Elizabeth: January 1571

603. Elizabeth to the Regent Lennox. [Jan. 1.]

Considering the order of things past, by which our meaning is, to hear what shall be said on both parts, we have thought it necessary that, during this intended treaty, nothing material should be innovated, and, therefore, hearing that a Parliament there has been lately prorogued, to be again begun in the beginning of this January, we think it very convenient that, until this treaty shall be ended, no Parliament be kept there, but that it be suspended. Which we earnestly require you to have good regard to, and to advertise us what you shall do, for we mean to have like care that there shall be no manner of innovation on your contrary part during the same time.

⅓ p. Draft in Cecil's hand. Indorsed (by Cecil's clerk).

604. Francis Cave to Huntingdon. [Jan. 6.] C.P., Vol. VI.

The 5th of this month there was brought to me a "Scotte," one George Dowglasse, who kept a school at Prestwold, in Liecestershire, together with a letter in his writing to the Queen of Scots, which I send herewith to your honour, with his examination. In the said letters he "semeth to myselyke of the usage of the quenes majestie towardes the quene of Scottes, and also of our relligion used heare in Inglond," contrary to the honour of the Queen's majesty and the laws of her realm. If it will please your honour to confer with Mr. Secretary or some other of the Council, and peruse his letters, I think you will find that he deserves punishment. I have sent the party to the "gole" till I hear your honour's pleasure. We have such vehement [ ] and frost that no man is able to go out of his doors. Baggrave. Signed: Francis Cave.

½ p. Addressed: "To the right honorable his verye good L. my Lorde of Huntingdon" etc.

First inclosure with the same:—

(George Douglas to Mary.)

Reverences worthy of so great a Prince, and humble obedience with all subjection, renowned Mary, Princess of Scotland and France etc., I expect that your majesty greatly wonders, since I, a common man, should presume to write to your majesty. Doubtless, it is because I betake myself to the singular benevolence of your majesty. I fully trust that you will grant me pardon. I will tell, therefore, in a few words, and explain those things which show the testimony of my heart towards your majesty's highness, which ought not to be pursued in the manner of an extoller, or with the desire of praise, but to be confirmed by zeal for truth; since,—if I am not willing to destroy all my pursuits, all my studies, and even my life itself (should necessity order me),—I am plainly the most ungrateful of all men. Therefore, I give you thanks, most benign Princess—though I cannot, indeed, make them immortal—because you nourished me in the bountiful academy of Paris. With the assistance of the divine grace, your sorrow will be turned into joy, although the hateful disparagers of God were rending you with the satirical tooth of Theon, tearing mouth, and disparaging zeal! Let them think of the beginning ! Let them look forward to the end! 'He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh; the Lord shall have them in derision.' O the praise! O the glory of the heretics! Whose throat is a gaping sepulchre; under their lips, they have the poison of asps. They have swift feet for the pouring forth of blood. Besides, whatever partakes of religion, the catholic faith, morals, honesty, or the benefit of common weal, is destroyed, and thrown into confusion by their means. Unsigned.

1 p. Latin. Indorsed: "M^r Francis Cave to my L. of Huntington with a lettre of Georg Douglas, frier and priest to the Q. of Scots."

Second inclosure with the same:—

(Deposition of George Douglas.)

5th Jan. 13 Elizabeth, before Francis Cave.

George Dowglasse, of the age of 30 years, born in Edinburgh, saith that he was made priest in Paris by the testimonial of the Queen of Scots, and tarried in France 6 years, and had the said Queen's exhibition as long as he tarried there. When the wars began betwixt the King and the Prince of Condé he came to Scotland, and tarried there one year, and then he came to England by the Earl of Bedford's passport, as he saith, and hath continued in England ever since, teaching scholars in Rutland with Mr. Hunte for 5 years, and taught his children and Mr. Dassatte's son, of North Luffenham, and Mr. Wymarke's, of North Luffenham, two sons, with divers others of the same country. After 5 years, he departed from Mr. Hunte to one Mr. John Fletcher, dwelling at Stoke in Nottinghamshire, and there continued for one year, and taught children. From thence, he saith he came to Querndon, to Mr. Bartholomew Wollocke, and there continued half a year. After which time, he saith that one Mr. Thomas Seton, a Scotsman, came to Loughborough with a Frenchman, who willed him to write to the Queen of Scots, that she might know that he was in England. Whereupon, he made these letters, which remain with this examination, annexed.

The said Scot was some time a "graye Freer" in Edinborough. Signed: George Dowglasse.

¾ p. No address etc.

605. Mary to the Bishop of Ross. [Jan. 8.] C.P., Vol. VI.

"Reverend father in God and richt trusty counsalor." Since your departing herefrom, there has little occurred to move us to give you further information than we committed to you at that time, saving that, in consideration of these two physicians returning, "quha hes tane grit panys for the recovery of oure health," we would not omit to charge you to give the Queen, our good sister, most heartily thanks for sending them, and hoping that, like as they have done their duty with good "consaile and ministration of phisic for the appeasing of oure corporal diseases in a part, ewin so she will releave ws of unquyetnes of mynd, quhilk is to tak gud and haisty resolution in our affaires for the advancement of our auctoritie," which will be the best physic for our "haill convalescence." We would have written to her presently with our own hand, but the weakness which yet remains in our person, and the "rewme" wherewith we are newly tormented through the continuing of this storm, would not permit us.

