Elizabeth: September 1567

Calendar of State Papers, Scotland: Volume 2, 1563-69. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1900.

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'Elizabeth: September 1567', in Calendar of State Papers, Scotland: Volume 2, 1563-69, (London, 1900) pp. 391-396. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/scotland/vol2/pp391-396 [accessed 24 March 2024]

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In this section

616. Throkmorton to Cecil. [Sept. 1.]

Your letter of 20th August from Guildford, I received on 27th, with her majesty's instructions and (to my comfort) her pleasure for my return after performing these. The Earl of Murray in Lethington's presence, said to me, first—to the matter declared by her majesty's order of 11th August: that Lethington had answered it 5 days past at good length. This I signified to her majesty on 22d August. To my going to Lochleven: the lords saw no more reason to accord more than before—and much less, as de Lynerolles had been refused and was gone. As to accepting the Regency: it was past deliberation, he had no other defence against ignominy and calumny, but the goodness of God, his upright conscience, and sincerity: and now there was no remedy but he must go through with it. For her majesty's satisfaction that he had his Sovereign's consent: he would be loth to avow any such matter, specially a thing touching himself, "yf he had not the Quenes consent thereunto confyrmed by her owne mowthe." For my demand for her enlargement: the lords could not resolve, as it "depended apon accydentes: 'Albeyt' (sayd he) 'for myne owne parte, I coulde be contented yt weere undelayedlye.'" To my demand for her "condycion and estate after Bodwells apprehencion and justefyinge": he aunswered 'That theye coulde not marchaundyze for the beares skynne before they had hym'! I said they could foresee what should be fit to do then. He answered that her liberty would chiefly depend on her own behaviour; for if these lords saw that she "dothe dysgest" well Bothwell's justifying and his adherents' punishment, showing no wrathful and revengeful mind thereto, and also if your sovereign did not trouble the realm by maintaining factions, then the lords will do all grateful things to both the Queens. 'Marye! to fyshe so far before the net, and to tell nowe what shalbe donne than, neyther doe I nor theye thynke convenyent to geve any determynate aunswer.' Having these resolute answers, I make no longer tarry.

On giving them this notice, they desired me to wait for my dispatch. I said I needed nothing but my safe conduct. Murray required me to stay, having something to write to her majesty, and that I should say something on his behalf to her. On 30th August after the sermon, I accompanied him to his lodging, where all the lords were assembled, and Lethington in name of all, made a summary repetition of their proceedings since the beginning of this matter, ending with a digression on the great favour and relief they had received from her majesty, when oppressed by strangers. Then Murray at great length set forth his grief if her majesty thought otherwise of him than well: for there was no prince "nexte to thoose which he ought hys chyefeste duetye unto," loss of whose favour would trouble him more. Then Morton said—'I . . . praye you to render myne humble thankes to her majestie for the favoure I receyved in the tyme of my trowble in her realme. Then Murray, Atholl, Morton, Mar, Glencairn, and Lethington "led me into a lyttle cabanet, where they had prepared a preasent of gylte plate, as I estemed yt better than twoe hundred markes," which Murray asked me to accept by way of present from the king. I declined to accept any present but from their sovereign the Queen. "but as from the kinge (whom I tooke to be prynce) I coulde receyve non, seinge he had attayned to that name by injurynge the Quene hys mother." The lords required me to desist from such matters, as but breeding contention to no purpose, and earnestly pressed me again to take it: "which (to be shorte) I refused, and so wee parted (as yt semed to me) they not best pleased." Lethington accompanied me to my lodging, persisting I should change my mind, but I would not yield, and took leave. Something he asked me to say to you on his behalf. I was attended for 6 or 7 miles by a good company of Murray's gentlemen, and being late at departing, lay at Haddington that night, and came the last of August to this town with Mr Robert Melvyn. Pray look not for any great haste to court, for I am not in case so to travel. When I left Edinburgh (the 30th) there was no news but that Tillyberne and Grange's ships were seen within 40 miles of Shetland: where the principal man named Fogge favours Bothwell who is there. The Lord "Glaymes" and Master of "Saynctcleare," are in Edinburgh, associated with these lords, and Cassillis is looked for shortly. The Hamiltons have had a convention at Lanark, whence they mean to make a dispatch to the Queen's majesty. "Herewith I send you a congratulaceon latelye set forth by one of theys poetes." Berwick. Signed: N. Throkmorton.

pp. Addressed. Indorsed (by Cecil's clerk).

Printed in Keith vol. II., p. 757.

617. Occurrences out of Scotland. [Sept. 12].

Demands by the Hamiltons etc. of the Regent and lords.

