Border Papers volume 2: February 1596

Calendar of Border Papers: Volume 2, 1595-1603. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1896.

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'Border Papers volume 2: February 1596', in Calendar of Border Papers: Volume 2, 1595-1603, (London, 1896) pp. 102-111. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-border-papers/vol2/pp102-111 [accessed 25 March 2024]

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In this section

212. John Carey to Burghley. [Feb. 1.]

I have delayed a fortnight "to see if I could have gotten the book (fn. 1) itself, but the King is very charye thereof, for that he meaneth to answere the same, having both the counsell of civill lawyers and other wise men."

I also send "a particuler" of my own estate, humbly beseeching you to find time to read it, and give me your opinion, being the only man I rely on for relief.

We await your warrants for the timber for the long bridge, and to take down the old wall, as may be thought fit. Berwick. Signed: Jhon Carey.

1 p. Addressed. Indorsed. Swan wafer signet.

Inclosed in the same:—

(Occurrences in Scotland.)

As no man dare write news, I can only send thus much from a friend there, "by worde of mouth" to myself.

The King lately received a packet of letters out of Flanders, from one Alexander Tayte a Scotsman born now a Jesuit priest, "to this or the like effecte:—

That moved by zeal to his prince and native country, he thought good to warn the King of the peril and danger hanging over his head, and to take wholesome counsel in time, lest he lose his most precious soul, and his crown and dignity also. That the Holy Father, and Catholic King, with other Catholic princes, had great care to bring him into the way of truth, and join him to their society; in proof of which two ambassadors, one from His Holiness, the other from the King of Spaine, were to be sent to him with great offers, which he trusted the King would not refuse, giving "for an example the obstinacy of the Frenche King, who remayned so long in the religione he had bin brought up in, that he had almost pulled the crowne off his owne head, but having in time, throughe the goodnes of God, bin brought to the acknowledgment of his errors, and being by the Holly Father received into the bosome of the Churche, had procured not onlie to himself thereby his soules health, but also peace and quietnes of mynde and conscyence to his whole realme and subjectes"—wishing him to do the like, making known that if he obstinately refused, then His Holiness with the "Most Catholik King," and the other princes leagued with them, had prepared so puissant an army to arrive in this island, that it would pass the power of the Queen of England and him to resist. I had this by one that brought it by word of mouth, "from a man that knowes very much of the Kinges secrettes, but durst not write yt for feare of intercepting."

Having heard of a book delivered to the King, with which he was much discontented, I desired a sight thereof, through a friend of mine there. But the King keeps it so "charely" that it cannot be "wanting" from its keeper "above one night." My friend has "such favor as he obteyned the having of yt a night and half a daye, in which time it was sent for thrise by the King"; so he finding he could not send it to me here, read and bore so much in mind as he could, writing to me thus:—

