Elizabeth: June 1569

1068. Elizabeth to Murray. [June [1].]

Earnestly requiring him to allow the officers and servants of the Bishop of Ross quietly to collect the profits and revenues of his bishopric, as she sees he means no offence to him and therefore deserves favour.

½ p. Draft corrected by Cecil.

Also—Passport for George Lord Seton to pass by Berwick and London to France.

At foot—Sir John Carnegy of Kynnard.

½ p. Draft by same clerk. Indorsed: "M. of the Q. majesties lettre to therle of Murray: with copies of the passport for the L. Seaton and Sir John Carnegy of Kynnard."

1069. Mary to Elizabeth. [June.] [early in.] App. I., No. 17.

Thanking her for her cordial letters and credit by Lord Boyd, as the succour which the timid mariner hails in unknown seas. Since she directs the course of her afflicted barque by her favour, now hopes after two long years' navigation she will receive her to the port of her grace. Thanks her for the care of her health, and prays her leave for Borthwick to pass to the King of France with speed. As she is rather ill again from the change of air, remits the state of her health to the report of the bearers whom she did her the honour to send for that purpose. Wingfield. Signed: Marie R.

2 pp. French. Holograph.

1070. Heads gathered by the Bishop of Ross. [June 3.] C.P., vol. III.

Of certain conference with some of the nobility of England, declared to his sovereign, and her answer in June last 1569.

1. That she refer herself wholly to the Queen of England.

2. And satisfy her concerning her title to the crown.

3. Establish in Scotland the same religion professed in England.

4. Dissolve her league with France, and make a perpetual one with England.

5. Touching her marriage with the Duke of Norfolk, moved to her by Murray and Lethington: she shall wholly refer to the Queen's majesty and do as she would have her—with all surety as devised by her council.

The Queen of Scots' answers:—

1. That she will do so, if restored to her crown etc., and her son at her disposition.

2. Will make all surety of her good sister's title to the crown, as her council devise—under provisions as in the bishop's instructions.

3. For religion: these instructions contain her mind therein.

4. As also concerning a league of amity.

5. Touching marriage: her fortune has been so evil in marriage, that she has hardly mind to take a husband, but rather to lead "a simple and solitarie lyfe." Her troubles have so weakened her body, that she has no certainty of continuance, looks for no felicity or to leave a husband in so good estate as now. Nevertheless, if resolved of certain doubts, trusting in her good sister's and nobility's friendship, she will follow her counsel, not doubting she will consider her causes. (1) Though not to "bost" herself, yet to show her true meaning to her good sister, she assures him that if either men or money to reduce her rebels would have "tysit" her, she would have had a husband or now, but to please her, gave no ear to it. If she marries Norfolk, she loses France, Spain, and all Catholic friends beyond sea: and what will she get instead? (2) If she consents to marry Norfolk, how will her good sister's consent be had? whereof she doubts, considering how unwilling she found her to bestow her in marriage before, as her council know. (3) She would have as much consideration of her husband as of herself, and seeing the Duke's present felicity etc., would be loath to bring him to worse estate, and therefore would know how her good sister would like it, and how friendly the nobility would use him? that he might not be "contreyned" as her late husband Darneley was, as she found to her grief, and was never warned.

2½ pp. Fair copy. Indorsed (partly by Cecil): "In June 1569, the articulis and ansueris from the Quene of Scottes."

1071. The Regent to Elizabeth. [June 5.]

Having received your highness's letter from my servant M^r John Wod, and conferred with him on the "matteris of wecht" it pleased you to impart by him to me: I humbly thank your majesty for communicating the same privately by my own servant, rather than "be oppin dealing, to haif indangerit this state and me unawarres." As the cause is most weighty and of marvellous consequence to your highness and this whole isle, and "utterlie unlouked for" by me, being on my journey to the north, and therefore destitute of councillors: till I find a fit personage, I cannot make such hasty answer as I would. Beseeching your majesty to take this short delay in good part. Aberdeen. Signed: James Stewart.

1 p. Addressed. Indorsed. Wafer signct, quartered (as before).

1072. The Regent to Cecil. [June 5.]

[To like effect, more fully.] His journey is to put down troubles in the north. Prays him to persuade her majesty to receive this small ("but necessair") delay in good part. Aberdeen. Signed: James Regent.

1½ pp. Addressed. Indorsed. Wafer signet (as last).

1073. Mary to Elizabeth. [June 8.] C.P., vol. III.

Beseeching justice for George Clark and Roger Maknacht, merchants, her subjects, who on 10^th February last on their voyage from Rochel in the Hary of the tone marryne, laden with 55½ tun "Coignac wyne" and 8000 "wecht of Spanishe irne," passing the Cape of Cornwall called the "Landis End," to a "raid namit Mentisbery," were attacked by Captain Kaill, gentleman of heritage near London, Masters Wautown, Blount, and Marcus of London in a war ship, who plundered them to the value of 700l. sterling, and set them on shore naked to beg their way—and who have been at court suing her council since Candlemas, without redress. Wingfield. Signed: Your richt good sister and cusignes Marie R.

