Elizabeth: March 1561

966. Randolphe To Cecill. [March 4.]

On the last of February, Arran departed from his father at Lythcow, and came here to be present at "the administration of the communion, which was celebrated" on Sunday last the 3^d March. He gave me the letters inclosed—one to the Queen and the other to you, sealed, as I trust you shall find them, "and the coveringe open." They came to his hands thus—at the four lairds' leaving France, one in their company named Conningham, was required by Sir Nicolas Throckmorton to deliver them to your honour if he could come to "your speache," otherwise at his home coming to give them to Arran for surety. My lord, thinking some of importance to himself might be in the packet, opened it, but finding none, gave them to me to forward, and has also written to you with his own hand herewith. He also required me to write, that whereas you wrote to Lethington you could learn no news of Captain Forbes's doings in France; "that he was more precyse ther in, than neade required, or then his wyll was—seinge that at all tymes his desyer hathe byne so to governe hym self towardes his frendes, that theie sholde have no suspicion of hym, nor occasion to thynke other wyse then of one, that meanethe all wayes and at all tymes, to deale as one frende ought with one other in faythe and honestie." He says his meaning in sending to France was this— the Queen's husband being dead (who was in special the occasion of all the troubles here) he judged that he might without offence acknowledge his duty to her, without prejudice to the liberty of his country, or burden to his conscience, being also moved by the example of others, and also to prevent false accusations that might be made of him to her Majesty. To the King of Navarre and the Constable, he thought that their old acquaintance, which has been great, as also the friendship he received at their hands, required no less than some signification from him, how glad he was that God had opened a way to them greatly to advance the weal of their country, and work such works in setting forth his glory, as might procure themselves immortal fame.

Thus much I was required to write to your honor from my lord—and thus much it behoved me to show him, to assure him what I had written. I think I understand that he wishes now he had taken better advice; yet he is minded not to let this occasion to pass, thinking it will be the only weal of his country "yf he were hable to bringe yt to passe." He has by these commissioners received another letter from "her," with commandment "ofte to wryte, and verie maynye fayer wordes in credyt"; and this present day he has written to her Majesty again by one William Henrison his own servant, who reports to "my lord" he has a safe conduct for one whole year. He passed over with my lady Fleming, and has some other man's letters, and shall have one of mine to your honour, if he come for it, that you may "marque hym the better." To my former matter: there are so many doubts put into my lord of Arran's head in "optaynynge of her," that he is now more uncertain than ever. The Duke can by no means be persuaded that way, "but rather that all her fayer wordes wyll ende in some myscheffe, yf yt be not substancially provided for." And lately devising with Lethington hereon, "he frankely uttered unto hym that he lyked not his sonnes doynges, nor founde no lykelyhoode that good coulde come therof, but dowted rather that (that is all moste in everie mans mouthe spoken) that she wyll no good to hym nor none of his; for which cause he wolde be glade to knowe howe good and favorable the Quenes majestie our soveraigne wolde be unto hym yf anye suche thynge sholde manifestly appere" ? To this I was first made privy by Lethington, who said my lord Duke would I should write to her Majesty thereof, that he might better know how to avoid the practices intended. I requested Lethington to "dyssemble" the matter, till I might hear it spoken out of some of their own mouths, and so have the "faster grype ether of thone or bothe." Yesterday my lord of Arran in long discourse, broke the "self same" matter. I continued his purpose, and maintained his opinion to the uttermost of my power. He finds now where he made his fault; and I travail what I can to make him acknowledge it. I thought good, if it be a matter resolved between his father and him to prove the Queen, as I have above written, that it be done by their own writings rather than mine, as a thing more acceptable to her Majesty, and more graciously to be received. So we ended, that matters should be deferred till his father's arrival; and I thought it not amiss to forewarn your honour. "Well my lord of Arrane maye conceave of hym self that ther is possibilitie or lyklyhoode that he maye have her, but yt ys agaynste thopinion of all the doctors." I shall write more amply in 3 or 4 days. Edinburgh. Signed: Tho. Randolphe.

3 pp. Closely written. Holograph: also address. Indorsed. (by Cecill's clerk). Some words re-written over erasures.

