James VI: August 1589

James VI: August 1589

166. William Asheby to [Michael Throckmorton ?]. [Aug. 1.] Eg. MSS., 2,598, fol. 25.

I hope soon to see you, that we may philosophise together. "You will mervaile whie I seeke my revocacion, houlding a place where I injoye otium cum dignitate": you know my mind, you know my state; my health will not comport with this climate; other particulars I will satisfy you bocca a bocca.

The state here is quieter than it was, the rebellious earls confined to houses appointed by the King: all submitted except Erroll, who hides in the north till his peace be made.

Vincere scit Rex, sed uti victoria nescit; his lenity will occasion greater mischief. "This yong prince, chast and continent as Hypolites, spending the tyme in Diana's excercise", is now far in love with the princess of Denmark, hearing of her beauty and virtues and her affection towards him. He sent the Earl Marishal with others of account to demand her for his spouse. His ambassadors were well received and entertained, a marvellous desire for the match appearing in both countries, all provided ready for her coming away; so that they now take this King's hard conditions very unkindly, and think they will not be stood upon, as the young lady is so far in love with him that it were death to her to have it broken off: Amor' con amor' si paga. So soon as his majesty can assemble his Council, the Lord of Dingwall will return with his full resolution, who was sent hither with two others from the Earl Marishal to know the King's mind.

"The King meaneth after the Convencion which shalbe the 8 of August to send to hir Majestie your old frend Sir Robert Melvin," to acquaint her with the proceedings and desire her help for his marriage, nothing doubting the continuance of her goodness towards him shown from his cradle.

You would wonder to hear of the grand preparations made in Denmark for the princess: "you must give the Scottes leave to bragge, but you know that Germanie is not so sumptuous." It may be they give out this large report of Denmark to stir up the King, suspecting him to be a cold lover, but upon this report of Lord Dingwall he seems most fervent.

"I have ben so long in this clymate as you maie se I am growen a tratling Scot"; to cure me of this, hasten my revocation before winter; my health and my want make me weary of this place. "Salute in my name your faire ladie and joye." Edinburgh. Signed: W. Asheby.

4 pp. Holograph. No flyleaf or address.

167. James Hudson to Walsingham. [Aug. 4.]

"Mae it pleas your honor to resave the Master of Grae his letter inclossid agaen, that your honor mae confer it with other advertismentts; and that it mae pleas your honor allsso to break up all his letteris derecttid to me, for att my cuminge from him he promessid—undessyrid—to wryt all secretts and trew things of importtance to me, onlly requyringe of me agaen that I wold usse him well tuchinge his letters. And for this cawsse it mae pleas your honor to keip al his letters for me that after the readinge your honor sendith to mei, whiche I shal returne agaen to your honor to that effect. His mynd was that I should aquaynt your honor with the effect of them and my Lord Threasurer lyk wysse, whiche I leave to your honors wissdome, for he saed he wold wryt to no man so plaenly as to mei."

"If it mae pleas your honor to grant your warrand for my last voyadge to Scottland, and derectt one of your honor's owin to resave the mony, I shalbe the better inablid to serve your honor." "At the court at Nonsuch."

Postscript—"Sir Thomas Henedge was pressent when I delyverid hir majeste the King's letters." Unsigned.

1 p. Holograph, also address. Indorsed by Walsingham: "4th August 1589. From Mr. James Hudson."

168. Sir Richard Cockburn to Maitland. [Aug. 4.] Add. MSS., 23,241, fol. 27.

"Hearing at Dundye be Roger quhome I met thair that his majestie wes not to remove frome this till this day, I tuik occasioun and come heir forward on Saterday sa lait that I saw not his hienes till Sonday at morne."

"At quhat tyme, after I had presented zour lordships letter and usit all zour lordships uthir directions, they were exceading weill ressavid, and zour lordships not cumming forward heir weill interpreted and taken in vearye gud pairt."

"Mr. Johne Colvill pairted frome this on Sonday airlie, quha schew me of his intentioun to mak your lordship acquent with his erand and directioun frome his majestie, and of all other proceadeur heir, quhairof I doubt noct he hes discharged him self or now."

"This day in presence of the Counsale heir the Erle of Arroll, the Laird of Auchendoun, and Bughaine ar ressaved be his majestie, noct sa mekle, as his hienes self sayis, for onye other respect then for keping of thame to enter in forder practizing till sic tyme as thair pardone be mair solemplye grauntit in presence of ane greater Counsale and assemblie of the estates, quhair thay shall crave the same oppinlye and fulfill sic poyntis as shalbe thought metest, aswell for thair offence committit as thair suirtye noct to fall in the lyke; besydes that thay may satisfie the kirk publiclye be repentance and geving in of cautioun for thair na forder attempting against the state nor religioun; and except all this be performid thair accepting heir to be ineffectuall."

"Efter I hard at my cumming heir at quhat neir poynt the Erle of Arrolls ressaving wes, I spak sumething to his majestie thairof, quha tauld me the haill circumstances and particular mennis dealing, quhilk I shall impart to your lordship at meting; and that before my cumming he had promised the same, but noct before that he understuide of my lord of Arrolls repentance of the dealing against your lordship; quhairin his majestie will have your lordship satisfeit to your awin contentment."

"The Laird of Clunye is ressavid in lyk maner, bot upon his promese and handwryte to answere to sic interrogatoris as shall be layd to his chairge concerning the haill plai[n]ttis layd against the state, religioun, and your lordship in particular; quhilk his majestie shew me with his answere nottit in the margine of everye heade he will mak the same. Notwithstanding of all this, they man pay lairglye for thair offences, and everye ane of thair compositions ar alreadye set down, quhilk his majestie will nedes have because he lakes moyen to end this turne of his mariage, quhairin your lordship will knaw his earnestnes shortlye."

"The ambassadoris have alreadye ressavid thair directioun, and stayis heir onlye upon the wynde, quhilk is oft commandit to be favorable yf it wald obey. As his majestie cummis to Edgell I shall adverteis your lordship mair particularlye of his hienes dyet." Aberdeen. Signed: R. Cokburne.

Postscript—" The sonest his majestie wilbe in Falkland shalbe on Thursday at evin, quhair I beleve his majestie shall desyre your lordship to mete him."

1 p. Holograph, also address.

169. Thomas Fowler to Walsingham. [Aug. 5.]

Has been unable to write, being sick, and fears he will not "hastely" be so well as when he began that journey. The Lord Dingwall and other commissioners were strangely used in Denmark, the Danes taking it for a scorn, and that the King meant to break off the match by his unreasonable demands: "for as aperes now they had byn borne in hand by other commissioners sent hence before, that this Kinge desyred so moche the lady as he regarded not any other matter nor wold stand apon it. Whereapon they made a publike provisyon for hir transportynge hether and maryage withowt dowt, which so knowne in most partes of Urope it were, they thinke, the greater disgrace bothe to the lady and all that Cowncell if it shold not goo on." They would have had the Earl Marishal return, but he would not, but desired to go and see the adjacent cities of Germany, as he has done, while awaiting the return of Dingwall, putting them in hope all should be to their liking.

"Thys Lord of Dingwell, beinge before Sir Ambrose Kethe, servant to the King of Swayden, they knew, for he had byn there with offencyve messages in the tyme of the warres"; they therefore misliked that he was in commission. They would not suffer him to see the young lady, neither the Earl Marishal nor any of the company, till they know whether the King will alter his demands and accept their offers: for though they would fain have the match go forward, they are so proud that they will not add 20 dollars to the portion they have set down, which is but 100,000 dollars, which they say is all her father left her; but it is thought they have bestowed part of her money upon the provisions made for her coming hither, for these men who have come home say she has much plate, fair hangings and household stuff, jewels, horses, and their furnishings: probably there is more spoken of than is true.

