Addenda, Edward VI - Volume 1: October 1547

Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Elizabeth, 1601-3 With Addenda 1547-65. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1870.

'Addenda, Edward VI - Volume 1: October 1547', in Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Elizabeth, 1601-3 With Addenda 1547-65, (London, 1870) pp. 330-342. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/domestic/edw-eliz/addenda/1547-65/pp330-342 [accessed 20 April 2024]

October 1547



Oct. 5. Carlisle.	31. Thomas Lord Wharton to the Lord Protector and Council. I have despatched both my sons, my son-in-law Mr. Musgrave, and other gentlemen borderes, with the light horsemen, of the West Marches and of Scotland under my rule, to make a foray in Nithsdale, near Dumfries, and the part of Annerdale not yet won. They have burnt nine or ten towns, and brought away prisoners and spoil of goods, with no hurt. Since I last wrote, 500 lairds and gentlemen of Annerdale and Nithsdale have come in, and I have in all 2,400 Scots horse and foot, with oaths and hostages of more of the best men. I labour for justice, to their contentment.
	I have received a writ commanding my attendance this Parliament, but having a great charge in the West Marches, a number of Scotsmen, and a great country won to His Majesty's service, I request instructions what I shall do. [1½ pages.]
Oct. 11. Carlisle.	32. John Maxwell to the Lord Protector. I have repaired to Berwick under the safe conduct granted by your Grace, but before I came, you had departed westward. I declared the cause of my coming to the Earl of Warwick, the King's lieutenant, who received me very courteously, and wrote a letter to the Lord Warden of the West Marches, for assurance of my brother's lands and livings, on receipt of which my lord warden granted me assurance for four days to my lord my brother's lands, but I have no orders from him, and could not act without his advice; so I referred all to him, and trust he will take such orders as stand with your pleasure, and the best setting forth of the King's offers. I will do my best thereon. [1 page.]
Oct. 12. Carlisle.	33. Thomas Lord Wharton to the Lord Protector and Council. On the 8th instant, John Maxwell, brother to Lord Maxwell, sent for a safe conduct to come and speak with me at Carlisle, which I granted. When he arrived, he desired great bounds of men and lands assured, until his brother's mind was known for his service to the King. I replied that I thought he would be no let to the service. Presently after he saw some gentlemen in the town, whose names were in his bill, and who frankly received oath before me, with delivery of their hostages, but they refused to come in his bond, wherewith he seemed to be discontented. We concluded that for his brother's own lands and living, assurance was granted by me for 12 days, till your pleasure is known, and I also suffered Sir John Ireland, his brother's chaplain, to pass with his advice to his brother, which he says will please His Majesty and you.
	John Maxwell said that he would be of good mind, and trusted His Majesty would give him some lands in Scotland, and that he had reserved time for his brother's pleasure, and must needs so do, being his elder brother.
	I would beseech you to send letters of comfort to those who have freely come to me and received the oath, and delivered hostages for service, so that they may know they are accepted into your favour. There are 2,700 and more horse and foot dwelling in Scotland, who are serving His Majesty under me whose names I have in writing, and their hostages remain in Carlisle. I find by John Maxwell that the Governor has lately sent to Dumfries to comfort them if he can, and gives fair words of ald to be sent hastily to them. I have appointed the garrison of Langholm, with Thomas Carleton, their captain, to lie in the town of Moffat, 30 miles from Carlisle. I trust the town and county will provide victuals at reasonable prices, and aid them.
	I hear and order causes between Scotch and English, upon bills of complaint at Carlisle, with which they seem to be well pleased and very obedient.
	In my opinion Lord Maxwell ought not to come as yet into these parts, and I have removed Laird Johnston from Carlisle to my house at Wharton; all his men have refused him; his own brother and others have taken oath and given hostages for their service; they are a great band of proper men, and do good service. From my little experience of Johnston and Maxwell, I esteem them two of the worst sort of that realm against the King's purpose, and their own friends say no less. I would Lord Maxwell wrote to his brother for the King's service, and I trust I shall cause the same to be done.
	I believe the West Marches will in time do acceptable service. There are 20 foot at Milk castle, to each of whom I appointed 6d. a day, and 2s. to their captain, and paid them a month in advance, with victuals of my own. Their wages for the month come to 16l. 16s. If you would have 30 or 40 men there, half to be horsemen, they would do good service this winter. There are great countries in the west parts, and many men serving, and it would be convenient to have garrisons among them, to keep them in obedience; at present they are in good order, as the bearer can declare, to whom give credence. Let me receive your commands as to my coming to Parliament. [3 pages.]
