Elizabeth: January 1585

488. Prince of Parma to Mary. [Jan. 2. 1584–5.] C.P., vol. XV.

Thanks her for the great trust she seems to repose in him. Assures her of his affection towards her. If he were not entirely bound to the service of the King [of Spain], his lord, he would venture his person for her service. There is no more honourable action for an honourable soldier to employ himself in than for such a mirror of constancy and Christianity. Begs her to believe what he says. She may freely impart to him what she thinks good. Will keep her secret as he ought. Span.

1 p. Spanish. In Thomas Phelippes' hand. Indorsed. Notes in the margin.

489. Sir Francis Englefield to Mary. [Jan. 2.] C.P., vol. XV.

At the writing of my last [letter], dated 15 Dec., upon an advice from Morgan that his means of convoy to you had failed, I meant to have stayed my pen for a time till I should have some necessary, or some comfortable, matter to give you, and find some way that it might come to your hands. And being now in hope of this part by the receipt of yours of 30th October, I have thought good with these to give your majesty the copies of such relations as I have made in your behalf to the Pope and the King of Spain on the first advice of the change of your keeper and guard, and since upon the receipt of these your last [letters], which did not come to my hands till the 2nd instant. If your majesty shall vouchsafe to advise what defects you find in these relations, and what had been requisite to have been added or omitted, I shall gather therefrom good instruction for any like to come. And by these copies your majesty may understand what I have conceived, and believe, as well of the accusations fathered upon Francis Throgmorton, published in print against you, as also of this new and strange oath of association, and of the change of your custody to the guard of men of so base condition. And though I hear that wiser than I be of the mind that this fear pretended by the Queen of England and her Council is certain and unfeigned, yet I cannot concur in that censure, but, contrariwise, believe that the same is but a forced pretence as well to incense the Queen of England more against your majesty and the Catholics, than of herself, perhaps, she is inclined, as also to give a shadow and colour to the world of those Machiavellian and barbarous practices which they intend to put in use against your majesty chiefly, and all those who may appear to be suspected to be Catholics. It may prove better, and God of his mercy grant that my suspicion be more malicious than their meaning.

I can obtain no answer to any relations I give, nor anything to write to your majesty, yet have I oft and lately pressed Granvelle and Idiaques that I might now at length make an end of holding you any longer in suspense, and vain hope of that which I cannot perceive to be intended. Whereunto neither gives me any direct answer, negative or affirmative. And for the 12,000 ducats promised to yourself, and for the 4000 remaining unpaid to the King your son, I pressed Granvell so far three or four days past, that he answered me with these express terms: "quod non ceperint æque displicet mihi atque tibi. Putabam pro certo quod antehac recepissent. Si Reginam deceperint et me etiam deceperunt. Quid faciemus? cogere non possumus." More than this I could not get out of him; and it may be by their moving of Tassis and substituting of Mendosa some occasion might arise for the sending of it to London. I know that Tassis once had it in his hands, in September; and also I know that Mendosa would not it should come to your hands from or by any other but himself. What other impediments have risen against the satisfaction of those monies, I can learn no reason or cause, but may fear and suspect that Mendosa has hindered it, for the opinion he has that by having it, your majesty would the rather adventure to start, which he thinks not needful, nor the danger of your person such as should enforce it.

Of any intention to accomplish your other greater demands here is no great show or appearance, but some arguments from which I gather that the intention thereof is laid aside till the Low Countries may be recovered, the Queen of England dead, or some other mutation occurred in that realm as unlikely as they. It may be there is a better meaning, secret and in heart. But I see no token of it, yea rather some signs of the contrary, of which one is that Granvelle and Idiaques do not show that favour and affection to hear of your affairs that they were wont. Another is that Mendosa has prevailed against the will of Granvelle to supplant and remove Tassis, perhaps the sooner for your majesty's oft motion and request, long since. Yet Granvelle resisting it, I presume it could not have taken effect if the King of Spain had not better allowed of Mendosa's reasons and persuasions of delay, than of Granvelle's and Tassis', which tended to hasten the expedition. A third sign is that the navy here is laid up in dock, [There is] no provision to set it forth, no assembly of old soldiers nor levying of new. But the King of Spain wholly attends to the swearing and establishing of the young Prince, and to the marriage of his younger daughter, which is to be solemnised some time next month, if not before, and thereby the motion made for the King your son [is] now desperate for any of these infantas.

If there be any hope of succour from hence, I see no way likely to procure it but by the Pope, the Duke of Parma, and the King's other ministers abroad; and sure I am that Tassis furthered it to the best of his power. But what Mendoza will now do, I cannot but doubt, for the resolute persuasion himself made to me against all present and speedy executions. Neither do I see how he can with his credit now persuade that which he so lately dissuaded with all vehemence. "Lett it like" your majesty therefore to advise what and how you find him in this his new legation, and whether your pleasure be that I treat with him in this his new legation, and whether your pleasure be that I went with him for the convoy of my letters of otherwise.

Still I fear that the King your son's acceptation of spiritual primacy by Parliament, and his proclamation since to expel Jesuits, may much cool the favour and affection of the Pope and the King of Spain assisting him, or doing aught that might much advance him till they may see some better tokens of his conversion. For, though I make no mention thereof in my relation or discourses, nor they here say aught thereof to me, yet do I hear that the same comes so many ways advised from Rome and from France, that it cannot be but that the Pope and this King hear it with the first, and perhaps in worse, sense than he deserves.

What pretence soever be made by the treaty of your deliverance, or by any more liberty given you by your new keepers, I trust your majesty's great prudence will not be abused thereby, as some I perceive be, but will assure yourself that their final meaning tends to your disherison and personal ruin, and that you will not pretermit, therefore, to lay hands and hold upon any opportunity that God and good friends may offer for the better assurance of your royal person, be it by transportation or any other way likely to promise more security, all appearance of feigned favours being meant, no doubt, but to purchase the more advantage against you by discovering your times and means of receiving and sending, by intercepting some of your letters to and fro, if it be possible. And with this I suppose your majesty will hold it for best that I stay and forbear to adventure the increase of your peril by casuality of intercepting, till I may either find some more hope than yet appears of performing your commands, or till I may by some fresher letter from you understand as well that there is good means of sending and receiving, as also your further pleasure and direction for my proceeding here. Wherein I am very timorous to do or speak of my own head whilst your state is subject to so sudden variety and dangerous mutation. And so resting with a sorrowful mind and bleeding heart that I am not able to advance your service in this Court as I desire, I will not fail to supply my defects in that part with my daily prayer for your majesty's liberty, and for the conversion of the King your son. "At my wonted residence."

2 pp. In cipher. No address, etc. Decipher of the same.

Another copy of the same. [With vol. xvii., No. 75.]

Another copy of the same, in cipher. [With No. 437.]

Lansd. MSS., vol. 96, fol. 46.

Another copy of the same. In the hand of Mr. Thomas Phelippis.

490. Burghley to Walsingham. [Jan. 4.] C.P., vol. XV.

Sir, here hath been much to do. Her majesty very earnestly, by my Lord Steward and me, has charged my Lord St. John to make himself ready to take the charge of the Scottish Queen, and he very peremptorily delays it, I may not say refuses. But, I may write, he would not accept it, but rather offers, in a sort, imprisonment. Since this, I alone have dealt with him, and found him, upon my violent persuasions, with fear of her majesty's indignation, that he would obey. But, upon this report, her majesty resolved that though he would, he should not, and so commanded my Lord of Leicester, my Lord Chamberlain, and me to show to him her displeasure; wherewith the good gentleman is sore troubled. And now, hearing from you of Sir Ralph Sadleir's sickliness, she has commanded me to write to Rycott for Sir Amyas Paulet, whom I think she will send to ease Mr. Sadleir until she shall be otherwise advised. Of this none knoweth but myself.

