Elizabeth: April 1570, 16-30

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

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'Elizabeth: April 1570, 16-30', in Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 9, 1569-1571, (London, 1874) pp. 219-235. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/foreign/vol9/pp219-235 [accessed 24 March 2024]

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April 1570, 16-30

April 16. 811. [Mr. Marsh to Cecil.]
1. The four ships of war lying at the Fly are of no such force as was reported, for they are of burden 100, 160, 160, and 300 tons, the best of them, saving the Admiral, not having above four brass pieces on a side which carry a bullet about 10 lbs. and not above, and not above 150 men in a ship, saving in the Admiral, 200. There are six ships appointed to carry the necessaries of the English rebels into Scotland. Chamberlain has returned with assurance of aid of the French King. Divers Italians in Antwerp furnish them with 160,000 crowns. Certain Flemings will also lend them some. The Duke of Alva will also help them with money. They are appointed to receive powder of three men. William Bell departs to morrow for Spain, and Summerland tarries here for a while. The Duke of Alva has delivered to Story of the benevolence of the King of Spain 1,000 crowns to be distributed amongst the scholars at Louvain and Douay. The religious men and women in this country, being English, are appointed to receive 10l. a piece. It appears that the King of Spain has written to the Duke of Alva touching the Scottish affairs, that he shall help them with all necessaries, and give all the assistance he can, so he do it secretly. Sends copy of a request exhibited by Collins to the Duke of Alva. Spencer and Collins have also this day given to Secretary Albernois the names of all the Lords in England and what religion they be of. The names of as many as he can get he sends. The Secretary told Bell he should have his despatch towards the French King by Monday, and afterwards should go into Spain. Prestall is returned out of Scotland to the Court. There is appointment made of a meeting at Gilbert Walkers, Blunt's in Fleet Street, Brown's in Paternoster Row, or the George in Lombard Street the 26th or 27th of May. On the 14th inst. the Duke of Alva had great conference with Bell and Collins and wanted to procure Englishmen to go into England to "understand the confederates of the Scottish matters," and also by the Cardinal [of Chatillon] what power and confederates the Admiral has. One who is in credit with the English Ambassador in France shall be sent for the first, and—Hill, who was towards the Earl of Leicester and in favour with the Cardinal, shall do the other. There has been secret inquiry made touching his former advertisements, and in the end he and his companions have been talked with by Fiesco and many questions ministered to them touching that matter. At the last Mr. Spinola's letter has been shown to them, wherein is disclosed what was said to him and made some of their hearts cold, for it had not passed so many but it needs must be tried out to the undoing of some. Humbly beseeches him not to impart the contents of this to any who will disclose, for it will easily be known who disclosed it. Prays him rather to tell Spinola that he has advice from Marsh of the Duke of Alva's good disposition to keep amity with the Queen.
2. The Duke of Alva seeks by all means possible to know what gunpowder there is which will shoot off without noise, and what store there is of it. The cause is conceived here to rid some out of the way. Prestall has been yesterday with the Duke, whose answer disliking he frets marvellously. He has disclosed two English spies more, one Nicholas Good, servant to the Earl of Bedford, and the other John Antony, late servant to the Duke of Norfolk, who shall go into Scotland and so into England. If any inkling be known that he writes all is marred and he undone, otherwise he is in good hope to discover all their enterprise, and bring the ships which are intended for Scotland and the traitors also into his power. Yesterday came letters from the French King to the Duke, praying him to make dispatch in the Scottish affairs, for that he had received letters from the King of Spain that it was his pleasure that he should so do.—16 April.
Written partly in the cipher of John Marsh. Pp. 3¼.
812. The above in cipher, not deciphered.
Pp. 4.
April 16. 813. Thomas Bannister to Cecil.
