Pages 57-90
Calendar of State Papers, Scotland: Volume 10, 1589-1593. Originally published by His Majesty's General Register House, Edinburgh, 1936.
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In this section
James VI: May 1589
65. Master of Gray to Walsingham. [May 1.]
"Yisterday I ves vithe her majestie, and moveit her, efter reasoning of the veil it sould be for her auin surtie, for to give command to my Lord Chambellane that a fyve or sex hundrethe harqubusieres sould be provydit to lye at the bourdours in redines, in caice the King my master sould have to do, for that foot men in Scotland be not ever in redie equipage and armed vhen the men be redy. For I see vithout sume vaged men the King vill hardly pervein to the overthrow of theis factious lords. And Robert Carie shalbe send down for that effect, vitche to exped I pray your honour. For albeit the King craveis it not as yit, yet I am assured his necessitie in this present shall crave it: and yerfore I shall signifie to his majestie to desyr of her majestie that the men may be send in, if so he shall find it meit. Becaus it ver good the Laird of Veimis ver gone, it vill please your honour to cause him in all his maiters to be exped, for he is at great chairges heir. To morou I shall see your honour, God willing." London. Signed: Mr. of Gray.
1 p. Holograph. Addressed. Indorsed.
66. Intelligence from Edinburgh. [May 1.] Cott. Julius, F. VI., fol. 90.
This day I received the enclosed from Mr. Fowler, who has taken great pains in this journey attending the King, and advertised me of the King's proceedings; the rest I have sent you as they came to my hands. "The King—Huntley rendring himself prisoner—is retorning with sped [into] theise parts to suppresse Bodwell, who, as I suspect, is seking to flie to the Prince of Parma by sea. Yestir night at Lythe, as it was tould me, he caused a Dutchman to make readie his ship to carrie ten or twelve persons and to land them ether at Brichem or et [sic] Emden, promissing a good reward; he hath with him Bruice the Jesuite, and as I heare some Englishe outlawes and fugitives, but I cannot as yet get the names."
"On of her majesties barke lying upon thise coste would do great good, and oftymes intrecept such as come and go from hence with intelligence betwine the Duke of Parma and the confederate, besides the cheasing awaie of pyrates that do great hurt to our marchants and fishermen passing theise partes."
"The King haith made proclamation that on Mundaie the 5 of Maye his northern forces to be in a redines at Sterling, meaning to sett upon Bodwell with all such, and ether to take him, or to chase him out of the countrie, but I feare he will escape by sea. Mr. Towlr [sic: Fowler] would in no case that the Scotishe embassador or Ro[ger] Aston should know that he writheth anie intelligence from hence. This daye I here that some of Bodwells conpuanne begines to leave him."
Her majesty may be assured that the King carries a faithful mind to follow her advice in all his actions, and wholly devoted to run that good course that she shall think best for the advancement of religion and security of this Isle. Edinburgh.
2/3 p. Copy.
67. William Asheby to Walsingham. [May 2.]
How the King hath proceeded, and with what success, your honour shall understand by the enclosed from Mr. Fowler, who hath taken great pains and advertised me with diligence, and been in no way forgetful of her majesty's service. He would not have it known to any Scotsman or to Roger Aston that he writeth from hence except to his private friends.
Now that Huntly hath rendered himself prisoner and is sent to Lochleven the King is returning hither to suppress Bothwell's pride; but upon Huntly's taking his company begins to leave him and he will fly by sea to the Duke of Parma. His dealing hath offended the King, and his life made him odious to all men, so he seeks to escape before the King's return.
Proclamation was yesterday in Edinburgh that the south and west of Scotland should be in readiness and meet the King at Stirling the 8th of May to prosecute Bothwell, but this morning I heard that a ship was ready for him at Preston, 7 miles from Edinburgh, to carry him to Emden; "the same eand is thought here will befall to him that came to his predecessour, whose stepes he foloweth in all lewdnes": both King and subjects will be glad to be rid of him.
I have just received your letter of the 27th, wherein is mentioned a warrant signed by her majesty for 3000l. to be sent to the King for his strength against the rebels: it will encourage him and the well affected to go through with this action, and save her majesty many a thousand. "For if thei might have had tyme and receaved forrein succor, thei would have mainteined a continuell warre, and put her majestie to infinite charges before thei could have bene suppressed: but now there chefe taken, and seing her majestie so readie to assist this prince, the rest will quaile and vanishe awaie, some rendring themselves to the Kings mercie, and the rest by fliing there countrey." I received this day letters from the Lord Treasurer mentioning her majesty's liberality towards this King, to come from London the 28th of April and remain at Berwick till sent for. Edinburgh. Signed: W. Asheby.
2½ pp. Holograph. Addressed. Indorsed.
68. Robert Carvill to Walsingham. [May 3.]
I received your honour's letter of April 29th on the 2nd instant, with a packet from the Master of Gray, which I sent away according to the direction.
To-day at 8 p.m. I received these letters from the "Larde of Lesterick" to send with speed to the Master of Gray. The laird is often in hands with me, but I can learn nothing from him but what I certified in my last letter, "neither have I any fyrme confidence in hym for all his fayer speaches." If I can learn anything of him, for that he frequents the company of Earl Bothwell, your honour shall be advertised. Berwick. Signed: Robert Carvill.
2/3 p. Holograph. Addressed. Indorsed.
69. Mr. Archibald Douglas to Walsingham. [May 4.]
"Pleis your honour, the derectionis send to me be the Kinge my soverayn to crawe justice in matteris of piracye ar so manye that I can not tell whearat to begyn. Bot be ressone the mater whearat I lest wryte you when it vas your pleasur to be in cholere vas, at ane derectione, sett downe be Maister Beile and Doctor Ceasar approwed be your honour and the honourable off the consale to hawe beyn performed be Sir Jhone Woggan, I haif thocht it expedient to send to you be this bearar the copye of the sayde ordour togethir wythe suche letteris and dealinge as the sayde Sir Jhon hath returned, whearbye appearis rather ane mocking off justice than ony lyklye hede of performance. Be resson that be such vrytis as ar send be him your honour may persawe he hath nevir medled in ony part of his derection gevin be him bot hath takin ane new derection to him self wncertayn to me upon what grownd he can do it, I take this mater to proceid from som in that cuntrey that hath no moa myn that justice shuld have ane ressonable course: whearupon I can proceid no forthar bot insist in complaynte according to my derection. And be ressone this mater is best knauin to your honour, I must begyn at your self, most hartlye prayand that it may be your pleasur to move that some ressonable ordour may be takin heiranint, in causing the sayde Sir Jhon to oppeir befor your lordships of the consale, whear his assertionis mentionated in his letteris that he promised not to compeir vill prowe contrarye to the treuthe. So far as may concerne the appearing of Manvile, Cam, Jenkyn, Dawyes or ony uther responsable man contaned in the derection gevin to him, he hathe not medled wyth thaym, whearbye may appeir what is his meaning. The remanent I reffar to the bearar." London. Signed: A. Douglas.
1 p. Holograph. Addressed. Indorsed.
70. Mr. Archibald Douglas to Walsingham. [May 4.]
"Pleis your honour, the berar heirof, George Padye in Leyth, who hath also ressawed injurye be Sir Jhon Vgghan in Mylforde Heavin, hath presented ane supplication to hir majeste for recovery of his lossis against him. I was myndit to have cowered his disordour in that mater, and to haif gevin ane part of this contribution to haif beyn gathered be him to the sayde George for satisfaction of his lossis, and so to haif passed ower the mater wyth such quietnes as I culd for his weilfayr. Bot seing he hath takin so harde ane course for his awin veile, I most also request your honour that he may be caused to appeir befor the lords of her majesteis consale, to anser at the instant of the sayde George and make satisfaction according to ressone. The nearest way to the doing heirof I must leawe to your honouris consideration." Signed: A. Douglas.
½ p. Holograph. Addressed. Indorsed.
71. Journal of the King of Scots' Proceedings. [May 4.]
"10 Aprill." The King of Scots marched from Edinburgh to Linlithgow, accompanied by Duke of Lennox, the Lord Chancellor, Lord John Hamilton, and the Earl of Mar, "and forcis of the Lord Hume, Lord Sessford, Lord Carmychill, three lordes. Erls Morton, Angus, Marshall, Atholl, Master of Glamis, gather forces in Fiff."
"14 Aprill. The King was at St. Jhonstons. The Master of Glamis taken by the rebelles. Erl Bodwell retorned the iij of Aprill to the rebelles erles over yat Fryth; and cam by the Caningat of Edenburgh."
"At St. Jhons town whan the rebelles war ther afor the Kings cuming, Creyton and Hay, 2 Jesuittes, Bruce and Chesholm war with the erles."
"Tuesday 16. The King was at Dunde."
"The Lord Seton, Leviston, Sir John Chesholm, as suspected, ar commanded by the Kyng to retorn to ther houses."
"The Kyng hath taken the houses of the bally of Arroll and of George Drummond of Blair."
"Fennevyn and Montross perteaning to the Erl Craford and Montross ar to be also tak."
"17 Aprill. The Kyng was at Brycken and sent a herold to Aberden to proclaim the Erl of Huntley and Arroll traytors. But the Erles took hym and his cote, &c., and made proclamation ageynst the Lord Chancellor by the name of Jhon Maytland."
"17. The Kyng at a villag called Cowey within xij myles of Aberden, neare a houss of the Erl Marshall, wher he and his whole army watched all night lookyng for the ennemis."
"Thursday 17. The rebel erles cam from Aberden sowthward to have mett the Kyng lying at Cowey. But the barons, the lardes, went from them. Montross also departed awey."
"Fryday 18. The rebells severed a-sondre; Huntley and Arroll to Straboggy, wher the Master of Glamis is prisoner. The Kyng with his power of Vm. cam to Abyrden."
"19, 20. The Kyng contynueth at Abyrden."
"20 Aprill. Sir Walter Lyndsay, a captain, is sent from Erl Bothwell, with offer to prove a number of articles of treason against the Chancellor."
"23 Aprill. The Kyng was at Aberden. The Kyng was purposed to ryde the next day to Strabogy to demolish it and Slayns belongyng to Arroll: and afterward to Elgyn in Murray and Enderness."
"Ther ar with the Kyng that do stand sure to hym: the Lord Jhon Hammilton, Lord Chancellor, Erls Angus, Mar, Morton, Atholl, Marshall, Lord Flemmyng, Sankar, Hume, Master of Glamis, Coldenknowes."
"The Kyng hath gyven Sir Thomas Carrs landes to the Lord Hume."
"Ther is with the Kyng these: Erle of [Yourq ?], Lord Sommervile, Lord Yester, Lord Endermeth, Lord Dingwell, a Keth, Lord Ogilby, Lord Olyphant, Master of Lyndsay, Master of Elphynston."
"With the light horse in vantgard, Lord Hume, Carmychell, Alexander Hume of North Birwyk, Lord Jhon Hamylton."
"In the reregard. Erls Anguss, Marshall, Morton, Gowry, Lord Sommervile, Yestar, Salkar, Ogelby, Endermeth, Olyphant, Master of Lyndsay, Master of Elphynston."
"In ye battell with the Kyng, the Duk, Erl Marr, Atholl."
"Ther ar with the Erle Bothwell, Robert Maxwell."
"26 Aprill. Answer was gyven in wrytyng to the Laird of Wymes for such propositions as he had presented to hir majesty from the Kyng of Scottes."
"26. The Kyng cam to Strabogy."
