, to be free in order to pay his debts. Does not doubt the Queen's gracious nature, and their Lordships' favour and consideration.—15 July, 1570.
	[The Queen gave orders, on Aug. 3, 1570, to the Lieutenant of the Tower and Sir Henry Nevell, to remove the Duke of Norfolk from the Tower to his own house at the Charterhouse, for fear of the infection of the plague; and the Duke, in a letter to Elizabeth on the 5th of August, thanks her Majesty for her clemency. See State Papers, Domestic, 1570.]
	1 p. [Haynes, pp. 596, 597. In extenso.]
	1505. Sir Henry Nevell to Sir Wm. Cecil.
1570, July 21.	Thanks him for his letter. “I have sent my lord word that I said John Dudley was there, and I told him what occasion I had to watch, which was by his warrant amongst others of my lords, and likewise if he heard of any other matters touching himself. I have not dealt in them without his hand, for, in talking with Bishop since we wrote unto my lords, Bishop in deed confesses that the six articles, as they term them, was (sic) sent to the Bishop of Ross by my lord of Leicester, and he to send them to Watson [bishop of Lincoln], to answer, which was done accordingly, but of this I never spake, because it was after we wrote unto my lords. These things falls (sic) out by serving her Majesty, and not by any device of mine own. But, as to John Dudley, if it be no offence to say true of him, I can say he hath been there since, and I heard a bird sing this was his errand, only to instruct him how he should deal to get Rambouillet leave to go to the Scots' queen. This 'gere' would anger, but to God I see all faults must be left to amend. Now sir, I have another intelligence that the Ambassador of Spain hath gotten, that is that Prestall doth write over to you in Martingfield's name to Sir John Conaway and that you answer again in Sir John Conaway's name. If you have any such service in hand, you may perceive how close it is kept at court. This is very true that the Ambassador hath said this; his priest is in his house with him, and if you have any care to have him apprehended, if Mr. Cobham were out, he dare warrant to cause him to be taken, so as his name be not 'desyveryd' there with you. Thus in haste I must end.”
	[Postcript.]—“My lady of Warwick told my lord of Leicester of my words.”
	Endorsed :—21 Julii, 1570.
	1 p.
	1506. The Earl of Bedford to Sir Wm. Cecil.
1570, July 23.	Acknowledges receipt of two letters from him. With the first, her Majesty's good dispatch of his suit for “Byteham,” for which he expresses his thankfulness to her, and also to Cecil for furtherance of the same. From the second letter, he understands that her Majesty is coming to Cheneys. Would be glad if the place was fit to receive her; states how unsuitable it is for such a purpose, and recommends its wants to Cecil's friendly solicitation. Has sent the earl of Cumberland away to Oxford, and in accordance with Cecil's advice, has warned him to avoid the Popish wasps and bees that will be buzzing in his ears to confirm in him a deafness to true religion. As to the election of the Earl of Lennox in Scotland, is glad to hear thereby of the good consent and conformity of the Protestant lords, but sees no likelihood of the continuance of Lennox's constancy, nor of their well doing there, unless the Queen from tune to time demonstrates her fervency and zeal to the good matter they have in hand. Does not so well like the Spanish news from the Duke of Alva : would mistrust them less, if they had less sugar on them : hopes such bails will not entice such as have so good experience of Spain and her practices. As to Felton, prays God may send him and his like their deserts. Would like if the Duke [of Norfolk] were set free : trusts his meaning may be as he saith. Sends Harrington, the bearer hereof, who may do what Cecil advises for the comfort of the Queen and himself [at Cheneys]. If Sir Wm. Paulet is there at the court, the earl recommends him to the friendly favour of Cecil, for he knows the Earl of Leicester will be an enemy to him. Recommends Mr. Tremayn for the vacant bishopric of Exeter. Thanks Cecil for his past kindness, and for his good will in thinking upon the “Moore.”—Coventry,—July, 1570.
	Endorsed :—23 July, 1570.
	Seal. 2¾ pp. [Haynes, pp. 598–600. In extenso.]
