Elizabeth: July 1577

254. Robert Bowes to [Burghley]. [July 19.] Cott. Calig., C.III., fol. 528.

The estate of Scotland continues in good quiet, with general obedience to the King and Regent; in which case it is likely to remain during the government and welfare of the Regent. Atholl, Ruthven, Lindsay and others have confederated themselves by oath for maintenance of the King. They increase daily in number and power, and hope in the King's government, or by his disposition after their affection, to profit themselves and please their friends. They do not make show of any purpose of alteration of religion or government, and they esteem the Earl of Atholl as most apt either to succeed the Regent or to bear sway in the government of the King.

The Earls of Argyll and Atholl being long at variance, and thinking their discord to be fed and continued by a third, who they thought would have travailed their speedy agreement, purpose quietly to meet, and betwixt themselves and secret friends to end their debates. This purpose is drawn by sundry of the said confederates for maintenance of the King, to draw Argyll to that side, as well to increase their general strength as to remove all impediments out of the way of Atholl.

Lord Seton having obtained leave to pass into Flanders, is yet at home. It is thought that he has some errand thither to Don John; but on the doings of that person no sure building is founded.

Has long ago had in readiness a piece of lead for his lordship, minding to have sent the same in his own hoy, which betwixt Newcastle and this town by great tempest is either drowned with provisions for this pier, or else driven from this coast, for he has not heard of her these six weeks. Will by her or some other hasten to send it to him. The Regent purposes to send his lordship hawks, which he will see with safety conveyed to him. Berwick. Signed: Robert Bowes.

1 p. No flyleaf or address.

255. Nicholas Elphinstone to Henry Killigrew. [July 23.]

Although Captain Cockburn has returned into this country, by whom I understand your present state to be good, and yourself to be in good health, yet I would be most glad to hear something of yourself, and how long you are to abide and make your resideuce near the Court, in case some of your friends here departed towards the Court. I have been with my Lord of Angus upon the West Marches of late, where his lordship and my Lord Scrope have agreed well, "and every one to other" made good redress. Yet not only for those frontiers, but for sundry other occasions her majesty must be persuaded to make some help to us, that we may be able to suppress all occasions that may tend to any alienation betwixt you and this realm. Holyrood House. Signed: N. Elphinstone.

Postscript.—I pray you heartily present my humble commendations of service to Sir Francis Walsingham, with whom I am not as yet so familiarly acquainted as my desire is to be, although I have been well treated in his house, accompanied with yourself and Mr. Randolphe.

1 p. Holograph, also address. Indorsed by Walsingham.

256. Walsingham to [Burghley]. [July 24.] Cott. Calig., C.III., fol. 529.

Your lordship will perceive by the inclosed from the Regent how much the subjects of Scotland are grieved with the daily spoils they sustain at English pirates' hands. This matter might have been helped with 200l. charges if it would have pleased her majesty to have set out one of her best ships. Surely, if there be no way of redress found out of hand, it cannot but breed an alienation of the goodwill of that nation, which imports her majesty as much almost as her cro[wn] is worth, if the state of things at home and abroad be rightly looked on, especially considering her majesty's action . . . those who heretofore have with shedding of their blood procured her safety. . . . lese Scotland now that her enemies abroad grow strong and her friends stand on the brink of destruction is but a preparative to lose England. I am partly of the Regent's mind, that the spoils committed presently on the Scots proceed rather of practice than otherwise, and therefore the more . . . soon to be looked to.

The Regent seems to have a disposition to bestow some hawks upon your lordship and me, and therefore desires your servant may be appointed to receive them at Berwick. Stratford. Signed: Fra. Walsyngham.

1 p. Holograph. No flyleaf or address. Injured by damp.

257. The Regent Morton to [Burghley]. [July 25.]

"Richt honorable and my verie gude lord," I have presently written to the Queen's majesty touching the state of the Borders, and some "tymous" provision to be made for repressing of the disordered persons who cease not to give occasion of trouble, and in appearance shall be able to do greater harm as the nights grow longer, without by earnest letters and strait commandment from her majesty, and some forces also to be employed at the West March, their insolence be not "substantiouslie" repressed; the help of which matter I specially recommend to your lordship. Praying you heartily that by your favourable means I may understand her highness' pleasure and good mind upon my letters presently sent to her majesty. Holyrood House. Signed: James Regent.

⅓ p. No flyleaf or address.