Elizabeth: July 1571

826. Elizabeth to Drury. [July 1.]

Has seen his letters sent hither by the Marshal of Berwick, which she accepts in very good part. Is sorry that the interposition of her request has taken no better effect for the present ceasing of arms. He is to tell the Regent and the King's party that, considering she considers it better for the present to handle the matter to their advantage rather by treaty than suddenly by force, she would, if they can be content, think it good that this surcease might be made for a month or six weeks, and that she may thereby hear what they of the Castle will offer by their messenger. He is to move the adverse party that the town of Edinburgh may be free from all soldiers. Grange is to be suffered to keep his ordinary forces in the Castle, and if he will needs retain his number of 150, that they also may be either in the Castle or retired to Hamilton, or some other place, and that the rest of the soldiers may retire to Hamilton and Draffen.

Item:—that in Edinburgh nothing be publicly executed by speciality in the name of the King or Queen during the abstinence, that the Regent's power remain at Stirling, Dalkeith. or some other place, so that they do not resort to the town of Edinburgh, and that the Sessions for this time may be transferred over. If Grange cannot be persuaded otherwise than to retain his 150 soldiers with some part of the town of Edinburgh, then, unless the King's party disallow thereof, he is in the end to yield thereto rather than not to accord to a surcease, provided that the soldiers shall reside in some place next to the Castle, without coming into the heart of the town.

3 pp. Draft in Burghley's hand. Indorsed (by Burghley's clerk).

Another draft of the same.

3²/3 pp. Corrected by Burghley. Indorsed.

Cott. Calig., C.III., fol. 88.

Copy of the same. At the head: "Answere to S^r W^m Drury."

3pp.

827. Drury to Burghley. [July 1.]

Having given order to some matters he had somewhat travailed in as to staying some unkindness growing, and to hinder any secret practice of principal persons on both sides to agree between themselves, without his sovereign's mind being further known therein, both which heads, it is assured him, shall be observed till her highness' pleasure be had. The respects that chiefly move his coming are these. Justice being dead on the Borders, thieves and loose persons are nightly doing outrage and harm, and no day escapes without some complaint made to him by the nobility or meaner calling serving the King. Some order is to be taken touching Home and Fast Castles, and for staying of Lord Home's cattle and corn. The Regent has earnestly dealt with him that Home's rents may be stayed. In his letters yesterday, from Leith, he touched that a ship was newly come from France into the roads there. A little before his departure thence, Lord Lindsey was sent over with certain of the soldiers into Fife, whereof he is sheriff, to apprehend one Chisholm, now landed with a heavy coffer, in which it is supposed there is money. It is thought that Lindsey cannot miss him. He is Master of the Ordnance of the Castle of Edinburgh, and is wholly addicted to that side. Sends a note of the names of those who are summoned by the Regent to appear on the 18th of August. Berwick.

Postscript:—The misliking of the Regent by both parties still increases. Morton is offended, partly because he was not well answered for the obtaining of the bishopric of St. Andrews. Has himself dealt with him in secret, and caused him to be dealt with. Thus far he has promised that he will not discountenance the Regent. He says that, of his own charges, he has maintained this action, which of himself he is not longer able to do, his adversaries having foreign support. Gathers that money or a pension is the matter he would be at. This last victory breeds life in him, wins friends, and increases his strength. He greatly desires to understand what course the Queen's majesty would have kept. He serves impatiently under the Regent, and so do the greater part of all the rest. "Iff he tarrye he wyll passe the same passage the late regente dyd." He waxes weak of body. Has heard in Scotland of some letters he has sent touching the Regent and his government, and it is thought that France deals more liberally with them of the Castle than they of the other side are dealt with. Lethington has received some consideration to answer his journey, as it is thought, into England. This was brought by the Laird of Skeldon. What course is to be kept, is looked for either by Captain Brickwell or the Provost Marshal. Signed: William Drury.

4pp. Holograph. Addressed. Indorsed (by Burghley's clerk).

828. Drury to Burghley. [July 4.]

John Chylsome, Master of the Ordnance of Scotland, after his landing, repaired to the Laird of Rothes, eldest brother of the Melvyles, by whom he was convoyed towards the Queen's Ferry, and was to have passed that way to the Castle, but being diligently followed by Lord Lindsey, was taken and brought to the Regent. There was taken about him 6,000 francs. In the ship he came in, there are twelve barrels of serpentine powder, 100 bullets for cannon, 300 for smaller pieces, 300 "callyvers," 300 "mooryons," and 200 pikes, all meant for the Castle. On the 2nd of this month, at night, an enterprise was intended against the house of Tantallon, where the Lord Hume is [taken] prisoner. Some say it was to meet with Chylsome, whom they understood would land thereabouts; but Lord Morton, having understanding of their coming, has gotten four of them, and caused the rest to seek another way for their return. There is great means made by them of the Castle to relieve Lord Hume, and Lord Semple and the Laird of Drumlanrig will both be offered for him. Word is even now brought to him that there is more found in the ships—"dages" and corslets, and some better portion of money in a trunk bestowed in a barge near where Chylsome was taken. Berwick. Signed: William Drury.