The Laird of Skeldoun is "boun in France" for his own particular affairs, for whom we solicit a passport as hastily as you can. Sheffield. Signed: Marie R.

²/3 p. Written by a secretary. Addressed. Indorsed: "Resaved frome the Q. ma^te be Skeldonne, 13^o Jann^ry 1570." Wafer signet (as before).

606. Cecil to the Laird of Grange. [Jan. 10.]

Had letters delivered to him by a young man, saying that they came from him, which seemed doubtful to him, because he had not heard from him by letter or word these many years past; but, because he had seen divers other letters from him to certain others here, before his were delivered to him, he accepted them as from himself, and so perused them, and found them not subscribed with any name, nor any matter in the letter which might move him to think that they came from him. Could not guess if the mind of the writer inclined to the favour of the one part or the other in that realm. Cannot promise any more than his former doings declare, wherein he has dealt truly, plainly, and sincerely, and if the like had been done by some others of that country, he is persuaded that a great part of the calamities had not chanced. Means this of such there as are publicly known to have devised comfort for the rebels of England, and thereby provoked a just revenge. After he had received this letter, another was delivered from him, which came to Lord Sussex, by which he recites the murder or killing of a gentleman named Seyton, by certain of his soldiers or servants. True it is that he heard it otherwise reported in some part, and that was only in not making mention of the occasion given to a friend or cousin of his by a blow. In the rest, his does not vary. Thought better of him before he read his defence, yet likes him the better for writing truly, for he certainly thought that the murder had been committed without his foreknowledge of any such attempt, and that the forcible breaking of the chiefest prison in that town, with violent taking away of a prisoner answerable by the law of God and man for a murder, had been done by some riotous ungodly persons of his retinue. But now, finding the deed in both cases otherwise, he would speak an untruth in the sight of God if he should anywise allow of his " "haynous" fact, "so sclaunderous to you that hath had a place of government committed to you," but especially, who has for so many years made the world to think that he professed the "Evangil" of Jesus Christ. Would think himself guilty of blood if he should not thoroughly mislike him. Hears—but is loath to believe it—that his soldiers who broke open the prison have not only taken out the murderer "your man," but a woman who was there detained as guilty of the lamentable death of the last good Regent. Alas! this may be true, and with his help it may be conceived in thought, that he who was so dear to the Regent favours his murderers. Surely—if this be true—there is provided by God some notable work of his justice to be showed upon him? And yet he trusts he is not so void of God's grace. So—for his old friendship with him, and for the avoiding of the notable slander of God's word—he heartily wishes it to be untrue. Prays him to commend him to Lethington, of whom he has heard such things as he dares not believe of him, and yet his deeds make him afraid of his well doings. Hampton Court.

1²/3 pp. Indorsed (by Cecil's clerk).

607. The Regent Lennox to Cecil. [Jan. 11.]

The Queen's majesty's letter of the 1st of January towards the suspension of the parliament came to his hands on the 10th. Has sent her majesty answer to the satisfaction of her meaning. Forbears to trouble him with a longer letter, as my Lord of Dunfermling, the King's ambassador, is there resident, to whose report he refers him. Edinburgh. Signed: Mathew Regent.

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

608. Injuries done by the Queen of Scots' Party. [Jan.]

"Notes off the injuries don be the adversaries sen the granting of the last abstinence, quhairby the samyn is manifestlie infringed and violated."

First:—The detention of James Craik, messenger, who was taken at Dumbarton executing the King's letters, and carried to Dunnune in Argyll, where he has been detained in prison in irons six or seven "oulkis."

(fn. 1) (It is answered that Dumbarton acknowledged obedience to the Queen, and his sending thither was a breach of the abstinence.)

Item:—The young Laird of Garleis lately passed into Galloway with a few men in favour of our "nepho," Lord Robert Stewart, "commendare of Quhitherne," to fortify officers of arms in execution of the King's letters past at the instance of our said "nepho," who was "providit" to that benefice before we accepted this charge of "Regiment," and without any provocation by the said Laird of Garleis, was assaulted in the house where he "remanit" in Quhitherne, by Patrick Flemyng and the "garnysoun" entertained by the Lord Flemyng within the house of Crugiltoun. Two of his servants were slain, three deadly hurt, six horses taken forth of the stable, and himself taken prisoner.

(Since the death of the old abbot, he has been lawfully possessed of the said abbey by the Queen's gift.)

Item:—Claude, the Duke's son, and others of the Hamiltons, "declarit traitouris," have by proclamation not only been discharged from answering James Cunynghame, son to the Earl of Glencarne, pensioner of Kelso, to be answered of his pension assigned to him of the fruits and rents of Lesmahago, but also they have appointed William Hamilton, brother to Robert Hamilton of Inchemachane, as chamberlain, to them to "tak up" the said pension to their use.

