|
| Sept. 22. | 548. Sir Francis Leek to Cecil. |
|---|
| 1. Is advertised by Randolph that the Lord St. John will
be here this night, and passes hence by post. Randolph having
desired the writer to have an English gentleman accompany
him to the Court, he has appointed Mr. Baston, who being
lately discharged now stands at 2s. by the day. |
|---|
| 2. According to Cecil's commandment he has travailed as
much as he may in aid of the poor Scotchmen, and sent his
servant, Thomas Carlyle, who has served the process of Sir
Ralph Grey, and Francis Phetypas, his man, and likewise on
John Horseley, Lord of Houtchester, who says he will appear.
Sir Ralph Grey has signified that notwithstanding the commandment of the process, he is Deputy Warden, and therefore
cannot appear at London; neither shall his man, Francis
Phetypas. Sir Ralph, finding that Lyell Humbell and Odnell
Stanley, his servants, were in the same process, who dwelt
five miles from Chillingham, so delayed Carlyle with talk that
before he could ride to their houses they were gone, so as he
could not meet with them. He also willed Carlyle to signify
to Sir Francis Leek that his abode at Berwick should be very
short, for he had received letters from Lord Grey that he is
Captain of the town and castle. As for the rest of the persons
contained in the schedule, he has sent two gentlemen, who
have attached sixty-two of them, but he is sure it is but vain
travail, for their dwelling being out of his office they will
appear if themselves list; there are yet to attach seven score
persons, who shall all be attached if his men escape unbeaten,
and of whom few or none will appear. |
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| 3. In like manner eight days past two Scotch merchants of
Leith sent a ship laden with wheat and dried fish, to sell in
Berwick; the mariners missed the channel and set the ship
on the sands, and leaving her (as they say) to drink, but
rather to get aid to carry forth their goods, before their return
the inhabitants of Tweedmouth and Spittal carried away all
the corn and fish, and yet the ship remains unbroken. The
Lords of the Estates have written to him in this matter very
earnestly, but he cannot remedy the matter, the place where
these naughty acts are committed being not within his
charge. |
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| 4. Is informed that Hedly, (late Croftes' man, and now Lord
Grey's man,) advertised Lambert, Lord Grey's man, who is
now discharged, that although Sir Francis Leek knew that he
would be discharged of his charge, yet is he loath to leave the
town, and makes earnest suit to be in office there. |
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| 5. In his letters of the 3rd inst. the writer signified his opinion
of the offices of Marshal and Treasurer, but did not sue for
Mr. Abington's office. Knows not who keeps Cecil's letters,
but wishes him more secret.—Berwick Castle, 22 Sept. Signed.
Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 3. |
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| Sept. 23. | 549. The Queen to Sir Thomas Ingleby. |
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| Having caused a mass of treasure to be sent, and considering
that certain monies, being parcel of the said treasure, may
be decried by proclamation, she orders that such wages as
were not paid out of the said treasure before the day of
proclamation, shall be paid out of it according to the present
rate. The chief officers, however, are to be paid according to
the former rate.—23 Sept. 1560.
Draft, in Cecil's writing. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 2. |
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| Sept. 23. | 550. Randolph to Cecil. |
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| 1. At the time that he last wrote he was forced for the
vehemence of his pains to leave many points unanswered,
and omit other things that he would willingly should come
to Cecil's knowledge. Is thankful that the Queen accepts his
simple doings in so good part. The reasons why Cecil should
retire himself are better considered of his part than coveted of
his friends, who heartily wish that he would abide the consummating of the happy work now in hand, for the perpetual
uniting of the two realms. Has long since despatched his
[Cecil's] letters, with others enclosed, to the Earl of Argyll.
The Earl of Arran thinks himself much beholden to Cecil.
The passport is not yet delivered to Lady Fleming; his care
is how to seclude out of her number Robert Lyslye, a mortal
enemy to their cause, who pretends to the earldom of Rothes. |
|---|
| 2. Since his last letter Lord Semple, doubting the force that
was preparing against him by the nobles, conveyed himself
secretly out of his castle to Dunbar, where he was received
the 11th inst. The Lords thereupon sent Captain Forbes to
Sarlabois to give him knowledge "that he had done against
the treatment," and required Lord Semple to be delivered up
to a sergeant of arms, who was there present, as an offender.
The answer of Sarlabois he will receive with more ample
knowledge by Lord St. John, who of purpose will devise with
him of the same matter, to see how the French upon just
cause may be charged with a breach of their covenants, who
by false reports burden others unjustly, as that of the Bishops
that were not suffered to enjoy their livings. One other
thing in the treaty is not yet performed, as the demolition of
the fort of Eyemouth. It is also said that the number of men
in Dunbar exceeds three score, as was agreed. The house of
munition remains yet standing, which Sarlabois would not
suffer the pioneers to overthrow. He himself stands always
upon his guard, and goes not far abroad. Captain Lucinet
and those in the Inch never come aland, and very few repair
to them. It is said there are more women in it than men.
