Elizabeth: January 1580

Calendar of State Papers, Scotland: Volume 5, 1574-81. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1907.

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'Elizabeth: January 1580', in Calendar of State Papers, Scotland: Volume 5, 1574-81, (London, 1907) pp. 376-378. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/scotland/vol5/pp376-378 [accessed 24 March 2024]

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452. Answer of Lord Claud Hamilton. [Jan. 29. 1579–80.]

"The Lord Claud Hamilton's answere to the articles conteined in the King's letter, 28 Decemb. 1579, wherewith he is charged."

Is informed that report is made to the Queen of England that he had been "arte and part" of the abominable murder of the King of Scotland, and the inventor and causer of the slaughter of the Earls of Murray and Lennox, and that in May last he put himself with a great company in arms against the King, and "caused holde" the castle of Hamilton contrary to the King. Answers anent the murder, that neither he nor any of his name were either "arte," part, or counsel giver thereto, nor had wit or knowledge thereof, and is content to abide trial of the same before her. Was neither the inventor, causer, nor doer of the slaughter of the Earls of Murray and Lennox. It is to be considered that at those times he did not profess the King's obedience; James Hamilton was received after the slaughter of the Earl of Murray into those places where he was, and that he was upon the ground with a very small number when the Earl of Lennox was slain, and knew nothing of the doing thereof; therefore the same was the cause why they refused to subscribe the pacification till the Queen of England's ambassador promised in her name that by her good means remission should be obtained for them touching those facts.

Is sure that none depending on him, or of his causing, put on armour against the King since the concluding of the pacification, or gave counsel or command to hold Hamilton Castle contrary to the King. But, on the contrary, as soon as he got knowledge that some of their "unfrendes" had moved his highness to wrath against them "to be execute by way of deed," he withdrew himself in quiet and sober manner out of the country where he was wont to dwell four days before the inclosing of the said house. Gave no counsel to hold Hamilton Castle. Paisley was rendered at the first requiring thereof. Declares this on his soul and honour to be truth. Holborn.

Begs her majesty to receive his purgations of these crimes, and that he may speak with her before his departure, when he will deliver such information as he presently remembers of his just cause. Prays her to take this letter in good part. Holborn.

2 pp. Copy. Notes in the margin in the hand of (Walsingham's secretary).

Another copy of the same [With No. 583.]

453. Robert Bowes to Leicester. [Jan. 30.] Cott. Calig., C. III., fol. 580.

By the occasion of the small accidents falling in these parts since his last, has thus long abstained from writing. The state of Scotland is little altered. The same is more attentive to behold the success of things with them than hasty to determine on their own, resolving that after the sight of matters settled with them they will set down a course for themselves. Alday, the English messenger sent from the King of Denmark with pretence to sue for the apprehension of Clerk, the English pirate, is returned with favourable despatch in that part. But when he sought to understand of some great personages whether his master's ambassador coming to treat for marriage with the King should be welcome and well entreated, he was thereon despatched without answer or commission to say or do anything in that behalf. Nevertheless, some think that the King of Denmark will shortly send thither in that errand, and that he shall little prevail in the same.

Trusts it is known to him that the Earl of Argyll and his wife, in conference with Mr Errington, wished that the Queen of England would be now as careful for the King's good match in marriage as she has been before for preservation of his estate and person, concluding that if her majesty pleased to commend any of her own blood, that would not be refused. Wherein they and many others in especial favour with the King are ready to do all good offices. This is "remembered" by Mr Errington and advertised up. The condition of this time and that State promise great advantage to effect her majesty's good pleasure to her best contentation. The Earl of Morton, in an eloquent oration, exhorted the nobility and Council to concord among themselves, and to oppose and end the feuds abroad, persuading that it was more needful for them to beware when their neighbours house was on fire; which he applied to England. By this and by some uncertain bruits from France many there remain in expectation of great things with them [the English].

The Wardens met on Wednesday last, doing great justice, with promise of further progress, so that the Borders are presently in good quiet. Berwick. Signed: Robert Bowes.

pp. Addressed. Indorsed.