Elizabeth: June 1586

443. Elizabeth to James VI. [June 2.]

Whereas of late there hath passed between us by mutual letters and messages many offices of singular goodwill and friendship, and amongst them one of most likelihood and force to have sure continuance in yielding to contract a firm league mutually both of offence and defence against all such without exception as, for our profession and maintenance of Christian religion in our kingdoms, do or shall pretend to molest and disturb our Estates either by practise or force, we have in consideration hereof determined to make some further demonstration towards you, as to our dearest brother and cousin, offering as you have done, to be confederate with us in a straighter bond than hath been usual betwixt any of our progenitors, and therefore as we have had always a special care over you, for your safety in all your troublous times, not having spared our treasure, nor the blood of our subjects, so mean we to continue the same care as long as we shall find your thankful disposition and kind accepting of our favors, and for a token thereof, considering that God hath endowed us with a crown that yeldeth more yearly profit to us than we understand yours doth to you, we have lately sent to you a portion meet for your own private use, though not so large as our mind would yield, but yet such as the time at this present permitteth us to do, being of late years pressed to enter into very great charges for safety of our own countries and for defence of our neighbours oppressed in many parts very near unto us by them which seek by our neighbour's ruin the general extirpation of the Gospel professed in our countries and yours also. But yet we hope that we shall hereafter have opportunity always to continue and not to lessen this manner of kindness towards you, but rather, as cause shall require, to increase it, whereof by this our writing we would have you to make an assured account, as long as your present kindness shall continue to appear towards us. And furthermore we add hereunto another firm promise in the word of a Queen that we will never directly or indirectly do or suffer to be done anything that we may withstand to the diminution or derogation of any right or title that may be due to you in any time present or future, unless by any manifest ingratitude we should be justly moved and provoked to the contrary; and for the better satisfaction in these two kinds of gratitude, most dearly beloved brother and cousin, we have comprised the same in this our letter, signed with our own hand and sealed with our privy seal.

1 1/16 pp. Copy. Indorsed, in Burghley's hand: "This is shewed by Sir Roger [sic] Melvyn."

Two copies of the same.

444. Instructions by Elizabeth to the Earl of Rutland. [June.]

"Instructions given to the Earl of Rutland, the Lord Euers and Mr. Randolph to conclude the league between her majesty and the King of Scotland, June 1586."

Whereas the King of Scotland our good brother and we have found it expedient to enter into a more straight kind of league than hath heretofore passed between any of our progenitors, as well for our better safety and mutual defence against the attempt of certain foreign princes, terming themselves Catholics, that of late are entered into a manifest combination, tending to the ruin of such as make profession of the Gospel, as in respect of the common benefit of a constant and well settled peace that our subjects of the realm shall, by such a kind of friendly proceeding the better enjoy. Which league first dealt in by our servant Edward Wotton, and since presented by our servant Thomas Randolph, is now brought to that perfection that the articles thereof are already agreed upon and subscribed interchangeably by us both; and there wanteth no more than the appointing of commissioners of quality for the greater credit and countenance of the cause, to be chosen by either of us and sufficiently authorized under our great seal for that purpose, which charge we have accordingly committed to you.

We think meet that at the time of your meeting with the said commissioners you shall first use some speeches to shew the ground and purpose of the league with the manner of proceeding in it. You may declare knowledge of the general combination practised by the Pope and the King of Spain amongst the most part of princes terming themselves catholics against the professors of the Gospel, by whom the Duke of Guise, with his accomplices in France, was set on work to stir up new troubles, with intent to overthrow not only the King of Navarre, but all others of the same profession. It was therefore thought necessary, forseeing the danger that threatened those princes, that we should join in a league, whereby we might be the better able to withstand the malice of our common enemies. You may say to them that you have been informed their sovereign did last year communicate the matter first to a convention of his nobility, and afterwards to the general States of his realm assembled in parliament, in both of which places the said league was thought meet to be put into execution. The treaty hath since proceeded accordingly; for the conclusion thereof we have made choice of you, and authorize you to join with them appointed in like sort to conclude the said treaty. And if in the course of your proceedings the other commissioners shall, by direction of the King, renew the former motions made to Thomas Randolph that there might be some new articles inserted touching the naturalising of the King's subjects, and certain other things, you shall answer you have no authority to deal in or to conclude by adding any material point to the said treaty. But as private persons you may say that in your opinion such a case may not be handled but in the parliament. And then you are to proceed to the distinct reading of the articles, and after, to move that they may be digested into a treaty by way of indenture, according to the ancient form of such treaties. In the meanwhile you may proceed to the execution of the other part of your commission, the ordering and compounding of such Border causes as remaine yet unredressed between the three wardens on either side, proceeding according to the effect of your commission to Berwick beforehand, there to confer with the three wardens. And therein you shall endeavour by all good and friendly means to hear and determine those particular complaints according to the ancient laws and customs of those Borders, and also agreeably to the form of treaties heretofore made betwixt these realms.

3¾ pp. No flyleaf, or indorsement.

Cott. Calig., C. IX., fol. 355.

Draft of the same.

445. Elizabeth to Lord Evre. [June.]

"M[inute] of her Majesty's letter to ye Lord Euers, appointed a Commissioner with the Erle of Rutland and Mr. Randolph to treat with ye Scottish Commissioners."

Whereas it has been thought meet by our good brother the King of Scots that we should for our mutual defence enter into a straighter kind of league than heretofore, we have agreed upon a form of treaty to be concluded by special Commissioners appointed for that purpose. We accordingly made choice of our cousin of Rutland, yourself, and our servant Randolph to supply that place. The time of meeting is to be 16th of this next month at Berwick. You are to put yourself in readiness to be present with our said cousin for the execution of the said charges.

¾ p. Copy. No indorsement.

446. Walsingham to Burghley. [June 3.] Cott. Calig., C. IX., fol. 357.

My very good lord, this manner of proceeding by them of Scotland is in no way to be liked, and confirms that which the Master of Gray advertised, that Scotland generally stood ill affected to the amity with this crown. I would both the banished noblemen and the ministers— who were the chief nourishers of the amity—had been better used in the time of their exile. And although in respect of the common cause they can be no enemies to the amity, yet I fear—in respect they were here had in contempt, and hardly used by the bishops—they stand not so well affected as was to be desired.

Besides the pension given to the King, which was not performed in so large a measure as was promised, this present time required sound liberality, to have been used otherwise. It was also out of course to gall the Secretary, possessing his master's affections as he does, who I find is the only thwarter of this present action.

Good usage, with a little liberality would have helped this matter. The malice and corruption of this time requires another manner of proceeding than is presently held. I can assure your lordship there is a match made between the ill-affected of Scotland and of this realm to attempt somewhat, so as they may be backed from foreign parts, whereof they are put in good hope. Therefore this treaty is to be wisely handled, by 'winking' it and overseeing the proud and 'overthwart' manner of proceeding by them of Scotland in the same.

There can fall out for the present nothing as dangerous as a breach with Scotland, and therefore passion must be laid aside, or else all will be marred.

I pray your lordship that the King of Scotland and his colleagues may receive some good advice, how to govern himself in this cause. Barn Elms. Signed: Fra. Walsyngham.

2 pp. Holograph. No flyleaf or address.

447. Sir Amias Powlet to Mr. Phelippes. [June 3.] C.P., vol. XVIII.

Prays he will impute his long silence to his diligent servant the gout, which possessed his hand so that he could hardly write his name.

He may see he has been jealous of her majesty's service by his former letters to the Secretary. It was a fault not worthy of great blame, wherein he had some particular interest because he was a party in the action.

His [Phelippes'] friend committed two great faults in this country, which moved him to suspect the worst. Trusts the last despatch hence was so effectual as to salve all sores.

Desires his coming to these parts, whereof he writes, and will not fail to further it if he hears of anything belonging to Lord Paget meet for him.

Doubts not he has his hands full of business, so will not trouble him with idle words. Chartley. Signed: A. Powlet.

Postscript.—Prays him to convey the letter sent herewith to his servant Hackshaw.

1 p. Holograph, also address: "To my very good friend Mr. Thomas Phelypp esquyer, at the Court." Indorsed.

448. Sir Amias Powlet to Walsingham. [June 3.] C.P., vol. XVIII.

His letters of the 29th of the last month, with a packet for this Queen, came to his hands on the 1st instant. Finds nothing in the said packet worth advertisement, saving that Courcelles writes to Nau that the French King will write to her majesty for a new supply of servants for this Queen, and change of her lodging, concluding his letter with these words— "On tient que la paix se fera, pource qu'on ne poult plus fournir à la guerre."

This news is as welcome to this Queen as if he had cast salt in her eyes.

The French ambassador writes to this Queen that her new servants will not be granted until their names are advertised. Touching the conflict between the Prince of Condé and the regiment belonging to the Duke of Maine, he writes that Monsieur de Laval and his two brothers were slain in the fight. The French ambassador's wife writes to this Queen very honourably of her majesty. Imputes it rather to that she knows her letters must pass through his hands, than to any great devotion she bears her highness. The Scottish Queen has now got a little strength, and goes sometimes abroad in her coach, or is carried in her chair to one of the ponds adjoining this house to see duck-hunting. She is able to go very little, and not without help on either side.

Desires he will do him the favour to convey the letter inclosed to the Earl of Leicester by the next convenient messenger.

Thanks him for his liberal advertisement of occurrences in foreign parts, and gives God thanks for His merciful providence to her majesty, His afflicted church, and their country.

Desires that one of his servants be commanded to deliver this letter to Mr. Phelippes. Chartley. Signed: A. Powlet.

1 p. Addressed. Indorsed.

449. Walsingham to the Master of Gray. [June 4.]

The malicious opposition and practices of Mr. Archibald's [Douglas] enemies have made his justification the more clear; for that otherwise it would have been given out by such as stand ill-affected towards him that the King's favor had prevailed more than his own innocency. If he had not had so honorable and constant a friend as yourself the malice of his enemies must have prevailed. I cannot but most heartily thank you for your good friendship.

Touching your employment in the Low Countries I can in no way encourage you thereunto, and yet you shall do well to gratify the Earl of Leicester so far as to send him the troops by him desired if this King your sovereign shall under hand permit the same. As for yourself I would advise you to spend the rest of this summer in those countries privately in company of Sir Phillip Sydney, who I know will use you as his own brother. Besides the experience that you shall get—which will be far greater than if you were tied to a public charge—you shall before you enter into any charge acquaint yourself with the state of those countries, the manner of the service, the disposition of the people, the usage of such as serve under them, the means they have for the continuance of the wars, and lastly what will be our resolution here for the maintenance of the Earl's authority, whereupon chiefly depends this good or bad success of the cause. Without the continuance of the said authority the confusion that was there before his repair thither will work their utter overthrow.

I have, according to your request, recommended Captain Hagerston both to the earl and to Sir Phillip Sydney, and I doubt not he shall receive all favourable usage at their hands for your sake.

I am sorry to understand that the late banished noblemen of that realm do carry themselves so weakly since their return as to suffer themselves to be abused by those who have sought their ruin.

Surely the King's dispensation with Arran's departure will revive some unnecessary jealousies here.

And so I commit you to the protection of Almighty God. At the Court.

Partly in Walsingham's hand.

4 pp. Draft. Indorsed.

450. Walsingham to Thomas Randolph. [June 5.]

Whereas in the articles of the treaty subscribed by their majesties it is specially ordered in the 9th Article that the Princes shall send their Commissioners within six months after the ratification of the league to hear and determine of such injuries and controversies as have grown on the Borders since this King's government, the said article is now purposely omitted as needless and impertinent to be inserted into the league. And that there may be no hindrance in the service by reason of any defect in the commissions of either side, I send you here inclosed the copy of her majesty's commission which I wish you to shew that they there may be furnished with the like from that King. And to the end the Commissioners may not spend long time in this treaty it is thought meet that the treaty should be reduced into some form, and delivered to the Earl of Rutland and Lord Eure.

I send you a copy, which you may communicate to the Secretary there. From the Court.

1 p. Copy. Signed by Walsingham. Indorsed: "The coppie of the letter written to Mr. Randolph for alteration of the 9th article of the treaty, etc., of the date 5 Junii."

Another copy of the same.

451. Lord Scrope to Thomas Randolph. [June 5.]

Upon the understanding of your repair to the King of Scots with those good errands for the entreating of a league and straiter band of amity and friendship to be had betwixt her majesty and that Prince, now at last by your great travail effected, I took an especial care to contain in quietness and good order all persons within my office inclined to outrages and disorders, carrying that eye over them that they should not attempt anything that might be prejudicial and hinder your good proceedings in that message.

But now to the great danger and hazard of the breach of Borders and disturbance of that league, thus far concluded, this last night sundry of the Bells, Carlisles, Kirkpatrick, and other Scottishmen to the number of 100 persons have come into England, and burnt, upon the water of Esk, 80 houses, taken away about 100 head of "nolte" and 40 "naigs," and other goods from her majesty's subjects in England. By which outrageous attempt, if timely provision be not made therein, and if the King's lieutenant be not speedily sent down to these Borders as well for the execution of justice herein as for the prevention of future inconvenience, I greatly fear that the country shall not long continue their present good order, but shall fall to the like outrageous attempts that others on the West Marshes of Scotland have and are "accustomable to fall unto."

And therefore I pray you to travail earnestly with the King to this effect and send me his resolution and answer thereunto with the best expedition. Carlisle, 5 June 1586.

1 p. Copy. Indorsed.

452. Thomas Randolph to Walsingham. [June 6.] Cott. Calig., C. IX., fol. 307.

Has received his letters of the 1st June, and minds, according to his direction, to do in all things as he may. Since coming to Berwick hears that the King has gone to Falkland and by this time returned again.

Is advertised of a convention likely to be at St. Andrews the 12th of this month. Does not yet know the causes nor is assured that it is so or not. He shall hear more by the next, also whether Mr. Archibald who now is sick will be Secretary in place of him that was, and who, as he may see by the inclosed ticket, is preferred to higher honour since his departure.

Has sent to Edinburgh to-day to advertise the King of the certain day of the Earl of Rutland's being here, and to pray that his commissioners keep the same day. Both Middle and East Borders, for matters of thieving, are in a reasonable good pass. Trusts that shortly they shall be in no way behind them. Great charges have been given to the Laird of Cessford to do them all reasonable justice. Fears they will not find it at his hands, for the thieves are his masters, or he bears too far with them.

Fears that one matter fallen out of late may breed unquietness. Six of the Bournes of Tynedale, arrant thieves of the worst kind, have challenged six Collingwoods, honest gentlemen and good subjects to her majesty, to fight a combat this present Monday. Knowledge thereof being brought to the King the evening before his [Randolph's] departure from Edinburgh, the King sent two gentlemen, one a master of his household, the other a gentleman of his chamber, earnestly requesting him to take order with Sir Cuthbert Collingwood and the six appointed to fight, that they should not come into the field, and that his grace would do the like, not knowing what might fall out against the peace and present quietness.

Promised at his coming hither to do what he could, and having conferred with Sir Henry Woddryngton and Sir John Selby, were all of opinion it were fit to be stayed. So wrote a letter to Sir Cuthbert that he and his should forbear, and desired to speak with him as soon as he might. Having no answer from him, and hearing he minded to proceed, wrote to Sir John Foster, being warden, to discharge any assembly to that end, for great numbers meant to be there at that time, and great solicitation was made by Sir Cuthbert to that end.

Wrote again to Sir Cuthbert himself, using her majesty's name to him, and alleging the inconveniences that might ensue, that in any case he and his would not stay and be at the place appointed, notwithstanding which letter he has gone with as many men as he can get, with mind to fight if the other be there. At this hour—being 10 o'clock—if they meet it shall soon be seen which shall have the better.

Though the Collingwoods are the honester and truer men, and their quarrel just and good, following the others who are notorious thieves stealing of goods, yet having the King's word, and knowing that Cessford has commandment to keep the others in ward till the day of combat is past, fears—and so do others—that if Cessford know that Sir Cuthbert and his company—there are above 2000 with him— —forbear not, that he will not obey the King's commandment.

He shall be advertised how it falls out, and so leaves it to the judgment of wiser than himself, wishing it had not fallen out at this time. Of all other matters he shall be advertised hereafter. Berwick. Signed: Tho. Randolph.

Postscript.—The Master of Gray, for aught that can be said or done, holds on his journey, and will take his voyage through England.

2 pp. Addressed. Indorsed: "For her majestie's affaires."

453. Sir Amias Powlet to Walsingham. [June 6.] C.P., vol. XVIII.

Has received his letters of 4th June, and thought good to despatch the messenger with these few lines in haste, upon hope to hear from him again before the departure hence of Mistress Pierrepoint.

Thinks she should be taken from this Queen in such sudden manner that she may have no time to confer with her after her warning to depart. To this purpose will forbear to send the letters to Mr. Pierrepoint two or three days, and will pray him by the messenger to send for her one day next week. Means hereby that if the young Pierrepoint depart from this Queen she may not carry with her any treacherous instructions.

Foretold this device long since in his letters, and was at that time of the same opinion as now. Did not then discover it, because it was not required of him and the event was uncertain. Being now commended to signify why this Queen seems desirous to be rid of Mistress Pierrepoint, can say nothing but by way of surmise.

Verily believes that this Queen did not expect this young gentlewoman would be taken from her upon this motion, for doubt of the intelligence which this gentlewoman so assured to her might carry abroad, wherein being refused she might have better colour to perform the intended marriage with Nau.

Can say or think nothing else herein, and so prays him to deliver it to her majesty.

Would have advised from the beginning the course which he has now taken. Wrote in his former letters that this Queen had discoursed this whole matter with him to see if she could perceive by any speech from him that he had received any impression from a clause in Courcelles' letter to Nau, which she knew had passed through his hands.

Is yet of opinion that Pierrepoint will not depart unless forced, and that this Queen means that she shall not depart from her.

Will enquire where Mr. Pierrepoint dwells, and will send to him a trusty servant who shall observe the acceptation of his [Walsingham's] letters with all circumstances belonging. Chartley. Signed: A. Powlet.

1¼ pp. Addressed. Indorsed.

454. Master of Gray to Walsingham. [June 8.]

I received your last letter by Thomas Tyrie, whereby I perceive a change of the Queen's determination. My lord of Leicester has also changed purpose in desiring me with troops to come into the Low Countries for aid of that service. I content myself, but am sorry in some respects, chiefly for my lord's own cause, and next that I have gone so far in it. But I shall find some expedient to live either at home or abroad.

But seeing I have hitherto used your advice, not as of a foreign friend, but as of a loving father, I intend yet to crave and follow the same. And in two points I must crave it; first, to leave off my voyage at your desire and according to your counsel what way the same may be done without loss of reputation. The next point whereon I pray you I may be resolved in, seeing I am content to abide more fit occasion what you will advise me to do in these parts and what orders you will wish that I keep in the course, for I perceive more difficulty to grow daily, albeit the King himself be well affected.

I leave it to your own better judgment or to the wiser sort, for it is not capable to my wit, otherwise than as I have said. I pray you, sir, that in these two points I may have your advice, for the intentions of my voyage made me change my fashion of doing in many things, and now I must begin upon new grounds and chiefly in a precise attendance upon the King my master, as before. The rest remitting to your advice I shall in the mean time leave according to Seneca his precept "Cum omnibus pacem habebo, cum vitiis bellum gero." Edinburgh. Signed: Master of Gray.

2 pp. Holograph, also addressed. Indorsed.

455. Monsieur de l'Aubespine to Mary. [June 9.] C.P., vol. XVII.

I have received your letter in cipher of the last of May. I am very glad that this way is open for writing to your Majesty.

The Queen of England approves that your Majesty should get rid of Mademoiselle Pierrepont, and Mr. Walsingham has ordered Sir Amias Poulett to take her to her father, whom the said Mr. Walsingham has informed. For my part I have never been able to speak either to him or to the mother, having been forbidden to them as I understand. modate your Majesty with a better lodging, and would have a passport delivered for the servants who would be necessary to you.

As to the packets which we have put into a smaller form, it was by the advice of the very man who came to fetch them. We will not do it again except in great necessity, and will cover them all with the same character that we shall find upon the cover, as I believe we have already done.

As to the Countess of Shrewsbury, I have only answered her generally. I have no mind to disclose myself to such persons, knowing how many such advertisements I have to induce me to declare myself, the Queen of England herself having spoken to me of it, saying that she well knew that I wrote to you in secret. The said countess sent this same word to Madame de Mauvissière two months before her departure. I will govern myself therein according to your Majesty's instructions if they come to talk of it again; otherwise I shall not seek them out.

For the news of France, the Duke of Maine has taken two or three little places along the Garonne. The King of Navarre and Prince of Condé are at Rochelle and St. Jean d'Angely awaiting the help of their mercenaries, who are not for coming before the harvest; and meanwhile Monsieur de Montmorancy undertakes to negociate a peace, and has entreated the Queen-mother to be pleased to bring it about before the foreigners come. I believe it will be done, for there is so great dearth and mortality throughout the realm that it is in no fit state to continue the war. The chief difficulty is to restore the Queen of Navarre to her husband. The said lady is in Auvergne, and cannot make up her mind to return to him. My lord the Duke of Guise has departed, going into Champagne to raise an army to oppose the succour for the Protestants which comes thence. The King of France, the Queen-mother and the Queen of France are well.

On the side of Flanders the Prince of Parma still holds Grave besieged. The Earl of Leicester has concentrated all his forces to raise the said siege, and news of it is awaited from day to day. An ambassador has come hither from Denmark to induce the Queen of England to make peace with the King of Spain. The one who first began the war shall speak of it and submit to reason. The said lady desires it, to rid herself of trouble and expense, and the greater part of her council is of this opinion. But there are also some who dissuade her from it, who moreover await the success of the voyage of Drake, who has gone to the Indies where they say he has sacked many towns wherein he has taken great riches, which he is to bring back one of these days. I believe that according thereto resolution will be taken either for peace or the continuation of the war.

On the side of Scotland the league is concluded, but there is some delay about the payment of the pensions without which the Scotch will do nothing. And an assembly is to be held at Berwick on the birthday of the Prince of Scotland to swear to the said league, and there go to it from hence the Earl of Rutland and my lord Evers. The said Prince of Scotland had wished to insert in the said league that the Queen of England designated him as her principal heir, at least as one of those who have a right to the succession of her crown. But she in no wise willed that it should be spoken of in any sort whatever. The said league is only for the preservation and mutual defence of their realms against any one whatsoever, in case that any prince should make a descent upon this island. I write to Scotland freely enough, and if there is anything of importance for your service I will make it known very surely to Monsieur d'Esneval or to Courcelles. 9 June.

1½ pp. French. Copy. Indorsed.

Another copy of the same.

456. Mr. Archibald Douglas to Walsingham. [June 9.]

In my last I promised to inform your honour of the hard manner whereby I came to my trial, contrary to the expectations of my "unfrendyis" that by all means possible would have hindered the same. Their intention was to have reduced me under the King, and thereby to have induced her Majesty to work for my safety. By this practice—which they now confess came from that realm and from the French ambassador to him that is here resident—they intended to have disputed and discredited me, but God who is protector of innocency and has the hearts of all princes in his hands did so dispose the mind of my Sovereign towards me that the Chancellor, who so plainly withstood my trial, caused the most part of the jurors to depart out of judgment, alleging to them that he had the King's command for warrant.

But the contrary did appear by an express warrant sent from the palace to summon others upon a jury in their place, as by the process may be known, which I have sent to Sir Walter Mildmay.

Before my lord ambassador's departure towards Berwick, I made him acquainted that some one was in dealing to procure that a Convention might be held at Cupar upon the 13th of this instant. After I had delivered my opinion thereupon to the King, he granted the same conditionally that no motion shall be made that may alter any part of that which is promised to her majesty to be performed.

If any such matter shall appear he has promised to dissolve the Convention immediately, and to propose the offer he has to marry to his states, which is what the most part of them that caused this Convention would have delayed, until such time as his majesty and his friends might give their assent thereunto.

Since the receipt of your lordship's last letters I am now dealing with the Master of Gray to reduce his unquiet state, through involving himself in excessive charges to compass that intended voyage to the Low Countries, to some more quiet stay, by moving him to be contented to remain at home with his friends. But truly if her majesty, or some other, shall not consider his loss, received by levying soldiers, whereof a number have received money, I think he shall be utterly undone. If it stand with her majesty's pleasure that he should accept a commission jointly with myself, who is likely to be destined to do this ceremony for observing of this league, I think it should do him good.

I have taken boldness to write some small overture of the state of this country to my Lord Treasurer, which some do say, may remain in perpetual unquietness. I have in my said letter to his honour promised to write my opinion how the same may be helped. Edinburgh. Signed: A. Douglas.

