Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 3, 1583-1589. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1889.
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'Cecil Papers: April 1588', in Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 3, 1583-1589, (London, 1889) pp. 317-323. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol3/pp317-323 [accessed 27 April 2024]
April 1588
| 657. R. Douglas to Archibald Douglas. | |
| [1588], Apr. 11. | I wrote to you in my last by George Smalum (?), son-in-law to Thomas Lindsay of Leith, of such occurrents as were here, and of the Convention now dissolved. In this Convention the lords of the last league made at St. John's town [Perth] have been principally about his Majesty, the other lords absenting themselves, and yielding to the time, as some think, by advice of such courtiers and officers as are their friends in Court, partly to satisfy the desire of such as “plenit” [complained of] their absence and debarring, as they call it, from the King's presence, and to behold what “attemptate” they would make having liberty to deal freely, partly to eschew the envy of such matter as was to be treated at the said Convention. As for the first reason it is so confirmed, the noblemen of the late band complaining that they were debarred from the King's presence by certain particular men, such as the Chancellor, Justice Clerk; and their “supostes” made excuse of these assemblies and banding, that they were compelled so to do for their own surety, and to take order that such men as had shown them enemies should not have power to annoy them. Which being “remontrit” to the lords that were lately banished into England, they made answer that for them they were most desirous that every nobleman should possess their own [sic] room about the King. As for such as were officers of estate and in credit, that was complained of through it, was, that they were in friendship, but the friendship stretched not so far as to any nobleman's hurt, or to defend any of their wrongs, but would leave them to justify their matters and place to every nobleman to accuse them. But if, under colour of putting at these officers, they would so to overthrow their estate and renew their troubles, in that case they would see to their own sureties and provide for the same, and so for that present all withdrew themselves, except Lord Hamilton, whom Mr. John Colvill, by means of Mr. Robert Cunningham and James Forret (?), has incensed against the Master of Glamis and his wife also. |
| Before the Convention, the Provost of Glenceuden and some others of the wiser sort, perceiving the goodwill the King bore towards the Earl Bothwell, and also of what force he was by himself and his friends about the King, and having considered what hurt the misliking betwixt the said Earl and the Chancellor with the Justice Clerk did to their cause, first agreed the differences betwixt the Justice Clerk and my lord, which proceeded from my lord Robert's cause for Orkney and Ballunden. Thereafter the Justice Clerk, in respect of Lord Hamilton's coming to Court and the enmity borne by him to the Chancellor, reconciled the Earl Both well to the Chancellor, the difference proceeding from a contract passed betwixt them for the benefice of Coldingham and some few lands of the abbacy of Kelso, possessed presently by Cesford, who, as you heard, is the Chancellor's ally. Some Stewarts concurred with the Provost and Justice Clerk in this reconciliation making, as importing to the King's service, the Hamiltons being so many about the King, who, by his hurt, might have interest. | |
| In the time of the Convention openly there was nothing treated of but the levying of a new tax of one hundred ja [? thousand] (fn. 1) lib. for sending of ambassadors for the King's marriage, but the tax will not be collected and brought in before Martinmas, so there is no appearance of great haste in that matter. The taxing of the country so oft and heavily begins to be odious, wherefore the absents think to eschew the blame of the same. Underhand there was proposed to his Majesty the altering of the offices of state, such as Chancellor, Treasurer, Collector, Captain of the Guards, and Captain of the Castle of Edinburgh, but his Majesty “platli” refused to alter any man without his own consent, whereupon the Master of Glamis, being absent, is sent for to Court. The Earl Both well declared his miscontentment that any man should seek the Chancellery, as an office promised to him when he shall come to further age and knowledge, and at the King's desire he had tolerated the same in his person, who presently possessed the same. As for the castle, which was sought by the Earl of Huntly, Coudenknows contained himself within it, and spake plainly that he had received it by a public order, and would not demit nor surrender it without the like order, and present consent of such as were present when the keeping of the same was adjudged to him. Lord Bothwell also countenanced him, his son being his brother-in-law. | |
