Elizabeth: September 1571, 1-15

Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 9, 1569-1571. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1874.

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'Elizabeth: September 1571, 1-15', in Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 9, 1569-1571, (London, 1874) pp. 520-535. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/foreign/vol9/pp520-535 [accessed 26 March 2024]

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September 1571, 1-15

[Sept.] 1969. Spanish Money detained in England.
Index of the proofs and other writings relating to the Spanish money in the Tower of London, which were given by Fiesco to Gresham and the others.
Lat. Pp. 2.
Sept. 1. 1970. Sir William Drury to Lord Burghley.
1. The Laird of Wyrmorston (Ormiston) with five others from Edinburgh have been at St. Andrews, and brought Virac from thence to the castle. At their return they have, from Lord Lindsay's at Anstruther, taken away his best horses. The same day the other horsemen from the castle fetched from his house at the Byres, in Lothian, 100 great cattle, and led them to Edinburgh. There was a great skirmish on Thursday, and the castle side got the worst of it. Is informed there are 160 of them taken. How much soever the Regent may mislike of his advertisements, he will not forbear to use all good offices to him. Sends herewith John Case's letter.
2. P.S.—Offences are nightly for the most part committed by Tivydale men. If there be not now at the lengthening of the nights some placed in the country, greater spoils will be committed. Meets young Cessford on Monday, but it is little he may do for redress, as his servants are the most disordered persons, whom he dares not offend. Lord Hunsdon's presence is very needful.—Berwick, 1 Sept. 1571. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 2.
August 29. 1971. John Case to Sir William Drury.
The Parliament began on the 28th August. Has seen a letter in cipher from the castle, to the effect that the Regent and the Earl of Morton abuse the Queen of England, giving out that they refuse to submit their differences to her, and make the land thrall to England, but would be content that the King of France should be judge. Virac, in speech with Morton, said that the Regent had told him that he had neither been taken or stayed but for him; and also declared the goodwill that his master had towards Scotland and the young King. Morton denied the first part, and declared that the French King had shown a plain partaking with the King's disobedient subjects, whilst the Queen of England had dealt with both parties indifferently. That which Case brought has made Morton turn over another leaf, who will now do anything that the Queen wishes. The Regent complained his case to him with weeping eyes, not having enough money to pay his soldiers. The ministers at this Parliament request to be of the Parliament, that they may excommunicate those indebted to them, and not to be tried by temporal judges.— Stirling, 29 August. Signed.
Add. Pp. 5. Enclosure.
Sept. 1. 1972. —to M. De Betton.
Begs that he may have from the Queen [of Scots] 100 crowns, in order that he may repair into Spain, or at least a letter in his favour to the Duchess of Feria. Has lost his father, and the Parliament has confiscated his inheritance. The Duchess of Guise has given birth to a son at Joinville, where all the Lorraine Princes are at present. Forwards a letter.—Paris, 1 Sept. 1571. Signed with an anagram.
Add. Fr. Pp. 2.
Sept. 2. 1973. Lord Buckhurst to Lord Burghley.
Has declared to M. De Foix Her Majesty's stay of resolution for sending into France. Mr. Bashe has very well entertained the Ambassadors, who have taken it very thankfully. M. De Foix only attends upon the despatch of Her Majesty's letters. To-morrow they dine with him. They shall have four knights and eight or ten gentlemen of the worthiest he can make choice of here to meet them. Sir Owen Hopton being one, they will after dinner ride to the Tower.—Sackville House, 2 Sept. 1571. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 2.
Sept. 2. 1974. The Queen to Walsingham.
Has not been able to ascertain him of anything certainly concluded with M. De Foix, by reason of his not being satisfied with her answers. But now he and the Ambassador resident having had sundry conferences with her, and her Council, at all times the matter has chiefly depended on the cause of religion; they requiring a toleration, and she denying the same. He shall see by writings sent herewith what has been said thereto. They being troubled with the phrase that the Duke shall not be molested in the exercise of any rites not repugnant "verbo Dei," the same has been altered to "Ecclesiæ Dei." His meaning, however, is to be declared plainly to Monsieur, that she cannot permit him to have the use of any private mass at his coming. He is therefore to resort to the King, and affirm the same to be her mind, and to assure him that these things being assented to, she means sincerely to proceed in the treaty of the marriage. Though she had occasion to think by some of his letters that M. De Foix had some motion of a further league to be made between her and the French King, he has declared that he had no such commission. He is to insist on the sincerity of her proceedings in this matter.