Her majesty would gladly know what the Prince of Parma has to say, and now sending to you his safe conduct, she would have you by some means urge him thereto. She would also have it declared that she refuses to hear him; not only because Don Bernardino has done evil offices, but also because the King of Spain refuses to admit her ambassador who went to declare to the King Don Barnardino's evil service.

I think if the Queen of Scots were at Tutbury the charge would be less. I have procured a warrant for 6l. for maintenance of the house. Signed: W. Burghley.

1 p. Holograph. Addressed. Indorsed.

491. Charles Paget to Mary. [Jan. 4.] C.P., vol. XV.

Not long since it was my hap to be with the Spanish ambassador, who fell into talk of your majesty's son and marvelled much at the course he followed in taking the supremacy of the Church, in refusing conference with Catholics, and in treating with the Queen of England, which he said was a manifest sign of his resolution to remain a Protestant; and that adding thereto his coldness for the making of an association with your majesty confirmed, as it were, in him small hope of any good to be done by his mean. I answered that, saving his correction, I was of a contrary mind, [and] that some things which he interpreted against him as tokens of despair were to me, by probable reasons, signs of comfort.

For, first, the taking of the supremacy upon him, and other actions of his besides, manifestly declare the great dislike he has of the ministers in seeking to abridge them of their authority and credit. Which I said was a very good degree to come to know the truth, by declining from the evil; which being once known to him, he might the easier dispose the supremacy, being in his own hands, to the person it was due, rather than when it was at the disposition of so many.

For the second, which was for not conferring with Catholics, I said he was not so much to be blamed, considering the dangerous state he stood in, not having any about him of his own nation that was to be trusted, or of sufficient learning to talk with him, unless it were some Jesuit or priest, who, if it should be discovered had once conference with him, were enough to procure some traitorous act against his person, and for my own part, considering what open favour he showed to Catholics in suffering them to live there with safety, what great mislike he showed to the ministers in driving some of them out of the country, and the small relief he has from foreign Princes, I marvelled how his majesty escaped danger; and that I only imputed the cause thereof to God's goodness rather than anything else. And further I said that for the accomplishing of this point to good effect, there was no way so meet that somebody of mark, learning and humours fit for his majesty were sent "for" [from] the Duke of Guise to treat with him of some things concerning the commodity and benefit of his and the realm of Scotland, and so might the oftener without suspicion confer one with another of that which might be most for the benefit of his soul's health, and of the means to affect the same.

As for his treating with the Queen of England, I said that he had great reason for doing it. For I supposed that the principal cause thereof was not to any other end than to win time and to stop the Queen of England's malice, who, if she did not take the present advantage to invade him, having many of his own subjects both at home and abroad very disloyal, and who would be ready to join with the Queen of England in any enterprise, and, besides, himself, having no assurance of foreign aid, might turn him to utter ruin. Marry, if in the meanwhile there might be any cause tendered to him from the Pope and the King of Spain, or any other that might prove to the relief of your majesty, I assured myself he would take hold thereof to the uttermost of his power.

Lastly, for the association he spoke of, I said I thought that the hindrance thereof came not so much from your son as by the negligence of others, for I never heard but that he was well inclined to do all good and kind offices to your majesty, and that in some things myself could be witness, as in his respecting very graciously such whom your majesty recommended to him.

The Spanish ambassador did not answer to these points orderly, but grew to some earnestness, and said he understood by as good means as I, that your son would not yield to the association, and asked me why, since your majesty wished it should be so, that your ambassador here did not go to Scotland. I answered that I thought the stay of his going did not proceed from dislike that your son had of the association, but in respect of divers in credit near your son. who had no great good opinion of your ambassador. Then the Spanish ambassador said he marvelled your son did not send to the Pope, and asked whether it were comely his holiness or the King of Spain should send to him. To that I answered, that, in respect they were both greater Princes than your son, it were not comely. But because your son had ever been brought up in the religion he now professes, and never had—being young—experience how to direct himself in these cases, that it were not uncomely either for his holiness or the King of Spain to use all the practices and means they could to win him to be Catholic, whereby they should not only do most acceptable service to God and to all the Catholic state of Christendom. "Well," quoth he, "he must be Catholike afore there will be any good done." "Nor I suppose," quoth he, "the Pope nor the King of Spayne will enter into any action afore they be assured thereof." "For mye part," quoth I, "I do pray to God to make him presentlye Catholike." And so, other company coming, we broke off.

I find by the talk he used at that time he receives advertisements from some to your son's disadvantage, who I could wish were otherwise occupied, for discretion and duty should teach them to conceal all which might turn to your majesty's and [your] son's hindrance. And if I knew them, as I suspect them, I would reveal them to your majesty. I thought it good, and my duty binds me, to declare this speech between the Spanish ambassador and me to your majesty, whereby you may fully collect that there is not that expectation to be had of the matter your majesty "wotteth" of this spring coming. And things resting upon these points, God knows when the effect will follow. For I see every day there are new devices to breed delays, and therefore your majesty is to think of some other course for yourself, and to provide for the safety of your person as well as you may; whereof your majesty has need to have more regard than heretofore, because you may well see by the new monstrous oath, lately devised, how desirous they are to entrap you and cut off your whole line. Which plainly appears, because, if the Earl of Leicester— who of late has said to a friend of his that he will persecute you to the uttermost, for that he supposes your majesty to be privy to the setting forth of the book against him—or any of your enemies can but suborn a person to say he would kill the Queen of England, and thereby advance your title, though he does not the act, and that yourself never knew thereof, yet are all they of this new devised association bound by oath to prosecute you and all your line to death. I trust God will save and defend your majesty, as he has done hitherto, from all their malicious practices. Howbeit, if your majesty could by any probable means be conveyed away, it were a course to be put in practice, not as a thing that can now be brought to pass by force, but by cunning and sleight, wherein I most humbly beseech your majesty to give me leave to remind you of my conception, which is to be used or rejected at your majesty's pleasure.

Methinks there is no way of escape so sure as to clothe yourself in man's apparel, and to have one woman so clothed to attend you; and so may your majesty be conveyed to any place of England to pass the sea either to Scotland, Spain or Lorraine—this latter, in my opinion, being the best—where you should "be in your choice," being in a place indifferent, to make your commodity there of the Pope and the rest. Whereas if you should be with the King of Spain, you would, perhaps, be forced to that course of life, and those conditions your majesty would be very loth to take. Besides the passage is long, and [it is] doubtful how the "whot ayre" would agree with your body. From Calais, or some other part fit for the purpose, there might be a ship provided, which might lie at some haven or creek in England for the purpose, attending your majesty, who should never know to what end "he" lies there, unless it were for some ordinary Catholic who was desirous to come away.

The like course and practice being ordinarly used for Catholics who daily come out of England, I dare undertake to provide a sure ship and persons accordingly; and also there may be found very easy horses, and some few discreet, courageous and faithful persons to attend your majesty, which will breed the less suspicion. Howbeit, the chief thing to know is how your body will endure a journey, which, in my opinion, need not be with haste. For those that tarry behind may keep your chamber door shut, and say you lie sick in your bed. And if so [a] little space may be gotten before you are missed, I trust all would succeed as well as you would desire. And going clothed, as is aforesaid, though the wind would not serve to pass the sea, yet might your majesty, in spite of all searchers, be kept without danger or suspicion till opportunity served. Now, and please your majesty, there can be nothing done unless there be sufficient persons made in the house where you are to serve you, and by whom you may have intelligence, and to that end—not having as yet disclosed to him any of this device aforesaid, because I know not your majesty's pleasure therein—I have procured one called Alban Doleman, a learned, wise, virtuous, and discreet priest, to go from this town within these six days towards England; who has entire and familiar friendship with one of my Lord St. John's near kinsmen, called Henry St. John, who may "dispende" one way and other 300 marks in Norfolk, and his house is called Hockering. My friend assures me that he has that authority over this good priest that he shall be able to make him do you any service he can. And further he tells me that the said St. John has so great credit with my lord, his cousin, that there is nothing his lordship conceals from him; so that my friend Mr. Dolman not only puts me in hope to know my lord's mind from time to time for your better direction, but also to win a brother of the said St. John's, who serves my lord, to be at your majesty's commandment with divers others. So that if by your majesty's own practice, or by this means, there may be a likelihood of your majesty's conveyance to be put in execution, then shall your majesty do well to acquaint Mr. Doleman therewith, whose credit is so universally good by reason of his function in many shires with the best, and his discretion such for the contriving thereof that I trust you shall find him a marvellous necessary instrument for the same to do your majesty's service in whatsoever you shall command him.

