Elizabeth: June 1568

Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 8, 1566-1568. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1871.

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'Elizabeth: June 1568', in Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 8, 1566-1568, (London, 1871) pp. 472-492. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/foreign/vol8/pp472-492 [accessed 19 April 2024]

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June 1568

June. 2243. Sir Henry Norris to Sir Walter Mildmay.
Since his last there has nothing chanced very notorious, matters depending now in those doubtful terms that they did, but they will shortly either ripe or rotten. The marshals all in one inveigh against the Cardinal of Lorraine's authority. The Edict of Pacification was published at Lyons on the 13th May, but a courier arrived there the next day with the King's express letters to forbid any exercise of religion within the town. Copy of verses in praise of virtue.
Incomplete draft. Endd. Pp. 1½.
June 1. 2244. Edzart Count of East Friesland to the Queen.
Letter of credence for two persons whom he sends to her as his envoys.—Emden, 1 June 1568. Signed.
Add. Endd. Lat. P. 1.
June 2. 2245. Alexander Clark to Cecil.
Lords Herries and Fleming are highly offended that they should be brought to Court. They hope to be despatched, Herries into Scotland, and Fleming into France. There is a Frenchman whom he suspects to have writings from the Queen to convey into France. His name is Sebastian Danvelerot. He is clad in black. If Cecil thinks it good he [may] be stayed; he is a very crafty and dissimulate knave, and has been always an evil reporter.—Scrooby, 2 June 1568. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1.
June 2. 2246. Lord Scrope to Cecil.
1. Yesternight arrived Nicholas Elphinstone, who informed him from the Regent that he would appoint on the March opposite some good justiciar, and prayed Scrope to nominate some one whom he thought most meet for that room, and he should have it.
2. He further revealed that the Regent the 10th inst. meant to repair to the West March for the pursuing of certain rebels and outlaws, and required Scrope to be ready with good numbers to ride and defend them from receipt on this side. Has replied that until the Queen's pleasure be known he cannot answer. Asks if the Regent shall, in riding upon outlaws, seek to oppress others of the Queen's faction, whether he shall receive them or no. Desires some consideration of his great charges, or else that he may be discharged.—Carlisle, 2 June 1568. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 2.
June 2. 2247. Sir William Drury to Cecil.
Thinks it needless to touch on the bruit that passes of the joy and comfort that some, both in Yorkshire and elsewhere, receive by the Queen of Scots coming to England, more than they ought until they understand how the Queen's Highness receives the same. Prays that some forget not themselves in either coming or sending unto her. The further from hence she be bestowed the quieter the Borders will be. Encloses a letter which he has stayed, meant for Scotland. Requires that Mr. Vice-Chamberlain may be appointed to see this town before his return.—Berwick, 2 June 1568. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 1¼.
June 4. 2248. Sir Henry Norris to the Queen.
1. On the receipt of her letter, being unable to depart out of his lodging, the King sent M. De Lansac to him, to whom he declared the Queen's princely intention towards the Queen of Scots was to reduce her honourably in concord with her subjects, and to pacify the civil troubles in her realm; moreover, adding that if any particular solicitation was made to send any forces into Scotland, that the state of the cause would thereby be made worse, and the Queen nowise relieved.
2. The next day was the Council assembled, and sat in consultation hereupon from 6 a.m. till dinner time. On the 3rd inst. Lansac returned to him and said that the King was very glad to hear that the Queen of Scots was in such safety, not mistrusting that Her Majesty would have an especial care to put her in her former dignity, and as she was so well able to help her, he would not send any forces or aid but such as she shall demand Furthermore, Lansac said as of himself that albeit the Queen of Scotland had much erred in government of herself, yet the greater part of the nobility of France would gladly venture their lives to do her good.
3. Since his letter to Cecil of the last of May matters here seem nothing amended. On the 28th ult. the Cardinal of Lorraine wrote to the Prince of Conde that he would gladly be reconciled to him, whereunto the Prince made a resolute answer that the Cardinal was an enemy both to God and man, and to the common tranquility and peace of this realm, and that there could be no reconciliation betwixt them, unless he would depart the Court, and as for admitting him into the number of his friends, he wished him never to look for it. Unto this the Cardinal answered that he had asked leave to depart the Court, but that the King would not suffer him to do so. The Prince replied again that such deceits were not able to circumvent him, adding hereunto many hot words, insomuch as the Cardinal the last of May sent him a flat answer that he would not leave the Court unless he were driven from thence. Is given secretly to understand that the four marshals joining together will make a new opposition against the Cardinal.
4. Many of the religion that dwelt in the good towns, understanding with what cruelty the Protestants were used, do not return to their houses, but keep in the fields with their captains, in troops; whereupon the King has addressed his secret letters to 212 places in this realm, to charge the governors in case they find any assemblies to run upon them by force of arms, and put them to the sword, and if they retire into the cities that their arms should be taken from them. After the publication of the peace, the King sent privy letters thoughout the realm, that the Protestants should be disarmed at their entry into the towns, wherefore, divers returning, having left their armour in the country, are not suffered to enter, but charged to return to fetch their arms.
