Elizabeth: May 1569

1049. Memoranda by Cecil. [May 1.] Cott. Calig. C.I., fol. 413.

On the matters betwixt the Q. of Scots, her son and her subjects:—

1. To allow him as king. 2. Or jointly with her. 3. If neither obtained, a peace as under—(1) Religion and crown free of Rome or as in England. (2) Murray and a council to assist her, appointing all officers etc. (3) Accord with her subjects, lands restored, etc., quarrels abolished. (4) No strangers allowed. (5) Perpetual amity betwixt Scotland and England.

For this purpose. (1) Causes of offence to Elizabeth taken away. (2) Perfect league. (3) Treaties with France against England made void quoad this. (4) Justice on frontiers. (5) No Scots to assist the Irishry. (1) Questions as to Mary's forfeiture of the crown if she create any conditions. (2) Hostages to be given to England. (3) Where her person should remain. (4) Murder of L. Darly prosecuted. (5) Elizabeth to send a special person to Murray to confer and he to send some one, e.g. Lethington.

6 pp. Draft by Cecil. Indorsement (if any) covered up.

1050. Bishop Of Ross to Mary. [May 2.] C.P., vol. III.

I came here on Tuesday night the 26^th "ynstant" and had presence at Westminster on Thursday afternoon, being well accepted by the Queen's highness, delivering your majesty's letter sent with me, which was heartily received and read: when it pleased her majesty to reason with me on the contents and the heads of my credit, at great length in the garden of Westminster for near 2 hours. Where I thought her highness careful of your welfare and estate, and not content with your subjects, who had declined from your obedience—also excused my lord of Hunsdon on whom your majesty "plenyd." She declared she would gladly do all that might stand with her honour and surety, for the weal of your causes, by good advice: but deferred particulars till her council should reason with me thereon, I delivering your letters to them, and so departed. Next day as Sandy Bog had come "thys Thursday after myd[day]," I again had access on Friday, delivered your majesty's "wrytynge," and declared the state of Scotland. Her highness was heartily offended with them who professed obedience, yet left you, saying "they ar nott worthy too lyve herafter by cawse of theyr untrewthe." She is sorry you make so evil cheer as my lord of Shrewsbury has written, and is glad that I send one to you with comfort: as I intend to do within two days to report her goodwill. Meantime I have reasoned with my lords of council at length, and hope for good resolution. The Queen finds it not good you go to France, for divers inconveniences: one that "sumtyme ye acclaymyd her crowne"; and doubts not but the Cardinal and your friends will make you do the same yet. Whereto I said "gyf her hyghness feryd her seurty I showld fynd a remed tharfore suffycyent," viz. that she support you herself, and you will have to do with no strangers; otherwise ye must, and we your servants must travail elsewhere for you. She promises answer by advice of her council, but before giving it, must reason on certain heads, specially "the matter of the tytell"—whereon her highness spoke plainly and reasonably with me, for her surety and your weal. And I shall send Sandy Bog to your majesty with all information, for I believe they shall reason on our cause this day or tomorrow at farthest. Meantime I beseech you be of good comfort, though some untrue men cannot be "leyll," for you have many good subjects in Scotland "wha wyll not leve youe." The King and your friends prosper well in France, praised be God—so ye are not destitute, and I see her majesty here and her nobility seem more careful of your honour and weal than ever I saw them before: which puts me in good hope of speedy resolution. I showed her majesty it was ill done I was so long debarred from your majesty's presence, and my lord Boyd also "cawsles": and we reasoned the matter, so there will be no more thereof, I understand. I showed to her highness the article concerning my lord of Shrewsbury, who marvelled that he should be "so hard," for it is her will that any servants from Scotland shall have access to speak with your majesty, albeit they make no tarry in ordinary, but the number appointed. She has promised to cause the secretary write to Lord Hunsdon of her offence that he handled your servants so. She saw never one letter "tane from Kyncade," and Sandy Bog says to me "they war tane abak" to the Earl of Murray and so came not here. I have spoken with the secretary, and find him willing to do your majesty all the service he may in reason, and advance your causes at his power; and so do all the noblemen. My lord Bedford says, though ill reported of to you, he will never forget his honourable treatment in Scotland, and do what he can for your honour and the quiet of Scotland, as he favours Murray for religion. None of the council but have given me good answers.

