Elizabeth: November 1588

537. William Asheby to Walsingham. [Nov. 6. 1588.] Cott. Calig., D. I., fol. 230.

… (fn. 1) of October I received the … Roger Aston, wherein your honour mentions that they here rest not satisfied, but insist upon unreasonable demands and boasting speeches. Whoever so informed you was seeking rather occasion of jars than that these two princes should be united.

Upon her majesty's last letter the King willed me to certify that he desires nothing but that which shall be meetest to her majesty for her honour and security to grant, and of that he will make her the judge, and those she may appoint. "His scope is cheflie the advance[ment] of religion, and for the defence of the who[le] ile, wherein he wilbe readie to rune that course against all strangers that her heighnes shall thinke most sure and convenient. Without all doubt her majestie hai[th] this yong prince as muche devoted to her as can be wished, which in tyme will appeare, and whosoever geveth out otherwaies abusit greatlie both theise princes, and offend God and man." This … mind towards … by the Lord Chancellor … to run the course of England … he doth oppose himself to his great … against all the malcontents of this realm.

The Master of Glamis is faithful, and these two carry the King in the action most faithfully. Lord John Hamilton and the Earl Ma …, the Earls of Mar and Erroll "are the best bent of all the nobilitie," and draw with them the strongest part of Scotland. "The King meaneth shortlie to send to her majestie ether Sir James Hume, captein of the castle of Edenboroughe, or Sir W. Keth."

Here arrived about the 12th of October 52 Spaniards and Italians who escaped out of Ireland and came naked to this country: the town of Edinburgh gave them food and apparel and sent them into Germany, France and the Low Countries… . this six weeks on the … Scotland a great ship of Spain about the isle of Mull in Maclane's country, and cannot go thence. Those Irish people relieve them with victual, but are not able to possess her, for she is well furnished with shot and men. "If there be anie shipes of warre in Ireland thei might have a great praie of this ship, for she is thought to be verie riche."

Huntly has written a letter to the King of submission, promising obedience in religion and otherwise, craving pardon, and offering submission to the church.

The papists are out of hope to prevail by force now the army of Spain is broken, and show better conformity than before this victory. "The King haith sent the Earle of Huntlie to his house in the north, and thare as he shall reforme himself in religion, so he shall find his favour towardes him."

Touching my … wisdom, as on … favour; in truth I would most … but at this present seeing there is great … good success in this action now in hand, and … the King urgeth nothing that I have offered, well accepting of my being here, I crave that I may stay till this good effect be brought to pass: wherein the King shall refer himself to her majesty, who shall understand his mind shortly by his ambassador that is to go hence. Edinburgh. Signed: W. Asheby.

3²/3pp. Holograph. No flyleaf or address.

538. Roger Aston to James Hudson. [Nov. 8.] Cott. Calig., D. I., fol. 232.

… (fn. 2) understand … court where you w … with these few lines … written at length of the 3rd of … directed the same in a packet to Mr… . which I hope you have received ere now. Further than I wrote in my last I cannot … All is well here; the King content; the Chancellor guides all. Since my last letters Huntly has written to his majesty, craving pardon, and offering himself in religion and all other things at the King's pleasure, "and thatt he will withowtt epocrise satesf[ye] the kerke. Alwayis" he remains at home, and so they hope he shall do still.

Sir John Seton is "clere descowrted." The papists are not so forward as they were; I hope they shall be less and less. "The King is resol[ved] to sobmett him selef to her majesty and cownsell to do with him as the ples."

This day word is come that the great ship that lay in the west isles is blown in the air by order of John Smallett; most part of the men are slain. The manner is this. Macclen entertaining great friendship with them desired the borrowing of two cannons and 100 "hagbotteres" to besiege a house of Angus Macauhales, and delivered [to] a sister's son of his master a pledge for the safe delivering of them again. In this mean time John [S]malett, a man that has great trust among the [Spaniards] entered the ship and cast in the powder upon a piece of lint and so departed. Within a [sh]ortt tyme after the lint took fire and … this word is come this … "avertest" … have done … commend me to all … till I hear from you there … ships I left behind me. I wrote … sundry things in my last letter.

My lord … has desired me to send for 14 yards of … velvet, black, to line him a gown, and also … of black velvet; which, if you could get saf[ely], I would have sent. Davy Morre your old frie[nd] … some hurt by the men of Atermotty, and in [danger] of his life. The letters that came last from [Mr.] Secretary concerning the matters of the Low Countries … be answered to her majesty's contentment. All … here are well and would be glad to see you. Sir William Keith is not yet returned. The Master [of] Glamis has come to court: the King has promised … not take the guard from him but by his own cons[ent]. Edinburgh. Signed: Roger Aston.

1²/3pp. Holograph. No flyleaf or address.

