Elizabeth: March 1566 | British History Online

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

'Elizabeth: March 1566', in Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 8, 1566-1568, (London, 1871) pp. 25-41. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/foreign/vol8/pp25-41 [accessed 14 April 2024]

March 1566



March 2.	148. N. Stopio to—.
	Great preparations of the Turk for Hungary, and also for the sea.—Venice, 2 March 1566. Signed. Ital. P. 1.
March 3.	149. Advices.
	News from Antwerp, 3rd March. Ital. P. 1.
March 3.	150. Advices.
	1. Rome, March 3. The Cardinal of Augsburg sent as Legate to the Diet, Marc Antonio Colonna is departed towards Naples.
	2. Naples, 22 Feb. Preparations for the defence of ports in Africa.
	3. Wilna, 9 Feb. The peace between the Muscovites and the King of Poland is like to grow to no good conclusion. Endd. Pp. 2.
March 3.	151. The Vidame of Chartres to the Queen.
	Thanks her for her goodness in restoring Captain Hoguier's ship, and begs that his pension may be paid.—La Ferte, 3 March 1565. Signed. Add. Endd. Fr. Pp. 2.
March 3.	152. Queen Elizabeth to the Queen of Scots.
	Complains that without any proof of his offence she has commanded Randolph to depart out of her realm. The like dealing has not been heard of in Christendom between princes. Means in like manner to return her envoy. If she will not take the Earl of Murray and his to her favour she cannot but see him relieved in her own realm. If she directs her ministers on the Borders to persist in refusal to do justice she will be found to do the like. Draft, corrected by Cecil. Endd. Pp. 4½.
	153. Another copy.—Greenwich, 3 March 1565. Endd. Pp. 2¼.
March 3.	154. Office of the Ordnance at Berwick.
	A remembrance of certain things to be attended to in the office of the Ordnance at Berwick touching the stores, gunners, and powder. Endd. P. 1.
March 4.	155. The Earl of Bedford to Cecil.
	Desires a warrant for the pay of certain gunners sent hither by order of the Earl of Warwick and his lieutenant, Mr. Edward Randolph.—Berwick, 4 March 1565. Signed. Add. Endd. P. 1.
March 4.	156. The Earl of Bedford to the Privy Council.
	Asks them to take order for the pay of the gunners mentioned in his to Cecil of this date.—Berwick, 4 March 1565. Signed. Add. Endd. P. 1.
March 4.	157. Alexander Citolini to Cecil.
	1. Arrived at Augsburg three days ago. On the opening of the Diet the Emperor attended Mass, but the Protestant princes had preachings in their houses. After that they went into the Town Hall, where the question of religion was discussed. The Emperor declared that only two were to be tolerated, viz., the Papists and that of the Confession of Augsburg, and the others to be repressed. The Emperor then desired aid against the Turk and that they would double their proportion of men from 2,000 horse and 10,000 foot to 4 and 20,000 respectively. And engaged himself to put in the field 30,000 men.
	2. It is said that the Turk's army numbers 150,000.— Augsburg, 4 March 1566. Signed: Al. Ci. Add. Endd., with seal. Lat. Pp. 3.
[March 4.]	158. The Emperor of Germany's Army against the Turk.
	Names of the different noblemen and leaders with the numbers of soldiers which each should contribute to the army, total 45,300. Endd. Lat. Pp. 2.
March 5.	159. — to —.
	Has communicated to the Emperor the contents of his Lordship's letter of the 18th ult., touching the Archduke.— Augsburg, 5 March 1566. Written in Spanish on a small slip of paper, without signature or address.
March 6.	160. The Earl of Bedford and Thomas Randolph to the Queen.
	Have been severally informed of a matter of no small consequence intended in Scotland. Have written the whole matter and send copies of some writings to Mr. Secretary Hope that by this means the Earl of Murray may be brought home, and have therefore stayed the sending of her letters in his behalf.—Berwick, 6 March 1565. Signed. Add. Endd. Pp. 1½.
	161. Copy of the above in Randolph's writing. Endd. P. 1.
March 6.	162. Bedford and Randolph to Cecil.
