|
| April 1. |
1056. William Winter to Cecil. |
|
Arrived this afternoon at Calais, where they are lodged
outside the town. The governor is not here, but his deputy
is. On Thursday will declare their commission.—1 April
1567. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ¾. |
| April 1. |
1057. The Earl of Bedford to Cecil. |
|
Sends him a letter, and minds to be in town shortly after
the beginning of term.—Garendon, 1 April 1567. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ¼. |
| April 3. |
1058. Sir William Drury to Cecil. |
|
Desires his lawful favour for his kinsman, Mr. Ralph
Ellerker, in mitigation of the grievous extremity intended
towards him, who through mischance in defence of his life
killed another who otherwise had ended it.—Berwick, 3 April
1567. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1. |
| April 4. |
1059. Sir William Drury to Cecil. |
|
The Earl of Lennox remains still in his country and has
resolved with Murray, Athol, and other noblemen to make
supplication that the Prince may be kept by four of the
nobles, and not one only. It is said that the Earl of Lennox
touching the trial of his son's death desires to have the law
upon nine persons, viz., Bothwell, the three Balfours, and five
others. Morton is noted to have assured his friendship to
Bothwell, and has gotten again Tantallon. Yesternight
there arrived an Italian out of Scotland. Has not thought
it meet to let him pass before he is better satisfied of him.
Sends a list of such as should be on the Earl of Bothwell's
quest.—Berwick, 3 April 1567. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 3. |
| April 4. |
1060. Sir William Drury to Cecil. |
|
A servant of the Earl of Lennox has arrived here. His
master beseeches the Queen to write to the Queen of Scots
for the stay of the assizes. The causes are, first, that the day
is much sooner than he can bring together those who know
the whole action; further, that the Queen will not permit
James Murray and others for the assistance and knowledge
of the murder to compare in safely. Item, the said Earl
cannot so soon with any sufficient strength come to defend
such dangers as are intended by his suspected contraries
towards him and the followers of this trial. Lastly, that
there be certain bonds interchangedly taken between all those
who are suspected.—Berwick, 4 April 1567. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 2. |
| April 2. |
1061. The Earl of Lennox to Sir William Drury. |
|
Marvels what the cause should be that since his wife's
liberty she has not let him understand the present state she
is in. Desires him to advertise him what he hears of her.—
Howston, 2 April. Signed.
Add. P. ¼. Enclosure. |
| April 5. |
1062. Advices from Italy. |
|
Intelligence from Genoa, 28 March 1567; from Rome,
5 April; from Constantinople, 15 March 1567; from Vienna,
3 April; and Prague, 30 March.
Endd. Ital. Pp. 7¼. |
| April 5. |
1063. Sir Henry Norris to Sir Nicholas [Throckmorton]. |
|
Thinks that the origin of Lord Darnley's murder comes
from hence, for besides their desire to have the Prince hither,
those who are suspected make this their chief refuge. Thinks
that the French will make some attempt on Ireland ere long.
The Queen Mother had a great fall off her horse as she was
hunting. Marshal Bourdillon has died very suddenly. The
nobility are sent for to consult on the demand for Calais.—
Morette, 5 April 1567. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 2. |
| April 5. |
1064. Stopio to — |
|
Signature of a letter dated Venice, 5 April 1567.
Ital. |
| April 5. |
1065. Pietro Bizarri to Cecil. |
|
News from Rome, 29 March 1567; Vienna, 27 March;
Constantinople, 10 March.—Venice, 6 April 1567. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Ital. Pp. 4½. |
| April 5. |
1066. Eric XIV. to the Queen. |
|
Desires her favour for John Kell and Siffrid Preston, sent
into her kingdom about his affairs.—Stockholm, 5 April 1567.
Signed.
Add. Endd. Lat. P. ½. |
| April 6. |
1067. Advices. |
|
News letter relating to Italian and Turkish affairs, dated
Venice, 6 April.
Ital. Pp. 4. |
| April 6. |
1068. Sir Henry Norris to Cecil. |
|
1. Rather than all the poor men, to the number of twentythree, should be detained at Marseilles for one, he desires him
to move the Queen to satisfy them to whom D'Estrilles was
prisoner. |
|
2. On the 26th March was advertised from the French
Court that Sir Thomas Smith was despatched to make claim
for Calais. |
|
3. On the 2nd April the Queen Mother, riding or hunting
her horse, fell, and she bruised her shoulder and brake her
face. |
|
4. On the 4th, M. Bourdillon departed this life. Is advertised that divers of Monluc's company being returned home
are forced to lurk in corners by reason of complaints against
them. At the Admiral's being last at the Court the King sent
for him into his cabinet, wherein he caused to be declared to
him the suspicion the King of Spain had against him, and
began to enforce him to confess whether MM. De Teligny and
Villeconyes going to Constantinople went not about to make
some practise with the Turk to serve the Protestant's turn;
further whether he were not entered into any practise with
those of Flanders to the prejudice of the King of Spain;
thirdly, whether he knew not that those of the religion armed
and made secret preparation for the war. The Admiral made
earnest protestation that touching the first two he was innocent. As to the third to his knowledge there were none that
did arm, but if any went about to molest them their determination was not to endure it. Young Strozzi arms two or
three ships at St. Jean De Luz; his intent is only to rob upon
the seas, and as some think to do like enterprise as Monluc,
if he can find any place unprovided in England or Ireland.—
Moret, 6 April 1567. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 3. |
| April 6. |
1069. Mario Cardono to Cecil. |
|
One Guglielmo Silvio has printed a Chronicle of England
written more than 400 years ago, and now first come to light,
which he has dedicated to the Queen.—Antwerp, 6 April
1567. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Ital. P. 1. |
| April 6. |
1070. Guilielmus Silvius to Cecil. |
|
Sends him a book by means of Sir Thomas Gresham.—
Antwerp, 6 April 1567. Signed.
