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THE 
 
 STATE PAPERS 
 
 AND 
 
 LETTERS 
 
 OF 
 
 SIR RALPH SADLER, 
 
 KNIGHT-BANNERET. 
 
 EDITED BY 
 
 ARTHUR CLIFFORD, ESQ. 
 IN THREE VOLUMES. 
 
 TO WHICH IS ADDED, 
 
 A MEMOIR 
 
 OP 
 
 THE LIFE OF SIR RALPH SADLER, 
 
 WITH 
 
 fflSTORICAL NOTES, 
 
 BY 
 
 be- WALTER SCOTT/ ESQ. i^^'^ 
 
 VOL. I. 
 
 EDINBURGH I 
 
 PRINTED FOR ARCHIBALD CONSTABLE AND CO. EDINBURGH J 
 
 AND FOR 
 
 T. CADELL AND W. DAVIES, WILLIAM MILLER, 
 
 1809. 
 
EdIXBURGH: 
 
 Printed by James Lallantyne & Co. 
 
TO THE 
 
 RIGHT HONOURABLE 
 
 CHARLES WILLIAM BURY, 
 
 EARL OF CHARLEVILLE, VISCOUNT CHARLEVILLE, 
 BARON TULLAMORE, F. R. S. 
 
 &)C. Sfc. <§'c. 
 
 ONE OF THE LORDS OF THE IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT OF THE 
 
 UNITED KINGDOM, 
 
 THESE 
 
 Curiouiei anD Slntercsting Eemaing 
 
 OF 
 
 THEIR COMMON ANCESTOR, 
 
 ARE, 
 
 WITH KIND PERMISSION, AND WITH THE HIGHEST RESPECT 
 
 FOR HIS lordship's VIRTUES AND TALENTS, 
 
 MOST GRATEFULLY INSCRIBED 
 
 BY 
 
 HIS lordship's 
 
 MOST OBLIGED AND OBEDIENT HUMBLE SERVANT, 
 
 ARTHUR CLIFFORD. 
 
 63727 
 
ADVERTISEMENT. 
 
 On the marriage of the Honourable Tliomas Clifford, third son of Hugh, third 
 Lord Clifford, with the Honourable Barbara Astou, second daughter and coheiress 
 of James, fifth Lord Aston, Standon Lordship, the seat of Sir Ralph Sadler, was 
 sold along with the estate : but the papers, pictures, S(c. were removed to Tixall Hall 
 in Staffordshire, the ancient seat of the Astons. Here these papers remained un- 
 disturbed till a few years ago, when they were faithfully copied by the Reverend 
 John Kirk of Litchfield. From this copy, accurately compared with the originals, 
 this work is now printed. The originals, in four volumes, are in the library of 
 Thomas Clifford, Esq. of Tixall. The transcript, from which the first part of the 
 work is now reprinted, is in the Library of the Honourable Faculty of Advocates 
 in Edinburgh, but the originals, of which it is a copy, appear to be lost. 
 
 In Mr Walter Scott's name, and my own, I have to return most sincere and 
 grateful thanks to 
 
 The Right Honourable the Ear/ o/'Charleville. 
 
 Lord Aston. 
 
 Thomas Sadlier, Esq. of Sea Park, county of Tipperary, Ireland, 
 
 Robert Vernon Sadler, Esq. of Southampton, 
 
 William Hayley, Esq. Author of" The Triumphs of Temper," If c. 
 
 Thomas Sharp, Esq. of Coventry. 
 
 James Brown, Esq. of St Albans. 
 
 The Reverend Henry White of Litchfield. 
 
 All of whom have liberally contributed papers or information concerning the work. 
 In particular, I have to acknozdedge the infinite obligations which I owe to my 
 very learned and amiable friend, the Reverend J oh ft Kirk of Litchfield, without 
 whose kindness, zeal, and ability, in copying the original papers, this work would 
 most probably have never seen the light. 
 
 S, North Castle Street, Edinburgh, J ARTHUR CLIFFORD. 
 
 1st May, 1809. 
 
CONTENTS OF VOLUME FIRST. 
 
 I. Biographical Memoir of Sir Ralph Sadler, - - Page i 
 
 II. Embassy to Scotland, in 1539-40, - - - - I 
 
 III. Embassy to Scotland, in 1543, - - - - 57 
 
 IV. Letters during the Embassy to Scotland, in 1543, - - 65 
 V. Fitted Accompt of the Expenses of Somerset's Expedition, Imo, Ed- 
 ward VI, - - - - - 353 
 
 VI. Letters during the War of the Scottish Reformation, 1559-60, 373 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIR 
 
 OF 
 
 SIR RALPH SADLER. 
 
 The birth of this able and celebrated statesman was neither 
 obscure and ignoble, nor so much exalted above the middling 
 rank of society, as to contribute in any material degree to- 
 wards the splendid success of his career in life. 
 
 Ralph Sadler was the eldestson of Henry Sadleir,*orSadleyer, 
 Esquire, through whom he was heir, according to Fuller, to a fair 
 inheritance. He was born in the year 1507, at Hackney, in 
 Middlesex, where his family had been for some time settled, 
 and had a younger brother, John Sadler, who commanded a 
 company at the siege of Boulogne, in the year 1544. The cir- 
 cumstances of Henry Sadleir, their father, were not such as to 
 exempt him from professional labour, and even from personal 
 
 * Sir Ralph seems to have dropped the i in spelling his name. But the or- 
 thography of proper names in this period was far from uniform. We have adopt- 
 ed that which he used most frequently. 
 VOL. I. el 
 
ii BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIR 01' 
 
 dependence. Indeed the chain of feudal connection was still 
 so entire, that the lesser gentry of the period sought not only 
 emolument but protection, and even honour, by occupying, 
 in the domestic establishments of the nobles, those situations, 
 which the nobility themselves contended for in the royal 
 liousehold. The pride of solitary and isolated independence 
 was unknown in a period when the force of the laws was un- 
 equal to protect those who enjoyed it, and the closer the for- 
 tunes of a private individual were linked with those of some 
 chieftain of rank and power, the greater was the probability of 
 his escaping all mischances, save those flowing from the fall of 
 his patron. It does not, therefore, contradict what has been 
 handed down to us concerning Henry Sadlier's rank and estate, 
 that he seems to have acted in some domestic capacity, pro- 
 bably as steward or surveyor to a nobleman, proprietor of a 
 manor called Cillney, near Great Hadham, in Essex. 
 
 His office, whatever it was, consisted in keeping accounts 
 and receiving money ; so that his son had an early example of 
 accurate habits of business, not very common in that rude 
 military age, which proved not only the foundation of his 
 fortune, but continued to be the means of his raising it to the 
 hio-hest elevation. Ralph Sadler was fortunate enough to gain 
 a situation in the family of Thomas Cromwell, earl of Essex, 
 who rose in the favour of the capricious Henry VIII. by facili- 
 tating his divorce from Queen Catharine, and who fell by pro- 
 curing his union with Anne of Cleves. While he was yet in the 
 ascent of his favour, Sadler acquired so much interest with 
 him, as to be able to solicit a place under the crown for his fa- 
 ther, whose noble patron had become unable to support the 
 
 13 
 
SIR UALPII SADIER. iii 
 
 expcnce of a feudal household. These minute particulars we 
 learn from a letter which the elder Sadler writes to his son.* 
 
 * " Henry Sadleyer to his son Ralplij living willi j\Ir Cromwell, concerning 
 some demands and private concerns. Original from Cilney. Titus, B. 1. JSo. 
 48. page 153. 
 
 " Son Raff, I hartely recomaund me unto you, and send you Godd's blessing 
 and myne. I praye you send me woord whether ye have spokyn to hym ; yf ye 
 have, I praye you, that I may have knowledge in writyngc from you of his an- 
 swer to you made. I trust he will knowlege, that I doe owe to the kynges grace 
 but iiii" and odde money. Yf it please hym to looke upon my booke which rc- 
 mayneth in his handes, therein he shall feynde a labell that shall showe the 
 
 truths, (desyre hym to be good to me.) Son Raff, whereas I shoulde have had 
 of my lorde, now at this audite, above xx markes, I can gett never a peny but 
 fayre wordes, with whyche I cannot lyve. My lorde hathe putt away many of his 
 yemen at this audite, and dotheintende after Christmas to putt many moe awey, 
 and both his lordeshippe and my ladye wil to the court after Christmas, and kepe 
 a smalle house; wherefore I praye you that I may be recomanded to your good 
 maister, and desyr hym by yom- humble sute, to gett me the office in the Towre 
 as in others, so that I shall be nigh London. Good son, doe the best you can 
 for me. I truste to be at the next terme by Godd's grace. I assure you bothe 
 my lord and my lady shall be very lothe to depart with me, but with them I can 
 have noe livinge ; if I had, I wold not depart from them. I praye you sende for 
 your mother, and rede this letter to her ; and farder, my lorde dothe intende to ]ye 
 at Cilney all this Christmas, and there to kepe a smalle Christmas, though your 
 mother my mate as yet is not come to Cilney; whereof I marvel), for diverse 
 cartts of Great Hadham hath byn at London diverse tymes syns I cam from 
 home. 1 can noe more at this tyme, but the holy Trenytye cummfurt us all to 
 .... pleasure. Written at Cilney, the xvi''' day of December, in hast, as ap- 
 
 peryth. Your father, 
 
 Henry Sadleyer. 
 
 " To Raff Sadleyer, dwelling with Master Crumwell, be thes gevin. 
 
 " I thynke Richard Crumwell ... to London now at this tyme, and will be at 
 
 Cilney before ; then ye maye send your lettres by hym ; if he be not, Mr Antony 
 
 wil be at Cilney before Christmas ; the lettres ye send to me close them surely 
 
 for openyng." 
 
IV BrOfikAPHICAL MEMOIR OF 
 
 Ralph Sadler's favour with Lord Cromwell, and the trust which 
 he reposed in him, soon brought him under the eye of Henry 
 VIII. It was emphatically said of that monarch, that Henry 
 loved a man ; by which we are to understand, that the objects 
 of his favour Avere distinguished by external strength, figure, 
 and personal accomplishments, as well as by their temper and 
 talents. In both respects Sadler was fortunate ; for, though 
 of a middling or rather low stature, he was well skilled in all 
 exercises, and remarkable both for strength and activity ; 
 nor was his address in public business inferior to his feats of 
 horsemanship, hunting, and chivalry. It was probably before 
 he attracted the king's notice, that Mr Sadler became the hus- 
 band of the widow of one Ralph Barrow, who does not seem 
 to have been a person of high rank, although no good grounds 
 have been discovered for the scandal with which Sanders and 
 other Catholic writers have stigmatized this union. That she 
 was a woman of credit and character, must be admitted ; 
 since Lord Cromwell, to whom she was related, not only 
 countenanced their marriage, but was godfather to two of 
 their children, the first of whom died in infancy.* 
 
 According to the inscription on Sadler's tomb, he entered 
 the king's service in or about the 10th year of his reign, that 
 is in 1518 ; and there are letters in the Museum which prove 
 that he was at court before Wolsey's fall, under whose patron- 
 
 * " R. Sadler to Sec. Cromwell. Titus, B. 1. p. 343. Original. 
 
 " Syr, after myn humble comendacions, with like request, that it may plese you 
 to gyve me leve to trouble you, amongst your weightie afiaircs, with these tryf- 
 fels: it is so, that my wyfe, after long travaile, and as payneful labour as any wo- 
 man could have, hathe at the last brought furth a fayre boy ; beseching you to 
 
SIR RALPH SADLER. V 
 
 age his master Cromwell had risen to eminence. In one of 
 these Sadler mentions to Cromwell, that " My Lord, his Grace," 
 (the Cardinal, doubtless) luid been slandered to the king, and 
 exclaims against the ingratitude of the secretary. In ano- 
 ther letter he seems to write to Cromwell by order of the king, 
 about certain issues of money and prizes taken at sea. 
 
 As Sadler daily advanced in the king's favour, he became, 
 though at what time I cannot say, clerk of the hamper, one 
 
 vouchsafe ones agayne to be gossip unto so poore a man as I am, and that he 
 may bear your name. Trusting ye shall have more rejoyse of him then ye had 
 of the other; and yet ther is no cause but of gret rejoyse in the other, for he 
 dyed an innocent, and enjoyeth the joyes of heven. 1 wold also be right glad 
 to have Mr Richard's wyf, or my Lady Weston, to be the godmother. Ther is 
 a certain superslicious opinion and usage amongst women, which is, that in case a 
 woman go with chiide, she may christen no other man's childe as long as she is 
 in that case. And therfor, not knowing whether Mr Richard's wyf be with child 
 or not, I do name my Lady Weston. I desyre to have one of them, because 
 they do lye so near Hackney; tomorrow in the after none shall be the tyme, 
 and that the holie Trinyte preserve you in long lyf and good lielth, with much 
 honour. At Hackney, this Saturday, at iii of the clocke at after none, with the 
 rude and hastie hand of 
 
 Your most assured and faithful servante duringe his lyf, 
 
 Rafe Sadler. 
 To the right honourable and his singuler good Mr, 
 Maister Secretarye, be thes geven." 
 Some of the minute intelligence, so dear to modern antiquaries, may be gained 
 from this gossiping business; as, 1st, that Sadler had a former son who died an 
 infant; 2dly, we may conclude Lady Weston was either a widow or an old wo- 
 man ; Sdly, we may observe Sadler's simplicity in plainly telling us, that he knew 
 not whether Mr Richard's wyf were with child or not; lastly, that Mr Sadler 
 had not very well determined at what hour to christen his child, for he had first 
 written morning and afterwards afternoon. But in addition to all this valuable 
 information, the letter shews his connection with Cromwell, and the superstitica 
 which it commemorates is a singular one. 
 
Vi BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIR OF 
 
 of the gentlemen of the privy chamber, and received the 
 honour of knighthood.* And in the 30th year of Henry's 
 reign, he was created one of his principal secretaries of state. 
 ■ Sir Ralph Sadler seems to have been active in the great work 
 of dissolving the religious houses, nor did he miss his share of the 
 spoil. It may be supposed, that his conversion to the Protestant 
 faith was gradual, at least, that his avowal of the reformed tenets 
 did not precede the deathof Henry VllL, who wished to die a 
 catholic, although he seized the supremacy, and plundered the 
 monasteries. A charter of Edward VI., to be hereafter quoted, 
 acquaints us, that Sir Ralph Sadler acquired the advowson of 
 the rectory and church of Kemsey, in Worcestershire ; that of 
 the rectory and church of St Martins, in London, with the 
 manors of Bromley, in Middlesex; Haslengefield, in Cam- 
 bridgeshire ; VV althamstow Tong, in Essex ; Aston, Tinatt, and 
 North Merton, in Berkshire ; with various portions of tythes 
 in Gloucestershire. These grants, extensive as they were, do 
 not seem to comprehend all the lands betowed on Sadler by 
 the liberality of Henry VIH. 
 
 In 1537, Sadler commenced a long course of diplomatic 
 services, by an embassy to Scotland, whose monarch, James V. 
 was then absent in France, where he had just married a daugh- 
 ter of Francis I. The envoy was to greet the dowager queen 
 Margaret, widow of James IV., to strengthen the English in- 
 terest in the councils of regency which governed Scotland, and 
 to discover the probable consequences of the intimate union 
 between France and Scotland. This was an object of greater 
 
 * He is designed Sir Ralpli Sadler, knight, in the will of Henry VIII. The 
 honour conferred on him in the field of battle at Pinkie, consisted in his being 
 elevated to the order of a Banneret. 
 
SIR RALPH SADLER. 
 
 vn 
 
 importance, as, in passing through the northern counties of 
 England, Sadler found them in an unusual state of turbulence, 
 from the consequence of the rebellion, called the Pilgrimage of 
 Grace. The dissatisfaction at the innovations in reliaion was so 
 general, that the town of Newcastle had nearly broken out into 
 open revolt. At no time had peace with Scotland been more 
 essential to the English interest. But the Scottish court was as 
 much divided by aristocratic faction, as England by popular 
 discontent. The clergy, and such of the more powerful nobles 
 as France had thought worthy attaching to her cause, were zea- 
 lous for war with England ; the lesser barons and common peo- 
 ple had already become attached to the Reformation; the queen- 
 dowager was utterly without power; and the continuance of 
 the peace depended upon the resolutions to be adopted by 
 James on his return from France. With this intelligence, Sad- 
 ler returned to England in the beginning of February, 1537. 
 
 Of Sir Ralph Sadler's subsequent embassy in 1539-40, the 
 following collection furnishes us with a particular account. — 
 The ostensible purpose was that of maintaining, in general, a 
 good correspondence between the crowns. But the private 
 instructions of the envoy were, if possible, to separate James 
 from the councils of Beaton, an ambitious prelate, the head 
 of the faction which was favourable to France. For this pur- 
 pose he was instructed to state, that Henry had discovered, 
 among certain letters thrown into his hands by the shipu reck 
 of a vessel near Bamborough, a dangerous plan, by which 
 Beaton designed, under colour of the king's favour, to 
 usurp the whole government of Scotland, and to throw it 
 under the absolute controul of the Pope. In short, the in- 
 structions seem to infer, that Beaton was attempting the same 
 
VIU BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIR OF 
 
 enterprise in Scotland, which Wolsey had ahiiost effected in 
 Henry's own reahn ; and there can be little doubt, that, 
 in describing the danger of entrusting power to such a cha- 
 racter, Henry had the memory of his fallen favourite brought 
 freshly to his recollection. Sadler was further instructed to 
 remonstrate with James on the ceconomy with which he ma- 
 naged his crown lands, by stocking them with flocks of sheep, 
 and to hold out to him a worthier and more kingly source of 
 revenue in the overgrown possessions of the church, which lay 
 at his mercy. And, on the whole, he was directed to persuade 
 the Scottish monarch, if possible, to imitate his uncle's con- 
 duct towards the see of Rome, and to make common cause 
 with England against France. 
 
 James received Sadler with marks of distinction and kind- 
 ness ; but the reasoning of his uncle made but slight impression 
 on his mind. His high spirit revolted at the dictatorial mode 
 in which these counsels Avere conveyed ; he weighed the pro- 
 fuse liberality of Francis I. against the niggard present of a 
 set of horses with which Sadler presented him in the name of 
 his sovereign ; he respected the talents and learning of the 
 catholic clergy, who alone of his subjects had the education 
 necessary to assist his councils ; he preferred deriving from 
 the churches voluntary donation, such subsidies as his affairs 
 might require, to the odium of seizing upon her possessions, 
 and he resolved to adhere to the faith of his forefathers. It 
 was in vain that Sadler enlarged upon the corruptions of the 
 clergy in manners and doctrine ; the king mildly replied, 
 " God forbid, if a few be not good, for them all the rest be 
 destroyed !" James disdained any intention of joining France 
 
 5 
 
SIK RALPH SADLER. ix 
 
 in a league against England, but turned a deaf ear to the charge 
 of treachery, which Sadler, according to his masters command, 
 prefeired against his minister. A meeting with Ilcnrj was 
 Avarmly pressed by Sadler, and politely evaded by the Scottish 
 monarch, who was well aware, that a sovereign ought not to 
 meet his superior in power, unless he was prepared to subscribe 
 to whatever should be required of him ; and Sir Ralph left 
 the Scottish court without material success in any part of his 
 mission. In the course of this year, his patron Cromwell was 
 disgraced and beheaded ; but his fall was attended by no ill 
 consequences to Sadler, whose interest now rested on his iu- 
 dividual merit. 
 
 In 1541, Sadler was sent upon another embassy to Scot- 
 land, concerning which we have less distinct information. 
 Its general scope was to detach James from the Pope and ca- 
 tholic clergy, whose practices Henry pronoimred to be so won- 
 derous, that " one might be lightly led by the nose and bear 
 their yoke, yet, for blindness, not know what he doth." lie was 
 instructed again to press upon James the propriety of a perso- 
 nal meeting, to which the Scottish king gave a dubious con- 
 sent. * The good sense and moderation which James exhibit- 
 ed during discussions of so delicate a nature, rendered him wor- 
 thy of a more enlightened age, and of a better fate. 
 
 In 1542, the fatal battle, or rather rout of Solway, took 
 place, in which atliousand Scottish prisoners, comprehend- 
 ing Glencairn, Cassilis, Maxwell, Somerville, and other nobles 
 of the highest rank, fell into the hands of a small band of Eno-- 
 
 * Pinkeiton's History, vol. i. p. 374. 
 VOL. I. b 
 
X BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIR 01" 
 
 lisli Borderers, who had approached the Scottish host, rather to 
 observe their motions, than with any purpose of assault. By 
 this disgraceful event, the heart of James V^. was literally 
 broken, and he died, leaving the crown to his daughter Mary, 
 a new-born infant, whose misfortunes began in her cradle, 
 and accompanied her, with little intermission, to her grave. 
 In this crisis Henry formed a plan, equally moderate and saga- 
 cious, of uniting the two kingdoms by alliance, rather than 
 conquest. For this purpose, he treated with kindness and 
 liberality the Scottish prisoners, whom the success at Solway 
 had placed in his power, and heaped favours upon the earl of 
 Angus, the head of the house of Douglas, who, with his kins- 
 men, had long found refuge in England from the wrath of James 
 v., and was now about to return to Scotland in consequence 
 of his death. To these nobles, the captives, as well as the 
 Douglasses, the English monarch entrusted a scheme of a 
 marriage to be contracted between the infant queen of Scot- 
 land and the youthful Edward, his son and heir. Henry ap- 
 pears to have received from all the strongest assurances, that 
 they would support, with their utmost power, this proposition 
 so soon as it should be made to the Scottish parliament. Not 
 satisfied with these protestations, he took from the captives 
 pledges and hostages for their returning to captivity upon his 
 summons; and dismissed them much in the situation, though 
 unanimated by the spirit, of the Roman Regulus, With 
 them the earl of Angus and the Douglasses returned to Scot- 
 land, after an exile of fifteen years. 
 
 With them, also. Sir Ralph Sadler came to Scotland, in the 
 character of ambassador of England, for achieving this im- 
 
SIR RALPH SADLER. ^[ 
 
 portant match. The prudence and art with which he con- 
 ducted the negociation, as well as the real advantages which 
 it held forth to Scotland, might, in any other country and cir- 
 cumstances, have secured its success. But he had to contend 
 with the prejudices which centuries of war had engraved in the 
 bosom of the Scottish nation; prejudices so deep and uncon- 
 querable, that one of their most enlightened statesmen* used to 
 Sadler these strong expressions of the national abhorrence of an 
 English match: " Our nation, being a stout nation, will never 
 agree to have an Englishman to be king of Scotland ; and though 
 the whole nobility of the realm would consent to it, the com- 
 mon people, the women with their distaffs, and the very stones in 
 the street, would rise up and rebel against it." The impatient, 
 haughty, and furious temper of king Henry, added to the ob- 
 stacles which the ambassador had to encounter. His parsi- 
 mony gave still further embarrassment. It is easy to perceive, 
 that Henry reckoned almost solely upon the gratitude of the 
 prisoners to whom he had given temporary freedom, and of 
 the Douglasses whom he had protected in banishment; and 
 that he disrelished the idea, suggested by Sadler, of refreshing, 
 by new acts of generosity, their recollection of former favours. 
 Threats, expostulation, and upbraiding, were arguments which 
 Henry held to be cheaper and more efficacious, than working 
 by gifts and promises upon the poverty and avarice of the 
 Scottish nobility. By this course, which Sadler vainly depre- 
 cated, the party which he had formed among that body be- 
 came daily more doubtful, and the stern remonstrances of the 
 
 * Sir Adam Otterburn. See vol. ii. p. 325. 
 
XU BIOGEAPHICAL MEMOIR OF 
 
 English monarch only tended still farther to alienate them from 
 his interest. On the other hand, the address of Sadler was 
 counterbalanced by that of cardinal Beaton, who availed him- 
 self of every obstacle which the prejudices of the Scots, the 
 imbccillity of the regent, the impatience of Henry, and the 
 liberality of France, afforded against the English treaty. Yet, 
 under all these disadvantages, a hollow league was agreed to, 
 by which the Scots agreed to send their sovereign into England, 
 so soon as she should attain the age of ten years ; and in the 
 mean Avhile, six hostages, of the first rank, were to be delivered 
 to the English monarch, as pledges for the fulfilment of the 
 treaty. This alliance was hardly ratified, ere it became ob- 
 vious that it could never be carried into effect. The earls of 
 Huntley, Argyle, Lennox, and Bothwell, Lord Home, and 
 the Laird of Buccleuch, took up arms openly against the go- 
 vernor. The imprudent detention of some Scottish vessels in the 
 ports of England, excited the irritable multitude of Edinburgh 
 to fury against their new ally. Sadler's situation became at 
 once embarrassing and dangerous, and he narrowly escaped 
 assassination, a musquet being discharged at him while walk- 
 ing in his garden. The governor secretly meditated a revolt 
 from the party of England, and used many devices to prevail 
 on the ambassador to retire from Scotland. It was in vain 
 that Sadler made him the most flattering offers, even so far as 
 to propose that the regent should marry one of Henry's daugh- 
 ters, and become king of all Scotland beyond the Forth. 
 From the regent's reply to this extravagant proposal, it seems 
 plain, that a gratuity of a thousand pounds would have been 
 much more acceptable than the vague hopes which it im- 
 
SIP. RALPH SADLER. XHl 
 
 plied. But this Sadler durst not promise. To the Doug- 
 lasses, and to that diminished part of the Solway captives, 
 who still pretended adherence to England, Sadler oflered an 
 auxiliary army of English. But they replied, that the name 
 of England was so utterly detested by their countrymen, 
 that their own friends and followers would to a man desert 
 them, were they to accept of such odious aid. In fine, the 
 regent, who had on the 25th of August, 1543, ratified the 
 treaty with England, did, upon the 3d of September follow- 
 ing, altogether renounce that alUance, and unite himself to 
 the cardinal, and those nobles who were in arms, to oppose it. 
 Even the patience of Sadler gave way, when he beheld 
 the party who had so strongly vowed to maintain the interest 
 of England melt away like a snowball ; and he expresses his 
 cordial wish and expectation that his majesty would shortly 
 correct the untruth and folly of the Scottish, and prayed that 
 he might either be recalled, or permitted to take refuse in 
 some strong-hold belonging to the Douglasses, who still main^ 
 tained their friendship with England. Tliis permission being 
 at length obtained, he left Edinburgh and retired to Tantallon, 
 a strong castle in East Lothian, belonging to the earl of Anous. 
 Here he abode for several weeks, better pleased with his 
 lodging for its strength and security, than in point of accom- 
 modation ; and returned to England about the bcpinnino- of 
 December 1543, the precursor of a Scottish war, in which 
 the destruction of Leith by the earl of Hartford, and a de- 
 solating succession of incursions on the frontiers by Evers and 
 Latoun, avenged the perfidy of the regent. 
 
