Border Papers volume 1: October 1592

775. Forster to Burghley. [Oct. 3.]

"Their is no great affaires in the court of Scotland, but their is great appearaunce of trouble to ensewe presentlie. The Kinge remainethe att Lythcoe accompanyed but with the Chauncellor the Maister of Glames and my lord Hume. The holl Stewarts hath lefte the courte, and is not contente of the Chauncelors beinge with the Kinge. My Lord Hamelton was sende for to the courte, att whos comeinge thither he was desierede to consente to the banishemente of the Erll Bothwell; who flatlie hath refussed to agree, therwith, alledgeinge that seing his Majestie had freelie remyttede him, and that he was cleansede by ane enqueste, and sence that tyme hath gyven noe cause for banishementt, he woulde not consente to his exile, and theruppon tooke horse and rode awaie withoute leave. The Queen hath ben dyvers tymes sente for to Lythcoe, whos aunswear is, that she will not come soe longe as the Chaunceler is their. Their is greate strife between the Kinge and the mynisters for libertie of conscience, and great variance between him and the towne of Edenbrough, for he woulde have the gudman of North berwicke or the lard of Damestronge(?) made provoste of the towne, but they will not consent therunto, shewinge yt is againste their liberties, and befor they will agree to his Majesties desire they will enter into warde—and soe the principalls of the towne are warded. The Erll Bothwell and the Ducke with the holl Stewarts, are in Edenburghe and Bothwell proposeth to doe nothinge withoute advice of the churche. As I wrote to your lordship befor, I think the Kinge is greatlie to be doubted." At my house nigh Alnwick. Signed: John Forster.

1 p. Addressed. Indorsed. Very faded in parts.

776. Ralph Gray to Burghley. [Oct. 7.]

"Havinge receivid a letter frome your honour of the xiij^th of Septembre, and not comyd to my handes untill the last of the said monithe, wherin I perceive it is reportid to the King of Scottes by one Englishmane that will avow yt, that I have receyvid lettres or warrant in writinge to suffer the Master of Gray of Scotland to lyve covertly in Northumbrland and by my meanes—I assure your lordship of my creddytt ther is neyther Englishmane nor Scottes that is abell to prove any sutche matter. And for your honors first lettre, tochinge the contentes therof, I did keipe the same so privatt to my selfe only as that I did not aquaint any therwith, so that I am most assurid it procedithe by no means from me. The Master of Grays usinge this border might occation some persons to imagin he could not be her withowt som protecktion, and therupon happely sutche spetches myght grow upone ther former conceit. For the most part sinc your honors first lettre sent to me, the Master of Gray hathe bene in Scotland untill within this 8 daies, I taikinge som occation to talk with hym after the reseit of your honors last lettre, who impartid unto me that Roger Ashtone befor his last goinge to London, and in Scotland in the howse of Farnyhirst, had som conferans with hym therin, and of his repair into England and whether he had any protecktion or oversight—and was very inquisityve therin of hym; the which, as the Master of Gray veryly thinkithe, came upon his conjeckture." I cannot imagine any other Englishman who should make such a report to the King. "At the retorne of Roger Ashton from the court, he was on night with me her at my hows at Chillingham beinge very desirous to know of the Master of Gray and wher he was. I told him he was in Scotland (as in very trothe he was) and was never in this my hows in his lyf, the which he thought straindge—declaringe unto me I had gret wronge profferid me, for it was otherwais reportyd to the Kinge his master, and so he wold lett yt be knowene. I hope your honour dothe so conceyve of me that I am not so undiscrete as to use my self in sutch a mannar to utter that which is my denty to keipe." Chillingham. Signed: Ra. Gray.

"Postscript.—I have sent my brother this berar, of purpos for the better satysfyinge of your honor herin. Who hath a lettre from the Master of Gray to your lordship."

1 p. Holograph. Addressed. Indorsed. Wafer signet: a lion rampant.

