Border Papers volume 2: October 1597

774. Scrope to Burghley. [Oct. 2.]

I have sent "out of hand herinclosed" my news out of Scotland, "wherby I perceave that things will faull out" as I heretofore advertised.

We have made two of our pledges sure at Carlisle. I have written this day to M^r Secretary, intreating him to procure her Majesty's warrant for my repair to London, which I humbly pray your lordship to further as soon as you can. Langer. Signed: Th. Scrope.

"Postscript.—What bee th'occasions of the Lord Simple, your lordship shalbe advertised or it be longe."

1 p. Holograph; as also address. Indorsed.

Inclosed in the same:—

"Occurents out of Scottland.

"The King hath writen to Liddisdaill for the pledges where he sent for them, but they could not be found a good while after: sa as the King was fayne to send the second tyme, and they were brought within 20^tie miles to the King, but they understanding the cause, fledd back agayne frea him, sa as he (fn. 1) was compelled to writ to the King in that matter, and with all speed he (fn. 1) came back with sax score horsemen, but fand them not at thire awne howsis. They sould have been delivered at Norhayme the 29^th of September, according to the Kingis promise to M^r Bowes, and Baclughs promes by writ to the King. He wilbe for this fault put in prison agayne till he pay 5000li. sterling: but this is all done to ween tyme, for the King meanes so [no ?] such matter, as I wrote before.

"The Lord Simple of Scottland is at Carlel: he is convoyed in the countrey first by the Lard of Newby, receaved by the bailive of Burgh at the watter sayde, and frea them by (fn. 2) sowthwart: for what occasions I canot learne, but he hes bene at Newbie these 20 dayes bygayne.

"I pray your honour keepe als close this and all uthers thinges preceeding that my dooingis be not knoen herin: and as for uther porposes requyred by the last lettres, I care not how open they bee, they wilbe sa open of themselves by tyme."

¾ p. Copy by Scrope's clerk on similar occasions.

775. Scrope to Cecil. [Oct. 2.]

I am greatly beholden for your honorable letter, proceeding "out of your kinde love to mee." You write that I am determined to come to London without the Queen's leave, and have left Henry Lighe my deputy, and the other gentleman "but his assistants: which considering the qualitie of the man, and the disposition of his life, is much misliked, whom, since my coming to the wardenry, I have not found the soundest,"—yet I thought all would be well till my return. "Nevertheles, thoughe Henrie Lighe be proclamed for a tyme (which I never ment should be longe), upon receite of your lettre, I have writen unto him to lett M^r Richard Lowther bee his superior at dayes of meetings, and in any other matters of importance, and to take his advise in all thinges—thoug for his honestie I would not sweare—which I hope will satisfie her Majestie and the Counsell." I have now written to Henry Leigh to signify this to M^r Lowther. We have had the pledges ready 4 or 5 times, to my own and the country's great charges, and Leigh has taken sufficient bonds for their appearance. "I comaunded him to goe to my brother Bowes, and to bee directed by him, whom I thincke canot erre; and soe I assure my selfe there shalbe noe deficiencie in mee." Seeing these things so settled, "as I lay heare at great charges and woulde bee great trouble to returne to Carlel," I hope by your father's and your good means I may soon obtain her Majesty's warrant to repair to London: "for I intende not to remoove untill I have receaved the same."

I am "dett bound" for your manifold favors. Langer. Signed: Th. Scroope.

1½ pp. Holograph. Addressed: "To . . . M^r Secretary, one of," &c. Indorsed. Quartered wafer signet.

776. Sir W. Bowes to the Bishop of Durham. [Oct. 3.]

Since I parted from you at Newburne, where we handled that part of our instructions regarding Lord Eure, the two juries, and the under officers of the West and Middle Marches, I attended the other part concerning the pledges.

The 20^th of the last, appointed by our wardens, being thought too short, the King required the 29^th, yielded by us. On the 24^th he had his convention at Lithquo, where Buccleuch was summoned to bring his pledges, 3 of whom escaped on the way and he has not yet recovered them. Hereon the King and Council passed an act sent to me by the ambassador under the clerk register's hand, a copy whereof I inclose, as also of the ambassador's last letter, to show the course of affairs.

On Thursday 29^th, Lord Eurie, myself, M^r Raphe Gray and his brethren, William Fenwick, Francis Ratclyff, Robert Clavering and others, repaired to the West ford about "x houres," attended by a convenient number chosen from places safest from the plague, trusting our safety to the horse and foot of Berwick, who in soldierly order met us at the tryst. "After assurance given and taken, I passed over Tweed, which was so great that some of my followers were endangered."

I found Lord Hume and the Laird of Wedderburn, the commissioners, accompanied by Sir John Carmichael, "younge" Cesford, Farneherst, and other gentlemen. Lord Hume showed me the King's direction under his hand, commanding him to attend that day and place till sunset, and without fail to deliver all the pledges, or the wardens making default. He added that though at our last meeting he wanted both the King's authority, and force of his own followers, to satisfy me, yet now he had both he would undoubtedly please me. As I was very willing to find this forwardness, "so was I greived with a privitee which I covered, of our owne defalt, namely, that twoo of our pledges were wantinge, the one indeede verie sicke in holde, the other negligently overseene, as it seemeth to me, rather then purposely withdrawinge himselfe, both by the omission of the Lord Eurie and his under officer. This defect discontented me deipely, bycause I sawe in the reckninge I should be heereby meerely uncapable of the good offers mentioned. Nevertheles to putt it to the best proofe I coulde, I entertayned first, the request of the Lord Hume"—that finding Cesford ready at the King's command to enter himself for his absent pledges, I should speak with him, which I agreed to do. Cesford showed himself willing to enter to Lord Eurie, but with this condition, "that he should be freed to return upon the entrie of his other pledges." I being lothe to "terrifie" him from entering, yet more lothe to give conditions not fit to bee kept, "tempered" my answer thus—"That her Majestie expectinge no other then the deliverie of the pledges accordinge to the indent, had instructed me no further. Neverthelesse to entertayne that honorable performance made by the King, "of his promise before signified by his lettres to her Majestie, I wold receyve Sesforde into the Lord Eurie his keepinge, and recommende the condition unto her Majestie with speede, from whom no other could be expected then her usuall, gracious, and honorable proceedinge, so well notified to all the worlde, and especially tasted of by him selfe, as he himselfe had acknowledged to the King in my hearinge." Hereon Cesford paused, neither misliking nor accepting my answer, but seeming to await the arrival of his pledges under their bonds.

Then Sir John Carmichael treated with me in Buccleuch's behalf, offering such pledges as he had, and sufficient men for those absent. To make things equal between Buccleuch and Cesford, "I yeilded with much adoe," to spare each of them one pledge till a future day, if they delivered the rest instantly, or entered their own bodies, redeemable on their pledges entering and her Majesty's approbation of the above condition. "Butt I founde my selfe not cunninge ynough to halt before suche creples: for then required they to have all the pledges on both sides brought to the place and viewed, which when I could not refuse, and that our want must needes appeare, I was asked how I wold make good the two that wanted" ? I answered they might either then and there have abler men delivered, or else the very men wanting, to be delivered in 3 days. Hereto Wedderburne replied with these words—"Patere legem quam ipse tuleris, which replie was insisted upon with such stiffnesse as I could not remove."

Hereon conferring with Lord Eurie, I thought best to appoint another day, and continue the action of delivery till then. And having spent the day till sunset, we sat down and subscribed this short indent, a copy whereof I inclose. At parting, open notice was given by the wardens and deputies present, joining their hands, that instant delivery should be made for all attempts during "this interim" till the appointed day the 8^th hereof.

"This journey hath beene paynefull and dangerous to us that travelled, by reason of exceedinge stormes of snowe, winde, and rayne, and thereby the waters so great that the most of us that passed over them, rode wett in our sadles, which being added to ridinge in the night, as for my parte I did, 5 or 6 houres 3 nightes together, I have had a right paynefull and unpleasante journey."

The answer from Lord Eurie and the gentlemen of the jury will be prolonged by those journies, as we cannot report so soon. I wish your lordship to certify such part of the premises as you think best, till I return from the Border, to find you (I trust) at Aukland about the 12^th instant. Bradley. Signed: Will'm Bowes.

3 pp. Addressed. Indorsed by the Bishop: ". . . R. by George Maughan the 3 of October, hora noctis 8."

(1) Another copy attested by "T. Duresm."

3 pp. Indorsed.

777. The Bishop of Durham to Burghley. [Oct. 3.]

As her Majesty was pleased in the beginning of last September, to employ me again in her Border service, along with Sir William Bowes, and since then her Majesty's writ of attendance at Parliament the 24^th instant was brought to me: conferring yesterday with Sir William on his return from Norham, and seeing those frontier affairs will be protracted longer than we looked for, for reasons which we shall advertise in a few days, I am in some perplexity, and therefore beseech your lordship to resolve me of this doubt, whether her Majesty wishes me to remain here for the service touching the pledges, but chiefly for settlement of the differences between Lord Eure and the gentlemen of his March, &c., or that I make my personal attendance at parliament ? So unless I receive an express countermand to continue my abode here, "I purpose, God willing, to take my journey southward the common highe waie to London upon Thursday the xiij^th of this moneth . . . I humbly betake your lordship to the grace of God; who be mercifull nowe at the last to this most miserably afflicted and mortally infected countrey." Bishop Awkland. Signed: Tobie Duresm.

1 p. Holograph; as also address. Indorsed. Wax seal (Mathew's).

778. The Bishop of Durham to Cecil. [Oct. 4.]

Recapitulating the heads of the late instructions to himself and Bowes. First—exchange of pledges with the Scots. Second—to deal with their own borders. (1) Laying 100 horse there. (2) Examining charges against Lord Eure, &c. (3) Compounding the differences with the gentlemen of his March. (4) Examining what has become of his 80 horsemen. (5) The decays of the West March, and lastly full redress at March meetings. That some success in the first may he hoped for on Saturday next, if the Scots perform their promises. Commending greatly Sir William Bowes' conduct of that branch of the Queen's commission, "and how discreetly, as also strongly, he kept his grounde both with Sir John Carmichaell the most expert borderer, and with Sir Robert Kerr the most subtile shifter of them all. Wherein few men, but Sir William Bowes, could (in myne opinion) have walked so warily and safely amiddes such thornes." And though the personal execution was wholly in his hands, yet they had many conferences and deliberations together, sending joint letters to the wardens, the ambassador, the governor of Berwick, the sheriff of this Bishopric and the Council at York—who are all ready to receive the pledges.

For the rest of their instructions, his honor will please forbear expecting any report till Sir William Bowes returns from the next meeting with the Scots, when they will together relate their diligence. But in the meantime this is "a taste of the rest." Bishop Auckland. Signed: Tobie Duresm.

1¼ pp. Addressed. Indorsed. Wax seal (Mathew's).

779. Eure to Burghley. [Oct. 4.]

It has pleased the Almighty to visit of late with the plague the town of Hexham very nigh my house there, whereby I am constrained on the sudden to remove with my whole family to my own house at Wittoun in the bishopric—distant 7 or 8 miles from my March—to avoid the danger to myself and houshold. But I have left such directions to Edward Gray my deputy warden and other gentlemen of the better sort, as in my judgment will be most beneficial in my absence. And I shall be often repairing to such places as are not infected, to advise them: so in case the malice of my enemies suggests any complaint, I beg your lordship to take notice that the above is the sole cause of my sudden departure.

I am also desirous with your approbation, to come to London in obedience to her Highness's writ to parliament, as also to make known by word of mouth, how I have been dealt with by the slanderous reports of my adversaries, who as far as I learn, whisper in secret, but will not publicly stand up to "avarr" them. Lastly to kiss her Majesty's royal hand, to whom I call the Highest to bear me record, I never gave cause to be hardly thought of. Relying on your favor, which I protest no one thing ever grieved me more than the want of it, as I fear of late too plainly appears. Wittoun. Signed: Ra. Eure.

½ p. Addressed. Indorsed.

