Border Papers volume 2: October 1595

132. John Carey to Burghley. [Oct. 5.]

I hear this morning from Scotland that the King and Queen are now at S^t Johnstons. On Monday next the King comes to Dunfermline, thence by Stirling to Lythquo, where he remains till the 15^th instant, when there is to be an assembly of the nobility, wherein the King is to take order between the Johnstons and Maxwells and to quiet the Borders.

Great means are used to get the Queen to see the young prince at Stirling, but she persists in refusing.

"The Chauncelor of Scotland departed this lief the third of this moneth, at night, at nyne of the clocke." His death will make some change. It is thought that either the Earl of Mar or the "Pryor of Pluscardye" lord Seton's brother, "should enjoy his place"—neither of them "effected with the common people"—and I think "my gratious soveraigne Quene might have some stroke in the election for hir parte—considering that chauncelors be great men."

I must still trouble your honour with complaints—but though we ever hope for amendment, we grow worse and worse. The horsemen instead of taking up their horses at Michaelmas as usual, still have them at grass, in danger of the Scots, as there is nothing for them in the palace. I pray your honour's consideration. Berwick. Signed: Jhon Carey.

1¼ pp. Annotated by Burghley. Addressed. Indorsed.

133. Instructions to Lord Eure. [Oct. 7.]

"Instructions for Sir R. Eure knighte, lord Eure, nowe appointed warden of the Middle Marches towardes Scotlande."

First—You shall receive our commission under our great seal of England, to the various clauses whereof we require your good consideration to execute the same in all points as therein you are prescribed.

Item.—We have ordered Sir William Bowes and Sir Thomas Fairfax knights, and others, to repair to Northumberland when the Earl of Huntingdon and you shall find it convenient—and after conference with Sir John Forster you shall receive by order of Sir William Bowes all rolls of the warden courts, acts of the days of truce, and all bills and complaints on both sides yet unfiled. Also from Sir John Forster the copies of all treaties between the realms, and ordinances by the commissioners concerning justice between you and the warden opposite.

Item.—Whereas of late the opposite warden has had some part of his government withdrawn from him to the hindrance of justice, we have written to the King of Scots to reform this innovation, on which we trust he will restore matters.

Item.—We have both before and now written to him signifying that as our subjects have long claimed redress for many outrages without success, we will give our wardens both leave and commandment to revenge the same, if justice be still denied, and we would have you to understand this as our warden, and will give you special authority to act on your report of such lack of justice.

Item.—After our commissioners shall have perused the state of the frontier of your March, and you shall have taken possession of office by keeping warden courts, you shall signify by letter to the opposite warden your desire and readiness to meet him for a day of truce to redress complaints by Border law and custom.

Item.—You shall ride to such meeting as usual, with men of best repute and estimation, and disposed to keep order, taking none who have any deadly feud with the Scots—requiring the like of the opposite warden. At which meeting you shall impart to him what we have written to the King of Scots touching his wardenry.

Item.—As by inquiries for two years past by direction of our cousin the Earl of Huntingdon our lieutenant, great decay was found through spoiling and burning in Redesdale and Tynedale,—taking lands away from tenements,—raising rents too high—and lastly too much sub-division of holdings: we would have you to consider the same, and how they may be remedied by degrees, advertising us or our Council thereof and your opinion.

Finally.—Understanding you have no house of your own in that March, and there is none fitter than the house of Hexham belonging to Sir John Forster, and not inhabited by him: we have earnestly required him by our letters, delivered to you, to grant you the same with some ground belonging thereto, fit for your household, giving him "some reasonable rent," which we hope he will consent to—if not, on your certifying to us or our Council the manner and cause of his refusal, and if not obtained of him by further means, you shall have the use of our own castle of Morpeth.

4 pp. Draft corrected by Burghley. Indorsed: "Draught of the Instructions for the Lord Eure being appoynted warden of the Middle Marches, 7^th Octob. 1595. Entered."

134. Estimate for Berwick. [Oct. 7.]

A proportion for 900 men "for one moneth, viz., xvj fleshe daies, xij fishe daies"—contrasted according to the rates Vernon serves at, and the market prices.

1 p. Written by Vernon's clerk. Indorsed by Burghley: "7 Octob. 1595. Berwyck."