The merry men call it now L'Isle des Femmes, and not L'Isle
des Chevaux. |
|---|
| 3. Received a letter from the Bishop of Athens, confirmed
at this Parliament Bishop of Galloway; and made answer to
the effect as he has written at the end of this letter, which he
sends to Cecil. Has talked at large with Mr. Knox concerning
his History; as much as is written shall be sent to Cecil at
the coming of the Ambassadors by Mr. John Wood. He has
written only one book, and if Cecil likes that, he shall continue
the same, or add any more; he says that he must have further
help than he can have in Scotland, for more assured knowledge
of things passed than he can come by there. It is a work
not to be neglected. Mr. James Magill desires his [Randolph's]
acquaintance, which shall not be refused; if no good may be
done upon him, he will at least bring him into jealousy
with the French. It is said that the Earl Bothwell is
married in Denmark to a wife, with whom he has 40,000
"yoendallers" [sic]. The author of this tale is Lady
Buccleugh, his old friend and lover. [Has heard since that
he was never out of Scotland, but lay secret in some corner.] (fn. 1) |
|---|
| 4. There came of late out of France a Scotchman called
the Parson of Wilton, reputed an honest man; if he had
come by land he had brought Cecil's letters. He gives good
advice to all how to use themselves with the French, which is
to yield nothing that they have got; he persuades earnestly
the continuance of amity with England, and discourages credit
in either promises or fair words. He depends on the house of
the Earl of Cassilis; he promised earnestly to travail to frame
him to some good purpose. The Earl of Huntly, who this last
Parliament was absent, has been written to from the Lords,
that at least he would confirm the messages agreed upon by
some letter, which he has done; as the Lord of St. John's will
show more at large, with his other charges. Lord James is
not yet looked for out of the north; the Earl of Argyll will
be here in twenty days. The Earl of Huntly has promised to
be with the Duke on the 5th or 6th proximo. The Earl of
Arran continues his journey to Castle Semple. They have of
late slain in his bed an old man above four score years of age.
Since Lord Semple's coming to Dunbar, his other doings have
been intolerable. |
|---|
| 5. The fortification of Leith goes down apace, there are
labouring 200 pioneers. Touching the Borders, the sooner
the Warden returns the better order will be kept. The Earls
of Argyll and Athol and Lord James at their meeting joined
themselves in a perpetual league against all adversaries that at
any time in any cause may be stirred up against either of
them. This has been done specially to bridle the Earl of
Huntly, if he intend any mischief in those parts where he is,
whose doings give occasion for men to conjecture far enough,
were it only that he has sent his kinsman, Captain Culleyn,
into France, and is the means that Robert Lisley should follow.
Captain Forbes had private and familiar talk with Sarlabos,
who condemned the opinion of as many as thought that the
Queen would give ear to the suit of the Earl of Arran, for
that she was determined long since to marry the Swede for
the great abundance of his riches, and thereby may be the
better able to withstand the force of whatsoever enemy shall
invade her. The policy of her Council, seeing how necessary
the amity of Scotland is to her, intends to offer in marriage
to the Earl of Arran the Lady Catherine, daughter to the
Duchess of Suffolk, that as she is an heir apparent of England
so shall she be matched with an heir apparent of Scotland; so
that if both those who are in possession of the crowns die
without succession, the right shall come to them. This he
asseverated with such oaths that Forbes entered in certain
belief. He also offered himself to have seen letters from so
sure a place, that he himself would not deny it. He offered
also to lay a horse of 100 crowns that it shall so come to pass.
He trusts also that this advertisement, which he sends by his
servant, shall serve him to no small advancement when he
returns. Though of all this there is nothing that the writer
credits, save that perhaps Sarlabois has some advertisement
out of England, yet he thought it not necessary that this should
be told straight to the Earl of Arran, or any other that stand
yet in doubt of the Queen's meaning towards Scotland.
Omnes, quibus res sunt minus secundœ, sunt nescio quo modo
suspiciosi; ad deteriorem partem sumunt omnia. Forbes has
promised to keep these and other matters in silence, until the
writer releases his tongue, which he intends not to do until he
hears how far these unseasonable bruits will be blustered abroad.
—Edinburgh, 23 Sept. 1560. Signed. |
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| Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Cecil. Pp. 6. |
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| Sept. 23. | 551. Randolph [to Cecil]. |
|---|
| 1. The writer sorrows more over other men's misfortunes
than his own. Conferring the first word that he read of the
11th with the slanderous reports of the French and their faction,
he was so passioned that no grief he ever felt was like to
it, neither had he word or advice to comfort his friend. "We
measured our affections for our country and friends as though
we had seen that heart that you wrote with your pen." Cecil's
comfort, quod jactas curam tuam super Dominum, also relieved
them, and so they intend to moderate their cares. Both
thought good to keep Cecil's letters from all men. It is
yet no time to raise such doubts as men do. If there is
no more allowance, he fears there is no more service looked
for. Fears misfortune to this cause more than the loss of
his life and all that ever he had. His life is not here so
pleasant for him to wish for long stay, but he sees not how
to wrap himself out. Has denied already to . . . . at Arran's
hands. Rather than embarrass his poor friends he would
serve the Queen for a month or two for naught. Of all the
acts Cecil ever did to thank God for is his benefit and good
will towards Scotland. Never wished him half the favour
and good will that he has there. The affection of this country
towards the Queen is such, that he believes she has as many
faithful hearts of all sorts within the realm as she has for so
much ground within England. Would be right sorry to see
it perish. This is more than he would have written unto
any man than Cecil himself, but the necessity of the cause so
presseth him. Whatsoever Cecil shall adjudge him to have
deserved, be it either to be rent in pieces or burnt in the fire,
let it be executed upon his hasty and unadvised letter. Tomorrow they take their journey to Castle Semple.—23 Sept.