967. Randolphe To Cecill. [March 5.]

As I omit no opportunity for my duty, I advertise that on the 4^th instant I received your letter of 26^th February, and have conferred with the Duke and my lord of Arran in the matter you wrote of, finding them both well inclined to take good advice, and not "verie hastie" in granting to any thing incommodious to their country, or "dysadvantagieus" to themselves hereafter. No lords are yet arrived, saving the Earl of Crawford, thought to will well to the Duke, but will not "greatlye meddle" in any matter. Your advice is well liked —it will end either in that, or some other to like effect—as that, in their sovereign's absence, they would be loth to conclude so weighty a matter; or that their league standing with England, they can do nothing prejudicial to it. "Which shall rather be quyetlye rounded into mens eares then openly spoken."

It will also be questioned whether with "salfe conscience" a Christian people may enter into a league where occasion is of "so myche bloode shedinge, &c. Your honor conceavethe the reste." The Duke is "resolved" that they only mean mischief to him. Lord Sempill is "relaxed" (as they term it) from the horn. Bothwell has given him by the Queen the abbeys of Melrose and Haddington. The Bishop of Orkney begins to reform his diocese, and preaches himself; I saw to-day a letter from him to the Duke. I would rather bestow time in writing of some greater matter, than trouble your honor "in this sorte." As Lethington lately put a "scruple" in my head, if my letters reached you safely? I would your honor by M^r Wynnibanke or otherwise, gave me knowledge hereof. For their conveyance to Berwick, I use "the moste secreteste waye," either by a servant of Ormeston's or of Grange's, if he be here. I have received both your proclamations, for which I most humbly thank you. The liberty we have here to eat flesh on the Sundays in Lent, makes us bolder to do the same the whole week after. The communion was "mynestrat" here on Sunday last with great decency and very good order. There were none admitted but such as made open protestation of their belief, "examined and admitted by the mynisters and deacons," to the number of 1300 "and odde." On Sunday next they choose in divers places for all the shires, "superintendantes, knowne and lerned men." Of these known to your honour, M^r Willockes for Glasgow and that country—for S^t Andrews, the subprior of the same. M^r Knox thinks his state "honorable inoughe, yf God gyve hym strengethe to persyste in that vocation that he hathe placed hym in, and wyll receave no nother." Edinburgh. Signed: Thomas Randolphe.

2 pp. Holograph. Address leaf lost. Indorsed (by Cecill's clerk).

968. Glencairn To Cecill. [March 11.]

Please your honour "reduce to rememberance" my suit and letter to Lord Grey, then obtained, for the exchange of my pledge, "but being lett to this day by disease of him who suld have enteryt and releisit that other," and hearing the Queen's wishes to transport our pledges out of Newcastle, I thought good "upon hoip of haistie recouvery of the childis perfyt health," to beg your honor, that my pledge might remain there at my expense till he is exchanged. Edinburgh. Signed: Glencarn.

Postscript.—My hearty commendations to your lady.

⅓ p. Addressed. Indorsed (by Cecill's clerk): " . . . Erle of Glencarne to my master by the Lord James."

969. Argyll To Cecill. [March 11.]

"I wald not pretermit the present offerit occasion be my bruther my lord James reparing towardes you," to let your honor know my earnest affection to the Queen's Majesty since the benefit received at her hands, and my readiness to serve her in all ways, saving my duty to my sovereign and native country—also to know wherein I can gratify your honour. Credit my brother Lord James as myself. Edinburgh. Signed: Ar^d. Ergyll.

½ p. Addressed. Indorsed (by Cecill's clerk): ". . . Erle of Argile to my master by the Lord James."

970. Harangue By The French Ambassador. [March 12.]

The King has sent him to condole with the Estates on the death of his brother, and dissolution of the alliance formed by his marriage with their Queen. The Queen of Scots desires to bury past offences, and show her sincere love, trusting for their obedience in return. The King has charged him to declare that he has offered to their Queen to continue the old amity, and the Queen mother desires to assure them of her concurrence.

3 pp. French. Copy in Lethington's writing. Headed (by him): "The harangue maid by thembassadour in conseyl." Ink much faded.

971. The Scottish Council's Reply. [March 12.]

Expressing their sorrow at the late King's death, who, they think, if he had lived, would have looked into the late troubles and punished such as were authors of the same. They desire perfect friendship between his successor and their own sovereign, to whom they are not otherwise affectioned than becomes good subjects. For his monition to their duty, it is unnecessary, for no subjects are more ready to serve their sovereign. They desire to thank the Queen mother for her good will.

2 pp. French. In Lethington's writing. Headed (by him): "The Counsallis answer to thembassadour by tongue." Ink very faint.

