Elizabeth: September 1559

Calendar of State Papers, Scotland: Volume 1, 1547-63. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1898.

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'Elizabeth: September 1559', in Calendar of State Papers, Scotland: Volume 1, 1547-63, (London, 1898) pp. 250-253. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/scotland/vol1/pp250-253 [accessed 24 March 2024]

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In this section

538. Sadleir and Croft to Cecill. [Sept. 12.]

On Sunday last about 2 a.m. the Earl of Arran was safely delivered to a friend in Teviotdale to conduct him secretly to his father. The Queen Regent, we hear, has refused to ask the Queen's safe conduct for divers Scots to traffic in England, wishing no resort by them there at present. Wherefore Balnaves and Whitlaw have required us to sue the Queen for such, and also licence to buy 10 geldings for the lords, as the enclosed memorial delivered by said Whitlaw shows. Yesterday the Earl of Northumberland and we met the Scottish commissioners, perusing commissions as accustomed. They found fault with our want of special powers, but in the end "refused not." We found fault with theirs, giving power only for attempts since last peace, and none to make ordinances for quiet, as we have. But we agreed to meet to-day on those two points till their commission is enlarged. (fn. 1) If it pleased you to enlarge ours, it will better content them. We offered to treat of the West March disorders—far larger than on these East and Middle—but they refused, as they have no warden there, as the case stands with the Master of Maxwell, and also special commissioners were always appointed there. Berwick. Signed: R. Sadleir, Jamys Croft.

2 pp. A few words in cipher. Addressed. Indorsed.

539. The Queen Dowager to the Queen of England. [Sept. 14.]

Asking passport for her servitor John Levingston with 6 in company, sent to France on certain her affairs requiring expedition; also commission for post horses from London to the sea coast to further his journey. Edinburgh. Signed: Your gud sester and allya, Marie R.

½ p. Broad sheet. Addressed. Indorsed.

(1) Similar of same date by the King and Queen, for James Melvill, James and John Levingstoun with a servant each, to pass through her realm to France, buy goods in England, and return, to endure for one year. Under their signet and subscribed by the Queen Dowager Regent. Edinburgh, 1st and 17th of their reigns. Signed: Your gud sester and allya, Marie R.

1 p. Broad sheet. Addressed. Indorsed. Wafer signet: France quartered, impaling Scotland.

540. Sadleir and Croft to Cecill. Elizabeth. [Sept. 19. 1559.]

We have heard nothing of the Protestants since Balnavis left, but the bearer being desirous to return, we advertise by common bruit that the Scots rejoice greatly at Arran's return, devising much if he came through England: and the Regent in great "melancholie" and displeasure therewith. The congregation are assembling, the French devising for defence, and looking daily for the Marquis Del' Beuf and with him more aid. The English Graymes and others increase their incursions, and we learn that Lord Dacres lies at Carlisle, and winks at it, saying he has no command from the Queen neither to stay them nor to bid them ride, and they may do as they list. We say not it is true, but must think it by his will or negligence. We hear two of his servants returned last Thursday from the Regent, they say sent by him to ask her to appoint a warden there, to meet him for redress, &c. We do not see why he should send to her! for the English have done so much hurt they cannot redress it, and the Scots have been quiet and done nothing to England. You know what he is, and we think he would be very loath that the Protestants in Scotland, yea in England, should prosper if he might "lett" it. Of same sort is your warden of the East and Middle Marches. Judge how meet they are for a charge requiring men of wisdom, trust and good government! We refer this to the high powers, but meantime (under your reformation) think Lord Dacre should be straitly ordered to keep better rule. Berwick. Signed: R. Sadleir, Jamys Croft.

We suspect the Earl of Northumberland is advertised from time to time by Alen clerk of Council, of all secret matters concerning him or others.

2 pp. Postscript in cipher. Addressed. Indorsed (by Cecill).