(1) A meeting at Lythco: altogether denied. (2) Assurance to come to Edinburgh to parley: also denied. The Regent said he would hear any complaint and do justice: otherwise he would not deal. Then Argyll. Boyd, Livingston and the abbot of Kilwinning, came to Edinburgh unassured, to show their griefs. Huntly coming to the Regent to Earl Marischal's house, was stayed there, and sent his servant to make his way: but the servant having first gone to Glasco to see how the Hamiltons did, the Regent refused to deal with him.

Herries having written for leave to come: the Regent utterly refused him.

John Hay son of Tallo, and chief servant to Bothwell, and another, was taken in Fife Sunday 6th September (fn. 1) : who can confess much on the King's murder, and "bleke" some great men with it. Saundy Duresme the king's page is suspected to be privy—was examined before the Regent, and is in irons in the Tolbooth. On 10th instant the Laird of Whytlawe keeper of Dunbar, was put to the horn at Edinburgh Cross: the same day the laird of Yester and Douglas of Long Niddry committed to the castle for oppressing a neighbour "for a tyth in Lodyan."

The Earl of Mar since I came to Edinburgh, came there from Stirling for but one hour; so Bothwell's favourers said the king was dead.

The Laird of Waughton delivered from ward on Sunday, with days given him to subscribe or deny: hearing this bruit of the king, took his wife and children into Dunbar, but hearing it was untrue, is out again.

pp. Contemporary hand. Addressed: "To Mr Secretary." Indorsed (by his clerk): ". . . Received xvij°. Septembr."

618. Secret proceedings of the Hamiltons. etc. [Sept. 12]

They have appointed 3 regents, viz. John abbot of Arbroath (till his father return from France). Argyll and Huntly, and have agreed (1) to have the Queen's liberty. (2) to pursue the King's murderers, (3) obey the prince but not as king, (4) seek relief of these lords that took this accord in hand. (5) to levy 400 foot, and appoint as "cronell" Captain Steward late of the Guard, (6) Argyll to bring 5000 men, the Hamiltons 1000, Huntly 1000, Crawford 1000, Herries. 1000; Lords Fleming and Livingston lieutenants of their horsemen. They also require 2 of themselves and 2 of the lords to go to the Queen, and if she grants what has been done is of her free will, they will obey without further question. Denied them altogether.

pp. In same hand as last. Addressed: "To Mr Secretary." Indorsed (by his clerk): " . . . Received xvij° Septembris."

619. The Regent Murray to Cecil. [Sept. 15.]

Since our last to you by Sir Nicolas Throgmorton there is nothing occurred worth writing, saving that "it hes pleased God to unit againe the apparent division of this realme": for Argyll has been with "ws." and offered obedience to the King; with him my lord of Kilwinning, offering the same for the Bishop of St Andrews, and my lord Duke's friends. Huntly by message did the like, and also Herries. So the realm is like to have repose. I persuade myself that my acceptation of the public charge shall rather augment your godly affection, than any wise impair the same, "especially yff ye sall persaive ws walk worthye of our wocation, quhilk I intend be Goddis grace, on quhome our confidence doyth repoise."

I recommend to your favour these honest men Mr John Rutherfurd, Thomas Hammilton, Adam Wauchop, James and Henry Nisbettis, James Mosman and Thomas Bruce, going on their lawful trade to France. Edinburgh. Signed: James Regent.

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

620. The Regent Murray to Throkmorton. [Sept. 15.]

Since your departing, our friends "be west wa," the Hamiltons, Argyll, Herries, and Boyd convened at Glasgow on the 3d instant, and finding no "outgaytt." scattered, and a number came straight way to us, though refused assurance; while we promised some should be welcome, others not. Argyll, Boyd, and Kilwinning came, and incontinent every man began to travail for himself; in the end craving but remission for past contempt, to acknowledge the King, and us as Regent. A message from Herries the same day, we have delayed to answer as yet, for good occasions. Huntly has "bayd" at us in the same manner, so as there appears no breach in the whole wall, praise to God. Kilwinning craves our license to go to the Duke in France, to move him, he assures us. to obey the King, and will shortly be with you at Court. Tullibardine and Grange are returned from pursuit of Bothwell, and even when they had as it were his "haill" ships in their hand, Grange's ship "straik on ane blind rok" and had much ado to save men and ordnance, so occupying the others that the enemy escaped. Divers are taken, but none notable except Callan, being Bothwell's "chalmerchiel," and one of the "verray executors": he may clear the whole action. We hope shortly to recover Dunbar, and of that and other things you shall be advertised. Not doubting you will be a faithful minister to move her majesty to tender our honorable causes, and that no fugitives and rebels, specially the late king's murderers, shall find favour in her realm. We pray you present our commendations to my lord of Leicester—the rather that we bear charge: who shall find us nothing altered. Excuse me to Mr Randolphe that I do not write. Edinburgh. Signed: James Regent.

pp. A transcript from the original among the "Conway Papers." Attached is the original address leaf to Throkmorton, with indorsation.

