Henry VIII: March 1543, 16-20

Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 18 Part 1, January-July 1543. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1901.

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Citation:

'Henry VIII: March 1543, 16-20', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 18 Part 1, January-July 1543, ed. James Gairdner, R H Brodie( London, 1901), British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol18/no1/pp160-174 [accessed 11 October 2024].

'Henry VIII: March 1543, 16-20', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 18 Part 1, January-July 1543. Edited by James Gairdner, R H Brodie( London, 1901), British History Online, accessed October 11, 2024, https://www.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol18/no1/pp160-174.

"Henry VIII: March 1543, 16-20". Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 18 Part 1, January-July 1543. Ed. James Gairdner, R H Brodie(London, 1901), , British History Online. Web. 11 October 2024. https://www.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol18/no1/pp160-174.

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March 1543, 16-20

16 March.
Dasent's A. P. C., 97.
283. The Privy Council.
Meeting at Westm., 16 March. Present : Canterbury, Chancellor, Privy Seal, Hertford, Winchester, Westminster, St. John, Cheyney, Gage, Brown, Wingfield, Wriothesley. Business :—Dr.Haynes appeared and, after evidence of his evil opinions and maintaining of "sundry parsons" in the like, was committed to the Fleet.
16 March.
R. O. [Spanish Calendar, VI. II., No. 115.]
284. Chapuys to Charles V.
Forwards duplicate of what he last advertised the Emperor through Grandvelle. Since then, the French ambassadors were on Tuesday last called to Court, and returned accompanied by Mr. Charles Habart, brother of the last Queen, and another gentleman who are deputed to stay with them and see that neither of them dislodges hence until the return of this King's ambassador arrested at Boulogne. Lady Anne of Clevez has been three days at Court. Knows not whether she was called thither or not, but, from what Chapuys can learn, this King made not much of her. Here they cease not to equip ships in all diligence and to search for Frenchmen's goods; and the French do not sleep, who are said to have lately taken some English merchant ships. Going on as they have begun, it seems as if they would venture into real war without waiting other challenge (sommation), although the English consider it against honor to begin without challenge.
French, p. 1. Modern transcript from a Vienna MS. headed : 16 Mars, 1543.
16 March.
Add. MS. 32,650, f. 48, B. M. Hamilton Papers, No. 332.
285. Lisle to Suffolk.
This morning, early, an espial reported that the Parliament of Scotland breaks up to-morrow and that three petitions were made by the clergy and commonalty to the Governor, viz., (1) That the Cardinal be released unless proved to have committed treason against the Crown, (2) That the state of their clergy may stand as it is and not follow the cast of England, and (3) that the young Queen be put in the keeping of four noblemen until old enough to consent to marry. Encloses a schedule received yesterday from a Scottish borderer of reputation, showing "which earls bare the Crown, the Sceptre and the Sword." Forgot to send it with his letters yesternight. Alnwick, 16 March. Signed.
P.S.—Encloses a letter of intelligence from the captain of Berwick.
P. 1. Add. Endd. : Ao xxxiiijo.
16 March.
R. O. St. P., v. 262,
286. Angus and Sir George Douglas to Lisle.
Received, 15 March, by his servant Ric. Holburn, his letters dated Alnwick, 14th inst., inquiring whether they intend to deliver the Cardinal, how many lords came to Parliament, what statutes are agreed upon, and whether they have begun to commune of the marriage between the King and their Princess.
The Cardinal is not delivered. Parliament began 12 March. The week before, Huntly, Argyle, Murray and Bothwell, with a great number of bishops, abbots, barons and knights convened at Perth, and sent the bp. of Orkney and Sir John Campbell of Caldour to the Governor with these articles, viz., 1, to put the Cardinal at liberty; 2, that the New Testament should not go abroad; 3, that the Governor should be counselled by them; and 4, that the ambassadors named in the King's safe conduct should not go, but others of their choice. The Governor replied that he would grant no such unreasonable desires, and sent a herald charging them on pain of treason to come and serve for the commonwealth. Describe how the Governor prepared to proceed in spite of opposition and how the said lords, seeing that they could not make their party good, came in to the Parliament, between the 11th and 15th inst., all except Argyle who is sick and has sent proxies. Parliament has, 1st, resolved to send Sir William Hamilton and Sir James Leirmonth to the King with large commission for the marriage of the lord Prince and the Queen, &c.; 2nd, ratified Arran's appointment as governor; 3rd, revoked, this Thursday, 15 March, the unjust processes of forfeiture against the writers, lord Glammis, Archibald Douglas, James Douglas of Parkheid, and Alex. Drummond of Carnoth. Have as yet proceeded no further; but it is the most substantial Parliament ever seen and the multitude of gentlemen and serving men as much as this town and Leith can lodge.
A Scotch ship came from France, 14 March, with word that the earl of Levenax and one of the French King's council shall be here shortly, to be followed by the duke of Guise or his son with 12,000 men of war. Twelve French ships are ready at New Haven to take in their men at Bryst in Bretaynze and come by the West to Dunbrytain. If the King would resist them by the way it would be a great pleasure to "this young gentleman the Governor" and most of this realm and draw the hearts of the whole people to the King's purposes.
Desire licence for two ships of 80 tons (masters named) to pass into France and Denmark or Danske. Edinburgh, 16 March, 1542. Signed.
Pp. 6. Much stained and faded. Add. : Admiral and Warden of England foranempst Scotland.
17 March.
Dasent's A. P. C., 97.