	1507. The Duchess of Suffolk [Katharine Brandon] to Sir Wm. Cecil.
1570, July 29.	Desires to prove his declared friendship by asking him to deliver her letter to the Queen, and requesting his good word for the furtherance of the same. Despairs of her suit to her Majesty. In very trifles she fails, though others speed. Her chiefest comfort is, that she rather has such bad fortune, than deserves it. Her suit was a poor one, but she went without it. Does not envy the good fortune of others, but rather is glad of other suits she had, as hers to Cecil for Mr. Gray, to have bought Lord Hunsdon's office of Antely, and to have given him as much for it as anyone else. Hears that part of it is now like to be forfeited to mean men as keepers. Since her coming into the country, she heard that Cecil would be the only stay; they had him not, which grieved her most. And yet the strangest hap of all is this. When she is in her Majesty's presence, she finds her Majesty most gracious and loving towards her and her poor husband and children, in such sort as she could not look for that she finds, and yet indeed so neglected, rejected, and forgotten in all things, unless it be for charge and service, as none the meanest in any country the like. So it seems they lack friends to commend or remember them to her Majesty : howbe[it] her gentle speech seems to accept of their service better than they can deserve, and yet she trusts they do their duties as truly and faithfully as any other poor subject she hath. A friendly papist, being in her company lately, “payd” her “holme.” As she was comforting herself with her Majesty's most loving talk to her, “you may,” quoth they (sic), “her Majesty loveth you well, but she dare not make it known to the world, for making you a wanton.” They have been no cravens. If they be wronged, the Italian proverb justifies them, that “they that serve well, and hold their peace, ask enough.” But though she goes without her right, it shall content her that she has deserved better. For her husband's sake and hers, it “lyse greveth” her, though they be altogether unconsidered, but that their child after them might sorrow [over] their (sic) parents' evil hap, grieves her most. For it was told her to her face within this month that her barony was gone from her and her heirs to the lately created Lord Willoughby (but she puts her trust in God though friends fail her, that she shall not for ever be bared, by envy, of her right). It is to God to rule all, and by His good means [those] as meanly born as her husband have been advanced by prince's gifts to greater honour than they [i.e. she and her husband] challenge as their due. They have been kept from it now these eighteen years, the first six years by her own default, for otherwise she might with greater offers have had it. But to return to her suit, whereof she despairs, not for any fear she has of her Majesty, but of those enemies before named, grudging envy that any others than themselves should fare well : an old courtier, but an unseemly servant for a prince. The fittest for a prince be these that seek their honour, by advancing those whom virtue prefers, amongst which number Mr. Gray has the good report of all men. He is of honourable birth, so that there is nothing to keep him from the good furtherance of a faithful councillor to obtain his prince's favour for the enjoying of his right. If it was honourable in Queen Mary to restore the Earl of Northumberland, whose father was a traitor, and so suffered, and he himself fain to be restored to blood, then must it needs be more honourable to her Majesty to restore him that never offended, nor his parents before him, but [who was] only undone and “unabled” to receive what he is rightly born to, by means of their great unthriftiness. Yet they crave not of her Majesty so “chargeably” a restoring as the foresaid earl had, but only that it would please her to command Mr. Attorney, by her letters, to advertise her Majesty what in right, by law and by conscience, resteth to him, and that he might enjoy that with her Majesty's good favour. If she shall think him worthy of more, they ask nothing but what it shall please her Majesty to bestow on him, except this, that it would please her to make him a fee farm, to him and to his heirs male, of all such his ancestors lands at the old rent, as she has at present in her hands ungiven away, so that her Majesty shall lose none of her revenues and yet greatly profit and enable him to serve her. Doubts not but he will do this so faithfully that her Majesty shall have cause to think whatever she does for him well bestowed, and Cecil also, to find both honour and comfort in helping such a one as will be ever ready to do what in him lies to deserve his [Cecil's] courtesy, and account him patron of all his good hopes. If her suit bo known before her Majesty's good will is well settled to it, then she fears the old courtier will overthrow it. Commits it wholly to Cecil.—Wrest, 29 July.
	[Postscript.] To make Mr. Gray the more able to serve her Majesty Mr. Bartey [Richard Bertie, the Duchess' husband] gives him a hundred pounds' land with his daughter. Would gladly have her letter and suit unknown, save to Cecil and her Majesty, so that if he thinks Mr. Gray should need to “set up any candles” before his other friends, it might be done in such time as they might thereby have more occasion to further than to hinder him. Is ashamed to send to Cecil such a bleared letter, but it is like the matter. Prays him to bear with both at this time, for a grieved heart made a shaking hand.
	Endorsed :—29 July 1570.
	[The spelling in this letter is exceptionally peculiar.]
	3 pp.
	1508. Thomas Heneage to Sir William Cecil.
1570, July 31.	Explains what he had formerly written, as he perceives Cecil has been discontented with it. Knows how much care Cecil has on behalf of her Majesty. Hopes for the long preservation of them both. When he receives warrant for the 6,000l. will proceed to despatch it as speedily as he can. Expresses his sense of the value of Cecil's friendship, and declares his regard for him. Perceives, which he is right glad of, that her Majesty is well enough pleased with his absence for a time. Would like to hear from Cecil. Would be very glad next week to come to the court, if it were only to see her Majesty. Should Cecil send him anything, has arranged with his brother, Ro. Manners, to forward it.—Copthall, 31 July 1570.
1570, July 31.	2 pp. [Haynes, p. 600. In extenso.]
	1509. The Queen to the Earl of Shrewsbury.
1570, Aug. 4.	Granting permission for the Queen of Scots to ride and take the air for her health; the Earl to accompany her. Would be more ready to satisfy all requests for her liberty but for frequent information regarding attempts devised to effect her escape under pretext of hunting.
	Granting permission also for Thomas Livingston or George Robinson to repair with the Queen of Scots' letters to Lord Herries or Lord Livingston by way of the West Borders; for which purpose the Earl may give one of them a letter to Lord Scrope, the Warden there, for his safe passage and return. Is to tell the Queen of Scots that the delays in her cause grow merely by the sinister acts of her subjects, who, notwithstanding the appointment made with the Bishop of Ross as to the proceeding with her cause, have lately made new invasions into the realm, and openly maintain some of the chief rebels on the West Borders. Has mentioned these matters to the Bishop of Ross, who, she thinks, will advertise the Queen of Scots thereof.
	Endorsed :—4 Aug. 1570.
	Draft by Cecil. 1½ pp. [Haynes, p. 601. In extenso.]
	1510. The Duke of Norfolk to Sir William Cecil.
1570, Aug. 5.	Expresses his sense of Cecil's friendly conduct towards him, and his eagerness to requite it. His health requires no further liberty than he already enjoys. Thinks himself most bound to her Majesty for the same. It is no small comfort to him to be rid out of “yonder pestylent infectyous hows” (the Tower), which he fears will grow worse before it mends. Commits the rest to the bearer.—5 Aug. 1570.
	Endorsed by Cecil :—“From Haward House.”
	¾ p. [Haynes, p. 601. In extenso.]
