Edward VI: August 1548

306. Grey of Wilton to Somerset. [ Aug. 2. 1548.]

I have received your grace's letter touching the Earl Bothwell. Your grace wills me to do what to him and the world shall seem repugnant to your direction, and thereby I shall assuredly purchase his hatred, "whiche as I do not esteme, so I covet yt not, and also as I take it, strayne myne honestie, whereuppon I cheiflie stande." But it being your pleasure to stay him, I have sent him to Alnwick, and ordered the posts to delay his servant's coming from your grace. And meantime till I hear from your grace, "I will dyfferre" to answer him, trusting your grace so tenders my honesty, that you will not wish me to spot the same. And I beseech you to devise other means to stay, or call him back again. Courtpennig and the Almayns, arrived here this afternoon. Rynian Cokborne tells me the princess has left Scotland, and the northland lords are at Stirling, till they hear of our army coming. I enclose a copy of the Master of Reven's letter to me.

The herald I sent to Monsieur Dessé to finish the compact for the prisoners' ransom, is now returned. I find him so unable to "compas" the Governor and the rest, that I suspect they seek advantage to colour things as they list: and I will "medell" no further with him. The French camp is still at the Nunnery. I have heard nothing these 3 or 4 days from the Captain of Haddington.

The wind has been so "overthwarte," that Lord Clynton is stayed; but once it changes, your grace shall hear of a fray and good success. Berwick. Signed: Wyllyam Grey.

1½ pp. Addressed. Indorsed.

Inclosed in the same:—

(Master of Ruthven to Grey.)

"I have wyn by the Frenchmen and Scottes, to the place whiche your lordship kennes," but cannot come by the purpose instantly. "Or my departing, I hope in the Lorde, to bring it well to passe"; be not angry at my tarrying, for there is a good cause, as I shall "garre" you understand at meeting. The Queen's grace takes shipboard this Saturday, and the Queen her mother conveys her daughter by the "Muyll of Galloway," and lands there to pass in pilgrimage to S^t Ninian [Tringence]. I have spoken with sundry noblemen, touching the prisoners: who tell me the French will take to France all the English gentlemen they can get, to make it a mortal war between Englishmen and Scots: and if either country has the better by chance of battle, prisoners shall remain with their takers till the end of the war, to engender greater hatred between the realms, "by cause ye (fn. 1) have suspicion of Scottes men." The Earls of Errol and Marshall and Lord Forbes deprived me of my "mayrshippe" of S^t Johnstons in my father's absence, and left a strong company to keep him out. But he has won the "strengthes" again and put them all out, and now these lords intend when the Governor leaves Haddington, to pursue S^t Johnstons. Therefore I keep secret till I see what they do, and then will show myself openly, and "with the grace of the lyving God," your lordship shall hear that they shall be quickly handled. I beseech you be not "mallancoleous" at your folks' late mischance, "but to give thanckes to the Lorde, and He will bring all your affayres well to passe, as He did to the barnes of Israell, when theie kepyt His commaundementes."

As for me, I can do the King better service here, than if I were with you, but refer all things till we meet. Patrycke M. Ruthwen.

After writing this, I hear from S^t Johnstons that the Queen's letters are proclaimed there 26^th July charging all men from 60 to 16 to be ready on six hours' warning with 8 days' victuals. Let no man "ken" my coming, lest it hinder the purpose. "Rede this wryting and ryve (fn. 2) it." No one kens "but myself and the tother that ye ken." Speak nothing of it to the bearer.

2¼ pp. Copy by Grey's clerk.

307. Grey of Wilton to Somerset. [Aug. 3.]

I enclose a letter from Lord Clynton, to whom I have advertised that the French fleet are not past 22 sail, and but 4 or 6 men of war, lying in Leith Road. The rest gone westward to meet "our Island" fleet, or fetch more men. The young Queen is embarked. Berwick. Signed: Wyllyam Grey.

½ p. Addressed. Indorsed. Damaged by damp.