287. The Privy Council.
Meeting at Westm., 17 March. Present : Canterbury, Chancellor, Privy Seal, Hertford, Winchester, Westminster, St. John, Gage, Browne, Wingfield, Wriothesley, Dacres. Business :—Thomas Weldon, one of the masters of the Household, summoned and found culpable of maintaining "one Sir Thomas Parson Parson clarcke" who was known to be of evil opinions touching the Sacrament, was committed to the Fleet.
17 March.
R. O. [Spanish Calendar, VI. II., No. 116.]
288. Chapuys to the Queen of Hungary.
The King has just sent word that he intended to send as ambassador to her the gentleman (fn. 1) of whom Chapuys wrote last, and with him either Dr. Hutton or Dr. Leton (who was elected to go into France) as Chapuys thought most suitable. Praised the choice of the gentleman and deferred electing the other, although it seemed to him at the moment that Hutton would be best. It seems that they will not leave before Easter, Meanwhile will solicit to have them furnished with power and instructions to treat of the necessary enterprise. Four days ago, two of the King's gentlemen (fn. 2) were deputed to reside with the French ambassadors and see that they do not dislodge without speaking to the host. Believes, as he has already written, that affairs will gradually grow so exasperated that the two Kings will begin the dance without waiting for challenge or defiance, upon which the English are so grounded that they hold it a point of honor not to begin war without defiance. The King lately licensed lady Anne of Cleves to visit the Princess, and she was three days in Court, but the King only saw her once. The Scottish ambassadors who are expected will not come until after the conclusion of the Estates lately assembled in Scotland; at which the earls of More (bastard brother of the late King), Hogny (Huntly), Alguer (Argyle) and Boduel would not appear, being friends, pensionaries and partizans of the Cardinal. The latter is kept more closely than usual and charged, besides what Chapuys wrote, with having forged a certain will in the name of the late King, who died intestate, with having instigated the late King to put to death more than 150 gentlemen upon suspicion of Lutheranism, and with having misused the King's money, especially that from the French pensions. The Scots are much on their guard, especially against a French landing there, fearing the coming of Mons. de Guyse and no less that of the Sieur de Leman (Lennox), who is of the house of Stuarde and has spent almost all his life in France and is he whom the Cardinal sought to promote to the Crown. It is to be feared that at the said Estates there may be dissension and also some beginning of withdrawing the realm from the obedience of the See Apostolic, which is the greatest inconvenience that I see in all that affair. Is told that the French ambassadors here, after long talking, have come to the conclusion that this King does not wish to make war and that his preparations and threats are only meant to deter Francis from invading Flanders; but, for all that, there would be shortly about Ardres a very great army. London, 17 March 1542.
French, pp. 3. Modern transcript from Vienna.
17 March.
R. O. St. P., v. 269.
289. Suffolk, Durham and Parr to the Council.
Have received theirs of the 14th inst., with a letter to Mr. Sadleyr which is forwarded. Enclose letters from my lord Warden and Sir Wm. Evers, with a schedule of a Scottish espial which, if true, shows that the Parliament of Scotland, which had a strange beginning, is like to have a strange ending. Perceive, by the letter to Sadleyr, that the sheriff of Ayre is arrived with certain Scottish gentlemen. As Evers writes that a ship out of France has brought a post to Argyle, who is not yet at the Parliament, with news that the sheriff of Ayre and earl of Lenoux were coming by sea, some man should be sought out, in the Court or in London, who knows Lenoux; lest he should pass as a servant, for "it is not best to trust over much to Scottish men." Newcastle, 17 March. Signed.
P. 1. Add. Endd. : ao xxxiiijo.
17 March.
Add. MS. 32,650, f. 50. B. M. Hamilton Papers, No. 333.
290. Lisle and Sadler to Henry VIII.
This morning, early, came a letter (enclosed) from Anguishe and Sir Geo. Douglas to Lisle, showing the things concluded by their Parliament to be treated by the ambassadors, and also that Arren is ratified governor and second person of Scotland; which matter, being contrary to Henry's purpose for the government of that realm, and not hanging well with Sadler's commission, being thus far in his journey to Edinburgh, but yet passed by Parliament and not to be revoked except by Parliament, which were a "busy piece of work to bring to pass," Sadler will proceed to execute the other points of his instructions, without pressing that matter of the government, which was not proponed by any of them that were lately prisoners only because a governor was chosen before their coming home. If Sadler should now follow his instructions in that point it might cause Arren to fall to the devotion of the French king. Alnwick, 17 March. Signed.
In Sadler's hand, pp. 2. Add. Endd. : ao xxxiiijo.