 Although Sadler had totally failed in the object of his env 
 
XIV BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIR OF 
 
 bassy, the skill and patience with which he had conducted 
 the negociation, maintained, and even raised him in the esteem 
 of his sovereign. Upon the death of Henry VIII., in 1547, 
 it was found that he had bequeathed the care of his son and 
 of the realm to sixteen of his nobility and counsellors, to 
 Avhom he nominated a privy council of twelve persons. In 
 this last number Sadler was included by the title of Sir Ralph 
 Sadleyr, knight, and he was further distinguished by a legacy 
 of 2001. As the last instructions of the king to his council 
 contained a warm recommendation to prosecute the Scottish 
 match ; there can be little doubt that Sadler was recommend- 
 ed to this high trust and honour, as well by his intimate ac- 
 quaintance with the atfairs of Scotland, as by the other qualities 
 which had acquired Henry's confidence. It would seem he 
 was present with the executors when the will was opened and 
 read, and an oath taken faithfully to discharge the trust which 
 it imposed. But a great innovation was almost immediately 
 made upon the form of government, so solemnly ratified, by 
 the elevation of the earl of Hartford, afterwards duke of 
 Somerset, to be Protector of the realm. In order to reconcile 
 the rest of the king's executors to this pre-eminence, wealth 
 and honours were conferred on them Avith no sparing hand ; 
 they were named counsellors to the protector, and a commis- 
 sion was issued under the great seal, to warrant this new form 
 of government, in which, however, the privy counsellors were rai- 
 sed to the same rank with the executors ; and power was granted 
 to the protector to assume any other commissioners whom he 
 should think fit. The special gratification destined for Sir 
 Ralph Sadler upon these changes, seems to have been a con- 
 
SIR RALPH SADLER. XV 
 
 firmation of the large grants of church lands formerly assigned 
 to him by Henry, with splendid additions. There is said to be 
 an illuminated deed in existence, in which Sadler is painted 
 on his knees, receiving from Henry and Edward a grant of all 
 the church lands, on which the town of Clifton, near Bristol, 
 now stands, and extending down to the Severn. It would seem 
 from the indenture below quoted, that various exchanges were 
 made between the crown and Sir Ralph Sadler, all doubtless 
 to the advantage of the grantee. * 
 
 * " Whereas, our clear father, king Henry VIII., by indenture under the great 
 seal of Court of Augmentation, dated Westminster, 10th March, >'i 1st year, grant- 
 ed to Anthony Southwell, of his household gentlemen, inter alia, AUesborough, 
 Grange, and certain other lands, containing 279 acres in the whole, being the 
 demeasne lands of late monastery of Pershore, in Worcestershire, and lying with- 
 in parishes of Pershore; and also 197 acres of pasture and meadow land, lying 
 in Pershore and Flodbury, part of possessions of said monastery for 21 years, 
 paying annually for same and scite of said late monastery, 27l. 18s. 7|d. 
 
 And said king, by another indenture dated 15th April, 32d year, granted to 
 Richard Randall of London, inter alia, the sheepcote of Cotesden, county Glou- 
 cester, late reserved and occupied by abbot and convent of Wynchelcombe, in 
 said county; together with manor of Roweli, and the tythes of said sheepcote, 
 Rowell, and HaUing, in said county for 21 years, paying annually 30l. 6s. 8d. 
 
 And said king, by another indenture dated 10th October, 3 1st year, granted 
 to Michael Cameswell, gentleman, Whitmore Grange, with houses, lands, 8cc. 
 within said Grange, containing 181 acres, and four acres in Whitmore Park, 
 lately belonging to the dissolved monastery of the blessed Mary in Coventry, for 
 21 years, paying annually 15l. 8s. 4d. 
 
 And said king, by another indenture dated 12th April, 32d year, granted to 
 Anthony Denny, Esq. the manor of Nasing orNasingbury, in Esse.\, belonging to 
 late monastery of Waltham Holy-cross, in said county, certain lands there also, 
 and the rectory of Nasing for 21 years, paying annually 31 1. 18s. 
 
 And said king, in consideration of 661. 13s. 4d. paid into the Augmentation 
 
XVI BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIR OF 
 
 The war with Scotland had been rather suspended than 
 closed by a short peace, and hostilities with France being 
 now ended, the protector and his council, resolving to resume 
 the subject of the Scottish match, dispatched a solemn 
 summons, rcfjuiring the fulfilment of the treaty formerly con- 
 cluded under the conduct of Sir Ralph Sadler. Upon a blunt 
 
 Court, by aforesaid Anthony Denny, granted to him by his patent, dated 28th 
 September, sGth year, the reversion of said manor and rectory of Nasing before 
 demised, for 35 years more, paying as before. 
 
 Know ye, Sec. that in consideration of tlie rectory and church of Kemsey, in 
 county of Worcester, with the advowson of same granted " by our faithful servant, 
 Ralph Sadleyr, knight, one of the gentlemen of our Privy Chamber, to our most 
 dear father," sealed with his seal, and dated IQth September, 38th Henry 
 VIII. and the advowson of rectory and church of St Martin in London, in like 
 manner given by said K. S. to our said father, dated 1st January, 38th year; and 
 in consideration of the manors of Bromele}-, in Middlesex, Haslingefeld, in Cam- 
 bridgeshire, Walthamstow Tong, in Essex, Aston-Tinall and North Morton, in 
 Berkshire, diverse portions of tytlies in Gloucestershire, and all other messuages, 
 lands, tenements, &c. to us by said R. S. granted by indenture, dated 10th June, 
 1st vear, " and for the performance and fulfilment of the testament and last will 
 of our said father," and for 500 merks paid to our said father by R, S., and for 
 18371. Is. 8d. paid by said R. S. into our Augmentation Court to our use; we 
 have given and granted to R. S. the reversion and reversions of all the said pre- 
 mises in aforesaid indentures expressed, together with all the profits, &c. therein 
 reserved. We give also the manor of Stoke Episcopi, or Bishopstoke, in county 
 Gloucester, late part of possessions of Bishop of Worcester, the manor of Hein- 
 bury Salt Marsh, in said county, the hundred, liberties and franchises of Hein- 
 bury, late part of possessions of Bishop of Worcester, Sned Park and Pen Park, 
 in said county, late belonging to Bishop of Worcester, with all rights, deer war- 
 "rens, &c. and the advowson of vicarage of Hcinbury, with all manner of rights 
 and privileges to said above grants in any wise appertaining, [enumerated through 
 about 50 lines of original] 
 
 We give also the manor of Swynnyng, in county Gloucester, late appertaining 
 
 10 
 
SIR RALPH SADLER. ^vii 
 
 and unqualified refusal, the protector prepared to invade Scot- 
 land at the head of an army of between 12,000 and 13,000 iu- 
 fentry, 1300 men at arms, and 2800 light horsemen, all ex- 
 
 to monastery of Wyiicliclcombe, together with certain lands, a grove and wood, 
 late to same monastery belonging, with the great and small tythes, within said' 
 manor. Also, the lordship and manor of AUesborough, in county Worcester, 
 late belonging to Persiiore monastery, with all hamlets, lands, tythes, &c. there-' 
 in, save certain exceptions. Also, the manor of Olveston, in county Gloucester, 
 late possession of Priory of Bath. 
 
 And certain lands in Waltham aforesaid, parcel of the possessions of late Mar- 
 quis of Exeter, and Gertrude, his wife, lately attainted of high treason. Also, 
 certain lands called Cussoners, in A^^altham, the scite, &c. of the cjuire of the 
 Carmelites Church, in Coventry, and the church-yard of Carmelites Church, in 
 Fleet-Street, London, with the rectory of Welford,in county Gloucester. 
 
 [Now follows a particular enumeration of all the grants before recited, both in 
 the indentures and otherwise, with much additional minutia;, and various ampli- 
 fications, and in at least loOhnes is granted in the fullest manner, all manner of 
 rights and privileges, in any ways appertaining thereto enjoyed by former pos- 
 sessors.] 
 
 Which same lordships or manors of Bishopstoke and Heinbury, and premises 
 thereunto belonging, are now extended at the clear annual value of 1 igl. 14s. ixd. 
 the 10s. not deducted. 
 
 Mansion in Stroude, &c. lOl. Manor Twynnying and Upham, 7ll. 2s. 7d. 
 Manor of Attesborough, and other premises in Attesborough, Streynsham, Flad- 
 bury, and Pershore, 79l. 12s. 2d. Attesborough Grange and demeasne lands of 
 Pershore, lOl. 7s. Ufd. Manor of Olueston, 211. 12s. ofd. Manor of Rowell, 
 &c. 291. 63. 8d. Whitmore Grange, &c. 121. 8s. 4d. Messuage lands and tene- 
 ments in Slackstede, late monastery of Hyde, in county Southampton, gl. 9s. 5|d. 
 Manor or Farm of Woodredon, late monastery of Waltham Cross, 81. Manor 
 of Sewardston, 8cc. 271. 4s. lOd. Manor and rectory of Nasing, 311. 18s. Lands 
 in Waltham, late Marquis of Exeter, and Gertrude, his wife, 61. Cussoners 
 Lands, 351. Soil, scite, &c. of church of Carmelites in Coventry, 6s. 8d. and 
 Church-yard Carmelites in London, 201. 
 
 VOL. I. C 
 
XVm BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIR OF 
 
 cellently appoinled, and perfectly disciplined. Sir Ralph Sad- 
 ler held the important post of treasurer to this gallant army; 
 and from his accounts, which the reader will find in page 355, 
 it appears, that the expenses of maintaining and paying the 
 forces from the first of August till the 20th of November, 1547, 
 amounted to 45,9121. 12s. sterling. 
 
 It was at the head of this army that Somerset gained the 
 bloody and decisive battle of Pinkie, over the numerous, but 
 
 To have, hold, &c. in capite by service of twentieth part of a knight's fee, and 
 to render annually to us, and our successors, as follows, viz. For Bishopstoke, 
 111. IQs. 5d. Twynnyng, 7l. 2s 3id. Attesborough, 71. 19s. 3d. Attesborough 
 Grange, ll.0s.9id. Olveston, 2l. 3s, 3d. Slackstede, I8s. llfd. Whitmore, 
 Il.4s. led. Woodredon, l6s. Seweardson, 2l. 14s. 5id. Nasing, 3l. 3s. 9id. and 
 the Messuage in Stroude, and scites of two Carmelite churches or church-yards 
 in Burgage. 
 
 [Then follow sundry exceptions and reservations for corrodies, pensions, col- 
 lectors of rents, wardens charges, &c. — the latter are specified, and amount to 
 lOl. 13s. 8d.] 
 
 Witness ourselves at Westminster, SOth June, (1st year.) 
 
 This is first found in the amplified grant of Bishopstoke, Heinbury, &,c. late 
 possessions of Bishop of Worcester, in following words : " And also all that ca- 
 pital messuage or mansion, with the appurtenences, situate and being in the pa- 
 rish of Stroude, near London, late parcel of the possessions of said Bishop of 
 Worcester, and all and singular lands, tenements, edifices, stables, gardens, or- 
 chards, 8cc. and also all and singular other messuages, &c. &c. lying and being 
 in Stroude aforesaid, late parcel of the possessions of said Bishop of Worcester." 
 The original instrument occupies 25 sheets. For this abstract of its contents, I am 
 indebted to Thomas Sharpe, Esq. of Coventry. Other grants to Sir Ralph Sad- 
 ler are mentioned in Dugdale's " Warwickshire," Dr Thomas's edition, pages 186, 
 300, 487, 52G. All tending to shew, how deeply he participated in the spoils 
 acquired by the sweeping work of reformation. 
 
SIR RALPH SADLER. xix 
 
 ill disciplined, feudal array of Scotland. In this battle, Sir 
 Ralph Sadler distinguished himself both for his conduct and 
 gallantry, in so much, that he was raised to the degree of 
 Knight Banneret, on the field of battle, llie particular ser- 
 vices which procured him this honourable distinction, appear 
 to have been, the activity which he displayed in rallying the 
 English cavalry, when repulsed by the Scottish spearmen at 
 the beginning of the conflict, * and, according to tradition, his 
 seizing, with his own hand, the royal standard of Scotland. 
 A tall standard pole, plated with iron as high as a horse- 
 man's sword could reach, long remained beside his tomb. It 
 was believed to have been the staff from which the Scottish 
 banner Avas displayed, and was appealed to for the truth of 
 the tradition. -j- 
 
 The rank to which Sir Ralph Sadler was thus raised from 
 the degree of Knight Bachelor, may be called the very 
 pinnacle of chivalry. Knight Bannerets could only be cre- 
 ated by the king himself, or, which was very rare, by a gene- 
 ral vested with such powers as to represent his person. They 
 were dubbed before or after a battle, in which the royal 
 standard was displayed ; and the person so to be honoured be- 
 ing brought before the king, led by two distinguished knights 
 
 * " In the baUle of Muscleborow, he ordered to be brought up our scattered 
 troops, next degree to a route, inviting them to fight by his own example." Ful- 
 ler's Worthies, p. 183. 
 
 •j- I do not find that Patten, the minute historian of Somerset's expedition, 
 mentions this exploit of Sir Ralph Sadler, nor indeed the capture of the royal 
 standard of Scotland. Neither does he commemorate his being created knight 
 banneret; of which, however, there can be no doubt, as it is mentioned in king 
 Edward's own Journal. 
 
 12 
 
XX BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIR OF 
 
 or nobles, presented to the sovereign his pennon, having an in- 
 denture like a swallow's tail at the extremity. * The king then 
 cut off the forked extremity, rendering the banner square, in 
 
 * The shape of the banner originally determined the number of followers, 
 whom the leader commanded ; and a banneret was expected to lead into the 
 field ten vassals, each properly attended. The most lively description of the 
 creation of a banneret occurs in Froissart's Account of the Battle of Najara, 
 fought by the Black Prince against Henry of Castile. " When the sun was ri- 
 sen, it was a beautiful sight to view these battalions, with their brilliant armour 
 glittering with iis beams. In this manner, they nearly approached to each other. 
 The prince, with a few attendants, mounted a small hill, and saw very clearly the 
 enemy marching straight towards them. Upon descending this hill, he extend- 
 ed his line of battle in the plain, and then halted. 
 
 " The Spaniards seeing the English had halted, did the same, in order of bat- 
 tle : then each man tighiened his armour, and made ready as for instant com- 
 bat. 
 
 " Sir John Chandos advanced in front of the battalions, with his banner unca- 
 sed in his hand. He presented it to the prince, saying: * My lord, here is my 
 banner : I present it to you, that I may display it in whatever manner shall be 
 most agreeable to you; for, thanks to God, I have now sufficient lands that will 
 enable me so to do, and maintain the rank which it ought to hold.' 
 
 " The prince Don Pedro being present, took the banner in his hands, which 
 was blazoned with a sharp stake gules on a field argent : after having cut oflf the 
 tail to make it square, he displayed it, and, returning it to him by the handle, 
 said : ' Sir John, I return you your banner. God give you strength and honor 
 to preserve it.' 
 
 " Upon this, sir John left the prince, went back with the banner in his hand, 
 and said to them : ' Gentlemen, behold my banner and yours; you will there- 
 fore guard it as becomes you.' His companions, taking the banner, replied with 
 much cheerfulness, that ' if it pleased God and St George, they would defend it 
 well, and act worthily of it, to the utmost of their abilities.' 
 
 " The banner was put into the hands of a worthy English squire, called Wil- 
 liam Allestry, who bore it with honor that day, and loyally acquitted himself in 
 the service." Johnes's f/wssar^, I. 731. 
 
SIR UALPH SADLER. xxi 
 
 shape similar to that of a baron, which, thereafter, the knight 
 banneret might display in every pitched field, in that more 
 noble form. If created by the king, the banneret took prece- 
 dence of all other knights; but if by a general, only of knights 
 of the Bath and knights Bachelors. Sir Francis Brian, com- 
 mander of the light horsemen, and Sir Ralph Vane, lieutenant 
 of the men at arms, received this honour with our Sir Ralph 
 Sadler on the field of Pinkie. But he survived his companions, 
 and is said to have been the last knight banneret of Enoland. 
 
 I have discovered no trace of Sir Ralph Sadler's being em- 
 ployed in public affairs during the rest of Edward's short 
 reign. He unquestionably retained his place in the coun- 
 cil ; and in a grant dated 4th Edward VI. and quoted by 
 Dugdale, in his " Warwickshire," he is termed " then master 
 of the great wardrobe." His prudence, probably, prevented 
 him from attaching himself zealously to any of the factions, 
 whose strife and mutual hatred disturbed the quiet of their 
 amiable sovereign, excited rebellion among his people, and 
 lost all the advantage his arms had gained in the battle of 
 Pinkie. 
 
 In the reign of Philip and Mary, it would seem that Sir 
 Ralph Sadler retired to his estate near Hackney. A courtier, 
 who had risen under the auspices of Cromwell, and partici- 
 pated so largely in the spoils of the church of Rome, must 
 have been no favourite with the existing government. Ac- 
 cordingly, he resigned his oflice of clerk of the Hamper to 
 propitiate Archbishop Heath, then chancellor, * and per-' 
 
 ♦ Vol. I. p. 370. 
 1 
 
KXll BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIR OF 
 
 haps made other concessions, of the nature and extent of 
 which we are now ignorant. Yet we have positive evidence, 
 that Sir Ralph Sadler was so far from being in absolute 
 disgrace, that he was, in some degree, trusted by the sove- 
 reign, even during this reign. For there are two letters from 
 INIarj, printed in the following collection, empowering and 
 commanding Sir Ralph Sadler to arm and equip as many able 
 men as he could maintain, and to keep them ready upon an 
 hour's notice, for the suppression of popular tumults. It is 
 probable that, notwithstanding this proof of confidence, Sir 
 Ralph Sadler did not think his prosperity secure till the acces- 
 sion of queen Elizabeth. 
 
 So soon as this event took place, he was called to the privy 
 covmcil of his new sovereign, and, until the day of his death, 
 retained a great portion of her regard and esteem ; no man 
 being more frequently employed by Elizabeth in services of 
 the highest trust and importance. He was a member of 
 her first parliament, and continued to be a representative of 
 the people in most, if not all, the sessions of her reign. At 
 the end of this work, there are several notes of his speeches in 
 the House of Commons, and at the Council Board, full of en- 
 ergy and good sense ; and although usually on the side of the 
 court, yet expressed with becoming independence. The first 
 diplomatic office in which he was engaged, during this reign, 
 was of great consequence, and its success paved the Avay for 
 the absolute influence which Elizabeth afterwards obtained 
 in the affairs of Scotland ; an influence Avhich all the blood 
 and treasure expended by her ancestors to conquer that king- 
 
SIR KALPH SADLER. XxiU 
 
 dom had utterly failed to acquire. The Reformatiou had 
 now made such progress in that kingdom, tliat a league of 
 Protestant nobles took arms, to secure the liberty of con- 
 science, under the title of Lords of the Congregation. Mary 
 of Lorraine, queen dowager, and now regeut, endeavour- 
 ed, by the assistance of French forces and French money, 
 to suppress this insurrection. Both parties became embitter- 
 ed against each other, and it was obvious, that a final and de- 
 cisive conflict was not far distant. In this, the sagacity of 
 Cecil saw that the queen regent, armed with legal authority, 
 supported by disciplined forces, and furnished from France 
 with means of paying them, must ultimately prevail over a 
 league who had only rehgious zeal, and the tumultuary assem- 
 blage of their feudal retainers, to oppose against such advan- 
 tages. But Scotland, if reduced to the situation of a French 
 province, and ruled by a catholic queen, who boasted some 
 pretensions to the throne of Elizabeth, must have been a most 
 inauspicious neighbour to England. *^ -Jt was therefore re- 
 solved to support the protestant nobility in their struggle with 
 the queen regent ; but with such secrecy^; as neither to bring 
 upon the Lords of the Congregation the odium of being the 
 friends and pensioners of England, nor to engage Elizabeth 
 in an open war with her sister and rival. 
 
 To manage the intrigues necessary for the successful execu- 
 tion of this plan, it was necessary an accredited agent should 
 
 * See Cecil's reasoning on this subject, as extracted by Bishop Keith, from 
 Crawford of Drumsoy's Memorials, Vol. I. p. l68t 
 
XXIV BlOGllAPHICAL MEMOIR OF 
 
 be sen* to tlie frontier. With this view, ;i commission was 
 granted to i,])e earl of Northumberland, Sir Ralph Sadler, and 
 Sir James Crofts, lo settle certain disputes concerning Border 
 matters, with comniissioners, to be named by the queen-regent 
 of Scotland, and to direct the repairs proposed to l)c made 
 on the fortifications of Berwick, and otiier Border fortresses. 
 But the object was only lo furnish osiei^ible reasons for Sad- 
 ler making a long stay in the town of Berwick, whence lie 
 could most easily correspond with the Lords oj the Congrega- 
 tion. By his private instructions in Cecil's hand- v. riling, he 
 was empowered to treat with any manner of person in Scot- 
 land, to distribute money as he should think proper to the 
 extent of L. 3000, always with such discretion and secrecy, as 
 not to impair the peace lately concluded with Scotland. The 
 use of the earl of Northumberland's name in the general com- 
 mission was merely ostensible. As that nobleman professed the 
 Catliolic religion, he would have been in every respect an im- 
 proper agent in behalf of the Lords of the Congregation. 
 But Sadler appears to have reposed unlimited confidence in 
 Sir James Crofts, the other commissioner. 
 
 Sadler opened and carried on the negotiation with his usual 
 ability, of Avhich the numerous letters now offered to the pub- 
 lic afford an interesting proof. But notwithstanding repeated 
 supplies of money, it became gradually more and more ob- 
 vious, that the aid of England must 'appear in the decided 
 shape of auxiliary forces, if the Lords of the Congregation 
 were to be saved from destruction. For this purpose, the duke 
 of Norfolk was sent to Berwick to conclude an open and avow- 
 
SIR RALPH SADLER. xXV 
 
 ed treaty with the Scottish protestants. But although the de- 
 putation of a person of such high rank gav'e a higher degree 
 of solemnity to the negotiation, it continued chiefly to be ma- 
 naged by Sir Ralph Sadler, whose name, as well as that ot the 
 duke, appears in most of the letters to the council. Indeed, 
 the duke, in his instructions, was repeatedly enjoined to use the 
 council of Sir Ralph Sadler rather than of any military man, 
 as the queen still entertained hopes that hostilities might be 
 prevented. * When the auxiliary army under Lord Gray had 
 entered Scotland, and besieged the French troops of the queen- 
 regent in the town of-Leith, Elizabeth directed the duke of 
 Norfolk to send Sir Ralph Sadler to the camp, in hopes that 
 he might be able to treat with the regent, and at the same 
 time to remove from the mind of the protestants all suspicion, 
 that their interest would be sacrificed to obtain peace, -f- Ac- 
 cordingly, in April I06O, Sadler appears to have joined the 
 army before Leith. On the 5th day of May, the earl of Arran, 
 then a leader of the Congregation, writes to Cecil, that the ar- 
 rival of Sir Ralph Sadler had restored their spirits, j^ He wit- 
 nessed the disastrous consequences of a rash assault made up- 
 on Leith by the English, in which they lost many men. 
 Above all, he had probably a principal share in the treaty of 
 Leith, so highly honourable to Elizabeth, by which she stipu- 
 lated for her Sco1;tish allies the security of their religion, liber- 
 ty, and possessions ; and for herself, a full acknowledgment of 
 her right to the crown of England. The garrison of Leith 
 
 * None of these letters have been reprinted in this collection, as they arc 
 already to be found in that of Murdin and Haynes. 
 
 t Murdin, Vol. I. p. 286. % Ibid. p. 303. 
 
 VOL. I. d 
 
XXVI BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIR OP 
 
 was surrendered, and ihe French governor regaled the leaders 
 of the besiegers with a teast of fifty dishes composed out of 
 one dead horse; a circumstance which marks national manners, 
 as well as the extremity to which the place was reduced. 
 
 It does not appear how Sir Ralph Sadler was employed du- 
 ring the five succeeding years, or whether he had any duty to 
 discharge besides that of a privy counsellor. But there can be 
 no doubt that he continued to maintain his place in Eliza- 
 beth's opinion, since, in the 10th year of her reign, he was cre- 
 ated chancellor of the duchy of Lancaster, vacant by the 
 death of Sir Ambrose Cave, and was employed in matters of 
 even higher delicacy and weight, than had been yet intrusted 
 to his care. 
 
 In 1508, when Elizabeth had determined to treat a fugitive 
 princess, who had tied to her for protection, as an accused cri- 
 minal, and had named commissioners to hear the cause of queen 
 Mary pleaded at York, Sir Ralph Sadler was conjoined with 
 the duke of Norfolk and earl of Sussex, in order to compose 
 that extraordinary tribunal. Indeed, of the three, be seems to 
 have been most trusted ; for so soon as the mode in which the 
 enquiry was conducted gave reason to believe that Norfolk 
 meant to discountenance the accusation, Sadler was ordered 
 to court to give an account of their proceedings. He was also 
 a member of the new commission which sat at Westminster for 
 the same purpose. 
 
 Meanwhile, the effects of Norfolk's intrigues began to be 
 apparent. The earls of Westmoreland and Northumberland, 
 relying upon the co-operation of the duke, and of the an- 
 cient nobility, openly took arms for the deliverance of queen 
 Mary, and the restoration of the catholic religion. An army 
 
SIR RALPH SADLER. XXvii 
 
 was speedily levied against thera, under the command of the 
 earl of Sussex, and Sir Ralph Sadler again occupied the situa- 
 tion of treasurer, or paymaster-general. It is not improbable, 
 that his presence was considered as a check upon Sussex, who, 
 besides his rivalry with the favourite Leicester, lay under a cer- 
 tain degree of suspicion from his alliance with Norfolk. But 
 the letters of Sadler, whose intelligence was doubtless relied 
 upon by Elizabeth and her ministers, were in the highest de- 
 gree favourable to Sussex. After suppression of the rebellion, 
 the insurgent earls, with some of their principal followers, re- 
 treated into Scotland. Northumberland fell into the power 
 of the regent Murray ; but Westmoreland being sheltered by 
 the laird of Ferniherst, Sadler employed a person named Ro- 
 bert Constable, a relation of the unfortunate fugitive, to se- 
 duce him to come back to England, under the promise of pro- 
 tection, and then to deliver him up to the severity of the law. 
 The person to whom this negociation was entrusted was by 
 birth a gentleman, although his family was then stained by 
 treason, as afterwards by regicide * But his quality did not 
 prevent him from undertaking this treacherous commission, as 
 the thirst of lucre could not, on the other hand, altogether 
 subdue his own sense of the infamy of his conduct. And be- 
 tween avarice, hypocrisy, and remorse, his letters to Sadler 
 form a most extraordinary picture of guilt contending with 
 shame. The answers of Sir Ralph are remarkable, as disdain- 
 ing to qualify the infamy of the task otherwise than by in- 
 creasing the bribe. He treats Constable as the traitor he had 
 
 * See Volume II. p. 337. nole. 
 