	Has heard of a great attempt to be made by such advice as Lord Darnley has gotten of some noblemen in Scotland. Have promised on their honours that none shall be privy hereto but the Queen, the Earl of Leicester, and Cecil. The matter is this, there have been jars between the Queen and her, husband, partly because she has refused him the crown matrimonial, and partly for that he has assured knowledge of such usage of herself as altogether is intolerable to be borne, which if it were not overwell known they would be very loath to think it could be true. To take away this occasion of slander he is himself determined to be at the apprehension and execution of him, whom he is able manifestly to charge with the crime and to have done him the most dishonour that can be to any man. The time of execution of these matters is before the Parliament, near as it is. To this determination are privy in Scotland, Argyll, Morton, Boyd, Ruthven, and Lethington; in England, Murray, Rothes, Grange, himself, and Randolph. If the Queen of Scots make any power she will be withstood, and if she seek any foreign support the Queen of England will be sought to accept their defence.— Berwick, 6 March 1565. Signed: Bedford and Randolph. Written in Randolph's writing. Add. Endd. Pp. 2½.
March 6.	163. Thomas Randolph to Cecil.
	1. On Thursday there came to him Robert Lesley from the Council to know why he departed not out of the country according to their commandment, which he refused to do and demanded audience of the Queen or her Council. On Friday he was ordered to leave by 10 o'clock next day on his peril by the Provost. Was conveyed to Dunbar by the Laird of Ormiston of Tividale and some other gentlemen. On his way met the Earl of Bethwell, who complained of the evil opinion conceived of the Queen of England against him and declared that he never spake but honourably of her and offered to oppose his body to any man who would say the contrary. Randolph spake of the manner of his departure, to which he answered that it was the Queen's will. His hope is upon this or other occasions that there will be war.
	2. Reached Berwick on Sunday. Fears out of hand the breaking of the Borders, Bothwell bearing therewith as much as he can. In the Queen of Scots' declaration in the matter with which he was charged there is left out the special point of his defence. The Earl of Glencairn perseveres honest hitherto. There is displeasure grown towards the Earl of Morton. The seal is taken from him, and as some say given to keep to David. The ground of the displeasure is that he will not give over a piece of land to the Lord Fleming that by that means David may come by a piece of land with a fair house called Melvin. About this matter Lord Semple was grown into displeasure.—Berwick, 6 March 1565. Signed. Add. Endd. Pp. 13.
March.	164. Bond between Lord Darnley and the Scotch Lords.
	Promises to obtain pardon for their offences, and restitution to their lands and rights, and also to establish the religion. Copy, in Randolph's writing. Subscribed, Henry R. Endd. Pp. 3.
March.	165. Bond between the Scotch Lords and Lord Darnley.
	1. The Earls of Argyll, Murray, Glencairn, and Rothes, Lords Boyd and Ochiltree and their complices engage to be true subjects to Henry King of Scotland, and to take part with him in all his lawful actions and quarrels. They also engage to grant him the crown matrimonial, and to maintain his title to the crown failing of the succession of the Queen.
	2. They all promise to maintain the religion which was established by the Queen shortly after her arrival. Also they will labour with the Queen of England for the relief of the Countess of Lennox and her son. Copy, in Randolph's writing. Endd. Pp. 4.
March 6.	166. The Earl of Bedford to Leicester and Cecil.
	Mr. Marshal here has certain suits there whom he commends unto them, and trusts they will help him therein.—Berwick, 6 March 1565. Signed. Add. Endd. P. 1.
March 6.	167. The Earl of Bedford to Cecil.
	1. Has received within these three days two letters from him with the first the Queen's to him and the Lord Warden touching the Redesdale men.
	2. There has been of late taken certain gold within his wardenry to the number of 160 crowns that was cast on land out of a ship. The thing was put forth to him by certain Scots, to whom for their travail he has given half, and will keep the rest till he hears from thence.
	3. Thanks him for procuring of this pay, Randolph being sent out of Scotland in this sort, he asks whether he shall let pass any Scots as come from thence or desire to pass thitherward. Desires to know what order shall be taken for Seres, the Scot whom he stayed here.—Berwick, 6 March 1565. Signed. Add. Endd. Pp. 2¼.
March 6.	168. Sir Thomas Smith to the Earl of Leicester.
