Elizabeth: September 1581

56. Advice to be given to James VI. [Sept. 4.] Cott. Calig, C. VI., fol. 179.

"Advise to be geven to the King of Scottes."

That it shall be very necessary that the matter of association between the King and his mother for avoiding of dangerous jealousies as well abroad as at home be cleared out of hand; that the King be careful to have none about him that are inclined to violent and bloody counsels; that by the advice of the States perfect concord be wrought by mediators between his subjects of quality; that for the surety of his nobility there may be a general oblivion of all matters past from the first year of his reign, except the murder of the King's father and the two Regents; that he call before him such of quality as are noted to be religious, and that such as are inclined to foreign course and oppose the amity be removed; that the King avoid, except in cases of great necessity, to charge his subjects with great taxes and impositions, which in a free country, as that realm is, are like to work, by the alienation of the subjects' hearts, dangerous effects. For the avoiding whereof it will be necessary for the King, with the advice of his estates, to take some good course for the well ordering of his rents and casualties.

In this dangerous time, full of practices, regard is to be had that his chief castles be committed into the hands of such as are not only void of partiality, but are men who have good inheritance and are known to be religious.

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57. Thomas Randolph to [Arran]. [Sept. 6.] Cott. Calig. C. IX., fol. 16.

I received your letter by this bearer. I am right glad your lordship imparted the matter to the Duke of Lennox, by which means I have received his courteous letter in declaration of his earnest affection to the Queen's majesty my sovereign. I have written to his grace again by this bearer. Because it appears that both your lordships carry one mind and desire to have all things well between the King your sovereign and the Queen's majesty my mistress, I have no doubt but with your lordships' good wisdom the matter may be so handled from you as may cause a good and honourable conference of each side, and thereupon is there great appearance for much good to be done for the contentation of both.

Your lordship will consider, I am sure, that the Queen's majesty has been a most faithful friend both to the King and that whole country, and therefore the worthier to be kept and continued in her wonted good disposition. Greenwich.

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58. James VI. to George Douglas. [Sept. 7.] C.P., vol. XI.

[See No. 60.]

59. Duke of Lennox to George Douglas. [Sept. 8.] C.P., vol. XI.

[See No. 60.]

60. Letter from Paris. [Sept. 9.] C.P., vol. XI.

"Please your honor," on the 17th of September Jacques, the Frenchman who was sent by George Douglas, returned to Paris with such answer and direction from the King and Duke of Lennox as your honour may understand by the substance of some letters which I have read; of which, because I could neither get the copy nor principals from George Douglas, to whom they were directed, I have thought best to write the principal matter and sum of them as near as my memory can serve after the perusing of them and making the sentences as well as I could.

I have also seen a letter from the Queen mother of Scotland directed to the said George, of an old date in July, which has been perused in Scotland. It was received by the Earl of Arran, and with the rest of the directions is come to the said George. The substance thereof I have also thought meet to be certified to your honour, to the end that by collecting all together her majesty may understand what course will be followed by the mother and the son.

James VI. to George Douglas.

Has received his letter together with one from the Duke of Guise. Desires him to give him most hearty thanks for his good advice and courtesy, which he will be glad to requite with the like good mind to him at all times. Is to deal with the King of France in like form and manner that he may prepare to be here at his next Parliament, where he would be glad that the ancient league might be renewed, that thereby his subjects might understand that the right of his crown was established in his person by his advice and consent. Glasgow, Sept. 7th.

After the said letter these words are written with the King's own hand—"Mon petit singe croyes ce que le rousseau t'escrira de ma part."

By the word "rousseau" is to be understood the Duke of Lennox. This letter was directed by the advice of the Council.

The substance of the Duke of Lennox's letter.

The contents of your last direction were well liked of by the King; yet because in the performing of it some fear was taken that grudge and slander of the people might arise against him, it was thought meet to be resolved on by so many of the Council as were well affectionate to that cause, where, after some dispute, it was thought very dangerous for the mother and the son that the King should perform that he was most willing to do, by reason there is a despair entered into the hearts of the whole people of Scotland that they can be in no surety if the King shall grant himself unlawfully crowned. Therefore we have concluded, as most sure for the advancement of the course of their affairs, that it is best and most sure that her majesty request the most Christian King of France to acknowledge her son as King of Scotland in such form and manner as has been devised, and with him ratify and confirm the ancient league betwixt the two realms, which will best serve to their designs. To this effect letters are directed to her majesty that will satisfy her desire and be to her contentment. The answer to these you will receive where you are. I have written all this matter at great length to Monsieur de Guise. The letters which you receive from the King your master are communicated to the whole Council. Because there is good espial taken what he does, he could write no further but some little word of postscript with his own hand, whereby you may understand that you should receive the remnant of his mind from me; which is this, that concerning the marriage of the daughter of Navarre, wherein some speech has been, his majesty is nowise minded that way, because so is his mother's will and mind. But he will not fail in his marriage and all other matters to follow her advice, and the counsel of Monsieur de Guise, and will also do as they shall devise in the matters that are now doubtful, "as well after that the league shall be ratified as he is now minded to perform it, if it shall be found more apt for the purpose, which they that are here cannot perform so well to agree in all respects." By some whispering mind we have had occasion to suspect the dealing of the "Cownte de Arrayne," and now by some words escaped forth of his own mouth it is confirmed that he is not to be trusted in our privy affairs. Therefore, signify to her majesty, as we have done, that no letter from her come to his hands, but that they shall be directed to me or to yourself. It will be taken in ill part if writings shall be directed to her son till such time as matters shall proceed farther. The sooner the league shall be confirmed it will be the better introduction for the rest of their affairs. If you do not receive "tymous" answer by the means that we have used, you may let her majesty understand the whole by your mean there. My own particular offers I refer to a letter directed to you by my servant. Edinburgh, Sept. 8th. "The Duke of Lennox to have the advice of sike as he consultes, which was in Edenburg, and not in Glasgow at the directing hereof."