Draft in Burghley's writing. Endd. Printed by Digges. Pp. 2¾.
Sept. 2. 1975. Queen Elizabeth to Catherine de Medicis.
Expresses the friendship and love which she has towards her and her son.
Draft in Burghley's writing. Endd.: 2 Sept. 1571. P. 1.
Sept. 2. 1976. Queen Elizabeth to the Duke of Anjou.
Assures him that the difficulties that have been moved in the matter concerning himself are not risen by lack of goodwill in her, but only upon just reasons that are so inseparably knit to the office of her kingdom, that she would not be thought worthy of the one if she regarded not the other. Protests that she has acted with sincerity all through the matter.
Draft in Burghley's writing. Endd.: 2 Sept. 1571. P. 1.
Sept. 2. 1977. Sir William Drury to Lord Hunsdon.
It is reported that in the late skirmish, Lord Home was taken, and through corruption of his taker returned again. He is hurt in the arm. Captain Balye, a very sufficient man for leading horsemen, is taken, very much favoured of the Hamiltons. Many more of the castle side taken than of the other.—Berwick, 2 Sept. 1571. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 2/3.
Sept. 2. 1978. George and John Durye to the Commendator of Dunfermline.
Have written to sundry friends in Scotland, after that they had answered in the schools for their bachelors' act. Lord Seton has offered to lend them money, which they desire he will cause to be repaid to him.—Louvain, 2 Sept. 1571. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. P. ½.
Sept. 3. 1979. Lethington and Grange to Sir William Drury.
Would be glad that the Queen of England should have the the credit of putting an end to the controversies in this realm. Do not desire that any gentleness which they require her to use towards the Queen of Scots should breed any insecurity to herself. Are of opinion that the Queen of Scots will yield to all honourable conditions, but if she shall be "deficil" in any point, they will themselves endeavour to persuade her not to stick thereat. Have long since named Melville as their commissioner, but their adversaries have refused to grant him a safe passage. Desires that liberty be granted to him to visit the Queen of Scots, and procure her consent to all things. Requests him to procure a safe-conduct for certain merchants to pass by land towards France.—Edinburgh Castle, 3 Sept. 1571. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 1⅓.
Sept. 3. 1980. Spanish Money stayed in England.
Abstract of the whole proofs of the Spanish money demanded by Fiesco, he confessing the rest to belong to Genoese.—3 Sept. 1571. Signed by Gresham, Dale, Osborne, and Fiesco.
Endd. Lat. Pp. 2⅓.
Sept. 4. 1981. Sir Thomas Gresham and others to the Privy Council.
Have treated with Mr. Fiesco about the Spanish money in the Tower, whereof he alleges to be Spaniards' goods, fortyone chests containing 835,290 reals, making 24,354l. 5s. 10d. Flemish. He confesses the rest to be Genoese goods, being 114 chests containing 2,371,414 reals, making 69,174l. 10s. 6d. Flemish. Give deductions for charges and other matters, reducing Fiesco's claim to 18,283l. 5s. 10d.—London, 4 Sept. 1571. Signed by Gresham, Dale, and Osborne.
Add. Endd. Pp. 1¼.
Sept. 4. 1982. Guido Cavalcanti to Lord Burghley.
M. De Foix departed at 3 a.m., well contented with his courteous entertainment.—London, 4 Sept. 1571. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Ital. Pp. 1⅓.
Sept. 4. 1983. —to Sir William Drury.