	Complains of the delay in sending over his successor.— Bourbon L'Archambaud, 6 March 1566. Signed. Add. Endd. P. 1.
March 6.	169. Sir Thomas Smith to Cecil.
	1. Has not heard from him these two months, which at first put him in hope that Mr. Hobbie was coming, now it puts him in despair, and jealously that he is dallied with.—Bourbon Archambaud, 6 March 1566. Signed.
	2. P.S.—Mr. George Carey is come to the Court without money, to whom he has lent 100 crowns. Has no order for money for him and must have one of his men sent with money, as he has written to Cheveley. Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 2.
March 6.	170. Sir Thomas Smith to Cecil.
	1. Here all goes to two points; to reassemble themselves together in one accord "telle quelle." So the Admiral and Montmorency and the house of Guise be appointed. The other to moderate ordinary charges. So treasurers almost 1,500 secretaries, valets de chambre, and gens d'armes be discharged to an infinite number. Asks him to let him come home and to send one hither.—Bourbon Archambaud, 6 March 1566.
	2. The bearer, Captain Lathco, is of the religion, and if he can do him any pleasure he prays him do it. Signed. Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 2.
March 8.	171. The Earl of Bedford and Thomas Randolph to Leicester and Cecil.
	Morton is presently in Edinburgh, and Argyll will be there to-morrow. The Earl of Murray is written for and his whole company. They will be on Sunday night at Edinburgh, but that which is intended shall be executed before his coming upon him whom Cecil knows. Advertise them that they may communicate thereof to the Queen.—Berwick, 8 March 1565. Signed. Add. Endd. P. 1.
March 8.	172. The Earl of Bedford to Cecil.
	Has forwarded the Queen's letter to the Queen of Scots. Matters in Scotland begin to grow to some ripeness. Will send [Seres] the Scot to him as soon as he can.—Berwick, 8 March 1565. Signed. Add. Endd. P. 1.
March 8.	173. Thomas Randolph to Cecil.
	Is glad that Her Majesty accepts his answer made to the Queen of Scots. Sees yet some sparks of goodwill revived in men's hearts towards her, which shall be nourished.—Berwick, 8 March 1565. Signed. Add. Endd. P. 1.
March 8.	174. The Earl of Murray to Cecil.
	Thanks him for his goodwill and favour towards him in all his causes. He and his company are suddenly called home for the weal of religion and the avoiding of great inconvenience. Mr. Wood, the bearer, would let him know the full occasion and circumstances hereof. Does not doubt but that he will let the Queen understand the same.—Newcastle, 8 March 1565. Signed: James Stewart. Orig. Add. Endd. P. 1.
March 9.	175. John Man to Cecil.
	Has remained here since the 6th inst. expecting good weather.—Plymouth, 9 March 1565. Signed. Add. Endd. P. ¼.
March 9.	176. Richard Clough to Phayre.
	Acknowledges the receipt of certain letters, which he has delivered according to his direction.—Antwerp, 9 March 1565. Signed. P. ½.
March 9.	177. Advices.
	1. Constantinople, 11 Feb. Great diligence is used for the setting forth of the galleys; 20 galleys, 50 field pieces, and 6,000 harquebusiers to be sent towards the Danube.
	2. Naples, 9 March. The galleys to the number of 20 are still preparing.
	3. Rome, 9 March. Proceedings of the Pope and Cardinals. It is said that the Grand Master will abandon Malta. Two persons executed for selling children to the Turks. The Pope has ordered that no spiritual men shall receive unto their service any beardless servants. The intelligence from Rome is also given in Italian under the date of 11 March. Pp. 4.
March 9.	178. Pietro Bizzari to Cecil.
	Sends intelligence from Rome of the 6th March 1566, chiefly relating to Malta; and from Augsburg, 24th February 1566. Signed. Add., with seal. Ital. Pp. 3.
March 10.	179. Rowland Johnson to Cecil.
	Perceives by letter sent by him and the rest of the Council that Sir Richard Lee has made complaint of his breaking his orders for the placing of twelve men in the works by the Lord Governor's order to the Controller and him, which complaint he trusts was fully answered not only by the Governor's letter but also by his own. Desires him to stand his good master. —Berwick, 10 March 1565. Signed. Add. Endd. P. 1.
March 11.	180. Advices.