777. Lowther to Burghley. [Oct. 8.]

I wrote with my clerk to Lord Maxwell to agree on a march day. He kept him waiting two days, expecting a letter from the King. On its arrival "he used my man very frendly" and agreed to a day of March on 14^th November. The ambassador M^r Bowes wrote to me "to be in the feildes" with my forces on the 10^th instant to concur with the King under the treaties and march custom. The Lord Chauncellour of Scotland and his ladie ar for the moste parte at Grenelawe with the provoste of Glenclowden, and some tyme with the larde of Loughenver at Kennow and at Dunlangrig. I feare he muste be forced to come into England, for he dare not returne. The Lord Bothwell roves upp and downe the frountyers of Scotland with small companyes. The chancelloures wyfe is gone to their courte. The Kinge hath given a free remission to the Lard Johnston and to the larde of Bonshawe and all his, and so generallie to all his rebelles in these partes over againste us, excepte Bothwell and the Armestronges with their followers. If Bothwell recover courte againe, he will take a rough course in kepinge of the Kinge. But I knowe he will deale moste kyndlie with that Quene his soveraigne, and that your lordship shall see will prove true, if he speede and prevaile.

The principall barrons in the Lorde Maxwelles office do byne stronglie together againste the Lord Maxwell. And it will be a harde matter to make reconsiliacion betwixt them and him. This counsell now aboute the kinge so favoringe the barrons, and the Kinge underhand (if he durst shewe it) favoringe Maxwell. The Lord Maxwell ment to have gone to meete the Kinge with greate forces, but nowe he setteth forwarde with some 400 men." There has been more stealing in this marche "in this moone" than in the 4 last months since Lord Scrope's death—but the value is small. I humbly beg your lordship to send hither "some munition, as bowes speares and pykes of every sorte 200," for we have none. Carlisle. Signed: R. Lowther.

"Here is at this present come to Carleill, Tho. Underwoode nowe th'Erle of Shreusberies man, and one Needam once one of M^r Secretary Walsingham's men."

1 p. Addressed. Indorsed.

778. William Feildinge to Burghley. [Oct. 8.]

"Yesterdaye your lordshippes lettre bearinge date the nynteneth of September was brought to my handes. Whereuppon I made presente search emongst this multitude of wrytinges, for such bookes of march lawes and border causes as remaine with me emongste them." And I send "so perfitt a register of them" as the time permitted, hereinclosed. I shall make a thorough search among the remainder as speedily as I can, and send a note of such as I find. Carlisle. Signed: William Feildinge.

½ p. Addressed. Indorsed.

Inclosed in the same:—

"A note of the treaties and conclusions for the Marche lawes and Border causes lefte in the custodie and remaininge with William Feildinge this viij^th of October 1592.

Firste.—One treatise concluded in the yeare of Our Lord God 1449 by commissioners from Henry the Sixt and James then kinge of Scottes.

One other treatise of March lawes in anno 1464, by comissioners from James then kinge of Scottes and Edwarde kinge of England.

One treatie of March lawes in anno 1534, comissioners from Henrie the Eighte kinge of England and James then kinge of Scottes.

One treatie of March lawes in anno 1549, in the tyme of Edwarde kinge of England and Marie Quene of Scottes.

One treatie of March lawes in anno 1553, concluded by Sir Thomas Cornewallis and Sir Robert Bowes knightes, comissioners for England and Sir Robert Caregey (fn. 1) and Sir John Bellendyne knightes comissioners for Scotland.

One treatie of Marche lawes in anno 1563 concluded by the Lord Scrope and other comissioners for England and the Lord Maxwell and other comissioners for Scotland.

One treatie in anno 1586 for a more firme peace betwene these two realmes, concluded by thErle of Rutland and other comissioners for England, and thErle of Bothwell and other comissioners for Scotland.

One treatie for Border causes in anno 1587, treated by the Lorde Hounsdon and other comissioners for England, and the lard of Carmighell and other comissioners for Scotland.

One booke conteyninge the order for watches devised by the Lorde Wharton, and followed by the wardens succeding."

1 p. Addressed. Indorsed.

779. Lowther to Burghley. [Oct. 13.]

At sealing up my other letters the enclosed from her Majesty's ambassador reached me. "But albeit I did at myne owne chardges, presentlie uppon your lordshippes lettre and direccion in that behalfe heretofore, put the cannons in redines, and repaire the decaye of their carriages so as they ar now fitt for service—yet in respect of the want of pyoners tooles, sledges planckes and other necessaries, together with the waters and other ill passages which this season of the yeare bringeth on, I muste assure your lordship yt will not be possible withoute a lardge chardge of a princes purse, to do the service requiered with them at this tyme of the yeare." Carlisle. Signed: R. Lowther.

½ p. Addressed. Indorsed.