780. Eure to Cecil. [Oct. 4. 1597.]

To same effect as the preceding, rather more fully. Wittoun. Signed: Ra. Eure.

¾ p. Addressed. Indorsed. Wafer signet: quartered.

781. The Bishop of Durham to Burghley. [Oct. 4.]

After Sir William Bowes had on Sunday last declared to me his proceedings as to delivery of the pledges, I desired him to set down the same in writing—which he has done far better than from his mouth I could have expressed it. Wherefore I have chosen to inclose his own letter herewith, and have by this post sent a copy to M^r Secretary Cecil, also copies of certain overtures at Lithquo on the 26^th September—of a letter from the ambassador to Sir William Bowes on 27^th and of an indent between the Scots commissioners and him on the 29^th touching the pledges: and send your lordship copies likewise, thereby the rather to vouchsafe me answer to my letter of yesterday, containing no other matter but to learn by your means her Majesty's pleasure, whether I shall remain here for the rest of the border service, or repair to parliament according to her Highness's writ? On other affairs "I have somewhat more inlarged at this present to M^r Secretarie." Bishop Awkland. Signed: Tobie Duresm.

½ p. Addressed. Indorsed: ". . . A doble of a lettre formerlye received." Wax signet as before (Mathew's).

782. Scrope to Cecil. [Oct. 7.]

On perusing your last letter, "I being then in som hast, mistooke the right meaning therof, not marking that it was a full warrent authorising my coming up: but as it is counted a sufficient satisfaction in such as have erred (wherunto all men are subject) to confesse thire fault," you will please accept this excuse. On Monday next God willing, I mean to set forward. I received to-day a letter from M^r Edward Standhope, that the pledges' delivery is deferred "a seven-night," but I think it will be as well then as now. Langer. Signed: Th. Scroope.

1 p. Holograph. Addressed.

783. John Carey to Burghley. [Oct. 9.]

Since receipt of your honor's letter of 19^th September, I have continually expected the coming of M^r Vernon, hoping for a better preparation of victuals, seeing he has had so much out of Exchequer: but we are in the same state as when I last wrote to yon. I hear he has gone back to London. Our horse garrison were to take up their horses at Michaelmas, but they are still out in very poor estate, for there is not a bushel of horse corn in the palace. So all are driven to the market, and both town and country are undone. I pray you cause M^r Yernon to have more care of us.

Your lordship reminds me of my often writing for a governor. If you knew the want as I do, you would say I had reason. But you answer me still, that her Majesty's pleasure is that Lord Willowbee shall come when he is able. I have heard that a very honorable and worthy man has been also nominated for the place—your own son Sir Thomas Cycill, who I hope is both well and able to come. Wherefore I pray your lordship let not Lord Willowbee's disability keep us from so great a benefit. "And lett him I pray your lordship content himself to take a litell paynes, for his countreis good. To which ende he was borne, the place beinge both honorable and profitable."

I fear her Majesty will soon lose a very honest faithful and careful servant, Maister Bowes her ambassador. M^rs Bowes his wife has waited here a good while for his coming, but his care in service has kept him, till now he is grown so ill, that on Wednesday night the 5^th he sent for her, and she is gone to him this Thursday morning in great haste. The messenger told her he is very weak and hardly like to escape—but she intends to bring him here if alive and able to travel, hoping the change of air will do him good. If he dies, there will be many "shutors" for the treasurership, wherein your honor will do well to have a care who should be placed, for the good and ill of this town depends on the goodness of the treasurer and victualler.

There is a great appearance of trouble in Scotland and "welltor" in Court shortly—the sequel thereof you shall hear when I understand it. Berwick.

(fn. 3) "Sines Mysteres Boweses partinge from hens, I heare her husband is amended and resonabill well, but he cannot continewe longe."

I briefly tell your honor of the proceedings as to the pledges, for Sir William Bowes will write more at large. "On Freydaye the vij^th of this instante Ser Williame Bowes came hether to Barwike tyll the next daye, beinge the appoynted daye for metinge. He went from hens in the morninge accompeneyed from hens onley withe to hundred fottmen and the fower scoer horse gareysun of this towen. He came to the west ford of Norham about x a cloke in the morninge: shortley after, came my lord Hume withe all his partey, unto whome Ser Williame Bowes went and parleyed tyll Ser Robert Keer came withe his compeneyes, and after him came the Lerd of Buckleughe; wiche befor they wear all com together it was paste iij a cloke. Then falinge to ther bissenes, wherin ther wear maney delayes bey the Scotes: but in the eand they fell to calinge for pleges. Buckleughes pleges beinge the ferst that wear caled for, he awensered he could not gett his pleges, but he wold deliver his sune for them: wiche beinge deneyed bey Ser Williame Bowes, he presentley withe out aney cavelinge offered him selfe, sayinge he knewe the Queens Majesty to be bothe grasius and mersifull, and he wold committ himselfe to her mersey. Wheruppon he was reseved, and sent over the water to ouer men: then ded the Scottishe commissioners call for ouer Midell Marche pleges, whoe wear presentley sent over, and allso ouer pleges for the East Marches. The pleges of the Midell Marche wear caled for and delivered all. Then wear we to call for Sesfordes pleges for East Tevedall, and Sesford came to them with his pleges redey to deliver them, but not witheout a strategem to serve his torn: for he makinge a sheawe that he was redey to deliver, even presentley as they wear a deliveringe, my lord Hume, the lerd of Wetherborn, Ser Williame Bowes, and Sesford him selfe, beinge all on a closter to gether standinge, on that Sesford had appoynted, shotte of a pistoll, and witheall the same man that shott the pistoll laye dowen alonge uppon his horse redey to fall of, and creyed 'Slayen, slayen': withe that another creyed 'Tresun, tresun': wheruppon the fraye began, and all ouer sogers on the fare seyd of the water shott to or iij voley of shott, but it was so darke and they so fare of as I thinke the did littyll harme. But this stear beinge this sodenley mad, my lord Hume him selfe caughte Ser Williame Bowes in his armes bedinge him not to be afrayed, for he wold take suche part as he did, and sayd they shold shott thorowe him befor the shold hort Ser William, and mad other of his frendes and followers in like sort to take the rest of the gentyllmen that wer withe Ser Williame Bowes, whoe wear Master Rafe Graye, and Edward Graye and Roger Graye his brethern, and Master Claveringe, Master Herrey Bowes and Master James a Swinhowe. Thes wear all that wear withe Ser Williame at that tym, all withe my lord Hume verey honorabeley garded and careyed them withe him to Hutun hall wher he mad a great sopper for them: and after sopper, sent them home hether, ackompeneyed withe a Captayen Grave a kinsman of his owen, and garded withe a compeney of horsemen to

"Barwike about xj a cloke at nighte. He ded use him verey honorabeley as he hathe behaved him selfe in all this acsion, wherin he have ever indeverd himselfe to doe her Majesty verey good servis, wherin if it wold ples her Majesty to take knolege that she hers of his willingenes ever to doe justes, and so send him thankes, it wold incorege him. Nowe shold (?) I not forgett Sesfordes parte, whoe presentley uppon the fraye, beinge a thinge bey him loked for, and he beinge befor provided for it, he presentley gott to horsebacke withe all his compeney and awaye he went witheout aney moer hort dune, for that was all he loked for to put of the deliverey of his men. So all ouer Berwike men, seinge they cold doe no good, bey resun of the darkenes, for that they wer on this seyd the water, and the Scottes so suddenley gon, ouer men came marchinge hetherward to Berwike withe Buckleugh in ther compeney, whoe is nowe hear in this towen. It was so late ear the parted at the ford, as it was x a cloke befor they came hear." Berwick.

We have yet no provision for our horse garrison. I pray your honor cause Master Vernon to have more care of us. Signed: Jhon Carey.

3 pp. Closely written. Addressed. Indorsed.

784. Declaration by Sir William Bowes, &c. [Oct. 9.]

"Barwicke, October 9, 1597.—A true reporte of the materiall circumstances hapnynge the 8^th of October, in the meeting between the commissioners of both the relmes for delyvery of pledges at the West fourd near Norham."

"The importance of the action in delyvery of pledges (as whereupon depended the first fruit and lyfe of the late treatie, and therewithall the revyving of the auncient and necessary justice on the Borders)" caused Sir William Bowes the sole commissioner, hearing of great gatherings of men on the Scottish Border to attend the meeting, to advise with M^r John Carey governor of Berwick, and M^r William Selby gentleman porter, how best to carry out the service.

It was resolved that 80 horse and 200 foot of this garrison with the pensioners should be under command of the gentleman porter, with whom Sir William and he marched to Norham, there awaiting the deputies of the East and West Marches with their pledges, and the Northumberland gentlemen appointed to be there by Lord Eurie, who was driven by the plague from Hexham and remained sick at his house at Witton.

Sir William meeting "the said companies of Northumberland on a height" whence the Scottish companies might be seen thoroughly armed, gave him just occasion "to laye before the Englishe there uncomelie repaire to that meteinge, with soe slender furniture, as for the most parte wanting ether jackes or speares, or both, earnestlie reproveing that negligence, as a princi pall occasion of those heighe dishonors of freshe memorie, receyved at the Reidswire and the Cocklawe."

After assurance on both sides, Sir William sent M^r James Swinhoe, a serviceable and discreet gentleman, to Lord Hume and the Laird of Wedderburn, signifying the many great reasons for extraordinary care in the business, requiring from them a conference at the "water syde," with not above six on either part.

This being agreed to, Sir William in presence of the gentleman porter, M^r Raph Gray, M^r William Fenwick and M^r Robert Clavering, laid before the commissioners the many bruits of the ill disposition of the Teviotdales and Liddesdale, to delivery of pledges, "which matter since yt touched soe nearely as with the hard choice ether of beggerie or death, so many, so strong, and so adventrous persons, being soe greatlie favoured by the Lards of Sesfurd and Baucleughe," of which the commissoners had been eye witnesses before—therefore he wished that Lord Hume would draw his forces down "into the west end of the long narrow valley on the Scottes syde upon the brinke of Tweed, which was the place of meteing," and that the 280 Berwick horse and foot "might be bestowed on theast end of that valley" so that the meeting of the commissioners between these forces might be so guarded, that no ill disposed person dare attempt to come to the place "uncalled." Hume and Wedderburne had already arranged otherwise, viz., "that Sesfurd allredye come, and Bucklughe expected, should preciselie keepe quarters limited to them and their companies, about half a myle of, and that the Lord Hewms people, about the nomber of 600, verie well furnished, should kepe the mydwaie between them and the commissioners, impeaching all approch on the Scottes syde, which was not by the said commissioners directed. On a banke hanging over the narrow valley and the place of meteing, were bestowed some choice companies of Wedderburne his followers; and for that in debate of this matter, the feades between Tyviotdale and this guarison, with some other circumstances, seemed to make there presence lesse convenient, the oposites order was commended by the foresaid gentlemen accompanyng Sir William: being further agreed upon, that the English shott should be bestowed on the Englishe banke of the ryver, and the horsemen imployed where they might discover all approches of the opposites, to give notyce upon all occations to Sir William and his companye."

At conference, "Sir William pressed there receipt of the Englishe pledges all there presente, thoughe one of the nomber were dead, yet was he brought and presented at the place. The Lord Hume pressed the repaire of Sesfurd his pledges, whereof as before, soe lykewyse now, great delaye was made; by the most favourable conjecture because the sayd Sesfurd was loth to be before Bucklughe. A. great part of the daie was spent in expectation of Bucklughes comming, untill 3 of the clocke, at which tyme his approch was noe nearer then within two myles; soe as the Lord Hume was dryven to ryde to him, to drawe him to the place. Bauclughe being come, he delivered the Kinges lettres to Sir William, written in his owne behalf, whereunto Sir William required he might gyve answer in hearing of the lords commissioners: which answer was this,—that albeit the purport of the lettre intended the Lard of Bauclughe to be alreadye entred and delivered to the Queen before that his heighnes lettre was to be delyvered or take effect; yet since an answer was instantlye required in honorable and direct sinceritie, he must answer the Kinges lettre thus.—That her Majestie haveing soe long expected the putting in effect the first poynt of the treatye (to witt) that pledges should be reciprocally delivered, and the same poynt directlie promised to her Majestie by the Kinges lettres, expressing that at the daye and place appointed to that end, Sesfurd and Bucklughe should ether delyver there pledges or be entred themselves: and the said promise ratiefied by his heighnes and directlye commanded then and ther by the Lord Hume to be put in execution: he the sayd Sir William being instructed from her Majestie no further, then on her behalf to delyver the pledges and to receive performance of the Kinges promise in sort aforesayd, seing his authoritie stretched no further then to receyve, he could interteyne no other conditions then to receive the pledges or the officers makeing default; onely he would acquaint her Majestie with the Kinges desire signifyed in his sayd lettres, and seek to know her pleasure for answere to be gyven therunto.