On the 4th Sept. the Earl of Huntley and the Lairds of Ferniehurst and Buccleugh, accompanied with 280 horsemen, and sixty harquebussiers on horseback, came to Stirling and took the Regent and the Earls of Glencairn and Eglington, and a great number of others out of their beds before they could be armed. Morton with his servants defended his house till they were in danger of their lives, by fire, but at last were constrained to surrender to Buccleugh. In the meantime sundry gentlemen issued from the castle, and the other party, being laden with horses, spoils, and prisoners, released the noblemen. The Regent is killed. Some say he was shot negligently by some of his own side; others that it is the Hamiltons' in revenge for the bishop. Garlies, Ormiston, and some others, to the number of twenty, are killed on his side, and the Laird of Bargeny's brother taken. On the other side, Buccleugh. George Cranston, and one Bell, with others, are taken. They have gotten a great booty of horses. The nobility have chosen the Earl of Mar to be Regent.—Stirling, 4 Sept.
Add. Pp. 1¼.
Sept. 4. 1984. Sir William Drury to Lord Burghley.
In the skirmish were slain of the castle's side Launcelot Hamilton and one of the Laird of Ricarton's brothers, and Captain Balye sore hurt. Few find fault with Home's escape as his takers were so slenderly rewarded before. On Sunday certain of the castle went to the Byres, but after they had made an entry into the wall of the old house, with certain of their men hurt and slain, retired again. The Earl of Argyle intends to keep house all this winter; he is held to be very inconstant, and respects no promise. As the Regent will not give Robert Melville safe passage, they of the castle will require the Queen of England to write to him. Encloses intelligence. Complains of Cessford's delay, which encourages the thieves. Many causes require the presence of Lord Hunsdon. His burden here is greater than his body or purse can tarry. Desires that certain of John Case's advertisements may be kept from Lady Lennox.—Berwick, 4 Sept. 1571. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 3½.
Sept. 2. 1985. John Case to Drury.
Several of the noblemen have agreed to say to the Regent that he should not use the liberty and custom of the country by his particular affection, but should be ruled by their counsel, not meaning to deprive him, but thinking that he would have taken such fire that he would have been glad to be gone. Has dealt with Morton, who told him that he would do anything that the Queen pleased, so that it were not to the utter wreck of the country. Virac has written to his master for men. The Regent complains very much of [Morton] for sending advertisements to Drury to his discredit. The 20l. sent to the was well bestowed. The nobility are fully bent to go to Edinburgh, and bring pieces from Dumbarton and other places. They have chosen sixteen of the nobility to appoint Commissioners. The most part are greatly affectioned to France. Those who are truly affectioned to England think that the Queen can have no security of Scotland, unless she can get the King. Heard the King make his oration, which he did without any abashment. The Regent has knowledge that Morton has got money, which Case denied. Lady Lennox gets most of Drury's advertisements.—Stirling, 2 Sept. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 5. Enclosure.
August 31. 1986. The Earl of Morton to Sir William Drury.
Will, according to the Queen of England's desire, contain himself in good amity and concord with the rest of the nobility professing the King's obedience, and be a means that others shall do the like.—Stirling, 31 August, 1571. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ½. Enclosure.
August 28. 1987. List of persons forfeited at the Parliament held on 28th August, and also a list of those noblemen of the King's party who were present.
Endd. Pp. 2. Enclosure.
August 27. 1988. Speech of the young King of Scots at the opening of the Parliament.
Endd. P. ¼. Enclosure.
Sept. 4. 1989. Advertisements from Scotland.
1. Account from some of the Regent's party of the surprise of the nobility at Stirling; their rescue, and the death of the Regent. Buccleugh, Ormiston, and Captain Bell, who was the chief deviser of this attempt, are taken with forty horsemen and harquebussiers.
2. Another account from some of the other party. The nobility were rescued through Buccleugh's and Ferniehurst's men going to the spoil of the town. Ormiston has brought back to Edinburgh above seven or eight score of horses and much other gear and merchandise.
Endd. by Drury: Notes of the journey to Stirling. P. 1.
Sept. 5. 1990. Valentine Dale and Peter Osborne to Lord Burghley.
Send a writing which Fiesco has required them to subscribe. They mind that he shall be answered that their commission is determined.—London, 5 Sept. 1571. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. P. ½.
[Sept.] 1991. Demands of Fiesco.
Summary of the proofs of ownership of the forty-one chests of treasure, which he demands to be delivered as belonging to Spaniards.
Endd. by Burghley. P. ½. Enclosure.
Sept. [5]. 1992. —to Lord Burghley.