1p. Holograph. Addressed. Indorsed (by Burghley's clerk).

829. King of Scots to the King of Denmark. [July 5.]

As regards Bothwell, as he awaits the answer of the Queen of England (whom he has caused to be informed of the matter), he defers that cause till another time, but is persuaded that he cannot neglect Captain John Clerk in these straits, especially as he held the position of ambassador (whose body ought to be sacred) in his name, in Denmark. Prays that he may be set at liberty and sent back to him, as he would be of the greatest use to him on account of his great skill in military affairs.

1½ pp. Latin. Copy. Indorsed (by Burghley's clerk).

830. Bishop of Ross to Burghley. [July 5.] C.P., Vol. VII.

"My very good Lord," having heard of the Queen's majesty's removing from this town, whereby the commodity will not be so easily had to remember my "sutte" as it is presently, I am therefore constrained to trouble your lordship with renewing thereof. But first (with your leave and patience) "I thought necessare, for intertynement off yat good opinion which your lordship did consawe of me, to wryt sumwhat more amply at this time," which I beseech you to weigh and consider. "It may pleis your lordship; synce my cuming within this realme, I had never ye cause in hand which I was so carefull to bring to pass, as to mak your honour before all otheris in this land, throgh my syncere and honest proceidingis, so think of me, that I did meane uprightly as a travellar for peace and concord, and not to be a bruillear or gevin to nurish seditioun, rebellioun, or discord." Wherein I addressed myself the rather to your lordship, than to others, "for that I did persave yow to tak ye publict effares of this governement more deip in mynd (without offence to ye rest of ye honourable counsell, I meane) and trawell more ernistly for ye preservation of ye estate in quyetnes, nor did any otheris": and likewise thinking myself that the messenger sent to treat any cause being well liked by those to whom he was sent, that the matter was the more likely to succeed well in his hands, "to this end I did employ ye most part of my travell, applying my awn mynd, and of all those who put me in trust, to follow that course which your honour thought best for establissing a perfyte amity betuix this tuo realmes, wherin I onderstude yow deliberatly gevin to bring ye same to pas, and did direct your course that way. Howbeit many stombling blockes was cast in ye way to impeshe ye same." And if I followed sincerely that way which your honour "did prescryve" to me to that end, in persuading the Queen, my mistress, the noblemen of my country, and all others "whair my credit might tak place" to keep quietness, and "attend" for that godly union and amity that was to be treated and concluded by your means principally, "I do report me to the publict actes and proceidingis and to your lordship's awn conscience," through which I believe you were persuaded that I meant well, and that your honour thought well of me, "and to professe ye treuth, so it appered in deid apon your part, be your favour shawin towart me dyvers wayes, wherof I am not ignorant nor ever will forget ye same, not only in obteyning my honest and lesome suittes, bot also in tyme of suspitione and disdayne in staying ye severe and extreme disseins and determinations yat sum went about, before and now lastly, to have had executed aganis me," for the which I can do no more presently but recompense you with my good mind, for if my power were equal thereto, your honour should have it "alssone declarit in deid as be wreit or word." Therefore (my good lord) change not your good opinion you had of me for anything you have heard of late, "but rather think that I have sum caire of my saul and conscience to please God, and to preserve my honour and credit in estimation before ye wordle, swa yat for ye plesour of all ye princes in Christendome I wold not wittingly and wilfully offend aganis any of those." And in this point I pray your honour yet once again to bear with me to say something for myself, which I may well justify (albeit the same has not come wholly to your ears, and so perhaps is unknown to your honour). I have "exerced" the office of a judge (although not so worthy as was requisite thereto) in my own country nearly twenty years, first in the north of Scotland, where I was born, and for the most part nourished, and all the time of ten or eleven years that I was amongst my countrymen, I most earnestly endeavoured to compound differences betwixt parties (which is the first and best part of a judge's office, 'ne partes ad lites vel arma veniant'), "nor to pronunce rigorouse decreittis amonges them: sua that in these dayes thair was none of ye six erles yat was principales in ye north of ye tyme," as Huntly, Atholle, Mershell, Erroll, Sutherland, and Cathnes, nor any other of any reputation in the country who would refuse me to be "odman" (as they call it in "arbitrie") in whatsoever difference of bloodshed, deadly "fead," injuries, or action of land or goods, and yet (thanks to God) I stand in such credit with them all, that I have their favour and "luf" for my former behaviour; "and being therefter called to be a counsalour and Juge of ye sessioun in ye publict face of ye whole realme. I will report me to those who semeth now to be my enemeis for ye publict cause (for praysed be God I have none for any particuler) yf my doinges was honest and upright, and never did favour, ayd, or assist to any rebelliouu, seditioun, murther, slauchter, or any such ongodly act, for yat I knew perfytly the authores therof wold ever have ane unhappy end and mischevous in ye sight of ye wordle." This moves me not to be "effrayed" to enter in judgment and trial before the Chief Justice of my country without "respict," remission, or pardon for any crime that deserves "suchlik" punishment as these do,—yea from my infancy,—wherefore I give all praise and honour to God who has preserved me, and in this assurance of "save" conscience I do rejoice in my God who only is author thereof. This (my good lord) have I reported, not to "want" or flatter myself, but to the end your honour may enquire, if it please you, of my behaviour in my own country, and knowing the same to be such as is above mentioned, that then your wisdom may well think it is not likely that I am so suddenly changed altogether as to invent, persuade, or assist these wicked enterprises now which I so much abhored all my life past. "And therfore takes on my saull and conscience before your honour, that I never did invent, sturre, persuade, or manteyn any rebellioun or seditioun in your countrey, whatsoever be otherwayes informed," but rather on the contrary, "quhair my credit or persuasion might tak place," I employed the same to stay all attempt that might trouble the common quietness, and followed no other course but that which in my judgment should have satisfied your expectation of me. Wherefore (my good lord) change not your opinion of me, abstract not your wonted favour from me, "lett it now appeare as it hath done before that your lordship did not think wele of me without former tryall and sum deppe consideratione of my nature and inclination, for that may prejudge and enteresse yourself incase your honour suld appere to be so suddanly changed;" but rather employ yourself to "saufe" and not to "losse" the friend who is already won to your devotion, and willing to follow and obey you. "Sua yat yf any thing semeth to be amisse, or negligently handilled apon my part," that your honour by honest labours be a means to cause the same to be repaired. Which thing your lordship may the more boldly "tak apon hand" in respect that no public hurt or damage is wrought by any of my proceedings, and then, by your good mediation, I shall obtain my wonted liberty and favour, which I refer to your great wisdom and judgment; praying you to accept all that is here written in good part, as proceeding from the affection which I have to satisfy your lordship in such sort that I may keep your friendship, which I have travailed so earnestly to obtain, and, with God's grace, your lordship shall not have cause to think it bestowed on an "ingrate freind." Expecting your good answer, I pray the eternal God to have your lordship in his protection. Ely House. Signed: Jo. Rossen.

