Addenda, Queen Elizabeth - Volume 20: March 1571

Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Elizabeth, Addenda, 1566-79. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1871.

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'Addenda, Queen Elizabeth - Volume 20: March 1571', in Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Elizabeth, Addenda, 1566-79, (London, 1871) pp. 341-342. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/domestic/edw-eliz/addenda/1566-79/pp341-342 [accessed 26 March 2024]

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March 1571

March 8.
Antwerp.
14. John Lee to Sir Wm. Cecil. Prestall is not so well liked as he looked for. His device was to persuade that Scotland lay more necessary for the King of Spain than for the French King, and that it was as easy a course by sea from some parts of Scotland to Spain as to France, and that with a garrison of 2,000 shot and 500 horse, it might be kept to the King's use. Prestall and most of the gentlemen, except my Lord and Fras. Norton, went hence to Brussels on the Duke's removing. Hamilton, the Scot, is at Calais, expecting letters from the Bishop of Ross, or the Scottish Queen, and will then go for France or England. Chris. Danby has returned from France, in good hope that the Scottish ambassador will get aid thence. Slingsby, a servant of Lord Northumberland's, lately come over to my Lady, says their cause has many well-wishers, if any good occasion offered to show it. Astrop, a merchant, who carries letters for the gentlemen and the Louvainers, has sent his man into England.
Fras. Norton has refused the King's pension, presuming on your goodness. His money is spent, and he asks your pleasure that he may make some provision if his suit do not succeed. Please say whether you will employ me here any longer. [2 pages.]
March 25.
Guernsey.
15. Thos. Leighton to Lord Burghley. I sent John Packington to solicit the Queen's pleasure respecting the fortifying of the castle, but as he has had no reply, I fear he has been either negligent or over importunate. I now send Edward Compton, receiver of the Queen's revenues in the island, with instructions, and beg you will give him a hearing. When last at Court, I obtained the Queen's patent to levy strangers' customs on merchandise imported into the island in strange bottoms; but of late the Lords Commissioners of Marine Affairs have commanded me not to take the said customs. Pray let not what the Queen has granted me be taken away without just cause. If this is taken, the Queen's coffers must be charged with the soldiers' wages, for the revenue of the isle will not do it. I wish the commissioners would appoint their trade elsewhere, for it is great trouble and charge, and small profit. [1 page.]
March 31.
Antwerp.
16. John Lee to Lord Burghley. General meetings [of fugitives] have been held at Malines and Louvaine, to knit up private quarrels and make them friends with Dacre, whom they dislike for his double dealing, and to subscribe letters to the King of Spain and the Pope, for aid of men and money; they wrote to ask the Duke of Feria's influence in Spain, being assured of his friendship, and to two cardinals to solicit the Pope. Thos. Harvey will take their letters to Spain; those for Rome will go by the post, commended to some of our countrymen there. Lady Northumberland sent over a messenger to request Mr. Ratcliffe to attend. Fras. Norton is much disliked for submitting to the Queen, and begging your influence and the Earl of Leicester's; they say he will learn to know your double dealings,—fair promise and no performance. Seeing his unfeigned repentance, I would plead with you in his favour.
I hear things are said to disparage me. If I came over I could clear myself. I have dealt in nothing that I have not made you privy to. [2½ pages.]