Account of events which have happened in Scotland since 24 August. M. Virac's proceedings. Great skirmish before Leith. Parliament held at Stirling 28 August. Attack on Stirling by the Queen of Scots' party, and death of Lennox, and appointment of the Earl of Marr as Regent.—Stirling, Sept. 1571.
Add. Endd. Pp. 2¼.
Sept. 5. 1993. Sir William Drury to Lord Burghley.
Encloses advertisements from Scotland. Shall hear from him again, either confirming or disproving the same.—Berwick, 5 Sept. 1571. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ¾.
Sept. 5. 1994. Sir William Drury to Lord Burghley.
1. Encloses further intelligence from Scotland.
2. P.S.—If it be true that the Regent is dead the Queen has received a great loss. The like in affection she will never find of a Scottish born person.—Berwick, 5 Sept. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1.
Sept. 6. 1995. Sir William Drury to Lord Burghley.
Forwards letters which he has received from Lethington and Grange.—Berwick, 6 Sept. 1571. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ¾.
Sept. 5. 1996. Kirkcaldy of Grange to Sir William Drury.
Gives an account of the surprise of Stirling. By their slothfulness and negligence they have lost a great enterprise.— Edinburgh Castle, 5 Sept. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1. Enclosure.
Sept. 6. 1997. Grange and Lethington to Drury.
The Lairds of Buccleugh and Ferniehurst having brought some number of horsemen, they caused the bruit to run that they were to ride home, and sent horsemen to keep the passages between Edinburgh and Stirling that no advertisement should pass. Between five and six at night Huntley sortied forth, accompanied with 340 horse, and came within a mile of Stirling before day, where they left all their horses, fearing the clattering of their feet on the stones should discover them, and entered the town by a secret passage between four and five in the morning, and came to the market cross before they were perceived. Lennox and the others were taken, and all the nobility might have been brought safely to Edinburgh, although there were twenty earls and lords in the town, but whilst they were beseiging Morton's house the soldiers and borderers fell to spoiling, so that there remained on the causeway but very few with the Earl of Huntley. As soon as Morton was rendered, Buccleugh, seeing Lord Claude and some in his company with drawn swords, began to fear lest he should be slain, and although all there promised to save his life, yet could not he be persuaded to stand still whilst Lennox and the remaining nobility were assembled, that they might all be carried away together, but with his whole company about Morton rushed down the street towards the port. Some of the adversaries perceiving this disorder, and that no number tarried with Huntley and Lord Claude, compelled them to retire. In the meantime the Laird of Wormiston and some with him were bringing the Earl of Lennox down another Street, and in the tumult both Lennox and Wormiston were slain by a pistol shot by some of the adverse faction. Morton was rescued and Buccleugh taken with fifteen others, and nine slain. On the other part there are seventeen slain, of whom Lennox, young Garlies, and a brother of Lord Ruthven, are three, and hurt above thirty-seven. Their men have brought away above 320 horses, besides a great booty of goods. The sum is that in their Parliament time, when all their lords were convened in their principal strength, wherein there was above 2,000 men, 300 of theirs (for some tarried with the horses) entered amongst them and were masters of the town at least for the space of three hours, and might have slain all the noblemen and retired with a rich booty. Regret the slaughter of Lennox, because thereby the adverse faction have obtained that which they have long sought for. Have been suited to concur with them to put him away. It is probable that they have used the occasion which at this time was presented to them, for they are persuaded that he was not hurt by any of this side. The Hamiltons, whom he had the greatest cause to fear, where the principal who took him forth from his lodging and might have slain him if they had been minded. It appears they cared little for his loss in respect that they appointed the Earl of Marr in his room within twenty hours after his death. Complain of the slanders of their enemies.—Edinburgh Castle, 6 Sept. 1571. Signed.
Add. Endd. by Burghley. Pp. 2⅓. Enclosure.
Sept. 6. 1998. Advices from Italy.
Extracts in Cecil's writing from advices beyond the seas, dated August and 6 Sept. 1571, giving the names of the generals and the numbers of the Christian army against the Turk.
Endd. Pp. 1¾.
Sept. 6. 1999. Lord Scrope to Lord Burghley.