"26. Huntley is brought to Aberden as a prisoner by the Master of Glamis. The same day the Kyng returned to Aberden."
"30 April. They cam to the Kyng submittyng them selves; Malcolmtosh, the Laird of Grant, the Forbosses, the Drommondes, Fendrathe and others. Slains, the principal houss of the Erl Arroll, is taken and warded with a garrison."
"4 Maij. The Kyng retorned to Edenburgh. Huntley prisonor in a houss at Edenburgh."
2 pp. In Burghley's hand, and indorsed by him.
72. William Asheby to Walsingham. [May 4.] Cott. Calig., D. I., fol. 351.
The 3rd of May there came to my hands your honour's letters of April 29th, wherein you rehearse the Master of Gray's news touching the Earl of Bothwell's passing the Fir[th] with 500 horse and 600 foot to join the confederate earls and apprehend the Chancellor. This news was belike some discourse at Bothwell's table or brag of his followers written to the Master of Gray: but I writ always to you what Bothwell did and where he kept. "He made greate shewes at the first, but now he repentes of that he haith done, his companie broken, [and] he hiding himself; and would gladlie acc[ept] anie condicions of the King, who will rule e[mon]gest his subjectes, having her majestie thuse willing and readie to backe him; and will not suffer nether papist nor Spannishe faccionarie to live quietlie in his countrie, nor accept anie rebell upon condicion." His news of the Master of Glamis and the hatred of the nobility towards the Chancellor, you may judge of what humour it proceeds. What promises soever the Master of Gray makes, his coming hither will do hurt rather than good: neither he nor subject in Scotland draweth the King to the course of England, but this prince's zeal for religion and desire for her majesty's friendship. Seeing it good for the advancement of religion and security of his state, he is willing to suit his actions to her Majesty's liking; wherein the Chancellor and others nourish his good mind. Had it been possible to draw him by the Spanish factionaries he had been alienated from this course, but the Chancellor has his ear; which hath gotten great envy of the contrary faction. The credit he hath with the King will perform better offices than the Master of Gray can bring to pass; and her majesty may make more sure account of the Chancellor than of any other. He will deal the more faithfully with her, this being the only means to maintain him in honour and withstand the envy of his enemies, having their chiefest quarrel against him that he affects the course of England. "I leave to your honour's wisdome to considre the inconvenience that maie faul out divers waies by [the] coming of the Master [of] Graye, whose credit will [not] be here as it haith ben, etce.: and I find it will displease both the King and the well affected." Proclamation was made here the 1st of Ma[y] that all should be in readiness to join the King at Stirling on the 8th for the suppression of Bothwell; but hearing that the Earl's companies were broken, the King came from Dundee yesternight to Edinburgh, sending Huntly prisoner two hours before him and will not see him. What they intend to do with him this enclosed of Mr. Fo[wler] will inform you, written to me from Aberdeen, but through the slowness of the messenger and the King's sudden coming Mr. Fowler was here within an hour of his letter.
I acquainted the King of that you wrote in your last letter touching the money sent, which he accepts in good part, and desires her majesty to continue her favour, as he will deserve to his power and shall appear to the world.
"Your honour did mencion in on of your late letters [that] your lordship moved her majestie to send some ma[n at] this tyme of credit; at this present it . . . (fn. 1) good, and make the King proceade with sev[erity] which is requisite in this accion; and I find [him] willing to performe that which he thinkes [will] please her majestie."
"It was here geven out [by] a Frenche gentleman caulled Monsieur Li . . . that the Lord Graye was named to be s[ent] hither; which did not a litle content the King, understanding of the zeale of that noble mans religion, and his honorable vertus."
Now that Huntly is taken, the other confederates disperse and seek to fly the country: a ship or two of her majesty's would do great good, to intercept them by sea, and search any Scottish ships that pass the narrow seas. "S[uch] is the Kings desire, thinking that the Earl. [if he] be not taken, will flie towardes Flanders and Spaigne."
"Greate search is mad for Bruice, who haith escaped this last night out of Lythe, but there is hope he wilbe taken if he take [not] shipping presentlie." Edinburgh. Signed: W. Asheby.
4 pp. Holograph. No flyleaf or address.
73. Thomas Fowler to Burghley. [May 4.] Cott. Calig., D. I., fol. 389.
I have returned from a troublesome northern journey with the King. His majesty came to this town yesternight, sending Huntly prisoner two hours before him, who is kept in a strong house in the town. Bothwell dissolved his forces when he heard that Huntly was taken, railing at the northern lords that stood no better by it. The Chancellor, Hamilton, Angus, Marischal, Mar, and Morton, with Atholl's assistance, which was many men, and others have in this journey been forward and faithful to prosecute the rebels that would endanger religion, the realm, and the King's person. They made all their quarrel to the Chancellor for his affecting the amity with England and persuading the King thereto: they blame not the Chancellor wrongfully in that point, and he hath better credit with the King than ever. I have wished heretofore that he might be remembered from thence: it would stand her majesty's service in good stead. There can be found no course so good as by him, yet no regard is had to him. "But now is come hether one with a specyall recomendacyon from hir majeste of the Master of Gray, to procuer his alowance to cum home, and to perswade the Chauncelour to accept of his kindnes and to joyn with him to run a cowrce together, for the better procedinge in matters to the weale of bothe thes cowntryes."
"With pardon, if your lordship thinke that this Chauncelour, and other the aforesayd that joynes with him fyrmly, have any judgment, they cannot but take it—or at leaste they doo—that eyther hir majeste and Cowncell mystrustes them, or estemes them insuffic[ient] to governe as they doo, that is so desyrowse to set home a mongest them a man notoryowsly knowne, neyther so good in religion as they nor so honest as they; in degre infe[rior]; yonge, yet banyshed his cowntry for infamowse offences [that] deserved deathe: and now, his credit with his natyve prynce not servinge him, sekes bothe his cominge home and credit by procu[rement] of hir majeste."
If her majesty's request be granted there will grow no small inconvenience hereafter. It comes in an evil time, when the best sort have merited well and deserve encouragement; they are in "discomfortable conceytes" by this dealing for a man of small account here.
I have nothing to do with the Master. He professes to be my friend and I have deserved it. He shall never be able to do her majesty service worth a button by any credit he shall have here, for the King will never love or trust him, and thinks him one of the worst men of the world. "The King geves order presently for aprehen[ding] of Bodwell and all his cowncelours and capteynes." Edinburgh. Signed: T. Fowler.
12/3 pp. Holograph. No flyleaf or address.
74. Thomas Fowler to Walsingham. [May 5.]
I have received your letter by Mr. James Hudson, by which I was disburdened of great trouble of mind, which I had, before your letter came, imparted to him, knowing him to love and honour you. I am glad of his coming, yet would have wished it for another cause, "set hir majesties plesure a syde, which thowghe the Kinge and Chauncellour yelde unto for the present, yet is displesynge to them bothe."
Some think the Master of Gray deceives himself if he hope to win credit here by a commendation from England, having lost all he had with his King and country by his own deserts. The King will never trust him, and it is as impossible to make the Master and Chancellor friendly as to friend Mr. Archibald and him, whom I have done my best to agree. Some of the best affected to the English amity and religion conceive by her majesty's dealing for his coming home and to join him with the Chancellor, that either she trusts them not or thinks them insufficient, and that she makes more account of the Master than of them to serve her and these realms; "which is a coolynge of the good myndes they have made proffe of lately," since the best affected are not remembered, "and it is knowne here that Mr. Archibald and the Master of Graye goes to the Quene together, deales and runes all one cowrse, howses, eates and kepes company and conference together," which makes jealousy and bodes ill to the Chancellor, who deserves well at her majesty's hands, if a good course for the amity and quiet of both realms, upholding religion and suppressing the Spanish faction merit anything. "If he wold have byn wone or currupted by the other syde, he hathe byn largly offred. He is worthe the holdinge if hir majeste meane to have good service here, and I am sory to perceave that he fyndes hir majeste to accompt more, as he conceaves, of the Master of Grayes service, being owt of place, then his beinge wheare he may hold him owt bothe of place and credit." I know more in this matter than Mr. Hudson. They are loth to deny his persuasions in respect from whence they come, but the evil will grow in her majesty's service, which makes me write thus; else would I that both Mr. Archibald and the Master of Gray were in credit here, for they both love me and I have deserved well at their hands. But two worse beloved men in their own country I never knew.
The Chancellor's credit is better than ever, and divers noblemen of the best religion and sort join with him, as Lord Hamilton, Angus, Morton, Marshall, Atholl, and others; they all mislike of Gray's coming home.
I am sorry your honour is not yet at court, and that I should have occasion to write to any but yourself, whose friendly dealing saved me from spoil and evil conceit of my sovereign. Edinburgh. Signed: T. Fowler.
2 pp. Holograph. Addressed. Indorsed.
75. Maitland to Walsingham. [May 6.]
"Be zour letter quhilk I resavit be James Hudsoun I understand her majesteis regaird and cair for my indempnitie, be thir domestique practises, foundat—as she conceavis aright—upon the amitie quhairof I have bene in this difficill tyme nocht obscurelie cairfull, movit be the great suretie depending thairupoun to the religioun, my soverains greatnes, and the quietnes of this haill ile. Quhilk as they alwayis have directed my credite and counsale in this place, to preserve the same unshakin be quhatsumever foreyne or intestine assaultes it hes bene heir oppugnit with, sa sall the same respectis resolve me at this tyme to hazard quhatsumever I have dearest to the withstanding of thair desseings quha dois or sall attempt the dissolution thairof, as be my actions from tyme to tyme sall, God willing, appeare."
"Twiching the beareris credites, I may asseure zow that na particuler sall ever be appendit be me with any thing may further the incres of the said amitie, or the advancement of any cause or persoun that may do any gude that way. And for that gentilman in quhais particuler ze are earnest, zour mediatioun sall wyn of me qhuat I can do to his behove, sa being I finde with him effectuell correspondence. Quhat credite merites sic reportis as are gevin out of me be mercinaires quha levis thair at zour charges, and sellis zow their intelligence deare aneuch, I leve it to the progres and event of this haill actioun, and to the said James Hudsonis mair ample informatioun." Edinburgh. Signed: "Your luffing freind to command, Jo. Maitland."
1 p. Addressed. Indorsed.
76. James Hudson to Walsingham. [May 6.]
I enclose the Lord Chancellor's letter. I find him in mind to try the Master well before he credit him, but I will not write the worst to him, for this may mend upon his good behaviour. Wise men say "the Quens majeste wold have the King asurid to hir in firm frendship, and it is fitt for boath the Crowns that so bei; but why then doeth yat wise prince and yat grave Cownsell seik him by suche as have noct the credit to performe it, and givith them largely for that effect. Sum you usse that neyer can nor could keip them sellves in ther owin cuntrei, neyer can cum in it when they are furth but by hir majestes medyacyon, and then how wold yow have them to serve your turne hear. Lykwysse they are power [poor] and have noct wherwith but be the overthrow of other, and yit suche men onlly yow usse. 'But,' saeth one, 'why doe yow noct only seik and deall and keip frendship and intelygence with him whome yow sei relegeous and able to live of him self, and haeth credit and frends and will noct be a marchand as other have bein: for them yat offer yow service or pleassuer for gaen eyer seace when gaens seace or ells ar as redy to be bowcht by other.'"
