Elizabeth: July 1580

533. Burghley to the French Ambassador. [July 1.] Cott. Calig., C. VI., fol. 60.

Requests him not to impute want of goodwill to him although he does not particularly answer the letters which he receives from him daily, but rather to the imperfection of the language, of which he confesses himself so devoid that he desists nearly altogether to write to him. Assures himself of the affection and good zeal which he bears to the Queen of England, and during some discourse which he had lately with her, he let her know the great regard he had for her health, in sending so often by his people to know how she was in her last sickness, and the desire that he had for her good convalescence, and by such and other more affectionate words assured her of his sincere affection herein, as much as the most affectionate of her own subjects, and more so than some. Thereupon her majesty answered him very honourably that she had good knowledge and was long sensible of it, and with good and gracious words showed herself marvellously satisfied and contented of his good behaviour in all his actions, giving him commandment to let him understand on her part what is the cause why he now writes to him. Requests that he will receive this his notification as a declaration of the inward conception which her majesty has of the amity which he bears as much to her as to her State, not less than the most affectionate of the most noble of her subjects. As to the negotiation of the Prince of Condé, assures him that he has set out with satisfaction at the good and honourable treatment he has received here, being advised to sue for peace by all means by the clemency of the King of France. He cannot show himself more affectionate to the Queen of England than by employing all his good means in France to change the King's indignation into royal and paternal commiseration for his poor subjects and realm by stopping the imminent war and recalling the great lady of peace so long sent into exile.

1²/3 pp. French. Copy.

534. Elizabeth to James VI. [July 5.]

Having made Lord Claud Hamilton and the Lord of Arbroath acquainted with his letter of the 20th of May, in answer to hers of the 22nd of February, they acknowledge his resolution as of singular favour to them, submitting themselves most willingly to what trial soever should seem meetest to him, refusing all further mediation on her part, and favour and grace from him if they should be found guilty of those grievous crimes wherewith they yet stand charged, only craving that his favour may be thus far extended towards them, in respect that they have many and mighty enemies in Scotland, it is not so fit for their surety to have their cause tried in England, that the examination and trial of themselves and their cause may be committed to some such commissioners as he shall best like of, for they refuse none, and that the commissioners may have some place and time appointed in England to sit upon the matter. Finding their request to be reasonable, and considering that within a short time her commissioners for Border matters are to meet together, she has thought good to recommend the same to him and to pray him that at this her earnest request he would be content to yield to this her motion and to make choice of certain commissioners for that purpose, who, either coming in the company of the others who are for the Border causes, or being the same, and sufficiently authorised, may, in some convenient place to be appointed in England, proceed to such trial of the cause as by him shall be ordered and appointed.

1 p. Copy. [With No. 594. Fol. 105b.]

535. James VI. to Robert Bowes. [July 5.]

Amongst a great number of "reifis" and spoils committed by certain English pirates upon our subjects in this very last month, it is "rycht heavelie lamentit" unto us by certain of our merchants of Dundee and St. Johnstone how that on the 28th day thereof, as they were in their journey foreanent Flamborough Head, they were set on by a pirate carrying 24 pieces of ordnance within her, and "spuilzeit" of their laidening; wherein, besides their whole substance, they had "imployit" their utter credit, amounting to 60,000l. Scots. The barque they judge to have "retirit her within thay boundis," and to be still betwixt Berwick and Hull. What amity this is, and how great "herschippis" the same has carried with it these three years bygone to the estate of merchants within this realm—far above the calamities sustained by them in time of war—we leave to your indifferent judgment, and for the present will "alanerlie" request you, for that they give some probability that the "committeris" thereof were some "ordinaris" under your government, you will for our cause employ your mean to see what trial you may have of the instruments thereof, that we may know whom to challenge in our letter to be directed to your sovereign thereupon; and hereof to return us your advertisement with diligence, for it is thought that the "Flanderis guidis" which they have intromitted with will easily bewray them o . . . cost. We pray you therefore to "spair" such pains as y[ou] may to bring the same to light. The "birth" of the barque, . . . it may further you thereto, was three score tons. St. Johnstone. Signed: James R.