For France: I trust the ambassador has advertised you, but daily many land here from the prince's camp (some Scotsmen), who tell me it is for the "grete hungar"; his whole foot are in the town of "Coygnyac," environed by the king's camp; and the admiral with the horse in other little towns. They are so wilful and desperate that they will have no composition, but lose their lives, and it is thought the matter is ended or now. It is assured here that 8000 foot and 2000 horse, "Ytalyans," are come to Alva, who has sent a great company of horse to the Duke of "Awmale" for support against the Duke of "Bypontes," and to destroy Burgundy. There is no news from Scotland since M^r John Woode came, who returns shortly.

Since writing, I have just heard the council are advised this day on your affairs, and hope to God for a good resolution: for the Queen and they give me good answers "severally," and I hope they will when together. The bearer who has talked with sundry from "the Rochell," will report the state of France: and today word is come that the Duke of Bypont hearing of Condy's estate, has appointed with the king, and returned to his country. Proclamation is made in Flanders that no subject of Spain traffic with this country under great penalties: so I shall lose no time, but act as solicitor as well as commissioner in familiar manner, as her majesty has granted me. London. Jo. Rossen.

3 pp. Closely written in Hunsdon's hand. Indorsed (in another hand): "The bysshop of Rosse' hys letter too hys M^rs the 2 of May 1569," and (by Cecil): "2 Maij."

1051. Bishop of Ross to Cecil. [May 8.] C.P., vol. III.

I have declared to her majesty at three several times since my coming, the principal heads of my commission. And as her majesty first ordained me to be at Greenwich this Sunday to treat with 4 or 5 of her council, and since it has pleased her to command me to repair "na sonar thether nor this Monunday": meantime I have put the heads "in wreit," to be shown to the council by your honour, that I should not be mistaken in my speeches already uttered to her majesty. London. "This Sonday at morning the viij of Maij." Signed: Jo. Rossen.

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

Inclosed in the same:—

Articles devised by the Bishop of Ross at the Queen of England's command, for appointment between the Queen of Scots and her subjects:—

1. The Queen's majesty must order the cause between them, the Queen of Scots agreeing, without prejudice of her crown and estate, and it is believed Murray etc. will do the like.

2. Her majesty if assured of the reference, must send a trusty man to know Murray's and others' minds, they also sending one or two commissioners: which if they refuse, she cannot suffer her sister to perish "but help."

3. That the Queen of Scots shall suffer no prejudice by her forced demission of her crown and appointment of the Regent, whereon her authority has been usurped.

4. As a perfect reconciliation must be made, and she and her subjects live in quietness, the Queen of Scots will give them an ample remit of all offences, they binding themselves to love and serve her.

5. Thereto the Queen, Murray and his assisters shall be sworn in the presence of God: the Queen's majesty and nobles of this realm interponing themselves as cautioners, that whichever party offends, they will join the other to compel observance.

6. Twelve of the wisest in Scotland shall settle all internal disputes, feuds etc.—the Queens of England and Scotland being referees.

7. All forfeitures of the Queen's party to be annulled.

8. The Queen of Scots, though ignorant that Bothwell was her husband's murderer—as it might be feared she would restore him, shall declare her good will that he be punished as the Queen's majesty and the nobility of England and Scotland shall think expedient.

9. A parliament in Scotland shall be held to ratify these conditions under the seals and handwriting of the whole estates.

10. As for religion: the Queen never molested any for the same, but allowed the order then publicly professed, and doubtless will do the like under sufficient security.

Lastly:—She will make such surety to the Queen of England and her nobility, as she and they may see fit for the Queen's security "and the successione of hir body" etc., as was specially expressed in the Articles given in before.

3½ pp. In a Scottish clerkly hand. Indorsed: "Articulis, etc.

1052. Shrewsbury to Cecil. [May 12.] C.P., vol. III.

On Tuesday last this Queen on receiving pills from her physician to ease her spleen, became very sick and "sownded" [swooned] divers times—so they were driven to give her aqua vite in good quantity, and when the pills wrought that night, she escaped danger: her body is still much distempered. Notwithstanding, she came yesternight at 11 o'clock to my chamber, weeping, and complaining that one of her servants, George Bartlye lord of Gartly, is stayed at Carlisle coming to her from Scotland. Earnestly requiring me to signify her majesty's late orders hereon to the Warden or his deputy—as I have done, to quiet her "exceding troubled mynd." She spoke much with grief and passion at this stoppage of her servants—yet I assure you without any unseemly word or sign uttered towards her highness, but with tears in talking of her. She seems to impute the stay to the Lord Warden or you. Wingfeld, in haste. Signed: G. Shrouesbury.

