Elizabeth: January 1586

231. William Keith to Walsingham. [Jan. 2. 1585–6]

Came to his majesty on Sunday night.

The king was well satisfied with her majesty's letter. Is commanded by the King to inform him that Mr. Randolph will be very welcome, although before he had a rather hard opinion of him. Advises the sending of some horses to the king. The French ambassador has had but one presence and is thought to be a vain young man.

With regard to the maid with whom the king is said to have been in love, the Lord Maxwell is committed to Edinburgh Castle, and the rest of the principles who were there are all committed severally. Holyrood. Signed: W. Keith.

1 p. Addressed. Indorsed.

232. Particulars of Two Letters from Morgan and Paget. [Jan. 6.]

Advice and requests:—

C.P.,vol. XVII.

1. That the packet may be speedily delivered and a sure intelligence made with the Queen of Scots.

2. That for sure advertisement to the King of Scots, safe recourse may be made to the Lord Prior Seton, into Scotland, by a special token.

3. That "Pan" (after the packet delivered here) go first, and confer with them in France, before he pass into Holland to Blunt.

4. That "Pan" (as a matter of principal purpose) labour, inform and practise with the French ambassador, that an absolute union may be settled and observed between the French King and the Duke of Guise.

5. That they may be informed what course Charles Arundel and Fitzherbert hold with Mr. Secretary Walsingham.

6. That they may understand what is intended here for the employing of Don Antonio; how many ships; of what burden; how furnished; who be the captains; and what the enterprise.

7. That the Catholic party be encouraged, and put in hope that the Pope's levying of money and men with the Kings of Spain and France, his preparation to sea, extendeth and will conclude in some notable enterprise behoofful for the common cause, and every particular.

8. That they be advertised what is done, or said of the Earl's Arundel and Northumberland; what becometh of Shelby; and how the indictments proceed against the Lord Paget his brother earls and others.

9. That Blunt be dealt with to practise deliverance of some important town in Holland to the King of Spain; or to undertake the conveying of some other notable enterprise touching the default of the Earl of Leicester; whereunto they offer the joining of many fit helps and instruments, the best on the other side; and that they may have a cipher from him for the entertainment and recourse of those circumstances.

1 p. Indorsed: "The principal particulars of 2 letters from Morgan and Paget." Poley.

233. Sir Henry Woddrynton to [Walsingham]. [Jan. 7.] Cott. Calig., C. VIII., fol. 398.

Received the inclosed at the hands of Robert Carvell, sent to him by the Master of Gray this 7th January, to be returned to him [Walsingham].

The King came to Edinburgh from Carscoffin on the 2nd instant. He was at the sermon in the Cathedral Church where Walter Balcanquall preached, who making comparison that the ministers had as great authority as the bishops, the King seemed discontented thereat and demanded what Scripture he had so to compare their authorities. The preacher answered he would show his Majesty he had sufficient Scripture. The King replied that if he proved that by Scripture he would give him half his kingdom, adding it was their custom to be busy in causes in the pulpit, but he knew his intent well enough. They continued reasoning more than a quarter of an hour, then ending the same, the King sat down. The Tuesday after, the King sent for the preacher, brought to him by the Provost of Edinburgh, who had an hour's secret conference with him. The preacher was allowed to return with the Provost without committing or other matter as yet known against him.

The King abode in Edinburgh Castle three days, and on Wednesday last came to Holyrood House, where he determines to sojourn this winter, now the plague is quenched in Edinburgh.

No noblemen are with the King but the Earl of Mar, the Secretary, and Justice Clerk. The Earl of Arbroath is at Hamilton, Angus at Tantallon, and the Master of Gray at Dunfermline, but all the noblemen's lodgings in Edinburgh are taken up, who will be all at Court fourteen days hence, at which time they begin their sessions for deciding all matters spiritual and temporal. The Earl of Arran is now at the new town of Ayr with two well prepared ships. But for that the lords find the King's affection still continued towards him, they suffer him till their sessions are ended. The court and country at this present are now very quiet. Berwick. Signed: Henry Woddryngton.

1¼ pp. Holograph. No flyleaf, address, or indorsement.

234. Relation by Sir Francis Englefield to the Pope and Philip II. [Jan. 8.] Cott. Calig., C. VIII., fol. 399.

The Queen of Scotland foreseeing from the change of her keeper and the place of her abode the great appearance that she will not long have liberty nor commodity to receive or send letters, has therefore written as follows:—

[Copy of part of No. 243].

Besides this written by the Queen of Scotland herself, it is to be considered that the Queen of England and her Council, having first by printed libel published her to be confederate with Don Bernardino de Mendoza and Francis Throgmorton against the Queen and realm of England, and having contrived and set forth the new form of association and confederation whereby all men shall swear and subscribe to resist and pursue all that shall pretend any right in succession in the Crown of England, and now lastly having changed the place of her abode and keeper, by removing her from the custody of the Earl of Shrewsbury and putting her into the hands of base and obscure heretics wholly affectionate to and at the direction of her competitors, it is very probable, and in effect manifest to such as have had experience of the English government that the Queen and Council of England have made a secret resolution not only to deprive and disinherit the said Queen of Scotland, but also to ruinate her person and take her life, if the Pope and the King of Spain shall not within the time prescribed find some means either to deliver her, or at least so to occupy and molest the Queen of England that she shall conceive and find, as hitherto she has done till of late, that the life and safety of the Queen of Scotland is her own principal security and assurance.

By this it is evident how weak were the arguments in the spring past, which persuaded that the succour expected by the Queen and Catholics of that realm might without prejudice be delayed till either the Low Countries could be recovered, the Queen of England dead, or some notable mutation occurred in that realm.

Admitting the Queen of Scotland should escape this intended ruin, yet since her passing through the same cannot be without the favour of "heretical authority," it were neither wisdom nor policy, but prejudicial to the Catholic Church to acknowledge the safety of her life to the favour of heretics. If she perish it cannot but be scandalous to his Catholic Majesty, because he being the nearest Catholic of the blood royal, shall ever be subject to the false suspicion of abandoning that good Queen to be devoured by her competitors, for making the way more open to his claim and interest.

(Note in Mr. Phelippes' hand.— "Deciphered by me Thomas Phelippes out of the original written in cipher and sent to the Scottish Queen by Sir Francis Englefield 12 Jan. 1585[–6], as is confessed by Curll 6 Oct. 1586, being found among the said Scottish Queen's papers, as is verified by the hands of the Lord Treasurer, the Earl of Shrewsbury, the Lord Chamberlain, the Lord Cobham, and Sir Fra. Walsingham." Signed: Tho. Phelippes.)

Of this, one copy was sent to the Pope, and another to the King of Spain, 8 January 1585[–6], mutatis mutandis.

2 pp. Copy.

Lansd. MSS., No. 96, fol. 46 b.

Another copy of Englefield's relation. In the hand of Mr. Thomas Phelippes.

235. Sir Amias Powlet to Walsingham. [Jan. 9.] C.P., vol. XVII. C.P., vol. XVII.

I have received your letters of the 1st and 2nd of this month; and whether the mistake was yours or mine touching the privy seal mentioned in my letters to have been procured by you, the fault is not great.

I thank you for your promise to hasten the grant of the same, having done somewhat already for my relief herein, as it seems my Lord Treasurer has written his letters to some of the collectors of these parts to pay their debts to my hands.

If the King of Scots has begun already—as he writes—to spread an idea among his nobility that until they have estranged themselves from England, they can never stand assured of his good opinion and favour. The embroiderer having sent here to this Queen's physician at two different times for physic for his wife, finding that no relief in money came from here upon the first sending, at the second took occasion to write to the physician that without my succour he had been greatly distressed; upon sight whereof the Queen sent him four angels. The sick woman continuing in extremity of madness, watched nightly by two hired men, who were forced to bind her hand and foot. Six or seven days after the receipt of the said four angels, the embroiderer writes to the Queen's physician in such terms as may appear unto you by this inclosed copy. It is manifest by the physician's answer in writing that the Queen was troubled by this letter, and far more so, because she knew the same had passed through my hands. It has been advertised that some letters have passed between the Queen and her son by the means of some gentlewoman dwelling not far from Tutbury, who has been used as an instrument therein. I am required to discover what gentlewomen are dwelling within ten or twelve miles of that place. The only gentlewomen I have seen are the Lady Aston, Mrs. Greisley lately deceased, and Mrs. Bagot, whom I have seen in their houses, and whom I believe to be faithful subjects to her Majesty. There are many recusants and other suspect papists within twelve miles, whose wives are not unlikely to do bad office. The Lady Grace, wife to Mr. Henry Cavendish, is of old acquaintance with the Queen and with all her retinue, as is known.

The gentlewomen of these parts are utterly unknown to me, and therefore I am bound to judge the best of them, and may not be hasty to accuse in a matter of this weight without good ground.

I believe that no gentlewoman or other woman of this country has access to the Queen since my coming to this charge; and I may say as much for all the gentlemen in this country, of all degrees, even on the day of her removal hither.

I have advertised before that the Queen's laundresses had great liberty at Tutbury to do what mischief they liked, being lodged outside the castle, and out of the danger of the watch and ward; so they might carry and receive all things at their own pleasure.

This is all I can say herein, neither do I know how to inform myself better. It seems that the advertiser might be entreated or compelled to express his knowledge in plainer terms, and it is likely that he who can say that a gentlewoman has done it, knows also, or may learn who she is.