1560. Signed. |
|---|
| 2. P. S.—"The copy of my Lord of Arran's letter we received
from the Laird of Ledington." |
|---|
| Orig. Hol. Add.: To yourself. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| Sept. 24. | 552. [Challoner] to the Count De Feria. |
|---|
| Two English merchants, Antony Hickman and Edward
Castellin, most honest men, and their factors, Edward Kingsmill and Thomas Nicholas, who have traded for many years
with the Canary Isles and Teneriffe unmolested during Queen
Mary's reign, have been charged by the Licentiate Mortenus,
lately Governor of the Islands, with heresy, and obliged to
clear themselves by oath; their goods have been restored by
the King, not without the said Licentiate objecting as much
as he could. Begs that he will use his influence that they
may go about their honest business without molestation.—
London, 24 Sept. 1560. Signed: Bonus amicus, W. |
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| Orig. Draft, in Challoner's hol. Add. Lat. Pp. 4. |
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Sept. 25.
Affairs of Scotland. | 553. Affairs of Scotland. |
|---|
| A declaration of the late proceedings of the Queen of England with the French King and Queen for continuance
of peace and amity betwixt them and their kingdoms
and countries. |
|---|
| 1. Although the Queen was constrained to amass a certain
power both by sea and land to frustrate the French attempts
and injuries, yet because thereupon followed certain motion to
treat upon the differences between them, she obtained that
sufficient commission was given to the Bishop of Valence and
M. De Randan, and the like on her part to Cecil and Wotton,
by virtue of which, peace was by them concluded at Edinburgh,
the 6th of July last. At this time, by the mediation of
the Commissioners of England, a reconciliation was obtained
betwixt the French King and his wife, and the nobility and
people of Scotland; who, as they manifestly declared, had
sustained such oppressions by the ministers sent out of France,
that it was hard to persuade them but that as long as the
King gave credit to such, they should not be sure of the
favour of their Sovereign, with the liberty of their country.
The Commissioners of France accorded, by a special article
with the English, that the King and Queen should fulfil all
those things which were granted to the Scotch, provided they
fulfilled whatsoever was contained in the covenants to be by
them observed. The French besieged in Leith were licensed
to depart, wherewith all hostility ceased, and the Queen's
Commissioners provided all things necessary to relieve the
army in Leith at their departure, and transported them into
France. For the safe return of the Queen's ships and for
the repayment of the money prested, were bound the Bishop
of Amiens, M. De la Brosse, and two other Barons of France.
Likewise the Bishop of Valence and M. De Randan stood
bound for other sums lent to them by the English Commissioners to be paid within twelve days after July 6th. And
for a further proof of the Queen's good will, when the
said Bishop and De Randan were at Richmond, (who also
have bound themselves by a special article in the treaty as
soon as possible to treat at London of a matter not fully
ended at Edinburgh,) they required licence to repair to the
French King and make an account of their negociation;
whereunto the Queen was well content. One or two days
after, the Bishop of Amiens and De la Brosse made a like
request, giving their faith that if the money due was not paid
in twenty days, they would return; in this also the Queen
was not found very hard to them, and so they departed about
Aug. 4th. The Queen, continuing in full purpose to take fast
hold of peace, immediately disarmed her ships, and caused a
universal restitution to be made of all prizes. And after the
day was past when the said Bishop and La Brosse should have
paid the money or returned, and nothing thereof was heard, she
of her own treasure paid the charges of the transportation of
the French. At length the money was paid, but the sum due
by the Bishop of Valence and M. De Randan, being demanded
at sundry times of the French Ambassador, was neither paid
or the lack thereof excused. |
|---|
| 2. During this time also the Queen, (remembering that the
treaty should be ratified before the 6th Sept.,) about Aug.
27 addressed her letters to Throckmorton, commanding him
to require the French King and Queen to ratify the said treaty.
Accordingly he sent from Melun on the 1st Sept. to Fontainebleau to the Cardinal of Lorraine, requiring that he might
have audience of the King. Answer was made that the King
would come the next day to Melun. Throckmorton sent again
the next morning, specifying that his desire was for the
ratification of the treaty; whereunto the Cardinal answered,
that the same night he himself would come with the King to
Melun, as indeed he did; and to him went the Ambassador,
reminding him that it was specially covenanted that the treaty
should be ratified before the 6th of the same month, which
was within three days after, and also how it was agreed that
every of the Ambassadors resident should receive the same at
the other's hands. The Cardinal answered that the King
meant to send his own part ratified to his Ambassador in
England to be delivered to the Queen. Herein Throckmorton
found some inconvenience, as by the very words of the treaty
it plainly otherwise appeared; and further that the Queen
could not be assured of the oath of the French King, which
ought to be given in the presence of her Ambassador according
to an article in the treaty. The Ambassador showed the
Cardinal the said articles; which having read, he said that the
Chancellor not being there it could not be done before the day
limited, but should be done upon Saturday the 8th. The
Ambassador required that it might not pass over many days,
lest it might be hindrance to the amity; whereunto the Cardinal assured him that they weighed nothing of the time, and
would not have things so narrowly scanned. He also required
him to send his commission and a copy of the treaty to the
Secretary L'Aubespine; who promised to solicit the matter
forward. Throckmorton also desired to deliver his letters to
the King and Queen, but the Cardinal advised him to stay
the same until the time that he should receive the ratification. |
|---|
| 3. At the same time he moved the Cardinal for the return
of the Bishop of Valence and M. De Randan, according to
their promise. The Cardinal said that it was not in their
power to promise; (although most true it is they did, and
also were bound by the treaty to have treated at London on
certain points not yet decided;) but to avoid this matter, he
said that the King meant to send the Duke of Nemours into
England, who would satisfy the Queen. After this the Secretary L'Aubespine, on Thursday the 5th Sept., told Throckmor
ton that because neither the Queen Mother, the Chancellor,
nor the Council, were there, (in whose presence the King
would have the ceremonies done,) he had deferred the same
until the 10th, at which time he meant to be at St. Germain.