5. On Sunday the Prince of Conde sent a gentleman to beseech the King to minister justice against such as murder them of the religion, and as he entered the city there were five slain in St. Anthony's street, of which cruel murder he complained to the Queen Mother, but as yet nothing is done. The Provost of the merchants on Monday urged the King to have an especial regard to justice, lest some seditious Huguenot (as he termed it), perceiving justice not equally ministered, should raise some tumult in the city. The Germans are departed out of France. Yesternight was word brought of a great overthrow in Flanders given by the Protestants to the Spaniards. The King has revoked all gifts and pensions until such time as his gendarmery be paid.— Paris, 4 June 1568. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 3.
June 4. 2249. Sir Henry Norris to Cecil.
Is informed from M. De Mallachisa, a head officer in matters of estate, that the Queen Mother said she trusted that the Queen would well intreat the Queen of Scots, otherwise she had to lay to her "que elle ne songeoit pas." There are great attempts to get the Queen of Scots hither, but is assured that Cecil will rather, as he writes, help and counsel the Queen to make her profit of her there than by any means consent to her coming hither. Marshal Montmorency thinks it much touches his honour, that being the chief procurer of the peace, it should be so ill observed. Much doubts that the French will attempt the getting of Dumbarton, whereof he prays him to advertise the Earl of Murray. Of late, in communication betwixt himself and Mr. Beton, Norris named the young King, who afterwards meeting his secretary, said that he marvelled that Norris was so carried away as to name the Prince King, seeing that the Queen of England had said to him that she would never take the Prince for King, or Murray for Regent during the Queen of Scots' life, wherein he humbly requires to be advertised by Cecil, lest in writing to the Queen he may unwittingly offend her.—Paris, 4 June 1568. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 1½.
June 4. 2250. The Queen to Dr. Man.
Having been informed by the Spanish Ambassador that the King of Spain has taken such a misliking to him that he will not admit him to his presence, she revokes him from that Court. The ambassador thought that part of the King's offence was, for that Man used at his table inconvenient talk of him, and dealt otherwise in matters of religion than was meet for preservation of quietness amongst his subjects.
Draft in Cecil's writing. Endd.: 4 June 1568. Pp. 1½.
June 5 2251. Apology for the Earl of Murray and others.
Answer to the allegation that Murray and the other Lords were moved to armour because they abhorred the revocation of the alienations made of the Queen's property. The Queen promised to except those things given to the Earl of Murray, and have them ratified in the next Parliament. The other Lords never had anything given to them worth twenty crowns, except Morton, who had his gifts ratified.
Endd. by Cecil. Pp. 1½.
June 5. 2252. Advices.
Intelligence from Rome, dated June 5th, of the proceedings of the Cardinals. Also from Vienna of the 3rd June.
Endd. Ital. Pp. 3½.
June 6. 2253. Sir John Forster to Cecil.
On the 29th May certain of the Redesdales came to spoil in Redesdale. Has some of them prisoners, whom he minds to try at a Warden Court. Other disorders on the Borders. —Alnwick, 6th June 1568. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. P. ½.
June 6. 2254. Sir William Drury to Cecil.
The journey of the 10th goes forward. Dunbar shall this week be rased, which little contents Lord Home. Divers letters sent from the Queen of Scots to her favourers in Scotland are intercepted. She was in good hope to receive such aid and succour from England as she could wish. Desires that no one may pass in post without sufficient warrant, for twopence the mile breeds in most places the strangers better despatch than without the same the warrant does. Their evil neighbours of Tividale have slain the ensign bearer of Captain Carew, named Cannon, and hurt some others, a mile and a half within English ground, not having done them any sort of harm. The English were but fourteen, the others being near 100. The Earl of Murray is much offended with these doings, believing the same to proceed of some not of the worst calling of these parts, who, to impeach his proceedings, do their best to procure a broken Border.—Berwick, 6 June 1568. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 1¼.
June 7. 2255. Mr. Man's Diets.
Money laid out for carriage of letters, and in rewards to ushers, porters, clerks, and musicians about the Court of Spain, from March 6, 1567, to January 1, 1568, 39l. 10s.; from the 15th March to the 7th June 1568, three months' diets, 280l.; total 319l. 10s.
Endd. P. ¾.
June 7. 2256. Sir Henry Norris to the Queen.
On the 6th inst. the Admiral sent one of his with request that he should speedily advertise Her Majesty of that which he thought himself bound in conscience to give her to understand. As that the Cardinal of Lorraine, who alone does all, has promised Mons. D'Anjou 200,000 francs yearly of the clergy to sustain the Romish religion, whereto the Pope, the King of Spain, and other Papistical Princes have promised all help, in everything that he attempts to the ruin of them of the religion. The Cardinal, the better to encourage him, promises that the Queen of Scots shall be brought into France, and that he will cause her to yield to him all her estate that she pretends to have to England; so the Admiral's humble request is that Her Majesty will consider hereof in time. There have been great practises of late to surprise the nobility here, as the Prince was sought to have been entrapped by La Valette, the Admiral by Chavigny, and D'Andelot by Tavannes; but when they came to put the matter in execution they found their counsel revealed, and them in such order to receive them, that they returned without making any attempt, since which time they have cassed several of their secretaries here, thinking these practises to be revealed by them being suspected to be of the religion. The Cardinal of Lorraine has caused the Parisians to exhibit a suit to the King, to give the government of the Isle of France and Paris to M. D'Anjou, which the Montmorencys have till now enjoyed.—Paris, 7 June 1568. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 1¼.
June 7. 2257. Sir Henry Norris to Cecil.