(Claude and the Hamiltons were never under the Prince's obedience, and in the time of the late Regent they levied the profits of Lesmahago, as they now do.)

Item:—They have "compellit" Lord Semple's tenants of his barony of Glasfurde to make payment to them of their whole rents, the said lord being still kept as prisoner, whom they have lately "convoyit" to Draffen.

(Lord Semple detained unjustly, by assistance of the late Regent, the house and lands of Cokno of the old inheritance of Andrew Hambleton, who was never by due order put from it. By which occasion the Hambletons intromitted with the barony of Glasford.)

Item:—They have used the like force against the Laird of "Cunynghameheidis" lands of Lemphlair, and the Laird of Glenberwei's lands of Braidwod.

(Answered as to the article preceding.)

Item:—On Wednesday the 17th of January instant, the said Claude Hamilton, accompanied with John Hamilton of Drumry, son to the bishop of St. Andrews, Arthur Hamilton of Mirretoun, and others of that name, with a number of soldiers, by force entered into the abbey and place of Paislay [Paisley], pertaining to the Lord Semple, and put a garrison in the same abbey, etc.

(Lord Semple has consented thereto.)

Item:—As yet no relief for our merchants' ships.

(The bishop of Ross and the French ambassador were written to to that end in November last; whereupon, release was made, and so continues. These and other like trifles are but to stay the coming of the commissioners.)

2 pp. In a Scottish hand. Answers in the margin. Indorsed by Cecil.

609. Mary to the Bishop of Ross. [Jan. 13.] Cott. Calig., C.II., fol. 154.

We believed you would have satisfied the Queen, our good sister, in her desire of the relaxing of the ships arrested in France, by showing her such reason as we informed you of before your departing herefrom; but, by your letters, we perceive you have not made her understand the same so well as need was. You know the abstinence was taken but to make place to the treaty, and to the effect that, during the negociation, all things should be set aside that might bring any suspicion betwixt our said good sister and us, and our realms, and the said arrestment touches her nor her subjects in nothing. It is a means rather to advance the treaty, and "prik" our rebels to return to their due obedience (which is the chief end whereunto the said treaty tends) than to hinder the same in anywise. The ships are but arrested in the King our good brother's hands till the issue of the treaty be seen, that then restitution may be made, as shall be concluded in the same—wherein we can use no "doulcear" means: but we see that the instant pursuit hereof is to move our rebels to courage, and to confirm these of base quality in their "obstiration," and to give us and our good subjects occasion to hope for no good fruit of the said treaty, but to credit that whereof the rebels want themselves to be assured—that there shall be no appointment concluded. They are not ignorant how the said arrestment preceded the abstinence, being so oft and so long before warned as they were by public proclamations. Yet we shall be content to travail so with the King, our good brother, that the ships and goods shall be instantly "randerit," so being that the Earl of Lennox and his faction will do the like of all that they have "reft and spuilzeit" since the beginning of the abstinence from us and our subjects. Provided also that (their traffic being free) they will abstain as well without the realm as within to undertake or procure anything against us and our subjects.

There is no man ignorant of the practices and mutual intelligence which our enemies and rebels have had with those who call themselves "of the reformit religion" in France under colour of the said traffic, and the grief and extortion we have received from those of the said religion at the procurement of our rebels, we never giving occasion to any of the said religion to declare themselves our enemies, as they have done during these troubles, "reving" and spoiling our rents, which tends to take all means from us, having nothing forth of Scotland, and rendering us so indigent that we could not have that which was necessary for our own person only. This was one of the causes wherefore we required first the King, our good brother, not to suffer them to traffic in his realm. The next was to take all means from them whereby they might make any fortification of money as they made to the Earl of Murray and his "assistars." Thirdly,—to punish their party, and cause them to recognise their duty. It is a matter of consequence to us, which, if you had declared sharply to the Queen and the Earl of Sussex when she caused you to reason with them thereupon in her presence, we trust that she (who desires nothing unreasonable) would have been content with what we have already granted at her request.

We have seen the answer made in the name of the Earl of Lennox and his adherents upon the declaration of the revenges and extortions done by them to our good subjects during the abstinence; whereupon you shall make reply to the effect that you will not desist to crave redress thereof and of others whereunto they answer nothing, and chiefly upon the article of the Duke of Chastellerault. This we are of opinion, you should ask by the Earl of Sussex's means, conform to the articles of the abstinence where he meddled as the Queen our good sister's lieutenant, as surety to make the abstinence be inviolably observed by that faction, who, under our son's name, are against us; and if redress be made, we will be content yet to receive him as our said good sister's lieutenant for surety that our rebels trafficking in foreign countries shall attempt nothing against us or our faithful subjects.