I can say no more touching Tutbury, but of this house I may affirm, and I take God to witness that the laundresses being now lodged within the house, and the rest of the Queen's train watched and attended in a most precise manner, I cannot imagine how it may be possible for them to convey a piece of paper as big as my finger; and I think if you were here with me you would say as I say, and yet I dare assure nothing in so nice a point, but I speak plainly and truly as I think.

Mr. Phelippes has assisted me in perusing the Queen's packet, wherein I refer you to the abstract inclosed; by which you may perceive new servants are expected; wherein I trust you will not be hasty. The two gentlewomen lately admitted have filled the house full of news, and you must look for larger measure if any servants come out of France.

I find by a "memoriall" sent by the carrier from Nau to Cherelles, that he desires to be a suitor to you for a woman servant for Curll's new wife; so that now it cannot be avoided, but you must be acquainted with the marriage, and therefore it may please you to prepare your answer. The bearer, for the sake of old acquaintance between him and me, was very welcome; and I am beholden to you for this friendly choice; and now his sufficiency shall excuse my short lines.

I think myself happy to have heard of your dangerous sickness, and of your recovery. I beseech God to increase your health, and to give you strength of body and mind to overcome the troubles of this declining age. Chartley. Signed: A. Powlet.

3 pp. Indorsed: "To the right honourable Sir Francis Walsingham, knight, her Majesty's principal secretary."

Inclosure with the same:—

(The Queen of Scots' embroiderer to her physician.)

I have deferred writing to you until now, thinking that my wife would change at the end of the full moon, but I see that there is no amendment; she is like a fool; if I should say worse I should not lie. As to the remedies that you sent me, it has not been possible for me to get her to drink any but once—she would never taste them again: she locks her teeth so hard against the said beverage that it is not possible for me to make her take it, but yet she says that her brother Du Preau may give it her, and she will take it, and not from another. In short, she had Du Preau only in her mind, and says that he has deceived her, I do not know in what, for she will tell me nothing; and she very often says,—vengeance, vengeance on those who have said that our innocent children must be punished down to the third generation. And, to say truth, I know not what offence we or ours have committed to be thus threatened, but it is for nothing else but that I demand that which belongs to me, as everybody knows; and for having done well we receive evil for another. I pray God that he will give us patience, but she is very harsh towards me. As for me, I have decided to take my children and to go away, whithersoever God shall counsel us. As for my wife, I shall leave her in the condition she is now in, in the hands of those who are the cause of her misfortune, praying God to render them good for the evil which now we suffer all in general. If we had all deserved death a hundred times, it seems to me that we have already endured more torment. For the rest, she does not always remain in bed, but insists upon getting up. I have let her alone to see what she would do; she goes to Monsieur de Preau's chamber, and kneels before his door with bare feet, and then when in the chamber she cannot keep still in one place, but changes about from one corner to another, ruffling about her, tosses a stool first to one side, then to the other, a cushion now into one place, and immediately afterwards into another place, her tongue meanwhile going incessantly. In short, I am almost out of my mind to see her in this state. And, mark you, I can never induce her to eat any meat, but sometimes she sups a very little chicken broth, and very often drinks some beer, of which she may have as much as she will, and cold water also if she can get it secretly. I think that if she were near her Majesty the Queen one might be able to make her eat, and to make her take remedies, and I think she might get better, for she often asks after the Queen, Monsieur Nau, and yourself, and Martin, whom she calls her father, and above all Monsieur Du Preau, and says that she will eat all that he will give her; wherefore it seems to me that it would be best to try, if it were possible, to have her near her majesty to recover her health. Tutbury, 2 January 1585.

2 pp. French. Copy. Indorsed: From the embroiderer to this Q. phisition.

236. Burghley to Walsingham. [Jan. 9.]

Mr. Keith, the Scottish ambassador, presses the intended treaty with her majesty, which he says the King his master earnestly desires, should proceed in manner as was intended, being as he says set down in writing how the same was to have passed. For all that, he does not remember that it was so far proceded with, and finds from Mr. Wotton that he only had certain articles sent him for his directions. Prays him if any such were conceived, to cause the same to be sought and sent hither to him.

Her majesty is doubtful about sending Mr. Randolph to Scotland, owing to the King's dislike for him, which arose from his sending for certain horsemen to go to the Borders for the relief of the Earl of Morton. He denies that he wrote such letters, but both Lord Hunsdon and he [Burghley] thought such letters were written by him. Prays him to make a search among his papers. From the Court. Signed: W. Burghley.

¾ p. Addressed. Indorsed: "From the L. Tres."

Cott, Calig., C. VIII., fol. 401.

Copy of the same.

237. Thomas Morgan to Mary. [Jan. 18.] C.P., vol. XVIII.

Some months after I was taken prisoner some others of this nation also found themselves in the same predicament, although for other causes, who were more strictly guarded than I. It was of much importance to Mendoça to have intelligence with one of the said prisoners for the advancement of the service of his master in an affair of great consequence. Thereupon Mendoça writes me a letter whereby he begs me to arrange this intelligence with the said prisoner, or indeed to do the office between them myself by word of mouth. Finding myself in such a position as I am now, I informed him that it would be very unfitting for me at that time to intermeddle with such affairs, having regard to my person and present estate, as I ought.

Nevertheless I wrote to him that your majesty had many times charged me to do all honour and service to the King of Spain his master and to him likewise, as I had always done. To which I moreover added that it should never be found that I was willing to refuse— in whatsoever condition I might be, or for any accident that might happen to me thereby—to serve your majesty and your good friends and allies, among the number whereof I did not forget to place his master and himself. He thanked me for it very warmly by his letters, and in conclusion I did not fail to accomplish that which was required of me, to the profit and great advantage of the service of the King of Spain.

The Pope's holiness and this King are not up to this time very well agreed. The King seeing himself the last of his race desires only to pass the time as he has done until now, to entertain the Catholics and heretics, and to aggrandise some whom he loves, and to divert the war towards the Low Countries. Nevertheless he has induced the Duke of Guise and the other princes who had taken arms last summer for the extirpation of heresy, to make an agreement with him by means of the assurance that he gave them of being willing to make war upon the heretics, as in fact there seems some likelihood by the publication of his edicts, and the expedition which he commanded of Monsieur du Mayne against the King of Navarre and his partisans.

But yet it is also manifest that the King has tried, and still tries to break the said Catholic league and to divide and weaken those who favour it, having at length by his authority, gifts, advancements and promises brought back to his devotion some towns with the governors thereof which before took the part of the league; so that the principal end of the policy of this state almost all this year has been, to say the truth, only to ruin the said league and to shake the credit of Monsieur de Guise and of the royal house. And hence one can only expect the ruin of this state and of many of the principal members of it if God do not soon remove this King, as I pray he may.

He does not fear the Huguenots so much as he hates and mistrusts the house of Lorraine and that of England, and other wretched instruments—who yet are in the good favour of the King—who seek by all means to nourish and entertain in him a sinister opinion of the said royal house. And his nature is such that there is no likelihood but that he will always live in an extreme mistrust of the said house; against which it is alleged—in order to make it lose credit—that it wishes to dispossess that of Bourbon.

But the said house of Lorraine, God helping, will live and reign. Monsieur de Guise and his adherents were deceived when they consented to the pacification, being in arms and fairly strong, whereas all their adversaries were wholly denuded and without hope of such success, having since had time to deliberate and to fortify their party to the prejudice of the public good and in part also of their reputation, without the loss that they have sustained of many who were then, and would since have returned to their devotion.

If I were out of prison I would find means to draw some good service from many of those who are about Leicester. Which I do not refrain from doing out of respect for her of England, but for the fear that I have of this King, who agrees only too well with her in these matters.

Some days before my imprisonment there was sent to me from England from within the Tower itself an examination and confession of good Father Craighton, by which I was extremely sorry to see that a secret of great importance had been so cowardly discovered, which at the beginning was known only to the Duke of Guise, to your ambassador, to Father Claude, to the old nuncio and to me. But I find since that there have been some others among the Jesuit fathers who have also shared the knowledge of this affair, whereof they have written to their friends in England, and that by this means the enemy knew it.

I am ashamed to live and to take part in affairs of importance, seeing that they have just been so shamefully divulged, for I cannot serve and acquit myself as behoves my honour if people proceed in this fashion in things which are of so great consequence; as I have also said to your ambassador and to Father Odo. But what was discovered of that affair was not sufficient to enable you to be directly accused, although you wrote that it was imputed to you contrary to all right. The affair being commenced here by the Duke of Guise, your ambassador, the nuncio, Father Claude and myself: and God knows (who is also my witness that I would sacrifice my own life to do some signal service) the regret that I have had and shall have that this design has not succeeded better.

2⅓ pp. French. Intercepted July 1586.

238. Monsieur La Veille to Monsieur De Courcelles. [Jan. 13.]

Immediately after your departure I sent for Mons. Mollan, to speak to him about your affairs, and to beg him to deliver to you a warrant upon Mons. Sublet as well for the 1250 crowns contained in the acquittance which was sent to you by Mons. Pinart, as for the 200 crowns of which the King made you a present. He granted it at once, and told Mons. le Noir that he could pay them, who, after having seen and considered them, found a difficulty upon one acquittance of 500 crowns, dated 15th October 1581, whereof I have expressly sent you the copy with the present, together with that of 1250 crowns, in order that you may see more clearly to what you are bound. For, by the said acquittance you declare that you have received 200 crowns of the said Mons. Mollan upon the 500 crowns therein contained, and that there remains to be paid 300 crowns, which 300 crowns you have included in the said 1250 crowns. Howbeit, it does not appear at all for what purpose you have been paid. So that having since spoken to the said Mons. Mollan by the said Mons. le Noir, he says that it must of necessity be, either that he has paid you nothing of the said 200 crowns, or if he has paid you anything that you have some certificate from him, which must be produced before that which remains of this portion of the 500 crowns be assigned; and for this reason he has left the 300 crowns remaining, whereof he was not willing to give you an assignment. There is one of the difficulties.

