Elizabeth: June 1567

509. Maitland to Cecil. [June 5.]

My brother has reported to me your great courtesy to him passing through England, and I also understand otherwise your great care of my estate and well doing : for which assured tokens of your continued favour, I wish you as much good as I can to my dearest friend. Other particulars of my state, and occurrents here, my old friend M^r Mailvill the bearer, will amply report to you. Edinburgh, Signed: W. Maitland.

1 p. Holograph, also address. Indorsed (by Cecil's clerk).

510. The Duke of Orkney to Cecil. [June 5.]

The Queen having directed the bearer Robert Malvile to your Sovereign, I thought I had good reason (remembering your good will when I happened to be furth of my country) to visit you with this short letter of hearty thanks. "Bot seing God hes callit me to this place," I heartily desire you to persevere in all good offices touching amity betwixt their majesties. The bearer is instructed as well by the Queen "as be me," whom I pray you credit. Edinburgh. Signed: Your richt essurit frind lifullie James D.

¾ p. In Hay's writing, and address. Indorsed (by Cecil's clerk): ". . . Erle Bothwell to my M^r" etc.

511. The Duke of Orkney to Elizabeth. [June 5.]

"Your majestie will pleas apardone me, that at this present have taken the bauldnes to wrait unto your hienes, knawing your majestie, throu misreportis of my unfreindis and evill willars, at sum tymes to have bene offendit with me: quhilk as I never justlie deservit, sa now being callit to this place, I think evir to bestow my study and credite to the intertenyment and continewance of the gude amytie and intelligence, quhilk heir to fore hes stand betuix your hienessis." The Queen having directed her servant Robert Malvile, instructed with her mind to your majesty, I "hes alsua oppynnit my mynd to him, and willit him to mak trew report thairof to your majestie, quhome I beseke in that behalf to credit him." In conclusion "I will thus far bauldly affirme, that albeit men of gretar birth and estimation mycht weill have bene preferrit to this rowme, yit nane mair cairfull to see your tua majesties amytie and intelligence continewit be all gude offices, nor mair affectionat do your hienes honour and service, culd have enterit thairin." Edinburgh. Signed: Your majestis richt humill vitht service to command lifullie, James D.

1 p. Written and addressed by Hay. Indorsed (by Cecil's clerk): "5 Junij 1567. The D. of Orkney to the Q. Majesty, by M^r Melvill."

512. Mary to Cecil. [June 5.]

Signifying she has sent her servant Robert Malvile to her good sister his sovereign, instructed with her mind. Desiring him, as he has ever done, to show himself a good minister in his sovereign's service, and credit the bearer, who will declare her mind "at gretar lenth." Edinburgh. Signed: Your gud frind Marie R.

½ p. Written and addressed by Hay. Indorsed (by Cecil's clerk). Small wafer signet (Scotland).

513. Lennox to Elizabeth. [June 7.]

Though before leaving Scotland, I had not received assurance of your majesty's favour, or answer to my humble petitions, yet with the hope that my wife's letter sent by M^r Kyllygrew, put me in, and remembering your graciously sending to the Queen of Scots to stay that "most parciall and onressonable daye of lawe apoyntyt for the clengyng of hyme who was the cheif percecwtar and mortherar of the layt kyng of Scotland my sonne—I meane therlle Bothwell": and having a great desire to speak with you, I took my voyage towards Portsmouth, but was by great storm of weather and contrary wind, drivin on the coast of Brittany. I have been all this while stayed there "after a sort," till of late released by the governor of that country, and am now come to Southampton, minding not only "to submyt me hooly" to your merciful hands next to God, but also to serve you, trusting that your highness will remember the murder of your poor kinsman, till upright justice may be had. I await your gracious answer before presuming to depart hence. Southampton. Signed: Mathow Levenax.

1 p. Addressed. Indorsed (by Cecil's clerk). Wafer signet quartered. Lennox in pretence—indistinct. "M.S." at sides.