Sends him the same intelligence as is contained in his letter of this date to the Queen. Thinks if the Queen of Scots be restored to her former estate, she will not long abide in Scotland till brought hither. What inconvenience will grow to the Regent and nobility of the religion Cecil can well consider, so that if she be restored, Her Majesty will lose her credit with them, and yet not be able by any means to withdraw the great affection the Queen of Scots bears to them here.—Paris, 7 June 1568. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 1½.
June 8. 2258. The Queen to Sir Henry Norris.
Mons. De Montmorin and the French Ambassador having had audience, and moved her to treat the Queen of Scots with all favour, she told them that she had already given order for her safety and honourable entertainment, and meant to take her causes into her protection. The Queen of Scots had sent to her not passing one day before the Lord Herries with complaint against her subjects, and requiring aid. Has resolved to send Henry Middlemore with letters to assure her of aid and succour in the maintenance of the justice of her cause, and from her to go to the Earl of Murray and charge him with the crimes objected against him, and willing him to forbear all hostility whatsoever, either by arms or law, against any person who had taken part with the said Queen, and willing him to impart what he could allege in defence of the crimes objected against him. Her meaning is to have the said Queen conducted further within her realm, and to pause awhile from further proceedings. Wills him to impart this to the French King and Queen Mother.
Draft corrected by Cecil. Endd. Pp. 3¼.
June 8. 2259. Lord Scrope to Cecil.
Acknowledges receipt of instructions for his dealing in riding opposite the Regent in the pursuing of his disobedients, as also with those who should seem to be any disturbance towards his impeaching of the arrival of the French. Has written to Murray.—Carlisle, 8 June 1568. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1.
June 8. 2260. Lord Scrope to the Regent Murray.
Will be ready, upon reasonable advertisement, to ride and assist him in the pursuing of such as are offenders against the laws of the Marches, and further upon such as are chargeable with the murder of the King, and of all others that he shall charge or deal with in any common cause. Has received advertisement that certain ships are of late despatched out of France, freighted with harquebussiers for Scotland. Doubts not but that he will have especial care to impeach the landing of such guests. Will keep all evil-given people on his side from his hindrance.—Carlisle, 8 June 1568.
Copy. Endd. P. 1.
June 8. 2261. Thomas Cotton to Cecil.
Is at Zante, in Greece, where at this present is great preparations for the Turks coming to invade. Their provision is very slender, and lies most in Turkish bows, and swords and shields, few hagbusses, and fewer pikes. The town and country are able to bring to the field 36,000 men. They mean to give the field, and not to go into the castle. A soldier of Berwick, one Thomas Orde, of Captain Read's band, came in the same ship with him. They are all stayed from going to Constantinople. Looking at their insufficiency, and the strength of the Turk, he and all other gentlemen look to die with the sword. Two Turkish foists have been taken, and 200 Christians put to liberty. If he dies, beseeches Cecil, as the patron of his travel to be good to such friends as he has left his small living to.—Zante, 6 June 1568. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 3.
June 8. 2262. The Queen of England to the Regent Murray.
The Queen of Scots has sent Lord Herries with credit to report to her her estate, and to discourse her late troubles, and the great injuries done to her by her subjects, all which things cannot but be very strange in the ears of a Prince. The Queen of Scots requires her aid, and for justification of her cause is content to commit the hearing and ordering of the same simply to her. Requires him to forbear from all manner of hostility and persecution against all such as have lately taken part with the said Queen, and to impart to her plainly all that which shall be meet to inform her of the truth for their defence in such weighty crimes and causes as the Queen hath or shall object against them.—8 June 1568.
Draft. Endd., by Cecil. Pp. 2¼.
June. 2263. A Memorial for Middlemore sent into Scotland.
The principal cause of his journey is to understand the state of the troubles in Scotland, and to advertise the Queen of England. He is to advertise Murray in what sort the Queen of Scots conceives no small offence in matters which are published touching the Queen of England. He shall advise Murray not to hazard himself and his friends by way of battle, but to be content that the inward controversies may be ordered by her.
Draft in Cecil's writing. P. 1.
June 10. 2264. Sir William Drury to Cecil.
There is great doubt of the person to be sent from Scotland to the Queen. Anstruther has license to depart to France. For better rule to be kept on the Borders has placed soldiers on the frontiers to let the intents of the evil-disposed persons of Tividale. They had cut a great quantity of turf in England. It is all burnt. Morton inwardly suffers the commendation given unto Lord Home for the meeting near unto Glasgow. Lord Home is as evil pleased for the rasing of Dunbar.—Berwick, 10 June 1568. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 1¼.
June 10. 2265. Captain Cockburn to Cecil.
Will not trouble him with a long letter till he comes to Court. All are up in all parts, and begin new play again; great persecution over all parts of them of the religion.— Dieppe, 10 June. Signed.
Hol. Add. Endd., with seal. P. 1.
June 11. 2266. Valentine Brown to Cecil.
Has now served the victualling of Berwick, and maintained the Queen's store for the same one whole year and two months at his own charges, and finds himself unable to continue the performance thereof. Desires that he may be appointed to the receivership of Yorkshire, whereby he may be supplied with money.—Berwick, 11 June 1568. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1.
June 11. 2267. The Regent Murray to the Queen.
Desires (in the name of the King of Scots), that she will grant a safe-conduct to David Somerville to pass through her realm on his way to France.—Edinburgh, 11 June 1568. Signed: James Stewart.
Add. Endd., with seal. Royal letter.