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

1053. Memorial by the Bishop of Ross. [May 14.] C.P., vol. III.

presented to the Queen of England in his mistress's name.

1. He declared her great sickness by the soreness of her side and fever therethrough—desiring that 2 physicians might have licence to see her. Granted by her majesty.

2. Also the stay at Carlisle of the Laird of Gairtuly her master of household, and the young laird of Skeldoun, by Mowsgrawe the deputy there, who said he had no order. Her majesty said she should send for Lord Scroope, and write to Lord Hunsdon to the effect desired.

3. Also a letter to Murray to suffer M^r Renauld, her French surgeon in Edinburgh, to come to her—which her majesty has granted.

4. She denies on her conscience, dealing with the Duke of Anjou, and sends a written article under her signet, which he showed her majesty.

5. He declared how Chatelherault, his bairns, and S^t Andrews, Huntly. Argyll, Eglintoun, Craufurd, Fleming, Ogilvie, Herries, Lochinvar, and many more, had written to her declaring obedience, and for her commands, and if she hoped for support or not? and prays her majesty to order Murray to stay hostilities.

6. As Murray has meddled with the bishopric of Ross and threatens to take his house, he prays the Queen's majesty to write to stay this, while he is here in the Queen of Scots' service—which she has granted to do.

7. Her majesty wishing to promote reconciliation between the Queen of Scots and her subjects, desired him to advise, which he will do to his simple judgment.

1½ pp. In a Scottish clerkly hand. Indorsed (by Cceil).

1054. Mary to the Privy Council. [May 15.] Cott. Calig. C.l., fol. 419.

As the Bishop of Ross by his letter of 12^th instant, let us understand that in conferring with you he was informed that we could not make security to the Queen our good sister, as we had transferred our right to her crown to the Duke of Anjou, confirmed "be the Pape," as ye were long since advertised from France: we declare the same to be an evil and sinister calumny, and assure you on our honour and conscience, that it is utterly untrue, as we declare to our good sister "be ane letter of our awin hand.' Praying you for all expedition in our affairs. Wingfield. Signed: Your richt good frinde, Marie R.

1 p. Written by a secretary. Addressed.

1055. Mary to Cecil. [May 15.] C.P., vol. III.

Though we have written a general letter to all you lords of our good sister's council, to put you out of doubt on the matter, yet we write to you in particular, to assure you on the faith of a princess and our honour and conscience, that we never made "cessioun nor transport" of our title to the Duke of Anjou nor any other: praying you to give no credit to such invented lies, nor defer the prompt expedition of our affairs, wherein we hold us much obliged to you. Wingfield. Signed: Your richt good frind, Marie R.

½ p. Written by a secretary. Addressed. Indorsed.

1056. Mary to Chatelherault. [May 15.] Cott. Calig. C.I., fol. 417.

Having received his letter by his servant Andrew Hamilton, and "incontinent" thereafter instructed the Bishop of Ross to "meane" his cause to the Queen: she has answered she will shortly resolve, as the copy of the bishop's letter will show him. Farther, his messenger by credit said he had good hope of a letter from the Queen and council to Murray, not to "mell" with Dunbarton Castle nor trouble Huntly and his friends. Trusts her cause shall prosper to the honour of her faithful subjects, for the French and Spanish ambassadors have been commissioned to solicit it. Wyngfeild. Your richt good cusignes, Marie R.

He will hear more shortly, as she looks for the Queen's answer "thys four dayse, for her counsel syts apon ytt sens Munday."

1 p. In Hunsdon's hand. An attempt has been made to copy the Queen's signature. Addressed. The date is probably 5th.

1057. Elizabeth to Murray. [May 16.]

Though in April last, we signified by letter how we had heard your servant John Wood on his commission from you, and remitted our mind thereon to his sufficiency: yet as he has since remained here and we have further conferred with him on matters of weight, and required him to use speed, we remit his declaration to your consideration, and answer us by some sufficient person. Assuring you we shall never forget your good will.