514. Proclamation by the Lords of Scotland. [June 11.]

"Heir followis the proclamatioun that the nobilitie and lordis maid at the Croce of Edinburgh the xi day of Junij 1567, declaring the effect of thair assemblie in armour."

Charging all subjects, specially the burgesses of Edinburgh, to assist them in delivering the Queen, revenging the late king's murder, and preserving the prince's person. Commanding the lords of session etc., to sit for justice, notwithstanding any tumult or bruit of this enterprise. Subscribed with their hands. At the Cannagait.

1 p. Blackletter. "Imprentit at Edinburgh be Robert Lekprevik." Indorsed (by Cecil's clerk).

(2) Another copy of same.

Indorsed (by Cecil's clerk): ". . . at Edenburgh Castle."

515. Morton, Etc., to Lord Gray. [June 12.] Add. MSS. 32,091, fol. 210.

The greatest part of the nobility awaiting the rest coming, have assembled to "put remeid" to the dangerous and miserable estate of our commonwealth: viz., that the Queen majesty may be delivered from thraldom, the prince preserved, and the cruel murder of the king his father "tryit," whereby our native country may be relieved of the shameful slander it has incurred among all nations. This action concerns your lordship and all that tender the commonweal and establishment of the religion: wherefore we pray you to repair to this town, substantiously accompanied with your honest friends and servants, to advise with us on the premises. Awaiting your coming. Edinburgh. Signed: Mortoun, Mar, Sympyll, Patrik 1. Lyndsay, Sanquhar.

1 p. Addressed: "To our assurit freind my lord Gray."

516. Act of the Secret Council of Scotland. [June 12.]

Declaring that James earl Bothwell on 24^th April last, put violent hands on the Queen, compelled her to an "unhonest" marriage, and was the principal deviser and instrument of the late king's murder—commanding a macer and officer of arms to pass to the market crosses of Edinburgh, Perth, Dundee, S^t Andrews, Stirling, Glasgow etc., and charge all the lieges on 3 hours warning to pass forward with the said lords of Secret Council and nobility to deliver the Queen from captivity, and bring the said Bothwell and his complices to underly the laws of the realm for the king's cruel murder, and "ravissing and detening" the Queen's person. Commanding all that will not assist, or are complices of Bothwell, within 4 hours after publication of the present act, to void and "red" themselves furth of Edinburgh, or they will be held as enemies, and punished in body and goods. Tolbooth of Edinburgh.

1 p. Blackletter. "Imprentit at Edinburgh be Robert Lekprevik 1567." Indorsed: "Coppie of the last proclamation maid by the lordis in the town of Edenbourgh. To Mester Melville."

(2) Another copy of same.

Indorsed (by Cecil's clerk).

517. Surrender of Queen Mary at Carberry Hill. [June 15.]

[A coloured drawing showing the position of the two forces—to the right (or east side) the Queen and Bothwell, with the banner of Scotland and 4 pieces of cannon; to the left (west side) three bodies of spearmen headed by the laird of Grange, the Lord Hume, and Earl of Morton. Between the two armies the Queen is represented led on horseback to the lord Hume's division. Grange on horseback raises his hat to her. The names of adjacent places are given, and there is much life in the drawing. The Forth in the distance.]

On paper, about 2 feet × 16 inches. Indorsed: "The meting of the Lordis with the Quene of Scotts in the feild."

518. Allegorical Sketch. [June.]

[In colour, representing the Queen crowned, naked to the waist, as a mermaid; in her right hand waving a curved stem with two wings at the end; in her left holding an article of oblong shape; at side "M.R." The face is very pleasing. Below within a circle surrounded by 17 swords or daggers points outwards, a hare or rabbit, "I.H." above.]

Indorsed (by Drury): "The peoples applyyng of thys "I.H." is for thearle Bodevell Jhon Heyborne."

(2) A rude copy of same, with mottoes—Spe illecto inani, Timor undique clades, etc.

519. Banner of the Confederate Lords. [June 15.]

[Coloured drawing representing Darnley's dead body (nearly naked) lying under a tree. "I.H.S." in a circle above, and the infant prince kneeling at one side, a scroll above—"Judge and revenge my caus O Lord."]

paper, 18 in. × 12 in. Indorsed: "June. The manner of the lordes banner."