It is composed by one Mr Dolman in form of a discourse between a civil and a temporal lawyer, in two books. The subject is the right of a commonwealth to choose its own government, as Kings, in England or France, Dukes in Venice or Genoa, or popular government, as the "Swesers" or Low Countries. He affirms "the monarchy of a King" to be best, most resembling God, as one governeth all, one sun gives light to all, so one king rule all. Also in nature, one bee is king of all the rest. Affirming also that these commonwealths at pleasure "uppon just occationes," may depose a king or other ruler or "to debare him that is next in bloode," though the kingdom go by succession, and put whom they like in their places. And if they please, may alter a kingdom or dukedom to a "popular state," if the commonwealth think it most needful: giving examples of divers kings in Spain, Portugal, France and England being deposed, their deposing confirmed by general councils and "sea of Roome." But the mark whereat he "sutes," is the succession of the crown of England after her Majesty. For after long discourse of all the kings of Europe that have matched with England, he comes to the division of the houses of Lancaster and York, and prefers Lancaster as of better right. For Henry 7th when he won the field against King Richard, was crowned in right of Lancaster not York: though to appease broils in the country, he was content to take to wife the heir apparent of York. He names as competitors, Spain and Portugal conjoined, then Scotland, then the house of Suffolk, then the house of Clarence. Scotland he puts farthest off, for the King of Scots though come of Henry 8th eldest sister, is rather of York than Lancaster. Moreover Henry 8th in his last will, recorded in the Chancery, utterly forbad and took away the title that ever after Scotland should have to the crown, and also in her Majesty's reign it is confirmed by act of parliament, that no foreigner should reign in England. Moreover there is a blot in the King's title, for his mother was attainted, convicted and executed for treason against the Queen. Scotland also "being poore, to come to dominere in England, whose condition, as he saith, being rude and uncivill resembling the Irishe, will hardlie be well brooked in England; and as for Urbella, (fn. 2) she is as fare off, althoughe borne in England: for saith he, she is come of basterdy two wayes—first, Archbalde Douglesse earle of Anguische maried King James the 4 his wiff, of whom she is come, who had before that marriage a wiff, and at that instant and time lived, and also that the Queene had a husband which she married in secrett before that time, called Stweard. (fn. 3) Att which, saith he, King Henrie her brother being angry, sent in a nobleman into Scotland to knowe the truth, which was my lord admiralls father that now is, and he finding of yt by him to be true, made his will as aforesaid."

The house of Suffolk, he "lodes yt in the same predicament," for Charles Brandon, who married the King's second sister, had a wife then living, so his successors are illegitimate. The house of Clarence, of which he says the Earl of Huntingdon is, "can no waye be advanced to the crowne, for yt is fare off, and weake in purse and frendlesse." But for the house of Portugal and Spain, which he conjoins, "he intituleth the Infant of Spaine, and would gladlie bestowe the Crowne of England uppon her by those means, viz. She" quoth he "is come of the house of Lancaster in this order"—John of Gaunt married first Lady Blanche, by whom he was Duke of Lancaster, and had by her a son and daughter. The son's issue ended in King Henry the 6th. The daughter was married "to" the house of Portugal, whereby it "challengeth priory tie in bloode" of all the competitors, as representing Lady Blanche. John of Gaunt by his second wife, had daughters, who were married to the Duke of Brittany and other princes of France, "of whome, he said, this Infant of Spaine is come, and so challengeth Britanie, and also of the house of Portugale, and so maketh claime to the crowne of England."

So ends his book—"That when this matter shall come to debating, it would rest betwene the Infant of Spaine, and the secound sonne of thEarle of Hartforde." These matters are so far above me, I fear to write them, except that they are word by word, from one that saw the book.

Two mariners that passed here, told me of a ship freighted with the goods of one Mr Offley of London, driven by weather into harbour in Orkney, where the Earl of Orkney "after many slightes and devises," seized the ship and cargo, 56 "laste" of wheat, and 4 "laste" of wax, and after keeping the crew 20 days, threatening they should be hanged or thrown overboard, in the end discharged them. The pilot is at Edinburgh to crave redress from the King.

3 pp. Large sheets. Indorsed.

213. Eure to Burghley. [Feb. 5.]

That the fruits of my labours "may be refreshed with the pleasant dew of your honorable wisdome and directione," I acquaint you of my conference here on the 3d with the gentlemen of worth on the March, as to strengthening the same. They urgently asked leave to come to Court and lay their "piteouse estate" before her Majesty for some relief—but I stayed that course till you vouchsafe your pleasure therein.

The "yeomonrie" being so weak, I would ask your letters to me, straitly to command the gentlemen of great living and fair houses on the March, to keep hospitality there, or to maintain a sufficient number of horse and men furnished to rise to frays for defence. This would both strengthen the country, and remove them from their quiet dwellings in the Bishopric and Yorkshire, whither they have had to repair from their "unmeasurable losse." I have also arranged with them, that watchmen attend the beacons to fire them in case of sudden incursions.

There being too many Scots "crepte into" this March, who bring in others, or "speare" out complaints against the English, besides hindering trade and paying no taxes, I would with your leave, fix a peremptory day to send them over the March, rather than the extremity of law—as confiscation of goods and "prise of their person,"—which would be less offence to the King; but forbear till you direct me further.