539. Act for Furthering of Justice in Criminal Causes. [Nov. 9.] Cott. Calig., B. VIII., fol. 38.

"At Halyruidhous the last day of November, the zeir of God ane thousand fyve hundreth four scoir aucht zeiris, the Kingis majestie and his estaitis presentlie assembled, having hard and consyderit the act and directioun laitlie maid be his hienes, with avise of his privie counsell, for the furthering of justice in criminall causes, hes ratified, approved and allowed the samin. Of the quhilk the tenour followis."

"At Halyruidhous the nyynt day of November, the zeir of God M.D. lxxxviij zeiris. Forsamekle as the Kingis majestie, being movit with the frequent slauchteris, and utheris odious crymes committit within his realme, and of the wilfull resset and supplie of his rebellis denuncit to the horne for the samin crymes, having craved and hard the opinion of the officeris of estait, and utheris his counsellouris maist commounlie resident and attending upon his majestie, hes be thair advise thocht convenient, resolvit and concludit, that with all gudlie diligence travell be takin to understand the trew estait of the realme, asweill of the saidis crymes, as committaris thairof, be the buikis of adjournale and utherwyse. And be reasoun it wilbe difficill to his hienes Thesaurare and his depute to overtake all thing necessarily to be inquirit, done and directit in this behalf with that celeritie quhilk it cravis, his hienes hes devydit his haill realme—beside Orknay—in four quarteris, appointand for everie quarter thrie of his counsale and utheris heirefter specified, to supplie his hienes Thesaurare and Justice, quhill the fyftene day of Marche nixt to cum: that then his majestie upon experience of the succes of thair travellis may understand everie mannis diligence, and may tak deliberatioun quhat is further to be followit out heir anent, for his hienes honour and service, and quieting of the countrie. Quhilk twelf persones sall concur togidder, and every ane for him self, in maner as efter followis, that is to say:

"For the south quarter, comprehending the schyrefdomes of Striveling, Linlithgow, Edinburgh principall, and within the constabularie of Hadingtoun, Berwick, Roxburgh, Selkirk, Peblis, Thomas Maister of Glammis his hienes Thesaurare, Syr James Hume of Coldenknowis, knycht, capitane of the castell of Edinburgh, and Maister David Mackgill of Nisbet his majesties Advocat."

"For the west quarter, comprehending the schyrefdomes of Lanerk, Renfrew and Air, Dumbertane, Ergyle or Tarbert, and Bute, Wigtoun, Dumfreis, stewartries of Kirkudbricht and Annerdaill, and baillieries of Kylie, Carrik, and Cuninghame, Syr Johne Maitland of Thirlestane, knycht, his hienes Chancellare and Secretair, Syr Patrik Vaus of Barnebarraugh, knycht, and Maister Peter Zoung of Seytoun, Maister Elimosinare."

"For the middle or east quarter, comprehending the schyrefdomes of Clakmannane, Kinros, Fyfe, Perth, Forfare and Kincardin, and stewartreis of Stratherne and Menteith, Syr Lewes Bellenden of Auchnoule, knycht, Clerk of Justiciarie, Valter commendator of Blantyre, L. Keipar of the privie seill, and Johne Arnot, provost of Edinburgh."

"For the north quarter, comprehending the schyrefdomes of Abirdene, Banf, Elgin and Foresse, Narne, Innernes and Cromartie, Syr Robert Melvile of Murdocairny, knycht, thesaurare depute, Maister David Carnegie of Culluthie, and Alexander Hay of Eister Kennet, Clerk of the Register."