The best of the St. John's aforenamed is a Catholic in heart, notwithstanding [he] yields to the time. This brother that serves my lord is a Protestant. This priest has lived in England fifteen years and so thereby hath great acquaintance and love of many. He is of comely person, and when he is attired like a gentleman of good calling, one would esteem him a justice of peace. He has lived out of England in this town, for his own particular respect, a twelvemonth. He is not a seminary priest, and therefore our laws are not so sharp against him, and thereby he shall be the better able to do your service; and I think, if need be, will be able to lay a course between your majesty and your son. He will call himself by a forged name, which is "Allisson," and I have delivered the same name [to] De Courcelles, the French ambassador's secretary, because by that name I have desired Alisson from time to time to write to me in cipher—which we have "each with other"—how his business stands. I have given him 60 French crowns towards his charges into England. If he can procure an intelligence with your majesty, then I have promised to call off De Courcelles or the French ambassador—to whom I have recommended him by the name of Alisson—where he shall find a writing to your majesty, which shall be of no moment, and have willed that his friend shall deliver it to Mr. Bastian or his wife, because I would not bring any of your secretaries in question till there were a trial made of the messenger's surety. Alisson himself will write to your majesty, because mine must be inclosed in his. And I beseech your majesty to render him courteous words, as also a cipher, whereof there cannot, in my conceit, but fall out good to your majesty, etc. Mr. Doleman is well acquainted in Staffordshire and Derbyshire.

Mr. Charles Arundel not past three days ago grew into a marvellous passionate humour, and by deep oaths swore before Morgan and me that he would within six days after go into England, because he could not get his money he had lent to your majesty alleging necessity to be the cause of his going. I told him that though my state were very hard, rather than that he should run that course, I would lend him 500 crowns. I could in nowise entreat him to take hold of my friendship, alleging that he would not smite any other with his bad fortune. I went with Morgan. to your ambassador, and in secret opened this course of Mr. Arundel, and prayed him to take a thousand crowns which I would have furnished him with, and to deliver them to Mr. Arundel, as in part payment of that sum your majesty owes him. I could not thereby persuade him to do so; which was no small grief to me, knowing right well that he had broken your majesty's pleasure in some matters, and had used your name, what was nothing so profitable for your majesty as this.

In conclusion, I devised with Morgan that he should say that he had gotten money from your officers, and so as parcel of your debt, paid by your officers, he has with much ado taken the thousand crowns, which I have disbursed with much difficulty; yet rather than he should have gone into England, I would have sold my garments off my back, though for my own part I can be content to bear with greater errors committed, and so most humbly beseech your majesty to pardon the same. Yet it shall be a warning to me while I live how I deal with him or any others so "appasionate" in matters of importance, being sorry he knows so much as he does, which was not with my "previty." And for my own part there is not he nor any friend I have in the world that I will so favour that I will forget my most bounden and vowed duty in advertising that which may be for your majesty's better direction. I had almost forgotten that Lord Paget, who is now at Milan, and, I think, will shortly be at Rome, willed me to remember his duty to your majesty. I never dealt with Richard Bankes, because the occasion of his service is taken away. Paris.

2 pp. In cipher. Signed on the back by Burghley, Hunsdon, Cobham, Shrewsbury, and Walsingham.

Decipher of the same in Phelippe's hand.

492. Mary to James VI. [Jan. 5.] C. P., vol. XV.

The Master of Gray has undertaken to negotiate [in England], which seems to her very strange. Has the Earl of Arran's letters. Wingfield.

p. French. Copy. (Printed, Labanoff, vol. vi. p. 85.) With No. 321.

493. Mary to the Archbishop of Glasgow. Elizabeth. [Jan. 5. 1584–5.] C.P., vol. XV.

Her principal desire is to acquire and keep the amity of the Queen of England. The treaty for her liberty. To thank the King of France and the Queen Mother for their last despatch, and request them to write to her son. Wingfield.

1 p. French. Copy. (Printed, Labanoff, vol. vi. p. 78.)

494. Thomas Morgan to Mary. [Jan. 5.] C.P., vol. XV.

I hear of your removing to the Castle of Tutbury, to the guard of the Lord St. John; but of his deportments towards your majesty I do not yet hear. "Alwayes" I beseech your majesty to be of good comfort, and so, by the power of God, all will fall out to the best, whatsoever your adversaries design to the contrary; from whose malicious practices you have good reason to defend yourself. It was told me that Leicester should say that the book written against him tended all to your honour, and his ruin, and therefore he would provide thereafter; meaning by all conjecture to extend his whole force to do your majesty harm; which I hope in God shall not lie in his power.

I have no great matter presently to trouble your majesty [with], but to accompany the inclosed to your majesty, and to advertise your majesty that we be here informed that an Englishman is lately newly arrived, by the practices of Leicester, to kill Charles Arundell and others. I was not able to relieve Charles Arundell's necessity as the same required; and therefore, for avoiding of inconvenience that might have ensued by leaving him in distress, and to shift for himself and his people, I "broke" with Charles Paget to lend 1000 crowns for the said Charles Arundell's furniture, which were of late days delivered to him by myself, nevertheless, as your majesty's goods, which I made him believe I had gotten of your majesty's treasurer for some service much importing your majesty's service, although the said crowns were, indeed, the goods of Charles Paget; for which may it please your majesty to thank him, if you like this office done by him and me. Paget and I were in hand with my lord of Glasgow that, for the more honour of your majesty, he would take the pains to deliver the said 1000 crowns to Charles Arundel; but my lord refused flatly to do it. Whereupon I did the office as I have told your majesty, and told an acquaintance of Charles Arundel's of the receipt of the said 1000 crowns through my hands, as your majesty's goods. Which service of mine I beseech your majesty to accept in good part.

We are here informed of extreme laws made in England this Parliament for banishing of all the seminary priests. In which number Dolman, mentioned in my former letters, is none. But [he] was made priest before the said seminary was established, and is a grave man, and one who has great acquaintance and credit amongst the Catholics of that realm, besides the particular familiarity that he has with some nigh in blood to the said Lord St. John, as I wrote to your majesty already. Whereby I hope that before this day he has reaped some contentment, if my letters be come to your hands, as I hope they be, or shall come shortly, by the grace of God, for they were directed to Mons. Mauvissière and De Courcelles, whom I labour to have placed with De l'Aubespin, in like condition as he was, and yet is, with Mauvissière. For the better service of God and your majesty the said Dolman is persuaded to return to England, as I am sure Paget has written to your majesty at large at this present. And when Dolman is upon his departure your majesty shall hear more.

Doctor Lewes is advanced to a place of honour in Rome by his holiness's favour borne to the said Lewes, whose service your majesty may boldly demand. The nature of the office and charge he has brings him great occasions to deal with his holiness, and with all the Cardinals.

1 p. In cipher. Indorsed: "5 January 1585. Thomas Morgan to the Scottish Quene. Deciphred. Phelippe." Signed on the back by Burghley, Shrewsbury, Hunsdon, Cobham, and Walsingham. Decipher of the same, by Phelippe.

495. [Father Robert] Parsons to Mary. [[Jan.] 5.] C.P., vol. XV.