	News from Constantinople of the 11th February of preparations against Hungary; and from Rome of the 11th March of the creation of Cardinals and other transactions in the Papal Court. Ital. Pp. 3½.
	181. Copy of the above. Injured by damp. Ital. Pp. 3.
March 11.	182. The Earl of Bedford to Cecil.
	1. Yesterday the Earl of Murray and the rest entered into Scotland and were met by the Lord Home. They count to find great aid there. David is despatched and dead, as he heard it should be. The manner thereof he will not now trouble him with. Since so great an enemy to religion and the amity of the two realms is now taken away, there is good hope that quietness and peace shall be established on the Borders.
	2. Desires to come up to Court.—Berwick, 11 March 1565. Signed. Add. Endd. Pp. 2.
March 12.	183. Thomas Randolph to Cecil.
	1. Seres, a Scotchman, who was stayed with certain notes by the Earl of Bedford he has learnt departed out of Scotland because he had stolen away the Sheriff of Linlithgow's wife, the Lord Semple's daughter; after that he was three years in Almaine with the Palsgrave and the Emperor; then with others he came by a ship and was taken in Brittany and condemned to the galleys.
	2. As Randolph's name is amongst his notes he may have some great matter to say of him, and therefore would have him straightly examined.—Berwick, 12 March 1565. Signed. Add. Endd. Pp. 3.
March 13.	184. The Earl of Bedford to Cecil.
	David and Friar Black a rank Papist are slain. The Earl of Murray was well accompanied to Edinburgh, and well received of the King. Of the Parliament there is now no more talk.—Berwick, 13 March 1565. Signed. Add. Endd. P. 1.
March 13.	185. Thomas Randolph to Cecil.
	Friar Black, who was slain in his bed, had been taken in two several advouteries, and for that cause banished Scotland. Two months past he was met late at night suspiciously, and being known got two or three blows with a cudgel and one with a dagger.—Berwick, 13 March 1565. Signed. Add. Endd. P. 1.
March 13.	186. Provisions for Berwick.
	List of provisions wanted for the fortifications at Berwick, the cost amounting to 306l. 6s. Endd. Pp. 1½.
March 15.	187. The Queen to Sir Thomas Smith.
	Sends Sir Thomas Hoby to succeed him as ambassador, whom he is to instruct and present to the King, and to deliver up to him her plate. Draft in Cecil's writing. Endd. Pp. 2.
March 15.	188. Instructions for Sir Thomas Hoby.
	1. Appoints him ambassador in the room of Sir Thomas Smith.—Greenwich, 15 March 1565.
	2. P.S.—The inhabitants of Rye are much injured by the fishers of Dieppe, who fish on the coast both at unseasonable times and with unlawful nets. He is to receive information of the same. Draft in Cecil's writing. Endd. Pp. 3¼.
March 15.	189. Conference at Bruges.
	1. Instructions for Lord Montague, Dr. Wotton, and Walter Haddon, Commissioners appointed to treat at Bruges with those authorised by the King of Spain for the determining of the controversies lately moved upon the treaties of the intercourse.
	2. Whereas at the end of September 1565 they suspended the communication till the 15th inst., the tempestuousness of the season and the health of some of them has caused to be procured from the Duchess of Parma to have the said treaty deferred one month longer; they are therefore to prepare to be at Bruges by the 15th April. Instructs them how they are to answer the matters remaining in controversy, being some 25 in number, chiefly relating to the levying of tolls and subsidies; and the prohibitions upon the exportation and importation of certain articles; and the suppression of piracy. Draft, corrected by Cecil. Endd. (See also March 11, 1565.) Pp. 20½.
March 15.	190. Queen Elizabeth to Mary Queen of Scots.
	Complains of her strange manner in commanding Randolph to depart out of her country. Has therefore required Melville to return to her. Draft, corrected by Cecil. Endd. P. 1.
March 15.	191. Mary Queen of Scots to Queen Elizabeth.
	Marvels that she credits the false speaking of her unworthy subjects, whom she will hereafter know never deserved her favour or assistance to their mischievous enterprises. They have taken her house and slain her most special servant in her presence, and thereafter held her person captive treasonably, whereby she was constrained to escape at midnight out of her palace. Desires to understand if she minds to support them against her as she boasts, for she is not so disprovided but that other Princes will help her to defend her realm.—Dunbar Castle, 15 March 1565. Signed. Orig. Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 3.