308. Huntly to Somerset. [Aug. 6. 1548.]

I have written a letter to my servant White in Scotland, which your grace after reading, will please send by the King's post, till I may send a man of my own with the rest of your grace's mind, and my own small affairs. I forgot when last with you, to speak "ane mater" to your grace, wherein it will please you declare your mind to this bearer. I will not only offer, but do the things if I were in Scotland. I trust you will not forget to write of new to my lord Clynton to forbear troubling any of my friends from Montrose north; they shall be more "exceptabill" hereafter to your grace "nor to harie thame." Penshurst [Pensaris] in Kent. Signed: "Your grace with all humyll serwyce redy at command Huntly."

1 p. Addressed. Indorsed.

309. Shrewsbury and Grey to Clynton. [Aug. 6.]

We have instructions from my lord Protector to march such Almaynes as be here to the Pethes, and fortify, to relieve Haddington when the French leave—for which his grace wills the victuals to go by sea. We also hear the French camp fears much your taking the Frith from them. Again if you go to the Tay and leave the Frith, they will brag they put you from it, and be encouraged to lie longer. As occasion serves, we mind to fortify elsewhere, so must command the sea and Frith—wanting these, the army cannot advance, and the enemy shall not retire. Considering this, and that Haddington is the chiefest mark "we shote at, and that ther levyeng or not levyeng standith upon your present proceding," and the other enterprises committed to you may be as feasible a month hence as now: our opinion is, that setting these apart, your lordship do enter the Frith and put their navy up higher, so as for the foresaid purposes we may be masters of the sea—thus doing the King more service than the other way. Besides there are 20 victuallers daily looked for from France, which you would miss if you go into Tay. Keep good watch, for 2 or 3 have passed by you already. When in the Frith, employ yourself landing on Fife side, and make as if to land at Leith, also fortifying at Burnt Island, if you and the engineer think it requisite; if so, say how soon it may be done—to what purpose, and of what strength—and if the ships may lie there at low water? Sir John Luttrell having required it, may it please you to send him 40 or 50 soldiers. All things considered, we doubt not but your lordship shall think our opinion good, notwithstanding your late directions—for the effect of service depends on occasion, and the enemy's proceedings.

2 pp. Copy by Grey's clerk. Indorsed.

310. Grey of Wilton to Somerset. [Aug. 7. 1548.]

This instant I have received the letter from the captain of Haddington, which I enclose "disciphred." In answer to his request for powder, match, lead and harquebusses, 10 days past a proportion of all except the last, was sent, but being discovered by the way, it was left at Lauder till a fitter time was "espyed." To-morrow Lord Shrewsbury and I with the council are determined to consult thereon, and advertise your grace, but this letter was so welcome, it was my part to signify it beforehand. Monsieur Dandelot I hear is smitten to pieces with a gun, "or elles oon as good as he." There is also "a fat oon" taken, as the captain's letter says. I hear our ships have sunk a French galley and the rest are gone up to Leith road; that the young Queen lies in a galley, with 3 other galleys and 4 or 5 ships, a little off Dunbarton on the river Clyde, and was undoubtedly there yesterday at 12 o'clock noon. The Lady Flemyng her "mastres" requested Captain Villegaignio to have her on land to repose, as she has been long on the sea; but he answered, she should not come on land, but either go to France "or elles drowne by the waye." If your grace sent ships that way, she might be met with. Berwick. Signed: Wyllyam Grey.

Thomas Bryreton alias Bryanton is gone to Borthy Crag, but on his return, I shall apprehend him, his bark and men, as your grace ordered.

2 pp. Address leaf gone.

Inclosed in the same:—

(Wilford to Grey of Wilton.)

In answer to your lordship's letter of 20^th July as to putting in 300 horsemen with powder bags, I sent the same night, but doubting if it has reached you, I repeat what I wrote, viz. that we cannot sustain so many, the enemy being so near, for want of forage, for which I have to skirmish, wherein hitherto fortune has favoured us. Within these 5 days, we have slain many and notable men, and took prisoner on Sunday last, one whose estate I do not yet know. For munition, I thought then to await the army coming on, but being now unprovided, I must require your lordship for powder, match, lead, harquebusses, &c., which might be sent under pretence of a convoy to Lawther, the French all lying at the Abbey and few Scots with them. Yet "rather put me to defende this towne with the pyke and bill onelie," than come till you are strong. Haddington 3^d of August, the Captain of same.

1¼ pp. Copy by Grey's clerk.