972. Randolphe to Cecill. [March 14.]

At this assembly of the lords, there were neither so many as looked for, nor any great matters to resolve on. It was thought much better that Lord James should take his journey "owte of hande," than wait the end of parliament, as before it begins the lords hope for his return, to which end they have summoned it against 20^th May, greatly to the discontent of the ambassador and his faction. Meantime your honor shall have sufficient matter proponed to you, and time to weigh it. Lord James departs on Tuesday next the 18^th towards England, and this day despatched good part of his train, as Pitarrow, M^r Robert Richardson and M^r John Wood, to the number of 20 horse. The lords that come with him are—Lord Salton that married Lord Marchall's daughter, Lord Livingston [Liveston] that married Lady Fleming's daughter, the Lord of S^t Comes Inche that shall marry Grange's daughter, with as many as his safe conduct licenses. At his arrival, you shall hear more of the state of this country, his own good will towards amity, and the affection of other noblemen, than I can write. As he is right glad of this occasion to see our sovereign, so her highness may assure herself to find him such a man as the like is not in this nation—for will and power to serve her—as I have sufficient trial. My commendation can add nothing to what your honour has already conceived of him, but I wish it were as well known to others. The self same day he leaves this town, I will write to your honour by post, also by himself, and Lethington likewise will. Another matter—how the ambassador was to be received being considered, all agreed he should lack no kind of honour. He arrived here on the 11^th instant, convoyed by Lord Seton with 120 horse. He lodges where M. Randan did. Lethington saw him that night from the Lords, and there supped with him at the Controller's, the Clerk of the register and M^r John Spence. The next day, desiring to speak with the lords, who assembled at afternoon in the Duke's house, they sent two gentlemen to convoy him. After all courtesy showed him, he entered with them thus—that they were not ignorant by the gentlemen that came before him (the 4 lairds) of his master the French king's desire, and the Queen their sovereign's pleasure; yet as he was directed to the whole estates in parliament, he had nothing to say till they were assembled. This was his talk in public, bestowing some fair words to make further entry, and then took his leave. "The most that myslyked anye man was, that he refused to drynke at his departeur." I will trouble you no more with these, but enter into other purpose.

My lord's grace is now in marvellous doubt to what end these things tend; he knows not of whom to be assured. The next day after the ambassador was there, he sent for me, and declaring the purposes above written, he says he can find nothing but manifest deceit, requiring me by all the means I can, to entertain the Queen's good opinion of him, and his good will to farther her weal and honour. I gave him as many good words as I received. He willed me not to doubt his inconstancy, for even if that were his fault, reason must needs make him confess, that the Queen was the preserver of his life, and the creature on earth to whom he is most bound and loveth best, next his eldest son. He has at no time written to the Queen his sovereign. Arran intends very shortly to send a special man to France "to solicite" such matters as he hath to confer with the King of Navarre and the Constable. James Ormeston was appointed; Forbes has no will of that commission, and Sander Clerke has utterly refused it. So it is not yet resolved—but whoever he be, he shall inform your honor of his whole purpose, according to the enclosed copy of the letter that shall be sent to you.

The ambassador may well give fair words, for I see he has not much money. The Controller, who was to furnish him out of the Queen's revenues, was discharged by the lords from intermeddling further with the receipt, as being against one article of the contract at the conclusion of peace, that no "straynger" should bear office here, as also that he is not sufficient to answer for so great sums to be received. They appointed another "with caution" to receive what he can, but to disburse nothing tiil the Queen's will be known. This was done before the ambassador's arrival.

As many now seek to pass to France, the lords have proclaimed that no "man of landes (other then marchantes) of what estate somever he be," shall leave the realm without their license, till Parliament ends. It is not yet certain whether the ambassador will tarry Lord James's return or no, but thought he will remain to do what mischief he can. It is "quyetly" concluded that before his return no parliament shall begin. I have communed with divers lords, as Argyll, who has written to you by Lord James, with Morton, who sends a gentleman with him, and as many as ever were "owers," and find all "in wordes" as heartily affectioned as ever. It is bruited that Sir Raffe Sadler is like to come hither shortly: whether so or not, I let "the brute wander" to keep some in suspense. It came first from the Controller's mouth, "and to me from Justice Clerke." Some men say that at other times when the like matter has been demanded, as confirmation of a league between princes, it has been by honourable personages, or one famous man at least. They reckon themselves to be less esteemed than in times past, for that this man (fn. 1) is none of that race or sort as at other times have demanded the like. "He lackethe nether honour nor repayre unto hym." Huntly was on his journey, but is now stayed: his trusty man M^r Thomas has been here and returned again. He seeks greatly Lord James's favour, "and for my lord Duke he thynkethe to leade in a lyne." The abbot of Kilwinning made many motions to go to France: it is suspected the chiefest occasion is to practise for the "honourable prelate" the bishop of S^t Andrews—he would willingly have been in this company, Sed non convenit Judœus cum Samaritanis. Concerning the hostages I am answered, that as they have not long to remain in England, they ask to tarry where they are, for convenience of sending to them from time to time. To the intent their charges may be defrayed, they desire to know the amount, for which I have written to Lord Grey. They should not have been so long unpaid if they had known they owed them.

