Edward VI: October 1547

53. Grey of Wilton to Somerset. [Oct. 2.]

Immediately on receipt of the enclosed letters this day at 9 o'clock, I have despatched them, unbroken. Praying your grace's instructions if the like case happen. Berwick. Signed: Wyllyam Grey.

½ p. Addressed. Indorsed (by Thynne).

54. Grey of Wilton to Somerset. [Oct. 2.]

I desire your grace, for the good service of the bearer Francis Aslabye, late lieutenant of the light horsemen at Boulogne, and since in this Scottish war, but now discharged,—to place him where thought meet. Berwick. Signed: Wyllyam Grey.

½ p. Addressed. Indorsed.

55. Lennox to Somerset. [Oct. 7. 1547.]

I hear by a Scotsman my spy, late come from Scotland, "that in youre graces last conflicte upoun the Scottis" there was taken in the chace "one Robert Colquhoun larde of Luis, my nere kinnisman, and that holdis his lande of me within the Levenax"; and being wounded in the face now remains at Berwick. He has a notable house and strength (fn. 1) near the sea "and within thre mylis to Dunbertane castell, where in I was borne," very fit to be in the King's hands. I beg your grace to write to the Earl of Warwick that this "Larde of Luis" be not ransomed till I may speak with you, as I intend to do shortly, and show you the commodity of the said house more at length.

Being also advertised that the late captain of Dunbarton Castle, (fn. 2) who betrayed that hold from the King's purpose, is also taken, it were good he were stayed till your pleasure be known "in recompense of his untrew demenour." Wrissill Castle. Signed: Mathow Lewenax.

1 p. Addressed. Indorsed (by Thynne).

56. Sir Andrew Duddeley to Somerset. [Oct. 8.]

On the 6^th I received a letter from my lord my brother (fn. 3) dated 1^st, that thenceforth I should write to my lord Grey for my wants here. I am in great need, in the middle of enemies, in a weak house slenderly left, my men tired with constant watch, many sick of "agew" and more like to be. There is neither wood, coal, nor candle, glass for windows, scant window to shut, nor door, lock, nor bolt, latch nor nail. I have no workmen or artificers, other than M^r John de Rosset the Italian engineer, fallen sick with overwork. The house was more like a "kyepars lodge" than a fort when I came; the ground we should fortify it with, is but "shingill and sande, the torf ys allso sandye and brickill," and we can scarce make it hold, without help of great timber, planks, "maundes" for our ordnance and to hold up the rampires—which we lack. I have sent for a smith's forge, but have not got it, and but 3 carpenters, one aged and sick and another lame. Never man had so weak a company of soldiers "gevyn all to eatinge and drynkynge and slowfullnes"—and I have not 3 gunners that can load or discharge his piece, and 1 lack 9 of the 20 I should have, and 16 other soldiers besides sick men. I have stayed the ships till we are better fortified, and the river, which is stronge with ships and boats, thoroughly "scowrid"; for I look day and night for the Earl of Angus, who threatens to besiege me, and only tarries to win S^t Colm's Inch held by Sir John Luttrell, which they have surrounded with ships and boats by advice of "an abbot and Jame Dogge," and as some tell me, Thomas Christell late master of the Lyon of Scotland, my prisoner, also a great "doer" in it. Montrose and other vessels cruise on the coast for our victuallers.

The Scots say the French King has promised help "owt of hand," and that, he the Emperor, the Bishop of Rome, the King of Denmark and the Venetians, will attack England. All that love the Word of God here, pray your grace to follow up your victory, and give no credit to Huntly's flattering promises, or he will do more mischief than ever. I keep the 2 ships, for I have work for 400 or 500 men for 5 or 6 weeks (as these mariners work) to put us in good state. The house stands well, and if the King pleased to build a bulwark on the far side of the water, it would protect our ships. I use the country gently as ordered. Divers gentlemen who favour the Word of God would come in if they durst, but wait "till they see how the world goo." The town of Dundee has sought no assurance, and I have sent them word to-day that I will hold them as enemies, but have no answer. Trusting in Christ to do my part to serve the King and your grace "whilst the breth is in my boddye. Scribbled in hast." Fort of Broughty Craig. Signed: Andrew Duddeley.

