Edward VI: November 1547

74. Sir Andrew Dudley to Somerset. [Nov. 1. 1547.]

The town of Dundee took assurance on the 27^th October "with myche adoo." For I sent the Bark Ager and Mary Hambrough to beat them with ordnance, and made them believe more were coming and I would burn the town, &c. So I send the copy assurance, till the King and your grace take further order. The Controller of Scotland was in the town, and much displeased with it. Most of the honest and substantial men favour the Word of God and would be glad to become English, and being unwalled, to be fortified. Angus and Fife greatly desire a good preacher, bibles and testaments, and other good English books of Tyndale and Frithe's translation, which I pray your grace to send me, as I have promised a great "sorte." And a "bookbynder" might sell many here. Shall I suffer the Dundee men to travel to France, or French to them ?

The "lord of Dunbar" was with me at 8 o'clock p.m. on Tuesday 25^th October, as to his promise to you to receive the King's ships into Murrey, and for the Isles of Orkney and other enterprises whereon he communed with you; he has advised with George Douglas and other friends, who counsel him to kill the" (fn. 1) and some others, whereby the country should be had "gentlye." He offered to do this himself, and has long looked for our ships. If he does it, he cannot keep his day of entry, and would come to me to be taken to England.

I am in a weak house with a raw company, and have only got three months' victual, but such rotten biscuit and sour beer as was never had! I am in as much danger of my men as of the Scots—they cry out of the bad victuals, and have neither shirt nor hose, and many fall sick daily. There is much to do and few to do it. "Master John" the Italian is very sickly, but does what he can. I have but 2 ship-carpenters—one "stark lame," the other sick of ague. I have not a plank, or place to store victual in but one of the ships. My men lie together like swine as wet as in the field, and I can scant lie dry myself. The river is full of ships and boats of divers countries.

The Governor receives the customs of Dundee, but if your grace pleases, I would make them pay here, also for salmon fishing, &c., to help the King's charges, for there is great profit of such here. There is a pretty walled town above Dundee called S^t Johnstons, which might be had with a little help, besides many abbeys and houses of religion along the Tay within 10 miles and less, which might be had, and many gentlemen hereabouts have offered their help. Many fear if Huntly be set at liberty, he would make more mischief. Lord Gray was here late one night, offering to do anything for me. I took the Hamburgh men's ordnance—2 fair fawcons and some iron pieces, and munition, by indenture, lest the Scots got it. The pieces here are but the refuse of the ships, and useless. We have almost spent our powder and shot on Dundee, the ships trying to steal past, and the horsemen prickers along the hills. I have made the town bring me as much of the shot fired at them, as they can find. I would your grace gave me a fortnight or three weeks' leave to England, for I am out of money and "reyment." Scribbled in haste. Signed: Andrew Duddeley.

4 pp. Addressed. Indorsed (by Thynne). Damaged by damp.

75. Lady Home to Somerset. [Nov. 2.]

"I haf beyn vere sair exseminit for the randering of the plais of Home," and my son and I have been accused of taking money, and other charges, too long to recount to your grace. I answered I marvelled they thought we could keep the "sobour barmking" of Home against your army, when all the nobles of Scotland could not keep the field! and bade them either "debait stoutlyer," or come to terms with your grace. I beseech you show favour as you promised, and let my son return home soon, for I have confidence in your truth. Some that should be friends, reproach my son and me, and said they could have treated better with your grace and kept the house. Whatever happens, your grace shall find more truth in us than them who have promised more. "And woll it lyk your grace to lat my son haf the plas of Hom in kepin, to he ma dantton (fn. 2) part of thes men that has schawin tham unfrendis at this tym"; it shall always be given up to you on your "privat wryting." The Queen and Governor have sent to all countries for support. If your grace do what I ask "ye sall not rew it."

I dare not let my lord my husband see your last writing about the rendering of Home, and the pledges. So if it please you to give me another, specifying that we shall but lose our own—molest neither English nor Scots, and if our army rises, to pass with them; my lord would assent to such reasonable assurance as others have gotten. I beseech your grace not to be "myscontent" at my desire, for my mind is good, as you shall know afterwards. Humbly beseeching your answer. Edinburgh. Signed: Mare 1[ady] Hom.