March 15.	192. The Emperor Maximilian to the Queen.
	Letter of credence for Adam Schweckonitz, Baron of Mitterburg and one of the Emperor's Privy Council.—Vienna, 15 March 1566. Signed. Add. Endd. Lat. Royal letter.
March 16.	193. The Earl of Bedford to the Queen.
	1. Has received her pleasure for 300l. part of 3,000l. sent by her to be secretly paid to the Earl of Murray. Has paid 1,000l. to Murray.
	2. Seeing the estate of the Lords he desires her to signify her pleasure expressly in writing under her hand as to how they shall deal in anything.—Berwick, March 16, 1565. Signed. Add. Endd. Pp. 2.
March 16.	194. The Earl of Bedford to Cecil.
	The remainder of the money is ready to be employed as it shall please the Queen to appoint. Randolph will at good length declare the affairs of Scotland.—Berwick, 16 March 1565. Signed. Add. Endd. Pp. 2.
March 16.	195. Pietro Bizarri to Cecil.
	Sends news from Rome of 9 March 1566. Also intelligence from Constantinople.—Venice, 16 March 1566. Signed. Add. Ital. P. 1½.
March 16.	196. Pietro Bizarri to Cecil.
	Sends news from Rome of 16 March 1566, and from Naples of 9 March. Signed. Add., with seal. Ital. Pp. 3.
March 16.	197. Advices.
	Intelligence from Naples, 9 March 1566, and from Rome, 16 March. Ital. Pp. 4. Copy of the above. Ital. Pp. 4½.
March 18.	198. The Earl of Bedford to the Queen.
	Has but 200l. remaining out of the 3,000l. Sends a letter from the Queen of Scots. Desires license to depart from his charge to her.—Berwick, 18 March 1565. Signed. Add. Endd. P. 1½
March 18.	199. The Earl of Bedford to Cecil.
	Sends back the Queen's letter in favour of the Earl of Murray which he stayed. Proclamation has been made for all men to assemble against the Lords. Desires to come up to Court. If the Lords who are in Scotland so persecuted and afflicted come hither he does not mind to deny them.— Berwick, 18 March 1565. Signed. Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 2.
March 19.	200. Dr. Christopher Mundt to Cecil.
	Perceives by his letter what a heavy and perilous task he has imposed on him. Intends to set out for [Augsburg] on the 25th, in company with the Commissioners from this town. —Strasbourg, 19 March 1566. Signed. Add. Endd., with seal. Lat. P. 1.
March 19.	201. The Princess Cecilia, Marchionesss of Baden, to the Queen.
	Excuses herself for not coming to her on account of illhealth and the badness of the weather. Complains that the Queen's subjects who have been so insolent to her have not been punished, and also of a certain "Ephipparius," who will not give her the same good conditions as her other creditors, but has arrested her secretary. Hopes that these people will not go unpunished, lest her condition may seem to be the same as that of a private person.—London, 19 March 1566. Signed. Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 2.
March 20.	202. John Cuerton to William Phayre.
	Would be glad of the release of the poor English prisoners in this province. Three days past there arrived Mr. John Man, who comes for ambassador.—Bilboa, 20 March 1566. Signed. Add. Endd., with seal. P. 1.
March 20.	203. Complaint of the English Ambassador in France.
	Complains of depredations by the French King's subjects and the difficulty of redress, and desires the King to restrain them from arming for the seas and punish the offenders.— 20 March 1566. Endd. Fr. Pp. 3.
March 20.	204. Gunners at Berwick.
	The names of twelve gunners sent to Berwick the 14th July 1565, to supply the rooms of others sent to Newhaven, whose wages from that date to Michaelmas 1565 amount to 30l. 8s. Endd. P. 1.
March 21.	205. Thomas Randolph to Cecil.
	1. The Queen, to be revenged on the Lords who slew David, is content to remit unto the former Lords all that they had done.
	2. The latter were all content to leave the other Lords save the Earl of Murray, and with him Pitarrow and Grange. On Sunday Morton, Ruthven, Lindsay, and Lethington seeing these men fall from them, departed their several ways.