"And for the mair speciall directioun quhairunto every ane of the saidis xij personis his hienes officeris and counsellouris sall attend, his majestie hes willit and commandit every quarter of the realme to be devydit in thrie partis, appointand to every ane of them ane severall part thairof, and ane justice court to be haldin within the Tolbuith of Edinburgh for every ane of the saidis partis in the monethis of December, Januar, Februar and Marche nixtocum, and for every ane of the saidis courtis the space of ane oulk, beginnand the first court upon Monunday the xvj day of December nixtocum for the schyrefdomes of Striveling, Linlithgow and Edinburgh principall, committit to the speciall cair and diligence of the said Laird of Coldenknowis, capitane of the castell of Edinburgh; the secund court upon Monunday the xxiij day of December, for the schyrefdomes of Edinburgh within the constabularie of Hadingtoun and Berwick, committit to the speciall cair and diligence of the said Thomas, Maister of Glammis, Thesaurare; the thrid court upon Monunday the penult day of December, for the schyrefdomes of Roxburgh, Selkirk and Peblis, committit to the speciall cair and diligence of the said Lord Advocat; the ferd court upon Monunday the sext day of Januar, for the schyrefdomes of Lanerk, Renfrew and Air, and baillieris of Kyle, Carrik and Cuninghame committit to the speciall cair and diligence of the said Lord Chancellair; the fyft court upon Monunday the xiij day of Januar for the schyrefdomes of Dumbertane, Ergyle or Tarbert and Bute, committit to the speciall cair and diligence of ye said Maister Elemosinare; the sext court upon Monunday the xx day of Januar for the schyrefdomes of Wigtoun, Dumfreis, and stewartreis of Kirkudbricht and Annerdaill, committit to the speciall cair and diligence of the said Syr Patrik Vaus of Barnebarrauch, knycht; the sevint court upon Monunday the xxvij of Januar for the schyrefdomes of Clakmannane, Kinrosse and Fyfe, committit to the speciall cair and diligence of the said provest of Edinburgh; the aucht court upon Monunday the thrid day of Februar for the schyrefdomes of Perth and stewartreis of Stratherne and Menteith, committit to the speciall cair and diligence of the said Justice Clerk; the nynt court upon Monunday the x day of Februar for the schyrefdomes of Forfar and Kincardin, committit to the speciall cair and diligence of the said Keipar of the privie seill; the tent court upon Monunday the xvij day of Februar for the schyrefdome of Abirdene, committit to the speciall cair and diligence of the said Syr Robert Melvile thair depute; the elevint court upon Monunday the xxiiij day of Februar for the schyrefdomes of Banffe, Elgin, Forresse and Narne, committit to the speciall cair and diligence of the said Maister David Carnegie of Colluthie; the twelt court upon Monunday the thrid day of Merche for the schyrefdomes of Innernes and Cromartie, committit to the speciall cair and diligence of the said Clerk Register: all with continuatioun of dayis, and that his majesties Chancellair convene the saidis xij personis daylie, or sa oft as the occasioun sall offer, to consult upon the further particularities of this service. And his majesties self will inquire and tak compt of thair diligence everie oulk twyis or thryis, specialie on the Wednisday and Fryday in the morningis, and will ressave the complaintis of all compleneris, and direct the same to every ane of the saidis xij personis within quhais boundis the complaint is. And his majestie will privelie heir everie ane of the sadis xij personis quhen they sall have ony necessary purpois to communicate to him tending to the furtherance of this service."

"And further his hienes is deliberate and promisis that quhill the said xv day of Marche nixt to cum his majestie will na wayis grant or subscrive ony maner of respect, remissioun, command for continuatioun or defyeing of any justice court, giftis or dischargis of unlawis, escheitis, or quhatsumever penalteis or casualities falling be meanis of the saidis justice courtis, or quhilk may hinder the trew effect thairof, without the advise of the saidis xij personis, at leist sevin of them being togidder, and subscriving before his majestie."

"The saidis xij personis at his majesties command hes takin upon them the inquisitioun of the crymes, raising of the letteris, and causing execute the samin and summoning the assyses, and sall mak the first expensis thairon, quhill the samin may be recompensit be the first casualities falling be thir courtis and escheitis thairof, within the boundis committit to them. In the componing quhairof my Lord Thesaurare or his depute sall use the advise of him that is appointed for that part of the countrie and sik utheris of the officeris and counsale as sall be present."

"The saidis xij personis, officeris of estate and counsellouris hes promisit to attend upon his majestie at Edinburgh, and not to depart thairfra without his hienes knawledge and leif, and that they have appointed ane uther of the same xij personis to supplie thair absence in this service unto thair returning, quhill the xv day of Marche nixt to cum."

"In the saidis courtis of justiciarie the Justice or his deputis sall proceed to the tryall or punishment of slauchteris committit thir last thrie zeiris, sen ye first day of November 1585, upon the names ressavit from the Justice Clerk and his depute and sik utheris as can be inquyrit of without prejudice to parties to persew for uther slauchteris at thir same dyettis gif they will."

"Nixt, upon the ressetteris and supplearis of the speciall personis at the horne, and upon all Jesuitis, seminarie preistis and excommunicat papistis; all incestuous personis and notorious obstinate adulteris; all common sorneris, vagaboundis, and the pernicious thevis and abuseris calling them selfis Egyptianis; all deforceris of the Kingis officeris. And that all officeris of armes—the ordinar heraldis, maseris and pursevantis exceptit—be personallie present in the saidis courtis, to answer to the complantis of speciall falsettis, extorsiounis and oppressiounis committit be them under colour of executioun of thair offices."

"For the committaris of the said slauchteris, gif they have bene called and remanis at the horne unrelaxit, that letteris be direct for uptaking of thair escheitis, and to the schyreffis, barounis and townes to assist the officeris gif neid be, as alswa charging the schyreffis and utheris ordinare judges, and generallie all men, to seik, searche, tak and apprehend the rebellis, and being apprehendit to keip them in firmance and captivitie quhill justice be execute upon them for the saidis crymes. As alswa to charge the rebellis to enter thair awin personis in waird, and to rander thair stanehouses and fortalices, gif they ony have, under the paine of treasoun. And gif the rebellis be sik personis as ar schyreffis them selfis, or that the schyreffis may not or dar not execute the charge, that the matter be communicate to his hienes self, that he being informed may use force in proper persone or utherwyse direct it to be usit as he sall think guid."