¾ p. Addressed. Indorsed.

536. Robert Bowes to Burghley and Walsingham. [July 9.]

Sent an especial messenger with her majesty's letters to the Earl of Morton, and with some letters from himself to him and others for the expedition of that cause and to stay the execution of the intended alteration in Court: in which behalf the messenger has continued in Scotland ten days, attending chiefly the receipt of the answer from the Earl of Morton, and he has prevailed by especial help to put over hitherto the enterprise for the change, which surely is very like to take effect in the end of this month, at the convention of the Council commanded to assemble at St. Andrews on the 19th instant, where sundry matters of innovation in that State will be moved, and are holden very sure to find undoubted success to the desire of the Earl of Lennox and his friends, except timely remedy be found by her majesty's good means. The messenger returned to him on Thursday last (fn. 1) with promise that he should receive letters from the Earl of Morton that night or the next day answering her majesty's last to him Which letters Morton would commit to none other—for safety and to avoid suspicion—than to his own servant. But having neither received nor heard anything from the earl contrary to the effect of the appointment, and distrusting some unfortunate interception, or other untimely let, he has thought good first to advertise thus much to him, and next to send his servant again to bring him speedily certain understanding of the occasion of this delay, and the true standing of the matter.

The Earl of Morton purposed to be at Court before the said convention, and to be present thereat, and afterwards to attend on the King to his own house at Aberdore. He will do his endeavour to prevent all sudden or suspicious alterations, and give good regard to his own person, which he sees to be shot at. The Lord Herries, the Lord of Newbottle, and all other the friends and favourites of the Earl of Lennox and the associates at the Falkirk are sent for to convene at St. Andrews at this convention, whereby many wise think the Court will be weltered against the contrary party.

Lennox's greatness is exceedingly increased, and the King so much affectionate to him that he is only delighted with his company, and thereby he carries the sway, obtaining great favour amongst the boroughs by the commendation of their suits to the King, and especially in Aberdeen, where he procured the King's revocation of the fishing granted by the Earl of Morton in his regency to George Aphlecke, his servant; and which fishing the King gave to the town of Aberdeen, at the suit of Lennox, for the townsmen.

Alexander Stewart, late Captain of Blackness, is returned out of France with letters to the Earl of Lennox from the bishop of Ross and others, with great suspicion of some privy practice to be attempted as well as in the enticement of the King to visit France, as also for device of sudden hurt to the Earl of Morton. Whereof Morton being warned first by himself, is also by others advised to beware.

The three Frenchmen lately arrived at Newcastle and come to the Earl of Lennox with letters from his brother-in-law in their favour, are entertained by him as soldiers seeking pay there. They are suspected to intend some evil enterprise, and to pass away upon the execution of the same.

The King escaped great danger by the fall of his horse upon him. In the rescue whereof his servants then about him sought to have killed the horse with their swords, yet the King and horse at length were saved without hurt.

The King is presently entering, as it is thought, into this new disease, whereof 3000 or 4000 at once in Edinburgh were suddenly sick. The same sickness reigns generally in this town, beginning with pains in the head or eyes, sores in the throat and breast, in nature of a cold. None have died thereof as yet in this town, and very few died in Edinburgh, notwithstanding that all the inhabitants in manner were visited.

Three merchants of Dundee coming from Flanders with small wares last month were robbed on the seas before Flamborough Head by the English pirates in a ship of three tops. They have made complaint to the King and Council, desiring to be suffered to seek their amends at the seas. Herewith the King has been much troubled many ways; for the Council have showed him that that nation has received greater loss of late by English pirates than it did in any wars or on the Borders. Some of his servants in his chamber have in his bed-chamber persuaded that it was done with her majesty's sufferance, and the merchants thus spoiled, together with the town of Dundee, have been exceeding earnest to be licensed—or at least overlooked—in seeking their redress. Nevertheless, the King of himself resolved to write to her majesty, trusting to find such remedy at her hands as ought to content him and them, and his letters to this effect are commanded to be put in readiness. Berwick. Signed: Robert Bowes.

