Elizabeth: December 1579

441. James VI. to Elizabeth. [Dec. 27.]

Has considered her meaning touching her letters in favour of Claud Hamilton, his rebel, and, according to her desire, he called to him the Earl of Morton and the most part of the lords now living, who were commissioners at the conclusion of the pacification in February 1572–3. (Recapitalates the letters of the 11th of April 1573 (fn. 1), Elizabeth to Morton, and 9th of June 1573 (fn. 2), same to same.) Prays her to consider and think that, as he thankfully acknowledges her great favour, love, and benefits bestowed on him in his younger age, minding to be still grateful therefor, and firmly looking for the continuance of the same, so will he be most loth that her honour be touched by any his occasion. The murders of the Regents were thought, indeed, by his commissioners, at the conclusion of the pacification, matters of such weight that the Earl of Morton, then Regent, of himself could not conveniently remit; wherethrough it was accorded that, the matter being moved to her by the persons craving the remission, whatsoever she should counsel and advise touching the remission thereof, the said Regent, with the consent of Parliament, should observe and fulfil. So that not only is his [the King's] remission of necessity requisite, if those persons now prosecuted would crave impunity for the murders, but also she ought to have been moved by the persons craving the remission, and the declaration of her advice should have been sought and obtained in that which the Regent, with the consent of Parliament, should have performed, the condition of which performance is referred to the Regent for the time being, and not to him, and in all the time of his regiment it was effectually performed. For his part, in her advice of the 11th of April [1573], in plain and direct terms she declares her meaning that her advice should not be any prejudice to him, but that he, at the taking of the government to himself, might in that case do as should seem to him convenient. Specially respected her first advice as a ground in his late proceedings, and in truth knew of no further advice given heretofore till her last letter came to his hands, having most just cause to be ignorant of any such annexed condition to the former as now is mentioned; for, as it may appear, the Earl of Morton and the Council found no sufficiency in the letter of the 11th of April, but seeing her advice therein did not satisfy the cravers of the remission, ordained the Parliament to be continued till the last day of August following, before which her letter of the 9th of June had been procured upon a writing of the late Earl of Huntly, only adding to her former advice the said annexed condition, which since has lain obscure, without any approbation by public Act of Parliament or otherwise; and, indeed, if he had known the condition and been in state and age to have considered how far it touched him, there was cause to think himself thereby prejudiced, seeing her second advice not given upon the matter of the remission of the murders craved, which only and properly was committed to her, but restraining him, who was very young at the pacification making, and gave no promises or consent thereto, at the only motion of the said Earl of Huntly, beyond the bounds and time once fully and deliberately declared by her first advice, he nowise being astricted to the performance of anything whereunto she was not moved by the persons now prosecuted, but only by the Earl of Huntly, as her letter of the 9th of June testifies; neither was any remission at all granted to them by the Regent, or himself since he accepted the government, nor yet has his Parliament consented thereto, nor without the same can these guilty persons claim impunity, the remission being of necessity requisite, and the crimes being such that the Regent could not conveniently of himself remit. She then having declared her meaning not to prejudice him when he should take the government to himself, how should he then be bound by the condition given in a second advice without any motion of those two persons now his rebels, whereunto he never was made privy before this time? Yet he cannot but esteem her intention to have always tended to his honour and surety, and if anything in his late proceedings in this behalf may seem not agreeable with her advice, the same undoubtedly has been and is in the only default of the two brothers, John and Claud Hamilton, the murderers of his Regents, by their disdainful contempt of her and him, who in the space of almost seven years, knowing themselves in danger of the law, never made any motion to her for her advice touching the remission, nor urged any performance of her advice, with consent of his Parliament, of the Earl of Morton or of himself in the space of fifteen months after he had accepted the government, notwithstanding his Parliament held in the meantime, where great graces and favours were granted to many who suited the same; but those men daily watched to take advantage of his person and life how soon he should come to the fields, as they and their progenitors had dipped oft before in his blood, and murdered his dearest friends and kinsmen upon any inveterate malice and treasonable pretence to attain to his place and crown. Which weighty considerations being earnestly thought upon by him and his Council, foreseeing the peril that he might be subject to at his passing to the fields, if the two brothers had their resort and residence so near him, and that they had no remission for the murders by the pacification, nor had sought anything remitted to her advice to be performed with consent of Parliament, and that the laws of Scotland expressly provide that persons slandered and suspected of treason should be taken and remain in firmance, and their goods under sure "burrowes" while by the holding of any assize they were made quit or foul. It was, indeed, thought that he had just and necessary occasion, according to the laws and Acts of Parliament of Scotland, to command those persons to be arrested, to remain in firmance while they had held any assize; meaning how soon he had thereby provided his own present surety to have proceeded by her advice as well in this as other affairs of greatest moment. But they escaping and leaving their houses stuffed and garnished in warlike manner against him, and in contempt of his authority, to the violation of the pacification, he proceeded against them by justice and force, as in reason, honour and surety it behoved him, and made her acquainted with his proceedings in July last; wherewithal, at that time, she appeared nowise to mislike, but well content and satisfied. Yet seeing his just request to have the said Claud delivered to him makes her write and deal in this matter as though her honour, by his proceedings, should be touched —and he doubts not she is urged upon pretence of her promise by the suit of them and their favourers, who never meant honour or promise either to her or him—he says, for her satisfaction, that if the two brothers, John and Claud, simply depend on her mediation, that by her they would claim benefit and impunity, let them be delivered to him by her means, whereunto he requires her affectionately. Assures her on the word of a King—the circumstances of their persons and deservings being answered, and what were convenient for herself, being in the like case, respected—that in the prosecuting of them for the murders he will yet proceed and use them according to good advice to be given him, agreeable to honour, reason, and surety, considering also the persons of them that were so shamefully murdered being so near kinsmen to him, and so assured friends to herself; to the revenging of whose blood he hopes she will be as willing as he, remembering how the Earl of Murray was cut away in that very time when he had showed himself most ready to prosecute and apprehend her rebellious subjects who sought the overthrow of religion and of her own estate, his death being compassed for that cause, and the Earl of Lennox coming into Scotland and accepting the government by her own special advice and commendation. Touching the default of justice on the Borders, which she is informed to be on the part of his wardens, he has caused Nicholas Erington to be conferred with on the particular state of all the Borders, and trusts that as good reason has been shown him to the contrary, so will he report the truth, and so shall it prove in effect by the actions of him and his officers in all things that in justice and reason, and for the due observation of the peace and amity can be required, as she and her Council will perceive by some memorials in writing that he has caused to be delivered to him to be herewith sent to her. Holyrood House.