Much injured by damp. Add. Endd., with seal. Lat.
Pp. 1½. |
| April 6. |
1071. Sir Henry Norris to the Earl of Leicester. |
|
Gives similar intelligence as that in his letter of this date
to Cecil. The coming of Sir Thomas Smith was not unknown
to the French. Is sorry that they have such perfect intelli
gence of the proceedings there, which he trusts will be
reformed.—Moret, 6 April 1567. Signed.
Add. End., with seal. Pp. 1½. |
| April 8. |
1072. The Queen to the Earl of Bedford. |
|
The state of the Borders being by reason of the disorders
in Scotland not in such good terms as he left them, he is
without delay to make his repair to Berwick. He is to
muster and put in strength all the country under his rule.
Draft corrected by Cecil. Endd. P. 1. |
| April 8. |
1073. The Earl of Pembroke and others to the Earl of
Bedford. |
|
The Queen has willed them very earnestly to write to
him. If he finds a party of the nobility of Scotland disposed
to stand fast for the maintenance of God's honour and for
the due trial and punishment of the late heinous murder, he
is to give them comfort, and further to nominate as many as
he can of the noblemen upon the frontier who seem to mislike
Bothwell's greatness, that they do join themselves with the
rest. The Queen also perceiving that the Wardens of Scotland
do nothing to maintain the common peace, thinks meet that
not only should he use some earnestness with them, but also
to send to the Queen requiring her to have better regard
thereto than of late has been, for otherwise he will be forced
to seek redress otherwise than were meet to be used in such
good times of peace. Think good also that against the time
that message shall be done that she may have understanding
that he has made several musters and shows upon the Borders.
The Queen has written to the Queen of Scots to give longer
time than the 12th instant for the assize to be holden for the
trial of the Earl of Bothwell.
Draft corrected by Cecil. Endd. Pp. 3. |
| April 8. |
1074. Captain Cockburn to Cecil. |
|
Wishes that he had a secretary, when he would not spare
paper. Desires him to send the other letters to M. De Croc.
—Paris, 8 April. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1. |
| April 9. |
1075. Sir John Forster to Cecil. |
|
Sends a copy of a letter which he wrote to the Queen of
Scots touching the Border matters. Since which there has
come in of the subjects of that realm to the number of 100
persons accompanied with the rebels of England to a town
two miles from Morpeth and burnt it, and hurt and taken
prisoners sundry men. Martin Elliott has been with him
and offered himself and the Armstrongs and the rest of Liddlesdale to bind themselves to England. The Earl of Morton
has besought the Queen that he may not be one of the assize
on the Earl Bothwell.—Alnwick, 9 April 1567. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 3. |
| April 7. |
1076. Sir John Forster to Mary Queen of Scots. |
|
Kept the appointed day and place with all his power for
the suppressing the rebels and thieves, and continued at the
March Dike two days without seeing any man of her realm
or having any advertisement. This has greatly encouraged
the thieves and rebels. Hopes she will see to the reforming
hereof.—Alnwick, 7 April 1567.
Copy. Pp. 2. Enclosure. |
| March 31. |
1077. Walter Kerr of Cessford to Sir John Forster. |
|
Has received his letter desiring to be advertised whether
he minds to keep the next day of March. Has written to the
Queen and Council for order, taking anent those that he must
make delivery for.—Halidon, last of March 1567. Signed.
Copy. P. 1. Enclosure. |
| April 9. |
1078. Richard Clough to Gresham. |
|
The Regent has answered that neither by her or hers shall
the English or any other merchants sustain hurt or harm.
The Count of Egmont was sent to persuade the Prince of
Orange to be sworn to the Pope and the Church of Rome,
which he utterly refused to do, but would rather depart the
country. The Prince will go into Germany, and there are
above 400 or 500 rich men of this town that prepare to ride
away with him. There are a great number of rich and
wealthy people gone.—Antwerp, 9 April 1567. Signed.
Add. Pp. 2¼. |
| April 10. |
1079. Sir William Drury to Cecil. |
|
1. Has learnt that the stranger staid here is no Italian
but an Almain, being Baron of Castelalt, sometime lieutenant to the Rhinegrave and his kinsman. The purpose
he intended in Scotland was to offer his service with 3,600
men to the Queen, for the performance whereof he offers a
prince, two counts, and a free town to be bonds. No man
was privy to his intents but only Beaton. Intends to despatch him up to London in company with an Englishman.
It is openly divulged from some of great credit that for the
assurance defence Bothwell has taken bonds interchangeable
of the Earl of Huntly and other noblemen. The Earl of
Lennox has procured his leave to depart out of Scotland. |
|
2. Is assured that there is a man who nightly goes about
Edinburgh crying lamentably in certain streets of the town,
"Vengeance on those who caused me to shed innocent blood.
O Lord open the heavens and pour down vengeance on me
and those that have destroyed the innocent." This man is
accompanied with four or five to guard him. The Earl of
Murray will be here this day. Will be constrained to sue
to the Queen to discharge him hence.—Berwick, 10 April.
Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 3. |
| April 10. |
1080. Sir William Drury to Cecil. |
|
Sends the stranger that named himself at first an Italian
by the bearer.—Berwick, 10 April 1567. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ¼. |
| [April 10.] |
1081. Offer of Anibale Baron Von Castelalt. |
|
Terms on which he agrees to furnish 3,600 German soldiers.