"Gif the rebellis have bene zeir and day at the horne, and na dispositioun maid of thair lyferentis, to intromet and bring in thair livingis to his hienes use. Gif they be relaxit, that letteris be direct charging thair souirties to enter them to the courtis, that parties offendit may ressave suirtie for satisfactioun and assyithment. And quhair the offendouris hes not zit bene complenit on, that thai be now called to the saidis courtis."

"Quhair personis callit to underly the law hes obtenit and usis respectis and remissiounis, thai sall be compellit to find guid suirties to satisfie the parties complenand, and his majestie will caus the assyithment to be modefyit with als greit speid as is possible: and will hald hand that the decreitis to be gevin thairupon sall be execut without delay or subterfuge; and that for all offensis quhair the lyfe of the offendour is spairit guid suirtie be fund to abstene in tyme cumming under greit painis. And that nane of the nobilitie or officeris of estait, or counsellouris, or of his hienes familiar servandis, nor nane utheris that ar difficill to be convenit be ressavit souirteis for assyithment of parties complenand, or that personis callit sall compeir to underly the law, or to abstene in tyme cumming, or for ony uther occasioun. For getting knawledge of the personis culpable of the particulare crymes above writtin, that letteris be direct to the schyreffis and thair deputis, commanding to summond a dozane, xv or xxj at thair discretion of the maist famous and honest barounis, landit gentlemen or utheris within the shyre, burgh or land, to a certane day with als greit speid as may be, and be thair greit aithis to delait and returne the namis of all personis suspect of the crymes above writtin that ar appointit to be followit at this tyme, beside sik uther privie intelligence as may be had be moyen, and to warne all parties that hes to do, persew, or defend in the saidis justice courtis, to give in thair complaintis in tyme, and to await at the saidis courtis as thai will be servit. That ane hundreth personis of the best and worthiest landit men to burgh or land, and utheris that may beir thair awin chargis within every ane of the xij partis, be summonit to passe upon the assyse of the personis delaitit and to be accusit, quhilkis sall be haldin to compeir the first day of the oulk that thai ar summonit, under the painis contenit in the actis of Parliament, notwithstanding ony exemptiounis or excuses, except only sik as sall be provin—be the aith of thair minister compeirand—to be seik and unable for travell."

"Upon the first day of the court and oulk, asweill the personis summonit to compeir that day as the haill personis of the assyse to be callit and the absentis and thair suirties to be unlawit."

"At the end of every oulk the extract of the court and oulk immediatly preceding to be geuin out to the persoun havand the cair of that part, that diligence may be maid without further delay for uptaking of the painis and unlawis, and compt to be craved of the same diligence how sone the same conveniently may be done."

"Sik personis as compeiris the first day and hes or will use respect or remissioun to be callit and put to point the first day appointit for thair compeirance, gif it be possible: utherwayis upon the nixt dayis of the oulk thairefter: and that it be considderit the same first day how mony of the comparentis will offer them selfis to ane assyse. And that ane assyse be wailed maist propre for them appointand sum day of that oulk thairfoir, how sone it can be overtakin: and to let out the comparentis the said first day upon greit souirteis, and command the assyssouris to remane that haill oulk at leist quhill ye court appointit for that part be endit under double painis: that the thrie appointit for every quarter accompanie and be assessouris to the Justice deputis during the haill space of the thrie oulkis appointed for that quarter, and every ane of them in particulair promisis to take the cair and burding of the dispatche of letteris and utheris thingis requisite for preparation agane the court, and executioun of thingis necessary, asweill before the courtis as thaireftar, quhill the xv day of Marche. They sall caus execut letteris upon all landislordis and chiftainis of clannis in the hielandis and borderis to find souirteis or enter pledgis for gud rewle, conforme to the new act of Parliament."

"All sik thingis as can not possible be overtaken in thir courtis to be continued to the nixt justice courtis to be haldin in the tyme of the somer sessioun, quhilk will lykewyse lest the space of xij oulkis, fra the xv day of May to the xv day of August, seing in the tyme of the twa vacances of sawing and sheiring it will be difficill to await upon the justice courtis in Edinburgh."

"They sall gar proclame the letteris certifying all complenaris upon thevis in the hielandis and borderis how they sall persew and seik for redresse of thair skaithis."

"They sall inquyre for the namis of sum speciall thevis and lymmaris in every shyre, and assist the Justice Clerk that thai may be gevin furth in valentynis to thair maisteris, and sall give advise how the maisteris and landislordis or chiftainis failleing to present them sall be called to be tryit upon thair diligence; and that letteris be direct for publicatioun of this present act and ordinance be oppin proclamation at the mercat croce of Edinburgh, and uther mercat croces and placis neidfull, that nane pretend ignorance of the samin; and that the samin be imprentit alswa, quhairthrow it may cum the mair spedelie to the knawledge of all his hienes lieges, quhairunto the copie heirof subscrivit be the Clerk of Register sall serve for sufficient priviledge and warrand. Subscrivit be his majestie and the saidis xij personis in takin of thair acceptatioun. At Edinburgh the 9 day of November. 1588. James R. Im prentit at Edinburgh be Henrie Charteris. Cum privilegio regali.

