Elizabeth: February 1569

982. Sir F. Knollys to Cecil. [Feb. 1.] C.P., vol. III.

My lady Leviston, "whom this Quene dothe exteme moste dearlye," fell sick yesterday at Rotheram immediately before our coming away—whereon though the Queen did not greatly contend to stay her remove, yet by the way the pain and "wynde" of her side troubled her, she found her head not well, and her disease so increased last night, and we found her so unwilling to remove suddenly hence, till she heard if my lady Leviston could join her today: that we thought it best to yield to her fancy, and offer to stay here this day and tomorrow—the rather because the gentleman of this house, M^r Fulgeham, is a very worthy man and dutiful subject, and in all respects it is a fitter place than any we have found hitherto. And we were glad by this "curtesie" to make her more tractable and avoid the inconveniences, if she had feigned herself sick, or on displeasure the wind in her side might have grown on her: yet the alteration of removing is cumbrous to the country.

I marvel we heard nothing of the Duke's passage to Scotland, who lies tonight at "Dankester." I am much bound to you in divers respects, but had never so much need of your good will as now. M^r Fulgeham's house beside Chesterfield. Signed: F. Knollys.

1 p. Holograph. Addressed. Indorsed (by Cecil):" . . . Received 3 Februar."

983. Elizabeth to Mary. [Feb. 3.] C.P., vol. III.

Madame:—We have received by the Bishop of Ross your letters, one from Bolton the other at Rippon: whereby we perceive your departure from Bolton "hath not ben the lest to your contentacion" (fn. 1) —though we see not why—and have given our reasons to said bishop: assuring ourselves you shall find honourable usage with our cousin of Shrewsbury. Meantime quiet yourself in all things according to the princely good heart that God hath given you, and be assured, if no impediments are ministered to us by yourself, or those whom you avow—as we have lately seen to our grief—we will take care of your causes "as in honour we shall alwayes answer to your trust reposid in us." Whereof this instant openly before our council, we gave occasion to the bishop and Lord Herries to take hold of some opportunity to do you good—but we know not how, they pretending lack of commission, rather desired to return, thinking you will send others to us, or give themselves further authority to treat. Wherefore we have stayed our intent and licensed them to depart to you "as persons whom we cannot choose but commende for their paynefull travelles and dutyfull dealyng with us at all tymes for you."

1 p. Draft corrected by Cecil.

(2) Another copy in same hand, with additional clause by Cecil: "And particularly we thynk the Bishop of Ross will declare unto you what manner of privat conferencees he hath had with us at sondry tymes concerning your weale, and how good disposition he hath found in us, as farr as our honor might beare, to reduce your causees to quietnes, to whose report we thynk it good you have regard." Your servant [] Beton requires license to return, and we cannot forbear to say we have in all "his servicees towardes us for you, found hym paynefull, dilligent and circumspect."

1½ pp. Indorsed (by Cecil's clerk): " . . . By the B. of Rosse and the L. Hereys."

984. Chatelherault to Sussex. [Feb. 4.] C.P., vol. III.

I have read and considered both the double of the writings which my sovereign is said to have sent to my son and her faction for proclamation, and also of your sovereign's proclamation "in the contrar": and I assure your lordship, on my honour and "lawtie," and before God, that I never knew of the same, till two or three days before taking leave of her majesty, that my sovereign's commissioners showed me that the council had told them thereof, and that my sovereign "pleingyeit (fn. 2) greitlie" at the report of Murray's delivering her son to her majesty, and his having had presence to accuse her while she was denied; and desired her faithful subjects to stop the same, Mar not to deliver the child, and Grange to hold the castle of Edinburgh—all to your sovereign's great offence. I cannot believe her highness would have written so; and if done by ill advice, I am very sorry she has offended her majesty, her nearest in blood of any prince on earth, and who will "rathest" help her to her own. As to my accepting any such commission to set forward "sik inventid leis,"ye may assure her highness on my honour I never desired nor was offered any such: and though I will not refuse on command to resist my sovereign's disobedient subjects, I will never maintain anything justly offensive to her majesty, to whom I have never failed since I promised her kindness, and will serve her to my utmost power, saving my allegiance. And I wish nothing more than perpetual amity between the two sovereigns and their realms. Praying your honour to signify this to her majesty, and beseech her to give no credit to my ill willers. Begging speedy answer, for I will remain here 5 or 6 days to know her pleasure; and if I am longer stayed, I must of very necessity "put the sobir folkis I haiff fra me": so you will be compelled to put me "in sum quyet prissoun against my will": though I believe her majesty will never do this, having her free passport. I have remained in this realm "mair nor tuentye oulkis," (fn. 3) sixteen of them at her desire, notwithstanding my great necessity "quhilk I am in ane pairt eschamit to expreme, quhowbeit it is weill anewche knawin to the goldsmythis in Cheipsyd, quhome unto I haiff bene constranit to sell the sobir silver plait I had, to furneis my expenssis sence I com within this realme." York. Signed: Your lordschipis assuretlye, James Hammylton.