As to the prorogation of the abstinence for two months,—we think it not necessary to be so long, since the commissioners are come, and there is no other thing to "empeshe" the treaty to take effect. We have no doubt of the goodwill the Queen, our good sister, has to procure that in this time our rebels shall hold no parliament, but experience has often taught us and our good subjects that we cannot stay us upon anything our rebels promise in such cases, so that we cannot assure ourselves any more thereupon. Inasmuch as, by the arrestment of the ships, the King, our good brother, has some "entres" and place to speak, you shall confer with his ambassador. We would be loath that the Queen should have any occasion to stay the appointment, yet to grant to all that our rebels please to "tratill" in her ears, would be the ready way to stop that ever any appointment should come, for we see well that piece by piece they seek to draw from us more than by appointment or any other way they think ever to obtain.

That which you wrote that has chanced betwixt the Earl of Cassillis and the abbot of Corsragell, and betwixt the Laird of Grange and the Dwryes [Durie], are but particular quarrels, and in case they were for us, to speak truly, we cannot without their great damage and ours stay them to defend themselves, "nor knawes not in what termes heireftir we sall ewer praye thame to latt thair awin throttis be cutt wher they maye have moyen to resist thair ennemys."

We know no other remedy but the treaty which lies in the Queen our good sister's hands to put an end thereby to such miseries, which we remit to your wisdom to show unto her, and to render her condign thanks for her commendation she commanded you to send us, with our excuse that we may not yet write to her. The physicians who have departed herefrom will make her "rekning" of our disposition if she presses to hear thereof by them. We are in the same state they left us in, and do what we can to obtain quietness. Sheffield.

Postscript:—We had forgotten to put you in remembrance to desire the Queen, our good sister, to write to her Wardens and officers of her Borders, that when occasion shall move our lieutenants and nobility in Scotland to send to us or you any advertisements by their messengers, they be not stayed—such liberty at least as our rebels have—for when they send their messengers with "invented lyes" upon our good subjects for the hinderance of our affairs, or coloured defences of their extortions and wrongs, or whatsoever thing they have to do, at their arriving at the Borders they are well received and instantly "depeschit" which way they please, with all "courtoisie" and good treatment, and, on the contrary, if our lieutenants and good subjects would advertise us of their griefs and "ewill handilling," they have no means either to complain or to declare their defeuces against our enemies' false reports, nor we likewise to send to them, except first we "cause await" a fortnight in obtaining our good sister's passport for a messenger, and shall hear no word till his return; who, when he is come to the Borders, is treated but as Lord Levingstoun was in going thither, and the passports we have heretofore obtained have been ofter—when occasion has presented—to discharge our good subjects from their defence than for any commodity it has been hoped we might have had thereby. Thus our affairs are "handillit." Praying the Queen, our good sister, to deal more equally betwixt us and our rebels, and, at the least, she "handill" us alike in the said liberty, as in other things we trust she will make no "comparation." Signed:—"Your richt good frind and mestres Marie R."

3⅓ pp. Written by a secretary. Addressed. Indorsed.

610. Bishops of Ross and Galloway and Lord Livingston to the Lairds of Farniehurst, Buccleuch, and Bedroul. [Jan. 15.] C.P. Vol. VI.

"Right honorable and traist frendes." We thought good to advertise you how we had favourable audience of the Queen's majesty of England on the 13th instant, when her highness assured us of proceeding in this treaty begun betwixt her majesty and our sovereign for appeasing of all controversies, so that thereby we look assuredly for some good and speedy resolution to be taken therein. Since which time, having conference with certain of her highness' Council, it was "opponit up" by them to us, that some of the borderers of Scotland within your bounds—enemies to good peace—were intending to make incursions and raids within England, which would doubtless hinder the said treaty. It is our sovereign's pleasure and command, and we pray and require you as you tender her majesty's welfare, her delivery, and restitution to her realm, that you and all those within your bounds and on your borders forbear and "stay" from attempting anything that may be or might seem hurtful to England or any subject thereof, for besides the great inconvenience that might follow to our sovereign, we know that such order is taken by the Council here, and command given to the Wardens of the Borders, that in case any incursions be made, to take express and double revenge thereof. London. Signed: Jo. Rossen. A. Galloway. William Lord Livingston.

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

611. Reply to complaints by the Regent Lennox. [Jan. 16.] C.P., Vol. VI.

"Replyes to certane answers maid be the Erll of Lennox to the complantis and injuris done be the said Erll during the abstinence giwine to the erll of Sussex etc. and M^r Cicill, Secretary, be the bischops of Ros and Galloway and my Lord Levingston, Comissionars for the quenis majestie of Scotland and hir nobilitie. The xvj day of Januar the zeir of God i^mv^clxx yeiris."

(1) Although James, Earl of Murray, had colour to exercise the office of Regent in respect that he was "nominat" thereto by virtue of our sovereign's "pretendit dimissioun," nevertheless the Earl of Lennox can pretend no such colour or "entres" thereto, for the same office by his decease was utterly "expirit," as by the tenour of the pretended letters of demission evidently appears.