Morpeth I find more convenient than Hexham for meeting the gentlemen, so if her Majesty would graciously grant me a lease for years or in feefarm, with the parks and domains formerly occupied by Lord Dacre, for the accustomed rent, I will resort thither so soon as I can "frame myself," after bringing the March at Hexham and the waters of Tyne to better order. Where I lie, I cannot possibly go to days of truce and return at night, with other great inconveniences.

I pray your direction as to answering the King of Scots' letter, whereof I wrote formerly. Morpeth. Signed: Ra. Eure.

pp. Addressed. Indorsed by Burghley. Quartered wafer signet.

214. Eure to Burghley. [Feb. 8. 1595–96.]

With many apologies for my presumption, but "your command absolute directeth me thereto," I humbly present to your lordship, not "as rare or newe," extracts of the old statutes, laws and treaties from Henry 3d to the 5th of her Majesty, as confirmed by the Earl of Rutland and Lord Eure then her commissioners. If these had been observed wholly or partly, the country would now have been in better defence.

The spoils increase, for the same day I was at Morpeth, Sir Robert Kerr's servants who spoiled Rugley, spoiled Glanton a town in Cookdale ward. My messenger can neither deliver my letter to him, nor does he make good his promise of justice and good neighbourhood. "I wyshe to God" your lordship would either see that the King's promise of justice "be executed by such as feare God and the honoure of the state wher they lyve and governe," or enable me to take "pune," thus enforcing better respect or some little amends to us. I pray your direction for a pleasing answer to the King's letter—whereon I would also signify Cesford's "unorderly course contrary the Kings proclamacion," and his shameful maintenance of these notable thieves.

I send in this "book" the names of such gentlemen in those parts, fittest for this commission, craving to be one myself. Asking your "allowance for not ordering these thinges learnedly, being without my skill."

The Bishop of Durham tells me to-day, that Lyonell Charlton, Roger Fowbrey laird of Fowbrey, and Thomas Charleton laird of Hawkupp, have escaped from Durham gaol, to which I committed them—"great theves but lyved in proud estate." The first is one of the greatest thieves in this March. Antone Armestrange alias Antons Edward, has lately since my coming fled out of the West March into Liddesdale, and is offered living by Buccleuch. Signed: Ra. Eure.

2 pp. Addressed. Indorsed.

215. Richard Musgrave to Burghley. [Feb. 12.]

In the "yeare eightie eight and eightie nine," powder and other munition was delivered into the Queen's storehouse here by the Earl of Huntingdon, by whose direction and warrants much was issued and sold into the country. So that my father being then master of the Ordnance, would not take charge of it, neither did I as his successor in office, receive it with the rest of the Queen's munition, for my lord lieutenant claimed to dispose of it himself. Now since his decease, my lady his wife has sent "to vewe and price the same," and I knowing it was issued from the Queen's store in the Tower, thought it my duty to signify the premisses for your direction, and send a "scedull" inclosed. "Frome the Manners at Newcastell." Signed: Rychard Musgrave.

1 p. Holograph. Addressed. Indorsed. Wafer signet: a shield charged with 6 annulets, 3, 2, and 1. Crest: two arms holding an annulet.

Inclosed in the same:—

(Schedule of powder, &c.)

Powder, 54 demi-barrels; "armore," 100; "muskettes" with their furniture, 90; "pickes," 460; bills, 980.

Holograph. Noted by Burghley.

216. Richard Musgrave to Burghley. [Feb. 13.]

There being great want of skill in the cannoniers paid by her Majesty at Carlisle, I thought it my duty to move your honour to exchange one Daniell Spence presently paid 12d. a day as master gunner in the castle, who being by occupation a "boutcher," lives altogether in Suffolk, without a substitute in his place, and is not worth his pay. I present to your honour the bearer John Smithe a very able, honest and sufficient man, to take such charge and instruct others in the science of gunnery, "wherof they have noe smale need at Carlisle." The Manor at Newcastle. Signed: Rychard Musgrave.

