Elizabeth: September 1568

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 1568', in Calendar of State Papers, Scotland: Volume 2, 1563-69, (London, 1900) pp. 495-514. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/scotland/vol2/pp495-514 [accessed 24 March 2024]

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In this section

795. Herries to the Regent Murray. [Sept. 1.]

When I was in England, it pleased the Queen to show me that the ordering of the matter betwixt our sovereign and her nobility, being referred to her, she would appoint time and place to decide by commissioners, and would give command that no trouble be done by either party, till her determination; directing me to show my sovereign this. I have written to you to know certainly if my sovereign's obedient subjects shall be untroubled by the other party, till that deliverance, or at least till our return from England? For the proud thieves of these parts, assisted by some Englishmen and people altogether without fear of God, burn and nightly rob the poor. If ye will give the wardenry here to any true man, I shall make him sure of my assistance to keep order, till this great matter of authority be tried. If this cannot be, I desire again the houses ye caused take from me when I was with the Queen of England, and had her promise I should take no hurt. But yet, as Sir Nicolas Throkmorton and Myddlemore advise, if it please you to put some noble and worthy man in that office, he shall with my good will have the use of them "as ane help for trew men, as my intent wes quhen I biggit thame; quhair now thai ar ane ressait and refuge to maist errant thevis." Dumfries, 1st September. Herys.

1 p. Contemporary copy. Addressed: "To my lord Regent."

796. Chatelherault to Elizabeth. [Sept. 1.] C.P., vol. I.

"Beying advertesit be my soveranis wryttingis off the guid will and mynd your hienes beiris to help to restoir hir majestie to hir awin realme," and remembering your great kindness to me "nocht alanerlye" in times past in my great necessity, but now lately since the beginning of my sovereign's troubles, and last of all, "within thir few day is declarit to me be your hienes ambassaldour in thir partis": I send this bearer my cousin and servitor the commendator of Kilwinning. to give your highness most humble thanks and commendation of my most humble service. Beseeching your majesty "werray humbly" (1) to continue in your good mind to restore my sovereign to her own. and (2) that I may remain in your good favour, and that your highness will grant me a safe conduct, and "siclyk" to the bearer, to "speik" my said sovereign "for sik thingis as I haiff gevin him in charge," and return to your majesty: whereby I trust in God by your help and "moyence," some good way shall be found to stand with your honour and her contentment. Praying your highness very humbly to credit him as my self. Paris. Signed: Your majestie mast hwmyll and mast obedeant serwetwr, James Hammylton."

1 p. Addressed. Indorsed (by Cecil's clerk): " . . . By the Abbott of Kilwynning."

797. Mary to Elizabeth. [Sept. 1.] Cott. Calig. C.I., fol. 191. App. I., No. 10.

Disregarding favour or suspicion of friends or enemies, false reports about herself, or that Elizabeth favours her rebels etc., sent by the 2 chief commissioners—one always her foe—prays treatment as an equal and friend. Is like a ship in a storm unable to make port, and supplicates her friendly help. Has asked Knolles to forward her subjects letter, which she fears shows too much distrust. If she gets no resolute answer hereto, she will be so bold as visit her. if not kept prisoner. Begs her not to ruin but advise her against the wicked inventions of this world. Bolton. Signed: Marie R.

Begs some liberty for poor prisoners so straitly kept undeservedly, and to command that the rest of her jewels be not sold as parliament ordered—for she promised they should do nothing to her prejudice.

3 pp. French. Holograph.

798. Knollys to Cecil. [Sept. 1.] C.P., vol. I.

The chief merchants of Newcastle made earnest request to Lord Hunsdon and me, there this day, to commend to you of the Council their suit against "the merchants of Danske and stylyarde men." Their goods and ships are stayed in "Danske." by their note here inclosed to you, (1) for "Danske" goods stayed in England, and (2) for the traffic the English make in "the Narue": and till redress, will not be released. When I consider what favour these "stylyard" men receive by their English freedom, and what "cater pyllers" they be, I marvel they should dare to offend thus, or hope for favour! I enclose the Queen of Scots' letter to me, and note of her news from Scotland. The matter she names, of yesterday's "talke," is her desire for access to her majesty, as I wrote to you from Bolton yesterday morning at leaving. You see how she corrupts me, sending "tokyns" after me! That for my wife is a "pretie cheyne of pomander beades, fynelye laced with goolde wyer." I marvel at Murray's coming into England so long before the commission—"but she mystrusted at my comyng awaye that I sholde mete hym at Barwyke. . . . Ceaton Dalavale in Tynmothe shere." Signed: F. Knollys.

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

799. Murray to Elizabeth. [Sept. 3.] Cott. Calig. C.I., fol. 222.

I continue ready to "keip tryst" at Richmond with your highness's commissioners, when I hear from my servant there. Every day since I last wrote to your highness, the king's disobedient subjects look for the Duke with a French force, and the report is they are embarked. We, practising no hostility, but preparing to come to England, the other faction work their malice, take poor labourers prisoners, maintain their garrison of Dunbarton at the town's expense, and with French cruelty, stay poor fishermen from their lawful labour till they pay fines. Huntly has besieged the Provost of Aberdeen's house and forced that town to yield, and taken one of the king's cannons, "liand at a rowme in the north" in my heritable charge, to assail the houses of all who resist him. Wherefore I beseech your majesty to continue your gracious favour to our liberty from foreign tyranny, and aid our innocent master's just quarrel, which I doubt not is dear in your eyes. Having taken this boldness to inform you of the state of this country, I abide your highness's further pleasure. Edinburgh. Signed: James Stewart.

pp. No flyleaf or address.

800. Wood to [Cecil]. [Sept. 3.] Cott. Calig., C.I., fol. 219.

I understand that a packet has escaped me, and come to your hands, and was by my lord's grace desired to be hasted. If there be no alteration of the diet of meeting, I humbly desire your honour to send 2 safe conducts—one for my lord's grace himself with 100 horse, the other for the earls of Morton and Glencairn, Adam bishop of Orkney, Robert commendator of Dunfermline and Patrick lord Lyndsay, with like number—to be here with Lord Hunsdon as soon as may be. What disorder grows on these borders, my lord warden will inform you, and by whose means. Consider the charges, etc. to that afflicted realm and also to this. through "the defacing of my lord Regent." which a word might have helped within these 3 months! And if ever matters amend, it must be by his, and not your forces—for if you begin to employ them against our wicked borderers, let me never have trust of your honour, if that "sall nott kendle and not slokin the fyir," to the Queen's majesty's heavy charges. If they knew not the Regent's extremity, they durst not so far "dip in thir attemptatis": but hereof I trust you shall hear from himself. If the resolution to resist the French, (which we attend every hour). proceeds as slowly as the last matters in hand, we cannot miss a long and dangerous war. You shall understand further at my arrival in Court. Berwick. Signed: M. Jhone Wod.

pp. Holograph. No flyleaf or address.