The King has been at great charges in sending thither, and will yet send four ships, being determined to convey her home; all this, and the rewards to the noblemen and ladies with her to return will cost him as much as he shall receive. But little regards he that now, for he is far in conceit with the lady, "and is made beleve that she is as far in with him, ye, that she is love syke presently becawse of the stay that is."

Dingwall was quickly despatched again on the 3rd instant, carrying a new commission to accept whatever is offered and bring the lady away without delay: she should be here the middle of next month, yet here is no provision for the marriage nor wherewithal to make any. The last tax, all that can be gotten, is gone, and the King is driven to seek the Queen's help. He will out of hand send to seek it. He longs to know what her majesty will do for him in his necessity, for his honour and credit are involved: he often asks Fowler what he thinks. Fowler comforts him: what her majesty does now will bind him to her more than all she has done yet. The King never cared for money till now, but desires this provision for his honour's sake, and says openly that he must trust to the Queen for all. Shrewd fellows here, seeing his care in this matter, wish him to send to Parma for money; "but one that spake it openly was openly so reproved that there hathe byn no more of it sence." It is not yet certain till the King and Chancellor meet who shall come for England, but some comes out of hand. "Eggell." Signed: T. Fowler.

Postscript—"Or I cowld get this letter sent away, the Erll of Erroll cam in to the Kinge, who conferred with him at lengthe. He submitted him selffe to his marcy very humbly, and repented muche, accusynge Huntley of many thinges that the Kinge knew not before, which makes him think worse of Huntley then ever he did. Erll Erroll must pay two thowsan crownes for a fyne, and imprysonment at the Kinges plesure."

3 pp. Holograph. Addressed. Indorsed.

170. William Asheby to James VI. [Aug. 5.] Eg. MSS., 2,598, fol. 27.

Has received news from England of the murder of the King of France by a Jacobin friar, confirmed by the governor of Dieppe, whose letter he encloses. This will increase the fire now flaming in France. The nobility and captains have given their oaths of loyalty to the King of Navarre, promising to revenge this outrage. "I would have ben with your majestie this last night, but my travale and the heat haith brought a fever upon me, so as I am forced to staie by the waie, hoping your heighnes will pardon my slones at this present. At Bricken."

1 p. Draft in Asheby's hand.

171. Walsingham to William Asheby. [Aug. 7.] Eg. MSS., 2,598, fol. 28.

Is entreated by Monsieur de Buzenval to convey the enclosed packet to "Monsieur Ciuille": prays Asheby to see it performed. Signed: Fra. Walsyngham.

½ p. Addressed. Indorsed.

172. Thomas Fowler to Walsingham. [Aug. 8.]

Has received Walsingham's letter of July 23rd this day, on coming to Falkland with the King. Likes that which Walsingham advises him to accept, and will think himself happy to do her majesty service in any place or by any title whatsoever. Has more credit with the King than ever, and to avoid losing it, it were requisite a letter were written from Walsingham to him (Fowler) to this effect: "that hir majeste in sum respectes is to cawle home Mr. Asheby, and that hir majeste assuers hir selffe so muche of the Kinges good dealinge and caryage of him selffe towardes hir every way as it is thowght nedeles to send any other in his place; but that I, beinge here and havinge lyttell busynes, may negocyat any matters there is to deale in; and so long as this Kinge and hir majeste so well agrees as they doo and hoopes to contynewe, hir majeste lykes well that one so well affected to the Kinge shold have the delinge in matters betwene them."

Also a letter should be written to the King to some such effect, and a private letter to Fowler from Walsingham, "that your honour hathe perswaded hir majeste to trust me in this service, and that she might do it." Thus is he (Fowler) bold to set down his opinion. He will answer Mr. Hudson of all other matters. Falkland. Signed: T. Fowler.

1¼ p. Holograph. Addressed. Indorsed.

173. Address to the General Assembly of the Kirk. [Aug. 8.] Harl. MSS., 292, fol. 69.

"Seing the cowrss of the warld hes alwayis bene, belovit in the Lord Jesus, that the waker sort of men has alwayes soght protectioun and defence of them that ather war in authoritie or of sic as war abill to preserve thame fra the violence of the prood and michtie Nimbrotis of the warld; the seik consulted them that war skeilful in phiseik, the poore releiff of the liberalitie of the ritch, the ignorant, and sic as hang in suspence of ony dowtifulnes of any materis, counsell of wyse and lerned, and especiallie—to speik with the spreitt of God—to seik the preistis or propheitis for counsaill in materis of religione: quhilk has presentlie mooved ws—deir Breithreine—to seik to zow and writt this shorte letter in the malice of this corrupt tyme. Ze ar the men—we meine the propheittis quha sould be consulted—God has placed zow upon the watch towris in tha placis quhair ze trawell, to zow is concreditt the overwatching of our sawlis to forwarne ws of the enemie, quhairin, if ze dewtifullie deschardge zower calling, our blood remaines upon our awin heidis gif we heir not zower voyce and eschew the perrell. Bot if sa be that ze sie the enemie and forwairne ws not, ze cry not and blaw not ane trumpett for our surer intelligence of the perrell, ze wirk the woork of the Lord negligentlie, ze bring our blood upon zower awin heidis, to the eternall confusioun of zower selfis and ws baith. Zower estait and calling —if sa be ze faithfullie dischardge the same—is the honorabillest estait and calling in this warld, zea above the michtie monarcheis, sua is it—ather negligentlie or fraudulentlie dischargitt—the miserabillest estait and conditioun of onie men in the erth. Lett it not greiff zow, breithreine, that we have takin upon ws to writt thir few lynes as thocht we wall teitch zow zower dewtie. Trewlie we meine na sic thing, being sufficientlie assuritt that ze all knaw zower dewtieis better then we can speik. Bot God knawis it is the lamentabill estaitt quhairin we ar wrapped beitwix obedience to God and our prince and the gritt wncertaintie we ar in quhat we shall allow or damne in this varietie of opinions twitching the laitt actis of parlament sett doun anent materis of religioun and politie of the Kirk, quhillis soome of zower vocatioun avow and as pro aris et phocis stryf for defence of tha actis and ther approbatioun. Vtheres damning, disaproving, disallowing, and impugning them as feghting ex diametro with Goddis woord, wtheris keiping sic ane generalitie and sic ane indifference anent all that subject, baith in doctreine and communicatione, that they dar neaver tuitch it mair nor it war the pest to infect them; quhillis ze that be the lerned—of quhom we attend baith counsaill, instructioun and gud example—be thus tossed and devydit amangst zower selfis."