135. Munition at Tynemouth Castle. [Oct. 13.]

"A note of all suche munysion and armor as are remayninge within the castell of Tinemouthe the xiij^th daye of October anno regni Elizabethe (&c.), xxvij^o, delivered over into the charge of M^r Roberte Carye esquire, now capptayne of the same."

First—lying on the mount, 2 falcons without carriages. Item.—in the store house—2 culverins, 16 old calevers, 12 "sheaffe of arrowes in decaye;" 1 flanker without carriage, a brass falcon without carriage. Item—"in the barne garthes," 1 brass sacre, 1 iron falcon, 1 brass mynyon. Item—"in the halle"—10 corslets decayed, 10 head pieces decayed, 10 "collors" decayed.

¾ p. Contemporary hand. Indorsed.

136. Scrope to Burghley. [Oct. 14.]

With thanks for your travail in procuring her Majesty's pleasure to send the soldiers, they cannot be sent too soon—and as to pay, they usually had conduct money from Berwick hither, and on arrival, a month's pay "aforehande" on your lordship's warrant to the receiver.

As you direct, I shall collect all complaints against Thomas Musgrave officer of Bewcastle, with any proofs that can be got, and certify you, sending the party "if matter worthie prove against him."

I hope you will excuse my promise to come up now, on account of the unquietness here, trusting that if matters settle I may have licence to come up at Christmas to do my duty to her highness, and confer with you on things I cannot commit to writing. The Lowthers are repairing to Court, hoping to prevail with you by other means than formerly in their suit for the Dacres' lands, which "will not fall fitt to be in the comaundement of any contreyman heare, and unfittest for them." Carlisle. Signed: Th. Scroope.

Your last letters fell open in my hands, "I knowe not by what accident, whither ivell wax or carriage." I pray you hasten the soldiers hither.

1 p. Addressed. Indorsed. Wafer signet.

137. John Carey to Burghley. [Oct. 17.]

Now that our works are finished so far as the time of year will allow, I inclose a note by the comptroller to show this. The long bridge is mended as far as possible, beginning so late. I assure you when it was taken up, and four bays were mended, it was much worse than any man thought, "for it was so rotten and badd, as if it had stoode this wynter, it wold have bene clene carried away. I feare there is much more of it in the same case."

The breach in the old wall is finished, and as much of the Cowgate and bridge as we could. We have patched an old iron gate "which was challenged for fees," and made it as good as new, saving the Queen 100l. at least. We have near 20 tons timber left of the 60 you sent us two years ago, which will nearly finish the long bridge,—but you must send us warrant for 30 or 40 tons from Chopwell to make the Cowgate bridge, saving the other 20, which if used for this, the long bridge must be left undone. Praying also to have your warrants and directions sooner, which will be better every way.

I inclose the defaults of muster taken the 9th instant.

Scotland is quiet. The King keeps the chancellorship in his own hands still. The Scots' riders mean that the new warden shall have little to do, for they are clearing out the whole country. M^r Grey has lost 100 head of cattle, and Sir John Forster himself some of late.

For our own wants in this town, unless your lordship look more carefully into the matter, we shall be in very ill case this coming winter. Supplies come scarce, our want is great, and provisions scant, the foundation yet laid being so slender. Berwick. Signed: Jhon Carey.

1 p. Closely written. Addressed. Indorsed. Swan wafer signet.

Inclosed in the same:—

(1) Defaults of the muster of Berwick taken 9^th October 1595.

Absentees with and without license from the companies of Carey, Reade and six other captains, gunners, artificers, horsemen and pensioners, 70. Signed: Jhon Carey, John Crane.

2½ pp. Indorsed.

(2) Note by the comptroller of the work done.

1. The long bridge on "taking up of the planckes," was found much worse than expected, but is mended, and 20 tons timber remain to finish it when the season admits. 2. The breach in the old town wall next Tweed is done. 3. The Cowgate not yet done, for the time and season would not serve, and is delayed till spring. Some timber will then be necessary for the new bridge there. Signed: John Crane.

1 p. Holograph. Indorsed: "17 Oct. 1595."