801. Murray to Cecil. [Sept. 3.]

I have again by this my letter to the Queen's majesty, made some little discourse of the state of this country "sen" my last to her highness: which I pray you present to her, "excusing thairwithall my bauldnes that thus importunis hir majestie, . . . quhilk I am constrenit to do at this present, because I feir Mr Johnne Wod my servand salbe in his viage returnyng befoir thir lettres can cum to your handes." Ye will no doubt do the best, and we persuade "our selff" your advice will be to our commodity. Edinburgh. Signed: James Regent.

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

802. Herries to [The Privy Council]. [Sept. 3.] Cott. Calig. C. I., fol. 220.

My lords, I am informed by James Bortwyk lately come from the Queen your sovereign, that it has been shown to her, that I have ridden in Crawfurdmuir since my return, on Murray's "dependandis." and have counselled raids on her majesty's subjects. As God lives, I have neither consented to nor know of any Scotsman's riding in England since the siege of Leith: and if any have, it is the Queen my sovereign's "disobedientis." I have done more good to Crawfurdmuir than ever Murray has, and will be "laither" to hurt them than he. I hear your sovereign is ill content of the bruit of the French coming with Chatelherault. I know no more thereof than by Bortwyk's report from her majesty. "And gif I mycht alsweill sa it as it is trew indeid: hir grace self is all the wyitt and the counsale that will never latt hir tak ordour with my maistres caus. For that our soverane haveand hir majesties promeis be writtin, of luff, freindschip and assistance, gif neid haid so requyrit, enterit that realme upone the xvj day of Maii." [Here he repeats Elizabeth's promises to him to reinstate Mary—his demand for their fulfilment, or to let her go to France, or to her own realm as she came out of it, one of which could not be refused in honour]—"and siklyk I said to hir hienes, gyf my maistres haid the lyk promes of hir nobilitie and estaitis, as sche haid of hirself, I suld have reprovit thame heichlie gif thay haid nocht condiscendit to ane of thir thre. And so I say and so I writt, that in the warld. it salbe maist reprehendable gif this promeis taikis nocht wther gud effect nor yitt it dois. Nochtwithstanding I gatt gud answeris of thir promessis of freindschip maid to my soverane, and to put hir grace in this hir awin cuntre peaceabillie: we have found the contrarie working be Middilmure, directit frome hir hienes to stay the armie that cuist doun our houssis, and alsua in the proceiding of this laitt pretendit parliament, promeist twentie dayis befoir the tyme to my selff, to have causit it bene dischargeit. And yitt contrarie to this promes, have thay maid thair pretendit maner of foirfaltour of xxxi men of gud reputatioun, bischoppis, abbattis and baronis, obedient subjectis to our souverane, onlie for hir caus! Thay have alsua disponit sene our soveranis caussis was tayne upone hand be the Quenis majestie of that realme, ane hundreth thowsand pundis Scottis worthe of hir awn trew subjectis geir, wnder the cullour of thair law, groundit upone thair fals tressonable stowin (fn. 1) auctorite." The murders, oppressions. burnings, ravishing women, destruction of "policie," ecclesiastical and temporal, as I wrote before, is lamentable to any Christian man to hear of. Except God give grace, the profession of Christ's Evangel "professit" by your prince, council, and realm, "be mair myndit nor the auld inamitie that has stand betuix the realmes, money of my cuntre men will dout in this article: and thir proceidingis puttis my self in SancThomes beleif. Now my lordis, gif the Quenis majestie of that realme, upone quhayis promeis and honour my maistres come thair, as I have said, will laif all the Frenche writtingis and Frenche phrasis of writtingis, quhilk amangis thame is oure mekill one boith the sydis usit, and plainlie, according to the auld trew custome of Ingland and Scotland, quhairin be a word promesit, trewtht was observit, promeis, in the name of the Eternall God, and upone the heycht honour of that nobill and princelie blude of the kingis of Ingland, quhairof sche is discendit and presentlie weiris the diademe, that sche will put my maistres in hir awn cuntre and caus hir as quene thairof in hir auctorite and strenthis to be obeyit: and to do the same will appoint ane certane day within twa monethis at the forthest; as we wnderstand this to be our weill, sua will we or the maist pairt of ws, all follow upone it, laifand the Frenchemen and thair evill Frenche phraissis togiddre. And thairfoir and for the trew perpetuale freindschip of that realme, will conditioun, and for our part, with the grace of Almychting God, keip, sik headis and conditionis of agrement as nobill and wys men cane condiscend upone, for the weill of this haile yland, as I have bene partlingis declaring to the quene your soverane, quhilk I schew to your lordschippis selfs, boith in religioun, in the puneisment of the Erle Boithvile for the Quenis last housbandis sclauchter, and for a mutuale band of amitie perpetualie to remane amangis ws. Doutles my lordis, without that we may find sik trew and freindfull working, as may gif ws occasioun bayth to foryett Middlemure and this lait pretendit parliament, we will turne the laif, (fn. 2) laifing our soverane aganis our will, to rest quhair sche is, under the promeis of freindschip, as I have bayth said and will ever afferme, maid be your soverane,—quhilk was onlie caus of hir grace cuming in that realme—and seik the help and myane (fn. 3) of Frenche or Spanische till expuls this tressonable and fals pretendit auctorite, quhilk menis to regnne above ws. My lordis, I desyre your lordschippis considder that it is he that maist desyris the amitie betuix Ingland and Scotland to continew, and of a puir man best caus has, that writtis this! My brother the lard of Skirling schawis me that in your lordschippis commonyng with him, it appeirit to him your mynd was we suld suffer the Erle of Murray to work, althocht it war aganis ressoun to ws, and complene thairof to the quenis majestie, and hir hienes wald se it reformit! My lordis, hir majestie will be our mekill troublit to reforme the wrangis we have sustenit alreddy, for I am suir gif ressoun and justice may have place, our maistres and we hir subjectis has ressavit expres wrang far abone twa hundretht thowsand pund sterling in this tyme of his unhappie governament. Seing the reformatioun of sa gret caussis cumis now adayis so slawlie, and the ungodlie law of oblivioun in sik matteris so mekill practisid, I think nother for the "Quenis honour nor eais nor our weill, your lordsehippis wald sua mein. nor that it is gud to ws to follow it. And that ye will gif your soverane sik adverteisment heirof as your gud wisdomis sall find in this caus meitt, it wilbe trew and freindfull working for ws in deid. And nother Frenche phrasis, nor bosting, and finding lytill uther effect. that will caus ws to hald away the Frenchemen. This is planlie writ in, and I desyre your lordschippis plane answer: for in trewtht and plainnes langest continewis gud freindschip." Dumfries. Signed: Herys.