"This answer drew Bucklughe into some deliveration and staye, so as the night drawing on, Sir William was inforced to propound in short summe to the Scotishe commissioners, that the Englishe pledges were there upon the ground, and that he did there deliver them on her Majesties behalf to satisfye the honor of her word, eftsoones requiring the oposytes to receive them, and to acquitt ther King in honor by lyke conformytie. Hereupon the Lord Hewme and his collegue pressing Baucleughe, he willinglye offered him self to satisfye the Kinges honor, and being then instantlye delyvered to Sir William, he delyvered him in chardg to the gentleman Porter, appointing "some gentlmen and the greatest parte of the Englishe there present, to attend upon the sayd B. his guard and safe conducting to Barwicke. Imediatlie Sir William proceded to the delyvering of the Englishe pledges, procuring two gentlemen to be sent over to view the dead corps; who returned to the commissioners upon their knowledg that it was the persone demanded. The rest of the Englishe pledges of the Mydle March being called man by man, they all appeared and were delyvered into the Lord Humes hand. And wheras ther was question put upon the name of Lyell Robson one of the sayd pledges, ther were presented 3 of that name for the Lord Hewme to chuse upon, upon his lordships promyse, that he would give us the lyke justice in one of the Davisons, which wanted his addition.

"Whilst the commissioners dyd attentyvely prosecute ther busienes, yt became now soe darke that noe man could read any writeing, and by some unwarinese of them which should have kept of the Tyviotdales from aproching nearer, sundrye of them had previlye conveyed themselves into the place where the commissioners were, of which nomber one dischardging a pistoll, as is made evydent by sundrye testimonyes of the Englishe which sawe him, he bended downe his bodye towardes the earth and cryed with a pityefull voyce, that he was slayne. Another cryes owt alowd, 'Treason, treason,' at which showes the small nomber of the Englishe which were on horsbacke to guard the pledges (supposed to be under the number of thirtye there remayning after ther delyverye), drew to the furd, and a sudayne noyse and tumult grew generall in the place, the Scotishe gentlemen of the Humes guarding the Lord Hume, drawing ther swordes rushed close togither upon ther cheife; Sir William standing next to the Lord Hewme, chalenged the assurance. The Lord Hewme answered earnestlie that his lyfe should be as sure as his owne, and imbracing him in his armes, both the lord himself, and the lardes of Wedderburne, Ayton, Hutton hall, with sondry others of the Heumes, togither with Captaine Andrew Gray, sett ther bodies soe close about the Lord Hewme and Sir William and the rest of the Englishe gentlemen, as Raphe, Edward, and Rodger, bretheren of the Grayes, Robert Clavering, Henry Bowes, James Swinhoe, with some fewe others, as it was not possible to stryke them with any weapon. Now the shott before mentioned to have bene layd on the English brink of the ryver, perceiveing the English horsemen flie, the tumult to growe greater by the nombers of Scotts horsemen comming downe the banke, and soe many swordes makeing show in the twilight about Sir William and the Englishe gentlemen, judging the worst, sudainlye gave a volley endevoring to beat back the horsmen discendinge downe the banke, which they tooke to be of Tyviotdale, but in deed were for the most part of the Lord Hewmes troupes; the sayd shott without intermission are supposed to have bestowed about 200 bullettes, and yet by the gracious providence of God, slew no man, but forced all men with the speed they could to quitt the place. The Lord Hewme could not be otherwise satisfied in his care then to have Sir William togither with him self upon one horse, and the forenamed Scotishe gentlemen did ether furnishe the Englishe gentlemen, or tooke them up behynd them with the speed and closenes they could, shifting them selves from the danger of the shott; and soe passing over the banke toward Scotland, mett with the Lard of Sesfurd and his troupes of Tyviotdale, who as he sayd was then bringing downe his pledges, earnestlie excusing him self of any pryvitie in raising that tumult. The gentleman porter haveing the conduct of Bucklughe, with the guard of the Barwick horsemen and the pencioners, bestowed his chardg in the strongest house which came to hand in the towne of Norham, in the kepeing of M^r William Fenwick of Wallington, M^r John Browne, with a sufficient guard, and retiring to staye the tumult on the Englishe syde,'was encountred by some messingers from Sir William to gyve intelligence that he and his company were in good safetye and would passe on towardes Barwicke on the north syde the ryver.

"This course was thought best to avoyd further danger, rather then by bringing the companies nere togither now in the night, to hazard more hurt, especially some beakons being then perceived on the Englishe syde, to be sett on fyre by the feare and follye of some unarmed and disordered flying Englishe men. The Lord Hewme intreated Sir William to supp with him at Hutton hall about 4 myles from Barwick, which being done, he with his company was convoyed to Barwick. The towne had the same night taken alarme from the scoot on the north gate, by discovery of some Scotishe horsemen supposed to be seekers after Bucklughe.

"This Sundaye, the Lord Hewme came to this towne and dined with M^r Governor: after dynner upon advertisment from Sesfurd, his lordship signifyed to the governor that Sesfurd was at the Bound rodd desiring leave to come into the towne, and drawe to some good point for the deliverye of his pledges. For answer hereunto, M^r Governor advisinge with Sir William Bowes and the gentleman Porter, and fynding that the Englishe pledges alredye delivered and scaped in the tumult could not be brought togither againe butt with tyme, and that should minyster Sesfurd new matter of delaye, he haveing now thrice spent the whole day in motions and showes, without perfecting ether his own entrye, or delyverye of his pledges according to his former promyses to the King, and the Kinges letter to the Queen, togither with his heighnes directions given to the Lord Hewme, both the last meeting and now, that he should see hym eyther enter himself or his pledges—yt was therefore answered to the Lord Hewmes motion, that the King was to be advertised of the breatch of the assurrance and faile of Sesfurdes delyverye according to his heighnes said promis and direction. And albeit his lordship had soe honourablye acquytt himeself by his earnest indevour to repayre the sayd breatch, yet seing Sesfurd had now thrice disapointed that purpose, it seemed not to stand with her Majesties honor, to make any more meteinges with him, but to be better satisfied; with new signification to be made thereof to his heighnes and her Majesties ambassador, or such other course as her Majestie may be pleased to use for her better satisfaction. And albeit ther were just reason to advertise her Majestie to the full, of his lordships merritt in the particuler behavyor of him self and his frendes for gyveing safetye to her commissioners under his trust, yet the world would thinke that the generall cause so heighlye concernyng her Majesties honor and the state, could not be bettered by these tickle adventurs, but that these evill accidentes must be layd upon the delayes, and the delayes upon the delayers, which was apparently in this case the Laird of Sesfurd, at whose hand better reason must be required on her Majesties behalf, from the King. Concluding that common reason veriefyeth, the best plaster may be a remedie, but not a recompence to the least wound.

"This is a true declaration of what hapned at the last of the 3 meteinges for deliverye of pledges. This tumult fallinge owt at the very ending of the Englishe delyverye, Sir William purposing at the instant, haveing dischardged the Queen in honor, and avoyded all cavilous answers accustomable, to have bydden the Scotishe commissioners farewell." Signed: Will'm Bowes, Will'm Selby.

6 pp. Indorsed by Cecil's clerk: "1597, 9 Oct.—Declaracion of that which hapned at the delivery of pledges."

785. John Carey to Lord Hunsdon. [Oct. 10.]

Since my last letter, no other "accident" has fallen out, but Sir William Bowes coming to Berwick on Saturday night so late. "The next day beinge Sondaie, as I was comminge from the sermond in the forenone, one comes to me and told me that my lord Hewme was at the gate, and desiered he might speake withe Ser Williame Bowes and dyne with me: whereupon I caused the ward that did then wayte upon me from church, to go upp with "the keyes and to lett him in. Who havinge showed him self so honorable the daie before, I could not refuse so smale a curtesie."

After dinner, he made many great protestations of his readiness to serve her Majesty: "all which I toke as Scottishe curtesies, and ao entertayned them." Then he said that Cesford was in the "Bowndes," desiring to come into town and confer with Sir William Bowes and himself what course was best: but Sir William considering the dishonour done the night before, and the shifts and devices by him, which had caused so many delays, was unwilling to let him come in: so lord Hume departed, and I know not what became of Cesford, nor what will become of these affairs in hand.

I understand from Sir William that he means to leave "Booclough" here with me: I entreat your lordship that I may not become the jailor of so dangerous a prisoner, or at least that I may know whether I shall keep him like a prisoner or no ? for there is not a worse or more dangerous place in England to keep him than this; it is so near his friends, and besides so many in this town willing to pleasure him, and bis escape may be so easily made; and once out of the town he is past recovery. Wherefore I humbly beseech your honor let him be removed from hence to a more secure place. "For I protest to the Allmightie God, before I will take the chardge to kepe him here, I will desier to be put in pryson my self, and to have a keper of me!" For what care soever be had of him here, "he shall want no furtherance whatsoever witt of man can devise, yf he him self lyst to make an escape." So I pray your lordship "even for Godes sake and for the love of a brother," to relieve me from this danger. "Ye and rather then fayle, I pray you ymparte the same to her Majestie," for the first night he came, "we hadd a larum, and he was asked for by them that made the larum." I fear no force, but his escape by secret stealing, which cannot be prevented, if he but gives consent. Berwick. Signed: Jhon Carey.

1½ pp. Addressed: "To the right honorable his verie lovinge brother, the Lord of Hunsdon, lord Chamberlen to her Majeste and one of her highnes most honorable pryvy counsaill." Indorsed. Swan wafer signet.

786. Sir W. Bowes to Burghley. [Oct. 10.]

Your lordship understands by my letters to M^r Secretary and from the Bishop of Durham, the progress of affairs; and the part concerning Lord Eurie and the Northumberland juries, will be certified to you on receipt of his lordship's answer. What happened at the third meeting for delivery of pledges you will understand by the declaration set down under my own and the gentleman Porter's hands—wherein you will perceive (1) my receipt of Buccleuch, whom I have delivered to the governor of Berwick till her Majesty's further pleasure; (2) the King's letters in his behalf, which I send herewithal, my answer thereto being signified more at large in the said declaration; (3) the strange delays made by Cesford in withholding his pledges, in direct breach of his promises to the King; in satisfaction whereof I see no other course can be expected than that of "his brother in lawe" Buccleuch, who has deserved better herein by his voluntary action, than Cesford; (4) the dangerous practice by the tumult, showing "this desperate people will leave nothing unassayed to hinder the generall justice." Herein I am loth to speak of my own peril, yet must not conceal from you that I have lately had sundry advertisements of their desire "to cutt me of from stinging them any mor."And though I was on the same horse with Lord Hume, "yett one thrusting into the companye, drue my dagger at my backe, and yet by the good provydence of God, had yt imediatlye snatched from him by the young Lard of Eaton, (fn. 4) who attended my safetye with exceeding diligence and love"; (5) you will see Lord Hume's honorable care and many other "religious gentlemen" of his name, to preserve the assurance; in acknowledgement whereof, I beseech your lordship that some signification of her Majesty's good acceptance may be made to him. Lastly—your lordship will see our "straite" answer to Lord Hume as to Cesford's coming to Berwick, and our opinion for insisting on his entering himself rather than his pledges: to which effect I have certified the ambassador, urging the King by him not to rest content with half pleasing her Majesty by Buccleuch's surrender, yet withholding Cesford. I think if the proof be not suppressed by fear, that Cesford set on foot a like practice for a tumult at the second meeting, by means of an Englishman, who on better advice gave it up. Her Majesty will please give directions how the one or both (if Cesford enters) may be bestowed; for no place in the north but will find itself greatly burdened to keep "these fyrebrandes."