½ p. Holograph. Addressed. Indorsed. Wafer signet indistinct.

217. Eure to Burghley. [Feb. 18.]

I received your letter of the 7th on the 13th instant, and that of the 9th by the post of Morpeth on the 16th. As directed by the former, I watched Mr Bowes the Queen's ambassador to Scotland, on his journey at Newcastle, sending one from me fully instructed on Will Ellottes bill and other Middle March claims.

I have sent by a "purposed messenger," her Majesty's letter to my lord of York and the Council there, which came in your packet of 9th, who shall attend his grace and the council's pleasure for the levy of the 80 horsemen, for whose pay I will send as directed to Mr Skidmoore, asking pardon for the delay through my not answering your letter of 9th January. In my letter of 8th February I sent the articles to be propounded to Sir John Forster, and "booke" of the Border Laws—Hen. 3d to 5 Eliz.—the most points in which last, as reported to me, have not been observed by him of late years.

I would beseech that a muster may be had presently to see what increase will be by the Earl of Northumberland's tenants, for his constable being with me to-day, tells me there ought to be more of his Alnwick tenants furnished than are, and I know otherwise, his Newcastle tenants are only unfurnished of horse.

On the 10th instant one Robert Ellot alias Hob of Bowholme Scotsman, was arraigned and condemned to die for divers murders, &c., in England. He was servant to this Will Ellot whose bill is discussed. He was taken "with the bloody hand" by the captain of Harbottle. I would remind you of Hexham gaol, part of which is "newlie comde to the grounde," that her Majesty's surveyor would view its state and unfitness: "the prisoners have sickned and . . . I am forced to pesture my owne house att dyvers tymes with suche men as are of the better sorte." The gaol at Newcastle and here increases so fast, it were good a gaol delivery were had here the latter end of this Lent. I name this place as best for the country. The York sittings begin the first week and last till the Assises, commonly held the third or fourth week—so that some of the Council of York might come hither if commanded, or some of the Bishopric, if his lordship so pleased and himself "would grace" the service, the first in my time.

I will send you presently upon receipt of certificates from the gentlemen of this March, a "callandar" of all the Scotts now here, their trade and manner of living.

The gentlemen of greatest worth who now lie out of the country, are these—Sir Cuthbert Collingwood knight, who when at Eslington, was a great defence to Cookdale ward, having divers young gentlemen his sons, fit for the Queen's service. He is removed privately into the Bishopric, his eldest son and his wife both recusants, live privately at Eslington, rather fearing the law, than publicly to the strength and good of the country there.

On Tyne water, Mr Francis Ratclife lay at Dilstone, and kept household fitting an esquire, is a great recusant and lies in (fn. 4)

Mr Raiph Errington of Bingfeild is removed to Richmondshire, his house possessed with a "hinde," which weakens the Queen's service.

In Chipchaise, where Mr Hearone lay, and kept divers men in aid of Tynedale, his child, an infant in minority, and the widow his mother married to Mr Henry Bowes, who lies in the Bishopric.

There are divers other gentlemen of "meanner sorte," of whom I will report hereafter.

For the house at Morpeth, I refer it to your pleasure—I desire no other house than I have—but for convenience of meeting the gentlemen of the east parts, and return from days of truce. Hexham. Signed: Ra. Eure.

2 pp. Closely written. Addressed. Indorsed. Armorial wafer signet: 1st quarter a bend; 2d 3 bars; 3d a S t George's cross; 4th, indistinct.

218. Eure to Burghley. [Feb. 19.]

In the beginning of last week, the 12th or 13th—Sir Robert Kerr rode to Edinburgh, with a great number of the Kerrs, who are reconciled to him and Ferniburst, it is thought "in revenge of the quarrell to the Trombles, which the Lard of Buckclughe undertakethe." And so Buccleuch is strengthening "the Armitage," which lies too near us here,—has drawn most of the Ellots to his house at Hawick, and keeps "an extraordinarie number in house."