So, four days being past, L'Aubespine required him to come to
Poissy, and the day following the Cardinal also sent him a
message that if he would come thither the King would advertise him of his pleasure. Accordingly he went thither on the
12th, when the Cardinal required him to be at St. Germain
on Sunday the 15th, after dinner, which also he performed.
Throckmorton, finding the King accompanied with his mother,
wife, the Guises, and others of his Court, looked for the ratification to be there done; but, delivering his several letters to
the King and Queen, and his whole message of request for
the ratification, he received by the King's appointment, at the
Chancellor's mouth, answer that it seemed reasonable that the
Scots should first do that which they were bound to do; and
that if the Queen of England would have her treaty ratified she
must first be means that the Scots do their duties. The Ambassador replied that the treaty betwixt France and England
did not depend upon the treaty with Scotland; and that there
was no reason why covenants should not be observed with
the Queen. No other answer could, however, be had of the
King. Throckmorton required to have a memorial of the
Chancellor's answer in writing, which was sent to him. The
words of the Chancellor in some points vary from the words
of the treaty. Where the Chancellor takes it that if they
should ratify the treaty with England they would be bound
to the Scots, and not the Scots to them, the Scots have no part
therein; neither is the article that touches them a simple
article to bind the King and Queen, but conditional on the
Scots performing their part. |
|---|
| 4. This audience was given to the Ambassador on the
15th. In the meantime the Queen and her Council, making
account that the treaty was ratified, the same day (by
reason of letters sent from the Ambassador on the 8th and
12th), sent to London Cecil and Wotton, with commission
to be ready to treat with the French King's Commissioners.
For that end they declared on the 20th to the French
Ambassador the cause of their coming, who showed them
that he had no certainty of the French Commissioners'
return; but they thought that, their impediments being
known to the Queen, they would be excused. They showed
him Throckmorton's letters, by which the Queen perceived
that the French King would ratify the treaty on the 15th;
and therefore expecting that he would have required the like
of her (as indeed the same has been ready written and subscribed by her before the last of August, and sealed with
the Great Seal of England on the 2nd inst.), her pleasure
was that her said Commissioners should present the same
ratification to him. The Ambassador answered that he had
no commission to receive it; and understood that the King
would not ratify it until the Scottish treaty was ratified.
Cecil and Wotton marvelled much thereat, because they
had not yet heard from Throckmorton. On the next day,
being the 21st, there came letters from France of the 18th
containing the whole proceeding upon the 15th. |
|---|
| 5. Notwithstanding the strangeness of this matter, the
Queen, conferring hereupon with her Council, has determined
to abide some proof of time, especially as she understands
that a gentleman of Scotland is on his way to France from
the three Estates assembled in Parliament, to certify to the
King and Queen their service to perform all that was
accorded on their parts. Besides, she thinks that when the
King knows the truth of the behaviour of the nobility
and people of Scotland, he will have council of his Estates
to be more favourable to them, and to reform this disorderly
proceeding with the Queen. In the meantime she will
pass over all these scruples and stumbling-blocks, and impute
these lacks to those who do not desire to see Scotland in
quiet obedience with liberty, or England in amity with
France and Scotland. Contrarywise, if she perceive that
the French still refuse to ratify, she must defend herself,
nor neglect the proceedings in France or Scotland that
may be to her hurt. She trusts that the French King
and his wife at the assembly of the Estates of France in
December shall have better counsel how to use themselves
towards her, whereby England and France may rest in
perpetual quietness, and Scotland be quietly governed by
her own laws, to the behoof of the Queen of Scots, without
such oppressions and torments as have lately been laid on
them. |
|---|
| 6. This declaration she has imparted by her Ambassador
in France to such of the Estates as shall seem desirous of
peace, and has also caused the Spanish Ambassador to be
made thereof privy, so as his master may not be ignorant;
who has (like a dear brother and friend to both parties,
and a Catholic Prince that desires the common tranquillity
of Christendom) not neglected the frequent solicitation of
both parties to accord, upon whose requests the Queen did
much the rather pass over divers unkind parts, and has
remitted certain differences to his arbitrament. |
|---|
| Copy. Endd. by Cecil. Pp. 14. |
|---|
| Sept. 25. | 554. Corrected draft of a translation of the above into French. |
|---|
| Endd. by Cecil. Pp. 30. |
|---|
| Sept. 25. | 555. Another copy of the above. |
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| Endd. Fr. Pp. 20. |
|---|
| Sept. 25. | 556. Another copy of the above. |
|---|
| Endd. Fr. Pp. 20. |
|---|
| Sept. 25. | 557. Draft, chiefly in Cecil's hand. |
|---|
| Endd. by his secretary. Pp. 16. |
|---|
| Sept. 25. | 558. Another copy, corrected by Cecil. |
|---|
| Endd. Pp. 38. |
|---|
| Sept. 25. | 559. Another copy, with additions by Cecil and Wotton. |
|---|
| Endd. Pp. 17. |
|---|
| Sept. 25. | 560. Draft of portions of the above in French, in Wotton's
writing. |
|---|
| Pp. 4. |
|---|
| Sept. 25. | 561. Another copy of the above. |
|---|
| Modern transcript. Pp. 19. |
|---|
| Sept. 25. | 562. Edward Grimstone to Cecil. |
|---|
| Has received the Queen's letter for his return, and one from
Cecil of the 21st inst. Having been commanded in their
Lordships' letters of the 7th to enter some dealings in the
works, by taking view of the numbers and seeing the
manner and order of the pays of all sorts of people and
doings belonging to the same, he has accordingly done so,
and desires to be informed of their resolution herein. For,
comparing the Queen's licence for his return at Michaelmas
with the Lords' letter, he rests in doubt whether he may
take the advantage given him in the Queen's letter, or
whether he will have to stay until the wages be paid. Has
signified in his former letters the cassing of the sick and hurt
men left at Edinburgh, for whom there is neither pay nor
other relief but by special warrant from the Queen. Desires
a warrant for his entertainment, without which he rests as
a ship without sails. The Treasurer, having been commanded to stay all extraordinary payments, says that he
counts Grimstone's to be such.—Berwick, 25 Sept. 1560.
Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Hol., with seal. Add. Endd. by Cecil. Pp. 3. |
|---|
| Sept. 26. | 563. Philip, Landgrave of Hesse, to the Queen. |
|---|
| Has received her letters of 29 July, desiring licence for
John Godgaffe, a merchant, to transport fifty tons of beer
into Germany.—Cassel, 26 Sept. 1560. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Lat. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| Sept. 27. | 564. Cave and Wotton to the Privy Council. |
|---|
| 1. On Wednesday the 25th Wotton received their letter
of the 24th with certain other writings. The next day, as Sir
William Petre was before departed to his house, he [Wotton]
went to Sir Ambrose Cave, to communicate the matter with
him. He found there Sir Richard Sackville, who took pains
with them to consider the whole matter; and having read all the
writing, and specially the declaration devised to be published,
they agreed what should be declared to the Bishop of Aquila,
which was in effect the whole substance of the said declaration. They found a few places in the declaration which they
judge to be somewhat dark, rather by the fault of the writer
than otherwise, whereof they wrote more largely to Cecil. |
|---|
| Sept. 27. | 2. This day in the morning they went to the Bishop of
Aquila, and having opened to him the effect of the said declaration, he said that he had well perceived the whole matter, and
that he had been made privy to a good part of it before.
He could not well allow the Chancellor's answer to Throckmorton for the delaying of the ratification, and liked well
some of the reasons made against that answer. He thanked
the Queen for communicating these matters to him, and
said that he would not fail to signify the same to his
master. |
|---|
| 3. He said that if his master's party might have been
present at the making of this last treaty, these difficulties
would not have arisen. To which they said that like as
they know that M. De Glassion was here to see whether he
could do any good by mediation between the Queen and
the French, so they knew not that any request had been
made that any man for his master should be present at this
meeting in Scotland, and think (though they said it not to
him,) that the matter would have been never a whit the
better if any such had been there. They fell afterwards into
other discourse with him of his master's affairs in Africa,
where he said his master had sustained great losses, and that
all the soldiers left at Gerbes are slain. He has also heard
that others of his master's men have taken Tripoli.—London,
27 Sept. 1560. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 3. |
|---|
| Sept. 27. | 565. Sir Francis Leek to Cecil. |
|---|
| Lord St. John arrived before the return of Leek's servant
from Edinburgh, by whom he finds that the Ambassadors
appointed to the Queen tract time of themselves; he passes
with only four horses and his guide. Continent to the desire
of the Lords of the Estates, Leek has appointed this bearer,
Mr. Baston, to accompany him, whom he commends. Calls
attention to the answer of Sarlabois to the Lords, touching
the revoking from Dunbar of the Lord Semple, thereby to
judge the mark the French shoot at.—Berwick, 27 Sept.
Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| Sept. 28. | 566. The Earl of Arran to Cecil. |
|---|
| Recommends his dear and special friends the Earls of
Morton and Glencairn, and the Laird of Lethington; who, at
the instant suit of the whole Estates of the realm, have taken
upon themselves an enterprise upon which the weal of the
whole country, their own honour, and the life of the writer
depends; and requests that therefore Cecil will be favourable
to them.—Edinburgh, 28 Sept. 1560. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 2. |
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| Sept. 28. | 567. Sir Francis Leek to Cecil. |
|---|
| 1. Received yesterday a letter from the Council at York,
with a proclamation directed to the Mayor of Berwick, for
decrying certain coins to be this day proclaimed, which he
has done. Forasmuch as the Treasurer has paid before the
arrival of this mass of treasure both the ordinary garrison
and sick labourers but [blank] l., since the receipt of Cecil's
letters on the 25th, yet he has called on him, Sir Richard
Lee, and Mr. Grimstone to make all expedition. Yesternight
Mr. Hughes arrived with 5,200l. on horseback, in testons and
twopences, and has left the residue at Alnwick, which will
arrive this night. He says that the mass of the treasure that
he has brought is 16,218l., and that thereof there is but
1,200l. in gold and good money. If he had not a good
opinion of Hughes, there might grow a suspicion in this
small sum of gold and new money, considering what gains
have been proffered for it these four days. Now that the
treasure arrived but yesterday, and this day proclamation is
made, the labourers and soldiers look to be paid according to
the proclamation, which will be no small loss to the Queen.
Has given order to the Treasurer to pay the labourers hereafter their wages at the rate of the proclamation, and to stay
payment of the soldiers until the Queen's pleasure may be
advertised. |
|---|
| 2. Randolph writes that the Lords of Scotland will be
here on October the 6th. They sent yesterday for answer of
the exchange of the 3,000l. they desire to deliver here and
receive the like sum at London; he declared to Archy
Greame, servant to Earl Morton, who came for that matter,
that he had not yet received answer therein from the Lords
of the Council. Yesterday the Duke of Châtellerault and
the Earl of Arran departed from Edinburgh towards Glasgow,
as Randolph writes; from whence the Earl takes his journey
to Castle Semple. It is doubtful amongst the Scots of the
good success of this journey, for that it is said that there are
100 harquebussiers in the castle, French and Scots, and the
same well furnished with victuals and munition. The Earl
of Arran has embarked his artillery and munitions at Leith,
and disembarks the same at Linlithgow and Blackness.