Oct. 14. Carlisle.	34. Thomas Lord Wharton to the Lord Protector and Council. The entry of the Abbot of Dryburgh was fixed for 12 Oct., under the forfeiture of 500l., which, like the faction of his countrymen, he has not kept. I forward a letter received from him the following day, to which I answered plainly that I would distrain on his sureties for the 500l., on account of his not keeping his day, after so many bonds. He is now the eldest son, his elder brother being slain in the late overthrow.
	The garrison of Langholm, which lies at the town of Moffat, accompanied with 200 inhabitants of Annerdale, have spoiled and burnt the town of Lamington on the Clyde, belonging to a nephew of the Governor, 55 miles from Carlisle. They brought away 120 nolt, 300 sheep, and 60 prisoners. The Annerdales and others that serve the King so annoy the enemy that I have continual suits from men of Nithsdale, Clydesdale, and Galloway to enter the service. It requires good foresight to continue their service, and preserve justice and obedience amongst them.
	There is a Frenchman, called M. La Cruse, arrived at Edinburgh castle. The captain of Crawford, made prisoner at Solway moss, remaining within the realm on safe conduct, sues freedom from annoyance for himself and friends. I have concluded that he must enter himself the King's prisoner, make overture of service, receive his oath and lay hostages; he is content, but I want your directions. Meanwhile he remains with me at Carlisle. [1¾ pages.]
Oct. 17. Carlisle.	35. Thomas Lord Wharton to the Lord Protector and Council. I have moved Patrick Murray, the prisoner, tutor of Cockpool, to deliver it to the King's use, but he was never willing till now that he sees those parts are won to the King; yet he would not deliver it to me, but wished an order from you; he wants his heirs to have the inheritance, when the King is fully possessed of his rights in Scotland. The lord of that house is under 20, and a prisoner with me, but so wilful that I have not made him privy thereto.
	I have received the oaths of the Provost and certain of the townsmen of Dumfries, three of whom remain hostages at Carlisle. I have sent for the Warden of the Grey Friars and certain spiritual men, to come to me at Carlisle; if they refuse, the chief men of the town will keep the house and goods for the King. I have granted safe conducts to the abbot of New Abbey, near Dumfries, and other gentlemen of those parts who desire to confer with me.
	Drumlangrick, young Lochinvar, and others, together with John Maxwell, brother of Lord Maxwell, have assembled to defend the county of Galloway, and to send to the Governor for aid, but they did not agree. The same night, John Maxwell entered Lincloudan college, a mile from Dumfries, put out the priests and others that kept it for Drumlangrick on the Governor's gift. He entered the house by my counsel, and says he will keep it on assurance. I send you his letter, also a letter from the Abbot of Dryburgh.
	I have had before me a good number of the King's subjects of Scotland, and had causes of thieves debated before them. The countryman of Liddesdale and other parts stand in better order and obedience to the King than this 20 years before. They say themselves they were never in such order, for where great offenders have been, they may travel without trouble. I have some offenders in Carlisle castle. The King's servants are known from the others 40 miles from Carlisle; in those great counties I think there should be more garrisons. My son-in-law, Mr. Musgrave, has well served in these west parts. [3 pages.] Enclosing,
	35. i. John Maxwell to the Lord Warden of the West Marches. I have taken Lincloudan, in hopes that you will be my aid, and if Drumlangrick requests you more therein, I trust you will stand firm and good to me, and I will be glad to do anything in my power which may be lawful, for you. Pray assure the land pertaining to the same, during the space you have given my brother's lands; the lands are Coesmythell and Drumsleyt. [½ page.]
	35. ii. Abbot of Dryburgh to Lord Wharton. Suit has been made to Lord Warwick, in absence of the Lord Protector, for prolonging my day of entry, which has been granted till he speaks with the Council. He bade me advertise you of the same. [½ page.] Stirling Castle, 11 Oct. 1547.