For William Cante that took the "Portugale," they wish he and all such were out of the world; for their offence against the Spaniards, they desire they may have their deserts, as for taking the ship within the Queen's waters; while the Lords say against the Portugales, the fault is in themselves letting the letter of marque continue so long unredeemed, for it was once offered to them for 12,000 or 14,000 "ducates": and until either that be satisfied, for which it was granted, or the letter redeemed, they have some defence for their doings. Some motion shall be made next Parliament to see if such enormities may be avoided. Written in haste. Signed: Thomas Randolphe.

Earl Bothwell seeks all means to be reconciled. I know not yet the issue.

6 pp. Holograph; also address. Indorsed (by Cecill's clerk). Wafer signet as before.

Inclosed in the same:—

(Arran to Cecill.)

Expressing his gratitude for Cecill's good will, and his readiness to requite it when occasion serves. Divers occasions move him to send the bearer to the personages in France, and on the affairs, which he will report to Cecill, whose advice he is to take in all matters, and assure him that in no way is his mind alienated from his good will and affection of service to the Queen's Majesty. Desires credit for the bearer as for himself, and that God will keep them always in his fear and send increase of good gifts.

"The coppie of the Erle of Arrans lettre that shall come unto you yf the purpose chaynge not."

1 p. In Randolphe's hand.

973. The Laird of Galstoun to Cecill. [March 16.]

The occasion of my writing is, that I have spoken with sundry of my lord of Lennox's special friends, and have shown them the Queen's "good mynd" to him—whereof they are very glad; and because they consider her Majesty may not labour presently "in my lord and ladyes graice effairis," they think good to essay their own credit at the hands of the Queen's grace of Scotland, "in sewtyng my lordis remeit and perdone" whereby my lord and lady's grace may "breuk" and enjoy their own in Scotland. Whereupon I remind your lordship that my lord of "Pembroght" and you thought the Earl's friends should so labour for him, as the "alteration was ane astay" to the Queen's Majesty for the time. Praying you to hold me excused of my "homlye wryttyng," for I found your lordship my lord's special good friend, and thus advertise my proceedings. Edinburgh. Signed: Thomas Stewart of Galstoun.

1 p. Addressed. Indorsed (by Cecill's clerk): ". . . the Lard of Gaustoun to my master."

974. Laird of Galstoun to Lady Lennox. [March 16.]

I was "of mynd" to have come and passed my time with my lord and your grace, but his friends have desired me "ane uther way," as his writing will show your grace. I humbly desire you to send this other writing to "Maister secreter Secyll," and you shall have a copy. I was for a month since departing from your grace, "at evill ease," as the bearer will show. The common bruit here is that my lord Darnley [Darlye] is gone to France to be a suitor to the Queen's grace of Scotland; and sundry have been "inquesytywe " of me if it was true? whereof my answer was, that I was "ingnorant thairof." The bearer will declare the "novellis" in Scotland. I most humbly thank your grace for the gentle entertainment of the boy I left with you, and "siclik" your gentle favour to myself. I will not "cummer" your grace with more till my return, which shall be soon, God willing. "With my most hartlye recommendationis to my lord Darlye and Maister Chairles," I bid your grace farewell. Edinburgh. Signed: Thomas Stewart of Galstoun.

1 p. Addressed: "To my ladyis graice Countes of Lynnox and Angus." Indorsed (by Cecill's clerk).

975. Laird of Galstoun to Lennox. [March 16.]

I have spoken with your lordship's friends and shown them all my proceedings when last in England. They consider the Queen's good mind to you, and that the alteration of time has stayed her Majesty's labour in your affairs, and "my ladeis gracis at this present." They have met and consulted, and will essay their credit with the Queen's grace of Scotland for obtaining your pardon at her hands. And they have written effectuously to her grace; and desired me as before, to pass and present their suit to her, advertising your lordship of their purpose. They desire your lordship to "pretermite" no time, but to be mindful and diligent in your own affairs, fortified by advice of the Queen of England, for they perceive you are much bound to her Majesty. I will write no more, but so soon as I get my dispatch from the Queen's grace of Scotland, I will advertise you, or else come myself and show the whole. Edinburgh. Signed: Thomas Stewart of Galstoun.