XXVm BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIR OF 
 
 made himself; and, appealing only to his avarice, makes no 
 capitulation with his feelings whatsoever. But fortunately for 
 Westmoreland, the negociation was unsuccessful. 
 
 After the northern army was disbanded, we find Sir Ralph 
 Sadler, in l()7'2, employed as one of the commissioners for exa- 
 mining the Duke of Norfolk, lately his coadjutor in trusts of 
 a similar nature. The issue of the enquiry was the trial and 
 execution of the unfortunate nobleman. 
 
 In 1578, James of Scotland, who had now taken the reins 
 of government into his own hands, desirous to propitiate a 
 counsellor, whose assistance had been so often used in affairs 
 concerning his kingdom, honoured Sir Ralph Sadler with a let- 
 ter, in which he thanks him for the care he had always exhi- 
 bited, to maintain a good understanding between England and 
 Scotland, and recouunends to his good offices, an ambassador, 
 whom he had dispatched to his dearest sister, queen Elizabeth. 
 Meanwhile, James's dearest mother was drawing out a miser- 
 able existence in exile and imprisonment, under the custody 
 of George Earl of Shrewsbury, whose castle was converted 
 into a prison, his servants into guards, his porter into a turn- 
 key, his wife into a spy, and himself into a jailor, to gratify the 
 ever-waking jealousy of queen Elizabeth. It was a hard part 
 of this nobleman's fate, that the most assiduous attention to 
 his charge, joined to all these personal sacrifices, were insuffi- 
 cient to procure him the favour of the sovereign, who had con- 
 demned him to this odious task. Elizabeth seems to have 
 involuntarily attributed such fascination to her rival, that she 
 suspected the fidelity of all who came within the reach of her 
 
 attraction. The queen of England had also the attribute of 
 
 7 
 
SIR RALPH SADLER. xxix 
 
 many proud spirits, who hate those who possess t1ie power of 
 injuring them, even when the}"^ display no inchnation to use it; 
 and to her no danger could have been so alaruiing as the treach- 
 ery of Mary's guardians. * To make assurance yet more sure, 
 she repeatedly dispatched different counsellors to her captive, 
 as well to watch the demeanour of Shrewsbury himself, and the 
 order of his household, as to try, under some plausible pretext 
 of treaty, what secrets could be extracted from the unfortunate 
 Mary. Sir Ralph Sadler was thus employed more than once. 
 In 1580, after repeated intreaties to be relieved of a trust, 
 so hateful in itself, and which subjected him to constant sus- 
 picion, Shrewsbury was permitted to come to court, and recei- 
 
 * See Lodge's Illustrations, in many places, but particularly, vol. 2. p. 244» 
 where the ingenious editor supplies tiie following note : 
 
 " Anxious for his fidelity, and dreading the escape of his wretched prisoner 
 as the greatest misfortune that could befall her, we might reasonably suppose 
 that she would have loaded him with her bounty ; that his very wishes would 
 have been anticipated, and no means neglected to attach him more firmly to 
 her interest: but he experienced a treatment directly contrary The queen 
 not onl}' suspected him, but was continually imparting her suspicions to him- 
 self; refused him the comfort of seeing his own children; made herself a party 
 against him in a dispute between him and the Countess, which had given him 
 great uneasiness ; espoused the cause of his factious tenants at the council board ; 
 denied him access to her presence ; and, to complete his inconveniencies, at 
 last diminished an allowance granted to defray the necessary charges attend- 
 ing his trust, though the sum was originally so scanty, as to require an addi- 
 tion from his own purse. This little narrative would appear absolutely incre- 
 dible, were it not supported, in every circumstance, by the evidence of these 
 papers. What Elizabeth's motives were for so strange, and apparently so im- 
 politic a conduct, is a question that defies all conjecture ; Shrewsbury's obe- 
 dience, however, could have been dictated only by those enthusiastic senti- 
 ments of loyalty, which were not unfrequent in the days of absolute monarchy." 
 
XXX BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIR 01 
 
 ved from Elizabeth a promise, that the custody of Mary should 
 be intrusted to some other person. During his absence. Sir 
 Ralph Sadler, and Sir Henry Mildmay, were appointed her 
 temporary guardians. Ashby de la Zouche, the castle of the 
 Earl of fluntingdon, and Mil bourne castle, were alternately 
 named as the place of her residence, to which she was to be 
 conducted with secrecy, avoiding market towns, or any place 
 of public resort, and travelling by other ways than the common 
 high road. The commissioners were also empowered to seize up- 
 on all Mary's letters and correspondence, if necessary, by break- 
 ing open her cabinets, and other places where they might be 
 found. But this branch of the " good and honourable service in- 
 trusted to them," was not performed till long after. Neither did 
 the proposed change of captivity take place, Shrewsbury con- 
 tinuing to have the custody of Queen Mary till the year 1584. 
 He was then again permitted to come to court, and by the 
 Queen and council formally declared free from all suspicion, 
 and of unblemished fidelity in his charge. Meanwhile Sir Ralph 
 Sadler supplied his place, as governor of the garrison of sol- 
 diers, Avhom the Earl was forced to maintain, to keep watch 
 and ward in his castle of Wingfield, though he could hardly 
 extort from Elizabeth money to pay their wages. The unfor- 
 tunate prisoner expressed herself gratified, that the custody of 
 her person had devolved upon an ancient counsellor, formerly 
 of her acquaintance ; and in her communications with him, 
 urged every argument to obtain, either liberty, or at least 
 some relaxation of her imprisonment. Among others of similar 
 tendency, the following singular conversation is reported by 
 Sadler to have passed between them. 
 
SIR RALPH SADLER. XXXi 
 
 " Here falling into other talk, she asked me whether I thouo-lu 
 she would escape from hence or no, if she might. I answer- 
 ed plainly, I believed she would ; for it is natural for every 
 thing to seek liberty, that is kept in strait subjection. No, by 
 my trothe, quod she, ye are deceived in me ; for my heart is so 
 great, that 1 had rather die in this sort with honour than run 
 away with shame. I said I would be sorry to see the trial. 
 Then she asked me, if she were at liberty with the queen's ma- 
 jesty's favour, whither I thought she would go. I think, quod 
 I, madam, you Avould go to your own in Scotland, as it is good 
 reason, and command there. It is true, quod she, I would go 
 thither indeed, but only to see my son, and to give him good 
 counsel. But unless her majesty would give her countenance 
 and some maintenance in England, would go into France, and 
 live there among her friends with that little portion she hath 
 there, and never trouble herself with government again, nor 
 dispose herself to marry any more, seeing she had a son that is 
 a man; but said she would never stay long there, nor would 
 govern where she hath received so many evil treatments : for 
 her heart could not abide to look upon those folk that had 
 done her that evil, being her subjects ; whereof there are yet 
 many remaining ; for I had told her that they were almost all 
 dead. Ever in her talk beseeching her majesty to make a trial 
 of her, that with some honourable end she may live the rest of 
 her days out of this captivity, as she termeth it." 
 
 This conversation seems to have made such impression on 
 Sadler, that in a subsequent letter, after observing that he saw 
 no end to the matter, but by the lady's death, which was not 
 to be looked for, for many years, or by her being set at liber- 
 
XXXll BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIR OF 
 
 ty on treaty, he ventures obliquely to recommend the lat- 
 ter alternative. The possibility of anticipating the course of 
 nature, never seems to have occurred to him. * 
 
 The letters of Sir Ralph frequently conclude with allusions 
 to his old age, and the severity of the season, which he repeat- 
 edly urges as reasons for relieving him of his charge ; until 
 Elizabeth honoured him with a letter under her own hand, 
 promising speedily to grant his request, but in the mean while 
 enjoining " old trust, with new diligence." -j- To add to his 
 distresses, about the middle of December the castle of Wing- 
 field, the abode of a captive queen, and of this aged counsel- 
 lor her guardian, esteemed the richest commoner in England, 
 was threatened with nothing less than a famine. Sadler writes, 
 that besides lack of victuals and drink, there was no wood to 
 burn, and no litter or forage to be had for his horses. This 
 seems to have been in some degree an artificial scarcity, raised 
 or increased by the Earl of Shrewsbury's retainers, by the pri- 
 vate instructions of their master, who longed to see his castle 
 delivered of these unwelcome guests, and judiciously thought, 
 that famine and cold were the most likely means to hasten 
 their change of residence. In the midst of January, 1584-5, 
 Mary was removed to the castle of Tutbury, then empty of 
 furniture, a want afterwards supplied with such scandalous and 
 beggarly parsimony, as to draw down a rebuke, even from the 
 economical Elizabeth. Two circumstances happened, one in 
 the course of the journey, and the other while Mary abode at 
 Tutbury, illustrative of the jealous care with which even Sir 
 
 * Vol. III. p. 174. flbid. p. 218. 
 
SIR RALPH SADLER. XXXiii 
 
 Ralph Sadler's guardianship of Mary was Avatched by the spies 
 of Elizabeth. In their lodgings at Derby, Avhere Mary halted 
 for a night, the Scottish queen went courteously up to the mis- 
 tress of the house, and saluted her, saying, she was come to give 
 her inconvenience, but, as they were both widows, they would 
 agree well enough, having no husbands to trouble them. For 
 permitting this intercourse of ordinary civility, and for ha- 
 ving used the common high-road in their journey to Tut- 
 bury, Sir Ralph's conduct was so reported at court, as to 
 render it necessary that he should justify himself.* A more hea- 
 vy complaint against him, was afterwards grounded on his ha- 
 ving permitted Mary to accompany him at some distance from 
 the castle of Tutbury, to enjoy the sport of hawking. This last 
 instance of suspicion and cruelty, seems to have driven Sadler 
 to the extremity of his patience, as it produced rather an ex- 
 postulation than an apology. He admitted he had sent for his 
 hawks and falconers to divert " the miserable life" which 
 he passed at Tutbury, and that he had been unable to re- 
 sist the solicitation of the prisoner, to permit her to see a 
 sport in which she greatly delighted. But he adds, that this 
 was under the strictest precautions for security of her person. 
 And he declares to the secretary, that rather than continue a 
 charge which subjected him to such misconstruction, were it 
 not more for fear of offending the queen than dread of the 
 punishment, he would abandon his present charge on condi- 
 tion of surrendering liimself prisoner to the Tower for all the 
 days of his life ; and concludes, that he is so weary of this Ufe, 
 
 * Vol. III. p. 262. 
 VOL. I. e 
 
XXXIV BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIR OF 
 
 that death itself would make him most happy. To Walsing- 
 ham he used yet stronger obtestations. " I could not omit to 
 write, only to render mine humble thanks unto your lordship 
 for your careful solicitation of my deliverance from this charge, 
 wherein I beseech your lordship down in the bowels of our 
 Lord Jesus Christ, to continue your goodness towards me, be- 
 ing now overwhelmed with care, sorrow, and grief, whereunto 
 your lordship knoweth that wayward age is always subject, 
 being restrained from the liberty accustomed, trusting that 
 her majesty will have pity and compassion upon me, and now, 
 in respect of my years, will deliver me, according to her most 
 gracious promise." The queen was, at length, pleased to lis- 
 ten to the supplications of her aged servant, and Mary was 
 committed to the custody of her last and sternest keepers, 
 Drurie and Paulett. 
 
 In 1587, the talents of Sadler were, for the last time, em- 
 ployed in the public service, for he was in that year dispatch- 
 ed to Scotland. As it was about the period of Queen Mary's 
 execution, Elizabeth probably trusted to his sagacity and well 
 known acquaintance with Scottish affairs, to assist in dissua- 
 ding James from taking any measures to avenge his mother's 
 death. The counsels of Sadler, we may presume, joined with 
 the letters of Hunsden, Leicester, and Walsingham, soothed 
 the ambition, and wrought on the pusillanimity of James, un- 
 til all thoughts of vengeance were lost in the prospect of the 
 English succession. 
 
 It was during Sadler's last embassy in Scotland, according 
 to Fuller, that a magnificent structure was erected for his re- 
 sidence upon the manor of Standon, in Hertfordshire. But 
 
SIR RALPH SADLER. XXXV 
 
 when Sir Ralph rclurned, he tliought his steward had exceeded 
 liis wishes in the size and extent of the buikling, and never 
 took much pleasure in it.* 'I'hc period of his labours, as well 
 as of his splendour, was now approaching ; for he died soon after 
 his return from Scotland, in the year of God 1607, and the 
 eightieth of a life, spent in conducting transactions of the 
 highest national importance. He was buried under a splen- 
 did monument in Standon church, of which the reader will 
 find an engraving in this work, and some description in the 
 Appendix. 
 
 Sir Ralph Sadler died rich both in possessions and lineage. 
 A genealogical account of his descendants will be found in 
 the Appendix. The extent of his lands obtained him the cha- 
 racter of the richest commoner of England, and, although 
 Queen Eli;^abeth was as parsimonious in bestowing titles of 
 nobility, as her successor was profuse, it is probable that Sir 
 Ralph Sadler might have gained that rank, had he been de- 
 sirous of aspiring to it. But from various minute circumstan- 
 ces in the following volumes, as well as from the uniform fa- 
 vour which he enjoyed during so many reigns, we are enabled 
 to collect, that the prudence of this statesman was greater 
 than his ambition. In his negotiations, nothing is more re- 
 markable than the accuracy with which he calculates the 
 
 * This house is now in ruins. On the marriage of the first Lord Aston with 
 the o-rand-daughter of Sir Ralph, it became the family seat of the Astons, and 
 continued so for many generations, till the middle of the last century, when it 
 was sold along with the manor and estate ; and being deserted and neglected, 
 it fell into decay, and is now almost completely demolished. A view of it in its 
 entire state may be seen in Chauncy's History of Hertfordshire, 
 
 12 
 
XXXVl BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIR OF 
 
 means to be used, in relation to the end to be obtained ; and 
 in pursuit of his fortune he seems no less heedfully to have 
 proportioned his object to his capacity of gaining it with ho- 
 nour and safety. The story of the manor house at Standon, 
 shews that his moderation accompanied him to the grave ; as 
 his high employments during the very year of his death, prove 
 that his talents remained unclouded to the last. The follow- 
 ing papers, relating almost entirely to public transactions, do 
 not enable us to draw an accurate picture of the individual, 
 although they display in the highest degree the talents of the 
 statesman. But this deficiency is in some measure supplied 
 by the industry of Lloyd, who has left the following charac- 
 ter of Sir Ralph Sadler among his State Worthies. 
 
 " King Henry understood two things : 1. A man : 2. A dish 
 of meat ; and was seldom deceived in either : For a man, none 
 more complete than Sir Ralph [Sadler,] who was at once a most 
 exquisite writer, and a most valiant and experienced soldier ; 
 qualifications that seldom meet, (so great is the distance be- 
 tween the sword and the pen, the coat of mail and the gown,) 
 yet divided this ra an and his time ; his night being devoted 
 to contemplation, and his days to action. Little was his bo- 
 dy, but great his soul ; the more vigorous, the more contract- 
 ed. Quick and clear were his thoughts, speedy and resolute 
 his performances. It was he that could not endure the spend- 
 ing of that time in designing one action, which might perform 
 two ; or that delay in performing two, that might have design- 
 ed twenty. A great estate he got honestly, and spent nobly ; 
 knowing that princes honour them most, that have most; and 
 ihc people them only that employ most: A prince hath more 
 
SIR RALPH SADLER. XXXVil 
 
 reason to fear money that is spent, than that which is horded ; 
 for it is easier for subjects to oppose a prince by applause than 
 by armies. Reward (said Sir Ralph when he was offered a sum of 
 money)should notcmpty the king's coffers; neither should riches 
 be the pay of worth, which are merely the wages of labour : He 
 that gives it, embaseth a man ; he that takes it vilifieth him- 
 self: who is so most rewarded is least. Since honour hath lost 
 the value of a reward, men have lost the merit of virtue, and 
 both become mercenary ; men lusting rather after the wealth 
 that buyeth, than after the qualities that deserve it. 
 
 " Two things, he observed, broke treaties; jealousy, when 
 princes are successful ; and fear, when they are unfortunate. 
 Power, that hath need of none, makes all confederacies, either 
 when it is felt, or when it is feared, or when it is envied. 
 
 " Three things Cato repented of; 1. That he went by water 
 when he might go by land ; 2. That he trusted a woman with 
 a secret; 3. That he lost time. Two things Sir Ralph re- 
 lented for: 1. That he had communicated a secret to two. 
 2. That he had lost any hour of the morning between four a 
 clock and ten. 
 
 " He learned in king Henry the Eighth's time, as Cromwell's 
 instrument, what he must advise (in point of religion) in Queen 
 Elizabeth's time, as an eminent counsellour : His maxim be- 
 ing this, that zeal was the duty of a private breast, and modera- 
 tion the interest of a publick state. The Protestants, Sir Ralph's 
 conscience would have in the commencement of Queen Eliza- 
 beth, kept in hope ; the Papists, his prudence would not liave 
 cast into despair. It was a maxim at that time in another 
 
XXX-VIU BIOGRAPnrCAI. MF.ArOlR OF 
 
 case, that France should not presume, nor Spain be despe- 
 rate. ' 
 
 " He saw the interest of this state altered six times, and 
 died an honest man : the ciown put upon four heads, yet 
 he continued a faithful subject: religion changed, as to the 
 publick constitution of it, five times, yet he kept the faith. 
 
 " A Spartan one day boasted, that his countrymen had been 
 often buried in Athens ; the Athenian replied ; but we are most 
 of us buried at home. So great was Sir Ralph's success in the 
 Northern wars, that many a Scotchman found his grave in 
 England; so exact his conduct and wariness, that few Eng- 
 lishmen had theirs in Scotland ; the same ground giving them 
 their coffin, that did their cradle ; and their birth, that did their 
 death. Our knight's two incomparable qualities, were disci- 
 pline and intelligence ; the last discovered him all the enemies 
 advantages, and the first gave them none. 
 
 " His two main designs were, 1. An interest in his prince, 
 by service ; 2. An alliance with the nobility by marriage : up- 
 on which two bottoms he raised himself to that pitch of ho- 
 nour and estate, that time could not wear out, nor any altera- 
 tions embezzle; he bequeathing to his worshipful posterity the 
 blessing of heaven upon his integrity ; the love of mankind for 
 his worth ; and (as Mr Fuller saith) a pardon granted him when 
 he attended my lord Cromwell at Rome, for the sins of his fa- 
 mily for three immediate generations, (expiring in R. Sadler, 
 Esquire, lately dead.) His last negotiation was that in Scot- 
 land, during the troubles there about Queen Mary : So search- 
 ino" and pearcing he was, that no letter or adviso passed, where- 
 of he had not a copy ; so civil and obliging, that there was no 
 
SIR RALPH SADLER. XXxix 
 
 party that had not a kindness for him ; so grave and sohd, thai 
 he was present at all counsels; so close and unseen, that his 
 hand, though unseen, was in every motion of that state : and 
 so successful!, that he left the nobility so divided, that they 
 could not design any thing upon the king ; and the king so 
 weak, that he could not cast off' the queen ; and all so totter- 
 ing, that they must depend on Queen Elizabeth. 
 
 " Three things he bequeathed such as may the honour to 
 succeed him, 1. All letters that concerned him since of years, 
 filed ; 2, All occurrences, since he was capable of observation, 
 registred ; 3. All expenses, since he lived of himself, booked. 
 Epaminondas was the first Grecian, and Sir Ralph Sadler was 
 one of the last Englishmen."* Lloyd's State Worthies, p. 95. 
 
 * Of the first of these legacies bequeathed by Sir Ralph Sadler, the public 
 now enjoys the benefit by means of this publication ; the loss of the second is 
 matter of deep regret. 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND 
 
 IN 
 
 1539-40. 
 
 VOL. I. 
 
Henry VHI. being desirous of cultivating a good understanding with Im Nephew 
 James V. of Scotland, dispatched Sir Ralph Sadler to the Scottish court in 1539-40. 
 His ostensible commissian related to matters of compliment and courtesy ; but, by 
 his private instructions, he was directed to imtill into James suspicions against Car- 
 dinal Bethuue, then his prime-minister. This leading point being gained, the Eng- 
 lish monarch seems to have hoped that James might be induced to imitate his un- 
 cle's conduct, and to seize upon the lands and property of the church. It was ob- 
 viously of the highest consequence to England that the Reformation of Britain 
 should be general, since Scotland, while Catholic, was both a troublesome and dan- 
 gerous neighbour. 
 
LETTERS AND NEGOTIATIONS 
 
 OF 
 
 SIR RALPH SADLER, &c. 
 
 Instructions given by the Kings Highness to his trusty and well beloved 
 Servant Ralph Sadler, owe of the Gentlemen of his Graces Privy- 
 Chamber, whom his Majesty sendeth at this Time into Scotland, for 
 the Purposes ensuing. 
 
 Henry Rex. 
 
 TiRST, his majesty's pleasure is, That the said Ralph Sadler, taking 
 with him all such letters, instructions, and writings, as be prepared for 
 his dispatch, shall, with convenient diligence, address himself to the 
 king of Scots, wheresoever the same shall chance to be within his 
 realm or dominions of Scotland ; and, at his access to the presence of 
 the same, he shall deliver unto him the king's majesty's letters of cre- 
 dence, with his most hearty commendations : and for his credence he 
 shall say, That the king's majesty perceiving, as well by his sundry let- 
 ters lately sent unto his highness, as by the reports and advertisements 
 of his grace's deputy-wardens and officers upon his borders foieancnt 
 Scotland, that the said king of Scots is very well disposed towards jus- 
 
4" EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1539-40. 
 
 tice, and earnestly benl to the conservation of the amity betwixt them, 
 hath thought convenient to signify unto him, that as his higiiness 
 cloth not a little rejoyce thereat, both in respect of the good sequels 
 which must needs follow of the same, and also for that nature cannot 
 but be glad to see such a personage, so nearly in blood conjoyned un- 
 to him, bend himself to that good and virtuous trade, which, in fme, 
 shall redound to his great honour: so his majesty hath sent the said 
 Ralph Sadler unto him, not only to express and declare this his high- 
 ness"s most hearty acceptation of these his good proceedings ; but also, 
 that his highness is of full mind and purpose, both with his good ad- 
 vice and counsel, and by all other means friendly that he can devise or 
 excogitate, so to advance his said well-doings, and to concur with him 
 in the same, that he shall well jierceive that vertue is to be had in prize 
 for herself; and that no friendly and natural behaviour to his majes- 
 ty shall, or can, on his behalf, be pretermitted or forgotten. And 
 forasmuch as his majesty hath perceived of late, that he delighteth 
 nuicli in English geldings, his grace at this time sendeth unto him for 
 
 a token geldings,* which lie desireth him to take in good part, 
 
 heartily praying him friendly and Ijoldly to desire, from time to time, 
 either horses, or any other commodity of this realm, which may be to 
 his pleasure and contentation. And this shall be the sum of that which 
 the said Ralph Sadler shall at his first brunt of his first access utter, 
 saving that when the said king of Scots shall have made his answer, 
 ■which, by all likelyhood, shall be dulce and gentle, he shall in the 
 end of this conference secretly say further unto liim. That he hath 
 some other things of importance to be opened secretly unto him- 
 
 * This gift, though trifliiis; in value, was chosen with some attention to the taste and ha- 
 bits of the Scottisli nioiiaii h. Jaines was himself a gooil horseman, and Lindsay, in iiis 
 " Complaynt," describes the courtiers as striving to amuse him by their feats ot horseman- 
 ship upon the sands of Leith. In 15 1-2, Charles Murray was gratified by a grant of the 
 lands of Kiut;sniuir, in Fife, for his service in procuring great war-horses from abroad ; and 
 in the Royal Letters the same subject often occurs. — Pinkf.kton's History, Vol. IL p. 372. 
 But, in s.eMm^ p,eldings, Henry rather studied the personal pleasure of his nephew, than his 
 patriotic views of improving the .Scottish breed of horses. The number sent was only six. 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1539-40. 5 
 
 self, if It shall please him then to hear them, or rather to give unto him 
 a secret audience at some other time for the utterance of the same. 
 And whether he shall then will him to utter his whole credence, or 
 aj)|)()int him anotlier time for that purpose, before the said Ralph Sad- 
 ler shall utter the same, he shall say, that the things be of such na- 
 ture, and in such wise touch his own honour and surety, that the kin<>-'s 
 majesty hath commanded him, before lie should open the same, to re- 
 quire a promise in honour of him, that it may like him to keep the 
 same secret, and not to disclose them to any person, otherwise nor ac- 
 cording to the friendly devise of the same. And if the said King of 
 Scots will not make such promise to him ; but shall nevertheless sa\', 
 that he would not gladly be so bound by his promise, but that he 
 might o|)en his whole mind to his council, requiring therefore, that the 
 opening of things may be left to his arbitry; the said Ralph shall there- 
 unto reply, That some of the secrets of this commission doth percase 
 touch some of the same council : and what an absurdity and inconve- 
 nience might ensue by the declaration thereof to the same party, his 
 wisdom can weW enough consider. Nevertheless, if all these persAva- 
 sions notwithstanding, he will still continue in terms for his liberty of 
 the opening of it ; the said Ralph shall then desire him, (if he will 
 needs use the matter so,) that it may like him to permit but one or 
 two of his said council to be privy unto it, and that the cardinal be 
 none of them, nor any other which be more affectionate to him than 
 reason would percase require. And being this last point thus at the 
 least obtaineil, he shall then for the rest of his credence open unto him 
 the other three points ensuing. 
 