2 pp. Addressed: "To . . . my lord erle of Sussex, lord Feiswatter and precedent of the quenis majesteis counsell establischit in the northe." Indorsed (by Cecil's clerk).

985. Sussex to Cecil. [Feb. 4.] C.P., vol. III.

By my letters to her majesty, you will see how I have dealt with "Chatylerhaulte," his answer, and my opinion "not to truste to ferre upon feyer wordes. "He promises not to offend her majesty, and affirms that the Scottish Queen of late commanded him not to stir unless pressed to it in defence, as she expects some from her majesty soon to treat with her: but by some of his people's speeches, he will not be long at home in quiet. He required me to convey the enclosed packet to the bishop of Ross and Lord Herries—which use as you please.

Desiring to write to the Scottish Queen, he asked post horses for his servant to go and return—which I avoided by excusing my lack of authority.

Sir Henry Gates has duly executed his commission to invite and attend the Duke hither, whereby I am better informed of the resort to him. He will tarry here and have an "iye" [eye] on those matters while the Duke stays here. I mean to bid the Duke to dinner on Sunday, (fn. 4) as I have done all others before him. York. Signed: T. Sussex.

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

986. Shrewsbury and Knollys to Cecil. [Feb. 5.] C.P., vol. III.

The Queen of Scots arrived here yesterday afternoon in good health, though some of her women were sick by the way. After I the Earl had declared my message, she took it "in modest maner," and answered with "temperate wordes," as she did in like case to me the vicechamberlain. So all passed without sign of offence. Then on meet occasion to talk, she was content her attendants (presently 60) should be reduced to 30, besides her women and grooms of stable. As our officer of household is utterly destitute of money, and I the Vicechamberlain have not sufficient for my own charges to London, we desire that 500l. at least may be sent down with all speed for her majesty's service. Tutbury Castle. Signed: G. Shrouesbury, F. Knollys.

Postscript: (fn. 5) My brother remains here as commanded till I return to court next week. M^r Morton also, to instruct my lord's men in careful watch and ward.

2 pp. Addressed. Indorsed (by Cecil's clerk).

987. Names etc. of Mary's Servants. Elizabeth. [Feb. 1568–69.] C.P., vol. III.

Chief Men, 10:—Belton, master of household; Leviston, master of horse; Bortyque of the pantry; Laird of Gartleye; Crawfort, the carver M^r Magarine, "medesiner;" Peter Rolat, secretary; M^r Arnold Collommius, surgeon; Gary Formeir, controller; Alexander Boge.

Varlets of Chamber, 6:—Bastien, Balthasar Hulls, Gylbart Curle, Ange Marye; Will Douglas, Florans Gwarde.

Usher of the Chamber:—Arche Beton.

The Wardrobe, 2:—Robart Mackinson, John Cristeles.

Taylor:—Jacques Seuller.

Tapisser:—Florens Broshere.

Pantrie, 2:—William the sumlyer, Gwyon Lossellewr.

Sumler, 2:—Didye Chiftard, Gillya Royde.

Kitchen, 3:—Astyan Hana, master cook; Martyne Hewyt, Pearse Medard.

Pastry, 2:—Jahn de Bona, pastler; Clawd Gaulona, baker.

Lord Leviston, 2 gentlemen, 2 lacqueys, 1 page—6.

Sum 30—one more permitted to Lord Leviston.

Stable, 9:—2 pages, 3 lackeys, 3 horsekeepers, the "ferror." 10 horse. Provided in town till the Queen's pleasure known.