	1511. The Duchess of Suffolk to Sir William Cecil.
1570, Aug. 5.	Prays him to think that she is as ready in every point to be a friend to him as he can desire. Did not in her last letter make any mention of it, for any grief conceived against him, but to make a friendly quarrel; that, unkindness once “owtryd” [got rid of], friendship might the more surely be remedy, which on her part shall never fail in her towards him to her power. Thanks him most heartily for his gentle delivery of her letter, with his good furtherance of the same, praying him, as occasion shall serve, to help to perfect what is well begun, or else she knows fair words and long promises will take evil and small effect. There is good reason to think that her Majesty cannot well consider of Mr. Gray, to give or recompense him in lands before the next term. But for the show of her Majesty's favour, if it be to such as the Queen can think have deserved it, the Duchess considers an hour too long . to hide it from such a one. Speaks as she feels, and therefore begs pardon., If she thought one worthy a good turn that was in her power, she, should think the time longer till she had done it, than they could that should receive it. So her Majesty might more speedily part with that which would cost her nothing, but rather set forth her favourable and most gracious consideration to restore her poor subjects [the Duchess and her husband] their right. Of Mr. Gray, Cecil speaks somewhat comfortably, but of her husband she hears nothing of her Majesty's determination, but of Cecil's good report and loving mind to do him good. As little as her Majesty sets by them, they may comfort themselves in this, that they have been hers dutifully and truly, or else peradventure they might have had more friends to have helped them to have sped better. But they have, and will, set all other respects aside, and rest only on God, and continue their duties to ther prince. Cecil wills her to follow her suit, when her Majesty comes near. Declares she is so evil a beggar that she had as 'lyve' go without all as become a lingering beggar for it; “for who knows at Michaelmas which is x weeks to, who shall then be to give or take; so brittle metal be we of, and so small certainty in our lives.” This she says but to prove that good things should not be deferred, but done whilst they may. Though she trusts in God that her Majesty's life shall be long and most prosperous, yet her [the Duchess'] years draw on “even to the brinke.” It is true that to her knowledge neither Lord Willoughby hath sought to do anything against her, neither hath anything passed against her that way since her Majesty's reign. “But this I know, that there is good account made, that when I die my children shall lose it. And these words have passed plentifully; and as I wrote, had them spoken to my face the last day; and therefore I will think if I find no more favour in my life time, it is very like their words will prove true after my death. But what do I, caring for these things, seeing all resteth in the hands of God. And yet I can not but show my natural desire to have my children succeed me, which desire I think is in every honest body. And if my husband might take his place, then should my right be well known to the world, were none to strive against it; as also her Majesty's favor towards me greatly shewed. And now or never I do look for it, for if at my daughter's marriage we lack it, when all our friends shall be together, what countenance of her Majesty's favor shall I have to show for me amongst them, who have been persuaded that her Majesty hath had great misliking of me since my waiting of her the last progress. Thus, with my hearty thanks for all your great courtesies, I commit you to the ever living God, whom I pray to hold his merciful hand over all England if it be his will.”—Wrest, 5 Aug.
	[Postscript.]—Has willed the bearer to say something to Cecil from her, wherein she prays Cecil to hear him, and return her, by him, his good advice.
	Followed by Richard Bertie [husband of the Duchess] to Cecil. Expresses the fears of the Duchess that her suits will be altogether fruitless, unless by the help of her friends, they shortly have a successful issue. The right is such, that it cannot be impugned. If there is any dislike of himself “so the right may be confirmed, I can willingly forbear the title, being but a shadow, and content me with the body, and say with Virgil, Dii bene fecerunt inopem me, quodque pusilli finxere esser (sic) animi.” Next week they meet in Lincolnshire with the strangers “myndeing to inhabite there.” Hopes Cecil will hear of some good success, to cause him to like well of his travail in the matter.
	Endorsed :—5 Aug. 1570.
	2½ pp.
	1512. The Duchess of Suffolk to Sir William Cecil.
1570, Aug. 10.	“I am so desirous to do well and vet so unfortunate to happen on it, that I can not but trouble my friends for their advice, amongst the which I have at this time only chosen to trouble you, which hath least need of trouble and most to do. We say here that the queen's majesty comes not at all to Towtendington [Tuddington?] but returns from Penley. Out of Warwickshire we hear for certain that she is looked for and greatly prepared for at Kenilworth. If it be true that her Majesty goeth thither from Penley, I would gladly do my duty to her before she goes out of the country, coming so near; lest her Majesty might charge me as she did at Hampton Court for too long deferring it; and on the other side I fear I may come too soon, and so come or [ere] I be welcome. I would very fain do the best, and therefore most earnestly require your advice therein. And a little more, that if you think it best for me to come, that you would speak but one good word for me to the harbingers, in case my man shall not be able to entreat them to help me to some lodging near the court. For Penley is xii miles hence and I am not able to do my duty and go home again the same night. And now, praying God be with you, with my hearty commendations to you, I leave further to trouble you, but if good occasion would serve, I would gladly speak with you.—From Wreste this x^th of August.
	“Methinks time goeth faster away than it was wont to do. Therefore, those that have great feasts towards, had in time need to provide for their 'gyes,' and lest you consider not enough my case therein, I am so bold to send you a short 'bely' [billet] of their names.”
	[Postscript.]—“Mr. Bertie is gone into the country 4 days since. If my 'gyes' be not rightly placed, they may be an evil.”
	Endorsed :—10 Aug. 1570.
	1 p.