520. Exhortation to the Lords. [June.]

[A poem of 19 stanzas of 8 lines each. The first line "My lordis now gif ye be wyse" etc. Evidently after the Queen had surrendered, urging that they keep her safe—put Bothwell to death—make provision for the ministers, and bring up the prince in a godly manner.]

Broadsheet. Blackletter. Printed by Lekprevik. Indorsed (by Cecil's clerk): "June 1567. An exhortation to the lordis of Scotland in metre."

521. Bond of The Confederate Lords And Others. [June 15.]

Recapitulating all the proceedings of Bothwell since the king's murder, sufficient to prove his guilt "althocht thair wer na uther pruif"—his procuring a divorce from his lawful wife grounded on his own "turpitude," using the order both by the ordinary commissary, as in form and manner of the Roman kirk, showing that he was of no religion—and binding themselves, earls, lords, barons, "commissaris" of burghs and others, to take true part together till the author of the said murder and "revesing" be condignly punished, the said unlawful marriage dissolved and annulled, the Queen relieved from the thraldom, bondage, and ignominy which she has sustained, the person of the innocent prince reposed in surety, and justice restored to all the subjects of the realm. Subscribed with their hands at Edinburgh.

Broadsheet. Scottish hand. Indorsed: "Copie of the bond."

(2) Another copy of same.

Broadsheet. Another hand.

Said to be printed, Anderson, vol. I., page 134, from Pricy Council Records; also by Keith, vol. II., p. 648, from same.

522. [Haryson] to [Drury.] [June 17.]

I came to Edinburgh "this Monday (fn. 1) by ix houres" where the lords were, viz., Morton, Atholl, Glencarn, "Merche," (fn. 2) Ruthven, Lindsay, Howme, Semple and a number of barons. This Monday night the Queen is conveyed to Lochleven, in a loch 1½ mile from land. The manner of the field was this—when the armies were near, Bothwell, seeing his party not sufficient, offered to fight with Morton, "Merch," or Lyndsay, to prevent more bloodshed. Lyndsay offered the lords to do him that honour, it was granted, and he made ready; meanwhile Bothwell, not intending to fight, made ready to his "convay" to Dunbar. Blacketer and Wedderburne hearing this, came to the Queen, and showed their opinion thus—'Pleaseth it your grace that instauntly as my lord Bothwell is desierus to fight in the matter upon his own desier, yt appeareth his cause is not just: therfor we refuese his parte, and woll not mydle therwith,' and so "lape" on their horses. The Queen seeing this, "drave tyme" till she got Bothwell well forward to Dunbar, "and then came to theme (fn. 3) with as great a stomack as ever she had." I have resolved your honour's matter with "Grandg and others: of the answeares of your letters you knowe of, I persave somthing I woll not wryte, but this bearer wyll declare my partes. Alwaies John Red is to come to you incon tenent frome my lord (fn. 4) and others to pase up soune. As for to discuse all thinges at lenthe I cano: but hathe somthing showene the bearer, whome yt pleas you to credet." I hear not of the "castelles surrendering, albeit thay be in mynde to seage Downbarr." I know M^r Colwiche will be "participat" of these letters, so spare writing to him. I told them you would have sent 200 hagbutters on my lord of Bedford's "came to Howme and forder" if they pleased—to encourage them. My hearty commendations to my lady, M^r Colwich, M^r Pycken and M^r Nycholas.

Captain Blaketer and Basten are taken. Haryson. (fn. 5)

2¼ pp. Indorsed (by Cecil's clerk): "June 1567. Copy of a letter to [ ] of the newes of Scotland."

