Elizabeth: April 1569

1036. [Mr. Alexander Leslie] to the Bishop of Ross. Elizabeth. [April 6. 1569.] C.P., vol. III.

I wrote to you from Louthiane on 12^th March, showing the impediments of my journey and the stay in the business you commanded me to dress there, "exped" by help of friends in England. Then I came to Aberdeen on your business, but had little success, and so sent the man as commanded to you with "clays," (fn. 1) who left about 6^th April with the state of your private affairs. The man that brought me writings from Lothian, was he on whose credence matters in Newcastle should have proceeded, and delivered me your letter from Burton of 11^th March. Meantime I had news from Ross that young Androu Monro had given a charge to your house, and then "mellit with your wictualis in the girnellis," (fn. 2) though but little therein: also proclaimed your forfeiture in the king's name, commanded your servants not to obey you, and to answer him for the Regent of the fruits of the bishopric. Meantime as my lord of Huntly had ridden to Elgin of Murray to meet his friends as appointed, I went there, as the bearer can show you, and declared your affairs to his lordship, who will order the same as well as the troubled state of the country will permit. Sundry matters have occurred here, far by the expectation of all friends, as the bearer will show you, who has been diligent in the Queen's service and encouraged her friends, who look daily for relief. Elgin. "Be your servitour at command redy." Written by Alexander Leslie.

Ten lines of cipher follow here—thus deciphered:—The Queen's friends are in great despair through the appointment by the Duke and Lord Herries—saying if they had known any relief for her, they had not done it. Wherefore abide ye constantly at her obedience, providing ye are assured of her relief—otherwise that "ye tak dres sik as may be had, to evite uter wrak, (fn. 3) qwhilk thay purpose to use towartis you." I refer the rest to M^r Alexander Hervye, who is gone to you with "some silver."

2 pp. Addressed (to the Bishop). Indorsed (by the Bishop): "Recept fra Bog, 13 May 1569, at Grenviche, with a cypher," and (by another hand): "To the b. of Ross . . . deciphrid."

1037. Shrewsbury to Cecil. [April 8.] C.P., vol. III.

According to the Queen's command, I have declared her pleasure to this Queen for the access of the Bishop and Lord Boyd—which she took contentedly, and the lords were well pleased, promising to abstain from offence giving. But the reading of the Articles touching Scotland did not a little disquiet her, as appeared by her words and tears—though she said she trusted they were not true, being persuaded of Herries' zeal and faith, and cannot think he will condescend to Murray against her—and so comforted herself. But to learn the truth, she asked my passport for her servant this day dispatched to Edinburgh, whose return is looked for about Tuesday or Wednesday "com senight," (fn. 4) and has instantly written to the Queen's majesty by her servant Borthwik. I see by your friendly defence of my doings, how much I am bound, touching this Queen's daily resort to my wife's chamber: wherein your good interpretation shall never be deceived. True, I cannot avoid such resort, unless I kept fast the doors, so that she should think herself a strait prisoner; yet am ready and willing so to do, if her majesty command. Surely no man of understanding can think that I or my wife "wittingly" should be glad of such tedious hourly attendance to the want of our own liberties, as we fain would have: and where none of us can talk or hear without suspicion! One good I find in this resort, that thereby I feel more assured of her safe keeping. Though the talk has been ever on trifling matters, yet I know the peril of envious tongues, though I charge no person expressly. And assure you, were it not for her majesty's service, I would ere this time, have moved humbly for release from this "carefull burden." But hope her majesty doth trust me and my wife (notwithstanding all light reports) as her most faithful servants. My wife desires to be most heartily commended to you and my "Lady Cecil." Signed: G. Shrouesbury.

I give you right hearty thanks for your news, and trust you will remember me again.

2½ pp. Addressed. Indorsed (by Cecil's clerk): ". . . By M^r Borthwick."

1038. Mary to Elizabeth. [April [8].] Cott. Calig. C.I., fol. 409. App. I., No. 16.

Though much displeased at the false allegations of her rebels proclamations in Elizabeth's name, she cannot defer answer to her polite and favourable letter. Promises her faith that she has not had one single word from Scotland since arriving here, than the proclamation and letters of Lord Herries. Begs her good resolution on the urgent request which she last wrote by the present bearer—that whatever they do in Scotland, she will replace her in her state, for which aid after God, she will be solely indebted to her as nearest in blood and friendship. Herself or one of her servants will be ready to wait on and satisfy her as in her last letter. Begs her answer by the bearer as she hopes, for time and occasion require it. Thanks her for her favourable replies in other things, and begs credit for the bearer. Tutbury. Signed: Marie R.

1¼ pp. French. Holograph.

1039. Mary to Cecil. [April 8.] Cott. Calig. C.I., fol. 412.

"Mester Cisille": Though greatly pleased at the amiable letters of her good sister, and news of her country, yet as there are rumours which she cannot believe true, not wishing to importune his mistress, begs him to solicit her for speedy resolution of her pleasure on the request often reiterated, and last by this bearer, for whom she prays favourable audience: and thanks him for the good usage he has received often at his hands. Tutbury, "ce Vendredi saint." Signed: Votre bien bonne amye, Marie R.

1 p. Holograph. No flyleaf or address.

1040. The Regent to Cecil. [April 15.]

Commending the suit of 2 poor merchants of the realm, lately spoiled of their goods on the coast of Cornwall on their voyage from France to Scotland, on whose behalf he has written to the council. Edinburgh. Signed: James Regent.

½ p. Addressed. Indorsed.

1041. Maitland to [Cecil]. [April 16.]

On behalf of the bearers, Roger M^cNaucht of Dumfries, and George Clerk of Air, merchants, spoiled off the coast of Cornwall in January last, on their voyage from France, recommends the equity of their case to him as "trew puir men." Edinburgh. Signed: W. Maitland.