 The first thing, which the said Ralph Sadler shall declare unto the 
 said king of Scots in this secrecy, (which he shall eftsoons require him 
 to keep very close, unless he shall determine and promise to proceed 
 thereupon to the punishment of them which shall be detected accord- 
 ing to his laws,) is, that it fortuned that a certain subject of his, servitor 
 to the cardinal there, as it was reported, was by tempest driven a-land 
 in the north parts of England, like to be drowned, leaving by chance cer- 
 
6 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 15 39-40. 
 
 tain private letters and copies behind him, which he never repeted ; the 
 same were by the kings majesty's officers sent unto him. In the peru- 
 sing of them, his grace found so strange matter, that he could not 
 otherwise think but that God had sent them into his hands, for the 
 surety and commodity of the said king of Scots. For it appeareth un- 
 to the king's majesty, by a letter of the cardinal's own hand, who, in 
 the world, is reputed his chief counsellor, that, under the colour of 
 serving the king, his master and sovereign lord, he laboureth not only 
 to bring into his own hand the whole spiritual jurisdiction of his realm, 
 but, under the colour of it also, the temporal, taking for cloak the bi- 
 shop of Rome's usurped power, which may serve him for a sword, if he 
 may be so suffered to enjoy the same : so that the just power and au- 
 thority given to the said king of Scots by God, should thereby, in few 
 years, be little or nothing at all. And, for a plain declaration of his in- 
 tent therein, he sheweth himself friend and favourer to his majesty's 
 traitors, devising how to compass himself, by a crafty mean, under the 
 colour of the bishop of Rome's usurped power, to be their judge, to the 
 intent he might deliver them : and all for that he would seem to be 
 a o-ood workman for his chief captain the bishop of Rome. And sure- 
 Iv, beino- of that sort, he is only meet for his service, which meaneth 
 onlv to usurp princes powers, and diminish the same. And as this 
 matter may well shew and declare unto him the crafty and untrue deal- 
 ing of those prelates ; so, by the opening of the same, the said king of 
 Scots may perceive, that the king's majesty doth both love and trust 
 him : for otherwise his majesty knowing to what ruin they labour to 
 bring the state of kings, that they may be rulers of all, and keep them 
 in their own realms as their ministers and deputies, or else by most de- 
 testable and impudent boldness vindicate the deposing of them, and 
 making of new at their pleasure, might have silenced this matter, and 
 suffered it to have grown to a greater inconvenience. But his love to- 
 wards his nephew could not permit it, but rather enforce him to give 
 him this monition, whereby he may prudently obstare principiis ; and 
 with time, leisure, and good advice, work his own remedy, to his 
 
 s 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND TX J539-40. 7 
 
 great honour, and to the great good of his people and countries. And 
 if tlie said king of Scots do receive this matter thankfully, and shew 
 liiniself desirous, either now or hereafter, to take advantage of the 
 said cardinal by it ; then shall the said Ralph Sadler deliver unto him 
 the very original letter of the said cardinal, which he shall carry with 
 him. If he shall seem not much to pass upon it, when he hath heard 
 it read, the said Ralph shall pretend that he hath no commission to de- 
 liver it into his own hands, but only to read it unto him, and instmct 
 him of the purpose thereof, and so to return it again to the king's ma- 
 jesty. 
 
 The second thing whereof his highness thought meet to advertise 
 his good nephew, is, that by some it is bruited, that he should gather 
 into his hands numbers of sheep, and such other vile and mean things, 
 in respect of his estate, being the livings of the poor men, therewith 
 to advance his revenue. Of the whilk thing the said Ralj)h shall say 
 unto him, that the king's majesty hath somewhat advised himself; and 
 considering how, that though the things may be profitable, yet as the 
 kind of profit cannot stand well with the honour of his estate ; so it 
 might be a mean in time to cause his subjects to mutter and mutiny, 
 and to conceive that their livings should be by the great personages 
 there taken from them, when they may therein be born by the like 
 precedent and example of their prince and sovereign ; whereof might 
 ensue some inconveniences. W herefore his majesty would wish and 
 desire, that his good nephew, seeing the untruth and beastly living of 
 those monks, and such other of that kind, as occupy a great part of his 
 realm to the maintenance of their voluptie, and the continual decay of 
 his estate and honour, would rather apply himself by good and politick 
 means to increase his revenue, by taking of some such of their houses and 
 possessions in his hands, as might best be spared, and such of the rest 
 as be most notable, to alter, as his majesty hath done here, and convert 
 into better uses , whereby he shouki well see. that one house so altered 
 should tend more to the honour of God, and to the good order of his 
 realm, than a number of them now doth ; and with tlie same he might 
 
8 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1539-40. 
 
 easily establish his estate in such wise as he should be able to live like 
 a king, and yet meddle not with sheep, and those mean things, which 
 be matter whereupon to occupy the meanest of his people. And if he 
 will hereafter, in this point, work any thing to his commodity, giving 
 us knowledge of his mind therein, we shall not only give unto him our 
 best advice and counsel, but also therein to aid and help him, to bring 
 his good determination to a perfect end and conclusion. Cut, if ever 
 he will do any thing this way, he must keep it very close and secret ; 
 for, if any of his clergy may smell it, they will not fail, either by sug- 
 gesting him to the wars, or by procuring some other prince or poten- 
 tate to make war upon him, or by provoking of inward rebellion and 
 treason, or by one false and untrue mean or other, to keep him in bu- 
 siness and extreme need, or else utterly to destroy him. And there- 
 fore he must in this case (if ever in his life he intend to takeany just 
 advantage of that kind) keep it close in his own heart, making very 
 few, and these tried and trusty, of his council, (for eschewing of the 
 danger, which else thereby might come to his person), to be foreseen 
 therewith, lest if they should savour it, he live not (as the king's ma- 
 jesty trusteth he shall) till he have an hoary head. 
 
 A third thing that his majesty having upon this his most fervent 
 love and zeal to his nephew the said king of Scots, revolved in his re- 
 membrance, is the general state and proceeding of Christendom, which 
 his highness, being an king, hath well observed these thirty years and 
 more, and doth by the same perceive and perfectly see, what difference 
 there is between the honest and politick keeping, using, and living 
 within an man's own limits, with the just consideration of his own 
 quiet and commodity, and the following and satisfying of other mens' 
 fantasies, to their advantages and his damage ; of which conclusion 
 the king of Scots is not ignorant, knowing what displeasure happened 
 to his father, making liimself an other mans instrument, to annoy his 
 own friend and ally in his absence. Wherefore being this amity be- 
 tween his majesty and the said king of Scots so like to increase and 
 grow, as well by the mutual affection on both parties, as by the proxi- 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1539-40. O 
 
 mity of blood in the same, which can by no mean be taken away in 
 such sort, but nature will have her instinct and operation, where too 
 much ingratitude shall not utterly corrupt the same: His hio-hness 
 having his promise of silence, and the friendly hearing and containino- 
 of his friendly advices, cannot but plainly open his heart and stomach 
 unto him, trusting that he M-ill no less thankfully accept his good 
 affection therein, than deeply ponder his said good advices and 
 counsels proceeding from the same, and to descend witli him 
 frankly to the utterance of his graces said affection; his majesty 
 doth wish and desire, and even most heartily require him to weigh and 
 ponder, what prince or potentate in Christendom may stand him in 
 best stead, and at whose hand he may receive greatest comfort, quiet, 
 and benefit. To speak of the emperor, or the French king, Avhich be 
 nearest to us, what can he look for at either, or at both their hands, 
 but fair words and entertainment for a time, as their instrument with 
 his own danger to serve their purposes ? Again, what stay can he think 
 to have, or that either of them would or could stand him in, if at either 
 of their contemplations he should bring himself to be in need of friend- 
 ship and help, by attempting any thing at their desires? Now let him 
 turn over the leaf, and consider, what commodity he may attain by 
 the favour of the king's majesty, if he continue thus loving towards 
 him, and shew himself from time to time desirous further by his deeds 
 to express the same. First, By the continuance of his amity with 
 his highness, he shall be sure to live in rest and quiet, witliout danger 
 of trouble or business. Again, He can reasonably desire nothing of 
 his majesty to his pleasure, honour, and commodity, but he may easily 
 obtain it. Thirdly, His majesty would have him consider, and put in 
 his mind, that he is his grace's nephew, and thereby must have such 
 place in his highness's estimation, (dealing like a nephew towards him,) 
 as if God should call out of this life my lord the prince's grace, (which 
 his mercy forbid,) and that his highness should leave none other child 
 of the queen that now is, or any other lawful wife which he might 
 have hereafter ; his majesty is, by the consent of the whole realm, put 
 
 VOL. I. B 
 
10 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1539-40. 
 
 in such trust for the provision of his successor, as he might of any sort 
 or nation, without exception, at his pleasure name and appoint the 
 same, being thereby in his free-will and power, whether he would in 
 that case name any of his two daugliters, his said nephew, or any other, 
 that for his quality, activity, and kindness to the realm, should be 
 thought expedient. And though his majesty may and shall, by God's 
 grace, have some better store of issue, yet his highness being now well 
 stricken in years, he v/ould not iiave his good nephew to forget, what 
 nature might and peradventure would work in that case, being himself 
 of so good a disposition towards him as he is ; and so that his majesty 
 may perceive, on his part, again such evident arguments of sincere luve 
 and amity, as ought to be for due correspondence; shewing such kind- 
 ness unto his majesty, and also to his people, as should move them to 
 increase and augment their aft'ection towards him, which, by reason of 
 the ancient enmity heretofore, can hardly be pulled out of their stomachs, 
 unless an perfect and open declaration be by him and his shewed now 
 daily from lienceforth to the contrary ; which if it he effectually ex- 
 ecuted, his majesty doubteth not, but verily trusteth, that those old 
 faults shall he neglected and put in oblivion. And this is one point, 
 which only for a perfect declaration of his most intire love and affec- 
 tion, his majesty hath thought meet to open unto himself, to be by 
 him wisely perpended, and throughly digested, and not to be open- 
 ed to any other of his council, till some effect thereof may ensue. 
 To the help and sooner setting forth whereof, his majesty thinketh 
 such a meeting, as in a manner was almost at a point between 
 them, should greatly help and further. And willeth the said king 
 of Scots to think that these things be opened unto him, only for the 
 perfect love and affection which he beareth unto him ; and not be- 
 cause his grace thinketh either the French king, or the emperor, will 
 move him to any such attempt, as should utterly banish him for ever 
 out of the favour of his majesty and the realm, thinking assuredly they 
 -will never do it; but that he may by this both the better take heed 
 to it, if they or any of them should so move him, and also know the 
 
EMBASSV TO SCOTLAND IN 1539-40. H 
 
 affection of his majesty better tlian ever he did, and thereupon so deal 
 and make answer unto his majesty as shall be most meet for his own 
 honour, quiet, commodity, and benefit. 
 
 In the declaration of which things, the said Ralph Sadler shall most 
 diligently noteand observe his countenance, gesture, and fashion, with the 
 very words of his answers as near as he can, and the manner of the speak- 
 ing of the same; that at his return he may the better express the same to 
 the king's majesty, using in his declaration of those secret things a good 
 attemperance, and pithily inculking the king's majesty's affection to- 
 wards him, with the points of his advice which do touch his honour 
 and profit, as before is declared. And if the said king of Scots shall 
 chance, by any occasion, to speak of the king's majesty's fortifications, 
 the said Ralph Sadler shall recount unto him how the same be not 
 only done in those parts, but much more in sundry other parts of the 
 realm, in such sort as England was never the third part so strong, all 
 things considered, as it is at this present. 
 
 And as for those done upon the frontiers foreanents Scotland, they 
 be done not upon any doubt of his good-will, albeit that both in Flan- 
 ders, France, and otherwhere, it hath been bruited, that, look what the 
 French king or emperor did against us, he would do the same; yet his 
 majesty rather believed a bruit made upon the borders, which was, that 
 his good-brother should say, that neither for the French king nor em- 
 peror Avould he break his amity with the king's majesty his uncle; but 
 rather considering he is an mortal man, and at God's will and disposi- 
 tion, as well as he that is much elder, and that yet God had sent him 
 no issue which might corroborate the amity ; his majesty minding to 
 provide in all events, could not leave that part unlooked on ; and if it 
 should so please God, that (as it is aforesaid) he or his posterity should 
 hereafter, by their kind and natural doings, enjoy by our means, for 
 want of issue, (of the preservation whereof we doubt not but he would 
 be most glad,) the crown of this realm, percase he should have cause to 
 pray for his parent that had done so much for him, which his majesty 
 doubteth not but his wisdom will consider accordingly. 
 
12 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1559-40. 
 
 Finally, Tlie said Ralph shall desire the said king of Scots, that he 
 may, on the king's majesty's behalf, salute the queen his wife, to whom 
 at his access he shall do his majesty's most hearty commendations ; de- 
 claring his commission to visit her, and to congratulate the good, vir- 
 tuous, and honourable life, which his majesty heareth to be between 
 her and his good nephew her husband ; of the continuance whereof 
 his grace shall be most glad and joyful, as the proximity of blood be- 
 tween his majesty and the king her husband, with the perfect amity 
 between the same, shall require. And in like manner the said Ralph 
 Sadler shall visit the old queen, the king's majesty's sister, and make to 
 her his highness's most hearty and effectual recommendations ; and 
 shall say to her, his majesty is most desirous to hear of her good health 
 and prosperity, having given unto him a special charge, to bring him 
 perfect advertisement of the same; and shall shew her how that it is 
 also a part of his charge to learn and know how she is used, and how 
 all things go there, which he shall also endeavour himself to learn and 
 know by all other means and ways to him possible, that he may there- 
 of the more certainly advertise tlie king's majesty ; and being these 
 things thus declared, and full answers had to the same, the said Ralph 
 shall take his leave of the king and both queens, and return to his ma- 
 jesty accordingly. 
 
 And where one Dr Hilliard, * late chaplain to the bishop of Dur- 
 ham, hath traiterously withdrawn himself, and fled out of this realm 
 into Scotland, and (as it is said) is abiding with the said Scottish car- 
 dinal; the said Ralph Sadler, after he has declared the premisses, and 
 perceived therein the king of Scots inclination, shall take his opportu- 
 nity to declare unto him, how the said Hilliard is the king's majesty's 
 fugitive and rebel, and how he hath laboured to sow in this realm much 
 sedition : \Mierefore he shall, on his majesty's behalf, require him to 
 cause him be delivered, according to the treaty, into his hands, that 
 he may bring him home with him : And if he can by any means obtain 
 
 * A Roman Catholic divine, who had actively opposed the Reformation, 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1539-40. 13 
 
 him, lie shall hring him with him, having special watch for the sure 
 conveyance of him ; and specially noting in his return, who shall be 
 desirous to talk with him. And if he cannot obtain him, nevertheless 
 he shall with good words sollicit, that he may be delivered to one of 
 the deputy-wardens, as the amity between the king's majesty and the 
 said king of Scots doth require. 
 
 [Here follow the intercepted letters of Cardinal Bethune. j 
 
 A Letter fro}}i Cardinal Bethune to il/r Andrew Oliphant, Vicar 
 of Foulis and Innertig, his agent at Rome, \6th November, 1539. 
 
 Well-beloved clerk, we greet you well. We wrote to you at length 
 penultimo et ultimo Octobris prieteriti, and also in primo hujus mensis 
 instantis Novembris, our mind and direction in every behalf: And sen- 
 syne came home Thomas Hutcheson, cousin to Sir John Duncan, and 
 brought to us a brief from the pope's holiness, and also an writing from 
 the cardinal of Ghinciis, both to one effect, to help and maintain him 
 to the restitution of the possession of the vicarage of Dummany, of 
 the whilk he alledged him spoiled ; and to the same effect brought 
 an brief to the king's grace, and brought with him sundry other 
 wr'tings and directions from the said Duncan, to be used and execute 
 within this realm ; and the kings grace hearing hereof, that the said 
 Hutcheson had come from Duncan, who is rebel to the king's grace, 
 and had assisted to him, was so commoved, that his grace caused to 
 put the said Hutcheson in the castle of Edinburgh, where he is presently, 
 and Alexander Harvy with him as participant of the same crime ; and 
 theiefore, if Duncan would make any wrong report or relation hereof 
 to the pope's holiness, or to the said cardinal of Ghinciis, ye shall shew 
 both to the pope's holiness and the said cardinal, and all others, as the 
 time requires, not to give credence to the said Duncan in this behalf, 
 and shew the great enormities and attemptates he has done and com- 
 
14 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1539-40. 
 
 mitted against the king's grace, his priviledges, and lieges, thir many 
 years bygone, and yet ceases not from tlie same, through the whilk 
 he is denounced rebel and traitour to the king's grace; and because 
 thir men, Ilutcheson and Harvy, are participant with him in his said 
 attemptates, they are holden as said is. And therefore, that ye soUicit 
 that nothing be granted at Duncan's inopportune sollicitation, that 
 may any ways irritate the king's majesty incontrare the liberty of the 
 holy kirk, considering the time is perillous, and regard must be had 
 wisely thereto, and that ye fail not, but that ye be vigilant, and dili- 
 gent hereanent, and advertise us again what bees done in thir behalfs. 
 And ye shalf in likewise shew, that we are labouring at our power to 
 have them freed and put to liberty, pro conservatione libertaiis Eede- 
 siastiae, and to be delivered to us as judge ordinary ; and if any men 
 will accuse them, to be accused before us ; and we believe within short 
 time, to have them freed in this sort, for the conservation of the liber- 
 ty of holy kirk; and shew this writing to Mr James Salmond, that he 
 may concur with you in thir premisses. Attour, Ye shall incontinent 
 get us an brief, that we, as primate of the realm, may bear our cross 
 before us, per tot inn i-egnum Scot ice, et in Diocesi et prov'mcia Glascuensi, 
 ct aliis locis qualitercunque e.vemptis, absque tamen pi'cejudicio exceptionum 
 eanmdem. And that this be expede with all diligence, and that this 
 brief be well extended, and committed, certisjudicibus in partibus, viz. 
 Episcopo et sub-decano Rossensi, ac decano de Restalrig, cum assistentia 
 in eventum, if any of thir exeemed diocesses or persons would alledge, 
 That we should not bear our cross within them, cum derogatioiie excep- 
 tionum earundem ad effectUm deferendi crucem duntaxat, et nan alias, et 
 absque eixeptionum earundein prcejudicio, &c. And remember all other 
 matters committed to you in our last writings, and be diligent in the 
 same. And God keep you. 
 
 David Cardinalis Sti Andrece. 
 At Kelso, ICth November, 1533, 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1539-40. 15' 
 
 And since tlie writing hereof, we have received an great writing of 
 yours, ts urbe, 20 Octob. in Edinbur. 7 hujus Dccembris instantis ; and 
 have considered the same at lengtli in every behalf; and, by the same, 
 understand perfectly your good labour and diligence in every behalf 
 in our matters, conform to the quality of the short time ye have been 
 in court since your arriving there. We have received in like wise our 
 instrument of possession of our title, sub Stephana in Ccelio monte: And 
 in like wise have received our bull of provision thereto, sent to us late- 
 ly by Mr James Salmond ; and have received all other letters and mis- 
 sives ye make mention of in your said letters. As to the matter of le- 
 gation, we desire, and that the king's grace desires to be granted to 
 us; we understand perfectly your diligence with the pope's holiness, 
 and the cardinal of Ghinciis, in that behalf; and how some of our own 
 countrymen have done, and do that they may, by their private infor- 
 mations and persuasions, for their own particular weal, and money that 
 they get in thir parts by particular commissions, in conduct ionibus et 
 locationibus in emphyteosin ; and not having any regard to the common 
 weal of tlie king's grace, his realm, and subjects, to stop and make im- 
 pediments that the said legation be not granted to us. And therefore, 
 in this matter touching the said legation, ye shall have yourself secret 
 from all Scotsmen, and labour thereintil by yourself and others, our 
 friends, viz. by tlie cardinal of Ghinciis, to whom the king's grace and 
 we write presently in that behalf, of the whilk ye shall receive the 
 copy cum prasentibus. And also have written to Monsieur Lymoges 
 Langtak, ambassador there presently for the king of France ; and in 
 like wise to Latinus de Juvenalibus, our good friends, to do for the king's 
 grace effectuous desire in this matter, to have the said legation granted 
 to us. And we assure you, the king's grace has this matter right high 
 in head and mind, for the common weal of this realm and subjects ; 
 and thinks, considering the great parts he keeps to the siege aposto- 
 lick, and obedience thereof, and maintenance of the faith catholick in 
 this his realm, now in this most perillous time, that his grace should 
 not be denied of his just and reasonable desires, whilks tend all utterly 
 
l6 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1539-40. 
 
 to the auctorlzation of the holy siege apostohck, and obedience of the 
 pope's holiness, as head of the kirk catholic. And hereafter, with the 
 first ships, his grace will write of new to the pope's holiness hereupon, 
 that it may be understand perfectly that this legation is desired by his 
 grace specially, and not principally by us. Therefore, do diligence 
 hereintil, as we doubt not but ye will, as ye have begun, and write re- 
 solutely to us hereupon in your first writings. Item, As we wrote of 
 before to you, fail not but ye get perfect knowledge what this our 
 title, sub Stephano, will be in redditibiis to us and our use, conventii et 
 loco sustetitatis, and advertise us thereof cum prhnis. As to the ex- 
 emption of Glasgow, we have received from Mr James Salmond the 
 copy of the supplication thereof; and therefore speed the bulls there- 
 upon, conform to the supplication and mandate we and the archbishop 
 of Glasgow consented to, to the whilk ye were one of the notars ; and 
 see that the said exemption be conform thereto, and send the same to 
 us cum. primis, together with the bull super prce'mserta et nova reforma- 
 tione penes collegium novum, whilk ye write ye shall make sikker and 
 knit fast. And so we pray you fail not to do the same, and stand aw 
 of no man to your devoir in that behalf; for it is our determined mind 
 to put the said erection to profit, and receive execution, and we are 
 doing fast thereupon in cEcliJiciis presently. 
 
 Item, Anent the personage of Esse ; ye know we have given the 
 same by writing of our indult to our cousin Mr Andrew Bethune, per 
 obitum Jominis Sanquhar ; and we have understand, by an writing of 
 Mr James Salmond's, that the same was resigned, and put in tuto ante 
 obitum Joannis Sanquhar, pro quodam ynagistro Jacobo Sanquhar. If so 
 be, fail not to have the writ thereof, and see if the same resignation 
 was admitted ante 2. diem Julii proximh prceteriti, quod eode^n 2. Julii 
 obiit dictus Joannes Sanquhar in partibus, et fait parocho notarius, * &c. 
 As anent all our peaceable matters, do your diligence thereinto ; for 
 ye know the same, and estate thereof, better nor we do ; and therefore 
 
 * Perhaps it should be Protonotarius. 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1539-40. '17 
 
 be vigilant thereanent, and advertise us thereof ami primis, and there- 
 after we shall write our determined mind to you thereintil. 
 
 Item, We pray you fail not to remember partkulariter all our other 
 letters sent to you since our arriving in Scotland, and the contents 
 thereof singidariter ct in singulis, and to speed to us the same, as we 
 have written of before, whilks, with thir presents, all will come to you 
 together, because the winds have been ever contrarious to pass in 
 France since the writing thereof: And, therefore, take good regard 
 and attendance thereto, and do diligence anent the expedition of all 
 our desires contained in the same ; and make the best and most ho- 
 nourable persuasions ye can, or may, to the pope's holiness, to induce 
 liis holiness to the granting of the said legation. And albeit his holi.- 
 ness would make us legate ju.rta dispositionem juris communis, tit paiet 
 de officio legati ; that can do little good in this country to the king's 
 subjects, without we have a special faculty, and as ample and better 
 than our predecessors, as Bishop Andrew Fornian had, whilk was an 
 good faculty for this realm and the kings subjects and lieges, and did 
 sober skaith to the court of Rome, or none worthy to be spoken of. 
 And, further, ye shall commend us to Doctor Wauchop, whom, we 
 understand by your writings, is our good friend. We write presently 
 to him, to do for us and you as ye please to charge him in our name. 
 Remember all other our writings preceding, and this among the lave : 
 And God keep you. 
 
 DaviDj Cardinalis Sti Andre6E. 
 
 Edinburgh, 10th December, 1539. 
 
 A Letter /ro»i Ralph Sadler to the King's Majesty of England, 
 containing the Aiuwer of his Instructions, &c. 
 
 Please it, &c. that I arrived here on Tuesday, the day of 
 
 February ; and the next day after, in the morning, the king of Scots 
 sent Rothesay, one of his heraulds, unto me, to congratulate, in the 
 
 V0L» I. c 
 
16 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1539-40. 
 
 king's name, my coming from your majesty, and to learn of me the 
 good state of your grace's liealth ; and also, to declare unto me, that 
 the king willed him to say, that he minded not to use me as a stran- 
 ger, but as one of his familiars, as he would do all those that apper- 
 tained to the king's majesty, his good uncle : and whensoever I would 
 come to the court, I should be welcome, and have gentle audience at 
 length. I gave thanks accordingly, and answered, that I would that 
 afternoon repair to the court to see the king, and to salute him from 
 your majesty, if it might stand with his pleasure. " Well," quoth the 
 heraiald, " I will go first to the court, and bring you word again by 
 and by, whether it shall be best for you to come thither to-day or not; 
 for," quoth he, " I doubt if the king shall be at leisure." I required 
 him to do so, which he did accordingly ; and within an hour after he 
 came to me again, and said, " That the king's grace, his sovereign, 
 considered my long journey, and tendred so much my travel in the 
 same, that he thought it convenient for me to repose one day after my 
 arrival, and the next day, afore noon, his grace would send for me to 
 come to his presence." I answered, " That whatsoever was his grace's 
 pleasure in that behalf, I was right well content therewith ; neverthe- 
 less, if it had pleased him to have had mine access that day, the travel 
 of my long journey should be no impediment thereof; but yet 1 thank- 
 ed his grace humbly, that it pleased him so much to tender mine ease." 
 " Marry," quoth the herauld, " I assure you ye are right dear unto 
 him, and so be all that come from the king's grace his uncle ; and," 
 quoth he, " his grace hath given an express commandment to the pro- 
 vost of this town, to see you furnished in all things meet and conve- 
 nient for you. Wherefore," quoth he, " call for every thing that ye 
 want, as boldly as ye would do if ye were in England ; for so is the 
 king's pleasure." I answered, " That I was much bound to the king 
 for his gentle remembrance of me ; and that I would not fail to make 
 report of the same to your majesty at my return." So we departed ; 
 and the next day, being Thursday, at nine of the clock before noon, 
 
EMBASSY TO scoTT.AND rx 1639-40. ig 
 
 Sir William Ogilvy,* Captain Borthwick, who is lieutenant of the 
 French king's guard, David Lindesay, chief herauld to the king of 
 Scots,! and Rothesay, came to my lodging ; and, assoon as I heard of 
 them, I sent to require them to take the pain to come to me, whicli 
 they did. And, after salutations and friendly embracings, Sir Walter 
 Ogilvy said, " That the kings grace, his sovereign, had sent him and 
 Captain Borthwick to accompany me to the court to the kings pre- 
 sence; to whom," he said, " I should be right heartily welcome." I 
 thanked humbly the king's grace, and them also of their pains taking, 
 declaring, that I was ready to give mine attendance upon his grace's 
 leisure. They answered, " That the time was convenient, and that 
 they were purposely come for me." Whereupon we went forthwith 
 all together to the court ; and, when we arrived there, they brought 
 me into the chappel, where the king was at mass, and the chappel full 
 as well of noblemen and gentlemen, as bishops, monks, priests, and 
 other. The king kneeled under a cloath of estate without any travel ; 
 and about him kneeled the cardinal, divers bishops, and some noble- 
 men. At mine entry into the chappel, place was made for me through 
 the press, and so was I convoyed up, and placed in a pire, J or seat, 
 even behind the king as he kneeled at mass. When the mass was 
 done, the king arose, and turned him towards me ; and, so soon as he 
 saw me, he came from under his cloath of estate, and full gently em- 
 braced me, and welcomed me. I said, that your majesty commanded 
 me to make your grace's most hearty commendations, and therewith 
 presented unto him your majesty's letters. " Now, I pray you," quoth 
 
 * He is afterwards more correctly named Sir Walter. He was the third baron of the 
 family of Boyne. Captain Borthwick was perhaps Borthwick of Nenthorn, brother to the 
 Lord Borthwick. 
 
 t The celebrated Sir David Lindsay of the Mount, who, according to the conjecture of 
 his biographer, Mr Chalmers, was appointed to that oflTice about April 1531. He is well 
 known as a poet and satirist; and, from his bias to the tenets of the reformers, was proba- 
 bly peculiarly acceptable to Sadler. 
 