Wrote from Astracan in October last of their passage down the Volga, and how they fought with 297 Nogays, not being but forty-one men, of the which 297 Nogays they slew 120 and hurt betwixt three and four score, having the victory with eleven men slain and twenty-five hurt. Received two wounds in the arm, and shot on the body a number of times, but his coat of fence saved his life. Were driven to lie at Astracan for the recovery of their wounded and the provision of a bark, and before they were ready to depart the enemy came before the town on the 12th and 13th Sept. so they were driven to discharge their goods and sink their bark and become men of war for the defence of the town. The enemy being 70,000 Crymmes, 50,000 Turks, 6,000 Nogays, and one captain with 800 Chercasses pitched their camps so as the Volga was betwixt them and the town, but finding the town of greater force than they took it, and fearing lest a power of the Emperor's should come down when they were upon the island, they departed with great shame. Ten of the Turks who made shows to the town out of the reeds, were brought over by boats to the town. Having weighed their ship, they departed on the 16th Oct., and putting to sea met with such terrible weather, that when they were within a league of their port riding with three anchors ahead, they were driven to let slip all, and thought all had been lost; however, they came with such force ashore that the bark sat at one foot water, where they found means to discharge without spoil of anything, and got her off as "tight as a whole tree." The misery they have gone through this winter weather is not to be written. Have travelled for the utterance of their goods to Samarcand, "Ardoll," Arreslde [Irak], and Teheran, where never any English travelled before, and sold about 1,000 pieces of kerseys, but for lack of good advice some of the kerseys were not of fit colours for this country. As Mr. Duckett was not able to travel through sickness he was forced to leave him at Ardowle with six men to attend upon him, and the rest of the Company's goods for lack of carriage. Armed himself and six of his men with shirts of mail and head pieces, and so came up hither, where he found such a miserable dearth that he can get no meat for money and is driven to drink water. The Prince is a holy man and never comes out of his house, and they are keeping a fast called "Braseinck," which will not be over for forty days, so that he fears he will be driven to live long here, and in great danger of his life, as when the heat comes the water stinks and the infection is so great as most of the people remove to the hills. Will seek to establish a good trade here, but complains of the dishonesty of the agents, who seek to bring everything to naught in order that they may spoil as they have done before. Explains a plot of Astracan which he sends.—Casan [Kashan], 16 April 1570. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 3½.
April 16. 814. The Earl of Sussex to Cecil.
Has divided the 1,000 horsemen and 3,000 foot as follows, viz., to Lord Scrope for the West Borders 100 horsemen and 500 footmen, and for that he doubts the people in his own charge has permitted him to retain for a time 100 horsemen more of such as were trusty in those parts; to Sir John Forster for the Middle Marches 200 horsemen and 800 foot, and the rest be placed on the East Marches. These three powers joined with the forces of the wardens to-morrow at night enter Scotland that every of the Marches may be invaded at one instant, and thereby kept from joining their forces together. The Lord Scrope enters and returns at his own discretion. Sir John Forster enters at Espesgate, and he and the governor of Berwick at Wark, and meet together at Crayling and so go to Jedburgh, taking revenge of the offenders in Tividale, and return with the whole force to Wark, and then suddenly in the night to return into Scotland and beset Home, hoping by this means to get some within the castle upon their hope of security after his return. Lord Home has carried with him the most part of the rebels to the convention at Linlithgow. The Lords of that convention be gone to Edinburgh, which town has refused to admit Lord Home because the rebels were in his company. The Earl of Morton will send answer to his letters tomorrow or the next day. Lethington rules the convention at Linlithgow and Edinburgh.—Berwick, 16 April 1570. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 1½.
April 16. 815. The Duke of Chatelherault and other Lords of Scotland to Queen Elizabeth.
The present dangerous estate of Scotland and the future threatens both realms with fearful accidents. Beg that whereas they require water at her hand to repress the rage of the flame, she will not bring oil, timber, or other materials to nourish it. Point out how the country is divided into factions, and how dangerous it will be if strangers are brought into both realms. Beg that she will prevent this by uniting them as a flock under the obedience of one head, by entering into conditions with the Queen of Scotland, whereby the different claims betwixt Her Highness and her son may cease from henceforth.—Edinburgh, 16 April 1570. Signed by about 26 of the nobility and others.
Add. Endd. by Cecil. Pp. 3.
816. Another copy.
Pp. 2¼.
817. Another copy.
Endd. by Cecil. Pp. 2.
April 16. 818. The Earl of Lennox to Cecil.
Understands that the remains of his living in Scotland is gone. Offers to do any service he can for Her Majesty in that country, but cannot proceed any further unless he has some relief of money.—Boroughbridge, 16 April. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 2/3.
April 17. 819. Address of the German Reiters to Charles IX.
