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Feb. 8.
Carlisle. |
9. Matthew Earl of Lenox, and Thomas Lord Wharton to the
Lord Protector. The Lord of Closeburn, a gentleman of the West
Marches of Scotland, who has taken the oath and laid hostages in
Carlisle for service to His Majesty, hearing that Oliver Sinclair is
entered to you, for whom a son of the Lord Closeburn lies in pledge,
has instanced us to make suit to you for deliverance of his son and
heir, upon Sinclair's entry; we beseech you that his son may be
discharged, as he shows himself earnest in the advancement and the
godly purpose for unity of the realms. [¾ page.] |
Feb. 11.
Newcastle-
upon-Tyne. |
10. John Uvedale to the Lord Protector and Council. On my
arrival here with the 6,000l. brought from York, I received yours of
4 Feb., commanding me to stay 3,000l. for exploits to be done on
these Marches, which I have already sent to my Lord Lieutenant;
the other 3,000l. I have reserved here for exploits on the West
Marches, but I must know who is to demand it, as there is no mention
thereof in your letters. |
|
I have spoken with Sir Thos. Gray for the receipt of 1,000 marks
in his hands, for payment of the pensioners, and he has promised
the most part this afternoon, when I intend to pay the charges of
the ships lately sent northwards. I have other warrants of my Lord
Lieutenant also, for charges of anchors, cables, and setting forward
of other ships from hence, by his command, which will exhaust
most of the 1,000 marks; God knows meantime what poverty
is sustained by the garrisons placed in the spoiled, burnt, and
wasted places in Scotland, the relief whereof must be had by your
command and by no other's. [1¼ pages.] |
Feb. 12.
Carlisle. |
11. Thomas Lord Wharton to the Lord Protector. I intend to
enter Scotland with such power as I can have on these West Marches,
about the 20th, as my Lord Lieutenant has written to me of his
entry about that time, that we may invade at one instant, my
Lord Lenox joining me, of whom or of his friends I am not likely
to receive any advancement, either in power or knowledge, except
with his six household servants. It is displeasing to see the small
estimation he has with those of his own blood in that realm, and
others that are come into His Majesty's service. |
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As to the boats, I did not stay any of them, nor do anything
whereby any suspicion should be perceived. |
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As to the chantries, pardon my former letters, minding no commodity
thereof to myself, but I thought the notable borderers in the
service would receive comfort with the preferment of them; but
lately they have made no suit to me therefor. Thanks for the
trumpet for whom I look, as you signify. |
|
The letter to John Maxwell, from his brother Lord Maxwell, I
delivered myself, he being at Carlisle; he gave three or four great
sighs on reading it, and with no pleasing countenance and water in
his eyes, he told me his brother had written him to show the houses
of Lochmaben and Carlaverock to such as you sent to view them.
I entered with him on the present state of these two realms, and
the promises made by the noblemen and others to unite them; the
want of liberty his brother had; his own oath to serve His Majesty,
and the great presents which he received to their two uses, and
advised him to frankly offer to me, to be presented to you, the houses
aforesaid, declaring, as I thought, what relief and benefit his brother
and he might receive at your hands by so doing. He said he would
speak with his friends and afterwards show me his mind. I advised
him to beware whom he consulted, but, notwithstanding many persuasions, I could not move him, and he departed, promising me an
answer the next day. On the morrow he showed me his brother's
letter, but when I reasoned with him of your favour or displeasure,
he said the letter was not in his brother's hand nor signed, and
argued on the decyphering of it, but promised when any came to
view the houses, he would suffer it, and afterwards send one of his
brother's men to him, and he would have his brother's hand and seal for
his own discharge, and he wrote a letter to him which I enclose. I
caused some friends he consulted with to exhort him to deliver the
houses, but he refused, and I think both brothers would go against
you. |
|
The garrisons on these West Marches lying in Scotland have done
damage last week to the Laird of Drumlangrick's lands, and taken
seven or eight of his servants, burnt their buildings and devastated
their goods. Sundry other displeasures have also been done by
John Musgrave of Bewcastle and Scotch borderers against the
Hamiltons; one Hamilton, brother to the Captain of Blackness,
has been hurt, and he and others of the Governor's taken, whom I
have. |
|
As to the charges of the garrisons at Dumfries, remember my
dealings with the townsmen; the reward they write of in their letter
enclosed, was a great Bible which I sent their church; 40 of the
garrison came to me from the Captain through very necessity, whom
I again established there. Corn is dearer there than in any part of
this realm, and much scarcity through waste, notwithstanding I
cause the English groat to go for 17d. of their money in all their
countries assured. |
|
Consider that until last December there were but 100 horsemen
in garrison, which always lay in Scotland, and now amount to eight
score, besides the 40 Scotchmen, all of whom have done great service.