2 pp. Addressed. Indorsed.

Copy of the same.

Another copy of the same. [With No. 594.]

Cott. Calig., C. VI., fol. 54.

Extract from the same.

537. Lord Ruthven to Robert Bowes. [July 10.]

The King of Scots has written to him [Bowes] to see what trial he may have of the pirates who spoiled the merchants of Dundee. Requests him to return his answer as soon as he conveniently can. Requests a passport for the bearer to pass along the coast of England to essay what trial may be had, if need require. Prays him to make him participant of any late news from foreign countries. Perth. Signed: Ruthven.

1 p. Addressed. Indorsed.

538. Lord Claud Hamilton to Walsingham. [July 15.]

Received his letter with 150l. which the Queen of England appointed to be given to him, for which he renders her most humble thanks. This bearer was directed from Lord John Hamilton to know what he had heard concerning their relief. Before his departure he [Claud] would be glad to speak with the Queen privily or otherwise. Kingston. Signed: Claud Hamilton.

½ p. Holograph. Addressed. Indorsed.

539. Morton to Elizabeth. [July 16.]

"Pleas it zoure majestie"; having considered the contents of your letter of the 22nd of June and the danger of the matter mentioned in the same, I cannot but praise your highness' great care had of the King my sovereign and his estate, and most humbly to thank your majesty for your favour borne to myself. I have always, as God knows, been a faithful servant to the King my master, as I mind to continue to the end in all things, chiefly that may tend to his preservation and entertainment of the amity betwixt your majesty and your country; and for the great love and goodwill that I saw your highness continually bear toward him and his estate, I thought myself ever bound to do you honour and service, and [I] continue in the same mind and disposition. But now, if I (being but one of his nobility and Council) should take upon me singularly to lay a course or "platt" unto your highness in matters so highly concerning his majesty and his estate without his own advice and knowledge, I might be judged presumptuous and an undutiful subject well worthy of punishment for my labour; wherein I doubt whether your majesty should in effect allow me, or if you could like any of your councillors attempting the "semblable" matter in your own estate, without your privity. "Alwyse," if it shall please your majesty to travail in that matter wherein your highness perceives such peril, there shall be found honourable men and loving subjects to the King's highness my sovereign, ready to give their faithful and true counsel in all things tending to entertain the amity betwixt your majesties and your realms, and to stay all evil and dangerous practices invented and devised to the contrary; and for my own part my goodwill and affection to that end shall nowise want, God willing. Dalkeith. Signed: Mortoun.

²/3 p. Addressed. Indorsed.

Copy of the same. [With No. 594.]