I have "expected" now long in hope to have received some answer to my long letters of the 12th of [ ] sent to your majesty; the first by—Morgan; the second by my Lord of Glasgow. The chief matter thereof was about your escape, touched in your former letters to me, that bear no date; which were the only letters I received from your majesty this year past. And upon hope that I might hear from your majesty concerning that point, according to our long desires, but especially of the Prince of Parma, I have entertained myself in these parts of Normandy till now, not without some danger of English letter-takers, and have retained by me some days the inclosed from the said Prince of Parma, to the end I might at last give the same with more safety to [ (fn. 1) ]. But seeing nothing can be hoped from your majesty, and for that I am commanded by obedience to retire myself into Lorraine for a time, I have thought good to deliver this to Godfrey Fuljambe, with request to seek to get it conveyed to your majesty by the first opportunity that he can; for he is a very honest and discreet gentleman, and very fit, in my opinion, to do your highness good service; for he seeks God directly in his actions; which I would to God every man had done that pretends to deal for your majesty, and then, I think, things had been better in "forwardenesse." But for the time to come I hope God's divine power will direct things better. I and other men would be glad to receive the answer which your majesty shall think good to give by Godfrey Fulgeam, as also to have means to send by him for the time to come.

Your majesty, I am sure, will be informed otherwise of the new broils in France. God grant they do not prejudice also in England. Your majesty shall hear other things shortly of more importance, and, I trust, to your great comfort. And thus I leave for this time, not knowing what passage this letter shall have, assuring your highness that your poor servants in this country do not cease to deal zealously by all means possible in God's, and your cause, the event whereof time shall declare; and we here would write more particularly if once we had a way established of intelligence. Our Lord bless and preserve your excellent majesty to His honour and glory. Rouen.

1 p. Copy. In the hand of Thomas Phelippes. Notes in the margin.

496. Sadleir to Walsingham. [Jan. 6.] C.P., vol. XV.

On the 29th of this last month Monsieur Nau returned hither. By this Queen's speeches and "countenances" to me upon Nau's report of his negotiations with the Queen's majesty, and his honourable entertainment with her Privy Council being favourably heard in all his doings, she seems to be very well satisfied in all things, and promises to deserve all the favour which it may please her majesty to bestow upon her, when it shall please God to grant her the means to show it here, and in all other places where with her good liking she may be, and end the rest of her years.

She sends now herewith her answer—she says—to certain points which were not cleared at his coming thence; and other things depending upon his negotiations with her majesty, whereunto I, not having been made privy any way, can say nothing, but pray to God that all may tend to His glory, and her majesty's contentment, as her humble and dutiful servants and subjects desire.

She consented to remove hence on Monday next, the 11th, but by reason of the Quarter Session, at Derby, upon that day, where all the gentlemen of these parts will be, of whom I have appointed some to attend on her to Tutbury, the "remove" is deferred until Wednesday, the 13th of this month. And on the next day I make account, God willing, to be there, out of this unpleasant place for this time of the year, as myself and almost all my company have felt by cold and "murres," notwithstanding any provision.

I understand that the plate, linen, and mats sent down came to Tutbury "as" yesternight. Amongst which, I find by the inventory, that there being but sixty pair of sheets, they will be occupied almost all at once; so that there must be necessarily as many more for a change to be provided there by you, or here from such cloth as this country yields, which will be found good. Wherein, I pray you, answer me by your next, as also her majesty's commandment for the levying of soldiers to watch and ward at Tutbury, whereof I wrote to you by my last, of the 29th of last month.

My desire to be redeemed from this charge increases daily upon just cause. Therefore, I humbly beseech her majesty to have such consideration of me that I may shortly see the effect of my assurance, and "stay" upon her majesty's promises so far forth as with my duty I may beseech it; for the present state of my body now moves me to be earnest herein.

I trust you will help Mr. Cave to his despatch down again. for the store of money left by him here is gone, and without money our case will go hard, we living altogether "upon the peny."

The state of this Queen's body is much amended, but she is yet lame, not able to go alone. Wingfield. Signed: R. Sadleir.

1½ pp. Addressed. Indorsed by Walsingham.

497. [Walsingham] to Mr. John Colvile. [Jan. 10.]

Received his letter of the 5th instant, dated at Wetherby, together with a letter to him [Colvile] from the distressed lords remaining at Newcastle. Is sorry to see them grieved as they are; but hopes when they shall understand from him what course the Queen of England thinks meet to be taken for the relief of their distressed state, they will be somewhat comforted therewith, though not so fully as he wishes and as they desire, for that, perhaps, they hold a doubtful opinion that the course that is now held by her majesty will work that good either for the public or their particular that is conceived. On the other side the lords are to consider that her majesty, seeing the hard success that the late enterprise at Stirling was accompanied with, and doubtful that some like plot may have like issue, thinks that more good may be wrought by way of mediation than by any violent course, whereof her majesty thinks it meet to make some trial—not without very great hope of very good success—before she has recourse to hard and doubtful remedies. Therefore he desires him to travail what he may to persuade the lords there to yield to the allowance of her majesty's course. Whereupon, if there shall not follow that fruit that is looked for, they may be assured her majesty will never abandon them.

1 p. Copy. Indorsed.

498. Mr. John Colvile to Walsingham. [Jan. 11.]

Because I had directed a packet before me, wherein I declared to the noblemen her majesty's pleasure concerning their removing, and of the comfort sent to them, I made the more haste, thinking that they should have been "at some point" before my coming, on the sight of my letters. But when I came, finding my packet—which was sent away by your honour—not come to their hands, but either abstracted or lost by the way, I propounded the matter to them. "Quhairat thai wer so amazed as wes incredibill." They "tuik thame" that night to their chamber, and the Earl of Mar cannot yet be comforted. The whole number of gentlemen here being in marvellous necessity, hearing that the lords should depart from them, came and lamented their hard estate, "schawing" how they would be cast into prison for debt as soon as the lords should remove, and the poor lords " had no other comfort to furnes wnto thame bot wythe sighing and regretis to mak ane pitifull spectacle to beholderis."

The Master of Gray in his "bravery" made public speeches, where he supped at Newcastle, of such things as I thought had been secret, saying that I was returned with 600l., that the lords were to remove to Oxford, and that it lay in him to have made them go to Lincoln, or farther, if he had pleased. For all this I find no disposition in them to refuse her majesty's request, but they are humbly to crave some delay till it may please her majesty either to "consider" more liberally of them, or else that they may provide money otherwise. For if they shall remove "unsatisfeand" such creditors as their friends and servants are "addettit" to, then shall all be imprisoned "how sone" they depart.

Besides this the Earl of Mar has sent for his lady, and, I think, so has the Master of Glamis; and they think it shall be no small displeasure to their ladies if they remove before they be made acquainted with their meaning. Other more urgent causes seem to move them, which I desire not to know.

Because I am somewhat moved by their last letter sent to me, which I think your lordship has received ere now, they travail much to excuse the matter and to persuade me not to take the same in evil part. And indeed my heart is so "fixit wnto thame," that nothing except death shall put us asunder. Yet I have kept myself somewhat closer from them since my arrival than I can do hereafter, for I am sorry to "eik" affliction to affliction.

Concerning the estate of Scotland, "no thing bot continuall serchis and hunting of men moir rigorus nor ye Spanishe Inquisition." The Lord Claud [Hamilton] repents much of his ingoing, but his lady more. They are compelled to "brek" their household, and one of their servants is come to me, assuring me that his lord "cursis thame yat devydit him from his brother." The Lord Seton [is] extremely sick. Arran [is] more credited than ever he was, let others brag as they list. At the marriage of young Farnieherst the King's own bed took fire, which made great "frey" among them.

I am assured your lordship will not be glad to hear of the "departure" of my brother, who, coming home by advice of "medicines" to have his natural air, as he came in sight of his own house, expired on the sea.