Yet another has arisen concerning the order signed by Mons. Pinart for two voyages made by you into England, which not being declared in writing he refused to allow.

Finally, after many importunities, and the said Mons. Pinart having spoken to him about it, he allowed the said order for 400 crowns, and it has been necessary to send upon this another acquittance addressed to him to acquit him, and one upon the two warrants which were sent to you before, bringing the whole to the sum of 950 crowns; the which acquittances had to be sealed and controlled, then a separate warrant had to be sent of the said sum of 950 crowns upon Mons. Sublet, and another of 200 for your gift of 200 crowns, which he did not wish to put with the 950 crowns, inasmuch as that must be carried to his account in two sums afterwards. Mons. Hubert your brother has possession of the said two warrants and of the other papers which have not been used.

You will let us know if you have any others to prove how the other 300 crowns are due to you, in order that an effort may be made to procure them for you. Mons. Pinart has caused your placet to be granted by the King. Mons. Hubert intimated its despatch by Mons. Joussiet, who promised me to do it. Paris, 23 Jan. 1586. Signed: La Veille.

Postscript.—I humbly recommend to your favour Messieurs de Montmartin, Brose, La Boullayn, Corseuuille and De Rudray.

2 pp. French. Holograph. Addressed: "A Monsieur, Monsieur de Courcelles." Indorsed: "Lettres de Mr. La Veillie du xxiij^e Januyer 1586."

239. Sir Amias Powlet to Walsingham. [Jan. 15.] C.P., vol. XVII.

Bastian's wife is about to be delivered of a child. Prays directions for his behaviour at that time, which he will not fail to follow.

In former times, besides the midwives and nurses being provided out of the country, the child was also baptized by the nearest minister, and English godfathers and godmothers admitted. The Queen is now so well provided, and uses her chaplain so boldly that there will be no question of the baptism, but desires directions concerning the midwife and nurse. It is likely that Curll's wife will be sick of the same disease shortly, and likewise it is to be expected that there will be no end of marrying in this great household, when all may marry without controlment according to their own religion.

The midwives and nurses cannot be admitted without peril, but how they may be avoided in case of extremity he refers to better judgment.

Remembers that it pleased her majesty to say unto him that she had considered of the inconvenience that would happen on these occasions, and would provide the remedy.

Christmas time joined with the frosty weather has deprived them of all kinds of sea-fish, about which there has been great complaint.

Affirms that as great care as possible has been taken to provide it. Would be glad if they did complain that he might convince them of their unreasonableness, wherein there is no measure. Chartley. Signed: A. Powlet.

²/3 p. Addressed. Indorsed.

240. Mary to Thomas Morgan. [Jan. 17.] C.P., vol. XVII.

Has received his letter dated the 15th of October. Is glad to have knowledge of his estate; but sorry to hear of his condition.

Incloses letters, one for the Duke of Guise, and another for her ambassador, who on receipt of the same will help him all he can. Also a third letter for De Ruisseau, who will convey to him two hundred crowns.

Will provide for him in the future, and prays him to keep himself from holding anything likely to increase the suspicion already conceived of him in these parts. Finds great difficulty in communication owing to the rigorous supervision of her keeper. Chartley.

Postscript.—I can say no more for my part but that few things have grieved me more these many years past than your late troubles, and I do pray God daily for your deliverance. Curll.

²/3 p. Copy. In the hand of Mr. Phelippes, indorsed by him: "The Scottish Queen to Morgan—Decifred by Phelippes."

241. Roger Ashton to [Walsingham]. [Jan. 17.]

Before Lord Leicester's departure for Flanders, advertised his lordship from time to time of the present estate here; and now, seeing the absence of his lordship, has thought good to "visit" him with these few lines here. First, there is imminent danger in Scotland, if matters are not wisely handled.

The Earl Morton has gone openly to mass, both at church and in his own house. There is great murmuring about the same, and many are of the opinion that it has a further intention. Assures him, however, that the King is greatly displeased, and means to punish him severely. He is commanded to "compeere" on the 18th of this month; if he refuses the King means to pursue him with fire and sword.

The arrival of the French ambassador who landed at Leith on the 13th of this month, has put great fear into many men's hearts that favour religion and friendship between these two countries; for, first, he has brought with him a great store of gold, and, secondly, there is great division among the nobility, the one half ready to cut the other half's throats.

The King is minded to stand fast by the religion, and to follow the course with her majesty before all other Princes.

There are many here that fear lest the delay of time may work great harm; and it is wished by many that her majesty would send some man of credit, which would do great good.

It is well known that the coming of the French ambassador was practised by the Earl of Arran and his faction more than six months ago. Arran has taken heart again; for he is now at his house at Ayr, and holds communication with Huntly and Crawford, who are both known to be Papists.

All these things being considered, it is time for her majesty to take upon her the protection of the King and these noblemen.

The chief rulers here are the Secretary and the Master of Glammis.

The King is ready to assist her majesty in anything that she shall take in hand. Formerly the King was guided by those of whom her majesty was suspicious, but now he has made choice of those of whom -her majesty has had better proof.

It is clear that there is no mischief between the King and these noblemen, for within the last twenty days he took horse at night, and remained away five days without anyone coming near him, in which time he might have gone where he pleased if he had been so disposed.

The King said to him that if an ambassador did not come from England soon he would send for one.

Mr. Keith is daily looked for here.

The young Lord [ ] departed this life on the 14th of this month; his living has fallen into the King's hands.

On the 18th of this month the King goes to Edinburgh to meet the Council to despatch his affairs.

Captain James Stewart has delivered the King's jewels.

3 pp. Indorsed: "A Coppye of Roger Ashton's letter."

Cott. Calig., C. IX., fol. 186.

Another copy of the same.

242. Don Paston de Spinola to [ ]. [Jan. 18.] C.P., vol. XVII.

"Con questo medesimo dispacio mando uno per it ginessse sosso per Godi guiall' di Bastona et a luy servio a Diego di Teresa como erango restati di accordo gli hanno due lettere una per loy et una per il contatere seria per nuiso a cio li recuperare. A Art una. 28 Januarii."

In the hand of Mr. Phelippes.

¼ p. Indorsed: "Letters deciphered."

243. Thomas Morgan to Mary and Curll. [Jan. 18.] C.P., vol. XVII.

"It may please your majestie."

Albeit you have many good servants and friends whereby your majesty has the less need of me, for the discharge of my duty I delivered my knowledge to one William Hert [in the margin, Charles Paget] for the better furtherance of your majesty's service. I have done somewhat towards the same myself since my captivity, though I could not prosecute the same with effect, as I desired. For the English ambassador has always spies about the place of my captivity to see who repaired unto me, that he might complain to the King and have me restrained, which happens often in this time, for they have special regard "not to offende her of Englande." But in the month of October last I had conference with an honest gentleman who came to visit me, and I recommended unto him a few lines to be delivered unto your majesty by the care and labour of his friends in the country where you remain. By letters from the said gentleman, which came lately to my hands, he assured me that he had sent my said letters to your majesty, and promised to do the like for once or twice more, but feared some peril from the continuance of this service.

I have assured him and his friends that your majesty would so carefully direct all things that no error should be committed; and that your majesty would use supposed names both for him and his friends, and this I pray you to do, and make them acquainted therewith, for their better security towards the French ambassador and his ministers. I mean to continue my wonted boldness with your majesty though it be of no other matter but my own particular, whereof I assure myself your majesty has a gracious care.

I have good words from this King, which he sends me sometimes by the captain of this place, saying that he is sorry for my captivity; but the league between his majesty and "her of Englande" prevents him from setting me at liberty, though he has been many times moved to do so. For all which courtesy towards me, I pray your majesty most humbly to thank him hereafter; and I am in good hope that the King will take some speedy order for my liberty.

But I fear much that the order will be with the condition that I depart this realm until some breach happen between his majesty and "her of Englande," or that at the instance of your majesty, friends and relations I may be restored to the liberty of this country, which I think your relations and ambassador may safely obtain.

But whensoever that order shall be taken with me, God knows that same shall come in a hard time, and must increase my pains and charges.

As I am utterly unprovided of means to support the same, besides the heart-breaking I shall always have, whatsoever becomes of me, if I may not be participant of your majesty's estate, therefoie I beseech your majesty to let me hear of your estate, whatsoever become of me.

But I hope in God that it will please His divine Majesty to make some happy change in that state, that I may live there to serve God and your majesty.

And whilst good friends seek my restitution in this country— having your majesty's favour—I would make a voyage to Rome for devotion once in my life, and also address myself to the King of Spain for some support and help, for my better furniture and to pay my debts increased by these troubles of mine.

Since I addressed my life and labours to your majesty's service I have depended wholly on God's providence and yours, and never sought hitherto to any Prince in the world for the reparation of my state. During this captivity of mine, on account of the decay I see in your majesty's service, I have revealed the same to some personages of that side that attend to reap good by your majesty's fortune.