4 pp. Addressed. Indorsed (by Thynne). Damaged.

57. Grey of Wilton to Somerset. [Oct. 9. 1547.]

Sir George Douglas, the Laird of Ormiston, and two of the Humes "that came not erst in," have been here. Douglas coming as a borderer to serve the King, asked assurance for them all. I told him to make no promise unless resolved to be true—reminded him of his benefits from the late King, of the evils through the "let" of the marriage, &c., as my simple wit helped me, and threatened him if he revolted again, I should pursue him and his friends to the death—finally gave him hope if he spoke truly now, he should not go unrewarded. He answered he would advance the marriage, and then put a vain doubt—if the Queen died before marriage, or after it without issue, would they be our fellows or slaves? I rebuked him, but after more of this vain talk, too tedious for your grace, he asked assurance for Coldingham, &c., and his friends. I said Coldingham was to be rased at once. He said he had no other place to lie in and offered to fortify it against the Governor. I refused to let it stand to harbour enemies—but if he did us the service we know he can do, Coldingham would be recompensed. He asked to hear the Articles read, and then objected to that one viz. if the Queen married otherwise, he should be bound to serve the King against Scotland or elsewhere for pay, as too strait, offering to sign the rest, and get his brother, Bothwell, Glencairne, &c., to sign also. I refused to take less than the whole; when he asked a copy to show his friends, and answer in 8 days, if I spared Coldingham meanwhile. I agreed to the copy, but said he could answer in less time, when he pressed so earnestly that I at length said, if neither he nor the Humes removed anything, and he brought me his (at least), and the others' signatures in 8 days at farthest, I would give delay. He promised (seemingly) to draw his brother and the rest clean from the Governor, leaving him none but Argyll and the bishop of S^t Andrews, and do his utmost to put the Queen in our hands, if requited in England for his lands, which I have guaranteed with my own lands, hoping your grace will discharge me thereof. Ormiston also offers to remain prisoner, and suffer death if this be not done. And though I know him not as your grace doth, it seems he means truly, and I have resolved to prove him—and if he keep not promise, "the very next day Coldingham shall downe," and himself smart for it. Norham Castle.

Postscript: While ending, I have your letter to Lord Warwick, that as the French King minds to send 1000 Almaynes in garrison: to rase Coldingham before they "nestle" there, and take the timber to Aymouth for the works there. As my promise was past before receipt, I beseech your grace, as the man is unknown to me, to suffer me to prove him, and if he deceive me now, he shall never do so more, "nor peradventure many others herafter." And doubt not if the Almaynes come sooner, I shall rase it before they get in. There is little timber, "for the roof is vaultes," and there is no carriage—if need were. As for garrisons, I have forborne, as the lords and gentlemen are unwilling, having no provision but what they buy, to have the same eaten by men in possession of their own houses, and many quarrels might ensue: but they will defend them against the Governor unless he brings an army, when they will ask our aid. Besides our horsemen are very ill mounted and would need more than 8d. a day: their horses are not worth 10s. a piece at home, and I dare not place them out. I beseech your grace to send a commission to Yorkshire, "nether to busshop nor prest," but such as I shall name, to raise fresh horses and men, and your pleasure as to Coldingham in case Douglas keep his word. I hear that his coming in has frightened them in Scotland and that the Bishop of Dunkeld is to come to me. If he does, what further points shall I stand on with him, besides the marriage? Signed: Wyllyam Grey.

7 pp. Addressed. Indorsed.

58. Grey of Wilton to Somerset. [Oct. 15.]

I have been at Roxburgh, Hume, Aymouth and Ayton. At Roxburgh the works well forward, as a "platt" by the surveyor will show your grace. The chief want is a brewhouse, for this country being "rooten grownde," their daily travel to Hume and other places wears out the poor people's carriages drawn only by oxen. Home is in good case. At Aymouth there is a bulwark and 2 curtains, but some thing more is needed to cover the flank from Coldingham. The labourers having neither victuals nor pay, daily go off, and no marvel! for my own household men and men at arms leave me "for the countreys sake"—praying your grace, if such come to court, without my passport, to correct them and thus deter others. At Ayton I have placed horsemen, with allowance for the roof, to lie dry.