17 March.
Add. MS. 32,650, f. 52. B. M. Hamilton Papers, No. 334
291. Lisle to Suffolk.
Since his letters this morning, has spoken with an espial of his who was in Edinburgh at 10 o'clock yesterday and rode all night. His intelligence agrees with that of Anguishe and his brother which Lisle sent. What was written by the captain of Berwick, viz., that Parliament consented to Anguishe being restored on condition that Glencarne and Flemyng would be bound "that he should be a true Scottes man," is untrue. No such motion was made. Lisle's espial came in company with the laird of Sesforthe, warden of the middle marches of Scotland, sent by the Governor to keep good rule; and heard Sesforthe say he was commanded to see English complaints redressed to the uttermost penny, and that there was no other likelihood but that the Princess of Scotland should marry the Prince of England, and the lords of Scotland were too wise to refuse such an offer, and that "he knew moo of that opinion in Scotland than he knew of the contrary." The espial agreed with Lisle's servant who brought the letters that Anguishe and his brother bear "the whole stroke." The said servant forgot to say that he saw Huntley put off his cap to George Douglas, with a low reverence, who "put his hand slightly to his cap and said 'Bon jour, Monsieur Huntley,'" and forthwith came and rowned in Lisle's servant's ear "There is never an earl in Scotland but I may be hail fellow with him at this day, I thank God and the King my master." Lisle's servant also said that the lord of Lastarrikke, (fn. 3) for Anguishe's sake, came to the Governor with all the town of Lithe, being 200 demi-hakes and 300 pikes; who, with flags and drums, attended the Governor to the Tolle Bouthe and home again for four days, and, at his entering his lodging, shot off all their hakes, while the Castle shot daily six or eight great pieces at his going to and from the Tolle Bouthe. Further he said that the Governor had always, of his own and Anguishe's servants, 300 halberts about him; and that 1,000 men in harness kept watch in certain places of the town, and all praised Anguishe for the good order kept,—as good as was kept in England. The espial says that Lythersdale men have ridden upon their own countrymen as far as Pibles; which shows that the garrisons have clean stopped their passage through Tyndale, "and yet you heard how much John Heron was against it." Thirty or forty of Tyndale rode last night into Scotland, either to ride with the Scots or to do them a shrewd turn. Seeing that they will needs be doing, it is better they were doing there than have scope to bring in Scottish thieves.
Sent Suffolk's letters after Mr. Secretary; who left at 7 a.m. and would have left at 5 a.m. but for letters that came forth of Scotland. Will be at Berwick on Monday night to speak with lord Somervile, but is doubtful whether Somervile can keep his appointment, as the Parliament continues longer than was expected. Lisle's servant said that Hambleton and Lermonth were made knights in the Parliament House on Thursday last. Cannot yet learn when they "set hitherwards." To-morrow or Monday, looks for another servant from Edinburgh. Alnwick, 17 March, 9 p.m. Signed.
Pp. 4. Add. Endd. : ao xxxiiijo.
18 March.
Dasent's A. P. C., 97.
292. The Privy Council.
Meeting at Westm., 18 March. Present : Canterbury, Chancellor, Privy Seal, Hertford, Winchester, Westminster, St. John, Gage, Browne, Wingfield, Wriothesley, Dacres. Business :—Sternall and Ph. Hobbye, a gentleman usher, sent to the Fleet for maintaining opinions of Sir Thomas Parson. Letters sent to Windsor to call Testwood, Morbecke and Benett before the Council.

Foxe, V. 487.
293. Heresy.
Indictment of Anthony Peerson. That he preached, two years ago at Wingfield (words given), irreverence to the Clergy and disbelief in Transubstantiation.
18 March.
Add. MS. 9,835, f. 25. B. M.
294. [Wm. Thynne] to [Symond Stone.]
I hear from Richard Eynnys, my deputy of Bewdeley, that you are an honest man, though you have been my enemy without cause. I request you to undertake the duty of paymaster for the repairs of the King's house of Ticknell near you. Richard Eynnes will act as comptroller of the workmen and checker of the defaults. Westm., 18 March, Anno 34.
Copy p. 1.
II. [Wm. Thynne] to Richard Eynnys.
Sends 20l. by Ric. Shalwey to be delivered to Symond Stone for the repairs of Ticknell. Westm., 18 March, ao 34.
Copy, p. 1.
18 March.
R. O.
295. Wallop to the Council.
Wrote of late how Mons. de Beez invited Mr. Vaughan to come to Bullen when the musters were taken. De Beez accordingly sent for him and, by Wallop's advice, he went, taking with him the Bailly and two or three gentlemen more. As soon as they were gone, received a letter (enclosed) from the Great Master warning him of De Beez's muster next day, Thursday, &c. His offer of the Almains is very gentle, and is contrary to the conjecture Wallop wrote in a letter in his own hand. Begs them to obtain the King's letter of thanks to him for this and former merits. He seems always, next the Emperor, to have the greatest desire to serve the King.
Two hours after receipt of the Great Master's letter, learnt that a post had come to Bullen out of England declaring that their ambassadors were stayed as prisoners. Whereupon the bruit ran that there was war with Englishmen, and Frenchmen assembled at Mustrell to make a course upon them. Wished then that Vaughan and the others had not gone, doubting that De Beez would say he gave his assurance in peace time; and, that night, took precautions (described) and warned Hampnez and Calais that the lord Deputy might reinforce the two bulwarks in the East pale. A bulwark is necessary to keep the passage at Botehawkes "where, in the last wars, most hurt was done, then being a rank 'marresse' better to be kept than now, the ground waxing somewhat dry."
Mr. Vaughan and his company are returned from Bullen, where they had the greatest cheer possible. All the castle and bulwarks were shown them. The ambassador (fn. 4) and they saw the musters, 440 horses, 35 of which were "bardid horse" and the rest being the best horsed and tallest personages they ever saw; "and Monsr. de Beez himself upon a goodly jennet, as brave and gallantly trimmed as could be, and took up his horse before the ladies there like a young roister and a lover, confessing to Mr. Vaughan that he so was, saying to him, "Maiz que nouz sommez en bon peax avec le roy d'Angleterre, il ne noz chaulde point pour tout lez demorauntes." De Beez said 4,000 Almains were come to Mustrell and they doubted the coming of the Great Master, but were ready for him. De Beez defrayed all charges of Vaughan and his company, who were there from Thursday noon until Friday noon.