Oct. 18. Holme.	36. Thomas Lord Wharton to the Lord Protector and Council. I enclose a letter from the Earl of Glencairn. I intend to cause some one to speak with him, as he desires, and will obey your commands therein. [½ page.] Enclosing,
	36. i. Earl of Glencairn to Lord Wharton. Thanks for your kindness. The ambassadors who should have come to treat of good ways are stayed because a French Ambassador is coming hither, promissing fair, wherethrough the Governor has changed his purpose. I want to commune with you, and will come to Glencairn if you or Master Harry, your son, will meet me. Pray spare my barony of Glencairn; I refer all to our meeting. If you are too busy, let me know where Master Harry and I may meet about Lord Lenox's purposes, which I and other friends long for. [1 page.] Off Cunninghamerd, 13 Oct. 1547.
Oct. 20. Shene.	37. The Lord Protector to Mr. Uvedale. As it is requisite, now the garrisons are removed into Scotland, to have you at Berwick, where you may always be at hand to attend on Lord Grey de Wilton, our lieutenant, when he requires any proportion of the King's Majesty's treasure in your custody, we command you to repair thither, and remain till further orders, paying such sums as he directs. [Draft, 1 page.]
Oct. 20.	38. The Lord Protector to Lord Wharton. We have seen your letters of 12 and 14 Oct., and heard the evidence committed to John Dudley. We approve the from of the oath taken by the Scottishmen for service to His Majesty, but the more ample it is the better; though we begin gently at first, you are to bring them in time to as large conditions as you may, as the country would be better kept thus than by great garrisons dispersed as a terror.
	We have resolved for you to remain at your charge this Parliament. You may promise thanks and consideration to those who keep their promises and serve thoroughly.
	As to Patrick Murray, keeper of Cockpool, we leave it to your discretion to deal with him. If you attain the place, note whether it be strong, or may easily be fortified. As to the Abbot of Dryburgh's non-entry according to bond, he should be told that his breach of promise will make us discredit the whole nation as promise-breakers, unless he endeavours the release of two of the best taken at St. Andrew's, viz., the Master of Rothes and Mr. Balneves.
	For the captain of Crawford's entry, with promise of service, it were better to attain that house than any other pledge from him, seeing we had so much experience in Sir Ralph Eure's time that they made fair promises for their own security and to win time, and in the end showed themselves contrary. It shall be wisdom to have possession of somewhat in our own hands, though recompense were to be given for it elsewhere; and this we would have you receive for a general lesson, that we more esteem the having of some place of strength, or the keeping and fortifying of a fit place, though there be no house upon it, than we do the laying of garrisons. Therefore you, with the advice of some trusty Scots and others, knowing the country, devise upon some place meet to be fortified, and send us a plan thereof.
	Where John Maxwell makes suit for the college of Glenlouden, which is occupied by Drumlangrick, a manifest enemy, as it may breed deadly feud between them, Maxwell should have it, and so you may both help him and wink at his doings against the other, as long as you shall see him follow His Majesty's service.
	We have written to Lord Grey to talk with Lord Buccleugh for the matter of the prisoners of Longholm, charging him with advice to redouble the same.
	At the arrival of the Lord of York here, we shall take order for the prisoners' removal into Yorkshire; we desire to know where they are now placed, as also their names, &c. Touching the four little religious houses, the preferment whereof you desire for such as have served His Majesty, though we would they should receive good for their forwardness, yet as they are situated in Scotland, we think they would be best employed upon some of those Scottish men who before have shown themselves most addicted to the service.
	Fortifications must be made in places meetest to keep the country in most obedience, whether they will or no. You shall not attempt, by such as be come in and have received assurance, any displeasure to Lord Maxwell and those of his friends whose names shall be delivered to you by Mr. Maxwell, between this and 10 Nov., by which time you shall have further instructions. Nevertheless, because Sir John Ireland, the priest, shall not be so speedily with you as these letters, if meantime you have any such advantage of things in his country as may tend to the service, you may accept your opportunity, pretending not receipt of this letter, but let it seem to come to you two or three days before the priest's arrival. Lord Maxwell promises to work the delivery of Lochmaben, the effect whereof shall appear within the time now assured to him; nevertheless, continue other practice for it; if it be attained within the time, you may pretend lack of advertisement from hence, or otherwise as it shall serve your purpose.
	Touching Milk castle, consider whether it could be made tenable before you go to the charge of mending the roof and other repairs, for having experience by Langholm, if you fortify it and the whole be lost, it will not sound well to have a thing of small moment, and then to take dishonour by loss of it; but if it be meet to be kept and fortified, use your discretion in repairs, and so fortify as that it may keep the country in order; for the garrison, take 20 of the horsemen of Langholm. We have ordered John Uvedale to repay the money you have disbursed for the garrison there. [8⅓ page. Draft, much corrected and interlined.]