Never man deserved so much nor could do more than the Chancellor, yet he never had nor will have of your money; yet you never seek him in any kind sort, and never cease to seek them that can do you no good but by his assistance. You buy men dear that can do you no good, and will not seek them that can do all you require, whom you cannot have for money but for friendly usage, "who is determenid to end his lyf in the coursse he haeth begun." You can consider who is meant, and how it grieveth a man to do all the good that is done and other to reap the thanks.
"If hir majeste send with speid sume wysse man things hear wilbe the beter and sharplyer handlid; other viaes it is dowtfull. It wer fit he should deal earnestly for the purginge of the Kings owin howsse and the punishment of them that merit chastisment." Unsigned.
12/3 pp. Addressed. Indorsed.
77. James Hudson to Walsingham. [May 6.]
"I fynd things hear in a strange estaet, for great neklegence and erroris ar daely committid by ocasyon of men yat bear credid abowt the King's person and perswaed untrewths. For exemple, that nycht the King came over to Leith 40 good horsses mycht have takin the Earl of Huntle and dangerid the King's person allso. And now ther is great deallinge for Huntle to be releacid, and the Chanseler is nothinge contentid yat his gretist enemei haeth plaece stil to speak and be herd agaenst hime. He haeth doen muche hear, and all in efect that is good; and yit I fynd all his sosyetei in nyce poynts and tearms oftin tyms. He wil noct ask in no kynd, and yit a man mae sei that he knowes that her majeste gave Mr. Archebald 4000 li. at oan gift, and many other have had and that largely of hir majestes bownte, and never yit he; and he thinks, and so must all confess that knowith the staet hear, that never anny deservid so well. And I know hir majeste can noct be so disgyssid hir bownte (fn. 2) hear but it wil apeare if they once have it."
"We hear now hir majestes good remembrance of the King is now near Barweik, but if hir hichnes doe noct wil the saem to be imployd for the peace of the cuntrei, it wilbe but a hynderance rayer then a benefit. For til the Kings challmer be purgid at hir hichnes request, no suerte is to be lukid for."
"The King haeth dellt vallyantly and with paen and caer hiyerto, and yit all mae perish. By good deallinge and folowinge this matter wil doe moar good then anny other thinge haeth doen hiyerto. The King is glad of the order of the Garter, and men hear generally haet Mr. Archebald and fear the Master for ambisyon. The yonge Duek haeth bein movid to request the gard, and Carmichell haeth gotin promiss therof. Every oan wil fycht to have it so longe as hir majeste is the muster mistress. Ther is great disagreiment amongest them, and smal serteynte as it mendith or parith." Edinburgh. Signed: J. Hudson.
Postscript—"The longe stae of your honors letters and ower jorney was the caws of my long delae of wrytinge, whiche I humble prae your honor to pardon."
"Sir William Keith and Mr. Colvill ar beath from the court for V. daes. The Master is muche dowtid for ambisyon hear."
3¼ pp. Holograph. Addressed. Indorsed.
78. James Hudson to Walsingham. [May 6.]
I received your letters on May 2nd, at Dundee, on our return from Aberdeen, for there the bearer fell sick and awaited our coming. I then delivered your honour's letter to the Chancellor, and acquainted him with my instructions, "which I had allso doen befoar I resavid them att Aberdein." He said he never had particular quarrel with the Master of Gray, but found him to be in a dangerous course for the religion, and amity between the crowns. For these respects he became his enemy, but now, understanding that her majesty and you rest satisfied with him, and answerable for his good behaviour, he can be content to bury all unkindness and embrace his friendship, as you will perceive by his letter.
"Tuchinge my Lord Clawd ther is no suche frendship betwixt my Lord Chanceler and him as was saed to be, neyer is ther apeirance thereof."
I received your other letter the 3rd of May at Edinburgh. The same day I spoke to his majesty and the Chancellor at Aberdeen; the King, by the Chancellor's means, granted the request in the Master's favour for his return. "But since this my lord is informid yat the Master of Grae haeth shewid serteyne advertisments from this cuntrei, wherin it was saed that all the good caws was overthrowen by the Yearll Bothwell and his forssis, whiche durst never be sein since the Yearll of Huntley was yeilldid. As allso that it should be reporttid ther that my lord chanceler was privie to all this tresonable devyssis that theas evill effecttid men had in hand."
These things have moved the Chancellor very much, yet he saith that since her majesty and you think good that he enter in friendship with the Master, he will let time try things, as he feareth not to be hurt thereby, neither doubts of a remedy if need be. Other things here are as Mr. Fowler writeth. "He was a glad man of your honors kynd letter, for it ressollvid him of a great dowtt." Edinburgh. Signed: J. Hudson.
"Robert Bruce haeth bein narowly mist now twyss, and yit I hoap my lord Chanceler wil maek the third tym hit."
2 pp. Holograph. Addressed. Indorsed.
79. James Hudson to Walsingham. [May 8.]
I send you a letter from the Master of Gray's brother. All his friends think him unwise in staying so long. Your honour will see the opinions of the King and Chancellor confirmed by this letter from Mr. Fowler, touching the hard opinion conceived of two there: neither will this be removed except by desert, yet it will not hinder his reasonable suits in his private affairs, for that favour which is promised will be kept; "but they rest dowttffull. If your honour knew the lawless doings and trewthless hartts of the greattist number of this unbrydlid peiple you wold pittei anny Cristyan prince that governid the staett hear. The power King commplanith piteffully when he trustith and lovith, and owtwardly bearith a good cowntenance, but in efect he can noct amend things but by hir majestes good hellp in mayntaninge a good gaerd abowt him til the stiff nekkid sort be humblid." They lack a man of valour to take things upon him as Arran did, for every one feareth to offend lords more than the King. "But I hoap to sei Weims taek this matter in hand, as the onlly mane of coragge and caerlessness to displeas any man, to pleas the King and advance the cawsse in hands. When the gaerd is stronge, and Wems entrid to work, then havinge hir majestes good cowntenance ther is sumwhat to be lookid for hear, and noct befoar."
The Chancellor is the very substance of all good effects to be looked for; only he and the young Earl of Mar assist the King in matters of honour and equity. The Master of Gray writes that it is your pleasure that I stay till his coming, which I will do. I wrote to you on the 12th and 17th instant (sic), which I sent by the ambassador here. I wrote to the Master on the 7th. Edinburgh. Signed: J. Hudson.
2 pp. Holograph, also address. Indorsed.
80. Thomas Fowler to Burghley. [May 10.] Cott. Calig., D. I., fol. 390.
This day I [received] from Sir John Selbey a letter from your lordship dated the . . . (fn. 3) of April, he writing with it that he had charge to [keep] it till my return. The effect of matters proves that the King was never privy to any foreign course whatsoever, for if he had been I should have known it; and also the principal parties, being pursued and charged and finding no hope of favour at the King's hands, would charge his majesty and disburden themselves. At my first coming I would easily have been persuaded that the Chancellor was not unlikely to set on such a course, for his own speeches to me brought that conceit; but the hatred between the actors in this rebellion and him is such, and he has so followed out the matter against them, that if he were but confe[derate] they would lay it against him, which they do not. They all pretend a particular misl[iking] of the Chancellor, and ground their proceedings upon that revenge; yet many of the principals can allege no reason for quarrel, and those who show most cause of grief, which are Bothwell and Huntly, prove nothing.
It is "the accustomable fassyon of this contry, [and] specyally emonge the best sort, to styk or sh[oot] with a pece or pistoll such one as the Chaunce[lour] if he gave them cawse of offence, and not to r[aise] an army to charge and molest the whole r[ealm], and to brynge in forrayn forces to the ayde . . . practyce with Jesuites, to receave Spanyshe . . to pay theym . . . poore Chauncelour, for if they sowght . . . and wold, if God wold geve leave, no dowt . . . him quietly, and might have done longe sence: [in] truthe they have sundry tymes determyned." Rebels pretend some cause, to deceive people who would not follow them against the King otherwise.
Some here are very malicious, and all would fain get credit to relieve their necessities, who have no means to know any secret dealing. Huntly two days past desired to write to the King and speak with the Chancellor. The latter would not speak with him but with Coldenknowes and two ministers present. He was allowed to write, and wrote many flattering words, asking how he could satisfy his majesty for offence done and receive favour, and earnestly desiring to speak with the King privately. "The King makes an aunswer be wry[ting] by the secretory, to which he put his hand, that to speke [with] him he wold not. How shamfully ingratefully h[e had] dealt with him his majesty bad remember, and that [he] deserved at his handes no favour: but the only w[ay to] hoope for it were to declare to his Cowncell the . . . plot and secretes of all the practyce betwen the S . . . and them, and allso emongst them selves at home."
"[He] aunswers that to the Kinge in secret he will do mu[ch], but nothinge otherwayes: which conference wyll not [be] suffred."
. . . would come in to the King, but upon such conditions as will not be granted.
There is a Convention here on the . . . instant, after which they will pursue him and the rest.
Here are two come from Holland from the States.
A wise man of credit would do great good here; if none come, our own faction will fall out, for some will have favour shewed to these offenders . . . have Huntly banished.
"The Master of Glames is very franke for him now, [which] makes sum dowt that Huntley and he agreed too [well] when they were together, and that he cam not aw[ay] withowt leave, apon purpose to stand him in st[ead] if he neded."
If one be sent hither it may do good, and the King will not refuse any reasonable thing: but he must deal plainly with his majesty, that if he follow her majesty's advice she will help him, otherwise why should she? He dare not offend her.
If you think not good that any should come, we shall do the best we can. Edinburgh. Signed: T. Fowler.
22/3 pp. Holograph. Addressed. Indorsed by Burghley: "Sent by Sir Jh. Selby."
81. Thomas Fowler to Burghley. [May 11.] Cott. Calig., D. I., fol. 387.
Yesternight came the Earl of Crawford, ere he was looked for, who submitted himself to trial by law, standing upon terms, yet humbly; that he had not offended in deed, word nor thought toward his majesty, religion or law, except that he went to those that were offenders with his ordinary train of 30 or 40, and conferred with them. When he knew their pretence he left them: he bare no arms in their company: they were then neither proclaimed traitors nor charged with treason. He desires trial, and offers secretly to bewray all he knows of their doings.
This man is not to be suspected in religion, but for frequenting these men's company. "He is a decayed man of his lyvinge, in effect all sowld, yet . . . (fn. 4) and a proper man, and well spoken. He is comytted to [a] marchantes howse to be kept tyll farder."
Bothwell hath sent daily for four or five days to the King and Chancellor, and last employed 2 ministers, Mr. David Lyndsey and Mr. Robert Heyborne, a servant of his own, to seek his admission to the King's presence, warranted for his life, lands and friends. The King despised his requests, threatening that if he yielded not himself before Sunday next—which is this day—he would enter to all his livings, and pursue him and his to the uttermost parts of his kingdom: and that he would pardon any that should kill him and bring him his head; and this not in jest. Bothwell sent to the Chancellor to speak for him to the King. "He aunswered, 'No,' he had bownd him selffe to the noblemen unyted for the ser[vice] of the Kinge and cowntry; withowt them he wold a . . . nothinge; besydes that the Kinge had geven his wo[rd] to do nothinge in thes matters withowt them, nor they [with]owt his pryvety: therefore he myght not deale with [him] in any sort. At last he yelded to come to the Kinge and put him selffe in his marcy withowt condissyon, but [he] made meanes that his fyrst entrance myght be . . . . that none but his favorers or servantes . . . present. The Chauncelour wold not be at . . . for nothinge cowld be don, and the rest were gone . . . lodginges of any accompt, others were dismist being . . . of the chamber frendes to Bodwell secretly." So that at 10 o'clock he should have come in this sort; which I perceiving, went to the Chancellor and told him if they proceeded in that sort it would confirm a bruit in England that the King and he dealt doubly. I prayed him to reform it, and presently he sent to the King to put off the matter till the morning, and then to let him come in on his knees openly before his Council.
