Elizabeth: May 1572, 1-15

Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 10, 1572-1574. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1876.

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'Elizabeth: May 1572, 1-15', in Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 10, 1572-1574, (London, 1876) pp. 99-110. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/foreign/vol10/pp99-110 [accessed 19 March 2024]

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May 1572, 1-15

May 1. 325. Ivan Basilowitz to Queen Elizabeth.
Has received her letter by Anthony Jenkinson, and in accordance with her request has restored to the English merchants their privileges of free traffic throughout his dominions. —Staritza in Tver, 1 May 7080.
Add. Royal letter in Russian.
326. Translation of the above. Endd. Pp. 1⅓.
May 1. 327. Lord Hunsdon to Lord Burghley.
1. They would gladly have him receive the Earl of Northumberland at the waterside beyond Leith, or at Leith, and to hire some bark to bring him hither, which he has refused to do, but is content to receive him at Eyemouth. Prays that order be taken for the payment of the money, as they will not deliver him without it. Is required by the Regent to make two requests, not that they shall any way hinder the delivery of the Earl. The one is that Her Majesty will grant him the Earl's life; the other is that she will deliver up to him the Bishop of Ross; he also requires Hunsdon to demand the Earl of him by the order of the treaty, that he may have some colour to deliver him by. The Regent has put the Bishop [of Cashel] into the Castle of —(sic) the varlet had thrown all his writings into a privy. Thinks his delivery will not be refused. Finds that the Castilians are in harder case than heretofore, and believes that the King's side will shortly possess the town of Edinburgh. If he can bring the King's side to yield any reason to the others' demands, there will be some good done shortly. Trusts that the Queen will not be offended if he can get Lord Seton into his hands in his passage into Flanders.
2. P.S.—Has just received his packet of the 28th ult.— Berwick, 1 May 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 1¾.
May 2. 328. Lord Hunsdon to Lord Burghley.
Desires to know how he shall use M. De Croc, and whether Mr. Marshal shall give him the upper hand or not. If no foreign force is sent into Scotland it were no harm if the Queen let them alone, and so necessity of both sides would make them agree, which they would do soonest so. The Regent and that side are very earnest for money. Prays that order be taken for the 2,000l. for the payment for the Earl. Congratulates him on being a companion of the Order.— Berwick. 2 May 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ¾.
May 2. 329. Queen Elizabeth to the Earl of Marr.
Gives him her hearty thanks for procuring the grant of the earldom of Lennox for the Lord Charles, son of Lady Lennox.
Rough draft corrected by Burghley Endd. Pp. 1½.
May 2. 330. Charles IX. to M. De la Mothe Fenelon.
Directs him to inform the Queen of England that the Duke of Alva does all he can to encourage the 500 or 600 English refugees in Flanders in their enterprise against England, in which they will be assisted by Lord Seton with 2,000 Scots, who have determined to seize on the Prince of Scotland and send him into Spain. Directs him and M. De Croc to watch and do all in their power to frustrate this design. It is very needful that De Croc should on this account go to Scotland, where he is to use all means to induce the Scots to keep the ancient alliance with France. Is sorry that the Queen of England cannot send to him the Earl of Leicester or Lord Burghley, as the amity would have been much strengthened by her so doing.
Extract. Endd. Fr. P. 1.
May 2. 331. Lord Hunsdon to Lord Burghley.
Sends herewith the charges already bestowed on the bridge at Berwick, and also what will finish the same. If it is not now finished, all that is done the next hard winter will cast away.—Berwick, 2 May 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ⅓.
332. Bridge at Berwick.
Cost of repairs for the bridge at Berwick up to 26 January 1572, amounting to 1,459l. 19s. 9d. Signed: Rowland Johnson.
Endd. Enclosure. Pp. 3.
333. Bridge at Berwick.
Estimate of the cost of finishing the repairs to the bridge at Berwick, amounting to 710l. 11s. 4d. Signed: Rowland Johnson.
Endd. Enclosure. Pp. 2.
May 3. 334. Sir William Drury to Lord Burghley.