Leek wishes they might have been employed against Lord
Semple and his neighbour, Sarlabois.—Berwick Castle, 28th
Sept. Signed. |
|---|
| 3. P. S. (fn. 2) —The Treasurer cannot declare what sums he has
paid since the 24th inst. Has presumed to allow the sick and
others whom Sir Richard Lee now discharges, their present
pay; desires the Queen's warrant for the same, and also for
his despatch from hence, and somewhat for his entertainment. |
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| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil. Pp. 3. |
|---|
| Sept. [28]. | 568. Edward Hughes to Sir Francis Leek. |
|---|
| Has perused all the money by his book, and finds only
about 1,200l. of good money amongst the treasure. If more
is found in the telling it shall be delivered to the Queen's use.
The whole mass brought from London is 16,218l., whereof he
brought to Berwick on 27 Sept. 5,200l.—Signed. |
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| Orig. Endd. by Leek. Pp. 2. |
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| Sept. 28. | 569. John Shers to Cecil. |
|---|
| This week brings nothing worth the knowledge, except news
from Rome of the burning of a poor man of Cuneo in Piedmont, who openly and even at his dying hour cried out of the
Pope and against the abuses of religion. Others, who at first
took his part, when the fire approached cried "Creke," and
are now committed to perpetual prison. Also of a new Bull
for the residence of Bishops, and other particularities. There
is a new rumour of a General Council. The proceedings in
France trouble the Pope much, who would upon the same
devise a train to maintain the last-begun Council at Trent,
and not a new general and free Council, as the world and
perchance the Princes also of necessity now desire. To this
there rises a smoke that this Diet in France on the 10th of
December next tends not to a reformation by a good accord
and a national Council to begin the 20th of January, as
appears abroad in print, but rather to the ruin of divers of
the nobility, for persuasion will not serve long; and that
therefore the Princes will bring it to cruelty if the French
King may use the help of the Emperor and King Philip, as
they think themselves assured of the Pope, persuading that
by this means they may of new set up the old religion.
There are English at Rome who look for a like world. This
week there passed towards Rome, to abide there, a young
Englishman called Andrea Phangha [?], or such a name, and
brings bills of exchange for almost 2,000 crowns, which are
accepted; his only acquaintance in Venice is with Donato
Rulla, of the late Cardinal Pole. Hears many things, and
therefore forgets the common proverb, "Quœ supra nos, nihil
ad nos."—Venice, 28 Sept. 1560. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Hol., with seal. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary.
Pp. 4. |
|---|
| Sept. 29. | 570. Edward Grimstone to Cecil. |
|---|
| 1. At the return of the camp from Leith, Stroud and Blount,
two Englishmen, were left to give advice for razing the fortifications of Leith. The appointments taken for their aids
therein are so neglected that they yet remain there; their
charge is sustained by themselves; and from Randolph he
understands that their money and credit begin to fail, for one
of them has borrowed money from Randolph upon promise of
repayment here at Berwick, where there is neither warrant or
other order for their relief. |
|---|
| 2. John Londen, a gunner, left for the gathering of bullets
out of the ramparts, and to save the ladders and other munitions and to see the same shipped, has already sent home one
ship load of bullets. He still daily finds bullets; he has found
above 600 in men's hands in Leith which he cannot get unless
he pay one penny apiece. Has written to him to pay the
price. There is neither warrant for this or other needful
things. Reminds Cecil that he has not received warrant for
the relief of the hurt men to be discharged at Edinburgh.
There has been a fray between Rowland Foster and Mustyan,
Laird of Barmoor, whereby is stirred (to their accustomed
evil) many gentlemen of Northumberland, as the Greys,
Mustyans, Collingwoods, and of the other party the Fosters
and Swynnows. There is daily armour and weapon used both
to the church, the market, and the field, as in time of war;
as no man here minds to deal in the matter it is needful that
some be sent from the Queen and Council to make an end
hereof.—Berwick, 29 Sept. 1560. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 3. |
|---|
| Sept. 29. | 571. Sir Francis Leek to Cecil. |
|---|
| 1. Since his last letter there has arisen some question
between Sir William Ingleby and Mr. Hughes for receipt
and pay of the treasure. Considering the variety of values
of testons, they have both in the enclosed letter made request
to have one William Ledham, a goldsmith, living at the sign
of the Mermaid, in Cheapside, or some other, to divide the
said testons. Sends a note of the money paid by the
Treasurer of this mass brought by Mr. Hughes only by
testons, whereof he brought about 700l. In the meantime
the pay passes only of twopences.—Berwick, 29 Sept. 1560.
Signed. |
|---|
| 2. P. S. (fn. 3) —Randolph writes that Lord Semple has retired
to his own castle with twenty harquebussiers, whom Sarlabois has lent him, and that the Lords of Scotland leave on
October 3rd or 4th. |
|---|
| Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| [Sept. 29.] | 572. Knights of St. Michael. |
|---|
| A list of the Knights of the Order of St. Michael assembled
at Poissy on the festival of the Order, 1560, consisting of
the King, six Dukes, and eighteen other noblemen, with
eleven new Knights; seven others were created who were
not present. |
|---|
| Endd. Fr. Pp. 3. |
|---|
| [Sept. 29.] | 573. Another copy of the above.