2½ pp. Holograph; also address. Indorsed (by Thynne): ". . . Menelson [a] Scott, to my lord Protector." Sir John seems to have been puzzled by the signature.

76. Sir John Luttrell to Warwick. [Nov. 2.]

The Scots had rigged many ships and small boats to attack me this last "sprynge" the last of October; but meanwhile with 2 small boats and a pynnace "lyke the Shulder of Mutton," they have kept me in for 14 days, except when I went to seek fuel. Unless your brother good M^r Dudley, had sent me the Bark Ager I could not have sent my letters to my lord Protector and you—for I have not seen the Sacre since I sent her to England 5 weeks past, and the Double Rose is little and open, and too weak for them—one being a ship of 80 tons, and the other was French John's boat of Rye, both well appointed. If I had a ship like the Wyllyby, I would soon employ her well, for there is such pestilence and famine here, if their river were strongly kept, they cannot hold out long. They murmur against the Governor, who has imprisoned Davyson of the Queensferry, because he would not man his ship against me without wages, as I hear from a Scot I took in a "colbote." The prizes I have lost would have paid all charges. A Scot is now gone in to Leith with Flanders wares—and I drove aground a ship of two tops, with the Governor's wine, &c., from France; also a Frenchman rescued a Scot with 25 chests of silk. These and more, I have lost for lack of a tall ship. Your brother is merry at Broughty, and has compounded with Dundee, but I am matched with such stubborn neighbours, "that yf I be a-colde, they gyve me leve blowe to my fyngers"—whose gentleness I hope to requite when the council gives me wherewithal. "Saynt Combys Ynche." Signed: John Luttrell.

After writing thus far, a Scot I sent by land to M^r Dudley brought news from Stirling, where Angus, &c. were at the council, now dispersed, save 700 men of James Doggys' band kept in pay by the charitable spiritualty's alms to cut our throats. He says the Border assured Scots have taken much cattle and burned the Governor's country, and Bothwell is to attack them with speed, whereof I have warned my lord Grey. Also 2 ambassadors will go to France and Denmark, to get 15000 foot and borrow 100,000 "duccatt" for their pay, with help of the noblemen, priests, and merchants, and ally the young Queen with Denmark rather than England. Praying you to declare this to my lord Protector, for his letter was already sealed. Angus passed Broughty castle and would have spoken with M^r Dudley, but his train was so great, the alarm was given, and in shooting over the hill a piece had almost slain my lady his wife. The Stirling council was chiefly to annoy M^r Dudley and me, so I trust we shall be well manned. If I can provide lime this winter, and finish my works for guns, no enemy shall have an easy landing here.

3½ pp. Holograph. Address leaf lost. Indorsed (by Thynne).

77. Sir John Luttrell to Somerset. [Nov. 3.]

[To the same effect. Describing how the Frenchman of two tops was driven ashore near the chapel at Leith, and his pinnace would have taken her, but for the number of boats full of men that beat her off. Thinks his prizes would have been above 1000l.] S^t Colms Inch. Signed: John Luttrell.

4 pp. Holograph. Address leaf gone. Indorsed (by Thynne).

78. Laird of Longniddry to Somerset. [Nov. 5. 1547.]

There is great peril of the Queen and Governor transporting our sovereign lady to France, and delivering our strengths to the French King; "for perinpleting" whereof, they are sending Sir Walter Ogilbe to ask for speedy help this winter. If I was provided of the rent I lost at your foray, I would attend Court to spy their doings. This I say in mind of what certain of your camp proposed to my wife, then being "in childerbed," and your grace's good wishes to the Laird of Ormistoun and me, and our constant faith in your proceedings. We are yet without reward or amendment of our "sustenit skayths, willing your grace to tak this [nocht (fn. 3) ] as movit of avarice, bot as trew familiare harty speitche." Waiting answer at your grace's pleasure. "Langnudrye (quhair your graceis camp did ly Wedd[insday afoir (fn. 3) ] the battell)." (fn. 4) Signed: Langnedry.

Your grace will please give credence to the bearer as to myself.