	1513. Thomas Heneage to Sir William Cecil.
1570, Aug. 12.	Speaks of certain words that had been addressed to him concerning some representations made by him to her Majesty. Forwards a copy of the letter he sent last to Lord Ormond, and asks Cecil to return it by the bearer, as also the letters Lord Ormond last wrote to him [Heneage], if they be not lost; for since an account is threatened him, he would be glad to make as right a reckoning as he could. Was bold to send Cecil Mr. Dannett's bill, “I thank you as much as I can for the sight of the letters you left with me. There is wit well-matched and well-mastered, whereby the better cause appears. You may rightly count him a pearl, I would he were made so precious as he is worthy, and set thereafter; so should you see him shine. But when clouds can cover the sun, it is no marvel tho' they can darken the stars. My lady and all your children (saving good sweet Bess that is still accumbred with her ague) was [sic] very well yesterday. God keep you ever and every way so.”—Copthall, 12 Aug. 1570.
1570, Aug. 12.	1½ pp. [Haynes, p. 602. In extenso.]
	1514. James Hamilton of Bothwellhaugh to Raulet.
[1570], Aug. 18.	“My maist hartly commendatioun beyng maid, yis present salbe to lat zow understand of o^r weilfair qlk is as ze wald dissyr, thankis be God, dissyrand yis sammyng of zow and all guid frendis. I haif wryttyng oft and divers tymes to y^e quenis Ma^tie concernyng my lytill besines, bot I culd never haif me answer yis lang tyme qlk puttis me in suspitioun y^t schaw hes forzett me. Quhairfoir I will maist effectuislie pray zow on ye auld maner to tak ye pannis for me to schaw hir Ma^tie that inrespect I haif leist my wyf and bairnes and all I had to leif on for hir Ma^ties service, that hir grace wald haif remembrance on me, for gyf hir grace will not haif no regarde on me for trew service I am uncertaine quha will do ye lyk service to hir hy^tnes againe. And farder gyf hir grace will tak na ordo^r w^t me in yir partis, q^rby I may leif honesly, thair is na prince in ye wardle will luyk on me. Ze sall apardoun me of yis my hemly charge, for I assure zow thair is no thyng in ertht lyis in my power bot ze salbe assurit efter my power, bot I can not acquyt ye . . . I haif fund w^t zow be wordis bot quhene ye tymes pres . . . ze sall fynd ze haif not don ye sammyng to ane ingraitt . . . I will not trowble zow w^t langer letter at yis present bot prayis ye eternall Grod preserve zow. Off Paras, ye xviij day of Agust. Be zo^r assurit guid frend w^t all power to command, James Hamyltoun of Bo^telhautht.”
[1570], Aug. 18.	1 p.
	1515. The Earl of Leicester to the Duke of Norfolk.
1570, Aug. 22.	Informs the Duke that there is no doubt her Majesty will permit his learned counsel to have access to him for the prosecution of his private causes.
	[Postscript.]—To avoid all doubt, had moved her Majesty in the matter, and she was right well pleased with the counsel named.— Tuddington, 22 Aug.
	Endorsed :—22 Aug. 1570.
	Seal 1 p. [Haynes, p. 603. In extenso.]
	1516. Richard Bertie to Sir William Cecil.
1570, Sept. 1.	At his coming to Wrest, he found the Duchess somewhat eased of her extreme fits, and very much comforted with Cecil's friendly letters, which she gave him to read. In accordance with Cecil's desire, he transmits to him herewith, the “gatherings” which he had partly from Clarentius that last died, partly of his own knowledge, partly from Mr. Carrell; and along with them a copy of a bill penned by Mr. Carrell, to manifest the Queen's consent, because the right had so long slept. Would have thought it too bold to trouble Cecil with such lengthy papers, had not his “goodwilling mynd” required them. If Cecil finds matter sufficient to persuade him, desires his good aid to persuade the same to the Queen, whereby he [Bertie] may better decipher the right cause of the right denied. “My Lord of A. (as I am informed, more of his accustomed good nature than of my desert) told the Queen I was no gentleman, which perhaps being otherwise unwilling, somewhat stayeth, but if that respect had stayed her ancestors in the time of Fitzalan, bailiff of London, my Lord should have lacked his lordship now to embroil others. As I have no cause, so I am no wit ashamed of my parents, being free English, neither villains nor traitors. And if I would after the manner of the world bring forth old Abbey scrolls for matter of record, I am sure. I can I can [sic] reach as far backward as Fitzalan. And if such scrolls be too old, yet I am not a gentleman of the first escutcheon : the arms I give I received from my father, and they are the same which are mentioned in the scroll that he shewed to the heralds, and confirmed by Clarentius, the old man that was in King Henry the Eighth's time.” Condemns himself for writing “thiese vayne bubbles.” But because Cecil is desirous to know part of his case, he is desirous that Cecil should know all. Expresses the thanks of the Duchess and himself to Cecil for his friendly care and consideration.—Wrest, 1 Sept. 1570.
1570, Sept. 1.	Seal. 1½ pp.
	1517. Lord Morley to the Earl of Leicester.
1570, Sept. 2.	Mentions how much he has been indebted to the friendship of Leicester. Will requite it to the atmost of his power. Has written according to his Lordship's advice through Mr. Fitzwiliiam a letter to the Queen, which he encloses. If Leicester thinks it fit to be delivered, desires him to seal it, and to answer for him should her Majesty be further incensed against him. Prays Leicester to obtain for him the Queen's permission to remain in the place he shall be appointed to as the winter is drawing on. Has received friendly assurances from Sir William Cecil, through Mr. Fitzwiliiam. Refers them for confirmation to his Lordship. Desires Leicester to take his son Edward under his protection, as Leicester's father did the writer.—Bruges, 2 Sept. 1570.
	[Postscript.]—Refers Leicester to the Queen's letters, beseeching he may forthwith have knowledge of her pleasure, and that some further place may be appointed him to remain in, as his health is very bad in Bruges. Since the despatch of his former letters, he understands from “my Lady” [Countess of Northumberland] that one of her train is Lord Seton, and that they look shortly for one Tempest and others.