Signed.
Germ. Pp. 2. |
| [April 10.] |
1082. A similar paper of conditions in Italian.
P. 1. |
| April 11. |
1083. Thomas Barnaby to the Earl of Leicester. |
|
The best way to have got Calais would have been to have
sent personages of good quality to the Emperor and the King
of Spain to declare what cause the Queen has to deal with
the French. They will but laugh at law and disputations.
The King has sent for all his Council. Marshal Bourdillon is
dead, wherewith the Papists are somewhat dismayed, because
he was one of their chief patrons and the best soldier in
France. There is great bruit that the Queen makes preparations for war.—Paris, 11 April 1567. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 2¼. |
| April 12. |
1084. English Captives at Marseilles to Sir Henry
Norris. |
|
Of 200 men and more taken at Rouen there are but 18
alive in the galleys at Marseilles in chains fed with hard
bread and water, being beaten every day with cords. Desire
him to take pity upon them or they be men cast away. He
that has them will sell them to the Genoese.—Marseilles,
12 April 1567. Signed: "Eighteen poor men in the galley
of Captain D'Albisse."
Add. P. 1. |
| April 12. |
1085. Thomas Canato to Cecil. |
|
Has a project which he wishes to declare, and therefore
desires to have a protection from arrest by his creditors.—
Antwerp, 12 April 1567. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Ital. P. 1. |
| April 12. |
1086. Captain Cockburn to Cecil. |
|
Was with Sir Henry Norris on the 10th. Sends letters to
be read and then forwarded to De Croc. Desires a safeconduct for two ships for his friend William Acquenan of
Dieppe, who has had great losses for religion. Has shown the
ambassador the purposes that were betwixt the Queen and
the Admiral at their last being together.—Paris, 12 April.
Add. Endd., with seal. P. 1. |
| April 12. |
1087. Pietro Bizarri to Cecil. |
|
News from Rome, 5 April 1567, chiefly relating to domestic
matters. Conversion of 40 jews. From Genoa with news of
Spanish affairs. From Prague, 30 March 1567.—Venice,
12 April 1567. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Ital. Pp. 3. |
| April 12. |
1088. Trial of the Earl of Bothwell. |
|
Accounts of the proceedings in the Justice Court of
Edinburgh on the 12th April 1567, the Earl of Argyll
presiding, against the Earl of Bothwell for the murder of
Lord Darnley at the suit of the Earl of Lennox. He was
acquitted because the prosecutor did not bring any evidence
in support of the "dittay" or declaration. Signed: Johannis
Bellenden, Clericus Justiciavie.
Endd. Pp. 9. |
|
1089. Another copy. |
|
Printed in Anderson's history, Vol. II., 97, from Buchanan's Detection.
Endd. Pp. 6. |
| April 13. |
1090. Challenge of the Earl of Bothwell. |
|
The Earl of Bothwell having offered to fight according to
the law of arms any gentleman underfamed who dares to
say that he is not innocent, the writer offers to prove by the
same law of arms that he was the chief and author of the
foul and horrible murder, and desires that the King of France
and Queen of England will appoint a place in their dominions
for the trial. Warns the rest of the murderers that they shall
have the like offer and their names given in writing. Verses
underneath commencing, "It is not aneuch ye pure King
is deid."
P. 1. |
| April. |
1091. Challenge of the Earl of Bothwell. |
|
1. Copy of the answer to the Earl of Bothwell's challenge. |
|
2. Second answer. Because Bothwell will not fight in
France or England the writer is content to fight him within
the bounds of Scotland, provided the Queen will give her
assurance by open proclamation to him and his company, and
that the King of France and Queen of England may appoint
the day and place, and promise that he and his company shall
incur no danger. |
|
3. There follows the names of seven of the devisers and
counsellors of the murders. Also the names of twelve of the
murderers. |
|
4. Another ticket set upon the cross. They cannot with
upright conscience part the Earl Bothwell and his wife, albeit
she justly prove him an abominable adulterer and worse, and
that by reason that he has murdered the husband of her that
he intends to marry, whose promise he had long before the
murder was done.
Endd. Pp. 2. |
|
1092. Copy of the first answer.
P. 1. |
|
1093. Copy of the second answer and the ticket.
Endd. Pp. 2. |
| April 14. |
1094. Lords of the Articles for the Parliament. |
|
List of about twelve names. Four bishops and three
abbots for the spiritualities, also five earls amongst whom is
Bothwell.
P. 1. |
| April 14. |
1095. The Earl of Bedford to Cecil. |
|
Upon the resolution of his departing to the north, he prays
that the controversies betwixt him and the Earl of Rutland
may be stayed in the Court of Wards till his return.—
Garendon, 14 April 1567. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1. |
| April 15. |
1096. Sir John Forster to Cecil. |
|
Has received letters touching 50 light horsemen for the
service in Ireland, which he will with all speed put in readiness. All the gentlemen of the frontiers of Scotland are at
Edinburgh.—Alnwick, 15 April 1567. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ¾. |
| April 15. |
1097. Sir John Forster to Cecil. |
|
This day his servant returned from Edinburgh, whom he
had sent with a letter for the burning of the town besides
Morpeth. On Saturday Bothwell bode assize for the death of
the King. The Earl of Lennox accompanied with his friends
to the number of 3,000 came to Linlithgow, but had commandment that he should not come to Edinburgh above six
in his company, and thereupon refused to come in that
manner. They left Bothwell untried because there was none
to give evidence.—Alnwick, 15 April 1567. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1. |
| April 13. |
1098. Justice Clerk to Sir John Forster. |
|
Received his letter, whereby he perceives there are divers
great robberies committed on the Marches. Presented it to
the Queen, who commanded the Earl Bothwell who bears the
charge of the Borders to make answer, who minds to send
one of his servants to him to whom he refers all things.—
Edinburgh, 13 April 1567.