540. Hunsdon to the Privy Council. [July 18.]

Whereas it seems by their letter that Mr. Bowes had written to him to send his advice to them touching the time to begin the mutual redress, truly he received no such letter from him. Indeed, he wrote to him to know his opinion therein, which he answered long since in this sort, that he thought it most fit and convenient to begin from the death of the Earl of Murray, because at his first coming to that charge there had been so great spoils, murders, and burnings of towns committed, whereof some of them were recent, and the fires not quenched at his coming down. The said earl being then Regent, having great goodwill to do justice and to keep the amity between these two realms, came with sundry others to the Borders and lay at Kelso eight or ten days, and came every day into England, to Reddenburne, where the days of truce are commonly kept for these wardenries, where he [Hunsdon] met him, and sometimes went to Kelso to him, when they examined all the rolls, and the greatest attempts attempted on both sides were then filed and delivered up in such sort that he received at that time delivery of 8,600l. and odd, to the great benefit of her majesty's subjects. Within three months after, by his commandment to the Wardens of Scotland, he had another meeting with them, at which he received redress of 6000 and odd hundred pounds, and so continued meetings and administered justice duly to the contentment of the subjects of both the realms, as is apparent by the rolls of England and Scotland; which continued to the day of his death. But the very next day, his death being known to the borderers, they made a sudden and open foray into his wardenry, and the Earl of Westmorland and other of her majesty's rebels with them, wherein they not only carried away cattle, sheep, and horses, but took away the principal men prisoners, and ransomed them, which is the principal cause that they of the east wardenry allege why they are so ill horsed and furnished at this day. If they now seek to begin at a further day, the Privy Council will find that they mean nothing less than to have this commission to go forward, at least to take any effect, but with subtle shifts and crafty delays to drive off the Queen of England's subjects from their own, being, indeed, so far beforehand with them that they are not able to make redress without impoverishing their Borders greatly, especially the tenants and friends of the Earls of Angus and Morton, who are the principal men that have committed the greatest spoils and done the greatest outrages on her majesty's subjects within the East and Middle Marches; which has been the only stay of justice thus long.

Is not able to give advice from what day to begin redress of the West and Middle Marches; but for the East wardenry he cares not from what day they begin, for he is well assured, if there may be due redress made according to the laws of the Borders, the longer day they begin the more gain it shall be to her majesty's subjects under his charge. But surely it is evident they do not mean to proceed in this commission—at least it cannot be the 10th of next month. If the commissioners begin from 1563, then the whole wardenries must have warning by proclamation to bring in their plaints and griefs to the wardens, who must have them at least a seven-night or ten days before to consider on; for the offenders must be arrested on both sides, which will require at least three weeks or a month; and that being done, let the commissioners sit together day by day, they shall not end the matters of all the Borders in three months. Thinks they do not mean to do justice to England, for he has received letters this morning by which he understands that some of the Earl of Morton's friends greatly scorn that Mr. John Selby, the gentleman porter of Berwick, should be in the commission, and will seek all the means they can to have some other in his place, because they know that he is the only man of experience in Border causes who remains at this day either in the East or Middle Marches.

2 pp. Copy. In the margin: "From the Lord Hunsdon to the Lords." Notes in the margin in the hand of (Walsingham's secretary). [With No. 594. Fol. 104 b.]

541. Lord Scrope to Walsingham. [July 18.]

Is willed by the Privy Council to certify them what prejudices or inconvenience might come to the Queen of England's subjects under his office if the general redress between the two realms should begin from the time of the last treaty, wherein he was a commissioner, in 1563. At the time of that treaty, Lord Herries being Warden opposite to him, Herries and he proceeded so far in redress that there rested between them only ten bills on the one side and six on the other undressed, so that there was no great matter between them. But Herries being discharged from that office about the time of Lord Darnley's marriage with that Queen, there was no other warden placed in that room for four or five years, till the Earl of Sussex entered. In the meantime the troubles being great in Scotland, whereby divers of them were spoiled because they made their obedience to the King, so that if the Borders should be found to make redress for their attempts done in that time against the adherents of that Queen, they are no ways able to answer them. Notwithstanding, if they be no further charged in that time but with such attempts as were done against any person who depended on the King, the same may be very well answered and redressed. Has been very sick, and if the commissioners hold the 10th of August he fears he will not be able to travel. Carlisle.

1 p. Copy. In the margin: "To Sir Fran. Walsingham from the L. Scroupe."[With No. 594. Fol. 107.]

