August.
Estado, 839. |
633. Document headed, Paper given by the third Scotsman.
On the 5th July, Matthew Semple, gentleman, left Paris for Spain
on behalf of the earls of Huntly and Bothwell, and Lord Semple,
all of whom had left Scotland in consequence of the confusion in the
news coming from Flanders, by which the Catholics were made to
believe that his Majesty would do nothing for Scotland, except with
the co-operation of the King. The king of Scotland was also kept informed
of what was in progress, and he deceitfully contiuued on good
terms with the lords. They, however, knew his intention, and paid
no attention to his doings, but still hoped that his Majesty (Philip)
would not permit so much injustice to be done. But as an answer
was so long delayed, contrary to their expectations, they began to
suspect that the corrupt management of the Scottish king had upset
the plan, as he not only continued this trick in Flanders, but
industriously sought to gain the nobles, either by force or chicanery.
At last, as no answer came, they made sure that his manœuvres had
succeeded, though the king of Scotland wrote to them frequently
that he was of the same intention as they were, and was himself
secretly planning the means, pending the arrival of aid from Spain.
He also said it was necessary that he should maintain a secret
correspondence with them. He must, however, he said, still appear
severe publicly, and assured them that he only wanted a show of
obedience to him by two or three of them leaving Scotland for any
other country, except the king of Spain's dominions, for as long or
short a period as they liked. This was written secretly, and with
many expressions of affection ; but there was a public arrangement
that many should ostensibly be banished, although only the three
named really went. This was agreed amongst the Catholics, in order
to test the truth of the news from Flanders, spread by idle people
there, who for years have had no communication with Scotland.
They left their lands well guarded by the rest of the Catholics, such
as Angus, Errol, and Herys, who hold the authority of these others
in their absence. Huntly is at Cologne, and Bothwell and Semple
in Paris. Semple first passed through Flanders to test the truth of
the reports, but could find no impartial person to inform him, and
went on to Paris, where advices were received from Huntly which
caused them to dispatch the said Matthew Semple to Spain, with
letters of credence, to learn the true state of affairs, and to convey
the intention of the three lords to his Majesty. We beg that the
resolution arrived at may be prompted by the knowledge that the
love and determination of the Catholics will not waver, if his Majesty
will treat them in accordance with their deserts, and they urge his
Majesty to act with more promptitude, either in deeds or resolution
in writing, and if promises are punctually fulfilled he may always
count upon the fidelity of the Catholic lords.
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