523. Huntly and others to the [Arch] Bishop of Glasgow. [June 17.]

The Earls Atholl, Morton, Glencairn and Marr, Lords Home, Ruthven, Lindsay, Semple and Creychtoun, joining with others, purposed to invade Borthwick, but the Queen "evadit" to Dunbar. Meanwhile coming to Edinburgh, though we resisted, they found such favour with the town that we retired to the castle, whence after "strang" watching for 5 days we escaped, the Queen being in the field "on Sondaye last the xv^th of this instant June," and came to Lythqwo, where a good company of the Duke of Chatelherault's friends with my lord of Arbroath, were assembled to relieve the Queen. But on coming by Edinburgh they were surely advertised that her majesty was taken and is now captive at Lochleven. Though attempted by "a few number," yet the enterprise has been so secretly "convoyed" that it could not have been "prevenit." As this taking of our sovereign is against all law and order, we will with the rest of her true and faithful subjects, assemble for her relief. And desire you to advertise the king of France hereof, for the same is not only our sovereign's cause, but concerns as well his highness and all other princes, and if any "other forain nation wold sett forward their attemptates," that he would fortify and maintain our realm princes and commonweal as he and his predecessors have done before. (fn. 6) "Your lordships assuret gud frendes at power, Huntlye, Sanctandr, Arbrothe, Flemyng, Jo. E. Rossen, Ross, R. Boyd, Kilwynning."

2 pp. Written by Cecil's clerk. Indorsed (by him): "17 Junij 1567. Copye of therle Huntleys and other lordis lettres to the B. of Glasco emb. in France."

(2) Another copy of same.

2 pp. Another handwriting. Indorsed (by Cecil's clerk). Greatly damaged and torn.

524. Morton to Drury. [June 19.]

I have commanded the bearer my servant sent to Sir John Forster, to come by you and take your licence for post horses. And as he is "wele ineuch" known to you, I thought it more meet to let you understand the state of this country by him, than write it. Edinburgh. Signed: Mortoun.

½ p. Addressed: To the worschipfull and my verey guid frend Maister William Drury marschall of Barwik."

525. Morton, Atholl, etc., to Bedford. [June 20.]

Being assembled here for certain purposes (as we doubt not you shall hear before this come to your hands) the bearer will expone the matter to you at greater length than we need write, who is commanded to speak you, being we understand "in the way." Give him firm credit. Edinburgh. Signed: Mortoun, Atholl, Glencarn, Mar, Alexr. 1. Home, Sympyll, Sanquhar, Wchiltre, W. Maitland, S^r J. Balfour.

1 p. Written and addressed by Hay. Indorsed (by Cecil's clerk): " . . . . The Erle Morton, and other lordes of Scotland to therle of Bedford, by G. Douglas."

526. Kyrkcaldy to Bedford. [June 20.]

"I dout not or this ticat sall cum to your lordschipis handis, but that your honour sall have resavit sum wrytingis of myn" partly answering your letters, and letting you understand things "chanset" here. What I have not written I desired Robert Melvin to show you. Concerning the prince, I have travailed with some of my acquaintance, but they say they dare not meddle therewith presently, for fear it shall open up a "gretter and wechtyer" matter to our enemies: for the Hamiltons begin to suspect we will crown the prince, "quhilk I assure your lordschip wes nevir spoken amangis us; and therfor it is thocht best to suspend all answer in that point till tyme serve better." As I am burdened with the affairs "that belangis to the feildis," I have left the handling of the other to the [lords?] (fn. 7) and Robert Melvin, and remit present doings to the bearer. Edinburgh. Signed: W. Kyrkcaldy.

1 p. Holograph, also address. Indorsed (by Cecil's clerk).