5⅓ pp. Copy. At the head: "To hir majestie from the King of Scots, xxvij of Decemb. 1579, in answere of hers of the vii of Nov. 1579, sent by Nicholas Arington." Notes in the margin. [With No. 442.]

442. Morton to Elizabeth. [Dec. 27.]

Has received her letter of the 7th instant, and has seen what she wrote to the King of Scots, and the declaration of Nicholas Arington, and has brought to the King's memory the true story of the time she writes of, the best he could, resting always inclined to further the things touching to the preservation of common quietness in the tender years of the King's government to his best ability, as God knows. But seeing she finds his late writing strange, considering his knowledge in the pacification, he trusts, upon examination of the cause and his proceedings, she will find whatever he promised to have been sincerely effected during the time of his regiment; since the demission whereof he has continued in the state of a private person to serve his highness as he was commanded. Hopes, notwithstanding, that by that answer she shall be sufficiently informed of the ground and order of his proceedings and meaning, and rest satisfied therewith, nowise thinking her honour "interessed" when the circumstances shall be well answered—namely, the deservings of the persons now prosecuted, that the Regents murdered were so near to her both by blood and alliance, and that the effect of her mediation was not seasonably accepted nor sought to be confirmed in Parliament. During the time of his regiment he spared not his labours to do good offices for the entertainment of the amity, for which he has the testimonials of her own letters, and thought he had deserved thanks at her hands therefor. Dalkeith.

1 p. Copy. At the head: "xxvij December 1579. From the Erle of Morton to her majesty." Notes in the margin [With No. 443.]