(2) Such a small number as were present—not being the fourth part of the nobility and states of the realm having vote in parliament —could not bind the remnant of the nobility and subjects to pay "sic taxt," besides that the like was not used "upone the haill estaitis" in the said Earl of Murray's pretended government, and is, therefore, a new innovation in the state of the government, contrary to the tenour of the abstinence.

(3) As to the third answer, calling the article 'general,' it is declared by the special complaints following after in what point he has violated the abstinence.

(4) Anent the spoils on the Duke of Chatelherault's lands and friends, they are referred to a letter sent by him to the Earl of Sussex on the 27th of November, which they do not know, nor have they any copy thereof. Desire present redress.

(5). As to the excuse for taking the corn and goods from the place and lands of Lethington, pretending that they appertained to the Secretary, the most part pertains to the "auld Laird," his father, who remains continually in Edinburgh, and pretends nothing against their authority, and the remnant pertained to James Maitland, eldest son of young Lethington, by special provision of the law, by virtue of an "assignatione" admitted before the Lords of Session. He has ever remained at the Queen's devotion. Although in the beginning of the trouble he assisted the "remanent," that was only for delivering of the Queen from the thraldom wherein she was held by Bothwell, besides it is notoriously known that Bothwell sought the death of Lethington. He sought all means to save her life when the most part of the conspirators intended to put her to death at Lochleven. When he was in England he would not subscribe any accusation against her, but sought all means possible to have her restored to her crown and realm.

(6) As for excusing the taking of Lord Fleming's goods, because Lennox is not resolved that he should be comprehended under the abstinence, and that he should be "forfaltit," this cannot stand for his defence, in respect that he is known of all others in Scotland to be the Queen's most faithful subject, and therefore no doubt he is specially comprehended under the abstinence. The "forfaltor" was laid against him in an unlawful parliament holden against the Earl of Murray's promise made to the Queen of England, at York, in 1568. As to John Fleming of Carwod, we have the "dowbill" of the letters whereby charge is given to take up his goods as well as Lord Fleming's.

(7) As to the answer alleging that Lord Setoun had "conwoyit" the Queen's rebels from the realm, and was practising foreign aid, his departing in that manner cannot be imputed to him as any offence, for thereby he has advanced the quietness of the whole isle. But the principal cause of his departing is "notoirlie" known, for he has continually remained all his days the Queen's true subject, and her "maister housald," who therefore has estate and pension assigned to him in France, and he is likewise gentleman of the King of France's chamber. He has three sons resident in the university of Paris these seven years. Having deadly feud with the Douglas, he thought it expedient for eschewing of inconvenience to withdraw for a time.

(8) As to Coldingham, Lethington's brother, it is most evidently known that he was "promovit" to the priory of Coldingham by the Queen.

(9) It is certain that Lord Hume is not answered for his "maillis" and duties.

(10) As to the answer made to excuse Lord Seton and George Douglas, alleging them to have departed without licence; Lord Seton had the licence of his sovereign; and, as to George Douglas, it is certainly known how dutifully he employed himself for relief of his sovereign, for which he is promoted to honourable state and living in France, the King having made him gentleman of his chamber.

(11) As to John Sempill being at liberty, we are uncertain thereof, and, if it be so, it is to be presumed that he is compelled to deliver the jewels and furs to Lennox, which is against reason.

(12) He seems to "avaunt him" in the "cutting" of the "waigit" men at Brechin, whereof he can "ascrive" to himself no kind of honour for the cruel and unnatural murder of "yieldin" men. It is hoped that her majesty will cause redress to be made for that ungodly and tyrannous act.

(13) When Lennox takes occasion to rail against the Queen's good subjects for violating their faith, and in particular against the bishop of Ross, the same is not worthy to be answered, as it proceeds rather from malice, than for any appearance of the truth. Where they allege him to be a traitor "condampnit" by their pretended law for his true service to his sovereign, he will remit the judgment thereof to the Queen of England and all other Princes in Christendom whether they be not the rather traitors who have unjustly declared him one.

(14) The answer touching Mr. Robert Crichton does not satisfy reason of his being stayed in Edinburgh upon "caution" of 4,000l.

Lastly:—As to the answer, that Lennox has discharged the judgment and execution against Lady Setoun by the Queen of England's desire, we understand that she committed no crime, having only wished her mistress well in a letter, and praying God to make her quit of her enemies.

4²/3 pp. Closely written. Notes in the margin in Cecil's hand Indorsed (by Cecil's clerk).

Cott. Calig., C.II., fol. 508, b.

Copy of the same. 4²/3 pp.