The lords and others are now content to receive our garrisons, if helped with victuals, &c., which are wonderfully dear. Praying your grace for the commission to Yorkshire named in my last. I am told many of the Humes will now come in, and those that hinder others or are slack, I shall give them the "spoore." Sir Andrew Dudley and Sir John Luttrell are in good enough case. Norham Castle. Signed: Wyllyam Grey.

2½ pp. Addressed. Indorsed (by Thynne).

59. The Privy Council to Lord Grey of Wilton. [Oct. 17.]

Having written to the Archbishop of York to send the Lord Grey of Scotland's brother to you, who has been "now a good space in his custodie," whose delivery is required by his brother, you shall on his arrival take his own bond for 2000 crowns to re-enter on a month's notice, and thereon let him go. Hampton Court.

1 p. Draft corrected by Petre.

(1) Another draft in Petre's hand to like effect—Lord Grey to exhort him as to the favour he has received.

1 p. Indorsed: "M. to the Lord Gray of Wilton. October 1547."

60. The Privy Council to Patrick lord Gray. [Oct. 17.]

The bearer "Sandy Whitlawe" having in your behalf moved us to send home your brother, we are content to license him, hoping he shall be encouraged by you to do good service. As to the other matters proposed by said "Sandy," we could not find the writings that have passed between us, and therefore beg you to consider what you propose in the King's service, and what aid you require, and on advertising us, we shall reply with diligence. Hampton Court.

1 p. Draft corrected by Petre. Indorsed: "M. to the Lord Gray of Scotland. October 1547."

61. Grey of Wilton to Somerset. Edw. VI. [Oct. 18. 1547.]

As when the water rises in winter, no carriages can pass, and there is also such scarcity of horsemeat and victuals, that my men at arms and demi-lances will be unfit for service in spring, I mean (if your grace pleases) to remove to Warkworth Castle till then. As there is great disorder in Berwick for want of a marshal, I beg your grace to name some meet man. Sir George Douglas sent his servant "Sym a Ponanger" for a safe conduct for himself and 200 men. I have given one for him and 30 or 40 persons, promising to do as I see occasion on meeting. He sent me word (as his man says) if I follow his advice, he durst warrant delivery of the Queen. Whether his master "daly," or the servant adds, I cannot tell. Berwick. Signed: Wyllyam Grey.

1½ pp. Addressed. Indorsed.

62. Somerset to Grey of Wilton. [Oct. 20.]

In answer to your letters of 13^th and 15^th (1) we agree for the brewhouse of Roxburgh, that you cause the surveyor, or Revel the master carpenter, to take thither the frame made for Warke, and that you have a couple of the mills at Berwick one for wheat, the other for malt; (2) as your works are well forward, you may "pluck" from Roxburgh 200 labourers, paying 100 off, and sending the rest to Eymouth—also send the horsemen at Hume to Lang Edrame; (3) the piece of ground at Eyemouth (no great thing as we remember), may be scraped down to the rock and thrown into the sea, if Sir Richard Lee's plan is not taken.

On the Laird of Ormeston's report of those Lothian gentlemen who are against us, you shall set our Border friends of Merse and Teviotdale, &c., to seize their cattle, burn their corn, and drive them either to seek favour, or unable to hurt us. Finally we shall keep your "chauntrey" in remembrance, and at our next council meeting "Sonday comming," we shall speak of your 200 fother of lead, and move them likewise to give you 50l. of land in token of the King's good will, till a better thing come, and ourselves shall promove it to our best power. Shene.

8 pp. Corrected draft. Indorsed: "xx° Octobris, M. to my lord Gray de Wilton."