The German reiters in the pay of those of the religion express their good will to the French King, and give as the reason of their present service their belief that those of the reformed religion are only fighting for liberty of conscience and the preservation of their lives, and that they are loyal subjects to His Majesty. Trust that the King will be soon undeceived and will grant them peace.—Brought by Teligny from Rochelle, 17 April 1570.
Copy. Endd. Fr. Pp. 4½.
April 17. 820. The Princes of Navarre and Condé to Charles IX.
Express their great good will and affection towards him and their desire to serve him in all things compatible with honour; but declare their resolution never to yield in matters affecting their consciences. They therefore implore the King to restore peace to his afflicted realm by granting their request for the free exercise of the religion.
Endd. Fr. Pp. 6.
821. Another copy of the above, to which is added the reply made to M. De Biron on the 11th March in the presence of the Princes, the Admiral, and other chiefs of the Huguenot army at Montreal, to a similar effect as the Prince's letter.
Endd. by Cecil. Fr. Pp. 5.
April 17. 822. The Earl of Sussex to Cecil.
Refers him to his letter to the Queen. If there be not shortly full and good dealing with those whom they trust in Scotland, they will be forced to come out to the other party. Is setting forwards towards Tivydale. Lord Home will join his forces with the first who shall be touched.—Berwick, 17 April 1570. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ¾.
April 17. 823. Lord Hunsdon to Cecil.
Sent a servant to Lord Home who saw Sir John Nevil, who wished that he and the rest might return into England, and gave him certain articles which he had drawn up which if Her Majesty would agree unto they would gladly return. All the rebels, Northumberland excepted, were at this convention at Linlithgow. Westmorland and Dacres sat in council with the rest of the Lords. The town of Edinburgh refused to admit them. Trusts within twenty-four hours to reward Tivydale for all their courtesies with such measure of fire and sword as they have already begun with.—Berwick, 17 April 1570. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1.
April 17. 824. The Earl of Sussex to the Queen.
Sends copies of letters received from certain lords of Scotland, together with his answer, which he has also done to the Earl of Morton, as it is supposed that both sides will convene at Edinburgh very shortly. Is presently going to horseback towards Tividale where he thinks he will find Lord Home joined with Buccleugh and Ferniehurst.—Berwick, 17 April 1570. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1.
April 15. 825. Instructions for the Laird of Treborne sent by the Convention of the Nobility to the Earl of Sussex.
He is to declare their desire for the maintenance of amity betwixt the two realms, and to ask the meaning why the forces are brought so near the Border, and to tell him that if the same be to enter Scotland with hostility, they will of their honour and duty be forced to put themselves in arms for the defence thereof. He is to desire him to forbear until they may have answer from the Queen of England, and to promise full redress for all attempts committed against the subjects of England. Signed by the Lords.
Copy. Endd.: 15 April 1570. Pp. 3¼. Enclosure.
April 15. 826. The Earl of Huntly and others to the Earl of Sussex.
Have sent the Laird of Treborne to declare their meaning, and to confer with him upon the readiest means to avoid all things tending to the violation of peace. Have also sent another gentleman with letters to the Queen of England for the same effect.—Edinburgh, 15 April 1570. Signed.
Copy. Endd. P. 1. Enclosure.
April 16. 827. The Earl of Huntly and others to the Earl of Sussex.
Desire that he will give free passage to the bearer, Mr. John Gordon, who is sent by them to the Queen of England with letters of great importance.—Edinburgh, 16 April. Signed.
Copy. Endd. P. 1. Enclosure.
April 17. 828. The Earl of Sussex to the Earl of Huntley and others.
Has received their letters by the Laird of Treborne, and sends them the Queen's proclamation whereby her intentions in sending her forces are sufficiently published. Neither dares nor will forbear to use Her Majesty's forces either against her rebels wheresoever they be or against such as have with hostile incursions violated the peace between the two realms. If any of them take arms for the defence of any of these wicked people they will bring themselves within the compass of that wickedness. Cannot permit John Gordon to pass with their letters to the Queen, as he perceives that some person's hands have been at the letters who were principal maintainers of the Queen's rebels, and of such as have made hostile incursions in her dominions, and therefore has stayed him until he can know her pleasure therein.—Berwick, 17 April 1570.
Copy. Endd. Pp. 1½. Enclosure.
April 17. 829. Thomas Randolph to Cecil.
Encloses a letter from the Laird of Grange whose sincerity he does not doubt except Lethington enchant him, whose course is to bring home his mistress as Randolph believes rather to spite others than to profit himself.—Berwick, 17 April 1570. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ¼.