 { I cannot assign any derivation to this uncommon word, Ducange interprets Piretum 
 to be a cell containing a fire-place. 
 
J20 EMBASSY TO SCOTT.AWD IN 1.53.9-40. 
 
 he, "how cloth his good grace?" I answered, "That your grace (thank- 
 ed be God) was healthful and merry." " By my truth," quoth he, " I 
 am right heartily glad thereof ;"' and so he began to open your grace's 
 letters, and read them himself; which, when he had read, he suid to 
 me, " The king's grace, mine uncle, refers all to you ; and when ye 
 will ye shall have audience at all times.'' I answered, " That I would 
 willingly attend his grace's best leisure ; nevertheless, I thought it 
 convenient to proceed with him to the congratulation of bis toward- 
 ness in the execution of justice upon the Borders, according to the 
 first part of my instructions, the time and place serving so well as it 
 did, and so began in tliis wise : " Sir," quoth I, '• the king's majesty, 
 Tny sovereign lord, your grace's uncle, hath perceived of late your good 
 inclination to justice, and the good mind and zeal that your grace hath 
 to the conservation and continuance of the amity between both realms 
 of England and Scotland : and considering M'hat good success and se- 
 quel must needs follow of the same, hath commanded me to say unto 
 your grace on his behalf, that as his highness doth greatly rejoice to 
 see so noble a prince, so near of his blood, bend yourself to so good 
 and virtuous a trade, which, in fine, shall redound greatly to your ho- 
 nour ; so his majesty hath sent me to your grace, not only to express 
 unto you his most thankful acceptation of the same, but also to assure 
 your grace, that, for his part, he will so concur and join with you in 
 all things that may tend to the weal of peace, and the conservation 
 of the amity and present unity betwixt his majesty and you, your 
 realms and subjects, in such sort as your grace shall well perceive that 
 he mindeth the same no less than your grace doth ; and whatsoever 
 kindness, or natural behaviour, shall be used towards his majesty on 
 your part, ye may be assured, that the same shall not, on his majesty's 
 behalf, be pretermitted nor forgotten. " Now, by my truth," quoth 
 he, " and whatsoever I can do in the world, as a prince may do with 
 his honour, to please his grace, and for the keeping of the peace and 
 amity between us, I shall ay be sure to do it to the uttermost of my 
 power ; and, for no man alive shall I do that thing that may tend to 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1539-40. 21 
 
 the break of my word and promise made to his grace ; but, whilst I 
 live, I will surely bide by the same; and," quoth he, " I trust his grace 
 will do the like." " Sir," quoth I, " your grace knoweth, that the 
 king's majesty, your uncle, is a prince of honour, and liath great expe- 
 rience of the v/orld, and hath entred in many covenants with sundry 
 great princes ; and yet, I am sure, your grace never heard that ever he 
 gave occasion of break of covenant or treaty with any prince, and so, 
 your grace may be assured, he will not begin at you." " No, on my 
 soul,'' quoth he, " I never doubted it ; and whilst I live I shall not fail 
 to him ; and whatsoever pleasure I can do for his grace, no man alive 
 shall be glader nor I to do it, and thereof his grace may be sure." 
 Which words, I assure your majesty, he expressed in such loving and 
 hearty manner, as to me appeared he thought no less in his heart than 
 he spake with his mouth. 
 
 Furtliermore, I told him, that for as mikle as your grace liad percei- 
 ved that he had some pleasure and delight in English geldings, vour 
 majesty did tlierefore send him for a token six horses and geldings,' 
 which your grace prayed him to take in good part, and friendly and 
 boldly to require either horses or any other commodity of your majes- 
 ty's realm, that might be to his pleasure and contentation. Whereun- 
 to he answered full gently, " That he did most heartily thank your 
 grace ; and that if there were any thing within his realm that might 
 do your grace pleasure, your grace should command it as ye might do 
 within your own realm." At that time your grace's horses were not 
 arriyed ; and so I told the king that they came leisurely after me, and 
 that I looked for them within a day or two at the farthest ; " and," 
 quoth I to him, " when they shall arrive here, upon knowledge of 
 your pleasure, I shall bring them to your presence.' " Well," quoth 
 be, " when you please ye shall be heartily welcome to me at all times."- 
 " Sir," quoth I, " I have other matters of importance to be declared 
 secretly to yourself, but the time and place serveth not now thereto ; 
 wherefore, if it might please your giace to appoint me a more secret 
 audience, I shall most gladly therein attend your best leisure." " Mar- 
 
^ EMBASSY TO SCOTLANO IN 1539-40. 
 
 ly," quoth he, " if it please you to-morrow afore noon I will send for 
 " you ;" and so made me a countenance, and committed me to those 
 that were appointed to keep me company, and so went to his chamber, 
 as they said, to dine. " Then," quoth Captain Borthwick to me, " if 
 ye will tarry here in the chappel any season, ye shall see the queen 
 come to mass." " By my truth," quoth I, " and I have in charge to 
 make the king's majesty my master's hearty commendations to both 
 the queens here, but I have forgotten to ask licence of the king to vi- 
 sit and see them ; and therefore I will not tarry now, but shall take 
 another time for the same." " IVIarry," quoth Captain Borthwick, " I 
 will go tell the king that ye desire that licence, and come to you again 
 immediately with his grace's pleasure therein." And so he went, and 
 came again without long tarrying, and said, " That the queen was 
 something erased, and came not abroad ; and that the king thought it 
 best that I should the next day, or at any other time when I would, 
 visit and see both the queens." Whereupon I departed from the court 
 towards my lodging, accompanied with the said Sir Walter Ogilvy, 
 Captain Borthwick, Lindesay, and Rothesay, who brought me to my 
 lodging, being in the town, and dined there with me. 
 
 The next day, being Friday, between nine and ten afore noon, they 
 came all to me again, and said, " that the king had sent them for me to 
 come to his grace." According whereto I addressed myself with them 
 to the court, and there they brought me again to the chappel, where 
 the queen, the king's wife, was hearing a sermon in French, accompa- 
 nied with a number of ladies and gentlewomen. The king was not 
 there ; but, as I perceived, I was brought there of purpose to see the 
 queen, and to salute her from your grace. I was placed in the same 
 seat that I had the day before ; and when the sermon Mas done. Cap- 
 tain Borthwick told me, " That the king's pleasure was I should speak 
 with the queen." And therewith the chief herauld, Lindesay, went to 
 the queen, and spoke to her what I know not, and then came to me, 
 and said, " That the king had appointed me then to salute the queen, 
 according to my request the day before." Whereupon I repaired to 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1539-40. 23 
 
 her, and said, " That your majesty had given me in charge to make 
 unto her your grace's most hearty commendations, and to congratu- 
 late the good, virtuous, and honourable Ufe between her and her hus- 
 band ; of tiie continuance wliereof your grace would be most joyful and 
 glad, as the proximity of blood between your grace and }our nephew 
 her husband, with the perfect amity between the same, did require." 
 She answered, " That she was much bound to your good grace, that 
 it pleased your majesty to remember her with your grace's recommen- 
 dations, and that she did right humbly thank your grace therefore ; 
 and what she could do to the interest of the amity betwixt the king 
 her husband and your majesty, she would not fail to set forth the same 
 from time to time with all power." I said, " The amity was so per- 
 fect and assured betwixt your majesty and the king her husband, that, 
 with the grace of God, it should remain for ever untouched, and such 
 furtherers thereof as she was, might do great good therein on both 
 parties." She prayed me to make her right humble commendations to 
 your grace again, with assurance, that her good-will to the continu- 
 ance of the amity should not fail by God's grace : and so she dismis- 
 sed me. And immediately after came Rothesay to me, saying, " That 
 the king had sent for me ;" and so I was forthwith brought to the 
 king's presence in his privy-chamber, where his grace took me apart 
 in a windoM', shewing to me right pleasant countenance and cheer, 
 making semblance that he was willing to hear whatsoever I had to 
 say. Whereupon I began to make a brief repetition of that I had 
 spoke to his grace the day before, as well touching his just proceedings 
 on the Borders, (whereto, in effect, he answered as before ;) as also 
 touching your horses, which even then were arrived in Scotland. I 
 told his grace, they would be that night at Leith, within a mile of 
 Edinburgh ; and if it pleased him to appoint the time when he would 
 see them, I would cause them to be brought to his presence. He remit- 
 ted that to my discretion. I said, " that they had an long journey, and 
 therefore if it might stand with his pleasure to respite the sight of them 
 for two or three days, that they might have some rest after their tra- 
 
2i EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1539-40. 
 
 f 
 
 vel, I doubted not but bis grace would like tbem well, M'hen lie should 
 see tbem." He was well content tberewitb, and said, " He was most 
 beholden to your grace of all men alive, and such pleasure as he could 
 do your grace, be was bound to do it." I told him, " That using him- 
 self to your majesty, like a loving and kind nephew, he needed not to 
 want anything wherein your grace might stand him instead." " And 
 by my truth," quoth he, " shall I never do him that fault, whereby he 
 shall justly have occasion to waite me of unkindness whilst I live.'' 
 " Well," quoth I, " I have some matters to be declared to yourself, 
 which be of importance, and they do so nearly touch your own ho- 
 nour and surety, that the king's majesty, your uncle, hath commanded 
 me, afore I should open the same to your grace, to require a promise 
 of your honour, that it may like you to keep the same secret, and not 
 to disclose them to any person, otherwise nor according to the friend- 
 ly device of the same." " Whatsoever," quoth he, " ye shall tell me 
 on the king mine uncle's part, which his grace will have secret, if ever 
 he hear that it pass my mouth again, let me have the blame ; for," 
 quoth he, " I thank God I am not so liberal of my tongue, but I can 
 keep silence as is meet." " Sir," quoth I, " the things touch chiefly 
 your own honour and surety, and therefore it shall behove your grace 
 to look well to it ; and if it may please your grace to make me that 
 promise on your honour, not to disclose them, but in such wise as the 
 king's majesty your uncle doth friendly advise you, I shall open the 
 same unto you."' " Yea, by my truth," quoth he, " I make you that 
 promise with right good will ; and I shall warrand you, ye shall hear 
 no more thereof, for shall I never be found foul of my word or pro- 
 mise to no man while God giveth me grace, which, I trust, shall never 
 fail me." 
 
 " The first thing," quoth I, " that I have to declare unto your grace, 
 my sovereign lord and master the king's majesty, your uncle, requireth 
 you to keep it secret, unless ye shall determme and promise to proceed 
 thereupon, to the punishment of those persons which shall be detected, 
 according to your laws ; and if your grace shall so determine, when 
 
EMBASSY '10 SCOTr.AND IN 1539-40. 26 
 
 ye have heard the matter, then tlie king's majesty, your uncle, is con- 
 tent to leave the opening thereof to your arbitry ; but otherwise his 
 majesty would be loath to seem author of any such thing, if your 
 grace should not weigh it and lake it in lieart, as he doth ; for be yc 
 assured," quoth I, " whatsoever toucheth your grace, or your honour, 
 his majesty weigheth it as his own." Here he seemed to be very de- 
 sirous to know the matter, and said, " I pray you, Avhat is it? for I as- 
 sure you whatsoever he be that doth offend us, or our laws, he shall 
 well know that we stand not in awe to see him punished." " Sir," quoth 
 I, " this is the matter : It fortuned late that a subject of yours being 
 servant, as is reported, to your cardinal here, was, by the rage and tem- 
 pest of the sea, driven a-land in the north parts of England, very like 
 to have been drowned." " Yea," quoth he, " that was Brunstoun, he 
 is now newly come home." " Yes, sir," quoth I, " the king's majesty, 
 my master, had advertised you of the matter afore this time ; but he 
 respited the same until the return of the man, because your grace 
 should both be sure of the parties, and l)e advertised of the matter 
 all at once. This Brunstoun," quoth I, " when he was thus on land, 
 by chance left certain private letters and copies behind him." " No," 
 quoth he, " the letters were taken from him, by the king mine uncle's 
 officers." " Indeed, sir," quoth I, " the letters were found by the king 
 my master's officers, and sent up to his majesty." " Well," quoth he, 
 " it is no force." * Now, and it please your highness, as I past by 
 Bamburgh, I met with John Horseley, captain of the same, who in 
 communication told me, that he had taken a packet of letters from 
 certain Scottish men, which were driven a-land there by tempest, and 
 named the said Brunstoun to be one of them ; and therefore knowing 
 the same by that mean, when the king of Scots told me that the said 
 letters were taken away from the said Brunstoun, I would not wide 
 too far in the defence thereof, but thought to pass it over, and proceed 
 
 * i. e. " It is uo matter." 
 VOL. I. X> 
 
26 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1539-40. 
 
 to the matter as I did, and so said unto his grace, that when the let- 
 ters came unto your majesty's hands, and that your grace liad perused 
 them, there appeared such strange matter in them, that your majesty 
 could no otherwise think, but that God had sent them to your hands 
 for the surety and commodity of his grace ; " for," quoth I, " it appeared 
 unto the king's majesty, your uncle, by a letter subscribed with your 
 cardinal's own hand here, that under colour to serve your grace, being 
 his sovereign lord, he laboureth to bring into his oavu hands, not only 
 the whole spiritual jurisdiction of your realm, but under colour of it 
 also the temporal, taking for cloak the bishop of Rome's usurped 
 power, which may serve him for a sword, if he be suffered to enjoy 
 the same ; so that the just power and authority given you by God, as 
 to a king, should thereby in few years be little or nothing at all. And, 
 sir, for a plain declaration of his intent herein, he sheweth himself to 
 be a friend and fautor of your grace's traitours, devising how to com- 
 pass himself by a crafty mean, under the colour of the bishop of 
 Rome's power, to be their judge, to the intent he might deliver them." 
 " Which traitours, I pray you," quoth he? " IMarry, sir," quoth I, " as 
 I conceive by the cardinal's said letters, your grace committed to 
 ward one Hutcheson, and one Harvy, for their treasons and offences 
 committed against your grace, and to these your cardinal seemeth to 
 be a great friend ; and as it shall evidently appear to your grace 
 by his letter, he deviseth to make himself their judge, to the 
 intent he would deliver them, and all for that he would seem 
 to be a good work-man for his chief captain the bishop of Rome, 
 for whose service he is only meet ; Avhich meaneth nothing else, 
 than to usurp princes powers, and to diminish the same. And," 
 quoth I, " as this matter may declare unto you the crafty dealing of 
 those prelates ; so by the opening thereof, your grace may well perceive 
 that the king's majesty, your uncle, doth both love and trust you, and 
 wisheth to God that your grace knew so well as he doth, to what 
 ruin those prelates do labour to bring the state of kings, that they may 
 
 8 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1539-40. gy 
 
 be ruleis of all, and keep princes in their own realms as their ministers 
 and deputies, or else by most detestable and impudent boldness vindi- 
 cate the deposing of them, and making of new at their pleasure." In 
 the declaration hereof, I observed well his countenance, and perceived 
 that he gave me an attentive car ; and somewhile looked very steadily 
 on me, and with grave countenance ; somewhile he bit the lip, and 
 bowed his head; and when I had said, and awaited what he would say, 
 he answered those words ; " By my truth," (juoth he, " there are two 
 laws, the spiritual law, and the temporal : The cure of the one pertain- 
 eth to the pope's holiness and the spirituality; the other to kings, 
 princes, and the temporality ; and, for my part, I trust I shall do my 
 duty to God in the discharge of such things as pertain to the temporal 
 power, within my office and rule within this realm. But as for the 
 spiritual law, in good faith we take no regard thereof, but commit that 
 to the pope's holiness, and other ordinary ministers of the kirk within 
 our realm." " Sir," quoth I, " it may please your grace to consider, 
 that God hath called you to be a king, and hath not only committed 
 unto your charge to see his laws executed within your office and realm, 
 as supreme head tliereof ; but also hath put the sword into your hands, 
 for the punishment and reformation of the transgressours of the same. 
 And thinks your grace, that if the ministers of the spiritual laws with- 
 in your realm, for that they know your grace taketh no regard thereof, 
 shall not do their duty, so that your people in their default shall perish 
 for lack of justice, and run headlong in blindness and ignorance of 
 God's word, for lack of doctrine and due preaching of the same by 
 your prelates and clergy of your realm ; think you," quoth I, " that in 
 that case, if your grace do not your kingly office to redress the same^ 
 and appoint every man to serve in his vocation, that ye shall not yield 
 a just reckoning thereof unto God?" " Marry," quoth he, " I trust 
 God shall give me grace to do my duty to him ; and whatsoever he be 
 in Scotland, that we may know doth not his duty, both in the execu- 
 tion of God's laws above all, and also in the ministration of indift'erent 
 
28 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1539-40. 
 
 justice to our lieges ; by God," quoth he, " if we may know him, we 
 shall not lett to punish him, be he spiritual or temporal, in such ways 
 as appertains ; and that (ye shall trow me,) they know all full well. 
 But by my truth," quoth he, " I thank God, Scotland was never in 
 better love and obedience to no king of the same, than they are unto 
 me ; and I dare say, that there is no man in Scotland, high nor low, 
 but will do willingly and gladly, whatsoever is my will and command- 
 ment. For," (juoth he, " they do both love and dread me. And for 
 this matter, which the king, mine uncle, hath advertised me of touching 
 this cardinal, ye shall well know, that if he hath, or shall in any ways 
 offend our laws, we shall not stand awe of any man to punish him as 
 he merits. But," quoth he, " I know not, but that he wrote to Rome 
 to his agent there, for the procuring of a legation ; which, in good 
 faith, should be a benelit to our subjects, and we also did write to the 
 pope's holiness in the same." " Sir," quoth I, " the king's majesty, my 
 master, hatli sent with me the original letter of the said cardinal, to 
 the intent I should read the same to your grace, whereby ye shall per- 
 ceive all his crafty pretence. And,'' quoth I, " if your grace will see 
 the letter, I have it here ready, and will myself read it unto you." 
 " No," quoth he, " keep the letter still, we will take another time for 
 it;" and that he spake to me very softly, which I think he did, be- 
 cause the cardinal was present in the chamber. And again he said, 
 " Let this matter pass at this time, we shall talk more of it at our next 
 meeting." 
 
 Then thought I it best to enter with him in another matter, 
 being the second part of my instructions ; and according thereto I told 
 his grace, That like as your majesty could hear of nothing that should 
 touch his honour, esteeming the same as your own, so your grace 
 could not contain such things as your majesty had heard bruited of 
 him, wherein very love and affection forced your highness friendly to 
 counsel and advise. " By my truth," (juoth he, '* it is great pleasure 
 and quiet to me, to understand that his grace bears me so good mind ; 
 
ElIBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1539-40. 29 
 
 and whatsoever liis grace says to me, I am sure he speaks it for my 
 good, and I shall follow his advice in all things that may be to God's 
 honour, and the increase of the love and peace betwixt him and me ; 
 and I am sure," quoth he, " his grace will advise me to nothing that 
 shall be against mine honour." " No, sir," quoth I, " ye may be as- 
 sured his majesty will advise you nothing but that, that shall stand 
 greatly with your honour, and also with your profit. His majesty," 
 quoth I, " hath heard it bruited, that ye should gather into your 
 hands numbers of sheep, and such other mean things in respect of 
 your estate, therewith to increase your estate and revenue. And," 
 quoth I, " his grace having advised himself thereof, commanded me 
 to tell you, that though the things may be somewhat profitable, yet as 
 that kind of profit cannot stand with the honour of a kings estate, 
 nor yet so profitable as may any ways extend towards the mainte- 
 nance of a king's estate ; so the king's majesty, your uncle," (juoth I, 
 " doubteth lest it may give occasion to your people to mutter and 
 mutiny, fearing lest their living should be taken from them by your 
 nobility and gentlemen of your realm, when they may be born by 
 your precedent and example, and so percase might grow farther in- 
 conveniencies. Wherefore," quoth I, " the king's majesty, your uncle, 
 wisheth that ye would rather apply yourself by good and politic means 
 to increase your revenue, by taking of some of those religious houses 
 (such as may be best spared) into your hands, which do occupy and 
 possess a great part of the possessions of your realm, to the mainte- 
 nance of their volupty and idle life, and the continual decay of your 
 estate; and the rest of them, which be most notable, to alter into 
 colleges or cathedral churches, and alms-houses, as the king's majesty, 
 your uncle, hath done; whereby ye shall well perceive, that one house 
 so altered shall tend more to the glory of God, than a number of them 
 now doth ; and yet shall ye establish your revenue thereby, in such 
 sort, as ye shall be able to live like a king, and yet not meddle with 
 sheep, nor such mean things, being matter whereupon to occupy the 
 
:50 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1539-40. 
 
 meanest of your people and subjects."* "In good faith," quoth be, 
 " I have no sheep, nor occupy no such things. But,"' ([uoth be, " such 
 as have tacks and farms of me, peradventure have such numbers of 
 sheep and cattle, as ye speak of, going upon my lands, which I have 
 no regard to. But for my part," quoth he, " by my truth I never 
 knew what I had of mine own, nor yet do. I tliank God," quoth he, 
 I am able to live H'ell enough of that which I have, and I have friends 
 that will not see me mister. There is a good old man in France, my 
 good-father the king of France (I must needs call him so,'' quoth he, " for 
 lam sure he is like a father to me,) that will not see me want any thing, 
 that lies in him to help me with. Nevertheless," quoth he, " I shall seek 
 nothing of any man but love and friendship; and for my part I shall hold 
 my wordandbehechtt with all princes, and for no man living shall I stain 
 mine honour for any Avorldly good, with the grace of Jesu. And most 
 heartily I thank the king s grace, mine uncle, for his advice ; but in 
 good faith 1 cannot do so ; for methinks it against reason and God's 
 law to put down thir |' abbeys and religious houses, which have," 
 quoth he, " stand thir many years, and God's service maintained and 
 keeped in the same. And,"' quoth he, " what need I to take them 
 to increase my livelyhoo<l, when I may have any thing that I can re- 
 quire of them? I am sure," quotli he, " there is not an abbey in 
 Scotland at this hour, but if we mister any thing, we may have of 
 them whatsoever we will desire that they have ; and so what needs us 
 to spoil them ?" " Sir,'" quoth I, " they are a kind of unprofitable peo- 
 ple, that live idly upon the sweat and labours of the poor, and their 
 first foundations founded upon popery and man's constitutions ; and 
 yet doth none of them observe the ground and rules of their profes- 
 
 * This coarse and impolitic censure of the king's oeconomy, seems to have inducctlliim 
 to deny the use to which he very wisely put his crown lands in Ettriclie Forest, where, ac- 
 cording to Pltscottie, he had ten thousand sheep going as securely, and as well accounted 
 for, by Andrew Bell, the king's shepherd, as if they had been in the bounds of the more 
 civilized province of Fife. P. 237. folio edit. 
 
 t That which 1 have hehiglu, or promised. 
 
 ♦ These. 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IX 1539-40. 31 
 
 sions ; for in their first entries to religion, tliey profess chastity, wilful 
 poverty, and obedience. And," quoth I, " if it please your grace, as 
 to the first, that is, chastity ; I dare be bold to say, that unless your 
 monks be more holy in Scotland than ours are in England, there 
 reigneth nowhere more carnality, incontiuency, buggery, sodomy, with 
 leachery, and other abominations, than is used in cloysters anions 
 monks, chanons, nuns, and friers, which could never appear, so lono- 
 as the kings majesty, your uncle, committed his trust to the bishops 
 and clergy of his realm, for their visitations, as your grace now doth; 
 for those visiters always cloaked their vices and abuses, because they 
 would not have their own to appear ; but when his majesty beo-an 
 more diligently to look to his cure and kingly office, as well in those 
 spiritual affairs, as he did before in the temporal, then tried he out all 
 their abominations and abuses, and so, conform to God's laws, liath 
 eradicated and weed them out of his realm ; and most of them which 
 were notable houses, liis majesty hath committed to better and more 
 godly uses. Now, Sir," (luoth I, " to the second part of their pro- 
 fession, which is wilful poverty : I am sure," quoth I, " your grace 
 will bear me record, that they might be called rather wilfully rich, 
 than M-ilfully poor ; for every of them is provided of a rich and quiet 
 life ; they labour not for their living, but are rather fed by the labours 
 of the poor. And as for obedience, I think surely they are obedient 
 in heart to tlieir chief captain, the bishop of Rome ; but I trow they 
 be not without bulls under lead, whereby they will claim to be exeem- 
 ed from your obedience ; so that I cannot see that they do in any 
 point observe any part of their professions." " Oh," quoth the kino- 
 " God forbid that if a few be not good, for them all the rest should be 
 destroyed. Though some be not," quoth he, " there be a oieat 
 many good ; and the good may be suffered, and the evil must be re- 
 formed ; as ye shall hear," quoth he, " that I shall help to see it redres- 
 sed in Scotland, by God's grace, if I brook life." " Sir," quoth I, " ye 
 must do as Christ saith, Omnis plantatio, quam non plant axit pater mens 
 cakstis, eradicabitur. And so," quoth I, " by my truth, ye must 
 
32 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1539-40. 
 
 weed them up by the root, as the king's grace, your uncle, hath done, 
 or else ye shall never redress them." " No," quoth he, " I am sure 
 mine uncle will not desire me to do otherwise nor my conscience 
 serveth me." " No, Sir," quoth I, " the king's majesty, your uncle, 
 doth advise you of those things, both for your honour and profit, and 
 proceeding of an entire zeal, love, and aftection, that his grace beareth 
 towards you : And now, since your grace hath heard the same, ye 
 may work therein as shall stand with your pleasure." " Yea," quoth 
 he, " I trust the king, mine uncle, will not be discontented with me, 
 though I do therein according to my conscience ; for, by my soul," 
 quoth he, " I will do nothing by my will that will displease him ; and 
 whatsoever tales or leasings have been told his grace, or shall be here- 
 after of me, his grace shall find me ay constant of my word and pro- 
 mise made to him." 
 