1 p. Addressed: "To my speciall gud lord and maister my lord Erle of Lynnox." Indorsed (by Cecill's clerk).

976. Mary to Elizabeth. [March 18.]

Requesting safe conduct for William and Robert Hamilton and 10 others to pass and repass through England to France or elsewhere, and back to Scotland, for a year. Under her signet, before the lords of her Privy Council. Edinburgh, 19^th of her reign. Signed: James Hammylton, James Hammylton, James Stewart, Glencarn, Ruthwen, Wchiltre.

Broad sheet. Addressed. Indorsed. Wafer signet: Scotland (as before).

977. [Morton?] to Mary Queen of Scots. [March 17. Add. MSS. 23, 109, fol. 10.]

"I ressavit your writing be the handes of the Lard of Blanerne, daitit at Orleance the viij day of Januar last bipast, be the quhilk your M. declair that it is nocht unknawin to me the late seditioun movit in this your realme, the tyme of umquhile your derrest moder Regent, and that I alienat my self fra the dewitie quhilk ony trew subject aucht to thair naturall prince and soverane; and was alsua of the furtheraris of the samin with sic supple and manteinance as I mycht mak: and nochttheles your M. hes understand be the Lard of Blanerne the gude will and affectioun that I had to your derrist moderis service before hir deceis, and now that I desire to confirme the samin gude mynde towartis your grace; and in sua doing I may be assurit thair is na thing your grace is mair desyrous of": declaring further that if your highness may know any "successioun" of my "effectionat mynd and fidelitie," it will occasion your Majesty to confirm the good opinion your dearest mother ever had of me; and your Majesty shall not fail to grant and "caus publische sic abolisching and lettrez of remit" as shall content me—referring the rest to the said laird with credit for him. "Pleis your grace," whoever accused me to your highness of the above, "have spokin wrang," for the truth is that since the beginning of these troubles I at your said dearest mother's command on . . . (fn. 2) May 1559, went to the Borders to confirm peace, and thereafter continued with her in all things that "stude with" the common weal, both spending my goods and attending her grace when desired. "Last of all, nocht by hir graces aune avis, accumpanyt me with Lord James for sic caussis and considerations (as your said derrest moder thocht gude) as scho declarit to the bischop of Vallance at his first cuming in thir partis." Wherethrough her grace knew my mind was never against her, your grace, or this your realm. And I shall ever so remain in time coming, "nixt my God" to obey your Majesty, as not only myself but my father and predecessors have done "in your les age." As the bearer shall declare, whom credit as myself.

For what the Laird of Blanerne declared to your Majesty, he had no direction of me, nor did I know of his departing to your grace. Edinburgh, 17 March 1560.

2 pp. Contemporary Scottish hand. No signature or address.

978. Instructions by Morton to Archibald Douglas. [March 17. 1560–61.] Add. MSS. 23,108, fol. 13.

"The instructionis gevin be my lord of Mortoun to his cousing and servitour Maister Archibald Dowglas, to be schewin to the Quenis Majestie his soverane."

(1) After my most humble service, "ye sall declare" that when the troubles here began in May 1559, I was in Stirling with the late Queen Regent's grace—directed by her to establish quiet in Lothian, and on my way received her grace's letters, showing that the treaty of peace with England "behuiffit" to be confirmed before the 1^st June— desiring me with Lord Hume, the Dean of Glasgow, and Clerk of Registry, as her commissioners, to meet with the Earl of Northumberland, the bishop of Durham, Lord Dacre, and Sir James Croftis for England—which command I obeyed at my own expense, and remained thereon till the 25^th June, passed the confirmation of peace, and returned to Edinburgh, where I found her grace returned "fra the trublis of Sanct Johnnestoun and Cowpar muir." I remained with her till her first "passing" in Leith, and then by her grace's special direction in writing, I remained at Thomptalloun and Dalkeith, and "incontinent eftir the departing fra Leeth past to hir grace in Leith; and sa continewit as hir grace directit, ewyr present with hir self or utherwis, quhill hir entre within the castell of Edinbrucht."

