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M. Beauvoir la Nocle, French Ambassador, to Lord Burghley. |
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1590, June 3/13. |
Je me suis ce matin trouvé si mal de ma coliqua cu'il ne m'a este possible de vous aller trouver ce matin à neuf heures, ce que je pretendois faire apres diner; mais ne me trouvant encores, trop bien et ne voulant neantmoins plus differer de vous faire entendre ce que j'ay receu du Boy mon maistre, je vous envoye tout ce que j'ay receu de sa Majesté Tres Chrestienne. Le surplus de ce qui n'est con tenu en ce que je vous envoye je le feis hier entendre à la Royne, ne m'ayant esté possible de lui referer le tout, d'autant que ce que j'avois commandement de lui donner au plustot les lettres interceptés qui regardent son service. Quand il vous plaira ou demain ou apres je ne faudray de vous aller trouver pour ccnferer avec vous et vous porter la ratification et emologation du premier contract des cinquante mil escus.—Hackeney, 13 June, 1590. |
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1 p.
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[Probably enclosing] :— |
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“Extrait des lettres du Roy à Monseigneur l'Ambassadeur, escrites du Camp de Gonesse le 5 Juin 1590.” |
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Le Roi a pris St. Maur, Charenton et St. Clos ensemble les villes et chateaux de l'Isle Adam, Beaumont et Conflans. Outre ce il a fait dresser tin passaige sur la riviere à Conflans qui est audessus de Paris. |
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Il a fait brusler la pluspart des moulins qui etaient à l'entour d'icelle, tellement quelle est de toutes partz si bien asseuree et tous passaiges empesches qu'il y a trois semaines qu'elle ne recoit de peu ou point de commodites de dehors. Il en sort de jour à autre des personnes par lesquelles nous apprenons qu'il en est ja beaucoup mort de faim. |
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Par lettres interceptés qu'ils escrivent au Due de Maine pour haster le secours duquel il les tient toujours en esperance, on a decouvert que quelque bon menage quitsfacent Us n'en ontpas encore pour douze jours, la chair fresche y étant si rare qu'ils mangent Iturs chevaux, et ont confessé quelques uns qui ont êté pris que tout le monde en la ville vit du pain d'amonition, et tel qu'un chien aftamé n'en mangeroit pas. |
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St. Denis est en pareille extremite, ce qui a fait changer le desseing que le Roi avoit de le battre, esperant l'avoir dans dix jours sans hazarder personne ne consummer ses munitions. |
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Le dit Due de Maine a été par les villes de Picardie qui tiennent son party. De Cambray il alia à Peronne et à Bruxelles, o ù il voit le Due de Parme afin de faire augmentcr et haster le secours qu'il avoit declaré lui pouvoir bailler, lequel toutefois n'est pas grand, tant pour ce qu'il en a affaire dans le pais que pout l'envie qu'il a de ne si engager davantage sans avoir quelque place pour gaige et seureté de ce qu'il y emploiera, qui estoit l'occasion du voyage du dit Due de Maine. |
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Balagny a pris quelques lettres du Due de Parme par lesquelles il soupconne fort le Due de Maine et l'Espagnol, qui est occasion qu'il sc vent retirer du cote du Roi, le dit Due de Maine n'ayant rien profité ny en tout son voyage de Picardie ny en particulier à Bruxelles; car les villes ne veulent rien advancer. |
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Il estoit ces jours de retour à Peronne et publioit partout qu'il auroit de plus grandes forces. Le Roi en attend tous les jours de jour à autre pour se rendre si fort que l'occasion ne lui eschappe de parachever la reduction de Paris, tant advancée :
ou la Bordaisiere esperoit envoyer quelques commodite's, metis il sera impossible. |
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Le Cardinal de Bourbon est decédé tant à cause de l'age qui le pressoit que pour les douleurs du calcul dont on ltd a trouvé la vessie pleine avec du sang caillé. Pour cela il n'y a faute entre ceux de la Ligue de beaux desseings pour soustenir leur faction; lesquels pensent que e'est une belle occasion qui leur est offerte durant ces troubles, mais tous leurs desseings se ruinent de mesme que les fondement en sont du tout injustes. |
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Le Roi ayant entendu que le dit Due marchoi vers Soissons et à Meaux, prit quelques troupes pour l'aller attaquer, et l'eust deffaict n'eust été que son desseing fut decouvert à l'ennemy par un gentilhomme faisant profession de la religion Sa Majesté a fait raser sa maison pour donner exemple aux traitres. |