Endd. Fr. Pp. 3. |
|---|
| [Sept. 29.] | 574. Another list, with the names of the remaining Knights who
were not present; the number of the whole being eightynine. |
|---|
| Add. to Cecil and endd. by him. Pp. 3. |
|---|
| Sept. 30. | 575. Safe Conduct for Eric, King of Sweden. |
|---|
| The Queen directs all her officers to show hospitality to Eric
XIV., King of Sweden, and his train, who have her licence to
enter and leave England. |
|---|
| Draft, corrected by Cecil. Endd. Lat. Pp. 4. |
|---|
| Sept. 30. | 576. Another safe conduct to the same effect.—Hampton Court,
30 Sept. |
|---|
| Draft, in Cecil's hand, and endd. by his secretary, 29 Sept.
Injured by damp. Lat. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| Sept. 30. | 577. Throckmorton to the Queen. |
|---|
| 1. Has received her letter of the 6th, containing as well
the estate of the Vidame of Amiens by his sickness, as also
that he should move the French King for the revocation of
the Vidame, and for the sending of another in his place. Has
spoken with the French King thereon, who answered that he
would think upon the matter, and let him know his pleasure.
The Cardinal of Lorraine also answered in like sort; saying
that he marvelled that the King had not been advertised of
the Vidame's dangerous sickness from his Ambassador in
England; and wondered that he had not made means through
him for his return, rather than through the Queen. |
|---|
| 2. Certain English merchants going towards Bordeaux to
the vintage, and understanding that the French King has set
certain new imposts upon wine that merchant strangers
levy to carry away, (the same being against the privileges of
her subjects and an article of a treaty provided in that
behalf,) declared their griefs to the writer, who moved the
Cardinal therein, not by way of complaint, but to know how
that matter stands. The Cardinal answered that when he
sent word of the former matter he would also let him understand this other. |
|---|
| 3. On the 23rd inst. there arrived at Court by post Don
Antonio De Toledo, from the King of Spain, accompanied
with twenty-two in his train; he made no long abode, and is
already departed; men discourse diversely of his legation. |
|---|
| 4. The galleys are come about to Nantes in Brittany; they
are twelve, and four "fuysts." The French King kept his
feast of St. Michael's at Poissy; at which he has made twelve
or eighteen new Knights of the Order, whose names are
enclosed.—Poissy, 30 Sept. 1560. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 3. |
|---|
| Sept. 30. | 578. The Earl of Argyll to Randolph. |
|---|
| Has received his writing, with letters from the Queen and
Cecil, to whom he will ever be ready to do service. Will use
diligence to do Cecil's direction, but has received no word
from the Earl of Sussex, Deputy of Ireland, which he desires
Randolph to certify unto Cecil.—30 (fn. 4) September 1560.
Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| [Sept.] | 579. Eric XIV. to the Queen. |
|---|
| 1. His fortune has hitherto been harder than steel and
more cruel than Mars, yet he wishes to let her know how
matters stand with him at this time. He is uncertain, however, in what spirit she will receive his communication, since
all that he has hitherto done for her love has been ineffectual. |
|---|
| 2. Has received her letters through Dionisius Burr and
Nicholas Sture. Having a great desire to go into England
as soon as his coronation was past, he put his affairs into
order and directed that his fleet should be prepared, although
in the meantime he received letters from his Ambassador in
England announcing his ill-success as regarded the question
of marriage, that he could not obtain a safe conduct, and
that he considered the affair as hopeless. Nevertheless the
writer determined to proceed, and on the last day of August
he set sail; but the wind shifting he was obliged to return.
On the next day they started again, but when he reached the
Seagon [Skagger rack] they encountered a very stormy west
wind; whereupon most of the pilots and seamen recommending
him to return, he did so, more grieved at the failure of his
voyage than pleased at his escape from danger. His brothers,
the Dukes Magnus of Westenstang and Charles of Sudermannia, with his cousin Duke Magnus of Saxony, not having
returned, he sent out ships to look for them, who after some
time found them, after they had been nearly lost in the
Skagger rack and brought them to Helsingborg. One of his
ships with his horses on board has not yet been heard of.
His pilots and captains tell him that it will not be safe for
him to continue his voyage this year. |
|---|
| 3. He will not grudge all this toil and trouble if it will
only induce her to consider his proposals of matrimony. He
will not depart from his promise, nor permit his constancy
to be questioned. Desires that a safe conduct may be sent
to him, with clauses to the effect that he shall not be compelled
to agree to anything, and that he shall be allowed to leave
England when he likes. Loves her better than himself; but
if she refuses this, it will not be his fault that his matter
has not come to a good issue. No one is so stupid as to
continue to love without being loved. Laments his hard fate
that compels him to love one whom he cannot induce to
reciprocate his affection, and wonders why she torments him
so long. As he has attempted to come to her through the
stormy seas, so would he at her first summons rush through
armies of foes. Will set out next spring if she will forward
certain articles conditionally framed, along with the safe conduct. . . . . |
|---|
| Imperfect. Lat. Pp. 8. |
|---|
| [Sept.] | 580. The Merchant Adventurers to the Queen. |
|---|
| Whereas by her letter of the 28th August, from Basing, she
has required them to pay for her two sums of 3,000l. each
to such persons as Sir Thomas Gresham should declare, to
be repaid in London at double usance after the rate of 25s.