 Here I thought to take occasion to speak of the bruit of the words 
 that should be spoken by him, which was. That, look what the em- 
 peror or French king would do against your grace, he would do the 
 same. And so I said unto him, " Sir, because your grace speaketh of 
 tales and leasings, I will tell you of a tale or leasing that was bruited 
 both in France and Flanders, and elsewhere of late when the rumour 
 was of the wars." " Wars !" quoth he, " what wars ?" " Marry, Sir," 
 quoth I, " I am sure ye know what a rumour and saying there was 
 lately, that the emperor, the Frencli king, and the bisliop of Rome, 
 would invade England." " Yea, yea," quoth he, and laughed, " but 
 they were not over hasty : be ye sikker," quoth he, " that they will be 
 well advised thereof. By God," quoth he, " they consider, that they 
 should have over-much to do. I warrand you," quoth he, " they will 
 never seek you." " Marry, Sir," quoth I, " it was said that your grace 
 should say. That, look whatsoever the emperor or French king should 
 do against the king's majesty, your uncle, ye would do the same." 
 " That I should say so !" quoth he. " Yes, Sir," quoth I, " such a 
 bruit there was both in France and Flanders, and elsewhere." " Now," 
 quoth he, " I pray God I never have part of the bliss of heaven, if I 
 
 10 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAKD IN 1539-40. 53 
 
 ever spake any such word, or sucli like to that effect." " By my 
 faith, Sir," (juoth I, " the king's majesty, your uncle, behaved them 
 not." " Now, as I shall ansM'er to God," quoth he, " I never spake it, 
 nor tliought it." " INIarry, Sir," quoth I, " his majesty believed rather 
 another bruit made on the Borders, which was, that ye should say. That 
 for emperor or French king, ye would not break with the king, your 
 uncle." " By God," quoth he, " whether I said so or not, he shall ay 
 find so. No, no," quoth he, " I shall attend mine own matters ; I have 
 not to do with others ; let others do what they list, but I shall never 
 stain mine honour, nor break my promise. For," quoth he, " I am no 
 bairn, neither emperor nor French king can draw me to do what they 
 list. And as for my good-father,* the French king, good prince, I 
 dare say for him, that he never thought any evil to the king, mine 
 uncle, nor intended not to break with him. Marry," quoth he, " what 
 the emperor intended 1 cannot tell ; but, for the king of France, me- 
 thinks I durst swear for him ; for, by my truth, I never perceived in 
 him, but that he did always bear his heart and good love to the king, 
 mine uncle." 
 
 " Well, Sir," quotli I, " your grace knoweth, that the king's majes- 
 ty, your uncle, is a prince of great experience, and being a king these 
 tliirty years and more, hath observed the state and general proceedings 
 of Christendom ; whereby," quoth I, " his grace hath well perceived 
 how much better it is for a prince to live within his own proper limits, 
 with a just consideration of his own quiet and commodity." Even 
 there suddenly he interrupted me, and said, " By God," quoth he, 
 " even so will I do ; I will live on my own, and attend mine own, and 
 by my will shall offend no man, but hold my word and behecht with 
 all princes, and study with all my good heart to live in unity and con- 
 cord with all the world, and specially with my good uncle." " Sir," 
 quoth I, " ye are in an good mind ; and (as I was about to tell your 
 grace) the king's majesty, your uncle, perceiveth, by long experience, 
 
 * Father-in-law. 
 VOL. I, E 
 
34 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1539-40. 
 
 the difference betwixt the honest and politic hving within a man's 
 own proper Hmits, with a just consideration of his own quiet and com- 
 modity, and the satisfying and following of otlier men's fantasies to 
 their advantage, and the danger of his damage. Of the which conclu- 
 sion," quoth I, " your grace cannot be ignorant, knowing what chance 
 happened to the king, your father, by making of himself another man's 
 instrument to annoy his friend and allya in his absence. But," quoth 
 I, " this amity being now so like to increase and grow betwixt the 
 king's majesty your uncle and you, as well by the mutual affection of 
 both parties, as by the proximity of blood betwixt you, which cannot 
 be so taken away, but that nature will have her instinct and opera- 
 tion, where too much unkindness shall not corrupt it." Here he inter- 
 rupted me again, and said, " By my truth," quoth he, " there shall be 
 no such unkindness shewed on my part, with the grace of God." " The 
 king's majesty, your uncle," quoth I, " hath therefore determined to open 
 his heart and stomach unto you ; trusting, that ye will no less thankfully 
 accept his good affection therein, than deeply ponder his good advices 
 and counsels. And," quoth I, " to descend frankly with you to the 
 utterance of the same, his majesty requireth, and heartily prayeth you 
 to weigh and ponder with yourself, what prince or potentate in Chris- 
 tendom may stand you in best stead, and at whose hands ye may re- 
 ceive greatest comfort, commodity, and benefit." " Oh !" quoth he, 
 "join he and I lastly together; be you sikker, there is no prince in 
 the world that can or will seek to do us any skaith." * '' Sir," quoth 
 I, " to speak of the emperor, or French king, that be nearest, what can 
 ye look for at either, or at both their hands, but fair words and enter- 
 tainment for a time, as their instrument to serve their purposes, to 
 your own danger and damage? Again," quoth I, " what stay can ye 
 think to have, or look ye that either or both of them could or would 
 stand you in, if, at any of their contemplations, ye should bring your- 
 self to be in case of need of friendship and help, by attemj)ting of any 
 
 * Harm. 
 1 
 
EMBASSV TO SCOTLAND IN 1539-40. 35 
 
 thing at their desires?" " No, no," quoth he, " I am no bairn ; they 
 cannot chaw me to do any thing against my word, and the honour of 
 a prince." " Now, then, Sir," quoth I, " consider wliat commodity 
 ye may attain by tlie love and favour of the kings majesty, your uncle. 
 First, By the continuance of his amity, ye may be sure to live in rest 
 and quietness, without danger of trouble or business. Again, What 
 can ye reasonably desire of his majesty that may be to your honour and 
 commodity, but ye may easily obtain it? Thirdly, His majesty would 
 have you consider, and print in your mind, that ye are his nephew ; 
 and therefore, dealing like a nephew towards him, ye must needs have 
 such place and estimation in his heart, that if God should call his son, 
 my lord prince's grace, out of this life, (which his mercy forbid !) and 
 that his highness should leave no other child of the queen that now is, 
 or any other lawful wife his grace may have hereafter, his majesty is, 
 by consent of the whole realm, put in such trust for provision of his 
 successor, as his grace might, of any sort or nation, without excep- 
 tion, name and appoint the same ; being thereby, in his free-will and 
 power, whether he would name any of his two daughters. Yea," 
 quoth I, " or whether his majesty would name your grace, being his 
 nephew ; or any other, that, for his qualities, activity, or kindness to 
 the realm, should seem to him expedient. Wherefore," quoth I, " al- 
 beit, with the grace of God, his majesty may have some better store 
 of issue than he yet hath ; yet his highness being well stricken in 
 years, he would not have you to forget what nature would in that case 
 work, being himself of so good a disposition towards you as he is ; and 
 so that he may perceive, on your part again, such evident arguments 
 of sincere love and affection, as may answer and be correspondent; 
 shewing also, on your part, such kindness to his realm and subjects, as 
 ye may the rather by the same attain their good affections, which," 
 quoth I, " by reason of the ancient enmity, can hardly be obtained, 
 unless a perfect and open declaration of love and amity be from hence- 
 forth daily shewed and extended to them by you and yours." " Well," 
 quoth he, " I have heard you leisurely, and do perceive mine uncle's 
 
35 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1539-40. 
 
 good mind towards me, for which I do most heartily thank his grace. 
 But," quotli he, " I will not use many words with you : ye shall tell 
 his grace on my behalf, as a gentleman may say to his master on tha 
 word of a prince, that I shall never fail him for no man alive, nor for 
 no worldly goods in word nor deed, contrary to my covenant and treaty 
 made with his grace ; but rather shall I apply myself by all the good 
 means to me possible, to preserve and maintain the love and peace be- 
 tween us. And by my truth," quoth he, " what pleasure or kindness 
 I can or may do to his grace, or any of his realm, I shall be as glad to 
 do it as any man alive." " Sir," quoth I, " it is much to my comfort^ 
 that I may be bold to tell the same to the king's majesty my sovereign 
 lord and master of your mouth, as on the word of a prince, which I 
 shall not fail to do. And on the other side," quoth I, " I know the 
 affection of his majesty towards your grace to be such, as dealing like 
 a kind nephew towards him, ye may be sure to have both a father and 
 an uncle of his grace." " By my truth," (}uoth he, " shall I rather be 
 dead, than be found foul of my word and promise with him while I 
 live." " Well, Sir," quoth I, " all those things the king's majesty, your 
 uncle, for a more perfect declaration of his intire love and affection to- 
 wards you, hath thought meet to be opened to yourself, to be by you 
 wisely considered and thoroughly digested, and not to be declared to 
 any of your council, till some good effect may ensue of the same." 
 " By my faith," quoth he, " and God will, ye shall never hear that I 
 shall be a babbler of any thing that ye have opened to me from my 
 vmcle, which his pleasure is to have kept secret." " And, Sir," quoth 
 I, " the king's majesty, your uncle, willed me to say unto you, that, for 
 the better and sooner attaining to some good effect in those things, 
 such a meeting, as was once almost at a point between you, should 
 greatly avail to the setting forth of all good purposes betwixt you." 
 " Such a meeting," quoth he, " as my Lord William treated of* I 
 
 * Henry, by his ambassador Lord William Howard, had, in 1535, proposed to his ne- 
 phew of Scotland a friendly conference, or meeting, at York ; trusting, doubtless, that his 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1539-40. 37 
 
 promise you," quoth he, " my Lord William reported me untruly in 
 that to the king's grace, mine uncle ; for he said, tliat I did fully agree 
 to that meeting ; as by my truth," ([uoth he, " for my part, I was con- 
 tent with it ; but I told my Lord William, that the lords of my realm 
 would not agree to it. And," ipioth he, " he made an untrue report of 
 it to the king, mine uncle, and brought him in displeasure with me 
 therefore." " Sir," quoth I, " in my poor opinion, whosoever letted 
 that meeting, loved neither the king's majesty your uncle, nor yet 
 your grace, nor the wealth of your realms : And," (juoth I, " such a 
 meetins now misht redouble all ; and it should be a great comfort 
 both to the king's majesty your uncle and your grace, the one of you 
 to see the other ; and such a good increase of hearty love and affec- 
 tion might grow thereby to your people and subjects on both parts, as 
 should for ever establish a perfect unity and kindness among them." 
 " By my truth," quoth he, " I would be glad to see the king, mine 
 uncle, but I would wish that the French king might be at it, tiiat we 
 three might meet and join together in one." " Sir," quoth J, " I have 
 no commission to speak thereof; but to say to your grace what I 
 think I am sure the king's majesty, my master, would be right glad 
 thereof: howbeit," quoth I, " to say my opinion, I cannot see how 
 such a meeting could be brought to pass betwixt you all three, being 
 so great princes, without a great, painful, and dangerous journey, to 
 two or one of you at the least. For," quoth 1, " either the French 
 king must pass over on this side the sea, or else the king's majesty 
 your uncle and your grace must both pass over on the other side of 
 the sea." " Marry, quoth he, " I should be sure of the longest and 
 most painful journey, which I would not pass upon for so good a pur- 
 pose." " Well, Sir," quoth L " to be plain with your grace ; as I 
 think, 1 would first wish, that this meeting, between the king's ma- 
 
 eloquence would induce James to follow, in church affairs, the example which he had 
 civen in England. But the Scottish kuig started diftcultits, and evaded the request, as he 
 again does witli much polite ingenuity upon the present occasion. 
 
38 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1539-40. 
 
 jesty your uncle, and you, might take effect, which might be easily 
 brought to pass, without any danger to either of both your persons ; 
 for," quoth I, " there is no dangerous passage of any sea, or other wa- 
 ters, between you, but such as ye may easily pass over on horseback. 
 And," quoth I, " the king's majesty your uncle and the French king 
 have seen one another at meetings and entreatings afore this time, ap- 
 pointed for that purpose, but he never saw you, nor ye him : And 
 therefore, to say mine own fantasy to your grace, I would that so 
 good a purpose should be no longer delayed betwixt you." Hereat he 
 smiled, and said, " Well, I shall advise somewhat hereupon, and, or ye 
 depart hence, we shall talk further of the same, and make you such 
 answer to all your credence, as, I trust, shall be to the pleasure and 
 contentation of the king, mine uncle." 
 
 Thus he seemed content to dismiss me for that time; which per- 
 ceiving, I told him, that I had done your majesty's commendations to 
 the queen's grace as part of my charge so to do ; and that if it pleased 
 his grace so to licence me, I Avould likewise visit the queen's grace, 
 his mother. " Marry," quoth he, " I pray you at your pleasure; ye 
 needed not to ask my licence for that, but ye may boldly see and visit 
 her at all times." I thanked humbly his grace, and so went straight 
 to the queen, your majesty's sister. And as I was brought to her 
 lodging in the court, to whom I made your grace's hearty commenda- 
 tions, and declared that your highness (thanks be to God,) was health- 
 ful and merry, and had given me special charge to visit and see her, 
 and also to know how she was used, and how all things went there. 
 She answered, " That she was glad to hear that your grace was in 
 good health," and also asked me of the state and health of the queen's 
 grace, my mistress ; whereto I answered accordingly. But she took 
 it the most unkindly that might be, that she had no letter from your 
 highness, saying, " That she perceived your grace set not much by 
 her ; But," quoth she, " though I be forgot in England, shall I never 
 forget England. It had been but a small matter," quoth she, " to 
 have spent a little paper and ink upon me, and much it had been to 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1539-40. 39 
 
 my comfort ; and were it perceived," quoth she, " that the king's 
 grace, my brother, did regard me, I should be the better regarded of 
 all parlies here.'' I excused all things as well as I could, and satisfied 
 her grace right well or 1 departed. We had no communication of 
 any great matters worthy the writing to your majesty, saving, that 
 she assured me, that the king, her son, was never better inclined to 
 the peace, and continuance of love and amity, betwixt your majesty 
 and him. She told me also of her own affairs, how she was well treat- 
 ed, and much made ofj of the new queen, with such other things of 
 light importance. 
 
 The next day after, which was Saturday the — day of February, 
 came to me Rothesay the herauld, and said, " That the king would be 
 glad if I thought it meet, that the horses which your majesty had sent 
 him, should be brought to him the morrow after, being Sunday, in the 
 forenoon, betwixt nine and ten, to the intent his lords, which then 
 should be assembled, might see the fair present that your majesty had 
 sent him." I answered, " That they had rested but two days after 
 their long journey, and that it required a time to trim them, as they 
 might be delivered in such sort as appertained." " By God," quoth 
 Rothesay, " the king would fain have them to morrow; and," quoth 
 he, " his grace would have you to be with him by nine of the clock in 
 the morning, and the horses to come within half an hour after." 
 " Well," quoth I, " I will know whether they be ready, and in case 
 to be brought to the king's presence, to be delivered to morrow to his 
 grace, and then I shall make you answer." So called I to me Chris- 
 topher Erington, who was appointed to come with your grace's horses, 
 and to see the guiding of them, and asked him whether they were in 
 good case to be delivered or not? And he told me, " That they were 
 ready to be delivered forthwith, if I would.' M hereupon I answered 
 Rothesay, "That, according to the king's pleasure, I would wait on his 
 grace in the morning, and make delivery of your majesty's present 
 accordingly." The same night came Rothesay to me again, and 
 brought me wine from the king, both white and claret, and said, 
 
40 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1539-40. 
 
 " That the king was well content to see and receive your grace's 
 present the next morning ; specially, he said, because the lords should 
 see vour majesty did not forget him." The next morning being- 
 Sunday, afore nine of the clock, came Sir Walter Ogilvy, Sir John 
 Canijibel, David Lindesay the chief herauld, and Rothesay, to my 
 lodging, to accompany me to tlie court ; and so I took order that 
 your majesty's horses were brought thither, within half an hour after 
 me. At my coming to the court, T was brought again to the chap- 
 pel, where I found the queen again at a sermon. By the time the 
 sermon M'as done, your majesty's horses were come ; and I was 
 forthwith brought to the king's presence, to whom I declared that 
 I had brought to his grace such a present of horses as your ma- 
 jesty had sent to him ; and if it might please him to see them, 
 they were ready in the court. " I thank the king's grace, mine 
 uncle," quoth he, " with all mine heart; come ye on with me, we 
 will go see them." And so went he into another chamber, where 
 out of a window he looked into a fair court, and thither were the 
 horses brought, which the king liked exceeding well, and praised 
 wondrously. Christopher Erington did ride them one after another 
 afore him, and handled them very well. I did set them well forth both 
 for their kinds and ages. He praised much the Barbary horse, and the 
 Jennet; " and," quoth he, " I like them the better, because they be 
 of mine uncle's own brood : If the Barbary horse," quoth he, " were 
 bigger, he were worth to much good ; but by my truth," quoth he, 
 " he is a bonny beast, and so be they all." " Sir," quoth I, " your 
 grace may be sure that the king's majesty, your uncle, would not send 
 them to you, unless he thought them a meet present for you." " By 
 my soul," cjuoth he, " I thank much his grace ; and I assure you," 
 quoth he, " his gentle remembrance and kindness is more pleasure and 
 comfort to me, than all the gifts and goods in the world. And I 
 beseech you," (}uoth he, " do but mind me what things his grace de- 
 lighteth or taketh pleasure in ; for," ciuoth he, " may I ken it, if I 
 can get it betwixt this and the farthest jjart of Turkey, 1 shall want 
 
 »r 
 
EJIBASSy TO SCOTLAND IN 1539-40. 41 
 
 of my will, but I shall have it for him. And," quoth lie, " be they 
 any commodity into my realm, that may stand to his pleasure, it shall 
 be at his commandment." And so turned him to tlie lords, and beo-an 
 to praise the horses ; and every man praised them much. Immediate- 
 ly after came in the master-houshold, and told the king, " that his din- 
 ner was on the board." Wherewith his irrace went forth to his dinin'r- 
 chamber, washed, and sat down, and so bade the lords take me with 
 them to dinner. The cardinal took me by the arm, and had me to a 
 cliamber where the lords used to dine. They made me sit at the high- 
 est place of the table, and entertained me very gently. There sat the 
 cardinal, the bishop of Glasgow, who is chancellor, the earl of Huntley, 
 the earl of Errol, the earl of Cassills, the earl of Athole, the bisliop of 
 Aberdeen, the lord Areskin, sir Walter Ogilvy, sir John Campbel, and 
 two or three gentlemen more. After dinner they brought me a^ain to 
 the king in his privy-chamber, who, as soon as I came, to6l< me apart 
 into the window. I gave humble thanks to his grace for the enter- 
 tainment, it pleased him to use to such a poor man as I. "Oh!" 
 quoth he, " I will not use you as a stranger, nor none that cometh from 
 the king, mine uncle. And," quoth he, " I know that ye are a good 
 servant to his grace; I would all that had come betwixt him and me, 
 would report the truth always, as I know ye have done. For, by 
 God," quoth he, " I know that untrue reports of me to mine uncle 
 have caused him to think unkindness in me, where I was without 
 fault or blame." " By my truth, sir,'' quoth I, " the king's majesty, 
 your uncle, shall have tales brought to him of j-ou, and likewise your 
 grace of him, which always shall not be true ; but so long as the love 
 and amity between you is such, as neither of you will give credence to 
 light rumours, all shall be well enough. But such as would no good 
 to neither of you, will ever be devising evil tales to stir some unkind- 
 ness betwixt you. For," quoth I, " I think there be some that would 
 not have you over great friends." " INIarry," quoth he, " I beshrew 
 their hearts, whatsoever they be; but by God," quoth he, " he is not 
 
 VOL. I. p 
 
42 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1.539-40. 
 
 ill Scotland that dare bring me an evil tale of mine uncle, nor say any 
 
 thing against his honour ; for," quoth he, " may I ken * any such 
 
 within my realm, of what degree soever he be, he shall have no less 
 
 punishment, than if he faulted to us ; for," (juoth he, " we shall ever 
 
 take his cause as our^own." " Sir," quoth I, " I shall, God wiUing, 
 
 report your words to the king's majesty, your uncle, and I dare be bold 
 
 to say, that his grace finding your deeds agreeable to your words, will 
 
 not only shew himself a kind uncle to you, but also a father, and a 
 
 great friend," " By my truth," quoth he, " and I had need, I would 
 
 trust to have friendship of him ; and God send me no longer life, than 
 
 my deeds and my words shall agree." Quoth I, " your grace may 
 
 well perceive, by the advertisements that he hath now sent you by me, 
 
 and also by his friendly advices and counsels, that his grace doth both 
 
 love and trust you." " By my soul," quoth he, " I have advised me 
 
 of the matter his grace hath advertised me of by you at this time, 
 
 touching the cardinal here; and," quoth he, " I can find no default in 
 
 him. For when his letters were taken and holden in England, we 
 
 heard of it, and asked him thereof; and, by God," quoth he, " he had 
 
 the doubles and copies of them, and shewed them all to us ; and we 
 
 remember not that any thing was amiss in them." " Sir," quoth I, 
 
 " did your grace see the double of a letter that he wrote to his clerk 
 
 and agent at Rome." " Yea, marry," quoth he, " to one that is all 
 
 his doer there." " Well, sir," quoth I, " if your grace do see the very 
 
 original, then shall ye perceive, if the double and it agree." Quoth 
 
 he, " Have ye the original here upon you r" " Yea," quoth I, " that 1 
 
 have." " Take it out privily," quoth he, " as though it were some 
 
 other paper, and let me see it." (The cardinal was in the chamber, 
 
 and therefore, think I, he bade me take it out secretly.) I took it 
 
 forth of my bosom ; and he took it and reati it softly, every word from 
 
 the beginning to the end. And in one place ot the letter, the cardinal 
 
 biddeth his agent " soUicit that nothing be done, that might in any 
 
 * Know. 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1539-40. 43 
 
 wise irritate the king's grace, and his council, against the liberties of the 
 holy kirk, considering the time is perillous." When the king did read 
 those words ; " By God," quoth he, " they dread me." " Sir," (juoth 
 I, " they know their own abuses, and they fear lest your grace should 
 find them." " By my truth," quoth he, " if they do not well, ye shall 
 ken that I will redress them." When he had read the whole letter, 
 he took it me again; " And," quoth he, " in good faith, I have seen 
 the double of it, word by word. But I have good cause to thank the 
 king, mine uncle; for I see well," quoth he, "if his grace see any thing 
 that should be to my displeasure or dishonour, he would advertise me 
 of it; and by God," quoth he, " I shall do sicklike to him." " Sir,'' 
 quoth I, " doth not your grace perceive by this letter the crafty pre- 
 tences of the cardinal ?" " Why ?" quoth he, " wherein ?" " Marry," 
 quoth I, " he sheweth himself to be a great friend to your rebels and 
 traitors, and deviseth to be their judge, because he would deliver 
 them ; and so your grace may easily see, how he laboureth to bring 
 into his own hands, both the spiritual, and also the temporal jurisdic- 
 tion of your realm." " No, no," quoth he, " I warrand you, we shall 
 use him and all his fellows well enough, if they do not their duties. 
 I may tell you," quoth he, " they dread me. And as for those men, 
 Hutcheson and Harvy, which ye name traitors to us, in good faith," 
 quoth he, " they are but simple men, and it was but a small matter; 
 and we ourself made the cardinal the minister, both to commit them 
 to the castle, and also to deliver them."' " Sir," quoth I, " the matter 
 is as ye please to take it ; but it seemed so strange to the king's ma- 
 jesty, your uncle, and in such wise to touch your honour and surety, 
 that he could not but advertise your grace thereof And if your 
 grace," quoth I, " think ye may justly take any advantage thereof, ye 
 may at your pleasure. If not, the king's majesty prayeth you to 
 compress it, and keep it secret to yourself" " Yes," quoth he, " I 
 warrand you, his grace shall hear no more of the same." I assure 
 your majesty, he excused the cardinal in every thing, and seemed 
 
44 • EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1539-10. 
 
 wondrous loath to hear of any thuig, that should sound as an untruth 
 in him, hut rather give him great praise. 
 
 Wherefore, I thought good to leave that matter, and to iterate some 
 part of the communication, which I Ivad M'ith him hefore, touching the 
 alteration of tlie religious houses in Scotland. And I had ready in my 
 bosom the device made of the alteration of Christ's church in Canter- 
 bury, which your majesty commanded me to take with me. * I took 
 tlie same out of my bosom, and said to him, " Sir," quoth I, " your 
 grace shall see here what a godly alteration the king's majesty, your 
 uncle, hath made in England, of the religious houses there, which be- 
 fore nourished a sort of unprofitable and idle people ;" and so I read 
 the same alteration to him of the said Christ's church, which, he said, 
 " Sure was both godly and cliaritable." " In this sort," quoth I, 
 " his majesty hath transposed the most notable abbeys in his realm. 
 And," quoth I, " would your grace do the like, and take some of 
 them into your own hands, to the augmentation and increase of your 
 revenue, surely it should stand much with your honour and great 
 profit ; and one house so altered, should tend more to the glory of 
 God than they all now do." " By my truth," quoth he, " I thank 
 God I have enough to live on, and if we mister t any thing that they 
 have, we may have it at our pleasure." I began to reprehend their 
 idle life, their vices, and abuses, Avherein he interrupted me, and laugh- 
 ed, saying, " By God," quoth he, " they that be naught, ye shall hear 
 that I shall redress them, and make them live like religious men, ac- 
 cording to their professions." " Sir," quoth I, " it will be hard to do.' 
 " Well," quoth he, " you shall hear tell." And so began he to break 
 off, as though he had no will to talk more thereof Which perceiving, I 
 
 * Christ Church in Canterbury, which contained the shrine of St Thomas a Becket, was 
 supposed to be one of the richest monasteries in Europe. It was dissolved by a commission 
 dated at Westminster, March 20, anno 31 Hmrict (klavi, and modelled, under the superin- 
 tendance of Cranmer, into a collegiate church, contanung eight prebendaries, ten petty 
 canons, nine scholars, and two choristers.— See Steven's Monasikon, Vol. 1. p. 3S5, 386, 
 
 t Need. 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1539-40. 45 
 
 ihouglit it not best to press him too far, bat ratlier thought to enter in 
 some other matter. And afteraHttle pausing, " well, sir," quoth I, " at 
 my last conference with you, I made a certain motion to your grace 
 on the king's majesty's behalf, touching such a meeting as was once 
 devised." " Yea," (juoth he, " we shall talk more of that or ye go, and 
 ye shall have such answer to that, and all your credence, as I trust 
 shall be to the pleasure of the king, mine uncle, and that," tjuoth he, 
 " with good expedition." And so he gave me a gentle countenance, 
 with his cap in his hand, and bade sir Walter Ogilvy, and sir Jolin Camp- 
 bel to accompany me to my lodging. This is the whole circumstances 
 of my proceedings and conferences since mine arrival here, whereof I 
 thought to advertise your majesty, beseeching the same, if I have in 
 any part not proceeded directly to your grace's pleasure, to impute 
 the same to default of knowledge and experience in princes affairs, 
 and not to any lack or default of good-will, which never shall be 
 found in me. The next advertisement of my farther proceedings 
 here, I think I shall bring to your majesty myself: For, as I un- 
 derstand, the king liere intendeth to dispatch me away shortly, be- 
 cause he would go abroad in his realm about his pastime ; where- 
 unto, they say, he is marvellously given, and specially to hawking, 
 both to the heron and the river ; and (as they say) he is a great 
 toiler and labourer at the same. It is told me that he lieth here pur- 
 posely till I be dispatched, because I should not follow huii no far- 
 ther into his realm ; so that, as I perceive, I shall have all expedition 
 that may be ; which had and obtamed, with full answers to my charge 
 committed to me by your majesty, 1 shall address myself to the same 
 with all convenient diligence. Thuj the Holy Trinity preserve your 
 royal majesty with long life and good health, in much joy and felicity, 
 for ever to endure. 
 