612. Mary to the Bishop of Ross. [Jan. 18.] C.P. Vol. VI.

By reason that my Lord Shrewsbury has newly taken order with the number of our servants remaining here, and desired us to put away as many as he thought were "superflu," it behoved us to despatch this bearer, the Laird of Gartley, Master of our Household, as one of the first, to remain beside you till the occurrency of some good matter wherewith he may be employed to do us greater service. This was because the said lord had no warrant for Gartley's abiding here, seeing that he comes but lately from Scotland. Of our health, he will tell you, which is not yet reduced to a sure perfection, but "ewer reddy ether to the worse or the better of a soddane as occasion moveth." Wherefore, we look to hear of some comfortable proceedings and resolution in our affairs "therabove," by the aid of the Queen, our good sister, which will serve more to our entire health than all other "phesick" in the world; and if, on the contrary, it should otherwise happen to our causes, we shall but begin again "with new dollour and seiknes." We are most desirous that our lieutenants and good subjects in Scotland should hear some news from us, therefore, it is good that you haste hither a passport for a messenger. Sheffield. Signed: Marie R.

Postscript:—Make our commendations to my Lords of Galloway and Livingston.

¾ p. Written by a secretary. Addressed. Indorsed (by Cecil's clerk).

613. Maitland to Cecil. [Jan. 18.]

Sir,—I doubt not but by conferring with the commissioners who are directed thither from the Queen's party, you will perceive how willing they are to satisfy your sovereign in all things required for her contentation, wherein I dare assure you, that there shall be found on their part nothing but plain dealing, without craft or practice to the contrary. Since this is as well for her highness' service as for the quietness of the whole isle, I trust you will hold hard to the furtherance thereof to a good end. I wish it may breed such an accord between them as may long continue, which will proceed most orderly if both their securities be well provided for, wherein that part of this nobility which is at the Queen's devotion has yielded as far as can be demanded. "Balvany." Signed: W. Maitland.

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

614. Elizabeth to Shrewsbury. [Jan. 19.] C.P., Vol. VI.

Hearing of some secret preparations of horsemen in Scotland by such as are contrary to the Regent, down towards our Borders, and that a part of the horses are prepared to be "well breathed" for a long journey; not as yet knowing the true intent hereof, we have given order to look to our frontiers, and have thought it not amiss to give you knowledge to look the more nearly to your charge, until the intentions shall be discovered, lest some adventure might be made as far as your house.

½ p. Draft in Cecil's hand. Indorsed (by Cecil's clerk): "19 January 1570. M. from the Queenes ma^tic to therle of Shrewsbury."

615. Thomas Buchanan to Cecil. [Jan. 19.]

My lord,—being in the parts of Denmark with commission from the King's majesty of Scotland to the King of this realm anent the delivery of the murderer Bothwell to justice, and "apparsaving" the particular practices that the said murderer has with the King of Scotland's mother, I give you advertisement thereof, that the persons, "travellours" betwixt them, might be stopped and punished. The King of Scotland's mother (if men of great estimation be worthy of trust) has sent certain writings to this country, to Bothwell, "desyring him to be of good comfort," with sundry other purposes. Who also has written to the great prejudice and hurt of a gentleman "nemmed" Captain John Clark, by reason that he, at the command of the King's majesty, diligently laboured to have had the said murderer "Bodwell" delivered to him to be sent to Scotland. "Whairthrou," and by other unjust accusers, he is imprisoned, and has small hope of his delivery, although the Queen of England has written letters in his favour. The cause why Bothwell is not delivered is "judget" to be by reason that they are here informed of certain divisions in Scotland and England, and are daily awaiting thereon. By the means of one Master Horsey, who is sent into England "partlie be Bothwell and als be the cheifest of this land to espy whou all mattars doeth proceid both in England and Scotland, thairefter to bring here advertysment with lettres of favour from the Kinges moder to this King, that the murderer Bothwell be not delivered to be punischet, with sum promes of kyndnes to hym thairfore of the yles of Orknay and Schetland." Wherefore, I earnestly request your lordship "to have se heirto," whereby the said Mr. Horsey be not licensed "to have entres to that woman whair she remaned, nather yit in lykmaner any uther stranger." For I also understand there is "ane page of Bothwelles send be hym in England with certane wretinges tuo months ago to the same woman, for the same effect and purpos." Which page is a "Danish borne," yet not easily to be "knowin by a Scott be reasone he speketh perfyte Scottes." Which writings, "yf thay cum to hyr handes, may be prejudiciall and hurtfull to both our contreyes, and to the discontentment of the quenes Majeste of England." Pray also to wit that I have written certain "wrettinges" to my Lord Regent's highness in Scotland, which I earnestly desire to be conveyed to his highness with the first commodity. And thus boldly "of small acquentance" have I presumed to write unto your lordship. Copenhagen. Signed: T. Buchanan.

1½ pp. Holograph. Addressed: "To the ryght worschipfull Schir Wylliame Cicile, knyght," etc. Indorsed by Cecil.