3 pp. Holograph, also address: "To ye Right hono" my very good Lord My Lord off Burghly." Indorsed by Burghley: "5^° Julii 1571. B Ross."

Cott. Calig., C. III., fol. 90.

Copy of the same.

2½ pp.

831. Drury To Burghley. [July 6.]

John Chylsome, being examined before the Regent, has confessed that he received from the bishop of Glasgow, whom he left at Gallion, 7,400 francs, and that the bishop sent one of his own servants with him to Rouen, who caused the money that he mentioned in his former letter to be delivered over to him, with 100 corslets and some saltpetre—not touched upon in his said letters. He also says, that the night after his departure, the bishop caused to be delivered to him 500 crowns to be delivered to Lethington, without letting the same be known, and that he should let him know that the Laird of Skeldone had received as much more to be delivered to him. Also, that he should receive as much more from Verac, at his coming, for the entertainment of his men. He also confesses, that after his coming to Rouen, he was sent for by the bishop of Glasgow, who showed him that money. Verac was come down to pass into Scotland, who would carry with him great credit and great support, and commanded them to declare to those in Scotland, that, in the communing betwixt France and England, it should be specially provided by articles for the Queen of Scots' liberty, and if it came not that way to pass, he assured them that there would be another shift, and that in the meantime they should not lack money till it were known what matters would tend unto.

After this he was charged by some that came in the ship, that he had received 30,000 francs. He said he was commanded so to pass, but then would not yield that he had received above 10,000 francs. He is to be examined again upon a new information of one that came in the ship with him.

Mons. Verac, on the 4th of this month, came in a pinnace or small French vessel into the Firth, and caused a boat to come aboard of him to receive a man of his, whom he sent to understand the state of Leith: who got knowledge of the company there, but was stayed and brought to the Regent, and being demanded concerning his master, he said he was sick on the seas, and it therefore behoved him to land on the north side, as nearest to him. At that time the Regent was advertised that he had landed at the "Burnte Iland." Boats were immediately sent to that place, and a ship to seek the pinnace. Thinks Lord Hume is, or will be set at liberty. There is an Englishman with a ship laden with timber lately come hither from Denmark, who assures him that he saw seven or eight great ships, well manned and furnished, bound' (as he could learn) for the Orkneys. Wishes himself discharged hence. Prays him to be means to the Queen that order may be taken for William Smythe, that his life may be saved. His charges are great. The Regent has reserved for himself the 500 crowns sent to Lethington, wherewith some who would have had their share thereof are not well pleased, saying that they spend their own and get nothing. How France "monyeth" the other party, and what consideration is had of private men of that side, is not forgotten. Berwick. Signed: William Drury.

5pp. Holograph. Addressed. Indorsed (by Burghley's clerk).