The noblemen's letters of the receipt of 600l. and allowance of 315l. to the merchants shall be sent with their own packet. They are to send one of their own very shortly with their answer to her majesty. Newcastle. Signed: Colvile.

2 pp. Holograph, also address. Indorsed.

499. The Association. [Jan. [12.]] C.P., vol. XV.

[Commission by Mary to conclude the treaty between her and her son.]

2 pp. French. Copy. In Nau's hand. (Printed, Labanoff, vol. vi. p. 82.)

500. Mary to Monsieur Fontenay. [Jan. 12.] C.P., vol. XV.

Is to use this commission, letters, and articles. Sends him an alphabet for Maitland. Will send other ciphers. Message to her son. Is to conduct himself according to the course which she has commenced with the Queen of England. Has written him four despatches. A word addressed to the Master of Gray. Her health mends daily. Attestation by Nau.

²/3 p. French. In Nau's hand. (Printed, Labanoff, vol. vi. p. 80.)

501. Angus, Mar, and the Master of Glamis to Walsingham. [Jan. 13.]

Thank him for his continual pains for them and their cause. This late request sent by Mr. Colvile has for sundry causes mentioned in their letter to the Queen of England, as he may perceive by the double thereof inclosed, "wrocht ws gret displesour." All they desire for the present is that he "insist" with her majesty to take in good part their humble petition, wherein they "propone" only a certain delay of time till it may please her to consider more bountifully of them, or at least till they may by some other means provide for their desolate friends, who cannot escape imprisonment and shame if they remove before their creditors be satisfied. Have also written to the Earl of Leicester to the same effect. Newcastle. Signed: Angus. Mar. Tho. M^r Glammis.

Postscript.—Request him to thank the mayor of this town for his courtesy to them.

1 p. Addressed. Indorsed.

502. Sadleir to Walsingham. [Jan. 13.] C.P., vol. XV.

I received yours of the 6th instant on the 9th, and find therein, to my great grief, your absence from the Court through the cause of your old disease; but I trust that by your experience and practice of the former means to restore you to ease, you shall not be long under the hands of those who would not be well at heart's ease if all men were well at ease. I perceive by yours, and by one from my Lord Treasurer that my Lord St. John is at last with much difficulty persuaded to accept of this charge by her majesty's commandment; but not with his goodwill; and that you have been a good "remembrancer" of me therein, for the which I most heartily thank you. God grant that there be no change herein, but that I may shortly hear of his despatch from the Court, and give some guess at the time of his coming hitherward; "for the whiche I call by cowghing through colde lowder than is myne ease."

I find also that a proportion of 70l. by the week is set down as sufficient to defray all charges for this Queen's diet and occasions depending on this charge. And so I believe it will do, and some spare, being skilfully husbanded: and so as my Lord St. John and his company to come with him—besides the soldiers—do not exceed much above forty persons, as you have written it shall not.

Within a while after my coming to Tutbury, I may, perhaps, send you some notes of means to ease the charges, whereof Mr. Cave had some remembrance in part, and save the signing of some warrants which otherwise are to come from her majesty for the maintenance of this charge.

This day we depart hence towards Tutbury: this night to Derby, the whole journey of sixteen miles being now too great, especially for the first day, after lying so long still in a place, accompanied as by my former I have signified. There is no other fitter way than by Derby, by reason of the hills and woods, and yet this [is] very evil.

I have given strait order to the bailiffs and others of that town to provide that there be no assembly of gazers in the streets, and for all quietness, as much as may be done.

This Queen has a small train of her most necessary people with her. All carriages—saving such as must needs go with her—and other impediments being gone before, and are already at Tutbury, with some of mine to attend on them.

Touching new orders to be observed from henceforth at Tutbury for the guard and safety of this charge, which—you write—are not yet agreed on by her majesty, by reason of your absence, and are therefore referred to my discretion for the time, as is signified in your letters to Mr. Somer.

I mean to observe the former orders, according to the places, times, and company: and for the number of soldiers, until I shall be otherwise commanded by her majesty. I have already given order, by virtue of her highness' commission to have ready at Tutbury tomorrow, Thursday, twenty-one soldiers to remain and serve there as her majesty's ordinary retainers in her daily pay of 8d., and six honest able men to come nightly from the villages adjoining, as their turns will come about, who, with three of those soldiers—whose turns will come about every seventh night—shall watch nightly in fit places. And for the daily ward, the soldiers being still in the house, some of them shall supply that service. And one of my men, named Richard Smythe, a man of good trust and like personage, to be gentleman porter, as he has been since the departure of the earl's people; and some others by turns to be yeomen porters; and the watch to be set by James Fenton, who has served with charge in Ireland, and since his discharge, and long before that service, has followed me.

This I trust will suffice for the time until her majesty's further commandment shall be brought hither by Lord St. John.

Herewith I send you a copy of the inventory which you sent to me of her majesty's stuff sent to Tutbury at this lady's coming thither, for her use. And now upon the breaking up of this house, and dividing that stuff from the earl's, and now sent to Tutbury, I send you a note of so much as is found here of her majesty's by the report of his lordship's officers, which they say is all that remains in his custody; and also a note of the wants, to be used and called for as shall be thought good.

It is thought by them that one Lawrence Steele, a servant of his lordship, now there with him, can say most of all his men what is become of those wants.

Herewith are also letters from this Queen to the Queen's majesty. Wingfield. Signed: R. Sadleir.

1¾ pp. Addressed. Indorsed.

503. John Somer to Walsingham. [Jan. 13.] C.P., vol. XV.

Your honour, for answer to your letter to me of the 6th of this month, touching the Laird of Esterweames' suit, and stay for answer from this Queen, I have solicited Mons. Nau, according to your direction, without naming you, for so by your former you advised me, but as recommended by a good friend who had dealt with him therein at London—for I had heard that Mr. Wade had done so, and so did he take it. He answered that his mistress was well persuaded of the said laird's good devotion to her service, and would, therefore, be ready to gratify him in a better suit when occasion might serve, and that he, being much about the bishop of Glasgow, in France, might watch for some such means. But that for this suit. being but a small amount of 200 francs—20l. sterling—she had bestowed it, before Nau's return, upon one of her gentlewomen who came first with her into England, named Janette Kenetthy. In this answer he added— without cause given—that he was never moved by nor from you therein—only by Mr. Wade. Which, if he had been at that laird's first coming into England, he would have recommended it to his mistress, who, he supposed, would willingly have granted that, and a better, suit, upon your motion.

Touching the other points of your letter, as the orders to be observed for this charge, which for the time are referred to Mr. Chancellor's discretion, and her majesty's commandment to my Lord St. John to accept it, they are now answered by Mr. Chancellor's letter.

As for Sir Amias Powlet to be a second, your good judgment of the weak state of his body, and the distance of his dwelling, I think, are to be allowed as a sufficient supersedeas in this matter. And in case my Lord St. John would like to have some joined with him—which perhaps his lordship would take as a discredit,—though indeed it would be a good company, and ease for him, if it would please her majesty to make choice of two of these gentlemen of these parts, sound in religion—such is the report of them—and faithful to her majesty, besides their near dwellings, their credit and knowledge in these countries, good helps and means of maintenance and other helps at hand, and who will not seek to have their wives with them—all which a stranger will lack—viz., Mr. John Maners, a widower, Sir John Zouche, Sir John Byron, Sir Thomas Cockayn—one of these to attend with his lordship, and in his absence for a time by her highness' leave, two of them to be upon the charge, her majesty may well be served, and they by turn eased, and the burden not found so grievous. Pardon me, I pray you, for saying my opinion. Motions must be made before anything comes to effect.

And so with my hearty prayer to Almighty God for your perfect recovery of your grief, I humbly take my leave of you. Wingfield, "turning our backes thitherwarde." Signed: John Somer.

1¼ pp. Addressed. Indorsed.