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Le Mareschal d'Aumont a investi Chateaudun : Ceux de dedans demandent license de sortir avec le baton blanc, mais il veut qu'ils se rendent à sa misericorde. |
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Givry donne tous les jours des alarmes à Paris. Encore que d'Aumale ait esté à Ponthoise il n'a pas esperance que la ville puisse estre secourue, n'ayant forces pour mettre en la cam pagne. Le dit Sieur de Givry a rendu le pont Clialenton merveilleusement fort. |
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Le Duc de Maine assiegant Chouy, le Roi marcha vers lui tant pour lever le siège que pour le combattre, mais St. Pol appro chant il se retira. |
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L'ennemi est estimé avoir en tout douze cens chevaux, de quoy St. Pol lui mena quatre cent; et a aussi quelque sept mil hommes de pied. |
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St. Pol avec quelque cavalerie marcha vers Meaux. Le Roi jugeant la dèssus qu'il n'eust desseing de mettre quelques vivres dans Paris, la nuit ensuyvant ayant ja forces charrettes prestes, envoy a le Conte de Soissons et le Due de Longueville avec leurs troupes s'attendre en chemin, et lui mesme vint en diligence à Paris pour empêcher leur sortie s'il s'en faisoient. Ceux de Paris voyant alors le Roi en bataille, tirerent plusieurs coups de canon et firent sortie, où ilz furent bien charges et vingt quatre pris prisonniers, desquels le Roi feist pendre quatre des chefs. |
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On tient qu'il y a en Gascogne plus de douze mil hommes qui attendent le Vicomte de Turene, mais pour ce qu'on desespere de sa sante, ils veident marcher soubz Monsieur de la Forre, gendre de Monsieur de Biron, comme son lieutenant. |
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Le Conte de Brienes est venu cherchtr le Roi avec huit vingt maistres. Le Conte de St. Pol est à Gisors; le Commandeur de Chattes et Mons. de Rollet sont avec lui. |
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Endorsed :—“Extract of certain letters to the French Ambassador.” |
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2 pp.
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Edward Count of Emden to the Queen. |
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1590, June 3. |
Asking that two ships of Prince Charles of Sweden bound for Spain but driven by stress of weather into the port of Amasius, may pass into Spain or that their wares may De bought.—Peubsuman, 3 June '90. |
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2½ pp. Latin. |
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Catherine Countess of Emden to the Queen. |
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1590, June 3. |
Of like purport to the foregoing in behalf of her brother Prince Charles of Sweden. |
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Latin. 2½ pp. Add. and Endd. |
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John Kyfte. |
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1590, June 7. |
Petition to the Council. Is prisoner in the Marshalsea to answer the complaint of the Scottish Ambassador as to a ship of salt which he bought of Captain Cook and others. Particulars of the transaction. Complains that the Ambassador has been joined with others to hear the cause, he being a party. Prays the Council to refer the matter to an indifferent man. |
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Endorsed :—“7 June, 1590.” |
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Enclosure : Schedule of the persons in whose hands the ship and salt remain. |
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Note by J. Herbert that the petition is referred to the Commissioners for Scottish causes. |
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1 p.
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James Gibson, Minister of Christ's Gospel, to [Archibald Douglas (?)] |
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1590, June 13. |
Excusing himself in that he did not humbly salute his Honour before his departure from London, and expressing his obliga tion for the services rendered to him.—Leyc~ [? Leicester]. 13 June, 1590. |
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Addressed.—“The Ambassador and Agent of His Majesty of Scotland at London.” |
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½ p.
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John Wodward, priest, to Lord Seton. |
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1590, June 13/23. |
Applying for the sum of 100 crowns lent by him five years before, through the motion of the Bishop of Ross, to Lord Seton's father, who, on his deathbed, charged his son to repay the money. “An old man I am, banished my country for the cause of Catholic religion, and scarce bread to maintain my life withal.”—Rouen, 23 June, 1590. |
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Holograph. 1 p.