138. Eure to Burghley. [Oct. 18.]

I sent my servant with your letter to Sir John Forster, and his answer thereof "I bouldlie retorned by poste to your lordship with my servante." Sir John sent me a letter showing his unwillingness to let his house to me, yet he will not stay there himself, as he told my man, and is very unable to ride thither he says. I have sent him her Majesty's letter, and presumed to say I was charged with safe delivery of it, and his reply, which I will at once send to Court.

The gentlemen of the country are so weak and short of horses, while the opposite warden as reported, intends revenge "for Wythrington his roade," with extraordinary numbers, as a welcome to me: wherefore as it touches my credit not to begin with shame and her Majesty's displeasure, I would renew my suit to her for 100 horse for this winter, to secure the country for the present. If her Majesty grant me her house at Morpeth, I humbly entreat to have the park adjoining at a rent, also some allowance to repair the house which is "mightelie decayed," and will cost me 500 marks before I can lodge in it. Ingelbie. Signed: Ra. Eure.

1 p. Addressed. Indorsed. Fragment of wax signet.

139. Sir John Forster to Sir Robert Cecil. [Oct. 19.]

"Righte honourable and my verie good lord," I most humbly beg your honour to see the inclosed letter delivered "into her Majesties own handes, for that the matters theirin conteyned requirethe expedicioun, and withall speed possible to be conveyed unto her Majestie." From my house nigh Alnwick. Signed: John Forster.

½p. Addressed: "To . . . Sir Rober Cissell knight principall secretarie to her Majestie," &c. Indorsed.

Inclosed in same:—

(Forster to the Queen.)

Please your Majesty, I have received your highness's letters, wherein your Majesty "doubtes" that I will not deliver the Borders with Tynedale and Redesdale "in sutche sorte as I have writtenn the same, for that it is reputed that the writter haithe writtenn more thenn I will performe." I have written nothing but that I will deliver it in as good order as ever it was in any warden's time, whenever it please your highness to send the commissioners to receive it. For my house of Hexham: "I ame nowe presentlie to repaire thither to lye, for I ame not able to travell but in a horse litter, and whenn I ame theire, I feare I must be forced to retorn backe againe, bothe for want of provisioun of cornn, hey, fier and other necessaries, for thatt itt is nott theire to serve my tourn withall, for whosoever haithe incensed youre Majestie that Hexhame house is a fitt place for my lord to lye att, is greetly deceived, for that theire is not provisioun any waye for my lord Ewrye theire to be served as he should be." Yet though I pay 180l. to your Majesty for the house and what belongs to it, it shall be at your command at all times if you write or send to receive it "for my lord Ewrye" to lie at. "Thus resting in most humble and duetifull obedience to do youre heighnes any service that in me liethe. . . Frome my house neighe Alnwick this xix^th of October 1595." Signed: John Forster.

1½ pp. Addressed: "To the Queenns most excelent Majestie." Indorsed.

140. Eure to Burghley. [Oct. 19.]

I send your lordship here inclosed by post, Sir John Forster's letter directed to you, denying his house at Hexham for my use, though himself not intending to lie there—alledging to me that part of the country is most subject to theft—himself unable to travel from weakness, and other "allygations" not fit to trouble you with. I beseech you be may be compelled to a more reasonable course, and if her Majesty will allow me pay of 100 horse for only six months, I will undertake to make that country quiet enough. So craving your farther means to obtain this house. Inglebye. Signed: Ra. Eure.

1 p. Addressed. Indorsed.

141. Scrope to Burghley. [Oct. 24. 1595.]

Notwithstanding her Majesty's letter to the Scots King, and my frequent complaints to him by means of George Nicholson there, we get nothing but fair words and large promises. Wherefore I pray your lordship to procure her Majesty's license for my people to revenge themselves as they best can, and to this end, to hasten the soldiers hither, without whom they cannot act. Carlisle. Signed: Th. Scroope.

1 p. Addressed. Indorsed.

142. Estimate of Berwick Prices. [Oct. 24.]

Estimate for 900 men for 3 months from 1^st November, 16 flesh and 12 fish days in each month, contrasting the market prices with those paid by the garrison.

Extracts.

2 pp. Broad sheet. Indorsed: "24 October 1595." Notes by Burghley.

143. Gilsland Complaints. [Oct. 24.]

"Gyllesland anno 1595 against Lyddesdaill."