63. Grey of Wilton to Somerset. [Oct. 20.]

George Douglas with the Lairds of Brumpston and Langton came here to-day. Asking him on the articles, he said he liked them right well, saving the article binding him as the King's subject, if the Queen were otherwise married. He also showed me that he had a "stipend" from the Queen of 1000 crowns, and as much from the French King. And the Governor had lately offered him an abbey of 1000 crowns yearly, but he did not go near him nor would not. After discussion, at last seeing no remedy, he made his oath on the Testament, and signed them as others have, but yet sues your grace by me, to mitigate that article, or his brother, &c., will not come in. I said you would not, for no others had been released, when he begged me to keep it secret; for if his signing be known, he could not work his friends or stay near the Governor. He agrees to my rasing Coldingham if I see any danger, and has put in writing his scheme of invasion and private requests, which I enclose, and intends to go with and guide us, advising dispatch, while the Governor and the lords are at division.

I enclose also schedule of our forces, begging your commission to levy fresh men, and warrant for money to the Treasurer for pay, &c.

The Laird of Langton brought two letters from Earl Bothwell, one to your grace, which as requested in the other, I send herewith. He asked assurance till he came in, which I refused, but offered him a safe conduct to come and see me, when I would do as I found him.

I hear my cousin Sir Andrew Dudley and Sir John Luttrell are as yet not attacked—but shall make 4 ships ready in case they are. Hume of Eyton moves earnestly by Douglas and others for assurance, even offering his body and all he has to your mercy, saving life. But I refuse despite his moan, till I learn your pleasure. As I have few gentlemen here, and these matters import somewhat by credit, I beg your grace to commit the credit and carriage of your letters hither to my friend M^r Bannester. Norham. Signed: Wyllyam Grey.

5 pp. Addressed. Indorsed.

Inclosed in the same:—

(1) (Note of the forces.)

Sum of the whole garrisons, 1528. Men and horses fit for service, 940. Men unfit, 80. The "evill" horses, 588.

Fair copy.

(2) Device by Sir George Douglas for invading Scotland, within a month or six weeks at furthest.

(1) The force to be 6000,—2500 of them horse, and the rest footmen mounted; (2) artillery not heavier than demi-culverins; (3) victuals for 4 days, harbouring in these towns—

I lord Grey with 4000 men to Jedburgh—12 miles, and remain one night. The lairds of Ferniherst, Cesford and others of East Tyvydale, to be sent for and bind themselves to aid the King's service. The next march to Selkirk and Hawick 2 miles apart, and 10 from Jedworth. Like commands to Buccleugh and the gentlemen of West Tyvydale and Ettrick forest. The third day, march to Peebles, where Lord Hay of Yester, sister's son to Douglas, and now prisoner here, is sheriff of the shire and principal of the town. Who will submit himself, and if let home on pledge, will victual and house us. The 4^th day to Lanryke, chief town of Clydesdale, where the Governor is sheriff—the warden of the West Marches to meet me there with the rest of the force. No Hamilton to be received, or any other but on pledges. Here he hopes to bring in Angus, Cassillis, Glencairne, and Lord Boyd, if the strait clause in the articles hinders them not. Here are two castles of the Governor's, Hamilton and Nethen, which last being stronger, stands on a "sand and cole grounde," and may be won he thinks. The fifth journey to Glasgow, 12 miles, the bounds and "rowme" of the Earl of Lennox. The Bishop's castle there must be won and the Earl as most fit, left to keep it. The sixth journey to Stirling, 18 miles, giving the Dowager assurance in the castle (if she asks it) with the Queen. Then to Lythco, win the palace, where he thinks Scottishmen may be found to keep it for the King. Then return homewards by Edinburgh, persuading the lords to go to Stirling and treat with the Dowager for the marriage. If she refuse, to blockade her in the castle, and 10 days will starve her—if fled, it may be won by cannon. She and the Governor can only fly to Dunbarton or Argyll. Or here is another plan—I to go by Jedworth, Melrose, Lauderdale, Dalkeith, Newbottle and Leswade. to Edinburgh. Lennox and the Warden of the West Marches by Lanryk to Glascoo, burn the Governor's country—remain till they hear, or meet at Stirling, and though we miss the Queen, the country from England to Forth will fear us.