For all this good cheer, they have stayed Mr. Bayneton's son and one Stokes, student at Paris. The provost of Paris, now captain of Thurwan, was at the musters, to whom De Beez much praised the English nation, saying that with 5,000 English archers and the men he had in Picardy he would not care for all the Emperor's power in these parts. Yesterday, mustered at Arde 900 footmen. Mons. de Pynayz band of horsemen are not yet all come. Many footmen of Bullonoyez have gone towards Mustrell. Thinks it is not for fear of the Great Master, but to make a course upon the Emperor's frontiers or our East pale; for on the West pale they could only burn houses and could not take the churches without cannon. Wrote the substance of these news to the Great Master. Guysnes, 18 March.
P.S.—Has a spy out towards Mustrell. Signed.
Pp. 4. Add. Endd. : Ao xxxiiijo.
18 March.
R. O. [Spanish Calendar, VI. II., No. 117.]
296. The Queen of Hungary to Chapuys.
Sends herewith a letter from the Emperor and two from Grantvelle, with a writing which was left open in order that she might add to it, but it is so well reasoned that she can add nothing. Chapuys shall use it with dexterity, not pressing the King too much for the aid in money in case he will not make the enterprise, so as not to make him suspect that the cost of the war will be thrown upon him alone; and if the King sends ambassadors she will deal with them accordingly. The Count de Reulx has met the Captain of Guynes at Bourbourg, as appears by the extract of his letter herewith.
The deputies of the Electors upon the Rhine and of the Landgrave, failing to make truce between her and the duke of Cleves, have retired. Cleves wishes to justify himself by remitting the dispute to the princes and estates of the Empire and other neutral princes, and thinks meanwhile to continue his occupation of Gueldres. He has sent seven ambassadors to Nuremberg to answer her commissioners and complain of the invasion of his country; but she will continue her efforts to force him to come to reason, and is sending towards Maestricht the duke of Arschot, with the counts of Lalaing, Hoochstrate, Ligny (freres de Ligny) and Oostfrize and 2,500 horse and 10,000 foot, of whom 400 are High Almains, picked men, and some battery pieces; who shall enter the Duke's country within two days. The Duke is determined to give battle. Has levied 3,000 Lemburgers to reinforce her army. If the Duke gives battle he hazards all, and if not his countries receive inestimable damage. Has also levied some men about Munster to enter his countries of Ravesburge and Marque from the other side, and her garrisons on the side of Utrecht and Brabant will not be idle.
Thanks for ample news in his letters of the 10th inst. At once ordered the release of the prisoner (fn. 5) of whom he wrote, who was apprehended in going from Utrecht towards Gueldres.
Since the above was written, learns from a good place that those of La Rochelle are again revolted, and that the King of France is very ill pleased, both for that and for the discovery of the treasonable intrigue to surprise Thionville.
French, pp. 3. Modern transcript from a Vienna MS., headed : A l'ambassadeur Chapuys, de xviij de Mars 1542.
18 March. 297. Mary of Hungary to Chapuys.
The letter placed under this date in the Spanish Calendar (Vol. VI. Part ii. No. 118), is of the year 1544.
18 March.
R. O. St. P., IX. 335.
298. Paget to Henry VIII.
Mons. de Villebone, captain of Terwyn, late provost of Paris, who has been here three or four days, hearing that the Burgundians are abroad with 1,500 horse and 6,000 foot, has gone to Monstreul for an escort home, for the burnt child dreadeth fire and he was once in the Burgundians' hands, taken at St. Pol. Yesterday De Beez went thither with his 100 men of arms. The 50 men of Du Pynack, lieutenant now at Arde, 50 of Villebone's and 50 of Dorleans are also going thither, and also Mons. de Kar, Mons. St. Martin (De Langey's brother) and Captain Theodore Magnus, each with 200 light horse. They reckon to have 2,000 horse and 6,000 foot to encounter De Reus, and to speed the better because De Reus and Mons. Dascott are not friends. Describes, from the point of view of a "good Frenchman," the confidence of the French, their report of the Emperor's lanceknights coming to Valenciennes and their own from Brittayn, and concludes with a regret that he can do no better service. Boulloyn, 18 March, at night (fn. 6). Signed.
Pp. 2. Add. Endd. : ao xxxiiijo
Caius College MS. 597, p. 282. 2. Letter-book copy of the preceding in the hand of Paget's clerk.
Pp. 2.
19 March.
Dasent's A.P. C., 98.
299. The Privy Council.
Meeting at Westm., 19 March. Present : Canterbury, Norfolk, Privy Seal, Hertford, Winchester, Westminster, St. John, Gage, Browne, Wingfield, Wriothesley. Business :—Letters sent to Sir Wm. West to repair from Plymmowth to the Downs; to the mayor and inhabitants of Hull to "conteyne" from choosing Sir Wm. Knowles to the mayoralty, because of his charge of customership there. —(blank) Morbacke, of Windsor, for maintaining seditious opinions, committed to the Marshalsea. Letter under the stamp sent to the bp. and chapter of Exeter "to certify what they knew touching the evil opinions of Doctour Haynes." Order for dividing the money received from the bp. on Llandaff for Bulmer's lands between Joan wife of Wm. Bulmer, esq., and Wm. Bulmer being in the Fleet.
19 March.
Acts of the Parl. of Scotland, II. 425.
300. The New Testament in Scotland.
Precept by Arran, as Governor, to the clerk of Register to cause to be proclaimed, this day, at the Market Cross of Edinburgh, the Act made for having the New Testament in English vulgar tongue, and to enter this command in the books of Parliament. Edinburgh, 19 March 1542.
20 March.
Dasent's A. P. C., 99.