Has received intelligence of the attack on Stirling by Lord Claude the Earl of Huntly with 500 horsemen, which was repulsed, and Buccleugh and divers others taken or hurt.— Carlisle, 6 Sept. 1571. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ¾.
Sept. 6. 2000. Benedetto Spinola to the Earl of Leicester and Lord Burghley.
Relating to the negociations of Thomaso Fiesco for the restitution of the Spanish money detained in England, and desiring them to make arrangements for his safe and honourable return into the Low Countries.—London, 6 Sept. 1571. Signed.
Add. Endd. Ital. Pp. 2.
Sept. 6. 2001. M. De Foix to Lord Burghley.
Being ready to embark he cannot quit the kingdom without thanking him. Promises to do all in his power to preserve the amity between the two realms, and if Burghley comes to France that he shall be well received; also if he gives him notice he will appoint coaches along the route for his comfort and ease.—Dover, 6 Sept. Signed.
Add. Endd. Fr. P. 2/3.
Sept. 7. 2002. The Duke of Chatelherault and others to Charles IX.
Thank him for his good will towards their Sovereign and country, which they beg that he will continue. Nothing can divert them from their design for maintaining their Queen's cause, and the ancient amity between Scotland and France.— Edinburgh, 7 Sept. 1571. Signed.
Add. Endd. by Burghley. Fr. P. ½.
Sept. 7. 2003. M. Verac to Charles IX.
The Queen of Scots' party think that by reason of the Regent's death they will be assailed by the others, with assistance from England, under pretext of avenging his slaughter. They therefore beg some aid of men, if it only be 200 from France. Grange despairs of maintaining Edinburgh Castle without some French soldiers, as they are less likely to be tampered with than those of his own nation.
Endd. by Burghley. Fr. P. ½.
Sept. 7. 2004. Sir William Drury to Lord Burghley.
The Regent is slain and Marr chosen Regent.—Berwick, 7 Sept. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ¼.
Sept. 7. 2005. George and John Durye to John Davidson.
Marvel that they receive no word or letters from friends. Prays him to remind their Mæcenas that they shall need a good sum of money for the cold winter, and for the second act, which they may make next summer. Exhort him to remain constant in the Catholic faith.—Louvain, 7 Sept. 1571. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. P. ½.
Sept. 7. 2006. George and John Durye to Peter and Henry Durye.
Are in want of money. Desire them to thank Lord Seton for his offer, and also to remind their mother for the sacks and gowns.—Louvain, 7 Sept. 1571. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. P. 2/3.
Sept. 9. 2007. De la Mothe Fenelon to Lord Burghley.
Desires his favour for the bearer, M. Du Lac, who has been recommended to him by M. Morvilliers.—London, 9 Sept. 1571. Signed.
Add. Endd. Fr. P. 2/3.
Sept. 10. 2008. Charles IX. to Queen Elizabeth.
Desires that the Bishop of Glasgow may have a passport to repair to the Queen of Scots to render her an account of her affairs in France, and especially of her dower.—Blois, 10 Sept. 1571. Signed.
Add. Endd. French Royal letter.
Sept. 10. 2009. Thomas Randolph to Lord Burghley.
M. De Foix likes well of the Queen's intention of sending Burghley to the French King. He talked of the Queen of Scots, thinking that it cannot be long well with them if she is retained in that sort she is, which also Randolph thinks, though not to be delivered in that sort M. De Foix wishes. He laments the Duke of Norfolk's state, and thinks the matter to be far otherwise than it is taken, affirming the money to be sent from the French King, and delivered by the ambassador to the Duke's secretary to be conveyed to Virac in Scotland. The desire of a quieter life has caused him to search how near he can come to that happy state that many married men lead their lives in. Has gone so far that his fortunate or unlucky day is near at hand. His party is a daughter of Mr. Thomas Walsingham, nearest of kin to the ambassador in France, richer in virtue, he trusts, than great wealth. Hopes Burghley will be a means to increase his living.—London, 10 Sept. 1571. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1.
Sept. 10. 2010. Sir William Drury to Lord Burghley.