In hope that this service will soon draw to an end, I humbly recommend to her Majesty, by your lordships mediation, "the consideration of my particular estate, that in respect of my sutes in lawe, soe much importing me, the comfort of my wyfe, that hath had me but a yere, and wanted me as much, and for other reasons much concernyng my pryvate estate," that I may be discharged with such expedition as the necessity thereof permits; resting always willing and ready both by my prayers and service to advance her Majesty's commandments. Berwick. Signed: Will'm Bowes.

2¼ pp. Addressed. Indorsed. Wafer signet (Bowes).

787. Scrope to Cecil. [Oct. 11.]

As directed, "I wrought to M^r Richard Lowther, . . . ordayning him principal of the wardenry" in my absence as appears by the inclosed. Signed: Th. Scroope.

½ p. Holograph. Addressed.

Inclosed in the same:—

(Lowther to Scrope.)

". . . I receyvyd your lordships lettre, and shalbe ready to do your lordship any service or M^r Leigh any pleasour. M^r Leigh ys hear with me at this present, bycause I could not go to him, my wyf being lately departyd to the marcy of God. So dutyfully I taik my leave in haist, bycause M^r Leigh can not stay. Lowther, vj^th October 97." Signed: Richard Lowther.

½ p. Holograph. Addressed. Indorsed.

788. Sir W. Bowes to Cecil. [Oct. 11.]

[To much the same effect as the letter No. 786 to Lord Burghley, to the inclosures wherein Cecil is referred.] He finds that their own men fired a greater number of bullets on himself and his party "ruffled together," thau he reported, and it is a marvel so little harm was done. He especially commends Lord Hume for her Majesty's acceptance of his good offices, and the rest of his name in preserving the peace, "beinge indeed a nomber of honorable gentlmen above all other parts of Scottlande, religious, well affected to her Majestie." Recommends this more especially, for there is "more inwarde kyndnesse betweene that lorde and Sesfurde then is commodious for her Majesties occasions in these parts"—and if Hume finds his service acceptable, he may induce Cesford to enter himself in spite of his "exceedinge warinesse." He now finds that the Scots were nearly 1500 "excellently appoyncted," the English (except the Berwick force and the gentlemen) not worth mentioning for service, and doing as little when it came to proof. He will be very "curious" now to receive Cesford's pledges, unless the Queen commands him, and will only confer with Lord Hume, who is deeply engaged in the matter, hoping thus to bring it to a good conclusion.

Signifies the great debility of the ambassador in Edinburgh, who exerted himself far beyond his strength crossing the water in dangerous tempests to negotiate these matters with the King: and though recovering from extreme peril of death, is pressed by his friends to come to Berwick for change, and to avoid the plague in Edinburgh, leaving his servant Mcolson in charge there.

Begs that the Queen will give particular directions for the disposal of Buccleuch and Cesford (if the latter enters) for sundry persons he finds in these parts, very curious (and not without reason) to intermeddle with them. Berwick. Signed: Will'm Bowes.

2½ pp. Addressed. Indorsed. Wafer signet (Bowes).

789. Lord Hume to Sir W. Bowes. [Oct. 14.]

I received your last at Home yesterday and perceive your "efald" (fn. 5) and upright intention to deal plainly. Whereas you have given the Queen your mistress good account of my honest behaviour, in that case I have already discharged myself in reporting your friendly and honest meaning to the King, by my last message. But I have just cause "to take hardly and complaine that clause of your lettre, whereby you give out to have delated to the Queene my parte of the late tumult, in the best maner. Wherein truly I hade neyther part, portion, or ought adoe with the hacke (fn. 6) more nor yourselfe or any man els was in the feild, Scottishe or Englishe, which shall both appeare by the effect, and neyther you nor any gentleman els can deny. Wherein soever you have engaged your creditt or any thinge els to the Queene in my name with warrant, mak accompt not onely to be disburdened thereof, but farder, my dutie being reserved to his Majestie my maister and countrey, weill also serve her most humbly after my power, and hold hand to the doinge of all the good offices possible for maintayninge of the peace and quietnes of both the countries." And where you say the King commanded me to deliver Sir Robert Kerr "his selfe," failing entry of his pledges, which you say was undone in his defalt only: true it is that such both was and is his Majesty's pleasure — but the last part of your "alledgence" hitherto appeareth no way to me, neither is it "in qualifiet," nor in my opinion easy to be done. "Alwaies if you wold doe soe muche for your selfes as to prove that pertinently, me thinkes I have so farr our the gentleman that I might absolutly promise to deliver you his person."

To that you call the third part, for performing of all promises, you may be assured if you perform your own to have ours performed. As you have kept all appointments truly, so have our men, as you know.

Where you give out that Sir Robert Kerr "disapointed" the three meetings, it is more "nor" I could perceive, but even if true "(which is not graunted)" that neither he nor Buccleuch were prepared, yourselves were in like case. Lastly you intreat me as a private friend, by your private letter, to deliver Sir Robert, as having failed to satisfy the King by entering his pledges. I cannot comprehend this desire, for to all appearance he craves nothing but to do this. And I am certainly told by others, that he had them all ready the last day, to deliver impossible, had occasion served—as a man knowing his duty, being not only the King's subject, but "domesticke servaunt" and knowing well his pleasure. What you perform, he will of necessity be obliged to do—either deliver his pledges or himself, or be ridden on and declared a rebel, which I am persuaded Sir Robert will not merit for anything earthly. As you have written freely to me as a private friend, so have I replied; and you may look to have performed all promises by his Majesty, me, or any man else having power: also to be challenged for your own promises, "especially for the redelivery of those pledges were at my comaund demitted for preservinge of the peace, safety of your own lyves, that were gentlemen of England, and other verie important respectes. Remittinge to your wisdome and aunswere, what tyme place and forme ye thinke fittest for fynishinge of your foresaides." Home. Subscribed, Alex. Home.

2 pp. Copy by Bowes' clerk. Addressed at foot. Indorsed.

790. Sir George Home to Sir W. Bowes. [Oct. 14.]

"I received not your lettre till this eveninge, els had I not stayed to aunswere. I wonder why my cheife should cast of any parte of this busines upon me, for he knoweth that since he hath been employed I have received no direction from Court but suche as come by his hand: and have bene appointed with him onely for his information, which if he had folowed, wee had done with least adoe. For my opynion to him on Saturday before wee hard from you, and before Teveotdaile came, was, that he should not dryve tyme with Sesford as at other tymes, but that he should imediatly after his cominge demaunde his pledges and send him home againe, and thereafter come to the meetinge with you." He thought it good, but did it not till he saw what Buccleuch did. So I cannot interfere, it being in his hands. I would be glad to meet you, but cannot come with "my lord cheife" except he desire me. "I thinke this last tumult touched him more in honour nor I feare he comprehended: and I thinke there is wronge done me in my owne ranke, which wilbe best purged by the tryall and punishment of the deed doer, who by some I heare is called an Englisheman, but I shall fynd proves to try, that after the shott he rode upp at the bray to the Scottish companyes; and many presumptions have wee who yt should be. I could doe much to gar you ken the man who he is. And if my lord wilbe earnest, he might doe muche to gett it tried upon him. But take it as wee will, our assuraunce is violate, and I wishe that my lord cheifes freindshipp with Sesford were but after the comon maner." If he should get possession of the pledges, you will be "sone at a point." I advised him thus at parting, but have not heard since. For myself you shall want nothing wherin I can do you pleasure. My lord has heard from Court and I doubt not you have "from your uncle or this tyme." Wedderburne. George Home.

1½ pp. Copy by Bowes' clerk. Indorsed.

791. Burghley to Cecil. [Oct. 15.]

"I have sene the lettre of Sir William Bowes with the declaration of hym and M^r Selby of the desastur by Norham ford, and the Kinges lettre sent with Bucklogh: wherupon I am perplexed what advise to gyve for answer, for that hir Majesties honer is herin interessed, except honorable amendes be made.

"Which in my opinion must be, by Sesford rendiryng of hym self to the Quene, to answer for all his pledges, and that must be doon by the Kinges commandment, which wold be sollicited by our ambassador, and by meanes to be used to the Lord Hume, for hym to sollicit it to the Kyng, by informyng hym of Sesfordes contempt. And if hir Majesty will not wryt to Hume allowyng his good offices, yet my lord Chamberlen or Sir Robert Care being known to hym might wryt to hym as commendyng of his actions, in the Quenes name.

"If hir Majesty shall now forbeare to wryt to the Kyng untill it be seene "whither without delay Sesford shall enter, as that shall fall out, so hir Majesty may wryt more precisely.

"I thynk it unmete for Bucklug to remayn in or neare the frontyers, but ether in Barney castell, wherof Sir William Bowes hath charg, or in on of the Erle of Westmerlandes howses in the Bishopryck, or in Pontfrett castell; and wher the Kyng moveth that he might be well usid and delyvered upon bond, he may be so conforted privatly, with hope: but I thynk it good that satisfaction be made for Carlile befor he retorn.

"Sesford also if he shall enter, is not to be kept neare the borders, ther being places ynough in the west partes of Yorkshyr.

"I can not well understand what is become of our English pledges; who if Sesford shall come in, wold be delyvered into Scotland. My hand is owt of frame to wryt more or better. I was occupyed ynough about the Cites request. 15 Octob. 1597. Your loving father." Signed: W. Burghley.

2 pp. Holograph. Addressed by his secretary: "To my lovinge sonne Sir Robart Cecill knight hir Majesties principall secretary." Indorsed.

792. Eure's Reply to the Commissioners. [Oct. 17.]

His reply to the commissioners' requisition made 22^d September 1597.

(1) The 80 horses are in the countries whence they were levied and pressed, to my knowledge for the most part.

(2) But 5 remain with me—l lame and unserviceable at grass; l spoiled and tired in service, also at grass; l whose rider fled for felony; l whose rider left the realm, and l whose rider fled service.

(3) As the men furnished themselves for Border service, I have no furniture—but that of one man was burned with divers of my own.

(4) I know not in what state the rest of the horses are, for months past, they left me weakened and spoiled.

(5) As my judgment therein is but weak, I humbly crave to be spared advising how the wants can be supplied to make up the new band. I have already answered part in the 1^st and 2^d articles.

As to the information to her Majesty that the country received little benefit by these 80 horse: my former answer and the report of the best affected in the country, will acquit me before her Majesty. Signed: Ra. Eure.

1¼ pp. Partly written by himself. Indorsed: "The Lord Eure his aunswer receaved the xvij^th of October 1597, to the requisition of the commissioners made to his lordship the xxij^th of September 1597."

793. Sir W. Bowes to Cecil. [Oct. 18.]

Your honor would see by my letter of the 10^th to my lord your father, and my declaration, &c., inclosed, the issue of the last meeting for delivery of pledges. I hear out of Scotland that my answer to the King's letter is expected, which I still forbear to give till I receive her Majesty's direction. By my letter of 11^th, I informed you of the governor of Berwick's desire to bo relieved of Buccleuch, and my wish to know her Majesty's orders therein. Also I signified my course with Lord Hume regarding Cesford—which stands thus. Lord Hume having heard from the King, sent a messenger to me with a short letter, "and longe reference in creditt to the bearers report." But finding the messenger deal "so sleightly" with me, I gave up intermeddling thus, thinking it not safe to adventure the Queen's cause thus. Lord Hume seemed "covertly to take in ill parte," that Cesford was refused entry to Berwick when he was there—and in answer to my letter proposing meeting, he said he was no commissioner in Border causes, but would get Wedderburn to meet me. This I refused, and said so much to Wedderburn, a copy of whose letter in answer to mine is inclosed. "This gentlemans true and upright dealinge from the beginning of this service, besides the overtures made in this his lettre, doe well deserve my especiall remembrance, and commendation of him unto her Majestie."