	Seal. 1 p. [Haynes, p. 604. In extenso.]
	1518. Lord Morley to the Earl of Leicester.
1570, Sept. 3.	Has already written to his Lordship double letters to one effect, and sent the one by his lackey, the other by a merchant of Bruges. Since which time, he has sought to learn of “my Lady” [the Countess of Northumberland] “hyr dissignmentes,” and cannot perceive that she means otherwise than to seek the Queen's favour : retiring herself out of Scotland for very penury, being miserably intreated there, and forced for her surety to remove from friend to friend without rest, fearing ever to be spoiled by “those barbarus people.” And now seeing her desirous to remain apart by herself, he has left her his house, his term being almost ended, and is now removing to Mons in Hainault, for the benefit of his health. From thence he will give his Lordship such advices as he can learn. The cause of Lord Seton's coming (as he gives out) was to accompany “my Ladye,” and so to pass into France, where he has three sons, and money owing him for wages of [from] the King of France.—Bruges, 3 Sept.
	Endorsed. —3 Sept. 1570.
	½ p. [Haynes, p. 605. In extenso.]
	1519. Thomas Heneage to Sir William Cecil.
1570, Sept. 4.	Has heard that Cecil was willed by the Queen and the council to send to him for more money, that upon Cecil's answer that Heneage had almost none, her Majesty was not well pleased, and willed Cecil to write to all the collectors, to know certainly how much they had paid; also Cecil's opinion therein, and advice to avoid discredit with her Highness and the council, and not to show himself slack in her Majesty's service. How it should seem to Cecil, that he (Heneage) should fall into discredit or be slack in service, or why her Majesty should be yet displeased, he cannot perceive. Gives reasons in proof of his integrity and zeal, and why, if he cannot find favour, he should not, at least, be evil thought of. Neither has given, nor will give, ever any cause thereof. If he had been strong enough to go, he would have ridden, and brought his book to Cecil. If Cecil wants it, before the writer comes, immediately on hearing from him, he will send it. “The whilst,” he will cast, as truly as he can, his utmost charge, and keep the note thereof for Cecil.—London, 4 Sept. 1570.
1570, Sept. 4.	2 pp. [Haynes, pp. 605, 606. In extenso.]
	1520. The Queen to the Earl of Shrewsbury.
1570, Sept. 7.	Informs the Earl that certain persons are intending, if possible, to effect the escape of the Queen of Scots. Charges him to keep a vigilant eye to her safe custody; to have regard to the access of her friends to her; and, if he deems it necessary, to remove her to Tutbury, taking care not to let his intention be known beforehand.
	Endorsed :—7 Sept. 1570.
	¾ p. [Haynes, p. 606. In extenso.]
	1521. The Queen to the Earl of Shrewsbury.
1570, Sept. 25.	Notifying her appointment of Sir William Cecil and Sir Walter Mildmay to be her Commissioners for treating with the Queen of Scots; and requiring him to give them all assistance.
	Endorsed :—25 Sept. 1570.
	Draft by Cecil. ¾ p. [Haynes, p. 608. In extenso.]
	1522. The Bishop of Ross.
1570, Sept.	Memorial by the Bishop of Ross for a passport for any two of the nobility of Scotland, herein named by him, to come into England to confer with the Queen of Scots; and thereafter, to treat, for her and the nobility of Scotland, with such Commissioners as the Queen of England shall appoint for that purpose. Also, that letters be sent to the Earl of Lennox, to stay the Parliament fixed for Oct. 10, and to cease from molesting the Queen's good subjects.
	Followed by Draft, in Cecil's hand, of the safe-conduct for the said nobles.
	Endorsed :—1570, Sept.
	1 p. [Haynes, p. 607. In extenso.]
	1523. William Dundas of Fingask to [Archibald] Douglas.
1570 Oct. 1.	Gives an account of the severe illness of Douglas's nephew, and tells of his partial recovery. “The Justice Clerk was raddin out of this toun to his awin hous at ye Falkirk, quhair he was to remain a xx. days. Thair suld have bein a convention of ye nobility heir, bot few cam to it; and things ar in vary great quyettnes heir. Edward Jhonstoun is to be at you schortly and I hoip y^t again that tym M^r R. Jard wilbe abill to send you sum advertisment ether be word or wreat, for he was boun away ye morn efter he took his seiknes. I have bein a landwart man the vecance; bot in winter I man enter to wait upon my pleys again. Gif thair be ony service I may be abill to do to your l(ordship) in thir pairts, ye knaw ye power ye have over me, qlk never salbe les quhill I am levand w^t Gods grace. Wissing for occasion to lett your l(ordship) have ye prooff yerof, onto ye qlk tym for offending your l(ordship) w^t langer lettre w^tout ony subject, I commit ye sam efter my very humble commendacions of service onto ye protection of Allmy^tty God.”—Edinburgh, 1 Oct. 1570.
	Addressed :—“A Monsieur, Monsieur Douglas conseiller de sa Majesté d'Escosse a Londres.”
	1 p.
	1524. Articles delivered to the Queen of Scots.
1570, October 5.	1. Document headed, “Articles delivered to the Queen of Scots by Sir William Cecil Secretary and Sir Walter Mildmay Chancellor of the Exchequer, counsellors and commissioners to the Queen's Majesty of England, with the Queen of Scots' answers and requests thereto.”
	[The original, signed by Mary. These articles constitute a treaty, which was to have been carried out in the event of Mary's restoration to the Scottish throne. Interspersed with the articles are Mary's answers thereto, and at the close are yet other articles headed, “The manner of assurances for the premisses.” The document is dated, “At Chattisworthe the fyveth daye of October 1570.”]