832. Drury to Burghley. [July 8.]

Has received his letter of the 3rd, sent by the Provost Marshal, who came yesterday at the opening of the gates. Has received no small comfort to understand of the Queen's majesty's restoration to perfect health. Has, by the Provost Marshal, received her highness' letter for some further dealing with the Regent and the other party, and has sent him thither instructed, and is himself to follow if cause shall so require. One cause of his stay is that he is assured they look for other meat than he has to bring them, and believes that their hungers will be better satisfied by him. Besides, the Regent has gotten money, munitions, and ministers meant for, and of the other party. Verac was brought to him on the 6th of this month with his coffers, wherein many writings are found,—both of his last dealings being in Scotland. Sends as much as he has gotten knowledge of. Lord Hume is delivered for the Laird of Drumlanrig. There was certain powder sent by water from Leith to Stirling, with some "calyvers" and corslets, by Drumwassell's order, and were to have been convoyed to Dumbarton Castle, but those of Edinburgh Castle, having knowledge thereof, sent out to the Queen's Ferry forty horsemen, who there manned a boat, and boarding the other boat, took as much as they could well carry of the furniture, and threw the other overboard. Yesterday morning they got some cattle and victuals coming to Leith. Neither party are idle, but take advantage as time serves them. The execution of the combat between the Laird of Grange and the young Laird of "Garleyes" is deferred till the 25th of August. It was looked to have been tried on Tuesday last, half the distance between Leith and Edinburgh, where the Laird of Garleyes tarried from 9 till 12, and the Laird of Grange did not come, as he alleges, upon reasonable cause. Berwick.

Postscript:—Has received 150l. for himself, for which he thanks him. Perceives that the Queen will not pay for rewards or intelligence. If those with whom he has to deal miss their reward, they will forbear to give him knowledge, as they do. If consideration be denied him, which is the meat he feeds them with, he trusts that fewer advertisements will be looked for from him. Prays him to use this advertisement of Verac's as shall seem expedient to him, only putting him in mind of the [warn]ing the Scotchman gives him in the same touching the "holdyng from my Lady Lenoxe," and assuring him that he has heard the effect of some letters he has written to him in Scotland by Scottish persons, and also some letters written from the English Court. The Queen's majesty may better serve herself by maintaining one party, than by being neutral, or else to follow and make a quiet end betwixt both, whereby she may have surety,—and no accord to pass among them without her. Of the one she may have honour and good, and her ministers credit and honesty. Of the other, peril may come. Means not to hold the proceedings of Scotland from him. Signed: William Drury.

4 pp. Addressed. Indorsed (by Burghley's clerk).

Inclosure with the same.

([ ] to Drury.)

Verac arrived at Leith on the 5th instant. Being inquired of the causes of his coming into this country, he answered that he was commissioned to remain agent in this realm with them who were of the Queen's faction, and also said that he had some directions to some lords that were favourers of the King. His coffers, being four in number, are stricken up by the Regent; in which there was nothing found saving his clothes and great store of books, with exceeding great number of letters, which are the whole writings and memoirs that he had received the time of his first and last being in Scotland, together with the "doubles" of his answers made to them. In like manner are found amongst his writings the whole proceedings he had at Rome, together with his instructions (fn. 1) for negociations in this country, and writings from, the King and sundry others to certain noblemen in this country to be used at this time.

There are long letters from the bishop of Glasgow and La Mote to Lethington and Grange, wherein is contained sure promise that in case the Queen's liberty be not obtained by treaty with the Queen of England, which they look for shortly, the King of France "will leave no kynde of supporte, and or hit fayle will denounce warre for that cause."

There are many writings of Lethington's, and some of Grange's, to Verac, after the winning of Dumbarton, with the Duke's, Huntly's, and Argyll's to the King of France, all declaring that there is no "discorage" to be taken for the "tynesyll"† of that house—which is of no moment,—desiring him to assist them with money and some men, and they promise to employ themselves and their friends for restoring the Queen to liberty, and in her absence to set forward her authority in this realm. In some of their letters is contained that one part of the nobility of this realm have been for years past, and yet are busy "travailers" to join with England, persuading the people that the friendship of that realm is more meet for this country than the help of France. This is written by Grange to Verac—being at Stirling— after the winning of Dumbarton. It contains sundry other like purposes to these. "I thynke yt shalbe sent to your courte by the Regent for augmentation of Grange's credit thair."

There is a writing of our Queen, from Sheffield, to Verac. (fn. 1) The Regent is offended with this letter. Verac is yet detained in a sure lodging, no resolution being taken what to do with him, whether to keep him as prisoner, send him back again, or give leave to negociate.

It is all I can do to keep concord betwixt the Regent and Morton whilst you are returning. Were not the promise been made to you, they would have been asunder ere now. I pray you haste hither as soon as you may, "and yow wryte any thynge hereof to the courte, be wyse that my Lady Lennoxe gette no knoledge therof." [July 1571.]

3½ pp. Copy.

833. Maitland and the Laird of Grange to Drury. [July 10.]

We have received your letter by this bearer, the Provost Marshal, as also the articles containing the conditions of the surcease required by your sovereign, which we have communicated to the noblemen being present, who have yielded to the principal and most part, as will appear by the answers thereof delivered to the said bearer, and have imparted the reasons moving them and us to answer every point as we do, which we doubt not her majesty will well consider, and how willing we are to satisfy her in anything which will not directly tend to the subversion of us and our cause. Edinburgh Castle. Signed: W. Maitland; W. Kyrkcaldy.