	3. Resides these, who were the principal doers, there are also the Lairds of Ormiston, Hawton, Cawdew, Brimeston, Whittingham, Andrew Carr of Fawside, Justice Clerk's brother, George Douglas, and others. Andrew Carr is come to this town with Lord Ruthven and his son.
	4. The Queen on Monday returned to Edinburgh.
	5. Her husband has disclosed all that he knew of any man.
	6. His dagger was left standing in Rizzio's body. Their mind was to have hanged Rizzio. The Lords of this last attempt have written Murray not to forbear for their cause to agree with the Queen. Lennox remains at Dunbar much offended with his son. The King repents of it, and confesses that he was abused.
	7. Murray and the Queen are accorded.—Berwick, 21 March 1565. Signed. Add. Endd. Pp. 3.
March.	206. Names of the Murderers of David Rizzio.
	The Earl Morton; Lords Ruthven and Lindsey, the Secretary, and the Master of Ruthven; Lairds Ormiston, Brymston, Hawghton, Lowghlynne, [Lochleven] Elvingston; Patrick Murray; Patrick Ballentyne, George Douglas, Andrew Carr of Fawdonside; John Knox and John Craig, preachers. All these were at the death of Davy and privy thereunto. Endd.: Names of such as were consenting to the death of Davy. P. 1.
March 21.	207. The Earl of Bedford to Cecil.
	1. Ruthven has come hither, who keeps commonly his bed. The Earl of Morton has gone towards Carlisle.
	2. Wishes to come up to the Court for his business and health. Desires to know the Queen's pleasure touching the Earl of Murray.—Berwick, 21 March 1565. Signed. Add. Endd. Pp. 2½.
March 22.	208. Sir Thomas Smith to Cecil.
	1. The Scottish matters as appear go very evil for the poor Lords. Hears that it is not the Scottish crown which that young King and Queen look for, but a bigger one, and that they have more intelligence and practices in England and in other realms than Cecil thinks for. Yaxley, although he is drowned, may tell him somewhat. Had rather he had his papers than his money. Both the Pope and the King of Spain's hands are deeper in that dish than he knows. David Anstruther went from Blois about the 17th of December, with his passport and letters, through England into Scotland, and at the same time Thornton by sea. The Ambassadors of Spain and Scotland and the Cardinal of Lorraine be too great in their devices and consultations together for him to like. The Bishop of Glasgow looks to be cardinal, and to bring popery, ere it be long, not only in Scotland but also in England.
	2. A Scottish woman, dwelling in Westminster, who was married to a captain, is the conveyor of letters which the messengers bring out of Scotland to Lady Lennox.—Bourbon Archambaud, 22 March 1566. Signed. Add. Endd. Partly in cipher, with seal. Pp. 2¼.
March 22.	209. The Spanish Ambassador to Cecil.
	The Emperor is daily expecting the arrival of the ambassador sent by the Queen, as he may see by the letter of the Spanish Ambassador at his Court, which he can show to the Queen.— Signed: Guzman De Silva. Add. Endd., with seal. Lat. P. ½.
[March 22.]	210. Plate for the Spanish Ambassador.
	A proportion of plate for the Spanish Ambassador, amounting to 1,059 oz. at 7s. 8d. the ounce, 406l. 4s. 9d. Endd. P. 1.
March 22.	211. Advices.
	The King of Spain is not pleased with the coming of the Envoy from the Low Countries. News from Genoa, 22 March. Matters are not favourably for the Genoese in Corsica. Imperfect. Ital. P. 1.
March 23.	212. Advices from Rome.
	Transactions in the Papal Court. Ital. Pp. 2¼.
	213. Copy of the above. Ital. Pp. 2¼.
March 23.	214. Advices from Augsburg.
	News from Augsburg principally relating to preparations against the Turk.—23 March 1566. Ital. P. 1.
March [23].	215. Advices from Sir Thomas Smith to Leicester.
	1. Sends news of the sickness and recovery of different persons in the French Court.
	2. The Cardinal of Lorrraine and the Governor of Metz, M. D'Ausauce, have been at words before the King's Council about that safe-conduct of the Emperor's, and other matters which he laid to the Cardinal's charge.
