|
| Oct. 21. | 626. Thomas Jenyson to Cecil. |
|---|
| 1. The Marshal and Treasurer have called him before them
upon a letter written by the Lord Governor, as it seemed,
by order from the Lords of the Council, and willed him to
leave his lodging at the end of the storehouse (whereof he
has charge) within eight days, to lodge Sir Richard Lee at
his coming. It seems unreasonable that another man should
be lodged in the charge wherewith the writer stands accountable. If it were so determined, he trusts that they will
give him more time than eight days to make his account,
and deliver the remain orderly, with such sufficient warrant
to leave the charge as he received the same by. He desired
them to be so friendly as to advertise Cecil how the case
stands, and to respect him till the answer. If reason and
equity would not, yet necessity and pity for his poor wife,
who is great with child, looking daily for delivery, would
cause them to forbear, knowing that he has no other shift
for her but the lodging incident to his charge, whereon he
has bestowed cost. If he could so suddenly provide himself,
yet could he but barely maintain himself with the 40l. fee
for that office, and pay twenty marks thereof for a house,
which Lee's 20s. per diem is better able to maintain.—
Berwick, 21 Oct. 1561. |
|---|
| 2.—P. S. For the surer conveying this letter, and also to
meet the Governor at Newcastle, he journeyed thither, thinking to have been there a day before him; however, he met
him and Lee three miles out of Newcastle towards Morpeth.
After he had done his duty to his Lordship, he offered the
like to Sir Richard, who answered that he doubted whether
he might take him by the hand, but nevertheless did it
strangely, whom Jenyson told that he would find no just
cause to the contrary. Afterwards talking with Lord Grey,
he asked him if he had given place in his lodging? He
answered that he was willing to obey his Lordship therein,
and offered Lee the bed his wife must lie in, until she should
fall in labour. Then Lord Grey would have him remove
his wife to certain lodgings over his kitchen, whom he
told it was not decent nor meet for a woman in her case.
Talking to that effect, and his horse being weary and not
able to return, his Lordship gave him leave to go to Newcastle and immediately return. Perceives that a lodging
three times more commodious will not content Sir Richard,
for that he is bent therein. Begs Cecil to write some gentle
letter to Lord Grey therein. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 3. |
|---|
| Oct. 21. | 627. Sir Thomas Dacre and Valentine Browne to Cecil. |
|---|
| 1. Dacre has received a letter from Lord Grey dated at
Whaddon on 14th inst., signifying Lee's immediate repair
hither, about sundry of the Queen's affairs of no small importance. He has thought meet, by commandment of the
Lords of the Council (as he says), to cause the house which
he [Lee] was accustomed to have heretofore to be made in
a decent readiness against his coming, and to cause Thomas
Jenyson, the controller, to prepare some other lodgings till
Sir Richard's return, for whose coming he looked within seven
or eight days. |
|---|
| 2. It standing against reason so to remove an officer from
his charge, the writer thought good to confer with the
Treasurer herein, and thereupon they jointly called the
controller to them and related to him the tenor of the letter.