527. M. du Croc to Charles IX. [June 21.]

"Syre,"—I sent you a courier "Mardi" 17^th instant, with the displeasing news of this realm. Those who have preferred themselves are the Earl of Mar governor of the prince, the earls of Atholl, Morton, and Glencairn, the lords Hume and Lindsay, and hold the Queen in Lochleven, surrounded, as I reported, by a lake of 3 or 4 leagues circuit, and impregnable. They have the prince at Stirling, and hold this town and castle, the captain of which has sat at council these two days. "qui est ung vray traistre nomme Bauffour." They have all the artillery, save a little at Dunbar. The Duke the Queen's husband, embarked within these three days, whither is unknown. I think he will not leave the coast. I have a letter from the Hamiltons with 8 or 10 signatures, and hope for another to-morrow from Argyll and Huntly, who will die they say to rescue the Queen from captivity. They see those risen against her, would wreck the house of the "Stuartz." I see well by her majesty, your mother's letter of 26^th March (which she desired me to burn after showing to the Queen her "belle fille") was much to the point. "N." comes almost daily, and makes me the greatest oath that there is no intelligence "en. ch." I think he lies to me, "et ceulz cy dessus nommez" are strongest in the field, but the others hold the Queen, prince, horse, and artillery. They ask aid from you, wherefore "Sire" I hold it lost. For those "cy apres" though strong in the field, will be obliged to retreat. M. de Villeroy arrives to-night at Berwick and dare not pass without my news. I send him to-morrow a good escort, and he will be here this Monday evening. I will demand audience of the lords, that we may see the Queen; if they refuse I will speak "bien" to them and will go to see the Hamiltons, who are 12 leagues from hence. Lislebourg.

1½ pp. French. Indorsed (by Cecil's clerk): "Dated xxj Junij 1567. Copy of Du Crocz lettre to the French king out of Scotland—deciphred xxix° Junij 1567."

528. Maitland to Cecil. [June 21.]

The reverence and affection I have ever borne to the Queen my mistress occasioned me to stay so long in company with Bothwell in the Court, as my life has every day been in danger "sence he began to aspire to any grandeur," besides the hasard of my reputation in the sight of men of honour, who thought it no small spot that by my countenance or company with him I should favour such a man as he is. So finding the best of the nobility resolved to look narrowly to his doings, and being required by them, I could not refuse to join in so just and honourable a cause, "the grownd wheroff" the bearer M^r Mailvill can report to you at length. I pray by your means we may find the Queen's majesty's favourable allowance of our proceedings, and in case of need, her support of the execution of justice on those found guilty of the abominable murder of one who had the honour to be of her majesty's blood. If it pleased her to aid these noblemen with a small sum of money to levy harquebusiers, it would make a short and sudden end of that enterprise, in my opinion. Edinburgh. Signed: W. Maitland.

1 p. Holograph, also address. Indorsed (by Cecil's clerk).

529. Elizabeth to Mary. [June 23.]

"Madame,"—It has been always held in friendship "that prosperite provideth, but adversite proveth frendes," wherefore we comfort you with these few words. We understand by your trusty servant Robert Melvill of your estate, and as much as could be said for your marriage. To be plain with you, our grief has not been small thereat: for how could a worse choice be made for your honor than in such haste to marry such a subject who, besides other notorious lacks, public fame has charged with the murder of your late husband, besides touching yourself in some part, though we trust in that behalf falsely! And with what peril have you married him, that hath another lawful wife alive, whereby neither by God's law nor man's, yourself can be his lawful wife nor any children betwixt you legitimate?

Thus you see our opinion plainly, and we are heartily sorry we can conceive no better, what colourable reasons soever we have heard of your servant to induce us otherwise. We are earnestly bent to do every thing in our power to procure the punishment of that murder against any subject you have "how deare soever you shuld hold hym," and next thereto, to be careful how your son the prince may be preserved to the comfort of you and your realm.

For your comfort in such your present adversity, as we hear you are in, we are determined to do all in our power for your honour and safety, and to send with all speed one of our trusty servants not only to understand your state, but thereon so to deal with your nobility and people, as they shall find you not to lack our friendship and power. Our Manor of Rychmond, the 23 June 1567.

3 pp. Draft by Cecil, corrected. Indorsed (by his clerk). ". . . By M^r Melvill."