Copy. P. 1. Enclosure. |
| April 12. |
1099. Trial of Earl Bothwell. |
|
List of names of those appointed upon the Earl Bothwell's
assize, thirteen in all.
P. 1. Enclosure. |
| April 15. |
1100. Sir Wm. Drury to Cecil. |
|
1. Despatched the Queen's letter directed to the Queen of
Scots by the Provost Marshal, who arrived at the Court on
the 12th, at six in the morning, but was told that Her Majesty
was asleep. Walked about till nine, when it being bruited
that the contents of the letter were for the stay of the assize
he was denied passage into the Court. Could find none who
would undertake to deliver it. Upon this there came to him
one named Hepburn, who told him that the Earl Bothwell
had sent him with this message, that he should retire himself
for that the Queen was so disquieted with the business of
that day that he saw no likelihood of any meet time to serve
his turn till after the assize. Espying a Scotchman whom he
had for guide he threatened him with hanging. Lethington
and Bothwell coming out demanded the letter, which he
delivered, they then returned to the Queen, and stayed
within half an hour. The whole troop of lords and gentlemen
still on horseback attending Bothwell's coming, Lethington
told the Provost that as yet the Queen was sleeping and
willed him to attend till after the assize. The throng was
very great, above 4,000 gentlemen besides others. The Earl
Bothwell passed with a merry and lusty cheer to the Tolbooth
attended with 200 harquebusiers, who kept the door. The
Earl of Lennox's advocates desired forty days for more perfect
collection of his proofs, and if they cleared Bothwell in that
assize protested for wilful error. The Earl Morton refused
to be of the assize. It is affirmed that at this assize none
were sworn. Bothwell has set up a cartel declaring himself
clear of this murder, and offering to defend any challenge
thereof with his body. Yesterday began the Parliament.
There are certain of O'Neile's men at Kinghorn intending to
embark for Flanders, pretending some matter with the King
of Spain. O'Connor has sent him a couple of letters which
O'Neile wrote to the French King and the Cardinal of
Lorraine. |
|
2. His messenger could not have his despatch sooner than
yesterday, and was not allowed further recourse to the Court
than to the gate. All the Court wear the dule, which they
did not before Le Croc came. The Earl of Lennox being
at Stirling of late saw the Prince and requested the Earl
of Marr to have earnest regard to his charge.—Berwick,
15 April 1567. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 5½. |
| April 16. |
1101. Sir Thomas Gresham to Cecil. |
|
Has written to Clough to see if the Queen's creditors will
receive any of their money aforehand, allowing the like
interest that the Queen pays. As there is no money to be
taken up in Antwerp by reason of so many merchants
departing, he desires him to command the receivers to preserve all the gold they can. — London, 16 April 1567.
Signed
Add. Endd., with seal. P. 1. |
| April 16. |
1102. Advices from the Low Countries. |
|
News from Mechlin of the 13th April, and from Antwerp
of the 16th.
Endd. Ital. Pp. 1½. |
| April 17. |
1103. Advices from Vienna. |
|
News from Prague of the arrest of a certain renegade in
the Turk's service. Signed by Stopio.
Endd. Pp. 1½. |
|
1104. Another note of the same intelligence.
Endd. Ital. Pp. 1½. |
| April 17. |
1105. Sir Thomas Smith to Cecil. |
|
The King will go to Chantilly where the Constable is.
The council of affairs is at this time severed, each almost at
their own houses. Knows not where he will have audience,
but sees that it will be deferred as long as may be. Understands that upon the rumour of his coming an ambassador
was sent into Spain to certify the King of his demand, and
the justification of their cause and denial.—Moret, 17 April
1567. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 1¼. |
| April 18. |
1106. Sir Henry Norris to the Earl of Leicester. |
|
Two English merchants having complained to him of the
arrest of their goods at Newhaven he has sent to the French
King requiring his letter for redress. On the 18th, answer
was brought that the King had been informed that some
injury had been offered of late upon the seas to some of
his subjects by Englishmen, but nevertheless he would take
order that justice should be done therein. The French make
their boast that the Queen shall neither have Calais or any
other recompense for the same. Trusts he will put it into
the Queen's heart to make them break their vow, to the
which the time never served better than now. Great are
the forces that the Emperor and King Philip have prepared.
The French are in great fear, being utterly unprovided. On
the 13th there chanced a great tumult in Antwerp, the
whole town being in armour for the space of four hours in
readiness to give the onset, the Papists and Lutherans against
the Calvinists who have got possession of the artillery and
munition of the town. Finds Mr. Secretary his "heavy"
friend in allowing his diets; prays to be advertised what he
thinks to be the occasion.—Moret, 18 April 1567. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 2½. |
| April 15. |
1107. Sir Henry Norris to the French King. |
|
Requests justice for some English merchants whose ships
and cargoes have been seized contrary to all right and reason.
Also desires audience for himself and Sir Thomas Smith.—
Moret, 15 April 1567.
Copy. Endd. Fr. Enclosure. P. ¾. |
| April 17. |
1108. Charles IX. to Sir Henry Norris. |
|
Promises justice to the English merchants whose ships
have been stayed. If he and Sir Thomas Smith will go to
Crecy near this place, he will let them know when they can
have audience.—Monceaux, 17 April 1567.