Postscript: "My lord Wardane, in my last writtin I complenit of my auld compeditour anon," and I have required "law souerteis." I desire your lordship's answer, for he shall have nothing to do with me in that country while I live.

4 pp. Very closely written. No flyleaf or address.

803. Knollys to Cecil. [Sept. 4.] C.P., vol. I.

I received your letters of 28th and 29th yesternight late. Touching her highness's letter to the Queen of Scots by Borthyk: though not satisfied with it. "yet it semethe manifestlye that she hathe newlye determyned to restrayn hyr selffe from offensyve speaches and wrytyngs. and to bayre with hyr hyghnes wrytyngs and messages more dulcelye than she was wonte to doe: nevertheles she saythe unto me often that yf hyr hyghnes doe arbitrate the matter betwene hyr and hyr subjects, as it were betwene eqwalls, althoe she woll take that which she maye gett, yet she cane not be so motche bownden unto hyr hyghnes as otherwyse she wold be gladd to be." As for holding the parliament: though she would "fayne incense hyr hyghnes offensyvelye" against Murray, I have told her that her highness cannot "make this any matter offensyve to hyr selffe, yf he doe yelde to hyr hyghnes order in sotche wyse as no thyng done in this parlament shalbe prejudiciall to this Quene, otherwyse than hyr hyghnes shall think reasonable."

Yesternight came hither Mr Stward and Mr John Wodd, and about midnight there was a great "larum" and one of the 14 scouts near the castle walls, was spitefully murdered: yet they took very small spoil away. Her highness's cattle were in the castle ditch, near where they killed the man, yet in their haste they took none. Whereon at Wood and Steuart's taking leave this morning. it was resolved to avoid open war (which these thieves seek to make to cause the Regent's overthrow), that the Regent should signify to Lord Hunsdon what borderers he will answer for, that the others may be "plaged." Mr Wood also desired that my lord Regent's cause should not be determined at Court till duly heard. Before your letters came, Mr "Robart Stward" discoursed of the "papisticall tyrannye in France, and of the dawngerous lacks of the Prynce of Cowndie and the Admyralle"—whereon I told him how her highness had sent to the French king "rowndlye" thereon, by her ambassador "lydger" there, and pray God she may do as appertains to a vigilant and godly princess.

I wrote to you of Huntly's repulse as informed: and will write to Herries of his "false pryncyple" soon. I will write to my lord of Leicester for the Queen of Scots' horses. when I come to Bolton. since I have no answer at your hands. Hunsdon will needs stay me here two days longer. so it will be Thursday or I get to Bolton. I am glad you have given the posts double wages for this their chargeable time. If the "nootes" I have of Sir John Foster be true, then some of this Queen's party are guilty of spoil, whereof both she and Herries shall hear shortly. Berwick. Signed: F. Knollys.

2 pp. Holograph. Addressed. Indorsed (by Cecil's clerk). Wafer signet: 3 flowers on cherron.

804. Wood to Cecil. [Sept. 6.]

"I fand my lord Regentis his grace heir . . . werray quyett," the nobility being gone home to prepare either for the Frenchmen, or to come to Richmond on the 25th: which has been no small "hinder" to State affairs, "nor na small chardgis to the Regent, so mony ways besye exhaustit be thir trowbles past." What hurt the countenance of the Queen's majesty has done to her friends and their just cause here, was "butt in ane part lamentit be me thair"—and if I had seen what I do now, I would have had your honour and the Council more largely informed. What trust can be given to the adversaries' promises, the past has declared, and now their continual attempts on the borders, and practices in France, and their lieutenants' ("as thai call thayme") proceedings in all "cornayris" of this realm! Yet my lord Regent is "resolutly deliberat in personne to justifye his cause befoyr ewir he will sturre armour," and therefore craves earnestly the speedy dispatch of his safe conduct. For once his true meaning and just occasion were notified to her majesty, and thus to the whole world, he will fear no kind of hazard in doing his duty to his "innocent maister," and "lett all causes of conscience and honour be smowrit and putt in oblivion." I find nothing grieves him more than lack of opportunity to confer with your honour, "and says he must neidis haif it be on meinis or uthir." (fn. 4) I remit the rest to the letters directed to me and come to your honour's hands. "The state is no better nor your honour conjecturit, and sic necessite of the sennwngis (fn. 5) of warre, as gryttar can nocht be." Edinburgh. Signed: M. Jhonne Wod.

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

805. Earl of Sussex to Cecil. [Sept. 6.] C.P., vol. I. C. P., vol. I.

What has passed in the Scottish causes shall appear by letters from my lord of Norfolk, Mr Saddeler and me, to the Queen's majesty.

My time has been so short here, and my attendance such on my lord of Norfolk "for that commyssyon," that I can write little till further understanding: till which time pray you hold my "scylence" excused. York. Signed: T. Sussex.

I beseech my most hearty commendations to my lord "Stuard" to whom I would have written if I had matter. While writing, I received a packet from Murray to Mr John Wood, which I send herewith.

1 p. Holograph, also address: "To Sir Wyll'm Cycyle" etc. Indorsed (by Cecil's clerk).

806. Murray to Cecil. [Sept. 7.]

By my servant. Mr Wood's report I abundantly understand your many good offices, but will not weary you with "wordes of assentatioun, quhairin I knaw weill ye delite not. Bot in my accustomat maner, I may nevir ceas to put yow to panys," and to remind her highness of the preparation of "the Franscheis," who, though not landed, are daily looked for here by their faction, and that she will take order. For our coming to England: we are in the same mind, and understanding by Mr John Wod that the 25th instant is appointed, "we think it a greit favour, and myndis to keip that day precislie God willing." Praying safe conducts expede, one to James Earl of Morton, or Alexander earl of Glencairn, Patrick lord Lindesay of the Byris, Adam bishop of Orkney, Robert commendator of Dumfermling or any three etc. with 100 horse—the other to myself, with like retinue. We only ask them lest "the Quene my souveranis moder, mycht peraventier desire to deteane ws alsweill as hir that enterit in that realme without hir warrand." If they were at Berwick by 18th or 19th, "I sall Godwilling attend thairon and be in readines" to journey. Edinburgh. Signed: James Regent.