He thinks this the best way to get the Queen, for otherwise before spring, the Governor will bring the country to obedience, and put our friends down—the rather as he expects 50,000 crowns (which they "brute" as 100,000) and 10 gentlemen from France, to arrive on the west by S^t Martins tide at furthest.

He advises a garrison in the town of Dunbar, and as I have already protected some of them, they may lie well enough there, notwithstanding the castle—and if Bothwell comes in, another at "Herington" and elsewhere in Lothian to the number of 4000 men, which will deter the French King from sending men. For contenting them to aid the King's affairs, Lennox should have 500 men, Angus, Cassillis and Glencairne 100 each, and Boyd and the sheriff of Ayr, 50 each. Then on suppressing bishoprics and abbeys, take back the men, and in lieu give Lennox the bishopric of Glasgow, and each of the others an abbey, and thus save the King's purse.

George Douglas's own requests.

(1) To have 1000l. sterling given him in 15 days, to support himself and friends, &c., and 500l. sterling yearly paid at Berwick or Norham; (2) his friends protected; (3) the goods, "sylkes," money, &c., he left with his host at Berwick, restored to him; (4) to have the keeping of Eymouth fort, and Coldingham protected; (5) his corn, &c., lately taken by the army, paid for. If he keep not his part, to be held as a rebel.

This man will not be gained without money—but for his 1000l., I will make him take 1000 marks. His host can discharge his goods on your grace's order, being sufficient enough. For Eyemouth, he will take recompense. For my opinion of the man, I judge him by outward appearance to mean faithfully, and my spy reported that he went not to the Governor, in case of capture.

9 pp. Fair copy. Indorsed (by Thynne): "From my lord Grey to my lord Protector the xx^th of October 1547."

64. Grey of Wilton to Somerset. [Oct. 20. 1547.]

I have licenced the bearer M^r Harbarte one of the men at arms of Boulogne, to sue your grace for part of the ransom of Monsieur de Trayes, and pray your favour for him, sending him back within 14 days. Norham Castle. Signed: Wyllyam Grey.

½ p. Addressed. Indorsed.

65. Grey of Wilton to Somerset. Edw. VI. [Oct. 20. 1547.]

On receipt this day of a letter from Sir Andrew Dudley, I have "prested" 30 harquebusiers, and will send them to him under command of Pompeo a Spaniard. Artificers, tools, timber, &c., shall be sent him without delay; also powder, munition, and 100l. for his men's pay. Basing, the captain of the Phenix, reports that on his way hither, he saw the victuallers bound for Broughty pass in a great storm. I hope they are arrived. I await my commission from your grace. Norham Castle. Signed: Wyllyam Grey.

George Douglas has arrived at the end of this letter—whose proceedings I shall report to-morrow. Your grace's letter of 16^th came a little before him.

1½ pp. Addressed. Indorsed.

66. Grey of Wilton to Somerset. [Oct. 23.]

In case your grace mistakes my late schedule showing 100 unfit men, and 588 horses, I thought requisite to say that the owners of these 588 unfit horses, be Yorkshire men, too poor to remount themselves. Wherefore your grace's commission must be to levy 688 horsemen, as I have discharged that number. There are here but 840 able men and horses. Norham Castle. Signed: Wyllyam Grey.

1 p. Addressed. Indorsed.

67 Glencairn to Somerset. [Oct. 23.]

I sent to Lord Wharton to be presented to your grace, a note of commissioners, with ample powers to treat of peace and marriage, and their day appointed: but before the day, a French gentleman with fair words, altered the Queen and Governor's purpose, as their custom has ever been, "to our greit skaith." So Cassillis, George Douglas, and the Sheriff of Ayr, three of the number, came to Edinburgh, expecting to depart "one the morne," and desired their safe conduct. The Governor and Queen said it was forgotten in Stirling, and when sent for, could not be found. So these three departed with displeasure, as your grace will learn from George Douglas who has spoken "or now" with my lord lieutenant on this and other affairs. Your grace has laboured well in the east parts, as the Merse, &c., and in the south, as Annandale, Ewesdale, Liddesdale and great part of Nithsdale, and has some well willers in Over Nithsdale, Clydesdale, Galloway, Kyle, Cuningham, Carrick, Renfrew barony, Stirling shire and the Lennox—all adjacent countries south of Forth water—yet there is a little house Crawford-John, that if won, would help to bring in these last countries. It stands 3 miles from the head of Clyde, the same from the water of Ayr, and 8 from the heads of Irving and Nith waters. Your grace's "cart" will show this calculation true, or near it. "The hous is wele ludgit within, bot it is of na strynth, for the barmekyn beand wyne, the hous is gottin." Angus's folks won it from the Governor two or three years ago.