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The Bishop of Ross. |
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1590, June 13/23. |
Copies of the following papers relative to the imprisonment of, and payment of ransom by John, Bishop of Ross. |
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(i.) “Remonstrances et deffences presentés à Mons. des Salles, gouverneur de Honnefleur, de la part de l'Evesque de Rosse, suffragant de Monseigneur le Cardinal de Bourbon, contre les allegations des Sieurs Carisy, Durandvile et Duyson, lesquels pretendent le dit Evesque leur debvoir estre jugé prisonnier de bonne guerre; ce qu'il soustient du contraire par les dits deffences, et supplie le dit Sieur de Salles prendre cognoissance de la cause' Sheweth he is suffragan general in the archbishopric of Rouen and in that office has visited all the diocese ten years, between Easter and Whitsuntide each year, in perfect
safety till this year, when Carisy, Durandville, Duyson and others took him prisoner in the wood near Vatteville which is in the diocese, and brought him to Honfleur, where he is kept prisoner. Asserts he is an ecclesiastic, exercising his spiritual function, without arms or company except necessary servants, making use of the King's edict published at his camp at Dernestal, 1 September, 1589, by which his Majesty takes under his protection all ecclesiastics, and warns all captains and soldiers not to do or speak ill to them under certain penalties; of which he ought to enjoy the privilege, as hitherto. Cannot be adjudged good prize for the above reason, for before commencing his journey he received assurances from all the governors of the principal towns and fortified places in the diocese, as Dieppe, &c, granted him and signed, and specially of Boisdany, governor of Pont-Audemer, for holding the visitation there, with assurance that he might come and go in safety; and he received favour as well from the governor, from the noblesse assisting, as from the said Sieurs de Carisy, Durandville and Duyson. After having performed his spiritual duty with the clergy, fearing some hindrance to his return, he required the Sieur de Boisdany, in the presence of many of the nobility, to declare to him if there was any danger by the way that could hinder his return; and he answered that there was no danger and that he would warrant him against all hindrances; only that there were some gentlemen at the castle of Bisson, near the abbey of Corneville, who were not his friends. Wishing to provide against this, the Bishop sent into the town to ask for certain gentlemen who came to see him immediately, including Monsieur de Hasqueville, lieutenant criminal of Rouen, the capitaiue Chesnay and others. The Sieur de Hasqueville wrote a letter of favour to the said gentlemen of Bisson Castle not to hinder the Bishop if they found him on the way; and by this means feeling himself secure he departed with the goodwill of all, and went to sleep at Corneville, to visit the said abbey. Next morning carrying out his visitstion he left the said abbey intending to celebrate high mass in a priory called Villequier, dependent on the said abbey; and when approaching Ville quier he was attacked by Carisy, Durandville and Duyson and others who had followed him continually since his departure from Pont Audemer to the said place, and they arrested him, swearing furiously he must come and speak to Monseigneur de Montpensier who was to dine that same day at Pont-Audemer, and that for that reason Boisdany had sent them to him, and that he should not stop. To which the Bishop agreed; but when they came to Corneville they compelled him to cross the water and took him by hidden ways and through woods to Hon fleur, seized all he had, both horses and furniture, and kept him prisoner, with his company. |
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All this considered, the Bishop prays Monsieur des Salles, governor of this place, to set him and his company at liberty and pronounce him wrongfully seized, to restore him all church ornaments, accoutrements, money, horses and all his baggage, and to cause him to be conducted to a place of safety.—Honfleur, 24 May, 1590. |
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(ii.) “Coppyede Pordonuance du Roy en faveur des ecclesiastiques.” |
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(iii.) “Coppye de sauvegarde et passeport de Monsieur du Bosedany.”—Pont-Audemer, 25 April, 1590. |
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(iv.) “Coppye de passeport de Monsr. le Commandeur de Chaste.”—Dieppe, 23 April, 1590. |
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(v.) “Coppie de passeport de Monsieur le Marquis d'Allegre.”—Blainville, 27 April, 1590. |
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(vi.) “Coppie de la lettre envoyée à Monseigneur de Montpensier par Monsr. des Salles, gouverneur de Honnefleur.” Would not fail to
advertise him that the Sieur de Carisy and others have taken the Bishop of Ross, suffragan of the Cardinal de Bourbon, and brought him to Honfleur to be tried. When taken he had left Pont-Audemer, where he had made his yearly visitation, under the passport of the Sieur de Bosedany with other passports which he had also from the governor of Dieppe and Monsieur d'Allegre. Sends the said passports, and, but that he ought in all things to await his commands, would have sent back the Bishop. Those who took him press that he may be adjudged lawful prize, which he has not found so by the advice of all the captains he has called in about the matter; and moreover the capture of a churchman would prejudice his Majesty's service. Sends the Bishop's defence; he suffers much inconvenience here. Awaits his directions.—Honfleur, 15 May, 1590. |
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(vii.) “Aultre coppie d'une lettre envoyée par le dit Sieur des Salles à monsieur de Saint Sir.” Describes the capture of the Bishop of Ross. It seems to him that the Bishop being provided with such sureties his seizure ought to be declared wrongful, as those who seized him live at Pont-Audemer with the Sieur de Boisdany, and are of the religion. The captors have requested to have him adjudged to their advantage, which he would not listen to because it is not in equity, and also lie wished to know Monseigneur [de Montpensier's] will herein. If it were lawful to seize churchmen in this way it would bring much dishonour to the King, and to Monseigneur specially, being in his government; had he not feared the latter might take it ill, would have already adjudged and sent back the Bishop as wrongfully seized. Prays him to cause Monseigneur to refer judgment to him, with his will upon the fact, in order that people may say that not only the master but all his servants are very desirous to preserve all those that perform the service of the church.—Honfleur, May 15. |
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(viii.) “Coppie de la composition et ranson payée par le dit Sieur Evesque de Rosse aulx Sieurs de Carisy, Durandville et Duyson.” Agreement of the Bishop to pay 16,000 crowns d'or sol, as ransom, viz., 800 crowns to Duyson and 400 to Carisy, and to leave his nephew William Brown as security for payment of the remaining 400 crowns within one month; for which they renounce all suits and rights against him and undertake to conduct him to any place of safety he chooses to name. |
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(ix.) “Coppie d'une aquittance de la ranson suivant la composition cydessus.”—1 June, 1590. |
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(x.) “Coppie de la lettre de Monsr. des Salles, gouverneur de Honnefleur, envoyée à Monsr. l'Evesque de Rosse.” Je vous envoye votre nepueu avec le passeport que me mandez, et acquit des Sieurs de Duison et Carisy. Je vous diray qu'en mesme temps il arriva des nouvelles de la Royne d'Angleterra, avec une lettre d'eschange portant jusques à dix mille excus pourrous tirer de son coste. Elle en a escript au Roy et a monseigneur de Montpensier, et depuis hier je receu d'autres lettres pour vous retenir, qui estoient venus par Dieppe. Croyez que vous estes party à temps; je n'en suis autrement marry pour vous avoir juré un immortel service. Vous vous souviendrez, monsieur, qu'à cette heure vous estes soubz Monseigneur le Cardinal de Vendosme, et que le bon serviteur doibt estre le vray instrument des volontés de son maitre.—Honfleur, 1 June, 1590. |
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Underwritten :—Certificate by a notary of Rouen that the above copies have been collated with the originals, by request of the Bishop of Ross.—Rouen, 23 June, 1590. |
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French. 8¼ pp.
