|
Aug. 10.
London. |
14. Ralph Sadler to Protector Somerset. I have conferred with
Mr. Fisher on the causes which move you to send me northwards,
and after two days, setting my things in order, I will set forward
by post, but I am forced to ask money for my charges, only having
36l., —too little to leave behind me for the charges of my house. |
|
Pray licence Thos. Avery to go with me. [½ page.] |
Aug. 14.
Carlisle. |
15. Lord Wharton to Protector Somerset. I send a letter from
my spy on the West Marches. The Scottish garrisons there are
increased, 50 horsemen added to the 200, which compels the false
assured Scots, their neighbours, to draw unto them. None of the
force of these West parts has departed, or intends it, but will rather
augment to defend or annoy. The West Marches against them
were never so weak, having 300 horse and 100 foot at the East
borders, 200 sent by me at Lord Grey's appointment, and the other
200 taken by Lord Dacre. John Maxwell and others report that
the Governor will pass into France and stay there, and that the old
Queen-mother is to be married at the French King's appointment,
and her husband to have the authority of Scotland, under the
French King. Archibald Armstrong, captor of the Laird Johnston,
has requested either to have his prisoner, or his ransom not to
be less than 200 marks, for Johnston offered him 20 score. He
has done worthy service, therefore pray send me instructions.
There are others in like case, who may be better continued, for the
young laird and his father have many men serving under them.
[2 pages.] |
Aug. 16.
Carlisle. |
16. Lord Wharton to Protector Somerset. I enclose a letter
received out of Scotland from Sir Thomas Palmer, with a copy of
my answer. Somerville is in custody of Sir Edw. Gower; Murray
is a prisoner, and sworn to serve the King, remaining as hostage in
keeping of Sir Wm. Ingleby, and sent into Yorkshire with the
other by your command. [2/3 page.] |
Aug. 24.
Carlisle. |
17. Lord Wharton to Protector Somerset. I enclose a Scottish
letter. I am informed by spies that the Earl of Argyle is coming
forward, and has under him a great band of the Earl of Huntley's
men, 4,000 in all. Considering the West Marches are so destitute
of horsemen, I commanded the priests to furnish, some one, some
two light horsemen, and some two together one horeseman. The
incumbents of the best benefices are in other parts, and their
deputies say they are charged in the army for their livings here.
Pray tell me how to order this cause. The priests in my office
might raise 100 horsemen, more able than any. [1 page.]
Enclosing, |
|
17. i. "Ye wit who" to Lord Wharton. Your ships have passed
to St. Comisconacht, and have burnt a French ship, and
landed and burnt all the small towns between Kinghorn
and Anederkethin. Your army has come to Haddington,
and the French seeing them, have returned towards Musselburgh. The Scots were not gathered,
so 13,000 English
entered the town. The sea army dare not land, because
of the galleons in the narrow water that would destroy
the ships. The Englishmen in Borthie craig have burnt
and ravaged Fife and Angus. The Almains give out
that M.D' Essen, lieutenant, has taken your gold and concurred with you. Our Scots' army was but small, but
Lord Argyle's folk from Glasgow and the Lords of the
Isles are esteemed together 10,000. Lord Argyle has ridden
through Striling with certain gentlemen, and the fiery
cross has passed through Scotland, with the straitest
commands, and there are not so many men together now
as there will be. They have put Beaton, abbot of Arbroath,
to the horn, because he will not give his right to my lord
of Angus, and take Glasgow. |
Lord Grey and Lord Rewen (Ruthven ?) who were at
Derdleford are agreed, and Lords Argyle and Oliphant
concur with them, and are coming forward with a great
company, more for your weal than ours. [1 page.]
Dalstartht, 22 Aug. [1548]. |