"Quhat think ze shuld be our estait in deliberatt resolving quhat goldin mid cowrss to keip? Our maist humble supplicatione therefor— in Christ—is as ze will eschew that maledictioun threatned against the negligent doers of Goddis woork, the judgment of God upon the pastoris that sie the enemie cum and warne not the flok; and as ze wald participat the blissing of God quhilk man nor angell can not descryve appoynted for thame that faithfullie dischardge ther calling, zea as ze will oblish us in bodieis and guddis and in humble supplicationes to God for blissing zower labor in zower vocationes, that ze will—we say—confer upon the actis laitlie sett furth, and gif ze find them sik as aggrie with the woord of God, resolve our conscience in pulpett in zower surmountis, that we may be lernit, wnderstand, and zeild our lawfull obedience to our prince in them. And if wyrwayes they aggrie not with the woord, ze will plainlie speik itt, avow itt, preitch it, proclame it, wrytt it, and sett furth the evident repugnance, that we that be the wnlairned may be edified and maid abill to give ane accompt of our disapproving and not zeilding to the obedience of tha actis, and, gif possible, the authoris of thame may be brocht convict in ther awin conscience, seing ther awin error, to reforme them againe. Bot cheiflie—brother Jhone Dunkesone —our exhortatione to zow is, that sene ze have the cheiff place for doctreine in this realme, wnto quhilk the eies of the grittest multitud attend for doctreine—beicaus it has beine found ther heirtofor—that ze will na maire halt in this indifferencie—quhairwith the hairtis of money gud men ar wounded and the conscience of moniy godlie offended—that ze keip us na langer in suspence, bot speik zower opinoun plainlie and evidentlie, and cry it to the dischardge of zower conscience, if tha actis be lawfull or repugnant to the trewth. For now is na tyme of silence or simulatioun, quhen publict lawis ar sett furth and strait chargis for reverence and obedience to them, the perrell beung of Goddes dishonour, condemnatione of menis sawlis, and disobedience to princes: in quhilk if men— throuch zower negligence—fall, dout not bot God will craif it at zower handis in his awin tyme, and raiss staines to speik it to zower shame and accusatione of zower silence. Let not this, breithreine, greiff zow, for we tak God to witnes that of gud mynd in the bitterness of our hartis and of zeill to the trewth we wrytt that we have writtin, mynding onlie Goddis glore, our awin salvatioun and knawledge, quhairin we may lauchfullie obey or disobey our naturall prince. And this we tak God to judge beitwix zow and ws if we speik not ane thing lawchfull and necessar. The Lord graunt to zow all that in thir evill and dangerous dayes—quhairin wikednes and corruptiome haisted to rypnes be certaine degrieis—nemo enim repente fit pessimus—ze propone to zower selfis for imitatioun the gritt pastor Jesus Chryst and faithfullie invocat him in zeill—quem zelus domus Dei comedit, in love of his flok that gave his lyf for them quhilles they war his enemeis, in beihaviour quhilk war sic as the haill warld culd not reproch. The Lord, we say zit anes againe, grant zow ernest meditatione and cairful imitatione. Thus mikle shortlie in Goddis feire, awayting answer of zower mowthis in publick doctreine and, for our better edificatione and memorie, of zower pennis publish in writt zower judgment and opinions. The 8 of August 1589."

"Zower breither that wncessantlie thrist the trewth to be reveiled to Goddis glorie and our and zower salvationes."

Postscript—"Gif this letter come in the handis of oney other then thairis to quhoum it is directed we admonish the finder, and in Goddis name cravis that he present it to the breither to quhom it is directed."

2 pp. Indorsed.

174. [Jean Hotman de Villiers] to Mademoiselle Hotman. [Aug. 9.] Eg. MSS., 2,598, fol. 30.

I have had no means of saluting the maiden until to-day when she returned from her journey. She told me on entering that she knew my father by reputation, and that she was very glad to see me here. We entered into discourse about the lover and the gentleman, but she knows them both as well as I, and lends a willing ear to such speeches, and has fixed to-morrow for me to explain everything to her more particularly.

I have kissed the King's hands, whom I find a very complaisant and gracious prince; and it seems to me that I am in France when I am at this court.

The affair of the marriage with Navarre has been so badly managed, that, mistrustful of being able to accomplish it, and being moreover solicited by his subjects, he has entered upon a treaty with Denmark, and is so far advanced therein that the marriage is considered as concluded; but the news now come of the death of the King of France and the new greatness of the King of Navarre has caused them to repent of having made such haste.

We are at Falkland, which is a house of the King a day's journey from Edinburgh, and I hope in five or six days he will dismiss me; but Monsieur du Moulin wishes that we should travel together in returning, and I must wait for him until the 25th of this month.

Believe, dear heart, that I am greatly longing to see you to tell you and the gentleman about it.

I have as yet received only one letter from you, of the 30th of July; the preceding one which you mention has not yet come to my hands and I shall only have it to-morrow.

This news from France will cause me to hasten my return for reasons which you can guess. If Monsieur du Moulin cannot yet start, I will go with a Scottish gentleman named Colville, whom the King is sending to the Queen of England in twelve or fifteen days; or perhaps with Mr. Asheby, who has been ambassador here for the Queen for a year and a half, and who returns about the same time.

I wrote you a letter from Edinburgh last week, whereby you could perceive how weary I was of sojourning so long in one place without seeing her for whose sake chiefly I had undertaken the voyage. Now that I have seen her I am much better satisfied, and hope to be yet more so to-morrow when I have talked to her to my heart's content. For her appearance pleases me, and I find more in her than had been told me. Yet for fear of contradicting myself later, I will not say more to you for this time about her.

Poor Mr. Douglas has found that during his absence his enemies have done him ill offices at this court, and he has not had so good countenance from his master as he hoped and deserves. But his friends are busy about restoring that which has been spoiled and placing him again on the right road. He and I will write very fully to the gentleman in a day or two. For my part I have nothing else at present and no paper good enough to write to the aforesaid gentleman, to whom you will not fail to present most humble salutations on behalf of Mr. Douglas and of myself, who am his very humble servant.

I believe that he with whom I had a quarrel a year ago has very much raised the heels of his slippers since this last accident in France; but I fear that he will wear them so high that possibly they will cause him a heavier fall. You tell me that he was going to seek his master, but I think he will now have changed his mind.

The Master of Gray is at this court, but not in such credit as he was before. The Lord of Wemyss shall come to-day; he and Mr. de Seville in two days' time are to take leave to go with their troops to Dieppe by sea.

Remember how many letters you have written to me and how many you have received from me; and when you have received this present do not write any more to me, for your letters would not find me here. Falkland. Signed: "Vostre fidele et intime V.S.P."

2½ pp. French. Holograph. Addressed. Seal.

175. William Asheby to Burghley. [Aug. 11.] Eg. MSS., 2,598, fol. 32.

Has received two letters from Burghley on August 6th by his nephew, dated 29th and 30th July. Heard the news of France three days before from Walsingham, and thereupon rode to meet the King returning from the north, in Angus, to acquaint him with the murder of the French King, "hoping it would have made some suspence." But the King had despatched Lord Dingwall on August 3rd to Denmark to go forward with the match, "respecting nothing the article of the dowre and leaving the rest to the ambassadors' consideracion; for that he would not be thought a marchant for his wife"; so there will be no stay on his side if they of Demnark will send the princess. The proceeding has been inconsiderately dealt with; fears the conclusion will be worse. The King says he has been abused by the ambassador sent a year since, Colonel Stewart as Asheby judges, yet he still follows the counsels of those who seek their own particular.

"Surelie Scotland was never in wourse state to receave a Quene then at this present, for there is nether house in repaire but all most ruinous and want furniture; and the tyme so shorte as this defect cannot be healped if she come before winter which is looked for." John Colville is being sent to England to acquaint her majesty with the King's proceedings with Denmark, requiring that as she honoured his christening with an embassage she will vouchsafe the like for his marriage.

Erroll made his peace on August 3rd by the mediation of Mar, Athol, and the Master of Glamis; he is to be confined to a house in Fife or Stirlingshire at his own choice, and to abide the King's will and the sentence of parliament in October next.

"All the rebellious earls be now comed in, and matters here packed up stranglie, everie on sekeing there particular, and neglect the weale and securitie of there prince."

Bothwell and the Chancellor are reconciled till the next opportunity.

Montrose is fined but 2,000 crowns, and so is Erroll; a riot in England has a greater fine than high treason here: this lenity will bring further inconvenience.

"A yong prince so facill and in want, a nobilitie faccous and thursting the bloud of on another and inconstant, the churche spoiled and the ministers overwhelmed with povertie, the boroughs loth to contribute to the King's necessitie, doth shew this state to be in such miserie as ipsa si cupiat salus servare non potest hoc regnum."