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

On the flyleaf is a draft of part of the Regent's safe conduct in Cecil's handwriting.

807. Robert Steuart to Cecil. [Sept. 8.]

Finding passage to France not so ready as "I dessyr and mestaris," (fn. 6) I must remain some time longer in "thir" parts, and will be very glad to know what is doing in the matters whereof I had charge. Fearing to trouble you, I have prayed this gentleman, known to you, "to schaw you the rest." Edinburgh. Signed: R. Steuart.

1 p. Holograph, also address: "To . . . Schir Weillem Cesiles knycht" etc. Indorsed (by Cecil's clerk).

808. Murray to Cecil. [Sept. 9.]

Praying him that his servant Mr John Wod the bearer, returning to the Queen's majesty instructed of his mind, may be furthered and "exped": and to give him all credit. Edinburgh. Signed: James Regent.

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

809. Murray to Herries. [Sept. 11.]

Your letter of Dumfries the 7th [sic] of this present, come to us the 10th of same. We are at all times willing to follow the Queen of England's advice, and since your coming here ye must admit all hostility on our part has been suspended. What on the other part has been the behaviour of your party, and whether they have reverenced her majesty's writings and good advice, "ye knaw weill aneuch! It is not ane or twa symple injuryis and violences that we have past ower, and for hir hienes pleasoure patientlie sustenit," but a great number of outrages, purposely to make us and others of the King's Council, prepared to go to England, stay at home to defend his lieges. It had been well done of you to have known whether they in the castle of Dunbarton minded to keep this abstinence before ye wrote to us. We mind however to keep it to all (except those legally forfeited) till our returning from England—the like being done by them ye term of your party. And it were well ye certified us how far ye might answer—seeing ye are the first here that has written for this end.

We are glad to find you offering assistance to such as we shall appoint to the wardenry. If ye had been as willing this twelve month bypast, as now, assuredly theft and oppression had not been so frequent. "Bot remedie is never to be rejectit, nor faithfull assistance offerrit in sa gude a caus is nocht to be refusit." Only we must say—if ye had pleased to continue in the wardenry, we meant not to have altered you, knowing how ye could have stayed the thieves. "Bot now to speik directlie to yow: to quhat purpois sall your offer serve? Have ye nocht proclamit yourself wardane?" commanding none to obey the king or us, and has not that "nuke" of the realm followed you, as if a province by itself? And what profit would it be to appoint a true man, unless you promise for yourself, dependants etc., obedience to him in the king's name? We had sought neither the houses of Annand nor Hoddom out of your hands, had ye served as warden or made your men obey the king. Nor did we deliver them to "na errant thevis, bot to your nychtbour and nearest kynsman the Laird of Drumlanrig, quhome we nominat to have bene warden." And as for the persons reset therein, we and he shall be as able to answer, as ye for your men the Batesons and others of like quality. We will boldly take in hand to answer both England and Scotland for all professing the king's obedience. Edinburgh.

2 pp. Copy in same hand as Herries' letter. Indorsed (by Cecil's clerk): "September 1568. Doubles of the lettres sent betwene therle of Murrey and the Lord Herys."

810. Scrope and Knollys to Herries. [Sept. 11.] C. P., vol. I.

You shall herewith receive from the Queen our mistress two letters—one to you the nobles of the Queen your mistress's party, in reply, the other to the Earl of Murray—copies wherof your mistress has seen—but being received on my the Vicechamberlain's return, they have come to you later than otherwise. Touching your letter of 3d instant to us both: I lord Scrope sent it on receipt to the Court. As you require our plain answer to your plain letter: though we cannot answer "as directars of the Quene and her Councell," yet as private persons we may say unto you that we think it very strange "that since at your cominge frome the courte of Englande, ye made greate accompte of the Quene our mistres promis, whearof you made many repeticons, and coming into Skotlande, you did publishe and set forthe the same promis in the highest degree to the terror of youre adversaries and to the alluremente of doutfull or indiferent persons, and also to the confirmacion of your assured frindes: yet after that "you have uside the same our mistres promis in all respectes to your beste comoditie, nowe it semes by your lettre that you doe make very small accompte of her majesties saide promis"! Also where her highness appointed to end all controversies there by a meeting of commissioners—the execution whereof has been hitherto delayed partly by levying great forces on your part, before "dispercing" whereof there could be no meeting of commissioners—and partly by bruits of the French coming into your country, a thing so disagreeable to our mistress that it must have broken all her peaceable and loving intentions to your Queen and country, had they proved to be true: also partly by Murray's severe proceedings in parliament—"but his faultes are rather to be layed to his owne chardge then to be published unto you." And where in sundry writings you allege "that the Quene oure mistress promised you that no parliamente sholde be holden in Skotlande. withoute addinge therunto these woordes followinge—prejudicyall to the Quene your mistres and to her partie: hearin we muste admonishe you, that is a dangerous matter for a man of your wisdome to lay a principle that is not justifiable—for wee are wylled to say unto you that the Quene oure mistres never made you promis that no parliament sholde be holden in Skotlande; but her majesties promis was, that if the Quene your mistres wolde stande to her order, that nothinge done in that parliamente sholde be prejudicyall to her or her partye; but if so be you will not peaceablie suffer the Quene our mistres to order the causes by metinge of comyssioners, then you can not blame her majestie if she doe nothinge for you! Hit semes by youre lettre that you wolde be contentid to be done for: but to abyde the metinge of the comyssioners wherbie her majestie may doe for you as to hyr honoure and uprighte judgmente may seme reasonable, we se you nothinge inclynede. Your lettre is full of mystruste of the Quene our mistres upright dealinge; and it is also furnishid with threatninges of bringinge in of Frenche and Spaynishe unlesse the Quene our mistres shall doe for you in that tyme and order that you have prescribyd! The which maner of writinge wee thinke verye strange; but if you be inded Sir Thomas of Yude, (fn. 7) and will not beleve nor truste the Quene our mistres promise, nor stande to her order otherwies then according to your owne prescription, you may truste to the Frenche, to the Spaynishe, to the Pope, or to whome you will, we cannot lett you: but we are verie sorie that you sholde otherwies thinke then honourablye of the Quene our mistres."