1. Quyntyn Foster of Crackthropp upon John Nyxson alias "gleed Lareston," Clemett Nyxson alias "the Clashe," servants to William Ellott of Lareston, George Ellott alias "buggerback," and others, for stealing 80 kye and 12 horses and mares at the Haslegyll at Whitsunday last.

2. John Pott of the Quarrell upon Robert Ellott alias "Hob of the Leys" alias "the troche;" Robert Ellott the officer alias the laird of Thorlesop; Ryche Ellott of the Lewlandes, William Ellott son to John of the Hewghhouse; Arche Ellott called "dogpyntle;" George Ellott his brother, "buggerback," &c., for 8 oxen, 10 kye, insight 14l., taken Tuesday night last, 2^nd September.

3. Hector Armstronge of Daperlyne upon John Nickson alias Larestoneburn, "guyde and purpose maker," Arche Ellott alias Ibbells Arche," Rytche James Wylson, Clemett Nyckson "the Clashe," Jenken Nyckson son to George, and young Robyn Ellott of Thorlesop, for 10 kye and oxen, insight 5l., taken "the Magdelen daye" last.

4. Mychaell Armstronge of Daperlyne upon John Nyxon of Lareston bre, Arch Nyckson alias "Cowfowle," Clemett Nyckson "the Clashe," Hobe Ellott of the Stanesheale alias "bane pryck" for 14 kye and oxen, and insight 10l., taken same day.

5. Stephen Hodgeson of Geltesdaill upon Walter Scott alias "Watt of Harden," John Henderson of the Hoghyll, Gibbe Ellott brother to Will E. of the Fawenesh, Arche and Hobbe Ellott sons to the Syme Wyll E, Hob Ellott called the laird of Burneheads, for a "browne bausened" mare and a bay mare and foal, stolen 13^th July last out of the "ould water" in Geltsdaill.

6. Anthony Carleton "for his hearshipp at Tredermayne" the 12^th September, upon "Watt of Harden," John Henderson of Hoghyll, Andro Henderson, Hector Armstrong of Tweden, Andro Armstrong "the bundgell," Gyb Ellott brother to Wyll of the Fawandeshe, Arche and Hobe Ellott sons to the said Wyll, and Hob Ellott the laird of the Burnheads, for 60 kye and oxen, and 6 horses and mares.

7. Herbert Crawe, Thomas Newton, Rowye Barnefather and John Jack, son, for 7 horses and mares taken last Midsummer by John Nyckson of Lareston, George Nickson "yll drowned Georde," Hob Ellott "the troche" John Croser, "Ibbels" Arche Ellott, &c.

8. John Armstronge of the Graynes upon Hob Ellott alias "kyll of the spade," and "Wyll Ellotts" John of Burnheads, for 24 kye and oxen before Lammas last.

9. Also upon Wyll Croser alias "greathead" for 4 "cowdoos" at Lammas.

10. Also of George Ellott "buggerback," for 12 "yewes and a tupp" about same time.

11. Gawen Armstrong of Daperlyneholme upon John and Jenkyn Nyckson of Lareston, for a mare, 5l., a nag, 4l., insight, 7l., taken Friday after Michaelmas.

12. Also on Will Croser "greathead," and Hobe Croser, son to Quyntyne C., for 3 kye the week after S^t Hellen day.

13. Rolle Robson of Allanstead upon John Nyckson the laird of the "Highe eshes" and his brother for 12 ewes 2^d August last.

14. Thomas Armstrong and Thomas A., both of Spadeadam, upon Mark Ellott, Joack Ellott, James Ellott of the Hyll, Arch Ellott "dogpyntle," Hobe Ellott of the Bowholmes, and Clemett Croser, &c., for 35 kye and oxen, insight 20l., a horse, 5l., a mare, 3l., all stolen Wednesday night 17 September last.

15. Hob and Dick Armstrong of Leven and James Foster upon Will and Riche Ellott of the Hewghhouse, Hob Ellott, &c., for 3 horses last summer, 18l.

16. Rynyons Edward Armstrong of the Thorntwhayt upon George Nyckson of Kelelie "halfe drowned Geord," Wyll and Ryche Ellott of the Hewghhouse, &c., for 6 oxen, 11 kye, a mare, 20l.; insight, 10l. in September last.