June 12. 2268. Sir Henry Norris to Cecil.
Commends to his favour the bearers, Captain Borthwick and another, who are repairing towards Scotland.—Paris, 12 June 1568. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. P. ½.
June 13. 2269. Sir William Drury to Cecil.
Whereas first upon despair of good success of the Lords Herries' and Fleming's negotiations, those of the Borders minded to have made their submission and reconciliation to the Earl of Murray; since, upon some comfortable advertisement from Lord Herries of his good acceptance in the English Court, they now stagger and delay their submission. On the 10th was executed at Edinburgh a private soldier, for that he was in pay on the Lords' side, and yet fought on the Queen's part against them. On the same day an ambassador arrived out of Denmark. His errand is to require men for money, and to offer, upon further prosecution, the Earl Bothwell either to be tried in Denmark or delivered into Scotland. Murray has entered into his journey.—Berwick, 13 June 1568. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1.
June 16. 2270. Proclamation at Carlisle.
The Earl of Murray having arrived at the West Marches of Scotland to execute and answer justice, warns all the Queen of England's subjects against receiving or maintaining any Scotch fugitives.—Carlisle, 16 June 1568.
Endd. Broadside.
2271. Another copy of the above.
Broadside.
June 16. 2272. Instructions for Thomas Randolph sent to the Emperor of Russia.
Whereas the Emperor of Russia sent his letters to her by Anthony Jenkinson, dated September, and signified that he had enlarged his grant of liberties to the English merchants trading in the north parts of his countries, and of his desire to be in friendship with her, and to that end would have her send her great messenger; Randolph is to use such ceremonies as by his discretion shall stand with her honour, and to thank him for his friendly writings and dealings towards her subjects and servants. He is also to say that Jenkinson very secretly told her that the Emperor was desirous of such friendship, that if either had to seek refuge of their own countries that the one might be the defender of the other's cause. To which he shall say that the Queen thinks that Jenkinson might have misconceived the words of the Emperor, for that she has no manner of doubt of the continuance of her peaceable government, without danger either of her subjects or any foreign enemies, and knows of nothing to the contrary of the state of the said Emperor, of whose power and wisdom she has had good report made to her; assuring him that if any mischance might happen in his estate he shall be as friendly received in her dominions as if he had special covenants signed and sealed. Randolph is to satisfy him in such general sort without giving occasion to enter into any such special treaties as are called offensive and defensive, for she is not ignorant of the enmity betwixt him and the empire of Rome, and the Kings of Poland and Sweden; so that it cannot be convenient for her to make any outward treaty with him, otherwise than to have some grants of privileges for her merchants, and that is the special cause of sending him thither. He is to present him a rich standing cup of silver, and in it a great number of pieces of plate artificially wrought, and shall recommend it more for the rarity of the fashion than for the value. Has commissioned two merchants with his help to further the treaty. He is to use his diligence for the recovery of the stock and store of the said society out of the hands of such as have been put in trust with their trade, who have notoriously abused and deceived the same merchants.
Draft, with corrections by Cecil. Endd. Pp. 4.
June 17. 2273. Sir Henry Norris to Cecil.
1. (fn. 1) Their intention here is if the Queen detains the Queen of Scots they will get the Earl of Murray so at their devotion as to have the King of Scotland into their country. Much fears lest sharp words sent by the Queen to the Earl of Murray will cause their attempts the sooner to be brought to pass. On the 16th inst. the Admiral gave him again to understand that the Cardinal of Lorraine to get the greater credit with the Queen Mother and M. D'Anjou has promised to convey the interest that the Queen of Scots pretends to England to him. Further he sent to know what means and aid might be had for the advancement of religion, which was intended by the Cardinal of Lorraine and his complices to be utterly extirpated, which aid they require as their uttermost refuge. (fn. 1) —Paris, 17 June 1568. Signed.
2. Divers troops of the religion have discovered themselves in sundry places. Monvans has surprised Orange and overrun the country as far as St. Esprit. At Toulouse the Edict will not be received, and the gentleman who brought the same thither was colourably condemned and executed for some other offence. Montmorency has come to the Court. The process between him and the Duke of Guise for the county of Dammartin will in the end break out to open enmity. These mischiefs are in such sort accompanied with private quarrels, that the end cannot but be perilous. The Prince of Orange has waged 4,000 of Cassimer's reiters, which has much astonished many of the affectionate Romish, for the proceedings here on both sides are measured by the success in Flanders. Desires Cecil to show himself in time by some good motion the same man the world reputes him. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 2.
June 17. 2274. Sir William Drury to Cecil.
His man upon the 14th inst. left the Earl of Murray at Kemmar with 6,000 horsemen and 1,000 footmen, whereof 200 were pioneers, the Earl Morton and Lord Home having the vanguard. Their provision is great. There are 600 (sic) carriages of wine. They may do what they purpose, for he hears not of any who are minded to make any defence. Where the Queen of Scots offers to make her purgation the Earl of Murray likewise offers himself prisoner in the Tower of London if he prove her not guilty in the death of the King her husband, and desires the trial thereof. Yesterday there passed to the Queen Mary Seton.—Berwick, 17 June 1568. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1.
June 17. 2275. Sir William Drury to Cecil.