Postscript.—I lay this unto you for a maxim, the Secretary has been, is, and like to continue, the cause of all the ill that is passed in that land these five years. Although he found others to be executors, he was the only devisor.

His credit at this time stands only upon the favour of her majesty, and upon the strength of that part of the nobility that was banished. The bond with which he believes he holds them safe is the Master of Glamis, who is as yet the only trusty man between him and the said nobility. His credit with the King may be diminished when it shall be her majesty's pleasure to deal with the King for that effect. I have so dealt with the Master of Glamis that he will be contented to be rid of him.

Captain James Stewart, of late called Earl of Arran, has caused some dealing with me that I may hear from the King himself whether he may be received in England upon any conditions. I have as yet given no answer. I am of opinion that such conditions may be devised before his entry that may be advantageous.

I cannot forbear to lay these matters before your honour, leaving to your consideration what shall be thought meet to be performed or left undone.

4 pp. Holograph, also address. Indorsed.

Cott. Calig., C. IX., fol. 310.

Copy of the same.

457. Mr. Archibald Douglas to Burghley. [June 9.] Cott. Calig., C. IX. fol. 304.

"I persuade myself that it will appeir strange in your sycht that I did so long forbear to wryte, beand so farre obligit in the contrarie. Treuly if gud ressonis wer not able to make my ressonable excusse I wold be this lettir crave pardon for my offens. So it is that quhill the 26 of Maii I was be cumming adwersayrios hynderit of my trial onto whiche tyme no gude subiect culd occurre wherupon to satisfy your lordships expectatioun, my lord ambassadour for hir majestie beand heir, in cuius messem non erat licitum inicere falcem alienam, specially in respect that nothing culd be amendit nather addedde to his lordships prosedingis one poynct onely excepted, which I promisit at departure, wherupon I culd gewe no sufficient asseurance quhill of layte, nather wryte so probably thayrof, as presently be these few lynes pleis your lordship be informed."

"The King of his awin naturell doeth proceid sinceirlye in all his actionis wyth hir majestie. One of the gretast arguments that hath confirmit this opinioun in me is that I do knaw be often speking wyth him that thair is ane deipe impression presentid in his mynd of hoipe to cum to the succession of that Crown, be the holpe and favour of hir majestie when it shall pleis God to call upoun hyr hyenes. Besidis I do onderstand that it is easye to persuade him to belewe that be hir majesteis meanis and helpe he may the moyr quietly governe in his a win realme during hir majisteis lyfe."

"These ressonis ar at this tyme so vivelye ressavit in his mynd that no man in his realme dar presume to speik in the contrary of ony his prosedingis that may tend to the satisfieing of hir majestie, so that I do belewe at this tyme ne othir course doeth occupye his mynd. The moyr bold I am this farre to affirme, because I haif beyn maide prevye boyth to his mynd and to the myndis off suche as wold haif movit to shraynke or delay the ending of this league throu the occasion of ane lettir derected from hir majestie, wherupon thay wold haif mayde sum harde constructionis. I did see his constancye so prewale that notwythstanding all the ressonis they wer able to gewe in contrary of his suddain proceading—so thay termit it—thay culd nevir move him to alter in ony poynct that whiche he had promisit, and hardly was he movit to wryt so farre as he did onto hir hyenes. And eftire that it was derected, he confessit to myself that if he thocht it wold offend hir majestie he wold not haif vryttin that lettir."

"In the mydd tyme of this controversye I did what I culd to lerne and onderstand the depthe of his and thayr myndis that mayd the motioun. As his constancye did appeir, so was the intendit malice of sum onderstand and discoverit, fowndit as apperis to me upoun no gud resson nather upoun thayr awin apparent veile, bot upoun the dessire of foreyn Princis and of his mother that travelis to hold contynewall practisis in this realme, hoiping wyth tyme to draw the Kyng to thayr byesse. Bot trewlye I am of that opinioun—if so be hir majesteis pleasour—they shall not prevayle."

"Thay haif layde dyvers plottis to the King, and the leadaris of thaym are this Secretayr now Vyce-Chancellur, the brothir of Melwillis, the Frenche ambassadour and the noblemen that ever did professe obedience to the Queene, the King his mother."

"Thayr desseyn tendis to this end, to persuade the King to think that he can not grow to greitnes oneles he shall vyn to interteyne his freyndis, specially those of his motheris syde, that freyndis may be vyn onto him be his mariage, and thayrfor necessayr it vil be that those freyndis suld be joynit to his uthir freyndis, whiche can ne uthirvaise be done as thay do affirme, bot be marying be thayr and his motheris adwise. If he shall do uthervais he shall losse thaym still. Bettir thayrfor, say thay, it wer to altogethir absteyn from mariage or speking tharof for ane tyme, than to go fordward to ony wythowt thayr speciall consent."

"The meanis thay attempt to go fordwart wythe this thayr project:—

In the furst thay haif obtenit so far of the King that thay haif movit hym to belewe that it is against his honour that ony of his subjectis shuld haif dealing or intelligens in that realm, such excepted as he shall mak speciall choise of. Thay haif causit him tak promes of all the noblemen and utheris that wer in Ingland banisshit that thay shall haif ne dealing thayr except be his pryvaty."

"The Secretayr hathe joynit the Master of Glammis in so straict frendschipp wythe him that he causis him to informe these noblemen that wer absent off suche kynd of seurty for thayr standing as will fayele thaym in the end, and of layte he hathe movit the King to belewe that it can not be wytheowt dayngeir onto him if he shall go fordwart to the ending of this league wytheowt the adwise of his nobilite and statis, and thairin hathe so farre prevaled that thayr is ane Convention granted, to be at St. Andrews upoun the 14 of this moneth, conditionally that thayr shalbe ne motion movit thayr that may be contrarye to that which the King hath promesit to performe to her majestie, wheronto thay haif agreid. And I belewe it shalbe performed moyr be the Almychty providence of God that as apperis vill haif it so than be ony uther meane, be ressoun the Erle of Huntly who is the cheifaste pillar to this faction is striken presentlye vyt ane frenesy, so that he and his dependaris ar lyk to be absent from this convention, and the Lord Maxwell, suspectid in religion, vythe the moste part of the King his motheris factioun ar lyk to beir thaym companye. Bessidis, the King hath promesit to my self that howsone soever he shall persave ony motion to be mayde in ony mater that may tend towartis the alteration of ony part he hath promisit to hir majestie, that he shall immediately dissolve the convention and shall propone his mariage to his Statis that thay wold so villingly shuld ressave delaye. Whervyth I mayde my lord ambassadour acquaynted befor his reparing towartis Berwik."

"These bessye dealarris did move the noblemen at my arryvall in this cuntrey to belewe that my home cumming was to leade an privat course betuixt hir majestie and the Kyng that mycht tend for thayr ruyn. And to the Kyng thay did affirme that the occasion of my returning in this realm was to stirre uppe an factioun of the noblemen against him vherof thay sayd thay ressavit informatioun from the French Ambassadour resident in that realme. God that is protectour of innocency hath so defendit my just cause that the King himself hath pryvately villit me to reserve myself from dealing vyth ony man except vyth himself. And that he vill schortly imploye me in suche service as he vill haif knauin to no man bot to my self, according to hir majesteis command, I mynd to governe my self for sum schort tyme."

"Be these kynd of dealingis ane pairt of our present state may be knauin onto your honour. And if these dealaris shuld vyn ony cheif poyncte or if the Kyng shall at ony tym be inconstant—which I can not luk for—what shalbe the end apparent of materris your lordship may also onderstand. What shalbe the best remedye to reduce these uncertayn materris to sum moir assurit and certayn state—if tyme shuld produce ony necessite craving remedye of these materris— I haif vrittin my opinioun to Sir Frances Walsinghame who I am assurit vill mak your honour acquaynted thayrvyth. In respect wherof I end my lettir, and most hartly takis my leif, at the Court this ix of June." Signed: A. Douglas.

4½ pp. Holograph, also address, "To my lord of Birheley, Lord Hyhe Tresoreir off Ingland." Indorsed.

Cott. Calig., C. IX., fol. 309.

Copy of the same.

458. Sir Amias Powlet to Walsingham. [June 9.] C.P., vol. XVIII.

Is not ignorant that this Queen has desired to be removed hence. For his part rests in his old opinion to be no suitor for any remove or to nominate any house to that purpose, but to follow such direction therein as he shall receive from above. Thought good to put him in remembrance that it is to her majesty's profit that the certainty thereof be known as soon as may be for provision of hay, wood, coals, and many other things for the service of this house to be made, for next winter.

Has written this much to the Lord Treasurer by the bearer. Chartley. Signed: A. Powlet.

½ p. Addressed. Indorsed.

459. Thomas Randolph to Walsingham. [June 10.]

I have received both your honour's letters. Immediately upon the receipt of the first I sent Thomas Milles to the court of Scotland with her majesty's letters to deliver them himself to the King. The letter received this day, with the league in form as it must pass and copy of the commission, I have likewise sent to Thomas Milles to Edinburgh to be shewn unto the Secretary.

Of two special matters I am advised to put your honour in mind. The first, for the ground that is in controversy between England and Scotland, called the "Bateable Land," that it may now be determined and certain bounds appointed, for hereupon yearly arises great debate and oftimes bloodshed and slaughter. The second, that the wardens of both Marches may file bills and deliver upon their honours, as in times past, as they favour the parties. I mean that it may be done when the party that lost the goods, can, by no means, get a filer of his bill.

Sir John Selby complaining unto me hereof, I moved the King, who promised remedy in this case, and being himself secretly advertised who they were who stole the cattle of Thomas Grayes of Warle Castle, to the value of 40l., and could get no filer, the King took upon him the knowledge of the men who stole the goods, and named the persons upon whom the bill should be filed.

Your honour is advertised, I think, from Lord Scrope and Sir John Foster, of the men slain, great store of goods beside household stuff taken, and 80 houses burnt upon the water of Esk, by the "riding" there has been of late, by great numbers.

I have also written hereof to the Secretary and desired Thomas Milles to inform the King, desiring that a lieutenant may be sent to the Borders of the west parts and restitution be made. Also that the four persons—whose names I send you—may be apprehended and imprisoned to answer for the rest.

I wrote your honour of a combat to be fought between the six Collingwoods of England and six Bournes, thieves of the Borders of Scotland. The King sent me word to stay the coming of the Collingwoods as he would do the Bournes. Notwithstanding two letters written to Sir Cuthbert Collingwood to forbear his coming, he and his friends came to the field, above twelve hundred persons, and by his own report, would have been above three thousand, if Sir John Foster had not made proclamation to the contrary. The King caused three of the chiefest of the Bournes to be imprisoned and proclamation made that no Scottishman upon pain of death should come upon that ground, which being observed by them and broken by the Collingwoods, the whole number of thieves are greatly offended.

I leave it to your honour and other good lords to judge as you please, and how the King will take it, I know not. But this will I say for Sir Cuthbert, that though he has failed in this fact, yet he deserves better for his service in this country against thieves—in pursuing of whom this quarrel arose—than doth any man within many miles of the Borders.

I write nothing of this disordered country; it passes measure, and must soon be reformed or all will go to nought, especially her majesty's tenants in the Middle Marches.

There is a fellow called Robert Collingwood, not unknown to your honour, I suppose, for some service done, who was complained upon to the King for a conveyor of letters, a hearer of mass, a haunter of jesuits and papists. I took a letter suspiciously written to him, and another to be delivered, and being demanded to whom it was, he would not confess, but appealed secretly to the knowledge your honor has of him. I stayed him from prison though he be of the number of those that are to be arraigned for hearing mass. I have licensed him for a month to come into England, so that he shew himself to her majesty's commissioners. If he will reform and live a quiet papist, I pray your honour to be good unto him, for in Scotland he can not bide; and if you will hang him, hang him at home, where his friends may pray for his soul. Berwick. Signed: Tho. Randolph.

2¼ pp. Addressed. Indorsed. Marginal notes in Walsingham's hand.

Cott. Calig., C. IX., fol. 311b.

Copy of the same.

460. Sir Cuthbert Collingwood to [Thomas Randolph]. [June 10.]

Expresses surprise at his staying the men contrary to his written promise, and at the request of the Laird of Cesford, who seeks only his own particular credit, and is the master and author of all the thieves' deeds, and who set them first to work to slander him.

This is the first need he had to use his friendship, but seeing he esteems the favour of a thief more than his own promise, he will forbear hereafter to charge him. Signed: Cuthbert Collingwood.

½ p. Copy. Indorsed by Thomas Randolph.

461. Sir Cuthbert Collingwood to [ ]. [June 10.]

Hears he has seen his letter to the ambassador, and is deeply offended. Is sorry he has given cause to report ill to his lordship. If he has offended in any way, will make amends, if they will be accepted. Eslington. Signed: Cuthbert Collingwood.

¼ p. Copy. Indorsed by Randolph: "Sr. Cutberd doth not acknowledge this to be his for there is muche more in the letter boothe in the begynnyng and ending."

462. Thomas Randolph to Walsingham. [June 10.]

That nothing be omitted necessary for your honour's knowledge concerning the causes that I have to deal in, I send your honour the letter that I have received from Mr. Archibald Douglas,—what other title to give him, I know not, though, by the credit he has with the King and the other promoted that was Secretary, in the opinion of many he is like to have that place.

Perhaps there may be in my letter what is not in his, specially that of the convention of which I wrote your honour, whereunto the King made me privy before my departure, assuring me there should be nothing done to impede the league, as especially that of James Stewart which was moved unto me from the now Vice-chancellor to move the King further against him. My answer was it concerned them most that put him out of his place to see that he did not return, and that I doubted that some of themselves had yielded unto his abode within the realm, and I advised them to look unto themselves.

To Mr. Archibald I answered that I would first see what they will do for themselves before I speak or write of that matter, and prayed him in the mean season to take no knowledge that he had written to me of any such matter. As to their request to him to know his course with the King, I have advised him to give this answer; that if their intents be godly honest and dutiful as his shall be, that then no man shall be more willing than he to concur and join with them.

For that which is last written concerning the combat, your honour sees how it was taken and what report is made of it, though in verity only the jades not worth 6l. were taken away. I have willed Thomas Milles to deal herein as near as he can to the King's contentment, although the thing is not to be compared to the burning and spoiling of her majesty's subjects upon the water of Esk and Middle Marches.

The commissioners are now named, the Earl of Rothes, Lord Boyd and Sir James Hume, Captain of Edinburgh Castle, a very honest gentleman.

Upon Milles' return your honour shall know how the world stands there, and receive with as much speed as we may such answer as he brings. Berwick. Signed: Tho. Randolph.

1¼ pp. Addressed. Indorsed by Walsingham.

Cott. Calig. C. IX., fol. 313.

Copy of the same.

463. Thomas Milles to Thomas Randolph. [June 10.] Cott. Calig., C. IX., fol. 350.

On coming to Edinburgh understood that the King had returned to Falkland to spend some few days in private there with her majesty's bucks.

The Secretary was in Edinburgh notwithstanding. Was therefore drawn to some straits lest, leaving him unspoken with to go to the King by the present tide, he might offend him and advance his business in no way. Imagined he could not despatch him hence without the King, and he being at his coming up at the tollbooth, and earnestly busied with the sessions, resolved to leave his excuses with Mr. John Lang in whose house he [the Secretary] now dwells, and in company with the Master of Gray and Mr. Archibald Douglas, then also bound to the King, passed over at Leith to Kinkorne and thence to Falkland. Although he came late the King was not yet back from hunting. Was sent for next morning. Told the King he [Randolph] did kiss his hands and gave him his letter. That being read, said he was sent to attend upon him with two letters from her majesty. While opening the paper in which they were the King caught the smaller and read that first, and after read both. He said he thanked her majesty for them both, but especially for her great pains taken in the smaller, and would write again to her in a day or two. He was glad to see thereby that she was in health, protesting that he would serve her next to God, before any Prince in the world. In sum, he rested exceedingly well satisfied. Perceived it himself, and was told so by Mr. Archibald and the Master since.

Showed him that her majesty's pleasure was that he should know how thankfully she took the favour and grace he had extended to Mr. Archibald Douglas, recommended to him by her, her special liking of his answer to the French ambassador touching the King of Navarre, what she had already done for apprehending the coiner, and her own desire for her satisfaction in honour touching the entry of the Carrs, which she liked not to be at any places desired by them, but at Carlisle into Lord Scrope's hands where they should be safe, notwithstanding their pretended fear, and receive their trial as soon as the process could be framed.

Let the King see a copy of the Secretary's letter written to him by her majesty's direction, touching these four points, which he enlarged as he could, having long and free speech with him. After he had read it he said he was glad her majesty was so satisfied. For the matter of the Carrs, they should enter at Carlisle as she desired. Thereupon desired to know a day that Lord Scrope might be advertised thereof. That, he said, he could not determine but would advise him [Randolph] later upon the time in a letter in company with a letter for her majesty which he would send him. He could not do it for the present having neither Secretary nor writer with him. This was his final answer touching the matter.

Told him he had some other things wherewith he was not willing to trouble him, but requested his grace to appoint someone about him to whom he might show them. He asked what they were. Answered, two great attempts and insolences done in a few days on the West Borders, and the disordered men of Liddisdale upon the Middle Marches, whereof complaints and letters had been newly received from Lord Scrope and Sir John Foster. He replied that the Secretary should be told thereof whilst he is in Edinburgh, that he might take order therein. Here he took occasion to complain of the late doings of Sir Cuthbert Collingwood whereof the Court was full, adding that rude as his borderers were he was glad that the offence proceeded not from them.

Was told by him what perplexity he was in about his commissioners. The Earl of Rothes, being very evil at ease, and subject to an infirmity, laboured to be excused, and the Earl Marshall, being 80 miles off, could not be ready against the day that now was so near. He asked if two might not perform it if the Earl of Rothes could not. Said he had not seen the Commission nor knew the form, and therefore could not satisfy him, but said the Earl of Rutland had already departed, and the journey was not great for the Earl of Rothes. If the Earl of Rothes cannot go, the King will be forced to take the Earl of Mar, young as he is. He knows not what to do but desires to have word what form the Commission bears. Was told that Sir James Hume of Cowdenknowes, with Lord Boyd, should be the third, whoever were the Earl, he being a fitter man and match for him [Randolph] than Mr. James Melville, being a knight, a keeper of a castle, and of the Exchequer as he is also. Was brought his packet by "Ritchie" Brown, together with the Commission and a form of the league, and other letters from him before coming to his lodging. Having read them, went back to the King, and showed them both to him. He was glad that the clause ran with this clause—'Dantes et concedentes eis aut eorum duobus plenam facultatem, &c.,' and again about the end, 'Promittentes bona fide et in verbo regio nos ea omnia quæ per dictos commissarios nostros seu eorum duos promissa; pacta, &c.' He promised to do his best to have the Earl of Rothes there, and lamented he had so small choice of earls fit for that service to honour the Earl of Rutland withal. Has left a remembrance with Mr. Archibald to call on his majesty for his letters to her majesty and to determine the day for the Carrs' entry at Carlisle, also for sending the Earl of Rothes or one of like quality. Showed the King his letter from Mr.Wilkes. He seemed content therewith through Mr. Archibald's help, who could inform him at large of that matter, but what the Secretary says to it and other things, will report himself.

Before leaving Falkland, the Laird of Cessford sent his clerk warden to the King, with his [Randolph's] letter for the stay of the combat and made complaint of "roads" being made by some of Sir Cuthbert's men after he had sealed them. The King, having heard what he [Randolph] had done in the matter, would neither receive nor hear anything thereof by Monteith.

Hears this morning that Cessford himself has ridden to Falkland. Guesses it is to complain of disorders fallen out since the receipt of his letter. He can hear from the bearer what a stir there is about it. Looks to hear somewhat of it from the Secretary.

The King has caused to "shot" the convention, because he had no will thereof. Some believe it will be after the commissioners have done at Berwick, and others that it will not be at all, except the King like better of the matters to be propounded than he does. Meant to have stayed at St. Andrews on Tuesday to see the issue thereof, if it had helped. Mr. Peter Young is sorry that his voyage into Denmark is laid "a water" thereby.

Purposes to wait upon him soon, so soon as he can be despatched by the Secretary on whom he only attends and will bring other things he has to say.

Mr. Archibald Douglas desires that his last letter to him be despatched to the Secretary and the Treasurer by the first, for he desires an answer from them with expedition. Also sends the inclosed from him, which needs not the great haste of the others. Edinburgh. Signed: Tho. Milles.

4²/3 pp. Flyleaf after the next letter. Addressed. Indorsed.

464. Sir Amias Powlet to Walsingham. [June 10.] C.P., vol. XVIII.

The inclosed letter was sent to him by a young merchant, his countryman, remaining at Bordeaux. By it he may perceive that the Papists hold still for an infallible maxim and practise it in their doings, that "fides hereticis data non est servanda."

Have been advertised here by two letters from mean persons at London to some of the Scottish train that the Laird of Barnbogle, father to the two gentlewomen called Mowbray who serve this Queen, will be here very shortly.

These letters also mention two or three mean persons lately come out of France and gone to Scotland, and of others come out of Scotland and gone to France.

Thinks it not greatly material, but agreeable with his duty to advertise their names hereunder written. Chartley. Signed: A. Powlet.

Come out of France and gone to Scotland:—The Laird of Custorphin, the Laird of Kelso, Captain Hamilton, Captain Niver. Come out of Scotland and gone to France:—The Laird of Basse, Captain Lawder, James Lawder.

1 p. Addressed. Indorsed.

465. Thomas Randolph to [ ]. [June 10.] Cott. Calig., C. IX., fol. 353.

How many ways the adversaries have attempted to overthrow the league concluded upon from the beginning, you know. And now, for the last point of all—their subtlety, craft, and malice determined to persuade the King to hold a convention at Cupar in Fife, pretending that nothing should be done therein than that the King would himself, the special cause to be the choice of an ambassader to be sent into Denmark, and that it might stand with his majesty's will that the noblemen being then assembled might move the King to marry.

Neither of these could be thought but dutiful and convenient for the King to allow, whereas the most malicious and the devisers of this course tended with common consent to have dissuaded the King from the league.

The King, being made privy thereto, stood some time in suspense what to do—whether to yield to have a convention or not—the more so because the merchants have lately made an offer to him, either that they have the like liberty granted to them that they have in France, or that the league take no place. Not satisfied herewith, their spite has proceeded so far as to stir up a number of thieves to fight a combat with the Collingwoods, unblamed and unspotted with theft, and ever at the same time to have "roads" made into England, as your honour knows by that which I have written to the Secretary. This notwithstanding, I know by the King's word that the league shall go forward, except they take his life! The same is confirmed to me by Mr. Archibald's [Douglas] letter and by private speech with the Master of Glammis, who I trust has by this time testified the same by his letter to the Secretary, and of whom I cannot but write well of, for I have found him well affected to this cause, and pray that he may be so taken and accounted of until there be some just cause to the contrary. I write it the rather for he has heard that there are some even at Court who conceive hardly of him.

Touching the King's marriage, this I write of the King's own speech with me, that he knows that the nobility will move him to marry, and leave to him the choice of three, none Papists, but he swore to me that the Queen my mistress should be made privy to it, and that he would follow her advice before any person living.

He told me also that he had a "more secret" to open to me at my return, that he would I should impart myself to her majesty, which I suppose is touching his marriage, and to which of the three he is best affected.

Seeing this if it please your honour may better come to her majesty's hearing than I can write it, though her majesty gave me commandment to write of these matters only to herself, yet so long as they are doubtful and uncertain I will not presume to write to her majesty, but pray your honour to deliver it as your honour think good. Berwick. Signed: Tho. Randolph.

2 pp. No flyleaf or address.

466. Thomas Barnes to Mary. [June 10.] C.P., vol. XVIII.

The dutiful good mind he has always inwardly borne to her highness has been such as not only has quietly lamented her undeserved state, but has sought by all means possible to yield her comfort in her distressed case or to employ himself and the little he had to do her service. All these intentions, partly through his long imprisonment and partly for divers other causes, hitherto could take no effect until of late having conferred with a kinsman of his about such affairs he imparted to him this kind of service which he could not so earnestly recommend as he [Barnes] willingly accept.

Thinks himself not so much bound to him in respect of their consanguinity as he acknowledges himself beholden to him for this trust and courtesy. Therefore, not only this way, but however it shall please her, she shall find him ready according to his ability to perform as on occasion she shall think convenient to command.

Sends a packet from France, which she would have received before this had he not in this strange country lighted in the hands of thieves, who spoiled him of his horse and money, and forced him to go on foot most of the way.

Expects her answer as soon as may be, as he would repair again to London to furnish himself with necessaries. Prays she will send him a new alphabet because what he writes by, which he had of his cousin, was worn out.

½ p. Certified by Thomas Barnes to be a true copy of his letter. In the hand of and deciphered by Gilbert Curll. 5 October 1586. [With No. 473.]