542. Robert Bowes to Burghley and Walsingham. [July 19.]

Received the packet of the 7th of this month with the Queen of England's letter to the King of Scots in the behalf of Lords John and Claud Hamilton on the 13th, and on the morrow sent a gentleman to the Court in Scotland with her majesty's letter, and his own to the Abbot of Dunfermline, the King's principal Secretary, entreating him thereby to make delivery of her majesty's letter to the King, and to advance the expedition of the return of the bearer with the King's answer to her majesty in writing, and with good success in the errand. Wherein the Secretary has promised his travail and diligence to be showed at the assembly of the Council at St. Andrews, beginning this day. Before which time no order could be taken in that or other cause of weight. Since his next letter before this, has sent two special messengers at several times as well to understand the cause of the delay of the answer of the Earl of Morton to the Queen of England's late letters—as was promised—as also to persuade him to the performance of the same. Wherein he finds him much troubled what to resolve, appearing very desirous to satisfy her majesty with all good offices in his power, and yet he staggers and is loth to set down or command any plot to her, thinking the same may turn many ways to his exceeding prejudice. In which behalf he marvels, as he says, to be thus pressed, seeing he has ever fled from being the deviser of any plot. Nevertheless, he has always declared his readiness and consent to follow and advance such course as the Queen of England should set down for preservation of the amity and mutual profit of both Princes and realms, like as by his letters of the 10th of May last will partly appear; whereby it is certified, that albeit upon sight of the inconsistency of counsellors and other dangers in the State, he had determined to have drawn himself to quietness, yet he was contented to take his part in any plot to be devised for the entertainment of the amity and removing of all impediments, wherein he would employ himself and his force, and with timely intelligence, to prevent evils, he would remain at Court to stay inconveniences, provided that his charges might not oppress his decayed state. Moreover, he had commended this course in secret to him [Bowes], and which he has before made known, that it might please the Queen of England to entertain the King by some bounty, and chiefly by loan of such sums as her majesty pleased to spare, whereby the King, the nobility, and all the realm should be bound to her, and her highness should by that mean win such interest that few matters should be determined without her advice, and thereby he and other noblemen joining with him might with more ease and safety effect all things to her best contentment, Besides, it was also advised that the Queen of England should call for and receive the bonds of especial noblemen and merchants to be bound for repayment of the sum to be lent, taking such as were chiefly devoted to her, to the intent that under colour of their bonds and to seek their own indemnities they might the more openly perform and do good offices to her. Albeit the promise of this loan was persuaded to be done with speed for contentment of the King and State, yet the delivery needed no haste. Albeit he cannot hitherto certainly affirm what he [Morton] will finally conclude and do herein, because he has taken time to be advised with his friends at Court, where he is now present, promising to return answer by letters to her majesty by his servant attending for the King's letters to her, yet has thought it his duty, upon sight of his disposition herein, to make the same known to him.

Upon new consideration the King of Scots has stayed his letters intended to have been sent to the Queen of England for redress in the late piracies committed against the merchants of Dundee and others, and has now chosen to write to him [Bowes] to such effect as will appear by his letters inclosed. Because in the re-delivery of the bills that the pirates had taken in the spoil from the merchants the Scottishmen received therewith at the hands of one of the pirates an indenture made betwixt two soldiers of this town for binding the son of one of them apprentice to the other, and making mention of the names of the parties and their captains, therefore the Scots conceive that the committers of these piracies were soldiers in pay in this town. Finds that, according to the words of the indenture, Nicholas Walton, soldier under Captain Errington, had purposed to have bound Robert Walton, his son, apprentice to Richard Favour, soldier under Captain Carye, for whom the draft of the indenture was framed on paper and brought by the scrivener to the parties to be perused. Whereupon the parties, upon disagreement in covenants, broke off, leaving the draft in the hands of the scrivener, who last month gave the paper—being the same that the Scots received from the pirates—to one William Bredeman, late soldier here, now departed hence in Henry Moyle's barque, who before was driven in at Holy Island by distress of weather, declaring himself to be employed by warrant showed in her majesty's services for Spain. These two soldiers and the scrivener have been in this town about three months, and well acquit themselves. But the matter falls hardly upon Bredyman, who is entered into the ship with Moyle and one more in pay of this town, and three rascal fellows with them. The Scots affirm that Moyle and his company have committed these piracies. Learns the barque is towards Ireland.