Cesford after the tumult, fearing the King's displeasure might deliver him to her Majesty, made great show of entering himself: but finding himself assured of Lord Hume, "and both they joinctly havinge made their way in Court, by the high and smothered quarrell entertayned against the Duke (whereof I doubt not but that your honour hath better advertizement then I can give) they begann to show themselves openly, not onely refuseinge the offers of entry of Sesford him selfe, but to stand upon tearmes and conditions for th'entry of his pledges." On first sight hereof I wrote to Lord Hume, and his reply drew this other letter of mine "to give him some parte of suche his due, as upon better advice I conceive his carriage to deserve of this her Majesties right and service." The copies of these three letters are hereinclosed. "And if your honors leisure may serve to peruse them admitting the tediousnes, you will easely see the Scottishe humour better discovered by theire owne penns then I am hable to lay them open by myne"—for I confess I too easily conceived an opinion of Lord Hume's well deserving, than I find "seconded" by better proof: for which default I most humbly crave her Majesty's pardon. And since I see no hope of Cesford's own delivery, without her Majesty's insisting with the King procure it, I must await her Majesty's direction as to receiving his pledges if they can be had, or no. For though Lord Hume was pleased to challenge my promise for re-entry of our pledges (in which "conceipt" I leave him in my later letters) I made no such promise, merely signifying my opinion that they would find no receipt in England, but be answerable under her highness's promise. In my last letter to my lord your father, I humbly entreated, that as this service as I hope, is now closing, "I may be dismissed to followe my lawe cause, and many other urgent particulars in my private estate"—wherein I crave your assistance for my disburdening. Bradley. Signed: Will'm Bowes.

2½ pp. Addressed. Indorsed. Wafer signet: indistinct.

Inclosed in the same:—

(Sir W. Bowes to Lord Hume.)

I waited at Berwick the return of my messenger from your lordship, till the afternoon of the 14^th, when being pressed by the Queen's service I took my journey to the Bishop of Durham, then "instantly" setting out for Parliament, whereby your letter coming later to hand, I must entreat your acceptance of this later answer to the several points.

First.—My delation to the Queen of your part in the late tumult. My answer is,—perchance misreading my words, or misunderstanding my language, you have mistaken my "sence." For unless my memory and my "reserved" copy deceive me, my words are, not part "of" the tumult, but part "in" the tumult: "and in our language the word 'part' signifyeth sencibly in this place, not 'portion' but 'behaviour': so as my meaninge may not be gaithered, your lordships 'portion of' this tumult, but your 'behaviour in' the tumult." So my words can receive no other interpretation, when I say "I have reported your parte unto her Majestie in the fairest tearmes of honour and true performance. Now yf I had knowne and thought otherwise, that my selfe should make my selfe a lyer, and that to my most dreade Soveraigne, recorded under my hand to an honorable person of another nation, are suche a heape of absurdities, as you cannot thinke I coulde committ."

Secondly.—As to his highness' commandment to you to deliver Sir Robert Kerr, failing entry of his pledges: I confess myself beholden to you for showing me the King's letter, to my great contentment. Your lordship acknowledges by implication that Sir Robert did not deliver his pledges: "but the clause by me added 'onely by his owne defalt' your lordship sayeth doth no waies appeare: and if I can doe so muche for my selfe as to prove that pertinently, your lordship thinkes you have so fair over the gentleman that you might absolutely promise to deliver me his person." My answer is "first, to the last clause, that I thinke my selfe muche bounde unto your lordship for this honorable option given unto me, and I am right gladd, that the Kinges commaundement, your lordships power over the gentleman, her Majesties contentment, and this option given by your lordship to me on her Majesties behalfe, doe so well concurr in one point, seeinge the same may pertinently be proved thus.—He that by possession then and there onely, could deliver the pledges, beinge demaunded, yett delivered them not, he onely makes defalt: but Sir Robert Kerr then and there havinge possession of the saide pledges onely, beinge demaunded delivered them not, therefore Sir Robert Kerr onely therein made defalt. Both the propositions appeare by your lordships owne lettre thus farr—First, that Sir Robert Kerr had then and there his pledges, and could deliver them, but did not. That I demaunded them on her Majesties behalfe, I hope needs no proofe, and therefore I doubt not but your lordship will make good that your offer of the former option accordingly. Besides, yf yt may please your lordship to looke further into this matter, you will see the failinge of delivery could not growe, but eyther from my not demaundinge, or your not commaundinge, or Sir Robert Kerr his not performinge; alwaies you and I will easely excuse the first twoo, and therefore no way Sir Robert can avoide the last."

Thirdly.—You answer to my third point, that if I perform, you will do the like. I reply thus—Having already performed our "due," I require the like from you. "The antecedent of this reason I prove thus"—Nothing was to be done by me then and there but "tender and delivery of our pledges." This appears by your own letter acknowledging "your demission" of them, necessarily implying they were regularly in your hands, as I know you will not deny.

Fourthly.—I heartily thank you for saying I have performed all appointments—but you must excuse "me for discentinge from you in conceipt," that you have done the like. "I understand the word 'appointment' to consist of tyme, person, place, and action, all concurringe in one purposed matter, which matter, beinge in this case the delivery of the pledges, or the wardens themselves, with the other circumstances suche as needes no recitall, is not kept."

Fifthly.—As to your three answers on Sir Robert Kerr's "three severall disapointmentes." First, your own speech to me and the report under your own hand sent to me, proves the "untowardnes" of Buccleuch and Cesford at the first meeting, not having half the number of pledges with them that I had; and now I can prove that Cesford drew Buccleugh into it. Second—Cesford spent the whole second meeting in "showes" of entering himself, and I am told, brought his pledges armed with jacks and spears, but not near the place of meeting—though we waited till the day was done, to the hazard of our lives. His manifest intentions need no farther proof.

Sixthly.—As to your remark on not comprehending my private request to you for Sir Robert's delivery,—you "altogeather mistake me." I only forbore the public pressing of the matter, thinking from his words to myself at our second meeting, as to her Majesty's mercy during his banishment, &c., that he would enter quietly by your mediation rather than incur the indignation of the two princes. The quiet of the Border, your own honour, and Sir Robert's protestations, only moved me, "and so I pray your lordship to apprehend yt."

Seventhly—to conclude: You assure me of performance of whatever the King, yourself or any other, has promised, and that I shall be "chalenged" for redelivery of the "demitted" pledges. I accept the former assurance, and expect the performance accordingly. And will duly appoint the time and place for putting the same in effect as the Queen's business will permit, and advertise you with all expedition. "Bradley, this xvij^th of October 1597."

3 pp. Copy by his clerk. Indorsed: ". . . October 18, 1597."

794. The Bishop of Durham to Cecil. [Oct. 18.]

While I was yesterday on my journey from Wetherby homeward, this inclosed packet was delivered to me from Lord Eure, without any letter. It contains merely an answer returned on the 17^th instant, to the requisition by Sir William Bowes and me on 22^d September, requiring his reply by the 4^th October at furthest, or that otherwise we would certify his silence. "Howbeit partly by reason of Sir William Bowes his twice travaile to the West forde nigh Norham, and partly by my late absence from home (belike) some sixe daies on my journeie towardes London, some poore advauntage is sought and founde how to make some of them excusable for their so long delaie, or to accumbre me singled from Sir William Bowes." Nevertheless I send by this gentleman M^r Henry Sanderson of Newcastle, the verdict of the East and Middle Marches gentlemen jurors, being under her Majesty's late instructions to Sir William Bowes and myself, thoroughly reexamined and as deeply "pearced" as we could, "to forbeare all sinister respectes whatsoever, and perticulerly to specifie the circumstaunces of such imputacions, as they had formerly presented." Which they profess to have done "with all integritie, calling to mynde their former corporall oath": and have set it down under 23 of their hands, who as I remember are those who intermeddled in the matter at first, and dwell in Northumberland.

You will please receive herewith two requisitions made by us—one to Lord Eure for the 80 horse, for his answer: the other to the said jurors, whereto their second presentment is directed. To which they would have me sign my name on every page, "least it should seem to be corrupted, as they saie boldly their contraries did object against their former inquisicion." Which troubled both them and us exceedingly for a day or two: but in the end nothing appeared but plain and honest dealing. Your honor with this shall receive their second presentment of the same, or even greater disorders, abuses, &c., than aforesaid: to which Lord Eure and his officers have "even now (while I am in wryting this lettre)" sent answer in a packet addressed to me from his lordship "at Wytton, where he now dwelleth," yesterday at noon. This answer should have been made by the 4^th as aforesaid, and so soon as I get to my house at Awkland, and can take copies for Sir William and myself, I shall dispatch it to your honor with expedition. "The while Northumberland, I assure your honor, is in worse case then if it were barbarous, and will yet be worse then it is, yf where defaultes be founde apparant, they be not censured in some condignely, and punished in others egregiously." North Allerton. Signed: Tobie Duresm.

1 p. Addressed. Indorsed. Wax signet (Mathew's).

795. Lord Home to Sir W. Bowes. [Oct. 19.]

At the King's special order by his letter of the 15^th instant, I sent my own servant to Berwick with a letter, appointing a short day and certain place for prosecuting "the publique langsum affaires" at last, praying the like from you. Finding you gone, and no certainty of your return, I went to Court to learn the King's pleasure, who I found not only willing and desirous to have everything done by his commissioners to content the Queen, "but also most instant and curious to see the author of the late tumult tryed and found out," that if of this country, he may be condignly punished. And I intend to use all diligence herein by myself and friends.

Seeing the King's good will, and doubting not the Queen's, I in most earnest and friendly manner request you, as by word and writ you have sundry times promised, plain and sure dealing in your commission, so you would conform thereto with all convenient haste. And I pray your early answer, how and when I may be assured to see you prepared to disburden yourself according to the princes' will, and ye shall not fail to find me with like resolution. Linlithgow. Alex. Home.

1½ pp. Copy by Bowes' clerk. Indorsed.

796. The Bishop of Durham to Cecil. [Oct. 20.]

Hereinclosed your honor will receive the answers of M^r Nicholas Whitfield, M^r Raphe Mansfeild, and M^r William Fenwick to the commissioners for Border causes, to the "detectes" drawn out of the former presentment of the gentlemen of the East and Middle Marches against them; with the answer of Raiph Graie esquire to certain articles by the said gentlemen against him. The copy of the said "detectes" is also sent for better "application" of the answers.

As I trust your honor has received by M^r Sanderson the later presentment of these gentlemen jurors in particular support of their former inquisition touching Lord Eure and his officers, it will please your honor to consider that in our requisition made to these gentlemen at Newburne, we promised them secrecy under our hands: lest the "utterance of their presentment, contrary to our worde, and their expectacion, may breede further inconveniences betwene the lord warden and them: which are already too great and too many for the quyetnes and safetie of that unhappy countrie." Wherefore I earnestly request your honour to peruse the said requisition, "and to take precise order for the discharge of our creditt therein, howsoever the view thereof shalbe never so desierously coveted by such as it most concerneth." For the gentlemen were with great difficulty drawn to name their secret informers as to these disorders, and we would never have got them to do so but for our promise—for they thought it very strange to have their former verdict called in question. "I doubt not your honour will sort these papers to the rest," till time serves to consider this action in all respects. Bishop Awkland. Signed: Tobie Duresme.

(fn. 7) "Sir,—by M^r Mansfeldes answeare your honour will fynde howe he doth ease the Lord Eure of the burden of the xxⁱⁱⁱⁱ horsemen: and againe howe he hopeth his lordship will relieve him for the convoye of Sesforde into this realme, &c."

1 p. Addressed. Indorsed. Seal broken.

Inclosed in the same:—

(1) (Raph Mansfield's answer.)

The answer of Raiphe Mansfielde captain of Harbottle castle to the articles presented by the East and Middle March jurors to the commissioners at Berwick.