467. Burghley to Thomas Randolph. [June.]

Although at the departure of Mr. Milles I did not write to you as I fully purposed to have done, which was not performed because he departed without speaking with me, yet I thank you for your letters sent to me, containing some form of your proceedings, and noting the difficulties and obstacles which you found there, wherein it appears that in two principal points the misliking is bred in some curious heads.

The first is that the sum of money, 4000l., was less than was looked for; the second, that the instrument sent in writing for assurance to that King, as well of the pension, as also that nothing should be done to the prejudice of his pretended title, was not signed or sealed by her majesty. I am to let you understand her majesty's commandments, what she would have you answer thereunto. First, her majesty avows that she never assented to any greater sum than 4000l., and, as is true, it is more by a thousand pounds than either herself or her sister, Queen Mary, had assigned to them by their father. If any there have otherwise conceived by any message done by Mr. Wotton or any other, her majesty expressly says she never gave commission to name any great sum. She has sent for Mr. Wotton, who is in Kent, to be examined thereof and to write the truth of his doings therein.

For the other point, in not returning the instrument signed, her majesty has considered thereof and found in it many things meeter to pass betwixt strange persons who sought assurance of profit by force of words written and instruments sealed than by force of mutual kindness.

But her majesty respecting rather the substance of the said instrument than the lawlike form did forbear to admit the same in such form, and did by her letter of 26th of April to that King clearly declare her mind as well for her care of his safety and for helping his need, as also for the late clause required by the said instrument concerning the King's satisfaction that he should not fear any acts done by her majesty to damnify him in any sort, either in the present or future time, and also thereto added her liberal mind for his relief, with augmentation of the same rather than diminution.

Her majesty thinks if these two matters be well weighed there is no cause given to breed any misliking. I send here inclosed the clauses of her majesty's letters concerning these two matters. If, upon reading these two clauses, the King is not fully satisfied, you may require to understand what larger words he would desire concerning his indemnity. You are to beware not to give him any comfort to have mention made of any title, as it seems is chiefly intended by the instrument.

1¾ p. Copy. Indorsed.

Another copy of the same.

468. Mr. Archibald Douglas to Walsingham. [June 11.] Cott. Calig., C. IX., fol. 344.

"Pleis your honour, since the direction of my utheris onto you of the dayte ix June I went to the court at Falkland in companye wyth Thomas Myllis, who is so veill able to discharge him self boyth of his message and matteris occurreit heir that I neyd not to trouble your honour wyth ony lynis at this tym—this farre onely excepted, that if your honour shall lyk weill of ony mater or overtur contenit in my last, the man who send the letter of credit most be considerit of in ressonable maner, and attonement mayde betuixt the Master of Gray and him, which I sall do gud vill to see performit."

"Bessidis thes two, I see no grete resson that any utheris neadeth to be delte wytheall, or to onderstand ony fordar, bot to obey and depend upon thayr Prince and his proceadingis, who is altogether favorable."

"This convention that shuld haif haldin at Cowpar in Fyfe is lyk to turn to nothing, partly because the cravaris thayrof doeth not ernestly insist at thes tymis be resson of the Erll of Huntly his desease, partly also becaus the King of him self desseris to avoyde skandall, and lykis not veill thayrof."

"I am bolde to put your honour in remembraunce that you ar bund for my cause to Mr. Morley and to Mr. Smyth in Chap syde for dyveris soumes of money, who is lyk to be werray unhable to relef yow be payment oneles that your honour may helpe your self be gettin of the bill passit, which I mes leif to your honouris gud remembrance. And so I tak my leif, from the Court at Falkland." Signed: A. Douglas.

1 p. Holograph, also address. Indorsed.

469. Thomas Randolph to Walsingham. [June 12.]

I had no sooner read this letter but so made it expedient to be sent unto your honour, that neither time nor space may be lost.

As I was writing of the same I received your honour's letter of the 8th touching certain things to be inserted into the league, which I fear will come very short to be done in time, although I will send it away with as much speed as I can. The King is at Falkland, and the Secretary at Edinburgh.

I pray your honour to return Thomas Milles' letters to me with speed. I think it well to make known what is in them. Berwick. Signed, also on the back, Tho. Randolph.

Postscript.—My Lord Chamberlain hath written how my lord of Rutland should be received, but no word of the Scotts, but to keep strait watch and ward. Neither lodging, provision nor anything for her majesty's honour. As for bread, beer, or flesh this town was never so bare. Only one poor officer keeps house besides myself, who does it magnificently, though you suffer me and mine to beg when I come home. I have received a number of complaints against Sir John Foster; I know not how far our commission reaches to touch such a man that has undone as many as he has.

1 p. Addressed. Indorsed in different hands, "Delivered at Bar. the 12 of June at x in ye morn." "Rec. at Ware 15 Junii at past eyght in the morninge. Rec. at Waltam Cross the 15 of June at past tene in ye forenoone."

Cott. Calig., C. IX., fol. 346, 349.

Original of the same.

470. [Thomas Milles] to [Thomas Randolph]. [June 12.] Cott. Calig., C. IX., fol. 347.

Returning from Falkland to Edinburgh I acquainted the Secretary with such things as the King had referred to him. First I let him understand how well the King rested satisfied with her majesty's letters, purposing to write an answer again himself, also his determination for the delivery of the Carrs at Carlisle, the certain day of whose entry, after he had advised thereon, he would write to you himself.

Then I showed him the draft of the treaty and delivered him a true copy, which he examined and held whilst I read through the other, and liked very well. I did the like with the commission, which he read himself twice, advisedly, and disliked nothing therein. I also gave him a copy of Mr. Wilkes' letter which the King had read before, and showed him how well he was satisfied thereby. I showed him Mr. Secretary's [Walsingham's] own letter, with the reasons of altering the 9th article, and left with him a copy of it also.

Lastly, I laid before him Lord Scrope's and Sir John Foster's letters of complaint of two late attempts on the West and Middle Marches, for which it was the King's pleasure that he should take order. To this he gave me a separate answer, which, for my discharge and your better satisfaction, I prayed him he would "appostill" with his own hand upon a paper that I had purposely provided. The effect of his "appostill" is that for the redress of the late attempts on the Borders, in regard to the nearness of the time, he thought it most convenient to remit to the Commissioners, but that he would forthwith give order for the prisoners taken to be sent home again and delivered. He thought well of the omitting of the 9th article for the reasons alleged in the letter, yet he would know the King's pleasure concerning it.

I left the King at Falkland as busy as he might be with the bucks, purposing after a day or two to go to Dunfermline to teach the Master of Gray to be a good husband, as he told me himself.

The Secretary told me that he would be with the King on Monday morning, and then you should receive full answer of all things touching the Commissioners, and the Carr's entry, etc. The Master of Gray is now persuaded and resolved not to think of his Flanders journey, and to attend on the King, yet he expects Mr. Hackerson's return and will be ready with so many men as the Earl of Leicester shall send for, and go with them if the earl send money and require him to. Otherwise he will send the men over, and stay himself.

The King purposes that either the Master of Gray or Mr. Archibald Douglas shall come to England about the taking of the oath, of which the Secretary knows not, but accounts to procure Coldiknowes that honour, a man more at his devotion than the other two. [In the margin—I believe Mr. Archibald shall be sent, for the Master is now willing to keep with the King and to prefer Mr. Archibald to it.] Mr. Archibald desires that Mr. Secretary [Walsingham] should return answers of the last letters he wrote to his honour and the Lord Treasurer.

The Secretary still holds both the secretaryship and his new vicechancellorship, to the great offence of many. The King is much led by Mr. Archibald and is advised by him against the Secretary's will, especially in the matters that concern this amity and league. The King is careful of the Master of Gray, and will not have him to be from about him, advising him to play the good husband, and has made him discharge the great companies that were wont to hang upon him, for doubt of the Earl of Crawford, whose feud made him ride with sundry armed [men] with jacks, spears, and pistols, to his great charges.

The Laird of Wemyss, seeing the Master's voyage not likely to hold, has resolved to return again to the King of Navarre, and would find the way to carry over 1000 or 2000 men with him to his service, if his ability reached to it, but wanting means by himself he prayed me heretofore to acquaint you with the motion, and now also very earnestly intreated me—he made me a remembrance hereof in my book of tables—to remember him to you, and that the motion might be recommended to Mr. Secretary. He has already written to Monsieur de Buseneall. I guess, about it. I believe for 1000l. in support he would do a good piece of service to the King of Navarre, and anger the French King. Unsigned.

2½ pp. No address. In Thomas Milles' hand.

471. Sir Amias Powlet to Walsingham. [June 15.] C.P., vol. XVIII.

Mr. Pierrepoint on the receipt of your letters on the 10th of this month declared that his daughter lost her time with this Queen, and therefore being willing to bestow her in marriage, as also for his own comfort, his house being not very well furnished with children, he had been a suitor to you of late that his daughter might be restored to him. Coming out of London in haste he had not seen you, but understood by your letters that his suit was granted. He trusts this Queen will not refuse to deliver her, praying the messenger to signify to me that his servants should be here for that purpose on the 14th instant.

They arrived here on the prescribed day, bringing the letter inclosed. I prayed to have access to this Queen and was refused upon pretence that she had a pain in her side, as indeed she has been diseased these nine or ten days, and therefore desired to be forborne until the next morning.

I then declared to her that, according to the motion made to her majesty by the French ambassador for licence for young Mistress Pierrepoint to return to her father, her highness had signified her pleasure therein to Mr. Pierrepoint and myself, and that Mr. Pierrepoint having sent men and horses for his daughter, I prayed she might be delivered to them.

This Queen answered that she is intreated herein as in her other suits for her servants, and touching her poor folk at Easter, having received no answer to either, and how she trusted to have heard from her majesty of her assent to this motion by her own letters. I told her it was sufficient unless the matter were more weighty to understand her highness' pleasure by me, and she had reason to be satisfied that her request was granted.

"Yet," said she, "it should have been advertised in time to have prepared all things necessary for the young gentleman," wherein she had to consider her own honour, and that her tailor was hurt—as indeed he was in a drunken fray between two of her servants—so that nothing could be prepared for her.

I answered that she was provided with sufficient clothes, and went from hence to her father's house. "I must tell you," said the Queen, "that she is unprovided of smocks, which are now in making, and she may not want them."

"Madam," quoth I, "one smock is sufficient to bring her home."

"I have brought her up," she said, "now many years, and I would be loth to leave her but with the satisfaction of her friends, and I know not whether they have been truly informed of my meaning."

I informed her her father had been informed of the speech delivered by the French ambassador, which he had signified to me by his letters.

"Will you be content," quoth she, "to show me those letters?"

"Yea Madam," quoth I, and sending for them, showed them to her, which also I send to you, that you may know that nothing was in them meet to be kept from her.

After many words I prayed her to consider that the motion came from her, her majesty had yielded to it, and that the gentlewoman's father had sent 9 or 10 horses for her 50 miles, and wished her to take order that she might be delivered.

She prayed respite for one hour, and then sent Curll to signify that she would not suffer this gentlewoman to depart until she had answer of her motion from the French ambassador how her majesty was satisfied therein.

I answered Curll that the message was of such weight that I could not receive it second-hand, and therefore prayed access again to his mistress.

This being granted, this Queen told me the same in substance, adding that she could not tell if Sir Francis Walsingham had truly delivered her majesty's mind, because she had been handled ill that way divers times heretofore. I prayed her to think that you would not misreport her majesty, and that it would be thought above that her highness' pleasure signified by your letters and reported by me, ought to carry as good credit with her as anything from the French ambassador. She said she prayed the ambassador to move many other circumstances wherein she was not answered, and I answered that she had the substance of her request.

"If I should deliver this young gentlewoman," said she, "after this sort it would be to her slander as though she departed from me for some fault." I answered that her departure was not sudden but had been long in question and that her father had been informed of the true cause thereof, to this Queen's honour and the full discharge of the gentlewoman, as might appear in his letters to me, which she had seen.

Then she came again to her clothes, which I said would be no answer "above." When I saw she would come to no reason I told her I was commanded to deliver her to her father's servants when they came for her, and required that she might be delivered to me, which was denied. I prayed leave to signify my commission to the young gentlewoman in her presence, which I did in the hearing of all in the chamber. I required her to be content to depart with her father's servants, wherein she should show herself dutiful and obedient to the Queen my mistress, and also do good service to this Queen.

After many words to the young gentlewoman this Queen concluded that she should not depart until she heard further, and the young gentlewoman said she would do nothing without her direction. I told her I would not draw her out of her mistress' chamber by force, bnt required her to depart with her father's servants. So I left them; and surely I left this Queen as much perplexed as I have seen her.

I sent word to Mr. Pierrepoint's servants that this Queen would not deliver the young gentlewoman at this time, and that their master should not send again for her until he receive new direction from above. The Queen looked for nothing less than that she should be taken from her, but if she should depart hereafter I do not doubt but that her mistress will not fail to make her profit largely of it, and you may believe that she will prefer this means before all other. Being willing to follow her majesty's direction signified by Mr. Micasius' letters, I caused one of my servants to lie in wait for Mr. Pierrepoint's men and to stay them from coming near to the house, to the end this Queen might receive the first advertisement of this message from myself. My audience being denied in the evening I also refrained to advertise the cause until my coming to this Queen's presence. Chartley. Signed: A. Powlet.

Postscript.—I thank you most heartily for your letter inclosed, and for your other foreign advertisements.

4 pp. Postscript in Powlet's hand. Addressed. Indorsed.

Inclosure with the same:—

(Mr. Pierrepoint to Sir Amias Powlet.)

Thanks him for sending his man with the Secretary's letter. Understands thereby that the Scottish Queen, being loth to hinder his daughter who attends her from such preferment as might come to her by some convenient marriage, has made earnest means to her majesty by the French ambassador that his daughter may be licensed to repair home to him, which her majesty has graciously assented to.

Has sent some of his servants to conduct her to him, and would gladly have attended himself upon him, but dare not presume so far without knowledge of his pleasure.

Beseeches him to send his humble thanks to the Queen her mistress for her. Holbeck Woodhouse the 13th of June. Signed: Pierrepoint.

¾ p. Holograph, also address. Indorsed.

472. Mr. Pierrepoint to Walsingham. [June 16.] C.P., vol. XVIII.

Received his letter on the 10th instant by a servant of Sir Amias Powlet. Hoping to have received his daughter who attends the Scottish Queen, sent some of his servants to Chartley to bring her thence. They have returned this night with this message from Sir Amias Powlet delivered by one of his servants to his men, that the Scottish Queen and his daughter were loth to part, and that he would forthwith write upon notice thereof, and upon answer of her majesty's pleasure he would write further.

Thought it his duty to advertise him thereof, with desire to accomplish to the uttermost her majesty's pleasure when he shall understand the same. Holme. Signed: Pierrepont.

1 p. Holograph, also address. Indorsed.

473. "Barnaby" [Thomas Barnes] to Gilbert Curll. [June 16.] C.P., vol. XVIII.

Sir, in the way from London I met yours of the 20th May— according to the reformed calendar, which I will hereafter follow— which the bearer delivered, and [he] is returned with this letter only.

I was bold to persuade the ambassador to bestow an angel upon him, which would be a great encouragement to him, being a foot-boy, to run it, being also the manner of our nation and a trifle in the whole year to her majesty.

Wherefore it may please you to give credit to this motion by your next to the said ambassador, which was done in truth for her majesty's better service.

My brother desires to be troubled as little as he may with writing, but is content to bear any charges, as I am any pains, for her majesty's good.

Howbeit the alphabet, in respect of any occasion that may happen in my absence is common between us, yet I shall not be long at any time far off, but your directions may be sent to myself. The 23rd of this present I will repair for answer. God have you in his keeping. Lichfield.

½ p. Copy in Curll's hand. Deciphered by him, 5 October 1586.

474. Mr. Archibald Douglas to Thomas Randolph. [June 16.]

"The ressonis moving the King to be so ernist in craving of his promes ar these, which he prays may be kept secret. The Secretarie hath travelit to persuade him that if he shud deliver these men which ar promissit, and then that they shalbe ill usit, he shalbe constrenit to flea owt of his awn realme as did Edward Balliole, when as he promisit bessides the advise of his nobilitie and subjects to follow the advise or rather appetit of the King of England. Bessides that hir Majesty will easely move to alter ony promes mayde by the meanis of sum gentilwomen that ar about hir favoraris and fryndis to the late Sir Francis Russel, whereby he may fall in a inconvenience irrecoverable; if, he shuld yeald to all hir majesty's appetits."

"Besides this I am instruit, but of ane such certeynty as I dar affirme it, that promes hath beyn mayd be the party to the French ambassador that no matter concernyng this league shalbe endit before July. It is thocht that contrepromisse hath also followit that such new matter shall com furte of that realm, this mydle tyme that may tend to make the King to stay the concluding of the league."

"The better to effectuat theyre unknawin desseynis and to breade the greter doubt in the King, they haif gevin it owt of layt heir that her majesty's hule forces ar effaicit in Holland and that my lord of Leycester is either fledd or then in fleying to Ingland wherby her majesty's state may be reducit, in greit uncertaynty at leist in no small trouble.

"Your lordship may consider that these motions tendis to no other end bot to hold off the ending off this league for sum short space, to see what tyme may produce in helping of theyre desseynis, which are partly descoverit bot as yit no vysse helpit.

Howbeit these and the ylik persuasions had movit the King thus farr to wryte that your lordship mycht be letturis betwixt you and the Secretary reduce matters debateable in nearer termes before the meatinge of the Commissioners. Yit howson I had spoken unto him and declarit that that fasshion of dealinge wold breade an opinion that it was don to protract furder tyme than wold be takin in good part; he alterit his former resolution in this farr and desirit that you mycht certifie that if also it shuld appen that the Secretary socht to protract tyme or any longer dealay of the cominge of his Commissioners in Berwike than the morrow eftir the xxv day of this instant, to which tyme he had alreddy yealdit, that in that case you mycht deale wyth himselfe whom you shuld fynd no wysse changit.

Your lordship knawis to what end the delivery of these men budis if this promes that the King cravis so ernistly may stand with this end that is proiected. I can see no greit ressons to the contrar wherfor it may not be yealdit onto. If it shalbe granted, which I must leif to the consideration of the hyar powar, this far I must pray your lordship, that it may be knawin heir that sum thing has byn performed theirunto at my request.

I think it shalbe verray necessayrie that Mr. Thomas Millis or sum uther distinct man may remayn heir that may from tyme to tyme remit these vayn impressionis that are dayly beatin in the King his head by the makir of such as travelis at powar to hynder gud purposis, wyth such as shall com hither. I think it shalbe well done to send to the King himself the copy of that part of her majesty's lettir which concernis the delivery of these men and to late him be instructed to affirme onto the King that no consulors lettir can make derogation onto that which is promised by hir majesty's awn letters, and to affirm that no such mater as delay of meeting of the Commissioneris is ment by your lordship.

I pray you to make Sir Frances Walsingham acquaynted with the contentis of boyth these letteris as also to late his honor be informed that albeit these bessye dealarris be doing what they can to alter his majesty's mind, I see no apperance of eny hasty alteration thayrof, nayther of the present state, oneles it shall com from other cuntryis whereonto his honor must take hied.

"The Master of Gray is not yet returnit to Court, I mynd to attend heir induring his absenis and theyrefter to cum to Edinburgh for doing of sum of my particular bussines, vpon the well doing whereof I haif neid to be mair provident than hertofor I haif beyn. God preserve you, from the Court at Falkland this xvi of Junii." Signed: Knovin.

Postscript.—By this report of the other messenger whom I haif relevit to firdar occasion may be offerit of sending to your lordship, I haif beyn informit that search hath beyn mayde to interceppt letters, wherof I haife thocht meit to gif you advertisement that you may instruict the beraris to take the better heid.

2¾ pp. Written and addressed in Mr. Archibald Douglas's hand. Indorsed.

Cott. Calig., C. IX., fol. 316 b.

Copy of the same.

475. Mr. Archibald Douglas to Thomas Randolph. [June 16.]

Pleis your lordship beand departed from Courte towartis the Lord Gray his place in companie with ye master his sone, for the space of two or thrie dayis for aggreance of sum materis betwixt the said lord and sum of his nichtbors thare, I ressavit your severall letteris of ye dayittis xi and xii of Junii upon the xiii and xiiii of ye samy. Immediatlie I reparit to Courte, whare I had large conference with his majesty whose pleasor wes to schaw that he had directit letters from him selff to hir majesty, and ane pleasant letter to your selff with full assurance that he remanit the same man and of ye same mynd, that your lordship left him at departure.

It was his hienes pleasour also to make me acquaynted with sum letters that he had ressavit from his Secretarye, conteining in substance sum argumentis yat in suche speache as had cumit from your selff, and be the sicht of the coppye of letters send from Sir Francis Walsinghame. Yair was repugnant contrarietye, wherupone grit inconvenienc micht ensew if yat mater was not maid clere before ye meitting of ye Commissioneirs, at leist before ye delivarye of the gentilmen that ar promisit to be delivered to be tryit of the facinorous fact of Sir Francis Russell; and in like maner concerning sum presumptyve argumentis wherbye he wold move his majestie to beleiff that it was your desire to haif yis meitting of ye Commissioneris stayit, for sum certane space; whereupon his majesty did declayre yat ye Secretarye had taken occasion to wryte ane letter to your lordship foundit upon some groundes contenit in your letteris to delay your meitting quhill ye fourte of ye next monethe.

The alledgit contrariety is this, that you shuld promeis that ye personis delivered shuld not be touched in bodye or lyfe onles lauchefull tryall suld preceid, according to the lawes of the Borders betwixt ye realmes with the remanent promeis contenit in hir majesty's lettir. The wordis contenit in Sir Francis Walsingham's lettir beris that tryall of ye saidis personis most be defferit to sum vthir tyme, be ressone the depositionis of witnesses and vthir mater to be layd aganis yame can not presently be had. Whereupon, is inferit how relevantly I leif to your bettir consideratione, that if any depositionis of witnesses that can be gottin in Ingland shalbe vsit agains thame, thair tryall can nayer be lauchfull nayer according to the lawis; betwixt the realmes, quia testibus non testimoniis est credendum.

The argumentis presumptyve wherupone yai wold move his majesty, as said is, ar collected that thaire is so manie divers matteris be your letteris craved that in so short space can not be performed. Igitur, etc.

When it pleasit his majesty to gif me leve to answer, I affermit to ye first, I thocht his majesty had so well consavit of ye deliverye of these men in Ingland at ye tyme when ye promes yairof was made to ye ambassador, that ye delay could not now cum veill in questione, princelie honor salvit. Besydes, his majesty micht remayne satisfeit anent ye alledgit contrarety in respect of the wordes of hir majesty's lettir delivered to ye ambassador to whiche no consalloris lettir culd mak onye derogatione. Aftir sum fordar ressoning, it was his majesty's pleasor to gif this answer:—He bindes the Quene to be loving of himselff and of his weilfair. And Sir Francis to be boyth upricht and honorabill in all his actionis, if athir of bothe wold gif yair worde be wryting ayder to him selffe or to me, according to yat whiche ys contenit in her majesty's lettir send of befor to your lordship, ye men shuld be delivered and ye promeis mayd shuld be knawin to no creature on lyve. The ressonis moving him to crave this promeis, I most leif athir to meating or sum vyir lettir.

As to ye second, anent ye delay cravit be ye Secretarye for ye meitting of ye Commissioners, his majesty thinkes it var to longe ane tyme to hold such nobilmen so long ane space together, without the doinge of onye guid mater. And yairfore it hathe beyne his majesty's pleasor to geve me command to certifie this far unto your lordship, that upon onye lettir to be send from you to him dissiring that his Commissioners shuld be at Berwik at onye tyme, it shallbe your pleasor to appointe, efter ye xxv of this monethe, thay shalbe yair present. Forder vpone boythe these poyntis it hathe beyne his majesty's pleasor to command me to vryte to Sir Francis Walsingham and to your lordship to haif your answeris herupone with suche expedition as may be, becaue of your lordship's present charge, that gevis not permission that onye shuld medle bot be your advise in onye mateirs betwixt ye realmes. I most crave leve of Sir Francis that I wryte not to his honor at yis tyme, and pray your lordship that yis letter may serve to crave suche answer of his honor as may serve for discharge of that whiche my soverayne hathe commandit me to wryte, whiche answer I luik your lordship will haistin hither so sone as your lordship can. The Erle of Bothwell hes bene heir at Courte vpone ye xv of yis instant, who wuld haif movit me be longe speaches to have movit his majesty that he micht haif bene supersedit from ye accepting of yis Commission upone him, in place of ye Erle of Rothes to meit as Commissioner. I understand his majesty hes commandit him to repair home to mak him in readines agains ye day appointit, but as yet it is uncertain whidder ye charges shalbe laid by him or ye Erle of Mar. So leving to trouble your lordship with furder lettir, I commit you to the protectione of ye Almichty. From ye Courte at Falkland this xvi of Junii 1586. Your lordships always to be commandit with service. Signed: A. Douglas.