1. Understands that he is to accompany De Croc into Scotland, which will be with great danger to his life. Prays therefore that Burghley will continue his favour to his wife and children, whom he will not leave well off if he chances in Her Majesty's service to end his life. Recommends that the Irish bishop should be earnestly called for and had, as he can discover the whole practice in Ireland. Sends two pedigrees. Thinks that Archibald Douglas finds the less favour for his often dealing with him. He was always ready to do good offices in any matter that might concern England. The Regent has gone to attempt the winning of Hamilton Castle, which is brought into better case for defence than Drury left it.—Berwick, 3 May. Signed.
2. P.S. (on separate piece of paper).—Is secretly "done to understand" that there should by some of the King's party be sent by sea to M. Pinart in France sundry writings of the dealings of Her Majesty's ministers, both in the late Regent's time and now. If this proves true it must come [as] from the ambassador in France, and not from hence.
Add. Endd. Pp. 2.
May 5. 335. Queen Elizabeth to James VI.
Demands that, in accordance with treaty, Thomas Percy, Earl of Northumberland, who by Act of Parliament has been condemned for high treason, shall be delivered up upon her frontiers to Lord Hunsdon, governor of Berwick.
Draft in Burghley's writing Endd. P. 1.
May 7. 336. Lord Hunsdon to Lord Burghley.
Returns his proxy signed and sealed, and prays that Her Majesty may be as ready to consent to matters tending to her surety and honour as he and others will do their best to procure her to it. Perceives that Lord Hereford and the Lord Admiral are to be called to degrees fit for them. Is sorry that the Lord Chamberlain has not an earl's living, and then he doubts not but Her Majesty would be as willing to make him an earl as others, although she has made earls of nothing, both without land (saving of her gift), and yet no kin to her. Touching himself, he would scant believe Burghley if he should write to him either of the Mastership of the Horse or any other office, as his "pap is made of the yolk of an owl's egg," and therefore his desire is that having now served here almost four years he may leave it to some other. The Castilians say that they will never agree to the Regent's government or the delivery of the Castle, and therefore De Croc's coming, or the sending of Mr. Marshal into Scotland, will be but in vain. Her Majesty must either help the King's side to win the Castle by force, or else let them try it by the teeth together, as they daily do, wherein is both killing and hanging daily among them. Mr. Treasurer cannot help towards the 2,000l., which must be sent, for they will not deliver the Earl without the money. Mr. Marshal has not yet received his instructions. Desires leave to lie this summer at Bransby [Brancepeth].— Berwick, 7 May 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 2.
May 7. 337. Lord Scrope to Lord Burghley.
Lord Herries being now come to the King's obedience, he thinks it were well that the Regent should be written to, to appoint some meet officers and wardens for the opposite Border, so that the disordered persons might be brought into subjection. Understands that the masters of the ship are Blacater and Robinson, Scottish pirates. Has sent Robbye of the Falde and Halting Wilson to the Earl of Shrewsbury. —Carlisle, 7 May 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ½.
May 5. 338. Lord Herries to Lord Scrope.
Has agreed with the Regent and professed his obedience to the King. Desires that he will take measures with those under his charge for the redress of any wrongs committed by them.—Dumfries, 5 May 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. Enclosure. P. ¾.
May 7. 339. Lord Scrope to Lord Herries.
Is heartily glad to hear that he has agreed with the Regent, and will make proclamation commanding all Her Majesty's subjects that none of them trouble him, or any of his friends or servants.—Carlisle, 7 May 1752.
Copy. Endd. Enclosure. P. ⅓.
May 8. 340. Sir Valentine Browne to Lord Burghley.
Cannot furnish 2,000l. for the causes in hand for the Earl of Northumberland, as he is utterly without money here. Besides the charges of postage, it is dangerous to pass with money between Newcastle and this town, as the country stands by the outlaws of the rebels; by whom a man of his was, within these four days, robbed and spoiled of his money, horse, and apparel, between Morpeth and Felton.—Berwick, 8 May 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ½.
May 8. 341. The Regent of Scotland to Queen Elizabeth.
The Irishman who gives himself out as a servant of the King of Spain should have been examined ere this, if they had not been impeded by their occupations against their enemies. Will endeavour to satisfy her demand in that and all other things. Begs her gracious aid of money to pay their men of war. There is likelihood now of a speedy conclusion of this rebellion if they may have her "timeous" support. Desires that Home and Fast castles may be delivered to him, whereby Lord Home should not be so well answered of his living as he now is; and the country people resolved that it is not her determination to retain any holds in Scotland.—Leith, 8 May 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1.