8pp. Print.

540. Roger Aston to James Hudson. [Nov. 13.] Cott. Calig., D.I., fol. 267.

… (fn. 3) that as matteres … you before of the grett … that was like to ensewe be the altering of the gard: wich being led before his majesty be the Chansler, was contentt to alter all thatt matter, and nowe has gevin a new geft to the Master of Glames of thatt plase during his lyffe."

"Order is taking that no papes shall be in the Kings houes. All men well afected in religion are to be sentt for, and order to be taken with Papes throwe all the countre."

"The Yerle of Hontle shal remane att home, and ether conforme him selef to the religion or eles [pas?] of the countre. I wrott yesterdaye and sentt it to the ambass[ador]: it aperes you have forgotten me thatt never wold writt all this tyme." Edinburgh Signed: Roger Aston.

¾p. Holograph. No flyleaf or address.

541. [ ] to [ ] (Intelligence from Scotland.) [Nov. 13.] Cott. Calig., D. I., fol. 274.

… (fn. 4) "Scotland, having … I have beyn secretly … estate—cheyfly the northern … greatly estranged and fallen frome the" … —and good affection towards her majesty, and this realm; wishing and looking to have power to execute the malice of their minds inwardly and closely carried against her majesty. And before they be furnished and able to go forward with their desires they will covertly further their intentions with fair words and deeds "to serve the tyme."

I am told that a gentleman is prepared and made ready—or rather despatched—for the Low Countries, to persuade the Scottish colonels and captains there to deliver to the Duke of Parma such towns and "peces" as they have in charge, or can get in possession, and to resort with their companies to the Duke of Parma to be by him recommended to the service of the Duke of Guise.

Further, that the King of Scots before this hath solicited the King of Denmark to trouble the seas and traffic of England, with sundry other evil offices towards her majesty, which the King of Denmark refused to do to the great discontent of the King of Scots.

1p. Copy.

542. William Asheby to [Burghley.] [Nov. 13.]

I delivered to the King the 9th of November her majesty's letter concerning the state cause of the United Provinces. "His heighnes is verie willing to stay the letter of mart, not meaning to deale anie wai against her frendes and allies without her majesties privitie. Before theise letters came, the King was certified that there was an embassadour coming from the Lowe Countries, who is dailie here expected; whereupon the King deferreth the full answere to her majesties letter till the arrivall in theise partes of there embassadour."

The Spanish ship I mentioned, which was driven on the isle of Mull in Maclane's country, is burnt by treachery of the Irish, and almost all the men consumed by fire. "It is thought to be on of the principalles shippes, and some on of great accompt within, for he was alwaies, as thei saie, served in sylver." In the north another great ship wrecked upon Fair Island; 500 men gained the island, but it is thought they will be famished, it is so little and barren.

"Here is feared some waltering in court, as thei terme it in breading." The King means to take the captainship of the guard from the Master of Glamis, and to give it to Alexander Lindsey, his chief favourite, brother to the Earl of Crawford; who although he be a Protestant, yet that house being in feud with the Master of Glamis, he will favour the contrary faction against the Chancellor and the Master of Glamis. This plot is wrought by Justice Clarke, "who is suspected to shrinke from the Chancellour: there envie and feud alters off the courte, and the King so pore as he can nether reward nor punishe, which is the cause of manie alteracions amongest them."

The preparation to sea made by Bothwell was for the isles of Lewes on the west: there were 4 or 5 ships and 600 soldiers. "Now all is qualied": his mariners unwilling, and the borough towns ready to withstand him, fearing he intended piracy against the Low Countries, being set on by Colonel Stewart before his going into Denmark. Bothwell is of French humour, doing that to-day which he repents to-morrow. "His cariage is suche, and haith so embrued himself with bloode, as he is hated almost of evirie on."

The Chancellor is assured that you will omit no opportunity of uniting these two princes, hoping you conceive the same opinion of him.

Here arrived the 8th of November Mr. Thomas Fowler, who came to me to acquaint your honour of his coming: he hath written craving your favour and offering service. The King hath used him with great courtesy, "making the more accompt of him, for that he served his grandfather, and brought his father into this countrey; he is verie well acquainted, and well thought of with the best sorte." You shall find him willing and faithful. Edinburgh. Signed: W. Asheby.

Postscript. As I had ended Mr. Fowler came to me, showing that Justice Clerk had been with him, and declared that the fear of alteration in court was past; the King hath confirmed the charge of the guard to the Master of Glamis for life.