Art. 3.—Neglecting to rise to frays, and misuse of the horsemen under his charge.

Answer.—Since appointed "in Marche 96" till Michaelmas following, I was but 2 days and nights absent from Harbottle, and any who came found me and 20 men ready to rise. I laid the other 10 in Redesdale, as then thought best for the country. About Michaelmas, when Lord Eure gave me leave to go to Yorkshire for 3 weeks or a month on private affairs, Henry Woodrington brought a supposed fray to a place called the Peales, telling one Wille Unnes "a simple foole" to warn the soldiers at Harbottle, who presently set out and not knowing how the fray had gone, divided, and 8 of them came to Woodrington. On examining the matter, they found no goods stolen, "but practised . . . to picke an advantage against me." Another time the said Woodrington "sent the fray" about 8 A.M., which was no usual time for a fray, and there has been no day foray since I came, so the men having before been falsely alarmed by him, and so late in the morning, made no such hast as they should, "which faulte is not to be excused." Other than these I have not heard of. For Otterburne, there never was any brought there since my time, as I will aver on my credit. As for some being my own servants, or freeholders, and most of them notorious thieves, I confess that some of the Yorkshire men who could not live on 12d. a day, got their meat in my own house, besides the trumpeter and clerk and 2 Berwick men, who had served under me in the West Marches—all this besides their pay—and if this is a hindrance to the service, or a want of the number, "I must confes I have done amise to my coste"! As to freeholders: as the Yorkshire men grew weary, I with the lord warden's consent, supplied their places with the most serviceable and honest men in my charge, and that with great care. As for their being "notoriuse and famouse theaves": at the lord warden's entry to office all had "the benifitt of the realme" and are ready to answer any charges. And they are such men as the best of these gentlemen of the jury employ when needed—"especiallie M^r Woodrington, to whome the most of them are verie neare of kinne." But I cannot answer "that they have not offended the law."

Their accusation that I confessed the lord warden had charge of 40 horsemen, is false. I said I had charge of the whole 80, and refused farther particulars. And I appeal to the country, who can witness that they have not been so free from Scottish raids these 40 years; and I myself will undertake to answer the whole loss of Redesdale and the "tenn townes" since my entry, with 40 head of cattle. "Noe man can serve in everie place; and I suppose noe man of judgement will thinke this coulde be done with idlenes or evell goverment."

Art. 8.—As for resetting Lionel Charlton and Edward Hall and buying 2 gray geldings for Sir Robert Kerr: I answer, that without the lord warden's privity, I never employed Charlton, and Hall is ready to answer any charge. I have bought 4 or 5 geldings in Yorkshire since I came here—"but that I ever sould or gave anie horse or mare to Sir Robert Kerr, or by any meanes he ever had anie of me, I absolutelie denie, and will justefie yt to be most false and untrew."

As for resetting William Shaftoe and William Lawson: Shaftoe and one William Hall of Cartington were sent by M^r Henry Woodrington to me, asking me to meet him at Fairnam. Lawson was never in my house or company—Shaftoe has cleared himself by law.

As for George Hall of Burdup a thief and fugitive, being one of my men: I answer that Sir John Forster while warden, at the suit of Sir Philip Sydney, with whom Hall had served in the Low Countries after breaking the law, allowed him to live here. He is ready to answer any charge.

Art. 10.—"It is most unjuste and false" that the Laird of Hunthill or William Rotherford of Littleheugh, enjoy a "sheep rayke" on Coquet head by my toleration. The ground belongs to one Fenwick of Brenkburne, by whose leave the sheep depastured in Sir John Forster's time, when they were taken by one Richard Fenwick of Stanton; to whose great loss, Sir John made him redeliver them, as they were taken without consent of the owner of the ground, or commandment of the warden, according to the treaty—"which presedent hath been a caveate to me for the takeing of them." I admit taking some sheep from "Dye for could," for betraying my "pretended" service into Scotland to Sir Robert Kerr, who with 200 horse lay in wait to entrap me, but I escaped.

Art. 12.—I refer to the lord warden to satisfy her Majesty on my part in Sir Robert Kerr's coming to Toplife, &c. As for the abetting the fight of 2 Englishmen before Buccleuch at Hawick where one was slain: it is false and untrue that I took any man to Scotland—but 2 English fugitives, some time of Redesdale, one accusing the other of crimes, did combat before Buccleuch. At the instance of their friends I went there to dissuade them, but prevailed not, though accompanied with some English gentlemen. I found Roger Woodrington appointed "a tryer." When I saw one hurt in the knee, "I ran and parted them," suffering them to fight no longer. Of this there is credible testimony both English and Scottish.

The charge of my extorting 15 score cattle and 400 sheep is a manifest untruth, and none but a Northumberland witness would testify it. To my knowledge I have not had since my entry "which is two yere cum Martinmas," half that number of cattle nor 100 sheep "by the benifit of my office." And if any can charge me with wrongfully taking goods, nay if the country of Redesdale cannot prove that I have lost most part of the forfeitures due me, I will admit myself culpable. I beseech you accept these answers, and will verify the same either by oath, or by my sword against any chief gentleman accuser, if admitted, or any other trial to find out the truth. Signed: Ralfe Mansfield.

Received by me in a packet from Lord Eure at Northallerton 18^th Oct. 1597. Signed: Tobie Duresm.

4½ pp. Indorsed by Eure.

(2) (Reply by Whitfield.)

Propos: 12.—That he as bailiff of Hexham hath seized great store of goods of felons and suspected felons in Hexham and Hexhamshire, without account thereof.

Answer.—I have not to the best of my remembrance seized any man's goods unlawfully since I was steward and bailiff of that Liberty: or done anything not warranted by her Majesty's special grant. Signed: Nycho. Whitfeilde.

Received by me in a packet from Lord Eure at Northallerton 18^th October 1597. Signed: Tobie Duresm.

½ p. Indorsed by Eure.

797. Requisition for delivery of Cesford. [Oct. 20.]

The requisition of William Bowes knight commissioner for the Queen of England, given under his hand to Lord Home and the Laird of Wedderburne commissioners for the King of Scots.

I William Bowes knight, &c., require you Alexander lord Home and Sir George Home, &c., that whereas at our meeting for reciprocal delivery of pledges at the West ford of Norham within the ground of Scotland on the 8^th instant, you the said lord Home showing me letters under the hand of your Sovereign, commanding you at that day and place, either to deliver the pledges required for England from Sir Robert Kerr laird of Cesford, his Majesty's warden, or else Sir Robert's own person: whereon and the requisition then and there made by me for her Majesty, you the Lord Home "steedfastly promised and gave your honorable word" that you would do one or other as commanded. But as the same was not done by entering the pledges that day, through Sir Robert's default, I hereby require you the commissioners to enter his person into the hands of the Governor of Berwick, or of myself, within England, at a day to be set down in writing by you and signified to either of us, before the 5^th November next, and at the usual place of meeting near Fouldon between the hours of 6 and 9 A.M., thereby to content her Majesty, perform the honourable word of your Sovereign, and your the Lord Home's promise. Bradley.

1¼ pp. Copy by his clerk. Indorsed.

798. Scrope to Henry Leigh. [Oct. 22. 1597.]

"M^r Ligh. Since my coming up I have bene with her Majestie whom (I thanck God) in all my life never used mee better nor more gratiously, to the confort of my frinds, and griefe of such as wishes it otherwise. Where I tooke occation to moove for your coming up, but she grew in suche a rage with you, that I had moch a doe to pacifie her, answering that she merveled how you durst so do, I being absent, and Scottland so uncerten: and that she had given a great sute, and 40 pound the year since my intering the wardenry, by meanes I made in your behalfe to my lord Thesaurear, and yet you have done noe service, but when any sturre was, you were ever at London: and much more, which I have noe pleasure to write. I answered how carfull you were to looke to my place in my absence. For the yeelding up of the deputie-ship, I appointed M^r Lowther for your sake, by reason of the greate kindnes and familiaritie which was growen between you of late, or else in good troth, I had appointed another, and by reason he was once officer himselfe and therfore noe disparadgement to you to give him the name.

"For Armstronge and Ellwood, her Majesties pleasure is that they bee kept in the pledge chamber till my returne; and if you like not of this coorse to make him the head, then you may tell M^r Lowther that it is my pleasure that he stay there till my returne, which in good faith shalbee shortly, and then I will chuse one my selfe, whoe shallbe very glad to receave it. For her Majestie will have another beare the name, and I thought none more pleasing to you then R. Lowther." London. Signed: Th. Scroope.

Tell Henry Baynes I marvel at hearing not out of Scotland, and to let me hear often from thence.

2 pp. Holograph. Addressed: "To his very loving frinde M^r Henry Ligh esq. at Carlell." Indorsed by Leigh: "Your honor may perceve by this howe I have bene dallied and played withall at his lordshipps pleasure, contrary to my honest deservings."

799. Sir W. Bowes to Cecil. [Oct. 23.]

Your letters of the 17^th instant signifying her Majesty's gracious acceptation of my weak service, and the good report thereof by my lord your father and yourself, have given me much comfort in many crosses and difficulties.

Since the date of these your last, I certified your what had passed between Lord Home and me, with copies of our letters, and of one from Wedderburne, whereby your honor will see my reasons for changing my "conceipt" of his lordship as more deeply engaged in Cesford's favour than "true honor can bare out." Though I have hitherto dealt only in a private manner for Cesford's entry, I am ready and desirous to make a plain demand in writing as the Queen's commissioner, on those of Scotland for his entry, under the King's command and their own promises: and would have put this in effect already, had I not found it disapproved by some whose judgments I preferred to my own. But now seeing by your letter that her Majesty is pleased to insist on demanding Cesford's delivery, I see not how it could be better made than for the reasons above alleged—and to certify the King if they refuse to obey it, thus taking for granted his former commandment, and involving no new question with the King.

As you seem willing to receive my opinion for bestowing Buccleuch in some safe place:—First, I think Barnard castle "altogeather unmeete, as well by the scyte, yt standinge at the foote of the great wastes and mountaynes, all open without inclosures to the verie grounde of Scotlande: as also bycause a great parte of the principall wall undermyned and shaken in the late rebellion, ys now fallen flatt to the earth: for repaire whereof I had be"come sutor to my honorable lord your father, yf this last yeares employment had not farr otherwyse busyed my thoughtes."

I think some more inward part in a walled and well governed town, as York or Hull, is more convenient: "where both solitarines may bee lesse discomfortable to the gentleman, muche favoured in his owne country, and watchefull heed with good guard may be ready at hand, with lesse needlesse charge eyther to the Queene or suche person as may have him in keepinge." But whether the old manor at York which the Archbishop occupies not, or the cittidell (fn. 8) at Hull are fit to receive him, I cannot say, but his grace and the Council may better advertise you hereon.

As for our pledges, whether they remain in Scotland or otherwise, wherein you require knowledge: Lord Home said in his letter, the copy whereof was sent you, that he dismissed them, but I know not where they be, though I have earnestly required Lord Eurie his deputy officers, to get the custody of their bodies with all possible expedition—for I think by the tenor of the King's letter to the ambassador (a copy of which was sent to my lord your father), that he thinks him self "touched in honour" to have delivered Buccleuch, and received "no caution for the parte of Scotland." Our answer, that this is the fault of his own commissioners, I have sent to the ambassador with other intelligence for this service, "so farr as his great weakenes and want of health will permitt." Bradley. Signed: Will'm Bowes.

2½ pp. Addressed. Indorsed. Wafer signet: device indistinct.