We send the names of such of the Queen's party as have ridden in our Middle Marches, this August last. The notes of offences against the East Middle Marches, are too many to send at present.

(The names of the riders.)

The Lairds of Manchester, (fn. 7) Whytehawe: Dan Karr of Shylstock brays, William Ensley of Fallowe; Douglas sheriff of Tyvidale.

pp. Copy, certified by Knollys. Indorsed.

811. Knollys to [Cecil]. 1568. [Sept. 12.] Cott. Calig. C. I., fol. 224.

Coming hither from Berwick, I received on Wednesday last (fn. 9) at Alnwick, her highness' letters of 2d, one to myself, one to the Earl of Murray, and the other to the noblemen of this Queen's party, with copies, which I showed to her on Friday morning last, as directed; requesting her grace to name commissioners and order them to be at York against the last of this month. At first she misliked much the long date: but has directed letters to be conveyed by Herries, ordering him. Lord Boyd, and the Bishop of Rosse, as her commissioners to meet on the day. On imparting the rest of her highness's letter to her grace, she earnestly affirms she is not privy to the Duke of Chatelherault's coming with a foreign force, and thinks it untrue.

I send you copy of Lord Scrope's and my reply to Herries' letter, which Scrope sent to you last Wednesday immediately on receipt.

Lord Hunsdon stayed me two whole days longer at Berwick, but I leave the discourse till my next, having "a rewme and colde."

(fn. 10) I have your letter of 3d by my servant, and see thereby your good intent to further my suit for "Nuelme": but since it is too great to obtain, as it is too little to supply my need, I will hereafter rather abase my countenance to answer my poor living, than hope to advance my living agreeable to my countenance. I have 6 sons living, besides my eldest, and I fear that "theyr youthfull stowte hartes woll not abyde myserye": and yet if God took me away tomorrow, I should not leave "four nobles" yearly revenue: and should be sorry to think "they shold aventure the gallowse" for lack of living! But if "my cowrtlye cowntenance" were taken away, I would leave them such an example of a contented poor life, that they should better contain themselves "to lyve within theyr compasse." My daughters also are far too chargeable for me to keep in this order: and experience teaches what "fowle crymes" youthful women fall into for lack of orderly maintenance. My will is good, they cannot lack as long as I have it, but there is no more "to be had of a catte but the skynne." God keep me from falsehood: "and yett I see that they which playe false or become banckrowt, to hyr hyghnes intollerable losse, have fownd more favor than is fytt for a trewe man to looke for"!

My suit was only for an exchange, but most beneficial to me, with least loss to her highness: "but I woll nevir hoape for mowntaynes, synce sotche moole hylles (fn. 11) doe fayle and escape me. I doe not envie favorr shewed to yll men, but happie is that realme where vertue is honorred and vice is brydled." When I had written thus much, I received your letter of the 8th, and see that the Abbot of Kilwinning, servant to Chatelherault, will soon be here: also your continual care for the relief of me and mine, though undeserved on our part. I have written to my lord of Leicester trusting to obtain horses for this Queen: and thank you for the good news of France and Flanders. Bolton. Signed: F. Knollys.

Postscript: Pray relieve me of this tedious service.

2 pp. Partly written by his clerk. No flyleaf or address.

812. Mary to Elizabeth. [Sept. 15.] Cott. Calig. C.I., fol. 245. App. I., No. 11.

Has been much consoled by her promises to the Abbot of Kilwinning, and since by her letter that she will give no credit to reports by enemies who only seek to hurt her. She cannot answer for complaints against Cesford, but Fernehirst has promised obedience and she has written to him to satisfy the Governor of Berwick. Herries will do his utmost to keep order—repeats her offer of her subjects' assisttance against offenders named by Hunsdon. As for foreign aid. she may see by Kilwinning she has but one string to her bow and depends only on her—reminds her of her promise to restore her while in prison before Langsyde—and in return will serve her in any way she can, and meanwhile will exercise patience. Bolton. Signed: Marie R.

Is weary till she sees her, or returns whence she came.

pp. French. Holograph.

813. Knollys to Cecil. [Sept. 15.] C. P., vol. I.

The Abbot of Kilwinning came hither last Monday morning, (fn. 12) and this day departs for Scotland. On conference with him, this Queen has increased the number of her commissioners, appointing them to be at York the last of this month, as in the schedule here inclosed: desiring passports for them. On my return from Berwick, I rode from Alnwick "this daye sennyght in the mornynge in post," with such speed that I reached Tynemouth by 9 a.m., and the day being "hoot," my body already "swetynge," Sir Henry Percy travelled me on foot to view "that pece": and after dinner "caried me also on foote" to view a "grose" fortification made in King Henry VIII. days, whereof Mr Brenne was surveyor: and my body being thus "swetie" with travel, I took boat from the castle over the haven with "some longe cercute to the sea wardes," whereby and the "colde sea wynd" I fell into a "rhume" and hoarseness, my flesh is fallen away and my body so "consumed" that I stay from writing, though I am "hart hole" and I trust not in danger. We had also "a larum" the second night I was at Berwick: I rose and remained "coldlye aparrayled" most of the night, "a preparative" to taking this "rhume and horsenes." The last of August I went to New Castle "to my bedd" and found Lord Hunsdon, and spake with one of the "customers" about money, who said if he had warrant, he could deliver me 200l., and more the end of this month. Desiring your warrant therefor, and for a further supply. I will send Mr Morton to you ere long.

After writing thus much, I received your letter of 11th and immediately delivered her highness's letter to this Queen, who took it in very good part, but says "hyr hyghnes doethe not promise hyr anye thinge thearby of certantie—more then afore tyme she hath donne." I told her grace that her highness must first hear, and then determine. Then I reminded her of the complaints of her highness's subjects against the borderers of her party. She said she could not call them her party, but "unrulye theaves and no men of accompt," but did not excuse it: and has written to Herries to take straight order for punishment, as she hears that Murray and Hume have dealt with Hunsdon. I am sorry to hear of the "tyrannye" in France and pray God to give all princes wisdom to foresee the papists' malice. The Queen and the abbot of Kilwinning have both declared that her highness need not fear the Duke's leaning to the French, for he depends on her order only: but what he is, you know well enough. For Berwick, I can only say that the Marshal is a careful, vigilant and "uncorrupte" servant, and deserves encouragement from Court: and I doubt not my lord Hunsdon esteems him accordingly.