	8 pp. [Haynes, pp. 608–614. In extenso.]
	2. Duplicate of preceding, signed by Sir Wm. Cecil and Sir Walter Mildmay.
	[In this copy, the Queen of Scots “Answers and Requests” are omitted.]
	3¾ pp.
	3. Similar copy in French.
	3¼ pp.
	1525. The Queen of Scots and her Subjects.
1570, Oct. 10.	Articles of agreement, to have been carried out in the event of a proposed restoration of Mary to the Scottish throne. The way in which public affairs, since the loth of June, 1567, are to be treated and regulated, forms the main subject of these articles.
	Endorsed by Cecil :—“10 Octob. 1570. Articles gathered out of a communication had with the Queen of Scots for her subjects.”
	5¾ pp. [Haynes, pp. 616–620. In extenso.]
	1526. The Queen of Scots' Answer.
1570, Oct. 15.	Document headed, “An Extract of such things as are to be altered and amended in the Queen of Scots' answer to the first articles.”—15 Oct. 1570.
	Signed by Sir Wm. Cecil and Sir Walter Mildmay.
	2 pp. [Haynes, pp. 614, 615. In extenso.]
	Duplicate of preceding. 1½ pp.
	1527. The Answers of the Queen of Scots.
1570, Oct. 16.	Headed, “The answers of the Queen's Majesty of Scotland to the last notes sent upon the first answers.”—“At Chattisworthe the xvi^th daye of October 1570.”
	The original, signed by Mary.
	2 pp. [Haynes, pp. 615, 616. In extenso.]
	Duplicate of preceding; also signed by Mary.
	Endorsed by Cecil :—“16 October, 1570, the second answer of the Queen of Scotts to the notes sent from the Court, upon the first articles.”
	2¾ pp.
	1528. Lord Morley to Lady Morley.
1570, Oct. 22.	“I was in great hope of comfort of obtaining the Queen's Majesty's favour before the coming of my footman; having written divers letters to her Highness in excuse of my departure, which her Majesty would in no wise receive, nor yet my lord of Leicester would give me answer of the letters I sent him. And therewith I understood how divers commissioners had made inquiry of my lands, as though I were an offender against the State. Wherein I know myself most innocent.” Comforts himself therewith, and trusts to have the Queen his good and gracious lady, to whom he will remain during his life a true and faithful subject. Prays his wife to comfort herself to bear patiently all extremities that shall be laid upon him, as loss of worldly goods, weighing for what cause he is thus persecuted. For his own part he thanks God he was never more quiet to content himself with whatsoever shall happen. “The most that grieveth me, is the loss of your company and my children's. Of want of maintenance I take no care, meaning if this extremity do fall out, to go and serve in the army of some Prince against the Turks, where I shall have the company of many better than myself. And if it be my chance to perish bodily, I pray you comfort yourself with the joy I trust in God to obtain in the world to come. For the education of my children I know I need not put you in remembrance. The greatest care is of my daughter, weighing how now-a-days without great sums of money few come to preferment. Yet if she may enjoy her own, with the good help of your blood, I trust she shall do well. Above all things 1 pray you have regard with whom and with what race she doth match, for if the stock be not virtuous, the fruit can never prove well. Here I will remain till I hear how I shall be dealt withal, and therefore I pray you solicit my cause with my Lord of Leicester, and return me answer with all speed.” Sends his brother's commendations.—Valenciennes, 22 Oct. 1570.
1570, Oct. 22.	1 p.
	1529. Lord Morley to the Earl of Leicester.
1570, Oct. 22.	Had hoped to hear from his lordship of some mitigation of the Queen's displeasure against him, but all his hope is now turned to more despair, seeing both that his letters were such as Leicester did not care to deliver, and also that his good meaning in entertaining the Countess of Northumberland was so sinisterly construed. As regards the first, he pleads ignorance. As regards the other, he protests it was chiefly for the service of her Highness, and therewith, for the good will he owes to the house of the Countess, to counsel submission to her, as the only way of gaining the Queen's favour; and thereto she seemed to him most tractable and desirous. Therefore if this be accounted a fault, he may well verify the old saying, “every thing is, as it is taken.” Was further given to understand, that in all shires where he has living, a jury has been impannelled to make presentment of several articles against him; a thing, as he judges, neither known to her Highness nor to Leicester. Asserts his innocence, and mentions the hatred with which he is prosecuted, this being the only cause of his departure. According to Leicester's direction, has written another letter to the Queen humbly acknowledging his fault, which he trusts her Highness, the rather by Leicester's suit, will remit. Otherwise, if his true dealing be recompensed with such extremity as is already begun, he shall not only be destitute of all hope of remission, but, wanting to maintain his poor estate, which by this late inquiry begins to decay, shall be driven to seek some “intertaynment,” and to venture his life against the Turks, “whither daily divers noble men both of their own charges, and also for pay, do continually out of all parts resort.” Trusts he will not be driven to this. Desires Leicester, if this unjust course be taken against him, to “be good Lord” to his poor wife and children. As for himself, since his conscience is innocent, he weighs not any extremity. Grieves to have the Queen his “heavye Ladye;” doubts not she will turn. Earnestly desires that, either by letter or otherwise, he may receive some answer to the premisses from Leicester, and whether Leicester received a long letter from him, which the writer named a “lible.”—Valenciennes, 22 Oct. 1570.
1570, Oct. 22.	1 p. [Haynes, pp. 621, 622. In extenso.]