Flemish for every pound of English money; they are most
sorry that they are not able to accomplish the same, partly
because they are already straitened for the furniture of the
30,000l. already prest, and partly by the great imposts upon
the cloths shipped to Antwerp, amounting to 12,000l. or
13,000l., as also by reason of the great losses sustained by
them through the doubt of the continuance of amity with
Flanders. |
|---|
| Copy. Endd. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| [Sept.] | 581. Petries' Memoranda. |
|---|
| To answer the French Ambassador touching the wines,
cloths, etc. In the signing of the docket to consider
whether any sureties be required of Martin Perry for fulfilling
his covenants. To consider the taking out of the gold from
the Tower, and the coining thereof. To consider the suit of
London touching the assize of wood. |
|---|
| In Petre's hand. Endd. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| Sept. 30. | 582. Stores for the North. |
|---|
| "A brief note of the principal and special kinds of munitions
remaining in the north parts, with a remembrance of the
like kinds very needful presently to be supplied for the
better furniture of those parts:" viz., at Newcastle, Berwick,
Holy Island, and Tynemouth. |
|---|
| Endd. Pp. 3. |
|---|
| [Sept.] | 583. Ordnance for the North. |
|---|
| A note of all such ordnance as is necessary to be had
for the new fortifications of Berwick, at Berwick Castle,
Alnwick, and Newcastle, specifying the localities on which
they were placed. Amongst those mentioned as being at
Berwick are, one cannon perrier of eight inches, a Venetian
cannon of seven inches, and two Scotch cannon of 6¾
inches. Signed: Richard Lee. |
|---|
| Endd. Pp. 4. |
|---|
| [Sept.] | 584. Munitions in the North. |
|---|
| "Munitions delivered by Thomas Gower, late master of
the ordnance for the army before Leith, to John Bennett,
master of the ordnance for the north parts;" consisting of
a list of almost every kind of warlike stores. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Pp. 4. |
|---|
| [Sept.] | 585. Munitions in the North. |
|---|
| "Munitions and habilliments of war gathered and taken
by Mr. Bennett." Signed. |
|---|
| Pp. 2. |
|---|
| [Sept.] | 586. The Queen to Sir Francis Leek. |
|---|
| Specifies in detail the numbers to be discharged from each
captain's band, amounting in all to 800. Such captains as
are without men and are desirous still to serve, are to have
2s. a day if they commanded formerly 100 men, and 1s. 6d.
if they commanded fifty. |
|---|
| Draft by Cecil, and endd. by him. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| [Sept.] | 587. Charges at Berwick. |
|---|
| "A brief abstract as well of all the certain number of men
of the ordinary garrison there, as also of the whole year's
charge that the Queen is at for the maintenance of the same,"
amounting to 2,620l. 8s. 6d. |
|---|
| With a few marginal notes by Cecil, and endd. by him.
Pp. 4. |
|---|
| [Sept.] | 588. Memorial for Berwick. |
|---|
| "A memorial for the charge of [blank] Jenyson, the
controller of the works and keeper of the store at Berwick." |
|---|
| 1. Upon the arrival of every workman at Berwick he shall
take his name and the place whence he was pressed, and
according to its distance make allowance of conduct money.
After that, with the advice of the officers of the works,
he shall rate their wages and divide them into hundreds and
fifties, and appoint some honest man over them to see their
work. He shall be diligent to see to the goodness and price
of provisions, and abridge the excess thereof, and if necessary
shall take the advice of the Governor and Treasurer therein,
and use circumspection in the rating or cessing of the
freights. He is also to take charge of the provision to be
safely kept and delivered to be spent. He is diligently to
peruse the work of the smith, carpenter, and wheelwright,
for such stuff as he delivers to them, and control the excess
and waste of the same; and to keep a perfect reckoning of
the tools and such things as the workmen are accustomed to
pay for. Every half year he shall make a ledger book of all
the provisions that shall come into his hands, which shall
declare the expenditure and issue; this the Treasurer, Surveyor, and master carpenters and masons shall peruse, and
finding the parcel thereof to be true shall affirm the same
with their own hands. |
|---|
| 2. A letter to Sir Richard Lee to deliver the remains. A like
for a house for the stowage of the provisions. |
|---|
| Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 3. |
|---|
| [Sept.] | 589. Orders for Berwick. |
|---|
| 1. Touching the fortifications, that the captains be made
privy from time to time what is meetest to be done. |
|---|
| 2. Direct order to be given to the master of the ordnance,
and what proportion of artillery and munitions shall remain
in store. That a sufficient mass of victual may be appointed
to remain in the custody of the Surveyor. |
|---|
| Endd. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| [Sept.] | 590. Fortifications of Berwick. |
|---|
| Estimate of charges for 500 labourers for twenty-eight days:
Wages 886l. 13s. 4d.; coals, 100l.; freight, 200l.; brickmaking,
100l.; total, 1,286l. 13s. 4d. Total until Michaelmas, six
months, 7,720l.; provisions, 300l.; total, 8,020l. |
|---|
| Endd. by Cecil. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| [Sept.] | 591. Memorial for Berwick. |
|---|
| Short notes for the ordering of the officers and garrison of
town and castle of Berwick, the old and extraordinary garrison
of the same, their pay and entertainment, their numbers, also
for the fortifications and management of the Marches.—1560. |
|---|
| Orig., in Cecil's writing and endd. by him: 1560. Pp. 3. |
|---|
| [Sept.] | 592. Garrison at Berwick. |
|---|
| "The names of such as had charge and were captains before
the Duke of Norfolk's coming to Berwick that now remain
there," giving the names of all the captains with the numbers
of their men, and the number of the gunners with their wages. |
|---|
| Endd. by Cecil. Pp. 2. |
|---|