1½ pp. Addressed. Indorsed.

Cott. Calig., C. IX., fol. 315 b.

Copy of the same.

476. The Master of Gray to Burghley. [June 16.]

Since the return of his servant, Thomas Tyrie, has not had leisure to write. He will follow the wise counsel given to him, especially touching his voyage to the Low Countries, and his absence from the King. He would never have designed such a voyage except for the good will he bears her majesty.

Seeing her majesty thinks his services would be more valuable at home, he is resolved to remain, and do all he can that the two sovereigns live in the good course they are in at present. He perceives that they have many enemies in the realm. Understands that within a short time the King is to send in commission to her majesty Mr. Archibald Douglas who accounts himself much beholden to his lordship, and would be glad to give some evident testimony of it. At the Court in Falkland. Signed: Master of Gray.

1½ pp. Holograph, also address. Indorsed by Burghley's clerk.

477. Thomas Randolph to Walsingham. [June 16.]

Now that my lord of Rutland is so near hand I trust your honour will not think it amiss that I acquaint his lordship with such things as concern the causes he comes for, and therefore I have sent Thomas Milles this day to Newcastle to inform him of what I wrote last unto your honour, and what I received yesterday out of Scotland.

I am sorry that the quarrel they pick, and cause that they seek of new delay, should have any ground from us for want of that foresight that ought to have had all things perfectly set down in due time. Matters having been so long in deliberation with you, they justly allege that the time will not serve them to do all that they would. I mistrust not but that a meeting shall be, though not at the just time, which if they do not perform, let the fault light on them that are most fault worthy; I am sure there is none in me.

As for the Carrs, who are so full of mistrust of her majesty's word, that so much ado must be made for them that they must choose the place of their imprisonment and before whom they will be tried, her majesty, if she list, may have it brought to pass that it may cost them more of their lives than obeying her highness' will.

To that point of his letter, I pray your honour make some short answer and urge the King's promise, for all these delays come only from the Secretary, who being at Edinburgh writes the King's pleasure from Falkland. Berwick. Signed: Tho. Randolph.

1¼ pp. Addressed. Indorsed.

478. James VI. to Thomas Randolph. [June 16.]

I have received your letter and shall use your counsel. You shall receive here inclosed a letter of my own hand to the Queen thanking her for her two letters. My Secretary has written to desire you that the meeting of the Commissioners may be continued for a short space. I pray you be assured that necessity and no willingness to linger have driven me thereto, and so by letters may you affirm to all my friends. I assure you I am in all things the same man you left me, and so shall with God's grace continue.

In the meantime I pray you let matters by intercourse of letters be so "drest" betwixt you and my Secretary, as no new occasion of delay arise, and when you differ in anything I shall agree you in the old matter, and therefore remember upon any occasion to write according to your promise. Praying you to assure yourself that the King of Scots is your friend, I commit your old bones, my good lord ambassador, to God's holy protection. From my Palace at Falkland. Signed: James R.

¾ p. Copy. Indorsed by Randolph.

Cott. Calig., C. IX., fol. 315 b.

Copy of the same.

479. Earl of Rutland and Lord Eure to Walsingham. [June 17.]

At our arrival at Newcastle Mr. Milles encountered us with the despatch from Mr. Randolph, which we herewith send you.

We find therein that the Secretary of Scotland requests the day of meeting to be prorogued till the fourth of next month. Wherefore our request to you is that you effectually preserve our humble suit to her majesty, that if within a few days of our arrival at Berwick no commissioners come from Scotland, we may retire home to our own houses.

The Scots are resolving who shall join with us, for we cannot learn by Mr. Milles that the King is fully resolved what Earl shall come, alleging the infirmity of the Earl of Rothes. Newcastle. Signed: Rutland, W. Eure.

Postscript.—With this letter we send you copy of the Secretary of Scotland's letter to Mr. Randolph; copy of Mr. Randolph's answer to the same; copy of Mr. Randolph's letter to me, the Earl of Rutland.

1 p. Addressed. Indorsed by Walsingham.

First inclosure with the same:—

(Sir John Maitland to Thomas Randolph.)

Reviewing the copy of the letter which Mr. Secretary sent, finds the ninth article to be thought impertinent and needless in the league. For his own part, likes well that the time should be protracted. To instruct the Commissioners in all such causes as have been remitted to the meetings since his highness's coronation, cannot conveniently be done upon this sudden. It will be necessary to postpone the day of meeting till the beginning of July next, which his majesty likewise thinks meetest to be done. In the meantime forms and other things material can be inserted in the league, and whatsoever difficulties there are may be communicated to the Princes and their Councillors, and discussed and resolved upon before the meeting.

Concerning the entry into Carlisle of certain gentlemen before their trial, insisted on by the Queen, his highness has written therupon to her majesty, but as yet received no answer. In this as also anent the prorogation of the meeting, expects his speedy answer. Edinburgh. 14th June 1586. Signed: Io. Maitland.

Postscript.—Begs that the bearer may be sent back with expedition.

1¾ pp. Copy. Indorsed. "xiiij Junii 1586. The copy of the Secretary's letter of Scotland to Mr. Randolph at Barwick, for proroging the day of meeting of ye Commissioners. Touching the entry of the Carres and yair triall before the Commissioners."

Second inclosure with same:—

(Thomas Randolph to Sir John Maitland.)

Has received his letters, and finds nothing in them to mislike or that may breed suspicion of delay or indirect dealing. Rutland is this night at Durham with Lord Eure, and is to meet Lord Scrope and sundry other gentlemen of the country at Alnwick.

Has no power or authority to put off the day appointed, and begs that within a day or two, at the furthest, their lordships may be there, lest any suspicion arise.

Advises that there should be no difficulty made about the delivery of certain gentlemen at Carlisle, and that some conference should be had by the Commissioners of their estate touching what is fit to be done with them. Berwick 15th June 1586.

Postscript.—Besides this letter, the messenger is desired instantly to pray that the King's Commissioners should meet to do as they might as the Earl of Rutland would not fail at the day already appointed.

1¼ pp. Copy. Indorsed: "The Coppie of Mr. Randolph's letter to ye Secretary of Scotland Barwick 15 Junii 1586. In answer of his of the 14th from Edinb."

Cott. Calig., C. IX., fol. 315.

Copy of the second inclosure.

480. Thomas Randolph to Walsingham. [June 17.]

Whatsoever I receive now from Scotland I send it first to my lord of Rutland, through whose hands you honour shall receive a letter from the King to her majesty, with a copy of a letter to myself from him likewise. I would that I could find as good dealing with the Secretary as I think there is good meaning in the King. What my lord of Rutland will do, I yet know not, for Thomas Milles is not yet come from him, nor yet two messengers that I sent to the Secretary and to Mr. Archibald Douglas. May it please your honour either yourself to write or to procure some letters to my lord of Rutland and Lord Eure to agree at such controversies and unkindnesses as are betweene the gentlemen of this country, as Sir John Forster, Sir Cuthbert Collingwood, with other Sir Cuthbert, Sir John Selby, Sir Thomas Graye, William Selbye, and Thomas Gray, constable of Warke with many others. Berwick. Signed: Tho. Randolph.

1 p. Addressed: Indorsed.

481. Mr. Archibald Douglas to Walsingham. [June 17.]

Plese your honour, since my last unto you I directed several letteris to my lord ambassador who I beleve hath mayde your honour acquaynted with the contents. By the saidis I was of that opinion, notwythstanding of all these rumoris of apparant mutation within this realme, that in such mater wold fall owt hastely hier oneles the verry grownd shuld come from forayn parts. And of this opinion I do as yet remayn, and will do quhill I knawe furdar, by resson the King hath them himself of late at Falkland gevin affirmation of his constancy unto me as ane mater wherin he doth see his awn benefyt. And the rather I do beleve it because upon the xvij of this moneth David Graham of Fynlie, an man by report to your honour knawin, cam to me as appered derected from the French Ambassador to crave what the Queen Mother to our soverayn mycht luk for at my hand, anent gud dealing in her service.

My answer at the first was that I wold be glayde to onderstand what service culd lye in my powar that mycht be acceptable to her hynes. Eftir sum ressoning he sayd befor it was long theyre wold be mutation in this realm, specially if the matteris in hand wer not endit by her advise. Thayr did sum speach passe hou this mater mycht be compassit in this cuntry, and I did use sum argumentis probable, which he confessit to be trew, that no such mater culd be looked for in this realm at any time, to which arguments he seameth to yeld; bot with all he did affeyrm onte me onder greit secrecy that they lukit shortly to see ane neyr frynd to the King in this realm, so well accumpanyit that his ordinary trayn shuld mak ane sufficient courte and semlye to the Kinge his person, by whom such shuld be displacit as wer ennemies to hir. And hir fryndis advise shuld be harde and followit. I was curius to haif knawin the man and the maner and the moir easely to move to sume dealinge I sayd that I belevit his allie the present Secretary, whose brother's dochter he is to take to wiffe, wuld not lyke of eny such mater, by resson it wold be occasion to tak away sum part of his present credit which gudly he culd not spayr.

I could haif no uthir answer bot that he thocht the party that shuld com hether wold beyr no malice against the Secretary nather agaynst eny of his fryndis, which makes me to beleve that the personage destinat to com hither, if eny shalbe, is the grand-prior, brother on the mother's syde to the layt Secretary Lethington his wife, and unkle to this Secretary his wife.

Of all this mater the King knew nothing untill he was informed theyrof, and hath promised to tak heyde therunto. I haif thocht gud to mak you acquaynted with this fact, to the end that your lordship may discover if theyr be intention in France to derect him or any uthir in these partis, to the end that prevention necessary may be used.

The Secretary, his passionis proceading rather from passionis than gud resson against the ending of this league, dooth dayly moir playnly appeir.

The Master of Glamis is made to believe be him and to geve it out to the noblemen that wer banisshit that ther is no seurty for theym if the King shuld change, bot that which doeth most remayne in the Secretarye his person which I feir wilbe found verray weak if they shall stande in neyde of it.

I schew my opinion by my Lord Ambassador anent those men that shuld be delivered into Ingland to be tryit for the morthor of Sir Francis Russell, and that I thocht it was metest. In respect they wer the cheif men in action of that naym, that they shuld be ressavit and well usit bot seurly kepit one theyr awin chargis quhill they mycht be relevit by ernest intercession from the King upon bond to reenter quhen so evir thay shuld be cald upon, if they were once entered I thinke it possible to gett the verray mertheror to be executed for safety of her majesty's honour wyth the circumstances of the hole facts and thay to remayn natheles under bond as sayd is.

I wrote also to his lordship that it hath beyn his majesty my souvrain's pleasure to deale with me verray often and of layte verray ernestly that I mycht move your honor to geve your word to myselfe alanerly that the saydis to be delivered shuld not be touched in lyff nather eitherwayse used than is contained in her majesty's lettir. In the end I haif mayde promes to do what I can at your honors hand for the effect forsayde. Sir, if it be determinat that no harm shalbe done onto theym, which dooth appeir by hir majesty's lettir most humbly I will pray your honour that it may be your pleasure to wryte such ane lettir to me as may be schawin onto the King, concerninge so far as your honor myndis to keipe, and to let it be understand that your honor is movit to persuade your maisters thayr onto and to condiscend as a consalor by yourself for two respects the one, because it is his majesty's dessir, the uther, because I haif ussit boyth his majesty's nayme and my present credit at your honouris hand for that effect. Albeit I haif takin this farr boldness to request your honour in this mater, I will use this lettir as I shall see cause, and use moderate discretion as hereafter your honour wilbe meyr largely informed. And so most humbly I take my leif. From the Court at Falkland this xvj of Juni. Your honor's most humble to command with service. Signed: A. Douglas.

Postscript.—The King dooth so well lyke of the Master of Gray remaining at home that he is determinat to remayne wyth him at his house in Dunfermling for the present of ten dayis; his majesty myndis to cum thither upon Thursday next.

3½ pp. Holograph. Addressed. Indorsed.

Cott. Calig., C. IX., fol. 317 b.

Copy of the same.

482. Sir Amias Powlet to Walsingham. [June 17.] C.P., vol. XVIII.

Received last evening the packet inclosed, after despatching the post with his other letters, signifying to Nau this morning the cause of the stay thereof. He [Nau] sent Pasquier to him [Powlet] yesterday to tell him that it had not been the custom for his mistress's letters to attend his opportunity but to have been sent away speedily. Prayed him to tell Nau that he did wrong to charge him with any such custom, that he had observed no such custom heretofore, and would not bind himself to any such custom hereafter, and that if the Queen's letters had been delivered to him before the departure of the post they would have been sent with his. Now he would send them as he might. Knows no cause why this Queen's letter should be sent away in post, but because they are likely to concern Mistress Pierrepoint's cause, and were written no doubt in heat and choler, has thought good to send them to him. Has omitted one day therein, that Nau should know he did not like his arrogant message.

Forgot to signify to him that among this Queen's other shifts for detaining Mistress Pierrepoint she alleged that the Countess of Shrewsbury did not love her, and would be glad to take any advantage against her. Therefore it behoved her to send Mistress Pierrepoint away in good order. This Queen told him that she had prayed the ambassador to deal with Mr. Pierrepoint touching his daughter, wherein she was not yet answered, but she would not dwell upon it, so that it seemed that she repented to have said it.

Is likely to hear further of these matters, therefore thinks it not amiss he [Walsingham] should advertise him of his pleasure touching Mistress Pierrepoint before he require the execution thereof, to the end he may forbear the same until he hears again from him [Poulet], if he find good and reasonable cause. Chartley. Signed: A. Powlet.

Postscript.—This Queen, willing to recover her desperate lameness, has taken much physic of late, wherewith she is now faint and weak. Is secretly informed she intends to practise some other experiments she has received of Dr. Bayly. It is not likely therefore that she will come out of her chamber for many days.

May it please him to cause one of his servants to deliver this packet to Mr. Nicasius.

1¹/8 pp. Addressed. Indorsed.

483. Earl of Rutland to Walsingham. [June 18.]

I have now received this letter to her majesty with copies of others from Mr. Randolph which I now send. This is the first time that ever I was employed in negotiations, and my ignorance forces me to suspend my judgment, and I only continue my suit unto you for the procuring of my return. It is disgrace enough unto me to come to the place of treaty and find none to deal with. The Commission is to three or two of us, and surely I may be well spared. My willingness is, and ever shall be, to serve her majesty, yet my ignorance and insufficiency to treat with these, either double or irresolute men, will rather hinder than further their service. "From Newcastle, going towards Berwick." Signed: Rutland.

¾ p. Addressed. Indorsed.

484. The Master of Gray to Thomas Randolph. [June 18.]

I must crave pardon that I have not written an answer to your lordship's letter, received from Mr. Mylles, till now. I was absent from Court with my father.

Mr. Arch[ibald] shall accompany you back out of this country after you return hither, for his majesty is "deliberat" to employ him. I have received very good advice from his majesty, and he asked me the question whether I was indeed come away or not. I shewed him the truth that I was somewhat in doubt. His answer was, "I will that you stay, and if my lord of Leicester crave any men he shall have them in your name." In the mean time I look to hear from my lord of Leicester; some men I have already sent thither, and I shall send without fail when he requires them. I am sorry the men are so perniciously minded that, albeit they cannot stay musters altogether, yet they will that they delay. I speak this because in my absence they want the King to continue the Commissioners' meeting. I think it is only done to see if you of England will take any pique at it. I pray you let them be frustrated on your side, and I shall do diligence here. Falkland. Signed: Mr. of Gray.

1 p. Holograph. Addressed. Indorsed: "I praye you sende me all my letters, and Mr. Archibald's wrytten to me agayne."

485. Gilbert Curll to "Barnabie" [Thomas Barnes]. [June 19.] C.P., vol. XVIII.

As a seven-night before my former, yours dated the 28th April with your cousin's and the whole mentioned therein, came safe to her majesty's hands, so did on the 20th instant your other, dated the 16th of this same conform to the reformed calendar, whereof before now I could not advertise you.

Her majesty thinks herself not a little beholden to your said cousin for finding out and your brother to "pleasure" her majesty in this intercourse, nor less obliged to yourself for your so willing acceptance of the pain and travail that thereby you shall have, which her majesty has commanded me to signify to you in her name, and withal to assure you of her goodwill and thankful mind to recognise the same in effect towards you and all yours wheresoever occasion and means may offer thereunto.

By any error or want of circumspection either in her majesty's self or any here about her person you may be assured no inconvenience has happened to any man whom her majesty has had intelligence withal, or employed as you are, having always kept that order and rule on her side for the surest [way] that never one almost should know of another's dealing for her majesty. That which has overthrown many—to her majesty's extreme grief—has been their own too great curiosity to know more than was requisite for their security and jealousy one of another, after their too liberal revealing amongst themselves of their goodwill in the cause. Towards them and their posterity her majesty, notwithstanding, esteems her and hers bound to acknowledge her obligation therein effectually, and will be no less careful in the meantime of your preservations every way than of her own, which her majesty makes not so much account of for any particular contentment she wishes to herself, as she does for the maintenance of God's cause and the common good of this isle, to which end her majesty has dedicated both her life and labours.

On Monday last this bearer brought hither a letter written to her majesty in [ ]'s (fn. 1) alphabet without any name or sign who wrote it, except only that a certain kinsman of his directed this way to him. The inclosed is for him, desiring to know his name, without which her majesty can ground no sure intelligence with him.

For this day fortnight, which will be the 13th July, her majesty will have a packet finished, to be sent to the French ambassador, wherefore she desires you for that time to hold your boy in readiness, and touching his encouragement her majesty shall let the ambassador know her intention to your contentment.

What correspondence I may give you for my own part in this trade you shall be sure to have, as also the pleasure and service my power can otherwise do you, whom I pray God to preserve. Chartley.

Postscript.—I have thought good to change the ciphered words added to this alphabet into other simple characters as are herein noted, which I pray you use in time coming, as I will, to the end our ordinary writing in case of interception or loss of one be not discovered, as might by the other, and so by consequence, ourselves.

From me to Barnabie at the Quene's majesty my mistress' commandment, Gilbert Curll. 5 October 1586.

1 p. Draft. In Curll's hand. Certified by him. Indorsed: "To F. the 19th June 1586," [old style].

Inclosure with the same:—

(Mary to [Thomas Barnes]).

Whoever you are who has written a letter to me in the alphabet hereof, dated the 10th instant, whereunto before now I could not answer, I must thank you right heartily for the affection declared therein, and the offer you make to let me effectually know the same. But I would more boldly accept thereof and employ you if I knew your particular intention wherein and by what way you would "pleasure" me, and what is your name omitted in your said letter, which by your next I pray you to utter.

In the meanwhile I herewith send you a new alphabet, conform to your desire, and pray God to preserve you. This 19th June, according to the new computation.

¼ p. Draft in Gilbert Curll's hand.

486. Mr. Archibald Douglas to Thomas Randolph. [June 19.]

In my last I wrote to you that I would remain at Court until the Master of Gray's return, and then come to Edinburgh on my own private business. I came thither last Saturday, 18th of June, and received your letter, justly finding fault with the delay of the meeting of the Commissioners.

Truly I may affirm that the King has no part of the blame thereof to be imputed to him. Assurance was given to his majesty that it was your desire to have it delayed, because your Commissioners could not be ready so soon.

Before my departure I moved his majesty to send for the Secretary and Commissioners from Falkland, where they are met with the Earl of Angus, lieutenant for the west countries.

His majesty has commanded that the words sent from you shall be inserted in the league, according as they are set down. The King liked so well the remaining at home of the Master of Gray that he is determined to stay with him at Dunfermline for ten days or more.

His majesty has been very earnest with me and often desired I would move Sir Francis Walsingham to promise that those men which should be "entered," may be used according to the direction of her majesty's letter; the reasons moving his highness are that "unfryndis," whose malice proceeds rather upon passion than good reason, would persuade him that her majesty is directed at the devotion of others, especially of gentlewomen about herself.

I have written to Sir Francis to pray him, if no other matter be intended than that which he said to me at departure, to write me a letter to be shewn to the King, whereby the King may understand that two reasons have moved him to persuade his mistress so to do; the one, his majesty's earnest desire, from reasons known to you, the other tion from his majesty. Upon receipt of such a letter the men will be delivered. Edinburgh. Signed: A. Douglas.

Postscript.—What are the contents of the letters that of late you sent to the Master of Gray, as yet I know not, by reason I sent them both this day to his lordship, and would not open them. I shall leave nothing undone that may further any good purpose.

1 p. Postscript in Mr. Archibald Douglas's own hand. Addressed. Indorsed.

Cott. Calig., C. IX., fol. 321.

Copy of the same.

487. The Master of Gray to Thomas Randolph. [June 19.]

Has received his honour's letter, with one inclosed from Sir Francis Walsingham desiring him to continue the levy of men for Flanders. The matter tends to such delay, he is altogether desperate of it. Wishes her majesty would pray the King to proceed to some other course.

The Commissioners are to be at Berwick on Wednesday next.

Is in haste, as he rides to-night to Falkland. Dunfermline. Signed: Master of Gray.

Postscript.—Sends a copy of a letter received from the Lord of Leicester, but thinks it not good to be sent to Court.

1 p. Holograph, also address. Indorsed.

Cott. Calig., C. IX., fol. 321b.

Copy of the same.

488. The Names of Lord Bothwell's Company. [June 19.]

The names of those quha wer in companie with my Lord Bothwell at Berwick.

Lord Bothwell; Lord Roslyng; Mr. Hercules Stewart of Quhitlaw, my lord's brother; David Collace; Laird of Lesmahago, gret-uncle to my lord; Sir Wm. Stewart, knight of Mouncton; Lord of Nudrie, younger; Mr. Samuel Colburnne of Tempilhall; Mr. Robert Hepburn of Hauch, master of his house; Walter Cairnecorse, Lord of Luget Castle; Lord of Sammelstoun, younger; Lord of Ricartoun, younger; Lord of Mylntoun, younger; David Orme of Priorlethame; Mr. Gilbert Penycuik; Captain Weddell; Captain Renton; Mr. Andro Gray, brother to my Lord Gray; Mr. Robert Gray, brother to ye Mr. of Gray, Lord Dunfermling; Mr. Johnne Edmeston of Ryeslaw; Mr. David Edmeston of Quhelplaw and Burnhouse, esquier; Mr. David Edmeston of the Wollmett; Mr. Allane Orme of Dalry; Mr. Wm. Fowler of Hawik; Mr. James Lawmounth of Sanctandris; Mr. Niniane Chirnesyde, Quhitsumlawes; Mr. James Hepburne of Manishill; Mr. Peter Collace of Quhithouse; Mr. Archibald Chirneside; Mr. Johnne Boig; Mr. Adame Foulerton; Olipher Sinclere of Ravinsnuke; Alexander Stewart of Blaknes; Lord of Humbie; Lord Johnestoun burnne; Mr. George Young, secretare; Mr. Wm. Cathcart, secretare; Mr. David Lindesey; James Car of Middlemestwall; George Craw of Eistrestoun; Wm. Craw of Swounwod.

Besydes thair servandes and office men of horse and "carie,"

1¼ pp. Indorsed. "The names of such as attended on the Earl Bothwell to Berwick, at the meeting of the commissioners, besides a good number of such as attended on Lord Boyd and the Laird of Cowdenknowes."

Cott. Calig., C. IX., fol. 322.

Copy of the same.

489. Mary to Gabriel Denis. [June 20.] C.P., vol. XVIII.

After infinite thanks for his care to make her understand the state of things in these parts, and his goodwill towards all that concerns her, which well appears by his two last letters, one dated the 14th October and the other written immediately after, but without date, acknowledges receipt of all his former [letters] and shows him that before this last month of May, through change of her guard and great restriction, in deed she was not open to receive any new or answer any old at all.

Did not nor yet does but very seldom hear—too late—anything of the state of this realm, much less that in which others are. So is unable to judge thereof at this time, seeing the mutations that have fallen out while she was kept so close, and in consequence without knowledge how to direct any of her friends and servants to proceed either in their common or her own particular cause.

Prays that he will make her participant from time to time of such occurrences as come to his hearing, and his good advice thereon as amply as he can. Chartley.

½ p. Draft, in the hand of Gilbert Curll. Indorsed.

490. Names of the Earl of Rutland's Train. [June 20.]

"The names of my Lorde the Erle of Rutland's trayne, her majesty's Commissioner at Barwicke the 20th of June, 1586."

The Erle of Rutland; Mr. Jhon Manners, his brother; Sir Robert Cunstable, knight; Mr. George Campolle of Linconsheir; Mr. Docter Marberke, my lord's phisition; Mr. Flemminge; Mr. Gygon, his lordship's Chapleines.