The Chancellor and Justice Clerk are reconciled; all Papists shall be sent from court to their houses, and the Protestant lords sent for: so as there is great hope of this prince proceeding sincerely in religion.

There is a resolution to send an ambassador hence to her majesty; probably either Sir Alexander Hume, captain of the castle, or Justice Clerk.

3¾pp. Holograph. Indorsed.

543. Stephen Ellis to Walsingham. [Nov. 19.] Cott. Calig., D. I., fol. 315.

I received your letter the 12th instant, with a letter inclosed for Mr. Richard Lowther's coming up to you. He maketh his journey in haste, with instructions from his brother, Jarratt Lowther. If there is any matter in which Mr. Richard cannot satisfy you, Mr. Jarratt will willingly repair to you. All the knowledge comes by him, both now and in Lord Leicester's time. I did not set down the way to entitle her majesty to it, because there was a promise of a benefit which should come unto them; which promise they do yet look to have; that which was promised by Lord Leicester in the other covenant. These matters can only be ended by making Mr. Richard Lowther sheriff of Cumberland this year; otherwise he cannot get a jury, but will favour the Howards or the Dacres or themselves. The gentleman had disgrace by the fall of the late Duke of Norfolk; "when the master getts a fawle the fre[nds] and sarvants coms by som perell." Yet the gentleman quit himself very worshipfully of that action. The ancestors of the man were knights these 200 years. If the Queen would bestow that favour on him it would make him ready to further her actions, and win him and his, which is a great alliance: he is a man of 1000li. a year at least. There is no man in all the west marches so sufficient for border causes; as appeared when he was Lord Scrope's deputy warden at Carlisle.

"Her is a offes [sic] of Bewcastell, which with the el … of Thomas Musgrav well all be undon as thay [are] all redy for as it is reported when Ledesdayll … com and wreck thaym Sir Symond and he do … charg thaym with som fellony, and so tacks all [their] goods." It were well for these borders that some other man had the government. Lord Scrope is grown suspicious of me by reason I did not acquaint him with your letter as I was wont to do. I pray you satisfy him that there was one sent of purpose to make Mr. Lowther come up. Carlisle. Signed: Stevene Elys.

Postscript. I pray you give order to some of your chamber that he may have access to you when needful.

2pp. Holograph. No flyleaf or address.

544. Richard Wigmore to Walsingham. [Nov. 23.]

"I being forced to leave my country by reason of certeyn hard cowrces intended agaynst me at the appetyte of the Lady Leyghton, and hearing of the good correspondency between her majesty and this King, I did chuse this country wherin to remayn, as a place of smallest charge, and as I trust of least offence." I have signified this to your honour as to him whose good opinion I have always coveted. If anything be misconceived of my departure at the suggestion of my ill-willers, may it please you to assure her majesty of my loyalty, whereof I hope even here to give testimony. Wherein it shall please you to command me "I will as reddely obaye as in all humble thanckfullnes I doe acknowledge yowr honorable goodnes extended to my poer brother in his laate afflictions." Edinburgh. Signed: R. Wygmor.

½p. Holograph, also address. Indorsed.

545. William Asheby to Walsingham. [Nov. 26.] Cott. Calig., D. I., fol. 228.

… … (fn. 5) here think of her majesty's … honourable, doth greatly discontent all sorts, and wounds the hearts of the best deeply, seeing—as they allege—their King so little esteemed, considering his devoted mind towards her highness, in respect of religion affecting her amity before all princes', and making it manifest to the world.

I find the King to conceive some unkindness, and fear, if regard be not had in time, all sorts in his state will urge their prince to a course dangerous to both crowns.

The Chancellor, who hath endangered himself among the nobility and malcontents, groweth weary of the course he hath held, finding so cold correspondence from England, and his King so lightly regarded. This opinion of theirs is increased by the stay here reported of an ambassador coming to Scotland from the States, which is taken very unkindly, they thinking that the Queen would not vouchsafe him to have an ambassador from thence, but will seem to rule their King and yet do nothing for him: this they account no small indignity to their prince and country. This latter end of November a convention of the nobility is held at Edinburgh; what is concluded by the next you shall … The King … may be wholly at … course he shall set down. He hath so wrought Earl Huntly as he [hath] reconciled and submitted himself to the Church, and revealed to the King the plot to take away the Chancellor; so a full reconciliation will be presently made.

Earl Crawford and the Master of Glamis newly reconciled again, and all quarrels to be forgotten. Here arrived lately from the Duke of Parma Colonel Boyd and Thomas Terie, bringing letters from the Duke to the King containing only compliments, committing the message to the bearers. The Spaniards now see their error that they made not sure Scotland for a [place] of retreat, which had been this summer past safeguard of their navy if they had retired [to] the havens of Scotland: which they durst not attempt, understanding the King to arm against them.