Oct. 23. Carlisle.	39. Thomas Lord Wharton to the Lord Protector and Council. On 17 Oct., I appointed the captains and garrison of Langholm to lie at Dumfries, where they have been well entertained by the townsmen. On the 19th. the garrison, with certain Scotch, passed to the haven town of Kirkobee [Kirkcudbright], 24 miles beyond Dumfries; the town being fortified against them, they could not enter. They burnt certain houses and corn, and foraged part of the county of Galloway; took much spoil, and sundry prisoners; slew two men, and returned to the town of Dumfries without hurt, except that one of the garrison was sorely wounded, and is in peril of death. I have suits made to me from the Lairds Lochinvar, Garlies, and Bonby, the best men of Galloway, and for four men of Kircudbright to come and speak with me, which I have granted.
	Lord Somerville lately sent to me for an assurance; I answered that I had seen many of his letters, and heard much of his sayings, but to little effect, and that therefore I should not grant any assurance. Thereupon he wrote me the letter enclosed, to which I have returned the same answer, save that I sent a safe conduct for his son to speak with me.
	The Laird of Cobenton, called Lyndsay, dwelling upon the Clyde, and reported an honest gentleman, made suit to me, whereupon I sent him a safe conduct, and received a letter, also enclosed, in which he offers to serve the King. There is news come to the Lairds Closeburn, Kirkinghell, and Applegarth, the captain of Crawford, and other gentlemen remaining with me at Carlisle, that the Governor intends on 24 Oct., if he can get power and dare, to lie in the town of Lanark, on the Clyde, eight miles from Hamilton, for defence of his own boundaries and friends, and to annoy those that are come to serve the King. I wish he would lie there eight days; I think it a brag. I intend to cause the garrison of Langholm to lie at Moffat next week, or any convenient place I can get, nearer to Lanark.
	The greatest number of the West Marchers of Scotland, and others in Clydesdale and Teviotdale now serve His Majesty; others make daily suit to serve, who cannot be preserved in order without discreet captains and convenient garrisons amongst them; having been active offenders, I had great trouble with them in the beginning, as they had no knowledge of law; yet I find great obedience in them, and the greatest number are much comforted at knowing they now live under His Majesty and his laws.
	The Laird of Drumlangrick sues to me for safe conduct to come and speak with me, which I have not granted, as he has used so much untruth, and I grant no assurances until they have received the oath and laid their hostages. Let me know whether to proceed in this order. The gentlemen and headsmen that I have received I shall send to Court, to make their faith and lay their hostages; I enclose you a copy of the oath.
	Not having received your pleasure concerning Lord Maxwell's lands, I have granted an assurance for 12 days more.
	The Warden and two Grey friars of the friary of Dumfries came to me at Carlisle on the 22nd, and openly received the oath to serve the King, and said they had renounced the Bishop of Rome before they took the oath. The Warden remains with me, and has sent the other home to make a surrender of that house, and a little land lying thereto, and to bring the same to me, with their convent seal, for His Majesty's use. Let me know what I shall do therein, as in all other things. [3½ pages.] Enclosing,
	39. i. John Lyndsay of Cobenton to Lord Wharton. I wrote to you for a safe conduct, and assurance for myself and certain barons and gentlemen of this country; you granted the conduct without assurance, yet we had kept the day, but our Governor is coming within four miles of where I dwell, with power to resist your purpose and punish those who have assisted you, and make an example of them to others. This is our unfeigned excuse, for it is our mind to be yours, as the bearer knows, to whom give credence. I and many that I know will take the way of England, if you are reasonable. [½ page.]
	39. ii. Hugh Lord Somerville to Lord Wharton. I marvel that you are not well minded to me, considering my good mind to you and my labour to put forward the bond of marriage, for which I suffered more trouble than any Scot, was put in ward three-quarters of a year, my place taken, and 200 marks sterling of my lands, and it had cost me my life, but for the Earl of Argyle and other great friends in Scotland. If I were to take appointment of you in plain manner, I and my wife and bairns must all come away; but I can be more useful to you here. Write me what you think best, and meanwhile let me and my men be in safety. If you will send a conduct, I will send one of my sons with my mind. Give credence to the bearer about your matters, and the contract of marriage. [1 page.] Cothele, 19 October 1547.