311. Bothwell to Somerset. [Aug. 7.]

Lord Grey desired me to remove hither and conveyed me by one gentleman, before your grace's letter came, directing him to give me sure passage to Scotland. I sent it to him, but nothing succeeded, and he opposes my passage, which contrary to my trust and hope in your grace, "wilbe my heirschip and rwyne extreme" if kept here. I pray your grace that I may have "hastilly" by the bearer, your sure passport for myself and baggage, whereof I was assured before I left London. It will please your grace give credence to him in my affairs "be toung." Alnwick. Signed: Erle Bothvile, Amiral.

1 p. Addressed. Indorsed.

312. Shrewsbury and Grey to Somerset. [Aug. 9.]

We have received your grace's letter of 5^th with your pleasure that to save expence, we should discharge out of hand 2000 or 3000 men. Give us leave to answer, that our present service is to raise the siege of Haddington and victual the town, and that "either by force or by fame." If you think the bruit of a power, better than to hazard the force, then nothing is better than number, or worse than reducing it—for thereby the enemy will conjecture our determination. If by force, the abatement is not needed, for we must keep our strength; and though the enemy's force is partly on board, yet they can at any time "joyne with ther land force, and ever joyne and sever, skale away and retourne, in foure dayes," and the power of Scotland is at hand, determined to make a last attempt. But partly to execute your grace's order, and partly what we judge best for the King's service, we will at the present muster, discharge all unfit men, yet not so many as to come to the enemy's ears; but to do this without paying them, would but make the country murmur, the men unwilling to serve again, and utterly discredit us at her time of need. To discharge more than expedient now, would save the King little, for in these 14 days we shall see the enemy's purpose. Thus we think meet, without your grace's express commandment to the contrary. For victuals, Fyssher can show your grace what we have. How the country can serve us, the Bishop of Durham's letter will declare, to whom we wrote for oxen, and Scotland hereabout is clear exhausted. Berwick. Signed: F. Shrewesbury, Wyllyam Grey.

Postscript: A French ship ran in between our fleet and, the shore, bringing money (as bruited) which greatly increases their courage and numbers. We have sent to sea 1100 of the 8000 men that came with me the Earl. We intend forthwith to attempt relief of powder, &c. for Haddington.

3 pp. Addressed. Indorsed.

313. Clynton to Shrewsbury and Grey. [Aug. 10. 1548.]

Yesterday morning I came into Leith road, when 40 ships and galleys seeing us departed, some to S^t Colms Inch, and some to Burnt Island. Seeing 12 there, I landed 500 men in boats and burned them, all full "fraughte" with victuals, viz. wine and "pypes" of bread and biscuit, fish and butter, and one with "syder." Four were for the galleys, the rest for the camp. Being night and calm, I doubted their getting out of the haven by help of the country, so burned them all. There were 6 well appointed with ordnance, the least of 140 tons, one of Rochell of 300 tons. There were 300 French to hold the haven, and had set up their flags, but seeing us, they departed, leaving a few mariners on board, 5 of whom I have prisoners. They tell me, that they fortify Leith and cast a dike about it. "Peter Strozzi [Strors] is the devisor therof, who is daylie borne aboute in a chaire with iiij men." Three hundred Scots pioneers are at work, plenty of victuals, and some great artillery (part broken) is laid in the great church there. They fear our landing, so proclamation is made in Fife, all men to come to camp, and on Wednesday Lord Lyndesaye and others of Fife sent their provision from "Kynkhorne" to Leith intending to follow—but on our coming, they stay to defend their country. The old Queen came to Leith on Wednesday night to Peter Strozzi, to know the state of the galleys. He had fought with us on Fife side that morning, and been "desevered per force"—part driven to sea and part into the Frith. Their legs are better than ours, one has caught a blow and I hear will serve no more. M^r Luttrell sent me word that Peter Strozzi was slain when we met the galleys at Tomtalon, and buried at Abordon [Aberdour], but it was one of the captains, as I heard since I came hither, and divers of their "slayves" and soldiers, and their courage is now gone, they meddle no more with us, but lie at S^t Colms Inch, their victuals taken from them. It shall be sore against my will, but I will make them keep "our Ladyes fast" or they come out. The French fleet was all departed Thursday before my coming from Holy Island, as you, my lord Grey declared, but turned not again, and as the Scots and French here say, they are gone for the aid promised by the King of Denmark, which I believe not, but would like to know what is become of them. I pray you send the engineer here, there is great lack of him. I must now declare "with myne owne hand" that some wrong has been done me; for by your letters, and my lord Grey's, you either thought, or had heard, that my long stay at the mouth of the Firth was for fear of the galleys. But whoever has served at sea, knows we are subject to wind, which your lordships know has been so contrary to us; and as for the galleys, 6 sail of mine is too strong for them all. Though his grace commanded me to repair to Borthy Crag, yet on your lordships' order, I will stay here, having written for his further pleasure. I have sent the victuallers to Borthy with his grace's and your lordships' letters. Leith road in the Great Barke. E. Clynton.