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John, Bishop of Ross to the King of Scots. |
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1590, June 14/24. |
Writes to certify his Highness of the comfort he has in hearing of his marriage. By this last friendship and alliance contracted, or rather renewed with the ancient allies of your predecessors and crown, good means seem to be offered to augment the same to be enjoyed by your Majesty, as by all right and just title they do appertain unto you : wherein what I have travailed in writing and in my voyages toward the great Princes through all Christendom, chiefly to that effect, as it is patent to the world, so I trust your Majesty is “menioratif” thereof; as on the other part those who were offended with me for writing my books, and travailing therein in your grace's favour, do not forget to utter their covert malice towards me, whereof as oftentimes heretofore, so now lately, I have had experience by imprisonment of my person by their chief favourers in these parts, and earnest suit made by them with offer of great sums of money to have me delivered in their hands. Which danger by God's special grace, and prompt succours of some faithful friends here, I escaped by payment of a great ransom, which I am not able to render to those who did advance the same for me without other help; besides other great loss which I do sustain by the decease of the good prince and prelate the Cardinal of Bourbon, Archbishop of this diocese, for whom I have exercised the spiritual charge, of his clergy and people, being his suffragan and vice-gerent ten years of this my exile out of my country; who lately deceased in prison without means to satisfy his creditors or recompense those who had done him good service. |
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Thus now being free and at liberty I have recourse and offer my service unto your Majesty, whom I most humbly beseech, in consideration of my long pains and travail employed for your Majesty and the estate divers ways, to cause me to be “obeyit and answerit” of my revenues in Scotland, whereof I have as yet received no profit, albeit of your benignity I was restored in Parliament three years now past. But now the occasion is offered, better than any time before, by just and due means to relieve me without any charge to your Highness, for that I was provided by the Queen your mother and all other good order to the bishopric of Murray, then vacant by the decease of Bishop Patrick Hepburn, at which time my late good lords the Earls of Huntly and Athol embraced this my cause and travailed to cause me be “obeyit” of the lruits, and to possess the principal dwelling place. But the Earl of Morton, who then did rule all at his pleasure, in your Grace's minority, intruded George Douglas in the possession thereof, who usurped the same by force; so now he being deceased I most humbly beseech your Majesty to restore me to my possession of the bishopric of Murray, and to be “obeyit” of the fruits to sustain me in this my age, as justice and equity require, as your Majesty may consider by authentic copies of the pro visions. The estate of the affairs of this country, full of troubles, and also other occurrences, this bearer my nephew, whom I have holden at the schools so long as I had moyen, and [who is] now returning home to serve your Majesty and his country, will declare faithfully if you give him audience; as also some private affairs wherein your Highness may credit him as myself.—At Rouen, 24 June, 1590. |
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Addressed :—“To the Kingis Maiestie of Scotland, my Souverane.” |
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3 pp.
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Draft of the above. 1¼ p.
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John, Bishop of Ross to the Duke of Lennoy. |
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1590, June 14/24. |
Thanks him for the good favour he shews towards the advancement of his affairs in Scotland while carrying on the government in the King's absence. Commends to him the bearer, his nephew, whom he is sending home on account of the troubles in France “ou la “vertu my lettres n'ont plus de place”; hopes the Duke will employ him. Will inform him of the troubles in France, which are specially great in Normandy and la France. Relates his losses by the death of the Cardinal de Bourbon in prison at Fontaines le Comte, and other wise, being taken prisoner near Pont Heaudemer and forced to pay an excessive ransom to be delivered from his enemies' hands, who hated him for his services to the King and the late Queen. Beseeches the Duke to further his suit to the King to be .estored 1o the bishopric of Murray, his title to which he describes. Excuses his importunity.—From the Archiepiscopal Palace at Rouen, 24 June, 1590. |
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French. 2 pp.