1 p. Addressed. Indorsed: "xiiij^to Nov. . . . From the larde of Langwedry 1547. Hugh Dowglas."

79. Sir Ralph Bullmar to Somerset. [Nov. 6. 1547.]

I beseech your grace to order Rydgewey the surveyor to apply more diligently to the works here. He comes very seldom, tarries but a short while, and we have neither brewhouse, bakehouse, kitchen nor gates, though he promised timber 3 weeks since. Nor have the wheat and malt mills and smith's forge, come yet, as your grace ordered for us, and he has often promised. And I would beseech by the bearer my servant if I shall have the 50 men I spoke for to your grace, as my lord lieutenant knows not of your pleasure. Roxburgh. Signed: Rauff Bullmar.

1¼ pp. Addressed. Indorsed (by Thynne).

80. Grey of Wilton to Somerset. [Nov. 8. 1547.]

The Scots are said to be laying in garrison 150 horse at Lawther, and as many at Fawoest, (fn. 5) but I disbelieve it. Your grace thinks the 840 able men enough in this dead time of winter—and it is so for this side Tweed—but the 1000 you formerly appointed in Scotland cannot be furnished, nor, it I placed any of the 800 there, is there any "reskewe" at need, but the men at arms, and my band. Wherefore I await your pleasure. Norham Castle. Signed: Wyllyam Grey.

1 p. Addressed. Indorsed (by Thynne).

81. Ormistoun and Longniddry to Warwick. [Nov. 9. 1547.]

As we were greatly "hurt in our cornis," &c., when your army was last here, we beg by you the lord Protector's safe conduct for our faithful friend and like sufferer, Robert Hammylton, to pass in England and France for necessaries, wines, &c., for this realm is empty of such wares. Also your lordship's license for our boats and craers, taking herring, white fish, and salmon, along the coast of Scotland from one port to another. Praying your pardon of our "haymlie request and desir, for war nocht our myndis ar derect to yow beyond ony othirs, we wald nocht request your lordschip sa haymlilie." We offer any service in our power, and ask credence for the bearer. Ormiston. Signed: Ormystoun, Langnedry.

1¼ p. Addressed. Indorsed. Wafer signet: indistinct.

82. Gray to Somerset. Edw. VI. [Nov. 13. 1547.]

The places most needful for the King's affairs, are S^t Johnston on the Tay and S^t Andrews in Fife, and if taken, shall bring Fife, Angus and Stratherne under the King's obedience, and hold the north in check. They may be taken with 5000 men, if it be kept secret, with little loss. I am in great danger, for the Governor with aid of the kirkmen, proposes to attack me and my friends in Angus, so I beg your grace's help. Fowllis. Signed: Patryk lord Gray.

¾ p. Addressed. Much injured by damp.

83. Ormistoun to Somerset. [Nov. 14.]

I came to Berwick "this xiij of November," and showed my lord lieutenant my opinion as he desired. I shall always be ready to do your grace service. The bearer will give the news of the country. Berwick. Signed: Ormystoun.

½ p. Addressed. Indorsed.

84. Sir Andrew Dudley to Somerset. [Nov. 14.]

As commanded by your grace's letter received on 10^th, I paid Lord Gray of Scotland the 1000l. sterling received from my lord Grey of Wilton, on the 12^th. He and the laird of "Monwennye" were with me late at night on 11^th, on a plan to get S^t Johnstons, S^t Andrews, Dundee, &c. They think 1000 men now, would do more than 5000 in spring. They fear the French getting these places, and Stirling. M^r John the Italian, has been across the water and seen "a handsome place" to fortify. As commanded, I send your grace his plats of it, Broughty Crag, and Dundee. Lord Gray and Montquhany are in great fear of the Governor attacking them, and not 4 hours before writing this, I was told he was marching on Dundee to put down the favourers of God's word, and do no less to me. We will do our best, though not so strong as I would like. The Phenix brought your grace's letter and the 1000l. She was "sore spoyled with wether, and lost her bote." Four victuallers from Holy Island parted company in the storm, the wind at west, and west-south-west. It is thought they are in Shetland or Denmark. Broughty Crag. Signed: Andrew Duddeley.