I will as advised, put Leith in doubt of my landing, and keep Peter Strozzi waking at night, and occupied in the day. I am not to burn on Fife side by his grace's command. I can say nothing on Burntisland till the engineer comes. The haven is dry at low water, but ships may lie in the "woos." (fn. 3) A bulwark must be made each side the pier, beside the "hye forte," or the enemy may come at low water and burn the ships at night.

3½ pp. Copy by Grey's clerk. Indorsed.

314. Grey of Wilton to Wilford. [Aug. 10. 1548. ]

Your not receiving the powder, &c., as you did the letters, was a mischance. Our purpose being known, the enemy laid greater watch, and we durst not adventure, for if it should "quayle," the enemy would have assailed you or tarried longer, though otherwise minded to depart. But we purpose relief with all haste in these few days. Meantime spare your victuals, &c., specially powder, and avoid the skirmish as much as ye can. Advertise us oft of your estate, and how long the victual may last. The cause we are not already in the field, is the waiting for our horsemen. Berwick.

1 p. Copy by Grey's clerk. Indorsed.

315. Shrewsbury and Grey to Somerset. [Aug. 10.]

We have this day received letters from the Captain of Hadding ton, the copy whereof we send to your grace. We had determined again to attempt his relief of powder, &c., but the enemy is so laid in the villages about, and keeps such nightly watch, that it could not escape them. To adventure a small portion if effected, would not serve them, and a great quantity if intercepted, would encourage the enemy to assault again or lie longer. We thought on our taking the field, it might be done, if the enemy went back, or came against us, for part of it is ready at Lawder: but not having past 20 days' victual for 10,000 men, as Stonhouse reports, except "come unground," we must tarry for our horsemen, that with our whole power we may attempt to victual and relieve Haddington, for which our store will hardly serve, except speedy supplement come from the south. Thus we see not how to attempt fortifying the Pethes, or elsewhere, till Haddington is out of peril. Berwick. Signed: F. Shrewesbury, Wyllyam Grey.

Postscript: We caused Gerard Selby to search the ways from hence to Haddington, to see how the ordnance, &c. could pass, and enclose his report.

2 pp. Addressed. Indorsed.

316. Shrewsbury and Grey to Wilford. [Aug. 11. 1548.]

We have received your letter by this bearer and see your doubts on putting in the powder: but I think or this, you have our letters that we had the like intelligence of their watch—the cause why you have not been relieved. Touching the bearer's credit, he says that to-night the chief force of Scotland will be in the camp with 8 days' victuals; and therefore thinks we should defer taking the field till then, for the French would be alone. But I have told him we intend to march forward to-morrow, though indeed we are forced to tarry till Wednesday or Thursday at nearest for our horsemen. "Therefore whate so ever he saie, credyt but this lettre."

If for need you cannot wait 7 or 8 days till the Scots are withdrawn, write by him how long you can endure, and we shall make more speed though the whole "rowte" of French and Scots are in the field, rather than you should be in any hazard. Berwick.

1 p. Copy by Grey's clerk. Indorsed: "My lord Gray aunswering a lettre of the Capten of Haddington ix° Aug."

317. [Grey of Wilton] to [Somerset.] [Aug. 1548.]

I have this instant, the letter being sealed, received news that the French intend to famish the town or have battle. The town sallied and took 30 or 40 horses and carriage of the north land men's, and Captain Dog is sent back to keep them in. They shot a piece yesterday from the northeast bulwark into the Abbey, killing 4 men. Pursuivants are sent out to get workmen for Aberlady. The ships laid up at Blackness are again at the "Roode," setting out all that were in Leith haven, and amending those hurt, with the greatest haste. There are 500 or 600 men coming to fortify Dunbar.