Other gentlemen of livinge his servants.

Mr. Phillip Cunstable, esquier; Mr. Raph Bapthorp, esquier; Mr. Marmaduke Grymstone, esquier; Mr. Tho. Gower, esquier; Mr. William Feirse, esquier; Mr. Raph Crathorne, esquier; Mr. William Cartwright, esquier; Mr. Thomas Swyer, esquier.

Gentlemen of his household.

Mr. Strelley, Mr. Dartnell, his gentlemen ushers.

Gentlemen of his Chamber.

Mr. Jeyes, his Secretary; Mr. Newark; Mr. Eltoft; Mr. William Cunstable; Mr. Segrave.

Pages.

Mr. Yorke; Mr. Tindall.

Gentleman of his horse.

Mr. Bodley.

Gentlemen wayters.

Mr. Roger Cunstable, Mr. Tarrolde, Mr. Woode, Mr. Brewer, Mr. Thorney, Mr. Revell, Mr. Hall, Mr. Courtpennye.

The Controwler of his house.

Mr. George Cunstable, brother to Sir Robert Cunstable.

The Clerk of his kitchen.

Mr. Billot.

Gromes of his Chamber.

Mr Rowse; Brasfelde, his Potticary.

The Yeoman of his horse.

Skipsey.

Yeomen wayters and under Officers.

Colley; Jackson; Pight; Thorney; Dayntree; Colston; Eden; Wynne; Byerley; Harpam; Whyte; Gilbert; Cook; Royston; Warde; Weast; Chambers; Brayfelde; Harvy; Patricke; Erwyn; Skelton, the porter; Wilson; Hewghe, his footman.

There came to him after his coming to Barwick his brother-in-law Sir William Commyn, with 6 men.

There came to him that day that the Scotch Commissioners dined with my lord Sir Thomas Manners his uncle, Sir George Chowreth, his kindsman.

Gentlemen of Northumberland attending on hime duringe the time of his aboade at Barwicke for the most part—

"Sir John Forster, knight, L. Warden of the Middle Marches fornenst Scotland"; Mr. Humphry Musgrave, deputie warden to my L. Scrop of the West Marches; Sir Thos. Graye, knight; Mr. Ralph Gray, his brother, and two younger brothers of Sir Tho. Graye; Mr. William Fenwick; Mr. George Selbye; Mr. Francis Cunstable; Mr. Thos. Salvin; Mr. James Ogle; Mr. Clavering; and Mr. Shaftoe with divers others that I cannot name.

7 of July 1586.

"The Lord Ewers trayne."

Mr. Raphe Ewers, his six men; Mr. Richard Goodrich, his four men; Mr. Robert Yewart, his man; Mr. Ogle, his man; Mr. Dikenson; his man; Mr. Alexander; Mr. Newson; Thomas Young; William Rabanks; William Sawe; William Greane; Hugh Hodgeson; Thomas Stokell; Jhon Pawl; Clement Pereson; Raph Brasse; William Wilson; Jhon Watson; Francis Taylor; Thomas Tomlingson; William Dent; Robert Bee; Leon. Madison; Thomas Shawe; Jhon Robinson; William Nateres; John Taylor.

Tho. Randolph, Esquier.

"In his compaignie fower Gentlemen whose names follow"—

Mr. Docter Fletcher; Mr. Robert Carvell; Mr. Thos. Milles; Mr. Shaftowe.

And xij others attending uppon himselfe of divers sorts.

4 pp. Indorsed. "19 Junii. Commissioners appoynted by her majesty for the confirminge of the League betwene Eng: and Scotland with ther whol trayne, knights, Esquiers and gentlemen, met at Bar: the xixth of June 1586."

Cott. Calig., C. IX., fol. 320.

Copy of the same.

491. Mr. Archibald Douglas to Thomas Randolph. [June 20.]

"Pleis your lordship be this other letter sent from his majesty to me whiche I ressavit this morning it may be knawen with quhat expedition I am commandit to repaire towards you, becaus your thyrd messenger was heir and readie to depart, I haif thocht it meit to accompanie him with theis few lines and by yame to pray your lordship to understand that I intend to dyne with you to-morrow and gif your chere be so guid at Berwick as it was at Edinburgh, to gif you thanks both for ye one and ye othir at one tyme, onto which tyme I most leve the remanens to be declared, prayand your lordship to keep yis inclosit letter to my cumyng to you. And so I humblie tak my lave, from Edinburgh this xx day of Junii 1586." Signed: A. Douglas.

¼ p. Addressed. Indorsed.

Cott. Calig., C. IX., fol. 323.

Copy of the same.

492. Walsingham to the Earl of Rutland, Lord Eure, and Mr. Randolph. [June 20.]

Having acquainted the Lords of the Council with a copy of a letter written by the lord Secretary of Scotland to Mr. Randolph, showing the principal cause why both the King and himself think the meeting appointed for the 19th instant should be postponed, they think a speedy answer should be returned.

Touching the cause for the prolongation of the meeting, alleged by the lord Secretary, that the King's Commissioners had so small a warning for collecting such causes as were to be preferred at the Conference, and could not in such a short time be sufficiently instructed, the Lords of the Council do not think it convenient that any delay should be used in finishing the principal cause of the said meeting, which is the conclusion of the league. The other matter concerning the Border causes may be reserved until some other time.

1¾ pp. Copy. Indorsed.

Copy of the same.

493. The Proceedings of the Commissioners. [June]

"A remembrance for ye proceeding of ye Commissioners at Barwicke in ye ratification of ye league."

At their first meeting with the Commissioners of the Scottish King they are to show their commissions on either side, to read them over, and to consider of their authorities whether they be equal, and of the service they have in hand; then to deliver to each other a true copy of their said commissions signed interchangeably with their hands. In their next conference they are to peruse and examine all parts of their treaty, and after they are agreed thereon to cause the same to be fair written on parchment ready for the sealing. That part which her majesty's commissioners are in her name to deliver unto those of Scotland is to have her majesty's name and style first placed. The same form it is likely they will use beginning with their King's style, which is to be allowed.

The third time of their meeting will be after the treaty is thoroughly perfected and fair-copied ready for the subscribing and sealing, when they are to determine upon the day and the time on which either of the Princes is to ratify the same by their oaths and under the great seal of their kingdoms.

That done, the date is to be added thereunto, and the said Commissioners severally to subscribe their names and set their seals.

1½ pp. No flyleaf or indorsement.

494. Walsingham to Thomas Randolph. [June 20.]

Whereas it was thought meet by my lords that the answering of the other points of the lord Secretary's letter should be referred unto you, you shall understand that whereas he alleges that the instructions given to the Commissioners should carry them no further than to the matter of the league and trial of the gentlemen required to be entered for her majesty's satisfaction in honour, they think that, touching the latter point, you should let him understand that both her majesty and their lordships looked that the King should rest satisfied with her majesty's answer expressed in my letter to you.

This answer, as you may remember, was that the friends of Lord Russell were earnest suitors unto her majesty that the trial might not proceed at this present meeting of the Commissioners, as they were not sufficiently furnished with proofs against the parties now demanded. But it would seem the King is not satisfied, as he did not receive a direct answer from her majesty, who thought that the answer being delivered by you, her ambassador, in her name, might have satisfied, as a thing usual between her majesty and other princes. Her majesty finds it strange that there should be any difficulty as to the delivery of the said gentlemen at Carlisle according to her request.

Touching another point of his letter, concerning the manner of trial, you are to let him know that when the friends of the late Lord Russell shall be sufficiently furnished of their proofs, then notice shall be given thereof to the King his sovereign to the end that by the mutual consent of both their majesties order may be taken for such a trial as may stand both with honour and justice. And whereas he alleges that the two points last inserted in the league might give cause for prolongation of the time of meeting, their lordships can in no way discern any thing material in the same that might breed any just cause of stay or impediment of so necessary a matter as is now in hand.

2¹/8 pp. Copy. Indorsed.

Another copy of the same.

495. Sir Amias Powlet to Walsingham. [June 21.] C.P., vol. XVIII.

Willed the honest man who this morning received this packet inclosed for the second messenger, who, it seems, stays at Lichfield purposely for the same, to tell the said messenger that this Queen is sick and otherwise troubled, so he can receive no answer at this time, but he shall not fail to have it, as promised, on Saturday week, the 2nd July.

So, of necessity, must receive this packet again from him at the latest the last of this month, because the next day he must send it to the honest man's house.

If he thinks the time too short for perusing the packet, requests he may signify to him what time he will appoint hereafter. Chartley. Signed: A. Powlet.

Postscript.—Sends herewith his copies and letters, and thanks him for them as much as he can. Cannot yet have opportunity of sufficient talk with the honest man, but has given him four angels that he may know he has forgiven all that is past.

1 p. Holograph. Addressed. Indorsed.

496. [Walsingham] to Mr. Archibald Douglas. [June 21.]

I received a letter from you the 9th of this month, the particulars whereof I cannot now answer as they require good consideration. The chief reason of my present writing to you is to let you know it is thought meet that the ratification of the treaty should be put off till the end of the summer. I see some reason to conceive that it should not have been fit that the Master of Gray and you had been employed therein. I could hardly have assented to the Master of Gray's absence unless I did see that he shall leave behind him so sound and constant a friend as you are towards him.

I doubt not but by Mr. Randolph you understand the treasonable manner of the giving over of Grave. I hope by this time the governor and his accomplices have received their due reward. They intended to have betrayed more towns had not their treachery been deciphered. Although the people of the country were at first greatly dismayed, they are now greatly comforted, seeing the careful course taken by the earl for the welfare of such towns as there was any doubt would have been attempted by the enemy.

1 p. Draft. Indorsed.

497. Thomas Randolph to Walsingham. [June 21.]

How untowardly matters have lately fallen out by the fine dealing of the Secretary that the Commissioners came not at the day appointed, your honour shall find by the several letters from Mr. Archibald [Douglas], which I send you.

I see that the Secretary is content to find any shift to serve his turn that will so impudently affirm that I was the cause of the stay of their coming. He also affirms that my words spoken to the King for the entry of the slayers of Lord Russell and your honour's writing touching them should not agree. Nothing can be more untrue. It is now promised that they shall be here the 25th or 26th of this month without fail.

I send your lordship other letters received out of Scotland, but yet no answer from the Master touching his going into the Low Countries. Neither has the Secretary as yet vouchsafed me his answer to my last letter.

Since my lords' coming, having seen both the commission and instructions, I find nothing therein mentioned for the help of her majesty's tenants, so spoiled that it is a pity to see how they live, and what silly creatures they are. Some beg their meat in this town, bringing complaints unto my lords, and twenty others have been with me delivering complaints against Sir John Foster. His answer I know to be that it is for lack of advowers, which by no means can be had, but when the wardens are willing to show favour.

There come daily complaints to their lordships here of the number of Scots that now dwell in England, but nothing to be said or done for redress for want of authority given to their lordships.

My lords here see, and hear daily, complaints of the state of this town and country, but it would be folly for me to write or speak thereof except I have likelihood to see it amended. Berwick. Signed: Tho. Randolph.

Postscript.—I have received this morning word from Archibald Douglas that he will be here this day; I hope with some message from the King. I hear that in place of the Earl Rothes, the Earl Bothwell is appointed—the unfittest of any man in Scotland for such a charge.

The sending of the Master's letter to her majesty I leave to you. How he takes that boldness to write to her Majesty, I know not.

2 pp. Addressed. Indorsed.

498. Earl of Bothwell, Lord Boyd, and Sir James Home to Thomas Randolph. [June 21.]

Intend to be at Berwick on Sunday next, 26th, and finding it necessary to have a safe conduct for them and their train from their entry into English bounds till their return to Scotland, request it may be sent to them by the bearer. Edinburgh. Signed: Bothwell; Boyde; James Homes.

½ p. Copy. Indorsed by Randolph.

Cott. Calig., C. IX., fol. 322

Copy of the same.

499. Thomas Randolph to Walsingham. [June 22.] Cott. Calig., C. IX., fol. 341.

Many things have fallen out here, some through the peevishness and frowardness of those with whom they have had to do in the realm, and some by other occasions,—as for lack of authority at this time to grant the commissioners out of Scotland sufficient safe conduct.

Wrote himself a private letter to Mr. Archibald Douglas to move the King to send hither some gentleman to the lords to excuse the delays and other faults which had bred great griefs and discontentment in them. Mr. Archibald himself came from the King, and brought many good words, to whom also there has been delivered much plain speech. But all things are now so well made up and agreed upon that the lords are content to remain in hope that their deeds and meaning shall be found according to that which is promised for them by the King and spoken by Mr. Archibald, who departs to-morrow. He has promised that upon any occasion of doubt or controversy on their part, that the King may remedy, he will speedily be here again. Knows not how Earl Bothwell has been appointed commissioner, being so far inferior a personage to Lord Rutland in all things belonging to right nobility. Has spoken of it to Mr. Archibald, and so it came in question before Lord Rutland, who in respect of her majesty's service comports therewith on the promise of Mr. Archibald, who says he shall deal in all things without all occasion of just offence, which shall be given in charge to him from the King himself. Wishes he could, with what he now writes, make him as merry as yesterday he himself was grieved and sad.

Was delivered the inclosed ticket by Sir John Selby in the afternoon, in great perplexity, which caused him to muse upon many matters, the more so that Mr. Archibald had promised to be with him, and had not yet come at 5 o'clock. On his arrival he put him out of doubt that there was such matter in truth, but such a letter was written either to see what men would do, if there were such a matter, or was a thing devised—as it is said it was—by two companions in prison, to make two of their other friends afraid.

But such alarm was given to the town of Edinburgh that many wist not what to do or where to "become." Now takes his leave with true report from Mr. Archibald himself, who was not least afraid. Berwick. Signed: Tho. Randolph.

2 pp. Addressed. Indorsed.

500. The Commissioners at Berwick to [Walsingham]. [June 22.] Cott. Calig., C. IX., fol. 343.

Now send a copy of a letter to Mr. Randolph from the Scottish Commissioners. Therein he may perceive they require sufficient safe-conduct to endure from their entry within English bounds— which they say by their letters shall be on Sunday next—until their return into Scotland.

Have no such authority in their commission, but find precedent that heretofore it was granted in others. Therefore, lest a scruple be offered to them to take occasion for delaying their coming, have required the marshal and council of Berwick, to grant them a passport for the present for them and their train—that is to say, for the earl, 60 persons, for the baron, 40, and for the knight, 20. Meanwhile, expect more ample authority from her majesty for granting of such safeconducts as shall be required for this treaty, and for the avoidance of all delays that may be offered by them. Berwick. Signed: Rutland. W. Eure. Tho. Randolph.

½ p. No flyleaf or indorsement.

501. Master of Gray to Thomas Randolph. [June 22.]

Your friend and mine, Mr. Archibald Douglas, has got an embassy, not looked for by me. I think he may account himself happy that he has friends who miss no occasion in remembering him to his majesty. Your lordship may well perceive whereupon this their charity does grow, seeing the King's majesty is to be here with me shortly, and they think he and I might have opportunity to confer at length. I pray your lordship to make some opportunity that he may be sent back; although he be made a postillion, I would rather that than a laughing stock to his charitable friends. Touching the levy for the Low Countries, I shall do what I can in it, for many respects. I wish the King knew of the dishonour he has received by the procrastination of his Commissioners. I shall show him so far as I can, but it shall set best from the Queen your sovereign who has interest in it. Dunfermline. Signed: Master of Gray.

1 p. Holograph, also address. Indorsed.

502. Mr. Archibald Douglas to Walsingham. [June 23.]

"Ples your honor, I ressavit ane letter of yours of the dayt xvj hereof and hath seyn ane vthir to the Master of Gray whereupon he craves my advise towards this motion mayde of late of his jorney towards my Lord of Leycester.

Truly, sir, the gentilman doath not a little mervell how it hath fallen owt that he was first animated to the said voyage, thereaftir discharged eftir no small losse of expensis bestowit aswell for his particular preparation as for the entertenment of dyvers that wold haif gone wyth him in cumpany. Bessidis in respekt of this discharge he hath beyn constreint to tak an new course with him self for his pryvat effayrs be setling his fortune with his master and intertayning of his firmar credit in his cumpany.

In respect of these premissis he prayes me to consider wyth my selfe how unseemly it wold be in him to deale with the Kinge upon the suddaine in the contrarye of ane matter wherunto he had not onely yealdit of before, bot be meanis procurit the same. All these maters he is constreint to thinke upon be resson of the mutation that wordly matters are subject unto. And to imagyn that this deliberation may alter as vthris hathe done, and be consequent indaynger his credit and hoil reputation, bessidis the losse of his gudis of fortune that he hath alreddy susteint which ar moyr than his state can beyr, whom I can be ane witnes be myself that hath nether left nor shall leif ony thing vndone that may advance either your lordship's dessir or his sayd voiage or weilfayr.

Bot what consale is to be gevin in theis materis hardly can I tell. Alwayis this farr we haif concludit, to pray your honour be assurit that the same mynd to do her majesty's service and to the sayde Erle all the service and guid offices he can devise, dooth as yit remayn in his mynd as befor bot nayther the meynis, nather the liberty of him self, ar so greit as before they wer, to perform that mater which he with so gud will wold accomplish. The nearest way how these materis may be helpit he thincketh will be that ether her majesty or the said Erle may be movit to wryt to his soverayn that he may be persuadit to geve command to him to go fordwart in the sayd jorney. To this office he did pray me to accumpanye ane letteris to your honour which I culd not refuse.

So farr as may concern the delay of tyme in the confirminge of this league, upon what ground it is foundit I knawe not. But this farr I remayn satisfeit, that I am assurit sum guid ressonis hath movit you therunto.

As to the answer of the mater contenit in the letteris that I wrote onto you of the date ix of Junii, I leyd that mater before your honor as that which did appeire be guid dealinge mycht produce sum more seurty heir than presently culd be luked for, and not to be put in execution, oneles greter ressonis proceading from necessite shuld geve the occasion theyrof, and so as of before, I do recommend it. But I can see no greit apperence that ony such lyke mater can be luked for heir oneles it shall com from forayn partis.

Thairfore as of before, I must pray your honor to take heid to the proceedings in France, specially that prevention may be ussit, to stay that shippis be not sufferit to transport men in nombre or greit personagis in this realm wythout knawledge and ramedye providit of before, for one of these two is most to be feared. As for my awn part I shall leif nothing undone that shall lye in my power, yea, albeit it shuld be far above my present habilite to keepe materis in so guid case as I may, when any contrarious course shall oppen or come to my knawledge, in such assurit maner as I dar be bold to wryte it for trewth your honour shalbe mayde acquaynted theyrwith. Thus farr I haif troublit your honour wyth, beand at berwik, derected from the King my soverayn to my lords Commissioners for helping of such materris that culd not be endit be wryting betwixt my lord ambassador and our Secretary as moyr particularly his lordship will lat your honour understand. I humbly pray that it may be your pleasour to lat me understand what you wold the Master of Gray to do in this mater above mentionat, the sooner it shalbe your pleassour to geve him your advice the moyr reddy he wilbe to perform the same, and so humbly I take my leif from Berwik this xxiij of Juni." Signed: A. Douglas.

Postscript.—I luk for your honour's favorable answer towards the delivery of the carris, I mean those that shuld be delivered for saifty of her majesty's honour, in the falt of the Lord Russell.

2¾ pp. Holograph. Addressed. Indorsed.

Cott. Calig., C. IX., fol. 324.

Copy of the same.

503. Thomas Morgan to Mary. [June 24.] C.P., fol XVIII.

Received her letters of the 10th May on the 19th June last, and distributed the inclosed immediately on the receipt thereof. Humbly acknowledges her graces and favours shown to him, which will preserve him in life and lengthen the same to serve her.

As written to her, Pietro arrived, having in his conception deserved well, and by continuance of time he will deserve better. Would wish that her state and condition were such as had no need of this service, but recounting his labours past and his devotion still to serve her, was bound for her honour and service to impart to him at his arrival and at his return such small store as he had to be employed for her service. Saw it was requisite to be done by conferring with him. So whatsoever she bestows on him [Morgan] for his particular relief is ever likely to go for her and the common good.

Finds that Pietro will be an instrument to do much good, and for the better encouragement of him and his parents and friends—who are many of the best account round her—has in her name given him assurance of a prebend in St. Quentin's as some argument of her good favour towards him, and told him it was the first prebend that she ever gave to any of the English nation, though all of them had received in times past, and daily received no small comfort by her favour and labours. He thought himself much honoured by the assurance given him of her favour and the prebend.

Thinks it not unknown to her that he [Pietro] cannot reap any profit thereof unless he is resident upon the same, which his studies will not permit, but thinks he will be now so affected to her service that he will make no great studies until he sees the issue of things in hand, and the bettering of her estate. Yet to embark him, his parents and friends the faster to her service, has given him charge to deal with his father to thank her by his own letters for her favours towards Pietro, which coming to her hands, begs she will answer according to the tenour of a letter inclosed, and hopes it will bring forth further matter to her good contentment, for which he strives.

Pietro also had charge of him to thank her by his own pen, for the prebend and the rest of her favours, and to have a vigilant regard to any alteration that may happen in that state, which is by many means expected, or in her own state by death or change of her host, who is full of the gout, and who may live long, and too long, perhaps, notwithstanding that malady.

There is great appearance that God will bless the Earl of Arundel and his family, seeing they frame themselves to serve Him and stand for the defence of His cause. Has procured Gratley, mentioned in former letters, who was the means of bringing the said earl to know and serve God, to give Pietro special credit with the Countess of Arundel and the sister of the earl—a devout gentlewoman and married to Lord Buckhurst's son and heir,—to the end that if hereafter she have cause to send to the said countess, Pietro might the better serve her turn, although the good conceit of his family is sufficient to give him credit with the best in the realm. But naturally they are jealous one of the other and the tyranny of the time has increased the same.

As he has already said, the Countess of Arundel is a very fit instrument to settle her [Mary's] intelligence on the Borders of Scotland, and to maintain the same with more security and less charge than any in that realm, Northumberland, who is not yet to be employed excepted.

Does not demand the donation of two prebends to serve his own turn, but hers, to which end hereafter he will bestow as many as she may please to bestow on him. That she may perceive how far he has assured Pietro of the prebend, holds it most necessary that he be settled in possession of the same with speed, according to his and his friends' expectation, which cannot be by reason of other former "brevets" granted by her for the provision of others who may attend and give place to such as she will have for whatsoever cause first provided, as for many causes he would wish Pietro should be.

Therefore requests she will send the brevet for the sakd prebends with speed to her ambassador or Du Ruisseau with special charge that such as he shall name be first provided out of the first two prebends in St. Quentin that shall become void, all former brevets notwithstanding.

At Pietro's return to that realm, which was for her good, and to serve her, he made instance that if he incurred adverse fortune in England or elsewhere that might happen to bring him to the end, the prebend assigned to him should be bestowed on Edward Gratley. Agreed thereto and confirmed so much to Gratley, as he is a devout priest of many good parts, and well affected to her.

Thanks her for her goodness to his man. De Courcelles is in Scotland with the French ambassador, and promised before his departure to do her and her son all the service that lay in his power, for which he will be considered by one means or other for he received other sums of money in England to the use of some other of her good servants, besides the 200 crowns due to him [Morgan] which they are not likely to receive.

Will do what he can therein by fair means, and otherwise may not deal with him, for he has at his mercy many of her honourable friends in England to make his profit of. Prefers their quiet state to all the money he [Courcelles] withholds from him [Morgan], though this is such a time of need with him [Morgan], for sundry causes importing the advancement of her and himself not a little.

But that he is forced, would not recount these things to her, but desires to present to her some grateful matter for which he labours in his captivity, wherein he trusts to be not altogether "inutile." Doubts not from all her late letters to him, that she has remembered him to all to whom she wrote, and thanks her therefor. Yet is still a suitor to her to write to the Duke of Guise and her ambassador to further his liberty and deliverance, and if that may not be, to labour to procure him reasonable liberty in captivity to take the air of the house, and to confer with such as have to deal with him. So will he be better able to serve her, and her friends, and to conserve his health, somewhat "interessed" by the want of air.

Is a suitor to her to thank the Prince of Pergamo, yet nuncio here for him, and specially Doctor Lewes who has "honoured" his quarrel at this time towards his holiness, with whom he has special credit, by reason of his place in his holiness' service which he will always apply to her honour and service. Beseeches her to write and thank him for all his favours to him, and to require the continuance of the same.

Doubts not she remembers to write to his holiness in discharge of her own obedience to him and to consider of fit members to do the same in her behalf. For that purpose none of the English or Scottish nation is so fit as Doctor Lewes, as he has already declared to her.