616. Bishops of Ross and Galloway and Lord Livingston to the Laird of Grange. [Jan. 20.] Add. MSS., 33,531, fol. 97.

"Richt honorable sir and trusty freind." We had favourable audience of the Queen's majesty of England on the 13th of this instant, where her highness has fully "assurit" us to proceed in this treaty [begun] betwixt her and the Queen, our sovereign, for appeasing of all controversies betwixt their majesties, their realms, and subjects; so that we "looke assurit" for some good and speedy resolution to be taken therein. At the which time, her majesty "declarit" unto us all, that she was "assuritlie informit" there were divers attempts "devisit" against the Earl of Lennox for his slaughter, and that some [sowyrs (fn. 3) ] were taken, and in his hands, "quha had confessit the same," and that some of your company within the Castle of Edinburgh were in the counsel thereof; and also that you had violated and broken the abstinence "be ane slauchter committit be your [servaund] and breking of the Tolbuyth dur, (fn. 2) and taking furth of one of your servandes quha was committit to prison for the same, and uthers prisenners also." Likewise, upon the 19th. day, her majesty "causit declaire" to my Lord of Ross, ambassador for the Queen, our sovereign, by the Earls of Sussex, Leicester, and Mr. Secretary, that ["ze"] had "maid laitlie ane greit convocation" in Edinburgh to the number of four or five hundred men, "accompanyit" with the Earl of Rothes, Wemys, Barnbougall, Pitmillie, and many other barons and gentlemen in arms, and "in fear of weare," giving occasion to the Earl of Lennox to suspect the same to be done for accomplishing of the said devices and enterprises against him. They also declared that there were p[ractices] to raise men of war on horse and foot "in the mershe" and [Thevidall], and the levy was made, and soldiers paid, and that the Lord Home, by [your] counsel, was the principal author thereof. Which they could not think to be but for a breach of the abstinence or to invade England, or both. Both causes touch the Queen of England in honour and surety, and therefore [she desired] us to write to our sovereign and her lieutenants, you, and others on the Borders to cause "hasty rameid." And because we had no advertisement from you of these proceedings, we "affirmit" we did not believe there was anything "attemptit," and that they were but calumnies to hinder this treaty. We pray you to write to us the truth of all your proceedings since the departure of the commissioners from Scotland, in the beginning of December last. Likewise, write to us or to the Earls of Sussex and Leicester, or Mr. Secretary, the whole proceedings from time to time. Besides that, fail not to write by our own mess[engers as] they shall come to you. Meanwhile, as you "luif" the Queen our sovereign's causes, forbear to do anything by you or any of yours that may "brek" the abstinence or hinder the treaty, and principally that nothing be done to the prejudice of the Earl of Lennox's person. Warn Lord Home, who is with you, as it is reported, that he abstain likewise from all such attempts as are before mentioned. "And siclike ye mak advertisment" to your son-in-law the Laird of Farnyhurst, Buccleuch, and Badrowle [Bedroul], to whom we have also written to forbear to attempt anything hurtful to England during this treaty. For— besides the great hinder to our sovereign's affairs—we know "parfitlie" that such order is taken by the Council here, and command given to the Wardens of the Borders, that in case any incursions or invasions be made during this treaty, "thai sall tak express and double revenge thereof." Write to us your "assurit" and resolute answer, that we may certify the Council. London. Signed: Jo. Rossen; A. Galloway; William Lord Levyngston.

1½ pp. Holograph of the Bishop of Ross, also address: "To the Richt honorable and o^r trusty freind, The Laird of Grange, Capitane of the Castell of Edunburth." Signet. (fn. 4) Stained and decayed.

Cott. Calig., C.II., fol. 6.

Copy of the same.

617. Mary to the Bishop of Ross. [Jan. 24.] C.P., Vol. VI.

"Because this beirar (as my Lord of Shrewisbery did shaw me) was boun in they partis, and to the effect ye maye have commoditie be him to send ws ony thing that salbe necessare for our persone at all tymes when he sall mak voyage thair, we thoght gud therfor to direct him to zow be this present, rembring zow that ze haist hidder the wyne qlk the perfewmour left with zow, for it may do ws grit pleasour in this estate, togidder the other druggis ze lyke to send, with more cinamon walter and the wirginellis." Sheffield. Signed: Marie R.

¼ p. Written by a secretary. Addressed. Indorsed (by Cecil's clerk).

618. The Regent Lennox to Elizabeth. [Jan. 27.]

According to your highness' advice, contained in your answer to the Commendator of Dumfermling, upon conference had with the Earl of Morton, chancellor and great admiral of this realm, and with him the Clerk of Register, having the same Commendator joined with them in commission to confer and treat with your highness, I forbear to make any long letter, but remitting the whole to their report, and beseeching your majestie to hear and credit them, I pray Almighty God to prosper and continue your highness' reign. Edinburgh. Signed: Mathew Regent.

½ p. Addressed. Indorsed by Cecil.

619. The Regent Lennox to Cecil. [Jan. 27.]

According to the Queen's majesty's meaning, expressed in the answer delivered to the Commendator of Dumfermling, my lord of Morton repairs towards her highness, and with him are joined in commission the said Commendator, and the Clerk of Register. Edinburgh. Signed: Mathew Regent.

⅓ p. Addressed. Indorsed (by Cecil's clerk).