17. Also "a litle before" of Arche, John, and Gyb Stoderte, servants to the "Lardes Jok" for 2 kye and 4 oxen.

2¼ pp. Indorsed by Robert Bowes: "Bylles of complaynttes of Gillesland agaynst Lyddesdale, sent by the Lord Scrope to me with his letter, xxiiij^o Octobris, char. xxx eiusdem 1595."

144. Scrope to Burghley. [Oct. 26.]

Last term, by my letter and the "solicitinge" of this bearer M^r Midlam, I commended to your favourable consideration the petition of her Majesty's tenants of Midleham and Richmond, for explanation of some words in their leases, "importinge a parte of their custome and for ratifficacion of the same," to avoid strife and controversy among them—which cause your lordship referred to this term. Wherefore I make bold to recommend the same to your favourable decision, referring all matters therein to this "solicitor." Carlisle. Signed: Th. Scroope.

1 p. Addressed. Indorsed. Wafer signet.

145. Eure to Burghley. [Oct. 27.]

Craving pardon if I trouble you more than needeth, I understand that Sir John Forster on receipt of her Majesty's letters, holds himself discharged from office, and not only gives no help to the country in their daily spoils, but "bruteth and wryteth" that no such would be made except on knowledge of new officers on both sides of the March, and also has kept days of truce, proclaiming that all complaints should be redressed if ready—whereby I judge that he thinks I shall be charged with these, notwithstanding my absence.

As your letters, of 13^th October importing denial of the house of Hexham, and of 21^st, allowing me the same, was the first knowledge I had, when I sent to Sir Robert "Cycill" Sir John's letters to same effect: I am preparing to convey my stuff and provision "as the winter wether and huge waters" will permit, and humbly beg I may not be charged with the country spoils, till I enter, and the commissioners receive from Sir John the rolls, &c., under their commission. Also that he may be specially continued in charge of the wardenry till I come.

I find his friendship "so could," and the increasing division of the gentlemen, that I must remove some of his officers, and pray your lordship to assist me with but 100 horse for the winter.

I have presumed to offer my humble thanks to her Majesty, and assure her I am hasting thither, craving Sir Robert "Cicill" his pains for delivery thereof.

Except her Majesty command Sir John Forster to help me with the corn and hay grown at Harbottel "demayne," I shall have none for my horses: for the winter is so wet that the corn is not yet in the barns. I hear other wardens have been so served "by her Majesties price of the oulde warden." Ingelby. Signed: Ra. Eure.

1½ pp. Addressed. Indorsed.

146. Hunsdon to Scrope. [Oct. 28.]

I have received presently a letter from my Lord Treasurer with her Majesty's pleasure (which I knew already) that you and M^r Ashton should use your credits for a month's pay, "100 and od powndes," to be paid by Ashton out of next half year's pay—but I must assure you that till they get their month's pay at Berwick, they neither can nor "shall" stir, for they cannot travel so far "of themselves." I send you these with my lord's letter, which I got while at dinner, and am now going to Court where I have not been for 15 or 16 days: when I will let him understand that these are but delays and her Majesty "utterly unserved."

You shall hear soon again, and surely if it were not to yourself, not a man should leave Berwick, for I have more need of them there than you have: as in the last 10 days I have had more incursions in my wardenry than you have had these 3 or 4 months—and if not redressed, I will be revenged to the uttermost. Somerset House. Your loving father in law, Hounsdon.

½ p. Copy by Scrope's clerk. Addressed. Indorsed.

147. Eure to the Queen. [Oct. 28.]

Humbly casting himself at her feet as his only refuge—showing the envy and difficulties that he must incur in succeeding Forster as warden, and praying that as many spoils have been committed since the 7^th October—Forster should be compelled to see to these and defend the country till he enters on office, which he is labouring to do with all speed. Ingelbie. Signed: Ra. Eure.

1 p. Addressed: "To the Quenes most excellent Majestie." Indorsed.