443. Murder of the Regents Murray and Lennox. [Dec.]

(1) Extracts from Elizabeth's letter to the Regent Morton touching the surcease from prosecuting the murders until the King's majority, and prosecution for spoils to be buried in perpetual oblivion, dated the 9th of June, 1573. See vol. iv., No. 686.

(2) Extracts from a memorial by the Regent Morton to Henry Killigrew, dated June, 1573, with regard to the Queen of England's advice, and the ground of the trouble remaining in her hands. See vol. iv., No. 702.

1 p. Copy.

444. Captain Errington to Walsingham and Secretary Wilson. [Dec. 31.]

Has received their letter of the 9th of November last with certain instructions from the Queen of England, letters to the King of Scots and the Earl of Morton, copies of such articles and letters as concern the pacification, a letter from the Privy Council, and a declaration and letter of Lord Hunsdon touching Border matters. Has been in Scotland and delivered her majesty's letters to the King and the Earl of Morton, and has made declaration to the King and Council there of all such articles from point to point and at length as are contained in her majesty's instructions, and used the effect of the same as well at the board as privately to the most advantage he could to have her majesty's honour repaired, being touched by the prosecuting of the two Hamiltons without her advice and counsel, and having debated the same matter and showed such sufficient testimony for six days together, expected some good resolution thereof by their promises that her majesty might be satisfied therein, and, leaving the same to their good considerations, promised to resolve them of all doubts that might serve to purpose touching the same; and, as he perceives the prosecuting with a rigorous act thereupon for the Hamiltons to be thought requisite as well by the King as the whole Estates of Scotland, their particular friends excepted, yet it has been told him by some of the greatest that all the promises passed between the Queen's majesty and the Earl of Morton, then Regent, as appeared by such articles and letters as he showed, were not known to them or explained before so amply as at present, but the matter being so far past, and the name of a Hamilton so odious, they could not with the King's honour and safety revoke that which was done, not doubting but that her majesty would be satisfied with such reasons as are contained in the King's letter sent herewith.

The Earl of Morton has by conference with him excused himself of the prosecuting not to be his deed, yet he is not altogether clear thereof, as the common bruit goes in that country; but not being made privy with the effect of the said letters—which he found some fault with, considering that he was to reply to anything contained in them that might touch her majesty in honour—he refers the said answers to the tenour of the said letters to her majesty's good consideration.

As to the instructions touching the Border matters, he informed himself sufficiently with the Warden of the Middle Marches and the deputy warden of the East Marches, together with his own simple experience, being not altogether a stranger to the customs and proceeding of the Border affairs, he finds the default of not meeting these five years past to be in the officers of Lyddisdale and West Teviotdale, who had neither authority nor assistance to do or execute their offices; and forasmuch as some stay of meetings and justice was made by the King to his Warden of the Middle Marches for want of a man to be delivered in lieu of one whom they delivered, and who was executed for the slaughter of George Foster, as they allege, for their King's honour and to have equality of justice according to the treaty of peace, presuming upon her majesty's instructions to offer all equality of justice that may be to the furtherance of good amity, he has promised to solicit her majesty for the delivery of some simple one, as is agreed on in the schedules herewith, and has with long debating of those causes concluded for meeting and justice to proceed in all points, as well for the time past as time to come, according to the tenour of the accord sent herewith, which they have solemnly promised to be observed and kept. The Wardens of England think the same may be accepted.

Touching the difficulty made on the East Marches for the trial of a fugitive, he agreed that the question should be omitted till the sight of a letter from her majesty [brought] by James Murray on the 29th of July last, to that effect, although the letter, being rightly construed, does not interrupt the deciding of the question by ordinary law prescribed, as will be approved at meetings by ancient borderers. Yet, forasmuch as her majesty's pleasure is that nothing be omitted that may extend to the furtherance of justice and the pretended amity, he has been content to attribute the fault of not meeting in equal balance, at their instance, although he had sufficient matter to the contrary, which could not be denied. That these matters may have speedy success, requests her majesty to give warrant that some simple thief and murderer—"whereof there is store"—may be delivered, whereby no occasion of cavelling be made to hinder the good course, as some would be glad there were for their better credit with those who have bred all these disorders, and were, as is well known, subborned by them.

