Elizabeth: September 1563

Calendar of State Papers, Scotland: Volume 2, 1563-69. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1900.

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'Elizabeth: September 1563', in Calendar of State Papers, Scotland: Volume 2, 1563-69, (London, 1900) pp. 21-23. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/scotland/vol2/pp21-23 [accessed 24 March 2024]

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In this section

28. Randolph to Cecil. [Sept. 4.]

I arrived here on the 1st instant, hearing by the way that the Queen was at Cragmillour, but that Murray and Lethington were here. To them I addressed myself, both to know somewhat and enter into such purposes as I should have with her grace. I found no discouragement in them why I should not boldly attempt the Queen herself, so far as I had warrant. I dined that day with them and most of the nobility then present, finding in all, good liking of my return, receiving many good words and giving as many. After dinner, we all repaired to the Queen, and the honour I received at my arrival might have contented a much greater personage. The Queen's majesty's letters were thankfully received; and at good length "(or as well as I coulde) I declared my Sovereigns mynd, geven me in my instructions, in utteringe whearof maynie interruptions were made by the Quene her self, and maynie questions demaunded, so that scharce in one howre I coulde utter that that myght have byne spoken in one quarter"! I know not yet her liking of the matter: she desired me to confer (as I had done with herself) with Murray and Lethington, and that no other man might be made of counsel. I accorded thereto, and as her grace was not well at ease, and I also somewhat weary of travel, having been cumbered the whole way with ("savinge your honor,) a flyxe," though not sick, nor am I, was dismissed. At departing, her grace requested, that as much had passed between us, and she remembered not fully all that I had said, that I would give her my Sovereign's mind shortly in writing, that she might better consider it, and better answer every point. I said I would rehearse it so oft as seemed good to her grace; but "she sayde that yt sholde be better done in wrytinge," and her meaning was no other but good. I could not "stycke" with her grace therein, lest it should breed suspicion that I would not abide by as much as I had said. So in a day or two I purpose to deliver her grace "some notes of my sayinges, and as tyme servethe, to purchace an answer," conferring meanwhile with others.

Thus much of my negotiation hitherto. I find as many here evil willers to the match "a makinge," as we are ourselves. I fear she is more Spanish than Imperial; and if my judgment fail me not, you shall find it true. Our Sovereign's credit was never greater here. Edinburgh. Signed: Tho. Randolphe.

I am well assured that the intercourse of messengers and packets between this and France is not prejudicial to amity. Though I have no liking of it myself, yet I put these men in great fear that despite any safe conduct of our Sovereign's no man for any money will take upon him to transport them. I made Raulet quake for fear, and soon you shall have Hamilton that came last, "a man lyke hym self."

2 pp. Holograph, also address. Indorsed. Armorial wafer signet (as before).

29. Mary to Elizabeth. [Sept. 8.]

Requesting safe conduct for the bearer James Hammyltoun lately come to her from France on her affairs, and returning there by her command; and that an English vessel may transport him to France, or at least to Flanders. Under her signet. Palace of Holyrood House, 21st of her reign. Signed: Your richt gud sister and cusignes, Marie R.

Broadsheet. Addressed. Indorsed. Wafer signet (Scotland).

30. Murray to Cecil. [Sept. 23.]

I have "at lenght considerit" your letter, and as I thank your honour "most hartfwlly for this your freindly adwyis, so it appeareyth to me you bear moir solicitude in this matter nor you haif just cause—for albeit the brwyt is grit thairof (as I heir say) in sundry partis of the world, yit I understand but veray smal handilling to haif bene thairof heir." It is in truth in no great towardness, though great and "wechtye." I am most assured my Sovereign will not be "suddane" therein, nor resolve without long deliberation and the advice of her loving subjects and most assured friends. Yet it is neither her Majesty's honour to "impede and stop" the suit of princes, nor can I advise her highness so to do. But my counsel to her shall ever be that which most serves to the advancement of her honour, the weal of her subjects, and the felicity that we both crave and look for in the amity of both our Sovereigns and their peoples. No hindrance I think can proceed thereto here, as you shall amply understand by Mr. Randolph presently repairing with his credit to your Court. Stirling. Signed: James Stewart.

1 p. Addressed. Indorsed.

31. Articles between England and Scotland. [Sept. 23.]

Indenture between Henry lord Scrope, Sirs John Forster and Thomas Gargrave, knights, and Dr. John Rokeby, commissioners for England, and Sirs John Maxwell of Terreglys, and John Bellenden, Justice clerk, knights, commissioners for Scotland.

[Under 28 heads.] Narrating their meeting at Carlisle on 11th September, and sitting at Dumfries thereafter till 23rd—providing for redress of Border grievances, &c., incorporating several former treaties, and recommending a commission to divide the debateable grounds lying on the frontiers of the Middle and East Marches of the two realms. [Dumfries.] H. Scrope, John Forster, Thomas Gargrave, John Maxwell, J. Bellenden.

15 pp. Fair copy. Indorsed: "The Commissioners Boke of Treatye for lawes and orders of the Marches." Marginal notes in another hand. "H. Scrope" seems a signature, the other names are in the marginal note writer's hand.

(2) Another copy of same.

19 pp. Official hand. Marginal notes by another.

(3) Another copy of same.

16 pp. In the well known hand of these treaties. The date here is "xxiiijth" September.

See also Laws of Marches Vol. II., fol. 64.