Broadsheet. Addressed. Indorsed. Wafer signet: the Scottish lion and tressure. M. R. outside shield.

1074. Shrewsbury to Cecil. Elizabeth. [June 8. 1569.] C.P., vol. III.

As their money is all spent which he has had by warrant, begs another for 500l. to pay for fresh provision for the Queen of Scots—also allowance for watch and ward since her coming there. Manor of Wingfield. Signed: G. Shrouesbury.

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

1075. Mr. John Wood to Cecil. [June 10.]

I found my lord Regent on 28^th May in S^t Andrews, and as he was proclaimed to be in Brechin on 1^st instant, I went on to Aberdeen, where he arrived on the 4^th, and after receiving his answer to the Queen's majesty, I was sent back to Lethington, to know his "habilitye," who had got leave to retire to his house, being touched with a grievous infirmity in his feet. I found him of good mind to serve, but doubted very much his ability, and willed me to report this to my lord, to whom I mind to return with diligence. My lord reposes "most almost alanerly" on his coming to the Queen's majesty at her "returning inwart," which we hope shall be about 4^th or 5^th July. My lord lacks no good will to send him, nor he to go. The state grows to obedience and quietness: the day after I arrived at S^t Andrews, Argyll, accompanied with Mar, came there and behaved himself "wele," and as we think satisfied his grace's desires. Huntly, as he promised on 12^th May, sent his brother Patrick Gordon and one of the chief of his kin, "young Straithdowyn," as pledges, who met my lord on his way at Brechin on 1^st instant. On the 4^th, Huntly came to Aberdeen and travailed with my lord for remission of all that had served under him. All the claus of the "Helandis" and divers principals of the Isles, with Caithness, Sutherland and "Lowett," convened at Inverness at my lord's command, with such a power as has seldom been seen there, and waited to be employed: no man lay furth, but all came in. So all is quiet unless a storm rise from the south. My lord minds to move to the Borders, who have made little stir since he was last among them. If the Queen's officers concur, their insolence will be repressed. The house of Dunbarton is not rendered, yet there is communing; the captain's power will not long keep it. Lethington. Signed: M. Jhonne Wod.

1½ pp. Holograph, also address. Indorsed. Wafer signet (indistinct). "M. J. W." legible.

1076. Shrewsbury to Cecil. [June 15.] C.P., vol. III.

On Monday last (albeit with some pain) I came from my house at Chattesworth hither in "my lytter"—and found every man's part and duty as well answered as though I had been present. I am now reasonably well recovered of my sickness, which was so extreme that I cannot forget it. Manor of Wingfield. Signed: G. Shrouesbury.

½ p. Addressed. Indorsed.

1077. Countess of Shrewsbury to Cecil. Elizabeth. [June 19. 1569.] C.P., vol. III.

Though "moost sorowfully, yet of duty I must advertise you that my lord is fallen into extreme sicknes this afternone," as the bearer can inform you. "At this instant he is very wel recovered, thanked be God." The former order of watch and ward shall be more diligently kept, till I know her majesty's pleasure. Wingfield. "In all hast . . . at night." Signed: E. Shreuesbury.

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

1078. Elizabeth to Sir John Zouche. [June 22.] C.P., vol. III.

As our cousin of Shrewsbury is fallen into a relapse of a late dangerous sickness, we will that you resort to his house, do your best to recover him to health, and meantime assist with your counsel and presence, due attendance on the Queen of Scots, according to our orders already given: behaving yourself to her with such reverence as she may see you are a gentleman of good blood and consideration, as we know you are. And when Lord Talbot comes thither, advise him in directing his father's officers and servants. Under our signet.

postscript: Have regard that no strangers resort to her, without our special order.

1 p. Draft by Cecil. Indorsed.

1079. Elizabeth to [Sadler]. [June 22.] C.P., vol. III.

As you are going north, touching our Duchy of Lancaster, and we hear our cousin Lord Shrewsbury is sick of a fever, you shall visit him on our behalf, expressing our grief thereat—and if you perceive the same grow on him, partly by opinion that we credit the late reports of one Corker (whom we mean sharply to punish) you shall assure him of our confidence, suffering him to remain in his charge—"the gage of our savety"—in spite of these. And if you see him in peril, you shall take order in our name for the custody of the Queen of Scots, requiring the Countess and all of her family to take your direction therein. We have commanded the Earl of Huntingdon, president at York, to assist you if required.

1½ pp. Copy by Cecil's clerk. Indorsement obliterated except the words "not sent."