½ p. Draft by Cecil. Indorsed (by his clerk): "16 May 1569. M. of the Q. majesties lettre to therle of Murray. By M^r J. Wood."

1058. Paper Delivered to John Wood. [May [16.]]

"Three degrees collected uppon spechees projected by such as hawe communed and dewysed of the Quene of Scottes cause":—

1. How she might be induced to affirm her son's estate according to the parliament while she was in Lochleven etc.

2. If not, how could they reign jointly—the government in his minority being in the Regent? her residence?

3. If not, then if she be recognised Queen, and her son Prince only, how would the following serve to good purpose?—(1) The religion as professed by the Regent etc. to be obeyed: the Queen to observe her own in the manner used in England, and herself and her crown delivered from the Bishop of Rome's superiority. (2) The Regent to govern till the prince is 18, with a council etc. not to be changed by the Queen. (3) A full accord between her and her subjects, restitution and remission of all offences and suits, saving the murder of her husband. (4) No strangers to remain except known merchants, or necessary household servants. (5) Perpetual league betwixt England and Scotland: and the amity of France with Scotland to be as it is between England and France. Lastly:—Whether the following may tend to assure the premisses?—(1) A tripartite treaty—the Queens of England and Scotland—the Prince of Scotland—the subjects a third. (2) To be stablished by parliament there, under pain of high treason. (3) If the Queen of Scots break any of them in the judgment of the Queen of England, the Regent and majority of his council, she shall forfeit her state to her son as king, without further coronation. (4) Hostages to be given by both sides of Scotland to England, till the king's majority. Lastly:—In what place the Queen of Scots shall remain?

2 pp. In Wood's (?) writing. Indorsed (by Cecil): "May 1569. Copy of a wrytyng delyvered to M^r Jhon Wood."

Cott. Caling. C.I., fol. 422.

(1) Another copy of the same.

2½ pp.

1059. Bishop of Ross to Cecil. [May 16.] C.P., vol. III.

Instantly I have a letter from Winfeild mentioning the extreme sickness wherewith my mistress is continually vexed. I have spoken to two doctors physicians, Maister Franceis and Maister Caldwell, who will go thither with her majesty's licence. Praying you to show the same to her majesty, as I did on Saturday, (fn. 1) and for the letters with diligence; as assuredly my mistress has great need of good counsel and company. London. Signed: Jo. Rossen.

½ p. Holograph. Addressed. Indorsed (by Cecil's clerk).

1060. Shrewsbury to Cecil. [May 21.] C.P., vol. III.

I have your letter of 15^th, that order is given to Carlisle for full liberty to this Queen's servants, which having declared in your name, she takes it thankfully, desiring you will continue her good friend, and give written order to Carlisle, still fearing a stay. She is in great hope of some notable goodness at her majesty's hand: and the daily repair of Scots to her so increases, that though lodged in the town, the company coming and going being 80 persons or thereby, my expenses greatly "excede," besides keeping more men on guard. So consider hereon as my very friend, and advertise me, which I shall observe. Wingfield. Signed: G. Shrouesbury.

postscript: My trust is you will continue your good will to my officer Thomas Knyveton for the wardship of young Swifte—the best for the young man, whose chief living depends on me—which I have granted to him.

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

1061. The Bishop of Ross and Lord Boyd to Cecil. [May 22.] C.P., vol. III.

(1) Praying that Lord Boyd might have passport to Scotland for his affairs, and to return to the Queen of Scots.

(2) Also a letter from her highness to the Earl of Murray, that Boyd and friends be not molested, nor his wife and children "troublit in uptaking" his rents etc.

(3) By the Queen of Scots' command, a letter from the Queen's majesty to Murray for relief of the Duke of Chatelherault from captivity, "becaus of his aige and inhabilitie," on caution.

(4) That "my lord of Ros" might have her highness' letter to Murray not to interfere with his benefices, rents, etc.

All which her majesty having granted, they pray for expedition.

1 p. In the Scottish clerkly hand as before. Indorsed (by Cecil's clerk).

1062. Elizabeth to Murray. Elizabeth. [May 22. 1569.]

At the earnest suit of Lord Boyd, we desire you to allow his resort to his own house to see his wife and children, make some provision of money, and return hither without offence to you—as he bore you good will, and was heretofore well esteemed of you.