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

834. Mons. Verac to Mary. [July 10.] C.P., Vol. VII.

"Madame": although I have heretofore made answer to the letter which it pleased your majesty to write me on the 20th of April, so it is that the Earl of Lennox, having found your said letter amongst my papers, and that he has wished that I would again declare to you if he had held any proposal concerning what you wrote me, I have assured him, and assure you, madam, as the truth is, that he has not spoken to me, nor held any proposal that might threaten your life, he it by poison or otherwise, and I cannot think who has given you this intelligence. Leith. Signed: Verac.

¼ p. French. Indorsed: " . . . . lettres. 1571." No flyleaf.

835. Drury to Burghley. [July 11.]

As he signified by his letter of the 8th instant that he had sent the under Marshal into Scotland instructed according to the Queen's letters. and looks for his return to-morrow, as well with answer to those instructions as with other matter, he stays something which has come to his knowledge, to send all by him. Berwick. Signed: William Drury.

²/3 p. Holograph. Addressed. Indorsed (by Burghley's clerk).

836. Drury to Burghley. [July 14.]

Asks him to credit the bearer, the Provost Marshal. Forwards answers of the Regent and the other parties concerning the heads which the Queen's majesty, by her letters of the 3rd instant, willed him to deal with them in. He will understand by the bearer what speech has been used therein. Both sides desire with speed to understand the Queen's resolution, otherwise they determine to agree amongst themselves, and the same is already in hand. The misliking of the Regent's government still increases, the same not being hindered by Morton, yet he has assured him that he will use all good offices till he hears again from him. Has had these ten months past to disburse money in Scotland, besides gifts bestowed on Scottish persons who brought intelligence hither.

2pp. Holograph. Addressed. Indorsed (by Burghley's clerk).

First inclosure with the same:—

(The Regent Lennox to Drury.)

Has received his letter of the 8th of this month. Has also received from the Provost Marshal a note of certain heads to be considered of, which he, with the nobility and Council here have advised upon, and thinks they have already answered the effect of the same notes. They were not "contrarious" to accord to a surcease of arms for the time the adversaries prescribed, but on such reasonable conditions as he trusts her majesty nor any other indifferent person will mislike of on their part. Has not yet heard of a messenger from the adversaries, except somewhat of Lethington, whom he hopes her majesty will never admit to her presence, nor license to come into her dominions, as he has been not only convicted by Parliament as culpable of the murder of the King, his son,—but having proved so evil an instrument to the quietness of both the countries. They are content that Grange should keep such number of men within the Castle for the guard thereof as he and other keepers have been accustomed to keep before etc. It cannot be beneficial for the King's party to be restrained from resorting to the town of Edinburgh during the surcease. Divers of the King's power have their proper habitation within the same. There can be no safety for him or any of the King's party to come to Edinburgh. There cannot be but innovation made at Leith if the King's power should be transported therefrom. The Queen, seeing that a parliament was shortly to be holden, thought meetest that an equal number on both sides should be elected to consider the matter, and that her majesty would send some into Scotland to treat with them. Which being "proponit" to the Queen of Scots' commissioners, they excused themselves, alleging that they could not accord to any such matter till they knew their mistress' mind. And so they were "willit" to write to her. Whose answer coming, she therein called her commissioners "malaport" so to proceed in her cause, and in effect disagreed to the Queen's majesty's resolution; seeing which, her highness resolved to detain the King's commissioners no longer. Thus it was by the default of the said Queen and her commissioners that her majesty's resolution at that time took not effect. Leith, 11th July 1571. Signed: Mathew Regent.

2½ pp. Addressed. Indorsed (by Burghley's clerk).

Second inclosure:—

(Answer of the Regent Lennox to Mr. Case.)

"M^r Caise." Forasmuch as her majesty is minded to send down to her Borders, about the 6th of August next, some men of credit to hear commissioners to be sent by both the parties, and to treat with them for an accord as well for the title of the crown as for all other private matters of discord, being of moment, her desire is that both the parties shall not only appoint commissioners, but also agree to an abstinence, and that the parliaments intended on both sides shall only be "fensit" at the days appointed, and no proceedings be therein moved for "forfaltores" or other act of moment, but only to give authority to certain persons to repair to meet and treat with her commissioners, we have considered the same, and have willingly yielded to your motion made upon her majesty's behalf.

¾ p. Indorsed (by Burghley's clerk); "ye Answer of y^e Regent to s^r W^m Drury's message."

Third inclosure:—

(Answer of Maitland and the Laird of Grange to the articles.)

"The articles deliverit to ws be Johnne Cais, Provest Marshall of Berwik, in the name off the Q. ma^tie off Engl. his soverane, w^t o^r ans^r to every ane off thame."

(1) We will that the town of Edinburgh may be free from all manner of soldiers, and that it may be patent.

Answer:—We are content to yield, provided that it be not extended to the 150 soldiers for surety of the house.

(2) That the Captain keep his ordinary forces in the Castle.