Inclosed in the above:—

(Bowes to Lowther.)

"This daye the Kinge is entred toward Peobles to proceid in his rode to the Borders, for the chastisment of suche as have partied thErle Bothwell and disobayed the kinge. In execucion hearof he purposethe to take and rayse the houses of thoffendours, especiallye suche houses as are of moste strengthe and serve for the savegarde of the disobedient. And bycause it maye be that some of these houses shalbe holden againste him, therfore he requirethe that one of the cannons at Carlisle maye be spedely put in redines, with sufficient plankes of oake servinge for hir caradge uppon sledge. In which sorte he myndethe to carye hir, in case he shall have neide therof, as I thincke he shall not—and that this cannon, planckes and cariage may be spedely prepared and delivered for him to such as he shall send for the same to you." It will, I think please her Majesty to grantt his request, as was formerly done by Lord Scrope, therefore you will get the cannon ready with all speed, though I think he will find no resistance. He intends I hear to tarry tomorrow at Peebles, and next day ride to Jedburgh, taking a day or two there to dispose of his causes—therefore you need make no assembly to meet him before the 14^th or 15^th day hereof. "At Edenbrugh in haste the x^th of October 1592." Signed: Robert Bowes.

¾ p. Addressed: "To hes lovinge cosyne and frinde Richard Lowther esquier warden of the West Marches of England for the tyme." Indorsed. Wafer signet as before.

780. [Carmichael] to [Lowther]. [Oct. 12.]

"I wrott to yow on Tyisday efternune be fyve houris, quhilk lettre I howpe ye ressavit yesterday be xij houris. Your lettre I ressavit this day at the Spedlingis at vj houris in the morninge, and thankis yow for the samin, and all that was conteuit tharin. As for newis—his Majestie was this last nycht in the Lochwod all nycht; he was accumpanit on the feildis with Hammeltone, Mar, Mortone-Dowglas, the Lord Maxwell, Sempill, Hume, the Sheref of Air and the haill gentilmen on this syde of Forthe, exceptt the Kennadeis. The Erle of Angous was this nycht in Podene and gangis in his Majestes cumpany as wardour and the Laird of Johnstone bayt and enteris in warde. His Majestie beis in Peblis this nycht and the morne in Edinbruch, God willing. My Lord Maxwell is wardane and hes the steir (?) of this cuntrie (?) behind his Majeste. Swa fair ye weill. Of the Spedlingis this Thurisday at vj houris in the morning 1592. My lord Chanslar and the rest of the courtteris everie man is his acquantance servitt (?). The Duik grace of Lenox was in the Lochwod with his Majestie. My lord Maxwell and Johnston was togidder in the Brekensyde, Schir Robert Kar in Kirkmychaell. My lord Hume tuik jurnay hame yestrene. I wische is the writt better." (fn. 2)

Lowther writes at foot—"Carmighell will come into England as imbassydor shortly. The Lord Maxwell and the Chancelor dyd chyd a litill."

1 p. Addressed: "To my assuritt frind geve this with speid."

781. Lowther to Burghley. [Oct. 13.]

I was yesterday on the frontier to meet the King, and am still ready awaiting him, and shall do as directed in your letter of the 5^th "agreable with her Majesties meaninge." I have by proclamation forbidden all assistance or reset of Bothwell and other rebels here. Maxwell is not gone to the King and it is thought will not, so long as the present council continue. The Laird of Johnston goes in, and it is thought shall be warden. For your satisfaction as to the munition and the fees of this office "yt maye please your lordship to understand, that untill the funeralles of the late Lorde Scrope were fynished, the chardges of the howse in this place (in lyke manner as all others did) laye uppon the six executoures appointed by my late lorde his will and testament; but nowe thre of us beinge here, havinge refused that chardge, and released our intrestes unto the Lorde Scrope that nowe is, his lordship taketh uppon him selfe the wholl chardge as well before is at the funeralles. Sithence the which tyme of funeralles, his lordship hath bin but at litle chardg, kepinge but a small howsholde here. I do fynde that the wholl fees to the Lorde Scrope for this place amounted unto vj^cxlvli. ixs. xd. quad,' all which I take to belonge to the wardenry, excepte 300 markes and the growndes, which I knowe were the distinct fees to the capten of the castell and cyttie. The cittidell is a seperate chardge, and the same with the fees belonginge, arre graunted unto M^r Dalston, who enjoyeth the same. I do not of myselfe knowe, neither can I learne whither the late Lorde Scrope had the chardge of the municion and artillerie here distinctlie for him selfe, or under the master of the ordenaunce for the northe." Carlisle. Signed: R. Lowther.