May 8. 342. Lethington and Grange to Queen Elizabeth.
Are sorry that such small success has followed the negociations with her Commissioners. As the "strandes" will not serve they must have recourse to the fountain. Have for her respect only abstained from some foreign practices which might have served their turn. They know her to be a princess of honour and great courage, and in that point to resemble the noble nature of the lion, and that the more they bow themselves and yield to her, the better speed they shall come. Have tasted her goodness heretofore, and that she will not disappoint those who put their trust in her. These considerations move them to write and give up themselves and their causes entirely into her hands, hoping that she will graciously consider of them, and accord such things as are necessary. Prefer their surety to be provided for by her. Have amply informed the Lords of Sussex, Leicester, and Burghley what is necessary for them.—Edinburgh, 8 May 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ¾.
May 8. 343. Lord Home to Lord Hunsdon.
Complains of the great losses which he sustains through his houses being detained in the Queen of England's hands, to her small commodity, and to his irrevocable disadvantage. As he has never offended her he trusts that she will begin now to deal more graciously with him, and that Hunsdon will procure her favourable answer touching the restoring his houses and living.—Edinburgh, 8 May. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ½.
May 8. 344. Lethington and Grange to the Earls of Sussex and Leicester and Lord Burghley.
Desire a speedy end of these unnatural divisions in Scotland, but as they must have care both of themselves and others who are joined with them, they have need of help to make an honest and sure retreat. If they three jointly will promise to be their friends to have their cause recommended, and to be careful for the preservation of the weal, honour, and surety of them and their friends, they will repose their confidence in them, and so go on till the matter take a full end. Are content to commit their cause to the Queen of England's gracious consideration, and that before all other princes she shall have the honour to pacify the troubles of Scotland, hoping that she will graciously and liberally deal with them. Have remitted the enlarging of their matters to their Lordships, and send herewith a copy of a plat of what they may be brought unto, which they delivered to the Marshal of Berwick on 11 April, whereunto they have added an answer to the objection which may be laid to the plurality of government. Beg that they will read both over at their leisure, not perfunctorily but advisedly. The sum is comprehended in these few words, and tends to this conclusion. Seeing it pleases the Queen of England to take into her protection the Prince under the name of King, and to retain the Queen his mother's person in her hands, they will not repine but yield full obedience thereto, hoping still that with time the Queen of England will enter into better terms with the Queen. They will be content to yield to any neutral and indifferent government to be appointed by Her Majesty, which may be tolerable for them and equal for both parties, always presupposed that the other articles demanded for their weal and surety be accorded. If they find any correspondence of their Lordships' favour they will proceed without delay.—Edinburgh Castle, 8 May 1572. Signed.
Add. End. Pp. 12/3.
May 8. 345. Lethington and Grange to Lord Hunsdon.
Desire his intercession with the Queen of England on behalf of Lord Home, that she will restore his houses to him, in which case they promise that he will not receive her rebels or any foreign forces, and will not refuse anything that he may lawfully do to content her and her service.—Edinburgh Castle, 8 May 1572. Signed.
Add. End. Pp. 1½.
May 9. 346. Lord Hunsdon to Queen Elizabeth.
Has received a resolute and final answer from them of the Castle. They are contented that the King's authority should be acknowledged throughout the realm until Her Majesty can be induced to deal more favourably with the Scottish Queen, but utterly refuse to acknowledge the Regent's government, or to deliver up the Castle. The Regent cannot take upon him to deliver the Earl of Northumberland at Eyemouth, but would have a ship appointed to receive him at some place on the north side of the Firth. There is no more dealing with the Castilians by treaty, and he does not see what she will get by dealing by force.—Berwick, 9 May 1572. Signed.
Add. End. P. 1.
May 8. 347. Lethington and Grange to Lord Hunsdon and Drury.