Answer:—The Captain is content to keep them next the Castle, where they shall offend no man.

(3) That in Edinburgh nothing be publicly executed, etc.

Answer:—We yield, provided we have liberty on the 3rd of August to fence the parliament in the Queen's name by such a few number of commissioners only as may serve for the purpose, which we must do, in respect that the adverse party have their parliament that same day, at Stirling, and it "importis" all our destructions if they have a parliament wherein they may proceed against us, and we are not suffered to meet them.

(4) That the Regent's power may remain at Stirling, Dalkeith, etc.

Answer:—The Earl of Lennox's power may remain no nearer Edinburgh than Stirling. Onr men shall remain no nearer Edinburgh than Hamilton or Draffane.

(5) That it may be lawful for the Regent or his party to come to Edinburgh at their wills, so that they come not with force.

Answer:—The noblemen of the adverse party may not make their residence at Edinburgh during the abstinence, but if any one of them, for his own private affairs, has to do in Edinburgh, he may, with his ordinary household, resort thereto at his pleasure, to remain for a few days, "Bot alwyis no nombre off the nobilmen to be in Edinburgh at a tyme," as also the noblemen and others of this party to be free to repair to other parts of this realm.

(6) That none of the Queen's party make any innovation in the town of Edinburgh.

(7) The principals of both parties to be bound.

(8) That if a surcease shall be accorded, the Queen of England will be a protectrix of the same.

Answer:—Tothese three we yield,—requiring also that we may have the same promises ratified by the Queen of England under own hand. We are content to a surcease for a month or six weeks, which must be extended as well to law and colour of law as to arms, for avoiding captious interpretation.

1¾ pp. Indorsed by Drury.

Fourth inclosure.

(Maitland and the Laird of Grange to Mr. Case.)

Declare unto the Marshal our goodwill to satisfy the Queen's majesty's pleasure, as will appear by the answers delivered unto you. Desire him that, by his procurement, my (Lethington's) father's house may be restored, and that the other party be inhibited to have further intromission with my living, lands, and possessions, or with my brother's benefice of Coldinghame, whereof the time now approaches to levy the fruits, by reason of the harvest. My brother was "dispossest" by a commandment given by Mr. Marshal to his chamberlain more than a year ago, at Lord Sussex's direction, as I understand, and, therefore, by his procurement, it is convenient that he be restored. (Complains of his property being taken.) We pray you to "remembre" to Mr. Marshal our request touching Lord Home's houses, and desire him to procure the restitution thereof, or that the same be put in our hands, upon condition that we will either make Lord Home conformable to the Queen's majesty's pleasure or restore it to her in the same state we shall receive them. Remember to send us answer touching a safe-conduct for a gentleman to pass from us to treat with her majesty, and likewise touching the sending of our letters to our sovereign, whereby we make her privy to the abstinence required, and our answers.

¾ p. Indorsed: "Memoriall to Johnne Caise."

837. Drury to Burghley. [July 15.]

I have received this packet here inclosed from the Regent, which he requires I would with all expedition send away. Since the departure of my Lord Morton over the water, they of the Castle and town have shown themselves abroad every day, their horsemen being more in number than the others, but the Regent has still offered them "hed." (fn. 4) On Friday night they issued both out of the Castle and town, minding to have surprised the abbey of Holyrood House (where lie 100 soldiers of the Regent), bringing with them . . . . of which they have left behind them, Captain Arthur Hamilton of Meryngton and his lieutenant, with an ensign bearer,—and some others are sore hurt with shot, and some slain. Berwick. Signed: William Drury.

1p. Holograph. Addressed. Indorsed (by Burghley's clerk).

838. Recommendation for an Abstinence, [July 18.] Cott. Calig., C.III., fol. 188.

At Hampton Court: Earls; Sussex, Bedford, Leicester. Lords; Chamberlain, Burghley. Mr. Treasurer.

Upon letters sent from the Marshal of Berwick, with answer from the Regent in Scotland, and from Lyddyngton and Grange to certain articles sent by her majesty to both those parties to move an abstinence, it was thought meet that her majesty should send word to both parties, that she mislikes much that they have not yielded to her addresses for an abstinence, and that although their partialities in their own cases stay them from the clear sight of that which is meet for them both, and especially for the weal of the whole realm, yet her majesty's disposition is such to do them good, that she cannot but move them to assent to her former motion for abstinence, and if they will do so, her majesty will without delay send commissioners to her Borders with full authority to hear the allegations of both parties, and to end the controversies finally, even as the truth of the causes shall move her. Therefore, they shall be most earnestly required on both parts, that if they will not accord to such an universal abstinence as her majesty moved, yet that they will forbear mutual hostility, and that she cannot think it impertinent if both parties keep their appointed day of their parliaments, so that nothing be done to the prejudice of [each] other, saving the fencing of the same, whereby there may be, by those several assemblies, opportunity to have commission granted by both parties to certain persons to resort to the Borders to meet with her majesty's commissioners, when all the controversies may be heard and determined without further delay or effusion of blood.

1¼ pp. In Burghley's hand.