His holiness that now is has not the like conceit of the Jesuits as his predecessor, which makes them storm not a little and talk of him as liberally in secret as they did those years past of some of the greatest to whom all honour and reverence is due. The order of Dominicans begins to flourish, and whereas the English scholars in the English college in Rome were heretofore under the government of the Jesuits these later years past as they are still, many of the English nevertheless have of late quitted themselves from the government of the Jesuits and rendered themselves under the government of the Dominicans, which example will bring others to follow the same.

Makes account that her ambassador will write to her at large as he may of the state of the world, so is loth to trouble her with his writing, but for fear the ambassador does not write at this time will say somewhat.

The King of France is grown to a marvellous evil conceit amongst all states by reason of his deportments, which exceed all limits. He lately came to the court of parliament of Paris and required some edicts to be published, which the whole court denied to do. Thereupon the King did the same by his own authority to the great wonder and admiration of the world and the decay of justice. By the said edicts, amongst other things he demanded silver of the procurers and other officers of the court of parliament, whereupon they absented themselves from the court and justice ceased some time. All refused to pay the King's demand and do so still.

By means thereof and other manifold disorders in the government there is a marvellous murmur amongst the people, which is likely to break out and breed inconvenience.

Yet the King for all this is very base, and does not content Catholic or heretic, De Joyeuse and D'Espernon excepted. De Joyeuse has newly departed towards Avergnia with forces against the Huguenots, and D'Espernon prepares towards his government and Provence. Does not think he will go in haste far from the King.

The deputies of the King of Navarre demanded the hotel of Monsieur de Rhoan and Monsieur de Lavall, who are very young. The King has been at Rochelle these many days, and from thence it is not unlikely but that he will see her of England, and, as some think, pass from thence to Germany. He is environed in Guyenne by Mons. de Mayne and by Mons. de Byron in Poictou, as he cannot endure in these parts without hazard. Mons. de Mayne has been to refresh himself at Bordeaux, and now repairs to the wars again.

Monsieur de Guise has been these many days at Nancy with Monsieur de Lorayne and to give hearing to the "reyters" there coming to this country which is yet held uncertain albeit she of England has advanced 300,000 crowns for that purpose besides 40,000l. lately sent to Leicester. The Earl of Arundel was of late condemned to pay her 30,000l. and to live in prison during her pleasure. Arnault departed home towards Rome in post on Monday last and will go from thence to Malta.

Has written to Doctor Lewes in favour of Arnault, because he has to do with his holiness, which the Earl of Glasgow prayed him to do.

Prayed him to honour and further him towards his holiness, and to devise between them what should be fit for him to say for her good, for he had seen her and could report her state always in "indigne" captivity by the tyranny of heretics. Gave instructions to Lewes to press his holiness special care of her and to consider the daily increasing peril to the church of God by her captivity, and that her son was left in heresy without any care taken by Catholic Princes for his conversion.

Also told them that although she had always most carefully discharged the part of a good mother towards him, she was broken of all intelligence to continue these good offices towards him by the practice of her of England and her ungracious ministers, and so alleged it was necessary his holiness and other Catholic Princes should supply these offices.

Prays she will take his boldness in good part.

Hopes to have done but his duty, but it is she by her own pen who must talk to his holiness and to the King of Spain, and it is high time she should say something in discharge of herself to his holiness, and lay before him her state and that of her son, and press him with the care of both and to deal with his Catholic Majesty to do the like. It will come to the ears of his holiness that she writes abroad and it will be to your disadvantage that you keep silence towards his holiness. As she has good and zealous servants to lay down things to her honour and consolation, so there are captious heads ready enough to take hold of things to her disadvantage, and say that "it is too long to stay and attend the reparation of that realm" by her labours, as though they did not care who reigned there, king or queen, so long as the country were reformed. Waits for this by God's goodness and her labours and her friends who have royally opposed themselves for that purpose, and yet so bridle the King of France that the King of Spain may enterprise at this present what he will against her of England.

Hopes this is resolved, although Drake's enterprise has done much for the diversion of the said King of Spain's designs, which of necessity —after too long deliberation and loss of special opportunity and means to do good—must be for the reparation of England, which yet is left the more naked by Leicester's departure to the Low Countries and the expenses made by her [England] there and elsewhere, for the plague of that realm and all Christendom, for which she will be paid by one means or another.

The Queen of England has entered into league with the King of Scotland, which is a pitiful case, wickedly founded and therefore likely to have less continuance.

Hopes such as manage these affairs will provide that her son is not an instrument for the relief of the wicked when things are executed for the benefit of the whole world, and for his and her peculiar honour.

Has remembered this point with care where he should do it and not otherwise, and so will continue as the preparations also in hand command him and every good member to foresee by all possible means that Scotland does not serve at the post of her who has hurt Scotland and the whole world besides.

In the league between her of England and her son no provision is made for her [Mary]. A gentleman, who by chance found the duplicate of a letter to her of England from her son, wrote to him of late. The words of his letter are— "I saw secretly in a place where I haunt, a duplicate of a letter from the King of Scotland to the Queen of England of the 10th of May. It appeared thereby that she had formerly written to him for assurance of his amity towards her, with assurance of the like of her part towards him.

He commended much her intention and blamed her nevertheless for her doubt of him, and alleged amity of predecessors, proximity of blood and neighbourhood, and present conformity in religion, with his present forsaking of all other great princes for to join with her. Then he chargeth her with breach of covenants with him in two points, the one of money promised and not performed, and the other about the settling him here in the title of succession. As thus he chargeth her in the first motion and thus far proceeding of the league between them that she did always agree and sometimes moved him by Wotton, Randolph, and Keith to draw an instrument of the confirmation of his title, whereto she always promised to set her hand provided that always in the said instrument of title this word pretended should be put before the word title. It appears that about the beginning of May he sent her the said instrument drawn, leaving out the word pretended, which she did utterly reject, whereof he much complaineth, appealing by these words, a regina male consulta ad reginam bene consultam, and he finisheth his letter assuring himself towards her and expecting better satisfaction from her."

Finds by view of the aforesaid words that her son has been permitted to run too far and embrace her [Elizabeth] too much, and to forget himself not a little towards herself.

As long as he and she live, there is great appearance that she will by one means or another lead him still in the blind way.

Therefore says, as before, he must be had out of Scotland and her neighbourhood to another school to learn better lessons if she and the Christian world think to have comfort of him. Knows she desires this above all earthly good.

It seems that she [of England] has made him some deceitful assurance of that crown after her, so that the heretics of both realms count to live in continual heresy under him, and so prefers him before herself. By that means they nourish a division between her son and herself, whereto, by reason of his evil education and hope to reign a great king, they find him inclined.

Hopes the heretics will be frustrated of their wicked practices, and in the meantime she must apply all the means she can to bring him out of Scotland and recommend him to his holiness and his Catholic Majesty to take care of him and reform him in religion and preserve his right. So she shall have comfort of him as she should have had already if this had been put in execution long since, and some other governed in his absence, to the comfort of them both and the overthrow of those practices and profit which England makes of him and Scotland.

Sent the Archbishop of Glasgow a note of this letter of her son and prayed him to divert her son from England and to help to maintain some Catholic party in Scotland to resist her son—provided they do him no harm—if they found him disposed against God and truth and his own honour to assist England if the same should be assaulted, as appearance is great it will be in a short time. Prays she will comfort and fortify herself, for some are working to put the Catholics at liberty, which is pretended for one reason, though it is for her comfort, that they may speedily draw towards her upon any alteration that may there happen, by whatsoever occasion.

If Pietro's father should write to her, she should take hold of him as a personage able to yield her much consolation by himself and his friends.

Has told her that the King caused certain to be of late divulged, and sent to divers parts of the country to be executed. Now hears that at Troys in Champaigne and at Blois, the officers that went to see the same executed were killed. Thereby she may see how the King stands with his subjects, and yet he does not reform himself nor provide for the reformation of what is amiss with such sincere resolution as his state requires. That being embroiled as it is, prays that the King of Spain take this opportunity to set forward his enterprise.

Some libels were of late here put up at the Chancellor's house threatening his and the King's ruin without speedy reformation of the state. The Earl of Westmorland has long waited the reparation of his state by the goodness of God, and her favour, and has been here these past twelve months.

He is in distress and in small hope to have any help in this country although the Duke of Guise promised to do something to relieve his present necessity, which the common enemies see well enough to profit by. The said earl will some day serve some good turn, so should be retained and not lost now when there is daily expectation of good to be done wherein his presence may do good. Fears he [the earl] will be lost unless he find some support his necessity, which Lord Claud Hamilton alleged in this country to be the cause of his brother's return. Inconvenience has ensued thereby which should serve as a precedent to take heed that Westmorland is not lost by like means.

Westmorland at this time would serve to help some Catholic party in Scotland, and to bridle the enemies of both realms. Has "remembered" the same to them here, as he does to her, and has done to Westmorland himself; who having support is content to take any good course assigned to him. Knows no fitter place for him than Scotland, though his going thither would work great jealousy in that state. For all that he may do good, and Lord Claud Hamilton and he are friends, of which he reminds her that she may dispose of him as shall best please her.

She must direct all things herself out of captivity, otherwise things will go slowly forward.

Has lately mentioned to her one named Abington who is such a gentleman as already declared, and much at Court, and by that means may be more profitable to her service. Sends her inclosed an alphabet of which he has a copy, whereby he may offer her his service. Has written to the French ambassador and to Cordaillot his secretary to entertain intelligence between her and the said Abington, but in all her writings hereafter to the French ambassador, Cordaillot and himself, the said Abington should be called Mercier. Has advertised them thereof, likewise.

Has talked with Pietro to help her to settle a good intelligence with Scotland, and advised him to inform himself therein, for "the year goeth about" before a good intelligence can be settled from this country with Scotland, seeing the Archbishop of Glasgow never labours to have the same by England.

If she has none to serve the turn that way, she should ask Pietro what he can say for her better service in that behalf. The French ambassador is able to serve the turn from London, though whatever comes by that means may be with dear conditions.

Ballard, a priest of much travail, is in that country and well disposed to her service. He is likely to offer the same to her, for which she should thank him with few lines. Yet in discharge of his own duty to her, which shall never fail, must tell her that the said Ballard follows some matters of consequence the issue whereof is uncertain, wherefore as long as those labours of his continue she should hold no intelligence with him at all for fear he and his partners be discovered, and they discover her afterwards to have had intelligence with them. Has warned Ballard not to deal with her as long as he have the affairs in hand, which tend to do good. Prays they may come to pass so she be relieved by the power of God.

Retains her letters for Charles Paget, who has not yet returned, though he left with him the alphabet to decipher the same, and take order for the accomplishment of her pleasure therein expressed. Has deferred deciphering them in expectation of his return, but if he come not speedily shall decipher the same and execute her pleasure thereupon if he can. If he cannot, shall leave things as he finds them.

Du Ruisseau is "upon his departure" for the better ordering of her affairs in his charge.

Prays God will preserve her and send her heart's desire. Written from the place of his captivity, 4th July.

Postscript.—Mendoza has kept his chamber these many days and defers to write to her. Has written to him to be free with her, according to the confidence she reposes in him, and he wrote that he waited for some news out of Spain to send to her.

[The following postscript is addressed to Gilbert Curll.]

Is infinitely bound to the Queen of Scots and himself for their careful dealing in his favour. Thanks him by effect, which he shall find whilst he lives, if he has no other end with him but to serve God and her, although in his zealous labour for the advancement of both he has found many ungrateful persons for one cause or another, by envy and jealousies, to forget God and themselves, and do many other injuries more to hinder the labours of others who desire only to be profitable to the Queen of Scots and their country.

Has travailed for her [Mary] these years past, and will not give over to serve her and all hers with fidelity and care. None can charge him justly with neglecting any part of his duty where God's cause or the Queen of Scots' were in question. So he [Curll] shall never take dishonour in favouring him and his cause, for God and truth will be on his side, which in the end will prevail though it be assailed by many indirect means.

Thanks him for his love, and will not be found unmindful thereof wherever he may requite him. Those against him have made no bones to talk liberally of some of the greatest and most dear to them, and of himself [Curll] in other sort than becomes them or he would ever utter, though they knew his heart in those cases and that such dealing was inacceptable and made him esteem the less whatsoever they say of him, seeing the liberty they take to discount the greatest and their actions, and those whose long and faithful service he knows deserves special honour.

Whatever such perturbers do and say, shall always do as God and conscience command, and never fail to do him the office of an honest faithful friend. Prays he will alway have that conceit of him.

Prays he will serve instead of a letter to Monsieur Nau, etc., and that both will remember some provision for his man, who is necessary to him at this time, and that two brevets for prebends be sent with all speed, with special provision that those named by him be first served.

Trusts the Queen of Scots and all of them will receive contentment of the prebend bestowed on Pietro. Will labour to bestow the other with like effect, for their consolation is the thing desired by him above all worldly goods.

Is not unoccupied, though in prison, to think of the Queen of Scots' state and those that endure with her, and there are many means in hand to remove the beast that troubles all the world. Desires to have the Queen of Scots' letters of great thanks to the nuncio and Dr. Lewis for their favours and courtesy shown to him at this time. If she write to his holiness, prays he will remember that she thank him for himself [Morgan] and crave the continuance of his favour, and move him for the furtherance of his liberty.

7 pp. Cipher. Indorsed: "4 July 1586. Thomas Morgan to the Scottish Queen. Decifred, Phelippes." Signed on the back by Burghley, Walsingham, Cobham and Shrewsbury.

Decipher of the same. In the hand of Thomas Phelippes. Many marginal notes.

Cott. Calig., C. IX., fol. 360.

Copy of the same.

504. Commissioners at Berwick to [the Privy Council]. [June 24.] Cott. Calig., C. IX., fol. 340.

The King, being informed by Mr. Randolph immediately on their arrival at Berwick of their grief for the delay of his commissioners, whom they expected to have found here at the day appointed, sent Mr. Archibald Douglas to excuse the matter; who, coming thither on Tuesday last, desired in his majesty's name patience for a few days, assuring them that Sunday next should be the last day they should await their coming. He excused the King with the best words he could and would rather have it thought that the fault was elsewhere than in him or his.

The day is now set down, namely the 26th of this month, and that matters may be handled to produce the good effect that by the King is desired for the furtherance of justice and maintenance of good amity between their majesties, he desired to know what course they would take, and what they would advise the King to do, assuring them that his master's commissioners should be fully instructed to do the like. Answered that they would not take on themselves to advise them in a case where it was so needful for them both to know what was best to be done, but that they meant after the treaty to look into the matters yet uncompounded amongst the Borders of both realms, specially of slaughter, blood and maim.

Mr. Archibald Douglas liked this course well and was glad they came with this mind and so well provided, but was in doubt that his majesty's commissioners might not meet them with the like correspondency, especially for the West Borders, where there has been no warden for twelve months or more, and the warden clerk, lately dead there, had left matters very intricate. Notwithstanding, what might be done, should, though he could not then tell them what could or should be done. In this sort he returned on Thursday to the King, promising to hasten the commission all he can.

Now only await the coming of the Scottish commissioners, when they shall be ready to proceed with them. Will advertise them thereof hereafter. Berwick. Signed: Rutland; W. Eure; Tho. Randolph.

1¼ pp. No flyleaf or indorsement.

505. Thomas Randolph to Walsingham. [June 24.]

I am not a little comforted to find so noble a gentleman to deal with as he whom you have appointed to this journey. If he is well dealt with by the Scottish men, of whom no man can be sure, and if the course set down beforehand is followed, you will find that we have done our parts.

I thank you that you will have care of me and my estate, which either you must do, or I must die and leave my lady more children to keep than ever she did bear, or you beget of your body.

I send you two letters from the Master of Gray written to me, and one to your honour, as also one from Mr. Archibald [Douglas]. All tend to continue in good grace, and to get what they may. Surely they both deal very well in all causes that concern us. His full resolution touching the Earl of Leicester's request has not yet come, but look for it by his next. Berwick. Signed: Tho. Randolph.

Postscript.—I thank you that you put me in hope that after my return into Scotland to take my leave of the King I may come home.

1 p. Addressed. Indorsed, "My L. of Rutlande is very well comforted since he spoke to Mr. Archibald. The hope is better now than before it was."

506. Thomas Randolph to Walsingham. [June 24.]

May know the answer received by Mr. Archibald [Douglas] on his coming here from the letter written from the commissioners to the Lords of her majesty's council.

Hopes now to agree with them. If they like the plan set down, there will be hope of some quietness on the Borders. Does not therefore hinder so good a course, which is approved by Mr. Archibald Douglas, who was sent to prepare the way. Trusts it shall take good effect unless God hath determined that "never good shall come ab aquilone." Berwick. Signed: Tho. Randolph.

²/3 p. Addressed. Indorsed.

507. Earl of Rutland to Walsingham. [June 24.]

Thanks him for sending his wife's letters. Perceives he has done so by his letter of the 19th instant. Has received his letter of the 21st instant answering his former letter requesting his furtherance to her majesty to be revoked if the commissioners did not come within certain days after his repair to Berwick. Hopes he will not condemn the making of this suit, considering that on his coming it was not determined who should come, nor on what day they should come.

Has never desired any time to be put to his attendance in doing her majesty's and his country's service. Nevertheless, seeing his haste hither corresponded with slackness thence, and hearing that if the treaty was to be broken there were irons enough in the fire to further that course, hopes that his desire not to loiter here be borne with at his hands. Berwick. Signed: Rutland.

²/3 p. Addressed. Indorsed.

508. Mary to Anthony Babington. [June 25.] C.P., vol. XIX.

Has not heard from her nor she from him, against her will, but would not in the meanwhile have him think her unmindful of his affection hitherto shown towards all concerning her.

Understands that before the ceasing of their intelligence there were addressed to him for her some packets from France and Scotland. Prays that if they are still in his hands he will deliver them to the bearer, who will convey them safely to her. Chartley.

Certified by Babington to be the letter he received from Mary, and by Gilbert Curll to be the letter first written in French by Mary, and translated and put into cipher by him. 8 September.]

½ p. Copy. With No. 669.

Translation of the same.

Two copies of the same.

509. [Gilbert Curll] to [Thomas Barnes]. [June.] C.P., vol. XVIII.

On Sunday last I wrote to you by this bearer, having received nothing from you since your letter dated the 16th instant. I hope to have her majesty's despatches mentioned in my foresaid [letter] ready for to-morrow sevennight … the appointment. In the meantime her majesty prays you to send your footboy as closely as you can … of two letters inclosed, the one so … Anthony Babington dwelling mostly in Derbyshire … use either own within two miles of W … but you know, for in this shire he has both … letter or superscription to … not dwelling in Nottingham town to neither of the said personages. Your said boy went over to … he is already … by those with whom he shall have … only ask answer and what is given him to … assures herself will with convenient diligence… . Her majesty desires you would see the … to time and write such … as … within or without the realm, and in particular what you understand of the Earl of Shrewsbury's going to Court. God prosper you. Chartley. Saturday, 4th July.

¼ p. In cipher. Deciphered by Thomas Phelippes.

No address or indorsement. Torn and illegible in parts.

510. Don Bernardino de Mendoza to Mary. [June 25.] C.P., vol. XVIII.

That of your majesty of the thirtieth of May I received on the twenty third of June, and with it such favor and content as I could ever desire, assuring me that your majesty is in the health that we your servants desire, and that your majesty has means to command me in that wherein it may please you to employ me for your service. That I did not sooner reply thereunto, not having been able to do so, having been troubled with a cataract in my left eye, which is my excuse, for I came from England with a continual indisposition in the eyes, I am at this moment despatching a courier to the King my lord advising him of that which your majesty tells me, and with the secrecy which the matter requires, the which being of such weight and consideration obliges me to bear myself therein carefully and with all weariness, even were I not so affectionate a servant of your majesty, whose hands I kiss for your so great favour in placing such confidence in my person the which I shall value to my last breath. Be sure that the King my lord will rejoice extremely to have news in secret of the health of your majesty, having greatly desired it, and it being a thing which he bids me in all his despatches, that I should seek to procure ways for hearing thereof.

At the same time I recommend the matter of Morgan with the earnestness that your majesty bids me, whom I hold very worthy for the service and fidelity wherewith he treats for your majesty, being yet a prisoner.

The care which he takes in soliciting for himself obtains favour of the King my lord, advertising me of things from the prison, and although I have done what is in me to get him forth from thence, and that—

I hold liberty to be more for the service of your majesty, the King of France is so in agreement with him of England that even in secret they will not do anything which may give him offence, nor treat of anything every moment but maintaining the heretics for the destruction of the crown of France.

It is hoped to have here shortly as nuncio the bishop of Nazareth, whom his holiness, through the offices which the Conte de Olivares has done at my intercession, has charged to apply himself with care to set Morgan at liberty. A. Foljambe has notified the Prince of Parma with respect to going with letters of the Duke of Guise with thirty crowns for the messenger, the particulars whereof I have likewise written to the King my lord. Charles Paget is at the springs of Ligia at this time, and signifies to me that which your majesty has commanded him.

I will say that which I feel thereupon, with the affection and zeal that I bear to whatever is of the service of your majesty, to whom I wrote on the 17th of May by way of the ambassador of your majesty, giving advice how the King my lord had commanded me when I delivered to whomsoever your majesty should ordain 4000 crowns pistolets, of the twelve thousand, that he will provide me with the rest.

The King my lord is at the Escurial, something touched with the gout, but not in a manner to keep his bed, and the Prince and the infanta are in good health.

The armada by sea is preparing with the greatest expedition; which will not only be the most powerful that the King my lord has ever made, but which has been seen by any prince of this time: with which I hope in God, who alone can perform it, a great service resulting in the setting of your majesty at liberty, understanding that she is fearful enough at the intelligence which she receives of the preparations that the King my lord is making. Of the things of this realm I give no account to your majesty, judging that the ambassador of your majesty will do it in detail. Paris 5 July.

1 p. Spanish. In cipher.

Decipher of the same by Thomas Phelippes. Indorsed: "5 July 1586. Don Bernardino de Mendosa to the Scottish Queen. Decifred."

Cott. Calig., C. IX., fol. 326.

Extract from the same.

511. Monsieur de L'Aubespine to Mary. [June 26.] C.P., fol. XVIII.

I wrote to you the 9th of last month in reply, and sent some little packets of the reception of which I was daily awaiting news, when the gentleman who serves you, and who had gone to France not long since, let me know that he was in this town, whence I have taken occasion to write you yet a word to accompany four others which I have since received as well from France as from hence, the which I send you.

I have been so much assured of that concerning your majesty (which God forbid!) that I have been almost on the point of believing it and of burning or sending back the said packets, had it not been that I have always hoped that God would not so withdraw his favour from the poor Catholics of this country, who look only to you, for whom they pray daily. But also it seems to me that it would not be at all amiss if it would please you to send me advice as often as might be of your estate, even when your majesty might be suffering from some indisposition, whereof we are so often thrown into so great fear, either by this private channel or by Sir Amias Poulet; and I assure you that I am even now in so great doubt that neither I nor any of your servants will be at rest until I have had news of you from yourself, as I cannot till then tell you of others.

Mr. Walsingham has informed me that Mr. Pierrepont having presented himself there to fetch his daughter, of whom your majesty has twice written to me, that you were not in any wise willing to deliver her to him. I do not know if this is true, but he makes a great to do about it. You will tell me, if you please, what happened. 6 July.

¼ p. French. In hand of Phelippes.

Copy of the same.

512. Privy Council to the Earl of Rutland and the Commissioners at Berwick. [June 26.]

By letters of 10th June, written from you Mr. Randolph to me, the Secretary, we understand that, upon the King's knowledge of a combat that should have been lately between six of the Collingwoods and six of the Bournes, he sent word to you to stay the Collingwoods coming into the field, and gave order to his warden of that side that the like should be done by the Bournes.

Notwithstanding this, and two letters from you Mr. Randolph to Sir Cuthbert Collingwood to forbear his coming to that place, he came to the field with great company, so giving cause of offence to be taken on the part of Scotland.

But by this manner of proceeding used by the King, which greatly manifests his care to the establishment and performance of that amity which is at this time to be concluded between the Queen our sovereign and the King, we cannot but condemn Sir Cuthbert Collingwood in that he so far forgot himself as not to forbear his coming to this place— thereby respecting a private revenge more than considering the public action now treated.

We have therefore thought good to require your lordships to call before you Sir Cuthbert Collingwood, and for this his demeanour and oversight to commit him to prison, as a matter thereby to show no less reciprocal good disposition on her majesty's part than the King of Scotland hath showed on his, being sorry for our own part that Sir Cuthbert Collingwood, whom we have ever known otherwise as a man of sufficiency and great service, should have committed so great an oversight.

And we do desire you to make known to the commissioners of the King's part there how greatly this fact is misliked here, and how honourably the King their master's proceeding is thought of and taken here, and that they will in like manner signify as much to the King their master.