800. John Carey to Cecil. [Oct. 23.]

I received your honor's of the 14^th instant, with a letter from her Majesty therein, and have "done my beste indevour to performe the contentes of them both": but Lord Hewme "is over the water on Fiffe syde," far from this, and I hear nothing of his return. As to your direction for my conference with Sir William Bowes on the fittest place for keeping "Sir Water Scott," Sir William has been at his own house ever since the meeting "for the deliverie," and this morning I have a letter from him that he is appointed "by your honors" jointly with the Bishop of Durham for further Border service. So in his absence I have conferred with the gentleman porter here, and our opinion is that it will be very "unconvenient for Boocloughe to be kept in any place of either Northumberland, Busshoprick, or Yorcksheire," where it will be impossible to prevent Scots and English resorting to him: and he will become too privy with those countries, "which may be hurtfull." Also it will be impossible to prevent his escape, if he has a mind to it: seeing that the laying 2 or 3 horses will soon take him to Scotland, and "hee cannot want men redie to do him that pleasure." So we both think he should he "with some speede removed into the sowthe, nere about London," where you can dispose of him at pleasure. And for performance, "it may please your honor to understand, that M^r Porter, beinge now chosen for one of the Parliament howse, and havinge other urgent occasions of his owne, by shutes of lawe, will presentlie come up, who may if it so please her Majesti to like of it, bring up Boocloughe with him."

He is very desirous hereof, and will remain here till further direction from your honor. Berwick. Signed: Jhon Carey.

1¼ pp. Addressed. Indorsed: ". . . Receaved at Whithall the xxix^th."

801. John Carey to Burghley. [Oct. 23.]

There is yet no manner of provision come from M^r Vernon, neither for horse nor foot, and all are in great extremity, both town and country undone, all being "driven to ley uppon the markett," which breeds great dearth for all the appearance of plenty. "Ouer Border causes I fear is layed a bed in the water of Ser Williame Boweses minerales." I hear the ambassador in Scotland is a little amended, and means to come here this week, if his strength serves him: but his weakness is such, it is feared either he cannot come, or if he does "it will eand him." There is little hope of his recovery: "wherfor my good lord, as you have ever stod my honorabell good lord and frend, even so nowe if youer lordshipe shall thinke me a fitt mane or aney waye worthey of suche an offes, if he chauns to dey, wiche God forbed, and that you will bey youer honorabell meanes procuer me the same," I have an office here already worth 100l. a year, which you shall dispose of to any of your friends fit for it, who must be one of the council here. For the marshalship, "I will be veery well content" that her Majesty bestows it on any other who pleases her. "I wold only reley uppon that offes bothe for the good of the towen and for the better servis of her Majestie; and for assewerans, I will put in no better plege then my nowen hed, my wife and childern, to be used at her Majesties pleser when soever I shall be fowend to deseve her . . . deseyeringe youer lordshipe to kepe this to youer selfe." Berwick. Signed: Jhon Carey.

1 p. Holograph. Addressed. Indorsed by Burghley's secretary. Swan wafer signet.

802. William Selby to Cecil. [Oct. 23.]

"I am chossen a burges for this towne," and was about setting out for the parliament with the governor's consent; but this day he sent for me and earnestly requested me to stay till he heard from my lords of the Council: "for he said he thought yt might be that they would apoynt me for the convoy of Sir Walter Skott to the Cowrt: who I have here in my house, beinge comyted to me (at his first entry) by Sir William Bowes and M^r Governor—which chardge I would a bin loath to have undertaken, but they urdged me therunto, saying yt was for her Majesties service."

If it is your pleasure he come up under my convoy, then I desire your lordships' instructions thereon, whether I should bring him with a sufficient guard, "or that Sir William Bowes, M^r John Carey and my selfe, should take his hand and fayth, that he should not escape, but remayne as true prisoner: and whether he should come up upon her Majesties charges or his owne?"

I hear for certain from Scotland that Sir Robert Kerr is sometimes minded to enter himself and not his pledges, and "other sometime" his pledges, not himself. The former course in my simple opinion, were far better. For if these two were in her Majesty's power "without condition," these borders might live in quiet.

"The good intertaynment of Sir Walter Scott for the time, may be an incouragement to cause Sir Robart Kerr enter him selfe." Berwick. Signed: Will'm Selby.

1 p. Addressed. Indorsed: ". . . Receaved at Whithall the xxix^th."

803. Ralph Carr to Sir R. Carey. [Oct. 24.]

"Reyght worshepfoll, my deuty rememberred. Thes ar to lett you ounderstand that of latte the Skots have ben verey bessy with in youer chargd, and thay rest not a neyght bot ar spoylen the contrey in won plas or other. The xxj of this month at xij at neyt the Skots came to Lermowth to the nomber of fouer (fn. 9) and feftey hores men all jacke and gred (fn. 10), and leyted in the medst of the touen gatte, bracke open and foressebley tocke and refte away all the touen noett to the nomber of 120 hed of cattell, and ij or 3 and teuenty nages and mears, to the otter ondoeng of the pore touen, if thay gett no redres,—and opone the xxij her of at neytt thay came to Norrom touen abowtt the leyke nomber and mentt to herreyd the holl touen: bot the wach descreyed them and gave warneng to the touen, so that thay wher in a reddeynes to deffend themselfes; and at ther first aproch, fyenden them selfes rested and the contre in armes to resest them, deschariedg half a dosan pestols at the fyrst that came touerds them, and so retorned with out aney hortt done, save only one Gavin Rechchesons eldest sonne was shott in to the theye with a pestall: it is thought he will not be the wores. Being dreven from thenes, thay tocke in ther way homward Est and West Neubegeu and carreyd away all the goods to the nomber of xl hed of catell and v nages and meres. Ser, et is gronen to that pas here that if ther be not speddey and better order taken then is yet, the contre well in shortt tyem be quitt over thoruen. The Skots say playenly, ther shall a neue warden com douen and you com douen no more, and that tell ther com won douen to remayen her stell, thay well tack ther pleseuer; and steke not to say that thay well make ther ouen peas at aney tyem. Trewly ser, if you have a intencion to contenew here, youer stay most not be long from henes if you go, for an et rede youer hands from the chargd with all the sped you may, for the longger it remayens as it doth, the mor the contre well be spoyeled and youer selef thought not desarvinge and descredeted. Pardon me good ser, in speekkeng this playenly, I hould et my deuty and et is treuth all that I say and exseptt youer selef or som other com douen quickly, the wholl border well be layd wast. Et is the Borens, the Prenggels, Youngs, and Davesons that ar the chef spoylors of the contre. . . ." Berwick. Signed: Ra. Carr.

1 p. Addressed: "To the reight worshepfull Ser Robart Carey knytt warden of the Est Marshes and capten of Norrom." Enclosed in No. 810.

804. Eure to Cecil. [Oct. 24.]

"I doe make bould still to present in breafe the gall of my misfortune, that in the countrie where I was borne and my parentes have lived, I should be so envied, as by the verdict of the jury and the sequell therof appearethe plainely." I had hoped that in face of my country and presence of the jurors, I should have been questioned of my faults. But though myself aud officers attended, this is "frustraite," and the jurors have delivered to the commissioners the averment of their former verdict. Nay I fear new and false informations against me and my officers have been handed in secretly by the jury to the commissioners, and withholden from us. Knowing my innocence of all unhonest actions, I boldly crave by your honor's means and her Majesty's gratious favour, I may defend it before your lordships, and pray to have speedy answer hereto. Wittoun. Signed: Ra. Eure.

½ p. Addressed. Indorsed. Wax quartered seal and label.

805. Eure to Anthony Bacon. [Oct. 24.]

"My honorable and deare freinde, I returned aunswere to your last kinde and loving lettre the xix^th of Octobre by post, which I doubt not is come to your handes ere this." According to your advice, I rest yet from coming to London, but am galled by the favour the commissioners showed to the jury, thus animating them to new aud false charges as I hear, which I see not how to stop without my personal answer. If this is not allowed, I see nothing but my infamy and ruin, unless the lords of the Council strengthen me with their powerful authority, and publicly punish my adversaries. I hear Lord Scrope is at London leaving a deputy, and Sir Robert Carey also at Court with a deputy in his government.

"I pray you vouchsafe in worthe a Northumberland nagg, but proceadeth from the hart of a moste faithfull freinde, noe Northumberland flatterer. Your honorable acceptance shall bynde me, beseeching you vouchsafe it for the worthie respect of your faithfull freinde, valewing noe gifte can be esteemed worthie the satisfaction of love, but that triffles sometymes doth plainely denote the remembraunce and well wishing, which I present to yow." Wittoune. Signed: Ra. Eure.

1 p. Addressed: "To my honorable loving freinde M^r Anthony Bacoune." Indorsed by Burghley's secretary.

806. Eure to Burghley. [Oct. 24.]

Signifies the increase of dangerous evils in his March which the Bishop of Durham and Sir W. Bowes can confirm.

The pride of the opposite borders grown intolerable, "thundrethe" daily threats against his March, and nightly forays are made; yet his people either from fear or unwillingness to serve her Majesty, refuse to rise to these, caused by the evil influence of the jurors who lately accused himself and his officers, to which he and they have not been allowed to answer. He urgently demands a trial in his lordship's presence and begs with all speed a "comfortable" answer. Wittoun. Signed: Ra. Eure.

"Post.—In the tyme of the sicknes, M^r Edward Gray executeth the place as my deputy warden, and I finde that neyther theyre countriman whome I appointed my officer, neither my selfe as straunger unto them, can draw them to good order or obedience: wherof I pray your lordship take season able knowledg for the good of the poore countrie."

1 p. Addressed. Indorsed. Wax seal: quartered, &c., as last.

807. Sir W. Bowes to Cecil. [Oct. 24.]

I send copies of three documents showing the state of the case as to the Queen's Border pledges—(1) Lord Home's letter pressing me to meet him for new delivery of pledges; (2) copy of my reply to the ambassador's letter, received yesterday after my despatch to you, showing at large my "conceipt" for proceeding in these affairs, which I hope you will interpret favourably, "yf in this straitnes of tyme," I have done less sufficiently than requisite, and vouchsafe further direction with all possible expedition; (3) copy of my requisition which I now send to the Scottish commissioners, on the grounds as appear in my said letter to the ambassador.

My purpose is, after a small pause, to answer Lord Home's letter, and put off time, till I have your instructions, which I hope will be by 1^st November. Or if, in answer to my former letter, I receive direction sooner, I will proceed with him accordingly. Meanwhile I shall arrange my return to Berwick as best for this service.

I entreat that Wedderburn's name in his late private letter to me may be suppressed, lest his chief hearing of it "may worke his wracke and displeasour."

I say nothing of the tumult in any of my letters, doubting that if prosecuted, it would but hinder the delivery of Cesford, affording the opposites ground of delay and evasion, and putting off "the true tryall, which doubtles wilbe suppressed so longe as Sesford is so awfull as he now is." Your wisdoms see, I doubt not, that his delivery so imports the Queen's honor, and the quiet of these borders, that it "must even now or not at all, be roundly prosecuted." Bradley. Signed; Will'm Bowes.

1¼ pp. Addressed. Indorsed: " . . . Received at Whithall the xxix^th."

808. Sir W. Bowes to Burghley. [Oct. 26.]

I inclose the King of Scots' letter to me in behalf of Buccleuch, humbly requesting your lordship, if thought fit, to present the same for her Majesty's view, and to instruct me how to answer this and the King's former letter to same effect.

By his letters of 20^th to the ambassador, imparted to me, I conceive overtures are made for new commissions to try the late tumult, and new meetings for pledges, and think these prejudicial to the Queen's honour and service.

The first overture I gather to be a device mentioned by Lord Home to me the night of the tumult, and since spread abroad by rumour throughout Scotland, and not obscurely touched in the King's letter, viz., that the beginner of it was an Englishman. The King intimates it more strongly "by an argument drawne from somewhat thereof advertised that morninge precedinge the tumult, to me." Though I hope my former account is sufficient, yet as there is an evident design to put off the delivery of Cesford or his pledges, and to disgrace myself—but under her Majesty's protection I hope to show "that truth is stronger then a Kinge"—therefore my answer to the King is this—"It is true that I generally suspected some trecherie that day: that I signifyed so muche to the Scottish comissioners: that I was verie warie to be free from all probabilitie of beinge any procurer thereof; but it is not true that I had precedent perticuler advertisement of the tumult which folowed.