3 pp. Addressed. Indorsed (by Thynne).

85. Angus to Richard Graham of Berentyne. [Nov. 16.]

"Cousing Richard." I write because I have no word of the errands I sent you on. I am come to my castle of Crawford this Wednesday 15^th November to dress matters among my folks, and it is shown me by divers "that wes in Carlill on Satterday" and heard it, as this bearer will tell you, that it was proclaimed free to all men to ride on these my servants, viz. the lairds of Skyrling, Boneintoun, Cowinttoun, Carmychell, Le, Glasben and Jariswode, the town of Lanark, &c., too long to write, and nothing "fre" but my own heritage. Advertise me with diligence if this be true, "for gyf I want ane boy of myn on assurit," I will have none for myself, but be "at my awantage. I will tak na schame now in my ald dayis, for I hawe skaithe anewche elles." If Cowinttoun and Carmichel is in Car[l]ill with the Captain of Crawfurd at "makin of this byll," advertise them to come home with diligence as my trust is in you. "At my Castell of Crawfurd." Signed: Ar^d erl of Angus.

1 p. No address. Indorsed: "The Erle of Anguishe to Richard Graham of Berentyne." Stained by damp.

86. Grey of Wilton to Somerset. [Nov. 16.]

The laird of Ayton will gladly be received, but being poor and needy, asks 6 weeks' respite to prepare to come to your grace. His sureties are Cesford, Ferniherst and Sir George Douglas. The last sent me a letter from his son, of the Governor's resolve to appoint garrisons to molest our new assured men, as the Laird of Blacketer.

I have before signified to your grace by letters and my servant Myles, that the West March lairds as Angus, Glencairn, Cassillis, lords Boyd and Greme, Sheriff of Ayr, &c. desire to have assurance and will sign the Articles except the point of the Queen's marriage elsewhere. Sir George Douglas laments and with good reason, he is discredited by your grace and the country, except the Governor and he are privately united for deep purposes that no eye may pierce. He desires that Lord Hay of Yester his kinsman, may be "losened" home on sureties. My servant Myles will show your grace his demeanours and doings. The rest will do as he doth.

The East Border lairds are on Saturday to report their numbers for the King's service. The nature of Scots is too hard to understand, and slow to answer. Buccleuch said sickness kept him from coming to me.

The King has few enemies in the Merse except in the castle of Dunbar, as Ormistoun reports.

The French ambassador is repairing home. I hope in 3 days to learn his purpose. I enclose letters just come in from Ormistoun and Brunston. Norham Castle. Signed: Wyllyam Grey.

3½ pp. Addressed. Indorsed (by Thynne). Damaged by damp.

87. Grey of Wilton to Somerset. [Nov. 16. 1547.]

I beseech your grace to issue your warrant to the treasurer of Boulogne for the men at arms' wages from 12^th August to 1^st October last, in recompense of their hurts and loss of horses in the late battle, as my servant Mylles can declare with other things. Norham Castle. Signed: Wyllyam Grey.

1p. Addressed. Indorsed.

88. Grey of Wilton to Somerset. [Nov. 17. 1547.]

I have now at 8 p.m. received letters from Ormistoun and Brunstoun, which I send your grace, with a note of intelligence my espial now brought to me. I have therefore returned Rede the lieutenant at Warke, to his own country, with 40 harquebusiers, and furnished him with all necessaries for defence. Norham Castle. Signed: Wyllyam Grey.

1 p. Addressed. Indorsed (by Thynne).

Inclosed in the same:—

(1) (Ormistoun and Brunston to Grey of Wilton.)

We have this Tuesday at our home coming, got sure knowledge by our servant from Edinburgh, that the bishop of Dunkeld has taken 2 cannons out of the castle to Leith—so secretly that none know where they are going. We think it must be to Broughty Crag or Sanct Colmis. It is great discouragement to your godly affairs to see such daring. Other news is, that the Queen, the Governor and lords of their party, will be in Edinburgh on the 16^th instant. Ormistoun, 15^th November. Signed: Ormystoun, Bronistoun.

1½ pp. Addressed. Indorsed (by Thynne). Damaged by damp.