Copy. Endd. Fr. Enclosure. P. ½. |
| April 18. |
1109. The Earl of Bedford to Cecil. |
|
Forwards letters and hopes that he will remember to further
the causes of his last letters.—Garendon, 18 April 1567.
Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ½. |
| April 18. |
1110. Petition of the Protestants to the Queen of Scots. |
|
1. Desire the establishment of Christ's religion in the next
Parliament, and that all acts and constitutions prejudicial
to the same may be abolished with a new ratification of the
law of oblivion. Also a ratification of the Act of Parliament
made before her arrival. |
|
2. That all benefices when they become vacant may be
disposed to the welfare of the Kirk reformed. |
|
3. Order to be taken for the maintenance of schools and
colleges, for sustentation of the poor, and for punishing
horrible crimes, such as idolatry, blasphemy, manifest breaking
of the sabbath, adultery, and the like. |
|
4. Item, a plain declaration of the Acts of Parliament
made of before [for] the upholding of kirks and touching
the mansions and glebes. |
|
5. Item, that the jurisdiction given to some Papist bishops
be simpliciter discharged and disannulled. |
|
6. Lastly, that the cruel murder of the King may be so
diligently tried that the wicked committers thereof may be
punished.
Endd. Pp. 3. |
| April 18. |
1111. Intelligence out of France. |
|
The garrisons in Calais, Newhaven, and the border towns
are reinforced, and a general muster of the gendarmerie
appointed for the first of June. They send a courier into
Spain, before whose return it is not likely that Smith will
have an answer. They flatter King Philip hoping to have
him as a friend or neuter. There be at the Court certain of
Genoa who offer to the King 1,000,000 of gold for a license
to endure eight years, which is that throughout this realm
the people shall pay for every first begotten child a crown,
and after for every male five sous and female three, and for
every twenty sous in marriage money one. The contract is
already passed and stands only upon the approbation of this
Court of Parliament. Rumours that Marshall Bourdillon
at the time of his death discovered a conspiration against
the Protestants. They make great preparations of horses
and arms. The Huguenots think they shall not be long in
peace, for this King is cruelly bent against them. The Pope
has of late excommunicated the Queen of Navarre. They of
Berne and Geneva be in arms.—April 18.
Signature and address obliterated. Pp. 2. |
| April 19. |
1112. Pietro Bizarri to Cecil. |
|
News from Rome, 12 April 1567; Prague, 6 April;
Vienna, 11 April; Constantinople, 20 March. — Venice,
19 April 1567. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Ital. Pp. 3. |
|
1113. Copy of part of the above advices.
Ital. Pp. 3½. |
|
1114. Another copy.
Ital. Pp. 3½. |
| April 19. |
1115. Sir Henry Norris to the Queen. |
|
1. On the 14th certain English merchants of Rouen complained of the arrest of their ships, whereupon he sent his
secretary to the King to require redress and demand audience
for Sir Thomas Smith and himself. |
|
2. On the 18th answer was brought that justice should
be done, but as to their access to him he could not yet give
resolute answer. |
|
3. The King has done nothing but shift from one place
to another, which seems to be done as well to delay the
audience as to have better leisure to assemble the Council.
The French make great brags that she shall neither have
Calais or any recompense for it, yet they are not in best
case to make war, having neither money, nor good agreement
amongst themselves. The Emperor and the King of Spain
prepare greater armies than shall need for the suppressing of
any of their own subjects, which is not a little fear to the
Protestants of this country who stand upon their guard. |
|
4. The French King has sent to the Emperor and written
to the King of Spain to prevent her where the matter of
Calais may come in question. Desires her therefore to look
to such places as lie upon the seas. |
|
5. Here are many devices used to levy money, and first
they begin with the treasurers and commissaries for the wars,
whom they have ransomed by an accord made the 20th
March for the redemption of their lives and goods at 500,000
francs. There is also talk of a new imposition upon all
marriages and for every man child that is born; also upon
all innkeepers. The Queen Mother has been about to practice
a marriage for the King with the Emperor's eldest daughter.
Those of Geneva stand in some fear to be besieged by the
King of Spain and the Duke of Savoy, and have furnished
their town with all kinds of necessaries. There is commandment given for the mustering of the men at arms by the
first day of June, and that the towns of Picardy shall receive
them in garrison.—Moret, 19 April 1567. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 4½. |
| April 19. |
1116. Sir William Drury to Cecil. |
|
On Wednesday the Queen of Scots made her presence in
the Parliament; she would not admit the Baillies of Edinburgh
to guard her according to ancient custom, but passed with
her guard of harquebusiers. The Laird of Grange presented
a bill for the confirmation of religion. The man that walked
up and down the streets in the night with the cry of vengeance
for the murder is now apprehended, and shut up in a prison
which they call for the loathsomeness of the place the "foul
thief's pit." A servant of James Balfour, parson of Fliske,
(who was at the murder of the King) was secretly killed and
in like manner buried, supposed upon very lively presumptions for utterance of some matter either by remorse of
conscience or other folly that might tend to the whole
discovery of the King's death. Bothwell has obtained the
castle of Dunbar with all the lands belonging to it. A servant
of the Duke minding to set up a proclamation in Glasgow
was denied with some violence, wherewith ensued his death
at the hands of the Laird of Minto. James Balfour for some
fear he conceives keeps his house with great watch and ward.
Earl Morton is again in very grievous displeasure with the
Queen. Sends a copy of the answer to Bothwell's cartel.