	1530. The Queen of Scots' Answer.
[1570, Oct.]	Document headed, “The answer of the Queen's Majesty of Scotland to certain articles proponed by Sir William Cecil Secretary and Sir Walter Mildmay Chancellor of the Exchequer, Counsellors and Commissioners to the Queen's Majesty of England for a treaty to be made betwixt the Queen's Majesty of Scotland and her subjects.” [This is a primary answer to the Articles dated 10 Oct. 1570.]
[1570, Oct.]	1¾ pp. [Haynes, pp. 620, 621. In extenso.]
	1531. Sir Henry Sydney to Sir Wm. Cecil.
1570, Nov. 8.	Received Cecil's letter, signifying his recall, and the appointment of the Lord President as Justice. Thought it necessary to have some mutual conference with the latter. Finds that he has a deep sense of the responsibilities of the office, and that he is “greatly abashed” to undertake them, unless assistance is given him. States that the “unfurnitures” are not as great as the Lord President declares. The same need of assistance has hindered the writer in his duties, whilst the charge has been in his own hands, and has made him leave it the “more loselye.” So, though he means to do his utmost whilst he remains to make things as sound as possible, yet doubtless the Lord President must receive speedy assistance, or probably disorders may arise which will not be appeased with ten times the assistance now asked for. It is rather to be thought a charge to the Queen, than good husbandry, to keep the Lord President without relief in such an extremity. Thought meet to make thus much known to Cecil, out of duty to Her Majesty, and also from a friendly care that the Lord President may be enabled to yield as good an account of his tenure of the office, as though the charge were still in the writer's hands. Thus in remembering his friend, prays that he himself may not be forgotten, “being as ill able to remove as he shall be to tarry, if I be not provided for as appertaineth.”—Dublin, 8 Nov. 1570.
1570, Nov. 8.	Seal. 1½ pp. [Haynes, pp. 622, 623. In extenso.]
	1532. The Earl of Warwick to Sir Wm. Cecil.
1570, Nov. 13.	Expresses his deep thankfulness to Cecil for his friendly dealing towards him in the matter of his long-standing suit to the Queen. Whilst he lives he will never forget Cecil's courtesy. “This much I trust shall suffice you to think that you have won a poor friend, the which, God willing, shall never fail you. And like as you have brought my matter to this good pass, even so do I repose my whole trust in you for the ending of it, and since you are at London, I beseech you, sir, take some order with Sir Walter Mildmay about it, that for as much as Her Majesty hath given me this land only for my relief, and to bring me out of debt, that the rather by your good means he may appoint such land indeed as that I may be the better for it. If I should have it according as it is rated, I fear me it would do me little pleasure. Besides that if it should be encumbered either (sic), there is few or none that would be glad to deal with me, so that it standeth me greatly upon (sic) to have such land as that I may presently make money of, for surely, sir, my necessity is great, and greater than I would that all the world should know. I have borne it . . . so long as I may well do it, and but that very extremity enforceth me, etc. (sic), there is no creature living, more unwilling to trouble Her Majesty with suits than I am. Yet one thing doth the more embolden me, for that I hope it is known to the world that I have not riotously spent that I have, neither it grown in debt by any unthrifty means, but howsoever it be I leave it to you to judge of it, for that it is no fit thing for me to be mine own judge.” Expresses his devotion to Her Majesty, both as regards his person and his goods. Is sorry to have troubled Cecil thus much, considering how troubled he is with matters of greater moment. “One thing I had almost forgotten, and that is about Langley; that it will please you to do so much for me as to let it be parcel of the 100 pounds a year the which Her Majesty doth mean to bestow upon me; and for that the forest is counted too great a matter, and no part of the manor besides, I beseech you therefore to be a mean that I may have the house and the park demesnes, the which is valued at 6 or 7 pounds a year. I am the more desirous of it, for that I have never a house to put my head into; and if I can obtain so much favour as to have it, I would then see if I could by any means obtain Mr. Upton's good will for his interest . . . .” Is more than ashamed of his troublesome letter.— From the Court, 13 Nov. 1570.
1570, Nov. 13.	Seal. 3 pp.
	1533. Barony of Scrivelsby.
1570, Nov. 23.	Names of persons who have attorneyed to Sir H. Clinton and others in the Barony of Scrivelsby.—13 Eliz.
1570, Nov. 23.	1 p.
	1534. Arthur Hall to Sir Wm. Cecil.
1570, Dec. 18.	If your answer yesterday (touching Hutchinson's ward) had not filled me so full as I had no tongue to reply, I might have been rid of this travail of writing and also your honour of trouble of reading these few lines. I little feared my request should have been put back because the mother should have him, if it please you to make that the cause; it falls out often that always mothers are not guardians to their children. But the only and greatest cause is, for that my Lord of Bedford is a suitor therein; but whether I, a poor man, have preferred you before earls and their greater, my dealings more than once or twice are my good witnesses. I might have craved the lease of the ward's lands, but shall content myself with your liking. Having moved divers suits and never brought to pass any, 1 will think myself the unhappy husbandman who hath chanced on a barren farm. I must beseech you that I may not purchase your evil deeming for this my plainness, for I will always prove myself not openly to fawn, and secretly to murder. The world shall not say I have no regard to him that brought me up.—London, 18 December 1570.
1570, Dec. 18.	1 p.
	1535. Arthur Hall to Sir Wm. Cecil.
1570, Dec. 20.	Is sorry that the meaning of his letter is not taken as he meant it. His friendship is not worth the least burden in the world, for, as Cecil writes, he would be loath to have any man's friendship with such burdens as the writer burdens him with. “You can have no more of the cat but the skin,” which always of the writer Cecil has had, has, and shall have, and if his ability be not able to answer Cecil's expectation, good-will shall not be the want thereof.— London, 20 December 1570.