(2) To declare to her, "that eftir hir derrest moderis passing in the castell of Edinburcht, ye the said Maister Archibald wes directit with my speciale writingis to knaw hir graces mynd, and I ressavit hir answer be yow, of the quhilk and hir grace directioun and answer at that tyme, that I suld meit with Lord James, ye can maist specialie declair. Quhairof the bischop of Vallance schew to me in presence of the clerk of registrie, that the quenis grace regent hed declarit to him the occasioun of my adjonyng with the said Lord James—as ye in speciale can yit schaw."

(3) After declaring these, "for satisfeing of the Quenis Majestie upoun the wrang informatioun maid to hir of me anentis the trublis bigane, quhairupoun hir graces writing is foundit and directit, ye sall declair to hir hienes for the better assurance of my detfull obedience (eftir God) unto hir, that I wes with my fader eftir the birnyng of Edinbrucht, quhilk wes in the moneth of May the yeir of God j^mv^c xliiij yeris, and than gif the rest of the nobilitie quha divisit the regentrie to haif than becumin in umquhile the quene regentis handis, hed done thair pairtis as thai promist, the samin hed bene than perfitit; and becaus my fader remanit continualie with the said quene moder, he wes summond be the beraris than of the auctoritie to heir him forfaltit. And thaireftir the said beraris of the auctoritie having sutit and obtenit of the gretest part of the nobilitie, bandis and promisis of our soveranis mariage to thame, my fader continewit with the quenis grace moder quhill he causit thai bandis be renuncit, and thai oblist nevir to sute the mariage quhill our soveranis self wes of the age to grant thairto. For the quhilk caus and service, my fader and all the rest of his blude hed the hatrent and malice of the beraris of the auctoritie at that tyme. And ferder my fader continewit in the quenis moderis service nocht onelie within this realme, bot past with hir in France; as inlikewis eftir hir returnyng thairfra, wes with hir grace in cumpany quhen he deceissit. And eftir his deceis I upoun the speciale desire of the said quene moder, come to Striveling, and with my haill frendis remanit thair quhill the said quene regent obtenit expres consent of the Governour for the tyme to dimit the goverment of this realme in hir favouris; for the quhilk doing as for the like service done of before to ye said quene moder, the hatrent and evill will is borne to me my frendis and blude."

(4) Further that from the time the said Queen mother received the regency, I was ever with her in service—specially "tuke the charge upoun me before the upbringing of the weir, to pas to the west bordouris of this realme, for drawing of the commissionaris thairof furtht of Ingland, quha wer suspectit to be haldin and detenit thair; and did sa that I met thame and helpit and convoyit thame hame to hir grace. And inlikewis I, the tyme of the weir, servit nocht alanerlie as for my aune rowmes and possessionis, and acceptit alsua the publict charge upoun me at that tyme, of lieutenendry upoun my aune expensis, bot alsua quhen utheris suld haif servit, acceptit the same charge of lieutenendry upoun me and servit in the samin upoun my aune expensis inlikewis."

(5) The Queen's grace our sovereign "directand credit speciallie be lord James for the croun matrimoniall to unquhile the King, I did thairin as I refer to the said Lord James, quha can declair my part of the samin, and quhat hatrent agmentand the first, hes bene and is borne be thame that wes in the contrar thairof aganis me my frendis and blude.

(6) "Attour to declair to hir hienes that abuif all erdlie thing, and nixt eftir my dewtie to God, I desyre to knaw hir weilfair will and mynd and hir speciale resort and cumin to this hir aune realme; quhair and in all uthir partis, as I am able to travell, sall nocht spair my body nor substance in hir Majesteis service, according to my bundin dewite and detfull obedience, quha evir be party thairto. And this maist assuredlie I testefy God is my will and mynd; and sua sall continew quhill he call me to his mercy."

3 pp. In the same contemporary Scottish hand. Not indorsed.

979. Instructions by Morton to Archibald Douglas. [March 17.] Add. MSS. 23,108, fol. 16.

[Rough draft of the preceding number, with this additional clause,]

"Item.—Gif ye find perfite favour of the Quenis grace in accepting my writing and thir my instructions geven to yow, ye sall propone is ye find occasion, to haif the gift of the nonentres of the landis and lordshipis of the erldome of Angus and utheris pertening to the erlis thairof sen the deceis of umquhile George erle of Angus, Archibald erle of Angus his sone, or ony utheris thair predecessoris or successoris last lauchtfull possessoris thairof, immediat tenentis to our soveranis predecessoris, of the samin to me my airis and assignis, be ressoun I haif the said waird nonentries and releifis disponit to me be umquhile the Quenis grace regent donatare to our soverane thairto."