I debated with him why at all he should be admitted to the King's presence. He answered, that otherwise he would not come in, and they should be driven to a new journey, to the trouble and charge of all the country, and yet perchance not get him. "Therefore they wold not styke [to] graunt that to brynge him in handes quietly, so lo[ng] as he was suer Bodwell shold fayle of his hoo[pe], which is that the Kinge seinge him and his humble s[ubmi]ssyon cowld not deale after hardly with him."
"Well, this mornynge at ix a cloke, all the Cowncell and the towne and noble men beinge sent for, the Kinge went in to a great garden on the backsyde of the howse wheare he lyes in this towne, within the p . . ., and a garde made reddy under the charge of one . . . Hume remayninge quiet. Bodwell came in to the garden meanely apareled, a long old blak clo[ke], and in a wet alley fell on his kneese to the Kinge, spekinge a lowde, that in what so ever he had offended him he craved pardon, but protestynge that he had [no] intent to do evell to his majeste nor to the religion. The Kinge wold not stand longer, but cawled for William [Hume] and bad him do his commawnd: so was he tak[en aw]ay and caryed to a stronge tower in the abbey tyll . . . be made, and there shalbe kept . . ."
". . . [ch]effe cowncelour of his in this accyon and never frome . . . is comitted to a dongion in the castell, and who ever [may] scape hanginge he will not." Yet I still wish a wise man of account sent hither: and let the Chancellor find by letter or token from her majesty that he is well thought of, though you give him nothing. I warrant if money were offered he would refuse it, yet resolve him of the doubt that his enemies' malice prevails. "He lyves not of a straunger that bears him selffe better for the amyte of the two contryes, the maynteynance of the religion, and rejectynge the Spa[niard] then hee." Edinburgh. Signature decayed.
Postscript—All this matter that I deal in with King or Chancellor I find for their weal. The King desires to do that which might be liked in England, and I tell him that I will write any good thing of him to the best friends I have, which he is glad I should.
The Chancellor desires to deserve the Queen's favour, and thinks he hath deserved better than he hath found: "not for any gayne, for he protestes he wilbe no hirelynge."
3 pp. Holograph, also address. Indorsed by Burghley: "Tho. Foulars letter sent by Sir Jhon Selbi."
82. James VI. to Walsingham. [May 11.]
"Richt trusty and weilbelovit we greit zow hartlie weill. Amangis the nomber of oure subjectis depending at zour hand for confort and redres of havy losses incurrit be English pirattis meanis, we mon for gude respectis particularlie recommende unto zour favour James Rannald, burges of our burgh of Edinburgh, quhais brother being in actuell service with ws, and resting greitlie interessit be that losse quhilk the said James hes gevin zow in, as being conjunct pertiner with him in that hazard, movis ws to be mair earnist that some guid consideratioun may be had of it to baith thair helpis. Quhairof praying zow that for the said respect ze wilbe cairfull and gif to the said James effectuall pruif that his said brotheris service hes availlit him with zow as we perswade ourselff it sall, we commit zow, richt trusty and weillbelovit, to Goddis gude protectioun." Edinburgh. Signed: James R.
⅓ p. Addressed. Indorsed.
83. William Asheby to Burghley. [May 11.] Cott. Calg., D. I., fol. 446.
Received Burghley's of the 6th instant on the 10th. Has acquainted his majesty with the arrival of the money at Berwick, but no order yet appointed who shall receive and convey it hither. The Laird of Wemyss is not to bring it, for that the Chancellor would have it better bestowed than the last; "for manie gatt fleses out of [it], and litle imployed as was most requisite." Great slackness of the post that his letters of the 1st came not to Burghley till the 6th: "from Aber[deen] the letters came slowlie to me by reason of . . . feris."
Huntly and other papists dissemble with the King and will abuse his mild nature; he will hardly be drawn to the severity now requisite, except her majesty send some one of credit. "How Huntley beginns to dissemble your ho[nor may] judge by the inclosed, which on of the min[isters] sent to me that had conference with him [si]thence his committing this last tyme." The King made proclamation for his nobility to be ready by the 10th instant, meaning to hunt Bothwell, and divers came hither, but it is said that Bothwell will yield this day. On the 6th instant two deputies from the States arrived at Leith, and are to have audience this day; they sent to Asheby, excusing their absence till they had been with the King: he encloses their names. "The Convencion is apointed to begin the . . . (fn. 5) of Maie at Edenbrowghe. Whensoever anie of her majesties shipes shall approche theise costes, theie shall w[in] favour that here maie be shewed, for [such] is the Kings pleasure." Signature decayed.
2 pp. Holograph. No flyleaf or address.
84. William Asheby to Walsingham. [May 12.]
Your letters of May 6th arrived on the 10th, with advertisements from Brussels enclosed. The King, on his return from the north, made proclamation that his nobility should repair to him to Edinburgh on May 10th, determining speedily to prosecute Bothwell; who repenting, seeing no escape and hoping for mercy, surrendered yesterday morning, falling on his knees before the King in the Chancellor's garden in Edinburgh, who commanded Mr. Hume, lieutenant of the guard, to take him to Holyrood, there to be kept prisoner in a tower.
Crawford came in on Saturday the 10th, Erroll and Montrose yet keep out. They will all surrender rather than fly the country, hoping of the King's lenity, which I fear they will abuse. On 6th instant two deputies from the States arrived at Leith, "Monsieur de Vrecht, pensionarie de la ville de Delft, and Monsieur Van den Ubdercke, jadis pensionarie de la ville d'Anvers." Sunday the 11th they had audience: how their negotiation proceeds you shall hear; they have received good words of the King. Wemyss arrived late yesterday. Huntly is kept in Gourley's house: "his lady is with him, and thre servantes; this is counted a straite imprisonment here, for that no other be suffred to come to him." Bothwell hath two men allowed him at Holyrood, in charge of the lieutenant of the guard. On the 15th instant the Convention begins, where resolution will be taken for these rebellious earls. The King will hardly be drawn to use severity, yet the Church calls for justice and to root out the papists with the sword as they deserve. Edinburgh. Signed: W. Asheby.
2 pp. Holograph, also address. Indorsed.
85. James Hudson to Walsingham. [May 12.]
"I have sein the answers to the Laerd of Wems instrucsyons, whiche are thowcht generall and somwhatt cold; but I ame glad ther of, for the Laerd very honestly reportith of hir majestes better mynd to the King from hir owin princly mowth, wher in hir majeste showeth hir self as at all tymes most wysse in joyning condisyons with hir bownte. For I am only afraed of to muche clemenssy towards theas fallss lords." For this cause I have procured a copy of the King's letter to Huntly, where I find mercy, a place for his acceptance to favour, and grant of presence to recount his own tale; what danger this may breed I leave you to judge. Wemyss will urge the King to severity, but unless her majesty send a man of judgment to spur the King and countenance the good, all may be bad enough again.
The Chancellor hath not withstood the King much, even when his own life was sought: maybe he follows the King too much through the slack fellowship of them that should assist him. I wish her majesty would use him kindly, for he hath vowed never to cost her a groat: there is no man could be put in the balance with him; he may do most here, and that of free cost, and hath ever holden an honest course.
"The Master of Grae haeth doen him sellf great harm boath with the King and Chanceler for showinge ane unwyess letter of the Laerd of Lestanik his newes, whiche I have praed him to redress ether by his pressence or a letter."
I understand her highness gave order for a chain of 300 crowns to be given to Mr. Cokburn. I wish it might be sent by the Master of Gray, for the Chancellor will think her majesty's favour good to himself when she so kindly useth his friend and servant.
The ministers continually exhort the King to severity in this matter; but it must come from thence or it will not be handled as it should be. The purging of the King's chamber of these flatterers is a speciall point.
I mean to return shortly, for I find Mr. Fowler very sufficient to do all service here. Edinburgh. Signed: J. Hudson.
Postscript—"There is no coppei of this but oan in the Chancelers owin hands, whiche is kept to be regesterd in Cow[n]sell, for so the [sic] told mei he wold doe when he was yit in wrytinge this letter; and told mei he had resavid a letter from Huntle, and pressently after diner wroat this answer as your honor mae sei."
2 pp. Holograph, also address. Indorsed.
86. Thomas Fowler to Burghley. [May 14.] Cott. Calig., D. I., fol. 416.
The Laird of Wemyss's negotiation is thought to have wrought little good. The answers to his instructions are hard, and her majesty's sla . . . (fn. 6) towards the King's marriage very evil liked, most of the nobility having had a conceit before that England meant to keep him unmarried altogether. The King is persuaded to accept in good part what the Queen will bestow upon him; "but the better it is the more he will thi[nke] him selffe beholdinge and bownd." The Chancellor assured me yesterday that so long as he had credit the King should not be of another mind, "sayinge he w[old] do the Quene as good service as all the hone[st] Scotes men she hathe." He trusted her majesty would relieve the King's necessity; he should not else be able to live like a king. They mean to proceed in the marriage with Denmark, if her majesty will like better of it. The King of Navarre's own ministers here have spoken plainly that theirs is no marriage for him, and would be evil for the King of Navarre too: "for his porcyon is and must be spent in the mayntenance of the common cawse." Till then the Chancellor was all for Navarre, but the King was persuaded before that she was not for him.
Many of the Council are ill content that the King should receive money from England, unless it were in another sort, and not such petty sums, saying that Archibald Douglas and the Master of Gray have had as much as this at once from her majesty; and two days ago blamed the Chancellor for it. There is not any one of account except the Chancellor, Lord Hamilton, Sir Robert Melville, Wemyss and Carmichael well affected to the English course, unless they might see great matters performed. The Master of Glamis says little. The King is English in despite of all. On Monday last the Laird of Nethery, a murderer long at the horn, yet so harboured by Bothwell as he could never be gotten, and with him all this . . ., was discovered in a stone house within a mile of this town, and six companions with him. "The Kinge beinge on huntynge, the Chauncelour sent the [Lord] Hume to besege the howse, but they kept it tyll the Kinge comynge home at viij howers, left h[is] supper and rood to it; and so sone as they saw the Kinge they yelded it." This day they are arraigned. They have many intercessors, but the King will hear none of them.
Yesterday Bothwell was examined, and a bond laid to his charge into which he had entered with Huntly and his complices for joining with Spanish forces for reforming wrongs done to the King by England. "He . . . lyke a mad man that he cared not for Spanyerd [or] other straunger, but to worke mischeffe to Ingland [he] wolde joyn with divells. They wold turne all th[eyr] intent to Ingland, and the Scotes affectyng the In[glish] cowse, and nothinge agaynst the Kinge, his rea[lm or] religion."
I cannot do the service I would because I cannot utter myself against the nobility here, but am in the King's ear and the Chancellor's. Edinburgh. Signed: T. Foull . . .
2¼ pp. Holograph, also addressed. Indorsed.
87. Memoranda by the Laird of Wemyss. [May]
"The tyme is verie propre at his majesties returne for performing of the ligue. The hail nomber of noble men quha ar presentlie in action vithe him vil be desyrus of the sam. It is in dout gif in ane long tyme ze shal find so gret a number of noble men joynt for ane caus; considering hou chengable ther myndis ar, it apperris necessar baithe for to obviat forran enemeis as also to suppres thi intestine that sum cair be takin. The presenting of the Garter and the taking of his majesties aithe vil gif mair assurans nor ony thing can be devysit."