He answered that as he was authorized by the Queen's
warrant to the charge of the storehouses and stores, so would
he upon contrary warrant from her willingly obey to leave
the same, trusting that he should have a more convenient
time than eight days to yield account of his said charge;
and hoping in the meantime that no man shall intermeddle
in that charge, whereunto he only is answerable. He further
declared that the storehouse and yards were full of the
provisions of his charge, and that the lodging at the end
of the storehouse was always assigned to him who had the
custody of the stores, and that Lee was never accustomed
to lodge there till last year, when the Duke of Norfolk took
his lodging, and thereupon he lodged there for that time,
as he might well do, having charge of the store and houses
now assigned to the said controller. He has therefore desired
respite until the Lords' pleasure should be known, and that
they would certify his case with their opinions to Cecil. |
|---|
| 3. The writers do not think it convenient that any man
should lodge in any of the Queen's storehouses, but such
as have the charge thereof, whereby things may be embezzled. Albeit they find Jenyson willing to obey in this
behalf, requiring only a warrant from the Lords, yet inasmuch as he is settled there with his family, and his wife
is so near her time that she is not able to remove, they have
deferred the doing thereof. Order shall be taken that Sir
Richard Lee shall be more commodiously lodged with the
Mayor. |
|---|
| 4. Trust that he will so use the matter that neither Lord
Grey or Sir Richard Lee shall think any ungentleness in
this writing, but that it was the controller's advertisement
only.—Berwick, 21 Oct. 1561. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 3. |
|---|
| Oct. 22. | 628. Sebastian, King of Portugal, to the Queen. |
|---|
| Has received a letter by Emanuel Aranjo, his envoy. Is
glad to hear of her proclamation restraining her subjects
from trading on the coasts of Guinea and Minas. In order
that she may fully understand how much those who infringe
her commands deserve punishment, he has sent letters to
the Bishop of Aquila.—Lisbon, 22 Oct. 1561. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Lat. Broadside. |
|---|
| Oct. 23. | 629. Philibert, Duke of Savoy, to Throckmorton. |
|---|
| Thanks him for his kindness shown to M. De Morette on
his journey to England, to whom he desires that full credence
may be given on his return.—Rinoles, 23 Oct. 1561. |
|---|
| Copy. Endd. Fr. Pp. 2. |
|---|
Oct. 24.
Labanoff, i. 116. | 630. Mary, Queen of Scots, to the Queen. (fn. 1) |
|---|
| Certain merchants of Edinburgh, "being of lang time
halden in pley" before the Admiral of England for recovery
of their ship named the Bonaventure, and goods therein;
intromittit and spoiled by Thomas Clavering and other inhabitants of Northumberland, have at last obtained the
Admiral's decree thereupon. This Clavering and his colleagues, minding to cause them to leave their pursuit, have
appealed to the keeper of the seal. Pray that expedition
may be used therein.—Holyrood House, 24 Oct., 19 Mariæ.
Signed. |
|---|
| Orig., with seal. Add. Endd. Broadside. |
|---|
| Oct. 24. | 631. Lord Grey to Cecil. |
|---|
| 1. Came to Berwick on the 23rd, and by the way met with
a letter from Mr. Randolph, which he sends herewith, that he
may consider the contents and be a means with the Queen
that order may be directed hereunto. The writer's commission
does not stretch to establish any such new kind of assistance
as is required, nor to make proclamation to such effect, nor
to ride with any power into the opposite march to distress
offenders. Desires that the Queen's pleasure may be sent
speedily. Has written to the Queen to signify the requests
of the Queen of Scots and his own arrival. Endeavours to
send his son, Arthur Grey, as soon as he may conveniently,
by whom he shall be further advertised of his charge. |
|---|
| 2. Is credibly advertised that the Grand Prior, in passing
through this town, caused the plat of the same to be drawn.
Also it is reported that he stood long time upon the bridge at
Newcastle, and after he had viewed the town caused two such
as were with him to go about and take the plat thereof.
Thinks that if they bring any attempt against this realm
they will enterprise it in these parts.—Berwick, 24 Oct. 1561.
Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 3. |
|---|
| Oct. 25. | 632. Maitland to Cecil. |
|---|
| 1. Understands by his letter sent to Randolph that the
Duke of Guise has broken with Throckmorton the matter
motioned by the writer to the Queen. Wishes is may be so
received by Cecil as both realms may enjoy the fruit which
shall proceed of so godly an accord. Would be glad to know
the Queen's determination, since she has understood by Sir
Peter Mewtas Queen Mary's disposition to join in tender
amity. If by the means of these two such a conjunction may
be procured, they will be esteemed happy instruments for
their countries. Knows how unwilling Cecil is to enter into
matters of so great consequence, yet considering what surety,
quietness, and commodity this motion imparts to his Queen
and country, supposes that he will be bold to utter frankly
his opinion in it. There have been many means of a godly
conjunction, but this has most likelihood to come to pass.