3¼ pp. In same hand as preceding. Indorsed (in another): "Copy of the lettres and instructionis maid be the erll of Mortoun to M^r Ar^d. Douglas to the Quene."

980. Chatelherault to Cecill. [March 18. 1560–61.]

The great kindness you have at all times "utirid in effectis" to this realm, "and specially me and my hous," deserves more thanks than I can recompense in deeds, so I "mon" content myself with words. I have requested "my lord my cousing Lord James" to declare how gladly I would do you pleasure, and her Majesty service, for her gentleness. Pray credit him. Edinburgh. Signed: Yowr asswrit lowffing frend James.

⅓ p. Addressed. Indorsed (by Cecil's clerk).

981. Memorial to Randolphe. [March 20.]

"A memoriall to Thomas Randolph to execute diverse thinges for the service of the Quenes Majestie in Scotland, 20 Martij 1560."

Referring him to the abstract of the message sent to her Majesty, by the Protestant princes of Germany assembled at "Nawenburgh" (fn. 3) on 20 January last, of their renewed league against the Pope and his adherents—their ratification anew of the Confession of "Augusta" (fn. 4) —and to declare this to the Scottish Estates, with advice to persevere and augment their numbers—how to deal with those inclined to amity, but indifferent to religion—to get rid of the league with France, or such clauses as affect England—to persuade their sovereign not to marry a foreigner, which will be their ruin, but some one in her own country. Wherein the Duke, his family, and other nobility, burghers and townsmen who have defended their country, should be of one mind. Proceeding as the Queen's agent in all these matters, with discretion and good advice. Signed: By the Quenes Majesties commandment, W. Cecill.

3 pp. Written by Cecil's clerk. Indorsed. The date filled in by Cecil.

982. Chatelherault to Cecill. [March 20.]

The bearers Robert and William Hamilton my servants, pass presently "with ane few cumpany," to get payment of debts owing them in France, and return "haistalie." I pray you for the Queen's passport. Edinburgh. Signed: Yowr asswrit lowffing frend, James.

⅓ p. Addressed. Indorsed.

983. Randolphe to Cecill. [March 20.]

On the 15^th instant Huntly and Sutherland arrived at Edinburgh, with whom I have talked at large of the state of things in their country. I never found in my life at either of their hands better entertainment or more "affectioned" words out of their mouths, nor heartier desire as it appeared, to maintain amity. "The men ar bothe right well knowne unto your honour, nor I cane not otherwyse for all this, judge of them then in tymes past." I have written in special of the one, of whom you shall be more amply informed by Lord James of matters between "them two." The Duke's and Arran's own letters will signify their own estate and devotion to our sovereign's service. Arran, to avoid all suspicion of his doings, has charged Alexander Clerke to open to you his purposes and intents, largely promising me that whatever he does hereafter, you shall be advertised, or I put in knowledge in good time. Lord James and he parted great friends, exchanging large promises. The Duke never uttered to me in more earnest words, than at my departure towards this town with my lord James, his affection towards the amity, for otherwise he thinks it will be his utter ruin. He showed me three letters he dispatches to France—one to the Queen with only remembrance of his duty, and credit for the bearer Lord James— another to the King of Navarre, with thanks for kindness to his son, and request to have his land of the duchy of Chatelherault released —and to like effect to the Constable. So soon as he hears from thence, he will send over the abbot of Kilwinning.

When I left Edinburgh on the 18^th, Huntly had not spoken with the ambassador, who is now removed to the Abbey of Holyroodhouse, and David Forrest required by the lords to keep his company. He will now remain till this parliament, but I hear of no great resort to him, and the lords for the most part ready to leave the town, and not to return till they hear of my lord James' arrival. As the Abbot of Newbottle is "a wyse honest man," Lord James required him to prevent the ambassador practising in the "Merche" and whatsoever is under Cesford's charge, which he has promised to do. The chiefest other matters are in Lethington's letter, saving that I am required that any suit for Robert Lyslay to pass to France may be denied. "He hopethe greatly in my Lord James herin, by whose advice I wryte this unto your honour."