Hopes shortly to tell Burghley all by word of mouth, having now received the Queen's letter for his return.

The King is at Falkland; also the Chancellor and some of the Council. This day the deputies of the boroughs are to convene at Coupar "6 myle from this house" to yield some contribution for receiving the princess of Denmark and her train; the Convention will last two or three days.

The King promises him (Asheby) despatch, with order set down touching the Borders before he departs about the 19th instant; Asheby departs about the 22nd. Falkland.

Postscript—"The Laird of Weimes and Monsieur Civill apointed to embarque the 14 of this present with 1500 Scotes towardes France. The King longeth to heare how Navare succedes."

3½ pp. Draft in Asheby's hand. Indorsed.

176. Thomas Fowler to his Wife. [Aug. 12.] Eg. MSS., 2,598, fol. 34.

"My Besse, I have receaved your angry, thretening letter by Mr. Nanton, whom I thanke for it by your owne confessyon." I have had great wrong in stay of my letters which you and my Lord Douglas complain of. I wrote a letter to your father which you acknowledge not; let me know if it were delivered. I hear your father's bond is delivered, and that you meant to come and see me, but not to tarry with me past a month; such a journey for so small abode will not quit cost.

Your cousin Asheby is coming home; he is already discharged, which I am sorry for; I shall lose good company and friendly. Have patience; of sufferance comes ease; all I do will turn for the best and to your content. If you take the worst course, it will be evil for yourself and for me. Fear God and serve him, eschew idleness and evil company. "Edenbrowghe." Signed: T. Fowler.

Postscript—"Not so well in helthe but I thinke if you sawe me you wold pitty my case."

1 p. Holograph. Addressed.

177. William Asheby to Mrs. Fowler. [Aug. 12.] Eg. MSS., 2,598, fol. 36.

"Sithence my cosin Fowler's comming hither, swete ladie, I have ben the willinger here to staie in her majesties service, having his good companie."

The hope to have seen you here made me like the better the honourable place I hold, for that your presence would have been so joyful to him whom I love, and to me most acceptable. Unsigned.

½ p. In Asheby's hand.

178. Walsingham to William Asheby. [Aug. 12.] Eg. MSS., 2,598, fol. 37.

Here were of late certain Scottish men, Meldrom, Laird of Finy, Minies, and Lamb of Aberdeen, and King, son of Alexander King of Edinburgh, papists come from France. They departed hence without passports in a hired ship for the north of Scotland.

We now hear they are traitors, and had spoken in France of the murder of the King; you shall therefore deal earnestly with the King and Chancellor to have them apprehended. There may be some practice against both her majesty and the King. From the court. Signed: Fra: Walsyngham.

Postscript—You shall take the Chancellor's advice before dealing with the King.

1 p. Addressed. Indorsed. Seal.

179. James VI. to Burghley. [Aug. 15.] Lansd. 60. fol. 101. Printed in Original Letters ed. H. Ellis, First Series, iii. 28-9.

"Richt trustie and vellbelovit cousin, that quhiche nou I have in hand and is so nie the parforming, as I never hadd the lyke adoe before so paradventure shall I not have the lyke hearafter. If ever the Quene thinkis to play a verie freindis pairt unto me it is nou tyme. I speake the lyke of you in furthering, quho I knou hath bene seeking an occasion all this tyme past to kythe his affection touardis me: it is nou tyme to give a proofe. No houris nor daies must be lost, for tempus dealis most straitlie uith me. The particulairis I remitt to the bearare, quhome I pray you to trust and give youre best advyce unto and to excuis me for this my laconike uritting; I ame in suche haist." Edinburgh. Signed: James R.

½ p. Holograph. Addressed. Indorsed.

180. Thomas Jackson to William Asheby. [Aug. 15.] Eg. MSS., 2,598, fol. 39.

Thanks Asheby for benefits done to himself and his friend Mr. Bredyman. Marvels that the Laird of Wemyss does so delay him. Jackson's company is ready at Holy Island, where Wemyss appointed by his letter of the 8th instant, promising to dispatch the lieutenant and furniture requested. Berwick. Signed: Thomas Jackson.

1 p. Holograph. Addressed. Indorsed.

181. William Asheby to Burghley. [Aug. 16.] Cott. Calig., D. I., fol. 363.

Mr. John Colvile hath his despatch of the King, and this day goes towards Berwick; by whom her majesty shall understand how his highness proceeded with the match with Denmark; "wh[ere] the King haith passed his wourd so farr as he cannot with his honour go backe. He is forced to flie to her majestie in all his distresses, and now he hopeth her moth[erlie] care shall not be wanting: he haith ben abused, and drawen into this match verie craftilie, which now in honour he cannot refuse." Of himself he is well disposed, and mindful of benefits received, and cannot be drawn from her majesty's friendship by evil counsellors about him. Any favour now shown will bind him more surely than all he hath received heretofore. He hath great hope of your honour's good dealing and wise counsel, which he would follow, but cannot perform all he desires, having no one about him to trust to. What favour he shall find from her majesty he will account you the worker of it, and always acknowledge your fatherly care.

"Yf the Lord Bodwell seeke her majesties favour [or] make anie offer of service, he doth it [to] abuse her majestie, for he is a capitall eni[my] and no credit to be geven to him, whats[oever] he saith or swereth. And trulie there is [no] specke of vertu or honestie in him, neith[er] haith he judgment to carie himself w[ell] in anie accion."

"The King seing his borowghes did not conv . . . (fn. 1), thei fearing some new contribucion, staid but one night in Edenborough, and went the next day towardes Lenoux to passe his tyme for ten daies in hunting in the islandes of Lowghe Lomond in the west, and reto[rned] to Sterling the 24th." Edinburgh. Signed: W. Asheby.

2 pp. Holograph. Addressed. Indorsed.

182. William Asheby to Walsingham. [Aug. 16.] Eg. MSS., 2,598, fol. 41.

The King has sent back the Lord of Dingwall with full resolution touching his marriage with Denmark, and also sends to her majesty Mr. John Colvile, who starts this day towards Berwick. Her majesty's past liberality makes the King request her gracious dealing now, "and to honour his mariage with the presence of some noble parsonage." He is unprovided of house and furniture to receive a Queen; yet he thinks with his honour he cannot go back, and expects her by the end of September. He is well disposed and cannot be drawn from the friendship of her majesty, although he has many evil counsellors about him; any favour now will bind him more surely than all he has received heretofore.

"The borowes by the King's apointment convined at Edenbrowghe the 8 of August, where his heighnes determined to have ben; but coming a daie or two after to Faukland, comaunded that the deputies should come to Cowper in Fiffe the elevent of this present; but thei fearing that some benevolence should be further demanded of them for the better receaving of the Danes, excused themselves, and retyred to there boroughes, without anie further contribution then that graunted the yere past, alledging there inabilitie and the charges thei have ben at otherwise this last yere with his majestie against the rebelles."

On the 14th instant Captain Forbes and Captain Seton departed hence to pass through England into France. This day Wemyss and Civille willed Asheby to acquaint Walsingham therewith, and think they should be stayed in England and searched for letters which they carry, for they are thought to be evil instruments, especially Forbes. The latter carries letters from Civille to the King of France; Civille desires Walsingham to keep them, and would have both captains stayed till he and Wemyss were with the King in France.

Bothwell has his agent, Cuttie Armorer, in the court to make his peace with her majesty's favour. There is no honour to be had of this earl whatever oath he makes; "he will not sticke to swere and forswere to do mischefe, especiallie against her majestie and the state of England."