Have received his lordship's letter requiring them to answer directly, without further delay, whether they will yield to the King's obedience, the Regent's government (as he terms them), and the delivery of the Castle, the other articles being granted, without the granting whereof the Queen means to consume no longer time, but to join and aid those who will force them to it. Think this dealing somewhat strange, and that they have deserved better if their behaviour were favourably considered of. Will be content to yield to the King's obedience, hoping that with time the Queen of England will enter on better terms with the Queen of Scots. Cannot acknowledge the Earl of Marr's government as lawful it being set up by a faction. Have within six days seen in what surety men may live under his government by the cruelty lately executed by Alexander Home of Manderston against the goodman of Thirlstone Mains, his son, the goodman of Corsby, and others, being of their own faction; the father of great age, about 3 score and 18 years old, blind through age, of great credit and estimation in his country; the son has continually served their adversaries at Leith, and not a month since upon knowledge of the enmity borne him by Alexander Home obtained a special protection under the great seal, with license to remain at home for a year. If he was to be charged with any offence he was not fugitive from their laws, for he continued more than 30 days with them at Leith immediately before this cruel act was executed, and was not gone to his father's house past three or four days before. If he had been burdened with any offence Alexander Home was no fit person to have the commission in that behalf in respect of his ill-will borne towards them. The giving of such a commission must argue either manifest tyranny or too great indiscretion, both which are intolerable in a governor. In place thereof they will be willing to yield to any neutral and indifferent government to be appointed by the Queen of England's advice, which may be equal to both parties. Plainly refuse to deliver the Castle unless force which they may not resist shall compel them to it. Earnestly request him to have their just cause for recommended and to report of them to the best.—Edinburgh Castle, 8 May 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. Enclosure. Pp. 3.
May 9. 348. Lord Hunsdon to Lord Burghley.
1. Has received a resolute answer from them of the Castle touching the articles, so there is no hope for the Queen to do any good among them by treaty. They are not so desirous of De Croc's coming as the other side, and say plainly that neither he nor any other shall make them yield to the articles. Is greatly solicited to move the Queen to re-deliver the Lord Home's houses. The Queen must write somewhat sharply to the Regent for the delivery of the Earl and the Irish bishop. Desires to know whether, rather than go without the Earl, he may trim two ships at Newcastle with men and ordnance to go and fetch him.
2. The taking and burning of Thirlstone manse, wherein they had almost burnt four or five gentlewomen, and did kill three men, has marvellously hardened them of the Castle. Trusts that the Queen will not refuse so honourable and beneficial a matter as Holland and Zealand, or any other part of the Low Countries that may be kept. If she receive it not the French King will.—Berwick, 9 May 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 1¾.
May 8. 349. The Earl of Marr to Lord Hunsdon.
Has written to the Queen touching the Irish bishop who calls himself the King of Spain's man, whom they have not yet fully examined. Cannot spare a sufficient number to convoy the Earl of Northumberland by land; the passage of the sea is therefore most proper. Dare not hazard him in a boat because of a pirate ship, which they understand is at their adversaries' devotion, and therefore it will be best that a ship in good equipage be sent to receive him. Excuses Alexander Home for executing of letters touching the non-payment of certain rents pertaining to the priory of Coldingham. —Leith, 8 May 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. Enclosure. Pp. 1¼.
May 10. 350. Extract of Letters from Lord Hunsdon.
Extract of three letters from Lord Hunsdon to Home of Mangerton, the Earl of Mar, and the Laird of Colding Howe, dated 28 April and 7 and 10 May 1572, relating to the detention of certain rents and goods belonging to England, and threatening reprisals.
Copy signed by Drury. Endd. P. 1.
May 12. 351. Sir William Drury to Lord Burghley.
1. Again desires that the receipt of this packet (wherein the Castilians signify they have written a letter to the Queen) may not appear to have passed through him. Finds it true that copies of letters and instructions which have passed from the Queen and her ministers to the late Regent and the present one should by some who profess the King's obedience have been sent into France. They are carried by Lindsay, a servant of Captain Cockburn.
2. It was before Mr. Archibald was apprehended devised that he should be the carrier of those writings under colour of requiring leave to spend his time in France. For getting knowledge of this and some other devices he has had great want of Archibald Douglas, by whose means he was in good hope to have met with Lord Seton, at his return into Flanders, who is the greatest papist, the most affectionate to the Scottish Queen, and the greatest enemy to the Queen's Majesty of any Scottish person.