Complains of the slow speed of the posts not having received the Queen's letters of the 5th till yesterday. Has taken some order for staying of the thieves of Tivydale, and for restorement for injuries already done. The Regent lived after his hurt till towards night, exhorting all men still to follow the action for maintaining the King. Doubts not but that Burghley "is now by too good proof persuaded that his former advertisements of his being hardly dealt with by those who should have been his appears. They be generally the worst kind of people living."—Berwick, 10 Sept. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 1½.
Sept. 10. 2011. Christopher Mundt to Lord Burghley.
On his return to Germany he found both the harvest and the vintage had been so bad that the Princes were not able to hold their convention on account of the lack of victual. The horse which he gave him carried him from Calais to Stras bourg in eleven days. Payment of the German soldiers employed in the late war in France. Begs earnestly that after his death his eldest son may be taken into the service of the Queen of England.—Germany, 10 Sept. 1571. Signed.
Add. Endd. Lat. Pp. 1½.
Sept. 11. 2012. Lord Scrope to Lord Burghley.
Sends copies of a letter from the Laird of Drumlanrig, and one from the Earl of Morton to Drumlanrig. These troubles in Scotland give such encouragement to the borderers on both sides that of late there is great riding, for the repressing whereof he thinks 100 horsemen and 100 footmen will be as small a supply as will serve for the garrisons.—Carlisle, 11 Sept. 1571. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ¾.
Sept. 10. 2013. The Laird of Drumlanrig to Lord Scrope.
Sends the copy of a letter which he has received from the Earl of Morton. Desires that he will cause his officers to give warning that he and his friends and servants who depend upon the King, may not be troubled by the riders of England. —Drumlanrig, 10 Sept. 1571.
Copy. P. ⅓. Enclosure.
Sept. 8. 2014. The Earl of Morton to the Laird of Drumlanrig.
In the late surprise made by them of Edinburgh upon Stirling by their own sloth and the watch of the town not kept, there were many of them in hand, but in the end all released save a bastard brother of the Laird of Bargany's. The Regent, after he was taken forth of his house and led away more than two flight shots, was shot with a pistol along his bowels, whereof he departed. Some others of the King's party be hurt and slain; and divers of the other party both taken and slain, so as they have gotten far greater loss. The Earl of Marr has been chosen Regent. The nobility was never more willing or earnest to set forth the King's cause than they are now, not only those who were with them from the beginning, but also the Earl of Argyle, and the others who have presently joined them. They have made a bond to revenge the late Regent's slaughter. Proclamation has been made for all who depend on the King to be at Leith on the 1st October, with forty days' provision.—Stirling, 8 Sept. 1571.
Copy. Pp. 1¼. Enclosure.
Sept. 12. 2015. Lord Scrope to Lord Burghley.
1. Sends copies of letters which have passed between him and Lord Herries. Complains of Herries' transforming and altering his writing. Means not hereafter to write to him without the Queen's direction.
2. P.S.—Special watch set at Rose Castle for this night.— Carlisle, 12 Sept. 1571. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ¾.
Sept. 7. 2016. Lord Scrope to Lord Herries.
Has received answer from the Council to Herries' request touching his joining with the rest on the King's side, and is willed to advertise him that the Queen of England cannot direct him, but she says that there is no just cause given her to wish them well who have aided her rebels as they who are in Edinburgh Castle have done, and therefore she will like the worse of him if he joins them.—Carlisle, 7 Sept. 1571.
Copy. Endd. by Burghley. P. ¼. Enclosure.
Sept. 10. 2017. Lord Herries to Lord Scrope.
1. Perceives by his writing that the Queen of England minds neither the advancement of his mistress or of the King her son. As the Queen likes the worse of them of the castle for receiving her rebels, and he minds to do nothing to displease her, he would be glad to know how far he may pass with them.
2. P.S.—This night there came a servant of his brother who was with him [the Regent] when he was slain in Stirling, with news of the fray.—Terregles, 10 Sept. 1571. Signed.
Orig. Add. Endd. P. 1. Enclosure.
Sept. 12. 2018. Lord Scrope to Lord Herries.
Denies that there is any such matter in his letter as that the Queen minds neither the advancement of the King's side or the Queen of Scots. Seeing he so misconstrues upon his letter, he will be well advised before he writes any more to him without special direction from Her Majesty. Sends a copy of his letter and Herries' answer.—Carlisle, 12 Sept. 1571.