| The Chancellor is agreed with Lord Hamilton, and great outward familiarity, but the hatred betwixt Lord Claud and him is augmented, and in a manner irreconcilable. His Majesty is gone to Dunfermline, where there is great preparation to receive him by the Earl of Huntly. There will he stop, if their intentions appear, but, as is thought, all is in vain. He parted upon “paie” Monday, the 7th of this instant, and appointed to return the Saturday after. While the Convocation was yet undissolved, Carmichael came from the Middle March, where he had been seeing delivery made for the bills filed by the Commissioners, accompanied with the laird of Cesford, who “pleinit” both that justice could not be done as appertained. Whereupon the King determined to “ryd” [raid] upon all such as refused, and has appointed to be in Jedburgh the 16th of this instant to see who disobeys. But that is an occasion to haste his return from the other side of the water, or a colour to withdraw himself from the company of such among whom there is small assurance for him, or else draw them with him where they shall be of small force, which is thought they will not do. So, awaiting this day appointed, the Chancellor remains in Edinburgh, the Earl Bothwell and the other officer [sic] of estate, with a great part of his Majesty's house. | |
| There is great bruits of the Spaniards and of other preparations, but the wiser sort take them to be given forth for advancing of such courses as are proposed to his Majesty by the Bishop of Dunblane, who has spoken of the marriage with Spain. It is said that there is silver come for to entertain 500 footmen and 100 horsemen for a guard about the King. Colonel Stewart has been very earnest to have the captainship of the guard, and when lack of moyen to pay them was spoken of, his answer was, that if he had the estate he should get them paid. While I was writing this—being informed of William Selby's going to London, who was a trusty messenger—I received your letters dated 1 April [and] the 8th of the same, by which you say that you have written to me of late, but none came to my hands this long time, and, as I think, since William Selby came from you, till now that Captain Carwell is come, for whom I have sent to speak with. Let me know by whom they were sent. The contents of your letter I will not fail to participate to his Majesty. I would be glad to be more particularly informed of the thing you would have me crave of his Majesty for advancing his service there, for he will more willingly yield to that than seem to crave or seek anything of himself. This I would should be done by a letter apart, or else the known manner, providing it may be well known, for of the last I could know nothing, as you may perceive yourself, being able to discern no perfect sentence. The answer of this shall be hasted, but a sure address has been hitherto great hindrance. As for Lord Hallyard's, I have done as yet nothing, he ever deferring till I should come to you myself; Fentry's (?) going into France also has stayed his resolutions, and is so uncertain himself that he cannot tell in what sort to end, but, for that which you willed me to offer him, he will no ways accept of it. Thomas Cranstoun and divers others desire us to solicit you for “placatts” for buying of horses, which how difficult they will be to be obtained I know. The Earl Both well shews himself most “affectuous” to you, and wishes you to be at home, that you might be more steadable to your freinds and country nor you are there; wherefore I would know if you think it good he or other friends should insist on your calling back. As touching the cloak, I cannot get it; nor touching your trunk which is “spilte” you write nothing.—Edinburgh, 11 April. | |
| Holograph. 5 pp. | |
| 658. Lord Burghley to [John] Wolley, Latin Secretary to the Council. | |
| 1588, Apr. 11. | I sent to you yesterday such letters as came to me from Berwick; now I send you others that are come in great haste from Edinburgh. The contents of these in my opinion move me to wish Lord Hunsdon was relieved with his suit, and sent to Berwick, by whose presence the Borderers that do yet refuse Bothwell, and stay themselves for the King's part, may be comforted. If the King continue in misliking of Bothwell, a small sum of money secretly given to Buccleuch and Cesford would speedily apprehend Bothwell, having the King's consent thereto. |
| I think it necessary, that if Lord Wemyss would return, he might carry some portion of money to wage some horse or shot about the King, and for defence of the Chancellor. If this fire be presently quenched in Scotland, her Majesty need fear no offence to be yielded by Spain or Flanders. Otherwise, surely the danger by foreign war will speedily come from thence, where with surety they may make wars without any resistance by sea; but herein I cannot nor dare presume to give advice to her Majesty, because I know not how her Majesty hath dealt with the Master of Gray and with Wemyss. This latter man I dare trust, but, as for Gray, I am now resolved that he hath no mind to do good, for so you may see it plainly reported as from the King in the last end of the writing sent from Fowler, being by me underlined. I know, nor can give, her Majesty better counsel in these cases than my Lord of Hunsdon. It were good that Sir Wm. Read were sent to his charge.—From my solitary cottage meet for me, being utterly lame in my back, 11 April 1588. | |
| Endorsed :—“From the Lord Treasurer. His advice what course is best for Scotland.” | |
| Burghley holograph. 1 p. | |
| 659. Lord Zouche to Henry Middlemore. | |