The Regent is very desirous to have the matter tried wherewith the Queen has been charged of, who now [it] seems makes large offers to clear herself. The less resort that [any] make to the Queen when she is removed from Carlisle the better, for she has sugared speech in store, and as Drury hears spares not to deal part of it now where she is. A good Englishman and of constant mind were the fit man to have the looking unto her where she shall be bestowed. After any French have been with her her mirth increases, and she assures herself of great things, but she cares not how short time the Queen Mother lives.—Berwick, 17 June 1568. Signed.
Endd. P. 1.
June 17. 2276. Mr. Walter Haddon to Cecil.
Gives him a short account of the state of Lewis Thieryn's action in law for the recovery of his goods. Signed.
Add. Endd.: 17 June 1568. With seal. P. 1.
June 18. 2277. Dr. Man to Cecil.
Is informed that Don Graow De Espes [Gerald De Spes] of the Cross of Calatrava departs very shortly for this King's ambassador resident there. He has had often and secret conferences with Sir Francis Englefield. He is a man of reputation in this Court, and of the president's preferment. Is sorry that he cannot hear yet of his revocation. It is very strange that the King's Ambassador in England, besides all honourable entertainment possible, has liberty for Mass, preaching, and any talk of conscience in his house, and the Queen's Ambassador here cannot be suffered to reply or say anything at his own table in the defence of the Reformed Doctrine of religion but that the Inquisition immediately examines and takes hold thereof, and makes it sufficient matter to cause the King to deal no more with him.—From his house beside Madrid, 18 June 1568. Signed.
Passage in cipher. Add. Endd., with seal. P. 1¼.
June 18. 2278. Lord Scrope to Cecil.
Thanks him for his friendly remembrance, and encloses a copy of his letter to the Queen, that as he shall like or mislike thereof so to cause it to be delivered or referred till further.—Carlisle, 18 June 1568. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1.
June 18. 2279. Lord Scrope to the Queen.
Understands from Mr. Secretary her good disposition in relieving his necessity and allowing and well-liking of his former service, for which he humbly thanks her.—Carlisle, 18 June 1568. Signed.
Copy. P. 1. Enclosure.
June 18. 2280. John Hamilton of [Beustowne] to John [Lane].
Desires him to borrow forty pounds of his friends and send it to him. Also to send his cloak and some other clothes.— Carlisle, 18 June. Signed.
Add. P. 1.
June 18. 2281. John Hamilton to—.
1. The Queen is very merry and in good health, and has gotten very good writing of the Queen of England to her contentment. All have as great liberty in Carlisle as ever they had in Edinburgh. The Queen says that she will see them all recompensed. May have any office he will seek of her. Has sent a boy to Edinburgh for money, and thinks he has gone away with it.
2. Desires him to send different things.—Carlisle, 18 June. Signed: Ye wot quha.
P. 1.
June 18. 2282. John Hamilton to —.
Desires him to convey a writing to his wife, and get her answer again. Also to send him money and clothes, and a honest boy.—Carlisle, 18 June. Signed: Ye wot quha.
Endd. P. 1.
June 18. 2283. Sir Henry Norris to Cecil.
The bearer, Thomas Way, being in France fell in acquaintance with one Sturton, an Englishman, who said that if he were in his country with assurance for his life, he could do it 20,000l. worth of commodity, whereby it is to be thought that there is some practise in hand which he could discover. He further declared that the ports and creeks in England are well known to him, and that nothing of moment passes in England whereof he has not good advertisement. Sturton has a brother with the Lord Admiral.—Paris, 18 June 1568. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. P. 1.
June 19. 2284. N. Stopio to Cecil.
The Turkish fleet has returned to Modon.—Venice, 19 June 1567. Signed.
With seal. Ital. P. 1.
2285. Advices.
Intelligence from Rome of the 12th, and Vienna of the 10th June.
Ital. Pp. 3½. Enclosure.
2286. Death of the Count of Aremberg.
Latin elegy on the death of John Count of Aremberg.
In Stopio's handwriting. Lat. Pp. 1½. Enclosure.
June 19. 2287. Advices.
News from Rome of June 19th; from Lyons of the 13th; Avignon, May 29th; Madrid, the 14th May; Vienna, the 17th May.
Endd. Ital Pp. 3.
June [20]. 2288. Sir William Drury to Cecil.
Even now arrived Scudamore from the Earl of Murray, to whom he had imparted as much as in Cecil's letter was mentioned to be the Queen's pleasure he should know touching the offer and protestation the Lord Herries made in the Queen of Scots' name, for the trial of the cause between her subjects and her, the which he seemed to entertain most welcome, and protested that notwithstanding the troublesome time, yet would he and the Earl Morton both leave Scotland rather than through his default they should leave the truth doubtful; and that they would come to what place and time as shall pleasure the Queen.—Berwick, 20 Signed.
Add. Endd.: 27 June. P. 1.
June 22. 2289. The Regent Murray to the Queen.
Has received her letter of the 8th June from Mr. Middlemore. If he had delighted in private revenge he had not lacked commodity to have executed rigour. Has attended that men should have acknowledged their duty and so stayed the execution of force, but lenity availing nothing it behoved him to prepare force. Would not have been so sudden if King's authority and the state of the county could otherwise have stood. The preservation of amity betwixt the realms was the occasion why he has drawn towards the West Marches, being destitute of a Warden, and Lord Herries having purposely shaken loose all the broken men inhabitants thereof. Although his offers have been despitefully rejected, he has forborne for reverence of her requisition to execute anything against anyone. For further declaration of his part and meaning he intends to direct unto her one or more men of credit well instructed.—Hoddam, 22 June 1568. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 1½.