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John, Bishop of Ross to the Earl of Huntly. |
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1590, June 14/24. |
To the same effect as the above. As to the state of this country, you will understand the true report by the bearer, for the armies are still in the field with great forces on all hands, so that it is supposed they are shortly to encounter battle about Paris. God of His infinite goodness preserve the Christian religion in Europe, for through the multitude of sects and divisions it appears to be in great hazard.—At Rouen, 24 June, 1590. |
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2 pp.
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John, Bishop of Ross to the Countess of Huntly. |
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1590, June 14/24. |
Forwards letters from her friends entrusted to him for delivery. Prays her to commend his affairs towards the King, the Duke her brother and the Earl her husband.—From the Archiepiscopal Palace at Rouen, 24 June, 1590. |
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French. 1 p.
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John, Bishop of Ross to Lord Seton. |
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1590, June 14/24. |
I have received your letter dated April 18, wherein your lordship refuses to pay the money your father once borrowed in Rouen, affirming that he left sufficient pledge in my hands worth the sum; and also that your lordship is neither heir nor executor to your. late father, and therefore not bound to pay his debts. My lord I marvel much that you have so little regard to the relief of your father's soul and to your own conscience and honour in this case, to refuse to acknowledge you are his heir, considering you possess his chiefest palaces, lands and living, with the principal “mubles” of great value he had at his decease, as we are informed. And for the pledge left in Rouen, I received nothing under my charge, always Mr. Thomas Ogilvy left one coffer with certain “naipry” in it, which will not extend to the fifth part of what is owing, as you may consider by the copy of the inventory which is here patent, subscribed at that time with Mr. Thomas' hand, which this bearer will shew you; who has procuration from two poor kirkmen that lent his lordship the money to receive payment from you, and will shew you his lordship's obligations
if you have not seen them already. The debt is not mine, albeit at my special request and of my lord prior of Pluscardin your brother the money was delivered, so that I am bound in honesty and conscience to see it paid : And if these troubles in France had not vexed me of late I would rather [have] paid a great part of that sum or I had been so called upon as I am daily by these two creditors. The bearer my nephew will inform your lordship of my losses. In consideration of which and for your own honour I pray you most heartily to cause them to be satisfied; and so far as the graith left here will extend unto, the same shall be allowed, which will not be great matter as “mubles” are sold in this troublesome time.—From Rouen, 24 June, 1590. |
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P.S.—If your lordship will cause answer my friends there of the foresaid sums, it will come in good season for relief of my present necessity, and I will satisfy your father's creditors here and cause give you sufficient discharge. |
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2 pp.
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John, Bishop of Ross to Mr. Thomas Ogilvy. |
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1590, June 15/25. |
The very great troubles in this country, and the unthankful dealings of those to whom he at all times pressed to do pleasure, move him to search and know friends in need. Relates his own troubles. Besides, the late lord Seton's creditors, M. Sampson, a poor canon of this kirk, and Mr. Edward Priest, an Englishman, pursue him for payment of the money lent his lordship, whose son refuses to pay the debt. Prays him to assist the bearer, who has procuration from the creditors, to recover the debt, since he and my lord Prior were the chief cause the money was borrowed; and if his lordship will not pay, to sue the executors or heirs for the same. Would not have pressed so earnestly for relief at his hands but for his own late disasters; but necessitas non habet legem.—At Rouen, 25 June, 1590. |
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1 p.
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John, Bishop of Ross to the Lord Prior of Pluscardin. |
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1590, June 15/25. |
To the same effect as above. Has written to his Majesty to restore him to his living of Murray. Prays him to assist the bearer, and to cause his late father's debt in Rouen to be paid, since his brother has written he is neither heir nor executor to his said father. “Your lordship and I are both bound in conscience and honour to see it paid, for our solicitation made to them to lend it.”—At Rouen, 25 June, 1590. |
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1 p.
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John, Bishop of Ross to Madam Helen Leslie. |
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1590, June 15/25. |
Has received her letter from James Innes his ser vant. She was long desirous to have him repair into Scotland, but honour and duty stayed him because of the great prince and prelate, whose spiritual function and charge he sustained; he is now deceased in prison, and one other occasion only stays him. Was taken prisoner and compelled to pay 2000 crowns “of the sun” ransom, or be transported into the hands of more cruel enemies, who made great suit to have him for the notable service he had done the King's Majesty : and is constrained to remain till he satisfies the creditors who advanced the money. Has sent the bearer into Scotland with supplication to the King and others
that he may be restored to the bishopric of Murray; “wherein I pray cause George your son take some pains, that by that way and agreement with Mackenzie and others some money may be advanced to relieve my credit. My time is short to pay before Michaelmas, or sustain greater loss. A true friend is known in need. I never yet put any of my friends to charge till now, albeit the old custom of Scotland that the bishop or abbot charged his friends to furnish money to pay for his 'bullis,' which he rendered again with thanks and good deed. This case is as, or more favourable to redeem a prisoner.”—At Rouen, 25 June, 1590. |
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Addressed : “To my special gud Lady and tendre freind Madame Helene Lesly of Preston grange.” |
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1 p.