April 16. 830. Kirkcaldy of Grange to Randolph.
1. Gives the conditions on which the Lords convened at Linlithgow were allowed to enter Edinburgh. None of the Queen of England's rebels or the Hamiltons were suffered to come into the town. Lord Herries does all he can to bring the nobility to an accord. If they agree it may chance that the Earls of Athole and Morton will visit his mistress. Has warrant for putting Lord Herries to liberty. The Frenchman departs very shortly, from whom they have craved support in case the Queen of England invades them. They have sent for their forces to resist the English army if it enters further than Tividale. Mr. Secretary intends to avow all his doings. They think it very strange that Randolph never makes mention of their King in all his writings.—Edinburgh Castle, 16 April.
2. P.S.—They will find few or none concur with them to the hurt of any Scotchman. The contrary faction is great, for there are 32 earls and lords in Parliament, whereof 24 have subscribed the writing sent with Mr. John Gordon to the Queen of England. Begs that he may not be pressed too far. Signed.
Add. Endd. by Cecil. Pp. 2½. Enclosure.
April 18. 831. John Gordon to the Queen.
Is sent by the greatest and chiefest part of the nobility of Scotland to assure her of their good and loving affection towards her and to require her to labour to unite Scotland in one, and to let her understand that if she will maintain a small number of Scotland against the ancient nobility, there is like to ensue great bloodshed, and superfluous charges to herself. They have had offers of great aid both of men and money from the French King, which they will not accept unless Her Majesty compels them by refusing their reasonable request and using hostility against Scotland. They desire that she forbear all invasion on the borders of Scotland in revenging such harms as she has sustained as tending to a breach of the amity. Complains of his detention by Sussex.—Berwick, 18 April. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 1½.
April 18. 832. John Gordon to Cecil.
Is sent by the nobility of Scotland, who seek nothing but the continuance of true religion, the appeasing of the troubled state of Scotland, and the preservation of the amity betwixt the two realms. Bids him remember that the Queen has greater assurance in treating with them who are the ancient and born nobility of Scotland, than with a small remnant who more respect their own gains and ambitions than the common estate of their country.—Berwick, 18 April 1570. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 1¼.
April 21. 833. The Earl of Sussex to Cecil.
1. As he was overthrowing the Laird of Buccleugh's house, he received the copy of the letter which the Lords of Scotland sent to the Queen from the convention at Linlithgow. The Duke of Chatelherault was put at liberty yesterday, and Grange is vehemently suspected of his fellows.
2. P.S.—Hears that Lord Hunsdon has taken John Swinburne and some other rebels.—Jedworth, 21 April 1570. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1.
April 21. 834. Queen Elizabeth to the Earl of Sussex.
1. Approves of his stay of Gordon, whom, however, if he has credit besides his letters, he is to give passport to come up.
2. P.S.—Likes well his answer to the Scots, wherein he has shown himself very wise, valiant, and faithful to her and her crown.
Draft in Cecil's writing. Endd.: 21 April 1570. P. 1.
April 21. 835. Lord Scrope to the Earl of Sussex.
Entered Scotland on the 18th inst. and sent forth Simon Musgrave as general of the horsemen to burn and spoil the country. Gives the names of the places destroyed by him, and also an account of two skirmishes between him and the Lord Maxwell, in both of which he was victorious, taking on each occasion about 100 prisoners. Drumlanrig's servants whom he had given charge should not be dealt with for that he favoured the King's faction, were as cruel against them as any others. Gives a list of the names of about 36 gentlemen and others who accompanied Simon Musgrave in the foray.—Carlisle, 21 April 1570. Signed.
Copy. Endd. Pp. 3.
April 21. 836. The Vidame of Chartres to Cecil.
As the Hamburg fleet sets sail in two or three days' time, and as he has lost all hope of a pacification (in France), he desires that Cecil will use this opportunity of sending an answer to "those who greatly expect one," in order that they. may come to their assistance.—London, 21 April. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Lat. P. 2/3.
April 21. 837. Advices from Rome.
News from Rome and other places, dated 21 April 1570.
Endd. Pp. 3.
April 22. 838. Thomas Randolph to Cecil.