620. The Laird of Grange to Cecil. [Jan. 29.]

I received your answer to my two letters on the 18th of January. I am most willing to satisfy you more fully on all points. First:— where you find my letter very general, as I remember, I "opinet" therein how, by our division amongst ourselves, the most part of this realm had suffered great loss by private revenges, "escryving" the same rather to the countenance of England—as some did plainly affirm,—saying that your sovereign would maintain their quarrels. So, through the countenance aforesaid, and oppression of these who have taken the regiment upon them, they have "alienat" the hearts of a great number who have always been bent to the union of these two realms, and the advancement of the religion, and wished that no other strangers should have dealing amongst us, and are now by evil handling compelled to alter their former designs. Which moved me to lament our estate unto you, and to declare to you that it lies in your sovereign's hand to reduce the whole to their former love towards her majesty. Whatsoever may be for the weal and liberty of my native country, that, I intend, God willing, to follow with the "hasart of lyfe, landes, and guides." Where you find fault with such as have maintained your rebels, as to myself, I have had little to do with them, and I trust that those that have had "melling" with them repent that ever they saw them, for I know there are some who have suffered great loss by them, who rather received them upon "ane auld custome nor for ony contempt." And where it is alleged that some maintain them in other realms, I trust you are wrongly informed, for I know none in Scotland able to do it.

Concerning this late fact committed by some of my servants, although I cannot purge myself in God's presence, yet I take God to witness that it was against my will that that man's blood was shed, "and for the slander gevin to my bretheren, I did offer myself to the correctioun of the Kirk." As to the taking of my man off to the "Tolbuith," extreme necessity "compellit" me thereto, and that because that man's part was more to be lamented than any other of my servants who was at the fact, for he only went to Leith in their company to visit a sister of his, and seeing my servants "persewit" by the men of the town, he came after them—whom the men of Leith took as one who had been at the killing of the man. Nevertheless, my "unfreindes" could not be satisfied without they had his life. For the which, I offered satisfaction to the "consale" of the town. As to the woman who was guilty of my Lord Regent's murder, she is still in the "Tolbuith," and all the prisoners who were in it, except one, who was put in for not fulfilling of a contract, who escaped out of another house after I was come from the "Tolbuith," for I caused my servants to stand at the "dur" with the keeper, to the end that none should come out but my own servant. Those who made that report have done it to make it seem to the world that I am careless of my Lord Regent's death, which, peradventure, I may revenge when such reporters will be far to seek.

I must crave your pardon in so far as I neglected myself in not subscribing of my last letters unto you, which default was partly in my servant, who closed my letters without my knowledge.

I have made your commendations to the Laird of Lethington, to whom I wish you had written when he wrote to you, and if you had, I believe matters had not fallen out as they have done. Edinburgh. Signed: W. Kyrkcaldy.

1½ pp. Addressed. Indorsed (by Cecil's clerk).

621. Memorandum by the Abbot of Dunfermline. [Jan.]

If the Queen's majesty's intention is, that the abstinence begun be truly kept, then, in my opinion, it is meet that her highness give declaration that all injuries notoriously done since the renewing of the last abstinence,—such as the taking of the abbey of Paslay [Paisley], the slaughter of the Laird of Garleis' men, and the things committed by the Laird of Grange and others, as is more at length contained in the notes presented by me at Hampton Court, and on "Sattirday last wes,"—be redressed without delay, and every man put in statu quo prius, or else that her highness will not find fault if my lord Regent, with such as profess the King's obedience, take remedy thereof as best they may. And that all such as have at no time given their "aith and hand wrait" to the King and his Regent, be incontinent restored to all their possessions and goods, which were taken from them only for acknowledging the Queen, and not acknowledging the King's authority, and that all prisoners be "lattin" to liberty on the other side, without condition. This being done, that her highness declare to both parties that her pleasure is, that neither of them molest or make any provocation of injury to the other during the time of the treaty.

²/3 p. In a Scottish hand. Indorsed: "The Abbot of Dunfermling."

622. Memorial by the Countess of Murray. [Jan. 31.]

That it would please the Queen's majesty of England to provide at this present conference for the surety of my Lady Countess of Murray and her "barnis" that they may at all times hereafter "bonik jois," and without inquietness occupy their heritages.

Item:—that they be "exonerit" of the patrimony of the crown of Scotland, the casualties thereof, jewels and goods "intromittit and tane up" by her late husband.

Item:—that it would please her to write her tender and most familiar letters to the Regent, recommending unto him the protection of herself and her "orphilingis" etc.

Item:—that they may be "dischargit" of the sum of 5,000 l. borrowed from her highness in January 1568.

Item:—that they be discharged of certain "callavaris" with their "flassis and moutouris pulder lunt" gotten in the Queen's majesty's name from the Earl of Warwick, lieutenant general of her ordnance, in May 1569.

Item:—as the "lovable custume" of Scotland has been, that "quha diet or wer slane in the Kingis service, thair airis shuld haif thair wairdis and mariages gratis disponit to thame," so his relict craves that the Queen's majesty will procure the same custom to be observed in this case.

1½ pp. In a Scottish hand. Indorsed by Cecil.