Elizabeth: November 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: November 1568', in Calendar of State Papers, Scotland: Volume 2, 1563-69, (London, 1900) pp. 544-560. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/scotland/vol2/pp544-560 [accessed 24 March 2024]

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In this section

880. Knollys to Cecil. [Nov. 2.] C.P., vol. II.

I presently received your letter of 29th, and to-day my man brought me yours of 24th mentioned in yours of 25th. Touching "conduction" of this Queen to Tudberye, I can say no more—there is no stuff to be had here, and "I knoe no parte of the waye." As I said on 31st ult., I will not refuse the charge, so she be placed in the manor house of Shereborne, in my own country; but for Tudberye or such strange places, I trust you will think it no reason I take such, looking only for deceits, escapes or treason.

She must remove hence forthwith, for besides other inconveniences, there is no fodder to keep "fatte beeffes"; so if we tarry 3 weeks longer we must kill and "baryll" as many as we shall need before summer. And in 3 weeks we shall have no fodder for our horses: so that unless she be kept as a prisoner from riding, "which wold be a deathe unto hyr disposition, here is no beyng for hyr: and howe unfytt this place is for sotche a purpose, youe knoe." Bolton. Signed: F. Knollys.

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

881. Sussex to Cecil. [Nov. 3.]

That there may be no stay on my part of "the Scottes Quenes remove," I have written to Mr Vicechamberlain with a note of the way and the "cumpanye" in those parts fittest to attend on him—copies of both which I send to you herewith. York. Signed: T. Sussex.

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

Inclosed in the same:—

(Sussex to Knollys.)

"Good cosin"—As it seems her majesty means the removal of the Scottish Queen with speed, I send you herewith a note of the nearest and fittest way, and places for lodging, till ye pass out of my commission, with the names of the gentlemen of those parts fittest to attend you. York, the 3d November 1568.

½ p. Copy by his clerk. Addressed (to Knollys).

882. Sussex to Cecil. [Nov. 4.] C.P., vol. II.

Even now I received these two letters in a packet from the Duke of Norfolk to be sent you. Let me understand by your next, if you have received mine of the 22d ultimo. York. 10 o'clock a.m. Signed: T. Sussex.

Murray late yesternight returned from Hull.

¼ p. Holograph, also address. Indorsed (by Cecil's clerk).

883. Knollys to [Cecil]. [Nov. 5.] C.P., vol. II.

I have her majesty's letter and yours "also." of the 30th ultimo, in Lord Scrope's absence at Carlisle with "the Dukes grace." (fn. 1) As her highness has warned us of this Queen's "escape intended," but no order to restrain her riding, wherein she delights, I have given to each of 12 soldiers a "groet" a day above his pay, to horse themselves, and attend on us with "pystoletts" when she rides abroad; and mean so to horse 20 more—the cheapest and surest way I can "invent": and for all this, I trust our weekly charges will not exceed 47l., though this Queen's numbers are much increased since Lady Leviston, and specially the commissioners, came. I have also sent for the other 50 of Mr Reade's band from Berwick, though I know not if Lord Hunsdon will send them. For her removing, if we must be the conductors, I know no better way than my Lord President's order, that 40 of our men be horsed by the gentlemen of the country, and a horsekeeper to every 5, so that straightway on lighting, they may keep watch on the Queen. For Tutbury or elsewhere, my lord President has made careful provision, offering me all assistance, and sent me a "collection" of the journeys, which I send herewith. For provision you must not cast the care on our clerk who is "skant hable" for his present service before coming there: but I herewith send you his "proportion" of household stuff that serves here, saving hangings and other "dressings" of chambers. By the note, you can judge as to beer, wine, provender for horses etc. I trust (after what I have said) neither her majesty nor you my lords, will keep me longer in charge. Whether this Queen's numbers are to be "abbridged." we need direction. In her majesty's letter we are to send away the [Scots] horses—but how or whither should we? "Belyke sumbodie cares not into what rudenes I doe enter"!

Touching my son: surely I think better of his wit, honesty, and duty to her majesty and to me, than your informer does! Bolton. Signed: F. Knollys.

Postscript: As our money is near spent, and this removal will be chargeable, you must send not much less than 500l. forthwith.

3 pp. Holograph. No flyleaf or address.

884. Sussex to Cecil. [Nov. 7.] C.P., vol. II.

I received yester night her majesty's letters and yours, and sent them to the Duke of Norfolk. The same morning I had the vicechamberlain's letters as to removing the Scottes Queen (copies whereof I sent you in my last), and send copy of my answer, that I might have all things ready after his answer from her majesty. This morning at "the sermone," Murray delivered me your letters to him of the 4th, which he said came in a packet to him—but as it seemed to me on reading them, ye rather directed them to me first. He also delivered Lethington's letters to him, and thereon is resolved to set forward to London on the 10th, to be there the 13th: so I have ordered 30 post horses for him and his train.

He understands by the letters, of the "revoking" of my lord of Norfolk, and my sending for, and I told him I saw her majesty's pleasure was to have me come if conveniently might be, but qualified till receipt of other "more dyrecte" letters. He required me to convey with speed the enclosed, giving notice of his coming. With the council here I have dispatched all ordinary causes to be readier at her majesty's pleasure. York. Signed: T. Sussex.