Is loath that his whole labour should come to nought and that they should lose the trade of Russia after so many years possession. Is advertised by Sir William Garret of strange things that the Emperor has done since his departure and somewhat to the honestest kind of factors there. Thinks that if his ambassador be well dismissed and his requests so answered as may give his master good cause of liking of England, all that ever was promised shall be performed.— Berwick, 22 April 1570. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 1¼.
April 22. 839. The Earl of Lennox to Cecil.
Has not received any intelligence forth of Scotland worthy of writing. Desires him to forward a letter to his wife.— Berwick, 22 April. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ¼.
April 23. 840. The Earl of Sussex to the Queen.
Recapitulates what has passed in Scotland since the death of the Regent Murray, such as the release of Lethington and Lord Herries, the convention at Linlithgow, the promised aid from France, and the defection of Grange, whereby it may be collected that the King's party daily decays, and if the matter be left to themselves the whole will shortly be on the Queen's side. If Her Majesty intends to continue a party for the child, she must openly take upon herself the maintenance of his authority as King and send presently money to such as take his part to levy men of war and aid them with her forces to bring the rest to yield to that authority, and to get into their hands all the strengths in any part of the realm that stand in fit places to receive any foreign power.—Berwick, 23 April 1570. Signed.
Add. Endd. by Cecil. Pp. 2¼.
April 23. 841. The Earl of Sussex and Lord Hunsdon to the Queen.
Informs her of his arrangements for the invasion of Scotland (see Sussex to Cecil, April 10), which were carried out on the 17th, at night. The next morning (the 19th) they took the moiety of the army and passed the Teviot, and burnt and defaced the castles of Ferniehurst, Hunthill, and Bedrule, and all other partakers with the rebels and invaders of England, and the other moiety of the army went and burnt on the other side of Teviot, and so met a little from Hawick, where they were promised to have been well received, but found the thatch of the houses set on fire in the streets and the people wholly fled, saving the keeper of Drumlanrig's Castle. The next morning they made an end of the rest, saving Drumlanrig's Castle and the goods which were in it. From Hawick they went to Branxholm, Buccleugh's chief house, which they threw down with powder, and burnt all the towns and castles of his friends and kinsmen, and so returned to Jedburgh and burnt all the country further off from the Teviot, which they could not come to the day before. The next day one moiety went to the river of Bowbent (Bowmont) and burnt all on both sides of that river, and the other moiety burnt all on both sides of the river of Caile, and so met near Kelso, where Sussex lay that night, and Hunsdon went with the other part to Wark. During this time the Laird of Cessford came with his kinsmen and required them to forbear, but as he refused to deliver hostages for redress of injuries, saying that the country had done so much hurt as they were not able to recompense it, they burnt all such places as belonged to any of the offenders, and forbore himself and divers other gentlemen who had not committed offence. That night the Lord Home came to Sussex, who, because he refused to deliver up her rebels, told him that he would deal with him as with the rest. Next morning, as by some negligence the ordnance could not be drawn to Home Castle, they were forced to return hither, sending a message to Lord Home that as he was a man of nobility they would more gladly draw him to amend his fault by courtesy than by force. Think there be very few persons in Tivydale who have received her rebels or invaded England, who at this hour have either castle standing for themselves or house for any of their people, and therewith no person hurt who has not deserved.— Berwick, 23 April 1570. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 3¼.
April 23. 842. The Earl of Sussex to Cecil.
Encloses a copy of articles sent to him from the Earl of Morton by Mr. Archibald Douglas in answer to his letter of the 10th inst. Denies that there was any word of the "King" in his letter, and says that there was no such interpretation of the word "negociation" as he affected. Douglas told him that the Lords at Edinburgh had moved Morton to join with them in their letters to the Queen, which he refused. He also declared that the Earl of Rothes was in the ships which were driven into Tynmouth, which Sussex thinks is not true. The articles of importance are the 2nd, 4th, and 5th, in the first, and the 4th in the second. Gives the same information as to the Queen of the increase of the Queen of Scots' party, and the decay of her son's, and desires that whatever he does in these matters he will do quickly.— Berwick, 23 April 1570. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 2.
April. 843. Instructions given to Mr. Archibald Douglas to be declared to the Earl of Sussex.
1. Seven articles, the first instructing Douglas to thank the Earl of Sussex for his good will and offices preferred in his letter of the 10th inst. to the advancement of the King of Scotland, and his faithful subjects' good action. The second, fourth, and fifth articles direct him to learn how far the Earl's commission extends to the assisting the Lords of the King's party.