(2) (Nynian Cockburn's report.)

The Council desired their first day, to take all the "juelles" and "challesses" of the church to support the war: the kirkmen fear they will next seek the temporal lands. Next morning the Queen said she with the Governor's advice, had written urgently to France for speedy help, and if not they would do the best for themselves with England. Argyll and other lords advised meantime harrying the assured Scots: but it was resolved to besiege Borthy Crag, the bishops and kirkmen giving 5000l. Scots towards it. Argyll promised to join, so soon as he had pacified the Isles, 300 soldiers were "feyd," and 2 cannons and a bastard culverin are landed this day at Arbroath. The Governor is gone this day from Stirling to "Seynt Jones," to raise the Fife and Angus men, and the Bishop of Dunkeld to Fife. I have warned Sir Andrew Dudley, who is glad they are coming. Bothwell is uncertain, though the Queen and Governor have given him good words and promised him "meny wott wattes." I shall know his purpose ere three days pass. "John a Clyddesdale" has gone in anger from the Governor to Carlisle. Sir Walter Oglebye knight is sent by the Queen and Governor to France—stay him if ye can. There are not above two assured Scots who do not depend on the Court or some great man, so that their doings are but "under a couller." If the unassured Scots were troubled speedily, it would waste the kirkmen's 5000l., and they would get no more till it come from France. 17^th November. Nynean Cockborne.

Postscript: The only men to be trusted are—the lairds of Montwannie in Fife, and of Ormestone in "Loden."

I know all the other landed men of Scotland, but dare write nothing of their truth.

4 pp. Copy by Grey's clerk. Injured by damp.

89. Grey of Wilton to Somerset. [Nov. 17.]

My cousin Andrew Dudley writes that he has found great friendship in M^r Andrew Balfour of Montquhany, the bearer's kinsman, and begs me to desire your grace's favourable letters to France by him, on behalf of certain gentlemen taken in S^t Andrew's castle, for whom great lamentation is made in Angus; who, if returned home, might do his Majesty high service. Norham Castle. Signed: Wyllyam Grey.

¾ p. No address. Indorsed (by Thynne). Injured by damp.

90. Grey of Wilton to Somerset. [Nov. 19. 1547.]

I send your grace intelligence received this day of the French doings: that you may order the apprehending of those accused. Norham Castle. Signed: Wyllyam Grey.

⅓ p. Addressed. Indorsed (by Thynne).

91. Grey of Wilton to Somerset. [Nov. 21.]

Buccleuch and his son have promised to be with me in 10 days: he is not yet recovered to health. He and the other lairds will shortly report what men they "can make" for the King's service. He sends me for certain—that Bothwell by the old Queen's command is lately sworn to the Governor and Council, wherefore if your grace command me, I will "skorge" him through his tenants—and that on the 19^th hereof, Argyll with 10,000 men from the north came before Broughty.

The Italians I am sending there, were nearly drowned to-day at Berwick, in a small boat going to the ship. They lost an oar, and if they had not been rescued by another boat, would have been driven over the bar and lost. If wind serve, they are dispatched again tonight. Norham Castle. Signed: Wyllyam Grey.

1¾pp. Addressed. Indorsed (by Thynne).

92. Grey of Wilton to Somerset. [Nov. 24. 1547.]

I hear by my spy, that Bothwell who had of the Scottish Queen an abbey and 2000 marks Scots, talked with the Laird of Lanketon [Langton], who parted from him in anger, seeing the earl was declining from his promise to England.

On 23^rd instant, Dose the French ambassador, accompanied with one Hamelton a Scot "more owlde than wise," left for France at the west seas, where Sir George Douglas saw him embark. It is thought he goes to ask pay for 3000 horse, and 12,000 foot, which if his King gives, the strengths of Scotland and the princess to be at his pleasure—if not, the Governor and Queen to get what they can of England.

If Scotland again "have to do" with England, the Governor for his greatness must not dismount, but if he should remain mounted, the rest might fly: therefore he must appoint a lieutenant, and himself not come to the field.