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

Inclosed in the same:—

(Sussex to Knollys.)

I received this morning your letters of 4th, and yesterday yours of 2d. Where in your last you ask if I can help you with 50 horses etc.? Truly for lack of hay—not to be had here for any money—I have been driven to put to grass or send away all my horses, except for my "falkenors," and 3 or 4 for myself: but if you warn me in time of how many you must needs have, I will take order in the country. The journeys are not long, and ye may make the soldiers go afoot, gentlemen and their servants furnishing a train: but if the soldiers must be horsed, provision shall be made in Richmondshire to bring them to Rippon, and from Rippon to Wetherby and so on if possible—if not, some must go afoot. My wife has some saddles of "fustian of Naples," for her women, but too bad for the Scottish Queen's women; but her horses are at grass or gone to Essex—which I tell you lest you might hope for things "that be not." York, the 6th November 1568.

If you send me some note before you hear from Court, of what you must have. I will do all I can in "secret sorte"; for I think her majesty will remove that Queen to Tutbury.

1 p. Copy by his clerk. Note at head by Sussex. No flyleaf.

885. John Sommer to Cecil. Elizabeth [Nov. 8. 1568] C.P., vol. II.

The Queen's majesty has commanded me to write and order that my lord of Leicester and you "being now at London," shall consider the inclosed letter from Mr Vicechamberlain [of the 5th] and answer to this effect:—That her majesty wonders not a little that notwithstanding her sundry letters, and others from you, he has not all this while given order to diminish the numbers about the Scottish queen, "and these horsemen"—and where he writes that he has horsed and retained 12 "pistolyers" to attend her, and means to have 20 more besides 50 from Berwick: her majesty in no wise likes such "increasses." For if he removed the new increase of Scots with their horses, "and pretende (as her majeste devisethe), scarcety of horsemeat, or some other good causes," there should be no need of pistoliers or the 20, much less any from Berwick. But if by opinion of my lord and you, the 12 pistoliers are necessary, her majesty refers it to your order: but can by no means allow any more, as these, with his own company, are enough, if the superfluous Scots were removed, as she formerly gave order. For restraining that Queen as a prisoner ("as she hath and will percase alledge"): her majesty would that he do as appointed, "and not to be moved with others speeches." The Court, this Monday 3 p.m. Signed: John Sommer.

pp. Holograph, also address. Indorsed (by a second clerk). Wafer signet.

(2) Copy of same.

1 p. By the second clerk. Indorsed (by him).

886. Knollys to Cecil. [Nov. 10.] C.P., vol. II.

Mr Bortyke this Queen's servant came hither "a Sondaye nyght laste" (fn. 1) with letters from her commissioners at the Court; after perusing whereof, she alleged I had advertised to Court that she had caused the Abbot of Arbroath to levy 300 men for her escape to Scotland, which I denied. 'Yes,' said she, 'my lord Scroope and youe have so advertised.' I said Lord Scroope had been absent on the borders a good while and I could not tell what he had done—but I was sure I had not—whereon she showed me a letter signed by lord Herries and the bishop of Ross, "avouyng the same, uppon youre reporte to theym." I said they must have either mistaken or misreported you: and then she offered me the copy of their letter, which I enclose that you may save my credit in declaring to Herries that I have not lied to her in disavowing the advertisement. Mr Wylford a special trusty man, I must suffer to depart, as the Masters of the Requests will not sign his decree in their Court against Sir Adrian Poynyngs, without his presence. His case is pitiful, he is awarded but half of his due found by the jury, and yet no promise for payment, but all delays and frauds and bolstering friendship is sought to defeat him—but I leave him to tell his own tale to you, desiring his speedy return hither, and also some money with speed. Bolton. Signed: F. Knollys.

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

Inclosed in the same:—

(Herries etc. to Mary.)

"This last Twisdaye (fn. 1) Maister Ceceil and Schir Raff Saidler" showed us that Lord Scrope and "my lord vischalmerlane" had written to Court that they were surely advertised that the abbot of Arbroath had taken up 300 horsemen and made means on the border to convey your grace from Bowtoun. We answered we knew assuredly ye would not depart even if ye were in Carlisle, or on the border side, till the end of this "conferrence"; and the abbot had "nocht silver to list" 50 men, and it was invented by our adversaries. Kingistone the ferd daye of November. Et. sic subscribitur: Jo. Rossen, Hereis.

½ p. Apparently in the bishop's writiag—if so "Hereis" is written by him. Addressed (in same hand): "Copie. To the Quenis Majestie owre soverane." Indorsed.

887. Knollys to [Cecil]. [Nov. 11.] Cott. Calig. C.I., fol. 291.

I have received her majesty's letters and yours of the 7th November—and am much comforted to see she says she will "admytt" no good means to ease me of this service, but that for 20 or 25 days I must look well to it.