Refers the rest to the contents of the King's letter and the orders agreed on herewith, together with some notes touching the present estate of Scotland.

3 pp. Copy. At the head: "From Captane Arington the last of December 1579, to Mr. Secretary Walsingham and Sec. Wi[l]son— report of his negotiaton." Notes in the margin [With No. 442.]

444. Border Causes. [Dec.]

"Memorie touching the Borddour causses delivered to Nicholas Erington, to be sent and communicate to our dearest sister and cossingge the quen of England or her Counsell, at Holierudhouse the [ ] daie of December 1579."

The King of Scots has caused him to be conferred with in the particular estate not only of the East and Middle Marches, but also to be informed touching the West March, and trusts that as good reason has been shown him that the default of justice has been altogether in his Wardens, so will he report the truth, and so shall it prove in effect by the actions of him and his officers in all things that in justice and reason, and for the due observation of peace can be required. But for the remedy of griefs, and that timely redress may be had for all attempts done and to be done, he is desirous to have delivery of a foul man, culpable of the slaughter of his subjects, by the Queen's Wardens. In his opinion it shall be meet, and not contrarious to the Queen's own mind declared in her answer returned with James Murray, that all the Wardens of both the realms with one or two other skilful and sufficient persons of either realm, authorised with commission, should meet in the spring. And whereas his dearest sister referred the time and place to him, and he delayed the same till the here coming of Lord Hunsdon, then hoped for; because of the necessary occasions of his stay, he has thought good to delay no longer, but to make the Lords Boyd and Herries, the Commendator of Newbottle, and the Clerk of his Register, or any two of them, to join with others of like quality whom it shall please his good sister to appoint, that they may meet at the frontiers at such convenient day and place as shall be agreed upon betwixt them. In which two points he is desirous to know the Queen's good mind and contentment as soon as may be. Signed: Dumfermlinge. Copia.

1 p. Indorsed in the same hand: "Memor. for Border causes, ultimo Decembris 1579."

445. State of Scotland. [Dec. 31.] Cott. Calig., C. V., fol. 197.

"Memoriall of the present state of Scotland."

The King still delights the fields in hunting and riding, yet he has but three or four horses. He is poor, his nobility rich, but may spare nothing which they possess for his aid without deadly feud.

There has been a device to have a guard of fifty men for the King, and a table to be kept for six Councillors or more, to be resident according to the order; who, being of their own charges may not continue long together. The wardens to have greater allowances for the better discharge of their offices. The Laird of Cesford has but 16l. by year, yet his wardenries great and troublesome, and he of good mind. All this would be done with 3000l., but it is not to be spared of his revenues. It is thought by some of the greatest and best minded that it were a better and more sure way if the Queen of England bestowed so much on the King for the said purpose. The King is truly well affected to the Queen of England. The name of the French King is to him odious, being advertised of his idle and licentious life, as the best about him have told the writer; which comes by the report of Monsieur D'Aubigny, being most familiar of all others with him. Let not this seem strange, notwithstanding the former bruits of him; for he has given forth in open speeches, that understanding the great benefits received by the Queen of England, he loves not the King neither can be a good Scottish man who will hinder the good amity betwixt the realms, or will the King to do anything without her advice, and for his part, where he shall do it or think it, let him be chased out of the country most unhonourable. He has "motid" to the writer great quittance of being most innocent of such bruits as have been made of him. He has written letters to the Queen of England. If it pleases her to requite the same with a few lines it can do no harm. For that he is in the King's ear most of any other, it must be secretly delivered to his hands, for causes, as he has the abbey of Arbroath, so has he the earldom of Lennox by composition, and expects the title shortly. He means in short time to leave his living in France to his second son, and set down his staff in Scotland. He seems to be of a good mild nature, well liked by most. The Earl of Argyll and he are great, and rule the Court at present, and will not be absent, to the discontentment of Morton and his. The Earl of Argyll seems to be very careful of the amity. He has written a letter to the Queen of England showing his good meaning.