Lord Ruthven, Lord Treasurer, has lost in this spoil a mass of bullion of 3000l. Scots to have been coined for the King. Incloses a letter from him.

This cause is right hotly taken, whereupon many of his friends have sent him word that they dare not write to him, nor know how to deal now with an Englishman. Requests them to put all things in readiness to be sent to the commissioners for the Borders, who are to meet at this town on the 10th of August.

The Earls of Lennox, Atholl, and Montrose, Lord Ruthven and sundry others are visited with the new disease reigning in Scotland, and come also to this town, and wherewith he and his whole household have met. By the sickness of the lords bent to have had an alteration of the Council at this Covention, and by the presence of the Earl of Morton and others, who are sufficiently prepared to prevent the same, trusts this assembly at St. Andrews at the end of this month shall pass over more peaceably than was looked for and intended. Berwick. Signed: Robert Bowes.

3½ pp. Copy.

Cott. Calig., C. VI., fol. 62.

Original of the same.

543. Commission for George Douglas. [July 20.]

It is given in commission to George Douglas to follow the counsel of the Dukes of Guise and Du Maine, the Cardinal their brother, and the Queen mother in all his affairs. Has letters to present to the King and Queen mother, with commandment given to him, that if the King of France will receive his letters and credence as from the King of Scotland, and not as from the Prince thereof, then to enter into treaty with their majesties, and to desire that the league and ancient alliance may be renewed, and so thereon that an ambassador may be sent from Scotland for accomplishing of the same; and in the meantime to require some support and money in respect of the Scottish King's necessity through the civil wars in Scotland. If this be not granted, he has commission to show their majesties how the Scottish King shall be constrained to seek support of other Princes by reason of the evil will of the Queen of England.

1¼ pp. Copy. Indorsed: "The note of Geo. Douglas' commyssyone, 1580, July 20."

Cott. Calig., C. VI., fol. 64.

Another copy of the same.

544. James VI. to Robert Bowes. [July 26.]

The bearers hereof, Mr. John Douglas, Francis Cockburn, and Thomas Ballenden, his subjects, purposing through England to France, desires him to grant them favourable and ready passage through the bounds committed to his charge, without any trouble or molestation to be offered to their persons, horses, or goods. St. Andrews. Signed: James R.

¼ p. Addressed. Indorsed.

545. [Privy Council] to Robert Bowes. [July 27.]

Whereas the Privy Council understand by the Abbot of Dunfermline's letter dated the 11th instant that it is desired by the King and Council of Scotland that the redress might go back to the time of the last peace, in 1563, the consideration of which the Queen of England committed to them, they found it strange that sores so long wrapped up on both parts, and as it were clean extinguished by the overpassing of so many years, should be revived, and took it to be a matter that could be very hardly looked into by reason of the death of many persons whose witness would be very requisite in the trial of those causes, and for that also on the part of Scotland there had been divers changes of officers on the Marches. Yet considering the great care her majesty has for justice, and thinking no length of time sufficient to prescribe against equity and to carry away wrongs or injuries etc., they resolved to "looke" of the motion made by the King and his Council, if they persist therein, accepting well that the intended redress should look back to the year 1563; with this intention, that the rolls of that time should be "visited," and such attempts as were then redressed be now ordered, and such as were not then inrolled to be extinct, as it was at that time ordered by the commissioners on both sides. This their resolution being made known to the Queen of England, she, liking thereof, willed them to cause the same to be signified to him, that he should give the said Abbot notice thereof to the end that the time appointed for the commissioners meeting may be kept without further delay, and such order taken therein as the necessity of these causes requires, which cannot but grow on to breeding of further inconveniences without redress.

1½ pp. Copy. In the margin: "Unto the Thresurour of Barwick from the Lords, 27 July, 1580." Notes in the margin in the hand of (Walsingham's secretary). [With No. 594. Fol. 108 b.]

546. [Walsingham] to Robert Bowes. [July 27.]