| 1588, Apr. 13. | Having this morning understood, by the report of Italians which pass into the Low Countries, that this army prepared in Italy, Swiss and Germany tendeth all for England (these of Swiss and Germany to be left in the Low Countries, and those thereto pass into England), and that the King of Scots hath assured entrance for the King of Spain's navy in Scotland, with further promise of aid (this speech being given out of a sudden by one Italian to the dislike of the rest of his companions, and confirmed by a popish priest, who reported the like to one of my acquaintance as having heard the same from the Bishop of Basle); finding such preparation by the Archduke of Austria as is here wondered at, and the preparation of other popish Princes confirming the same, I thought it my duty to advertise the same. If it do good, I shall be glad; if it do not good, you hereby see my willingness to do good. The Italians affirm that they have great intelligences from England, and good assurance of aid within the same. I mourn to hear so much, and desire it prove not so. I could write more at large to persuade this to be true, but this being the effect I leave the rest, hoping by God's grace her Majesty will take that care that appertaineth, and that you will impart it unto my Lords of the Council. |
| I have sent two of these to the factors of Mr. Parvis, requiring that they may be sent several ways and with speed. I had sent a man of purpose if I had had one fit. If I fail in any part of duty, I pray you protest that it is for want of experience or advice. Thus wishing a happy success, to God's glory and the comfort of His children, I cease.—From Basle, this thirteenth of April. | |
| P.S.—The Italians pass daily in great number. They say that this Treaty of peace is to blind this action. | |
| 2 pp. | |
| 660. Nicolas Errington to A. Douglas. | |
| 1588, Apr. 17. | Has no word of his matter being despatched. Doubts his friend Alleyne is employed in some service. “We live betwixt peace and war.”—Ramykyns in Zealand, this 17th of April 1588. |
| 1 p. | |
| 661. R. Douglas to [Archibald Douglas]. | |
| 1588, Apr. 26. | . . . . . . . . . As touching the matter you wrote of concerning my lord of Halzage [? Halyards], you shall please be informed that I shewed him your letter, and rode expressly to his house for the same effect, after the King's departure towards Jedburgh. Whose answer was, after he had revised his accompts in our presence, that he saw not how Acerbo de Vitelli could any way be debitor to him, or, that he being “saucorout,” could any way hurt him, seeing Benedicto de Vitelli does subscribe, and so are his principal debtors. [Further details as to money matters.] You write that you cannot bid me come thither, unless I come so furnished as may satisfy the expectation of all “parper” (?). What these words do signify I cannot well tell. Wherefore, in your next, in a letter apart, I pray you expound yourself more plainly. If I cannot, I pray you deal with Lord Leicester, [or Mr.] Secretary, that some consideration may be had of the great expense made in the last leave, which, if I had reimbursed, might be entertainment to me into Court. I [paid], as I shewed you, Anwell for silver, that . . . . Mr. Samuel took upon his lands for that journey. I am often from Court, and especially when his Majesty goes to proclaim raids, for fault of good horses and moyen to entertain myself in good order, which I would you should take order with conform to your wisdom. For the “tafei” [?taffety] cloak, I can no ways get it, neither do you take any order that your trunk with clothes, which is spoilt, may any ways be helped. There is some new infection in Edinburgh which, if it continue, as God forbid, will hinder the sitting of the Session. I have sent Malcolm to you with a goshawk to be given to my lord of Leicester, to continue me in his good remembrance till I shall have some better occasion to testify my good mind towards his lordship's service.—Whittingham, 26 April 1588. |
| [Postscript].—John Lowe is forth of Scotland to France and, as he assured me, will see you either in his going or returning. | |
| Imperfect, and the writing very faint; apparently the first sheet wanting. | |
| 2 pp. | |
| 662. James Melville to Archibald Douglas. | |
| 1588, Apr. 27. | This bearer, John Hachet in Kirkcaldy, my friend, passing there, I would not omit to advertise you how that the King's Majesty, passing to the North with his army, had almost been “assailzaid” in Cowy (having then but a few company, for they were all passed to gentlemen's houses) by the Earl of Huntly, Crawford, Errol, Macintosh, and others their adherents. But when they were al the bridge of “Day” [Dee], hearing that his Majesty was not in Dunottar, as they supposed, thinking, as they allege, only to have set upon his company, they could not agree to come further forward, but “sinderit” [separated], and retired sundry “gaitz” [roads], seeking secretly again his Majesty's favour, and offering to deliver again the Master of Glamis, and the Earl of Huntly to come unto his Majesty with two horse in company. |
| As for the Master of Glamis, I suppose he be already delivered, but his Majesty would not look upon the Earl Huntly's letters, nor will enter in no condition, but have all to come in will. Otherwise, is to pass forward, and pursue more straitly their houses, and confiscation. In the mean time the Earl Bothwell, lying at Criechtoun “in a sair craig,” minds to take up men of war and possess himself in Dalkeith. I had licence to abide at home, and was ordained for a voyage over the sea, which, apparently, will take no haste, by reason of this trouble and also that Mons. de Lisle is lately arrived from the King of Navarre earnestly following forth another course, wherein he was partly a doer of before. There is one come from the Prince of Parma with great thanks unto his Majesty for the good treatment made to the Spaniards that escaped the seas and sought refuge here. The said messenger has also commission to freight a ship, and transport them to Flanders. The proclamation is renewed very straitly to follow his Majesty. My Lord Chancellor, Cowdenknows, the Provost of Lynclowden, Justice Clerk, Parbroath, and my brother Sir Robert, are with his Majesty for counsel with the nobility, some dryness yet remaining between the Chancellor and Justice Clerk. I assure you the King is utterly inclined to maintain religion, and, for that, effect amity with all godly princes and countries, and entirely to abide with this company that is now about him, and to maintain them at his power. Whereof his Highness has given great proofs many times, as well for their religious course as for their modesty since their home-coming.—Written at my house of Hathill, the 27 day of April, after the old reckoning. | |