530. Robert Melvill to Cecil. [June [24].]

Please to remember when your ambassador is despatched, to send my instructions with him, and I pray you move her majesty to appoint some commissioners "to mak sum end of the Mester Merschall ransowne." I have spoken with "Mester Bisschope" to know if he will go with my lord of Lennox to Scotland? Who answered he would be directed by your honor. He may serve to good purpose both for experience of the country, and for religion, as well as to keep friendship between Lennox and his friends there. I know Murray has a good opinion of him, and he will employ his service to withdraw us from France. "Quhow he is in my lord and ladye Lennox favour, I am not certane," but it will please you to "adwys" hereon. "This Tysdaye, at Loundoun." Signed: R. Melvill.

1 p. Holograph, also address. Indorsed (by Cecil's clerk).

531. Occurrences in Scotland. [June 14–24.]

Account of the Queen's surrender to the lords in the fields near Musselburgh, the flight of Bothwell to Dunbar, and her detention in Lochleven till justice be done on the king's murderers. She will agree to nothing whereby Bothwell shall be in danger; report of his joining the Hamiltons, who make a party "to the end to move cyvill troble, wishyng nether to the Quene nor the prince well, in respect of ther own interest to the Crown." On 24^th Captain "Blacketer" was hanged, "hedded, and his armes and legges broken, for the murder." His man a "Flemming" is also taken. A servant of Bothwell's is taken, and confessed that the Earl was in person at the murder, and carried in 2 trunks, made for apparel only, with gunpowder. Others taken confess the same, "with some other very strange thynges." Some noblemen now joined with the Hamiltons, were privy that the king "shuld be rydd out of his liff," but not "of the manner."

1 p. Written by Cecil's clerk, with many additions etc., by Cecil. Indorsed: ". . . a note . . . sence the xvij^th of June."

532. David Robertson to R. Melvill. Elizabeth. [June 26. 1567.]

I have made request for silver to you. They answer, if ye get any there to help them with, to take your part of it, and beware that none come into my lord of Lennox's hands and "disponyng." You have done ill to declare yourself so soon and so openly in the lords' affairs, for something is come to the knowledge of the French ambassador here. "Mestre Jeny" has asked me again this night to write and pray you to bring him "an hacqueney that is gud, stark, sure and easie, whatsoever he cost, for his hors is dead, and no lyf beleved to his wyf." Mestre David Robertson.

½ p. Partly in cipher. Copy by Robert Melvill. Indorsed (by Cecil's clerk).

(2) Decipher of part of same.

533. Morton, Atholl, etc. to Elizabeth. [June 26.]

The heavy burden, slander, and ignominy, sustained by this realm and chiefly the nobility, among all nations, for the odious murder of the late king, yet unpunished, constrained us at last to take arms to bring the murderers to justice. Though at the departure of our trusty friend Robert Malvile to your majestie, "our interprys wes then latent," we willed him to declare the same, and understand that your highness has accepted our proceedings favourably, offering to support us in this godly quarrel; for which we offer our most humble thanks. We have willed Melville to declare farther of the estate here, and beseech your highness to give him audience and firm credit. Edinburgh. Signed: Morton, Atholl, Alex^r Glencarn, Mar, Alex^r 1. Home, Sympyll, Sanquhar, Wchiltre.

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

534. Maitland to Cecil. [June 28.]

Understanding by his friend M^r Melvill's letters, his good acceptance of these noblemen's "querrell" for punishment of the King's murder and preservation of the prince, and her majesty's gentle answer by his furtherance—is no less bound thereby than if he were alone in the action; for on its success depend the lives and lands of all the partakers. Refers him to Melvill who is amply instructed of the merits of their action, and their desires of her Majesty. Edinburgh. Signed: W. Maitland.

1 p. Holograph, also address. Indorsed (by Cecil's clerk).

535. Robert Melvill to Cecil. [June 28.]

Understanding from M^r Marshal that a packet of letters sent me from the lords is directed to you, I pray it may return "with the first." Your ambassador must be "haistit," also Lennox, for I hear the Hamiltons "seamis to do sumquhat." Berwick. Signed: Robert Melvill.

½ p. Holograph, also address. Indorsed (by Cecil's clerk).