There is as yet no speech of the King's marriage, but it is thought [he] will be looking to it shortly. He still gives out that he will never match with a Papist country. They have a great eye to Denmark, for that they had one of that country who was famous among them, and for divers other respects. The Earl of Argyll and his lady found it strange that her majesty would not make some offer to their King of some marriage. Answered that they were so proud that they would not bestow their King but with such conditions as were not requisite to be granted. Was answered, that if her majesty would make choice of one, they thought it would not be denied. Finds the good minds of that country to overbalance the evil minds.

The ministers continue still to persuade the amity, and are resolved of Monsieur D'Aubigny's good inclination to religion. The Earl of Morton has procured the King's licence to go over the seas for a space, and will procure the Queen of England's safe conduct, if by fortune of weather he be driven on the English shore. But many think he means it not; but would be desired to tarry at home, as though there could nothing be done without him. The rest say if he were farther off all things would be better done, and with more surety. He seems to be offended that the Queen of England does not either advance him above the rest, or else in his purse. He absents himself from Court and mislikes with the government. His signs have been great to the writer in these causes, but his doings have not performed the same.

Dunfermline is still about the King, and seems to mislike with Morton. His glass were run but that he is rich and the King poor. All these are clean contrary to the writer's former opinion of him. Finds all the young gentlemen about the King enemies to the hindrance of good amity, and divers of them have told him of the good speech of Monsieur D'Aubigny, and have heard him secretely speak these words of the French King as before.

A kinsman of Monsieur D'Aubigny's wife, called Monsieur Montbirneau, sends a letter herewith to his mistress and neighbour Lady Mauvissière, the French King's ambassador's wife, and is desirous at his passing home to France in the spring-time to see the Court of England. The Earl of Atholl marries Lord Ruthven's daughter. It is a question whether by that marriage Lord Ruthven will draw the Earl to the devotion of Morton, or the earl will draw Lord Ruthven to his devotion, who is as yet an enemy to Morton; but neither is thought to be of any great value.

The old Earl of Lennox has forsaken his wife, Atholl's sister, and is gone home again to St. Andrews to live more quietly there with a young wife, who is in a good forwardness to be married to James Stewart, as is thought.

Requests him to solicit the Queen of England's letters to Sir John Foster, Warden of the Middle March, that some simple thief may be delivered within one month, whereby no stay of this promised redress of the Borders may be. Also, that two may be named to assist the wardens for the causes specified in the accord. Mr Bowes, treasurer of Berwick, is wished to be one for his experience. It is meant specially for the West Borders, which are far out of order, as is alleged; and also to appoint order for slaughters for time past and time to come, which were most requisite to be reformed, and not to cut off any disorders by past, as had been looked for by some.

3⅓ pp. Copy. At the head: "Memoriall of the present estate of Scotland."

446. Captain Errington to the Privy Council. [Dec. 31.]

Having received their letters of the 8th of November, with a declaration and other letters from Lord Hunsdon touching the late spoils committed by the Scots in the East Marches of England, he has made his repair into Scotland, and communicated the same to the King and Council there, and has required redress for all the spoils by the subjects of Scotland. But finding such impediment and delays, notwithstanding the King's good inclination and some others, of the Council, by reason of the like spoils committed by the subjects of the Middle Marches of England on the subjects of Scotland, the causes being debated daily before the Council for five weeks, they could not bring the said offences to any conclusion; and having informed himself of all the doubts and questions depending thereupon, with the assistance of the Warden of the Middle Marches and deputy warden of the East Marches before his going thither, sufficiently to approve the whole defaults to grow by reason that the Warden of the Middle Marches of Scotland could not answer for his wardenry these five years, as he proved by sundry their own letters, which was promised and never performed. Yet unless he would yield the default to be in England for not delivering of a man to be executed, as they did, alleging no equality of justice, and that it touched their King so much in honour that they could not proceed in justice until they had the "semblable"; his persuasions of the odious murder of George Foster not to be equal with any other committed; her majesty's good deeds and great charges from time to time bestowed on them did not merit the stay of justice, for so small a cause would not serve but that the fault must be equally attributed to both sides, and one to be delivered, as is agreed by the accord sent herewith [sic]. And forasmuch as her majesty's instructions touching the Border causes wish that all equality of justice should be offered, that no default might appear to hinder the good proceedings therein, he was content at length to yield thereto, and having showed the wardens the orders agreed on, they allow thereof to be reasonable if her majesty likes of all other the King's answers touching the Hamiltons. And whereas it is agreed on that two shall meet on either side to assist the wardens in deciding of all difficulties, and putting order for slaughters for the time past and to come, it is not meant to cut off any attempts done, for he would not agree thereto, but it was rather meant for the aid of their own officers of the West and Middle Marches, which is here out of order.