It is thought the King intends to ride on him with a force mustered by Cesford and Lord Hume, which causes this defence. Yet as his love to us is small, and his "mallice monsterus" against Tynedale, I look that we shall suffer, before his men are dispersed.

I have no more than these things to relate, and offer my humble thanks for your loan of the "Booke of the Borders," which I returned at the beginning of the term. Hexham. Signed: Ra. Eure.

½ p. Addressed. Indorsed. Wafer signet as before: 1st quarter, bend charged with 3 scallop shells ?; in 2d qr. a canton dexter.

219. Eure to Burghley. [Feb. 25.]

I received your letter of 15th on the 20th, but not finding your signature, fear your health, which I trust "God by his holie hand" will protect to continue long among us. In the same you note imperfections in my breviate of the treaties, as "G. B[ishop] of Oxford," where there was none such "in that princes tyme and reigne." I am in hand to write these records more at large, craving your lordship's assistance therein, as I am desirous to be acquainted with the written law of the Border.

In naming Sir William Mallorie, I did not intend to displace Sir William Bowes, who is far more experienced in Border affairs, and named him before in other letters.

I assure myself Sir John Forster cannot "particulerlie" excuse himself, but if it pleased you to release him of further trouble, your advice would be to him now "in his ould age a caveat for deserveinge evell." The losses committed by him cannot be redressed. I boldly trouble you with my letters to her Majesty, with some discourse of the Borders, humbly entreating her "to have compassyon of the ould knight now at deathes doer." Your favour in delivery of the same shall bind me. Hexham. Signed: Ra. Eure.

¾ p. Addressed. Indorsed. Wafer signet as before: 3rd quarter, 3 lions rampant (?) 2 and 1.

Inclosed in the same:—

(Eure to the Queen.)

Giving the reasons before recited in his letters for the present weakness of his March—adding that Cesford being at feud with another great clan, keeps more followers than he can maintain, who therefore help themselves by forays in England, which he dare not punish for fear of losing their service. Finally adding—"In the humelitie of a deutyfull subjecte, I humblie beseech your Majestie not to impose the blame of these decaies on Sir John Forster the oulde knight, but vouchesaife gratiouslie to rewarde his former deutifull service to your heighnes, with gratious pardon of his defectes or negligence, whose oulde age shall with joye creep to his longe home, and lengthen what maie be, his decrepett age with comforthe." Signed: Ra. Eure.

1 p. Addressed (to the Queen). Indorsed.

220. Scrope to Burghley. [Feb. 25.]

Sending, at request of Mr Richard Musgrave, master of the Ordnance, "these two lynes" in favour of the bearer John Smith, who has been recommended by Musgrave for the post of gunner at Carlisle. Carlisle. Signed: Th. Scroope.

½ p. Addressed. Indorsed. Wafer signet as before.

221. John Carey to Sir Robert Cecil. [Feb. 26.]

The uncertain state of Scotland affords no worthy news "but such as vayne rumores will afforde everie idle brayne to sett themselves on worke with all."

This gentleman, the bearer Captain Bowyer, having weighty affairs in London, desired this my letter in his behalf, but I will let his own doings merit your favour in his just causes. Berwick. Signed: Jhon Carey.

¾ p. Addressed: To . . . Sir Robert Cecill knight, one of her highnes . . . Counsell." Indorsed. Swan wafer signet.

222. Sir Robert Carey to Sir Robert Cecil. [Feb. 26.]

"Not to be tedius, be assurid that whille I have leife, I will be honist to you,—for my leife, or what els to me is dærist, I lay at your feet to youse at your plæsur. Sir, it is not unknowne to you I am shuer, how I cam from Court disgrast by her Magesty not suffringe me to spæke with her nor kis her hand. It is a burden to hevey for me to bære, my only compfort is, that my conciens is with me hou that in thought, word, nor dœde I ever did offend her. Thus muche I thought good to let you knowe, and to intræte you, that if at aney teime it plæse her Magesty to name me to you, you will assuer her, that my leife is werisum to me, seinge my servis no better acseptid, and that ther is no fortun so miserable as to have bin hapey."