1 p. Addressed. Indorsed.

782. Feildinge to Burghley. [Oct. 13.]

Since my last of the 8^th I have made a thorough search among all the writings in my custody, and can find no more than those in the note sent. "Savinge two confused tractes of treaties in this her Majestes tyme, treated and concluded—the one seeminge to be enacted in Anno Domini 1559, th'other havinge no date mentioned—with some fewe articles concluded uppon in the tyme of King Edwarde the vj^th, which ar all that ar to be found emongst these wrytinges." Carlisle. Signed: Will^m Feildinge.

½ p. Addressed. Indorsed.

783. Lowther to Burghley. [Oct. 15.]

Yesternight I received the letters from the King of Scots and the Lord Maxwell which I enclose, with copies of my answers. Besides the letters, "the bringer of them delivered unto me his credite by worde of mouth from the Kinge, who willed him to saye to me that he had and was redie to kepe amitie with the Quene his deerist sister inviolablie on his parte, and hoped to fynde correspondencie againe at her Majestes handes, which if he did, and that the same might appeare unto him at this presente, he woulde not faile to contynue the same—otherwise, it woulde make him to call to remembrance olde done deedes which touched him nere both in bloude and in goodes." Carlisle. Signed: R. Lowther.

"Yf need be, I must be forced to burne the beacons for the callinge downe of the countrey. The Chauncellour is at Greene Lawe, and sendeth advertisementes to the Kinge every forty howers."

1 p. Addressed. Indorsed by Burghley.

Inclosed in the above:—

(1) (The King to Lowther.)

Nothwithstanding the order given by your Queen and her Privy Council that such of her subjects as were present "at that attemptat committid aganis ws at Falkland, or sence that tyme hes ressett or schawin favour to Frances sumtyme Erll Bothvile and his complices our declairit tratouris," should be punished by her officers on the March, "it is notour that Dikis Davie" besides being with them at Falkland, has since openly received the said Bothwell and other rebels in his house, and as we are informed is making preparation to keep them this winter, which we cannot but think strange, and desire you to let us know your intention after this long delay, and cause the said Dikis Davie to be seized and punished, and his house and goods destroyed, or we will be forced to take steps to repair the indignity to our honour. "We ar verray credibillie informit in lykmaner, that the said Frances sumtyme Erll Boithvile wes on Sonday last the viij of this instant, in the house of Nethreby apperteaning to Walter Grahame, quhair his recept wes sa opin, accumpanyit with his wyfe, that at eftir none he wes playing at cairtis with Burley ane uther of our declairit tratouris. And not onlie is thair hant and ressett thair, bot in the haill cheiff houssis on that watter of Esk." Which open favour shown to our rebells, however disguised after so many promises by you, being notified to the Queen our sister, as we have resolved, will be interpreted either to be from your negligence and oversight, procuring your disgrace and correction, or to your careless regard and contempt for the peace betwixt the crowns. "Quhilk on our parte salbe sa inviolabillie observit as we rest assured of correspondence on the other. Thus expecting your answer in the premissis, to be ressaved and returnit with speed be the berare, we commit you to Godis protectioun." From Jedburgh the xiij of October 1592. Your loving freind. Signed: James R.

1 p. Addressed. Indorsed by Burghley. Royal signet.

(2) (Maxwell to Lowther.)

Nothwithstanding the order lately given by your sovereign and her council, that her subjects present at the late attempt at Falkland, or have since reset any of the King's rebels, should be punished by her officers, "it is notur that Dikis David, Wattie of Nathirby with dyvers utheris, hes plainly reset Francis, sumtyme Earle Bodwall and syndrie utheris hes compleassis—lyk as upon Thursday last thes declairit tratouris to his Majestie war oppinly on Esk playand at the futt ball—and that na delygence haithe kaythit (fn. 3) as donne be your lordschyp for apprehension of sic Inglismen as I gaif yow in bil at our first meityng—quhilk is ane taikin thatt the outraige donne to his Majestie my maister is lytil accomptit be thais within your office. Thairfoir I do requere your lordschyp that the saides Dikis Davide, Walter the Grame, and utheris delyveret in bil to your lordschyp may be apprehendit and punisit or than thair gudis and houssis distroyit, or utherwayis we wilbe forcit to repair that indignetie committit be thame as sal seim best be his Majestie for his prencely honour and satisfaction. . . . Langholme the 14 of October 1592." Signed: J. Mortoune.