1 p. Draft, many corrections. Indorsed: "Copie of the counsell's letter to the Erle of Rutland, the Lord Ewer and Mr. Randolph."

Cott. Calig., C. IX., fol. 330.

Copy of the same.

513. Mr. Archibald Douglas to Walsingham. [June 27.]

Sir, I haif so often troublit yow wythe the reding of long letteris that I have thocht it convenient to tak boldnes at this tym to pray your honour be advertysed that I haif ne fordar to wryt presently excepting that which I haif alredey certifyit to my lord ambassadour, who wil mak your honour acquaynted thayrwythe.

I send yow heirwythall this wythinclosit copy of ane letter to the Maister of Gray from my lord the Erle of Leycester be letteris from the sayde Maister. Your honour will onderstand of what intention he doeth remayn towartis this voiage to the Low Cuntrey, and what impedimentis apperis necessayr to be removit. I am of that opinion if hir majestie can not be moved to wryt to the King for fordering of that jornay, nather that the Erle his letter can cum hyther wyth speyde requirit in this mater, that it shalbe weil done that the ambassadour may be instructed to deal in this mater wyth the King, who I assure you hath consaved ane verry gude opinion of him.

His majestie is presently heir at Dunfermling wythe the seyde Master, and to remayn for the space of 8 dayis efter the dayt heirof. Our Secretary hathe also beyn heir to move his majestie in sum materis tending to delay of this league, and for straict going fordwart in these Bordour materis, bot hath not prevalit.

The French ambassadour hath beyn at Court since the arryvall of this messingeir from that realme. His cheifest erandis was to sollicite that ne man shuld go owt of this realme to the King of Navarre, and to schaw the King of his maister his gud successe in bessines at home. He doeth constantly affirm that the Erle of Leycester is s … (fn. 2) yn, wherof I haif thocht gud to mak your honour adwertiseit. Commonely suche preceading brutis from that cayrles nation of menis lywes is accumpanyit wythe ill effectis. At leist experience may teach men that in tymes passit suche brutis hath not rising oute, suche tyme as the intention of the cunning was veil frameit.

It hath plesit him also to speik his pleasour of me to the King, bot I belewe the granting of liberty to such men to cum hyther be permission shall bread moyr harm to the common caus than agains me in particular, and so humbly I tak my leif. Dunfermline. Signed: A. Douglas.

1½ pp. Holograph, also address. Indorsed.

Cott. Calig., C. IX., fol. 330 b.

Copy of the same.

514. Master of Gray to Walsingham. [June 27.]

I resaveit yis 26 of June your lettre beand dat the 16, yerby signifying unto me quhou since Captain Hakerstoun's leat conference vithe thearle of Leicester his lordship hes wrottin ye more earnestly to your honour to desyr me continow my former intent for leviing of men, withe assurance that his lordship shall schortly send moyens for thair leviing and transporting, for the witche your honour desyris of me to be resolvit of sume particulariteis. And first quhou and in quhat sort I desyr to have the monoy conveyit unto me. As for yat, if I oneis aggre one the rest I shall find moyens aneu ether be messingers of my auin, witche wilbe the surer way or than by exchange at Neucastell withe marchandis for a small interest. As for the somme and nomber of men, I can not yit resolve you, bot shall how soun Captain Hakerstoun shall retourne. I asshur you a gryt deall les micht have servit of befor than nou for the levie by reasoune yat all men throu long deley ar degoustit and no thing can incourage them the second tym, save good moyens. I speik not this for my auin particulaire, for notyeles the extraordinaire chairgis I have sustenit alredy throu the long deley, yit I am and shalbe als redy for to imploy my credits and moyens as at any tym heirtofoir, provyding yat the maiter be craveit of the Kingis majestie my maister, ether by hir majestie, thearle of Leicester, or bothe, for sutche respectis as I have alredy wrottin to your honour.

And in yis point I do asshur you, sir, I stand not so precisly one teirmis as I do, for yat it wil tuitche me uthervayis in reputation, and I pray you consider of it accordingly.

Appeirantly, bot not to be over curiouse it shall seime best that the Queen's majestie's ambassadour Mr. Randolphe at his retourne towardis the King, have commission to deall bothe withe the King's majestie and myself, and he shall best see yat all maiters shalbe handelit withe reasoun. Bot I remit me to your auin better judgment.

As tuitching the estait heir, I can not wryt at sutche lenthe as efter yis I shall, becaus I am troublit sume quhat withe my auin litle affairs, the King's majestie being heir at my hous, quhar his majestie in grace of God intendis to remaine yit eicht dayis. Bot presently I remit all thingis to Mr. Archibald Douglas, quho can verie weil schau you bothe ye estat of the country as also of particulaire men, quho are no thing amendit. So wisching it uthervayis I leave your honour in God his holy protectioun." Dunfermline. Signed: Master of Gray.

2 pp. Holograph, also address. Indorsed by Walsingham.

515. Commission by Elizabeth. [June 28.]

Commission by the Queen of England to the Earl of Rutland, Lord Evre and Thomas Randolph to make, treat and conclude the league with Scotland. (Printed in Rymer's "Fædera," 2nd edition, vol. 15, p. 806.)

2 pp. Latin. Draft in the hand of Burghley's clerk. Corrections in Burghley's hand. Indorsed: "Commission for a league."

Copy of the same.

516. Walsingham to the Master of Gray. [June 28.]

Has received his letters of the 15th and 19th instant. Considering that since his first purposing his employment in the Low Countries he has taken a resolution to settle at home, and has acquainted her majesty with the same, sees no cause why he should now change that resolution. His presence there may be to as good purpose as his employment in the Low Countries, especially at this time when the intended union between both crowns is so impugned.

Therefore will have a care to make his excuse to the Earl of Leicester, that it may be to his good satisfaction.

Is sorry that, the purpose of his going being broken off, difficulty should be found in the employment of some convenient numbers of that nation, for want of some personage of quality to conduct them, owing to the hard usage that others have heretofore received. Is persuaded that Captain Haggerston would be a man fit enough to take that charge. Finds by his letters of the 15th that he foresees the inconvenience that may grow by the indirect practices of such as are not best affected, unless their purposes may be timely met, as the importance of the cause requires. Therefore refers to such as are eyewitnesses both of the progress of these things, and of the humours and dispositions of the persons—namely Mr. Archibald Douglas—the setting down of some good course therein, upon good consideration whereof he will be ready to yield his advice, and to further the same in the best manner he can.

1 p. Copy. Indorsed.

517. Walsingham to Mr. Archibald Douglas. [June 28.]

Regrets they should now stand upon scanning of letters when things seemed to promise the speedy success of that good purpose intended for the welfare and safety of both realms. Nevertheless, doubts not that both Princes seeing the necessity of such resolution, all unnecessary impediments will be removed by the mutual good concurrency of their well-affected ministers on either side.

Concerning the controversy alleged to be found between the contents of his own letters, and the effect that the speeches Mr. Randolph, by her majesty's direction, delivered, touching the manner of proceeding intended to be held with the Carrs, although no such repugnancy as is pretended can be found between them, supposing such were, as is alleged, yet it cannot in reason be pretended that the writing of any councillor or minister whatsoever should derogate from her majesty's own direction given to her ambassador. This was, that the King himself should be judge of the indifferency of proceeding against the party found to be the actual murderer of Lord Russell, and that the lives of the rest should be untouched.

Nevertheless, to satisfy the King in the matter, has moved her majesty to explain once again her purpose and meaning in that behalf. She, still remaining constant in her former resolution mentioned in her letter to Mr. Randolph, now offers that if the King does not rest satisfied with her promise she will then yield him under her hand, in secret sort, such assurance as may be to his contentment, for the due performance of her promise.

3 pp. Copy. Indorsed.

Cott. Calig., C. IX., fol. 331 b.,

Copy of the same.

518. Walsingham to Mr. Randolph.

Perceives from his letters that the Secretary, instead of furthering the conclusion of the league, is content to trifle out the time in moving doubts and scruples where there are none.

No repugnancy, as is alleged, exists between the contents of her majesty's letters and his own, the effect of both being that an orderly trial should be had of the parties, and the life of none touched, except the one as may be plainly convicted to be the murderer of Lord Russell. Writes more particularly thereof to Mr. Douglas for the King's better satisfaction in the matter.

Is of opinion that some "oil of gold" might have made the wheels run more smoothly in these proceedings, and hopes that before the receipt of these letters he will be not only in negotiation with the Scottish Commissioners, but well towards the end of the same.

Touching the defects he found in the commission and instructions given to the lords commissioners, it has been purposely forborne— in respect of the great charges they should sustain by their long continuation there—to give them any such authority.

It is intended that the President shall repair to Newcastle at the end of the summer, and there, with the assistance of the Bishop and Dean, spend some time in redressing those abuses mentioned in his letters.

1²/3 pp. Copy. Indorsed.

Cott. Calig., C. IX., fol. 331.

Copy of the same.

519. Walsingham to the Earl of Rutland and other Commissioners at Berwick. [June 28.]

Is sorry that a matter so necessary for the strengthening of both realms at this time should be subject to so many difficulties, which argues that some of that realm have no good disposition to the furtherance of the treaty. It is hoped that the King himself has an honourable meaning in the action. It is thought here that the passport granted by the Marshal and Council of Berwick may satisfy the Commissioners, considering that of late years such Scottish noblemen as have come into this realm have been contented with the like assurance.

Hopes that before their receipt of these letters they will have not only begun, but well ended this treaty, especially if they do not enter into the Border causes, whereunto the Scottish Commissioners alleged that they could not, owing to the shortness of time, come sufficiently prepared.

It is thought they should make their return as soon as might be after the despatch of the treaty, to avoid both her majesty's and their own greater charges than need should require. Nevertheless, if they perceive that they may conveniently at this time enter into the handling of the Border causes, so that good order might be taken in them, it would be good not to omit any opportunity for finishing so necessary a work.

1¾ pp. Draft, corrections in Walsingham's hand. Indorsed.

Copy of the same.

520. Thomas Morgan to Mary. [June 29.] C.P., vol. XVIII.

It may please your majesty, as I wrote to you in my last letter I could not have Mendoza's letters accompany mine, for he was "in phisicke," but attending his letters which your majesty shall receive inclosed, I write to remind him to advertise you amply of all matters whereby you might the better address the affairs of England and Scotland to embrace a good offer for the reparation of all that is amiss, I told Mendoza that he should advise his master not to apprehend anything past of late in England and Scotland to discourage his former designs, which must be put into execution if his master would have the public good advanced or repose in his own state. I signified further to Mendoza that yourself would be able with the King of Spain's lively assistance to make a good party both in England and Scotland to embrace any good enterprise if your intelligence with friends and servants may be continued, as I pray God it may be.

Thus much I thought good to say to Mendoza to make him more free with your majesty in all points, and he has signified to me that he has written to your majesty as much as the present state of things requires, whereto I refer your majesty for I understand that there is command given in Spain that none there write of the state of the country or of the King's preparations to the sea. I believe it to be true or that some letters be interrupted in the way in this troublesome time, for I heard nothing these two months past from the Duchess of Feria, Lord Paget, Sir Francis Englefield or Thomas Throgmorton.

I can have no heart to write to your majesty of the state of this country, growing worse and worse daily, and where nothing is certain. Since my last letters to your majesty the inhabitants of this town, overlaid with the heavy impositions laid upon them, began to murmur, and at last to mutiny in effect, whereof the King holding his court at St. Maur des Fesser was advertised, and thereupon came himself and his mother with all speed hither, whereby things were appeased for the present, and the procurers of the court of parliament acquitted of the imposition laid upon them, or at least the same much mitigated.

The French King's voyage to Lyons and D'Espernon's to Provence are deferred or broken, and since the death of M. Le Grand Prieur, M. Montmorency is entered into Provence, and has there taken Les Mareh, a rich place and of great consequence. He is at continual war with the old Marshal de Joyeuse, and in league with the King of Navarre.

It is a pity to see how this realm is embroiled. These troubles will decay much this year your majesty's profits of Poitou where the troubles are also, which may serve your majesty for a warning to provide for yourself and such as you tender the better. The French King is minded to put a garrison in that place where I am, and to join the arsenal and this house together, and so make a strong fortress thereof for the bridling of this town if they fall to mutiny hereafter. The charge of the fortress is committed to D'Espernon, who is hated by the people, but this matter is not yet settled, but in deliberation.

The Queen Mother is by appointment to depart towards Blois where the Queen of Navarre should meet with her mother and the King of Navarre also to treat for a peace which cannot be but with dishonour to God, and to the common weal.

Yet now they expect the coming of the "reyters," for which cause the Duke of Guise prepares to resist them. Monsieur de Mayne continues at Bordeaux or thereabouts.

Leicester's affairs in Holland still go backward, thanks be to God Not long since he lost a town called Graves, and much people also, and now again lately he lost another town called Vendule and 2500 English. That Queen [Elizabeth] has no great confidence in Leicester, and her diffidence in him will profit the King of Spain's service.

Sir Philip Sidney's wife has by this time gone to her husband, who is with Leicester. That Queen lately going to her church was on the way suddenly stricken with some great fever that she returned to her chamber to the "admiration" of all that were present. The Earl of Arundel as I am informed might have liberty if he would go to their church, which I hear he yet constantly refuses, though Lord Henry Howard and others of his friends labour with the said earl to go to their heretical church.

Don Antonio is still in England and writing a book to that Queen, and would have her support of 10,000 men to assist him to enter Portugal, where he makes many Princes believe he has special credit with the Portuguese.

There is lately some new supply made by sea for the better "furniture" of Sir Francis Drake. The Earl of Cumberland and Cavendish are great doers and at great charges for getting forward this supply for Drake. That state hitherto little apprehended any further enterprise. There was a "specte" lately in London and given forth by Burghley that your majesty had departed this life, which God forbid should happen, but since this bruit a friend of mine wrote to me that he saw a letter written by your host to that Court declaring your majesty was in health, which I pray God long to preserve.

Yet these bruits which spring out of such fountains are cautions to your majesty to look the better to yourself.

To further up the league between that Queen and your son some yearly pension is assured to him by that Queen. I have all this while stayed the opening of your letters to Charles Paget, for which purpose he left with me his alphabet, in hope of his own speedy return, but even now I have received some letters from him from the "Spau" declaring that he must stay longer than he thought, for in so short a time he finds no such remedy for his disease as he trusted. Therefore he prayed me in all points towards your majesty and all others to supply his absence.

I am therefore resolved to decipher his said letters, being acquainted with all his dealing, and to do my best to execute whatsoever your majesty commands by your said letters. Yet I would not thus proceed but for fear that delay of time and Paget's absence might bring forth some prejudice to your service, as Paget confessed to me that he expected some resolution from your majesty about Lord Claud [Hamilton], who left an alphabet with Paget to serve between us three in requisite cases, which alphabet Paget left with me also, to treat with the said Lord Claud according to such instructions as came from your majesty for that purpose. At my hands your majesty may expect of duty all fidelity and service, which I hold most due to your majesty from me for infinite causes and favours daily showed to me, which shall never die with me.

Now I hear of some defeat given by the governor of Angoulême to the heretics of "Santonge" and thereabouts. God preserve your majesty and send you the consolation which I wish you. Written in the place of my captivity this 9th July. Your majesty's most humble and obedient servant during life to command, etc.

First postscript.—Good Curll, I find every day no small consolation by your labours and friendship towards me, for which I can but thank you as I do most heartily, and pray you to thank Monsieur Nau also and to hold your wonted favours and love towards me, which I here daily remember to God and will otherwise do the like to the uttermost of my power. Commend me heartily, I pray you, to your wife and sister and to the rest at your devotion. Your for ever most assured to command, etc.

Second postscript.—Whereas your majesty wrote to me of some likelihood of your removing from the place where you are, if your majesty may have some favour granted to you for the election of the place of your continuance, I would advise your majesty not to go out of Staffordshire, which is altogether for your majesty, and adjoining many other honourable personages devoutly affected to your service. Yet wheresoever you go you shall find servants and service by God's grace, though every change bring some alteration and require some time to settle servants and service anew. I was told that your majesty should have come once to Mr. John Gifford's house in Staffordshire, for he himself is commanded to live about London.

The house is not so good for your majesty as I wish it were, but the inconvenience one way will be there requited by some honest service that you may there expect by the said Gifford and his friends.

There are some good members that attend opportunity to do the Queen of England a piece of service, which I trust will quiet many things if it shall please God to lay his assistance to the course, for which I pray daily.

2¹/8 pp. Cipher. Indorsed by Thomas Phelippes. Signed on the back by Walsingham, Burghley, Hunsdon, Cobham, Shrewsbury.

Decipher of the same. In the hand of Thomas Phelippes. Notes out of No. 521 written on the back.

Another decipher of the same. In the hand of Thomas Phelippes.

521. Sir Amias Powlet to Walsingham. [June 29.] C.P., vol. XVIII.

On Saturday last the 25th instant the honest man brought me the little packet inclosed, which being so little that it could be nothing answerable to that which you expect, and was not likely to contain any great matter, and the day of meeting between the substitute and the honest man approaching so near, I thought good to stay the said packet in my hands for these few days, to the end the honest man should not think I had intelligence with the substitute. I therefore sent the said packet again to the honest man the 28th of this present to be delivered to the substitute on the 29th, and so being returned to me by the substitute I send it to you.

It may please you to signify what course I shall take with the substitute hereafter, which rests to be considered only by you, who are acquainted with the secrets of the cause. Whereas you require me to reward him, I purpose to give him 5l. if I hear not from you to the contrary by your next letters. But I would think that your friend's substitute at London should procure his reward from the Queen, and if it be not sought at her hands she shall have just cause to think ill of it. The truth is that he has made many journeys by this occasion and therefore deserves to be well recompensed.

I received letters from Mr. Phelippes, of the 25th, the 27th of this present at 10 o'clock at night, together with two several packets the lesser being the same which I sent you on the 21st instant, and which was delivered to the honest man for the second messenger, who attended his answer at Lichfield, and it is very likely that this packet was delivered for him because the day appointed for meeting between the honest man and the substitute was mistaken by this people, or by the honest man.

I see no danger or inconvenience if we can be content to have patience until the arrival of your friend who it seems will be here shortly. Mr. Phelippes has set down a course for many things to be done, which surely I dare not put in execution for fear of the worst, wherein I am also the more fearful because it seems there is hope that the 3rd of this present great matter will come from this people, which might be in danger to be stayed if any mean cause of suspicion were ministered by any of the agents in this intercourse.

Mr. Phelippes would have the substitute seize upon this little packet now returned from you to me, whereto the honest man will never assent without my special direction, because he is now to receive the said packet at my hands. This adventure might breed many dangers, and seems to serve no other purpose than thereby to deliver a letter from the substitute to Curll, the said letter containing no matter that requires special haste, and which may not be done more safely by your friend at his coming.

All is now well, thanks be to God, and I should think myself very unhappy if upon any instructions to proceed from me this intercourse so well advanced should be overthrown. I have therefore resolved to open the returned packet and to deliver only to the honest man the letter for the second messenger therein contained, reserving the rest according to Mr. Phelippes' direction. So if any question grow thereof hereafter, which is not likely, it shall be said that the substitute finding the said packet in the honest man's hands seized on it and took out of it what pleased him.

Thus you see that I am curious to conserve as well myself as the cause out of peril and hazard thereof, wherein I am the more bold because I see nothing in the other course that presses, and yet being miscarried between the substitute and the honest man might bring imminent danger.

The honest man verily believes that this second messenger came by direction from your friend because he brings a true token, which was that in such a place your friend gave him two angels, and tells me further that the second messenger seemed to mislike greatly that this [cipher] delayed to answer him, and said that his business would not permit him to tarry so long in these parts, but concluded that he would fetch fresh letters and return the 4th or 5th July next. He calls himself Barnes and says—untruly I doubt not—that he is nearly allied to Sir Walter Aston and Mr. Richard Bagott. Thus I commit you to the mercy of the Almighty, who give you strength of body to overcome the troubles of this crooked time. Chartley. Signed: A. Powlet.

Postscript. —The honest man brings to the substitute at this time two angels from this [cipher], which I think should surely have been delivered long before. I marvel that the reward is so slender, doubting lest the honest man has kept the better part for himself. I find that the honest man has played his part at this time very well with the sub stitute, according to my instructions.

3 pp. Holograph, also address. Indorsed by Thomas Phelippes.

522. English Commissioners at Berwick To Walsing-ham. [June 29.] Cott. Calig., C.IX.,fol. 679.

The commissioners for Scotland arrived here at Berwick the 26th instant, and on the following day we met in the tolbooth of the town, where, after the declaring of the cause of our coming, we read both our commissions, and agreed to read the articles the next day. Meeting at the same place according to appointment the Scottish commissioners found some faults.

First, with the second article. They would have this word offensionis put out, alleging that defensionis was sufficient if they were invaded, and that offensionis was against God's word. With the fifth, in these words dicti regis sumptibus, they would have had sumptibus regine, for so they say is the King of France's treaty with them, and further they said that the King of Scotland is not able to pay his own subjects in his wars, and therefore it is impossible for him to pay the Queen's.

The sixth. They misliked also that the King should with his whole force join with the English power—upon request by her majesty— if England were invaded within 60 miles of Scotland, and he had no such article for Scotland if it were invaded within 60 miles of England. And therefore they would have that put out, because they had none from us reciprocally.

With the seventh also they found fault, for they said that divers of Scotland had land in Ireland, and had been possessed these 300 years, and whereas they have been put out by force, they could not be restored by justice and are now forbidden to enter by force.

To all these faults, though we made such several answers as were thought fit, yet we concluded to them all with one answer, that is to say, that their King had subscribed these articles, and we had no authority to alter any matter in them. And when they objected to us that our commission bore date after the articles, and gave us power by these words tractandi et concludendi, and that we did not tractare if we would proceed no further than was agreed on before, we answered them again that we had instructions after our commission which warranted us to deal no further than according to the subscribed articles.

And then we proceeded to the ninth article, which limits the commissioners that should be to proceed in Border matters for all attemptates committed since the King's taking upon himself the government, and four years before, which was in the year 1573— for the King took his government in the year 1577. They said that their instructions were to deal for all attemptates committed from the King's coming to the crown, which was in 1567, and, that if we would not deal for all attemptates committed since that time, they were not to deal any way in the treaty.

We answered that our directions were to deal only with all attemptates committed since 1573, and if they liked not, or were not ready to deal in Border causes, we were content that the ninth article should be inserted still, and that the Princes then within six months might appoint commissioners to treat of those matters according to the said articles. They replied that they had no commission to treat any way, except we would treat of Border matters since the time of the King's coming to his crown. Nevertheless they would presently write to the King to know his pleasure, whether he would have the ninth article inserted as before he had agreed,or treat of all "attemptates" only committed since 1573, since our instructions would warrant us to deal with no "attemptates" before committed, and that we should know their answer by Saturday next.

Thus we have as briefly as we can imparted to you the proceedings in this commission, wherein we desire to know her majesty's or my lords' further pleasures, and if so be that the King will still continue his former direction—and that all attemptates must be dealt with or else no treaty—what then it is her majesty's pleasure we should do.

We understand that they insist the more herein, because they think that the journey of my lord of Sussex and Sir William Drury into Scotland will "countervaile" all the injuries that Scotland has done to her majesty's subjects since, and if those should be holden—as they term them—for "bygan," then Scotland is not able to repair the damages that England has sustained since the year 1573. If my lords heard the multitude of complaints that we hear hourly of outrageous injuries done by the Scots, their lordships could not but have great grief and compassion for these poor spoiled countries.

How to answer my lord of Sussex's and Sir William Drury's dealing, we know not, and therefore if her majesty's and your lordships' pleasure be—as we hope it will not—that we shall travail in these Border causes, we must then have full instructions to deal in those matters. But our humble suit is that those causes may be deferred to men better experienced in Border matters, for we are assured that they will busy the most perfect commissioners two months and more before they finish those causes. And so we commit your lordships to the heavenly protection. Berwick. Signed: Rutland; [W. Eure]; Tho. Randolph.

Postscript.—As the Scottish commissioners have sent Mr. George Yonge, clerk of the Council, to know the King's pleasure, so have we thought fit that Mr. Randolph should send Mr. Milles with him to understand the King's pleasure likewise.

2¾ pp. Marginal notes in Burghley's hand. Addressed. Indorsed: "From the Earle of Rutland and the rest of the commissioners at Barwicke."

523. Instruction to Mr. Milles. [June 29.]

1. Forasmuch as the King's pleasure was that, if any delay occurred in matters now to be treated of by the commissioners, I should write to his majesty for his own resolution, I have now done this by my letter, and humbly crave answer.