¾ p. Written by Grey's clerk. A postscript to a letter.

318. Muster Of The English Army. [Aug. 13. 1548. ]

"For the battaile":—

Thomas Sutton (fn. 4); Sir Thomas Cokaine; Robert Blont; William Nedeham; Humfrey Stafford; John Persall; John Dodde; Rychard Morto; Robert Savell; Sir Francis Hastinges, 200; Sir Robert Counstable; Rychard Tempest; Sir Thomas Malyverie; Sir William Vavasour; Sir William Calverley; Sir John Nevell; Sir Marmaduke Counstable; Francis Norton; Edmond Norton; Thomas Beaumount; John Lassey; Hugh Lassey; Marmaduk Thawites; Sir William Seint Quintyn; John Gascoign; Robert Counstable; Sir Jarvaux Clifton; Sir Anthonie Nevell; Sir James Fuliambe; Marten Aune; Sir Andrew Corbet; Sir Anthonie Manering; Thomas Leigh; Thomas Newporte.

Summa, 3500.

"The vowarde (fn. 4) ":—

The Lord Latymer, 200; Sir Thomas Holcroft, 350; Sir Richard Townley; Sir Robert Langley; Sir Laurence Smyth; John Bothe; Thomas Barton; Sir Thomas Holt; Edward Holt; William Myles; Edward Sutton; Sir Raphe Coppinger, 200; Henry Gerarde; John Collins; Henry Wilcokes; Sir William Davenporte; Randall Manering; Sir John Leigh; John Bavington; John Baker, 200; Edmond Twedie; Colbie; Sir Rychard Sherborne; Thomas Catherall; Thomas Churnoke.

Summa, 3050,

"The rereward (fn. 4) ":—

The Lord Scrupe, 200; Edward Horsley; Lord Coniers, 200; Percyvall Selbie; Launcelot Alford; Sir Thomas Danbie; John Vavasour; Sir William Fairefaxe; the Lord Nevell; Christofer Metcalf; William Wicliff; Christofer Wyvell; Robert Coniers; Rychard Stranguishe; Thomas Watterton; Rychard Wentwourth; John Vincent; John Browne; Thomas Crathorne; George Soulbie; Thomas Holford; Humfrey Nevell; Edmond Leigh; Edward Blount; "Spanierdes", 242. "Of these hacbutters vj^e. Summa, 2842.

The Almaynes' "battaille," 2020, of these 600 hacbutters.

"Somme" of all the footmen, 11,412. Besides 1300 sent to the sea, &c.

I shall send your grace the number of horsemen as soon as I have mustered them. Besides this new supply from Northumberland, they amount to 1800 horse the 12^th August. Signed: John Brende.

2½pp. Indorsed: "The numbers of men tentre Scotlande with their leaders, 1548."

319. Shrewsbury And Grey To Somerset. [Aug. 18.]

Yesterday afternoon, Master Sadler reached Berwick, not only weary of travel, and somewhat "diseased," but also unfurnished of necessaries for the field. He remains there to dispatch the horsemen not yet come, and other things for relief of Haddington. A spy who came this night, reports that Lord Clynton, after making countenance to land at Leith, and exchanging shots with the enemy, crossed over the water and burned Kynkhorne, Kirkaudy and other towns. The bruit is that the French intend the assault of Haddington to-morrow or Monday night, and have their ladders ready: which we think not true, for there are few Scots there; who are in readiness however, for sparing victuals.

We hear from the captain of Lauder that yesterday the Scots and French light horse made a foray near him, where Sir John Elerker lay with 200 of ours, who sent some out whom the enemy "trayned" to their ambush of 600, who broke and drove ours back to Sir John, who retired to Lauder with loss of 5 or 6 men slain. But relieved by the foot of the fort he returned and put them to flight, taking 10 or 12 prisoners and slaying 6. The camp at Prendergast. Signed: F. Shrewesbury, Wyllyam Grey.

1¼ pp. Addressed. Indorsed.