2. The second part consists of eight articles, directing Douglas to inform the Earl of the objects of the late convention, and also that the subscriptions of seven or eight Earls and Lords (whose names he gives) to the late writing sent to the Queen of England were counterfeit. By the fourth article he is to learn if they be so wilful as upon the sudden to proclaim the Queen, whether he will join his forces to those of the King's party. Signed by Morton, the Lords Lindsey and Ruthven, and the Commendator of Dunfermline.
Copy. Pp. 1½. Enclosure.
April 23. 844. Lord Hunsdon to Cecil.
Informs him of particulars of the invasion of Scotland. On the first day they set forward the whole army into Tivydale "burning on both hands at least two miles, leaving neither castle, town, or tower unburnt until they came to Jedburgh." A tower of Buccleugh's, called the Moss House, was very valiantly kept for two or three hours, but in the end taken. Had only three small skirmishes that day, in which prisoners were taken and men hurt on both sides. "Could not blow up Ferniehurst, but have so torn it with labourers as it were as good lay flat." Lord Home and Leonard Dacres were in the field, but durst not come near. Raid by Sir John Forster. Burning of Hawick. Found Branxholm burnt to hand by Buccleugh himself as cruelly as they could have done it themselves, so they blew one-half from the other. "It was a very strong house and well set, and very pleasant gardens and orchards about it, but all destroyed." Has left never a house or town unburnt of such as received the Queen's rebels. There is great fear of Grange's revolting to the Queen of Scots. There is some doubt of Morton, and all this is by the Queen's holding without resolution one way or the other.—Berwick, 23 April 1570. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 2⅓.
April 25. 845. The Earl of Sussex to Cecil.
Sends a writing which he has received out of Scotland, which he desires him to show to the Queen.—Berwick, 25 April 1570. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ⅓.
846. News out of Scotland.
On Monday the Earl of Morton with his whole force and friends convened to have ridden to Edinburgh to set down the session again, and to do justice in the King's name; but the Captain of the castle sent a message that he should not come forth of Dalkeith, as otherwise he would meet him on the borough moor, not to his contentment, with many other injurious words. Such an alarm as was in the town was not heard these many days. The noblemen of the Queen of Scots' faction are appointed to come to Edinburgh with all their forces on May 8. The Captain is clean revolted without any further hope.
P. 1. Enclosure.
April 25. 847. The Earl of Sussex to the Queen.
Has received her letters and sent for John Gordon, who was not able to come for sickness, and who now returns into Scotland to seek his health. Thanks her for her gracious interpretation of his good meaning in her service.—Berwick, 25 April 1570. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ¾.
April 25. 848. Lord Scrope to the Earl of Sussex.
Yesterday Lord Herries openly in Dumfries proclaimed himself warden in the Queen of Scots' name, and had before him all the lairds and gentlemen of that part, who promised themselves to be of that Queen's faction.—Carlisle, 25 April 1570. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. ⅓.
April 25. 849. The Earl of Morton to Randolph.
Next Saturday purposes to be in Edinburgh, where some of the other Lords remain, Desires him to cause the Lords Maxwell and Herries and the Laird of Johnstone to be staid from coming to Edinburgh, which may be easily done if they understood that the Lord Scrope will invade their country. If the Earl of Sussex would make the bruit to be spread of his coming to Edinburgh, it may peradventure do good. The secretary has plainly discovered himself, for he is the whole forthsetter of the other side. The furthest they can get from the captain of the castle is that he will be neutral. The cause thereof is the gifts by the Queen of the priory of St. Andrew's. This is the secretary's device for Judas non dormit. There is a cipher betwixt the Queen and him. The other part are raising men and pay them in English rialls. They want silver to pay their men of war.—Dalkeith, 25 April 1570. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1.
April 25. 850. The Prince of Orange to the Queen.
Letter of credence for Jerome Tseraerts, whom he has sent to inform her of the state of his affairs.—Dillemburg, 25 April 1570. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Fr. P. 2/3.
April 25. 851. The Prince of Orange to Cecil.
Having sent Jerome Tseraerts to the Queen of England charged with matters which concern his service, he begs that he will show him favour and assistance therein.—Dillembourg, 25 April 1570. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Fr. P. ½.