Servants, 13:—Mastris Seton, M^r Household, M^r Stabler, the phisician, Secretary Rolet, the surgeon, controller, Bastien, M^r cook, pantler, cellar, someler, taylor—1 man each—"liij" "Mr Beton." (fn. 6)

This order not yet executed, but only warning given till her majesty's pleasure be known—though they cease not to urge the whole number. Signed: G. Shrouesbury.

2 pp. In two hands—notes by Cecil. Indorsed (by Sir F. Knollys).

988. Sir F. Knollys to Cecil. [Feb. 5.] C.P., vol. III.

It is forgotten in my lord's letter, to know her majesty's pleasure touching Lord Boyd this Queen's commissioner? who, when she left Bolton, desired he might come hither with her, as her majesty had stayed his passage home, and if he remained there, could not learn when she would license him; this Queen also saying she could not with honour leave him in "that desolate place." So here he lies at his own charges, but whether this be fit for her majesty's service, I refer to your consideration. Tutbury. Signed: F. Knollys.

1 p. Holograph. Addressed. Indorsed.

989. The Regent to Cecil. [Feb. 8.]

Being come to Stirling to await the convention of the "obedient" nobility, I would not delay till the end, to let you know of my arrival, past the enterprises laid in our way by our adversaries, who have done all they could in troubling our friends. recovering houses held for the king, telling the people we would never return, and other lies: whereby they would have utterly despaired, but for our own presence and her majesty's declaration. As things fall out, ye shall hear, doubting not your good will and friendship: and hope in God our enemies' bragging shall not prevail, as it has done. Stirling Castle. Signed: James Regent.

The principal letters by the Queen mother from Boltoun, I hear were in "chiffre," and the copies sent abroad: so I know not the principals yet. After writing this far, I had this principal letter to my uncle Mar, whereof I sent you the copy from Huntington, and got it back at Berwick. This letter I suppose can resolve you: and yet in respect of him that it was written to, "quha hes na will that the lettrez sent to him be objectit aganis hir," I heartily desire you after you have seen it yourself, ye will return it to me in the next packet. I trust ye will direct M^r Pellem anew of what I look for at his hands.

1 p. Written and addressed by Hay. Indorsed (by Cecil's clerk).

990. Shrewsbury to Cecil. [Feb. 8.] C.P., vol. III.

About noon yesterday, the Bishop of Ross and Lord Herries arrived, and under their passports had access to the Queen of Scots. As she is very desirous to have the bishop stay here, alleging the Queen's majesty's will is so, I desire the same with speed: and meantime will see they abstain from conference as instructed. She also makes some complaint of money and that her horses may be provided and grooms found at her majesty's charges—not allowed before. And whereas she alleges the Queen's pleasure that, as at Bolton, she may have liberty to write or send, both to her majesty as to Scotland: I humbly desire to know her pleasure therein. Tutbury Castle. Signed: G. Shrouesbury.

1 p. Addressed. Indorsed.

991. Sussex to Cecil. [Feb. 8.] C.P., vol. III.

Upon Sunday morning (fn. 7) I heard that the Duke of Chatelherault had sent away a footman with letters—and doubting they were for the Scottish Queen, I dispatched a servant to Tutbury, with orders to take his letters, and cause the town officer where he found him, to put him in close prison, and return to me with the letters, which I will send you. And if he overtook none such, to deliver my letters to Lord Shrewsbury, who will lay wait for him, put him in close keeping, and send the letters in post to you. I have also given orders to stay all Scotsmen going or coming, while the Duke tarries here. York. Signed: T. Sussex.

1 p. Holograph, also address. Indorsed.

992. Henry Knolles to Cecil. [Feb. 8.] C.P., vol. III.

Now at his brothers' return to court, trusts Cecil will not be offended at his renewing his suit for friendly consideration: not objecting to service to God, the Queen, and his country, but fearing his insufficiency for the charge, and want of provision by his hasty dispatch from London. Lord Shrewsbury is dilligent and careful in the charge: whereto Master Morton by his "exquysyte dylygens" is no small help. Tutbury. Signed: H. Knolles.

1 p. Holograph. Addressed. Indorsed: (by Cecil's clerk): " . . . by M^r Vichamberlen."

