Elizabeth: January 1561

941. Maitland to Cecill. [Jan. 1. 1560–61.]

You remember there was a letter directed from my lords of Council to Lord Wharton, in favour of two Scottish merchants stayed by him at Berwick "in Quene Maryis dayes," which I caused to be delivered to him at his house "on S^t Stephens day, as we past that way." By his answer I see the poor men will get no favour at his hands, unless "by commandement from above," for he is displeased at their complaint to the Council. They are I trust at London, and will resort to you: I pray you show them such favour in their suit as you may of justice.

The pledges at Newcastle desire to be changed to some other place; I delay speaking to their friends as to discharging their expenses, as they wish me, till I hear from you. If you think otherwise, the matter is not great.

I would be glad to hear from France: please to send the enclosed packet to Sir Nicolas Throgmorton there. Berwick, "this New yeares day." Signed: W. Maitland.

1 p. Holograph; also address. Indorsed (by Cecill): "Primo January 1560," &c.

942. Morton to Cecill. [Jan. 1.]

Your honour will remember I travailed with you for transporting my cousin Robert Douglas, pledge for the Lord James, either to Court or Cambridge, as you thought expedient. His urgent request causes me to remind you to take order to have the young man brought first to court for sight, and then placed as the Queen finds best. Berwick. Signed: Mortoun.

½ p. Addressed. Indorsed.

943. Alexander Clark to Cecill. [Jan. 1.]

As I have long laboured to my small power, towards maintenance of the Queen's realm in liberty, whereof her grace's ambassador Sir Nicolas "Throughmorton" now in France, has informed your "maisterschipe"—and shall continue, God willing, to the end of my life: "I have swa used my Lord Seton with gentyll perswacionis as well heir at home as by the way, that he hes confessed of thus interpris that your awld frendis haid prepared for your countrie in the begynnyn of this instant yeir." Your ambassador has doubtless informed you of their army, but of this I believe you have heard nothing, viz., that before Lord Seton's departing he was called to privy council, none present but "the Duk, the Cardinell, and two devisoris of fortis, wher thai maid hym sueir the great oith of fidelitie, that he schould not devulgat thair interpris to no creatour, "and how thai asked his counsell in the mater; and did schaw hym the platforme and portraitt of Holie Iland besyd Berwik and within the see, asweill that thai had drawin it with pen upon paper as thai haid the same maid in forme and portraitte with mennis handis in cley or earth, and siclik with two fortressis maid of cley that thai wor myndit to have maid in the said iland and in everie fort four hunderith harqubusearis"—and the King's galleys with ships, to have taken ordinance, munitions and "vivres" at Calais, and elsewhere in France, so as to have always remained at that island to have troubled your "cost sydis" and seas. As many as 300 ships of France, besides of the east seas, as "Hambrought," &c., were to have besieged Berwick which they made sure of taking by the end of May next, and made account of it as a thing already done. It would be well to give order herein, for though the King's death may hinder it, there is no trust in their friendship whoever governs, be it the King of Navarre [Navern] or the Constable. If you think my hasty return necessary for the Queen's service, I shall make diligence. I have been more gently entertained by the Lords and nobility here than I deserve. Edinburgh. Signed: Alexander Clark.

1½ pp. Holograph; also address (to Cecill): "be this deliverit with speid to his awin handis." Indorsed (by Cecill's secretary): "Alexander Gordon (?) to my master." Clark's signature has been defaced and "Geffray Blarnock" (?) written above.

944. Grey of Wilton to Cecill. [Jan. 2.]

On Tuesday the last of December the Scottish ambassadors arrived; and after accompanying them to their lodgings, as I could not ask them to sup with me that night, I spared them till the morrow —New year's day. In the morning at church, heard the order of our Berwick service together, which they liked very well; and afterwards Earl Morton craving sight of part of the new works, I brought him through the places I thought convenient, and then made them a soldier's dinner, with my most "curtest and jentill manner." In the afternoon we communed of the articles in the Council's last letters, and I find them well disposed towards all kinds of reformations. So after some discourse of the article touching marriages between the two nations—their opinions wherein shall be touched by it self in our report on consultation—they departed, accompanied by a good number of gentlemen, to the "Bounde Rode" well contented with their entertainment.

To-morrow I go to meet the wardens at Hexham. Berwick. Signed: Wyllyam Grey.

1 p. Addressed. Indorsed (by Cecil's clerk). Stained by damp.