Colonel Stewart is returned from Denmark; there hath been some motion [for the] marriage of the second daughter; great sums of money will be offered if it shall please the King to hearken that way; but many think the King should match with the [Princess] of Navarre… … . Spaniards, whose ship wrecked … Orkney, are coming to this city. On 24th arrived 18 Spaniards saved from the ship burnt in the Isle of Mull; "the particularities thereof I thinke your honour understandes by the partie that laid the traine, whome we here saie to be comed into England; the man known to your honour and called Smallet." Edinburgh. Signed: W. Asheby.

Postscript. Word has been brought me from the court that the King has bestowed the captainship of the guard to Mr. Alexander Lindsay, although not twenty days past he confirmed it to the Master of Glamis; this alteration, especially at this time of the Convention, "makes us feare here some waltering in courte to se this strange dealing." Hard dealing is used against Mr. Fowler in his absence, as though he had committed some treason; it troubles the gentleman not a little. I beseech your honour vouchsafe such favour as equity will require.

3pp. Holograph. Addressed. Indorsed.

546. Thomas Randolph to Walsingham. [Nov. 28.] Harl. MSS. 292, fol. 67.

My duty unto your lordship remembered. As it has pleased you ever to give me leave to write unto your honour either of my own griefs or of such as concern my friends being injuriously or hardly dealt withal, so am I now both to let your honour understand of two matters, the one that concerneth many of her majesty's good subjects, the other one person only, my near and dear friend though not in all points, as I would he were, yet so must I dare say if of a papist I may so write. But before I discover their names I foresee what danger may ensue unto my self, and in opening of the matter—except it be used with great secrecy by your honour and used with that wisdom that the evil may be remedied and my self saved harmless for declaring of the same—I know that it were much better for me to leave the matter unspoken of and my poor neighbours to content themselves with the wrong—though foul and slanderous to have her majesty's good subjects abused against all law and good conscience—than to lay myself open to that danger that I do. Be as it may be and fall out as it may fall I will no longer hold your honour in suspense, but as I am credibly informed of the misusages which I wish were amended, so will I lay them open before you.

The one matter concerning Mr. John Cobham appoynted to be a captain as other were of divers selected soldiers within Kent—what benefit he got in the choice of his men, taking up and leaving out as many as for money he liked I speak not of—but for that which is complained unto me of by my neighbours of Milton and most of them her majesty's tenants is, that their captain having received pay of her majesty for a time for such soldiers as served under him that he retaineth their whole wages in his hands and payeth them nothing to whom it is due, your honour considereth whether this be to be to be borne with or not, though I fear it be too common with other captains that use the like.

The other matter is [one] that toucheth myself near—and yet very loth to deal far in it—that a gentleman called Mr. Norton Grene dwelling within the hundred of Milton, indeed a papist, and yet if there be any of that sort better than other I dare affirm that he is of that kind one of the best. He is of late as I am informed by your honour's letter willed to yield his body unto the custody of any such as Mr. Harrie Brooke would appoint. He is now in the hands and custody of one, Mr. Antonie Sampson, servant to my Lord Cobham—sorry I am to utter so much as I write—and friend to Mr. Brooke and supposed to be contriver of the whole matter against the said Mr. Grene. There are demanded of him two thousand marks for his liberty and to live fitly where he likes, and that to be confirmed unto him by letters from her majesty's Council, which, though I believe in this case will hardly be obtained, yet is their honours' name used to save their turn, and occasion given to other to judge very hardly of these kinds of dealing, specially I am sorry—with pardon let it be spoken—that your honour in this matter is only named, and your only letter to be the cause of his apprehension and trouble. He was once indeed by Mr. Yonge committed to the clink. There never yet appeared other offence in him than that he went not to the church. I was then a suitor unto your honour for his liberty which then was granted. I know that there is no new offence to charge him with, though this new manner of dealing be far other than I have heard of, that before a man be either indicted or convicted, to be given into his enemies hands to his utter spoil and undoing. Your honour seeth how far I have hazarded myself both against the son and brother of a noble man to whom I am bound, as also towards your honour, to write as I have done how far soever this offence towards your honour may be drawn, I crave pardon, and this far of your honour crave that if there be any doubt of disloyalty to her majesty or mistrust of any treachery against this realm—more than plain disobedience that he cometh not to the church—that I say the bonds of his brethren in law, Mr. Brente that married his own sister and Mr. Levin that married his wife's sister, may be taken, both honest gentlemen of Kent and very religious, will offer to be bound for him to appear whensoever your honour shall call for him. For my own part I humbly beseech you that I neither be named, nor thought to be party herein, as before I have shewed what displeasure may ensue unto me. If this may be well accepted at your hands your honour shall hear of other things amiss no less worthy to be reformed than these are in doing of, honour shall win favour at God's hand, live of her majesty's people and honour immortal for your well doing. St. Peter's Hill. Signed: Tho. Randolph.