I have troubled you, but pray for pardon, finding some little ease to my heavy heart, now I have made it known.

The bearer is desirous to be known to you. "Ther is good parts in the man," and if you employed him, you would find him serviceable. Berwick. Signed: Rob. Carey.

1 p. Holograph. Addressed: "To . . . Sir Robert Cicill knight, on of her Magestys most honorable privey Counsell."

223. Swift to Burghley. [Feb. 26.]

The book of account of three months' provision has been ready for 10 days—awaiting your honor's pleasure. The provision hereafter will be better and cheaper, if gone about in time before needed, and conveyance to Berwick by sea more convenient and less dangerous, if seasonable weather and wind be taken for sending them. For in the last necessity of the garrison, three of the ships were hastily dispatched in bad weather, and were 5 or 6 weeks at sea on that dangerous coast, and at Holy island, before reaching Berwick.

Besides the money paid on our certificates sent you, and the 400l. imprested, we stand engaged to some of our friends in 800l. and more, for beef, mutton, grain, &c., in this our journey—300l. of which must be paid before Easter, and the rest at next pay day.

1 p. Indorsed: "26 Feb. 1595. Remembrances delivered by Mr Swift for Barwick."

224. Scrope to [Sir Robert Cecil]. [Feb. 26.]

Understanding from you the Queen's pleasure to continue me here till her ambassador shall have dealt with the King and effected some order for better settling the Border, I stay my journey, trusting her Majesty will give me leave to repair to her before long. This office has of late been more quiet than for many years, and I am in good hope it shall not "hastely growe to wors." This and the reported coming of the Spaniards about Whitsuntide at farthest, made me choose this time for my absence, and waiting on her Majesty before then, knowing I should be sent back. "Moreover the jorneys of my wife downe and upp ar so chargeable (the last standinge me in 600li.) that unles her Majesty would give her leave to contynue in this countrey, which I will no further move then maye rest in her Majesties best likinge," I would ask that myself might have leave to come up now. "I have written herewith to my wife for her better satisfaction accordinge to her Majesties direction." Harry Leigh told me he went on Mr Stanhope's advice to prosecute his commenced suit in London, expecting it to be heard and decided this last term. But hearing nothing of it from him, and his service at Rokeley being most needful, I pray you hasten the dispatch of his suit without detriment, and of himself back to his charge. Carlisle. Signed: Th. Scroope.

Let me hear when you think he will be dispatched.

1 p. Holograph. Address leaf lost.

225. The Queen to the Council in the North. [Feb. 26.]

Instructions to Matthew, archbishop of York, and other commissioners appointed by her special commission under the Great Seal dated to be observed according to its tenor and the following articles.

Her Majesty referring to the death of the late Earl of Huntingdon lord president, whereby the said commission is determined, by which he was constituted lord president, and that she has not yet resolved on his successor, authorises the archbishop and other commissioners to proceed with the business enjoined by the said commission: and understanding that the late president had adjourned a session of the Council to the 1st of March, requires the archbishop, &c., to repair to the place, take up the business, and determine it with all speed convenient. Proclaiming in the city of York her Majesty's present grant for the relief of her subjects. With power to the archbishop and quorum, to appoint a steward of household for the diets of the Council as hitherto, also a sufficient number of learned men to carry on the sittings in the archbishop's absence through "accident of his infirmity."

3 pp. Draft by Burghley's secretary, with corrections by Burghley. Indorsed: "26 Feb. 1595. Instructions for the Counsel in the Northe."