301. The Privy Council.
Meeting at Westm., 20 March. Present : Norfolk, Russell, Hertford, Winchester, St. John, Gage, Wingfield, Wriothesley, Dacres. Business :—Four commissions stamped for John Mille, John Wight and John Chattreton to take up victual for furniture of certain ships. Passport signed for Robert Litton to repair to Mr. Pagett. Letters written to Sir Thos. Trenchard, Thos. Trenchard and John Williams for immediate restitution of a Spanish pinnace (fn. 7) unjustly taken by John Bowle. Passport signed for David Robertson, Scottishman, repairing into France.
20 March.
Add. MS. 32,650, f. 57. B. M. Hamilton Papers, No. 336.
302. The Privy Council to Sadler.
The King has seen the letters from the lord Admiral and him, of the 17th inst., and those of Anguishe and Sir George Douglasse, and, while marvelling at the Scots' proceedings touching the government, approves Sadler's resolution not to stir a greater trouble therein. But, as the matter is very important, he shall feel what Anguishe, Cassilles, Glencarn, Flemyng, Maxwel, Somervile and Sir George Douglasse will say in it, telling them, apart or together (speech prescribed), that one thing he has noted since his coming much troubles him, viz. the establishment of the Governor by Parliament, with "a certain determination" to remain the King's friends, wherein he fears that they have forgotten their promise to the King, who will surely kick at this matter when he knows it, and perhaps think it not meet to suffer as he has done but take his advantage otherwise. Their answers he shall certify with diligence. He shall show Anguishe and Douglasse that the sheriff of Ayr is here with the King, and says that, at his departure, Linox was ready to go by the West seas to Scotland. Perhaps he may be met with by some of the King's ships; but, in all events, the Governor and they must provide for him; for whatever face he bear he is wholly for France. (Here, on a detached leaf in the same handwriting, is another, but very similar, draft of this passage about Lennox, followed by another form of the speech about the establishment of the Governor.)
Finally, Sadler shall say that he trusts they will show themselves true gentlemen and that the whole realm will be always ready to serve the King against all men and all nations; wherein they shall work their own honors and commodities. The King desires to know when Parliament shall end there.
Draft in Wriothesley's hand, pp. 6. Endd. : Mynute to Mr. Secr. Mr. Sadleyr, xxo Martii ao xxxiiijo.
Hatfield MSS. 2. Another copy of the above, described in the Calendar of Cecil MSS. (Pt. I. 72) as of 14 April, 1542, which is the date in the contemporary endorsement.
20 March.
Add. MS. 32,650, f. 56. B. M. Hamilton Papers, No. 335, St. P., V. 270.
303. Arran to Henry VIII.
Has deferred answering Henry's letters to the Council dated Hampton Court, 4 Jan., and his other letters sent since, because the matters contained in them were too weighty to be answered without the convention of the Three Estates of this realm. "And to yat effect we assemblit the Parliament and sett ye samyn to the twelf day of this instant moneth, in the quhilk we, be the avise of the Thre Estaitis of this realme has direct oure familiaris and traist counsalours Williame Hammyltoun of Sanquhar, James Leirmonth of Balcohny, knychtes, and Maister Henry Balnavis, oure secretar, our ambassatouris towartis zoure Grace, fully instruckit," with commission to conclude the contract of marriage between the Prince your son and the Princess Marie queen of Scotland your pronece, and to establish a peace betwixt the two realms. Desires credence for them. Halyrudhous, 20 March, 1 Mary. Signed.
Broadsheet, p. 1. Add. Sealed. Endd. : ao xxxiiijo.
Royal MS. 18 B. VI. f. 218b. B. M. 2. Letter-book copy of the above, from which it is printed in the State Papers.
Pp. 2.
Ib. f. 152. Ib. f. 24. 3. Another letter-book copy. P. 1.
Ib. f. 24. 4. Later copy of the same. P. 1.
20 March.
R. O.
304. Garrisons and Ships.
Newcastell upon Tyne, 20 Marcii ao 34 Hen. VIII. :—Brief declaration by John Uvedale, treasurer, of the payment of the garrisons and ships from 21 Feb. last, of which he has delivered signed copies to Charles duke of Suffolk, lieutentant in the North, and Viscount Lisle, lord Admiral and lord Warden of the Marches.
Showing that, out of 5,031l. 10d. (partly in broken and refuse gold) which he had on 21 Feb., he has paid :—By Suffolk's warrants : To Angwishe and Geo. Douglas with their petty captains and 200 men, for the month beginning 27 Feb., 207l. 4s.; to Richmond herald, in reward when sent into Scotland, 40s., and for 50 days' wages from 8 Jan. 10l.; to Sir Ralph Sadler in prest, when sent into Scotland, 200l.
By the lord Admiral's warrants : For diets of my lord Admiral, his petty captain and 100 men of his retinue, payment of the garrisons lately discharged with conduct money, wages of 431 men now laid in garrisons on the Borders, and for "sundry ships of war now on the North Sea" 2,269l. 6s. 3d.
Leaving, 2,342l. 10s. 7d.
The charges of the lord Admiral and garrisons and of Angus and Douglas will take, over and besides the charges of ships, 864l. 0s. 8d. monthly. Signed : Jo. Vuedale.
P. 1.
20 March.
Add. MS. 32,650, f. 62. B. M. Hamilton Papers, No. 337. Sadler State Papers, I. 65.