148. John Carey to Burghley. [Oct. 28.]

Captain Selby has paid the "remayne" of the two years' pay, but the men are so ill satisfied, it has bred more clamour than if not paid at all. In proof of this, my company found themselves so much injured by Sheperson, that if I had not come down into the street, they were like to have done him a mischief: seeing all others paid, "and they who are the awncientes band, and were ever first used to be paied, to have no drum sownd at all!" They had by the reckonings which your lordship shall see, 260l. "good," yet got not one penny. And hearing of his going away, they brought him to me to stay him till they got their money. I rebuked their disorder, but they prayed me as their captain not to see them wronged, or they could not live in the town, where they owed so much, and their creditors all running for their debts, hearing the pay is made. I beseech your lordship to consider their case, and have sent the clerk of the band with his books, &c., to show the truth. I offered M^r Bowes on their behalf to save farther trouble, that they would lose 5s. in the pound on the tickets, but this was refused. Many would have come up to petition her Majesty, but I refused all but the bearer. I pray excuse for my boldness on their behalf. Berwick. Signed: Jhon Carey.

1½ pp. Addressed. Indorsed. Swan wafer signet.

149. John Carey to Burghley. [Oct. 29.]

Showing that the 8 constables are now by the last establishment reduced to four, each in command of 20 horsemen, and his yearly pay 20l.—that they earnestly desire some augmentation, for their service is very needful, and their charges heavy, each being forced to keep 3 serviceable horses for himself and his 2 men, "which cannott well be maintained with xxl. per annum"—recommending their petition to his favourable consideration. Berwick. Signed: Jhon Carey.

1 p. Addressed. Indorsed. Swan wafer signet.

150. Crane to Burghley. [Oct. 29.]

To same effect as preceding, on behalf of the four constables. Berwick. Signed: Jhon Crane.

1 p. Holograph. Addressed. Indorsed.

151. Huntyngdon to Sir Robert Cecil. [Oct. 29.]

Lord Eure is very desirous that "M^r Richard Goodericke esquier" should be joined with Sir William Bowes and the other commissioners authorised by her Majesty to "take the rolles, &c.," from Sir John Forster. He has good reason, for here are only M^r Francis Slingsbie and D^r Colmore to do the service, for Sir William Bowes is not come, Sir Thomas Fairfax is in very ill case, and gone out of the country to seek help, M^r Frevyle is gone to the "tearme," and M^r Anderson at Newcastle not well. I said I could not interfere, though I think he will do well if the Queen allow him. I should have written before, but have not been well and forgot it. York. Signed: "Your verrye lovynge frend, H. Huntyngdon."

½ p. Addressed: "To . . . Sir Robert Cecill knight one of her Majesties most honourable privie counsell." Indorsed (partly by Cecil).

152. The Constables of Berwick to Burghley. [Oct. 29.]

Showing that they were formerly eight in number and their yearly pay 120l. 13s. 4d.—that under the establishment they are now reduced to four, at the yearly pay of 20l. each, which is insufficient to enable them to keep horses for themselves and 2 servants each—praying for an augmentation. Berwick. Signed: John Fenicke, Leonard Morton, Cuthbert Armorer, Josua Delavale.

1 p. Broad sheet. Addressed at head. Indorsed.

153. John Carey, &c., to Burghley. [Oct. 31. 1595.]

Reminding him of the value of the timber in the Queen's lordship of Chopwell near Newcastle, and the heavy charges of timber brought to Berwick in Sir Valentine Browne's time before these woods fell to her, being 54s. or 3l. each ton, while from Chopwell it is not more than 14s. or 15s.—and to beware of those who under colour of a lease of underwood have carried off special timber there. Berwick. Signed: Jhon Carey, Rychard Musgrave, John Crane.

1 p. Written by Crane. Addressed. Indorsed.

154. Huntyngdon to Forster. [Oct. 31]

Acknowledging his letter of 23^d, wherein it appeared he had received the Queen's letter, and took himself to be discharged of the office of warden of the Middle March, so long held by him—but pointing out that until Lord Eure came and published his commission, Forster must continue acting warden—just as a sheriff must do, though his successor be named at London, till the latter enters the county—reminding him therefore to be more careful of the wardenry till Eure arrives, than he might have needed to be if the Queen's intention to change had been less publicly known than he writes it is. Promising to hasten Eure, though he need not: but till he appears, Forster is not to think himself discharged from office. York. H. Huntingdon.

1 p. Copy by Forster's clerk.