I and other friends of my lord of Lennox here, are waiting for his coming, and have done nothing because we were "unswre" of it. Seeing the great benefits he has had from the late King "quhom God assolyie," which he can never acquit but by his service "rather in thir partes nor any uder" for the godly purpose, it may please your grace to signify your counsel therein; and as Cassillis, the Sheriff of Ayr and I are far from my lord lieutenant, to send one commissioned to speak with us, and make an end of these causes. Dowquhall. Signed: Erll of Glencarn.

1¾ pp. Closely written. Addressed. Indorsed (by Thynne).

68. Glencairn to Lennox. [Oct. 23.]

I received your letter by Patersone, and have been as vigilant as possible. "Na thing laikis bot your presens." Cassillis and the sheriff of Ayr "ar to you as I am." The Lennox is your own, and all Renfrew except the "Simples." George Douglas has spoken with the lieutenant, and I with him, "and taikis him one hand to be of your lordschipis partie." As for Angus, I doubt not he will be sure, but have written with your servant to him, who will inform you at length. Remember the noble house ye are come of, and the late King's goodness, and you may now do great service to God. And if you come not now, your friends will never look for you. Ye "myster" (fn. 4) none with you, but the assured men "sik as Closburne, Lag, my baronrie of Glencairne, the captane of Crawfurd, and my lord of Angus folkis, and thir may bring yow saifelie anewche to our bondis"; when we will pass with you to Glasgow or Paisley. Answer me speedily, whether you are coming or not, and speed the bearer back, to whom give credence. Douquhall. Signed: "Yowris at powar," Erll of Glencarn.

1 p. Addressed. Indorsed (by Thynne).

69. Somerset to Grey of Wilton. [Oct. 26. 1547.]

We have received your letters of the 20^th, with thanks for the news therein. Beginning with the end, as requiring shorter answer, Hume of Ayton must submit himself and lands, &c., life only reserved, to the King's mercy, make oath and render himself, and you may say it will be better for him in the end. (2) You must see that Borthy Crag and S^t Combes Inch are duly furnished. (3) In reply to Bothwell's offer to repair to us on safe conduct, we are pleased you give him one, pressing Langton before hand for delivery of Hermitage, which ye may say will induce us to give him assurance and further benefits: but if merely brought to likelihood of success when he repairs to us, ye may send him, accompanied with some fit gentleman, and assure his own lands, and friends, on their coming in.

(4) As to Sir George Douglas—commending your wish to bring the man to truth and honesty: we pray you, and "eftsones" pray you again, to be marvellous wary and circumspect how you trust him, and to think that he means nothing but deceit, except you see manifest tokens to the contrary, and that not by words but plain deeds only. For if you knew him as well as we do, you would be advised ere you thought of him as you write. When you have weighed on one side his plan for invasion and on the other side his demands, you shall find him a good honest body and well meaning for himself, and full unhappily for you and the King's affairs! His plan will bring you to "the bouchery" and nothing else. You shall tell him, we marvel at his and his brother's quibbles, who promised to set the Crown of Scotland on the late King's head, and were chief beginners of the treaty. His sayings of the Governor's offer of an abbey, the pensions from France and the Scots Queen, are but for his own ends. We are not so ignorant but we can see the folly of taking 6000 men with but 4 days' provision into the heart of Scotland, trusting to him and his like to help in taking such places of strength as Glasgow, Hamilton, and Nethen, out of hand! and we disbelieve his statements about the Governor. If Sir George will set to work with the Governor and his brother to get possession of the young Queen, meanwhile delivering the castles of Dunbar and Edinburgh, ye may say it may sink into our head that he deserves favour, and it is the only way to maintain the Governor, whom we know he can direct if he likes. And if he cannot bring the Governor to it, then let him and his brother step to it, and aid the King's forces, delivering Temptallon Castle, to prove his honesty, which he can easily do, and let him see he has to do with men of wit and understanding.