305. Sadler to Henry VIII.
Arrived here on Sunday, 18th inst. The day before, they had prorogued their Parliament, intending to call it again in April or May. Repaired forthwith to the Governor, whom he found in a garden at Halyrudhouse palace, delivered the King's letters and commendations and was heartily welcomed. The Governor took him apart and asked his credence, which he then declared. The Governor answered that the King had his heart, above all princes, and should command him in all things, saving his allegiance to his sovereign lady and this realm "(thus he qualified his affection);" and the ambassadors were despatched and ready to depart. A great company of noblemen and gentlemen pressed so near that the Governor seemed desirous either to commune more secretly or else to take counsel before entering further; "so he knit up his tale (as indeed he is a man of no discourse)," saying he would speak with him next day when he had rested; and bade Sir George Douglas convey him to his lodging. While the Governor read Henry's letters, the Chancellor, who is bp. of Glasco, Huntley, Anguishe, Casselles, Glencarn, the Earl Marshall and others embraced and welcomed Sadler. On the way to his lodging, accompanied by Sir George and others, talked of their Parliament, in which Sir George said they all in the end agreed well, nor would they fall out to make themselves a prey to their enemies; and so, with "general words," Sadler was brought to his lodging.
On entering, told Douglas that he longed to speak with him; and they drew apart. Began by saying he was commanded in all things to use Douglas's advice, as the King's trusty servant, and prayed him to declare the state of things. Quotes the ensuing dialogue verbatim, in which Douglas said that he had laboured in the King's service, pretending the common wealth of Scotland and speaking little of England, to avoid suspicion, and had not slept three hours a night for six weeks; for they had much business with noblemen of the greatest sort, as Huntley, Murrey, Argile and Bothwell and almost the whole clergy, who would have held another Parliament at St. Johnston, but that he (Douglas) got the town before them and moved the Governor to command them, on pain of treason, to attend upon him at the Parliament; as they, perceiving themselves unable to make a party, were fain to do, save Argile, who sent procurators, being himself sick. And now, continued Douglas, they had kept their Parliament honorably, agreeing well and concluding openly that the King should have the marriage of their young mistress, and they be assured friends to England for ever, as he had written to the lord Warden (fn. 8); and the ambassadors were ready to go to the King empowered to contract the marriage, and no doubt, little by little, the King should have his whole desire. Sadler said that the King trusted Douglas and his brother, as servants, and forgot not the large promises made by his said brother and the other nobleman, but as yet had "but cold advertisements"; and asked how the noblemen were affected to the King and why he had not written more frankly. Douglas replied that he had written; but as for the promises, he had told Sadler at Newcastle that the lords were never able to perform them. Most of them were well affected, as Casselles, Glencarn, Maxwell, Somervile and Grey. The rest were "mean men"; and others who had power were slipped, especially Bothwell, who was the worst that might be. His brother and he had many friends and were too strong a party for the rest, so long as they kept the Governor with them, through whom they must work unless they used force, whereunto "the time serveth not." Sadler reminded him that the King had had large offers, both for the government and to have the child and the strongholds in his hands; and if the ambassadors now came with mean things—he was "a wise man" and knew what might ensue. Douglas answered that the King should have the marriage offered and concluded and the rest might follow, but, for himself, he made no such promises, and they that made them could not perform them; for the noblemen would not agree to have their mistress out of the realm, but were content that the King should appoint a gentleman of England and English ladies to be about her for her tuition, and this might soon bring her wholly into the King's hands. He, Douglas, had insinuated himself with the Governor and was chief in credit with him, and had caused him to put down the Cardinal, the chief enemy to the King's purpose, and had brought the Governor to the King's devotion and from that of France. The Governor was already well inclined to leave the devotion of Rome; and, this marriage concluded, and an English knight or nobleman and English ladies about this young lady, and the league of France annulled (wherein would be no sticking), free intercourse between the subjects of both realms would engender love, and the young gentlemen here repairing to the English court (even the Governor himself having promised to come to the King), the nobles and others of this realm would be brought "so far in love with his Majesty" that he would have the whole direction of it. What was won with love would last, whereas we had often won with force which had engendered hatred. Thieves on the Borders might be punished as felons. But, on the other side, if they went about to depose the Governor and bring the obedience of this realm to England "there is not so little a boy but he will hurl stones against it, the wives will come out with their distaffs and the commons universally will rather die in it," the nobles and clergy shall be against it, the Cardinal shall be at liberty (who has been much sued for), ambassadors shall be sent into France, the expected French army (which is now to be resisted) shall be accepted, all possible preparation shall be made against England and the Governor shall fall wholly to the devotion of France. The King being thus driven to use force, it was easy to see what trouble and expense it would be to win this realm, which now, by fair means, might be won without either; and this was his, Douglas's, opinion which he would express to the King himself. To this Sadler said that he could not but think that wise men would agree to the King's reasonable request rather than be at "utterance" of war, especially as, although they agreed meetly well in Parliament, there were parties among them, and Glencarn and Argile were "at great distance"; Douglas had said that his brother and he and the lords with them were the stronger party, and so, if joined with the King's power, what could the rest do though France should aid them? "I grant," quoth Douglas, "the King's Majesty is like to have the upper hand, God being with him, and yet, I daresay, we here shall be a small party; for in this case all our friends will forsake us, and undoubtedly if those things be now motioned it will grow to a war" : if Sadler had commission to treat this with the Governor, he would advise him to forbear. Sadler then asked when he could speak with Douglas's brother; and for that made appointment for next morning at the Black Friars, at mass.