46 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 153.9-40. 
 
 A IjZtt^u J'roni Ralph Sadler to o»e of the Privy Council of England, 
 toucliing the matter preceding. 
 
 JNIy duty remembied unto your good lordship : It may please you 
 to understand, that I arrived here on Tuesday the day of Fe- 
 bruary. I did so appoint my journey, that the king's horses might be 
 in Edinburgh within three or four days after mine arrival ; and afore 
 mine entry into Scotland, I sent the herauld Berwick, and one of mine 
 own folks, to prepare and appoint me a convenient lodging. They re- 
 sorted to the provost of the town, who was appointed to lodge me ; 
 and so he shewed unto them a mean lodging, in a poor merchant's 
 house, which my folks liked not, and required a better. The provost 
 answered, "That the king's council, and many noblemen, were lodged 
 in the town, so that he could not appoint any better. But," quoth he 
 to Berwick, "ye are well acquainted here ; if it like you to seek abroad 
 in the town, look where you may find any honest house that is meet 
 for your purpose, and if it be possible to have it ye shall." And so, in 
 seeking for my lodging, Berwick met with one of the queen the king's 
 majesty's sister's servants, and told him, " that he could get no lodg- 
 ing for me." " Marry," quoth the queen's servant, " the king hath ap- 
 pointed the provost to see him lodged." Quoth Berwick, " he will ap- 
 point none that is meet." The queen's servant went forthwith, and 
 told her the same ; whereof she advertised the king, who immediately 
 sent express commandment to the provost, to lodge me in a reasonable 
 fair house in the town, which his grace named. Answer was made, 
 " that the bishop of Ross lodged there." " I say," quoth the king, 
 " in the foul evil, dislodge the bishop, and see that the house be fairly 
 furaished against the ambassador's coming." The bishop was forth- 
 with dislodged, and the lodging honestly appointed for me, both with 
 beds and hanging of coarse tapestry, and all other things necessary. I 
 assure your lordship, I am right well entertained here, specially of the 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOi'LAXD IX \539-'iO. 47 
 
 king. And surely it appearetli that I am very welcome to him, and 
 to the most part of the nohlemen and gentlemen here, that be well 
 given to the verity of Christ's word and doctrine, whereof be a great 
 number, but the noblemen be young. And, to be i)lain with you, 
 though they be well-minded, and diverse other also that be of the 
 council, and about the king, yet I see none amongst them that hath 
 any such agility of wit, gravity, learning, or experience, to set forth 
 the same, or to take in hand the direction of things. So that the king, as 
 far as I can perceive, is of force driven to use the bishops and his clergy, 
 as his only ministers for the direction of his realm. They be the men 
 of wit and policy that I see here ; they be never out of the king's ear. 
 And if they smell any thing that in the least point may touch them, 
 or that the king seem to be content with any such thing, straight they 
 inculk to him, how catholic a prince his father was, and feed him both 
 with fair words and many, in such wise as by those policies they lead 
 him (having also the whole governance of his affairs) as they will ; the 
 prince being given, as he is, to much pleasure and pastime, giving 
 small cure to his own affairs, but only committing his whole trust to 
 them. But surely if he had one counsellor u ell given, that were a 
 man of a good stomach, and had wit, knowledge, and learning, to go 
 through with the matter, the king himself is of a right good inclina- 
 tion, and so is a great part of the nobility and commonality of this 
 realm. I assure your lordship, since my coming hither, I have wished 
 an hundred times in my heart, that the kings grace of Scots had one 
 such servant and counsellor as the kings majesty hath of you ; and, I 
 dare say, so would many thousands in Scotland ; for some of the ho- 
 nest men of the court here, and well esteemed, have wished the same 
 before me since my coming hither. I have no good-will here of the 
 bishops and priests, nor any of their band, which is yet too strong for 
 the other side, as far as I can see. They raised a bruit here, " Tliat I 
 and all my folks did eat flesh here as hereticks and Jews ;" and there- 
 upon open proclamation was made by the commandment of the cardi- 
 nal, in all the churches within his dioceses, " 'I hat, whosoever should 
 
48 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IS 1539-40. 
 
 buy an egg, or eat an egg, within those dioceses, should forfeit no 
 less than his body to the fire, to be burnt as an heretick, and all his 
 goods confiscate to the king.* And because they bruited that I and 
 my folks did eat flesh, (wherein they falsly belied me ; whereuj>on, as 
 I gather, the said proclamation was made,) I seemed not to be content 
 withall, and complained thereof in honest sort to such gentlemen of 
 the court as resorted to me : insomuch, that the king had knowledge 
 thereof, and, incontinently, he sent Rothesay, the herauld, to me, de- 
 claring, " That whatsoever publications M'ere made, the king's pleasure 
 was, I should eat what I would, and that victuals should be appointed 
 for me of what I would eat." I tlianked humbly his grace, and an- 
 swered, " that I was belied, and untruly said of. For," quoth I, " I 
 eat no flesh, nor none of my folks ; nor," quoth I, " is it permitted in 
 England in the Lent. INIarry," quoth I, " I confess that I eat eggs 
 and white meats, because I am an evil lishman, and I think it none of- 
 fence. For if it were," quoth I, " I would be as loath to eat it as the 
 holiest of your priests, that thus have belied me." Oh !" quoth he, 
 " know ye not our priests? A mischief on them all! I trust," quoth 
 he, " tlie world will amend here once." Thus I had liberty to eat 
 what I would. Another bruit they made, " That all my men were 
 monks, and that I had them out of the abbeys in England, and now 
 they were serving men." I gave a Greek word on my men's coat- 
 sleeves, which is, M'oyo avccKTi IvKtvu ; the Latin whereof is, Soli regi ser- 
 vio; a rege tantum pendeo ; e.v regis ministerio touts; and such other 
 may be interpreted of the same. Now, the bishops here have inter- 
 preted my word to be, as they called it, Monackulus, which, as they 
 say, is in English, " a little monk," as a diminutive of llonachus ; and 
 thus they affirmed for a verity. Whereupon they bruited that all my 
 men were monks ; but it appeareth they are no good Grecians. And 
 
 * I cannot but suspect, that this pretended proclamation must have been misunderstood, 
 or exaggerated, by Sadler. Pinkerton, however, receives it as aiitheatic. ~-Hisloiy of Scot- 
 land, Vol. II. p. 359. 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1539-40. 4g 
 
 now the effect of my words is known, and they be well laughed at for 
 their learned interpretation. Thus I trouble your lordship with trifles, 
 to recreat you withall among your great affairs ; and forasmuch as 
 I have written at length to the king's majestic of all my conferences 
 and proceedings here since mine arrival, to the which your lordship 
 shall be privie, I therefore omit any thing thereof in these my letters, 
 trusting to bring the next advertisement myself. — And thus, &c. 
 
 VOL. I. 
 
[ 50 1 
 
 [7m 1541, Sadler teas again dispatched to Scotland hy Henry VIII. We have no notices of 
 
 the prepress of his negotiation, but the following voluminous and curious instructions show 
 to what ohjects they were directed. James lent a deaf ear to all Henry's arguments on the 
 subject if religion; but it would seem that Sadler wrung from him a dubious cunsint to 
 meet his uncle at York, or elsewhere, in the north of England. His breach of this engage- 
 ment filed Henry with deep indignation, and was a principal cause of the war which broke 
 out between England and Scotland in the following year.] 
 
 COTT. MSS. Caligula, B. I. f. 52. 
 
 INSTRUCTIONS, by the King's Majestic, geven unto his trusty and welbi- 
 loved servent, Rafe Sadeler, one of the gentilmen of his graces privie 
 chamber, sent at this tyme unto the King of Scotts. 
 
 Wheras the kings majestic hath appointed his trusty and welbiloved servent, 
 Rafe Sadeler, to resort at this tyme to Scotland, his graces pleasor is that, taking 
 with him leltres of credence, and such writings as be prepared for him, he shall, 
 with all convenyent celentie and diligence, reasorte thither, and addresse him- 
 self to such persones as he shall knowe moost mete to obtayne his accesse to 
 the king of Scottes. The which, and audyence obteyned, with moost hartie 
 and aft'tctuouse comendations to him from the kings majestic, his uncle, he 
 shall deiyver his letlres of credence, and therwith saye, that his hieghnes hath 
 comauded him to visite his grace ; fl'or his hieghnes, for the good and specyall 
 love he beareth unto him, wold be very glad to understande that his saide ne- 
 phew contynueth styll in good helth and prosperitie, and for the singuler aftec- 
 cion and amitie his majestic beareth to his saied nephieu, hath at this time 
 willed to make, and sende unto him, by the saied Sadlier, a small present and 
 token of suche comodities as be in this reaulme, thought at this tyme moost mete 
 for him, requiring him to accepte the same in good parte, considering the good 
 hert and will, rather than the smallenes of the thing; and so forth wilh honest 
 comunicacion and entretenemcnt of wordes, to be spoken as thoccasion shalls erve. 
 The said Sadleyer shall require the king's said nephieu, that forasmoch as his 
 majestic hath comitted unto him certayne thinges to be declared, that his graces 
 pleasor may be, at that tyme, or at any tyme shortly hereafter, to appoint him 
 
KMBASSV TO SCOTLAND IN 1539-40. SI 
 
 favorable audience for to Iieare his credaunce, to Le declared unto himself, on 
 the king's majesties bihaulf. The said audience obteyned, Mr Sadlcyer shall 
 expounde unto him, That the kings majestic having founde his grace, like a 
 kinde uepliieu, of a veray good disposicion and inclination towards Iris majestic, 
 and by sonilrie reaports and relations, brouglit to his hieghnes from dyvers par- 
 ties, hath willed to open his mynde, and propose unto him further tlian he hath 
 doon at any tyrne ; and, first, to thintent that his said nephieu might perchaunce 
 conceave upon sondrie reaports and suggestion, that maye be made unto hiin 
 some suspicion or doubte of sinceritie on his uncles bihaulf, by reason of cer- 
 tain apparate fortifications, preparacions, and provisions of warre lately begon to 
 be made by his majestic within his graces realme and dominions of England, as a 
 thing that shoulde tende to oft'ende his said nephieu or his ft'rendes, his maiestie 
 hath willed, therefor, the saied Sadleyer to aflSrme, and for certaintie declare, un- 
 to his good nephieu, that assuredly, and without doubte, his graces saied pre- 
 parations be onely made for his defence, and for the suretie and savegarde of 
 his good subjectes and realme, uppon certayn conspiracions practised against his 
 noble majeslie and realme, by the bishopp of Rome, and certayn his adherents 
 and allies, intending his graces destruction by hoke or by croke, by phas or ne- 
 phas, and the subversion of his hole comonwealth; ftbr advoyduunce whereof, 
 and for the defence of the hole, his majestic hath caused suche preparacions to 
 be made, as he trusteth, with the heipe of God, (whose cawse he taketh and de- 
 fendeth,) shalbe liable to withstande all the malice and conspiracie of the said 
 bishopp, his adherents, and consorts; and whatsoever evail they shall take to of- 
 fende his majestic and realme, his hieghnes doubtelh not, but they shall find his 
 hieghnes and all his subjects so ready to defend themself, and so to withstand 
 their violence, that after his saied enemyes shall have ones tasted tlierof, and 
 taken thair assaye, his grace trusteth, with the healpe of God, they shall have 
 little lust to go any further in thair attemptats. For this purpose doith his 
 majestic prepare and provide, and for noon other; for to defende, and not to 
 ofi'ende; onles th'offence shalbe in his defence; and therfore his hieghnes 
 praietb his good nephieu, that whatsoever reaporte shalbe made unto him, that 
 might engendre any suspicion, or cawsc any diminution of thair amitie, that he 
 wolde geve no eare, berkenyng, nor hileave therunto ; ffor assuredly his majestic 
 entendeth, not onely to kepe and observe tlic hole tenor of the treaties of peax 
 and alliaunce bttwen them, but also, fyndyng him his good and grateful! ne- 
 phieu, as his majestic, by the reaporte of his herault Lancaster, lately retorned 
 from thens, and also sondrie other wayes, is advertised his highnes woll studye 
 to encreace thair amitie, and bring the same to such perfeccion as male be to 
 the greatest comforte of both thair reaulmes that ever was; and therfor his 
 majestic praieth him also, that, like a gentle kynd nepliieu, and a prudent and a 
 wise prince, he wolbe and contynevvc of like mutueli disposicion, whatsoever 
 might be reaported or affirmed to him to the contrary ; ffor assuredly shall he 
 
S2 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1539-40. 
 
 fynde tliari his majestie sliall slievve his good purpose and this amyable declaration 
 to be true in dtde. Oneles he shulde be letted therof, as God forbidd, bv the 
 indisposicion of his saied nephieii, and by uni<yndnes be dry ven and constrayned 
 therto, as his grace trusteth it shall never bt seen; and further, to thinti nt his 
 good niphieu be not deceaved, under the color of rehgion, and peisuai:>ion of 
 untrue and fayiied tales, that might, by the crafte of his uncle's enemyes, be set 
 forth as thinges of nioost excellent pitie and holynes, albcyt his ni.ijestie, know- 
 ing that his said nepliieu, (by his siniplicitie, truly uieanyng and persuaded not 
 to attribute to himself any lernyng or knowleage in niattrs of religion, but to 
 leave the judgement and determination thereof to his c'ergie,) contynueth still 
 in his persuasion of the bishopp oi Rornes, (his cardynalls, adherents, and cler- 
 gie of that sort,) holynesses, and that he is vicar of Christ in erth ; whereupon 
 seihg the difheultie his highnes ihinketli it shulde be to dissuade a tiling alredy 
 so persuaded and beaten into his sayd nephew's heed, therlor is veray loth to 
 move any thing concernyng the said bishopp that shulde ofFende his said ne- 
 phew, yet neverlheles, both bicausot the glorye of God, and that the matei towch- 
 eth the hieghnesses of both kings, the uncle and nt phieu, and is of good im- 
 portance to them both, iiis majestie is in maner compell' d and constrayned, so 
 that (for to warne his good nephieu) lie cannot but somewhtt towch and open 
 the crafte, illusion, and deceipttui prat tises of the said bishopp, to both tliair 
 greate disavantage, if the said bishopp could con passe his purpose to the evil 
 ende that is by him intended ; wherby, for the causes aforsaid, his majestie 
 praieth his good nephieu, that contynuyng in such good siniplicitie (as he 
 doith) not attributing to moch to his vvyt, knowleage, or learning, but sub- 
 mitting the same utterly lo the worde and doctrine of God, he woll never- 
 lheles joyne to that siniplicitie, as Christ commanded his disciples, the prudence 
 of a serpent; that is, not to thinke himself, as perchaunce sondryc ol liis clergie 
 vvoolde have him to be, as brute as a stocke; or to mistrust, that his wytts 
 which he hath receaved of God, he not liable to perceave Christ's worde, which 
 his grace hath left to us common to be understanden by all Christen men, as 
 well by such as be learned in the Laten tongue, and heytlien authors, and scrip- 
 tures, as also by the unlearned, as tliapostles were; not doubting but hi= good 
 nephieu, endewed with such reason and wilt, may as well understande thefl'ect 
 of the true doctrine, and knowe the trowth of thinges, as the moost of the cler- 
 gie, comonly ledd by thafi'eccion they have to tliaii' maintenance owl of thair 
 princes hand, and of their auctoritie in pompe and prule 
 
 Seconde, The king's majestie, his uncle, requirctli his good nephieu, that for 
 his beltre and moost assured knowledge, as well of the bishopp ol' Rome and 
 his clerf,'ie as of other, he woll no lesse nuirke and geve crcdaunee to tliair 
 workes and dedes, than to thair fayer payntcd wordes, the which niaye be onelj 
 Judged fay vred or unfavred by workes and deds ; and observyng the same, his 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1539-40. 53 
 
 Kieg^.mes doubleth not but he shall fyndc moche ease and pcrfcccion of know- 
 ledge of the veiay triielh by the same, for that shall induce him to leane unto 
 the pure vvorde of God, and to passe liglit uppon dreams of men, abused by 
 supersticion, to biynde princes and other persons of nioch simplicitie. 
 
 Third, Hisliiglines prayeth his jjjood ncphie\v,tliat like as he liath doon hereto- 
 fore, he woll have regard that tiiorough tiie bishopp of Komc and his adherents, 
 jike false and leyenge reaporls as the}' have made to sondry princes of Chris- 
 tendom, upon his uncle depraving all his good intencions, purposes, and deedes, 
 he shal not conceave any evill opinion of his good uncle, nor be persuaded to 
 thinke of him otherwise than of every cliristen, fidel, and ratholique, as he is la 
 dede the contrary whereof, nevertheles his enem3'es by (wresting of his doings 
 to a perverse sense and interpretacion, as different from the veray true meanying 
 of his highnes, as the night is from the daye,) do sklaundre his grace ; and 
 the said bishopp sendeth about some of his mistres of the principall sorte to 
 evill reaporte, back byte and sklaundre his majestic to the princes of Christen- 
 dom and suborneth monkes, freers, and preachers, to diffame his grace to the 
 common sort and people of Christendom, moved so do whatsoever he pretendeth 
 under other colors, onely bicause his hieghnes, sticking to the word of God, 
 bath abolished not onely certain thair Komayn abuses and supersticions in his 
 xealme; and taken upon him to exercise that power and autoritie upon his 
 church of England, and the clergie thereof, that the bishopp of Rome many 
 yeares craltly and deceiptfully had usurped from his majestic, as he doith usurpe 
 upon his good nephieu, and other kings and princes of Christendom, to thair 
 greater detriment, then doubtles they be ware of, and albeyt his majestic trust- 
 elh his good nephiews circumspection and prudence to be such as he wold not 
 prynt in his hert and mynd any evyll opinion or sinistre mocion against him ; 
 yett forasmoch as his majestic knoweth, the said bishop and his adherents for 
 the mayntenaunce of their auctoritie, pride, and pompouse lyvyng, woll do 
 thair uttermost to bring all the world in an evill opinion of his majestic, and 
 move, irritate, and styrre them to endammage his hieghnes and subjects, if it 
 canne be in his power, although his grace mistrusteth not the wysdom of kings 
 and princes, to be such as being allied with his highnes, they woll not serve to 
 the sayd byshops lusts and unlavvfull desires, as his mistres now be lightly mov- 
 ed to beleave of bis highnes thair frend and ailie, any sinistre reaporte or 
 sklaundre, but rather rejecte that sorte of nuncios and sklaundrous orator, as 
 themperor affirmeth to have latetly doon by the Cardinall Pole, the kings re- 
 bell, who wanderith about to publishe a bull of the said bishops against his 
 hieghnes, so distaunt, and farre different and wide from all equitie, humanitie, 
 and reason, as hell is from heavyn, nor unworthie to be compared unto hell, as 
 a veray synke of all wyckednes, crueltye, and tyranye; cloked, nevertheles, 
 with a cloke of religion, t' abuse the simple unprudent therewith. His grace 
 
54 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1559-40. 
 
 trustetb that the French king, his good brother, whiche shevveth no lesse amitic 
 unto him than ever he did, woll eyther not admilte the saied Poole, or reject 
 him as themperor hath doon, yet, nevertheles, forasmoch, as his majestie 
 doubteth not, but such evill angells and tentators shal be sent unto his saied 
 nephieu to seduce liim if they canne, his hieghnes hath thought to warne and 
 advertise liis good brother and nephieu, eftsones to geve no light credaunce to 
 thair tales ; and to beware to becom mynystre of the sayd bishopp, suffering the 
 cruaultie of his bull, conteyning his uncles diffamations, to be published, nor 
 any effect thereof to be executed, thinking the sayd bull to be noon other than 
 a veray ravenyng wolf under a sheps skynne. And in cace his good nephieu 
 shuld be in any thing concerning his good uncles procedings, in double or half 
 persuaded by them, that yett he woll suspende the full persuasion, untill such tyme 
 as he maye be better enformed of the trueth from those parties. Assuring him, 
 that like as by his dealings to the contrary, and obeying to the bishopp of 
 Romes, and to his satellits, charmes, and incantacions, he shulde do against 
 thonor, not onely of his said uncle, but also of all other kings and princes of like 
 estate and degree, whose sklander redoundeth to the hole ordre. So at the last, 
 the same shuld torne to his dishonor and greale detriment ; and perchaunce, 
 upon a veray light cace, the said bishopp might take occasion for the favor of 
 the clergie, if he shuld go about to redresse or reforme any of thair misde- 
 meanors in Scotland, to serve him a like as he wold serve the king's hieghnes. 
 The practises of prelats and clerks be wondrousc, and thair juglyng so craftye, 
 as oneles a man be ware therof, and as oculate as Argus, he maye be lightly ledd 
 by the nose, and beare the yoke, yea and (yett for blyndenes) not to knowe 
 what he doith. They have alredy prepared such false interpretations of scrip- 
 ture, and layed such snares in the waye of princes to deceave them, that prin- 
 ces ought consideratly to thinke upon, or ells be deceyved. These persuasions 
 the king's majestie (havyng passed the daungier of such thinges, and had ex- 
 perience of the matters,) is more constant to require of his good nephewe, de- 
 siring him now aflectuously to waye and consider the same; and never to be- 
 leave any such absurd reaports of any prince, till he hath herd the saying of the 
 partie sklaundred, ffor no judgement shuld be geven partie inaudita. The said 
 Sadler shall as of himself affirme to the king of Scotts, that being he of his 
 uncles privye chambre, and of long season accoynted with his procedinges, he 
 knoweth the king his masters true meanyng, upright dealing, and procedinges 
 to be of such reason, truth, and innocencie, as he wisheth alt the world might 
 know the ground and veray secrecies therof. And that the kings hieghnes 
 doubteth not, but to his greate prayse, all the world wold allowe his doyngs. If 
 .they wold heare the groundes, reasons, and circumstances therof, yea, and fur- 
 ther, his majestie shuld accept for a very kind parte yf his nephew, or any other 
 prince that were perchaunce sinistrely enformed therof, shuld desire his hiegh- 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1539-40.- 55 
 
 nes, by waye of fiendlye amilie, to enfonne them of his veiay true raeanyng, 
 reason, and tjrounde of siiche his procedingcs, as be skkiundred abrode to the 
 perverse sense bifore his said nephieu, or they shuld persuade themselfs therto. 
 And that assuredly his majestic tenderith so mocli, that his good biother and 
 nephieu shuld conceave no evill opinion of him ; that he wold not sticke for 
 that purpose, and entreteng of thair amitie and alliaunce, and increase of love, 
 not onely to sende unto the king his nephew, secretly some good, honest, and 
 true lerned man, to enforme him therof, if he were disposed to geve unto them, 
 (he himself, without the presence of his clergie, or thair partiall fautors,) favo- 
 rable audience and permission so to do, but also in his majesties own person, 
 take payne to approche nerer those parties in som commodiouse place, and 
 take a tyme with his own mouth, and very worde to declare himself, and other 
 many ihinges to the king his nephew, if his grace receaving good and sufficient 
 hostages, (if nede were, or if he mistrusted any thing,) wold vouchsafe to mete 
 and assemble in any commodiouse parte northwarde, nere unto thair borders, with 
 his majestic ; not doubtinge, but his said nephiew shuld afterwarde thinke the 
 same so commodiouse unto him as he wold for no good have forborne it. The 
 costs and charges were not great for both parlies ; intending his majestie as he 
 is advised for this somer, to take his progresse northward, and his good nephiew 
 not farr distaunt from the same, might take his progresse thiderward, yet, 
 nevertheles, he remitteth the same to his nephews discrecion, perceaving that 
 by the meanes of his clergie, by all likelihode he shall be (as he was sometyme 
 afore,) dissuaded of the same, and persuaded to the contrary. 
 