For Border affairs the King seems careful, and means to be there in person in October. It were well a commissioner of England and another of Scotland were appointed to meet for the compounding of controversies happened since the order set down by the last commissioners. The Middle Marches of both countries are most disordered.

3 pp. Draft in Asheby's hand. Indorsed.

183. Walsingham to William Asheby. [Aug. 18.] Eg. MSS., 2,598, fol. 43.

Has received Asheby's late letters. The King being resolved to go through with the marriage with Denmark, although it seems not fit for him considering his poor estate, it is not to be given out that her majesty is an enemy thereunto, she continuing in friendship with the King of Denmark. By reason of contrary winds no advertisements have come from France, saving news from Calais that the King of Navarre is at Compiégne for the funeral of the late King.

The Spaniards have besieged Heusden, and the Duke of Pastrana has chief command there, but Count Maurice having put into the town 300 men, with powder, it is likely it will be held bravely. There is no great likelihood that Parma will recover of his sickness, but if he should, the disgraces offered him of late by the King of Spain are such as a reconcilement can never be made between them. The court at Oatlands.

Signed: Fra: Walsyngham.

Postscript—Encloses copy of advertisements just come from France, and letter for Mr. Fowler.

1 p. Addressed. Indorsed.

184. Francois de Civille to William Asheby. [Aug. 18.] Eg. MSS., 2,598, fol. 46.

You are the lord in Scotland to whom I have most obligation; therefore I thank you first for the numberless courtesies which I have received from you during my stay in this country, offering you my willing service in gratitude for them. Meanwhile I will pray you to deem the like good will to be in me, begging you when occasion allows to send me news of your good health by your letters, which will oblige me to love you and to honour your virtue more and more.

I entreat you also, Sir, to secure the gelding at Berwick soon without fail, and that in your name, if you please; for which Mr. Egger will furnish the money whenever you please, for I have delivered it to him: and as you pass through Berwick in returning to London be pleased to have it led by one of your men, if I do not before then find a friend who may relieve you of this trouble, which I am ashamed and grieved to give you.

I pray you likewise, Sir, when you get there to acquaint the Queen's majesty with the desire that I have to do her service wherever I may be; and to assure her and my Lord Treasurer and my Lord Secretary, as also the Earl of Huntingdon my old and gracious master, that I shall never forget the favours they have done me. Wemyss. Signed: Francoys de Ciuille.

Postscript—Sir, I beg you to be pleased to send the enclosed to London with the first dispatch and occasion that you have to send to London, for it is about your affairs touching Mr. [Wemyss] the younger, in order that he may be advertised before he starts.

1 p. French. Addressed. Indorsed.

185. Mr. Archibald Douglas to Burghley. [Aug. 19.]

"When any is dryvin to wryte in praise of his deserwingis, I do know that suche letteris ar no les tedious to the readar than unpleasand to the wrytar. And zit suche is the miseri somtyme of the best sort that thay ar constreaned to wryte the treuthe—albeit unvillinglye—as at this tyme I am forced to do. Bot in one thing I hawe confort, that in this my case thayr neadethe no long lettir to your lordship, who so weill knawis the begynning of my trowblis, the lossis thayrthrow susteaned, my deservingis, and the chargis that I haif beyn dryvin to susteane during my aboade heir in maner to your lordship knavin."

"About foure yearis since it pleased hir majeste for considerationis mowinge hir to grant onto me the benefite of tuo thowsand fyve hundreth lib., which I must confesse did me greit gude, for thayrbye was my debtis contracted before that tyme releawed and I maid able to go in Scotland to seik tryall anent suche calumnyis as fayme had charged me wythe."

"When I had ressawed my purgation according to the lawis of that realme, I did so good serwice as I culd, beand besyde my maister, for the weill of boyth the princis and thayr crownis; and in hoipe to hawe performed bettir I willinglye did accept wpon me the charge to come hyther, whear I hawe remaned these thre yearis as ane publick officiar, and even in so ill ane tyme that in my awin cuntreye at hoime I hawe acquired the hatrent of manye for the benefite I wisshed mycht hawe beyn done to boythe the realmes."

"Eftir the deythe of the Queen of Scottis I culd not forbear to lay oppin my state at that tyme before her majeste, your lordship, and some mo of hir honorable consale, declaring that it was not able to beyr ony suche chargeable expensis as I was dryven to sustean; and thayrfor I dessired libertye to depart hoime, bot it vas at that tyme refused, whearthrow I vas constreaned to contynew the saydis chargis albeit unhable to do it."

"In your lordships house at Tybbaldis it pleased hir hyenes to faworablye uttir these wordis, that sen sche had interteinyed ane nombre of Scottismen upon hir chargis in tyme passed, sche cowlde now do littill if sche culde not susteyn one to do hir service whose vantis sche wolde sea supplyed. Vpon that speach and some uthir suche lyk uttered be some consalouris, I haif remaned heir the spayce forsaide, doand the gud I culde and such as I beleawe shall heireftir appeir to be gud serwice to hir majeste. And notwythstanding of all these promissis and all my formar service and trowblis susteaned—for the gud vill I burn to do hir majeste service—I am now lyk to be shakin of be hir hynes, and be the King my maister for hir cause in such sort as I culd nevir hawe luked for. And all the ressone thay do yealde for this thayr doing at home is fowndit upon no uthir grownde bot upon ane opinion consaved that I am moyr at hir majesteis dewotion than for the work of the realme whear I was borne, notwythstanding that tyme vill trye the contrarye of this to be most trew."

"It hathe pleased hir majeste of layte to anser to Ser Francis Walsinghame, when be derection from hir self he layde oppin before hir hynes my present state full of necessite, proseading from the causis before specifeit, that I oucht to remayn satisfeid wyth that whiche hir majeste had bestowed upon me of before."

"Treulye, my lorde, albeit hir majesteis liberalite extendit towardis me was newir able to hawe recompansed the smallest part of my lossis susteaned for hir majesteis service before that tyme, zit wald I haif rested contented thayrwyth, and nevir to haif socht any fordar, if I had not beyn in a maner deteaned be hir majesteis self, induring all this tyme that I haif contracted suche debtis as I am not able to paye."

"Most humblye thayrfor I wold pray your lordship to be so faworable onto me as to mowe hir majeste that some gud ordour may be gevin that suche necessayr debtis as I haif contracted, and in some kynd be derection from hir majesteis self and be my remaning heir of layte, may be discharged; and I shalbe contented to depart in the poore estate whearin I am reduced wyth the losse of ten thowsand lib. and ten yearis tyme spent that I haif remaned in exile and publick charge in this realme." London. Signed: A. Douglas.

2 pp. Holograph, also address. Indorsed.

186. Mr. Archibald Douglas to Walsingham. [Aug. 19.] Part printed in Letters of . . . Colville, Ban. Club, p. 247.

"Having occasion offerid to vryte to yow anent the contentis of letteris ressawed from Scotland, I haif allso thocht it expedient to vryte to my lordis Tresoreir and Chancellar, to lay oppin my present estate to hir majeste, and most effectuallye to pray that I may ressawe hir majesteis faworable anser, whearin I am the moyr ernest to requeist for that I am now in every manis mouth, be resson of debtis contracted that I am not able to paye oneles hir majeste of accustomat clemency, ejoyned to suche ressonis as ar conteaned in thayr letteris, shalbe pleased to do it for me."