Incloses a copy of the Queen of England's letter to the King of Scots to the end he may be acquainted with her meaning in his behalf. It is left to his discretion to send it by whom he shall think best, to be delivered to some of the secretaries on whom he may attend some answer. Was content to yield to this course—though some were of opinion that a better might have been taken—being a matter very unlikely that, whilst the greatness of that party continues and increases rather by conferment of their lands and honours on him who is their chiefest adversary, any good answer can be expected from thence either to her majesty's liking or to their contentment. The best that may be looked for will be some delay. The other copy that goes herewith will let him see what wrong measure some thought to measure him [Bowes] with. As for the matter that concerns the last despatch he sent him, cannot acquaint him with any certain resolution or likliehood thereof until they hear from the earl how he stands disposed. As for their other news of France, he shall understand them by the other. Redress must begin from 1563, at which time it was ordered by the commissioners that all attempts and offences committed from the last peace, about the 26th of May, 1560, and were then inrolled, and the rolls interchangeably delivered to the commissioners on both sides, should be then redressed, and such as were not inrolled should be put to perpetual silence. The commissioners thereon for England were—Henry Lord Scrope, Sir John Foster, Sir Thomas Gargrave, and John Rokesby; and for Scotland— John Maxwell and John Bellendon.

²/3 p. Copy. In the margin: "To Mr. Bowes." [With No. 594. Fol. 109.]

547. News from Scotland. [July 29.]

St. Andrews. There have been present since the King of Scots' coming to this town, the Earls of Morton, Lennox, March, (fn. 2) Montrose, Rothes, Mar, and Atholl, Lords Ruthven and Lindsay, some other inferior persons of the Council, and sundry attenders. The ministers in their suits are not well pleased, being deferred in most things till October. The Earl of Lennox is preferred to the captainship of Dumbarton Castle. Great rumour of the change of some of the officers of the State, and no small heartburnings and misliking conceived thereof, which greatly impedes all good offices to be done tending to the King's service and commonwealth.

⅓ p. In a Scottish hand.

548. Morton to Robert Bowes. [July 29.]

Has received three letters from him, which he has not answered till now, partly by reason of disease, and partly by other business that occasion ministered, which made him doubtful, for that he was desired by the Queen of England to deal freely with her and to lay her a plot of the estate and proceedings in this country, and what course seems good to him to be followed therein. Bowes knows that in the conference had betwixt them he [Morton] "did utterly flye" to lay any plot to him, and yet by conference let him understand what seemed to him most likely to entertain the amity. It is not unknown to him with how many he is held for the affection and love, as they allege, he bears to the Queen of England, which does not decay, but rather increases by such as are carried by affection to other dealings and courses. There was promise betwixt them that if matters were not directly followed out according to his [Bowes'] information, he should understand the ground and knowledge thereof. This Bowes will mind when it is his pleasure; but for anything that is likely to work by the Queen of England here, it is like to follow one of their proverbs, "when the sted is stoulne lett us shut the stable dore."

The Earl of Lennox has gotten the keeping of the house of Dumbarton with all duties and commodities appertaining thereto for a year Montbirneau is to be directed to France. The King is at St. Andrews.

¾ p. Copy. [With No. 594.]

Cott. Calig. C. VI., fol. 65.

Original of the same.

549. William Parry to Burghley. [July 30.] C. P., vol. XI.

The book published by the bishop of Ross, "De titulo et jure Mariæ Reginæ Scotorum," and openly sold here by his order since his going to Rouen, has greatly offended the best advised of that faction in that place, especially the Scottish ambassador, who, utterly misliking the bishop's unreasonable proceedings in this, as heretofore in other matters, wished more discretion and temperance.

²/3 p. Indorsed: Paris. July 30, 1580. Mr. Wm. Parry to the Lord Burghly. A book concerning the Queen of Scotland's right to the crown of England."

550. [Archibald Douglas] to [Robert Bowes.] (fn. 3) [July 31.]