Copy. Endd. by Burghley. P. ⅓. Enclosure.
Sept. 12. 2019. Sir William Drury to Lord Burghley.
Desires him to further the suit of Mr. Sutton, Master of the Ordnance, whose care and ready service in the discharge of his office he much commends.—Berwick, 12 Sept. 1571. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ¾.
Sept. 12. 2020. Don Guerau D'Espes to Lord Burghley.
Sends his servant to inform him of the evil proceedings at Dover, where the spoils of pirates are openly sold and even their captives, as much as 100l. being given for some of them, who are detained in chains in the custody of the bailiff of Dover during the negociations between the pirates and Her Majesty's officers. Such are the sales by auction both of goods and men that there cannot be a greater emporium for pirates in all Europe.—London, 12 Sept. 1571. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Lat. P. 2/3.
Sept. 13. 2021. The Regent Marr to Sir William Drury.
Fears that the adversaries have given forth untrue bruits, especially Grange, who has reported that the murder of the Regent was perpetrated without commandment, and that he was sorry therefore. Not only his death but that of divers others of the noblemen was conspired and determined, so that his murder cannot be excused as committed by any sudden accident.—Leith, 13 Sept. 1571. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 2/3.
Sept. 13. 2022. M. Verac to—
Thanks him for having been his interpreter with the Earl of Morton and desires that he will be so again, and thank the Earl for his trouble in trying to obtain his liberty, and to procure a passport for him to go into France.—Edinburgh, 13 Sept. 1571. Signed.
Add. obliterated. Endd. Fr. P. 1.
Sept. 13. 2023. Sir William Drury to Lord Burghley.
1. The Earls of Marr and Morton are come to Leith fully determined to pursue them of the castle with all extremity, and have proclaimed that all men shall repair to them on the 1st of next month in warlike manner with forty days' victual. The Master of the Ordnance has occasion to repair up to the Court. Captains Bell and Calder are executed; Calder after the manner of France, arms and legs broken and set upon a wheel. He confessed that he slew the Regent by Huntley's and Lord Claude's procurement. The same is also affirmed by Bell, and that Morton, Lord Ruthven, and James Macgil should have tasted of the same cup.
2. P.S.—The soldiers of the castle have been paid in angels and sovereigns. Virac lately sought to speak with Morton quietly, but the same was refused. Money is very scarce.— Berwick, 13 Sept. 1571. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1½.
[Sept. 13.] 2024. John Ashley to Lord Burghley.
Note of the delivery by John Ashley, treasurer of the Queen's jewels and plate, to Thomas Stonley, under-treasurer of the mint, and others, of 7,184 lbs. 10¼ oz. of Spanish reals and 468 lbs. 5 oz. of bullion. Signed: John Ashley.
Add. Endd. P. ½.
Sept. 14. 2025. Sir William Drury to Lord Burghley.
Received his letter of the 8th at 6 p.m. but yesterday at 7 a.m., whereby appears the sloth and undutifulness of the posts. Desires also that they may be warned that the packets be not delivered by the way out of their hands. Encloses certain letters and writings. Esteems the new Regent to be one of the most constant men of Scotland and wholly given to quietness. Will do his best to hold Morton in temper, and also will employ himself with Grange and Lethington. Understands that they intend to engage the commodities of the priory of St. Andrew to make money to answer that due to the men of war. Fears lest through want they shall be forced amongst themselves to knit up or seek upon Virac. Money is the man in Scotland. Is forced by this change to seek new acquaintances, and money must win his credit with them.—Berwick, 14 Sept. 1571. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 2.
Sept. 5. 2026. First Examination of Captain George Bell.
Gives an account of the origin and plan of the late raid upon Stirling. Being inquired what he spake to the Regent when he met him coming down the gate he declared in these words only: "Wormiston gang fast with that man or else ye will not get yourself away nor him, for they are all coming down upon us." In the meantime, he led him to the Laird of [Wagingelt's] lodging and there left him to save himself, and bid Wormiston tarry with him, for he would be the saving of his life, and so past to the place where he was taken. Declares that the directions they got before coming away was only to take the Regent and the rest.—Stirling, 5 Sept. 1571. Before the Lords Ruthven, Methven, and Ochiltree, Mr. George Buchanan, and some others.