And one point amongst many was, that they should by all means labour to make your host sure to your majesty; and herein I have dealt very earnestly with my Lord Lumley, but I have not yet received answer from him.

And many have had regard to the extraordinary support given to me in this time of captivity in banishment, wherein I complained not. And on the other part there is none in the world that ever demanded in what state I am or how I am provided to bear the burden of this time, so that I have received no help at all but that I have received from your majesty, for the which I most humbly thank you.

And what order soever be taken with me—unless my life be taken away, for which purpose she of England "ordained" 10,000l as Monsieur Mauvèsiere reported out of her own mouth—I shall address myself where I may best serve your majesty. Yet I beseech your majesty to give me leave to crave of you your favourable letters in favour of me to the King of Spain to be good unto me, and to grant unto me a good pension that I may better serve your majesty hereafter.

And because this is no time for your majesty to write for me by open letters I also crave to Mendoza and to Taxis, with whom you have also an alphabet, to commend favourably my case to the King. Mendoza has done all good offices for me during this time, for which I shall desire your majesty to thank him, although in this place I have done good services for him and his master.

Your majesty has an alphabet with this nuncio, who used me well in this time, for which I shall ask your majesty to thank him, and pray him to commend my case and fortune to his holiness. Though I cannot expect anything at his holiness' hands, for he is resolved not to hearken to any particular suits, which puts me in hope that he will be more liberal in general. And I understand by Dr. Lewis and by other means that this Pope is better inclined towards your majesty than was his predecessor. This Pope removed all officers placed by his predecessor, except Lewis. I think your majesty would do well to salute the Pope.

If you find any doubt of the convoy of your letters you may use your alphabet with the nuncio and with Lewis; and Lewis will serve your majesty with all devotion, and by his constant access to the Pope he has a chance of doing your majesty service. And your majesty may recommend Lewis and Allen to his holiness and if it shall please your majesty to remember me likewise, it will do you no harm and will do me good.

The Cardinal of Esté has special favour with his holiness.

If you write a few lines to him in the alphabet and commend Lewis unto him, the same will be a good introduction to lead Lewis to enter further for your service.

For this court will rule all other courts where piety and equity have a place. And there is no member of the English or Scottish nation fitter to serve your majesty than Lewis; and your majesty knows that it is most necessary that you have some there, whereby your affairs here and elsewhere may be the better advanced.

And because the Duke of Guise may most advance, both in public and private, both with his holiness and the King of Spain, I shall desire your majesty to write to the Duke of Guise and to procure that I may be put at liberty and permitted to enjoy the same.

And if it would please your majesty to write a few lines to the King of Spain in Mendoza's alphabet, in my favour, the same would help me much.

If I am forced to leave this country or to make any other voyage— which I will never do without your majesty's good allowance—I have no means to pay my debts here or to support my charges while travelling.

The Duchess of Feria, the Earl of Westmorland—who have been in this town this good while—the bishop of Rochester, Lord Paget, Sir Francis Englefield, Lady Hungerford, Doctor Lewis, Doctor Allen, William Hert (written over Charles Paget), Du Ruisseau, De Chanenes, Hotman, Dolu, Fontenau, Barasin [written over Thomas Throgmorton] Richard Guildford, Doctor Wendon and William Tressam have been honest friends to me during my captivity. But Hert continually laboured for me, and does do still.

And so did Barasino until he was forced to address himself to Spain for his own better furniture; and in good faith parted from me in prison with abundance of tears. Lord Paget and Lewis did specially stir his holiness, who spake for me to the King's ambassador in Rome, which helped me well in this court.

At the same time his holiness spoke high in favour of your majesty, and that justice should be done to your majesty for the peaceable possession of your majesty's revenues in this country. Whereof the king and court were advertised, insomuch that Chiverny the Chancellor was brought to a good disposition towards your majesity, and thereupon treated with Du Ruisseau. So as you may perceive it is for your majesty's service to have someone about his holiness that he may procure him to speak in your majesty's cause. I pray you take it well that I was the cause of procuring the Pope to speak on your behalf.

For out of this captivity, finding that your ambassador could have no audience here in your mouths, and that your affairs were delayed and your dowry daily wasted, I wrote thereof to Dr. Lewis, and prayed him to procure that his holiness should write to this court and pray their majesties to have better regard to your majesty.

Dr. Lewis, upon the receipt of my letter, communicated the same to Lord Paget, and so between them they dealt with his holiness, whereupon he spoke to the King's ambassador in favour of your majesty and your affairs.

When your majesty shall have occasion to write in cipher to the personages above named, I shall most humbly desire your majesty to thank everyone of them for their courtesy towards me.

And for such of them as you have no intelligence with by cipher, Hert and I will thank in your name as it pleases your majesty to command us thereto.

When it shall please your majesty to write to his holiness, the King of Spain, the nuncio, Mendoza and Taxis and the English above named in favour of me, I pray you send me all the letters that I may deliver the same myself, or send them as they shall be directed. Your majesty of your goodness long since gave me the donation of a prebend in St. Quentin's. It pleased God in a short time after I had the same to call to his mercy the person for whom I meant the same. Ever since I kept the brevet in my hands, and permitted all others such as had deserved well to have their turns served. A few months ago Hert asked me to give him the donation of the prebend, for a learned man—a priest and friend of his—which I consented to do. I shall most humbly crave of your majesty to give me the donation of two prebends in St. Quentin, for the preferment of two reverend personages, devout beadsmen to your majesty and honest friends of mine.

I still recommend to your majesty Barasino and all his decayed family. I have also a faithful yeoman of this country, who has served me faithfully many years past, and would on no account abandon me in my captivity. His name is Giles Morighean, and if it shall please your majesty to bestow him upon your estate and grant him a pension of fifty franks by the year, I trust your majesty shall find the same well bestowed.

And you shall thereby discharge me of the obligation which I owe him; and your majesty shall have him, though I can ill spare him, whensoever you require him.

I am sorry to seem thus importunate and to lay before your majesty my wrecked fortune.

But your majesty is my sovereign and most gracious lady and mistress, and of such equity, honour and favourable respect towards me that I shall not offend your majesty to impart the same unto you at this time. Moreover your majesty is likely to hear of my condition, because my life and labour are directed to your service with all fidelity.

I presume the more boldly, therefore, to address myself in this manner to your majesty. And I most humbly beseech you to hear and determine my petitions as shall best please your majesty, which shall content me full well.

William Cecill, who was in this country, of whom I wrote unto your majesty heretofore has become a Catholic, and has been at Rome, and has done obedience to his holiness, and was well respected there; but this is kept secret. He is heir to the house of Burghley.

She of England labours to make an universal league in this country and to bring the forces of France to join with her in Flanders and elsewhere against Spain, and to deprive him of that country, whereupon was chiefly founded this great league, between this estate and England.

I pray God that this may not long endure.

The Pope and the King here do not agree well. The King seeing himself the last of his race desires but to pass his time as he has done hitherto, and to entertain both Catholics and heretics; and to advance a few whom he loves, and to turn the wars of this country to Flanders Notwithstanding, this King drew Monsieur de Guise and the Princes that were in arms last summer for the extirpation of heresy to come to an agreement with him, upon the assurance that he gave that he would make war against the heretics—as he has given some evidence both by his edicts and by setting forward Monsieur de Mayne, who is at present with his forces in Guyenne to make war against the King of Navarre.

Yet, nevertheless, it is apparent that the King labours to break the Catholic league and to disjoin and weaken the supporters of the same. By his authority, gifts and preferments he has recovered certain towns and their governors, who were formerly addicted to the said league.

And as the principal practice of this state for twelve months past has been to break the neck of the said league and to shake the credit of Monsieur de Guise and his adherents, and not to advance the wars against heretics, there is nothing to be expected but the ruin of this state, unless it shall please God to take away the King speedily or to alter his heart.

His majesty does not so much fear the Huguenots as he envies and distrusts the house of Lorraine.

She of England and other unhappy instruments in the King's good grace do all in their power to maintain an evil impression in the King's head against Monsieur de Guise and his royal family.

And considering the King's nature, there is no doubt but that he will always live in special diffidence of the said family, and never employ or advance them, unless he maintains some means of restraining them, and keeping them under.

But God will preserve and advance them, even so as the holy league was addressed to pull down heresy and the favourers of the same—whereof in these parts the King of Navarre is the principal.

So the said King and all the house of Bourbon—the old cardinal alone excepted—and all their adherents, whereof also there be many Catholics, strengthen themselves to deface this Catholic league; giving forth that this Catholic league has no other meaning but to seek the subversion of the house of Bourbon, that the house of Lorraine might peaceably take possession of this crown.

To spread this belief abroad, many inventions are written against the house of Lorraine concerning their intention to acquire the crown. And for proof, some pedigrees are drawn by their procurement for the service of their turn for this purpose. Also some memoirs of one named David concerning his negotiations with the Pope then living are objected against the said house of Lorraine.

Considering how important it is for your majesty to have this King and state well disposed towards your majesty, it goes to my heart to see this difference between the King and the said family, in conconsequence of which your majesty's affairs will be hindered. But God fights for your majesty and will turn all to the best at the last.

Monsieur de Guise and his adherents were overtaken when they yielded to a pacification when he was in arms and strong, and all adversaries utterly unprepared, and since have had time to deliberate and to make their party stronger, to the hindrance of the common good and some hurt of their reputation. But, as I have said, they will do well enough for their particulars; and God and they will fight for your majesty.