993. Mary to Elizabeth. Elizabeth. [Feb. 10. 1568–69.] Cott. Calig. C.I., fol. 393. Appendix I. No. 15.

Expresses her pleasure at hearing by the Bishop of Ross and Lord Herries of her interest in her affairs, and that she is to have the same honourable treatment as at Bolton and leave to send to and from Scotland—but Lord Shrewsbury and Knolles have no such instructions—wherefore she has addressed a "memoyre" to Lord Leicester and Cecil by Knolles for her good pleasure and commands therein. As her council in Scotland advise, she will make a new commission to treat more effectually, and wishes to know her pleasure therein. Begs her to give no ear to the dishonest overtures of her adversaries, for she has begged Knolles to tell her she has solemnly vowed to God never to demit the place to which he has called her, for experience will enable her to fill it better. Refers all else to the bearer and the "memoyre." Hearing that her cousin Chatelherault is stayed at York with her passport, begs her for his health and the long delay to order his release. Excuses her bad writing, but the uninhabited house and cold have caused her some "rusme" and headache. Tutbury. Signed: Marie R.

3 pp. French. Holograph.

994. Shrewsbury to Cecil. [Feb. 10.] C.P., vol. III.

One Beton, a gentleman, servant of this Queen, came to her yesterday with her majesty's passport licensing him to see her and so pass to Scotland. As she desires to retain him here as one of her ordinary servants, I desire her majesty's pleasure thereon by you. Tutbury. Signed: G. Shrouesbury.

½ p. Addressed. Indorsed.

995. Mary to Cecil. [Feb. 11.] C.P., vol. III.

I willingly credit my commissioners' report of your upright deportment towards me: and touching the request to name the authors of some letters whereof you have sent "doubles," which you find offensive, I could satisfy you if I saw you. But I tell you once again, that they are come out of Scotland, and I have never seen them before, or authorized the proclamation. The bishop of Ross tells me you have put these things "soubz le pied." I pray you do, and I shall do the same, and continue the good will you have always promised me. My good sister told my commissioners I should have the same liberty for them to go and come on my affairs as at Bowton: but "le conte de Schrusbery" seems to have withdrawn this without express commission of my good sister, causing me loss of time in my urgent affairs: so pray see this rectified. As he will not suffer my commissioners to stay more than a day in passing, I pray my good sister will allow two of them, the bishop and Lord Boyd, to remain in this castle, beyond my number of 30, for they can find no lodging in the "vilage." Borthwick the bearer will tell you of his office of the stable, whereof pray have regard. Tutbury, . . . 1569. Signed: Votre bien bonne amye, Marie R.

2 pp. French. Written and addressed by a secretary. Indorsed (by Cecil's clerk): " . . . 1568" etc.

996. Master Alexander Leslie to the Bishop of Ross. Elizabeth. [Feb. [12]. 1568–69.] C.P., vol. III.

The Laird of Gartlie came to "Raderame" [Rotheram] this Friday (fn. 8) at 10 p.m., meaning to stay all night: but the "ballie" of the town arrested them under Lord Sussex's orders to stop all Scotsmen, took their "mailis" and locked them in a "kest," giving the key to the laird, and wrote to Sussex for further orders—not suffering one of our company to go back to Tutbury, but sent Gartlie's writing to the Queen, and this of mine to your lordship. Lord Herries we hear is stayed, and passed to York. Referring the rest to your wisdom. Rotherham. "This Satirday be ane of the clok." Signed: Master Alexander Leslie.

¾ p. Holograph, also address.

997. Master Alexander Leslie to the Bishop of Ross. [Feb. 13.]

This Sunday "at thre houris efternone" a command came by post to the "ballie of Raderame" to let all Scotsmen pass freely: whereon incontinent the laird of Gartlie took journey for Scotland. Rotherham. "This Sounday the xiij day of Februar at four houris of the clok efternone." Signed: Master Alex^r. Leslie.

½ p. Holograph, also address. Small paper attached with two lines of cypher.

998. Shrewsbury to Cecil. [Feb. 16.] C.P., vol. III.

I am right glad to see by your letter of 10^th that her majesty takes my doings in good part, and the 500l. is procured. This Queen continues very quiet in outward behaviour, and talks only of indifferent matters, "with myld and semely wordes" when the Queen's majesty is mentioned. Lord Boyd and the bishop of Ross are now removed to Burton, a market town 3 miles off, where I think they mean to linger; and I shall lay watch for them, and resorters to them, and generally in the villages thereabouts, and report with speed anything worthy. I have taken precise order for any resort or conference with the Queen of Scots: and beseech you to advise me therein, as also of news from beyond seas. Tutbury. Signed: G. Shrouesbury.