Sir, the late returning of Mr. Alan from Court and his sufficiency make me to leave common matters to his report. There is communing of assured amity to be perfected betwixt Morton and Monsieur D'Aubigny in this matter. I am desired—because of secrecy—to be a dealer and "truuthman." If some matter shall not come shortly from your Court that may impede the same, I think it shall be shortly concluded. Unto such time that some friends may convene to reason upon some matters past, and upon some particulars betwixt Morton and Argyll, there is promise made by some men amongst them that neither of them shall "know harm to uther." What is meet to be done in this matter, I leave to your own discretion. Morton blames both you and me that we have not kept promise in "advertising making" to him what her majesty's deliberation was in the affairs of this country. As for this letter received from her majesty, he takes that in so evil part that he thinks it both devised by some that love him not, and only invented to delay time, as of before has been done.

Mr. Beverley's direction and course, I think, be as well known to you as I can write it. I think the effect shall not be great that that way shall produce; and albeit Morton both by writing and conference has chidden with me for this same matter, yet he has promised to end nothing with Lennox that may either advance the French course or be "hynder" to the religion unto such time as he may certainly hear from you, "so it may be schortly," what her majesty's deliberation shall be towards the affairs of this realm.

Saving your better judgment, if her majesty shall pretend to have any friends or friendship in these parts it will be well done to begin in time "to mak it." I have as large promise of Ruthven as of Morton, and to the same effect, and therefore I must for my own particular discharge request you that I may know as shortly as you can what is meet to be done, to the end that I may discharge myself of my promise made to them; which is that within fourteen days after Lammas, which is the 1st of August, [I will] make them either assured or discharged of her majesty's mind in the above written matters.

I received from this bearer 100 angels. Upon the receipt I have given him my bond for repaying of it. Truly, no necessity for my own particular affairs moved me to borrow it from you, but only an earnest desire to employ the same as I have done all the rest that I have [got] or may get to keep matters in good quiet unto such time that you may with sufficient deliberation in time deliver what is best to be done; which is all that ever I promised to do. If matters go well I think all well bestowed. If otherwise. I have "lossit" more.

This speaking of concord has stayed matters from violence that were intended at Falkland and St. Andrews. The King at the end of his progress will not return to Stirling, but remain some days at Alloway, pertaining to the Earl of Mar, upon his own charges.

I "leif" to make answer to your last letter, written in "choleir," because no hurt.

3 pp. In a Scottish hand. Indorsed: "Morton (fn. 4); ultimo Julii. Bor. primo Augusti, 1580. Morton, (fn. 4) his doinges and answer."

Copy of the same; in the hand of [Walsingham's secretary].

Another copy of the same. [With No. 594.]

Cott. Calig., C. VI., fol. 67.

Another copy of the same.

551. [Robert Bowes] to [Walsingham.] [July 31.]

By direction given to Sir Francis Russell, he [Russell] sent for Drumwhassell in her majesty's name, who met him in Scotland near to Norham. It was enquired whether the King should have been transported, with a charge to tell the truth, as to her majesty. He denied that there was ever any such purpose intended. Next, he was moved to hold fast the castle; which he has promised to do. Being asked of his [Bowes'] doing with him, he told them all truly. Will satisfy him with regard to his last advertisement of the cause of the Hamiltons and others.

⅓ p. Holograph. No address. Written on half a sheet of paper.

552. James VI. to Robert Bowes. [July 31.]

Received the Queen of England's letter by the bearer hereof, to which he has made answer. In her letter there is a request that the causes of the Hamiltons may be committed to commissioners. The trial of this matter belongs to the States of Scotland. It cannot be esteemed convenient that such trial should be put into the hands of any private commissioners. Does not see how the 10th of August can be kept. Requests him to give speedy advertisement of this to the Queen of England and such as have been nominated commissioners, and that some other convenient time may be appointed. St. Andrews.

1½ pp. Copy. [With No. 594.]

Cott. Calig. C. VI., fol. 66.

Original of the same.