As for Banestre—no one man is able to endure the speedy journey, so we forbear to send our letters but by the ordinary post.

Postscript: If George Douglas declines Temptallon as his brother has no other house—tell him Douglas is a good house: and they can be housed elsewhere by the King if need arise.

As it may be needful to advance the King's affairs soon, we pray you to warn Buccleuch, Ferniherst, Cesford and others now come in to you, to prepare their bands for service, and report to us their force of horsemen.

27 pp. Corrected draft. Indorsed (by Thynne): "M. to my lord Graye the xxvj^th of Octobre 1547."

70. Grey of Wilton to Somerset. [Oct. 27. 1547.]

The device for invasion lately sent to your grace must be given up this winter, for there has since been and still is such abundance of rain, the waters so high, and the ground so rotten, as has not been for many years, that neither horseman nor carriage can pass. And unless your grace give orders for beerhouses at the new erected "peeces," and rëenforce us with horses, we cannot help them, for the country carriages are "so utterly decayed and tyred" that they cannot serve us, or even bring home their corn, which yet lies in great quantity in the field, as they "right pytiously lament and bewayle."

On Saturday 29^th our month ends, and having less credit here than whence I came, I pray your grace to remember our pay.

I had thought to proclaim in Teviotdale and the Merse, that none shall do homage or pay rent to the Governor or any Scotsman on pain of forfeiture, &c., and that the King is pleased for the scarcity, to supply them from Berwick with wheat and malt at reasonable price— but considering if they refuse to pay rent, their countrymen may harry them and drive them to revolt, I respite the same for your grace's resolution. Norham Castle. Signed: Wyllyam Grey.

2 pp. Addressed. Indorsed (by Thynne).

71. Articles granted by Dundee. Edw. VI. [Oct. 27. 1547.]

To Sir Andrew Dudley knight captain of the castle of Broughty Craig for King Edward the Sixth.

Binding themselves—to be faithful setters forth of God's word, true and faithful to the King as near as they can—to serve the garrison with necessaries at fair prices—to do reverence to, and anchor off Broughty castle, till searched for contraband—to suffer the English freely to the town, and warn them of danger—not to fortify against them, unless compelled by the Queen—to lock up their artillery—to resist the Governor, as far as they can, unless he comes with an army, when they may do as they are able and think best.

To these, the Provost bailiffs and council have sworn on the Holy Evangelist, till they know further of the King's and Lord Protector's pleasure, and affixed their common signet. Dundee. John Shrimgeur, cunstable and provest of Dundye, Rob^t. Andersone baylif of Dundye, (fn. 5) George Lovell baylif in Dundye, George Rollocke, Robart Michell, James Rollocke, Andrew Amand, James Watsone, James Lovell, John Streihmur, John Fothringham, Richard Rollocke, Alex^r. Paterson.

2 pp. Contemporary copy. Indorsed (by Thynne).

72. Somerset to Grey of Wilton. [Oct. 30. 1547.]

In reply to your letter of 27^th, "our lettres next before theis" show our opinion on the invasion. If our order for the brewhouse and mills at Roxburgh is not gone about, advertise us where the fault is. For more horses, you remember we devised to have 3 or 4 boats for water carriage, and require you to see it "put in ure." For pay, you must remember the King's charges elsewhere, and the garrisons are accustomed to forbear for 3 or 4 months—yet if you write to Wedall he can furnish you.

For the proclamation—you may proceed—for in this winter season the Governor or others can do little damage to our friends, and it will prove the latter's hearts towards us betimes.

3 pp. Corrected draft. Indorsed (by Thynne).