I beseech you to require M^r Chancellor of the Duchy for his friendly furtherance to me touching Lord Ormond's book, as Thomas Knyveton this bearer shall inform you.

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

999. The Regent to Elizabeth. [Feb. 17.]

Rendering his most hearty thanks for all her past favours, which he trusts she will continue. For affairs of the state, refers to his letters to my lord of Leicester and M^r Secretary, who will impart the same at her "gracious lasour." Stirling. Signed: James Stewart.

½ p. Written and addressed by Hay. Indorsed (by Cecil's clerk). Wafer signet (as before).

1000. The Regent to Cecil. Elizabeth. [Feb. 17. 1568–69.]

Since coming to Scotland I have continued here quietly, howbeit cause enough has been offered for hostilities before, and "continewallie sensyne." Quietness would have liked me best, as your sovereign's meaning was if possible this matter should come to some accord. But we are constrained to use force against force, and the insolence of these people must be repressed: for even now, in the time of our convention, they have made "sic rubbery and depredatioun" on many poor people dwelling on the lands of my lords of Lennox and Sempill, and the laird of Mynto, that unless we resist them, their "vastatioun" will be very great. Wherefore we have concluded to convene the force of this realm "besowth" Tay, at Glasgow by 10^th March, and put the matter "in Goddis hands in cace of obstinacy"; and after putting order, mind to leave 400 harquebusiers and six score light horse. And to show we have your sovereign's goodwill, I have required Lord Hunsdon with support of 200 harquebusiers "to accompany me in this viage": I trust not longer than 20 days, praying you for an effectual warrant to him. I enclose two letters sent by the Queen mother and Lord Boyd to the Earl of Cassillis, before she removed from Bolton. Though their contents be of no great "valu," yet you will see how the people were fed with the hope of her return, renewed by other letters "sensyne, quhairin she dissemblis not that hir tary or abiding is at hir awin plesour." Remitting the remedy to your wisdom, for a little help presently would do more good than a great matter hereafter. Stirling. Signed: James Regent.

Lately they of Dunbarton castle assailed of new the little house of Dunglas, because they thought the soldiers "were sortit furth—vj or vij exept"—who have repulsed and slain two or three of them, and taken Lord Fleming's brother prisoner.

1½ pp. Written and addressed by Hay. Indorsed (by Cecil's clerk).

1001. Shrewsbury to Cecil. [Feb. 18.] C.P., vol. III.

As this man Thomas Bishop gives me just occasion of suspicion, I send him up to be examined by you and the council. On Friday 10^th (fn. 9) he came to a little town 2 miles from Burton on Trent, being (he said) benighted, and next day came to Burton. On Sunday following, the Bishop of Ross and Lord Boyd for better lodging, went there and remain. Learning of his abode and resort to these lords, I ordered the town bailiff to bring him to me, first taking the names of all their attendants, lest on his apprehension they said he was one of these. On Wednesday morning after so doing, he went to the inn where Bishop lodged, and not finding him, returned to the Scottish lords, and after half an hour's delay, was told he had been there, but was gone. Yet while the bailiff was in the house, Bishop's boots were privily brought from the inn, and himself conveyed on Lord Boyd's horse at the "backside" of the house, leaving his own, with writings in the box now sent—his man not privy, and his host "unsaluted." The bailiff brought his man to me, who said his master's name was William Lengley, and kept an inn at Newcastle, at the sign of the White Hart, and other fables. Bishop meanwhile, shunning the right way to Lichfield, was "myred" in a foul lane 2 miles from the town, and seeking help to recover his horse, was overtaken by the bailiff and brought back, saying to his takers his name was Lengley. Meanwhile I have signified to the bishop and Lord Boyd that this dealing seemed very strange, and how the Queen might take it I knew not; but have admonished them not to come hither and to forbear conference with English, Scottish or French men, except of their own company. The bishop seems the chief worker herein, Lord Boyd being a sober and quiet man. While this matter was in hand, some letters came from Rotheram to this Queen (which she showed me) only advertising her servant's stoppage and release. Some others to the bishop, I thought good to open and send you—but find nothing worth note, the cypher excepted, which I do not understand. Tutbury. Signed: G. Shrouesbury.