Pp. 1½. Enclosure.
Sept. 6. 2027. Second Examination.
Declares that he was the special deviser of this enterprise, "and being put to pains," declares that he came running down the gate from Huntley and Claude and cried "Shoot the Regent, the traitors is coming upon us and ye will not get him away." Also that Claude gave him command to follow the Regent and "gar slay him," which he obeyed, and in the meantime Wormiston bade seek a horse to carry him away.
Copies signed and endd. P. ⅓. Enclosure.
Sept. 6. 2028. Examination of Captain Calder.
Declares that he shot the Regent (which he has taken upon his soul) and that with his own hand, also that he and sundry others had command to "wait on" both the Regent and the Earl of Morton, also that the Earl of Huntley and the whole of the Hamiltons were utterly bent to have slain them both. At the first taking of the Earl of Morton they were drawn to parties in the high gate for his slaughter, the Laird of Buccleugh being minded to save him and the rest to the contrary. —At Stirling, 6 Sept. 1571. In presence of Lords Ruthven and Aberbrothick and Mr. George Buchanan. Signed: "James Calder, with my hand laid on the pen because I cannot write."
Endd. by Drury. P. ½.
Sept. 11. 2029. The Regent Marr to Sir William Drury.
Informs him of his appointment as Regent, and begs that he will employ his goodwill and credit for obtaining money to pay their soldiers.—Leith, 11 Sept. 1571. Signed: John, Regent.
Add. Endd. P. 1. Enclosure.
Sept. 11. 2030. The Earl of Morton to Sir William Drury.
Informs him of the election of the Earl of Marr to be Regent, "a man both godly, honest, and of upright nature, and one that does love the Queen your mistress." If she will hold hand with him for the preservation of the King and the revenge of the cruel murder committed upon the late Regent, she may be assured of all those depending on the King as of her own subjects. Their estate craves speedy support and specially of money.—Leith, 11 Sept. 1571. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ¾. Enclosure.
Sept. 2031. The Parliament at Stirling to those in the town and castle of Edinburgh.
Remonstrating with them on their wilfulness, which has caused all these troubles on the country, and advising them not to persist in the same, as they are determined that the King's authority shall be acknowledged in Edinburgh.—Sept.
Endd. by Drury. Enclosure. Copy. Broadside.
Sept. 15. 2032. Sir William Drury to Lord Burghley.
Commends the bearer to him whom he believes brings the Regent's excuse for acceptation of the regentship without the Queen's consent, thereunto moved and pressed by necessity. Sends a letter from the Regent, whom he thinks has returned to Stirling. There is a bruit that Lord Claude intended to burn Glasgow, and that the Laird of Minto, provost of the same, has encountered him, and that both are slain. Want of money.—Berwick, 15 Sept. Signed.
Add. Endd. P 1.
Sept. 14. 2033. The Regent Marr to Sir William Drury.
In behalf of Thomas Cranston, the husband of the Lady Corsby, who has been spoiled by certain of the Homes.— Leith, 14 Sept. 1571. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1. Enclosure.
Sept. 15. 2034. Intelligence from Italy.
Messina, 6 Sept. Assembly of the fleet of the Holy League and preparation for battle. News from Rome, 15 Sept. 1571.
Note in Cecil's handwriting of the number of the fleet at the foot of the first page. Ital. Pp. 4.
Sept. 15. 2035. Advices from Italy.
Rome, 15 Sept. 1571. Succession to the county of Pitigliano. Movements of the Turkish armaments.
Endd. Ital. P. 1.
Sept. 15. 2036. The Spanish Ambassador to Lord Burghley.
Complains of the seizure of a packet of his letters destined for Antwerp, at Dover. Finds it also strange that although the constable promised their prompt restitution they should have been sent to Burghley at the Court.—London, 15 Sept. 1571. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Lat. P. 1.
Sept. 15. 2037. Robert Bele to Lord Burghley.
Walsingham having shown him that he had authority to appoint him as his substitute during the next month, he begs that he may be excused on the grounds of inability and poverty.—Blois, 15 Sept. 1571. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 12/3.