Touching her pleasure in this last letter, "that in no wyse we shold acknoledge that our warnyng of this escape to be intended to be practised for this Quene, hath not come from hyr majestie or from hyr cowrte: and withall hyr majestie saythe that in her other letter of the 30 October she dyd so specyally prescrybe to us: the which hyr letter of the 30 hyr majestie mystakethe: for the wordes therin are onely, that yf this Quene shold fynde anye offence with owre strayte lookyng to hyr, that then we shold playnely saye that we have ben warned of an intention and practise of certen hyr subjects tending to abuse us in the charge comytted unto us. But we had no prescription to saye whence we were warned—and therfore accordingelye I onely sayd unto hyr (one evenyng whan she wold have taryed owte a huntyng after sun sett) that I was warned of sotche a practise intended: but from whence I was warned, hetherto I never told hyr." But when at Mr Bortyk's coming, she charged me with complaining to her majesty of her intended escape by means of the Abbot of Arbroath: then because it was untrue, I utterly denied it, as you shall perceive in my other letter herewith sent: which I had given to Borthwick yesterday, but as he stays till tomorrow. I asked it again of him.

Touching her majesty's opinion, that if we diminish this Queen's train of horse, ours being thus superior, we may forbear keeping her prisoner within doors: if you note my letter of 25 of October, I imputed the danger of escape to horse coming over the heaths from Scotland and finding us a "huntyng." So I have charged her majesty with "12 groates" daily for 12 soldiers above their wages to furnish themselves with "pystoletts at theyr sadle bowes" as in my letter of 5th instant. And having 8 horsemen of my own daily attending her,

"God wyllyng, sum of us wolle smarte before she be taken from us in the felde." For William Knollys, though no "unsure" man, if need be I will send him away, but pray return me Morton or Wylford first. Bolton. In the evening. Signed: F. Knollys.

Postscript: Upon Mr Beaton's letters sent to this Queen immediately after Lord Herries and the bishop of Ross were "mydwaye herehence" toward the Court, she said to me that her majesty was much "incenced" with her, 'and,' said she, 'yf I had knone this afore my Lord Harrys departure with the sayd bysshopp herehence, I wold have made thaym a short commyssyon.' Now Lord Boyd comes away with Borthwick to join in commission with them: but "belyke" it is not ample: "but she lacks" [the rest cut off].

2 pp. Holograph. No flyleaf or indorsement.

888. Knollys to Cecil. [Nov. 11.] C.P., vol. II.

In my last "bayryng this date" I showed what necessity caused me to suffer "this bayrer" Mr Wylford to depart: and now I am also destitute of Mr Morton, but trust my service is near an end. You know our need of money, which you may supply forthwith by Morton and Wilford, if the Masters of the Requests delay him not. I am void of counsel, and can see no more into these great matters: but as I have written to her majesty, wish her "fullye and hoollye" to take and follow the advices of you her councillors. Lord Scrope is presently returned. Bolton. Signed: F. Knollys.

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

889. Sussex to Cecil. [Nov. 12.] C.P., vol. II.

I received "at this present ower of vj in the evenyng" letters from the Duke of Norfolk, who will sup with me here tomorrow night, and set forward to court next day: which causes me to stay a day longer than I meant—to accompany him. He required these letters sent with speed. York. Signed: T. Sussex.

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

890. Knollys to Cecil. [Nov. 12.] C.P., vol. II.

I received yesterday at noon, your letter of 8th with Master Sommer's letter to you therein, which last I return inclosed. I perceive if I do not write all things that I do, "it wolbe thowght I doe nothyng"! I have received many letters to diminish the number of this Queen's horsemen, as though all the surety of her keeping consisted therein! while in deed it is but "an inferior mean"; for her horses are diminished to a "dussen or syxten," and this "in myld maner by waye of intreatie," and alleging scarcity of horsemeat—which "lenytye" Lord Scrope and I thought necessary, lest since Borthwick came for a new commission, she might break off her commission, as by my letter to you of Thursday last (fn. 1) you may see she was half disposed "to pyke a qwaryll therto," on Beaton's letters sent to her before her commissioners were fully at London. For the wages of the 12 pistolers on horseback, wherewith this Queen finds no fault: since her majesty likes not my making them 20, "I woll staye uppon these 12, and take the adventure that shall happen." I have also ordered Mr Reade to stay his other 50 men (though they were "never discharged from me but by myn owne curtesie, and the havyng of theym here shold cost hyr never a penye)." But unless you at Court see more than I do. "theyr wante here maye breade danger," for our nightly watch cannot be strong, "specially withowte the walles . . . . and so escape may easelye folowe owte of hyr chamber wyndoes, the barrs theroff beyng fyled readye, and towells at hand to bynd hyr bodye under the armes, wherby she maye be left downe verye easelye: but I doe caste the worste. peradventure cawseles." She and Lady Leviston and her women etc. have not "past a dussen" horses, till her commissioners' return.

I am glad to hear her majesty is disposed to assemble not only her Privy Council, but also most of her Earls, to determine this great cause; "and I pray God hyr majestie doe gyve theym leave to open theyr owne opinions frelye, before she doe prejudicate theym with openyng of her opynyon aforehand"; for surely if they, specially her council, do not sincerely and heartily join with her in this cause, "I feare me some danger may insue theron. Bolton. Signed: F. Knollys.

Postscript: After I had written this, at my lord of Norfolk's request, I rode to him to Mr Robert Bowes' house near Richmond. tarrying all night, and showed his grace this letter. "God wyllyng. youe shall fynd me secrete towchyng your letters, and faythfull alwayes."