Monsieur de Montmerency, who commands in Languedoc, joins himself strongly with the King of Navarre; and so does Monsieur de Montpensier, who I hear has taken arms against the King in Poitou; the Prince of Condé the house of Longueville; and the Vicomte of Turin, are also addicted to the King of Navarre.

The Prince of Condé has lately married the sister of Monsieur de la Trimouille, who received a dower of 50,000 francs a year from land, and is in hopes of inheriting a further 200,000 francs a year, for Monsieur de la Trimouille is unmarried, and one of weak spirit.

The Queen mother is thought to be a favourer of the Catholic league. And the Queen of Navarre has openly joined that side; for which she has been reprimanded by her brother, and for that and other causes remains in disgrace with his majesty.

The credit of the Queen mother is not increased since the beginning of these troubles, and she and the "mignons" do not well agree, but if she live she will "trusse" some of them.

The King seems to be offended at the marriage of the Prince of Condé, because it was concluded without his majesty's consent; and therefore has sent the Grand Provost to apprehend Madame de la Trimouille, mother of the Prince's wife, and she is expected to be here shortly. She is sister to Monsieur de Montmorency.

For some time there has been a quarrel between Monsieur de Montmorency and Monsieur de Joyeuse concerning the government of Languedoc, which Joyeuse would fain have, and in which he is assisted by his son who is so great in this court. But Montmorency will hold that government during his life.

With such a great division in the country the King will, finally, be forced to join himself to the house of Lorraine, otherwise he will ruin both himself and his country.

Monsieur de Nevers is of the holy league. There is some talk that his son and heir shall marry the eldest daughter of Monsieur de Guise. Monsieur de Nemours, half-brother to Monsieur de Guise, shall marry the Princess of Lorraine, for which Madame de Nemours and her son are newly arrived from Savoy. Monsieur de Guise has never been in Paris since he discovered himself in the matter of this league of Princes. But he is expected here next Sunday. Many of his friends desire his presence, and many are of a contrary mind.

D'Espernon has of late obtained the government of Calais and Boulogne; and Monsieur de Gordon is now deputy in Calais to D'Espernon. But there is a great league continued between them by the King's favour.

I have attempted in many ways to revive your majesty's intelligence, and some, I hope, will take effect. Nevertheless, if the same fail, and yet you have secret means to write to these parts, your majesty may recommend me and my fortune by the supposed name of Berison, which name you can use in your letters to your parents, to the Duke of Guise, and to your ambassador, who knows that the said name serves for me, and will make the Duke and the rest understand so much. And the wisdom of your majesty and your secretary's is such that you will frame these letters in such a way that if the common enemies survey the said letters, they shall not be able to conceive in favour of whom they are written.

The matter of placing D'Espernon in the government of Calais and Boulogne is not yet perfected but in handling; and for the better compassing of the government of Calais, Gordon's nephew is married to D'Espernon's cousin. Upon Friday next Lord Claud departs towards Scotland.

He has left instructions with Hert [written over Charles Paget] and Fontenay how your majesty may demand by writing the service of the Lord Claud. This your majesty shall learn from Fontenay, but I tell you this much now, lest he cannot be ready to accompany my letters with his, because I make haste to express this new promised convoy, and to settle the same as best I can.

Hert and Fontenay so respected and honoured Lord Claud that he departed very well pleased with their friendship.

Hert offered the said Lord Claud in his distress to help honourably to supply his want; which the said lord accepted in good part, though he would take no money of Hert, being in banishment.

The King bestowed money upon the said lord; and the Queen mother recommended your majesty's service unto him, and prayed him in her name to deal with your son, to serve and honour your majesty and to set forward the matter of the association so long deferred.

Having written thus far, I understand that the King is very desirous for the coming of the Duke of Guise to the court, and promises him, both by mouth and by letters, all assurance and contentment.

Both his altesse and Monsieur de Mayne laboured earnestly with the King and his mother for me; for which I pray your majesty to thank them both.

There is none fitter or better able to procure my liberty with honour and conserve the same in this realm as I desire than the Pope; and therefore your letters to his holiness will help.

And your majesty, under one, may take knowledge of his gracious inclination towards yourself, and of the gracious words, uttered by his holiness in favour of your majesty's affairs to Monsieur Gaingas then ambassador in Rome; but afterwards commanded by the Pope to depart from Rome speedily.

For the King had stopped at Lyons the coming of a new nuncio for the pope's service in this realm; whereupon the said nuncio returned to Italy, and the pope commanded the said French ambassador to [depart] out of Rome, whence he came to France.

But the King excused this matter to his holiness; and by this means the bishop of Bergamo, who served Pope Gregory continues here in his charge; by whose means, in Lewis' alphabet, your majesty may write to the Pope and to Cardinal D'Este, if your majesty thinks good, and inform them both of your own estate and that of your son.

A few days before Christmas there departed hence an ambassador to Scotland. He is son-in-law to Monsieur Pinard, secretary of state to the King.

De Courcelles—who was once with me here,—has gone with him; but he gave me no account of money received by him in England. But there is no remedy, for I dare not offend him lest he abuse friends and servants to your majesty in England, whom he knows to be prisoners there now.

One of them in the Tower is Mr. Thomas Somerset; and De Courcelles knows that he had intelligence with me, and it will do him no good if it is discovered.

But if your majesty bestow any recompense of service upon him, I pray you acquaint me with the same, for thereby, perhaps, I may recover the money.

The King of Spain is making great provision by sea.

Leicester has gone with all magnificence to Holland and Zealand, and with him many honest personages, who will never return with him, or serve him there. If I were at liberty I should induce some of them to do good service. But in this case I dare not deal with them, though some of them have written to me, and thereby encourage me to deal with them. I forbear, not through repect of her "of England," but through fear of the King, who concurs with her in these matters.

For a good while there has been talk that the Duke of Savoy should come to be lieutenant general of the Low Countries, and that the Prince of Parma should be otherwise employed.

Though she of England hopes to form a strong party in Scotland among the Scottish rebels; yet I hope that the best part of them will turn to your majesty's service, whereof Lord Claud is very hopeful; and especially concerning his brother, the Earl Morton, and some others. Lord Claud at the instigation of his father-in-law refused England, and was assured of good entertainment here. But he found not what he expected, yet to preserve him for your majesty's service I advised Hert to take the said lord in hand and comfort him by all ways possible; and now being called by the King your son back into Scotland, he has kissed the King's hand and taken his leave of Monsieur de Guise, and has become a Catholic, and promises to live and die in your majesty's service.

I advised Hert to tell him to crave pardon of your majesty, and to send you an alphabet. How they agreed upon this point you shall hear from Hert.

The King gave him good words and prayed him to be a good servant to your majesty and to advise your son in his name to obey your majesty, and to give him assurance on that consideration of all your majesty's favour.

Mauvisière did what he could in England to disgrace his successor there, and his wife who is an honourable gentlewoman. By this means and others he has impaired his credit here, and was forced by Monsieur de la Chastre to write to her of England to repair whatsoever he had there reported to the dishonour of Monsieur Chateauneuf and his wife.

There are many letters in cipher waiting for your majesty in the hands of the French ambassador, for which I pray you to call as soon as you have any good intelligence settled. And I mean to order that all your majesty's ciphers are to be delivered to this bearer that you may have them altogether, for fear you have no other good means for the recovery of the said cipher. Your majesty will marvel that though I have spoken of many honourable personages I say nothing unto you of your ambassador. It is an old saying, and verified in many cases, that when a man is visited with adverse fortune then weak friends fail him, and adversaries and malicious people take the opportunity to utter their malice.

Yet I will make no report of your ambassador or of any other man which I cannot verify in the sight of God; though I have been many times informed that he did not do the best offices for me to other personages; whereof I shall better inform myself hereafter and inform your majesty.

In the meantime I shall bear with my Lord of Glasgow and have patience.

This is no time to contend among ourselves, and I desire peace and quietness, and therefore pass by many things with silence. Therefore I must desire your majesty to thank your ambassador for his labours, which I am sure he expects.

But if your ambassador or any other shall charge me with offending in any matters connected with your majesty's service, I pray you to impart the same to me, and let me answer the same. The bishop of Ross has been with me in this place, and treated me very kindly; and lent me money, which I still owe him. I most humbly desire your majesty to thank him for all his favours towards me.

Hert and I recommended to the French ambassador some Englishmen in London, and amongst others one Robert Poley, a poor gentleman, but willing to serve your majesty. He is a great friend of Charles Blunt's. The said ambassador and his secretary, since their arrival in London, have reported well to Hert and to myself about the said Poley, who has been in Scotland, and knows the best ways to pass into Scotland.

He is a Catholic, and Blunt has obtained him a place as man to Sir Philip Sidney. But I think at this time the said Poley is in the parks of Tutbury, where the Queen's horses are, and is ready to serve your majesty.

[In the margin: "Good Curll this is for yourself, which I pray you read first, for that it will helpe you to deciper the rest better, where I have committed an error, which I pray you to pardon."]

I pray you and Monsieur Nau to help me to further my suit, and to procure me the liberty of this country.

Also I have a favour to ask Monsieur Nau, namely, that he will ask his brother Fontenay to resign the prebend of St. Quentin, in favour of an honest personage, a friend to us all. It breaks my heart to see such a number of reverend personages banished out of England by that ungracious woman. Within the last year she has banished a hundred priests and more, many of whom, for many years, have been close prisoners in England. Commend me most heartily to your wife that shall be—if you are not married already—and to your sister, and to all the rest, at your discretion.