Oct. 26. Carlisle.	40. Thomas Lord Wharton to the Lord Protector and Council, On the 23rd, Sir John Ireland, chaplain to Lord Maxwell, arrived at Carlisle, with a commission from you for his passage to Scotland, and entered there the next morning. After he was gone, I received your letters, dated from Hampton Court, directed three times "for the life," and it seemed they had been opened, as sundry others have been; some of the posts cannot do their duty; I will accomplish their contents to the best of my power.
	I have been informed that Laird Johnston's house, called Lochwood, was a convenient one to be in His Majesty's possession, and he himself a very notable enemy; though I have won the country thereabouts, he appointed the house to be so kept that I could not win it with any ordnance here, so I practised by laying Thomas Carleton and the garrison of Langholm at Dumfries, Moffat, and in those countries, and on the 25th, in the night, I caused 20 men to be got into a house within the barbican, where two or three persons lay as a watch for that house, and kept them until 10 next day, when they in the tower, as they were accustomed, called and asked if they might open the door of the tower. The other answered there was no peril, so they opened the door, and the 20 men entered; there the captain and garrison of Langholm are now. There is a good barbican wall, and houses within it that would receive 100 horse, besides convenient houses of office, and a tower four house height, standing by itself within the barbican, the walls two yards thick.
	I have sent to make a plan thereof, and of the houses, towns, and situations in those countries, but I have not such men as I wish for those purposes. I have also sent 12 of the arquebusiers which were in Milk castle to that house, and left the other eight at Milk, until I fully advertize you of the state of these countries, which I intend doing shortly by my son. [2 pages.]
Oct. 28. Carlisle.	41. Thomas Lord Wharton to the Lord Protector and Council. I send by my son, who is about to attend Parliament, letters from the Earl of Glencairn; he will declare to you the proceedings of Lord Maxwell and his brother, also the state of the countries in my charge. [½ page.] Enclosing,
	41. i. Earl of Glencairn to Lord Wharton. I send you certain writings for the Lord Protector, of which I also send you literal copies, and others to Lord Lenox and Thos. Bishop. I have signed them above, that you may read them, and write to Lenox to push him forward to come into these parts, and do service to the forth putting of this godly purpose, (fn. 1) which his friends in these parts desire. He needs no more help than the Scots you have got in, and if he once come, he will have friends enough.
	I trust to speak with you, for I think my Lord Protector will send a commission to commune with Lord Cassilis, the sheriff of Ayr and me, in which I hope you may be one. Meanwhile pray cause my tenants of Glencairn to be spared. Dowinhall, 23 Oct. 1547.
Oct. 29. St. James's.	42. The King to the Dean and Chapter of Gloucester. We request you to admit to the first alms-room in that cathedral vacant after the placing of those whom we have heretofore commended, Thos. Saunders, labourer, who was injured in our late father's time by the fall of a great piece of ordnance at Boulogne. [Draft, 1¾ pages,]
Oct. 29 ?	43. Instructions by Thomas Lord Wharton to [his son, to be communicated to Council]. List of 15 noblemen and gentlemen taken prisoners in the West Marches, and remaining there and at Carlisle, where I think they ought to continue, and composition be made with the takers of such as are not compounded for, distinguishing those paid and not paid for, which of them have been sworn to serve, &c.
	Those sworn may be continued on the West Marches. [To drive the price with the takers, so as to get as much as possible to the King's profit.]
	I have written to the Abbot of Dryburgh as commanded.
	Make suit for garrisons and fortresses thought requisite.
	That pledges for services of those that be sworn may be removed into Yorkshire, at the discretion of the warden.
	I have moved the captain of Crawford that his house may be pledge; he stated that it was not strong, and requested time for answer.
	I have given assurance to Lord Maxwell until 10 Nov., according to the Lord Protector's letters, and am in hopes to get Lochmaben if Lord Maxwell remains above, and we may have garrisons. [To have the 40 Armstrongs and 200 others, to begin 1 Dec.]
	When the surveyor of the works has viewed Milk castle, he is to certify as to its strength.
	The house of Lochwood is thought convenient for a garrison to keep in obedience the greatest part of Annerdale, as it cannot be won without great ordnance.