April 26. 852. The Earl of Sussex to Cecil.
Enclosing a letter to him.—Berwick, 26 April 1570. Signed.
Endd. P. ¼.
April 26. 853. Lord Scrope to the Earl of Sussex.
This day the Laird of Mangerton and divers of that surname of Armstrong have been with him and offered to serve Her Majesty truly. Is informed that sundry others of that realm are minded likewise to come in. Desires direction how to deal with them.—Carlisle, 26 April 1570.
Copy. Endd. P. ⅓. Enclosure.
April 26. 854. Kirkcaldy of Grange to Randolph.
Remains and will continue the King's faithful subject, and will maintain his authority until the same be taken away by order of law. Is also ready to revenge the Regent's murder, but will not take the death feud upon him of all the Hamiltons. His gray hairs have let him understand what truth and conscience there is in the Scottish nobility; and since the Regent is dead he minds not to subject himself over far to any of them that are left behind. Denies that there is any truth in the report that he should give over the castle for the priory of St. Andrew's to Lord Seton. Will keep this house in the King's behalf, or else the highest house in it shall be the lowest. The English proceedings make many suspect, for they have begun upon the Lord Maxwell, who has never offended them or left the King's obedience, or had to do with their rebels. Seeing they have wrecked Tivydale, whereby their mistresses' honour is repaired, he prays them not to do more harm, for in the end they will lose more than they can gain thereby. Excuses himself for setting at liberty his "warders."—Edinburgh Castle, 26 April. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 2.
April 27. 855. The Earl of Lennox to Cecil.
Has been extremely handled with sickness and hot fevers, and was never so near death as in his last fit, so can neither do service or help his friends, save by a small portion of money being half the little store he had, which he has sent to Morton and the others for keeping together the 200 soldiers who have done such good service at Glasgow.—Berwick, 27 April. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 2/3.
April 27. 856. The Vidame of Chartres to Cecil.
The Earl of Leicester has informed him that Cecil has earnestly taken in hand with the Queen the matter about which he wrote. In case of the hope of peace being lost, it will be a pity to have missed this opportunity. Has sent to the Cardinal of Chatillon, who has answered that the whole matter, and especially the procuring the money, was beyond his power. Desires to know his opinion of the plan of Pietro Bizarri for raising the money, and excuses him for being rather too profuse in his praises of the Queen of Scots in one of his poems.—London, 27 April. Signed.
Add. Endd., with seal. Lat. P. 1.
April 29. 857. The Earl of Lennox to Cecil.
Is sorry to perceive by his letter that the faults of others should cause Her Majesty to have any misliking to him. If it had not been for his sickness he would have been at Stirling ere this. Cannot excuse the slowness of the Lords of the King's party in not sending to Her Majesty. Perceives by a letter from Lord Lindsey that the Lords and gentlemen of the King's party prepare themselves in their strongest manner to be masters of Edinburgh this present Saturday.—Berwick, 29 April. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1.
April 29. 858. The Earl of Sussex and Lord Hunsdon to the Queen.
Came to Home Castle on the 27th inst. and battered it all the forenoon of the 28th till about one o'clock, when the captain desired to parley, and to have license to send a messenger to Lord Home to know his pleasure. Understanding by the Master of the Ordnance that it would be three hours before a great part of the powder came, they were contented to license the captain to send a messenger and to stay the battery and small shot for the space of three hours. On his return the castle was delivered up, the men departing without bags or baggage. The site is strong and the castle new fortified, well furnished with small ordnance, and manned with 200 persons, whereof 60 harquebussiers, so that they could not have taken it by force without loss, which was the only cause that moved them to receive them to mercy. Have left 200 men in the castle, and retired the army. Commend the bearer, Mr. Ralph Bowes, who has served at his own charges, and who can make particular declaration of all that has passed at both journeys. Cannot hear of any hurt done to any of the subjects of Scotland, who have not favoured her rebels openly or invaded her realm.—Berwick, 29 April 1570. Signed.
Add. Endd. Pp. 12/3.
April 29. 859. The Earl of Sussex to Cecil.
Refers him to the bearer, Ralph Bowes, for news. Has found all the honest sort in Scotland to be at the Queen's direction for their causes. Is much pained in his head by reason of a great cold taken in these two journeys.—Berwick, 29 April 1570. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 2/3.
April 29. 860. Sir Thomas Gargrave to Cecil.