"Zour lordships advys, quherin it vil pleis zou particularlie I shal insist vithe his majestie for the ferm unioun of the realmes. I desyr to knaw quhither the monie send in Scotland shuld be deliverit to me or no, asueil for suir transporting as that his majestie may think it cummis be my procurment. To remember on his majesties horses and our al his bukis and fyve cuppil of bukhundis; thi smal thingis vil content him mair nor ane gret soum of monie. Quhither it shal be to zour honor or my lord Thesaurer to have intelligence vithe my lord Chanchelier."
2/3 p. Indorsed.
88. Mr. Archibald Douglas to Walsingham. [May 15.]
"I spak wyth my lorde Tresorier; I fynd him freyndlye yneuff. He did dessire that I shulde gewe in the nature off my sutis in vryten, which I did performe, as be these notis your honour may persawe. His lordship mislikis not off the first in ordour, so that he mycht onderstand the quantite crawed and speciale landis that ar dessirid. The secunde he altogethir mislikis, be ressone that tymbre must be keped in hir majesteis handis, uthiruyse it vilbe cryed out upon and spokin hardlye of. The third he dessired to knaw the nombre of akerris that wer dessired. The ressonis that I culde come to no moyr specialite at this tyme anent the quantite vas be ressone I do not as zit onderstand whethir that whiche is destinate for the Master of Gray shuld be takin owt of this grant or no. If that be not so ordeyned the less vill serve, for as to me I dessire no moyre bot to paye my debtis, and to make me able to go one jorney in Scotland whear I dessire to do hir majeste service."
"My informaris in this mater vill offir no moyre bot threttye zearis purchase for the feaferme, and fourtye for the wthir, deducting heirin the price of the land that shuld be gevin in exchange, which they do estimate to tuentye yearis purchasse; and heirin thay do alledge that hir majeste shalbe ane greit gaynar, in respect of the nature of the sute that is of hir hyenes vorst kynd of landis whiche I am forced to make choise of, be ressone the grant doethe proceid from hir majesteis liberalite; and necessite pressis me to sute that which I beleaue shalbe best accepted and best lyked of."
"As to the offir for the akere off wodde, thay do not estimat it abowe x nobillis the akerre. The Maister of Graye sayis to me that he spak to hir majeste in my faworis, and that hir hyenes hathe villinglye yealdit thayronto in generalite that sche vill do it. As to the specialite, I wold not wysche it war towched, quhill it mycht proceid from your self. My lord Tresoreir villed me to cause hir majeste to be moved in this mater, and he wold yeald his faworable consent in anything that hir hyenes shuld be pleased to grant; bot did affirme that he culd not do it of himself in respect of his office. Whearwyth I haif thocht expedient to mak your honour acquaynted, and to crawe your opinion what I shall fordar do in this mater, whiche I mynd onelye to follow."
Postscript—"So far as may concern the Maister of Gray or Larde of Weamis I haife committed to the sufficiencye of the bearar, to whom it may pleis your honour to geve credite." Signed: A. Douglas.
1 p. Holograph. Addressed. Indorsed.
89. Walsingham to Maitland. [May 16.]
"Your lordship's of the 6th of this present I have receaved, wherewith her majestie being made acquainted and resting greatly satisfied with your aunsweare to the creditt delivered unto your lordship by Mr. James Hudson, willed me to signefie unto your lordship that unlesse the gentleman, whose frendship she desyreth you should embrace, as well for the publick as your particuler, shall keep good correspondencie with you, she wilbe no lesse readie then to seeke his disgrace then nowe she desyreth the repaire of his creditt by your good meanes."
"No man can professe greater sinceritie then he: yf he shall fayle in performance what he promiseth, that cannot but woorke his ruyne, the King your soveraigne running so princely a course as he doth in favoring and countenancing such as are noted to be religiously affected. I fynd the gentleman besydes disposed to live a retyred lyfe for a time in yat realm, untill he shall make yt apeare unto such as carie a jealouse opinion of him, as though his return into that realm tended to worke some alteration there, that he hath no other end in his seid returne then with the Kings good favour to enjoy the fruition of his naturall soyle. And if he shall have anie other disposition yt wilbe easely discovered and as easely prevented. And for my selve I doe assure your lordship, yf I thought that the tryall thereof might in anie sort woorke your perill, I would be loth to bee an instrument in procuring anie correspondencie between you. Some tast he hathe already geven of his dysposytyon to deserve your love: for upon some informations sent out of that realm that tended to your discreditt and disadvantages, he did lett both her majestie and some other great personages here see, by sundrye reason by him produced, howe greatly you were wronged by such malitious imputations as were given out against you. Which frendly and honest maner of dealing towards your lordship hath wrought a far better conceipt here of the gentleman than before was had of him."
1¾ p. Draft, corrected by Walsingham. Indorsed.
Original of the same. Signed by Walsingham.
Add. MSS., 23, 241, fol. 25.
90. Thomas Fowler to Walsingham. [May 17.]
There is no matter of importance fallen out since the taking of Bothwell and Crawford, save a convention that Erroll and Huntly's friends have been at in the north, whereupon some feared a new rebellion. Earl Marischal is made the King's lieutenant of those parts; yet would not undertake to apprehend the traitors and keep their houses and lands for the King without 50 horse and 100 shot in the King's pay, which is furnished, and must continue all this summer. "The Master of Graye hathe wrytten a letter to his brother James of the Kinges chamber, to be shewed to his majeste. The contentes ar wholy tochinge Mr. Archebald Dowglas, as fyrst acknowleginge that the Kinges affares toke not so good effect as was reson they shold, and as they wold, noo dowt, if they were not crost and hindered extremly, and only by Mr. Archebald, who, he sayes, can abyde noo man that the Kinge shall or hathe sent in his negocyacions, but hinders theme becawse, as he immagins, he will dryve the Kinge to nede his service above all others, that he may doo muche harme and no good; that he kepes a credit by avowchinge a comissyon frome the Kinge by the lard of Wymmes, and sekes to wyn credit there under couller of that commissyon; and yet for that he hathe not as he desyers, he imployes his whole industry to devide thes ij cowntryes. He geves advyce to reforme this, that the Kinge wryghte his letters to hir majeste or cowncell to disavowe and disgrace him." The King was doubtful how to take this writing from the Master, for he hears in other ways of extraordinary kindness between them. He asked my opinion: I could only think that the Master meant the overthrow of Mr. Archibald. After much talk the King willed me to give Mr. Archibald knowledge of this letter as from myself, to see what he would say, and to charge him not to let it be known. His majesty charged me not to bewray that he was privy to my writing, and I beseech your honour so to use it that I hear not of it again. If the Master know it, I shall find it; he is accounted perilous to deal with.
The Laird of Wemyss with much ado procured the King to write to the Master on Wednesday last; the laird was very earnest for him, and the King loth to oppose her majesty's liking and other good friends about her.
The convention here is deferred till the 24th. Wemyss's negotiation is thought to have wrought little good for the King, and much murmuring at it. I have advertised my lord Treasurer so; and most of all that her majesty is not forward in advancing the King's marriage, which no doubt will go forward with Denmark. At the Convention it will be known what will become of these traitors.
I must presume in my own causes. My wife's father entered into band to Barker of 160l for the forthcoming of my stuff in my house at Spittal: and as he saith it is for house and all, for upon that band—which I forbade him to enter into—he commands house and stuff. Where I might have 30l. a year for my house, I have nothing; and he will not suffer my wife—his own daughter—to dispose of house or stuff, but means to carry so much as he likes to a house of his own westward about Kew. "The howse cannot start," and it is sufficient to answer Mr. Barker for as much as the bond is; therefore if it would please you to procure my father-in-law's bond to be delivered in or cancelled before you, or sent to my wife, it would stand me in great stead, and I will send my account shortly by my servant. I had sent it sooner but for my northern voyage; and I have little leisure, because I follow the King at hunting and pastimes, for purpose rather than pleasure.
My wife is desirous to come to me hither, seeing I will not come to her—as she writes—and I know not how to refuse her, lest she and her friends say I have forsaken her. I hear she hath used herself very well in my absence. If I thought my abode here should be long, and your honour thought well, I would yield to her coming. Edinburgh. Signed: T. Fowler.
2½ pp. Holograph, also address. Indorsed.
91. James Hudson to Walsingham. [May 17.]
"I sei the Master contenewith his hard opinyon agaenst Mr. Archebald; and yit as I wrott to your honor I sei no suche frank credit givin to him sellf as apearith to me he demerits. Yit for hir majestes request, as allso that your honnor haeth delt for him, he lakith nothinge to maek his affaers goe to his contentment but his owin presence, as he wil fynd at his cuminge."
We hear her majesty means to send Mr. Robert Cary, and after him one of good countenance; both which are most welcome, for the King can do nothing without her majesty make him able by a guard to command, and by her countenance to correct, his factious people. His majesty hath heavily taken this last contempt touching the laird of Niddry, saying that he could never yet get his council or people to assist him to minister justice against him that the world abhorred for his vicious and bloody life; and swore that howsoever God should afflict him or his country they should be the cause thereof. I have looked into his secret behaviour, and find him blameless. His nobles one after another have betrayed him when it came to an extreme point against any of their faction; so that without he have a guard the vile sort will prevail. Signed: J. Hudson.
2 pp. Holograph, also address. Indorsed.
92. Robert Wigmore to Walsingham. [May 18.]
Returning from the northern road, wherein I had followed the King, I received your honour's letters, sent, as I take it, by James Hudson; which favour I am ready to acknowledge with my service, and account myself happy that you conceive so well of my behaviour. As for those ill-affected towards me, I seek no revenge but by virtuous actions.
The King hath very kindly played both his parts. First, with sovereign skill he covered his knowledge of the lords' conspiracy, whereof he had been assured before his going to Hawton; secondly, he pursued the matter with courage and resolution. And "quale principium, talis finis," for whatsoever is reported of Huntly's simple rendering himself to the King's will, I know the same admitteth a scholastical distinction, such as will save his head and whatsoever he hath.
The marriage for Denmark in all outward appearance goes forward with all those furtherances it may receive here. If so, the Earl Marischal is to visit five princes of the Empire from the King, who hath persuaded me to undertake that journey, if not displeasing to her majesty. But I am persuaded that this summer will bring forth no such fruit, for the King is cold about the marriage, and the Chancellor is opposed to it; also the King would drive the country into some settled order.
"In January last I sent a letter to your honour, and therin summ discovery of that which laetly is proved trwe in the Erls Huntley and Bothwell: but in the conveyance therof I received summ harde measure, which is the cawse I dare not wryte to your honour in that language I gladly wowld. I have means to understande as mutche as summ other, and that as certeynly." Edinburgh. Signed: R. Wygmor.
1¼ pp. Holograph, also address. Indorsed.