3 pp. Addressed. Indorsed: " . . . with Tho. Bysshopp."

1002. Bishop of Ross and Lord Boyd to Cecil. [Feb. 20.] C.P., vol. III.

As there was no convenient lodging for us near Tutbury Castle, we came here till our mistress should get answer of her last writing to her majesty, sent by Borthwick. Meanwhile a Scotsman dwelling in the north parts of this realm, in his journey home, "wessiet" us, and on departing, was convoyed to my lord of Shrewsbury at the castle, why we are "unertane." In case any sinister information "beis maid" of us, we pray you most heartily to declare to the Queen's majesty that ever since coming into her realm, we have given no occasion to her or her subjects to mislike us, but by all good means to procure her favour to our mistress: and beseech her highness to credit no such reports. Praying your honour to accept this in good part, "as fra theme wha ar willing to leiff and deall uprychtlie in all thair adois; and we knaw that witht suche kynd of men ye will nocht refuse to be employet." Burton. Signed: Jo. Rossen, R. Boyd.

1 p. Holograph of the bishop. Addressed. Indorsed (by Cecil's clerk).

1003. Elizabeth to Shrewsbury. [Feb. 21.] C.P., vol. III.

Instructing him as to the Queen of Scots sending either to Scotland or to herself, and as to access of Scots out of Scotland. That her attendants, as agreed by Lord Herries, shall not exceed 30, and he has no power to exceed that number. That the Bishop of Ross and Lord Boyd may tarry about her, so that they do not practise in the country, and that Beaton may also remain.

2 pp. Draft corrected by Cecil Indorsed (by his clerk).

1004. The Regent to [Cecil]. [Feb. 21.]

I have no occasion to write since my last of 19^th, whereof I look for answer: but enclose a letter of my own to my lord the Cardinal of Chastillon, which I pray you be conveyed. Also that ye will present "thir" two letters of my uncle Lord Mar, and my lady his wife, to the Queen's majesty—and last that ye will be mindful of her highness' letter to the King of Denmark "for Boithvile," which was not ready at my departure, by reason of M^r Askam's decease. Stirling. Signed: James Regent.

½ p. Written by Hay. No flyleaf or address.

1005. The Regent to Elizabeth. [Feb. 24.]

Requesting safe conduct for a year for George Hopper, burgess of Edinburgh, to pass and repass through England on his business. Stirling. Signed: James Regent.

Broadsheet. Addressed. Indorsed. Round wafer seal (Scotland).

1006. Elizabeth to Mary. [Feb. 25.] Cott. Calig. C.I., fol. 397.

We are well satisfied to see by your letter of the 10^th of this month brought by your servant, that the Bishop of Ross and Lord Herries late here, have reported well of our affection to you: also that Lord Scrope and our Vicechamberlain have behaved themselves to you, as we charged them. For your mislike that at coming to Tutbury you conceived some restraint of your liberty as you had at Bolton, by our cousin of Shrewsbury: indeed at parting from us we neither commanded nor allowed him—as then we had just cause to think unkindly of you ("for any worse word we will not use") in that sundry false and slanderous proclamations touching us and our honour very unjustly had been made in Scotland by those having names of great offices for you, and wrote that they were so commanded by you—besides other information we had of your own letters to that effect. Whereon we leave it to you whether then we had cause to gratify you? But trusting that such an oversight hath grieved you enough, and you will avoid the like, we being "contented to do good against evill," have given order therein to our cousin of Shrewsbury.

For your sending a new commission by advice of your council: we wish it so absolutely conceived, that it may take good effect; wherein our furtherance shall not be wanting. So we pray you accept this, written by our command though not with our own hand. Westminster.

1½ pp. Draft by Cecil.

1007. Answers of Thomas Bischop. [Feb. 25.] C.P., vol. III.

"To the interragatorys mynistred."

Extracts.