	Dumfries, if the ground serve, should be fortified, considering the nearness of the sea, and the river Nith coming to it. With the Friars and, Lord Maxwell's house in the town, there are many stones, and other convenient things, as well as timber trees in His Majesty's lordship of Holme, and the carriage may be easily had in six hours, by water and land. I can have Lord Maxwell's house in Dumfries, if it is out of assurance. It is thought by all wise men, even by his own countrymen, that Lord Maxwell should be continued at London; the greater part of his friends in those parts have now sworn to serve His Majesty, and have their hostages. The religious houses not far from Dumfries, with other things that may be won thereabouts, would do much towards the charges of a garrison, after the fortress is made. A strong garrison should be laid there hastily, to daunt the countries about, to the great comfort of the town and those that serve His Majesty, who make great suit for one. A fortress there would keep great countries on the west parts in obedience.
	Show the manner and words before me of the two chaplains of Lord Maxwell and John Maxwell, and deliver the letter of one of the chaplains to the other, and what I have conceived of their doings.
	Show also what Paterson says of the Earl of Angus, as he was with him at Douglas on 25 Oct., and saw two messages pass in one day between the Earl and the Abbot of Paisley; he heard the Earl say that he would provide for his men in assurance with England, and after that meet with the Abbot.
	There was an appointment made for the Earls of Angus, Cassilis, Glencairn, the Sheriff of Ayr, Drumlangrick, and others, to meet at the Kirk of Kyle in Galloway, but the day was broken, and they appointed to meet again about this Sunday. The Earl of Angus told Paterson that he was of the old blood of Scotland, and had the King's great seal of England upon certain conditions, and whatsoever England or Scotland said by him, he would live and die like a nobleman.
	George Douglas and he travail much to have men to their purpose, and hold gentlemen from coming to me against their purpose, and are not contented with those that do come. [A copy of his Grace's letters to be sent to them, and all such as do not keep their day to be ordered as he shall think meet, to compel them to come in by themselves, and not to trust to their bringing in by one another.]
	I would the King had their services firmly, or else that we were at liberty with all of them, some of whom I trust shall shortly be glad to make overture of service; I have men that can ride to his Lordship of Douglas.
	I have thanked the Scotch gentlemen who have been sworn, according to the Lord Protector's letters, which seems to have comforted them. [3¾ pages. The passages in brackets are marginal notes.]
Oct. 29 ?	44. The Lord Protector and Council to Thomas Lord Wharton. We have received your letters, and much commend your discreet proceedings in the service, and your order of the receipt of the Scotchmen coming to you. Although they shall not at the first take the law and obedience so fully as they ought, yet you and the other officers must instil the fruit of it into their ears, and when they see the effect and commodity of it, they will embrace it. We have conferred with Patrick Murray as to the house at Cockpool, and remitted him to you. He intends delivering it in the following form:—The house and such grounds about the same as shall be necessary for the captains and garrison there, he being allowed as much rent yearly as they are worth, and taking to himself, during the minority, the commodity of the salt-cotes and such other things as he now has profit of, and—His Majesty quietly possessing that realm hereafter,—the heirs of the house to remain in it under His Majesty.
	Upon Murray's arrival, you will take order for the receipt of the said house, and advise us what men will be required, as also at Milk castle and Dumfries, and whom you would have appointed for captains, as it will not be meet to take the borderers and weaken their strength, and we will take order thereon.
	To daunt the country and subject the people, some fortifications ought to be devised, especially at Milk castle, and we desire you to take a view thereabouts, and at Dumfries and the Friars' house, and report to us thereon, as also on the depth of the river, and of what burden boats must be bringing provisions.
	We wish those friars who have taken the oath and relinquished the Bishop of Rome, to be cherished, and advised to leave off the habit and put themselves into secular weeds, and conform to godly and Christian professions; and if any of them are able to preach, to do so, and expose the abuses which have crept in amongst them.