The garrisons be all English, except three or four in every company
for their guides. Thirty of them last Thursday rode 16 miles
beyond Dumfries in Galloway, and burnt a gentleman's house, took
his brother and two servants prisoners, and came to Dumfries again
without distress of any man. They have been unpaid four months,
save 400l. imprest. The West Marches have been much charged in
these long wars, and are the less able to make invasion, and sundry
of them are not well inclined towards me. |
|
The Captain of Crawford's eldest son entered himself last Christmas, with oath and hostages, to serve the King, and sundry times
since has been with me at Carlisle, and is a quick young fellow.
Pray let his father be returned from Nottingham castle to me;
I will keep him on these Marches, and use him and his son in the
service. |
|
Let the two boys pledged for the Earl of Glencairn be removed
from Carlisle, as I fear their escape, being so near the Marches, and
the Earl, for whom they lie being so untrue. It is wonderful to
hear of his persuasions to sundry gentlemen who serve His Majesty
to revolt. He begins to keep watches at Glencairn, but it shall not
defend his lands there. I enclose a letter from the Abbot of Dryburgh to me, and as he has not appointed any certain day for payment, I have given his sureties one, whereof he is advertised. They
intend to make a great fort at Edinburgh castle, and to lessen the
height of David's tower and make a platform with two bulwarks,
at the French King's cost. [5½ pages.] |
Feb. 12.
Wootton. |
12. William Lord Eure to the Lord Protector. His late Majesty
granted me for life the Stewardship of Pickering, and Pickering
Lythe, the Constableship of Scarborough castle, with the Stewardship of the lands of the late Sir Fras. Bygod, and that of the house
of Jervaux, Yorkshire. Pray be a means to His Majesty that my son
Sir Ralph, now 18 years of age, or my son Henry, may be joined
with me in the patent for these offices. [½ page.] |
Feb. 15.
Carlisle. |
13. Thomas Lord Wharton to the Lord Protector. I am informed
that the Governor and his friends hope great aid from France, and
intend to strengthen Edinburgh castle, and that the Earl of Argyle,
being nothing pleased with the siege at Borthie, after the French
captain was slain, made appointment to come with more power
against Dumfries and other His Majesty's possessions on the west
parts. The Earl of Augus's on and daughter are both dead.
Sundry messengers have passed between the Governor and him,
at the motion of Geo. Douglas, seeming as though there was enmity
between them. |
|
The garrisons on these parts, and other Scotchmen who serve the
King, have done sundry displeasures against the enemy. Kennedy,
laird of Blaquhan, who had Coniston barony in Galloway, near
Kirkcudbright, 24 miles beyond Dumfries, a man of great power,
and a very enemy, threatened those of Kirkcudbright and others
that were come into the King's service. On Sunday night last,
I caused Michael Wharton, captain of Dumfries, Miles Skaif,
captain of Cockpool, with other garrisons, and some Scotchmen
with them, to pass from Dumfries into that country; they burnt a
grange of Blaquhan's, and all his barony, and brought away some
spoil and 22 persons, returning to Dumfries without hurt. |
|
Sir Thomas Palmer sent me your printed epistle, which I caused
to be read at my board upon Shrove Tuesday, when a dozen gentlemen of Scotland were present, who heartily received it, and others
in the country and town of Carlisle have solicited copies. The
gentlemen here are much contented, and desired to be sent into
that realm. The Laird of Buccleugh has lately been with the
Queen and Governor, and was well entertained, and brags he shall
have a garrison. On 15 Feb. the Bishop of Carlisle sent two
servants to me, from his house of Roos, four miles from Carlisle, to
desire that he might have his house in Carlisle which I lie in; I
therefore request to know if he is to have it. I have no other to
lie in at Carlisle. [2 pages.] |
Feb. 16.