"Be letteris ressawed from Scotland I do onderstand that the King returned from the northe to Falkland upone the vij of this instant, whear my nephew presented my letteris to his hyenes, desiring that his hyenes mycht be pleased to derect ane lettir to hir majeste to call me home, whear I mycht anser to any calumnye that ony vold object against me. His hyenes anser hathe beyn to that poynct that he vill adwise upon that mater at this Conwention to be holdin at Stryveling the xvj of this monethe, whiche I tak to be no wthirvaise bot to delay tyme quhill he may speik vyth the Chancellar; and what anser I shall ressawe I muste remitt quhill that tyme."

"In this Convention thayr is to be dessired of the borrowis that thay shall remayn obliged for the Queen to be, hir drowrye extending to the sowme of moyr than sex thowsand li. sterling as it is required, and that thay shall furnishe some sowmis of moneye for the King his use at this tyme of his mariage."

"It is dowbted as zit wheathir thay vill aggre to the first, be ressone it ressawis tractum futuri temporis, whearin thay hawe no releawe if God shall call upon his majeste."

"Mr. Jhone Colwille is to be send hyther vyth expeditione to persuade hir majeste that the mariage of Dennemark is best and most profitable for hir weill; and the ressone of his argument is to [be] takin upon this grownd that Colonell Stewarde wrote of onto me at Eastir laste, whiche he did affirm did proceade from the Chancellar of Dannemark to him at his being thayr, to witt, that the realmes of Scotland and Dannemark beand joyned to this crowne is able to yeald suche ressone to the Kinge of Spayn as may induce him to tak peace wythe hir majeste. Bot this did appeir to me at that tyme to be argumentum longe petitum, and thayrfor quhill now I nevir mayd any mention of it. These ar the wordis that I am informed he is to wse; bot in substance his erand is to buye playte and some wthir howsholde stuffe for the Kingis use, as beand generall collectour for the ingathering of the taxation granted for that use."

"He is in lyk maner to crawe hir majesteis assistance in lending or gevin of money for this effect. I am also informed be some freynd that he is to requyre my assistance, alsweill in requesting at the handis of wtheris that these matteris may be performed as my pryvate helpe for the doing thayrof, as if I war able to performe any suche mater."

"Be the saydis freyndis that makis this adwertisment I am consaled to be absent from the towne at his comming hyther. I am thayrfor effectuallye to pray your honour that hir majeste may be moved to gewe some speadye ordour how that I may retyre my self vythowt sclander of my creditouris, whiche is the thing in the vorlde I wold be glaydest to awoyde."

"The Erll of Arroll hathe mayde his composition be moyen of the Maister of Glammis, whearvyth the Chancellar is offendite, and the Erll Bothewell is agreid vyth the Chancellar, whearewyth the Maister is nothing contented, be ressone he is not conteaned in the aggreance. The saide Erll hathe vrytin to me ane longe lettir, bot of ane olde dayte, declarand that he is myndit to go in France; and the speciall ressone that he gevis for his going is, as he affirmis, for no uthir cause bot for awoyding of the trowblis that he fearis shall fall in that realme, owt of the whiche he can not redde him self beand at home. And the rather he vas willing to go, for that he thocht the charge of this leawye of men that was spokin of for the Kinge of France shuld be layde upon him. He is myndit to passe throw this cuntrey, and desiris to knaw my opinion what commission he shall procure of his maister that may mak him gratious to hir majeste."

"As for my awin part, I can not tell what to say of these extravagant commissionis, bot I am of that opinion that whosoevir shal come in commission, oneles it shalbe to confyrme the league, and to mak publick and fynall aggreance betuixt these princis that ar so neir of blowde and nyhebourheid, shall serwe to small purpose. And thayrfor I mynd to absteane from vrytm any anser in this mater quhill it shall pleis your honour heirin to adwise me, whiche I mynd to follow."

"I send onto your honour be this bearar the anser of the lettir derected to Doctour Ceasar; what he cravis your honour vill onderstand be it; and what my opinion is I hawe declared to this bearar, who will raport the sammin to yow."

"I spake vif Normonde Monypennye, he who was send in the Low Cuntrey to persuade the Scottismen to do ill effectis. He declaris the mater moyer playnlye than I onderstode it of before, as moyr particularlye I shall lat your honour onderstand at meatinge." Signed: A. Douglas.

2¼ pp. Holograph, also address. Indorsed.

187. Walsingham to William Asheby. [Aug. 20.] Eg. MSS., 2,598, fol. 47.

Seeing the King resolute in his marriage of Denmark, her majesty is disposed to grace it with her allowance in respect of her friendship with the late King of Denmark. "But if the King expect from hense anie great supplie of monie, myne owne private opinion is, considering both the great charge her majestie haith ben at both for her owne defence and otherwise, and especiallie that she is nowe to yeald for assistance of the Frenche King, a matter that importeth the good of both the realmes as well as Fraunce, and the more to be regarded, besides the whole cause of religion dependeth thereon, that it will not be here had, how willing soever her highness shalbe to satisfie him therein." Oatlands.

1 p. Copy in Asheby's hand.

188. [Jean Hotman de Villiers] to [William Asheby]. [Aug. 20.] Eg. MSS., 2,598, fol. 48.

This man will, if you please, being me your letters and the passport, for by God's help I shall certainly start on Friday morning. If I can do anything further for your service, I consider myself thereunto bound by the numberless courtesies you have been pleased to show me during my stay in Scotland. Mr Richard Douglas and all that honourable family and I salute you. Whittingham. Signed: Hatm . . . (fn. 2)

Postscript—Sir, I entreat you if you have received my letters for, or any news from France to let me know it, if you please, by the present bearer.

1 p. French. Holograph. No flyleaf or address.

189. Mr. Archibald Douglas to Walsingham. [Aug. 21.]

"Before the recepte of your lettir from ane messinger, I crawed be your trustye servitour, Thomas Lackis, that your honour mycht be niformed that I wold send the lettir whiche I ressawed zister-nycht to be perused be yow, to the end that your honour mycht thayrbye consider upon what grownd I craved audience; the ressonis moving me thayrunto I must leawe to the sayd Thomas, to whom I did inpart thayme."

"As to the anser that you ar myndit to gewe to my demand, I can be hartlye weill contented thayrwythe, be resson that it appearis best to aggre vyth the resolution that I haif takin vyth your honour, whiche I mynd to follow so far as I can or may procure to be performed. But I must leawe the aggreing thayrof wyth the wtheris anseris gevin of before be hir majeste and consalouris at dyvers tymes knavin to my maister to your moyre grawe consideration, and visshis at God that hir majeste mychte haif beyn pleased to haif gewin the sayde anser xviij monethis since."

"Be wtheris letteris I ressawed I onderstand that our Chancellar hath vrytin at greit lenthe to your honour to mowe you be meating of commissionaris—whearof he vold appeir to dessire that your honour mycht be one and he another—to go throw vyth the promisses may be Mr. Aschebye. In respect of his pitthye ressonis I vill forbear to meddle in that mater. I onderstand also that thrittynning is to follow in case of refusall, bot lyke to do small harm quhill fordar may be knavin. For the interpretation of that mater which apperis to be obscure in the begynning of this lettir, pleis be informed that my dessire vas that ane gentill man of gud sorte mychte be send hyther for declaration of the King his gud meaning towardis this realme, alsweill to hir majeste as to hir consalouris, nobilite, and hoill subjectis of this ile, or wthirvise that the sammin mycht be send hither be instruction to haif beyn delivered be me. Whiche my dessire the Chancellar in haist did preveint be sending Rogeir Ascheton upon moyr plausible mater than I knew of, and zit upon ane promess mayde be him to Mr. Aschebye of before, but delayed quhill the cumminge of my letteris whiche he caused to serwe to wtheris as ane mask for his doingis. I leawe to persuade or mowe yow in ony of these promissis, praying onelye that my letteris may be returned vyth anser whatsoevir." London. Signed: A. Douglas.