If this shall be overthrown, as others have been heretofore,
it may be judged that God wills that one nation shall ever
be a plague to the other. Prays him in his next to write
amply his opinion. The Queen so gently behaves herself
in every behalf, as reasonably they can require; if anything
be amiss the fault is rather in themselves. |
|---|
| 2. Cecil knows the vehemency of Mr. Knox's spirit, which
cannot be bridled, and sometimes utters such sentences as
cannot easily be digested by a weak stomach. Wishes he
would deal with her more gently, being a young princess
unpersuaded. For this Maitland is accounted to be too
politic; but surely in her comporting with him she declares
a wisdom far exceeding her age. God grant her the assistance
of His Spirit! Sees in her a good towardness, and thinks
that the Queen of England would be able to do much with
her in religion if they once enter into a good familiarity.
Sends his hearty recommendations to the Earl of Pembroke.
Must again remind him of the poor merchants' suit, which this
bearer solicits.—Edinburgh, 25 Oct. 1561. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 3. |
|---|
| Oct. 26. | 633. Lord Grey to Cecil. |
|---|
| Has viewed the places where peril might ensue by mining,
along with Sir Richard Lee. Having well debated the view
thereof, and at good length reasoned with Goodale, understanding the uttermost of his alleging, they have considered
what things are to be done for avoiding that danger. The
enclosure of the town is also in hand to go forward with
as much expedition as possible.—Berwick, 26 Oct. 1561.
Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 2. |
|---|
| Oct. 26. | 634. Sir Richard Lee to Cecil. |
|---|
| Has viewed the fortifications and found a goodly quantity
of hewn stone and lime in readiness. Has also considered
the number of workmen, and perceives that none can be
spared, if the doings here proceed. Has set men to work
to enclose the town. Touching the mine, has so perused all
places and conferred with Goodale that the Governor is
thoroughly satisfied.—Berwick, 26 Oct. 1561. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig., with seal. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary.
Pp. 2. |
|---|
| Oct. 27. | 635. Randolph to Cecil. |
|---|
| 1. As he protested in the beginning that he had nothing
to commend his service but good will faithfully and truly
to do his endeavour, so can he find no augmentation in himself either in wisdom or knowledge anyway that he may
with better assurance than before promise of his doings.
Sees also that there increases daily upon him more occasions
to exercise his wits than when he was first charged to this
room; for those of this country, with whom only he had
then to do, either by his long continuance with them or
by his instructions how to use them, and govern himself
amongst them, made him think that some effect might ensue
of his travail. This trade is now clean cut off from him.
Has to traffic now with other kind of merchants than before.
They know the value of their ware, and in all places how the
market goes. Yet it seems wonder unto many that the
whole state of this realm should be altered by one head or
two, by a woman and one man, of whose excellent wisdom
there was never yet either great opinion or fame. They that
thus think, far beguile themselves. They little remember
where these bairns had their bringing up, what pedagogues
they have daily following them, what lessons they have by
rote, and how well they know when any matter is to be
executed. Whatsoever policy is in all the chief and best
practised heads in France, whatsoever craft, falsehood, or deceit
there is in all the subtle brains in Scotland, is either fresh
in this only woman's memory, "or she can fett it with a wet
finger." |
|---|
| 2. Does not know how his simple wit will be able to
counterpoise the wisdom of such as have been so long beaten
in weighty affairs, or answer the craft of those who daily lay
baits for him either to discredit himself, or to deal falsely.