	3. Some guess that this bruit of the Turk, and this sending some noblemen that way, as the Duke of Longueville, Count Brissac, and the King's coming so far to Lyons, and as was said to Nice, was to have given a camisado to Geneva, with the aid of King Philip and the Duke of Savoy.
	4. It is said by some come lately from Scotland that the Scotch King has promised to meet King Philip, or some of his Commissioners, on the borders of Flanders ere summer be passed.
	5. The Spanish Queen is great with child, as well as the Queen of Scots. Add. Endd.: March 7. Pp. 3½.
March 23.	216. Process against Jacques Spifane.
	1. Process against Jacques Spifane, formerly Bishop of Nevers, before the Syndics of Geneva. Accusing him that notwithstanding he had abjured Romanism and had become a preacher of the true religion and a citizen of Geneva, he had been guilty of simony, had debauched his present wife, and had a son by her during the lifetime of her former husband; and that he had been guilty of forgery to conceal his crime; also that he had endeavoured to seduce a girl whilst in prison.
	2. Found guilty on all counts, and sentence pronounced that the forged marriage contract should be torn, and his head struck off in the Place De Molard. Sentence was pronounced, and he executed on the same day.—Saturday, 23 March 1566. Endd. Fr. Pp. 6½.
March 23.	217. M. De Foix to Cecil.
	Was horrified by the contents of his letter, as nothing could be more dreadful than that a deformed and base menial should be caught in the act of adultery with the Queen and slain by her husband, who then should have secretly deserted his friends.—10 Cal. Aprilis. Signed. Add. Endd., with seal. Lat. P. 1.
March 23.	218. Articles proposed by the Emperor Maximilian II. at Augsburg.
	1. Seven in number, touching religion, the pacification of the empire, succour against the Turk, taxation, coinage, and other matters. The Electors required a copy of the articles in order to deliberate upon them.
	2. List of the names of the Electors, with the numbers in their trains, who were present at the Diet. Endd. Fr. Pp. 2
March 23.	219. Propositions of the Emperor at Augsburg.
	Those of the Confession of Augsburg left the Emperor in the Cathedral until Mass was celebrated. Afterwards the propositions were laid before the Diet, and after certain speeches the Diet was dissolved. Lat. Pp. 2¼.
March 23.	220. Diet at Augsburg.
	Summary of articles proposed by the Emperor at the Diet at Augsburg, seven in number. Endd. Fr. Pp. 2.
March 25.	221. Fortifications at Berwick.
	A list of artizans and workmen to be employed on the fortifications with their wages, amounting to 661l. 9s. 10d. per annum. Corrections and notes in Cecil's writing. Endd. Pp. 3.
March 26.	222. Sir Thomas Gresham to Cecil.
	1. Sends him the note of the 10,000l. with the loss that there is like to be of the return thereof.
	2. Desires Cecil to help his cousin, who has fallen into decay, only by loss of sea and bankrupts.—Osterley, 26 March 1566. Signed. Add. Endd. P. 1.
March 26.	223. Richard Clough to William Phayre.
	Informs him of the despatch of certain letters and money towards him, and also of reports from Scotland of the conversion of the King and the slaying of an Italian.—Antwerp, 26 March 1566. Signed. Add. Endd. P. 1.
March 27.	224. Sir Wm. Drury to Cecil.
	1. Received the Queen's licence and his letters for his repair thither for twenty-one days, but will stay here until (Bedford's) return.
	2. The Earl Morton, the Lord Ruthven, his eldest son, Andrew Carre, (George) Douglas, base brother to Lady. Lennox, with their followers, are here. Thinks they would do anything to recover their country. David had fifty-six wounds, whereof thirty-four were in his back, such desire (there) was to have him surely and speedily slain, that in jobbing at him so many at once (some be)stowed their daggers were they meant not. Here is a follower to Lord Ruthven (who) is too true a testimony (and) carries the "bagge" in his hand. He wishes them elsewhere.—Berwick, 27 March. Signed. Add. Endd. Pp. 2¼.
March 27.	225. The Earl of Bedford to Sir Nicholas Throckmorton.
	1. Morton and Ruthven have come to Berwick. Looks for more presently, for the Queen of Scots seeks great extremity against them.—Berwick, 27 March 1566. Signed.