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

891. Knollys to Cecil. [Nov. 19.] C.P., vol. II.

I have sent this bearer William Knollys "unto his mother accordyngly, bycawse I woll not stand in myn owne conceyte to motche: but yff he have no more stayde wytt nor honestye than by his young yers and uppon some reportes he hathe ben judged, than he is to well used: otherwyse yf he hathe ben mysreported, or mysconstrued, yet his reputation is onely therby injured and prejudiced—the which is a matter of smale moment, althoe his preservation theroff is the onely haven of refuge that may save hym from villanye and extreme myserye in all stormes and tempestes."

In this great cause, I only pray that you may so agree in the fear of God, that her majesty may be soundly and faithfully assisted. I have none here to watch, saving Mr Rede and his band, wherefore we would be glad to hear of Morton and Wylford's return forthwith: and we trust you forget not we need money out of hand, and that beef etc. will now begin to fail us. So if we tarry 14 days longer, we must "barelle" what may serve for the time. Bolton. Signed: F. Knollys.

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

892. Walsyngham to Cecil. [Nov. 20.] C.P., vol. II.

I was willed "by my frende" to advertise you, "that yf for the dyscoverye of the Quene of Scottes consent to the murder of her husband, ther lacke suffycyent prooves, he is able (yf yt shall please you to use hym) to dyscover certeyn that shoold have ben imployed in the sayde murder, who are heere to be produced." London. Signed: Fra. Walsyngham.

½ p. Holograph, also address. Indorsed (by Cecil's clerk):" . . . Mr F. Walsingham to my Master."

893. Knollys to Cecil. [Nov. 21.] C.P., vol. II.

This Queen has presently some intelligences from her commissioners, "in message by the Laird of Rikerton," Alexander Heborn, lately stayed, and now come with your passport to Scotland, whither he goes. It seems to be that her majesty has told her commissioners that on advertisement from me, she will remove this Queen out of hand, "not for any feare, but for other respects." So by her speeches to Lord Scrope and me, it is plain "she dothe gather that hyr majestie is bent motche agaynst hyr," and therefore sends the laird of Newton a "ryder" (whose letters lord Hunsdon seized at Berwick not long since, and sent to you) to her commissioners to break up their commission. I have said to her grace, I would not wish her "to make a qwaryll nor to take a qwaryll" till offered her: but am uncertain what she has done. Our horsemeat grows marvellous "skase and dere," but this Queen will have it whatever she pay, "hyr delyght to ryde abrode is sotche." Bolton. Signed: F. Knollys.

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

894. Suggestions by Cecil. [Nov. 21.] C.P., vol. II.

I. The best way for England, but not easiest:—That the Queen of Scots remain deprived of her crown, and the State continue as it is.

II. The second way "for England proffitable and not so hard":—

1. That she might be induced to agree that her son continue king because crowned, herself to remain also Queen, the government being committed to such as the Queen of England should name, thus:—"That a convenient nombre of persons of Scotland shuld be first named to the Quene of England, indifferently for the Quene of Scottes and for hir sonne—that is to saye, the one half by the Quene of Scottes, and the other halff by the Erle of Lennox and the Lady Lennox, parentes to the child: and out of those the Quenes majesty of Ingland to make choiss, for all the officees of the realme that ar by the lawes of Scotland disposible by the Kyng or Quene of the land."

2. Till this be done, the government to remain in the hands of the Earl of Murray, but that he shall dispose of no offices or escheats.

3. That a parliament be summoned by the "severall" commandments of the Queen of Scots and the young king.

4. That 12 hostages be delivered into England on the young king's behalf, of Murray's party, named by the Queen of Scots: the like number of hers, named by Murray—all to remain till 3 months after parliament, as pledges for peace. By which parliament it shall be concluded (1) That the Queen of England's ordinance for their government if, not to the hurt of the Crown, nor contrary to law for any man's inheritance as it was before the parliament at Edinburgh [] December 1567, shall be obeyed under pain of high treason: (2) also all judgments against convicted murderers of the late king "stablished"; (3) that remissions be made from the Queen to her "contraryes," and from the king and his, and every subject to another—with restitution of lands, houses etc. taken from the owners at her committal to Lochleven; (4) that it be declared who shall succeed the Queen of Scots "and hir issew"; or else that such right as the Duke of Chastillerault had at her marriage with Lord Darnley, "may be conserved and not prejudiced"; (5) that she may have leave of her majesty to remain in England 12 months after parliament, and not depart without her special license; (6) that the young king may be brought up in England till [] years of age.

2 pp. Draft by Cecil. Indorsed (by him): "21 xbris 1568. Novemb. 1568."

895. Commission by Elizabeth. [Nov. [24].] C.P., vol. II.

The Queen reciting her former commission of 20th September last—its sitting at York, and convenience of removal nearer her presence to conclude the matters there begun, and also the desire of her good sister Mary Queen of Scots: appoints Sir Nicolas Bacon keeper of her great seal. Thomas Duke of Norfolk, Henry earl of Arundel, Thomas earl of Sussex, Robert earl of Leicester, Edward lord Clinton and Saye, admiral, Sir William Cecil and Sir Ralph Sadler, to treat and conclude at her city of Westminster near London, or elsewhere, with the commissioners of her said sister, and the earl of Murray and others in the name of the Prince of Scotland, on all matters in dispute between the said Queen and her subjects etc. Honour of Hampton Court, 11th of her reign.