As soon as Douglas left, came the lord Somervile, who said that things had not succeeded quite as he thought and wished, but no doubt all should be well. Asked him how the lords and others who were with the King had proceeded. He replied that Bothwell was slipped from them and called them "the English pensioners," and lord Flemyng was not of the best; but Anguishe, although too much led by his brother George, was assured, with also Casselles, Glencarn, Maxwell and Grey; the rest were mean personages, and ere they came home a Governor was chosen. But they delivered the King's letters and, of their credence, proponed the marriage, and left speaking of the government, because a governor was already chosen and they thought that, with the marriage, the rest must succeed; and, thinking that the Cardinal would be an enemy, laid hands on him, whereat many were offended; but they stuck together and called a Parliament and resolved to send ambassadors, who were ready to go, empowered to conclude the marriage and the peace. Sadler asked if the child should be brought to the King's hands. Somervile answered that he and the others would fain have had it so, but the rest of the great lords, being a great number, would not agree to it; however, means would be devised therein to please the King. Asked him how, considering their league with France, they could make a peace without the reservation of France. He replied "As for France, we will utterly leave them and go with you against France, which we may do without offence of league, for they have broken with us many times, as we be able to prove, and I would wish to God that the marriage were once contract, for that shall bring all the rest of the King's purposes to pass, which cannot otherwise be accomplished without great cumber."
Next morning, Monday, met Anguishe and Glencarn at the Black Friars and spoke with them, first separately and then together. Thinks both them and Somervile assured to the King. They excused their not proponing the matter of the government, because a Governor was already chosen; and confessed that they were not able to perform their promises, Anguishe saying plainly that his friends came not to him at the first; but they had proponed the marriage "for an introduction of the whole." As to the custody of the young Queen, they said that the Lords were very stiff not to have her out of the realm, but content to have some nobleman of England and English ladies about her. The marriage once contract and the realms knit in friendship, they would annul all their leagues with France and go with the King against France; "and for my part," quoth Glencarn, "I have but little silver, but if the King's Majesty have to do with France I will go in person, and vml. (5,000) good fellows with me to serve his Majesty against France" : and Anguishe affirmed the like. Here they urged Sadler to give comfortable words to the Governor, by whom they doubted not to work the King's desires. Asked how they could work this; and "they said he was a very gentle creature and a simple man, easy to be ruled." Anguish said that he himself was not yet fully established, and would be every day more able to serve the King and would ever be a true Englishman. Asked how they had provided against Lynoux and the Frenchmen. They said that they would resist their landing, and if they landed at Donbritten would fight them and doubtless put them back : their strongholds of Donbarre and Edenbourgh were at the Governor's command, Temptallon in Anguishe's hands, and Saynt Androwes and Donbrytayn still withheld but expected shortly to be at the Governor's command. Then they again pressed Sadler, when he spoke with the Governor and Council in the afternoon, to innovate nothing; that the ambassadors might speedily depart with their charge authorised by Parliament. Prayed them to foresee that the ambassadors went fully instructed to the King's contentation. And so they departed.
At afternoon Glencarn, coming to accompany Sadler to the Governor, expressed a wish that he were with the King to declare his opinion. Sadler offered to forward it if he would put it in writing; which he did, and prayed Sadler, as it was not very legible, to copy it, and both writing and copy are sent herewith. They then went to the Governor, who received Sadler gently and desired him to declare his credence to the whole Council. Sadler replied that he would gladly do so, declaring the King's good opinion of him (the Governor), and zeal for the wealth of this realm and his (the King's) pronepte. The Governor replied that he was in all things at the King's command, saving his allegiance. Sadler prayed him to foresee that the ambassadors went amply instructed, so that the King might see that their deeds corresponded with their "fair words." The Governor answered "I pray you, say the same to the Council anon"; and added that he was informed that the King would mediate for the Cardinal's delivery. Assured him that the King would do him no such displeasure; for, if delivered, the Cardinal would be governor himself and ruin the realm, for he was more French than Scottish. "By God," quoth the Governor, "he shall never come out of prison whiles I live, except it be to his further mischief." And this Sadler allowed, saying it were pity but the Cardinal should receive the reward he merited. The Governor then left Casselles with Sadler and went to the Council. Talked with Casselles, according to the instructions, and found him dedicate to the King and of like opinion with the others. Sir George Douglas then came and brought Sadler to the Council chamber; where were a great many noblemen and others sitting at a long board and divers standing, but no bishop or priest among them. The Governor sat at the upper end of the board, and caused Sadler to sit by him in the first place; and, after a little silence, Huntley declared how the Governor had received the King's letters referring to Sadler's credence, which they now begged him to declare. Answered that he would willingly do so, and signified that, hearing of the inclination of the Governor and many of them to the things set forth on the King's behalf by such of them as were lately with him, and their determination to send ambassadors, the King, who tendered the surety of his pronete no less than his own child, their advancement and the benefit of this realm, had sent him (Sadler) to reside among them as commissioner and councillor, ready to advise them, especially at this despatch of the ambassadors; and, therefore, if they would show the particulars of the ambassadors' charge he would do his commission. Whereat they paused a little and desired to consult together; so Sadler withdrew. When he returned, Huntley said that where the King, before, sent letters to the states of the realm, not then knowing that they had chosen a Governor, with certain purposes proponed by those who had been prisoners, they, to satisfy the King, called a Parliament with all haste, and, by its authority, authorised ambassadors to conclude the marriage and perpetual peace; which ambassadors were ready to depart. Sadler answered that they did wisely, for nothing could be more beneficial to them than the marriage and the peace; and doubtless they had considered the circumstances depending on these two points and would instruct their ambassadors in all points to satisfy the King, and if they wished Sadler's advice, he would, on hearing the specialties, execute his commission. They answered that their ambassadors were fully instructed and, if Sadler had not come on the Sunday, would have started on the Monday, and now would not delay. Seeing them unwilling to communicate, and considering the opinions of those he had before talked with and that Parliament was done, so that a motion for the custody of the child might lead only to frivolous argument, since he knew that they would not now have her out of the realm, Sadler thought "to pass it over in general sort"; the rather as the ambassadors had received their charge, and he himself had no commission to treat unless his advice was asked; and so, declaring that, doubtless, they had plainly instructed the ambassadors, as well for the custody of the child after the contract as for the other circumstance, he advised them that, if they would not communicate with him, they should no longer detain their ambassadors, lest the King should note "delay or slackness in them." They answered that they had used all possible diligence, and the ambassadors should depart tomorrow. And so they arose; and Sadler went to his lodging.