2²/3pp. Addressed. Indorsed.

547. William Asheby to Walsingham. [Nov. 30.] Cott. Calig., D. I., fol. 234.

… … (fn. 6) [ho]nourable, was the first day … convention; where the King aff … speech in generality of this assembly … showed to the lords how he had from time to time proceeded with the Earl of Huntly, touching religion; whom now, after conference with divers learned ministers, he finds ready to submit himself to the church, confessing publicly his errors, with solemn protestation to become a faithful subject to his majesty, and to defend the religion here professed to the utmost of his power; and this not for fear of loss or hope of favour, but of mere conscience, detesting all superstition and papistry. This public protestation did not a little content the King and best affected here, for that he was the head and chief pillar of the papists and malcontents here.

The next day followed an accident which troubled the King. Earl Bothwell and the Master of Glamis, discontented with one another, put themselves and their followers into arms. The King sent R. Melvin to command them both in his name to keep their houses; Bothwell, nothwithstanding the [King's comma]nd … King presently … come to his … that he would not be made a p[art]y … for any private man's quarrel; adding words unmeet from a subject to his [King]; these Scottish earls account themselves but followers to their King, and presume much upon their regalities. The King would not bear this disobedience, but commanded him to his house for the night, and the next day sent him to Lyt . . [Leith] to remain in the custody of Justice Clerk. The barons and lairds sent to the King the next day, offering to bring Bothwell to him, and any other earls that he would name, bound, for these insolencies are not to be suffered in Scotland.

The Master of Glamis, not for any disobedience, but for arming himself in this city at this present, is committed to the Castle.

There landed the 26th at Anstruther in Fife 200 Spaniards, who wrecked their ship about the isle of Fair in the Orkneys. They came in fisher-boats to this Firth, meaning to hire a couple of ships to take them into the Low Countries: they saved their treasure and are come hither unspoiled; their captains are looked for in this city. A man-of-war might intercept them. It is thought their chief was general of the f]leet]… . the assembly of the … of these two points for [be]tter maintenance of the religion now here established: first, that there be more severity used for the abolishing of papistry; second, that better provision be had for the stipends of ministers. Certainly both the King and the Church here are in most miserable state, neither of them able to maintain their households; which must bring ruin to the whole state. Nothing is as yet concluded in this assembly. Edinburgh. Signed: W. Asheby.

2½pp. Holograph. Addressed. Indorsed.

548. Affairs in Scotland. [1588.] [Nov.] Cott. Calig., D. I., fol. 339.

"Heving ressevit your informacione this last Sonday wit ze that Mr. James … (fn. 7) deing in Kirkgvinzane, he come in Scotland at the Haymouthe and w … be the abbot of New Abbay to the Lord Herreis and their was petagoge … lordis bairnes. He was abowte xxviij zeiris of aige; the occasione that … was petagoge for was to conceill his vocatione."

"He maid ane greitt lamentacione befoir his deathe that he had noct tyme to do the thinge he come for. He is bureitt in the abbay of Swieitt Harte alias New Abbay, and ane throwthe of stane laid on his towmbe with his [name] upon it. His guidis that he had is distribuitt in the handis of thame that ther is no remeid to be had off, for it will never be granttit excepte it cum be confessione to ane preist. Ther cowld nane of his workis be gotten, for the man is absent that had thame, bot heirefter is [sic: if] I can speid ze shalbe participantt."

"For newis, my Lord Mortone knawis of na releiff for his servantis [that] is camit hame that was his agenttis at court. My Lord Herreis is lyk to becum ane guid Protestant outwardlie, for he cumis to the prechinge and els to the assembellie of the ministeris in Drumfreis, and hes cawssit thame gett obedience of commones that was abstinate. His lordschip is to pas in Lowdiane and thair to remane for ane space."

"His majeste past over Forthe this last Thurisday, and beis agane in Edinburgh schortly. Thair beis ane conventione of the haill nobilitie the xxv of this instant in Edinburgh: it is that the papists salbe put at, and his majesties howse and servandis to be teikin ordour with first."

"Thair is fallin owte ane cummer betuix my Lord Bodwell and the town of Leithe: it movit first be ane sowldert of my lordis callit Jokie Maxwell and the watche of the town, this sowldert being gangand one the nycht to ane woman, and thair he was hurt, my lord cumminge to seik the revenge for his man, his lordschip is strik throw the dowbellet with ane halbertt and na bluid in effect, but ther vij of the town hurt and iij or four slane, and ther is fyve or six of the sowldertis slane and sundrie uther hurt. Swa my lord makis greitt schow, and the town standis one ther awin gard, and na sowledertis dar be sene emangis yame."

"I here noct yett of my Lord Wardanes doinge nor I howpe noct for him befoir the coventione."

1p. Addressed: "To my assurit and luiffing brother Gotrie this with speid."

Cott. Calig., D. I., fol. 348.

Copy of same.