½ p. No flyleaf or address.

1042. Shrewsbury to Cecil. [April 17.] C.P., vol. III.

I see by your letter of 9^th, her majesty's pleasure touching the bishop of Ross, and will have regard thereto. I am presently removing to Wingfeld, where my wife has been "this senight" preparing it: and to be more sure of the bishop, I appointed lodging there for him and Lord Boyd—the best way (though to my charge) to avoid resort to him, and will keep a special eye. He has been here divers times since Borthwick brought the letters authorizing me, and shows more "ware demeanour." On Saturday (fn. 5) he went to Lichefeld to see the "mynstre" (he said) and Lord Heriford and others of the shire being there taking musters, "he reasorted unto him." This Queen has digested my last news of the Scottish proceedings, and has "uttered no passions or trouble of mynd," but only a few words of her hope that her friends will not agree against her. She thinks long for her man Sandy Bogg's return, whom she sent to Edinburgh (as I wrote). He is looked for within 2 or 3 days, and then she will send the Bishop to the Queen's majesty. I can affirm that since M^r Henry Knolles' departure, there have been very few hours of the day but she has been within my sight and hearing: and I see her thereby more quiet and tractable. Thanking you "for my dispensacion of S^t George day" and the French news. Tutbury. Signed: G. Shrouesbury.

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

1043. Shrewsbury to Cecil. [April 22.] C.P., vol. III.

This Queen arrived here last Wednesday, (fn. 6) and on the way there was no assembly of any sort, but she passed quietly. Only Sir George Hastings, (being at Tutbury with me the day before she left), not then seeing her, met her next day as she rode, with a gentleman of his acquaintance and 3 or 4 attendants: and talking with me for a mile, departed without talk between her and him or his party. Sandy Bog is not yet returned, whereat she is much troubled, and at not hearing otherwise as she hoped, fears proceedings there are not to her desire. The Bishop and Lord Boyd are lodged here, and she minds to send up the bishop immediately on Sandy's return, or other news. From my house of Wingfeld. "This S^t George even 1569." Signed: G. Shrouesbury.

1 p. Addressed. Indorsed.

1044. Mary to Cecil. Elizabeth. [April 23. 1569.] C.P., vol. III.

"Richt traist freind": It is not unknown to you that we came into this realm to seek the support of our good sister the Queen, and because of this good hope we deferred seeking aid of any other princes, resting only on her loving friendship: wherein we have "travelled thir ellevin monethis bygane" by our commissioners. Now trusting for a good and final resolution, we send the bearer our trusty councillor the Bishop of Ross to her. Praying you to advise your sovereign to aid and support our restoration to our own realm and authority, and to give our said councillor credit as to ourself. Wynkfeld. Signed: Your very good frinde, Marie R.

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

1045. Mary to Cecil. [April 24.] C.P., vol. III.

Her trust in the bearer the Bishop of Ross, forbids her saying more than to beg him to give him audience and credit as from herself, and such good counsel in his negotiation with the Queen her good sister as may advance her pressing requests. Winkfeld. Signed: Votre bien bonne amye, Marie R.

½ p. French. Holograph, also address. Indorsed (as last).

1046. Shrewsbury to Cecil. [April 27.] C.P., vol. III.

Yesterday afternoon Sandy Bog returned from Scotland, who repairs herewith, and with letters from this Queen to her majesty. He will declare how he was used in Scotland. After she had talked with him, she wept and lamented exceedingly till she went to bed, saying ofttimes she made small account of her own life, but to see her friends so spoiled for her sake was as grievous as death could be: and marvelled her good sister would see her so used, and like words. Her lips and whole face was greatly swollen—she would eat nothing at supper, but sat weeping, notwithstanding all the persuasion my wife and I used, that she should trust her majesty's goodness, assuredly bent to her. She heard all we said very quietly, but we could not appease her weeping. Wingfeld. Signed: G. Shrouesbury.

Postscript: As I have to deal with Sir John Zouche my neighbour touching her majesty's musters: I desire to know if I may confer with him here from time to time without offence? He is a man of worship, honest, wise and trusty in affairs.

1 p. Addressed. Indorsed (as last):," . . . of Sandy Bogs returne" etc.

1047. Shrewsbury to Scrope. [April 28.] C.P., vol. III.

"Copie":—As the Queen of Scots has presently despatched the bearer Andrew Hamelton to Scotland, on her business, "riding now on a browne baye gelding burnt on the hippe behynde," I pray you suffer him to pass and return quietly. My house of Wingfeld. G. Shrewsburye.

½ p. Indorsed (by Cecil's clerk) and (by Cecil): "A Monseigneur de Hammy[lton]; Erle Argile; L. Ogilvy; L. Fleming; Sir John Kyrnagy (?); erle of Craford; Malcolm Tosche; Master of Forbas; Shyrriff of Murray; La. of Innermark; La. of Grant."

1048. Considerations on the Bishop of Ross's Propositions. [April.] Cott. Calig. C.I., fol. 410.

First:—The greatest offence is the Queen of Scots' challenge of the Queen of England's title, delay in making any reparation, as she was bound to do—and though her majesty of her natural goodness and certain knowledge of her clear title and lawful possession of her crown, has conceived no "inward offence" or displeasure to said Queen thereby, yet the Bishop must consider how this offence may be remedied.

As her majesty likewise is informed that since her coming to this realm, the said Queen has, so far as she could, ceded her pretended title to this crown to the Duke of Anjou, this matter must be clearly understood, before others can be dealt with. There must also be some conference with the party of her son and subjects, after this matter of Anjou be answered.

3 pp. Draft by Cecil. Indorsement (if any) covered up.