Several noblemen solicit license to depart Scotland for some
reason.—Berwick, 19 April 1567. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 3. |
| April 19. |
1117. Bond in favour of the Earl of Bothwell. |
|
1. The undersigned declare that the Earl of Bothwell
having been tried for the murder of Darnley by his peers
and acquitted, and further having offered to maintain his
innocence by the law of arms, in case any person shall insist
further in the calumniation of the said Earl as participant in
the said heinous murder, they will maintain his quarrel
against them with their bodies, heritages, and goods. |
|
2. In case the Queen marries the said Earl and any presume
under whatever colour or pretence to hinder or disturb the
same marriage, they will esteem them their common enemies,
and will fortify the said Earl to the marriage and therein
bestow their lives and goods.—Edinburgh, 19 April 1567. |
|
3. To this the Queen gave her consent the night before the
marriage, 14th May. |
|
Endd.: The names of such noblemen who subscribed the
bond as far as John Read might remember, being commonly
called Ainsley's supper. Twenty-one in number, commencing
with Murray.
P. 1.
Printed in Anderson's History, Vol. I., p. 107. Also in
Keith, Vol. II., p. 563, from a copy in the Cotton library. |
|
1118. Another copy without the list of names.
Pp. 3¼. |
| April 20. |
1119. William Kirkaldy of Grange to the Earl of Bedford. |
|
1. If the Queen of England will pursue for the revenge of
this late murder she shall win the hearts of all the honest
men of Scotland again, and if they understand that she will
favour them they will not be long in revenging the murder.
The Queen has granted to abolish all laws made by any of
her predecessors for religion that may hurt them in their
lands, lives, or goods.—Edinburgh, 20 April. |
|
2. The Queen caused ratify in Parliament the cleansing of
Bothwell. |
|
3. The Queen intends to take the Prince out of the Earl of
Mar's hands and put him into Bothwell's keeping, who murdered his father. The same night the Parliament was dissolved, Bothwell called the most part of the noblemen to
supper, to desire their promise in writing and consent for the
Queen's marriage, which he will obtain. She has said that
she cares not to lose France, England, and her own country
for him, and will go with him to the world's end in a white
peticoat ere she leave him. She is so past all shame that she
has caused make an Act of Parliament against all them that
shall set up any writing that shall speak anything of him. |
|
4. Whatever is unhonest reigns presently in the Court.—
20 April.
Copy. Endd. Pp. 2. |
| April 21. |
1120. Advices from Antwerp. |
|
News from Antwerp of the 21st April, relating to the
movements of different parties in the Low Countries.
Endd. Ital. P. 1. |
| April 22. |
1121. Christopher Mundt to Cecil. |
|
There is news that on the 13th Gotha with its citadel
surrendered to Augustus, and that Grombach and three other
noblemen are prisoners. The Landgrave Philip of Hesse died
on 31st March. |
|
2. The King of Spain has asked the Swiss for passage for
his troops, and offered hostages, but they have refused him.—
Strasbourg, 22 April 1567. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Lat. Pp. 2¼. |
| April 22. |
1122. Thomas Cotton to Cecil. |
|
Has procured the setting up again of Lord Courtenay's
tomb, with condition within six months either to cause a
tomb of stone to be made or take further order. —Padua, 22
April. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. P. 1. |
| April 23. |
1123. The Earl of Lennox to Sir William Drury. |
|
Thanks him for sending his last advertisement and message
to the Queen with such expedition, and desires him to despatch the enclosed letter to his wife.—From his ship in the
Garloch, 23 April. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ¼. |
| April 24. |
1124. Sir John Forster to Cecil. |
|
The Warden of Scotland is in ward in the castle of Edinburgh. The Liddlesdales have of late spoiled the town of
Biggar and got much substance of coin, silks, and horses.
Days of March there are none either appointed or kept. The
Queen of Scots is gone to Stirling to see the Prince without
any order or stay of redress upon the frontiers.—Harbottle,
24 April 1567. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 1½. |
| April 24. |
1125. Sir Henry Norris to Catherine De Medici. |
|
Informs her of Smith's and his arrival at Paris, and desires
to know when they can have audience. — Paris, 24 April
1567.
Copy. Endd. Fr. Pp. 2. |
| April 24. |
1126. Sir William Drury to Cecil. |
|
On Sunday night the soldiers, being in the hall in the
presence of the Queen, began to mutiny, demanding their pay,
whereat the Earl Bothwell stepped to one, laying hands on
him to strike him, but the rest rescued him, so that the Earl
was glad to let him go. The Queen commanded to give them
400 crowns. On Monday the Queen took her journey to
Stirling to see the Prince, and this day minds to return to
Edinburgh or Dunbar. The Earl Bothwell has gathered
many of his friends, well appointed, some say to ride in Liddlesdale, but there is feared some other purpose much different,
which he will shortly be able to advertise more certainly.—
Berwick, 24 April 1567. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 1¼. |
| April 24. |
1127. Anonymous Letter. |
|
The Earl of Bothwell's wife is going to part with her
husband, and a great part of the Lords have subscribed the
marriage between the Queen and him. The Queen rode to
Stirling last Monday, and returns this day. Earl Bothwell
has gathered many of his friends, as some say to ride into
Liddesdale, but the writer believes it not, for he is minded to
meet the Queen this day, and to take her by the way and
bring her to Dunbar. |
|
2. "By him that is yours who took you by the hand at
midnight."
P. 1. |
| April [25.] |
1128. Memoranda by Cecil. |
|
First. That the Queen's mind may appear to continue in
desiring to have the malefactors of the King of Scots' murder
apprehended. |
|
Secondly. That the Queen of Scots may understand what
manner of bruits and rumours are spread through all countries
concerning the said fact. |
|
Thirdly. That if it be found that the Queen is disposed to
marry with the Earl of Bothwell that all means be used to
interrupt it. |
|
Fourthly. That the like be used to interrupt any league
with France or the alteration of religion. |
|
Fifthly. That some redress be had for the great disorders
upon the frontiers.