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Robert, Earl of Essex, to Sir Thomas Heneage (Vice Chamberlain). |
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1590, June 16. |
With reference to a robbery pretended by one Wright, a lime-burner, to have been committed upon him by writer's servant, Meade, and one Calverley. Desires that the “fauters” may be enjoined to desist from their unjust accusation.—From the Court, 16 June, 1590. |
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Signed. ½ p.
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John, Bishop of Ross to George Carr. |
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1590, June 16/26. |
His last to Carr was from Newhaven the 3rd inst. : from the small hope of present relief he is sending the bearer his nephew into Scotland, to be directed by him in all proceedings. “All the best ' mubles' I have are in the creditors' hands, and if not relieved before Michaelmas are able to pass for less nor the half value; and I cannot depart from this town till they be satisfied. My lord Cardinal lately deceased was owing me near as much of my wages resting unpaid as my ransom extends to; but there is no present payment to be had, there is so little obedience in this country and so many creditors ' craifing' him. Also his successor, the Cardinal of Vendome, is not received here in his place, albeit he was provided in Rome, because he remains in Tours and follows the other party. All men here find I was unjustly taken for the causes deduced before the Judge, and so some recompence may be gotten some day.” Sends process of the proceedings in his cause, and the copy of a letter the Governor of Honfleur wrote him assuring him of the means made by the Queen of England to have him delivered into her hands. Has written to the King as specified herein, and most of all wishes to agree with Mackenzie, who William Crukshank says is well minded thereto, if he may be relieved of Mr. William Leslie's trouble and process. “That seems to me the nearest way to get money for my relief, therefore put all 'aires' to the stay and employ all friends to help that way; for otherwise if I shall not be relieved I am able to turn my back upon this country and my own both, and seek to dwell quietly and serve God without further meddling for Prince, country, or friends; wherein I declare my mind plainly to you. I must have 1600 crowns wherever it may be gotten at least to make the first payment; and if I get any recompence by the debt which is owing me of my wages or otherwise, I will pay the whole sum thankfully to those who will furnish either out of Scotland or here.” Prays him to deal with his mother and other friends to furnish the money. Sundry friends wished him to come into Scotland, but this debt impescheis' him : M. de St. Laurence and his uncle and
the Governor of Newhaven, M. de Villaris, are bound for him and must be relieved. |
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M. du Mayne is at Soissons with great forces on purpose to raise the siege of Paris and St. Denis, which has lasted more than two months and a half, and yet they hold out and will not yield, abiding succours from Du Mayne's army; so that all men look for another battle shortly beside Paris, for they are gathering their forces on all hands. “I have written to my lord Duke in favour of John Leslie, to receive him in his service because he has the French tongue well. I pray you assist him, for being placed there and resident in court he might help our causes. He might have been in danger here and therefore in part I send him home, because of these very extreme wars, where none is spared. I have retired his brother, our young canon, for he was daily in danger in Eu, which is now neutral and patent to both parties; for ' brint chyild fyre dreidis,' and I have no will to pay more ransoms.” Describes his dealings with lord Seton and the latter's most unreason able letter : the late lord Seton's debt to him at Whitsunday past was 400 crowns. “The news are come in here this day that the two armies are near together betwixt Meaux and Paris, with great forces on all hands and able to rencontre in battle. God send a good issue for His glory and weal of Christendom.”—At Rouen, 26 June, 1590. |
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4 pp.
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John, Bishop of Ross to David Clepane. |
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1590, June 16/26. |
I received your letter the 24th of May from James Innes, being new come out of prison from Honfleur, and “incontinent” laboured at the governor's hands and his councillors' in favour of the merchants that came with William home in his ship; but they would not come with any speed because your letters was but “ane missive” as a private request written by my lord Duke, as he took it; therefore it is necessary to have the King's letters in ample form to the Governor and such others as the King pleases to write to in your favour : or else they are not able to “cum ony speid.” They will testify to you the travail I took for them in winter at the Duke de Mayne's hands and his council, and now likewise, so that I could do no more if they had been my most tender friends; as I have often laboured for the merchants of Scotland, but never charged any of them for anything. Prays him to get assistance from the said merchants towards his ransom. Has written to George Car, New Leslie, and other friends to furnish 1,000 crowns at least by agreement with Mackenzie or otherwise, to be relieved by his own living; for he is loth to be in any man's danger, having lived so long free of all men. I “lippin” most in you of any other, and in my lady Newbatle, to help me to be furnished, and my friends there will be my bond for the payment, as I believe. Therefore refuse me not in this need, for I may yet have the moyen to do you and others good that “hauts” here and safe from evil.—From Rouen, 26 June, 1590. |
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Addressed : “To one honoll man David Clepane burges off Edr, and Induellar of Leyt.” |
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1 p.