93. William Asheby to Burghley. [May 20.]
My stay has been longer here than I looked for, which troubles me greatly: I enjoy here "otium cum dignitate," but am not able to sustain the charges. Your honour will remember that shortly before her majesty appointed me for this journey I imparted to you my poor state and want, which is such "as fleshe and bloud is not able to comport: yet better could I beare it at home, then in this rome I now hould of honor and credit." I then acquainted you with her majesty's gift to me of a lease out of the bishopric of Ely of the manors of Donington and Thriplow and the parsonage of Hinxton: your lordship did not suffer that lease to pass, but promised me your help to procure her majesty's liberality some other way. I therefore pray you, if I shall continue in this place, to enable me to perform its duties. "I have nether land nor lease to sell or pawne, and sithence my coming hither my house in London robbed and my apparell and househould stufe taken awaie to the valew of 200li." My allowance here less by 10s. a day than all others have had, and they gentlemen of wealth; everything grown to an excessive price, and I without any support but from her majesty. I know not which way to turn; without present help I shall hazard my credit, dishonour the place I hold, and be unable to perform any service. Thus want forceth me to pass the bounds of modesty. Edinburgh. Signed: W. Asheby.
Postscript—I am ready to stay or to return as shall please her majesty; but without that which she granted me out of Ely, or such allowance as others in this place have had, I shall not be able to remain.
3 pp. Holograph, also address. Indorsed.
94. Mr. John Colvile to Walsingham. [May 20.] Printed in Letters of . Colville, Ban. Club, p. 94.
"I haif resavit mair comfort by your last send wythe Mr. Hoodsone nor ever I did sen my return home, understanding your honour not to haif cast of your good opinion of me, notwythstanding this ingrat and barbarus deling of sum personis againis me, compelling me be thair rigor, for safty of my lyif, to find out and follow suspitius personis far contrar my hart and meaning; wyth quhom I joynit upon necessite wythout partaking or knawleg of thair practesis againis religion and the amite, ewin as we wes all forcit at our home cumming to seik the assistance of Maxvell."
"Upon your last send to Wemess he hes interit werey far in this levee, in-so-muche that we ar constranit to hald him sumquhat lest he shuld altogidder wnddoo him self, for except ye money cum it is above his reache to furniss suche trowpes. Bot the captans and principallis salbe collectit and avancit; the multitud will sone be gatherit, the captans anis maid suir. What ordour wilbe takin wyth thir lordis alredy interit, and be quhat meanis Arroll and Montross, who yit lyis out, sall be socht, is continwit to th' end of this Convention, quhilk beginnis to-morrow."
"His majeste incressis dayly in the good courss quhairwnto he is most happely reducit by the meanis of my Lord Chancellour, in quhom cheiflie consistis the weilfar of this caus; for if he were put out of the way I see noct how the factioniris culd be kepit bak from his majeste."
"If the Lord Hammiltonis man be unfurnisit, I mun recommend him to your honour in my lordis name, and upon his returne your money salbe renbursit to James Hoodsone wyth sic gratfulnes as lyit in my lord to use." Edinburgh. Signed: Jo. Colvile.
Postscript—" In the purpos committit to James Hoodsone for your honorabell freind I will concur sa far as I haif credeit, for he is a worthy personage and ane whom I haif ever honorit, and albeit these respettis wer nocht, your honouris request is wnto me the gretest commandment erthly, that only exceptit that procedis from the King my soveraine."
1½ pp. Holograph. Addressed. Indorsed.
95. James Hudson to Walsingham, [May 22.]
"I fynd the ocasyon of this bearers cuming only to bee to procuer of my Lord Theassurer that his unkle mae ether have his alowance agmentid x.s. by the dae as other have had, or ells that hir majeste grantt him sum good suet, or thirdly to revoak him from this chargeable burdin that he saeth he susteanith. I prae your honor pardone me that I wryt the trewth that I have sein and tryd since my cuming; for since he is nocht ashamd to leave your honor to folow hoally ane other, I can noct but wryt it to your honor and leave it to your great wisdome to juge upon."
First, the King and Chancellor have declared to me his insufficiency for the place. Next, when he hath requested presence, the King and Chancellor have desired that Mr. Fowler might come with his mind or letters; and but for help rendered for your sake and our country's many gross errors had been committed. He is grieved that you rebated 6li. in the allowance for the packets, and that you employed me in this last service, although before your letters came I acquainted him with the cause of my coming and showed him my instructions. You told me he was a suitor to you to call him home before. "It wer nocht amiss to grant his suett, for his intelygence hear is nothinge at all, for no man of acownt or credit cumith to him. If your honor send ane other leager hear, he must have moar wit and liberallite. What fallts I comit in this letter your honor must lae upon the Laerd of Wems, who maed a scoll go rownd to your honors heallth at Mr. Fowlers banquett whiche he maed to my Lords of Home and Lendoars, with dyvers laerds and al the princepall servants of the Kings howsse, above 20; and the King honorid this super with a commisyon from him sellf by a gentleman to wil us to be merie."
Mr. Fowler so follows the King in his wars and pastimes—whatsoever it cost him—that he has special credit with the King, Chancellor, and the rest, and does all the service here. What comes from the ambassador gets small credit till Mr. Fowler be enquired of. He will not let any of them pass a syllable that touches her majesty's credit, or any councillor, or our country. "If Mr. Fowller had a prive commisyon granttid him to show if neid reqyrid for the strenchtninge of the service, I think he wer able to doe moar service then fower suche as Mr. Ashbei is." He honours and loves you, and would gladly do what he could to please your honour and profit the state. He could save intelligence by his acquaintance, and do more with 20s. a day than the other with 40s. I would know your good pleasure with speed, and thereafter address myself back again. Edinburgh.
The good news of France and our fleet had never been known here but for Mr. Fowler, for the ambassador neither credited nor published it. "Lak of jugement is his want rather then lak of good will." Signed: J. Hudson.
Postscript—Since writing this I find the King and the Chancellor in a better opinion of the Master of Gray "then befoar I could procuer"; so he shall come in a more proper time than if he had come sooner.
Also I see that the Lord Treasurer likes of his coming home, and that there may be friendship betwixt the Chancellor and the Master, "sainge he fynds the Master a vere suficient gentleman." Of this and other matters his lordship hath written to the ambassador to deal with his majesty, but he only showed the King the letters of news, and spake no word of the King's marriage or the Master. He hath no gift to persuade or reason with the King or Chancellor, "for they wil put him presently to a nonplus." Mr. Archibald, as one that apparently envieth the welfare of God's church, hath sent word not to trust the news of France and of our fleet, being only invented to please princes.
I have no particular against either of them, but the one of malice and the other of simplicity hinder service too long; and they have both left your honour in heart, wherefore have I the smaller care of their welfare. Mr. Asheby's nephew comes not these two days. The state of all things I leave to Mr. Fowler.
4 pp. Holograph, also address. Indorsed.
96. James Hudson to Walsingham. [May 23.]
I received your letters of May 16th, with one to the Chancellor, which I delivered to him with such speeches as I thought proper. His answer was "that the Master should be wellcum and should be well ussid, and upon tryall he wold lett him know that he wold be his very frend in deid." But it will be "deficill" to get the abbacy again. I am sorry to see such partial dealing against the good Master, "who is in efect the only worthe man of his birth in this cuntrei for the Kinges service in matters of estaett." I have written often of this, and you may judge of it also by Mr. Fowler's letters. At his coming I shall inform him of what may hinder or profit him.
This day Crawford is gone to the Tolbooth to his trial before the King and Convention; and tomorrow Huntly and Bothwell shall be arraigned. Better order would have followed thereupon had any good man been here from her majesty. "My Lord Theasurer wryts that the Master must suplye that, but that is noct the richt wae of theas things."
Mr. Fowler writes of the marriage. My Lord Hamilton is proud of your counsel, which he will follow. I wrote the truth to your honour of all men. I am sorry the Master driveth time so in his coming: his wise behaviour will overcome all hard beginnings. I will do him what service I can, without respect to his passionate friends' reports. Signed: J. Hudson.
1 p. Holograph, also address. Indorsed.
97. James Hudson to Walsingham. [May 23.]
I have seen your letter to the Laird of Wemyss touching the levy of his men. He gave money to the captains and proceedeth joyfully to the service. I pray that the money may be reimbursed to him "in angell gold," or be ready against his sending for it, or he will be undone. He will willingly engage "his hoall moyen" upon one word from you, and there is no putting men here in readiness without money. The ambassador has written to you to this end, and so the laird prayed me to do also. Signed: J. Hudson.
¾ p. Holograph, also address. Indorsed.
98. The Master of Gray to Burghley. [May 23.]
"My cousing, the Laird of Vemis, hes uritten many tymes to me since his parting desyring that I sould speik your honourable lordship for sume oversicht to theis honest marchantis for transporting into Flandres sume marchandise from this country not permittit altogither by the laues of this realme, and that for [arranging ?] sume bargan my cousing hes vith them for furnising certane armis for this levie hie intendethe for the King of Navarre. Thairfor I have takin occasioun, in prospect of my forgetfulnes for to recommend unto you the said marchandes, that by your lordships protectioun they may have the said oversicht in quhatsumever marchandise shalbe found least offensive to the commoun veil of the realme. The vitche I am the more bould to desyr in respect I have sum interest in the men." From my lodging. Signed: Mr. of Gray.
1 p. Holograph, also address. Indorsed.
99. William Asiieby to Burghley. [May 23.]
On the 21st instant your letters of the 16th came to my hands, with news of the success of her majesty's forces landed in Spain; I acquainted the King presently, who showed great joy, wishing all good to follow this happy beginning. The Laird of Wemyss was sent back for the money to Berwick. Touching the soliciting of the King to control the unruly greatness of the nobles professing enmity to the gospel, I wrote to his highness thereof when I was in physic a day or two before his journey to the north, and since his return congratulated him, and told him how well her majesty was pleased with his proceeding, which being continued with severity will bring honour and security to himself and his state. I have added such counsel as you set down, and to add more credit to my sayings showed sometimes your own hand, which availeth greatly with his highness. He is well disposed in religion and ready to do justice, but I doubt how he will be able to perform that he desires; best affected towards her majesty's friendship, and the chief persuader of it in all councils; neither will he suffer any dishonour to be spoken of her or of England, "condempning more his owne subjectes and countrie for the death of his mother than our nacion." Justice upon these rebellious earls is referred to this Convention begun the 21st instant: your honour shall be advertised when resolution is taken for the punishment of them. The preachers cease not to call for justice, and the King seemeth bent thereto: otherwise there is no hope of quietness, as I have told him.
Touching the match with Denmark, I see all bent that way, and preparation made by the Earl Marischal to set forward, but this Convention shall determine that also. This two or three days since I received your last the Chancellor hath been so busy as I could have no conference with him; by my next you shall understand further in this marriage. Edinburgh. Signed: W. Asheby.
2½ pp. Holograph, also address. Indorsed.
100. Thomas Fowler to Walsingham. [May 23.]
Since the return of the Laird of Wemyss he hath used vehement persuasions to the King against his marriage with Denmark; and hath so far prevailed as the King now saith he will hear the opinion of his lords, and will take the most commodious; which almost all here allow Navarre to be, "as of late it is perswaded" that she is wise, virtuous, gracious to behold, of years but 28, that she shall bring a yearly revenue of 40,000 crowns, besides jewels and money which is of great value. The King her brother was bold with her portion to serve his turn, yet now his estate will be such as he can spare it for her preferment. That King may live to be King of France, "then what great strengthe by frendship commes to this Kinge." If he die before, then is his sister heir to 400,000 crowns a year rent. Above all, "it is muche better for the Kinge to matche with a wyese stayd woman then with a childe, consydderyng his careles dispocysyon." Others affect Denmark, especially as they say the King hath gone so far that with his honour he cannot leave it. His ministers have dealt further therein than he was privy to, "as one Mr. Peter Younge that was his scole master, and Coronell Stewerd, but especially Yonge, whose credit is suche with the Kinge that, after Chauncelour and other cowncelors had set downe his instruccyons, he made new secret instruccyons which he gat the Kinge to signe, and never red them. Allwayes the Dowger and Chauncelour of Denmark in all theyre answers had relatyon to the Quene of Inglandes consent." There is matter to be agreed upon for the Orkneys and Shetland, so there is yet means to break with Denmark. Some say the King hath gone so far with Navarre as he cannot go back. "Now is theyre a nomber of bothe sortes and newteralls that all agrees this alteracyon to be browght frome Ingland," to keep him unmarried, and many ill content therewith. They think that if, to please her majesty, he would bend to the marriage with Navarre, she would mislike of that as much. My Lord Treasurer sent to be resolved how far the King had gone with Denmark, and I have written the premises in effect.