1 p. Holograph. No flyleaf or address.

190. William Asheby to Burghley. [Aug. 22.] Cott. Calig., D. I., fol. 365.

There is a new faction brewing against the Chancellor, wrought by the Master of Glamis and Justice Clerk, which will be dangerous to the Chancellor, being forced to be reconciled to "his capitall enimie" Bothwell, upon the peace wrought for the Earl of Arroll by the Lord Treasurer and Justice Clerk. What is the occasion, and how they combine, I refer to the relation of John Colvile.

Lord Claud Hamilton is taken out of the castle and confined amongst his friends in Lothian: to his place Maxwell was brought from Blackness the 16th instant, that he may have opportunity to confer with the ministers, and to show himself reconciled, to get his liberty and attend occasion for their practices.

"The lenitie used by this prince cann bring no good effect, but drawe himself in cont[empt], incorage the evell disposed to torne all upside downe, and hazard his state and the lives of his faithfull servantes. Here is no care had to exequute justice n[either] for treason nor murder; suche partialitie . . . (fn. 3) nether is . . ."

"All the rebellious earls have wrought th[eir] peace with the King, and fined at 2000 crowns everie on; such is the severitie here in punishing such light offences; but I feare both King and countrie will feele err it be long this omitting of justice, for it must nedes be the nurse of further trouble."

"The King convines certein of his nobilitie and twelve of the chefest boroughes at Ste[rling] the 25 of this present, it is thought for some contribucion, for uniting the nobilitie [and] the chancellour, and for receaving the yong princes out of Denmarke; but as yet no [word] is comed wether the Danes will send [her] before winter. It is now wished that she might staie till the spring, thei find[ing] themselves here so unprovided to rec[eive] such a parsonage, and I beleve haulf repent of there hast in that match." Edinburgh. Signed: W. Asheby.

2 pp. Holograph. No flyleaf or address.

191. "Bruits" from Edinburgh. [Aug. 22.] Eg. MSS., 2,598, fol. 49.

"That the Erll of Boithwill zisterday dyning in Carfray, efter denner wes on gaitwaittis toward Lauder to the Lord Chancellar, thair to have zeildit to conditionis at the Lord Chancellaris appointment, for aggreance betuix the said Erll Boithwill and the Lord Hwme anent sum difference standing amangis thame."

"That the Master of Gray being in the said Erll Boithwellis cumpany, wischeit the said Erll not to ga to Lauder, be ressoun the said Lord Hwme had prevenit him, and wes accumpanyit with his unfreindis quha wer in armes. Notwithstanding, the said Erll, efter his furious maner, wald nedis go forewart to the said Lord Chancellair, respecting no danger; and had not past half a quarter myle bot sum in the said Erlis cumpany espyit sum forces: and the said Erll judgeing thame to be the said Lord Hwmes cumpany, wes advisit to returne to Carfra quhair he dyneit. And not sa soone returning, bot the said Lord Hwme and his cumpany hardlie persewit him, and the said Erll being convoyit ane narrow way eschapit, and wan the said Carfray befoir theey overhyit him. Zit owertaking a servand of his namyt Peter Collace, they dang him from his hors, and feinzeing him self deid, eschapit the furie of the ennemy. Upoun this fetche, it is thocht mutche bussynes is able to ensew, be ressoun of the zowth and furious naturallis of baith lordis, and being baith sa weill freindsted."

"It is spokin be these Scottis merchandis now cum bi England, that sum of thame wer in Calece a xiiij dayes since, and hard none uther word bot that the King of Navar had reterit from Pareis to sattill his estate now efter the death of the King of France, being intanglit with many bussynes concerning himself and the state of that realme."

"That the King of Navarr is proclamyt King of France at Calice, Burgonye, and Depe, and uther places."

1 p.

192. William Asheby to Walsingham. [Aug. 22.] Eg. MSS., 2,598, fol. 51.

Received Walsingham's letter of the 12th touching the Scotchmen Meldrom, Minies, Lamb, and King, on the 16th, and acquainted the Chancellor therewith, who will use care "to boult out from theise matters what he can." The Chancellor stays King here, to satisfy the church, till Meldrom be come and examined touching the death of the late King of France and other treachery. But such partiality is used as little good will be done.

[The rest of the letter is the same in substance as that to Burghley of the same date.]

2 pp. Draft in Asheby's hand.

193. William Asheby to James VI. [Aug. 25.] Eg. MSS., 2,598, fol. 53.

I am bold to solicit your majesty in the behalf of an English merchant spoiled not many months since by Peterson, his ship and freight brought to Montrose and there sold. "Onlie the ship is delivered, but without takling, and no part of the goodes can be recovered, allthoughe he had your majesties warrant to the officers of Montrose, comaunding most straitlie the stay of the pyrate and the saftie of the goodes; which thei neglected." The party hath been here a long suitor, and fearing that he shall receive but delays, to his undoing, was ready to depart without hope of justice; but I, knowing your careful mind to content any of her majesty's subjects, would not suffer him till I had moved your highness once again to vouchsafe in this poor man's cause such justice as your grace is most willing to grant, correspondent to the good usage your subjects—by their own report—find in England by her majesty's commandment, as one regarding your amity and the weal of your subjects. How the affairs of France stand you shall see by the enclosed, which came to me this morning. Edinburgh. Signed: W. Asheby.

1 p. Holograph draft. Indorsed.

194. François de Ciuille to William Asheby. [Aug. 26.] Eg. MSS., 2,598, fol. 58.

Is waiting for the Laird of Wemyss, and sorry their journey is delayed, the wind being fair for Dieppe. Writes to take leave, and to desire Asheby to remember the gelding of Berwick, that he be sent to London, where "Monsieur Hottoman" will receive him and send him over. Dundee.

Postscript—Trusts Asheby has received 15l. at John Egger's hands.

Thanks Asheby for letter just received. Is glad Egger has delivered the 15li. If Wemyss were but there they might embark that night; knows not the cause of his delay. Signed: Francoys de Ciuille.

1 p. Addressed. Indorsed.

195. William Asheby to Walsingham. [Aug. 26.]

Received Walsingham's letter of the 18th on the 25th instant, with advertisements from France, and the enclosure for Fowler, which Asheby has sent. This day the Chancellor took his journey towards the King at Stirling, where is expected a Convention, but divers hold back, especially the boroughs, fearing a new contribution; besides it is demanded of the Danes that they should enter into bond for repayment of the young Queen's dowry if she die within the year. If the marriage be not solemnized in Denmark before they hear this article yielded to, there will be a stay, for the boroughs will not condescend to that point, seeing the King hath no care to any article touching their profit for traffic, but, as a true lover, demands the lady, and careless of his gain.

Bothwell having made his peace with the King, and fined 2,000 crowns, which will never be paid, and the Chancellor and he reconciled, comes at his pleasure: "this libertie will souner wracke him, for that he is quarrelous and bloudie." Since his liberty, which has not been many days, he going towards Lauder, a house of the Chancellor, there to have agreed upon conditions, the Chancellor being an arbitrator to compound some difference betwixt the Earl and Lord Hume, Hume was at Lauder before him. The Chancellor sent to Bothwell, not to come that day, as Hume was there well accompanied, and in arms. Bothwell, in his furious manner, would needs go forward. He had not ridden half a mile when some in his company espied some forces: judging them to be Hume's, he returned to Carfray, where he dined. He was no sooner returned but Hume and his company pursued him, but Bothwell escaped and came to Carfray before they could overtake him: they struck one of his men from his horse, who feigning himself dead escaped further fury.