839. Charges of Soldiers. [July 18.]

"The charge of 500 fotemen and 200 horsmen intreteyned in wages by the Lord Regent of Scotland."

(Items of pay under Scottish money and sterling for a month. Total) 5,938l. Scottish; 1,190l. 12s. English.

1 p. Indorsed by Burghley.

840. Drury to Burghley. [July 24.]

I have received your letter of the 20th, sent by the Provost Marshal, &c. Yesterday, early in the morning, Captain Brickwell and John Case came hither, and shortly after them your packet, without the copy of the Queen's majesty's letters to the Regent. I have this day despatched the Provost Marshal to the Regent and them of the Castle, according to the instructions in her majesty's letter of the 19th.

On the 17th, the Earls of Morton and Mar met at Dunblane, and the Earls of Argyll, Glencairn, Montrose, Eglintoun, the Master of Cassillis, for his brother, the Earl, and Lord Boyd. On the 10th of next month they meet again to subscribe with their hands and seals, and they expect a final resolution from the Queen's majesty. It will be this day or to-morrow ere Morton returns to Leith. He speaks quietly to the Earl of Rothes. In coming Captain Coolyne is beheaded, greatly to the contentation of the people—especially the women; but Huntly is therewith greatly offended, and says he will revenge. On the 22nd and 23rd there have been skirmishes, and many horses killed by pistolets and "urryers," and on the town's part, some men, as it is reported, were slain. Berwick. Signed: William Drury.

3pp. Holograph. Addressed. Indorsed (by Burghley's clerk).

841. Drury to Burghley. [July 24.]

I received this packet from the Regent for Lady Lennox, accompanied with this letter to me. May it please you to hold the contents of the letter to yourself till you hear from me again. I have this morning despatched the Provost to the Regent and them of the Castle. Berwick. Signed: William Drury.

1p. Holograph. Addressed. Indorsed (by Burghley's clerk).

842. Mary to M. De La Mothe Fenelon. [July 25.] C.P., Vol. VII.

Begs him to make every effort possible that the messengers may have power to speak with him without her guard hearing, and to cause this to be expressed in the passports which shall be given to them. It is necessary that Shrewsbury give his passports for her people to go there when occasion shall require, that she have permission to go to "la fontayne de Bogsby" [Buxton] this month, and that Thomas Randolph's letters be shown to the Queen and Council, and if they expel her ambassador, that De La Mothe be received to treat and negociate her affairs in his place.

²/3 p. French. Copy. Indorsed: "de l'ambassadeur de France touchant les affaires de la Royne d'Ecosse."

843. The Regent Lennox to Elizabeth. [July 27.]

I have received your majesty's letter of the 19th of this month, and have understood from Sir William Drury the effect of your direction given to him for "travelling" as well with us as with our adversaries for an abstinence, until the coming of your commissioners to the frontiers. Having deliberately considered with such number of the noblemen and others of the Council who are here—"it is thocht be thame all, that thair can be na greatar inconvenient to the state of the King and to the subjects professing his obedience, nor to aggre to abstinence from hostilitie,—the towne of Edinburgh remaining as it now dois under the thraldome and tyrannie of our adversaires." The most part of the honest inhabitants who refused to receive your rebels being now banished from their houses and their goods "usit as pray," moved us to think that first of all your majesty would see that town "reponit" to the state we left it in the latter end of January, before any further treaty. For us to agree that they shall either fence or hold a parliament would be no other thing but a beginning of the subversion of the King's cause, and the harm to us all avowing his obedience. In the time of the abstinence there is no truth kept with us, but advantage is always taken by them. Our "lippynyng" is that your majesty will incline your favour to that party where honour, justice, and friendship lead your highness, so that the rebellion of that faction being "repressit" by your aid, your highness may be assured of the friendship of the whole. Although the time of the fencing of the King's parliament is about the 3rd or 4th of August, there will be no convention before the 28th. "Beseking the same" that my servant may have your absolute answer of the things committed to him. Leith. Signed: Mathew Regent.

1²/3 pp. Addressed. Indorsed (by Burghley's clerk).

844. The Regent Lennox to Drury. [July 27.]

The Provost Marshal, the bearer, has had conference with our adversaries, and by mouth has let us understand their answer. Advising with such noblemen as are here, I have answered her majesty's letter, and have also conferred with the bearer on those matters, in consideration of whose sufficiency I remit the same to his report. Leith. Signed: Mathew Regent.

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

845. Maitland and the Laird of Grange to Drury. [July 27.]

Have received his letter sent by this bearer, the Provost Marshal, and by his credit, they understand that the Queen's intention is to send persons to the Borders about the 6th of August, with commission to hear commissioners of both parties, and to treat with them. The noblemen present yield to every part of the motion for this party. Although the other party obstinately refuse the abstinence, that shall not stay them from appointing commissioners, and sending them to treat. Edinburgh Castle. Signed: W. Maitland; W. Kyrkcaldy.

Postscript, on a slip of paper,:—

Understand by this honourable and direct dealing how far they are bound to him, and perceiving that, by his favourable report, her majesty deals the better with them, they have cause to give him thanks, and will faithfully perform all they promise him. Signed: W. Maitland; W. Kyrkcaldy.