Broadsheet. On parchment. Official contemporary hand.

(2). Another copy.

4 pp. Draft, corrected by Cecil. Indorsed.

896. Protestation by the English Commissioners. [Nov. 25.] C.P., vol. II.

(1) Declaring that the Queen of Scots' commissioners' former protest at York, likewise that made this day, are no wise admitted nor hurtful to the Crown of England.

(2) Accepting the same, save as above.

(3) That we do not mean to proceed judicially, but as commissioners, adhering to the protest by certain of us at York. "Subscrib. by the L. Kepar, D. Norfolk, Er. Sussex, Er. Lec., L. Adm., W. Cecill, R. Sadler."

1 p. Written by Cecil's clerk. The names added by Cecil. Indorsed (by him).

(2) Copy of 3d clause.

¼ p. Written by Cecil's clerk. Indorsed (by same).

897. Protestation by Mary's Commissioners. [Nov. 25.] Cott. Calig. C.I., fol. 303.

Adhering to their former protest at York, they declare that though their sovereign is content that the causes betwixt her and her disobedient subjects be "dressed" by advice of her sister and cousin the Queen of England: yet they no wise consent that their sovereign's causes shall be treated in form of judgment or in judicial place, conform to her highness's mind in her letters to their said sovereign—she being a free princess with an imperial crown given her of God—but are content to treat on matters in their commission, without prejudice of her most royal person, crown, estate and honour. Signed: Jo. Rossen. Herys, R. Boyd: Kylwinning.

1 p. Not indorsed.

898. Oath by the Queen of Scots' Commissioners. [Nov. 25.] C.P., vol. II.

[In same terms as that at York.]

1 p. Written by Cecil's clerk. Indorsed (by Cecil): "25 Novembr. 1568. The othe of the Commissionars for the Quene of Scottes—at Westmr."

(2) The like oath by those of the King of Scots.

1 p. Written and indorsed by Cecil's clerk.

Cott. Calig. C.I., fol. 307.

(3) Another copy of same.

899. Proceedings in the Commission. [Sept.20—Nov. 26.]

Add. Mss. 33, 531, fol. 42–51.

1. Commission by Elizabeth to Norfolk, Sussex, and Sadler, to meet Murray and others of Scotland.

2. The like in name of James King of Scots to Murray, Morton (and 2 others) and form of oath made by them.

3. Form of oath by the English commissioners. 4. Protestation by the Q. of Scots' commissioners. 5. The same in answer thereto by the Q. of England's commissioners.

6. Charge by the Queen of Scots' commissioners against Morton, Mar, Glencairn, Hume, Lindsay, Ruthven, Semple, Cathcart and Ochiltree for besetting the Queen on her way to Dunbar, imprisoning her in Lochleven, intromitting with her "cunyie hous" and money, and pretending to crown her son at Stirling then "bot of threttene monethis auld." Also against Murray taking upon him the name of Regent and usurping her authority in name of "that infant" etc., and with his partakers besetting her way to Dunbarton, overthrowing her forces and compelling her to take refuge in England with her dearest sister and nearest cousin in blood for redress etc. Produced 8th October 1568. Johnne Rossen, Levington, Boyd, Herries, Scarling, Kilwynning.

Original in Cott. Calig. C.I., fol. 259.

7. Articles proponed by the Regent etc. (four in number) as to the powers of the English commissioners before proceeding farther. 9th Oct. 1568.

Original in Cott. Calig. C.I., fol. 310.

8. Answer by Regent Murray to the letter presented on behalf of the Queen of Scots' commissioners—relating her proceedings with Bothwell within 2 months after the King's murder—their own proceedings to relieve her from his keeping—her voluntary surrender of her crown to her son, and appointing Murray Regent etc. etc. —protesting for power to "eik" thereto, James Regent, Mortoun, Patrik Lyndesay, Ad. Orchaden., Dunfermling. 14 Oct. 1568.

Original in Cott. Calig. C.I., fol. 266.

9. Reply by the Queen of Scots' commissioners to the "answer," denying it in toto. [York.] 16 Oct. 1568.

Original in Cott. Calig. C.I., fol. 268.

10. Protestation by the Lord Regent etc. at Westminster 26 Nov. with the "Eik" to his former answer, directly charging the Queen of Scots with foreknowledge and complicity in her husband's murder. [Westminster, 26 Nov. 1568.]

3 pp. Original in Cott. Calig. C.I., fol. 303, and fol. 306. In a Scottish hand (Hay's).

900. Elizabeth's Reply to Murray etc. [Nov. 26.] Cott. Calig, C.I., fol, 311.

The Queen having had report made to her of 4 Articles in form of questions, produced by the Earl of Murray and his colleagues at York, has willed us to declare that as she has appointed the hearing of the whole cause betwixt the Queen of Scots and them, specially to us as commissioners, and we have made oath to do sincerely and uprightly: there needs no further answer but to assure them that her majesty on the hearing of said cause, will "doo or cause to be don that which shalbe agreable to the honor of Almighty God. and to the mayntenance of the innocent and reproofe of the gilty, with which answer her majesty trusteth they wilbe content." And if this does not content them, and they persist, her majesty would have them understand, "that though she shall answer the same according to the sincerity of hir good meaning and intention: yet she meaneth not nor will that any parson do therof interprete, that therby the said Erle of Murray or any with him shuld be boldened, moved, or any wise comeforted to enter into accusation of the said Quene for any crime or suspicion of crime, for that hir majesty principally wisheth that upon the hearing of this great cause, the honor and estate of the said Quene of Scotts were preserved and found syncerely sound, whole and firme. And therupon with this meaning and no other, hir majesty is contented that the said Articles shalbe answered as hereafter followeth if otherwise the former generall answer shall not satisfy them."