945. Randolphe to Cecill. [Jan. 3.]

My lord of Arran this morning gave me knowledge he minded in a day or two to send his servant Captain Forbes to France—his message being to thank the King of Navarre for his old friendship, and keep him in good opinion. I have great presumption that in this hasty and secret despatch (as it was first devised) some "secreter" matter is meant than is openly signified. Since the King's death, divers conceits have troubled his mind, and many tales whispered into his ears, both of the Queen our sovereign's small favour to him, "and also how patent a waye God hathe made to mache hym beinge heire apparant, with her that ys all reddie in the right of succession." To prevent in time any disadvantage, he sends this man to take occasion under his credit, to utter his entire affection and desire to be further at her grace's commandment. He has also written to the Constable, as one to whom he is much bound. To these matters, no man is privy "excepte Knox, and he whome he trustethe with the whole." He has himself written to Sir Nicolas Throckmorton with his commendations, and also asked me to write, as I have done, with a word or two of this matter, in the letter I now send to your honour, which I wish (though it be hard) should reach his hands before Forbes arrives.

It is said the ambassadors are this night at Tantallon; and have so wisely governed their affairs, that they have themselves prevented the tidings of what fruit shall issue of their legation. Though some I know suspect the issue is not as desired, yet they are not without hope of perpetual amity. Lucinet of "The Inche" and the Controller, have been of late to present their service to Arran : but were much better "saide unto then trusted." The lords are absent, but intend soon to be here. Lord Seton has not yet been here, or seen any of them. Some wish him better than his deserts, others would like some assurance for the future. Alexander Clerke asked me to see his letters conveyed to you and Sir Nicolas Throckmorton. Trusting that Lethington shall bring some word of my return, I will not trouble your honour more than to remind you. I have been 6 years continually out of my country, before the Queen came to her crown, and the space I have been here is little to my content, saving for my duty. Edinburgh. Signed: Thomas Randolphe.

2 pp. Holograph; also address. Indorsed.

946. Arran to Cecill. [Jan. 6.]

I received your letter dated Westminster 19^th December, and see your good will to me thereby, besides the report the ambassadors made of you, for which we thank you heartily and shall never be forgetful.

I pray you for the Queen's licence for this gentleman I am sending to France to "gratife" the King of Navarre for his goodness to me when I was there. Edinburgh. Signed: "Yowrs assurid at his poar," James Hammylton.

½ p. Addressed. Indorsed (by Cecill's clerk): ". . . by M^r Forbosse."

947. Randolphe to Cecill. [Jan. 10.]

In my letters by Forbes and those before, you will perceive the conjectures on his hasty despatch. What he has showed you, or may open to Sir Nicholas of his secrets I know not, but he is a man "patent inoughe" and easy to deal with, if rightly handled; and I would wish this sooner, for on his return he may show more pleasure in some things than many others. Of things worth writing, Lethington has advertised you; his good will to our nation never more apparent than since his return. He informed me of her Majesty's pleasure for my abode here; when I know more, I will trouble your honour with one word or two of my own estate. Edinburgh.

1 p. Holograph; also address. Indorsed. Wafer signet: a device with snake's head.

948. Maitland to Cecil. [Jan. 10.]

We came to Edinburgh the 3^d instant, where besides the Duke and Arran, we found no number of nobility. The Estates shall be assembled on the 15^th, to hear report of our answer, consult on our duty to our sovereign and what ambassadors shall be sent to her. The king's death, concurring with the Queen's majesty's "doubtefull" answer to our nation, which our men take to be nothing but a plain refusal "in good termes," makes many enter in new discourses. We have done what we can to keep them in hope, and that the matter is not yet so impossible but all shall be well, but it will be hard to keep them in.

Arran has sent one Forbes a gentleman of his own to France (he says) to the King of Navarre, and to learn the state of things. If I had been here then, I would have written to you by him. I see men here will begin to make court to the Queen our sovereign more than they were wont, and press to put themselves in her good graces; yet fear not but the most part will keep "touche" with you, whereto I offer myself as a mean, recognising the great friendship I have found at your hands, and how much you have hazarded for our cause, and it is our duty, and of all others most mine, to serve your turn again. I have not conferred with many since my return, but so soon as I can, shall impart all.

M. de Seure at our parting, willed me to tell him what the Estates intend, and that some were sent to our sovereign with diligence. I have written to him as I promised, and enclose the letter, which after reading, close "with any signet" and cause it to be delivered by any Scottishman or other as you think good. Edinburgh. Signed: W. Maitland.

2 pp. Holograph; also address. Indorsed.

949. Queen Mary's instructions to her commissioners. [Jan. 12.]

Instructions to Symon Prestoun of Craigmillar, James Ogilvy of Finlatar, John Lumisden of Blanerne, and Robert Leslie of Arthuirheyir [Ardersier], passing instantly to Scotland on the Queen their sovereign's part.

(1) They shall signify the King's decease to the Duke, the Archbishop of S^t Andrews, Huntly, Atholl, Argyll, Bothwell and the Prior of S^t Andrews, the Queen's "regreit and fascherie," and present her missives for opening Parliament.

(2) Also make the whole nation understand that she before the King's death, strove for their reconciliation to him, to which he was favourable.