What was meant when within these six days it was said to
him by one who thought himself in no small credit with him,
that his mistress was good to all Scotchmen, and why might
not he honestly enough take a quiet pension of their Queen,
as Lethington did of his mistress? And if he liked to marry,
there were those in the Court with whom a man might have
a good life. Discourages no man who likes to talk to him of
any purpose. It has been also devised what fit minister there
may be found near about the Queen of England upon whom
a good turn might be well bestowed. Knows not whether
the French Ambassador has already been moved in this
matter. If it was meant that all men thought of him that
neither fair words or large offers were able to move him from
his duty, he would think himself a happy man. Trusts that
it will be sufficient for him to mean truly, to serve faithfully
in this place, or where the Queen may employ him. Writes
this in order that either some well experimented man in all
causes might occupy his place, or that he might have in store,
as well as those with whom he has to do, whereunto to
resort either in writing or in private information whensoever
any unwonted matter should come in question. |
|---|
| 3. The Queen is resolved to have one to serve her in
England; there has been privy mention of Mr. Henry Balnavis or David Forrest. Knows not what credit they can
have to serve her [Mary] in that room, as she loves neither
of them. Whosoever he be, the writer trusts to make him
known to Cecil the first. Thought to have written this
before what he wrote to Cecil yesterday. |
|---|
| 4. Is bold to open in a few words his own poor estate,
not in this place, where he acknowledges himself to have
found the Queen's liberality abundantly, but he has not yet
wherewith to comfort himself of any assurance how to live
when some other occupy this place. Though the remembrance of this ofttimes caused him to search which way he
might deserve, yet it never came so near his heart as these
twenty days that he has had word of his father's departure to
God. By him he had, as long as he professed the life of
a scholar, sufficient for that estate; when he travelled he
found him somewhat more liberal; since he came to this
country he has had his goodwill and favour, and some comfort
it was to him to see him thus employed. Now he has left
(as his brother Edward writes) the wide world. (The inheritance is great for him that could get it in quiet possession).
His brother's meaning is that either he has left him nothing,
or that all is too little for himself. Wishes as heartily that
his brother should have enough, as he would be loath himself
to lack. Has also a farm in Kent, the house where he was
born, procured without his father's charge, whereof his father
had the lease in keeping; it now perchance may be had
against his will. His mother is old, his brother near unto
her, his wife tender to her own, and himself far away. Has
also a suit depending with Sir John Zouche, for a pension
that his father, Randolph's uncle, gave him of 10l. by
year. Is also co-executor with one other of a friend's testament, where he hoped of some profit. His absence in all these
cases casts him sore behind-hand; yet the loss of the whole
is nothing to the remembrance that for the space of eight
years he has never had time for the space of two days together
to see his father or mother. Craves to be spared a few days
from this place. |
|---|
| 5. Has another grief as great as any of the rest. In the
beginning of Cecil's last letter he thought much of his long
stay in writing, and judged it had been to inform him all
at once by Sir Peter Mewtas. This letter from Mr. Hedley
gives him occasion to think that true which once before he
had good cause to suspect; that either his letters came not
with such diligence as they should, or that by the way other
men have made their profit by them. What else moves this
man, his friend, so to write? Or what makes Lethington
more careful of his letters when they are sent away with
his, than by any man else, and sooner in England where he
thinks them safest? Remembers how he was dealt with, or
Cecil rather deceived, and the Queen offended that no speedier
advertisement came of the Queen of Scots' arrival; whereas
he wrote the same day by two diverse ways, two letters;
one to Cecil and the other to the Treasurer, with credit of
mouth. This is the way greatly to hinder the Queen's
service, and further inconvenience may rise thereof. Esteems
not so much the praise and commendation as the service of
the Queen.—Edinburgh, 27 Oct. 1561. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Hol. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 6. |
|---|
| Oct. 29. | 636. Nicolas Des Gallars to the Bishop of London. |
|---|
| 1. Since the writer's last letter the adversaries have opened
no new question, and have not even replied to their articles.