In Cecil's writing. Headed: The matters to be considered.
P. 1. |
| April [25.] |
1129. Instructions for Lord Grey sent to the Queen of
Scots. |
|
1. The messenger is to inform her that the Queen daily
finds from all parts a general misliking conceived that as yet
no discovery is made of the malefactors, but that which is
most misliked is that such as by common fame have been
most touched with the crime are most favoured, whilst the
father and other of the King's friends who should orderly
seek for revenge are forced to retire from the Court, and some
of them deprived from their offices. |
|
2. The Queen is much perplexed, and has therefore sent
Lord Grey to utter to her such things as are dispersed through
the world to the danger of the Queen of Scots' fame, and to
know what part thereof has truth and what not. |
|
3. It is commonly said that the Earl of Bothwell was the
principal author of the King's death, that his malice to the
King was notorious deadly before his death, and that Bothwell's servitors being broken men were the doers of it. That
the castle of Edinburgh and the superiority of Leith was
granted to Bothwell. |
|
4. On the other side such contempt, or at least neglect,
used in the burial of the King as has caused great indignation,
his father and friends forced to preserve themselves by
absence, and, as is reported by his father, commanded not to
come to the Court with above six men, where the persons
accused were attended upon by companies of soldiers. |
|
5. The Queen has also cause to mislike the usage of the
Provost Marshal of Berwick sent with her letters, and
earnestly requires that so open an insolence may be openly
repaired.
Draft in Cecil's writing. Endd.: April. Pp. 4. |
| April 25. |
1130. Sir William Drury to Cecil. |
|
1. Yesternight the Queen of Scots came to Dunbar well
and strongly accompanied, and brought the Prince with her
from Stirling.—Berwick, 25 April 1567. Signed. |
|
2. P.S.—The Earl Bothwell met her three miles from
Stirling. She passed by Edinburgh, sending the Prince into
the castle.
Add. Endd. P. 1. |
| April 26. |
1131. William Kircaldy of Grange to the Earl of Bedford. |
|
This Queen will never cease until such time as she have
wrecked all the honest men of this realm. She was minded
to cause Bothwell to ravish her to the end that she may the
sooner end the marriage which she promised before she caused
murder her husband. There are many who would revenge the
murder, but they fear the Queen of England. Is so suited to
for to enterprise the revenge that he must either take it upon
hand or else leave the country, which he is determined to do
if he can obtain license, but Bothwell is minded to cut him
off ere he obtain it. She minds to take the Prince out of
the Earl of Mar's hands and place him in the hands that
murdered his father. Desires to know what the Queen of
England will do, for if they seek France they may find favour,
but he would rather persuade to lean to England.—"From
my house," 26 April. Signed: G.
Copy. Endd. P. 1. |
| April. |
1132. — to Cecil. |
|
There was in Scotland with Monsieur Morette the Principal
of the College of Jesuits in France. In France it is declared
by the Scottish Ambassador that the Lord James was the
author of the King's death, and that the Earl of Lennox is
deluded and mocked by him. Mons. De Croc is sent into
Scotland to know the truth of the murder. These be the news
of the 20th March last.
Add. Endd.: April. P. ½. |
| April 26. |
1133. — to Shers. |
|
Sends intelligence from Genoa, dated 18 April 1567; from
Rome, 26 April; from Vienna, 24 April.
Add. Endd., with seal. Ital. Pp. 2¼. |
| April 26. |
1134. Pietro Bizarri to Cecil. |
|
Sends news of the Turkish armaments. Intelligence from
Rome, 19 April 1567; Vienna, 18 April; and Augsburg, 20
April.—Venice, 26 April 1567. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Ital. Pp. 3¼. |
| April 26. |
1135. Gerherdt Henrich to the Queen. |
|
Informs Her Majesty that he has secretly constructed four
guns, two for use on water, two for use on land, better,
stronger, and handier than any yet made, cheaper also.
Broaches a scheme for building and arming ships which
would enter any harbour in France. Earnestly begs employment from Her Majesty.—Antwerp, 26 April 1567. Signed.
Add. Endd. Dutch. Pp. 3½. |
| April 27. |
1136. Advices from Antwerp. |
|
News from Antwerp April 27, coming of the King of
Spain into the Low Countries; arrival of soldiers at Antwerp;
departure of the Prince of Orange from Breda.
Endd. Ital. Pp. 1½. |
| April 27. |
1137. John Morrall to Gresham. |
|
1. This morning at five o'clock was received into Antwerp
by the lords of the town Count Mansfield's son, with sixteen
ancients, counted 3,200 men, Walloons, who came in peaceably;
although yesterday the soldiers of the town seeing their own
decay and displacing out of wages, thought themselves to be
ill used, they being burghers of the town, and so kept the gates
and would not let them pass. The Regent comes in upon
Monday with 800 horsemen and 400 or 500 footmen, the
Count Egmont with most of the States meaning to keep the
Court here. |
|
2. The Prince and Princess of Orange have gone towards
Dutchland. They have discharged many of their old servants,
some of whom he minds to send into London by the next
ships, of which there be three ready to depart laden with
stones for the Bourse. Hoogstraten and Count Horn be departed after the Prince. It is supposed that Brederode is
strong, some 13,000 or 14,000 good fighting men, and the
Regent has sent a great number of men against them. Out
of Italy is news of great number of men of war gathered
together to the number of 30,000 prepared to come this way.