1080 Shrewsbury to Elizabeth. [June 23.] C.P., vol. III.

I have been for these 8 days past sharply visited with sickness, and though not recovered, yet in better estate, thank God. I removed at the peril of my life from my other house [Chatsworth], 8 miles off (near which it first took me), the better to guard this Queen, which has been done with as great care as if I had been in perfect health. And as I recover my health or "growe in perill of lief," your majesty shall be advertised, to give other direction thereon. Wingfield. Signed: Your majesties fethefull subjecte and servaunte, G. Shrouesbury.

1 p. Addressed. Indorsed (by Cecil's clerk). Wafer signet: a talbot, garter and motto.

1081. Shrewsbury to Cecil. Elizabeth. [June 23. 1569.] C.P., vol. III.

To the same effect. The bearer his servant in constant attendance on him, will declare his state. Manor of Wingfield. Signed: Your lovynge frende ever assurede, G. Shrouesbury.

½ p. Addressed. Indorsed. Wafer signet (as last).

1082. Elizabeth to Shrewsbury. [June 23.] C.P., vol. III.

On receipt of your letters of "23 of this month" signed with your accustomed hand, mentioning your good recovery, we heartily on your behalf thank God therefor, wishing you to have good regard to your health. And as we commanded your neighbour Sir John Zouch to assist in your charge during your infirmity, and for no lack reported to us: our meaning is when you shall find yourself able for your former service, he may repair home by your direction. Under our signet. Greenwich, 24 June 1569.

1 p. Draft by Cecil. Indorsed (by his clerk): ". . . To the Earle of Shrewsbury."

1083. Shrewsbury to Cecil. [June 25.] C.P., vol. III.

The truth is I was so grievously tormented with the "gowte" and a hot ague, that I wished rather to die than live, if God so pleased. But since Monday last, through benefit of nature and some easy medicines, I feel day by day not only sound in body, but "so eased of my paynfull feete," that I trust in few days to be more able for travel than before. Touching the letter to Sir John Zouche: as I see by your note to my wife, it is for his attendance in my sickness, I thought it not needful to deliver it—but if necessary cause arise, I will not fail to use his assistance as my neighbour. Wingfield. Signed: G. Shrouesbury.

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

1084. Countess of Shrewsbury to Cecil. [June 26.] C.P., vol. III.

My lord is now in comfortable health and strength and glad that his neighbour Sir John Zouche was appointed to attend if needed, rather than another. I will advertise anything of moment, but his lordship orders his charge as quietly and diligently as ever. Wingfield. Not signed.

½ p. Written and addressed by a clerk.

1085. Countess of Shrewsbury to Cecil. [June 26.] C.P., vol. III.

"I dare still affirme, God be thanked, that my lord dothe daylie recover and is right well restored to his strengthe agayne, having nowe almost no payne of his cruel disease, saving a litle that yet remaynethe in his lefte arme, wherof he makethe non accompt at all." God will defend me against malice, and no enemy would I refuse as judge that thought and spoke truly. Most heartily I thank you for your friendly admonition on my duty, without cause of suspicion. Wingfield. Signed: Your assured frinde bounde to my smal power, E. Shrewesbury.

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

1086. Dr. Francis to Cecil. Elizabeth. [June 27. 1569.] C.P., vol. III.

As to my lord Shrewsbury's case: before my coming, he felt a great pain between his shoulders and in his back, likewise in his legs, and so taking a bayne [bath] felt some relief of pain, and thereupon removed from Chatworth here in a litter, which being open, and the pores of his body somewhat loosed, the air entered and he took an ague. Thinking it but some heat from travel, and having a marvellous desire to drink "meethe eglin," he drank almost a quart, so inflaming his body full of humours and in pain from fever, that many "hotte and colyryk" vapours went from his stomach to his head, so that in vigore illius accessionis loquaci delyrio laborabat. But ever since, his lordship is clear of such symptoms, and God willing, shall continue. He has pain in both arms and hands, with great swelling, and a small fever; his legs not clear, but have been sorer and now amend. I have seen more pain in others sick ex arthritide, and therefore suspect its continuance more than any danger. Wingfield. Signed: Thomas Fraunces.

1 p. Holograph, also address. Indorsed (by Cecil's clerk): " . . . D^r Fraunces to my master" etc.

1087. Shrewsbury to Cecil. [June 27.] C.P., vol. III.

Expressing his thanks for the Queen's graciously sending the learned D^r Frances to him. Has recovered a good part of his strength and is out of danger. As the Queen of Scots is troubled with the old grief of her side, has this afternoon desired D^r Frances' advice for her, which he hopes her majesty will take in good part. Wingfield. Signed: G. Shrouesbury. I send my acquittance for the money I see by my servant you have procured for me, desiring he may speedily receive it.

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