The substance of the Queen's letter to George Douglas.

The special affection that you have ever borne to me and to my service makes me [write] this present to desire you to show to my son that it will not be best for him that he should any longer dissemble the good affection that he has borne and bears to me. By the opening of it all Princes of the world will think well of him, and I am assured that the Queen of England justly can find no fault with the doing thereof, which makes me believe that he will do as has been devised. The service that your old uncle of Mar in my life has done to me is so acceptable that I would be glad to know in what I might recompense him. Make my commendations to the two that are most near to my son, and declare to them that I give them most hearty thanks for their duty employed against the Earl of Morton, who was my chiefest enemy. Of his execution I am heartily contented, and look by their mean to be made quit of the remnant who there are my enemies.

This letter is written in French, as [sic] the other immediately preceding is directed to George Douglas, in his absence to the Earl of Arran. Other letters of the same substance are directed to the bishop of Glasgow, which I have not seen. The said bishop and George, on the 18th instant, communicated the contents of this direction to Monsieur de Guise, who, after the ending of their masquerades that now trouble the Court, has promised to move the King to give audience to George Douglas as ambassador for the King of Scotland, provided always, before the doing hereof, he may have the Queen of Scotland's handwriting to move the King to that effect; which at the writing of this letter was not come to the hands of any of the "aforesaydis." They look for direction from her shortly.

By these premises your honour may understand that the end of all their course, if it shall be suffered to proceed, will turn to hostility, if their desires whatsoever shall be refused. Her majesty is wise; whom I pray God to preserve and to let her in time understand how great difference there is betwixt the natural clemency at all times used by her, and tyranny of Papists, if they should—as God forbid— have equal power.

I understand the bishop of Glasgow and George [Douglas] have written to the Queen mother there [of France] that I am "in desiring" that the Christian King may intercede for the Earl of Angus, which they think meet should be granted, not only by him, but that she and all her friends should do the like, if the said earl and his friends should make promise to run her and her son's course. Hereupon they crave her own opinion, with command to travail in this matter if the earl shall make the promise mentioned; which they would have me to do in his name. I have, according to your honour's direction, excused myself that I cannot meddle in that matter without special command or direction, which I have not at this time. I look, when they shall receive their answer, to be further pressed in this matter. I mean to prevent the same and to retire myself forth of this country, if her majesty shall have no further service to command here, wherein I can do little good if they that are here shall conceive opinion that I am not willing to run the course by them devised; which I mind never to do. Herein I pray your honour to let me understand her majesty's good pleasure. I have written the copy of this letter to my Lord of Leicester according to my promise, which I humbly pray your honour cause to be delivered to him. The Scottish occurrents come into this country are so uncertain that I mean not to trouble your honour with the reading of them. Paris.

3½ pp. Copy. Indorsed: "9 September, 1580. Coppy of a letre written from Paris by Archibald Douglas. (fn. 1) The negotiation of G[eorge] D[ouglas] sent thither from the Sc[ottish] K[ing] and D[uke] of Lennox." The name of the writer is carefully crossed out.

61. Mr. Douglas to Walsingham. [Sept. 11.] Cott. Calig. C. IX., fol. 9.

Cavallion wrote in France that this forespoken marriage of Lennox and Hamilton was thought by the Queen's friends to be the only mean to draw the whole Hamiltons and Stewarts to the mother's devotion. Whereupon the master and he thought meet that the King might be moved to abstain from the performance of any such matter that carried suspicion towards her majesty with it. In this respect they advised that his honour might give advice to the master in this matter as if he had received it from France, as by this ticket he may perceive; which he would his honour should now correct. Spoke to the King himself upon the matter contained in this ticket, and gave such reasons as he could to divert him from giving ear to this matter, as from an overture that might be interpreted to appear to breed suspicion at the least alteration in this realm, whereupon his constancy to her majesty might be called in question. He waxed half angry with him that he should doubt of the constancy, and promised that he never minded to conclude any matter of importance nor make alteration but by her majesty's advice.

As to the remaining contents of the letter from his honour to the said master, he minds to send by this young gentleman, the writer's nephew, some direction to the Provost of Linlithgow, whereby he may certainly know the ground of Lord Maxwell's intention, and some direction to the Laird of Johnston how to behave himself.