June 22. 2290. The Regent Murray to Cecil.
1. Refers him to the bearer, who has seen their proceedings and to whom he has communicated his mind at great length.
2. Thanks him for his continued good-will.—Hoddam, 22 June 1568. Signed.
Add. Endd.: By Mr. Middlemore. P. ½.
[June 22.] 2291. The Regent Murray's Reply to Mr. Middlemore.
1. Whereas the Queen requires him to forbear all hostility against such as have taken part with the Queen of Scots, the least offer of obedience by any of them had at all times been sufficient for their relief. Addressed himself first towards the West March, for that within the same stand the most open and avowed disobedients to the King's authority, but chiefly that a Warden might be established to answer the Queen's opposite officers for the attemptats committed by subjects of Scotland against the lieges of England. They began with the Laird of Lochinvar, Lord Herries' son-in-law, whom they willed to acknowledge his duty, but finding in him not only repulse of all good offers, but despiteful and menacing terms they stayed no longer the execution towards his house, yet for reverence of the Queen of England's request they forbore the depredation of his friends and country at this time.
2. And for his offer to make declaration of their whole doings, against that wherewith the King's mother charges them, he has sent Mr. John Wood who will resolve the Queen of England of anything she stands doubtful into. But because they perceive the Queen minded to have the trial used with great solemnity they would be loath to enter in accusation of the King's mother, and fain to enter in qualification with her. In case the Queen will have the accusation directly to proceed, it were most reasonable they understood what they should look to follow thereupon in case they prove all that they allege.
3. Prays Middlemore to require that at least the Lords of the Council may assure them what they may "lippen" to. Further it may be that such letters as they have of the King's mother that sufficiently in their opinion prove her consenting to the murder of her husband shall be called in doubt by the judges to be constituted for examination and trial of the cause. His servant John Wood has copies of the letters translated. Desires that they may be considered by the judges, and that they may resolve him thus far in case the principal agree with the copy, that then they prove the case indeed, for when they have manifested and shown all and yet shall have no assurance that it they send shall satisfy for probation, to what purpose shall they after accuse or take care how to prove when they are not assured what to prove, or when they have proved what shall succeed?
4. Desires to be resolved of the time and place when the matter shall be tried. Also that it be remembered how prejudicial it is to the quietness of the Borders that the King's mother be permitted to remain at Carlisle so near the frontiers. Nothing can be more hurtful than suddenly to permit Lord Herries to come home, as he will trouble all again.
Endd. Pp. 2.
June 22. 2292. Maitland of Lethington to Cecil.
The disordered people have taken great comfort by the Queen of England's letter to the Regent, and become a little more stout. Trusts that their greatest pride will be abated before they go from hence, whereby justice may be executed and quietness continued betwixt the inhabitants of both frontiers.—Hoddam, 22 June 1568. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1.
June 22. 2293. Lord Scrope to Cecil.
According to the contents of the letter from the Privy Council anent the joining with the Regent for reformation of the disorders on these frontiers, and keeping of fugitives out of his charge, he met him this day near Annan. The Regent has placed the Laird of Drumlanrig as Warden of those Marches, whereunto Scrope condescended and promised to minister justice for the preservation of the peace to him. —Carlisle, 22 June 1568. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1.
June 22. 2294. Sir William Drury to Cecil.
1. Has at present but 400 footmen and fifty able horsemen for the defence of the town, for the due service of which there cannot be spared a score much less hundreds as now he doth, and of necessity must except he should suffer the March to lie abandoned of the Queen's people and used of the Scots. Has no assured matter to warrant him to lie so many of this garrison as now he is forced in the March. The long inviolable amity and peaceable neighbourhood observed by the English, notwithstanding whatsoever unkind occasion is offered by the Scots for the breach thereof, and the over long delayed justice upon them, has so far emboldened them that whatsoever they commit they make no reckoning to render any account thereof.
2. The soldiers whom he has dispersed into sundry parts of the frontier (though with the pensioners above 130) are not only over few but also serve as painfully and dangerously as if it were open war.
3. The Scots gather themselves into hundreds and attempt to murder where they can find themselves to be an overmatch, as where there lie but ten or twelve soldiers they omit no opportunity to mischief them by night or day. Nevertheless they have still hitherto been impeached for the most part. Ferniehurst is a great backer of these disorders. Yesternight was brought word that he had in practise covertly to make a great raid into this Border, and that there are men assembling; whereupon he sent forth Captain Wood with his company to the relief of Captain Brickwell to welcome them. It pricks them much that he should thus restrain their insolent riefs and murders, and that their cattle feeding in England should be impounded.—Berwick, 22 June 1568. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 2.
June 23. 2295. Sir Henry Norris to Cecil.
1. Holds the wolf by the ear, and is in doubt whether it is safer to let him go or keep his hold. A gentleman named Menillie, one of the Admiral's dear friends, required Norris to send one of trust to whom he might impart somewhat of importance, whereupon he sent the bearer his secretary. Menillie, after some discourse of how necessary it was for the religion throughout Christendom to remain united, at length said that he had somewhat to declare from M. De Montmorency, which was that the Queen having certain knowledge of the Cardinal of Lorraine's devices to hold his credit with Monsr. D'Anjou, he thought since the Queen, as all other of the religion, was greatly wronged hereby, it should not be displeasant unto her if some other means were found to requite the same and cause his practise to come to more effect. Montmorency finds no way so ready as if it would please the Queen not to take in ill part that some overture of treaty of marriage were moved betwixt her and Monsieur. And though the Queen never meant the same should take place, yet he thinks there would thereof arise great commodity. First, that Montmorency breaking this matter with Monsieur serving so greatly to his high desires, seeming a thing easy in respect of the marvels the Cardinal of Lorraine promises as not only he but the French King and the Queen Mother would marvellously embrace the same. And so Montmorency taking in hand to deal herein shall in such sort creep in credit with Monsieur, as in the end to work the Cardinal of Lorraine out of favour.