The cannon against Broughty left Pittenweem [Pentenwyn] on 22^d —the Governor was at S^t Johnstons on 23^d, and is there yet. It is thought he will spoil the assured thereabout, besiege Lord Gray's house in Angus—who himself has gone over the "Mownte"—then besiege Burthe sharply.

Cockburn has asked me for a gelding to replace his own, and I think to give him one, for he has been useful. I gave one to Robert Cockburn Lord Gray's servant, as your grace willed me. Norham Castle. Signed: Wyllyam Grey.

"Postscripta": M^r Thomas Wyndam requires 100 more mariners for his ships, and I must also provide men for your grace's pinnace, within 4 days. I enclose a "billet" of her breadth and length, and beg your commission for the above and cables, anchors, &c., which are not to be had here. Wind for Burthe still contrary.

2 pp. Addressed. Indorsed.

Inclosed in the same:—

(The Lord Protector's pinnace.)

From the foreship to the stern, 39 feet "alofte," by the keel, 30 feet. At the mast, beam in breadth, 9 feet. Depth in hold [hole], 3 feet. She draws 3 feet water. The boat-swain will rig her in 4 days. He must have a 4-inch cable, 2 coil small ropes, 4 lb. twine, and "saile nedelles, lantarne and candell." She has 5 bases, but no powder or shot, which I will see furnished.

In same hand.

93. Grey of Wilton to Somerset. [Nov. 26. 1547.]

I send your grace the "doble" of letter received this day from Sir John Luttrell by his servant: who begs your grace to remove from S^t Colm's Inch the Doble Rose pinnace, and instead to send one or two ships like the Bark Anchar. His messenger reports the munition there—4 sakars, 4 fawcons—a "hole" iron culverin,—broken at the mouth—a demy culverin full of honey combs "and blow," that none dare shoot—14 bases, refuse and nought—6 port pieces and fowlers—3 barrels of powder. A reasonable supply was before sent, and lost as I reported. On Monday last the like was dispatched for Borthe. Pompero the Spaniard and his company was on board, and 2 of the 3 vessels are perished. They escaped from one, and arrived about "Shalles." (fn. 6) I have ordered their speedy dispatch again from Newcastle. Though Sir John complains of victuals, the surveyor says he has 3 months at least. It may please your grace to give orders therein, &c. Norham Castle. Signed: Wyllyam Grey.

2½ pp. Addressed. Indorsed. Damaged by damp.

94. Grey of Wilton to Somerset. [Nov. 29.]

This instant I have a joint letter from the Earl of Lennox and Lord Wharton, that your grace has appointed the Earl to lead the assured Scots on the West March, also signifying, as if your pleasure, that he should have these other Borders and a number of my harquebusiers. It seemed strange to have this from Lord Wharton, and not your grace; but it may please you to consider if it might be convenient to draw hither discharged men from Boulogne, Guines, &c., well trained in war, who would serve the said Earl better than the raw and rude men of the country—rather than withdraw these harquebusiers, and thus weaken my men at arms, with whom they serve. Praying your grace to take in good part my simple opinion. I enclose news from Scotland. Norham Castle. Signed: Wyllyam Grey.

Postscript: Sir John Luttrell being in such need, I have sent to him certain pieces in lieu of what is wanted in the bill addressed to your grace, as it may be the Governor after Borthe, may return by S^t Colm—and dispatched the same through Anderson by a Newcastle ship.

2 pp. Addressed. Indorsed (by Thynne).

Inclosed in the same:—

(Cockburn's intelligence.)

On 27^th November the Earl Bothwell sent the laird of Elphinston [Alfestoone] and Oliver "Seyntcler" to the Governor at S^t Johnston, asking a commission that he may "halde purpoose" to London for weal of the Governor and his friends; but still awaits their return at Edinburgh. He intends to be at Langton on 30^th and will ask assurance for Lord "Boythwicke": your lordship may answer him, that Lord Borthwick is "unconstante" and changes as the Governor pleases. It were well you spoke with Lord Bothwell to save the siege at Borthe Crag, but "siste" as yet—the guns being with the bishop of Dunkeld on Fife side. They "rewes" the siege, which began this last Saturday or Sunday, if it holds. The Governor is there with the lords Graym, Revan, Roughthouse, (fn. 7) Marchell, Glamys and Oglebye. Lord Gray is over the "Mount," and will not come to the Governor. The Bishops and their households are with the Governor. My brother, who brought me a good gelding from you, is gone to Fife to spy their preparations, and inform Brunston and Ormistoun, who will advertise you this night or to-morrow.