As to the stay of meeting of the East Marches by reason of trial of a fugitive, he agreed that the trial should be omitted according to the tenour of her majesty's letter sent by James Murray, a copy whereof he incloses; yet the articles being rightly weighed and construed do not hinder the trial to be made by the common laws of the Borders, as was demanded by the deputy warden, and so he doubts not but it shall prove at their meeting. Notwithstanding their opinions therein they have taken sureties of all the chiefest surnames of Liddisdale to be answerable for their disorders, at the first meeting appointed, in 6000l., and have made solemn promise that justice shall be equally distributed for the part of Scotland according to the order herewith set down under the Secretary's hand; and if want of sufficient delivery of goods be in them, their sureties are like to hang, for so the King has commanded; some judge there will be many outlawed, they have so much to answer for.

Carmichael continues still Keeper of Lyddisdale,; it ([considering] the particular quarrels betwixt Cesford and him for the Earl of Morton his master's causes) cannot but be a hindrance to justice. Truly the Laird of Cesford has kept East Tivydale very well from any great attempt since the treaty in June last, and is willing to continue with goodwill if he might be assisted. It is ordered that Carmichael shall be answerable to him for Lyddisdale and most Tyvydale, but there will be devices to remove Carmichael, so that he be possessed in the whole office, as reason is. The King likes well of Cesford, and wishes his fee to be augmented, being but 16l. per annum; but he wants himhimself, "and God knoweth a poore King, and rich noblemen and yet spare the King nothing." Craves pardon for his long abode in Scotland, yet truly the King and Council daily occupied in these causes to the last day of his departure, and very hardly brought to pass, and yet will breed a terror to the thieves and alterations in their former customs if all things contained be duly performed according to the order set down herewith. Berwick

3 pp. Copy. At the head: "From Captane Erington ultimo Decemris 1579. to the Lords touching Border matters." [With No. 448.]

447. An Accord for Border Matters. [Dec. 31.]

It is accorded that there shall be meeting kept and ordinary justice done between the Wardens of the East Marches and their deputies, and the bill against Cuthbert Cranston to be omitted; that there shall be meeting kept betwixt the Warden of the Middle Marches of Scotland and the warden deputy of the East Marches of England, and at the meeting, first of all, due answer shall be made for the slaughter of Thomas Trotter, Scotsman, or such other slaughter as shall be complained of at the Marches. Next, the attempts lately committed since the treaty betwixt the Wardens in June last to be filed and delivered without delay, and for all other attempts committed before, to proceed also in sifting thereof, omitting the delivery till the return of the Queen of England's answer to such notes as concern the East and Middle Marches of England, now delivered to Nicholas Erington; that there shall likewise be meeting of the Wardens of the Middle Marches, and the bills already filed to be delivered, as also the attempts committed since the treaty between the Wardens in July last to be filed and delivered by the Wardens on either side without delay, and for all other attempts committed before, to proceed in filing thereof, omitting the delivery thereof till the return of the Queen of England's answer aforesaid. For the more speedy execution thereof a meeting shall be kept betwixt the Wardens of the Middle Marches of England and the warden deputy of the East Marches thereof, on the one part, and the Warden of the Middle March of Scotland, on the other, at Stawford, on the 27th of January, where they may proceed as far as is possible upon the performing hereof that day, and agree upon further meetings for accomplishing of the rest, and the said Nicholas in the meantime shall earnestly solicit the Queen of England's pleasure for the delivery of a man foul of slaughter committed on the King's subjects of Scotland, and that order may be taken for punishment of the committers of slaughter in time past and to come. At the meeting all unlawful prisoners taken on either side and all bands and promises for their ransoms shall be discharged by proclamation.

1¾ pp. Copy. At the head: "An accorde for Border matters made ultimo Decemb. 1579." [With No. 448.]