"The grounde of my suspition was this: I was advertised that Sir Robert Kerr had practised with some Englishmen to make an affray at the meetinge: and I beleived this advertizement, both by the creditt of the advertizers, whome I am ready to produce, and also by the disposition of Sir Robert Kerr, so well appearinge in so many publique perticulers in former passage of these affaires, as needes no recytall."

Secondly—My reason for signifying this suspicion generally to the Scottish commissioners, was this—I was earnestly desirous to avoid any breach of peace, and therefore sent a "choice" gentleman to Lord Home for a private meeting with six on a side, to order the day's action. Though my plan as to occupying the two ends of the valley was not adopted, I trusted to his promise, and was more willing to forbear taking the Berwick foot across the river, because they were too weak for Teviotdale and Liddesdale, and to avoid any affray, "beinge under xx^tie Englishe on the Scottishe grounde." But I placed "the shott" on our bank, ordering them, if they saw treachery offered to me, to "redeme the Quenes honour (though they could not save my person) by killinge more of them then possibly they could doe of ours."

Thirdly—My wariness to avoid a fray is shown, that as I must keep the appointment on Scottish ground, I rather hazarded my own life with a few, than risked touching the Queen's honor "with the least note of makinge trecherous affray."

Having so many witnesses, I trust it will please her Majesty "to turne this device upon the devisers, by givinge an honorable and speedy incounter to these dishonorable motives."

The second overture in the King's letter is thus—"We beinge as neerely interessed in honor as any others, by the late tumult falne out at the meetinge of the commissioners for deliverie of pledges, our officer the Lard of Beaucleugh being delivered and na effectuall deliverie made on thother part, and the truce thereby broken on both sydes." It seems to me this is "a sufficient conviction on the Kinges syde for breakinge of the truce." But for her Majesty there must be other evidence—for I can prove by Lord Home's handwriting, that he demitted our pledges, "and demission cannot be without possession," which was formally done by me. "The lyfe of this device lyeth in this word 'effectuall,' and then the question groweth, whose "falt made it ineffectuall, and that falt will appeare to be in them that raised the tumult, which burden, bicause the Scottishe syde will not beare, it must be lade upon an Englishe trespasser": and the King being desirous to have this point well tried, old matters breeding new trials, and these trials new matters, "the worke is brought to the rowlinge of Sciciphus his stone, beinge in deede a condicion and example fitt for suche a subject."

Thus your lordship will perceive his miserable condition who negotiates "with such a people, that both can or will say more for a falsehoode, then for my owne parte I can doe for the truth." Though I trust the goodness of God will make it manifest, I am weary of dealing with them, and hope for early dismissal.

If I may give my opinion, I think with pardon, that favourable dealing with Buccleuch, and hearkening rather than yielding, to the King's offers on his behalf, till it may be seen what can be done for Cesford's entry, so as they may hope that the entry "of both their sonnes" might free themselves: this, added to the Queen's "round prosecution" of (1) the King's promise in his letter in August last, (2) his commandment to his commissioners in writing, and (3) the commissioners' direct promise to me—all for Cesford's delivery failing his pledges, it may be expected some good effect may follow "by crushinge the heades of these enormities."

I beg timely directions of the course it shall please her Majesty to take, and till they reach me, I purposely withdraw myself from Berwick, for I dare not deny their offers expressly, nor do I think them fit for her acceptation. Bradley. Signed: Will'm Bowes.

3 pp. Large folios. Addressed. Indorsed. Wafer signet: "I. M."

Inclosed in the same:—

(The King of Scots to Sir W. Bowes.)

"Richt trusty and weilbelovit, we greit you hairtlie wele. As we have writtin to our dearest sister and cousin your soverane, requeisting that the Lard of Bucleuch our officiar delivered for his pledges, may according to the custumable forme of borderares (yea used toward the maist notorious thevis), be fred upoun band, or the entrie of his onlie sone as pledge in his place for a certane space, that in the meantyme he may be enhabled to serche and trapt thes his pledges (betrayares of him and now becum fugitives) for his awin releiff, quhilk ye knaw can not wele be done without his presence in the cuntrie. Ebuif a (sen he is a gentilman quha hes kythed (fn. 11) sa loyall obedient and affected toward the conservatioun of the peace betuixt the realmes) have we thoght gude to deseir youre effectuall recommendatioun to be interponit in his favour toward our dearest sister your soverane, for his bettir furtherance in that his reasonable sute; sence his fredome may werk a mair effectuall satisfactioun toward boith ws and your soverane then his retentioun. Quharin ye sall do ws right thankfull and speciall plesour . . . From our palice of Linlythgw this xx of October 1597." Signed: James R.

½ p. Addressed: "To our richt trusty and weilbelovit Schir Williame Bowes." Indorsed. Wafer signet (Scotland): a closed crown above shield.

809. Eure to Sir W. Bowes. [Oct. 28.]

The convenience of this messenger my servant, to whom I require your former promised favour in his good cause, moves me to answer your letter for recovery of the escaped pledges, "more tymely then as yett well prepared for the same." Raphe Mansfeild writes to me he has seen none of them since, and cannot find they repair openly to their own houses, but will do his best, though not "as you required." I hear as yet nothing from Henry Bowes, of those in his office, but that "they stand warefully of their libertie," and desire death rather than second delivery, alleging that by law the bills were satisfied for which they were delivered; "and fearinge the ill usage which shall fall upon them, havinge taisted for the present both reavinge of their garmentes and weapons, knockinge and threatninge their persons, with reportes of the place and many other circumstances of terrour." So these things make them remain fugitives rather than lawful men as formerly. I pray you press me no further than my power will extend. Wittone. "Your verie lovinge freind and kinseman." Ra. Eure.

¾ p. Copy by Bowes' clerk. Indorsed: Copy letter from Lord Eure to Sir W. Bowes, &c.

810. Sir R. Carey to Cecil. [Oct. 29.]

"Sir, I am sorry I cannot my self atend you, I have bin veri ill this last night and am nothing well alle this day, so that I dare not stur abrode: but to revive my sprits, a bought 2 of the cloke this afternone I resevid this letter inclosid from my deputey warden: wherby your honor may see the miserable estate of younder poore cuntrey, and alle for want of an absolut offiser to remayne with them. Good sir, be a meane to hasten my returne, or to rid me cleane of the place. If it pleass her Majesty to thinke me worthey ther of, let my patent be sined and I will returne with all speede, and ease her from further troble," and shortly bring the country to quietness. If she will send another, let me be discharged, and the other sent down, to save the country from further spoil. I will wait upon you myself so soon as able: and meanwhile beseech you to acquaint her Majesty herewith, that "wan way or other" she may take order for the poor East March. Somerset House. Signed: Rob. Carey.

½ p. Holograph; also address: "To the right honorable Sir Robert Cicell prinsipall secritary to her Majesty and chanslor of the Duche." Indorsed. Inclosing No. 803.

811. Sir W. Bowes to Cecil. [Oct. 31.]

I am endeavouring to put her Majesty's pleasure as signified in your last letter of the 23^d, into effect, thus:—First, I have earnestly pressed Lord Eure and his officers ever since the tumult, to get back the pledges into their hands, "that I may tender them on her Majesties behalfe, to the opposites," not standing on the fact of our former delivery. And though I have seemed to stand not on the pledges, wherein I hold the Queen discharged, but on Cesford's own delivery under the King's promise, yet in truth, I would have been nearer the end of the business, if I could have got the pledges—for to treat with them on the old indent, as though it had to be performed by us, had been to my mind a disgrace. My purpose was therefore, to perform that delivery before I promised it, yet still to insist on Cesford's entry, conceiving he would be glad to redeem it by delivering his pledges. But now being past hope of recovering our old pledges, as the copy of Lord Eure's letter inclosed will show you, I have made another overture, as authorised by your letter, by promising other pledges in their room, which I hope her Majesty will graciously ratify.

This overture and the inducements to bring it about, as of their seeking rather than ours, you will find in my letter to the ambassador, with the arguments to insist on Cesford's delivery, which is the other part of her Majesty's directions in your last letter.

"What shall succeed" thereon, I "will" advertise on hearing from the ambassador, hoping in the meantime that Cesford's fear will keep him and his people quiet, the rather as I hear the King ordered the pledges to be placed in his own hands on 28^th instant, intending to keep them ready for delivery; and I think his highness will gladly entertain my motion for meeting with Wedderburn to appoint new pledges, if it be that the old are not detained in Scotland, "as I have hitherto borne them in hand" that they are.

I have "this verie instant" received letters from the ambassador who writes thus—The King and Council are to convene at Lithquo to-morrow for the Border matters, and parliament session, &c. It is looked for that all Cesford's pledges shall be presented to the King and Council to-morrow, that being in possession, they may give order for their delivery, in acquittal of the King's promises. I dare not assure this however, for though the King shows "greate carefulnes herein, yett I finde the matter both shouldered with stronge postes sett against the good succession in those border causes, and also carried with great cunninge to put over every mischeife feared to fall upon these practisers." But as I shall understand further, I shall advertise you.

Thus your honor sees the sincerity pretended in Lord Home's last letter (of which I sent a copy) to deliver Cesford's pledges, and, knowing our "old" English pledges cannot be delivered, to shift off the delivery of theirs," and that by a falt to be laid upon us." Unless the King gets Cesford's pledges in his hands, or be pleased to enter Cesford himself, "I am almost past hope of gettinge any pledges from him." Bradley. Signed: Will'm Bowes.

2¼ pp. Addressed. Indorsed. Wafer signet: "I. M."

812. John Carey to Burghley. [Oct. 31.]

"Ouer Border causes ar layed a water for ether deliverey of pledges or aney other juste we se likeley to ensewe, unlest it be revived from youer honers above; the Scottes themselves wonderinge that it is so slackeley followed on ouer seyd, bey resun that Ser Williame Bowes continewes styll at his owen howes at Bradley, wher he hathe ever byn sines the last daye of metinge, nether cane we hear aney thinge when he menes to com or what he determines: but shewer I ame in the mean tym the Scotes reyd ryghte wantanley. Her Majesties embassetur, he good gentyllman, canot followet it bey resun of his sikenes and great wekenes, whoes recoverey is so muche feard as it is rather thought he cannot escape, and shewerley he is so fare gone as he cannot longe continew. Maye it therfor pleas youer honer for that I knoe youer lordshipe moves no seutes youer selfe, to stand so muche my good lord as to caues Master Secretarey youer honers sune, to move her Majesty for me, that if Master Bowes doe dey, that then I maye have his offes of tresserershipe of this towen; then maye youer honer bestowe uppon him or aney frend of his whoe he shall nomeynat, my offes of chamberlinshipe of this towen, wiche is worthe on hunderd powendes bey year, or if it so pleas him, he maye sell it and have feyve hunderd powendes for it in redey money; wiche I will willingeley bestowe uppon him, beseydes my love and servis, if his honer will take uppon him to gett me that offes when it fales. And for the marshallshipe, I wold to God it wold ples her Majesty to thinke on sume fitt mane for it, for that if it wold ples her Majesty to thinke me worthey of the treserershipe, I wold onley attend uppon that offes, wherin I wold hope to doe her better servis then ever I have yet dune, and perhapes I wold in sume yeares save her five hunderd powendes in her purse. Beseydes, I ame nott fare in dett, wherbey to consume her Majesty treser, and if it shall therfor ples her Majesty to except of me in that plase, wiche bey youer honers good likinge maye be forthered, I shall thinke myselfe most happey and well rewarded for my maney yeares serves, and for my suppleyinge the governers charge hear this ij yeares to my great charge withe out aney fee or alowans for it. Thus beinge boweld to trubell youer honer, whoes oppinion I knoe the Queenes Majesty will take in this matter . . . " Berwick. Signed: Jhon Carey.

"I do not wryghte this to youer honer that Master Bowes is yet ded, or that I wold have it yet moved, but that I wold not be prevented bey others when he dothe dey, knoinge ther wilbe maney sewters then for it, and if it will ples her Majesty to bestowe the plase on me, I maye the better continewe the plas of governer witheout fee."

1 p. Holograph. Closely written. Addressed. Indorsed. Swan wafer signet.