541. Arran to Sadleir. [Sept. 21. 1559.]

I have "derekit" the bearer with charge to show you "sic news as hes occurit in thir partes sens my awin hir coummin, quhilk I haive wrettin at linth to the Quenis secretari, praiand yow that ye will gar had thir letters to him in the surest maner and gretest diligens may be." I have written to Randell to come here, for he will do me "meikil steid," and pray you send him "of the sonest." Hamilton. Signed: James Hammylton.

Postscript: I have greatly to thank you for the trouble taken for me "desirand at God at sum day he grant me the moiens to recognost in your acht."

¾ p. Holograph, also address: "To the richt wirchifull and lufing freind Sir Raf Sadlar." Indorsed (by Cecill): "Erl Arran."

542. Chatelherault to Sadleir. [Sept. 21.]

It has pleased God to conduct "oure" son safely unto "us," by whom "we" understand the friendship he has received at your hands, whereof "I" give you most hearty thanks, assuring you of the friendship "I" am able to do whenever ye shall require the same. "For his presence and saivty" is "my" greatest worldly rejoicing. Our proceedings since his coming "we" refer to the sufficiency of the bearer, whom please credit. From our place of Hammyltoun. Signed: Your lowffing frend, James.

½ p. Holograph, also address. Indorsed (by Cecill).

543. Commission to Maitland. [Sept. 24. 1559.] Eg. MSS. 1818, fol. 6.

The Duke of Chatelherault "and remanent of the nobilitie and counsale of Scotland," grant full power to William Maitland young laird of Lethington secretary of the realm, to treat and conclude with the Queen of England and Council, under his instructions. Stirling. Signed: James, Ard. Ergyll, Alexr. Glencarn, Alexr. Arch. Commendator of Incheffray, James Stewart, Rothes, Patrick Ruthwen, R. Boyd, James Halyburtoun, Johnne of Menteht, William Murray of Tolibern, Wchiltre.

2 pp. Broad sheet. Indorsed.

544. Sadleir to Cecill. [Sept. 27.]

I have nothing to add to our common letter, but that the Regent has proclaimed in Merse and Lothian that no Scots bring victuals or traffic here on pain of death. This is to provide the French garrisons, and keep us from news, but in vain, for the Scots come as usual on market day. I hear she greatly suspects me, as I told you she would, before I came. But they can prove little, though they suspect much. I trust you will not forget me when my service can be spared, for this is an "ill place" to winter in.

You wrote that my lord Admiral and you would visit my poor house. If ye did, I am much bound, but having had no "salutacions" from thence as you promised, I pray you put me out of doubt by your next. Berwick. Signed: R. Sadleir.

1 p. Holograph, also address. Indorsed (by Cecill).

545. Whitlaw to Cecill. [Sept. 27. 1559.]

By direction of the Duke, Arran, Argyll and the Prior, I declared by mouth to Master Sadler and the Captain, all things since Arran's homecoming, as in his letter delivered to be sent. It was no small comfort and well received of all men, and so well covered that the Regent can get no knowledge. People's hearts thirst for this unnatural war to be cut away.

Our defection from France is great, through the fortifying of Leith, slaughter and daily oppressions, as I refer to other writings. Berwick. Signed. Alexr. Whitlaw.

I have got no answer to my last letter.

Communicate some part of your mind to your poor friends. Poor men's counsel furthers this matter not a little; worldly men seek their own profit, not the common weal.

pp. Holograph, also address. Indorsed (by Cecill).

546. Sadleir and Croft to Cecill. Elizabeth. [Sept. 30. 1559.]

We have received your letters of 22d and 23d which were 6 days coming, not so speedily as Bynkes posted to you with ours. We have told Whitlaw to say to the Master of Maxwell it is not the Queen's will he is cruelly used by the Grames, and to complain to us if again molested. We think it not meet to succour him secretly here, for he is well able to abide in his own country, and join the Protestants with his power when required. We think Lord Dacre should be called to Court, taking strait order for peace before departing. He may be well charged with negligence; were there no other cause his sickness last summer when he was in ill case, should unfit him for such a charge. Berwick. Signed: R. Sadleir, Jamys Croft.

pp. Cipher, deciphered by Cecill. Addressed. Indorsed.

Footnotes

  • 1. What follows written by Sadleir.