As they are not unanimous among themselves, a sharp dispute
has arisen. They have departed without giving any reply,
and leave the business unfinished; considering, nevertheless,
that they have properly discharged their duty, as though they
despised the reformers, and had had more important matters to
consider, such as the celebration of the Mass, the participation
of the sacrament in both kinds, forms of prayer, the revision
of breviaries and missals, pilgrimages, the use of images, and
such like matters. They do not, however, consider that they
yield anything by thus departing; but the reformers, as none
of their objections have been sufficiently answered, esteem that
they have obtained the victory, and so also does the popular
opinion. They intended, after the departure of their antagonists, to have left immediately, but feared some peril to the
churches; so having sent away the rest, Peter Martyr, Beza,
and the writer remained, and hoped to obtain some concessions and liberty of conscience. Though many wish him
to stay here, he cannot give up the charge of his little congregation in England. Salutations from Martyr (who sets
out to-day), and Beza.—St. Germain-en-Laye, 29 Oct. 1561. |
|---|
| 2. P. S.—Ought to have mentioned Peter Martyr in his last
letter; they often converse about the state of affairs and
their friends in England. Julius desires to be remembered.
Goes to-day with Martyr to Paris, whither he hears certain
preachers have arrived from Germany, whose names are
Michael Dilerus, Petrus Boquinus, and Johannes Andreas
Borlimus. It is easy to guess who brought them. The Gospel advances daily. They have now only to fear from popular outbreaks and riots, which do not want for people to
excite them. Will keep their friends up to the mark. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. Lat. Pp. 3. |
|---|
| Oct. 31. | 637. Lord Grey to Cecil. |
|---|
| 1. Yesterday he met Lord Hume at Coldstream, where he
thought to have found such justice as he was promised by
Randolph. But after he had offered courteously either to give
Lord Hume redress or receive delivery of him, he chose to
deliver, and presented Lord Grey with a poor simple creature,
scant worth the ground he went on, for a bill of 60l., and yet
the poor wretch not filed in his [the writer's] bill; whom
when he refused (as by ordinary judgment of English and
Scotch borderers present was allowed), Lord Hume plainly
denied to make any further redress. Appointed another
meeting against the 13th Nov. and covenanted to redress of
themselves, all attempts committed between this and then.
Wrote the Queen of Scots by Randolph, who was present,
for reformation of Lord Hume's delays. |
|---|
| 2. Hearing that Lord James will have commission of lieutenancy for the marches, and will come shortly to Jedburgh,
desires the Queen's licence for his repair thither for conference with him. |
|---|
| 3. On the 22nd Oct. a bark, which he bought lately at
London, and freighted with provision for housekeeping here,
and with his apparel and other necessaries, coming hither was
violently beaten and broken in pieces by stress of weather
before Hartlepool, and of his servants and others three
drowned. Has lost thereby above 300l. without recovery, unless the Queen can be done to understand it as a misfortune
happened in travail of her service. If any relief can be procured through her remorse or benevolence, he will account it
amongst the number of friendships that Cecil bestows always
on him. Would gladly have his advice touching his claim on
Lord Hume, with request to the Queen of Scots that he may
have reason of his ransom because he is his prisoner.—Berwick,
31 Oct. 1561. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 3. |
|---|
| Oct. 31. | 638. Randolph to Cecil. |
|---|
| Knowing how needful it was for the furtherance of the
Queen's service that he should have some conference with the
Lord Governor, he has thought it not amiss to repair to him,
especially at some day of truce, where he might witness and
report at his return to the Queen of Scots, what inclinations
or goodwill he found in Lord Hume to fulfil her commands
for the maintenance of justice upon the borders, and continuance of amity between both realms, as in Randolph's hearing she expressly charged him. Came not hither full of hope,
but returns with little comfort that any good will ever be had
at his hands. Doubts not but Cecil understands how uncourteously he behaved on that day of meeting towards the
Governor. Arrived here yesterday; to-morrow he returns
with the more speed, that he may be there before the depar
ture of St. Colm, who awaits his coming.—Berwick, 31 Oct.
1561. Signed. |
|---|
| Orig. Add. Endd. by Cecil's secretary. Pp. 2. |
|---|