1. Being 25 years in England I never spoke with the French or Spanish ambassadors or their servants. I understood when the Queen of Scots' commissioners first came at Michaelmas, that their mistress had great offers from Spain, and the bishop of Ross communed with that ambassador, who spoke of the French "debilite," that Alva had commission to see to the Queen of Scots, offer her marriage either to the king, Don John his base brother, or Charles of Austria. I told the bishop my experience of Spain and the last marriage — his mistress was now in her majesty's hands, and if the "foraner" pretended force, she should be used as Alva used Count Egmont and his friends, who seeing they expected Orange's relief, said— 'He shall not fynd yow heare at his comyng'—and cruelly dispatched them. For the marriage: the king was now old, his people proud, and while she should be much "honorated," she should be straitly kept and never see Scotland nor this realm. I wished the bishop to discharge himself of further conference. One M^r Henry Kers brought letters to her from the French king with but fair words, and with 3 others is returning to France.

2. With my lord Herries in London last "symmer" I neither spoke nor saw, being sick in bed: I heard that 16 of the Inns of Court had him at supper at the King's Head, Fleet street, and a book was made in Latin, translated and sent to the Queen of Scots, and afterwards at her accusation sent up by her servant Bog. To spread it abroad, the original was copied by a boy in the Talbot in "Gratious strete," hired by the bishop. I heard it read very "raling," yet dutiful to our sovereign. I told them my opinion—as there were sundry books in Latin against her, one or both by M^r George Buchanan: if they brought forth that book, the others would come out to her slander, and I wished them all in the fire on both sides. So it was stayed, and all the copies burned.

3. My journey to Coventry and Burton was 6 days, making no haste, thinking they had been gone. I was going home to Pocklington, whither I had sent my wife and children before me. I was sick 2 days in the town; they came after me, and not being well lodged in Tutbury town, I accompanied them openly. I went to the "heade" of the church with the bailiff, who knew me well, being lord Paget's man, and saw me every day. I departed not as reported, nor was taken, but riding within a mile of the town, hearing one was bound for me to the Earl, I went with him to the bailiff's house, and on his demand and of the Earl's gentleman, gave my name and was searched. My lord Shrewsbury, after writing his letters, took me by the hand before his servants, and said 'Yf either my wryting, worde, or purse, can pleasour yow, ye shall have all thre,'—as his men know.

My conference with the bishop and lord Boyd was a suit touching 2500 marks of mine received since the Earl of Levenax going home, "and by him that slew his fader I have landes, alsoo thrie of my owne and my sones," whereby I wished to relieve my necessity, and being sure of the Regent, wished their favour. The Bishop told me, Herries "witht weping eis" left the Queen, and much wished Boyd with him. He carries her commission of lieutenancy to Chatelherault, Huntly and Argyll with power to dispose her benefices under 1000 marks. Lord Boyd said to the bishop and me, that before they left the castle, Henry Knolles took him apart and said, 'My lorde I know yow of an earnest and good religion, and the bischop to be of the contrarie, and is a practiser; of myself withoute commandment, but for the yeale of religion, I wishe yow boetht in your contynewance at Burton, not to enter nor have cumpanye nor practise witht any papist, nor of suche as will seik and offer fair wordis; whiche yf ye should doo, it may turne to some mislyking.' Wherein they followed his counsel, and past their time reading books and stories. I minded to have shown this to M^r Baitman my secret acquaintance, as I told the Earl. My lords, I have served these 25 years for the union of the realms both in and out of the field, am hated of the French, and not loved of most part of Scotland. I came with an unkind man (fn. 10) whose life I had saved, brought him to a good living by marriage, was attainted in parliament with him, his enemies enjoying my lands and goods, attended him in the field, and have now lost him for the Queen's majesty's true service. If he had used my counsel his son had been still alive—how many warnings I gave him before his death, I refer myself to Robert Mailvile and that side—yet have been slandered by the parents. I can and will serve her majesty as well as any in this island, if well used. "The Lorde preserve yow all." Signed: Tho. Bischop.

6 pp. Holograph. Damaged in parts. Indorsed (by Cecil's clerk).

1008. The Regent to Cecil. [Feb. 25.]

Since our last writing to you, the Duke of Chatelherault is come home with Lord Herries, and are both at Dumfries, and mind from thence to Hamilton. They "saw (fn. 11) many inventions abrood," saying one thing to some and to others another, to confirm rebels in obstinate rebellion: wherefore we would be glad to know the manner of their despatch from your court. Before his arrival, we sent a gentleman of the Duke's own kin to my lord of Arbroath and adherents, craving return of the king's houses and lieges, taken while we were in England—who said he would not without Argyll's consent ("lieutenant as he stylit him")—who has given us a plain refusal—so we are compelled as we wrote, to meet in arms at Glasgow on 10^th March. We should have found no difficulty in the low country, if in our absence the abstinence had been kept, according to her majesty's promise, and so trust she will let us have the 200 "shott" to see us reponed in the strengths taken since we went to England; and cause her wardens of the Middle and West Marches stay the attemptats of their broken men: specially the west, where Herries and Johnston, joined with Lochinvar, are extreme enemies to the king. We would you moved her majesty to send some assured personage here to remain, with whom we may freely communicate our mind. Stirling. Signed: James Regent.