"I cannot forgett that the scytuation of Newelme howse is accompted the better bycause it is invironed with a standynge puddell water." Bolton. Signed: F. Knollys.

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

Inclosed in the same:—

(The Queen of Scots' Commissioners.)

Passport to be made for:—

Gilbert earl of Cassillis; Mr John Lesly bishop of Ros; Alexander Gordon bishop of Galloway; John lord Herries; Robert lord Boyd; Sir John Gordon of Lochinvar knight; Sir James Cokburne of Skirling knight.

In a Scottish hand. Indorsed.

814. Knollys to Cecil. [Sept. 16.] C. P., vol. I.

The bearers Captain John Lawder and Thomas Bogg, in wages at the Court of France, came hither with Lord Hunsdon's passport, to go to Court and thence to France. As this Queen has detained them somewhat longer, than they "pretended" to my lord, she has desired me to commend them to you for passport to France. This Lawder is well known among our soldiers of Berwick to be a valiant well conditioned captain in the wars between England and Scotland. Bolton castle. Signed: F. Knollys.

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

815. Safe conduct for Morton etc. [Sept. 16.] C. P., vol. I.

The Queen licences James earl of Morton, Alexander earl of Glencairn, Patrick Lord Lindsay of the Byris, Adam bishop of Orkney, Robert commendator of Dunfermline (or any 3, including 1 earl and 1 lord) with 100 persons in their train, to repair to her realm within 40 days, to treat and confer at York with her commissioners, "for the pacificacion of the grete troubles of late tyme risen, and yet contynewing," betwixt the Queen of Scots and part of her nobility and subjects.

pp. Draft corrected by Cecil. Indorsed.

816. Safe conduct for Murray. [Sept. 16.] C. P., vol. I.

The Queen licences James earl of Murray with 100 persons in his train, to repair within 40 days to her city of York to speak and confer with her commissioners for [the purposes as in preceding No.].

The said letters patent to endure for 3 months. Under her great seal of England. Town of Reading 10th of her reign.

Broadsheet. Copy in Scottish hand. Indorsed.

(2) Another copy of same.

3 pp. Draft corrected by Cecil.

817. Knollys to Leicester. [Sept. 17.] C. P., vol. I.

I doubt not your lordship will relieve our need of horses for this Queen's own saddle: and though I said nothing of saddles etc., you will think meet to send one at least furnished, "for the better settyng foorth of hir highnes present of horses."

I marvel not a little to hear Mr Nycolas White is stayed in England behind my lord Deputy, and fear his hindrance has been what ought to be his chiefest commendation: for I have ever found him to seek the reducement of Ireland from maintenance of "quonye and lyverye," (fn. 13) and of thieves and murderers, to the obedience of the Queen and her laws. I am loth to speak rashly, but having some experience of Ireland, and being free from partiality, I take it for malum omen to see Nycolas White disgraced, but must suppress this "greafe" amongst many other sorrows. Bolton. Signed: F. Knollys.

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

818. Murray to Elizabeth. [Sept. 18.]

Your Majesty's letter of the 2nd instant came to my hands the 17 of same, containing the complaint of the king my sovereign's disobedient subjects, with your gracious advice to me, "quhilk maist willinglie I have alwayes and presentlie accordit unto: and indeid may bauldlie affirme, that na processe of law had bene led aganis ony of that factioun, gif thay had acceptit the benefite of your majesties requeist send in thair favour, and left attempting to stay the parliament be thair awin force," as I trust before now your majesty understands by my letters and my servant Wod. How soon I knew that their several companies had gone home, "as thay then spak," at your majesty's order, I not only stayed to proceed further by law against the nobility, but "ay sensyne hes uterlie forborne all hostilitie" against all of that party; and for reverence of your majesty's advice, mind the same, till the matter is heard by the commissioners; also to keep the day named by your highness, and leave nothing undone agreeable to your majesty. Edinburgh. Signed: James Stewart.

1 p. Addressed. Indorsed (by Cecil's clerk). Wafer signet (as before).

819. Commission to Murray and others. [Sept. 18.] C. P., vol. I.

James King of Scots to the Earls of Murray, Regent, and Morton chancellor, Adam bishop of Orkney, Robert commendator of Dunfermline, and Patrick lord Lindsay of the Byris or any three, empowering them to meet the commissioners of the Queen of England at York to declare the true causes, whereupon divers of his nobility, while the Queen his mother yet possessed the crown, took arms, whereon followed her detaining and sequestration of her person for a time. Signed by the hand of his uncle the said Regent, and his great seal appended. Edinburgh, 2d year of reign. Concordat cum principali. Signed: Alexander Hay.

Broadsheet. In Hay's writing. Indorsed (by Cecil).

820. Elizabeth to Murray. [Sept. 20.]

Where we hear say, that certain reports are made in sundry parts of Scotland, that whatsoever should fall out now upon the hearing of the Queen of Scots' cause, in any proof to convince or to acquit the said Queen concerning the horrible murder of her late husband our cousin, we have determined to restore her to her kingdom and government: we do so much mislike hereof, that we cannot indure the same to receive any credit. And therefore we assure you the same is untruly devised to our dishonour: for as we have been always certified from our said sister, both by her letters and messages, that she is by no means guilty or participant of that murder, (which we wish to be true) "so suerly if she shuld be found justly to be gilty therof, as hath ben reported of hir, wherof we wold be very sorry, than in dede it shuld behove us to consider otherwise of hir cause, than to satisfy hir desire in restitution of hir to the government of that kingdome."

¾ p. Draft carefully corrected by Cecil. Indorsed (by his clerk): "20 Septembris 1568. Copy of the Q. Majesties lettre to therle Murray."