| Seal. 2 pp. | |
| 663. Richard Douglas to Archibald Douglas. | |
| 1588, Apr. 28. | I think you are advertised of all such matters as by your last, directed by Robert Scott, you desired to know, as also of the present state of this country. Whereof, albeit my brother has written at length, yet I cannot forbear to write thus far, that his Majesty's honourable and wise behaviour in pacifying tumult or any inconvenient, “the apperailt” broils betwixt this nobility, and quieting of this State, which seemed altogether disordered, but [sic] any alteration, has acquired him very great reputation amongst his whole subjects, of whatsoever faction; and now his honourable late proceedings in pacifying the Borders, and making so full satisfaction and delivery to England for matters that seemed unredressable, methinks, should be occasion to move that country, albeit they were otherwise determined, to think well of his Majesty's sincere and upright meaning towards their quietness. Which, albeit it be done by his Majesty, freely of his own honest and princely natural, rather makes them altogether excuseless than by any their desert there, after so many notable injuries done to him. Yet, you may be assured that if now . . . . shall not perceive those effects to follow which some have promised, he shall convert his good affection into an irreconcileable hatred, and follow such a course against them, to their undo[ing], perhaps, when he would and they suit . . . . . . . . be in his power to take himself up for their r . . . . . . , for now our Spanish faction is busier nor ever it was. Colonel Sempill, [who has] arrived with great and plausible offers, both from the King of Spain and Duke of Parma, gives them great occasion to think that, if England shall not come, after so good and great motives, [to] seek to content his Majesty, as they strongly can but imagine they will, that then their King, but [sic] any further delay, shall embrace that party, that so long they have been about to persuade him to follow. We are here assuredly advertised of this preparation in Spain ready to come in this country, together with the time and place of landing, number of men, and names of their conductors. If it shall prove true, as there is great appearance, they doubt not but his Majesty shall be forced, if not to [join] with them openly, at the least to give them free and open passage through this country, with help of all their necessaries, and aid of all such in this country who will willingly assist them, whereof you may be assured there will be no small number. But I know his Majesty had rather choose the other party, if in honour he might have any just occasion. His Highness's pleasure is that, notwithstanding all the dealings of your unfriends in your contrary, you continue in doing him that service that he commanded you long ago. His further mind and intention concerning both yourself and his service, I hope you shall understand very shortly by his own letter.—Whittingham, 28 April 1588. |
| Injured by damp and the writing faded. | |
| 1½ pp. | |
| 664. W. Douglas of Whittingham to Archibald Douglas. | |
| 1588, Apr. 30. | Asks him to further the cause of the bearer, George Padie.—From Whittingham, this last of April 1588. |
| ½ p. | |
| 665. The Privy Council to Lord Burghley. | |
| 1588, Apr. 30. | Authorizing Henry Middlemore, one of the grooms of the Privy Chamber, to transport a quantity of beans, according to his licence, notwithstanding the late general restraint.—The Court, the last of April 1588. |
| Seal. 1 p. | |
| 666. Monthly Rates of Pay on a Flemish Vessel. | |
| 1588, April. | For the Captain, 3l.; the Master, 2l. 8s.; the Pilot 2l. 8s.; “Hoochbootsman” and company altogether, 2l. 8s. . . . Common sailors, 14s. each; carpenters, 28s.; six boys at 3 florins each, 18s. Total 25l. 8s. sterling. |
| ½ p. | |
| 667. Musters and the States General. | |
| [1588, April]. | 1. The States, according to their agreement with the Muster-Master General in the Earl of Leicester's government, are to establish Commissaries in all garrisons to join with the Queen's Commissaries to pass monthly musters, &c. |
| 2. Also for the time past they are to authorize some officer to join with her Majesty's present Overseer of Musters to examine the rolls, keep perfect abreviates indented for a record certain of her Majesty's charges, etc. | |
| 3. That an Act in Council be made, and a day assigned for the States to bring in all debts they can require to be defalked, &c. | |
| 4. The Overseer to have access to the Council to present matters for the advancement of the service, and to receive apostilles to his demands, or at least testimonial of such requests presented. | |
| 5. All Sergeant Majors and Provost Marshals to certify monthly their cheques and fines and entertainments, &c., &c. | |
| Endorsed :—“Remembrances for Mr. Bodley touching musters.” | |
| 1½ pp. | |