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John, Bishop of Ross to Andrew Leslie of New Leslie. |
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1590, June 16/26. |
Relates his imprisonment and losses to the value of 2000 crowns for ransom and otherwise. The creditors must be reimbursed before he can pass out of Rouen, whatsoever danger can come by assieging or otherwise. Decease of the Cardinal of Bourbon in prison, so that he
has lost his ten years' service and his wages for six years unpaid. There is little appearance of redress, for no man is “obeyit” of their rents there. You may consider what my estate is here, for which cause and the fear I have, not without cause, for both your sons, who have been oft in danger to be taken prisoner, and even about the same time that I was taken, I have caused Gawin [to] return to this town to live as he may with the rest of the canons, who are in hard case for the present : so long as he was absent at the college, a year and a half, he got never one penny of his prebend. And because John is the elder and all men are subject here to greater danger nor I will write, for the enemy comes every day to the ports of this town and we wot not whom to trust, I purpose to send him towards Scotland; albeit I am sorry so to do, because he had been necessary here about me, because of the language and some experience he has learnt since he was constrained to come from the schools. My mind is not that he remain idle beside you but enter in service with some of the principal noblemen in Court, and chiefly with my Lord Duke of Lennox or Lord Huntly, because of his language and some letters and other qualities he has learnt. I have prepared him the best I could and will support him hereafter as I may, so he guide himself well. For my own affairs, have written to the King, the Duke, Lord and Lady Huntly and others, for the bishopric of Murray. Master William Leslie may help much by his friends in Court upon the hope to get Ross, which will be in the King's bands if I get peaceable possession of Murray. I have written to him at Leith to that effect, and prayed him to agree with Mackenzie that I may be supported by him of my fruits and composition of the lands of Ross, to help pay the creditors that advanced my ransom, which I think shall be the readiest way to be supported in Scotland; for I think Mackenzie will not refuse to cause advance money so he be assured of the lands and have “takis” of the fruits of the bishopric. For truly it was my intention and the laird of Balquharne's too, when I made that charter to him of the lands of Ross, to serve such a turn and chance as is happened to me at this present, when I went in England; at which time there was greater danger and appearance that I might have been holden there prisoner than at this time. Therefore it is great reason I be supported that way with my own, considering I never had any profit or relief to me nor mine for the lands. If this course fails, advise with William Crukshank, Master Richard and Patrick Leyth for furnishing at least 1000 crowns; they should pass to Edinburgh and advise with George Car and David Clepane about it. I am persuaded Lady Mewbattle will do what she can to furnish a good part, and David Clepane another part. George Car has credit sufficient with Captain Patrick Seton, “bis guid freind and mine,” to cause him furnish him some money. George Spens, Alexander Ramsay, and others in Dundee, will not refuse in such a case : I have often done great pleasure to the merchants of Edinburgh, Dundee, and other places. The money must be furnished before Michaelmas, or I shall be constrained to make harder shift, with the loss of half my pledges. Another means would be to agree with Lord Seton for the sum owing to his father's creditors in Rouen, amounting to 410 crowns, as I have written to his lordship. These points being well considered and solved, and I being relieved, chiefly if the bishopric of Murray may be had, will give me occasion to make a voyage into Scotland to establish my affairs and remain there the rest of my days. Otherwise I must turn my back upon my country and seek to live privately to serve my God without solicitude; which means I hope to find by the grace of God, Who has ever hitherto nourished me, chiefly
in twenty-two years past of my banishment out of my country.—From Rouen, 26 June, 1590. |
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Seal. 3 pp.
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John, Bishop of Ross to Mr. William Leslie. |
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1590, June 16/26. |
To the same effect as above. Requests his assistance in the matter of the lands of the bishopric of Ross, concerning which a process is depending between him and Mackenzie. Another occasion for both their weals is presented by the death of George Douglas, late bishop of Murray, which see of right belongs to him and in possession of which he hopes to be put by the King, who having Ross in his own hands may then gratify Leslie therewith. Urges him to endeavour to relieve his necessity.—At Rouen, 26 June, 1590. |
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Addressed : “To the right honoll my special gud freind Mr. William Leslie, of Cinildye, gentleman of the Kingis Mate of Scotlandis house.” |
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2½ pp.