½ p. Draft corrected by Cecil. Indorsed (by his clerk): ". . . . The Quenes majesties lettre to therle of Murrey for the Lord Boyde."

1063. Bishop of Ross to Cecil. [May 24.] C.P., vol. III.

Having had a letter from his mistress to the lords of the council, which he showed on the 17^th to the Queen's majesty, who opened and read it and returned it to him to be delivered as addressed: as much time has been spent, prays Cecil to present the same, and advertise him when he can attend them on his mistress's causes. London. "This Tuisday the xxiiij of May." Signed: Jo. Rossen.

1 p. Written and addressed in the Scottish clerkly hand. Indorsed (by Cecil's clerk).

1064. Elizabeth to Mary. [May 25.] C.P., vol. III.

I heard of your great danger, but thank God, not till the worst was passed: for if any evil chance had happened to you in this country, my own days would have seemed too prolonged. I trust in His goodness who has guarded me from such "maladventures," and removed my grief had anything contrary happened. For the answer you desire by Lord Boyd touching "Monsieur D'Anjou": I doubt not your honour nor faith, but it may be some friend or ambassador has given this promise as from you, like a spur to a thoroughbred horse. For as we see often that a little branch saves the drowning, they think the barque of your fortune needs all help to get to port. The bearer will tell you more amply all my wishes herein. Greenwich.

1 p. French. Fair copy by Cecil's clerk. Indorsed: "25 Maij 1569. Copy of the Q. majesties lettre to the Q. of Scottes. By the lord Boyde."

1065. Shrewsbury to Cecil. [May 25.] C.P. vol. III.

The two doctors Cawdwell and Francis came hither on Sunday last. (fn. 2) Their proceedings and private conference on the state of her body I refer to their own declaration. As since their coming, there is within these two days grown in the next chamber to her a "very unpleasant and fulsome savour, hurtefull to her helthe, by contynuall pestering and unclenly order of her own folkes," I have taken upon me, with the advice of these two and her own physician, and her consent, to remove her in a litter in 2 or 3 days to my wife's house "Chattesworth" 8 miles hence, for 5 or 6 days till her lodging here be made sweet and kept so—returning again next week. Though this will greatly increase my charges and trouble, I thought it good, and trust the Queen's majesty will take it in good part. Wingfield. Signed: G. Shrouesbury.

postscript: When these doctors declared the cause of their coming to be the Queen's majesty's great care and goodwill, she showed herself very thankful, with many good words, that no physic was so good as that comfort in her adversity, which she ever looked for at her good sister's hands, and wished to God her true heart and meaning were known to her, and that it might please him she might see her; and therewith appeared her tears.

1 p. Addressed. Indorsed.

1066 Memorial by the Bishop of Ross. [May 31.] C.P., vol. III.

Desiring Cecil to procure the Queen's letter to Murray not to trouble his servant, whom he is sending to Scotland for "furneshing," and a passport for him [M^r Alexander Hervy] by the East borders. Also at his mistress's desire, conducts for George lord Seytoun and Sir John Carnegy of Kynnard knight, to pass to France—both having Murray's goodwill to go.

½ p. In the clerkly hand as before. Indorsed (by Cecil's clerk): "31 May 1569" etc.

1067. Credit to Lord Boyd. [[End of] May.] C.P., vol. III.

The Queen of Scots having made earnest suit to the Queen of England in April last by her trusty councillor the Bishop of Ross for aid: was answered that she would gladly do so under conditions: and on conference it was resolved that she should send to France as to the truth of an invented report of a title said to have been made by her to the Duke of Anjou—the Queen of England meantime requiring the Earl of Murray to send commissioners here to appoint with the Queen of Scots. And the Earl and his party alleging that she would never appoint with them, or remit their offences, but call Bothwell home to their destruction: Lord Boyd was commissioned to assure Murray and others that on such appointment and restoration to her authority, their sovereign would freely remit all offences—also give all security against Bothwell's return, and procure divorce of the pretended marriage before competent judges. Further that he desire Murray to send commissioners to end these matters; and also abstain from pursuit of the Queen's party during the conference, as well as from sieging the castle of Dunbarton, etc.

2 pp. In the Scottish hand as before. Indorsed (by Cecil's clerk): "1568. Creditte committit to the Lord Boyd," and (by Cecil) "from the Q. of Scottes. Erle of Murray."