504. Hugh Owen to Mary. [Jan. 13.] C.P., vol. XV.

May it please your majesty to understand that forasmuch as the Prince of Parma has [employed], and does employ, me in the following of your causes about which he sent me to Spain, and that I continue in his Court, Father Parsons thought convenient to give me a copy of his cipher, by which I should directly from hence advertise your majesty of some things; and also that you might thereby have the better means to be served, I shall willingly obey, according to my bounden duty and great affection I always have borne your majesty, whereof I have given view and proof since, and before your majesty's coming into England, as [some] of them that dealt in your causes can tell. From Spain I could not write to your majesty for want of means. which was supplied by Sir Francis Englefield thence: Dr. Allen and Father Parsons [supplied it] from [Spain]. To both which I gave continual intelligence. Wherefore I will not molest your majesty with any further discourse what passed, and was resolved, all concluding in fair promises; but of performance I see small appearance.

The King of Spain liked best the Prince of Parma's opinion for the manner and order how to proceed in the enterprise. So it depends much on the Prince, who may do most therein, as well [as] to persuade the King of Spain for the execution. And the rather for that the Duke of Guise seems desirous to have it done from the Low Countries, in respect of the nearness and commodity of victuals, munition, and other necessaries fit for such an enterprise. The Prince of Parma is desirous to have it done, and to be the head, partly in respect, as may be supposed, of such glory as princes are carried away with. Also he is a zealous Catholic, and seems to me to have an extraordinary desire to do your majesty's service therein, as I think he signifies so much to your majesty in his letter that goes with this in answer to yours. The same is in Spanish. The Prince of Parma, considering the danger your majesty is in, concurs with many of us in opinion that it were convenient to do your best to get out of their hands by escape, for that there is no present means to do it by force, and in England no place of strength to carry your majesty to, where you might remain till more forces came. So that that way it is not "factible" till there be more forces in the field, or more hands to keep and defend your majesty. If your majesty may, and do resolve to escape, the Prince of Parma offers all assistance of money to provide horses; and I will venture my life to put it in execution, doubting not, by God's grace, but to bring it to pass to your majesty's contentment, and all our comforts. Only it is required of your majesty that you procure within the house the delivery of your own person with one or two with you at the most, at a certain hour in the night, a quarter of a mile from the place of your abode. For the rest your majesty need take no care. Intending to take that course, your majesty's resolution must be known two months before it can be put in execution, for providing of horses, men, and necessaries. The same must also be done in winter, for in summer it will hardly be brought to pass, for that in such great houses people are up long and late, and watches kept in villages all night. But if your majesty could find the means to be conveyed two or three miles off, it may be done in the summer: but the winter is best, when the night is longest, and the weather is foulest. And if your majesty has not taken any resolution touching this point, which we expect by your last letters, I fear it will be too late to resolve to have it done this winter after the receipt of this letter, except it pass with better speed than heretofore. And there is no better way in my opinion than to temporise with the Queen of England, and the while to see what this summer will bring forth for the enterprise. And if it pass without anything done, then to do what your majesty can for procuring your escape the next winter. On which you must think, and resolve long beforehand, to the end it may be executed with more facility. Your majesty has had over long experience, to all our great griefs, what want the lack of your liberty has brought to your own subjects and all Christendom "by that the Queen of England will never deliver you, but either must fear or force." And I see small appearance yet that she may be constrained to either. And truly I can hardly hope for better where so sundry expectations have so often failed, all ending in delays. The consideration whereof makes me and many others to wish your majesty to see what may be done for your escape. If God should permit that it fail in the execution, your majesty shall not be in worse case than you are. There are but few ensamples of kings that came to crowns out of prison, and many being at liberty, out of their countries, recovered their own again with facility, and nowhere more than in England.

If your majesty were at liberty, and out of England, you should find both friends and followers enough. In England itself they would quickly have "engraven in theyr head" her that is next successor, and who in right should have proceeded. I have had long experience in divers courts where your majesty's causes have been propounded, that the want of your liberty was ever one thing to stop our mouths withal, and so they do still, notwithstanding all we can say either from your majesty or from ourselves, willing them to go forwards with the enterprise, as your majesty has divers times written, albeit you were in prison, etc.

The Prince of Parma is still about stopping the river to get Antwerp. They within are wilful, and the Prince of Parma for his credit sake may not "give over"; so the siege is likely to be long, and till it is done nothing can or will be "harkened" to what belongs to foreign causes.

In Spain the King of Spain "armeth not," so, for the present, I see no appearance towards the enterprise. What the spring will bring forth, God knows.

From the camp at Bever.

3 pp. In Thomas Phelippes' hand. Notes in the margin.

505. Thomas Morgan to Mary. [Jan. 14.] C.P., vol. XV.

Not long since it was my hap to be with the ambassador of "P" —, who fell into talk of your majesty's son, and marvelled much [at] the course he followed in, taking the supremacy of the church upon him, in refusing conference with catholics, and in treating with that Queen, which he said were manifest signs of his resolute mind to remain a Protestant; and that, adding thereto his coldness of making an association with your majesty, did confirm, as it were, in him a small hope of any good to be done by his means.

I answered that, saving his correction, I was of a contrary mind, that some things which he seemed to interpret against him as tokens of despair were to me, by probable reasons, manifest signs of comfort. For, first, the taking of supremacy to him, and other his actions besides, manifestly declare the great mislike he has of ministers, in seeking to abridge them of their authority and credit, which I said was a very good degree to come to know the truth, by declining from the evil, which being once known to him he might easily dispose the supremacy, being in his own hands, to the person [to whom] it was due, rather than it was at the disposition of many, etc.

[With a long discourse of the Prince being or not being a catholic. His sending to other princes and they to him.]

Of her majesty's escaping—three manners.

Of Charles Arundel's passions.

1 p. Indorsed by Thomas Phelippes; "14 Jan. 1585. Articles of letters from Morgan and others extracted by Curle, etc."

506. Mr. John Colvile to Walsingham. [Jan. 20.]

Since my last [letter], of the 13th, I hear the King is to take up a more violent course against sundry good men who before were spared, upon suspicion taken that her majesty would be offended therewith. But now since [the Master of] Gray has assured him that at his return here—which he gives out here shall be about the month of May—he shall have all the "distressit" removed out of this land, and no refuge granted to any wanting the King's favour hereafter. Their intention is to go plainly to work against all our friends, specially against such as opposed themselves to the Queen mother in his minority. So, dissemble as they list, none shall smart but Queen Elizabeth's friends, and the Queen of Scotland's favourers shall be exalted. What speeches Gray passed to a gentleman of good credit in his by-passing, Mr. Andersone can "schaw" your honour, if Mr. Bowes has not already declared the same to your honour. Surely they are such that I am astonished to think thereon.

I believe your honour has heard of the death of [Lord] Seton, "and that ye corps of ye lait decessit Abbot of Dunfermling suld be in the nixt parliament takin wp and forfalbit."

I fear Lindsay also shall now smart. The poor lords here "hes" their humble duty recommended to my Lord Leicester and to your honour. They have been at Widdreintoun advising with the Lord Hamilton on their removal. They are preparing as they may for this removal, but "allace"! they are full of "displesour." As your honour desires me, I shall omit nothing that lies in my power to persuade them [to] obey her majesty's pleasure. Newcastle. Signed: Jo. Colvile.

1 p. Holograph, also address. Indorsed.

507. Mary to Burghley. [Jan. 20.] C. P., vol. XV.

Her arrival at Tutbury, and her confidence of the care the Queen of England will have for her safety. Desires to know whether her letters which she sent for her son have reached their destination. Is desirous to satisfy her good sister the Queen. The proposed treaty. Incloses a memorandum for her ordinary necessities. Requests him to obtain permission to send one of hers to her son in Scotland. Tutbury. Signed: Marie R.

Postscript.—Her health. This house very irksome at this season. Is more prisoner than ever without her stable. (fn. 2)

2¾ pp. French. Holograph, also address. (Printed, Labanoff, vol. vi. p. 88.)