621. David Sinclair to Bedford. [Sept. 15.]

"I reprewit syndrye of yowr lordschippes auld acquentance, that thay wer so unkynd in wryteing to your lordschippe." As my servant repairs to "thay partis," I let you know that my lord Regent with the rest of the lords dined in the castle "this Fryday," (fn. 2) and it was delivered to him. A ship is come from Grange showing Bothwell's narrow escape in "Schytland," leaving his ships—the Unicorne following too near, is "brokkin," but the crew safe. Grange and the Constable of Dundee landed there, have taken the principal man of the country, one of Bothwell's ships, and two "spetiall mariners" David Wilye and Georde Fogo; Tillebairn has followed the other ships. [Edinburgh.] Signed: David Syncler.

1 p. Holograph, also address. Indorsed.

622. Maitland to Cecil. [Sept. 20.]

Commending to his favour the bearer George Clappertoun "induellair" of Leith, his dependant, who is repairing with his ship towards London. Edinburgh. Signed: W. Maitland.

½ p. Addressed. Indorsed (by Cecil's clerk).

623. The Regent Murray to Bedford. [Sept. 23.]

I received your letter of 20th by your man Colwyche, desiring earnestly licence to speak with the Queen: a message surely somewhat strange, "and I do not merwell aneuch what hayth mowed your lordschip to mak sic a motion at this tyme." knowing that the ambassadors of France, and of your own sovereign, were lately refused the like for necessary considerations. I therefore see no ground for your looking for performance at your private desire. Bear with me, and accept my excuse for not granting your requests, as none of the lords but Atholl are with me, some being occupied inclosing Dunbar, others at home. If your meaning be to know the Queen's estate: I assure you "that she is in als guid health of personne, als lusty, and to the utter apparaunce to ws. als merylie disposed, as at any tym sence hir hyghnes arrywall in this realme, whearin your lordschip sall credit me." Your man has seen how we be now in hand with Cesford and Fayrnyherst and all the barons of Tywidall, who are here, and will do our uttermost to procure quiet on the border to your content; referring other things to his sufficiency. Edinburgh. Signed: James Regent.

pp. Addressed. Indorsed (by Cecil's clerk).

624. Chatelherault to Cecil. Elizabeth. [Sept. 27. 1567.]

I send my servant the bearer to Scotland for my private affairs, and pray you be so good as convoy him to the Queen's majesty, to whom he will declare my mind. Arques. Signed: Yowr louffing frend James Hammylton.

¼ p. Addressed. Indorsed (by Cecil's clerk): ". . . By one Mr Rob. Hamilton."

625. Chatelherault to Elizabeth. [Sept. 27.]

Most humbly thanking your highness for sending me your passport by this bearer my servant, I now send him to your majesty instructed with my mind: "becaus that beand upon my woyadge, tuik sik alteratioun be reason off sursfit travaill by my accustomit ordinar (fn. 3) towardis the king and court, in procuring help and releif for my soverane quha is sa extremlye handillit, as I could on na wys keip the appoyntid dyat quhilk I was purposed. Alwayis (thankes be to God) begynnyng to convoles." (fn. 4) Prays your majesty to give him your passport to me and my "suet" to pass and repass through your realm for a year—and credence to him, who will declare my mind "at mair lynthe." Arques. Signed: Your majestes mast hwmyll and obedeant serwetur James Hammylton.

1 p. Addressed. Indorsed (by Cecil's clerk):"...By one Mr Robt Hamilton."

626. Throkmorton to Cecil. [Sept. 30.]

When in Scotland, the bearers, 2 Frenchmen, "called" Bellam late page of the Queen of Scots' chamber, and Jaques la Fyniewr her butler, asked my passport to Court, and have Lord Bedford's. They now pray your passport to France, with one Adam Wowgham, Mr James Magill's servant, going to his master's son at study there, and 4 or 5 more Scotsmen scholars and merchants, all in their company—with their horses. London. Signed: N. Throkmorton.

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

Footnotes

  • 1. 7th (Nicolas and Bond).
  • 2. 12th September.
  • 3. i.e., My hurried journey.
  • 4. Recover.