1. To the first question [repeated]:

Answer:—We have full authority under our commission.

2. To the second [repeated]:

Answer:—We shall report to her majesty what we shall find true, and her majesty will pronounce that which appears to her true, without unnecessary delay.

3. To the third [repeated]:

Answer:—If she be justly proved and found guilty of the murder. "which wer much to be lamented," she shall be either delivered to your hands on good and sufficient sureties for the safety of her life and good usage of her: or else shall continue (fn. 1) in England upon the reasonable charges of the Crown of Scotland, so as neither the Prince her son, nor you the Earl of Murray, nor any other for holding his part, shall be in danger by her liberty.

4. To the fourth [repeated]:

Answer:—If found guilty. "which as above is sayd wer to be lamented," her majesty will allow your and the lords' proceedings for the past, as far as may be proved lawful by the laws in force "before your attemptes," and for the time to come, "in respect of the dimission of the crown made by hir to the same prince hir son, if the same may be proved." will maintain his authority, and the regiment of said realm now in the possession of you the Earl of Murray, till it shall be duly proved by these laws that any other should be Regent or Governor, or that any other from of government ought to be used. Saving that her majesty means not by these answers to maintain or save harmless any person now adhering to said Prince of Scotland, or any other party, proved to have been in any manner guilty of her husband's murder—but rather to aid in punishment of the same.

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

Attached to the original paper of demands 9th October preceding.

901. Protest by Murray and others. [Nov. 26.] Cott. Calig. C.I., fol. 304.

Declaring their sincerity of purpose in all their proceedings—that for private affection every one of them wished their sovereign well, and rather than "spott" her with the murder of her husband, they would have winked at the shrewd reports of the world; and if with the perpetual exile of any one of them, they could redeem her honour with safety to her son's person, they would banish themselves. But now being forced by their adversaries, they are compelled in self defence to utter this most odious matter, the shame of which is caused by the former refusing to accept their first answer, which they know to be true—and will produce the evidence they have to prove her perpetual infamy, whereof her advisers are the "cheiff procurers." Westminster. Signed: James Regent, Mortoun, Patrick 1. Lyndsay. Ad. Orchaden., Dunfermling.

Broadsheet, 2 pp. Hay's hand. Indorsed (by Cecil): ". . . A protestation made by the Erle of Murray" etc.

902. The Book of Articles. [Nov.] Add. Mss. 33,531, fol. 51, etc.

"Articles contenyng certane conjectouris, presumptionis, likliehoodis and circumstances; be the quhilkis it sall

"evidentlie appeare, that as James sumtyme Erle Boithvile wes the cheif executour of the horrible and unworthy murther perpetrat in the persoun of umquhile King Henry of gude memory, father to our said soverane lord, and the quenis lauchfull husband: sa wes she of the foirknawlege, counsell, devis, perswader and commander of the said murther to be done, and mantenar and fortefear of the executouris thairof. Dividis in five partes."

Extracts.

1. The alteration of her ardent love to extreme disdain and deadly hatred, within 3 months after marriage—shown by her postponing his name to her own on the new silver coinage of January 1565–66—not allowing him to sign letters etc.—in September thereafter, lodging in the "Chekkerhous" Edinburgh, and flying thence to Holyrood, to avoid his offered "familiaritie"—continuing the like conduct in November when he wished to "pas to bed with hir"—excluding him from the baptism in December—taking away his silver plate and giving him pewter instead etc.

2. Her inordinate affection to Bothwell, shown by giving him the rents of Melrose, Haddington and North Berwick abbeys, and promise of Scone when vacant—while Darnley only had a "sober" pension out of the bishopric of Ross. Then in March 1565 her gift to Bothwell of Dunbar, with all the powder and munition of Scotland. In September 1566, she being in Mr John Balfour's house in Canongate, and the "Chekkerhous," Bothwell resorted to her night and day. "Hir behaviour in the said Chekkerhous furthschew how at that tyme sche abusit hir body with him, he resorting through Maister David Chalmeris ludging quhair she lay, convoyit to hir be the lady Rires moyen; quhilk hir self hes confessit to divers. And specialie he breking the appointed tryst at ane tyme, and sche impatient of his tary and delay, send the said lady Rires to his chalmer for him: quhilk lady passing ower the dyke at the nerrest, tuik him out of the bed fra his wiff and brocht him to the Quene." Then when at Borthwick hearing of Bothwell's hurt, she rode in such haste to see him at Armitaige that she fell ill on her return at Jedburgh and was reported dead. After [other suspicious doings], at the baptism she ordered a passage to be made betwixt her chamber in the "new work" in Stirling castle, and the great hall, at the north end of which Bothwell was lodged— "as the unperfected work this day testefeis"—for they left Stirling before it was finished.