Sends news from the army. An assembly is appointed at Edinburgh, at which it is reported that the Duke's side is much the greater. Wishes that that faction were represt. Desires directions for the disposal of certain moneys.—York, 29 April 1570. Signed.
Add. Endd. P. 1.
April 30. 861. The Queen to the Earl of Sussex.
Thanks him and her other faithful subjects for their services. Where he requires her answer to the Earl of Morton's articles she will plainly impart her conceit to him as to a most secret councillor. He is not ignorant how dangerous a person the Scottish Queen is to her, wherein there appears but two ways to treat her, the one is to keep her as she is, and the other to deliver her, with such assurance that she will not molest her as may be devised. In either of these are so many difficulties that the most difficult is to choose the least perilous. Sees preparations of forces in France, and by the Duke of Alva, which she may not neglect. He is to use all good policy to comfort her party in Scotland and to let them understand that their uncertain dealing causes her to suspend her resolutions, and to assure them that persisting in amity with her they shall not receive any more hurt at their adversaries' hands than if they were her own subjects. He is to warn the contrary party that if they continue in maintenance of her rebels, they shall not win that they look for, and if they bring in strangers that she will let them feel the reward of their folly. He is to let Lethington understand that she cannot take his doings in good part. Where he expects her determination for the maintenance of the King, she secretly lets him know that she cannot thereof make a resolution, but if his party being favourable to her can, by such aid as she shall give, suppress the contrary who are her adversaries also, she will gladly assent thereto. As it will much touch her in surety to have her party decay, so shall it in honour if having procured them to stand with her in the end not to see them maintained or provided for, and thirdly it is to be considered that she be not abused by them to give them money and they not to serve her purpose. As for the articles to the second, it may be reasonably said that she cannot use any moderation to those who invade her realm and maintain her rebels without assurance for amends to her subjects damnified. To the fourth and fifth articles he may say that if they make their offers certain then he also will make a plain offer in what sort he will join with them. To the fourth of the second, which is the hardest, he may answer that if those who proclaim the Queen should be those who have invaded England, he will proceed against them, but as for the defence of the King's title that his commission is to deal with persons and not titles. He is to keep this letter secret.
Draft in Cecil's writing. Endd.: Ult Aprilis, 1570. Pp. 6.
April 30. 862. Mendoza to the Duke of Alva.
Having been plundered off the coast of Terra Firma by certain French pirates, of gold, silver, and other property, which they brought into Ireland, he went into that country to obtain redress from the viceroy, Sir Henry Sydney. Sends a long account of Ireland and the condition of the political parties there and their liking of the Spaniards.—Dublin, 30 April 1570.
Copy. Endd. by Cecil. Span. Pp. 42/3.
April 30. 863. State of Affairs in Scotland.
An imaginary dialogue between two Scottish women on the state of affairs in Scotland, with the characters of the different noblemen and their capabilities of governing.
Endd. by Cecil: 30 April 1570. Pp. 9.
[April.] 864. A Scottish Ballad.
A black-letter broadside entitled "The cruikit liedis the blinde," and commencing "This warld it waghis I wot not how," and complaining of the great influence that Lethington has with the nobility.
Printed at Edinburgh by Robert Lekpreuik, 1570.
[April.] 865. Scottish Ballad.
A black-letter broadside entitled "The Bird in the Cage," and commencing "A bailfull bird that wantis winges to fle," and ending "Quod Maddie Priores of the Caill Mercat," and containing a severe satire on Lethington.
Printed at Edinburgh by Robert Lekpreuik, 1570.
[April.] 866. A Scottish Ballad.
A black-letter broadside entitled "The hailsome admonitioun, &c.," commencing "O lamp of licht and peirles Peirll of pryse." It is addressed to Grange, and exhorts him to revenge the murder of the Regent Murray and to support the King's party.
Printed at Edinburgh by Robert Lekpreuik, 1570.
April. 867. Munitions for the North.
List of various munitions to be sent to Newcastle amounting in value to 1,523l. 8s.
Endd. Pp. 1¼.
April. 868. Provisions for the Army in the North.
A brief abstract of the emption of victuals and other provisions provided by Sir Valentine Broune for the army that invaded Scotland, amounting in value to 8,213l. 7s.
Injured by damp. Endd. by Cecil. Written on sheets of paper pasted together.