2. That we proceed in subscribing and sealing the league agreed on by their majesties, and that being done, enter into treaty on the Border causes, wherein we crave that his majesty's commissioners may deal roundly, seeing it is to reform many ungodly acts done by evilly disposed persons on the Borders of both realms.

3. How many matters of no small weight may be called in question, if the 9th article be altered, was well considered by her majesty and those of her Council in framing the articles of the league not immediately to be spoken of.

4. That some speedy order be taken for the redress of the foul attempts which have been done on the West Borders upon her majesty's subjects, or that Lord Scrope, warden of those Marches, may have leave to take such revenge as he may by the laws of the Borders.

¾ p. Indorsed, "Mr. Milles' instructions to the K. of Scots."

Cott. Calig., C. IX., fol. 333.

Copy of the same.

524. Earl of Rutland to Walsingham. [June 29.]

Is stopped by his inexperience in negotiations from writing any opinion of the Scottish proceedings. Has set down in the general letter the matters as they have been handled.

The Borders are said to be in decay, the attempts many, and most foul, the Scottish people poor, so that if they are to treat in these matters, does not consider they will be despatched in haste.

Was told by the Scottish commissioners yesterday that they wished to treat with them limitum confinio. It is a matter of which he has heard nothing. The Border matters are matters of inexperience to him and his fellows, but to their opponents their usual trade.

Hears that in former treaties such matters were committed to the wardens, with knights with them, or to knights themselves. Thinks this was done as it was usually 2 or 3 months' work. Would be glad to know her majesty's pleasure therein. Would desire it might be that after dealing for the East March he might have leave to return with the league, and his fellows—one of whom has been a warden, and the other most conversant with Scottish affairs—might proceed to the finishing of the rest. Berwick. Signed: Rutland.

¾ p. Addressed. Indorsed.

525. Sir Amias Powlet to Thomas Phelippes. [June 29.] C.P., vol. XVIII.

He has set down a very reasonable course in his letters as things appear to him there. Finds here by reason of the circumstances so many difficulties that he dare not proceed to execute his directions in all things. Forbears the rather because he finds nothing pressing in his letters. Returns his packet inclosed. Has written more at length to Walsingham, and thus willing to send him speedily a new packet, prays he will excuse these short lines. Chartley. Signed: A. Powlet.

½ p. Holograph, also address. Indorsed.

526. Mary to Monsieur La Rue. [June 30.] C.P., vol. XVIII.

I think that you will have been sufficiently advertised of the interruption of all my intelligence since my change of guard, which has been the cause of my receiving so tardily the two last letters which you have written to me. I have received very great pleasure in hearing of your so frequent journeys and the occasions of them, as also all the good advertisements that you have imparted to me, for the which I thank you affectionately, assuring you that of any thing whatsoever which you may write me none will be made participant but those who have, as you know, intelligence with me and the management of my most important affairs, being able to answer to you for their entire fidelity; and therefore I pray you not to restrain yourself in any wise for this respect, to write freely and fully all that you shall know to be of import in any manner whatsoever to the good of my affairs, for whatever it may be I shall always interpret it as proceeding from the affection that you have professed to bear to my service, well known and satisfying: and if it were something concerning any of those who are about me, they ought to be obliged to you for being advertised : and for my part I should esteem it treason were they to conceal or disguise from me anything whatsoever that is written to me, or indeed ever to reveal it elsewhere. But, my father, I pray you also, as you have begun to answer for me, to consider how difficult it is for any prince whatsoever to satisfy the judgement of every one by his actions, however just and exact they may be, many persons being more urged by their own interest than by the good and service of their masters. If I have done good to Curle in favour of his marriage he has worthily deserved it, and I hold myself bound in conscience to him, having suffered with me all the time of my captivity. I have as yet heard nothing of the success of the voyage and negociation to Rome of Dr. Alain and Father Eusebius, nor how those of your society who went this last winter have fared in Scotland. You will do me a pleasure to tell me what you may have learnt about it, for until then I do not know what to resolve about my condition here. Recommend me to the good and devout prayers of your company; and assure your General and Father Claude on my behalf that I will make it my duty to merit the care which they have of God's cause and mine in this island. Chartely. 30 June.

¾ p. French. Indorsed.

527. Thomas Randolph to Burghley. [June 30.]

Has nothing to write of save to say that they have been put to their shifts as much as ever they were in their lives.

If they receive no better answer from the King than they have from his commissioners, takes it that their stay here will be very short.

So it is determined by the lords; and for himself, thinks it to no purpose to return into Scotland, seeing that all is in vain to deal with the King, who has no good councillor to advise him, and is in such awe of those he has that he dare not do as he would wish.

Hopes that the Earl of Rutland will write more particularly to him [Burghley] of their proceedings, with whom they deal, and other things that are amiss both in town and country.

Rutland is unwilling that any should write of him lest they should "overpass" in their commendation of him. Cannot therefore speak of him, but if he could, his doings as they are should be made known to him [Burghley]. Berwick. Signed: Tho. Randolph.

1 p. Addressed. Indorsed.

528. Mr. Archibald Douglas to Thomas Randolph. [June 30.]

"Pleis your gude lordship, being commandit be my soverayne to write onto yow and present [sic] with him when materis war agitat, who wes so weill myndit as he is to performe all suche mater as wes agreable to reason and hir majesties desire, I can not both be witnes thairof. And this farr to affirme, that gif his hienes culd devise onye forme honorable how to satisfie your lordships, that ar commissioneris, he wold do it without delay.

The point in questioun is about ye 9 article, quhither it suld be insert in the league as ane part yairof, or left out to be handillit a part in respect of the contentis yairof, for the tyme of redressing of the Bordour caussis. Gif it suld be insert, it is contrarious to Sir Francis Welsingham his latir directioun. Gif it suld be left out, thair laikit suretie how the Bordour materis suld be handillit, bothe for biganis and in tyme cuming.

Monyvise hathe it bene spokin of in his hienes presence how hir majestie and ye lords, hir commissioneris micht be satisfeit. In the end it plesit his majestie of him selff to find out this way as most agreable to reason, that the league suld go fordwart as it is sett doun, levand out the nynt article, (fn. 3) as wes desirit be the said Sir Francis, and yit he presentlie to write onto hir majestie that it suld be according to hir hienes pleassour how the materis contenit yerintill suld be handillit, whether be nominating of present commissioneris that micht duell upoun the Bordours, to the ending of all the Bordour caussis at this tyme, or uthervise to leve thame to uther commissioneris within sex monethis heireftir, according to the prescryvit ordour contenit in the said nynt article, whiche letter bindis him no less to the doing thairof than the league suscrivit be him selff did of befoir.

In the presence of his Counsall he did protest that gif he micht onderstand in what bettir way he culd satisfie hir majestie and your lordships, he wold do it, and is hartlye sorie that your lordship is so straitlie tyit be commissioun and instructions that ye can not condiscend cend presentlye to yeild onto onye of these formes onto suche tyme as ye shall ressave directioun from hir majestie, whome he prayis may be informit of his gude mynd to satisfie hir hienes and your lordship in all thingis that may be luiked for at his hand.

This far I am commandit to write onto you, and to hartlye pray that this matter may be takin in gude part, and not to interpret it to onye delay on his part, bot rathir to proceid on necessitie, throw not luiking in materis so far at the first as suld haif bene done. And so praying that this lettir may mak my hartlye commendationis to my gude lord of Ruteland I humelie tak my leiff." Dunfermline. Signed: A. Douglas.

1 p. Addressed. Indorsed.

Cott. Calig., C. IX., fol. 334.

Copy of the same.

529. Master of Gray to Walsingham. [June 30.] Cott. Calig., C. IX., fol. 338.

"Sir, I am commaundit by his majestie to wryt to you a feu lynis, and befor God if ever I haid credeit at your hand I must now imploy it for his majestie in sume difficulteis yat occurris in this meiting of the commissioners for the league, and chiefly in the nynt article, witche hes as appeiris proceidit from your self, for if ye haid lattin it be in the forme it wes first set doun no contraversie haid rysin of it. Bot nou the difference is in the tym; witche the King desyris to be from his coronation, and it is set doun in the subscryvit league only from the acceptatioun of the government in his auin hand.

The cause of this comeis by reasoun the King is informit yat the skaithes dune to England of leat yeirs ar so greit yat he and his subjects are not aible to repay them without thay be recompensit by some dune of befor by England to his realme and subjects. Bot yis is a maiter that requyris a long disputation and hardly can it be desydit at yis tym. Thairfor according to your desyr in a pairt the King's majestie craveis yat the nynte article be omittit in the league, and forder yat the reasoning of yt be continouit ether to the meiting of the lieutenantis for bothe the realmes or than till sutche tym as expresly commissioners be deput for yateffect, witche is in yt self verie weichtie."

"Sir, lat it be dune I pray you, for befor God the King's majesteis honourable and princely dealing at yis tym meritis more than yat he craveis. He hes schauin him self so veil affectit a Prince uthir tym yat many of his auin subjectis accomptis him a better Englisman than Scotiseman. Thairfor I pray you oneis agene yat he be accordinglydelt witheall seing the maiter controvertit is of no gryt importance and sutche a maiter as I am assurit the Queen's majestie wil never mak question in withe his majestie. The only regret is yat the noblemenis stay at the meiting by it shalbe sume quhat long, bot ye remed is the sounar to heast ansuer. And I pray you lat it be, for you shall find many heir quho seikis no bettar occasion than this to cast all thingis afe."

"Mr. Myllis can tell you quhou nobly and fraily the King spak yis day in this maiter, so in yat I remit me to him. Yisterday I resaveit from my Lord of Leicester dyvers letteris, bot all tending to one effect, desyring yat he may speik with me in West Holland, bot all wer befor Captaine Hakerstounis arryvall thair, so yat now I thinke he hes chaingit deliberation. Bot upon word from him I shall leave no thing undune yat I can, albeit in deid it lyis nott in my hand to do so mutche as of befor for ye reasouns cotinit in my former letteris."

"Bot ye remedis ar to you knouin. And yet I shall repet them schortly:—First, in respect yat it pleasis ye King nou to give me yis same place I haid of befor, I can not leave him bot by his auin command.

Secondly, seing I frustrat bothe my self and all ye gentlemen and captaines my follouers to our gryt chairgis, it shalbe a thing not possible to ramass them the second tym without a gryt certaintie, for thay see all wordly causes subject to chaingis. Than ether the Queen's majestie or my lord, or bothe, must crave it of the King. And present moyens must be send for ye satisfaction of ye gentlemen.

Bot I remit yis to yourself, and all uther particulariteis to Mr. Archibald Douglas quho I hoype shalbe schortly withe you, send by his majestie in maiters of importance to the Queen's majestie. The King lykis verie weil of him. If my Lord of Leicester hes any forder to deall withe him, it shalbe weil cume he send it to Yourk, for he wilbe at you within a tuentie dayis and hes to satisfie my lord from his souveraine verie amply."

"The gryt heast shall mak me conclud, in committing you to Godis holy protection. From your hous, Dumfermeling." Signed: Mr. of Gray.

3 pp. Holograph, also addressed. Indorsed.

530. James VI. to Elizabeth. [June 30.] Cott. Calig., C.IX., fol. 389.

Madam and dearest sister, the question that is risen between our commissioners concerning the day from which redress shall be made for Border attempts, in respect of the leaving out of the ninth article, has moved me to desire therein to proceed only in the league until your mind were known herein; and therefore I pray you take your choice whether you will be content to yield to the day that my commissioners crave, upon my reciprocal promise to yield to a discharge or abolition of all things past, or else that the day shall be agreed upon which your commissioners desire, upon your private promise in like manner. Or otherwise, if you shall think some other means meeter to be taken herein, appoint both the time and the persons.

Immediately after the knowledge of your mind, "the same persons to conclude upon it, or otherwise any other to meet hereupon within short or long space as shall seem to you best, I shall be ready to do the like for my part." As ever it is, I assure myself that you will prefer my great goodwill professed to you to any profit that your realm can reap at the rigour of redress at my subject's hands. Thus praying you to excuse my scribbled hand in respect of the great haste that this matter requires, I commit you, madam and dearest sister, to God's holy protection. Dunfermline.

1p. Copy.

531. Monsieur Nau to La Rue. [June 30.] C.P., vol. XVIII.

We have been so long without all foreign intelligence, and even now her majesty is so little informed of the intention of the other Christian princes as to matters here, that there remains to her little subject whereon to found as yet any solid negotiation. For my part, believe, if you please, that in all wherein I shall intervene for her service I shall always keep to the duty of an entire Catholic and an honest man, such as I hope my negotiations with this Queen and her council have made me appear; for if I had wished to connive at their pretentions against the Pope I had obtained thereby more than I have done for her majesty.

I pledge you my faith and honour that all that you may write to her will be presented to her out of cipher down to the smallest jot; and you will oblige me greatly if it please you to inform me of that which might concern me in particular, or wherein fault might be found with me, for being true, it will be of service to me to be told, and otherwise it can do no harm. Recommend me, if you please, to Father Eusebius.

½ p. French.

532. Mary to Cardinal de Montdevis. [June 30.] C.P. vol. XVIII.

The old good opinion which has remained with me of your entire zeal and piety in religion since I have had knowledge of you caused me lately, upon the first advise that I received of the death of the late Cardinal Sermonet, to name you to our holy father to commit to you there, in the place of the said lord, the protection of Scotland; and I have since heard by my ambassador my lord of Glasgow, that his holiness had of himself ordained and deputed you to the same effect. Whereof I much wished to testify to you by this note the contentment I have received, praying you also as earnestly as I may to accept this charge, not only on account of the obligation that you will thereby confer upon me, but chiefly for the good and advancement of the cause of religion in that poor realm, where I can assure you there remains yet a very good number of whole-hearted Catholics, even among the chief of the nobility, ready to expose their lives and all that they have in this world to help to re-establish the affairs of this island. (fn. 4) Charteley. 30 June.

¾ p. French. Copy.

533. Monsieur Nau to Mr. Foljambe. [June 30.] C.P., vol. XVIII.

Could not answer his letters as particularly as he desired by her majesty's last despatch, for some of them were not deciphered. Prays he will believe his profession with him to be such that nothing in the world can alter, much less whatsoever he can write to him assuring him of his devotion to her majesty and the cause. He has advised him of what he has heard of Morgan's proceedings, so in the same friendly manner will discharge himself with him. Never knew the gentleman, never wrote to him or heard from him, or had particular acquaintance or dealing with him. Mr. Curll to whom the said Morgan addresses his letters sometimes recommended him to serve any of his [Foljambe's] nation, suffering for God's cause. If he has committed any errors in her majesty's service it was not by his [Nau's] direction. Therefore is loth to be called in question for him, though never knew anything but zeal and devotion towards her majesty's affairs in the gentleman. Perhaps that has carried him further and entangled him in more matters than were needful for his own security.

The Jesuit, Father Henry, can tell him what he imparted to him during his abode in these parts concerning that matter. Refers the whole to his report and prays him to expect the part of a friend from his own hands, without ceremony. The Scottish Queen now writes to the Bishop of Glasgow for the payment of his pension. Prays to be commended to Father Eusebius [in the margin— "Parsons I take it"] if he is returned from Rome. Chartley.

¾ p. Deciphered copy, with marginal note in Thomas Phelippes' hand. Indorsed by him. [With No. 547.]

Cott. Calig., C. IX., fol. 370.

Another copy of the same.

534. [Fragment of a Letter.] [June.] C. P., vol. XVIII.

The letter is torn off. Indorsed by Thomas Phelippes: "What hath passed betweene P. D. G. and H. and Sav. touching the attempt agaynst the Queen. What ground of accusing G. Giffard. What reportes conceaved or determined for revenge, prevention or every of the misfortunes happened uppon us. The true cause of Yardley and Mainville's coming. If meane to cause Pagett come over for winning his credit. To norish the roumers given forth by any means that Pagett hath conveyed all this matter and betryed his mistress. That Arundell and he be sett together by the eares. To get over Lord Gifford."

535. Elizabeth to Sir Amias Powlet. [June.] C.P., vol. XVIII.

We were lately made acquainted with a letter you sent to our Secretary, by which we perceive that the Queen your charge, contrary to our expectations, has refused to deliver young Pierrepoint to such of her father's servants as by our order were appointed to receive her. We find it very strange, considering the request to have her delivered into her parents' hands grew only from the said Queen, upon earnest solicitation made in her name both by the French ambassador and his wife.

Touching the reasons whereon the refusal seemed to be grounded, as, namely, that our assent to her removal was not signified by her own letters, that the young gentlewoman was not sufficiently furnished with apparel and other necessaries appertaining to her back, that she knew not how her friends would rest satisfied with the sending of her to them, that she could not suffer her to depart till she had answer from the said ambassador how we were satisfied therein, and that she could not tell whether our Secretary had truly delivered our mind because as she says she has often been ill-handled that way, you shall let her understand considering how sufficiently these things—being very weak and frivolous—were answered by you, that we cannot but greatly marvel how this stay should come about, and therefore have just cause to doubt that this motion proceeded from some other cause than outwardly was pretended. For we cannot conceive that she had so weak an opinion of our judgment as to think that we can be induced to believe that this change and alteration in her should have no other ground than those frivolous impediments by her alleged to you, which we cannot but interpret as mere slights, wishing her to use them to persons of other calling and less capacity than we take ourselves. The use whereof nevertheless you shall tell her, as heretofore has bred her rather hurt than otherwise, so the same cannot turn to any good to her at any time, even in the smallest matters, and therefore you shall let her plainly understand that we have again willed the gentlewoman's father to send for her, and that we look she shall be no longer detained from being delivered to such persons as shall be appointed to receive her. Therefore you shall pray her in our name to deal in this cause more plainly with us than yet she has done, and to let us truly understand how this change comes about lest for lack of receiving satisfaction from her in that behalf we may be justly moved to take some hard conceit out of this strange manner of dealing than we willingly would.

2¹/8 pp. Indorsed by Thomas Randolph: "Minute of a letter from her majestie to Sir Amias Paulett," and in another hand: "Not sent."

536 The League. [June.]

[Copy of the first part of No. 43, with the following omissions:—

1"For causes of religion," in the 2nd article.

2.The 9th, 10th, and 11th, and the latter half of the 16th articles. And the following alterations].

1.[The closing words of the 6th article are]— "Upon the said King's charges to any part of the realm of Scotland."

2. In the 12th article, the Border matters to be ended by the commissioners, are those "since the time that the said King received the government into his own hands and four years before."

6½ pp. Draft. Alterations in Walsingham's hand. Indorsed.

Copy of the same altered as above, but with the 11th article inserted, and the following note:—

"Besides these articles, the Queen's majesty is to promise to the said King, by a private writing under her hand, that nothing shall be done to the prejudice of any title that he may pretend unto this crown, unless by the said King's unkind usage towards her majesty, which God forbid, he shall justly deserve the contrary."

7½ pp. Written by Burghley's clerk, corrections by Burghley. Indorsed.

Another copy of the first part of No. 43.

Another copy of the same, omitting only the 9th, 10th, and 11th articles. Latin.

Another copy of the same.

Another copy of the same, with notes in the margin. Latin.

Another copy of the same. Latin. Indorsed by Burghley.

Another copy of the same, omitting article 9. Latin.

Another copy of the same. Latin.

Another copy of the same. Latin.

Another copy of the same. Latin.

Laws of the Marches, vol I. p., 182. Ibid. vol II. p 89.

Another copy of the 10th and 12th articles. Latin.

Another copy of the same.

Another copy of the same.

537. The League.

Copy of the second part of No. 43.

Another copy of the same.

538. Three Articles to be added to the League. [June.]

[Copy of articles 9, 10, and 11, in No. 43, with the following notes]:

"At the ninth article. To this he was answered as I have in my instructions, viz., by instrument or private letter."

[To the 10th article] "Refused utterly by me as against our laws."

[To the 11th article] "This article is contained in the league, article 8."

"To be added to the 12th. This article is also in the league, article 12."

²/3 p. Notes in Randolph's hand, also the indorsement, "The three articles which the King delivered to be added to the league, and the ambassador's answer unto them."

Cott. Calig., C. IX., fol. 276.

Copy of the same.

539. Anthony Babington to Monsieur Nau. [June.] Cott. Calig., C. IX., fol. 328.

Would understand his opinion of Robert Pooley, whom he finds to have intelligence with the Queen of Scot's occasions. Is private with the man, and by means thereof knows somewhat, but suspects more

⅓ p. Copy.

540. Master of Gray to [ ]. [June.] Cott. Calig., C. IX., fol. 234.

[The first page is obliterated.]

And if it be possible to send yat answer and word befor ye come to the gentleman it shalbe … befor he come for I have … fond forth ye royen, so it shalbe veil don yat ye brought … them selfis quittit thar, and not to the accusit suche of England bot in ye mid tym yat thay se him at kynd of humilitye to ye King his majestie vil I assure you put befor … thay vil be in Scotland vithe hir majesteis letteris quho vil for he beginnis alredy to heir of tham and to consider quhat particular measuris remane to him yat heare agenst ye letter. Avis us also quhon hir majestie hirself is … so long as he is meiting vithe men. [The rest of the letter is illegible.]

3 pp. Holograph. No address.

541. Prerogative of Sovereigns. [June.] Cott. Calig., C. IX., fol. 621.

"Out of a wast paper of the Queen of Scottes owne hande."

A king ought to govern himself by the advice of his nobility. Reply. Marry—so far as it is not corrupt, but discreet and well bred. Reason. Because the nobility is an ancient witness to the virtue of the ancestors, which probably the progenitors [sic] retain, they ought to be better and more generously taught and brought up; they are more observed and have more honour and goods to lose than the others. Granted: and replied : what ought to be is not always, and there is no rule so general that it suffers no exception. As the great ought to be of better nature; what if they are traitors? They ought to be liberal and pleasant; what if they are mechanical, partial to their house without care of their honour, rash without fear of loss of their goods? Moreover proud of their antiquity, whereby they think to cover and make approved all their actions, and under this name of greatness and nobility of ancestors it must be that the authority of kings may be infringed or diminished and there is their irreprehensible [sic]. The one comes from God, the other from the king under God. For God has chosen kings and commanded peoples to obey them, and kings have made and constituted princes and great ones to relieve them and not to oppose them. What then ought the king to do if his father has raised a worthy man or his ancestor, and the successors and children degenerate? Must the king think equally highly of them and give them the same credit or that whereof they are unworthy, as the virtue of the father merited? The father was valiant, wise and obliging: the son acknowledges only the paternal goods, has learnt nothing but to play the great man and to take his ease and to command, and to disdain the king and all laws. If the king find a man of low estate, poor in goods but generous of mind, faithful at heart and fit for the charge requisite for his service, he will not dare to commit authority to him: wherefore the great who already have want yet more thereof.

1 small page. French. In Thomas Phelippes' hand.

542. Draft of a Letter. [June.] Cott. Calig., C. IX., fol. 622.

Sir, that which you sent me on the 15th instant for "Z" will be put into [her ?] hands at the first opportunity. I thank you for your good advice and for your courtesy, and am very glad that the boy does his duty so well: whom I am despatching now with this packet here inclosed, to be sent, if you please, with all diligence to Mr. Nicholas Cornellis, being of importance for the service of "Z." He was expecting some packets from France by the next.

A slip of paper. French. In Thomas Phelippes' hand.

543. Thomas Milles to the Secretary for Scotland. [June.] Lansd. 49, fol. 65.

The King's majesty having directed me unto your lordship for redress of the attempts lately committed upon the Borders, I pray your lordship to set down your pleasure anent the same.

1. It is complained by Lord Scrope that, the 4th of this instant month June, sundry of the Bells, Carlisles and Kirkpatricks with others to the number of 100 men and above came into England and burnt upon the water of Esk about 80 houses of her majesty's subjects, took away about 100 head of "note" with 40 nags, with a great booty of "insight" with other goods in the West Marches.

Also it is complained by Sir John Forster in the Middle Marches that Robert Ellot, Martin Ellot the Laird of Mangerton and the Laird of Whitehaugh, with others of Liddisdale, about 80 persons, came to Cheploppe the 27th May last past, 1586, and there stole and drove away 140 kine and oxen, 3 horses and mares with "insight," and took 3 prisoners and detained them in warlike manner.

Answer.— "It seamis convenient to remit the redres of these late attemptates to the commissioners. As to the delyverye of the prisoners taken ordre shalbe geaven in the mean quhyll."

Your lordship's pleasure also for the alteration of the ninth article in the treaty of the league it may please you to set down.

Answer.—"It war meit the nynt article shuld be presentlye fulfilled so for any thing past it shuld not need to be insert in the treatye. Yet in this I will deall with the Kyng my sovereygne and send yow his ansuere."

1 p. Answers in a Scottish hand. Indorsed: "Mr. Mylles request to the Secre. of Scotland for redres of injuries uppon the Borders, 1586."