3. Their conspiracy for the king's horrible murder—her first proposal to divorce Darnley, abandoned in case it bastardized her son—Darnley's falling suddenly ill half a mile out of Stirling on his way to Glasgow, probably from poison; but overcoming the effects by his "youthheid," she devised with Bothwell to bring him from Glasgow to Edinburgh, and to see if there was a more secret way to kill him by medicine—that Huntly and Bothwell rode with her to Callander, remaining there a night—whereon she rode to Glasgow and they back to Edinburgh, where Bothwell was seen by divers persons looking at the Kirk of field to consider it. Then she altered her "fraward" countenance to induce Darnley to go to Edinburgh—when he wished to go to the Duke of Chatelherault's lodging, thinking it the one meant for him—she finding him at the "yett" took him to the other "unworthy hous" long unoccupied, ruinous, and with 4 entrances. On Sunday night she and Bothwell supped in Mr John Balfour's house in Canongate, where the bishop of the Isles made the banquet. Bothwell then passed to the Laird of Ormiston's chamber above the "Bow," and consulted with him. Hob Ormiston etc. as to the powder: the Queen passing to the house to entertain the king and said she would lie there all night—Paris her servant meantime taking in the powder to the "laich hous" (where she lay the nights preceding), and also the murderers. The powder being laid, whereat Bothwell was present, he came to the king's chamber, and played at dice with the lords attending the Queen. Then Paris came and gave a sign that all was prepared, which the Queen seeing ("being kissand and familiarlie interteneand the king, at quhilk tyme she pat ane ring on his fingar), she said, 'I have faillit to Bastian that this nycht of his mariage promisit him the mask': and swa incontinent cryit for hors, and departit towards Halyrudehous, Boithvile being in hir cumpany."

Then on the way and after her arrival, her sole talk was with Bothwell till 12 o'clock, when the Laird of Traquair captain of the Guard, went to his bed, leaving them alone together—then Bothwell departing as if to his bed in Lord Ruthven's house, changed his hose and doublet and went to the murder, returning thereafter to his said chamber, through her "watche."

4. The sequel of said murder:—Notwithstanding the horrible "crak" of the powder alarming the whole town, the Queen was no way moved "na mair nor evir sic thing had bene."

And Bothwell "be[ing r]aisit furth of his bed be Maister George Hacket his man . . . " (fn. 1) with other lords and ladies in the palace, passed to the Queen's chamber and declared the king's death; "yit she wes litle alterit or abasit of thay strange newis, bot desirit thame to pas to the towne and se the maner: and thaireftir slepit soundlie, durris and wondois all closit, unsperand farther newis quhill twelf houris at none."

The same Monday "xii of Februar" [sic] 1566, "for the maners saik" a council was held in Argyll's chamber, where Thomas Nilsoun and others that lay in the king's house were examined on several matters: and the Laird of Tullibardin comptroller, hearing, said "thair is a ground," Bothwell and others seeing the "perrell," stopped inquiry, and so "grudgit" at Atholl and the Comptroller that for fear of their lives they left court.

The "morne eftir the murther quhilk wes Twysday the ellevint day" Margaret Carwod the Queen's familiar servant ("quhais gret credite in all thingis is not unknawin to our adversaires") was married in the palace at the Queen's charges, showing the little "dule," and there was more inquiry for money "stowin fra the said Margret nor for the kingis murther."

The king's person was left lying for 3 hours, till the "irascall" people took it to a "vile hous" where it lay 48 hours, and then was brought to the chapel of Holyroodhouse on "ane auld blok or forme of tre," by vile persons and cast in the earth at night without ceremony.

The hasty proceedings for Bothwell's acquittal—her 2d contract of marriage with him dated at Seton 5th April and written by Huntly—her counterfeited "dule" lasting only 8 days, instead of 40—her playing at Seton "one day richt oppinlie at the feildis with the palmall and goif, and on the nycht planelie abusing hir body with Boithvell" who was in a "derne" and obscure chamber immediately under hers, with a secret passage thereto: and though M. de Crocq drew her to Edinburgh, yet she returned to Seton. She intromitted with the earldom of Lennox—taking fines of vassals and giving part of it to the Lord Boyd. Her restoring Huntly, for his consent to his sister's divorce—pretended abduction by Bothwell, and their marriage on Thursday 15th May "in twa fassionis, quhilk Monsieur du Croq the French ambassadoure sa greitlie disdaynit, that being ludgit within a very schort space to the palace of Halyrudehous, he wald not at the Quenis desyr pas to banket.

"Swa: apperandlie to oure jugement les presumptionis nor heir ar expressit suld serve for the full probatioun of this mater—considering that Quene Jane of Napillis being of the like cryme accusit, was adjugit culpable of the same, far feuar presumptionis being laid to hir charge, as it apperis be the exemple of Lowis king of Ungarie, ansuerand the said quene daris(?) in thir wordis:—

Inordinata rita precedens, retentio potestatis in regno, neglecta rindicta, rir alter susceptus, et excusatio subsequens: necis ciri tui, te probant faisse participem et consortem."

5. [This last part contains the reasons of their proceedings against their sovereign. sequestrating her person for a time, and crowning her son.]