821. Knollys to Cecil. [Sept. 21.] C. P., vol. I.

I received your letter of 15th by Mr Beaton; at writing whereof you had not received mine of 12th, of this Queen's order for her commissioners to meet at York on 30th of this. Since my last, I sent Mr Wylforde with 2 men to apprehend one Dr Marshall, a notorious papist, lurking privily in a husbandman's house 3 miles off; who brought him and his man to me. He is very "tymerous and fearfull, he is aparaled obscurely, and not lyke a doctor, but rather lyke a ploweman, with white hose and a sadd tawnye cloke withoute sleves." I send you some interrogatories, with his and his man's answers—not of any great moment. He denies using conjurations or casting figures—though I see some of "good countenance" in this country think so. Also denies dissuading people from church or hearing common prayer "nowe established." And to persuade me, since coming hither, he refuses not to hear and kneel thereat in "our great chamber," though he confesses he was partly deprived for refusing obedience. He denies building any part of his faith on the Pope's doctrine, though "he stickyth somewhat to the unity of the Churche." He seems to me fearful, and would live privately not refusing to come to church, or dissuading any from "our religeon of the Gospell," so that his conscience be reserved to himself. It would be well if your lordships committed him to the bishop of Durham to examine him on oath, and if tractable, to release him on sureties for obedience and forthcoming. As he would lack no sureties here, I would rather limit him to some other country, city, or house, less superstitious than this. He says he gave away his books at first coming from Oxford. There was found on him an old story book in Latin beginning with the division and description of "the thre partes of the worlde," and speaking of England, it makes mention "that Marlion was a prophet." He has another English written book of medicines, with many "charmes," which he only copied for company of the others; also a book of surgery. He has one patient at Richmond and takes money for curing those that come or send to him.

I forgot to say in my last that the East and Middle Marches would be better governed if Hunsdon were made lieutenant of both. The warden of the Middle would concur better with him, and Hunsdon and the marshal having no lands there, would do justice indifferently without awe of the Scots.

(fn. 14) A bruit came to this Queen's ears lately that she had turned to the Gospel, to the great mislike of the papists here abouts: and yesterday in the great chamber, in a full assembly, and some papists present, she openly professed herself of the papists' religion more earnestly than before, though her arguments were so weak they only showed her zeal. And to me alone, when I misliked this, she said—'Whye wold youe have me to loose France and Spayne and all my frendes in other places, by seemyng to change my relygyon, and yet I am not assured that the Quene my good syster woll be my assured frende to the satisfaction of my honor and expectation'? Bolton. Signed: F. Knollys.

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

822. Cecil to Sussex. [Sept. 23.] C. P., vol. I.

"The Cardynall of Chastillion lyeth at Shene, and is well used by the Q. Majesty, the rather to displease all papistes. I thynk he hath or shall shortly obteyne such comefort for the Prynce (fn. 15) as Stuard demanded. The D. of Norfolk etc. ar gon to York, wher the dyett shall begyn the last of this month.

"It is not ment if the Q. of Scottes shall be proved gilty of the murdre, to restore hir to Scotland, how so ever hir frendes may bragg to the contrary: nor yet shall ther be any hast made of hir delyvery, untill the success of the matters of France and Flanders be seene."

½ p. Holograph of Cecil. Indorsed (partly by him): "The Earle of Sussex, xxiij Septembris 1568. Memoryall." The words in italics are underscored in the original.

823. Elizabeth's Instructions to Norfolk etc. c. [Sept.[24]] Cott. Calig. C.I., fol. 227.

Memorial for the proceedings of Norfolk, Sussex, and Sadleir, with the Q. of Scots' and her son's commissioners, at the city of York.

After exchanging commissions with the several parties, they shall declare to both sides how her majesty with great earnestness had said to them, as she had undertaken the matter in the fear of God, so she desired her commissioners and all parties to do the like, and all to take oath to further nothing but truth. After hearing each side apart, those of the Queen's first, both in speech and writing, these things must be considered before treating with both sides together. 1. If Murray's side allege that though they can prove it, it is inexpedient for them to charge the Queen of her husband's murder, doubting that notwithstanding this, her majesty will restore her—and will stay proceedings till they know—the commissioners shall say, that if such should be plainly proved, her majesty would surely think her unworthy of a kingdom: but if mere suspicions and conjectures only touch misgovernment of herself, and her marrying Bothwell etc., somewhat diminish her reputation, the Queen's majesty having regard to the princely state wherein she was born, and from which she only departed for fear of her life, would have it considered how to restore her without danger of relapse—leaving it to the accusers to say what they will do. And if they proceed to charge her with the crime, the commissioners must advertise her majesty. If not, then the commissioners must require them to consider how she may be restored to her crown, and deal with both parties indifferently, using all means to further a reasonable settlement—but all proposals must come from the Queen's and Murray's party, not from the commissioners.

First: The treaty to be tripartite betwixt (1) The Queen of England, (2) the Queen of Scots, and (3) the Prince, her son—and duly ratified—before she returns to her country. 1. Oblivion on all parts. 2. A great Council to assist the Queen, and how the great officers of State are to be appointed. 3. She is not to marry without consent of the Three Estates—the persons etc. contracting, ipso facto to suffer as traitors. 4. Bothwell and his abettors to be severely punished. 5. All laws by parliament for sustentation of ministers of religion to remain in force. 6. No stranger to have any office spiritual or temporal, and no preeminence allowed to the Bishop of Rome except with consent of the Three Estates. 7. For the safety of the young prince, if it can indirectly be procured of his mother the Queen, he should be kept in England by Scots. 8. Titles of the crown to be made clear. 9. That the Queen of England be made umpire under this treaty, at the request of the Scottish nobility, their Queen's consent being also accorded, and any subject grieved may reasonably complain to her majesty, without incurring forfeiture. 10. If the Queen of Scots break any part of this treaty, on notice thereof to her Majesty and due proclamation of the breach at Berwick and Carlisle, and refusal of reformation, then her son, or if he be dead, the next heir, shall enter to the crown and kingdom, as if she were departed from this life.

Other matters to be remembered:—

1. That a proviso shall be added to the treaty of Edinburgh in July 1560, that no part of the same shall bind the Queen of Scots or her children, after the determination of the life of the Queen's majesty and the heirs of her body, in respect of the title or arms of England. 2. As to a reasonable league between the two Queens and their countries. 3. That Ireland be included in the old leagues whereby England and Scotland shall not reset fugitives or rebels of each other. 4. That if the Queen of Scots permits any subject to aid a foreign prince against England and Ireland, she shall forfeit her title to these crowns. 5. That the Debateable land on the East March be divided as was that on the West Border in King Edward 6th time. 6. If the Queen of Scots send message or letter to them, the commissioners shall answer at their discretions, not repugnant to these instructions.

11½ pp. Draft by Cecil's clerk. Corrected by Cecil.

824. Mary to Cecil. [Sept. 24.] C.P., vol. I.

"Monsieur de Cecil." I am sending the bearer the Sieur de Beton to the Queen, with charge to confer with you on my affairs. Credit him as myself. Bowton. Signed: Votre bien bonne amye, Marie R.