There shall be an arraignment tomorrow of Huntly and Bothwell if time serve for both; if not it will be finished on Monday. I received yesterday your letter of the 16th. "I cannot wryght what comfort I receave by your lynes when they comme to me." The Master of Gray will be well used when he comes, and proof made of his demeanour. Mr. Hudson hath travailed with King and Chancellor for him, as has the Laird of Wemyss since he came home; but I doubt the Master will be a great enemy of mine, I have dealt so plainly in writing what I knew to be true; at least if he knew thereof. "I care lyttell, for he cannot impayre my credit with the Kinge; yet I besecche your honour let him know as lyttell of my advertysmentes as may be." Would God your advice might be followed for the Chancellor and other matters. My Lord Treasurer writes that the stay of Sir George Cary's coming, or Mr. Robert's, is that her majesty thinks the Master of Gray shall serve as well, being so well affected.
Richard Colborne, the Chancellor's nephew, since he came home, told me there was a chain or some gift for him by your means, but the matter was so crossed as he saw none; he wants to learn, through me, by whom it was stayed. "He is so honest and his unkell so muche my frend as if I myght satysfy him I wold." Edinburgh. Signed: T. Fowler.
Postscript—The Convention began the 21st.
2½ pp. Holograph, also address. Indorsed.
101. Indictment of Bothwell and Crawford. [May 24.]
"Articles of indictment wherewith the Earles Huntley, Bothwell, and Crayford were charged at their arraignment the 24 of May, 1589."
1. "For theire treasonable treating, dealing, and consulting with ye ministers and agentes of straingers for alteration as well of the state of goverment as of the religeon."
2. "For traffecking with Coronell Sempel, Roberte Bruce, Edmund Hey, and Crichton, Jesuites, of whome they had receavid forein money to execute some treasonable practise against the presente state."
3. "For assembling themselves in armes latelie in the moneth of Aprill, appointing there meeting at the Quarell Holes, neare his majestes pallace of Hollierude Howse, with conspiratie and intention to have scaled the saied pallace, to have surprised his majestes person therein, and to have slaine his chancellour, with other of his councellours."
4. "For making of leagies, bands, associations, betwene them selves against their fealtie and obedience."
5. "For making a leavie of men, both horse and foote, by sound of trumpett and displaied ensignes."
6. "For taking the towne of Sainct Johnstons with intent to have kept and fortefied the same against his majesty."
7. "For raysing fire and asseaging the howse of Kirckhill and taking the Lord Threserour forth thereof."
8. "For usurping the kinges authoritie in making proclamations in his name in sundry of his borroughes."
9. "For taking the coate armour from of his majestis heralt, and tearing in peaces his majestes proclamation at Aberdine."
10. "For assembling an army of 3000 men, encouraging yem to fight against his majesty, marching toward ye bridg of Dee in open hostillitie, with intention to encounter his majesty at Bervie."
Indorsed: "The 24 of May the Erles of Huntley, Bothwell, and Crafford were arraigned, Huntley yelding himselfe giltye. Craford in part did the like, but standing in some poyntes on his innocencye, and Bothuell altogether, with more stowtenesse then wisedome, answering as though he cold have bene noway towched, were both, notwithstanding, yat day by theyr peres convicted and by assise found guiltye of treason, so as they are all three condemned."
1¼ pp. Indorsed.
Another copy of the above 10 articles.
Copies of the same.
Cott. Calig., D. I., fol. 179, 386.
102. William Asheby to Burghley. [May 25.]
"I sent yesterdaie to your honour that it was determined that the Erlls Huntley, Bodwell, and Craford should be arraigned as this daie. which was performed. Huntley yelded himself guiltie at the first; Craford in part, but stoode upon some pointes, but he was found guiltie of the whole matter. Bodwell yelded to nothing, but would stand to his triall, but he was found as guiltie as the rest. The lordes stirred not awaie till on a cloke after midnight. About five in the afternone the King came to the towne house and staid in an inniour chamber till all was finished, which was betwixt on and tow after midnight; which was a good furtherance for justice."
It is now in his own hands to show mercy or judgment, for they are found guilty by their peers; there is hope that he will proceed for his honour and security. Edinburgh. Signed: W. Asheby.
Postscript—Your letter of the 19th came to my hands the 23rd instant. I showed it to his majesty that day. It cannot fail to do good, for the opinion he hath of your wisdom.
1 p. Holograph, also address. Indorsed.
103. Thomas Fowler to Walsingham. [May 26.]
The arraignment was on Saturday, and continued till 2 o'clock on Sunday morning. Huntly. Bothwell, and Crawford are all found guilty, and by their confessions, "specially Hontleyes, who shewed him selffe a most semple man and tymorows." Erroll and Montrose are as great offenders as any of them. Judgment is stayed till to-day or to-morrow; "there is great workinge for theyre pardons all reddy, but I fynde the Kinge to favour none of theyre cawses so muche as Huntleyes for his symplicyte sake, yet his favour tendes but to save his lyffe. If there were an ambassador here from her majesty it would be well, but I see it folly to give any advice. I dare not show myself too far, but I do that which no other can here of my country. "Bodwell and Crawford ar kept very strayte. Bodwell before the araynment had favour shewed by his keper unknowne to the Kinge, which he was very angry at." and has changed his keeper. The ministers would have them all die for it, but that will not be. There is a summons out for Montrose and Erroll, that which of them will come in first shall have his life, and if neither come in, they shall be pursued to death. This is to avoid a new rebellion, for they have convened the rebels that are not yet taken. "If one of those ij were in handes all were suer, and they have Spanishe mony; but thowghe he that comes in have his lyffe, yet he is suer to lose all the rest, and to be eyther banished or kept perpetuall prysoner."
I have written again to my Lord Treasurer about the Chancellor, for they run a wrong course to have the Queen's service well performed here. Would God it were in your hands to amend it. Signed: T. Fouller.
1 p. Holograph, also address. Indorsed. On inner leaf is written in a clerk's hand: "The asyse or Iury. The Lord Hamellton. The Erle of Angus. The Erle Marshalle. The Erle of Marr. The Erle of Athole. The Erle of Morton. The Lorde Seton. The Lorde Fleminge. The Lorde Yester. The Lorde Dingwell. The Lorde of Awtrye. The Lord Hume. The Lord Somervelde." Then follow the 10 articles of indictment against Huntly. Bothwell. and Crawford.
104. Thomas Fowler to Burghley. [May 26.] Cott. Calig., D. I., fol. 385.
[The K]ing came down from the . . . (fn. 7) 2 o'clock yesterday morning with all his nobility, [the] prisoners being severally sent down before him strongly guarded with shot, for this town had 100 men all day guarding the Tolbooth and streets. The King was hungry and went then to supper, all which supper time he talked with me of the matters of the arraignment, "and of the follies of Bodwell and Crawford to troble the asyes and judges with standinge in deniall of partes of the dytementes, as they cawle it here, and yet colde not clere themselves of no part thereof." He showed great misliking of them, and spoke of Huntly's simpleness and his confessing and yielding to all things objected against him, laying the fault on sundry men that counselled him against the religion, the Chancellor, and state present; and bewrayed that Montrose was the principal counsellor of any nobleman in this matter, and that Erroll was most earnest against the religion and for the Spanish faction, accusing the baillie of Erroll, the Laird of Cluny, and others not yet taken. "He acused Bod[well] for receavinge Spanyshe gold frome Arroll, which no[ne] ells had proved, and which Bodwell stode in tyll then. Thes Erlls ar all fownd gilty of all parts of the dyte[ment] which I send your Lordship inclosed: and yet no judgment—alias dome as here they cawle it—geven or pronownced, but I am perswaded shalbe tomorrow, or before the Co[nven]cyon breke up. Yet I wold one were here from thence as Sir Thomas Henege wrote that Syr Geo[rge Cary] was to come presently after hir majestes letter."
"The[re is] exceedinge workinge all reddy for theyre pardons and the . . . favour to them; and yesterday the prechers playd theyr partes as well in the contrary, cryinge owt apon the Kinge even to face for to doo justyce and use the . . . of his victory, and not to make a mockery of it. I deale with one to the same effecte, which was in Ingla[nd] and now is best beloved by the Kinge of them all. [He] is wyese, l[ear]ned and eloquent—Mr. Patricke Gallo[way] . . . — . . . the Kinge as desp . . . respect of his semplenes and playne dealinge . . . not to spare him but for his lyffe."
Huntly's wife, her brother the Duke, and others persuade the King for him, yet he protests that no suit can do him good, for he himself sees the nature of the man, easily led to evil or to good. He would never trust so weak a man, or pardon his offences without great pun[ishment]. He is the least dangerous of them all. I think with you that Bothwell is the greatest enemy to her majesty, "a bloddy man infected with all notoryows vyces," such a one as the King hath most cause to fear if he let him go, and so I have told him plainly since the arraignment. If any should come, now is the time.
"Bodwell and Crawford [are] straytly kept, but Hontley hathe his wyffe alowed [to] come to him but with iij servantes. Bodwell had lyb[erty] geven him by his keper before the araynment un . . . to the Kinge, but his majesty was excedinge angry the[reat] and apoynted a new keper."
"The Kinge walkinge to the gardens of the abbey yesterday, and passynge the towre wheare Bodwell lay, he cryed owt at the iorn wyndow apon the Kinge to pitty his casse and not to follow the opinyon of flatterynge mynis[ters]: but the King past on, and not seminge to here, sayinge, 'You must be hanged and we do well.'" Edinburgh. Signed: T. Fowler.
2 pp. Holograph. No flyleaf or address.
105. Master of Gray to Burghley. [May 27.]
"For satisfeing the promeis I maid, being arryvit heir the 26, I could do no les then to advertis your lordship that by sume letters from court and sum conference with a certaine my freindis who ar heir vith me I find, notheles any exteriour, nothing domagable intendit agenst th'earle Huntly, and if any be intendit agenst his fellouschip it is to be of so small effect that thairby thay shall not be greatly hermed. I could vryt forder in particulaire, but I vill send your lordship no informatioun uithout a sufficient knouledge, and thairfor hes send you only the generall, quhairof I may almost give assurence."
"As for all maiters past I forbear to tuitche them, seing your lordship is sufficiently informed by one from the embassador heir recident. I beleve if her majestie micht be moveit to send any personage of respect to the King, his majesty micht be brocht to do forder satisfactioun in all pointis to her nor lykly he is nou, cheifly if he sould carie vith him the ordre of the Garter, vitche is a maiter of superfice. Aluayis in this I remit the advyse to your lordships self, and at my arryvell to court I shall not feall particulairly to informe you of the greatest misteries of our proceidingis."