2 pp. Written by Wood. Addressed (by same). Indorsed.

1009. The Regent to Leicester. [Feb. 26.]

[To like effect as in his letter to Cecil of 25th.] The Queen can do no less in honour and duty than see us restored to the same point we were in at the time of going to England. I remit the rest to M^r Secretary and to Sir Nicholas, to whom we have written at more length. Stirling Castle. Signed: James Regent.

1 p. In Wood's hand. Addressed. Indorsed.

1010. Elizabeth to Tomworth. [Feb. 28. 1568–69.]

Sign manual: Directing him to pay the Earl of Murray 5000l. on his giving "band" to repay the same before 1^st November next. Westminster, last of February, 11^th of our reign.

½ p. Written by Cecil's clerk. Names and dates filled in by Cecil. Indorsed " . . . 18 Januarii" (sic). Wafer signet (England).

1011. Proclamation by Mary. [Feb. 28.] C.P., vol. III.

Appointing Chatelherault, Huntly and Argyll her lieutenants in Scotland, with power to assemble parliaments, dispense justice, coin money, dispose of benefices, dignities etc.: and as Murray and his complices have charged their supporters to meet in Glasgow on 8^th March next to pursue her lieges, charges her lieutenants to assemble in the town of Hamilton on 6^th of same month, to resist them. Given the 28 February 1568, year of her reign 27^th. James Hammiltoun.

Broadsheet. Copy in a Scottish hand. Indorsed: "Copie of the proclamation set out be the Duke of Chastellerault."

1012. Resolutions as to the Queen of Scots. [Feb.] C.P., vol. III.

(Under 13 heads.)

Extracts.

6. What access Lady Shrewsbury shall have?

7. Whether Castle Heye, Stafford, shall be appointed for fatting beefs and muttons for the household?

8. Whether Lord "Patchetts" brewhouse at Burton may be obtained, till vessels are provided at Tutbury ?

9. Whether Lord Shrewsbury shall be allowed 20l. and reversion of the vessels, to erect a brewhouse at Tutbury?

13. If Harry Knollys remain, shall he have license to London at Lady Day in Lent for his necessary business?

1 p. Holograph of Sir F. Knollys. Notes on margin by Cecil. Indorsed (by Knollys).

1013. List of persons attached to or attendant on Mary. [Feb.] C.P., vol. III.

Lord Claud; Lord Herries and son; Lords Fleming and Levingston: Laird of Skarling; George Douglas; Laird of Whitlaw captain of Dunbar; James Hamilton of Ormeston; Laird of Skeldoun; Laird of Bord; John Levingston; Maister John Hawtoun; Robert Hamilton; John Hamilton; Patrick Steinge; Hwe Cokbourne; Laird of Barclannuchar; Alexander Cambell; John Sarmer (?); Andro Weig; Wille Douglas; Hendrie Barrone; Dande Brounn; Willie Scot; Willie Keminkch; Thome Glasforde; Thome Dolleng; Dawalloure; Comptrollar; Jakis the farrieour; Capytane Janet; James Kempe; Jame Kelpatrek; Gibe Bonare; Jame Semsoun; Herrie Wolsoune; Jame Jamesoun, Andro Lagay; Jame Hamilton; Arche Macnare; John Steill; Willie Brome; Willie Weddell; Georde Symengtoun; John Maxwell; James Geddes; Sir John Mortoun, a priest; Hobe Maxwell; Bastyane Barlawe; Gawyne Moat; Eddie Thomsoun; Niek Johnsoun; Dave Falles; Oduar of Tralltrow; the laird of Bellaggen; John Cokburn, person of Skerlyn; William Seirrys, servant to the Queen; Gawan Moat, servant to Lord Herries; John Johnston of Newby; John Hameldon; John Lewinston; Nicholas Howm.

1 p. Contemporary hand.