When her majesty shall write to the bishop of Ross and others mentioned in my letters, I pray you to remind her majesty to thank them all for me, and to let me have the distribution of the said letters, as I would show myself thankful.

I thought all this while to have written to you by the name of Thompson, and so I trust I may write to you, and you to me, if other secret intelligence fail. All such as I treat with I address principally to yourself, and therefore remember to appear abroad as much as you may conveniently, to encounter with such as I desire to find you.

Write to me by the name of Thompson. Write in French in a feigned hand, and I will do the same to you. Send your letters for me to the bishop of Glasgow; and I will give mine to him to be sent on to you. You may advise Monsieur Nau of this device, as he and I may do the same.

Her majesty's letters to Secretary Idiaques may profit me much, and she may write the same in Mendoza's alphabet.

Taxis is in Flanders with the Prince of Parma, on her majesty's service, whereof he gave me assurance both at his departure from hence and since by his letters.

Therefore I wish her majesty to write to him boldly, and to pray him to recommend my case to the Prince of Parma.

I pray you to desire Monsieur Pasqueir, who is with you, to let his brother—who is "commis" to Monsieur Villeroy here—understand that I have reported well of his honest offices done in my favour. Monsieur Pasquier who is with you may call me Monsieur Tavelin, both in his letters to his brother and to his father; and by reference with him that is here and his father, I shall make them both to understand what is meant by the said name.

17 pp. In the handwriting of Mr. Phelippes. Indorsed by him: "Decifred Phelippes." The latter part addressed to Curll.

Another copy of the part which is addressed to the Queen of Scots.

10 pp. In the hand of, and deciphered by Curll.

244. Thomas Morgan to Monsieur Nau. [Jan. 18.] C.P., vol. XVII.

Notwithstanding that following my habit and the little liberty I have had in this place, yet I have now summoned courage to write fairly fully to her majesty, and would not fail to salute you most humbly as my very honoured and very dear friend by the same means, and by these few words to recall myself to your good graces, and also to give you some token of the affection that I bear you, which is yet increased in me by the kind courtesies which I have received from Monsieur du Ruisseau and Monsieur de Fontenay in this my affliction; for which I beg you to thank them, and to let them see that these kindnesses used towards me are agreeable to you; assuring you that for my part I shall never be ungrateful in recognising it with all service, as well towards you as on their behalf wheresoever I shall have the means of so doing.

Although it seems to me to be beside the mark to recite to you in this place the contents of my said letters, seeing that you will participate therein, nevertheless I would not to omit to say a word to you upon the subject thereof, assuring myself that you will not fail to make me sensible of your friendship and favour, having regard to my present estate, and to the condition in which for many years I have had the honour of being employed; which, verily, I esteem to be the greatest honour and felicity that could ever happen to me in this world: as also, by God's help, all misfortune, however great and adverse it may be, will never be able to sever or divert me from the service and goodwill that I have wholly and faithfully vowed in this behalf. I beg you then, sir, most humbly, to use your influence with her majesty to the end that it may be her good pleasure to employ a little of her credit with her friends and kinsmen, and to give commandment to A. to sue for my freedom and full liberty, with the preservation thereof in this realm as before, notwithstanding every other decision to the contrary, which is one of the most extreme misfortunes and greatest punishments that could be adjudged to me, wholly repugnant to the ancient liberty of this realm, seeing that the whole was kindled at the instance and only persuasion of the enemies of God and of the Christian commonwealth; so that I will confess my disaster to have fallen upon such times and an age so unfortunate for the government of the commonwealth in this realm as the like has not been heard or spoken of for a long time.

I will not be further tedious for the present; I will only content myself by entreating you for the accomplishment of the contents of my said letters, and in so doing I shall have the better means of doing all humble service as well to her Majesty as to you, which is the end to which I have entirely dedicated all my labours in this world.

The Queen of England, after having held numberless priests captive for a long space of time, at last, about a year ago banished at least a hundred of them, who have arrived in this country, among whom are some very aged and broken down by reason of the long captivity that they have endured for the Catholic religion; and moreover they are deprived of all the means necessary to support them in their exile; and since I understand that Monsieur de Fontenay, your good brother and my very dear friend, has a prebend at St. Quentin from which he draws no great profit, I entreat you to pray him to resign the same in favour, and for the relief of some one whom I will name to him: wherein both you and he will do a true work of very great mercy, and moreover I shall recognise this favour to be done to myself; and thus I hope that between you you will receive from it in those parts some contentment for the service of her majesty. Written where I am captive, 28 January.

1 p. French. Copy. Indorsed: "Letters of Morgan to y^e Scott. Qu. and to Nau."

245. Walsingham to Sir Amias Powlet. [Jan. 19.] C.P., vol. XVII.

Begs to be excused for not having communicated with him, since the return of his servant Philippes. Has made him acquainted with the order taken in the matter committed to his charge.

The gentlewoman near Tutbury, about whom he has already written to him, should be, as it seems, some recusant wife or some other ill disposed woman and harbourer of priests. Her name he does not know, but will cause the matter to be further investigated. Touching de Preau, he finds her majesty is not disposed to strive with that Queen in those matters so long as they reach no further than her own household.

The embroiderer's wife cannot be dangerous as long as she remains out of the house.

For the other woman, who expects to be shortly delivered, he thinks a midwife and nurse may be brought from abroad; for they will distrust such rather than go about to corrupt them. Suit has been made to him for a woman for Curll's wife. Is sure one well disposed in religion will be sent.

The matter is doubtful, and he is now going to her majesty's court to discover her pleasure touching these two points.

Two packets have been received the day before, from France, one dated the 10th, and the other the 14th of this month. They write that the King is very weak, and the physicians are of the opinion that he cannot live long. So men perceive that if the King of Navarre is now well assisted by other Princes, who make profession of the religion, the Pope's back might be broken.

1 p. Copy. Indorsed.

246. Mary to Walsingham. [Jan. 21.] C.P., vol. XVII.

Monsieur de Walsingham, with congratulation for the recovery of your health, and thanks for your goodwill for the sending hither of my money, I shall implore your credit and favour for performing the grant which you procured for me last year of some very necessary new servants, who having been, upon the promise of the Queen my good sister and your assurance, by me sent for into France, await only, according to what has been written to me, their passeport to set forward towards me. I pray you then affectionately, that as in ordinary things concerning my estate here you have always promised me to impart to me all good offices, and have hitherto acquitted yourself honourably therein, so on this occasion, concerning as much the honour of your mistress as my commodity, you will confirm the obligation that I have towards you for all that is past. The remembrance which I assure myself remains with you of my very considerable remonstrance about this said grant, and that which will now be said to you about it by the ambassador of France, will dispense me from troubling you further about it. Recommending myself to your good grace, and praying God that he have you, Monsieur de Walsyngham, in his holy and worthy keeping. Chartley. 21 January. Your entirely good friend Marie R.

I pray you let me be accommodated for laundress with the wife of my coachman, which will be a means of removing all suspicion from her, as I wrote to the ambassador of France. Signed: Marie R.

1 p. French. Holograph, also addressed. Indorsed: 21 Januarie 1585. From the Scottishe Queene.

247. Sir Amias Powlet to Walsingham. [Jan. 25.] C.P., vol. XVII.

I send unto you herewith this Queen's packet. She received from you not long since 190l. Cherelles has written to Nau that one Bonruam your servant told him that he had received 198l. for the Queen's use; by which account there should still be 8l. remaining in your hands.

Mr. Phelippes told me that he had taken order with Mr. Young for providing linen for these two families; whereof there is great need here, and especially for the Queen's company.

The Queen pretends that three laundresses are not sufficient to do the work of the laundry, and therefore asks for a fourth. She has chosen Sharpe's wife for this purpose; and as she lives in the house with her husband, suspicion of intelligence which may be had by her means would be removed.

She prayed me to recommend her suit in my letters, but I told her the request should be made in her own letters. This passed between us in my last speech with her, on the 16th of this month. What she has done, I do not know. If she is permitted to have a fourth laundress I see no cause why Sharp's wife should not be admitted, because she can do no harm.

But I fear another meaning; for within the last three days the chief of the three laundresses told Mr. Darell that she would leave this service shortly.

And I think this is true, because I have heard that she is affianced to one of the Earl of Shrewsbury's servants; therefore I gather that when Sharpe's wife is admitted the other will be discharged.

This woman is devoted to the Queen, and of good years and discretion; if she departs she may do bad office for the part of Scotland. This Queen has recovered her health very well, and has the use of her feet better than before, although not without halting. But the disease has now attacked one of her hands, so she looks for more harm, as Nau told me in the delivery of her packet. Chartley. Signed: A. Powlet.

1½ pp. Addressed. Indorsed.

248. Sir Amias Powlet to Thomas Phelippes. [Jan. 25.] C.P., vol. XVII.

Thinks it very strange that Reynoldes is leaving his service, considering the favours he had bestowed on him. He should have acquainted his master with his intentions.

Sends hearty commendations from himself and his wife to him and their good friend Mr. Francis Bacon. Chartley. Signed: A. Powlet.

¾ p. Holograph. Addressed. Indorsed.

249. Sir Francis Englefield to Mary. [Jan. 25.] C.P., vol. XVII.

When writing my last to you dated the 15th of December, I was informed by Morgan that the means of convoy had failed.

I meant to have stayed my hand until I had found some necessary matter to give you.