—Antwerp, 27 April 1567. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 2. |
| April 27. |
1138. Proclamation at Antwerp. |
|
Orders the inhabitants to refrain from insulting or
quarrelling with the soldiers. Disorderly soldiers to be
arrested and handed over to the Provost. No one to carry
any arms in the streets; to refuse to receive the soldiers
billeted on them; or to be out in the streets after a certain
hour without a light.—Published by the Seigneur De Boudries
and the magistrates of Antwerp.
Printed pamphlet. Fr. Pp. 7½. |
| April 27. |
1139. Sir William Drury to Cecil. |
|
1. The arrival of the Prince into Edinburgh is untrue. |
|
2. The Queen and Bothwell intended to compass it, howbeit
the Earl of Marr would not suffer it to have effect. At the
meeting the Earl of Huntly and Lethington were taken
prisoners. One thing he has long forborn to advertise him
of, which he thinks not meet to conceal any longer, which is,
the marriage between the Queen and the Earl Bothwell,
affirmed with much speed, and that most of the Lords have
thereunto subscribed and to be Bothwell's friends in all
actions. |
|
3. P. S.—The manner of Bothwell's meeting with the
Queen, although it appeared to be forcibly, yet is known to
be otherwise. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 2. |
| April 27. |
1140. The Earl of Bedford to Cecil. |
|
Encloses letters to him. Minds to set forth on his journey
within these ten days, his body being in such diseased case
that before physic taken he dare not adventure to travel.—
Garendon, 27 April 1567. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1. |
| April 28. |
1141. The Earl of Bedford to the Queen. |
|
Has received letters from the Laird of Grange, which being
deciphered he has sent to Cecil. Begs her to have consideration of his painful and chargeable journey.—Garendon,
28 April 1567. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1. |
| April 28. |
1142. The Earl of Bedford to Cecil. |
|
Sends him a copy of a letter from the Laird of Grange (see
April 26). If the Queen intends to do anything either in this
or any other like matters of importance he trusts he will
procure all her directions under her own hand for his better
warrant.—Garendon, 28 April 1567. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1. |
| April [28]. |
1143. Advices from Italy. |
|
Intelligence from Genoa dated [28] April 1567; and from
Rome of the 26 April.
Endd. Ital. Pp. 3. |
| April 29. |
1144. Christopher Mundt to Cecil. |
|
1. Two days after the surrender of Gotha, Grombach, William
Von Stayn, and the Chancellor of the Duke John Frederic
were executed. There are mutual recriminations between
Dukes Augustus and John Frederic because the latter during
the siege coined money and styled himself Elector. |
|
2. The Emperor desires that the subsidy for the Turkish
war may continue for three years.—Strasbourg, 29 April
1567. Signed.
Add. Endd. Lat. Pp. 2. |
| April 29. |
1145. Richard Frearson to Sir Henry Norris. |
|
Letter from the eighteen English captives in the galleys at
Marseilles to the same effect as their letter of the 12th inst.—
Marseilles, 29 April 1567. Signed.
Add. P. 1. |
| April 30. |
1146. Charles IX. to the Queen. |
|
Has received her letter by Sir Thomas Smith and heard
what he had to declare, and given him answer which he will
declare to her.—St. Maur des Fosses, 30 April 1567. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Royal Letter. Fr. |
| April 30. |
1147. Catherine De Medicis to the Queen. |
|
Refers her to the bearer, Sir Thomas Smith, for the King's
answer which she will find reasonable.—St. Maur des Fosses,
30 April 1567. Signed.
Add. Royal Letter. Fr. |
| April 30. |
1148. George Fernsed to Sir Henry Norris. |
|
Begs his assistance for the relief of the eighteen poor
captives at Marseilles.—Marseilles, 30 April 1567. Signed.
Add. P. 1. |
| April 30. |
1149. The Queen to Gresham. |
|
Warrant for the payment of 8,532l. 5s. 4d. of the Queen's
debts due at Antwerp on the 20th June next.—Westminster,
30 April 1567.
Rough Copy. Endd. Broadside. |
| April 30. |
1150. Sir William Drury to Cecil. |
|
1. It is thought that the Lady of Buccleugh if need be will
affirm Bothwell to have sinned in adultery and claim of him
a promise of marriage before he married the Lady Bothwell,
and that way prove the marriage not to be lawful. The
Lady Bothwell is now for the yielding to the divorce of
another mind, and says she will never say untruly of herself,
but will die with the name of the Lady Bothwell. |
|
2. Bothwell was secretly at Linlithgow the night before
he took the Queen, having appointed his company where to
meet him; in the morning he secretly broke with Huntly of
his determination for the having of the Queen, which in no
respect he would yield unto. Bothwell has required his
friends to hold themselves in readiness until he should again
send for them. Bothwell and his faction are glad of Murray's
departure; he has now left his dule weed, and his apparel
more sumptuous, and shows tokens of mirth. Had one of
this garrison there yesterday, who saw the Queen and him
walking together abroad and the soldiers with them.—Berwick,
last of April. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 2. |
| April. |
1151. Diet of Bohemia. |
|
List of different tolls and customs granted to the Emperor
for the period of two years for the maintenance of his state,
with the proportions to be paid by different classes of his
subjects, and also the proportion of men to be furnished for
the war with the Turk.
Endd. Lat. Pp. 1½. |
| April. |
1152. The Queen to Lord Scrope. |
|
Orders him to levy fifty light horsemen for service in
Ireland. Endorsed the like letter to Sir John Forster.
Draft corrected by Cecil., with seal. Pp. 1¼. |