508. The Master of Gray to Elizabeth. [Jan. 22.]

Madam, although I am not able to requite the obligation I have to do your majesty all humble service, yet I shall contend with all men in good will, and "hoypis" that time shall be my very sufficient witness. For of all things that ever God Almighty hath bestowed on me—poor "vratche"—I account myself most "obligit" unto Him for that he made my honest meaning to be well considered of by your majesty, and I hope so far that it shall not turn to your majesty's disadvantage. For in effect it has advanced—I praise God—my credit here, in so far that hereafter I shall be the more able —although unworthy—to entertain the friendship now begun between your majesties. But I will not importune your majesty with tedious discourse or "cerimoniall" words, seeing I have "discours of good subject to amplifie the paiper."

To discharge myself of the promise made to your majesty I will first give a declaration truly of the King's majesty's disposition, which at this time is such to your majesty as though he were your natural son, and minds never to alter the same on his side for any accident that can "fall furthe," his life, crown, and honour preserved, as I hope his majesty's own letter shall give a sufficient testimony. For by it your majesty shall know that at my being with your majesty I spoke nothing of myself, but by special command; and chiefly concerning the pretended association between his majesty and his mother, which shall evidently declare that I am not so worthy to be named and honoured with the title it pleased his majesty's mother [to] give me as her man Nau—worthy to be baptized a lying knave. But I will not do evil for evil, neither yet good for evil, but I will the more willingly "mak his majestie forsein" of such things as be not well meant for his estate and standing. And more touching this foresaid association, that day I delivered my embassage in presence of his majesty and his most honourable Privy Council, I gave a declaration what impeachment it was likely to have made me in my negotiation, and also, if order were not taken with it, "quhat" it might impeach others his majesty's ministers hereafter. So in one voice it was "concludit"—as a thing very disadvantageous both for the estate of his majesty and [the] country—that it should never be. So your majesty shall be freely "resolvit" of that doubt, and shall never hereafter at any time be "cassit" in question.

Further, I declared to the King's majesty my master, how that Nau had said that his mother had the means to cause him put water in his wine, and that she had a greater party in Scotland than himself. And upon this, madam, Nau's brother, Fontainie, has got a charge to pass farther off the country, and is to obey as soon as commodity can serve. He is a greater liar than his brother. I beseech your majesty to confirm what I have spoken touching Nau's speeches by the first letter it shall please your majesty to write to the King my master to "coute ate" the opinion of such as esteem that I spoke it only for malice.

His majesty was very well satisfied in all points of my negotiation. But a little after my arrival it came to his ears that his rebels were not removed, according as I had promised, and "likuayis" my general answers did bear; which made his majesty somewhat to marvel. Yet I assured him it would be done very shortly. Therefore, most humbly I beseech your majesty for the performance of it, if it be not already done. I see nothing that can in any sort be a stay in solid friendship between your majesties, that only point reserved. Yet your majesty being so wise and considerate a Princess, I see not why your majesty should "equiponderat" their entertainment to his contentment. I give and grant not that they were not offenders and traitors in the highest sort: yet, if his majesty so esteem them, as I have oft said to your majesty, I think your majesty should "satisfie" in that point, seeing in recompense you have him not as the King of Scotland your good neighbour, friend, and cousin, but as your own natural son to content and satisfy you in all things. Therefore, I pray your majesty, according to promise, that upon consideration of his majesty's well meaning to your majesty, they may be removed forth of your kingdom, and I doubt not before it be long your majesty shall find a great contentment in doing of it. "Lykwayis seing it comis to ye propose," I beseech your majesty, for the weal of your own estate, to remove forth of England the fugitive ministers, "or than" ordain some limits to them for avoiding practising within your country. For, as I showed your majesty at my "perting," their "democriticall dissingis" be enemy to all Princes. But I will not insist herein "ne videar curiosus in aliena republica."

I "scheu" his majesty that I believed your majesty could send him some horses. At which he was very well contented, and answered that he would rather that sort of visitation should be used, than any private intelligence, to let the world know there was openly professed friendship between your majesties.

The Earl of Arran was very glad of your majesty's letter, and, as I believe, will satisfy your majesty by his own letter. Holyrood House. Signed: "Le Lieureau."

Postscript.—I beseech your majesty that Monsieur Nau may be permitted to come hither, to the end your majesty may see what force his mistress has here in Scotland, and if so it please your majesty, the sooner the better. I thought good to let your majesty "be forsene" of the going of a gentleman to the Low Countries, to the end your majesty may know that the occasion of his voyage proceeds from a particular suit of Colonel Stewart's for his wife's dower.

4 pp. Holograph, no address, etc.

509. The Master of Gray to Burghley. [Jan. 22.]

If fair discourse were a sufficient recompense for unrecompsible courtesies, then should I essay myself to play the orator. But seeing neither that nor anything else which I can effectuate is able to requite the courtesy received of your good lordship, I must needs "claime to good vil, offering yat as volountaire to do your lordshipe all heumble service as any freind or child you have in ye vourld stud cravers of God, to have sutche hape oneis or I dee to schau you sume nobable preuful of ye same." As it pleased her majesty to account better of the discharge of my commission than any merit of mine deserved, so has his majesty very well allowed the answer received from her, in so far that, I thank God, it partly rather decreased than diminished my credit. For in all points his majesty was well satisfied. So that I hope the friendship begun shall continue, and that rather by your good lordship's assistance. For there is no stay in it if her majesty put furth of her country his highness's rebels, a thing very regrettable that such a trifle should stay so great a weal. Therefore I doubt not but your lordship advisedly will consider the best, and counsel thereafter. Holyrood House. Signed: Maister of Gray.

1 p. Holograph, also address. Indorsed by Burghley.

510. Sadleir to Walsingham. [Jan. 23.] C.P., vol. XV.

This bearer, my servant John Danet, has "indented" with Andrew Melvill, master of the Scottish Queen's household, for the plate which he received by his bill indented of the master of the Queen's majesty's jewels and plate, for the use of the said Queen, as shall appear to you by Melvill's indented bill, which my said servant will deliver into the said office, to withdraw his own. Wherein, besides his own request, I pray you to favour him so that he may be discharged, and have out his own bill.

He has likewise "indented" with Mr. Brian Cave for the plate sent hither with the former for his use who is to take this charge after me, and also for all the linen which was sent hither at that time. Wherein also he beseeches your favour for the withdrawing of his bills whereby he stands charged as to have received the same. Tutbury. Signed: R. Sadleir.

½ p. Addressed. Indorsed.

511. Walsingham to Angus, Mar, etc. [Jan. 24.]

By reason of my present indisposition, being forced to keep my house and to absent myself from Court, I recommended the delivery of your lordships' letters, directed to her majesty, to the Earl of Leicester; who, after the presenting of the said letters, having had some long discourse with her majesty, signified to me that her pleasure was that both his lordship and I should let you understand that she misliked of your stay there after the direction sent by Mr. Colvile for your "remove," and was also grieved, upon view of your letters, to find your mislike of the course she is entered into with the King your sovereign for the recovery of his favour towards you. Whereof she rests in great hope, not without good ground of good effects, provided your lordships conform yourselves to follow her direction touching your "remove." Wherein she "looked" that you should have considered that, besides that it touches her in honour to seek by all the means that she may to procure your restitution into your country with the King's your sovereign's favour, having so many ways as you have made your affection and devotion towards her appear to the world, she cannot also for her own good—in due course of policy—but be careful to plant such good instruments, as by proof she has found you are, about the King, for the better maintenance of good friendship between the two realms.

She prays you also to think that she is not unacquainted with the doubts that you conceive, that the course that she is now entered into will not work that good for your relief that is looked for. And as she is not unacquainted with them, so she does not doubt but things shall be carried in such provident course that you shall see, notwithstanding, those doubts [have] better success than you looked for.