Being now in some hope by the receipt of your last letter, dated the 31st of October, I have thought good with these to give your majesty the copy of such relations as I have made in your behalf with the Pope and the King of Spain upon the first notice of the change of your keeper and guard.

By these copies your majesty may understand what I have conceived and do believe, as well of the accusations fathered upon Francis Throgmorton, published in print against you, as also of this new and strange oath of association, and the change of your custody to the guard of one of so base a condition.

Though I hear that the fear pretended by the Queen of England is not feigned; I myself believe that it is a pretence to incense her more against your majesty and the Catholics.

I can obtain no answer to any relations I give, though I have oft and lately pressed Granville and Idiaques in order that I might end your suspense. Neither of them gave me a direct answer.

With regard to the 12,000 ducats promised to yourself, and the 4000 remaining unpaid to the King your son, I pressed Granville so far that he answered me in these express terms. "Quod non ceperint eque mihi displicet, atque tibi putabam pro certo quod antehac recepissent si reginam deceperint et me etiam deceperunt quod faciemus cogere non possumus."

More than this I could not obtain from him.

It may be that by the removal of Taxis and the substitution of Mendoza some occasion might arise to hinder it being sent to London. I know that Taxis had it in his hands in September. Also I know that Mendoza did not want it to come to your hands except through himself.

Mendoza, I suspect, has hindered the delivery, because he thought your majesty would move at once on receipt of the money, which he does not think needful.

With regard to your other great demands here, I gather that all intention of proceeding with them is laid aside till the Low Countries are recovered, the Queen of England dead, or some other change in the country. Granville and Idiaques do not show their wonted fervour in attending to your affairs. Moreover, Mendoza has prevailed against the wishes of Granville to supplant and remove Taxis. The navy is laid up in dock, there is no provision for it to set forth, no assembly of old soldiers, no levying of new. The King of Spain devotes his whole attention to the establishing of the Prince, and to the marriage of his youngest daughter, which is to be solemnised next month. If there is to be any hope of succour, the only ways to procure it are through the Pope, the Prince of Parma, and the King of Spain's other ministers abroad.

I am sure that Taxis furthered it to the best of his power.

What Mendoza will now do, I cannot but doubt. Your majesty would do well to advise me how you find him in this new legation, and whether your pleasure is that I treat with him for the convoy of my letters unto you or otherwise.

I fear that your son's acceptance of spiritual primacy by Parliament, and his proclamations to expel the Jesuits will much cool the favour of the Pope and the King of Spain, who are bound to hear it spoken about. Your majesty must not fail to seize upon any opportunity; for there is no doubt that your keepers seek to disinherit and ruin you.

I suppose your majesty will consider it better that I cease from increasing your peril, until I find more hope of performing your demands, or till I hear that there is good means of sending and receiving.

I hear credibly that Don Bernardino's persuasions of delay are daily seconded and confirmed by such Italians and Spaniards as come hither from Scotland by way of England, both soldiers, merchants and travellers. Therefore it is all the more necessary that the Prince of Parma should be informed of the number of English Catholics in readiness, and of their uniform desire to have assistance.

This court is persuaded that while the Queen of England lives England is not to be attempted with less than 30,000 or 40,000 men.

These informers hear only the timorous opinion of those that are about the court, and know nothing of the more zealous disposition of the country Catholics. If the Prince of Parma does not remove this persuasion, it is not wonderful that the King will not proceed with what he believes infallible.

4 pp. Copy. Indorsed.

[With Vol. xvii. No. 75, page 57.]

250. James VI. to Walsingham. [Jan. 28.]

The bearer Richard Lawes, in July last, was spoiled of his ship and goods by Captain Dalton, and kept prisoner for fourteen days; during which time Captain Dalton seized on another ship and cargo chiefly belonging to one John Richardson of Hull.

Afterwards Lawes was set at liberty and continued in his lawful trade when he was seized by Richardson as a partner of the pirates.

We pray you therefore that good consideration should be had of his said case, and that our said subject be allowed to enter whatsoever ports he chooses without interference of the said Richardson, seeing that he was innocent, and his presence on the pirate ship forced. Holyrood. Signed: James R.

½ p. Addressed. Indorsed.

251. The Master of Gray to Walsingham. [Jan. 29.] Cott. Calig., C. IX., fol. 336.

Albeit I wrote to you lately, yet Robert Carvile coming to me by your command, though without letter, to know the effect of the French ambassador's negotiation, I have instructed him at length. He is named Monsieur De Valle, son-in-law to Monsieur Pinart, and I think by his address very young, and little in him. He has for tutors a secretary of his father-in-law, and the fellow Courcelles, who was secretary to Mauvissière in England, and has disguised himself from Courcelles to De Preau to the end he should not be time our Queen. But however it be, they keep very quiet; not one of them tells their lodging. He hath secured but one audience; all he deposed that day was his letters and some language. In his letter there was a clause which offended the King, for it bore that of old Scotland esteemed of France as their "bouclier et appuy contre tous venants," and that the Kings of Scotland were subject to France.

The simplicity of the ambassador was remarked in it, for this letter was of date 10th October, and he had one more recently written by the King since he was surely informed of the alteration herein. But he presented both without respect of the time. It was thought he had brought great sums of money, but it is not so. The effect of his negotiation is to traffic with sundry of the nobility rather than with the King, but he is a simple soul. I remit the rest to Carvile.

I am advertised from Spain that there is great preparation both of men and ships, and some think for Ireland, as chiefly the Papists of this country. Of this they are assured, but I am not of their opinion that ever the King of Spain will send many into Ireland.

What has been here of late I wrote to you before. I pray you forget not my commendations to the Earl of Leicester and Sir Philip Sydney. Holyrood. Signed: Mr. of Gray.

1¼ pp. Holograph. Indorsed: "From the Mr. of Gray to Mr. Secretary Walsingham."

252. James VI. to Elizabeth. [Jan. 30.]

"Richt excellent richt heich and mycty Princesse our dearest suster and cousine, in our hartiest maner we recommende ws unto yow. It is havelie lamentit unto us be or lovit Robert Scot burges of our burgh of Edinburgh and certane utheris his partineris of quhome he hes commissioun how that in the moneth of Maii last being rubbed in the sea be ane English pirat, and the same be your comandiment procurit be your ambassador then resident with ws being searchit and apprehendit be a pynnage of your awne, nocht onelie were our said subjectis guidis being thairin for the tyme intromettit with and disponit upoun be your said pynnage, bot also the committeris of that spuilzie being then in handis were immediately relevit and set at libertie, without any dewe consideratioun or ordour tane in the meanetyme for the complenarie satisfactioun, albeit the same was cravit evin then with greatest instance, to thaire great losse and interest, and a maist dangerous incouragement to uther broken men upun presumptioun of the lyke impunitie to continew the mare confidentlie in thair infamous and wicked trade.

Quhairfore we thoicht gude, dearest suster, to acquent yow be this present with our said subjectis havy cace, and to desir and pray yow very earnistlie, that seing be your speciall appoinctment the said pirat was apprehendit and broct in be your awne pynnage, quhairby the spuilzeit guidis then extant thairintill of equitie and reasoun suld have been made furthcummand to the parties proprietars yerof there present for the tyme, that now ye will command some consideratioun to be had of thair said skaith and losse according to the quantitie of the guidis, to be gevin in, in tikket to your secretary, and that ather be refounding to thame the price and estimatioun thairof, or helping this bearer in thair names with some grant and casualitie that may neirby avale thair interest, quhairby they may the better continewe in thair honest trade, and returne with some comfort to thair wyves and families, greatlie interessed be the lang want thairof, the lyke quhairof we sall nocht failzie to cause be done to any of your subjectis incurring—as God forbid—the lyke calamitie, be the means of any that pertenis ws. And thus richt excellent richt heich and mycty princesse, our dearest suster and cousine, we commit yow to the protectioun of the Almycty. From our Palais of Halyruidhous, the penult day of Januar 1585 and of our reigne the nynetenth yeir." Signed: "Youre most loving and affectionatt brother and cousin. James R.

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

253. Sir Amias Powlet to Walsingham. [Jan. 30.] C.P., vol. XVII.

Thanks him most heartily for his last despatch, wherein he did his brother good service, for he had forgotten all his papers remained with him; without which he can do no good in his business. Thought well to trouble him with an abstract, inclosed, of the French ambassador's letters to the Queen, finding nothing in her packet worthy of advertisement. The Queen is much grieved at present; she sleeps little, and eats less. Is very glad to hear that he has returned to the court in good health. Chartley. Signed: A. Poulet.

½ p. Addressed. Indorsed.

254. James VI. to Walsingham. [Jan. 31.]

Recommends the bearer to him; he was spoiled by English pirates in May last, who were afterwards apprehended by the Queen of England.

Begs for some grant or casualty for him. Holyrood. Signed: James R.

½ p. Addressed. Indorsed: "In favor of Robert Scotte."

255. Mary to Monsieur de L'Aubespine. [Jan. 31.] C.P., vol. XVII.

Fearing that the despatch in cipher which I lately sent to you by another way may not have been delivered to you, I send you a duplicate, not willing to send thither anything of importance until I am sure that you have received the alphabet here inclosed to serve henceforth between us, for this one has passed through too many hands to be trusted.

I infinitely desire to know the occasion of the voyage into Scotland of the Baron d'Esneval, and your opinion how I have to proceed with him to correspond to his charge and commission, if it is permitted to me to send some one of my people to my son as I lately requested.