	2. P.S.—Desires him to get the Earl of Leicester to stand a good friend to these two Lords, for they are those whom Murray loves and trusts better than any nobleman in Scotland. Add. Endd. P. 1.
March 27.	226. Sir Thomas Smith to Cecil.
	1. Has sent the poor woman who came for the delivery of her son to the Court with his letters, and also to the Marquis D'Elboeuf, general of the galleys.
	2. Complains of want of money, and of the delay in his revocation.—Bourbon, 27 March 1566. Signed. Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 2.
March 17.	227. Sir Thomas Smith to the Bishop of Orleans.
	1. Begs his assistance for the bearer, who is the mother of one of the prisoners who have been kept for three years in the galleys at Marseilles, and who sues for his liberation. Complains of the inhumanity of thus treating prisoners of war.— Bourbon, 17 March 1566. Copy. Lat.
March 17.	Sir Thomas Smith to the French King.
	2. Begs that the English prisoners who are still detained in the galleys at Marseilles, and whose number has diminished from 200 to 24, may be put at reasonable ransom.—Bourbon, 17 March 1566. Copy. Fr.
March 24.	Sir Thomas Smith to the Marquis D'Elboeuf.
	3. Begs that the son of the bearer, who is detained in the galleys, may be set at liberty, and the rest of the English prisoners put to a moderate ransom.—Bourbon, 24 March 1566. Copy. Endd. Fr. Pp. 4. (Enclosure).
March 27.	228. News from Augsburg.
	Gives an account of the Diet held there on the 23rd, with the requests of the Emperor. The Estates immediately agreed to the demands of the Emperor about the Turkish war.— 27 March 1566. Signed: Caspar. Endd. Lat. Pp. 5½.
March 27.	229. The Earl of Morton and Lord Ruthven to Cecil.
	Are sure when he understands the justice of their cause, and urgent occasion moving them to follow the King their Sovereign's husband's high command, he will move the Queen to find good their proceedings, and this retiring themselves under the wings of her clemency. The King having conceived a deadly hatred against Rizzio did a long time move unto Lord Ruthven that he might be fortified by him and others of the nobility to see David executed according to his demerits. Having deeply considered with the Earl of Morton the justice of the King's desire, and the manifold misbehaviours and misdeeds of the said David, they found good to follow the King's determination anent the foresaid execution. Especially considering the approaching Parliament, wherein determination was taken to have ruined the whole nobility that was banished, and a great number who were resident within the realm, whereupon they perceived to follow a subversion universal of the religion, and consequently the mutual intelligence and amity betwixt the realms grounded upon the said religion. In manner of execution more was followed of the King's advice, kindled by an extreme choler than was deliberated. Do not fear the rigour of the law if justice be uprightly ministered. Doubt not but that he will not suffer them to quail like a godly and good minister. Will send by the next post the whole proceeding and manner of execution.—Berwick, 27 March. Signed. Add. Endd. Pp. 3.
March 27.	230. The Earl of Bedford to Cecil.
	The Queen of Scots remains in great hatred against the Lords. Desires him to travail with the Queen for his speedy coming up. Murray desires him to write to Cecil to stand a good friend to the Lords.—Berwick, 27 March 1566. Signed. Add. Endd. P. 1.
March 28.	231. The Queen to the Earl of Northumberland.
	In reply to the Queen of Scots' demand for him to deliver up certain crowns and ducats which were by a wreck brought to land to which she pretends a title, he is to reply that he has nothing but what was found with Francis Yaxley, an Englishman who was drowned. Draft. Endd. P. 1.
March 31.	232. Advices from Antwerp.
	Discontent of the people on account of the proposed establishment of the Inquisition in Brabant.—Antwerp, 31 March. Italian. Pp. 1½.
March 31.	233. Pietro Bizarri to Cecil.
	Sends intelligence from Rome of the 23rd March and from Spain of the 5th March.—Venice, 31 March 1566. Signed. Add., with seal. Ital. Pp. 2.
March 31.	234. Christopher Marquis of Baden to Cecil.
	Complains of the insulting conduct of the Queen's subjects towards himself and his suite, and begs that they may be punished.—Rochester, 31 March 1566. Signed. Add. Endd. Lat. P. 1.