Cott. Calig., C. V., fol. 199, b.

Another copy of the same.

448. Border Causes. [Dec.]

Copy of No. 444.

449. Embassages of Thomas Randolph. Elizabeth. [1579]

In September, 1558, Mr. Randolph came to Scotland and brought the Earl of Arran from France. December, in the same year, he returned to England and brought with him Secretary Lethington with secret commission from certain Lords called "of the Congregation." March, in the same year, Lord Grey, of England, was general to besiege Leith, where the Frenchmen were inclosed. There he [Randolph] continued till April, 1561, when he returned to England. In 1562 he returned to Scotland with a solemn embassage in company with Sir Henry Sidney, who left him there ambassador for her majesty to the Queen of Scotland, where he remained till October, 1566. In 1567 and 1568, so far as the writer can remember, he was sent into Moscovia and to the King of France. In February, 1569, he returned to Scotland ambassador from her majesty, and procured the Earl of Lennox to be created Regent, during whose time he remained there six months, when he returned to England. In March, 1571–2, he returned ambassador to Scotland in company with Sir William Drury. In February, 1577, he was sent ambassador to the King of Scotland with a rich present of jewels from her majesty, the Earl of Morton at that time being Regent. In 1579 he was sent ambassador to the King of Scotland for the relief of the Earl of Morton, detained at that time in Dumbarton. "The last tyme is to your selfe knowen."

1¼ pp. Indorsed.

450. Adam Fullerton to Walsingham.

"Yf it maie please your honor" to call to mind the great care and travail taking by me the space of two-and-a-half years in England, and that for the spoils done to the merchants of Scotland by the English pirates, who were "persewed" by me only on my own charges, except 72l. sterling delivered to me by the said merchants, and how earnest and diligent I have been to stay the fury of the merchants and mariners, who loved not the standing of the godly amity betwixt the two crowns, to seek any extraordinary revenge for their spoiled good, discharging me by their letters to insist in their cause, which in nowise I could or would do, seeing her majesty and Council offered all reason, with justice, to [be] ministered to me, as if I had been one of her highness' subjects, and that the said suit has been to the great detriment of my goods, and losing of time, I being "ane merchand of my calling extending to 700l. sterling."

Secondly.—"Not doubting" but your honor has had good experience how careful some of our country (not of the meanest estate) have been "excercysit" to stir up sedition and discord betwixt the two realms, and, especially, persuaded some of my friends whose goods were spoiled by the pirates—which was sufficiently proven by me before the judge of the Admiralty, and redress promised "be the fynes," and for non-satisfaction made to them according to promise—to seek redress extraordinarily, were it not that I was moved by love I bear to the quietness of both realms to satisfy their enterprise, whereby such things should not be done by any of my friends. I was compelled to mortgage my lands for recompense of their whole "prowes," extending to 700l. sterling, whereof 600l. were received from the friends of that pirate Calleis.

Thirdly;—seeing my long remaining here, and others with me, at the time of my "persute" I was enforced to contract great debts, etc. Therefore I beseech your honour to solicit her majesty that I may have recompense for the cause I have now in hand, either by the fines or some other way, as her majesty and honourable Council think most expedient.

½ p. Closely written. Indorsed in the same hand: "Some breiff informationis gewin in be me Adame Fullerton to the right honorable and his veyry good lord Sir Francis Walsinghame cheiff secretar to her majestie and on of her hienes most honorable Previe Consell."

451. Letter from Sir Henry Cobham. Cott. Calig., C. V., fol. 162.

Cannot say how it comes to pass, but they have bruited it so in this Court, that the Duke of Brabant should be so evil satisfied in Flanders that he intends to return to these parts. The French King has promised he will introduce the decree of the Council of Trent in France, on condition that the Pope will grant he may for certain years enjoy the tenths and sell some Church lands. The Pope's nuncio about four days past delivered money to the Scottish Queen's minister, to whom the Scottish Queen wrote that they had placed all their trust in the Pope for the redeeming of the King of Scots, on whose liberty depend their lives and better estate; which letters were delivered by Morgan to the Scottish Queen's minister here.

½ p. Extract.