Carlisle. |
14. Thomas Lord Wharton to the Lord Protector. Mr. Uvedale,
treasurer at Newcastle, writes me that my Lord Lieutenant, at Tynemouth, on Ash Wednesday, commanded him to pay me 3,000l.
upon my application, towards the charges of such exploits as he
appointed to be done in Scotland by me. |
|
I have received no certain appointment for such exploits, and
touching Kirkcudbright, I shall not furnish myself for that until
commanded by you. I intend keeping my appointment into
Scotland on Monday the 20th, which will be a great trouble to
all these parties to pass so far in a wasted country. [1 page.] |
Feb. 18.
Carlisle. |
15. Thomas Lord Wharton to the Lord Protector. I received your
letter with a pack of books. The latter I ordered to be sent
throughout the west parts of Scotland to noblemen and others; all
charitable men in that realm ought to be contented with them.
You write of 300, I received 260. They were nine days coming,
notwithstanding the directions to the post twice, "for life, for life." |
|
The Earl of Angus often sends to me, after his accustomed
practice, and lately sent the enclosed, desiring a safe conduct for two
friends to come to Carlisle to confer with me. I have granted leave
to Drumlangrick to come and speak with me at Carlisle on the 19th.
He has now gone to a Council at Falkland, between the Queen,
Governor, Earl of Argyle, and others, who meet there this Saturday
night. |
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Drumlangrick sent me word he would discharge himself with
them, and afterwards come to me, which I do not credit. I intend
the Earl of Angus and those practisers shall hear of me as being in
Scotland at the sending of my answer. On Ash Wednesday I
caused Thos. Carleton, captain of Lochwood, with that garrison and
other Scotchmen, to run a foray to Syminton, four miles beyond
Douglas; they spoiled and burnt the town, and brought away
goods and 30 prisoners. The Earl of Angus would not follow, but
all his men did, and the Lord Fleming of Biggar; but all that
our men seized they brought away, without hurt. |
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The French captains have moved the Governor to have Edinburgh
castle in their keeping, and he intends delivering to them either
Dumbarton or Blackness. [12/3 pages.] Enclosing, |
|
15. i. Archibald Earl of Angus to Lord Wharton. My cousin the
Laird of Drumlangrick promised to come and speak with
you at Carlisle next Sunday. Consider that it is not to
my honour that any of my kinsmen, friends, or servants
should make appointment with you without my advice, as
I am minded to appoint for all together, as you know,
and may perceive my good mind by my works. I
therefore pray that the Laird may stand on your assurance with his lands, goods, and servants till 27 Feb., and
I will cause two servants who come on my business to
appoint for him as for myself. |
P.S.—Your servant the Captain of Lochwood with his
accomplices has reft a barony of my servants called Syminton. Pray further my friends in future. [1 page.]
Douglas Castle, 16 Feb. 1548. |
Feb. 18
Carlisle.
|
16. Thomas Lord Wharton to the Lord Protector. According to
command, I am assembling the power of these West Marches
towards the borders to enter Scotland; this night a bruit has come
amongst them that the East and Middle Marches have wages for
their services upon those borders. Let me know by this post
how these West Marches and the Scotchmen that serve under the
Earl of Lenox and me shall be ordered for this entry, as we must
pass into a wasted country, where small relief is to be had. [2/3
page.] |
Feb. 23.
11 P.M.
Carlisle. |
17. Sir Thos. Wharton to the Lord Protector. My father, with
Lord Lenox, and the whole of the country gentlemen and others,
and 3,000 men, passed towards Scotland on the 20th, to annoy the
Douglases, according to your commandment, and this day marching
towards Drumlangrick's lands, and other Douglases, sent before him
my brother Henry, with all the true horsemen, in a foray to Drisdere and those countries, to burn and waste; he marching after with
the foot in order, word came that all the foray were taken and
slain by the Earl of Angus and others. Immediately the Earl and
his company came upon my father, where he was with the foot
both of English and Scotch, and overthrew them; when the assured
Scots with my father perceived the enemy coming, they took or laid
hands upon any Englishman in my Lord's company. I cannot
tell whether my father or what others are taken or slain, but few
or none came away. |
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Pray provide relief for this poor country now destitute, not only
of all the gentlemen, but most of the true men within the wardenry,
and also of good horses. |
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I and Sir John Lowther, captain of the castle, with the mayor of
this city, are putting to safe custody the pledges of Scotland, and
devising such order and watch for the city as we may, and so shall
continue till we know your pleasure. |
|
P.S.—Had I been made privy to your letters to my father before
my departure, or had more diligence been used, this overthrow had
not been; your letters were sent on Friday afternoon, but did not
reach my father until Tuesday afternoon. [1¾ pages.] |
Feb. 24.