1 p. Addressed. Indorsed by Burghley.

784. Lowther to Burghley. [Oct. 18.]

"Uppon Sondaie laste the Duke and Cesford were by the Kinge appointed to have come into Lidersdell with charge to have caste downe the howses of Whithaugh and the Rone. But before the same was attempted, the duke sent to have had the olde lard of Whithaugh mett him at the Redswyre under the Dukes and the Lord Humes promise for his salfe cominge and goeinge. Cesford beinge not made privie to this appointment betwixt the duke and Whithaugh, when he hard of the same, gatherd his companies, and with the Ellotts ment to have intercepted Whithaugh er he had come to the Duke,—he chased Whithaw, gott some of their worser horses, and wolde have slaine as many as he could have gotten of the parties. Afterwardes the Duke did come to Whithaugh howse, and sent to speeke with Whithaw, who thinkinge the promise alredie broken, denied to come, which the duke perceivinge, put the pyoneres to the howse, which when Whithaughe understood, he yelded to the duke, who thereon surceassed the further distruccion of the howse: Whithaugh and his sonne Andrew rydinge away with the duke to the Kinge, then at Jedworth. It is thought that some discorde wilbe betwene the duke and Cesforde for this matter againste Whithaugh; and a new officer wilbe appointed to Lidersdale, as it is thoughte. Uppon Mondaye laste there did come a gentleman muffled (fn. 4) to Mangerton, who woulde not tell his name, but did byd that Bothwell shoulde take comforte, sayinge that he would shortly have his peace with the Kinge. Maxwell is said to be come from the kinge to the Longholme, and the Lard Johnston to Lochwood his owne howse, and that Mangerton is returned home from the kinge in good lykinge."

I have been there two days on the frontier with 1000 men, expecting the King, but have not heard from him since my answer certified to your lordship. And seeing how he receives his own subjects who have aided Bothwell without destroying their houses, I forbear doing this to any of her Majesty's subjects complained of by the King, till I have her express orders. "I have learned and do certenlie knowe that Bothwell was not at the howse of Water Graime, as the kinges lettre importeth—Water him selfe beinge comed in unto me with offer to abyde his owne scuse in the same." While concluding, I hear the King intends returning this day to Edinburgh—that he seems partly pleased with my letter, sometimes shewing "dislikinge for the generalitie of the same." Carlisle. Signed: R. Lowther.

1 p. Addressed. Indorsed.

785. Lowther to Burghley. [Oct. 24.]

In answer to your lordships last letter to me of the 17^th, I have heard a "bruite" of Maxwell's preparations for an incursion here, but think it untrue, and he rather intends it against the barons. The information to you touched "some others," to whom I will have a good eye as well as Maxwell. "His preparacions ar said to be greate, he and his brother Robert ar reconsiled. Whithaw is returned from the Kinge and at his owne howse. And where your lordship woulde understand who be the names of the barrons on th'oposyte frountyer, that be at contencion with Maxwell, and the cause of theire controversie—the names of them arr, the lardes of Dunlangrick, of Loughanvar, Boumby, Lagge, Clozburne, Hempsfeild and Kirkemighell. Yt is thoughte that Johnston will also take parte with them; and that the controversie is aboute the gatheringe of the comodites of the wardships casualties and other regalities within that wardenrie, challenged by the late lardge grant thereof to him from the Kinge."