"I am glaid I haid conference vith your lordship the day I partit, for this day, at one in the morning, arrave in the roade of Leithe, a Dannische ambassador to knou if the King be of mynd to performe his matche uith the dauchter of Denmark. Quhat forder he cariethe can I not advertis, for quhen my man came auay he ves yet in his schipe; so I intend not to deiply deall vith his majestie in that maiter til I sall heir from your lordship." Berwick. Signed: Mr. of Gray.
Postscript—"I vould not preseume upon so small subjecte to importune her majestie by my letter."
1½ pp. Holograph, also address. Indorsed.
106. James Hudson to Walsingham. [May 27.]
Matters here rest in the King's hands to do good or evil. Many bear ill-will to Bothwell if they were assured of backing, with or without law. He and Montrose are like to bear the burden. Hudson thought the Master would have been here sooner, and wrote to meet him by the way, which he sends with a letter from Gray's wife.
"For Dumffermllinge I sei nocht how it wilbe eassely cum by agaen, becaws the King haeth suche caer of the laett Duek of Levenox his chilldren, and it is the joyntter of the Earll of Huntle his wyff: but his presence must mend it or nothinge will."
Much unkindness was taken at the Lord Treasurer's letter blaming the King for writing to Huntly. It were well if the Queen and her ministers would write commendations to his majesty and the Chancellor when they do so well as now, "for they must sum tymes be praessid." Her majesty's gentle letter pleased well: he would it might please her to write a kind letter to the Chancellor. It is most needful to get the King's house purged of those that hinder all good and advance all noisome and pestilent things craftily and flatteringly: "this can nether by forsse nor faer means be doen; therfor sum litil cuninge must be ussid hearin, as if the afaers duringe the dealling for a leagwe permit yat pleges be givin, and takin of the second be either of nobillmen and gentillmen, then wold I wish it to be condisyonid that hir majeste mycht have suche of this quallety as shei wold demand." Then things should be in a good state.
If Walsingham thinks this or any such were good, Hudson will acquaint some good man herewith; "for ther is no man that dowtith any thinge so much as a few of theas flatterers."
"For the parleament and all other things I comit to your honors faethfull and discreit servant Mr. Fowller whoas creditt groweth vere inward hear." Signed: J. Hudson.
Postscript—Hopes that his letter with the copy of the King's, and comparison of the Chancellor's and the Master's ability to serve the Queen, were seen by Walsingham alone, being somewhat plain and vehement. He means not to stay above 8 days more for the Master's coming.
2 pp. Holograph, also address. Indorsed.
107. Thomas Fowler to Burghley. [May] 28.] Cott. Calig., D. I., fol. 382.
The Earl Marishal, who had provided a month since 2 . . . (fn. 8) for his voyage to Denmark, discharged them yesterday. Whereupon this morning the provost, bailiffs and many of the burgesses came to the Chancellor to his chamber in the King's house, and told him with threats that if the marriage with Denmark went not forward, being crossed by England to keep the King unmarried altogether, he would die for it, and all the English faction here, which was the Laird of Wemyss, Carmichael, "Mownsane," Dalzell, and myself. "He was not past ij or iij, and they were many. He did all he cowld to pacify them, and promised to speke with the Kinge, but they went in to the towne styll mall content, and gath[ered] theyre cowncell. Every man was reddy to take arms, and [gave] owt playnly that, if the Kinge wold not satisfye them owt of hand that he wold procede with his maryage in Denmarke, they wold shew what they durst doo." Some of the rashest told plainly that they would set at liberty the noblemen in prison and make them their party, alleging that all the boroughs of Scotland should be undone if they brake with Denmark, as they should if this marriage went not forward; whence they have all their timber for building, shipping, and furnishing, and other needful things.
There came some to the King's chamber where I was, saying that Wemyss, Carmichael, nor myself should not come into the town till the fury of the people was past: this was about 10 o'clock. "[I] came downe the strete at viij and hard noth[ing]. I told the Kinge, who sent for the Chauncelour. I saw it amased them all in regard of . . . and the uncerteynte of the noble [mens] partes in that matter, for the . . . were mall content with the stay."
Peter Yonge and Colonel Stewart were in the King's [chamber], yet were thought to be the stirrers up of that mutiny. At last it was referred to a council of the whole Convention in the afternoon, where were the provost, bailiffs, and many townsmen. "And after [that the] matter was debated thorowly, the Kinge declared hi[mselfe] most affecyonat to the matche with Denmarke, and prow[d] to goo thorowghe with it if the condissyons were suche as all shold lyke of, so that the fawlt shold not be in [him]. This pleased the towne of Edenbrowghe, who caryed a[bout] by prowd bostinge thretes the rule and apoyntment of [the] Kinges maryage, wheare as they had better deserved [to be] hanged." There was no striving nor stirring in the [matter], for the nobility being so many manifest rebels, and the few united with the Chancellor against them being divided in this case, take away the strength of the boroughs too, "besydes that Kinge and Chancelour and all [are] within the towne wawles in theyre daungers." In the council there was envying against England, some asking why they should ask counsel there. The King, Chancellor, and others spake as much as they durst, but were over matched; yet the King gave many good reasons why he must take . . . "I pray God I may see sum of them plaged and . . . of thes carlls of this towne that trades with Ingland and gaynes thereby."
I was fain to keep the King's house all day till the council rose, which was at 9 o'clock at night. I have yet had no conference with the King to know the secrets of his meaning, but he determines to go forward with that marriage. "The ministers, who deales in all matters [of] state here, were bussy in this matter on the townes syde."
"Here is a straunge cowntry; I shold say a most vyell people. They noryshe and support with aparell and all wayes 400 Spanyerdes, besydes those that begges and fyndes noo traviell, nor ar not wery of them. They so hate I[nglish m]en that they repine to see them goo apon the strete . . . common sort of people, and the noble and . . . traveyled and that be papistes and of [the] Spanishe faccyon; indede there be divers of the nobyllite and gentellite very cowrtyous. The rest I leave to my lord ambassadour, whome I have eased of this discowrse, which I saw and understode by mi kepinge the cowrt so w . . . this day. They crye owt styll for Syr George Cary or sum boddy to come." Signed: T. Fouller.
2¼ pp. Holograph. Indorsed by Burghley.
108. William Asheby to Walsingham. [May 29.] Cott. Calig., D. I., fol. 448.
Has deferred writing about the match till some certainty could be learned. It was since the beginning of the Convention dashed, and Earl Marishal discharged two ships which were ready to transport him; whereupon what disorders arose in Edinburgh, and how insolently the burghers behaved, the enclosed of Mr. Fowler's will show, who was in the co . . . (fn. 9) and durst not come abroad till 11 at night: "word was sent to him not to come out from . . . the court, the towne being in mutinie, [and] he thought to be a chefe mynister to c[ross] this match with Denmarke." Earl Marischal goes presently, and shall have 1500 li. of the money come from England towards his charges.
Walsingham may see how the King is abused. "He can do no justice but what pleases them: for ether thei will quitt the . . . by post knightes, as we terme them in . . ., and so suffer them to escape, as the . . . within theise ten daies by the Laird of . . . an infamous murderer, or els conv[ey them] out of prison, as thei have done theise 3 nightes with tow gentlemen [com]mitted by the Lord Chauncellour to ye To[lbooth ?] prison," two desperate men, partakers in Bothwell's rebellion, being the Lairds of Shaw [?] and Ormiston, escaped through the negligence of the governor. Edinburgh. Signed: W. Asheby.
Postscript—"Roger Aston arrived here yesternight, and gives out that the match of Denmarke is crossed by England. The Master of Gray came to Berwicke and is looked for this day . . . out to myte him."
2 pp. Holograph. No flyleaf or address.
109. James Hudson to Walsingham. [May 30.]
"I mett the Master att the gaetts of Barweik, wher I fownd him in suche dispossysoyn as I doe noct dowt but the Chancellor and he shall agrei well and sowndly: whiche doen ther resteth smal dowt in removinge the King's hard opinyon. I fownd him a frend of wisdom and credit abowt the younge Duek, whiche I hoap shal doe him good, for that Duek mae doe him most harm of anny other."
Bothwell minded to escape on the night of the 28th, but the Chancellor warned his keeper. "He seinge straet wache so ragid that he crewelly bett his wyff and all his servants that came near to him." He is now in the Black Ness; "ther is the lyk end preparid for him that he haeth hellpid other men to in his crewellte," which none will lament. If some man of wisdom had come whilst these matters were warm, some of them might have got their desert; one might yet do good in removing schisms.
As to errors by several forms of writing, he wrote to none but Walsingham, chiefly touching the danger in the copy of the letter he sent, which might have done harm, especially to the Master: the other thing he wrote "was of the simplicite of the pubblik instrument hear, which for honor and comodete wold be amendid by a moar suffeceent in his place." Wishes the Queen and her ministers would comfort the Chancellor with kind letters, as proceeding of the Master's report of him; and that Walsingham would write to Fowler to be the Master's friend. Berwick. Signed: J. Hudson.
2 pp. Holograph, also address. Indorsed.
110. James VI. to the Lord Chancellor. [May.] (fn. 10) Add. MSS., 23,241, fol. 23.
"Chancellaire, as to Milorde Bothuellis assurance, he will not deny but it uas in thir termes giuen me in Leith, that quhill his nixt meiting uith me he uald not steir nor suffer Sir Uilliam to be steirit, allthoch he fand him sleiping, the notwithstanding he prouokit or braggit him alluayes. Garr try by the hurt men or any other uaye, gif ather Milorde Bothuell prouokit or caus it to be prouokit, or gif yone Oliphaire was schott throuch his auin uanitie first. Gif the first uaye it uas, the Erl Bothuell is onlie to blame, but gif the last, his captaines uanitie and Sir Williamis faite, for the quhilk na prouision coulde haue bene maid before. As to Milorde Maxuellis keiping, in my opinion Koldencnou sall keip him straitlie in a chalmer in the castell, remitting me alluayes to youre and the counsallis farther deliberation in this."
"As to Huntlie and Mairshall, Huntlie is to cum ouer at this eueningtyde; thairfor gif Mairshall be thair yitt, lett this serue him for command to cum ouir the morne on Thurisday, and ryde to Dundie at the narrest. But gif Huntlie stay this daye and this nicht, lett Mairschall cum ouer at this euentyde. Na farther but remember uith all speid on all other thingis I directid you at pairting." Signed: James R.
1 p. Holograph.
111. Protestations by Huntly. [May.] Cott. Calig., D. I., fol. 445.
[In Ashby's hand:] "Hunteleys protestacion to the ministers."
"He protesteth for his owne person that he n[ever] intended any the least alteracion of the religion . . . (fn. 11) interteigned ever at any time so muche as an off . . . thowght against his majestes person, whom he hath good and speciall cause to honour and serve to the utterm[ost] of his power. In deed for the chancellour and cert[ain] other of his majestes freindes—as they ar taken—he con[fes]seth he was maliciously bent towardes them, as [he] knew them to be in like sort affected to him."
"As [for] any other designes, if ye rest of his confederates [pro]pounded the execucion of any such enterprise again[st] either his highnes or the religion as now they be cha[rged] with, he doth utterly renounce them as false and traiter[ous] impostours, not daring to acquainte him with any s[uch] detestable attempte, in respecte either of his loyal[ty] to his deare soveraigne, or of his rashe and unstable youth for mistrust of secrecie; adding that if [he] can be by any creature livinge convinced of any e . . . assent or knowledge of such like purpose whatsoever, . . . whomsoever of his associates, he will refuse no tr[yall], no judgement, no execution, etc."
2/3 p.