It were well the ships made as if to land at Lindores [Lounders] to draw the besiegers thither where their guns lie. The Queen, Governor, &c., with Argyll's support, intend to send horse from Edinburgh to ride on the assured Lothian lairds, as Calkar [Calder ?], Ormeston, Bruntstone, Bernebowgell, Langnedere, Colston, Trayborne [Trabroun] and Humbie, who have no refuge unless you help Angus at Temptallon. George Douglas has "Cockburnes-pethe," and for a last refuge Coldingham and Berwick. The above lairds consulted quietly on Monday how to resist, and were for giving pledges, except Ormistoun. 'Yf we do that,' said he, 'for safetie of our houses and gooddes, we shall never be sett by, nor estemed with Englande, and also yf we sholde do that, Englande wolde not fayle to dystroye us without favour. And I saye' quod he, 'I will never consent thereto, what harme that ever followe.' The rest agreed, and will abide the Governor's displeasure. I see they all rest on the keeping of Broughty. I wrote before as your lordship "kennys," to Lord Warwick, to know if he has any writing of Sir Andrew Dudley's and mine, taken by Lord Rothes and "redemyd agayne"? I wrote how Sir George Douglas gave the last "Kyrelayson" (fn. 8) of the French, and "caused sperr" at him why he gave not more news and substantial counsel to your lordship ? He said you gave him no credit, and I see he must either have credit, or he will "lye loose." The gentlemen of Scotland are backward in advising your lordship, and I know much might be done now to make them do what they have promised, and "I trowe they wante but sharpe puttyng on," and would ye proved them. Nynean Cockborne.

3½ pp. Copy by Grey's clerk.

95. Grey of Wilton to Somerset. [Nov. 30.]

A Scotsman Patrick Kynkayde came this day to me, showing great displeasure to the Governor and the captain of Edinburgh, for expelling his master captain of the castle in the late King of Scotland's time, and his own kinsman then constable under him, from their offices—also his present master "expulsed" by the Governor from the bishopric of Dunkeld now held by his brother the Abbot of Paisley. In revenge he offers to deliver the castle, captain, &c. by means of the porter his familiar and fellow under the old captain, who is ready on notice, to open the gates to any band of Englishmen he brings. He asks for reward 1000 crowns. He has dealt with the keeper of the Grey Friars port, a poor man, to let him pass secretly at night to see a woman he loveth without the town—and hopes to get the keys from him the night of the attempt, or else be let in and then kill him. I to send 50 horsemen from Hume Castle, to arrive soon after midnight "at a cawsye on Borowmore," half a mile from Edinburgh, where he will meet and bring them in by the Gray Friars port "a close way lytle inhabyted with peple," to the Castle gates. After getting in by the porter's assent, and making it sure behind them, they shall be let through all other gates by the porter's keys, and find no obstacle but chamber doors, easily broken with pieces of timber, of which there are plenty. The plan is not dangerous—the castle victualled for 100 men for a twelve month—only 8 men there in absence of the Governor, and 20 when he is there. There are but 3 watchmen, who trust the gates wholly to the porter. It seems feasible enough, but I advertise your grace first, and have given him encouragement, promising further reward on success. If your grace approve, there are men enough at Hume and here; the most should be strangers led by these captains, Pellam and Bagshoste my servant. Alexander Pringle Scotsman now with your grace, were a good guide, whom if you approve, send me with all haste, for I hear the Governor and Queen mind to lay a garrison there, who perchance shall keep better watch.

I am often doubtful in my proceedings, for your grace does not answer my letters, for the weightier affairs of parliament, but I beseech you have me in remembrance. Norham Castle. Signed: Wyllyam Grey.

3½ pp. Addressed. Indorsed (by Thynne).