	As Kirkcudbright, being situated upon the coast, would much confer to the service of His Majesty, and no place in the West Marches is so appropriate for keeping those who come to you, we are very glad of the likelihood of the coming in of four men of that town, remembering withal that it is a very short cut from Cockermouth, whereby it may be the sooner supervised, and with less trouble victuals and men, &c. sent thither for its relief. That place or the little piece of ground winding to it, wherein an abbey stands, might be made an island at small charge, and so be able to harbour such vessels as, for shortness of the cut, should pass thither for His Majesty's service; the keeping thereof and of Milk would keep all these countries in perfect obedience, and impeach the Frenchmen of their passage along the West Seas, for relief of the Scots. At the coming of the said four men, or otherwise, learn the certainty, but so as they note not the purpose of your demand, but as it were hy way of question of the towns and country; and by secret means devise that Ridgway, whom we have sent to you, or some trusty and skilful person may see it, so as to make you a secret plan, upon sending whereof, and the man which took the view, we may resolve further. In this and all other places you think meet to fortify, make no man privy thereto other than those you may be assured of. [6 pages. Draft much corrected.]
Oct. 29 ?	45. Form of the oath administered to Scotsmen dwelling upon the West Marches:—to serve the King of England; renounce the Bishop of Rome; do all in their power to advance the King's marriage with the Queen of Scotland; take part with all who serve him against their enemies; not assist the said enemies; and obey the commands of the Lord Protector, lord lieutenants, and wardens. [½ page.]
Oct. 30. Carlisle.	46. Lord Wharton to the Lord Protector and Council. I enclose a letter from the Laird of Closeburn in Nithsdale, who serves the King, and was our hostage here, but is suffered to go home on hostage. The assurance proclaimed at Carlisle for gentlemen of Liddesdale and Teviotdale is a source of great trouble to those that are come in, and the same gentlemen that dwell there, at their own suits, had safe conduct to come to me to receive the oath and to lay hostages, who stand upon the assurance; also for conclusion of the meeting whereof Lord Closeburn writes. All those gentlemen for whom the Earl of Angus laboured in Liddesdale and Teviotdale, and the Lord Creichton, Lord of Sanquair castle, I would undertake would before have presented themselves with their oath and hostages, if the same stay had not been. The Earl of Angus uses light words against those gentlemen that are with me, and have received the oath to serve the King, as the Lairds Dunnielier, Applegarth, Kirkmichael, and others, wherewith the gentlemen seem much perplexed.
	I have also granted assurance to those gentlemen of Galloway and part of Nithsdale that have not made faith to serve His Majesty, upon John Maxwell's suit, until the 10th of next month. All the gentlemen in the said countries had my safe conduct for coming to Carlisle before Monday 31 Oct., to enter their service, with oath and hostages as the others, whom John Maxwell has stayed. Laird Drumlangrick has written to my deputy customer to sue to me for a safe conduct and assurance until the 10th; John Maxwell has also stayed certain pledges of sundry of his own friends who were appointed to be here 29 Oct., as John Maxwell of Brakenside, John Maxwell of Cowhill, the Lairds Hallathes, Slowen, and the Vicar of Carlaverock, who have received oath and appointed their pledges, and sue to me to deliver other hostages, showing themselves not content with John Maxwell's doings. There are now gentlemen and headsmen and certain of the most substantial men who have made oath and laid their hostages to me. The number is 5,000 dwelling in Scotland, whose names I have in writing, and their hostages.
	These are perplexed that their neighbours do not come. If the assurances be set at large, and Lord Maxwell continue there, more garrisons would cause all these gentlemen of Galloway and Nithsdale, whom John Maxwell sued for, and the other gentlemen whom Lord Angus sued for, to serve His Majesty, within 20 days. The houses standing in those countries, and those that keep them shall then be the more easily ordered. [2¼ pages.] Enclosing,
	46. i. Thomas Kirkpatrick of Closeburn to the Lord Warden. The Lords of Angus, Glencairn, and Cassilis, with others, have appointed a meeting at the new Kirk in Kyle for next Saturday, 29 Oct. George Douglas is to meet them there, and bring them answer out of England; they intend to stick at Scotland, and make a party to you on this border; or make an appointment with England contrary to the Governor. Lord Drumlangrick wants silver of the Governor to fee 100 men, the best in Annerdale; the Johnstons and Irwins would take wages of him. [²/3 page.] Tuesday night [Oct. 27], 1547.
Oct. 30.	47. The Lord Protector and Council to Thos Lord Wharton. We like your stay of the Lord Somerville and Drumlangrick, as they have been slow to set forth the intended purpose. As to the other gentlemen who have put in for pledges, we do not think it meet to have them travel so far as hither, if their friends have more comfort by their nearness; therefore if you send a note of their names and numbers, with your opinion as to bestowing them in those countries, we will return our further pleasure. [1 page, draft.]