Send me by this bearer all the packets that you and Cherelles have in your hands for me, inclosing them in a little box or bag of strong leather. Chartley, the last of January.

In accordance with the note that I received by Moubray, I send you a new alphabet of cipher to serve for the future between you and me as affairs may present themselves, and for this purpose I shall endeavour as much as I can to procure and establish with you some sure means for the conduct of the secret packets; which I have not until now been able to do, by reason of the close and very strict observation of this gentleman in all that concerns his charge.

Allow me to advise you to take order carefully in your house as to the spies who may be sent thither to you, especially under colour of the Catholic religion: wherein your predecessor was much abused. And likewise beware that some of your people may not be corrupted. At the least I pray you not to confide in any one whatsoever except Cherelles and Cordaillot of that which may pass hereafter between you and me by such secret ways, forasmuch as the lives of the English who employ themselves therein depend upon it.

Writing with alum is very common, and easy to be suspected and discovered, and therefore do not use it except in necessity, and if you use it let it be written not only in notes by the carriers, but also between the lines of such new books as Cherelles or Cordaillot may take occasion to send to Nau, writing always on the fourth, eighth, twelfth and sixteenth page, and so on every four pages, there being no need to put any mark to recognise where there is writing. And have green strings put upon all the books which you have caused to be written in in this fashion. You can likewise have writing put upon white taffeta, lawn, or suchlike thin cloth; and to show when there is something written thereon, send half a yard more, so that whenever there shall be a yard and a half, or two yards and a half, or three yards and a half, this fact of the half may show me that there is something written therein in white. As to the packets which you have already, or may hereafer receive in cipher, you can send them to me stuffed, instead of cork, into high slippers, being a merchandise with which everyone in these parts has ordinarily to do. Or else unfold the letters and spread them out between the wood of the trunks and coffers which you shall send. I dare not commit any advertisement of importance to this very old cipher, which has been used by many people. For the rest, to show if there is some paper in the slippers, put the mark of the measures of the said slippers on the sole above the heel; and for the coffers and trunks let there be a padlock attached to the catch of the lock.

1 p. French. Copy. Indorsed: Vlt. Jan. 1586. The Scottish Q. to the French Embassador.

Another copy of the same.

Extracts in English from the same (State Papers, Scotland, C.P. vol. XVII., No. 15).

256. Those of the Scottish Family who are Sequestred. [Jan.] C.P., vol. XVII.

Curll's wife, Catherine Bray. Bastians wife and her two daughters. The laundress is not yet sequestred, because it would be to no purpose, until she was clearly discharged.

Balthazar, tailor of the Queen's wardrobe. Charles Plonnart, embroiderer. Bastian,—because it is not likely that he would remain behind his wife; in whose place, Lawder, one of the panterers is appointed to serve in the chamber, and Dedier to continue in the pantry.

Nicholas, the pasteler, in the place of Hamilton, because he is the younger man, and a conveyer of packets.

Roger Sharpe, coachman.

Lawrence Barlowe, John Jackson, Robert Jackson, grooms of the stable.

Henry, Nau's servant; Lawrence, Curll's servant; George, Melvin's servant.

It may please you to consider what shall be done with Melvin and the priest, also with Curll's wife when she recovers, because she has neither maid nor money.

Also what shall be done with the Queen's horses, as something must be settled before the grooms are discharged.

All the persons mentioned are unnecessary and do the Queen little service, except Bastian.

1 p. Endorsed: "The names of the Queene of Scotts servaunts sequestred from the rest of their company."

257. Elizabeth to James VI. [Jan.]

According to her promise, hassent Mr. Randolph one of the chamberlains of the Exchequer to him with an answer to such points as were lately propounded by Mr. Keith. Hopes that these answers will show an earnest disposition for the continuance of good friendship.

Although there has been a hard opinion conceived against Mr. Randolph by the means of certain evil malefactors, hopes that he will now put all jealousy and hard thoughts of him aside. Will take care that he shall carry himself with such regard for his duty as to further the good intelligence between them.

1 p. Copy. Indorsed: "Mynut of hir majestie's lettre of credence to the King of Scott's for Mr. Randolphe."

Cott. Calig., C. VIII., fol. 416, b.

Copy of the same. Certified by Sir John Maitland, [ ] March 1585–6.

258. Instructions for Mr. Thomas Randolph. [Jan. [31.]]

Is to let the King of Scots know how glad they are to hear that his realm, notwithstanding the late alterations, is in a quiet state, and that he has not only removed the hard opinion conceived of his nobility who had retired into this realm, but was well persuaded of them upon the late trial had of their dutiful affection.

The noblemen would not have been harboured in England if any such evil disposition had been discovered in them.

Whereas the King signified how earnestly he desired that the treaty dealt in last summer, and hindered by the unfortunate accident to Lord Russell, might go forward, he shall let the King know that they are of the same disposition, and consider it to be for the good of both the realms; especially on account of the late repair of a French minister to Scotland, and on account of the contemptuous proceedings of the Earl Morton on the West Borders of England. With regard to the presence of the French minister, there would be no cause for dislike if the said minister were not noted to be a favourer of a late league made in France, tending to no other end than to bridle the King there, and to overthrow the professors of the Gospel in all realms. The King should, therefore, have a special eye to the minister as one sent into the kingdom to breed trouble.

They have cause so to judge, because they hear that there was sent in the ambassador's company, Courcelles, sometime servant to Mauvissière, who being discovered as a most dangerous instrument, the said ambassador was required to send him away.

Touching Morton, he is to let the King understand the danger that may ensue in case his contemptuous manner of proceeding should be suffered to pass; for the ill affected on the Borders may join with him and thus breed trouble to both realms.

Touching the accomplishment of the late treaty, he shall declare to him how necessary it is, so that the world may have a sound conceit thereof, that something should be done for the reparation of their honour, owing to the murder committed on the late Lord Russell. If the King is willing to grant satisfaction, then he shall let him understand that he has brought the league treated on the last summer, reduced into form agreeable with the articles then accorded.

Is to pray the King to appoint some of his council to confer on the matter, letting him understand that when the same shall be agreed upon it is thought right that the same should be concluded by persons of quality of both realms, for which purpose a nobleman shall be sent to Berwick when the time is agreed upon.

Whereas there has been some offer made of a friendly contribution towards the maintenance of the King's estate; he shall let him understand that the failure to perform this was on account of diverse causes of jealousy ministered by some, which caused them to conceive that he did not carry so much inward affection towards them as outwardly he protested. The world had cause to judge this to be true, for that they favoured all such noblemen and others as were moved to be well affected to the amity of this Crown, men not only disgraced and out of favour, but otherwise also hardly dealt with.

But now on account of the great protestations he has made, and finding also that he has removed the hard conceit he had of them, they are content for the better maintenance of his authority to yield him the sum of [ ].

It is also thought good that he should demand from the King the delivery of Farnihurst and all others who were actors in the horrible murder.

It is necessary also that he should discover the King's real disposition before any support is given.

The King's attitude towards Arran ministers occasion to the wellaffected subjects of dangerous suspicion of the said King's fondness in the cause. The King must therefore deal roundly in prosecution of Arran in order to rouse this hard conceit.

And lastly, whereas the King has been required to deliver up into able request, the late dangerous accident of the alteration in religion which Maxwell has attempted in the south part of this realm would not, perhaps, have fallen out.

He is again to renew the request for the delivery of the parties, or at the least that they may be banished out of the King's realm.

Whereas there was a request made by the King that a special article might be inserted in the treaty to the effect that nothing would be done to the prejudice of his title to this crown, which request will probably be renewed, it is thought best that answer should be made that they see no cause why any such promise should be contained in the treaty, but are content to pass the same, notwithstanding [a promise made] unto him by some instrument at present under their hand, which shall sufficiently bind them to do no act to the prejudice of his title, unless by his own unkind usage of himself towards them.

And whereas there was a request made also that redress should be made for spoils alleged to have been committed upon the Borders by their subjects, he shall let the Scotch know that letters have already been directed to the wardens for that purpose.

Any special causes to be put in readiness to be compounded at the meeting of the commissioners.

Draft with many corrections in Walsingham's hand. 9 pp. Indorsed.

Cott. Calig., C. VIII., fol. 407.

Original of the same. Dated Feb. 1st.

259. Instructions for Mr. Thomas Randolph.

"The principal points of Mr. Randolphes instructions."

1. To congratulate with the King on the quiet state of his realm, notwithstanding the late alteration there, and his receiving the lords into favour again, assuring him that they would have received no favour at her majesty's hands, if she had not been persuaded of their innocency.

2. Her majesty is content that the treaty should go forward.

3. To advise the King to beware of the French ambassador and of Courcelles, both likely to be sent into Scotland for some ill purpose.

4. To persuade the King to proceed against Morton, offering her majesty's concurrence in the action.

5. To require the delivery of Farnihurst and others guilty of the Lord Russell's death before the treaty goes forward.

6. If the King shall incline to yield her majesty satisfaction, her majesty thinks that commissioners of quality should meet at Berwick for the conclusion thereof.

7. To excuse the payment of the pension.

8. He is to inform himself how the King stands affected towards her.

9. To move the King to proceed roundly in the prosecution of Arran.

10. To require the delivery or banishment of Holt and Brereton.

11. Her majesty will do nothing to the prejudice of his title unless he deserve the same.

12. To let him understand that directions have been given to the Wardens for redress of disorders.

1¾ pp. In the hand of Burghley's clerk. No indorsement.

Copy of the same. Indorsed by Walsingham.