73. Grey of Wilton to Somerset. [Oct. 31. 1547.]

Ninian Cockburn was here yesterday, and I send your grace copy of his news. I have put in execution great part of your letters of the 23^d instant. The two boats to lie at Roxburgh are ordered. I shall appoint a marshal of Berwick to your grace's mind. I have ordered the Laird of Moontwhanny's taker to stay calling on him; and the taker of George Stirling some time captain of Dunbarton (a servant of Sir Thomas Dacres) to send him here. Within two or three days I hope to find who took the Laird of Luss, and give like order. I have received Lord Gray's brother and "Sandye" Whytlawe from the Archbishop of York, and told him to consider the ground at Broughty. I have given him a gelding, and they wait but a fair wind. Uvedale has not yet sent the 1000l. in crowns and "duckettes," but I have written for it, and will send it to Sir Andrew Dudley: desiring him and Sir John Luttrell also to report their estates, &c., to your grace. The rest of your instructions I shall perform with all diligence. Berwick. Signed: Wyllyam Grey.

Postscript: I accept with humble thanks, your grace's remembrance of the "chauntrie," &c., more than if it were "foure doubble" at my own suit. As the stormy weather brings agues, and we may have men hurt in service, we need a good physician and surgeon, having but one who is "base and symple." We also need harness for demilances, and if it please your grace to send 100 or even 50 pair, I will answer their price or return them. Cockburn says, and I hear otherwise, that Huntly will promise you everything, but do nothing. So please keep him. Vouchsafe us one or two good preachers; these parts need them as much as Scotland, for the people know neither God nor the King, nor their laws.

3 pp. Closely written. Addressed. Indorsed (by Thynne).

Inclosed in the same:—

(Cockburn's report.)

I saw Sir Andrew Dudley, then went to Fife and Angus, got the names and hands of many gentlemen there, which I have given him. They think it would be well to send a small force under Lennox to annoy the Governor in Clydesdale and take Glasgow, then you would have both East and West seas. The Governor never left Edinburgh Castle, save once to Leith, and on his return, "the wyffes war lyke to have stoned hym to death, they caused hym to take Saynt Gyles churche with hast, and there he past forth at the backe gate, and went to crysten the Lorde Bo[r]thwekes sonne, and the Earle of Bothwell with hym." They then returned to Stirling and remain there. The Queen asked him to give Dunbar, Dunbarton and Edinburgh Castles to the French King, and to take 12,000 crowns yearly from France. The Bishop of Dunkell is in Clydesdale to ask the gentlemen to await aid from France. They should have met this next Monday the last of October, but Angus and others have refused.

The Bishop of Galloway, Abbot of Dunfermline, and Prior of Pittenweem, with Launs Hamilton a friend of the Governor, heralds and pursuivants, have been all round Fife, and "rested" all the boats to siege S^t Colmes Inch, on pain of treason. The poor men all refused, except two captains, James Dooge, and Peter Faulconer, saying if they fill their boats with priests and friars, they shall "rowe them in." I have warned Sir John Luttrell, who knows not whence it came. I "sett" not by his thanks, so he fare well.

The great men, &c. of Scotland, as Humes, Scotts and Carrs, press the Queen and Governor to let them assure with England, till they see help from France, when none shall turn sooner than they. The Fife men come not in to Dudley, but I have devised with Andrew Balfour laird of Mountquhanie, to enter with me at Norham, then we go down by sea, stir up the country about Broughty, then back by sea, and come home by land, as if from his entry.

The Governor, Queen and priests devise how to bring home their "poope and God," Huntly, bidding him say yea, and sign everything laid to him. That the French shall come in spring and destroy all favourers of the Word of God and England—"but there be verie fewe of them to dystroye." It makes one sore to see these gentlemen feigning themselves favourers of the Word of God "more for your pleasour, then for Godes sake!" There are ships preparing to wait for yours between S^t Colmes Inch, Broughty and Berwick.

There is a plan to steal Huntly to France or Flanders—so watch him, and keep this from him like fire from gun powder—also from the captain of Dunbar or any other.

3¼ pp. Copy by Grey's clerk.