536. Bond by the Lords of Mary's party. Elizabeth. [June 29. 1567.]

Forasmuch as the Queen our sovereign is detained captive in Lochleven, we the subscribers promise to make our exact diligence to put her to liberty, on such conditions as may stand with her honour, the commonweal of the realm and nobility, and the security of those who have her majesty in keeping. And if they refuse these reasonable conditions, we engage ourselves, our kin, friends, bodies and lives for her liberty, and to concur in punishing the king's murder, and for the prince's liberty. At Dunbarton. S^t Androwes, Argiel, Huntleye, Arbrothe, Galloway, Ros, Fleming, Boyde, Herris, "Scarlinge, comptroller," Kyllwynninge, W^m Hamiltoun of Sancher, knight.

1 p. Copy by Cecil's clerk. Indorsed: " . . . the copye of the bande which the lordes that seeke the Q. delyveraunce have subscryvet with theyre names."

537. Elizabeth to Mary. [June 30.]

"Madame,"—Our perplexity is such for your trouble, and the occasions, "that we can not fynd the old waye which we wer accustomed to walk in, by wrytyng to you with our own hand"; yet we mean no lack of friendship. We therefore send this bearer our very trusty servant Sir Nicholas Throkmorton, both to understand your state and impart our meaning at more length than we could to your own faithful servant Robert Melvyn, though he used much earnest speech on your behalf: yet such is the general report of you to the contrary, and the evidence of your own acts since your husband's death, that we could not be satisfied by him. Wherefore credit the bearer as ourselves. From our house of Richmond. 9^th of our reign.

1 p. Draft by Cecil. Indorsed: " . . . Copia" etc.

538. Instructions to Throkmorton. [June 30.]

He is to declare the Queen's grief at the evil accidents that of late happened from time to time to the Queen of Scots, impairing her fame and honour, specially on the death of her husband horribly murdered so near to her, and so few hours after her being with him, and nothing done to punish the murderers: next favouring Bothwell and his associates, men of notorious evil name, whom the world charged with the murder; thirdly, with maintaining him in procuring such "a strange divorse from his wife a good lady—as never was hard that a man gilty shuld for his offences putt away his innocent wife, and that to be coloured by forme of lawe!" finally, to take such a defamed person to her husband. Which things almost made her Majesty think to deal no more with her by way of advice, but look on her as a "person desperat to recover her honor," as other princes her friends and near kinsfolk also judge. But now finding from intestine troubles, she is restrained by her nobility and subjects from liberty, the Queen has changed her intention of silence and forbearing to deal in her sister's causes, to commiseration for her and determination to aid and relieve her by all possible means to recover her liberty: "and not suffer hir, being by Goddes ordonnance the prince and soverayne, to be in subjection to them that by nature and lawe are subjected to hir."

He is to require of the Queen of Scots what she wishes Elizabeth to do for her liberty, and to assure her as much shall be done for her as if her natural sister or daughter (the case duly considered). To declare to her what her nobility and subjects charge her with, and with discretion point out matters wherein her fault cannot be covered, yet may by policy be so used that her honour may be saved from ruin. He shall assure the nobility that her majesty neither can nor will endure for any respect, to have her their sovereign imprisoned or deprived of her estate, or put in peril of her person. Generally to do his best to bring about accord between their Queen and them. And if any demand is made on her by them, which she dislikes, her majesty will frankly deal therein if asked to judge of it. The Queen has determined to rest on these heads—(1) to restore Mary to liberty by persuasion and treaty or by force, (2) to procure due punishment of her husband's murder, and (3) to preserve the young prince from all danger.

If he were kept in England many good things may ensue to him of no small moment hereafter, as she may well allow. He might be placed in custody of his grandmother, with all security of hostages etc., that can be devised, and herein the ambassador is to do his utmost.

6 pp. Draft much altered by Cecil. Indorsed (by his clerk). printed in Keith, Vol. II., p. 667.

539. Elizabeth to the Lords of Scotland. [June 30.]

Hearing of the late inward troubles much to her grief and displeasure, she has sent the bearer Sir Nicolas Throkmorton chamberlain of her Exchequer and gentleman of her privy chamber, addressed both to her good sister their Sovereign and to themselves, to declare her mind: praying them to suffer him to resort to the Queen, and credit him as from herself.