Thinks it will be well done that his honour write to Lord Scrope to abstain from any further action on the Border till he might receive answer to these directions.

Has offers from the captains who were in Bruges to be opened to him. Sends this bearer, Robert Carvile, to be used according as he shall think good.

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62. [ ] to [ ]. (fn. 2) [Sept.]

The munition which lately arrived was brought in a Scottish ship to the "value" of 20 lasts. The bringer neither knows from whom it was sent, nor to what purpose. Only this is certainly known, that this Scottish ship being in the "royde" of Dieppe, the Captain of Dieppe brought the powder to the shore, and commanded the master on his allegiance to his King, and as he would answer the contrary, to take in the powder and with expedition convey the same to the King without further direction. Most part of this powder is bestowed in Leith, some sent to Dumbarton, some to Blackness, and a modicum to Edinburgh Castle. More is daily expected, and openly it is spoken that this is sent but for a preparative for further matters.

There are certain Frenchmen arrived in Scotland, who have brought with them a horse of many strange qualities. Besides his riding, which is excellent, hearing one who came with him play on an instrument, he will divide his riding, his body and joints in such order that some judge he had intelligence what he heard played to him, and danced thereunto. He will fetch anything thrown into the water whether it floats or sinks, yea upon sight of the King will submit himself down to the ground. This horse has divers other qualities not credible; but what properties soever the horse has, it appears those that came with him are no small fools; for since their coming the Council is discharged but at special times, and some great matters under this sport are supposed to be pretended. There is alteration thought to be in Scotland, and specially in religion, for certainly the ministers are all in general commanded to silence, and some of them continuing and not ceasing to do their duties, railing against the King, the Council. and all the nobles, there is, amongst the rest, one Mr. John Durye, chief of that sect, apprehended and imprisoned, and is thought to die for his contempt. Whereas, when the ministers prepared to go to preach and came down the streets of Edinburgh, the inhabitants would follow them in great heaps and numbers, new proclamation was made that all men should desist from such convocations and assemblies upon pain of high treason. The ministers since that time have no auditors, but go up and down like masterless hounds, casting into the King's teeth the example of young kings in old time ruled by wicked counsellors, and menace the punishment of Sodom and Gomorrah to be poured over the realm. Divers of the nobility favouring the religion professed take these things in evil part: amongst whom the Lord Lindsay being one day last week in the King's presence, when the King was conferring with the Frenchmen in secret, having his sword girded to him and a little buckler, said to the King that he would depart the Court, and therefore would speak with him. His grace answered, "I am talkyne nowe and can not." Whereunto Lord Lindsay replied, "I knowe not what you talk, for I understande not Frenche." Whereunto the King made answer, "Neyther yet can your sworde and buckler." "Verye well," said Lord Lindsay, "you say truthe, but yet this sworde and buckler hath helped to dryve the Frenche men furthe of Scotland, and I feare yt muste be imployed to that use agayne": and with that, without further licence, in great fury departed the Court. None rules in Court now but the Duke [of Lennox], upon whom the Earl of Arran attends diligently, and does nothing without his counsel. The most of the nobility have subscribed to certain articles supposed for reformation of religion.

The King by proclamation has called in all such grants of abbacies and spiritual livings as the late Regents or any of them bestowed on any man, which he will restrain and employ for the provision of his house.

All the nobility of any credit have left the Court and gone to their own mansions, except Huntly, who is a great courtier, and so holden, some say, in respect of his sister, who is a fine peer, and has been at Glasgow, where the Court lies these last five days.

The Earl of Arran has obtained commission of Justice Eyre to be kept at Linlithgow, which makes the Scots here tremble for their friends' causes, their well willers, and supporters.

Lord Livingston and the Master of Glamis are to go to the French King from the King of Scots with certain hackneys for a present. They are at point to be despatched; with whom the Frenchmen go with their fine horse. They have so altered the King's mind that he forces neither for preaching nor for lectures after dinner or supper.

1²/3 pp. Notes of medicinal plants and drugs on the flyleaf.

63. [Leicester] to [Lennox]. [Sept.] Cott. Calig. C. VI., fol. 167.

Has received his letter of the 17th of August last, which he wrote from Dalkeith, wherein he gives him to understand his good affection to maintain the amity which is between these two realms, together with his purpose not to break nor to attempt against the religion nor the service of the Queen his sovereign, with some discourse of his innocence in certain things wherewith he says that he has been charged. For his part, as he says in his letter, he bears that he has always borne the same good affection for the maintenance of the amity, the declaration of so honourable a disposition on his part pleases him much. Still it cannot be denied that many indignities have been done from thence, giving her majesty just cause of offence. Nevertheless, according to his said affection, it has appeared good to communicate his letter to her majesty. Has perceived if from that side they had wished by some good means and endeavours to remedy the said indignities, as her majesty has well merited, this might have been done, that she, according to her gracious disposition to maintain peace and amity with all her neighbours, would not have wished to appear hard to please or reserved in remitting her displeasure therein, so for his part he will always find him ready to attend on him in all his good offices.

1⅓ pp. French. Copy.