"Within night," came Bothwell to Sadler's lodging, saying he came to offer him all the pleasure he could for Henry's sake, to whom he was bound. Thanked him and, wishing to learn what he would say, entered with him of the state of affairs, in the discourse of which he said that if all had been as willing as in England they pretended, the King should have had his purpose ere this, but it must needs come to pass in good time. In England they minded "many things," but when they came home they "fell in" with the Governor; and, seeing that, he (Bothwell) fell out with the Governor, for a private cause, "and came no more at them," and had not come to the Parliament but that he promised Anguishe his "voice" on his great day. The Governor was, he said, more meet to be governed, and was governed by mean persons; and it would be wrong with this realm unless they shortly had a governor able to direct them, wherein he (Bothwell) would keep his promises made to the King. After Sadler declared his credence and withdrew, some of the Council would have had him participant of the ambassadors' instructions, but the majority would have all referred to the King; and he (Bothwell) doubted how the King would like the instructions, unless, indeed, the ambassadors had some private commission which he knew not of; the ambassadors had no authority to conclude for the deliverance of the child.
Bothwell is noted here to be adverse to the King but surely he loves not the Governor. When he left, Glencarne, at 9 p.m., brought the memorial aforementioned; in reading which he said that, it being agreed that the King should appoint certain English and Scottish lords to be about the child, if he were so appointed the King should not fail to have her into his hands, either with the consent of the realm or against their wills. Further, he said he had now written to the King to have his son home; for, being "at distance" with Argile, his son, having the rule of his country, should stand him in great stead. Thinks he feigns not, for such a man as his son cannot well be spared from so wild a country. Talked with him at Newcastell, where he is with the earl of Westmoreland, and thinks there are few such Scots in Scotland, for wisdom and learning, and well dedicate to the truth of Christ's Word. At home he should both help his father and do good, now that the Gospel is set forth in English and proclamations made allowing the Bible and Testament to be read in the mother tongue, and preaching of the contrary forbidden on pain of death.
(fn. 9) [This day Sir George Douglas said that the Governor would come to the King at time convenient, leaving Anguishe in his place. Told Douglas that Linoux is equipped at Saynt Malowes to depart by the West seas to Scotland, as Suffolk has notified. Douglas said that the Governor and realm would be glad if Henry's navy stopped them.] (fn. 9) Neither Maxwell, Flemyng, nor other of the prisoners, are here, but left as soon as Parliament ended; and now the Governor and all the other lords are gone to their houses, intending to return on Easter Even. The Queen Dowager is at Lithcoo, 12 miles hence, to whom he rides tomorrow. The ambassadors are Sir Jas. Lyrmonth, Sir Wm. Hamylton and Master Henry Pennese, the Secretary; who depart to-morrow. Edinburgh, 20 March.
Hol. pp. 14. Endd. : [Mr.] Sadleyr to the K's Majesty, xxo Martii ao xxxiiijo.
Add. MS. 32,650, f. 69. B. M. Hamilton Papers, No. 337 (r). 2. Glencairn's memorial.
Could make no advertisement since their coming to Scotland, for, from the Cardinal's taking till the end of Parliament, the earls of Huntly, Mwrray, Arguyll, Bodewell, Eglentown, Sudderland, and Munteyth, all the Kirkmen and many other lords made a convention together, and only came in when they saw that they could not prevail. None now bide forth but the earls of Arguyll and Eglentown, lords Rois and Sempill, and their parttakers.
The ambassadors go, from the three estates in Parliament, with an ample commission to conclude the marriage of our Sovereign lady with the Prince. Advises the ending of that marriage before other things are proposed; because all would oppose the taking of the Bairn out of the realm, thinking that the King means conquest thereby and not their Lady's weal, because when her father died war stood, and is yet. But, the marriage being once contracted, the Queen's lieges will put away suspicion, and the King will have the better "sident" to desire her surety and the welfare of her realm. If the King use force and stick at the delivering of the Bairn to him now, the Governor will join the Kirkmen and the other lords who are for France; and, unless it be wisely handled, they will keep the Queen, and, if they can do no better, send her into France.
In Glencairn's own hand, pp. 2.
Ib. f. 70. 3. Copy of § 2.
In Sadler's hand, pp. 2.

Footnotes

  • 1. Sir Thomas Seymour. See No. 260.
  • 2. Charles Howard and another. See No. 284.
  • 3. That is, the laird of Restalrig, or Lesterrig.
  • 4. Paget.
  • 5. William Watson
  • 6. The words "at night" omitted in § 2.
  • 7. See No. 310.
  • 8. "William" in Sadler State Papers.
  • 9. This portion is not in the Sadler State Papers.