Much business will ensue, by reason of the youth and furious nature of both these lords, and both being well friended. "It is wished, seing the King's facilitie such as no justice is executed, that thei maie be boureaux on to another, for thei have both, especiallie the Earl, bloudie handes and turbulent sprites." No news from Denmark since Dingwall's return, by reason of contrary winds. Edinburgh. Signed: W. Asheby.

Postscript—"I shall not have my dispacth from hense before the King come to Faukland, which wilbe about the 10 of the next moneth." The enclosed is from the Lord Chancellor to Mr. Colvile."

2 pp. Holograph. Addressed. Indorsed.

196. Walsingham to William Asheby. [Aug. 27.] Eg. MSS., 2,598, fol. 60.

Encloses letter from Mr. Colvile to the Chancellor. Fell into a fever the day Colvile arrived in London, so was not at court when he had audience yesterday. He was graciously received. "Monsieur Beavoys Lanocle is come out of Fraunce to crave assystance for the King of Navarre. Her majestie seemeth verie forward to yeald him the same, but her meanes to performe yt I doubt will not bee aunswearable to that the world expecteth at her hands." Barn Elms. Signed: Fra: Walsyngham.

¾ p. Addressed. Indorsed.

197. Sir John Maitland to William Asheby. [Aug. 28.] Eg. ESS., 2,598, fol. 61.

"As your lordship hes conjectured, the mariage in Denmarke is fullye concluded, the cerimonyes and all done, and the same alreadye celebrat, whereof Colonell Stewardis haistye cumming wes to give advertisment to his majestie." Stirling. Signed: "Your veary loving freind, Jo. Maitland."

¼ p. Addressed. Indorsed.

198. Mr. Archibald Douglas to Burghley. [Aug. 28.]

"I wold hawe trowbled you vythe the uttering of some superfluous speach be my self or nou for my awin pryvatte busines if I had not beyn persuadit that suche as ar heir at this tyme wolde hawe interpreit the sammin in the worst part. For awoyding of any occasion thayrof I am forced to wryt these few lynis, whearbye pleis be informed that be suche adwertismentis as I hawe ressawed from Scotland I do persawe that some hath drawin this gentill man that is send hither in the saim trayde of doing that our Chancellar wolde hawe dravin me in to at my layte being in Scotland when as zit Mr. Randolph vas thayr, that is to saye, be domme schawis to mak the worlde effrayd. His deviss vas at that tyme that I shulde hawe retyred my self in Ingland wytheowte the ressaving of ony tryall be ordour of justice, and as one visshing weill to boythe the realmes to hawe declared to this state dyvers inconvenientis lyk to fall owt, and to declayr suche ramedeys as he him self had devised. In the mydde tyme of my being heir he promised he wolde cause the nobilite to be conweaned, and such controwerseis to fall owt amongis thaym that mycht mak it appeir that my speachis was fowndit upon gude grownd and ressone, whearbye the erand he desired I mycht effectuate—whiche vas the dravin of hir majeste to yealde to some instructionis—mycht be performed and granted. I myslyked the form and thayrfor did refuse it."

"What this gentill man his erand is I leawe it to your lordship that knavis it. Bot it doeth appeir be setting of all our lordis in Scotland at libertye at this tym, and these jarris mayde to appeir to grow amongis thaym, that all these vaniteis tendis to the sammin end and vill turn to ane smoke of nothing or it be longe. As I did mislyk any such form full of incertentye of before amongis these princis that ar so neyr of blowde and nyhebourheid, so at this tym wolde I wishe materris to be weill examinat in that cuntry be suche as can weill do it. And I vryte this tykat to your lordship, not that your lordship shuld beleawe anye part thayrof as cumming to your lordship from one that lovis not our Chancillar, bot to this effect that your lordship may examyne the sammin according to your accustomat discretion. The season of the year apperis to crave no lesse."

"This layt accident fallin owt betuixt the Erll Bothevell and Lord Hume appearis rather to confyrm this mater than uthirvayse, bot I dar affirm nothing for the one or uthir partye quhill it may bettir appeir what shalbe the end."

"I wold hawe vrytin thus farre to Ser Francis Valsingham if he had beyn in the towne, bot I knaw it to be all one to vryte to your lordship or to his honour." Signed: A. Douglas.

1 p. Holograph, also address. Indorsed by Burghley.

199. William Asheby to Burghley and Walsingham. [Aug. 29.] Eg. MSS., 2,598, fol. 63.

How acceptable Colonel Stewart's arrival was to the King, and how joyful to him was the news of his marriage, this enclosed to me will inform you, and of the ceremonies used in Denmark. The next day the King dissolved the Convention, commanding the lords and burghs to follow him to Edinburgh, and came thither himself late that night to give order and hasten his building at Holyrood House to receive the young Queen, who is expected with the next wind. Her coming is so sudden that none of the King's houses can be fit to receive her; he must borrow Dalkeith, which is the nighest fair house to Edinburgh, for the Queen to stay in.

½ p. At the head; "To the L. Thr. the 29 of August, and Mr. Sec." Draft in Asheby's handwriting.

200. Walsingham to William Asheby. [Aug. 29.] Eg. MSS., 2,598, fol. 64.

At the request of "the late ambassador Mr. Colvill" he sends packet. The French King having resolved to besiege Rouen was forced to retire by the great forces brought by the Duke of Maine to aid the town, until he may join the Duke de Longueville or Marshal Dumont. Barn Elms. Signed: Fra: Walsyngham.

½ p. Addressed. Indorsed.

201. William Asheby to Walsingham [Aug. 31.] Eg. MSS., 2,598, fol. 68.

This hasty marriage makes the King half amazed. He knows not which way to turn, having no house ready to receive the Queen, nor his subjects willing to contribute towards her maintenance and that of her train. His only refuge is to her majesty, whose gracious dealing now will bind him more than all that is past: "a penie now sent wilbe better accepted then a pound hereafter."

This day Roger Aston started for London to provide things necessary for the marriage. The Queen at her landing—which is daily expected— is to remain at Leith for ten or twelve days till Holyrood House be ready. It is thought by September 20th the marriage will be celebrated at Edinburgh.

The Queen's convoy will be 16 or 18 ships accompanied by the admiral of Denmark. Earl Bothwell is preparing five or six ships to receive her; Lord Hamilton with divers great ladies to attend at her landing: but there lacks aurum potabile to set out the entertainment.

1 p. Draft in Asheby's hand. Indorsed by Asheby: "To Mr. Secr. the last of August, '89."

202. James VI. to the Burgh of Montrose. [Aug.] Eg. MSS., 2,598, fol. 55.

"Rex." "Provost and baillies of our boroughe of Montrois we greit you weill. Understanding that ane Englishe shippe laidnit with guidis perteining to [], (fn. 4) being latclie sett on and tane be a Flemishe pirate named Petersoun, is brocht in be him within our heavin to be disponit uppon as gif the same were lawfull prise; and willing that baith our realme salbe purgit of sic infamous trade as alswa that the gentilman to quhome the guidis perteinis salbe restorit to his awn, according to the treateis and justice; therefore be advise of counsall have thocht meit to will and command zow by this present, that ze incontinent efter the sicht herof serche, seik, tak and apprehend the said Peterson's ship and his equippage, and deteine tham in such firmance to be forthcomand to the tryall of our lawes for thair demeritis. And syclike that ze stay and arreist aswell the barque perteining to him as the said Englishe ship brocht in be thame in maner foirsaid, tak thair sailles fra their rous and na wayes suffer tham to departe furthe of zour haevein till yow ressave our express act of counsale for thair relief and libertye, as ye will ansever to us uppon the vallew of the parteis interest and uppon your obedience and hiest perrell."

½ p. Copy. Indorsed by Asheby: "The King's lettre to the Provost of Mountrose."