For the further satisfaction of her Majesty and your lordship, I have made farther inquiry unto the fees &c., of the officers here. "And albeit I do fynde an olde recorde howe they were distinctlie allowed in the Lorde Wharton his tyme, viz.—to the warden for himselfe a proper fee: for his two deputies: for his two serjeantes: and for his porters, with other officers allowed him: everie one their several fee recyted: agreeinge as yt seemeth to me with the ancient bookes with your lordship.—yet it appeareth by the accomptes of late betwene the warden and her Majesties receivours of these counties (who were accustomed to paye these entertainementes) that the allowance of the said fees were no otherwise seene to be devided then as followeth; namely, to the warden for him selfe his officers and servantes for the wardenshipp, at th'Annunciation payment, ccxijli., and for the capten and his officers and servantes at the same payment, cxjl. xvijs. viijd. ob.: and at Mighelmas for the warden for himselfe his officers and servantes, ccxijli., and for the capten his officers and servantes, cixli. xijs. jd., withoute further distinction of fees. And albeit I fynde that the Lord William Dacre by consent or privitie of the Kinge and counsell, compounded with my grandfather Sir John Lowther knighte, for the captenship of the castell (then exercised by my grandfather) and that the Lord Dacre afterwards enjoyed both the offices of warden and capten together: and that there was a newe composition also betwene the Lord Dacre and the Lord Coniers for the captenshipp at the Lord Conyers his entrance to the wardenrie: yet I fynde that afterwardes they were devided againe: and that Sir Richard Musgrave knight (who was the laste sole capten) exercised the captenshipp in the tyme of Kinge Edwarde the vj^th. So as I cannot perceive that these two said offices were unyted by graunte and patente untill in the tyme of Quene Marie. And this is as much as I can saye in that behalfe. The Cittidell hath bin allwaies a distincte office by yt selfe, and is lately graunted to M^r John Dalston whoe taketh that chardge uppon him and is redie for any requisyte service there." Carlisle. Signed: R. Lowther.

"The Graimes ar at some contencion for their growndes—and some slaughter emongst them.

Theire ar two of the principall Johnstons slaine by the Kirkpatrickes uppon Thursdaye laste in a pryvate quarrell betwixt them; and Maxwell hath received these faulters the Kirkpatrickes, into his tuition, whereat Johnston is not a litle offended. Yt is to be gretly doubted whither Maxwell will goe fourth to Edenbrough to the convencion the laste of this moneth or noe. Yf he do, I thinke he shall not returne in peace."

2 pp. Addressed. Indorsed. Note by Burghley on margin.

786. Forster to Burghley. [Oct. 25.]

I have enquired through my chief friends in Scotland, as to the rumour reported by your lordships lettre to me of the 17^th, that some English subjects intended within these 12 days to bring in the outlaws and make an invasion to hurt "some speciall persons,"—but hear there is no likelihood of any such matter—though I shall keep diligent watch. As her Majesty desires to know what has been done to strengthen the Border under the statute of the 23^d year of her reign—what commissions have been issued—to whom—what returns have been made by them—and what has followed on anything devised by them? I have perused the said statute, and remember no commission since then, but one directed to my lord Chamberlain, the justices of Assise, Christopher Dacre and others, who purposed to make inquiry into lands in decay on the border, but I know not what return they made. I can assure your lordship they did so little, that since then, many gentlemen have laid towns waste, to make "demaynes" thereof for their own private commodity, to the decay of the border and hindrance of her Majesty's service. And as you have been pleased to recal the statute to mind, in my opinion it would be fitting that a new commission were revived to make enquiry into these matters and remedy them.

"Your lordship is enformede that under cowler of the Kings roade to Jedbroughe, the Erll Bothwell will recover the kings remyssione by submytteinge himselfe voluntarilie in the feild, thereby to save the Kings honour, and after him the Master of Grayes. In dead my lord, I hard of such a brute, but I coulde never learne of any likliehoode of trouthe therof: for the King hath utterede words of great indignation againste Bothwell, affirmenge that he hath soughte his lyfe and dishonour: and hath displacede the provoste of Jedbroughe, banisheinge him and all the resettors of Bothwell, and hath fortefyede the Hermytage with xx^tie shoote, which was my Lord Bothwells cheifeste strenghe, and hath made the Ducke keeper of Lyddesdaile and provoste of Jedbroughe, and hath taken pledges of the cheifeste in Lyddesdale, and retournede to Edenbroughe. Soe that eyther the Kinge dissembleth verie far, or els their is noe lykliehoode that eyther Bothwell or the Master of Grayes shall come into favour againe." The great troubles in Scotland have prevented the opposite warden holding meetings "this lounge tyme . . . I woulde have certifiede your lordship of the occurrantes in Scotlande a great deall mor oftner then I doe, but that I perceave their actiones soe mutable to alter uppon everie lighte occasion." At my house nigh Alnwick. Signed: John Forster.

2 pp. Addressed. Indorsed.