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

846. Drury to Burghley. [July 30.]

According to the Queen's letter of the 19th instant, he sent this bearer, the Provost Marshal, to the Regent and the other party. Has thought it convenient to return him once again with the report, not only how he has been answered by either party, but also of what he he has further understood of their intentions. Robert Melville is presently to come from them of the Castle. Has deferred all his knowledge to the bearer. Berwick. Signed: William Drury.

1p. Holograph. Addressed. Indorsed (by Burghley's clerk).

847. Instructions by Drury. [July.]

The Regent and his party misliking the last articles sent from her majesty. Their determination to agree amongst themselves etc. It seems as though they would have the Queen's majesty to be umpire. Verac has commission to deal with both parties for concord. Morton and others misliking the Regent's government. Morton's promise to use all good offices to entertain quietness. His speech to this bearer. Morton's departure over the water to meet Argyll and others. Most of the Council being at Morton's direction. Lethington and Grange's desire for a surcease etc. Money from Flanders still looked for. The Earl of Eglintoun to be delivered by Morton's means. 100 horsemen newly levied. What shall seem good to the Queen's majesty to determine on in Scotland is required to be understood of both parties with speed. Sir James Hume against Alexander of Manderstone. Signed: William Drury.

2¼ pp. In Drury's hand. Indorsed by Drury: "Instrooctyons." Notes by Burghley.

848. Instructions for James Cunningham. [July.]

"Memorye for James Coninghame, of such instrouctiones as he receaved of my lord regent, maist humble craving ans^r of the same from the quene's majeste, and yf it sall pleas hir ma^te in wryte."

To take the open maintenance of religion and the King, to employ her forces for recovering the town and castle of Edinburgh, and to that effect to send 1000 men, with sufficient artillery and munition. That her majesty entertain monthly 500 footmen and 200 horsemen. That she send money to pay the wages of 400 footmen and 50 horsemen for May last etc. That she will command her Wardens on the Borders to stay the Lords Herries and Maxwell, and the Lairds of Farnieherst and Buccleuch. That she will write to the King of Denmark for the delivery of the Earl of Bothwell; that she will take order that the bishop of Ross be not set at liberty; that she will not permit the bishop of Glasgow to come to this country; that she will write to her ambassador in France to grant no passport to Mr. Henry Keir to come to this country; that she will not suffer William Maitland, sometime Secretary of Scotland (who is convicted of the murder of our late sovereign) to repair within her dominions: and that Lord Hume have no profit of his living and lands during the time of his rebellion to the King. To remember certain carriage for some pieces of ordnance, and certain books made in the Scottish Queen's favour.

1 p. Indorsed (by Burghley's clerk).

849. Instructions for James Cunningham. [July.]

"Giff it sall not pleas the quenes majeste to condiscend unto the former articles presented be zoure honor unto hir hienes, in that caice it maye pleas zoure honor to mowe hir majeste with thir subsequent petitiones."

(In addition to the requests in the preceding document.)

That some money be instantly sent to pay my Lord Regent's soldiers, and for the entertainment of 500 other footmen; also artillery for recovery of the Castle, pioneers, "harquebuttes," etc.

1 p. Indorsed: "James Conynghame his last memoyre." Note in Burghley's hand on the back.

850. Archibald Douglas to the Regent and Council. [July.]

Showeth unto your grace, Mr. Archibald Douglas, parson of Glasgow, one of the Senators of the College of Justice, that whereas I lately passed to Glasgow for "uptaking" and receiving of the "fruttis and renttis" of the parsonage thereof, nevertheless, by your grace's letters directed to Mr. Andrew Hay, parson of Renfrew, and superintendent of Glasgow, and to the Laird of Minto, Captain of the Castle thereof, an inhibition was given in no ways to answer and obey me of the fruits of my said parsonage. Whereupon I took occasion to repair to Stirling, craving of your grace to know the cause of the said inhibition; to which you answered that you had gotten such advertisement of my undutiful behaviour towards the King's service and your grace, that if the same were true, I merited not only to want it that I had in Glasgow, but whatsoever else I had besides. I besought your grace that I might know the reports and reporters. But you said "it behuiffit to be tryed," and that you would do as you found time. I lamented how heavy that burden was to me, and far more grievous because it imported that I had offended your grace, which I would be loath should prove true, considering, besides my duties to your grace, that I have that honour, next my Lords of Angus and Morton, to be "ane of ye nerrest of blude of my surname to my ladeis grace your bedfallow, and sua to your grace's childrene." I had commandment in your name to depart, and not to resort either where the King's person or your grace were. I was advertised that I should not resort to the army, which was and is grievous to me. I beseech your grace and lordships to provide such remedy that trial may be taken of my past behaviour.

²/3 p. Copy. Broadsheet. Indorsed.

851. Drury's Charges. [July.]

Disbursed since October 1570 for intelligence, sending into Scotland etc., till this present month of July 1571—68l. 3s. 4d. Signed: William Drury.

⅓ p. Indorsed.