226. Eure to Burghley. [Feb. 27.]

I have sent the Queen's commission for levying the 80 horsemen addressed to the Council at York, by the captain of Harbottel, whom I have appointed to receive the men. I understand by him, your lordship directs part to be levied in the bishopric, and from Mr Skadamoor's man, that his master, being at London, directs him to disburse 120l. monthly for the soldiers' wages, by your warrant, which is 12d. per diem and 6d. over weekly to each man. Under correction, I assure your lordship the poor men cannot find meat for themselves and horses in this country, from the great scarcity and dearness. "Everie meales meate" will cost them at least 4d.; every stone of hay, 3d.; and every bushel of oats, 4s. 8d., and not under. Your lordship has allowed nothing for any officer.

I humbly beg your lordship to consider their estate, and crave, without offence, to allow them 18d. per diem, otherwise in my opinion, the thieves at home will rather be increased, than "lewd personns" suppressed. Hexham. Signed: Ra. Eure.

¾ p. Addressed. Indorsed. Wafer signet as before: The 1st quarter seems quartered.

227. Eure to Burghley. [Feb. 28.]

I have to-day received your letter of 23d, and am comforted to find it signed by your hand. I humbly beseech you will increase the men's pay to 18d. per diem, for man and horse cannot live on 12d. at present prices, and I fear if they want, they will learn our Border fashion. I wish I had had them "or this," for I am mightily threatened. Robert Ellott the Scot was executed at Hexham for his "foule crymes" on this March and elsewhere.

I would your lordship wrote to Mr Anthony Feltou, surveyor of the Queen's woods in Northumberland, for a true report of Hexham gaol and Harbottel castle—if not repaired, the castle will fall in ruin, and the prisoners "dye for lacke of ayer."

I would remind your lordship of the commission of "oyer and determiner" for this county to the Bishop of Durham, the Council at York, &c., and if thought good, to nominate Henry Woodrington, "a gentleman of greate commaund," which I think will be for the good of the country under him. There is no commission for gaol delivery here, save the general one for the North, with the Council at York. One in my hands is necessary as elsewhere. The justices of assise only come at "Lambas." Some of the Council at York would willingly come now. There was a gaol delivery here in Sir John Forster's time; it is fitter than Newcastle, and not inconvenient for York. It is about 18 miles from Durham. I desire to keep a warden court the next day following, for as it "toucheth lyfe," I desire the assistance of the "gravest" of the north, and their experience in justice, to the terror of the wicked.

The "lord ambassador" in Scotland writes that he cannot have audience for the King's important affairs.

The Laird of Buccleuch who is exempted from Sir Robert Kerr's government, is strong of Earl Bothwell's faction, and if the King continues his displeasure for the Earl's sake (which is doubtful), the Queen might have opportunity to join "in love" with him, and overthrow some of our enemies in Liddesdale. I am but "a younge borderer," and if my rashness offend, I submit with pardon. But fear we shall get small redress otherwise.

I beg your lordship grant me "a large tyme" for discharge of my account for the "sherifwicke." (fn. 5) My charge was great, my father's funeral soon followed with greater charge, suing my "liverie," attending her Majesty twice in London, my removal here in winter, dearness of all provision—for which I trust you will allow me divers years for payment, though not desiring to defraud her Majesty. Hexham. Signed: Ra. Eure.

pp. Closely written. Addressed. Indorsed by Burghley. Wafer signet as before.

Inclosed in the above:—

(Scottish news.)

Buccleuch is reconciled to the King, since my last to your lordship. The Lord Bothwell has a factor in London, Robert Mooer a Scotsman, who lies near "Cheapesyd," disliked I hear by the King. He employs one John Craynstone a Scotsman, who remains on this and the East March under colour of banishment. The King lately propounded to his Council a motion for the return of the Earls (fn. 6) out of Spain with pardon and his favour—not pleasing to "the Kirke."

These lords have written to their friends in Scotland that the Spaniards will come before May day next.

There were few but well armed light horse, showed at the late Scottish muster.

½ p. By Eure's clerk.

Footnotes

  • 1. Referred to in the inclosure.
  • 2. Lady Arabella Steward.
  • 3. Henry Steward, created Lord Methven.
  • 4. Blank.
  • 5. York.
  • 6. Huntly and Erroll?