2. Describes the position of the Prince of Condé and the rest.—Paris, 23 June 1568. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 2.
June 23. 2296. Sir Henry Norris to the Queen.
1. Had audience on the 18th inst., when he related to the King and the Queen Mother that which he was commanded by her letter of the 8th inst. concerning the Queen of Scots; whereunto the Queen Mother first answered that 'the Queen's great goodness and clemency towards all oppressed had been such that they had no mistrust but that it would be the like or more to the Queen of Scots. Afterwards, both she and the King made great professions of amity to the Queen of England, which Norris answered in a similar manner.
2. The Prince of Conde, the Admiral, D'Andelot, and Esternay all lie in divers castles, with captains, soldiers, and gentlemen about them, and are so placed that there is no river between them, so that they, with their company, may easily meet together within a day and a half; and Esternay, well accompanied, keeps a ford passage over the Seine open for them of the religion to come and go from Picardy to the Prince. Rochelle and some other towns have refused to take any garrisons. Peter Clare the 20th June came out of Almaine with divers letters to the King from such noblemen as are his pensioners, advertising him that in Germany there were a number bent against him, and that if he renewed the war he was like to put Metz and some other places of strength in jeopardy. On the 18th inst. the King said that he would rather lose his crown than live in fear of his estate. The French have recovered a castle in Terra Florida, out of which two years past they were cast forth.—Paris, 23 June 1568. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 4.
June 24. 2297. Philip II. to the Queen.
In order that she may more fully understand the cause of his proceedings towards Mr. Man, he send the bearer, Don Gerald De Spes, a knight of Calatrava, who will inform her of all, and afterwards remain at her Court in the place of his present ambassador.—Madrid, 24 June 1568. Signed.
Add. Endd. by Cecil. Lat. Broadside.
June 24. 2298. Allowances for the Marshal of Berwick.
Allowances demanded by the Marshal of Berwick for charges by him sustained in occupying the place of principal officer of that piece, and of Warden of the East Marches for eight months fourteen days, total 310l. 13s. 4d.
Notes in Cecil's writing. Endd. P. 1.
June [24]. 2299. The Regent Murray's Campaign in the West.
"The dyet of my Lord Regent's camp, where it was every night." Summary of Murray's campaign in the West, from the 11th to the 24th June. Taking and destruction of Skirling Castle; surrender of Hoddam; meeting with Lord Scrope.
Endd. Pp. 1½.
June [24]. 2300. The Regent Murray's Campaign in the West.
A longer diary of Murray's campaign in the West. List of countries passed through, with the order of his army.
Endd. Pp. 5.
June 26. 2301. Sir Henry Norris to [Cecil].
Movements of the Prince of Orange and his friends with their troops in Germany. The Count of Meghen is besieged in Groningen. There is news that the Captain Coqueville is defeated. Signed.
Endd. by Cecil: 26 June 1568. Advices of Germany, from Sir H. Norris. Pp. 2¼.
June 26. 2302. Advices.
Intelligence from Rome, 26th June 1568; from Lyons, 13th June.
Ital. Pp. 3½.
June 27. 2303. Sir William Drury to Cecil.
The Queen of Scots' favourers have intercepted letters from Mr. John Wood to the Earl of Murray, and sent them to her. Her remaining in Carlisle breeds encouragement to the thieves and loose persons of the Borders, as likewise the likelihood remaining that she should be aided by the Queen, as in part may appear by letters written by some of theirs to her favourers in Scotland, which he has caused to be intercepted through lying wait at the fords and passages within his charge. Ferniehurst has spoken with him, offering good neighbourhood, desiring kindness. Things are somewhat altered; the English Borderers dreaded them, and now they fear the English as much. Is but a young Borderer, but if he is not deceived, they are easy enough dealt with, if they receive one displeasure for another, if by justice it cannot be remedied.—Berwick, 27 June 1568. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1.
June 28. 2304. Sir Henry Norris to Cecil.
1. On the 10th inst., one Rogers, an Englishman, well learned, came and declared that there were here on the 5th inst. certain determinations that if their enterprise had had desired success, the nobility of the religion had lost their heads. And the 6th following [it was] agreed that the French would have embarked and joined themselves with the Spaniards, who then were on the sea, and thus being linked together the conspiracy was to have landed upon some of the coasts of England, where certain lords should have aided them at their landing, thinking thereby to have made the Queen in such fear of this, that should have been done upon such a sudden, that hereby the Queen of Scots should straightways have been yielded to them to have been brought into France; and further, that the English should have been so occupied that the Spaniards should have had sure passage, who think that the Queen of England aids the Prince with money, and that she should have hindered their coming into Flanders. Receiving this of so mean a person, he thought rather to learn further than rashly to send him this.