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John, Bishop of Ross to Richard Irving, burgess of Aberdeen. |
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1590, June 16/26. |
The bearer will inform him of his estate, and communicate the letter he has written to “the guidman of New Leslie” touching his relief, wherein he prays Irving to employ himself.—From Rouen, 26 June, 1590. |
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P.S.—I pray you take in good part that I have not written oft to you, for the troubles are so great here that we have not the commodity to send but very seldom. Yet my affection is no less toward you [than] any other most tender that is in that country, which I will shew by experience when I may; for your virtue, honest behaviour and entertainment of your family merits the same, as I am well informed. |
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1 p.
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Licence to Export free of duty. |
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1590, June 17. |
Warrant under the Sign manual granting at the request of Mons. de Beauvoir, French Ambassador, licence for the exportation free of duty of 3000 hides ready dressed, 100 doz. pair of shoes, and 20 dozen pair of boots, to be shipped by Guillaume Michelet, a French merchant, to France only. Given under the signet at Greenwich, 17 June, 1590. |
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Addressed to Lord Burghley. |
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Signet. 1 p.
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John, Bishop of Ross to Master Thomas Ogilvy. |
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1590, June 17/27. |
Prays him to assist the bearer for his relief and towards Lord Seton, “who has written we have sufficient pledge left here in a coffer for the money borrowed here by his father; whereof ye know the contrary, and I pray you attest the same, for the whole is not worth the fifth part of the sum owing, for such 'mowabilis' are of no price here, especially at this time, for every man sells his 'mowabilis' to get bread.”—From Rouen, 27 June, 1590. |
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2/3 p.
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Thomas Leslie to his brother Alexander Leslie of Balquharne. |
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1590, June 17/27. |
Was given to understand by James Innes and by a letter from his mother that he should have been in France long time ago, but sees it has been but “ane boist.” Thinks he has done no worse to remain till he sees what comes of the French wars, for the countty is very broken. If he is determined to come hastily should come to Newhaven by sea and from Newhaven to Eouen by water. Has been four months in Flanders doing his master's affairs towards the Prince of Parma and was 14 days sick in Antwerp. Commendations to his family.—From Rouen, 27 June, 1590. |
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Seal. ½ p.
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Thomas Leslie, servitor to the Bishop of Ross, to Jeane Keythe. |
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1590, June 17/27. |
Has received hers from James Innes, dated 12 August 1589. She excuses herself that she dwells near no ports where is commodity of bearers, but if he dwelt in Rome, which is 200 mile further from any port than she is, he could find commodity to advertise her at least once a year in what estate he was. Knows she goes or sends once or twice a year to Aberdeen, where she might leave her letters to be brought with the first that comes to France. “You write our country is in as hazardous estate as ever I saw it, and nothing to be had for young men but sore travail and little gains : truly not only Scotland is in a hazardous estate but many more.” Has been four months in Flanders doing his lord's affairs toward the Prince of Parma, “which I did very well, praise God.” Remits the rest to the bearer, the young “guidman of Newleslie, my lord of Ross' Newoy.” Prays for news.—From Rouen, 27 June, 1590. |
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Addressed : “To the richt honorabill woman Jeane Keythe, guidwyff of Balquhairne.” |
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Seal. 1 p.
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John, Bishop of Ross. |
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1590, June 17/27. |
Testimonial in favour of the bearer, James Gil patrick, testifying that he had been in the service of the late Queen's Majesty both in Scotland and England, and thereafter in Paris served Mons. Dolu, principal Treasurer of her dowry in France, and had also served the Bishop divers years honestly and faithfully.—At the Archiepiscopal Palace of Rouen, 27 June, 1590. |
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Signed and sealed. 1 p.
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Analysis of letters from Cartwright, Brown, Martin, Undertree and other Puritans. |
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[1590,] April 8 to June 18. |
Import a plot to kill the Bishop of Winchester and Mr. Christopher Hatton, the Earl of Bedford and the Bishop of London furnishing money for the purpose. |
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Begins : “April 8. Letter 3. It is appointed to print in Bradborn's house. Bonham and Standen be kept close. The Earl and Dyve should write for them. Original. From Brown to Cartwright.” |
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Ends : “June 18. Letter 45. Crowder's words : ' as I have sworn to the minion and to the B., I will meet the villains,' with other like railings. Undertree.” |
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Undated. Imperfect. 2¼ pages in Burghley's hand. [For the letters themselves, see B. M. Lansdowne MSS., Vol. LXIV. 23–29.] |
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5¼ pp.
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Bishop of Koss. |
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1590, June 25. |
Presentation of the Bishop of Ross to the Bishopric of Murray, by Mary Queen of Scots.—Dated, June 7, 1577. |
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Certified copy, made June 25, 1590. 1 p.
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Tower of London. |
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1590, June 29. |
Warrant under the Sign Manual directing the Lord Chancellor, the Lord Treasurer, and others, to survey and view the Tower of London, Michael Blunt, Esq., having been appointed Lieu tenant thereof in place of Sir Owyn Hopton, Knt.—Greenwich, the 29th day of June, 39 Eliz. |
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Signet. 1 p.
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