3. The plot between Archibald Douglas and Drury was laid how both he and his writings should have been taken. Touched somewhat of it to Lord Hunsdon to understand how the same would be allowed of by the Queen, wherein he desires Burghley's opinion. Mr. Case with five well-chosen persons of Drury's own company who were then in Scotland lying at the dean's house of Lestarick [Restalrig], a place for divers purposes apt, should at his passing in the night to the waterside where he minded to take boat have been met with and quietly brought to Berwick, "a hood and cloak I had provided for." M. De Croc came here yesternight, who shall be moved to stay here and procure some from either side to come hither to confer. The instructions mentioned in the Queen's letter have not been sent. Will sound and have eye to De Croc's doings. Desires that Ralph Scudamore and a cipher may be sent to him. Lethington and Grange still speak of the great debt they are in, and say that if consideration might be had of them they might be brought to offer further. They say that if they have any secret dealings with De Croc, it shall be touching some money of the Queen of Scots' dowry to relieve them with. —Berwick, 12 May 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 3.
May 12. 352. Lord Hunsdon to Lord Burghley.
M. De Croc arrived yesterday, who shewed him and the Marshal his instructions. They have opened unto him how far Mr. Marshal and Mr. Randolph have proceeded. Seeing the unlikelihood and unwillingness that is in both sides, he has small hope of doing good. De Croc would have written not to the "Regent" but to "the Earl of Mar" for a safe conduct, which they would not have received, and therefore Hunsdon has written to the Regent and the Castilians for a safe conduct for him and Mr. Marshal, and he tarries till the return thereof. He looks for no end to follow of their going into Scotland, having received such a resolute answer from them of the Castle that they will neither yield to the Regent's government nor deliver up the Castle.—Berwick, 12 May 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. by Lord Burleigh. P. 1.
May 12. 353. Catherine de Medicis to Lord Burghley.
Desires him to assist the Duke of Montmorency and M. De Foix in the negociation with which they are charged in England.—Chambord, 12 May 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. Fr. P. ½.
May 12. 354. The Duke of Alençon to Lord Burghley.
In favour of the Duke of Montmorency and the other ambassadors sent by his brother to the Queen of England.— Chambord, 12 May 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. Fr. P. ¼.
May 13. 355. The Regent of Scotland to Lord Hunsdon.
He means no delay, but only surety in the delivery of the Earl of Northumberland, and would be loth that it should be frustrated by any default of his. He is well assured their adversaries have offered to take him away, for they will take advantage of anything that may grieve the Queen. They for the most part are not very curious whether King or Queen reigned, providing they themselves ruled, without which all pacification profits them not. He heeds not their untrue reproaches that they cannot trust to promise, because he fears not that their infamous informations will obtain credit in that or any other country to his dishonour and prejudice when his dealings are known. Cannot greatly marvel that men make show of difficulty to trust promises, when they violate so many themselves. Though he will not give account to them of the late usage of the Cranstons, yet to him he may say, if the Cranstons had been as true servants to the King as they were near relations and earnest fautors to Lethington, there had been little mention of that matter. It may be thought that the disappointment of provision lying in that house for the furnishing of Edinburgh moves them as much as the taking of the men, which if they were truly obedient to the King, the adversaries have less cause to be grieved of any their trouble, as they are little moved with the calamity of any one who assists them not. They make no mention that he who devised the betrayal of Lethington's house, causing his brother to enterprise the same, was in the house of Thirlstane manse. They specify not their own unhonest and barbarous attempts, as the burning of Lord Morton's town of Dalkeith, taking true and peaceable men out of their houses for no other cause than being surnamed Douglae, the long imprisonment of Thomas Lindsay, collector of the rents of the kirk, or the slaughter of honest merchants taking boat, and the destruction of many lodgings in Edinburgh. No protection alleged by Thomas Cranston gives him liberty to offend, or should have stayed the apprehension of his person, when it was known he was a dealer and messenger between Grange and Archibald Douglas. He cannot but be persuaded that Alexander Home did otherwise than lawfully in seeking the rents of Coldingham, nor will he dispute as to whether Lord Home is fittest to have that priory. When the Queen's forces entered into Scotland, she said that she would treat the subjects of Scotland as lovingly and peaceably as her own. It cannot but seem some alteration to them that the King's title and right made to Alexander Home's son should be impeded in favour of Lord Home, who had the rebels in his house and daily victualled them, was in their counsel and knowledge, fortified Fast Castle for them, and promised Leonard Dacres support of men. If his Lordship has experience of his better disposition it is more than they are privy to. He allows of no new custom or exaction raised by Alexander Home at Eyemouth, against the amity, which shall not be quickly repaired. If they who complain of Alexander Home's greediness had been more moderate themselves the country had not been so confused and troubled. As he for satisfaction of the treaty delivers the Earl; he requests he may be promised the Bishop of Ross, yet if he is to serve as a witness in the parliament, he will not demand him before some convenient day when parliament be ended. He sends a safe conduct for Mr. Marshal and his train; he has sent one to M. De Croc, for though no Frenchman coming into Scotland ever sought a safe conduct, yet he sends it that he shall have no occasion of stay. Alexander Home's interest in Gleydale's property is small, it has been put in the hands of Lord Morton as Admiral, to be forthcoming to them that shall have right thereto.—Leith, 13th May 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 3.