Berwick. |
18. Thos. Grey to the Lord Protector. Lord Lieutenant Grey,
on his voyage into Scotland, left me deputy in the country and
town of Berwick, associating with me Sir Robert Ellerker and
certain others. On Friday I received intelligence from Sir Thos.
Wharton that his father was overthrown, which I sent to Lord
Grey. I have also written to the Lord President of the North, so
that he may make preparation for the furniture for the men that
shall be required. [¾ page.] |
Feb. 27.
Kingston-upon-Hull. |
19. Certificate of Ralph Constable, lieutenant, Thomas Salton,
mayor, and Thos. Alred and Wm. Crokhay, inhabitants of Kingstonupon-Hull, to the Archbishop of York, that they mustered all the
able men meet to serve on horse or foot, as archers, arquebusiers,
pikemen, &c., as also their furniture, and have taken the total
number of those meet to serve for the war, as directed by his Grace.
[2/3 page.] |
Feb. 29.
Carlisle. |
20. Thomas Lord Wharton to the Lord Protector. I received
your letters of the 22nd, respecting the wages of these Marches,
which I shall accordingly follow; also one from Lord Maxwell to his
brother John Maxwell, who shows himself an enemy, against his
oath. The world wonders here of his and the other Maxwell's falsehoods. Ireland, that crafty priest, lately repaired with letters to Lord
Maxwell, and had your leave to pass and repass by post, and was
never stayed by me, as Lord Maxwell untruly wrote. He was with
me in Carlisle the day of my going thence towards Scotland, and
now he is in those places. |
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Touching these West Marches under my charge, since these long wars
began, a great number have served worthily, to His Majesty's honor
and the annoyance of the enemy. Would all the said Marches had used
a like obedience, and then the service would have been more notable,
the want whereof has caused me and others sundry times to light
on our feet; though there has been a great number of horsemen,
as in the baronies of Gillesland and Burgh, there were not with my
son six horsemen of those baronies at the burning of Drisdere, except 12 persons in the garrisons, notwithstanding the command
for all the horsement to be with him; and yet John Blauerasset, who
had the leading of those in Gillesland, and the bailiff of Burgh's son,
who had the leading of those of Burgh, were taken prisoners on
horseback, not far from my own standard, where neither they nor
any other of my company were appointed to be. I account that,
since the war began and the Scots came to Langholm, if obedience
had been dutifully used with the subjects upon command, it had
been worth a good part of land to be sold. My service is the
more defaced, albeit I have travailed with my poor power and my
friends, and our trust is to have His Majesty's favour and the
Council's. I heartily desire you should know all the demeanors
used in these parts against me and my friends, who are true
servants to His Majesty. [2¾ pages.] |
| Feb. ? |
The King to the Lord Lieutenant of S[ussex ?]. A great aid is
soon to sail for succour of the Scots, which may, in their passage
attempt to damage our realm. You shall therefore cause all the
beacons to be diligently watched, from 6 March till further orders,
and all fit to serve in the wars, who were lately mustered, to be in
readiness at an hour's warning. [Domestic, Eliz., Vol. XCIII.,
No. 18,p. 31.] |
| Feb. ? |
The King to the Commissioners of Musters for the country of
G[loucester]. Similar to the preceding. You are to attend
to the beacons, and have the chief leading, order, levying, and
directing of the able men of that county, for repulse of the enemy,
and defence of the subject. [Domestic, Eliz., Vol. XCIII., No. 18,
pp. 32–33.] |
| Feb. ? |
The King to the gentlemen of—shire. Our rebels the Scots,
replying on foreign succours, prepare to attempt the recovery of the
forts which we have won or built in that kingdom, and to annoy
those who have submitted to us and our subjects on the frontiers.
We have aleady gained such advantages over them as may make
them remember our tender years, and wishing still to defend our
country, we require musters to be taken, and appoint you commissioners for that shire. You shall therefore take a perfect muster
of horse and foot, and inquire into the number of horses fit for
demi-lances or light horsemen, survey the armour, &c., choosing
men the fittest for the service, and report the result to us within 15
days. [Domestic, Eliz., Vol. XC., No. 9, pp. 2–4.] |
| Feb.? |
21. List of the customary tenants and rentals of the villages of
Sandwaith and Lakinby, parcel of the manor of St. Bees, co.
Cumberland; total, 15l. 19s. 10 ½d. [4 pages.] |