(3) "Attour," as King Charles his brother is governed by the Queen mother, in whom her highness finds great love, they to preserve the alliance, have dispatched the Sire de Novaillis Councillor, master o requests, to assure them how desirous the King is to continue it.

(4) Her Majesty has sent them to advise with the Estates thereon &c., being assured that nothing has happened to alter the old fidelity of their fathers to her progenitors and that their obedience hereafter will cause her to forget the past.

(5) Her grace desires the Estates to depute certain to come and advertise her of their deliberations.

(6) As she intends to come to her realm as soon as she has settled her affairs, her Majesty desires that her rents and revenues "that her bene handlleit sen hir motheris deceis, and siclyk the revenue that come nocht to hir said derrest motheris knawlege induring the lai trublis, be als haistelie and diligentlie lukit on as possible maye."

(7) The Estates shall chose certain capable persons, of whom her Majesty will choose a Treasurer and Comptroller.

2 pp. Scottish contemporary hand. Indorsed.

950. Mary to Elizabeth. [Jan. 18.]

Requesting safe conduct and commission for post horses, for Symoun Prestoun of Cragmyllar, James Ogilvy of Fynlatar, John Lumsdaine of Blanerne, and Robert Leslye of Arthuirsheyr, with 12 others to pass through England to Scotland, to endure 4 months. Orleans, 19^th of her reign. Signed: Your darest sister and cusignes Marie. Countersigned.

Broad sheet. Addressed. Indorsed. Small wafer signet: Franc impaling Scotland.

951. Charles IX. to the Estates of Scotland. [Jan. 22.]

Sending them the bearer the Sieur de Lisle his councillor and Master of Requests, to signify his desire for continuance of the amit of their countries, with full credence. Orleans. Charles.

½ p. French. In Lethington's hand. Headed (by him): "The kyn his lettre to thestates."

[On same leaf and date.]

(The Queen mother to the Estates.)

The King her son desiring to preserve the former amity between the realms, sends thither the Sieur de Lisle, whom she has charged to declare her good will. Orleans. Caterine.

½ p. French. In same hand. Headed (by Lethington): "The Quene mother her lettre." Ink much faded.

952. Memorial to the Queen of Scots. [Jan. 25.]

(1) God having so disposed to set your Majesty at liberty t govern your realm as you like, the Queen your sister wishes you with govern as your ancestors, i.e., by laws and ministers of your own nation.

(2) It may please you to know how well it has been governed since the foreigners were removed.

(3) Your sister the queen's good meaning appeared last year, in her taking no "pece," or winning your subjects from their obedience.

(4) Her wardens, &c., have joined with yours to bring order on the Borders, which have not been so quiet this many years.

(5) She desires all former unkindness buried, and nothing but friendship henceforth.

(6) If these good offices be refused, and injuries renewed, as in your late husband's time, your good sister will be very sorry, and (to her great grief) compelled to alter her love "to some other affection."

(7) She finds it very strange, after so many promises, that the late treaty of Edinburgh is not yet ratified. But, imputing the fault more to the late king's ministers than you, trusts your majesty will now go through with the matter.

2 pp. Written by Bedford's secretary. Indorsed.

953. Mary to Elizabeth. [Jan. 28.]

Requesting safe conduct for John Hart merchant of Edinburgh to buy and export 1000 qrs. of barley or barley malt, and 500 qrs. wheat, from her realm to France—to endure for a year. Under her signet, witnessing thereto the lords of her Privy Council. Edinburgh, 19^th of her reign. Signed: James Hammylton, James Hammylton, James Stewart, Glencarn, Mortoun, Ruthwen, Wchiltre, W. Maitland.

Broad sheet. Addressed. Indorsed. Wafer signet: Scotland with the col ar of the thistle; motto: "In mi defens."

954. The Master of Maxwell to Cecill. [Jan. 31.]

Your mastership may remember when at Edinburgh we spoke of redress of the borders, specially the West Marches: and "sensyne" I have sought Lord "Daiker" very effectuously, offering redress for Scotland, and to receive like "value for value"—also to the terror of the most notable offenders, I gave him one of the most principal truce breakers of Scotland "that duelt thir xl. yeris upone the West Merchis, quha wes justifeit, and tuke fra him bot ane Scottis fallow in like maner to be punist." Now he has a Scottish fellow born under my father, who has been a principal causer and slayer of 11 Englishmen, and a common truce breaker in theft and slaughter; and I "siclik" have an Englishman who lately slew one of Carlisle in that city: but he will not deliver up the one notable murderer of English and Scots, for the other heinous criminal. Therefore I right humbly pray you for the Queen's pleasure in the premisses, and pardon my rudeness in troubling you. Edinburgh. Signed: Jhone Maxwell.

½ p. Addressed. Indorsed (by Cecill's clerk).