May 14. 356. Lord Burghley to Lord Hunsdon.
The Queen finds somewhat strange the dealing of the Regent in the matter of the delivery of the Earl of Northumberland and the Irish bishop; but would have him continue his negotiations by all good means possible to recover them. If he cannot have the Earl at Eyemouth, his plan to have a ship or two well prepared to receive him at Fife is not misliked; he trusts that there be no double dealing in Scotland after he be received in the ships. Her Majesty mislikes such a slender allegation to come from the Regent, as that the Irish rebellious bishop is a servant of the King of Spain, considering he is a born subject of England, and depends only on the King of Spain as being a papist in religion, and so a deep enemy to the Church of England and Scotland. They of the Castle are to have secret information from him that if Lord Home will give security, and become an obedient servant to the King, with the consent of the Regent, the Queen will give him his castles, if not she will keep them, which she may well avow, forasmuch as they were acquired in just war, in that Lord Home had openly maintained her rebels to invade her realm to the great loss of her subjects, for which no recompense has been made, besides manifestly keeping in his house the principal of the rebels. As to the Regent, he shall tell him that Lord Home's houses shall not be restored except he return to the King's allegiance, and shall provoke him to the delivery of the Earl and the Bishop, by some hope of having the houses himself. Before the Castle is delivered, thinks that Lord Sussex should obtain a suit that he has for the ordnance in the castle, in respect that he was lieutenantgeneral at the winning thereof. He trusts Mr. Marshal has had a packet he sent him, or surely there is some great lewdness.
Draft corrected by Burghley.
Endd. Pp. 2½.
May 14. 357. Sir Thomas Gresham to Lord Burghley.
1. Sends account of money disbursed in 1559 and 1561, viz., 1,012l. 10s., in payment of Volrade Count Mansfeld's pension of 2,000 crowns per annum, and a further sum of 427l. 9s. for the charges of Hans Keck, in negociating a loan of 300,000 gold guilders with the said Count, and for the expenses of Richard Clough travelling into Germany about the said money. Gives details of the negociation, since which time he has never heard more of Count Mansfeld, or Hans Keck, who is departed long since.
2. Begs him to have him in remembrance for the removing of Lady Mary Grey.—London, 14 May 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 1¾.
May 15. 358. Lord Hunsdon to Lord Burghley.
He sees no haste in the delivery of the Earl, and small likelihood of the having of the Bishop, but Nicholas Errington is there for a resolute answer. Neither he nor Mr. Marshal received any instructions or "apostyllacions." He is glad to hear the Queen begins so roundly with the Scottish Queen, for that is her manifest and only surety. The Regent has sent safe conducts for Mr. Marshal and M. de Croc; he marvels De Croc has not written to him. The Regent requires that as he is to deliver the Earl he may have promise of the Bishop of Ross, and to have a day appointed for receiving him at the Bound Rood, which he marvels much at, as at his first demanding him he was in no great earnestness, as though he made light of the matter; what the subtlety is he knows not, but he prays God they do not gamble for the Earl, whom he will not meddle with, if he be not brought where he can conveniently have him. De Croc and Mr. Marshal take their journey into Scotland upon Saturday.—Berwick, 15th May 1572. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1.