2. But now again, on the 27th inst., Menillie sent word from Montmorency that the Cardinal of Lorraine should say in open Council within these few days (that which Norris trusts was rather to cause suspicion to arise in England than for any truth there is in his saying), "That the troubles here being ended for religion, as he trusted they would be shortly, and the Queen of Scots returned into France, four noblemen of England had promised him that so soon as any French forces should show themselves in any place of Scotland or England, they would have in readiness 40,000 men at their commandments to help them." The Cardinal of Lorraine has promised Monsieur, as he is again advertised by the Admiral, that the Queen of Scots shall make a grant of her estate not only of England but also of Scotland, unto him, whereunto the Pope has given his consent, and if he will not take this enterprise in hand he will give them for a prey to others. Montmorency has quitted his government of Paris to Mons. D'Alencon. Montmorency and the Cardinal of Lorraine are admitted chief of the Privy Council.—Paris, 28 June 1568. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Partly in cipher, deciphered. Pp. 1¼.
June 28. 2305. The Earls of Pembroke and Leicester and Cecil to Sir Henry Norris.
Being made privy to such messages as he lately sent by this bearer, his secretary, to Cecil, they well allow of his secret usage and speedy advertising thereof, and do not mislike the overture made by De Menillie in the name of the Duke Montmorency for the diverting of the enterprise intended by the Cardinal of Lorraine, and although there is no likelihood of the sequel of this overture for sundry respects, yet they wish him to make such answer as it may proceed, and to that end they are content that he may show the party this letter, signed with their hands. Assure him of their secrecy.
Draft in Cecil's writing, with corrections. Endd. P. 1.
June 29. 2306. The Queen to Catherine De Medicis.
1. Is glad to hear of her recovery to health. The bearer, M. De Montmorin, who has had access to the Queen of Scots, can inform her in what state her affairs are.—Greenwich, 29 June 1568.
This which follows, the Queen wrote with her own hand under this letter:—
2. Assures her of the safety of the life and honour of the Queen of Scots. Will not forget that she is a Queen, and her near relative; nor on the other hand can she put aside the considerations which move her not to treat her with such ceremony or pomp as she might have desired, and which she would rather leave to the Queen Mother's good judgment to imagine, than suffer her pen to write.
Copy. Fr. P. 1.
June 29. 2307. Note of George Carr's Saying.
1. George Carr, being indicted of March treason at the bar, openly said that Sir John Forster had no commission to try upon the life of man, and required to be heard before the Prince and Council.—At the Warden Court, Morpeth, 29 June 1568.
2. Names of certain gentlemen who heard the words subscribed.
Endd. P. 1.
2308. Another copy.
Endd. P. 1.
June 29. 2309. Sir Henry Lee to Cecil.
1. Left, at his coming from Cologne, the Prince of Orange at his house, six miles from thence, to which place, five days before, he was returned out of the higher parts of Germany, as from Strasburgh, where he was with the Palsgrave, who altogether detests the proceedings of the Duke of Alva, and furnishes with all he may the Prince. His son Casimir is full ready, and has in his company 5,000 or 6,000 reiters. There pass continually soldiers, some to the Prince, and some to his brother. Gives the names of noblemen and others who are in Cologne expecting the Prince. Is in company with a Spaniard who was sent by the Emperor about his business to Spires, who says that the Emperor much mislikes the proceedings of the Duke of Alva, and especially for putting to death those two noblemen, to whom the Duke has sent an excuse which persuades little. The Palsgrave in great rage has also sent to the Emperor, lamenting and crying out of the intolerable murder of his son-in-law, protesting revenge.
2. Eric of Brunswick has given his word to furnish the Duke of Alva with 4,000 horsemen, but with much ado he has only got together 1,500. All the rest of the noblemen of this country prefer the cause of the Prince of Orange, some for kindred, some for religion, other some for the cruelty of the murder. There is much ado between the Bishop and the town of Treves.—Augsburg, 29 June. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 2¼.
June 29. 2310. The Regent Murray to Forster.
Is now returned from his progress at the West March. Minds when their corn and hay is gathered hereafter to visit them, for the present burning of their houses could do them little harm. The chief occasion of the obstinacy and rebellion of all these countrymen is by reason that the Queen has been permitted to remain so long at Carlisle.—Edinburgh, 29 June 1568. Signed: James Regent.
Add. Endd. P. 1.
June 30. 2311. Sir William Drury to Cecil.
1. Forwards a packet from the Earl of Murray to Mr. John Wood. Murray is most desirous to have speedy advertisement what he shall trust unto touching his last answer concerning Lord Herries' demand in the Queen of Scots' name. It is now judged that divers great men will seek their peace with him.
2. P.S.—The Queen of Scots has lately sent comfort to all her favourers to remain faithful.—Berwick, 30 June 1568. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1.
June 30. 2312. Inquiries by the Regent of Scotland.
Notes which the Regent desires to have resolved touching the intended trial of the Queen of Scots, containing the same inquiries as were made by him to Middlemore. June 22.
Endd. P. 1.
June 30. 2313. The Queen to Charles IX.
Was glad to receive his letter expressing satisfaction that the Queen of Scots had arrived in her kingdom, and assures him that she shall want for nothing that she can honourably grant. Trusts that she may never change her opinion with regard to the position of Princes with their subjects.— Greenwich, 30 June.
Copy. Endd.: To the French King. Written with her own hand. Fr. P. ½.

Footnotes

  • 1. In cipher.