320. Grey of Wilton to Somerset. [Aug. 23.]

Considering I am now under a Lieutenant, and it is not my part to send news, but refer them to my chief, yet as by not writing, your grace may think it proceeds from negligence or "stubbernes," I send these few lines. We are encamped nearer the enemy, who are at Musselburgh, and we a mile on this side Long Niddry. I hear from my servant that the sums in the enclosed schedule are demanded from me as subsidy. I trust your grace thinks that he who serves the King in his wars, should be quit of such like, specially he who has so consumed himself therein, that he cannot pay without great hindrance. So I beseech you give order to free me, so as though I leave them nothing, my wife and children be not "entangled" in the King's debt. The camp beside Long Niddry. Signed: Wyllyam Grey.

Postscript: I humbly thank your grace for your horses and armour.

1¼ pp. Addressed. Indorsed. Wafer signet: a gem

Inclosed in the same:—

(Note of subsidies.)

[For the 32^d, and 34^th and 37^th years of the late King, 801. in all.]

½ p. Official hand.

321. Shrewsbury, Grey, Dacre, &c. to Somerset. [Aug. 23.]

Being encamped here between Aberlady and Seton, on Spyttell hill near Long Niddry, considering your grace's letters, and instructions by M^r Fisher, and our want of victuals, we fear we shall be obliged to return to Berwick and leave your grace's wishes undone; and yet if the victuals come, for which we have sent back carriages which discharged at Haddington, or those from Berwick by sea, as expected, for which Lord Clynton has sent "wayfters," we mind then after full relief of Haddington, to fortify at Musselburgh, as your grace expects, if we win the ground from the enemy, who are encamped there, and gathering more force, and we cannot attempt them till assured of victuals. How it would touch the King and your grace in honour, if we fail, the same may judge. We beg your pleasure as to the dissolution of the army and disposal of the Almayns and Spaniards if we return. The camp at Spyttell hill. Signed: F. Shrewesbury, Wyllyam Grey, Will'm Dacre, Th. Holcroft, Thomas Audeley, Frauncis Flemyng, John Brende.

1 p. In Fisher's writing. Addressed. Indorsed.

322. Licence to Lord Gray and others. [Aug. 27. Eg. MSS. 1818, fol. 4.]

The Queen with advice of the Governor, licences Patrick lord Gray, with his household men, John Skrymgeour constable of Dundee, Sir David Grahame of Fyntre knight, [ ] Maxwell of Teyling, and John Baldovye of that Ilk, each with theirs, for defence of Dundee and the country about, against Broughty fort, to abide at home from her army now lying at Musselburgh, "first devisit to haif convenit on Gladismure the xx day of August instant," to resist the English army now within her realm. Under her signet. Musselburgh. Signed: James G. And at foot: Dunkeldythen.

Broad sheet. Indorsed: "Ane leciens," to Lord Gray, &c. Wax signet: (Scotland).

323. Patrick Lord Gray to Somerset. [Aug. 28. 1548.]

I have spoken with the Earls of Athol [Awthall], Crawfurd, Marschal, Sutherland, Rothes and Errol [Awrall] and other gentlemen who are of good mind to the King's godly purpose, "thai beaude honestly entyrtaynit." I would your grace send some wise man to get their full minds, and to give them some money after their deserts. I refer other matters to the captain Sir John Luttrell's writings. Leyis. Signed: Patryk lord Gray.

¾ p. Addressed. Indorsed (by Thynne).

324. Grey of Wilton to Somerset. [ Aug. 29. 1548.]

Now we have put Haddington out of peril, and field service need not long endure, as I am quit of my last commission of lieutenantship, I trust your grace will licence me to come home and live on my small portion, while seeking to win back what is wrongfully kept from me. I have often showed your grace that the great charges above my "dyettes" have brought me in debt, and now by my late great loss, I can endure it no longer. For my reputation is decayed, or through credit I might have borne it till your grace relieved my poverty. But if at home, I may "awhiles spare," and so be better able to serve again when your grace commands me. If you could see the bottom of my poverty, and in how poor sort I shall be forced to live, and in what miserable estate I shall leave my wife and children, over that I might have done in the beginning of the war, ye would not suffer me to run to further ruin, as I shall open and declare at my repair to your grace. And as you promised I should be here but a year, which now is "full complete," I beseech your grace's leave home to avoid the utter destruction of me and my posterity. The Camp. Signed: Wyllyam Grey.

1½ pp. In Brende's writing. Addressed. Indorsed.