96. Sir Andrew Dudley to Warwick. [Nov. 30. 1547.]

The Scots came 22^d November, 3000 horse and foot. Their ordnance is 2 c[annons], a culvering 2 sakars, a "bysard," and some small pieces out of Dundee. I skirmished with them day and night, with loss on both sides. M^r Nytigat and M^r Dr[ewry] (fn. 9) captains of the Mary Hambrough and the Phenix served well, the latter is shot through the leg with a harquebus. My master gunner slain with a piece. I drove them out of their trench, and had won their ordnance, but for want of help and good soldiers. My munition is sore wasted, some of my guns broken, and my victuals and drink consumed with the 100 extra men from the ships. The ships for 7 days have only foul water to drink. They trenched hard to the walls, summoned me thrice, and battered down a piece of the tower. Their guns across the water drive ships from the road. I hear nothing of Lord Gray of Scotland, and trust he means truly. Broughty Crag. Signed: Andrew Duddeley.

1½ pp. Addressed. Indorsed (by Thynne). Damaged.

97. The Council to Grey of Wilton. [Nov. 30.]

Instructing him in reply to his letter of 26^th—to do what he can for Sir John Luttrell, cautioning him to save his powder—reinforce him with 20 or 30 Bishopric men—and do the best with the Double Rose— that Grey keep down the King's charges for new levies— impede passage of Frenchmen without instructions from London—send the captains who lie at Newcastle back to their duties on the Borders or in Scotland—also to punish Buccleuch for his "wynkering," and Angus and his brother; advertising Wharton to do what he can commodiously therein.

2 pp. Corrected draft. Indorsed.

98. Sir Ralph Bulmbr to Somerset. [Nov. . 1547.]

My spy brings me these evil news— On Saturday last there was "barked" at Leith for Broughty Crag, 2 cannous, a demiculverin and a "bastard norman" with 160 soldiers. Gey Hambleton captain with 600 more men, on Tuesday last began the trench for his ordnance. Since which time our ships have slain 48 of his men, which so grieves the Governor, that he commands on pain of death, the gentlemen thereabout to go to the siege. Only Lord Gray "that aught" Borthy before, is come with 8 small pieces. Angus lies in Douglas dale, the Governor in S^t Johnstons, and answers the people who complain to him, that he cannot amend it. We do what we can here making rampires and bulwarks, but none of the houses, &c., ordered by your grace, nor the mills or forge to be here within 7 days of your departing, is here. The storehouse is made, but is a "quartar naiked" for lack of slate, whereby also the slaters cannot make up the walls, and the timber rots. I have brought timber from Kelso, "whitche hayth maid a ruffe (fn. 10) at the Freraige, wherby thre fayr vautes ar saved, whitch will serve for xx^ti horses." And have caused them set up a warding house at the gates, which is better than sitting idle.

I beseech your grace order the timber from Warke for the houses, &c.: I have called so often, I am thought busy and forward, but care not if I do your grace's commands. Bringing victuals from Berwick will be a sorer charge this winter, than to have brought the timber at first. One horse would carry malt on his back that would make as much beer as 6 oxen and 2 horses can draw in a cart—thus saving the King's money. For a horse only costs 2 groats, while a wain stands in 4s. charges—besides breaking the vessels and drinking the beer on the way. So that some lack 8 inches and others 10 inches of their "gaige." Roxburgh. Signed: Rauff Bullmar.

3 pp. Addressed. Indorsed (by Thynne).

99. Munition for S^t Colms Inch. [Nov. .]

Note of ordnance, &c. which Lord Grey has commanded the master of ordnance at Newcastle (if he have them) to deliver to Sir John Luttrell's servant.

Extracts.

Portpieces, 3; fowlers, 3; bases, 6; an iron or brass culverin; serpentine powder, 1 last; corn powder, 1 barrel; shot:—for culverins, 100; for demi-culverins, 100; for sacres, 150; for falcons, 150; for portpieces and fowlers, 200 of stone shot. Lead for bullets, 1 "sowe." Harquebuses, 40; pikes, 40; bills, 40; leather powder bags, 6; whipsaws, 2; axes, 6; hatchets, 4; lanterns, 10.

1¼ pp. Written by Grey's clerk. Indorsed.