	Endorsed by Cecil :—“Arthires Hall answer to a letter of mine.”
	Seal. 1 p.
	1536. Sir Thomas Cotton to [Sir Wm. Cecil].
1570.	Giving the reasons why the Lord Admiral did “stomach” him. First, because his Lordship thought that his deceased wife used greater familiarity with the writer's brother than reason would. This matter, by her means, was brought to the hearing of the Duke of Northumberland, who caused it to be wrapped up in silence, with some threatening words to those that should in any wise stir in it. Secondly, in the time of Queen Mary the writer was in service upon the seas, Lord Howard then being admiral, who was suddenly discharged thereof; Sir Thomas, not being aware of it, continued to address his letters to Lord Howard as admiral, whereupon he was discharged of his service with some displeasure, and the office of “the Wartage of the Wullfleate,” given to him by Henry VIII., was kept from him, and Lord Clinton took the commodity thereof three years, and was paid it by the Lord Treasurer's warrant, until, by Cecil's means, Elizabeth restored it to the writer. Thirdly, the apprehension of Strangeways was worth to the Lord Admiral 2,000 marks, besides certain things that Sir Thomas was charged with by order of law in his court, whereof part were then in his possession, which Sir Thomas discharged himself of upon his answer; for that the Lord Admiral had them, which thing did much offend his lordship. Fourthly, because Sir Thomas did stand to prove that Strangeways' acts were treason, for that he had displayed his banner against the banner of the Queen, and had slain of her subjects that were sent to take him, wherefore all such goods as he had were the Queen's by law, and not the Lord Admiral's. Fifthly, a license under the Admiralty seal to Strangeways to go unto the seas, with a note of Strangeways of 20 marks given him by the Lord Admiral, of certain artillery, munition, and armour given him by Mr. Wynter, and certain victuals and other things given him by Mr. Baesh. These things Sir Thomas found in Strangeways' ship, and yet they were denied, whereupon he brought them forth. The publication of them was very evil taken, and he had since received divers ways great discourtesy at all their hands. Sixthly, at the last service of Sir Thomas on the seas, the Lord Admiral sent two servants to him, that he should make his lordship some provision of wine, spice, and other things for his house. This Sir Thomas refused, and on the Lord Admiral writing to him, replied that he had no money to buy any other than for his own necessity, and besought him to appoint some other to do that office. Whereupon he appointed Thomas Hare, then his servant, to do it, who sent such things as he provided to one Wilson's house, a cooper dwelling in Tower Street. Seventhly, because Sir Thomas would not, at the Lord Admiral's request, repay Hare 100l., which Hare lent his lordship when the Queen was at Harwich, the Lord Admiral then said that the office of “the Wartage of the Wullfleat” appertained of right to him, and he would have it, besides divers unkind words; whereupon, for quiet's sake, Sir Thomas not only then took order for it, but sought his Lordship's favour with a further commodity. Eighthly, certain letters written to Cecil from time to time, when Sir Thomas was in service on the seas, and chiefly one letter written from Portsmouth, wherein Sir Thomas wished the reformation of divers disorders used in the navy, wherefore he had since received great discourtesy at the hands of divers of the officers.
	Without signature or address, but endorsed by Cecil : “Sir Tho. Cotton,” and, by another hand, “1570.”
	2½ pp.
	1537. Confession of Henry Simpson, regarding the Rebellion in the North.
1570.	Simpson says he received certain letters from the late Earl of Westmoreland, Sir John Nevill, old Master Norton and others beyond the seas, to the number of 40, and above. The practice first was devised that he should go with these letters accompanied with his wife, who was born a Walloon, to “bear out” the matter, if necessary, by saying he came over with her to make their abode in his native country. At his first coming Simpson went to Tadcaster, and there delivered part of his letters unto the brother of the foresaid Sir John Nevill. Simpson had been charged by the foresaid Earl and others, to deliver the said letters unto one Staynborne, a servant of Sir John Nevill's, dwelling in York; which he did. After their delivery to Staynborne, Nevill and others, he was taken at York on suspicion of being a spy, and examined upon certain articles, to no purpose, and so discharged. He received a letter of one Laynam, dwelling in Louvain, to be delivered unto his brother, “cheffe costomer” in Hull, with a secret token besides, for the safe conveying of Simpson into certain places in the north. The said Laynam is a secret conveyer of men and letters from the rebels, unto certain places appointed by them. Simpson was in Craven, at the Countess of Cumberland's, and other gentlemen's houses in that country, whose names he does not now well remember. The Countess gave him for his travel, 40s. The foresaid man of Sir John Nevill's did, through the letters he received, find out, hidden in a wood of old Norton's, or Sir John Nevill's, under a tree, near unto “Hownslaw Myles,” the sum of six thousand pounds of money and plate. Staynborne presently sent away that sum of money by his own man, who never returned. Simpson received word or warning out of Flanders, the same time that he was taken and stayed in York, giving him strict charge not to confess any matter, and in so doing he would shortly have liberty, which indeed he had. Simpson further says that there is a papist priest named Wilson, who hath, in his hearing in Flanders, talked very irreverently of some honourable estate, and that the said Wilson is now here very secret, and not to be known to any but his dear and most trusty friends. Further that there is now one dwelling at the parsonage of Fulham who has mass said weekly in his house, and also that his wife, who has been long beyond the seas in Flanders, is now come home again, kept very secret and unknown. Says there is great resort of divers people thither to hear mass; and that the sayer thereof would be an old priest named Mr. Leaver, dwelling in Tower Street.—Endorsed, 1570.
	Endorsed in the same hand, “to the Earl of Leicester.”
	1½ pp.