M^r Knox has earnestly required me to desire the ministers in this town of Berwick, that there may be some conference "betwene hym and his brotherine of (sic) and them, in wrytinge; or otherwayes yf yt myght stande with the Quenes pleasure": which I intend to move to my lord Governor, whose "brute" amongst us is very great for exercise of justice. M^r Knox, in certain articles given to my lord James, "hathe mytigated somewhat the rigeur of his booke, (fn. 5) referringe myche unto the tyme that the same was wrytten." Whatever is to be declared by Alexander Clerke, Forbes is sent to France, and left Leith on the 20^th "of this present." To-morrow I return to Edinburgh. In haste, at Berwick. Signed: Tho. Randolphe.

3 pp. Holograph; also address. Indorsed. Wafer signet (as before).

984. Morton to Cecill. [March 20.]

Having occasion to send this bearer to the Queen my sovereign, I have commanded him to speak with you to see if there is anything wherein I may do you pleasure, to acquit your goodness to me. I pray you give him safe conduct going and returning, and commission for post horses. Edinburgh. Signed: Youris assurit Mortoun.

½ p. Addressed. Indorsed.

985. Stephen Beton to the [Arch]bishop of Glasgow. [March 22.]

I intend by God's grace to "visie" your lordship, "giffand attendance only uppon the wind." Besides, no ship for France but is countermanded by the Lords on pain of death and treason, to receive passengers without their licence—which your wisdom understands I neither seek nor pursue, although their proclamation contains "tynsall of livinges, geere and benifices." For "sick" affairs as I have to communicate, tending "will God," both to your honour and profit, I will hazard life and living to come to you—praying you to do what in you lies, that if the Prior of S^t Andrews anticipate and "perjourne" (fn. 6) my coming, and labour with our sovereign the Queen, to entertain him with good words and give him no credit till I come, when I will show her grace and your lordship his proceedings, &c. I intend to pass in a Flanders ship, and then take the post. Langormy (?) S. Stephan Beton.

1 p. Contemporary copy. Titled: "Copie . . . by Forbasse." Indorsed: ". . . Copie of a lettre sent from one Sir Stephen Beton to the Bishop of Glasco. Against the Lord James."

Another copy of same.

1 p. Indorsed (by Cecill's clerk): "Received penult Marcij 1561," &c.

986. Randolphe to Cecill. [March 29.]

Late yesterday the 28^th, I received your honour's of the 22^d, and conferred with Lethington, who sends his opinion on the late offences against the "Portugals." I find him and all honest men desirous that order were put thereto. If any overture were made by the first offenders, there are divers here would gladly travail in it, but wish the suit should first be made to their sovereign, that by her authority "some stroke myght be stroken therin," otherwise there will greater difficulty, seeing so many gentlemen, merchants and others in this realm support it, and have spent large sums in furnishing themselves to the seas against the Portugals. The Lion of Leith is ready to leave the Frith, the best ship in this country, and never better prepared: there are in her 10 or 12 Englishmen. There are also 15 or 16 other English, French, and Scottish ships, that have "transumptes" of the same letter of marque; the original whereof is in the hands of Gylberde Loggen's widow dwelling in Dieppe, with whom perhaps it were good to travail.

This suit and controversy before moved, had been finished, but for the bishop of S^t Andrews and M. Doysell, who had the said letter of marque "ingage." The Queen Dowager also for her part, required 5000 of the 14,000 "ducates" that were offered to redeem it. This I heard, and also that the King of Portugal has levied a tax of 100,000 "ducates," to redeem it. I am well assured it will be bought with 8000 or 10,000, and that 2 merchants of this town, David Foster and Thomas Tomson, who have some interest in it, will agree. Others have moved Lethington and me to procure the Council's license that they might take Portuguese prizes into the Queen's Majesty's ports, giving caution for their demeanour towards her subjects; which seemed to us so unreasonable, that since, we have been noted as enemies to their cause; and one captain Murray who has a ship ready for sea at Dieppe, intends to sue the Queen of Scotland for her letters to the Queen our sovereign to that effect; and is presently in hand with the Duke and Arran for their letters to the Council, which I trust yours to me will be a stay. The Lords of secret council being absent, I cannot communicate your mind with them, nor see many of them before 20^th May. I thank you most humbly for your "Cardinals"; and in a day or two will requite it "with the syght of some thynge or other, that the knowledge therof shalbe more to your honors contentation then yt is pleasure to me, to here howe that pestiferous prelate (fn. 7) sekethe to mayntayne his kyngedome." If by any means your honour can work the Council may be stayed, it will be the best act that ever you wrought. Edinburgh. Signed: Tho. Randolphe.

3 pp. Holograph; also address. Indorsed (by Cecill's clerk).