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

825. Wood to Cecil. [Sept. 24.]

This day there came "towardes you ane serwand of the Quene our souveraynes mother," for a passport to France. "I spak with him; his nayme is Robert Lawder, ane that servit in the last feyld (fn. 16) with the Quene in uther qualities—ane werray raisonable gentleman." He promised me "to signifye" to your honour of the letters he carries to the King of France, to his ambassador, and the Spanish ambassador, "that I trust is departed from hence." My coming so suddently from Court, was "for depesching with my Lord of Lewenox, quha departis this day, sum necessayris to my lord Regent, and so soyn as I may speik the Duikis grace," I return to court for your commands. London. Signed: M. Jhonne Wod.

½ p. Holograph, also address. Indorsed (by Cecil's clerk).

826. Sadleir to Cecil. [Sept. 24.] C.P., vol. I.

Being not careless or unmindful of this great cause we have in hand, if it please you to let me have a copy of the instructions by this bearer, sealed with your seal, I shall have good time to consider and "to make meself rype" in them, while on my journey. Also it may please you to consider as to giving the higher place at our sitting to the Queen of Scots' commissioners: for though there be some respects to move the Queen's majesty thereto, yet the other side will not yield, both as being greater personages, and specially because the young prince is "in reall possession" of the crown—and therein give us directions. "The Duchie House at the Savoy." Signed: R. Sadleir.

If there is any money "upon my dyettes in prest," appoint the bearer how and where to receive it.

1 p. Holograph, also address. Indorsed (by Cecil's clerk).

827. Knollys to Cecil. [Sept. 24.] C.P., vol. I.

This Queen sends Mr Beaton this bearer to Court as her "solyeyter" while the commission sits. Herries will be here tomorrow, and the rest a day or two after.

"In Doctor Marshials booke of nootes of phisike and surgerie," I have found such abominable ribaldry, written with his own hand as he confesses—he said at first within "this 14 yers," and now "16 yers agoe"—which the "veriest ribald hauntyng the stewes" might be ashamed of. At first mistrusting nothing in it but plain medicines, a few of which I read, I gave it back, and he has blotted out the "charmes, conjurations and wytchecraftes," enough to abuse the common people with. Bolton. Signed: F. Knollys.

1 p. Holograph. Addressed. Indorsed (by Cecil's clerk). Wafer signet (as before).

828. Murray to Elizabeth. [Sept. 28.]

I have received your highness's letter dated Reading 20th instant, "proporting in effect" that your majesty is not disposed in this great cause, as our adversaries have reported. Truth it is, that Herries and others have written, affirming that whatsoever falls out either to convict or acquit the Queen, your highness intends to see her restored; copies of which letters are dispersed through this realm. And though for my own part, I never conceived any such opinion of your majesty; yet I must confess it has done great harm to our cause, and kept many in suspense, that neither dare nor will resolve, till they see to which party your favour inclines—"being ready to fall to that side that salbe lyke to have the better." It is no small comfort to us, to know your majesty's intention by your own letter: your majesty knows better than I what is intended by the adversaries of true religion throughout Christendom, and is too wise and well advised, to wink at their doings or suffer them to gain time to execute their tyranny against yourself and your dependants. This matter is of no small consequence, and I doubt not your highness will handle it accordingly. Berwick. Signed: James Stewart.

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

829. Knollys to Cecil. [Sept. 29.] C.P., vol. I.

I have your letter of 23d, and thank you for good news of the two princes. In your former letters you gave me good hope of my discharge from this tedious service, when the Commission sat at York: but now you are "muett," to my great discomfort. And "I am utterlye unprovided of sufficient wynter garments for this mowntayne cuntrie weather, that beginneth alredye to growe sharpe and boysteous." My lord of Norfolk has sent for me to meet him at York on Saturday next: but as Lord Scrope is to meet his grace that day, it may suffice.

These parts are so full of papistry that there is great need of a zealous bishop of York to be speedily appointed "for to plucke upp the seades of disobedience that otherwyse may growe upp to a greatter force and danger than ten tymes the fyrst fruytes shalbe hable to cowntervayle. Also this parte called Rychemond shere, beyng within the diocesse of Chester, for lacke of a zealous bysshopp, hathe had never a sermon therin (as I am crediblye informed) synce the begynnyng of the Quenes hyghnes raygne; wherfore the people hereabowts are the redier to receyve and harboure sotche parsons as are of Doctor Marshialls humor." The Bishop of Durham has his diocese well instructed, though there be "obstakles" in his way. Bolton. Signed: F. Knollys.

pp. Holograph. Addressed. Indorsed (by Cecil's clerk). Wafer signet (as before).

830. The Queen of Scots' Company. [Sept. .] C.P., vol. I.

Attending upon the Scottish Queen at Carlisle and Bolton:—

Almost vijxx (fn. 17). The bishop of Rosse; Lord Herries; Lord Livingston and his wife; the Lord Fleming; Laird of Skirling controller of Scotland (fn. 17); Mr Hambleton, master household; A Frenchman "comptroller"; John Livingston master stabler, with his wife; Mr Crafforde; Mr Hambleton "the fensor"; Mr Doglasse; "Little" Doglasse; Mr Beaton master of household after Hambleton (fn. 17); Bastian and his wife; Gilbert Curle secretary; Laird of Whytlawe (fn. 17); Mr "Nawe" a secretary; Captain Bruce; a pantler, a cook, a pattiser, a wardrober. The Lady Lyviston; Marie Seton; Curselles; Mrs Liviston; Mary Bruce; the comptroller's wife; Bastian's wife "and da." (fn. 17) The Queen's meat was assigned by her own officers. The company had theirs as called for. She went daily hunting and hawking.

1 p. Indorsed (by Cecil): "The nombres of persons with the Quene of Scottes at Bolton."

Footnotes

  • 1. i.e., stolen.
  • 2. i.e., leaf.
  • 3. Moyen, i.e., aid.
  • 4. These words are in cipher.
  • 5. Sinews.
  • 6. Need.
  • 7. Juda— i.e., "Thomas the doubter."
  • 8. Mangerton?
  • 9. 8th.
  • 10. Holograph from this point.
  • 11. Molehills.
  • 12. September 13th.
  • 13. Native services.
  • 14. Remainder holograph.
  • 15. Condé.
  • 16. Langsyde.
  • 17. Notes by Cecil.