In the meantime, to the end your stay here may be no impediment thereto, she "looks" immediately upon the signification of her pleasure as well by my Lord of Leicester's letters, which I now send you, as by mine, that your lordships will take present order for your "remove." And to the end there may be no impediment therein for lack of means, I have taken order with this bearer, in case your lordships be not already furnished by virtue of some letters I wrote to Mr. Anderson and to Sir John Foster to that effect, that then he shall see you furnished.

2²/3 pp. Draft. Indorsed.

512. [Walsingham] to the Master of Glamis. [Jan. 24.]

The opinion he has of his secrecy makes him deal as frankly with him and Mr. Colvile as he does. The impression he has conceived of the party mentioned in his letters is grounded upon so infallible an argument—experience—that he does not well know how it can be gainsaid. This answer only may he make to it, that God oftentimes uses the ministry of ill instruments to bring good purposes to pass. Requests him to use his credit and best persuasions to move the lords to take in good part the contents of the letters that the Earl of Leicester and he have by her majesty's commandment written to them and himself, for the purpose thereof is certainly grounded upon her good meaning towards them, and the care she has of their well doing, though they will, perhaps, otherwise interpret the same for the present.

⅓ p. Copy in Walsingham's hand. Indorsed.

513. [Walsingham] to Mr. John Colvile. [Jan. 24.]

As he may perceive by the letters written by the Earl of Leicester and him to the lords by the Queen of England's express commandment, she is somewhat offended with some part of their lordship's letter. The Earl of Leicester, who delivered the letters to her, very friendly sought to satisfy her by laying before her the distressed state the noblemen were reduced to, chiefly in respect of the devotion and love borne towards her. The offence taken by her did not grow from any mislike she has of the noblemen themselves, but because she doubts that, not following her direction touching the "remove," it will greatly hinder the course that she is entered into to do them good. Hopes that their lordships will interpret it in good part.

1⅓ pp. Draft. Indorsed.

514. Mr. John Colvile to Walsingham. [Jan. 26.]

The lords have laid certain impediments before the Queen of England which will breed some delay, but sees they are fully minded to fulfil her demands in that behalf. His honour would have removed one of these impediments if Mr. Anderson had been present here, whose letter he returns and requests him to send another in the same form to Mr. Midfoord, mayor of this town, a very discreet man, or else to some other friends of his here who will be able to furnish 300l.

Whereas they alleged that it was necessary to have the opinion of their friends in Scotland before their "remoif," they are now resolved thereon. The said sum being furnished, and a letter being written by his honour to them to such effect as this bearer can inform him, their "remoif" will be made without delay. They think there is small choice between Norwich and Oxford. Presents his humble duty to the Earl of Leicester. Newcastle. Signed: Jo. Colvile.

²/3 p. Holograph, also address. Indorsed.

515. Angus, Mar, and the Master of Glamis to Walsingham. [Jan. 26.]

This gentleman having affairs of his own to do at London, and being sore distressed with them in defence of the good cause, they earnestly recommend him to him. Requests him to esteem him as an honest and discreet gentleman, well affectionate to religion, the estate of this realm, and to him [Walsingham] in particular. Newcastle. Signed: Angus. J. Mar. Tho. M^r Glammis.

½ p. Addressed. Indorsed.

516. J. Forret to Walsingham. [Jan. 28.]

My lord, in respect of the goodwill I know your honour bears to my Lord Hamilton my master, to Mr. Colvil, and other my friends there, I have "taken the hardiese" to write this present [letter] to your lordship, "quhilk is to participat to you sik novelles" as I have learned from Rouen by a letter of the 20th of this instant that was sent to this town by one "Frere" Gray to a gentleman here called Andrew Gray. "The quhilk buir" that my lord of Ross was "preparen him self to Scotland," and had desired him to go with him. But he had refused by reason that the Master of Gray, who is there, had promised to advertise him when the time should be proper for him to depart. Upon whose advertisement he "vas deliberat" to attend, and to that effect willed the gentleman to send him word with diligence if he had received any of the Master's news. For, however it were, he would be constrained to "part," for my lord of Ross had assured him that he should pass with him, and would obtain, if he should refuse, a command of the Pope and of his superiors that he might go with him, seeing the matter tended to the advancement of their religion, and that there was nothing more necessary than that learned men, such as he is, should be in his company. For if that "var" he was "out of doute" of having their Catholic religion replanted shortly in all the country. There is great "recerche of all the zoung men that ar Papistes heir and ar in this toune." My lord of Glasgow is in good hope to receive letters shortly from my Lord Setone, for at his "parting" he promised to him that within two months after his arriving in Scotland "to haif vretingis of the Kingis to desyr him to cum hame." Paris. Signed: J. Foret.

1½ pp. Holograph, also address. Indorsed.

517. Angus, Mar, and the Master of Glamis to Walsingham. [Jan. 30.]

Concerning our "remoif," all excuse set apart, we mind, by God's grace, betwixt this and the 10th of next month to depart from this town. Albeit in so doing we shall be compelled to leave our affairs in greater disorder than we "lookit for." Yet if we shall please her majesty therein, we esteem the less of our own particulars.

We are not a little grieved to understand that her majesty should seem to impute any unkindness to us, or to suspect that we have any diffidence in her majesty's care and providence for our relief, in respect [that], as your lordship knows, we have "reposit" only upon her majesty, and have sought no other means to recover our sovereign's favour but by her only. But we hope after her majesty shall be informed of our obedience, that it shall please her still to hold us in her wonted favour and good liking.

We mind also, for her majesty's better satisfaction, to send up Mr. Colvile immediately after the departure of this bearer. In the meantime we humbly pray your honour to continue our good lord and friend, that her majesty may be well informed of the uprightness of our meaning concerning her highness, as our actions past and to come shall evidently prove. Because Sir John Foster disbursed to us the sum of 300l. we have received none from this bearer. Newcastle. Signed: Angus. Mar. Tho. M^r Glammis.

1 p. Addressed. Indorsed.

518. Angus, Mar, and the Master of Glamis to Robert Bowes. [Jan. 30.]

Are to remove from hence betwixt the date hereof and the 10th prox., and "suppose" they see great appearance that their removal will be very hurtful to their cause, yet they obey her majesty's pleasure because Mr. Secretary and he advise them so to do. Request him to assist a servant of their own whom they are sending up. Hope the Queen of England will hold them in her former favour. Newcastle. Signed: Angus. Mar. Tho. M^r Glammis.

1 p. Addressed. Indorsed.

519. Mr. John Colvile to Walsingham. Elizabeth. [Jan. 30.]

These noblemen are "concludet" to depart from hence betwixt the date hereof and the 10th Feb. They care for no other matter, neither will they leave anything undone which may tend to the Queen of England's honour or contentment. They are sore afraid lest her majesty should be offended with them. Expects to be sent up very shortly. Newcastle. Signed: Jo. Colvile.

²/3 p. Holograph, also address. Indorsed.

Cott. Calig., C. VIII., fol. 231.

Original of the same.

520. Walsingham to Sadleir. [Jan. 30.] C.P., vol. XV.

Because the Queen, your charge, is desirous of the speedy conveyance of her letter to the King, her son, her majesty's pleasure is you should in her name let the said Queen understand, to excuse the long stay thereof, that the gentleman who had the carriage of the same, falling sick by the way, and doubtful of the time of his recovery, sent back to know what should become of the letter. Whereupon another was despatched to carry it through with speed, so that it is thought that ere this it is come to the King's hands.

I am also willed to let you understand from her majesty that she is sorry there was so little care had by those who were appointed to see the house at Tutbury furnished, that it was not performed in such sort as was meet for a Princess of her place and quality, whereby she herself has been constrained to complain of the want thereof by her letters, which her majesty is ashamed of, and therefore would have you use some compliments in excuse thereof from her, and promise for the amendment of all that is amiss. London.

½ p. Draft. Indorsed.