They say they were trapped by coming to supper and signing the bond of 19th April, and therefore absented themselves—relate the meeting of the rival forces at Carbarry hill—Bothwell's offer of single combat taken up by Lindsay, but declined—his flight to Dunbar. and lastly when in the Northland preparing to go to sea in piracy he yet sent to Edinburgh Castle "for a box with letters quhilk he left thair, thinking gif he culd have the samin, the grund of the caus shuld nevir cum to lycht. Bot as God wald, the box wes intercepted and takin fra umquhile George Dalgleishe his servand: and being visiit, thair wes fund in the samin sic lettres of [the] quenis awin handwritt direct to the said erle, and utheris writingis as cleirlie testefeit that as he wes the cheif executour of the murther, sa was she of the foirknawlege, counsaler, devisar, and mantenar of the authors thairof: and that hir revesing preciding hir pretendit mariage with the said erle, wes nathyng ellis bot a colourit mask inventit and commandit be hir selff, as a cloik of the abusing of hir body and fylthie lyff frequentit with him of a lang continewance, baith before and eftir the murther of hir husband."

Which strange and unnatural cruelty before suspected, being now evidently known by many infallible proofs etc., and the common fame at last coming to her own ears, she considering her ungodly life and wicked behaviour, was content to demit her government and crown to her son, and during his minority to establish "the regiment of the realme in the persoun of the Erle of Murray without his knawlege or desire, he being then absent furth of the realme; and that voluntarlie, na compulsioun, violence or force in word or deid usit or practized to move hir thairto."

27 pp. Scottish hand(Hay's). Commonly called the" Book of Articles" and said to be the only extant copy. Printed in Hosack's Mary Q. of Scots.

903. Eik by Murray and others. [Nov. 26.] Cott. Calig. C.I., fol. 306.

Being compelled by the obstinate and earnest pressing of their adversaries, they are forced in self defence to "manifest the nakit trewth" that Bothwell was the chief murderer of the late King, and the Queen the chief persuader, commander, and maintainer of him, and by her subsequent marriage with him, it was evident they intended to cause the innocent prince, now their sovereign, shortly to follow his father, and so to transfer the crown from "the richt lyne, to a bludy murtherair and godles tyran"; wherefore the estates decerned her demission of the crown, coronation of her son. and establishment of the regency in Murray's person. Signed: James Regent, Mortoun, Ad. Orchaden., Dunfermling, Patrick L. Lyndsay.

1 p. Broadsheet. Haij's hand. Indorsed(by Cecil): ". . . The Eyk or addition by the Erle of Murray etc. to his first answer."

904. Memorial of Transactions at Westminster. [Nov. 25–26.] C.P., vol. II.

"Apud Westmrz 25 Nov. die Jovis (fn. 1) 1568:—

A memoriall of things passed this present day in the Great Chamber anciently called Camera Depictanext upon the North side to the Parliament Chamber at Westminster":—

The Queen's majesty's (7) commissioners, sitting at "a long table being a table of counsell." showed and read their commission, "subsigned" by her majesty under her Great Seal" in grene wax" dated the 21th of this present, to the Bishop of Ross, Lords Boyd and Herries, and the commendator of Kilwinning, commissioners for the Queen of Scots, under her commission on parchment signed and sealed with her signet penult day of September last—both recited, and the protestation by the Queen of Scots' commissioners renewed. Whereon the latter withdrew into an "inner litle chamber," and the Earls of Murray, Morton, Bishop of Orkney, Commendator of Dunfermline, and Lord Lindsay, commissioners for the said Queen's son, " intituled by them James king of Scotland," entered the said Great Chamber, were received in like manner, and produced and read their commission under the Great Seal of Scotland in yellow wax. Thereafter, all being present, after some discussion, the oaths and protests etc. at York were repeated on the New Testament, held by "one [] Parkins " chief prebendary of " the cathedrall church" of Westminster, (1) by the Queen's majesty's commissioners all laying their hands on the book, (2) by the Queen of Scots' commissioners in like manner, who also affirmed anew their accusation against Murray and his colleagues, and the " replication " following,

(3) by Murray and his colleagues, who also affirmed their answer to their Queen's charges etc.

Act of Friday 26th November in same place:— The Queen's majesty's commissioners being all present. Murray and his colleagues required that before answering the "replication" they might deliver a protestation, which was read as follows—" Albeit our wholl procedings etc." Also they produced one other writing, "which they said they were most loath to exhibite, as by the contentes of their protestation might be considered; wherunto they did referre them selves. The said writing was subscribed by the said commissioners in the presence of the Quenes majesties commissioners, and is entitled 'An Eik to the answer etc.' wherof the tenor in this sort followeth—An eik etc.—after which the Quenes majesties commissioners departed from the said chamber to their lodginges."

5 pp. Written by Cecil's clerk. Indorsed (by Cecil): " 25–26 Nov. apud Westmr. The first and second Session."

Cott. Calig. C.I., fol. 294.

(2) Another copy of the foregoing etc.

8 pp. In a contemporary official hand.

Footnotes

  • 1. Norfolk.
  • 2. 7th.
  • 3. 2nd.
  • 4. 11th.
  • 5. Originally "be kept."
  • 6. Damaged.
  • 7. The day inserted by Cecil.