1 p. Draft corrected by Cecil. Indorsed (by his clerk).

(2) Another copy. Dated Richmond ultimo Junij.

1 p. Written by Cecil's clerk. Indorsed.

540. Instructions to Throkmorton. [June 30.]

Things to be imparted to the lords:—

They are required to allow him access to their Sovereign. The Queen's objects are only the weal of their realm, to prosecute the king's murderers, and preserve the child their prince. In both cases she will further their reasonable demands. He is to urge concord between their Sovereign and them—also to declare that as a sister Sovereign their Queen cannot be detained prisoner or deprived of her princely state. To show them how incredibly her majesty took it at first, that persons of such honour as they be, (the principal nobility of that realm,) could offer such violence to their Sovereign as to commit her to any manner of prison. For, though not denying she may be charged with faults or oversights, it does not appertain to subjects so to reform their prince, but to deal by advice and counsel, and failing thereof, "to recommend the rest to Almyghty God." And he may say, her majesty does not think this, because her self by God's order a prince; but it is "so ordeynid by God, and receyvid for a truth in doctryne in all good Christien governmentes." And while she thus thinks of their proceedings, he is to assure them she means not to allow the faults imputed by report to their Sovereign, but has given him strait charge to reprove her for the same, as is not "unlefull" for her to do, being also a Queen and her next cousin and neighbour: and she should conform herself to good accord with her nobles and people to bring her realm to quietness. After thus dealing generally, he is to deal with some of them he chooses for the purpose, thus:—As they have disclosed the means used to them by France, he shall remind them of the evil results of putting their realm under the government of France, as themselves have experienced. As for aid: that her majesty found it strange, that till they met their Sovereign in the field, she never heard from them in any credible sort, nor indeed hitherto by any authorised person, till [ (fn. 8) ] who could show no letter or writing, nor had even spoken with the lords himself, but had only a message—therefore she has sent Throkmorton to know their full intentions. And till better knowledge is had by him, she can give no assistance.

4¼ pp. Official draft corrected by Cecil. Indorsed (by his clerk): " . . . Copy of thinstructions for N. Throkmorton for matters to be imparted to the lordes of Scotland."

541. Summons against the Duke of Orkney, etc. [June 30.]

Signet letters—"Marie be the grace of God quene of Scottis, to our lovittis Adam M^cCullocht Marchemont herald, Thomas Donaldsoun, Alexander M^cCullocht . . . messingeris." On the complaint of her dearest son, "the native prince and stewart" of her realm, and the remaining kin and friends of the late king, Maisters John Spens of Condy and Robert Creichtoun of Elliok, her advocates for her interest—narrates the treasonable murder of the king "liand in his bed takand the nychtis rest"—the complicity of "James now Duke of Orknay, then Erle Boithvile" and his servants therein—slaying William Tailyeour the king's servant and Andro M^cCaig there—his blowing up the house—his sham trial, maintaining "umquhill William Blacater" (and others)—with 1000 horse on 25^th April last besetting the highway between Lithquow and Edinburgh "beside the Foul briggis," and taking the Queen's most noble person by force to her castle of Dunbar, detaining her, and for fear of her life making her promise to marry him—on same day taking prisoners Huntly and William Maitland of Lethington "knycht" her secretary, asked to speak with him under trust, etc. etc. Charging them in her name to warn the said earl Bothwell and his complices to appear before her justice or his deputies within the Tolbooth of Edinburgh on the 22^nd day of August next to come, to underly the law, with certification if they fail, that they shall be declared rebels and put to the horn etc. Given under our signet at Edinburgh the last day of June 25^th year of our reign. Ex deliberatione Dominorum Consilii.

2 pp. Broadsheet. Scottish official hand. Indorsed (by Cecil's clerk): "Thexcepcyons taken to the Erle Bodwells proces wherof he was acquyte, and declaracyon of matters to charge hym on newe." Damaged.