 Finally, The kings hieghnes hearing, by true intellygences and advertise- 
 ments, that the bishopp of Rome, and his faccion of cardynalls, and adherents, 
 have conspired in any wyse to compasse his majesties and true subjects destruc- 
 cions, (as with Godd's grace, it shall never be in thair powers, and assuredly his 
 hieghnes doubteth not thereof,J and for to bring thair mischevouse purpose, 
 that they do intende to irritate and seduce both themperor and the French 
 king, and his said nephew also, against his uncles majestie ; and as som of his 
 graces intelligences do support the sayd bishopp, intendeth under fayer wordes 
 to allure the king of Scotts, by the meane of other princes, if he canne get them 
 (as his majestie trusteth he shall not, and that they be to wyse and circumspect 
 to condescende to such, his cruell and tyrannik purposes,) to make his sayd ne- 
 phew, bicause his realme adjoyneth unto England, and as a prince and a king, 
 on whose perill and daunger they have not moch regard, but only for thair own 
 purpose, to be a ringleader and chief setter-forth of hostilitie against his uncle, 
 not caryng whither both uncle and nephiew shuld consume ech other, so that 
 the holy father and his apostells of Rome (God knoweth how far unlike to 
 Christ and his apostells,) might have thair purpose. Therfor, his majestie re- 
 quireth his sayd nephew to waye what fayer wordes, promises, and amities, be at 
 
56 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1539-40. 
 
 this day einongs many men, who for the moost parte do love for thair own pro- 
 file, assuredly his sayd nephevve maye be assured that soiidrye his frends called, 
 have not (to saye the trowthe) loved him, but loved onely the commoditie and 
 profit which they myght take of hyui, and fedd him for thair own purpose, to 
 iiis create losse, disquiet, and damage, and for a reward procured his destruccion. 
 And to the contrary, (if he knowe well the trouthe,) such as he toke for his ad- 
 versaries, meaned well towards him and his preservacion. Lett him remember 
 that no prince hath so greate instinct of nature to love him as the king's hiegh- 
 nes, being so nere of his kinne and blud, and as his good uncle beareth no lesse 
 affeccion to him than a father to his own child, as he hath often tymes shewed. 
 If evill reaporters, which were about his sayd nephew, wold have suffered the 
 san>e to be so taken, and to have knowen and tried the Irowth, his majestie re- 
 quireth him to considre what amitie and love hath been between sondrye of 
 thair predecessors toguelher, more than ever was beitween any other princes, 
 as lately with his noble predecessor King Henry the Fifth, who was with his 
 predecessors power assisting to liis conquest of Fraunce, and after his decesse, 
 the bodye acompanyed to London. And latelyer, the greate favor and love his 
 majesties fatlier King Henry VHth. of noble memorye, bare unto King James, 
 whom God absolve, whicii amities were never broken of the English partie, but 
 ever by the instigacion of other, nnrler rolonr nf sincere amitie, which was no- 
 thino- so, but rather fayned, the breache hath been begon on that partie, how 
 moch to thair detriment his highnes is sorye to thenke upon. VVherfor, his 
 majestie adviseth him, as a veray uncle shuld, his loving nepheiew to consider and 
 waye well what the amities of sondrye princes to him be, and have been, why, and 
 wherfor, and to forsee what might chaunce. If he shuld fortune for other meyns 
 pleasor attempte any entreprise, specially where the matier that his hieghnes de- 
 fendeth isGodds, and his words own cawse, and the conservacion of the ryght of 
 kino-s and princes, usurped by the sayd bishopp. The king's majestie exhorteth 
 not his nephewe to departe from his amytie that he hath with Fraunce and ells- 
 where, (for they be his majesties frends also,) rather willing to conciliate amytie 
 betwen them, if there were any enemitie ; but his meaning is, that liis nephiewe 
 shalbe ware what entreprises he taketh for any other princes pleasor; and to 
 have regard that, in such thinges (that sort of circumspection be had) as ciassa 
 ignorantia, whiche excuseth not the conscience, maye be avoyded. 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND 
 
 IN 
 
 1543. 
 
 VOL. 1. 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND in 1543. 
 
 The ruin and disgrace which fell upon the Scottish arms by the rout at Soheay 
 Moss broke the heart of' James V. ; and his daughter, born a few days before his death, 
 succeeded to a crown which was seldom a blessing to its owners. Henry Fill, con- 
 ceived the natural and rational pui-pose of tiuiting the two kingdoms by a contract of 
 marriage betwixt Edward his son and the iifant heiress of Scotland. The prisoners 
 taken at So/way Moss were treated with kindness, andfncdly dismissed upon their pa- 
 role, and solemn promise to aid this project of the English monarch. Amon<r these 
 were the earls of Cassilis and of Glencairn, the lords Maxwell, Somerville, Oliphanf, 
 and Gray. They were sent down to Scotland, that they might assist with their infu" 
 ence in a parliament called by the earl of Arran, now regent of Scotlatid. Our Sip 
 Ralph Sadler was dispatched by Henry as his plenipotentiary on this important occa- 
 sion, with instructions, it would seem, to keep the liberated captives steady to their en- 
 gagements, to extend and strengthen the English influence in the Scottish parliament, 
 and to labour for compleating the contract upon the terms most advantageous for 
 England. But, before his arrival, the Scottish parliament had adopted a set of arti- 
 cles upon this important subject, which the reader will flnd subjoined. The principal 
 provision respected the custody of the inj'ant princess; the parliament demanded that 
 she should reside in Scotland until she was fen years old complete, hostages being offer- 
 ed to Henry for her delivery at that period. The English monarch was desirous that 
 she should be immediately put into his power. 
 
 ACT APPOINTING AMBASSADORS TO BE SENT TO ENGLAND. 
 March the xiiijaj vc and xlii. 
 
 The quhilk day anentis ye artiklis proponit be my lord chanceler, tuiching the 
 depesche of thair imbassadoris nemmit in the conduct send be the king of Ing- 
 land to pass towart him, to trete, commoun, contract, and conclude uponne the 
 pels beluix the realmes, lang or schorl, or lang as may be gottin, be land and 
 
60 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1513. 
 
 se ; and sicklik, to conimoun, trete, conclude, and contiact iiponne manage be- 
 tuix the quene our souerane, and Edward prince of Valis, and apptrand here- 
 tour of Ingland, and in his behalf witii the ryght excellent prence Henry king 
 of Ingland his fader. The lordis of artiklis eftir that thai had hard my lord 
 governours ni3'nd in that behalf, haif and consideration of tlie aducrsite of 
 tyme bigane, and of the dangerous apperand of stait of the tynie instant, and 
 sicklik to cum, lies concludit that ane ample commissioun be maid, and send 
 with the imbassadoris that ar to depart to the said king of Ingland, for takmg, 
 treting, and conclutling of ane pece, perpetuailie, or for lang tyme or schort ; 
 and sicklik ane uthyr commissioun to be maid to the saidis imbassadoris, to 
 commoun, trete, conclude, and contract tiie said mariage; with sic restrictions 
 and condittions as sal be gcvin to thaim be my lord governour, with avise of the 
 lordis to be chosin be him thareto, and as thai devise, to produce the sauiin 
 agane before the lordis of artiklis, that thai may consult thereupon ; of the 
 quhilkis the tenor followis. 
 
 The Instructions to the Imhassaloiiris to he send to the King of Ingland, for contract- 
 ing of Peice and Mariage, ^;c. to be extcnd/t at large. 
 
 In the first, the arrange to be maid at lenth ansuerand to the king of Ing- 
 landis first writtingis, and ail utheiis in schort and brief send scnsine as sal be 
 devisit. 
 
 Item, The commissioun for contracting of the said mariage beand amp]}' con- 
 sauit and red to the king of Ingland, or his conimissans, it is su[)ponit thai will 
 desyre certain poyntis and securite for keeping of the said contiact, to the 
 quhilks it sal be ansuerit be the saidis imbassatouris, and sal be desirit be thaim 
 for the part of Scotland, as efter followis : 
 
 And first, Geve it be askit on the king of Inglandis behalf, that the quenis 
 grace our souerane lady be deliverit to him, or in Ingland, to be kcpit quhiil the 
 completeing of the said mariage ; it is to be ansuerit, that it is an lyte hie and 
 ryte grete inconvenient to the reaime of Scotland to grant tliairto, for sic resons 
 and causis as the imbassadouris hes hard declarit be the cot aisaie of Scotland, 
 and as thai can schew ,particuiarlie be thaimselfis, not belevand that the king of 
 Inglandis majestic is of sic hie wisdome that he will nevir desyre the saniin. 
 Tharefor, it cannot be grantit be resoun, bol thai hir grace may remane and be 
 kepit in this reaime quhiil sche may be abiU to couiplete mariage. 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 6l 
 
 Item, As for llie kcpiiig of our said souerane ladyis personne within the realme 
 of Scotland, it is devisit and ordainit be the ihre estatis of this realme in parlia- 
 ment, that hii |)rrsonne be kcpit mu\ niirisl jirincipallie be liir modcr, and four 
 lordis of the realme that ar lest suspect, and chosen thareto. 
 
 Item, In caiss it be desirit for the part of the king of Ingland, that sum Ing- 
 lismcn, or Inglis ladyis be present with our souerane lady, &c. To that it is to 
 be ansuerit, that it sal be leful to put honourable knyts of Ingland, ane or twa, 
 with als mony ladyis of honour, with thair servandis, men and women, tore- 
 mane for the uiair suir kepiug of our said souerane ladyis personne, and to re- 
 mane uponne the king of Inglandi expenses; and in caiss that our said souerane 
 ladyis moder deccis, or depart fiirtii of the realme of Scotland, there sal be cho- 
 siu sum of the maist nobiil and vertuis ladyis of that realme to remane with hir 
 grace. 
 
 Item, Gif it be desirit for the part of Ingland, that securite be maid for de- 
 livering of our said souerane lady within Ingland at her perfite aige, abill of the 
 law to be maryit, and for fulfilling of the said contract in all pointis ; and first 
 gif thai desyre our said souerane ladyis personne, it sal be ansuerit as is afor 
 writtin. And gif thai desire ony strenthis of the realme in pledge and securite, 
 or uthir pledges, sic as baronis or nobillmen of the realme, it sal be ansuerit 
 to that artikle, lik as for the delivering of the quenis persoun, and be sic resons 
 as the saidis imbassatouris can schew. 
 
 Item, In caiss the contract of mariage pass fordwart, and beis concordit witli, 
 sic condesions as is before writtin, it is to be desirit for the part of Scotland 
 that the realme stand in the awin liberte and fredomes, as it is now and has bene 
 in all tymes bigane, to be gidit and gouernit be my lord governour that now is, 
 quhill our said souerane ladyis perfite aige, hot ony slope or impediment to be 
 maid to him be the king Ingland or his successouris, and that the said lord fo- 
 vernour sal tak up and intromet with all, and sundry the rentis, profittis, and emo- 
 lumentis, baitb of properte, and casuahte, to be disponit be his grace as he sail 
 think expedient, without ony compt to be maid be him or his successouris there- 
 uponne, als wele in tymes bigane sen he was declarit governour, as in tyme to 
 cum. 
 
 Item, The quenis grace being of perfit aige, and mareit in Ingland, it is to be 
 providit for the state, rycht, and liberte of the realme, and how all sould stand 
 and be gydit at all tymes tharefter, quhidder our said souerane lady half sur-ces- 
 sioun of hir persoune or nane ; tharefore, it sal be desirit as efter foliowis, that is 
 to say, that this realme sal evir haif and beir the name of Scotland, and to broke 
 6 
 
62 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 151:3. 
 
 the auld liberie, privileges, and fredomes, in all estatis, as it lies bene in all tymes 
 bigane, and sal be gidit and governit under ane governoiir, borne of the realnie 
 self, and sal be gidit be the awin lawis, and sal haife ane continuale and perpe- 
 tuale sete and college of justice, sitand in the tolbuith of Edinbingh, sicklike as 
 it is statute and orddinit be the kingis grace, quom God assolzie, and sail haif all 
 sheriffis, stewartis, and utheiis officiaris sicklik as thai ar now at this tyme, with- 
 out ony appellation, reclamation, or seking ony remeid of law upon the court 
 finth of the realme of Scotland. 
 
 Ite/)i, That our soueranc kuly induring hir liftyme, nor hir successouris, kingis 
 or quenis of Ingland, sail not call or summond ony of the realme of Scotland to 
 ony the parliamentis or courtis, except to the parliamentis or courtis to be haldin 
 witiiin the realme self. 
 
 Item, That in caiss the quenis grace our souerane lady cummis to pcrfite aige, 
 and passis furth of the realme, it is to be desirit,that my lord governour that now 
 is, remane governour of thys realme for all the dayis of his lif, and efter his de- 
 ceiss, that the narrest lauchful of his blude, abill to succede, and to exerce the 
 said ofHce, sal be maid governour of the realme be our said souerane lady and hir 
 successouris succedand to the crone of Ingland, be large and ample commission, 
 of the quhilk the forme is to be devisite. 
 
 Item, Gif it happens our said souerane lady to be maryit, as said is, with the 
 prince of Ingland, it is to be desirit, that in caiss it sail happen the said prince 
 deceis before hir grace, without ony airis lawful to be gottin betuix thaim, our 
 said souerane lady sal be deliuerit agane be the king of Ingland and his succes- 
 souris in the realme of Scotland for unmareit to ony other man, or of ony other 
 band, baith of hir personne and of hir realme. 
 
 Item, In caiss it sail happin our said souerane lady to haif airis and succes- 
 souris lavvfuhie to be gottin of hir body betuix hir and the said Prince Eduart, 
 gif it happins thame, or thair lawful successioun linealie descendand of thaim to 
 falze in ony maner of wayis, than and in that caiss the narrest and lawful air to 
 our said souerane lady and hir airis and successouris forsaidis into this realme be 
 the lawis of the samin, sal haif full rycht and regress to the crone and realme, 
 and sail broike and joiss the samin, with rycht, and liberteis, and fredomes, siclik 
 as it lias bene in tymes bigane without ony impediment, clame, or rycht, that 
 may tuich ony properte or possessioun in ony maner of wayis in all or part to be 
 askit thareto be the king of Ingland, or the successouris to our said souerane 
 iady. 
 
EMBASSY '10 SCOTLAND IN 1543. gj 
 
 Memorand. To ask landis to be gcvin to our said soucrauc lady iu dowre, ex- 
 tending be zoir to X. JNI. Li. Stiiueling (re of all charges, and lyand nivt iho 
 boiindis of Scotland. 
 
 Item, Gif it Iiappins the said coiitraicl of luariage to be coniplitit, and onr 
 said soucrauc lady dcliu. nil in Ingland, notuiLh.standiiig all the strenthis of Scot- 
 land sail reniane in the handis of the nobill men of the rcalme, as sail pleiss my 
 lord governour, ay and quhile there be lawful succession gotlin betuix the saidis 
 Prince Eduart and our said soucrane lady appcrand to succede to the crone of 
 Scotland and Insrland. 
 
 Tlte Instrudionis of the Peice and ArtUdis of new to be ci/cil thareto. 
 
 Item, It is Ihocht expedient, that the peice perpetualie be contraclit betuix 
 realmes after the forme of the auld peice, levand proviso. 
 
 Item, That it be providit in the peice ancnt the debatable landis to be devi- 
 dit, sua that ilk realmc may ken their awin part, and punish the inhabitants 
 thareof for their demerits, providing ahvayis that Canjbe fall hale to Scotland. 
 
 Item, That the debatable ground betuix Tiviotdale and Ingland be markil and 
 marchit, sua that every realme knaw thair awin pairt, and ulheris partis of the 
 marcbis quhare ony question of pley is. 
 
 , were. 
 
 The parUamentary commissioners appointed to carrii these articles to Enoland \ 
 Sir James Learmonth if Balcomy, Sir William Hamilton of Sanquhar, and Henry 
 Balnavis of Hall-hill, secretary of state. In the course of the negociation, the earl of 
 Glencaim and Sir George Douglas were dispatched to their assistance with some mo- 
 dification of the terms. 
 
LETTERS 
 
 DURING 
 
 THE EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND 
 
 IN 1543. 
 
 A LETSZnfrom Sir Ralph Sadler to the King's Majesty of England, 
 
 the QOth of March, 1543. 
 
 Please it your royal majesty to understand, that upon Sunday, at af- 
 ternoon, I arrived here at Edinburgli ; and, tlie day before, they had 
 prorogate their parliament, till upon a new summons, which, as I un- 
 derstand, they intend to call in April or May, if the cause shall so re- 
 quire. Upon my arrival I repaired forthwith to the governour,* whom 
 I found in a garden at the palace of Holyrood-house, and delivered un- 
 to him your majesty's letters, with your majesty's hearty commendations, 
 according to my instructions. And after he had demanded of your ma- 
 jesty's health, and welcomed me, which he did in \ t r\- gentle sort, he rr ■ \ 
 your grace's letters : And that done, took me a little a-part, and 
 saying, " That I was very heartily welcome ;"' with further, " Tb 
 
 * James Hamilton, earl of Arran, nest heir to the crown, and governor of Scotland, 
 A'OL. I. I 
 
i)6 iMEASSY TO SCOTLAXD IN' 1543. 
 
 ccived I liad credence unto liliu, he woulil, witlirigbt good will, hear the 
 same." \v'liercLipoii I thought to enter with him, and so declared my 
 credence committed unto me by your majesty, in such manner and tbim 
 in effect as my instructions do purport. He answered me, " That your 
 majesty had his heart above all princes; and that your grace should 
 liave him at command in all things reasonable, saving his duty of al- 
 legiance to his sovereign lad}' and this realm." Thus he (jualified his 
 atlection. and said, " That the ambassadors were dispatched, and ready 
 to take their journey towards your majesty, with such things as, he 
 trusted, should content your majesty." There was a great company of 
 noblemen and gentlemen about him, which pressed so near him, as it 
 seemed to me, that either he would fain have had me in some other 
 place, where he might have secretly communed with me, or else in- 
 tended to take counsel afore he entred farther with me. For so he 
 knit up his talk, (as indeed he is a man of no long communication or 
 great discourse,) saying, " He would the next day speak with me more 
 at length, and thought it meet for me to go rest myself for that time, 
 because 1 had so travelled." Whereunto I said, " That I M'as indeed 
 weary of riding, and would therefore follow his advice, and wait upon 
 him again at his pleasuic." He bade Sir George Douglas* convoy me 
 to my lodging, which he did. Whilst the said governour was reading 
 your grace's letters, the noblemen about him, with the chancellor, be- 
 ing the bishop of Glasgow, i the earls of Angus,:} Huntley, Glencairn, 
 
 * Sir George Douglas of PiUendriech, brother to Archibald, seventh earl of Angus. He 
 was a man of spirit and talents; shared with his brother in the power which he possessed 
 durins; the minority of JaniLS v.; was banished with him, and ahnost all the name of 
 Douglas, into England, where ihey remained till the death of the king ; and were then 
 sent by Henry back to their native country, along with the Solway jirisoners, in order to 
 strengthen the English party in Scotland. In the subseciuent part of the letter. Sir George 
 is styled only Mr Douglas. This is not a solitary instance of a knight being distinguished 
 by this inferior title. Sir Walter Raleigh was knighted in 1584-5, yet in a letter, quoted 
 by Dr Birch, in his Memoirs of Elizabeth, Vol. 1. p. 55, he is called Mr Raleigh; and our 
 Sir Ralph Sadler is, in some correspondence of this time, called Mr Sadler. 
 
 t Gavin Dunbar, archhislio|) of Glasgow, had been chancellor for fourteen years during 
 the reign of James V., and was continued in office on Arran's becoming regent. 
 
 I Archibald Douglas, the seventh earl of Angus, He had married the queen-dowager 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 67 
 
 Cassils, Marishal, with others diveis that were there, did embrace and 
 welcome me in gentle sort. And so being accompanied to my lodg- 
 ing, with the said Sir George Douglas, and divers other gentlemen 
 about him, by the way we talked ot" their parliament at large ; in 
 which talk the said Sir George told me, " That they had agreed all 
 well together ; and though in the beginning one began to grin at an- 
 other, yet was there none that would bite, nor they would not fall out 
 amongst themselves, whereby' they might the rather make themselves 
 a prey to their enemies." And witii this talk of the manner of the 
 holding of their parliament, whereat they wished I had been to see 
 the same, in general words we passed the way to my lodging ; and 
 being entred into my chamber, I told Mr Douglas that I longed to 
 speak with him, and had much matter to commune with him from 
 your majesty. He desired no less to speak with me, as he said ; and 
 so we drew a-part by ourselves. I began with him in this sort: " That 
 your majesty had commanded me to use his advice in all things as his 
 trusty servant ; and therefore I prayed him first to declare unto me 
 the state of all things here, as your majesty trusted he would do sin- 
 cerely." ^' Marry," quoth he, " I have laboured with all my power to 
 do the king's majesty service, and will do while I live, wherein I have 
 always pretended outwardly tlie commonwealth of Scotland, and spake 
 not much of England, because I would not be suspected. And I am 
 sure," quoth he, " I have so bent my wits thereunto, as I trust I have 
 deserved thanks of his majesty. I slept not," quoth he, " three hours 
 in one night thir six weeks. For," quoth he, " we have had much 
 business with many noblemen, and of the greatest sort, a^ the earls of 
 Huntley, Argyle,* Bothwel, and jMurray, which would have made a 
 
 of Scotland, relict of James IV., and possessed great power during James Vs. minority. 
 But the king, upon assuming the regal authority, banished Angus, his family, axl favourers, 
 and they remained in England until his death. They had just returned to Scotland, and 
 been restored by parliament. 
 
 * Archibald, fourth earl of Argyle. He died 1558. 
 
68 EMUASs'v TO SCOTLAISD IN 1545. 
 
 pariy against us, it tliey coiili!, will) almost the whole clergy, and de- 
 termined to liave lioiden another parliament in St Johnston ; but," 
 quolh he, " I have prevented them, and got the town before them, so 
 that they could not settle there ; and then the governour, by mine ad- 
 vice, sent them an express conniiandment, under pain of treason, to 
 come to the parliament, and to attend on him at the same, for the com- 
 mon weai of the realm : which," (juoth he, " they (perceiving them- 
 :sel\es not able to make a party) were fain to do, save the earl of x'\r- 
 gyle, wlio sent his ])rocurator, being himself very sick. And now,^' 
 quoth he, " all is well, and we have kept our parliament honourably, 
 agreeing Avell together, and have concluded, by open parliament, that 
 the king's majesty shall have the marriage of our young mistress, and 
 that we shall be assured friends to England for ever, as," quoth he, " I 
 wrote to my Lord ^^'^lhaTn * lately. By the which (if he send n)y letters 
 to the king's majesty, as I hope he will) his highness shall perceive the 
 whole plot of Our doings here in our jjarliament. And now," quoth 
 he, " our ambassadors be ready to go to his majesty, with full power 
 to conclude and contract the marriage : W hich being done, there is no 
 doubt but, by little and little, liis majesty shall have his whole desire. 
 And this," quoth he, " is the state of those aflairs." " INIr Douglas," 
 quoth I, " the king's majesty hath a trust and confidence in you, and 
 mv lord, your brother, whom he taketh for his faithful servants ; and 
 his majesty," quoth I, " forgetteth not the large promises and offices 
 of yoin- said brother, and the other noblemen which lately were with 
 him, of the good success whereof his majesty is daily in expectation, 
 and yet since the beginning he hath had but cold advertisements from 
 you: Wherefore, I pray you," (juoth I, " hov/ be the noblemen affected 
 to his majesty ? whic-h be assured of his majesty's party ? and why have 
 ye not written more frankly from time to time ?" " By my truth," (juoth 
 he, " for my part and my brother's, we have written from time to time as 
 things have gone liere ; but for the offices and promises of the lords ye 
 
 * i. e. Lord William Howard. 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IX 1543. gg 
 
 sjicak of, I told you," quoth he, " at Newcastle, they were never, nor yet 
 be able to perform them, though the most of them be well attected, as 
 the earls of Glencaim and Cassils, the lords Maxwel, Soniervail, and 
 Gray : The rest," quoth he, " are mean men, and the others that be of any 
 power are slipt and gone ; so that there is no hold of them, specially 
 the Earl Bothwel is the worst that may be. But," ciuoth lie, " my 
 brother and I have many friends come to us ; so that we, M'ith those 
 noblemen aforementioned, whicli have been assured to the kino-'s ma- 
 jesty, are too strong a party for the rest, so long as we keep the gover- 
 nour that he start not from us ; for by him we must work all things 
 for the king's purpose, unless we should go to it by force, whcreunto," 
 quoth he, " the time serveth not." " Well," quoth I, " Mr Douglas, 
 the king's majesty liath had large offers, as ye know, both for the go- 
 vernment of the realm, and to have the child brought into his hands, 
 with also the strong holds, according to your promises ; and if your 
 ambassadors shouifl now rnme with mean things, not aoreeable to his 
 highness, you are a wise man, ye know what may ensue thereof" 
 " Why," quoth he, " his majesty shall have the marriage offered to be 
 contracted, and they have authority to conclude it ; and havino- that 
 first, the rest of his desires may follow in time. But for my part,' 
 quoth he, " I made no such promise as ye speak of; and they that 
 made such promises, are not able to perform them. For surely," quoth 
 he, " the noblemen will not agree to have her out of the realm, be- 
 cause she is their mistress ; but they are content, that the king's ma- 
 jesty shall appoint some gentlemen of England, and some English la- 
 dies, to be here about her person, for her better tuition, at his majesty's 
 pleasure ; and this entry at the first may bring her wholly into his 
 hands in short time ; but I tell you," quoth he, " all tilings cannot be 
 done at once. And this I have done," quoth he, " by my policy since 
 I came hither. First, I have so insinuate myself with the governour 
 that I am in chief credit with him ; I have caused him pull down the 
 cardmal, who was, and would have been, chief enemy to the king's 
 
70 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND TN 1543. 
 
 purposes;* I have brought tlie said governour also wholly to the 
 kino-"s majesty's devotion; so that he esteenieth his majesty above 
 all other princes, and clean have I altered him from France, so that he 
 and all this realm shall be wholly dedicate to his majesty. And now," 
 t[uoth he, " the marriage being concluded, and a knight or a noble 
 man of England, with such English ladies as shall please the king to 
 set about the person of this young lady, being once appointed, the 
 leaeue and band of France being also refused and annulled here, where- 
 at," quoth he, " there will be no sticking ; the subjects of both the 
 realms having liberty to ha\e intercourse, and to resort one with other 
 without safe conduct, which shall engender a love and familiarity be- 
 twixt them ; and the noblemen and young gentlemen here, repairing 
 from time to time to the court of England, being well and gently en- 
 tertained there, as the king's majesty, of his gentle nature, can well 
 entreat them ; yea," quoth he, " and the governour himself also co- 
 ming to his majesty, as he hath promised. These things," quoth he, 
 " in time shall bring the nobility of this realm so far in love with his 
 majesty, that he shall have the whole direction and obedience of the 
 same at his pleasure. And again," quoth he, " of the other party ; if 
 there be any motion now to take the governour from his state, and to 
 bring the government of this realm to the king of England, I assure 
 you, it is impossible to be done at this time. For," cjuoth lie, " there is 
 not so little a boy but he will hurl stones against it, and the wives will 
 handle their distafts, and the commons universally will rather die in 
 it, yea, and many noblemen and all the clergy be fully against it ; so 
 that," quoth he, " this must needs folloAv of it: The cardinal shall be 
 set at liberty, who hath been much sued for, and yet we have keeped 
 him in maugre their hearts ; ambassadors shall be sent into France ; the 
 French army, if it do arrive here, as it is thought, which we do intend 
 
 * Cardinal Bethune, who, as a Roman Catholic prelate, was totally averse to the English 
 match, was at present iuiprisoiied hy the governor in the castle of Dalkeith. He was 
 transferred to Blackness, and from thence he prevailed on the governor to let him go to his 
 own castle of St Andrews, under the guard of Lord Seton. 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IK 1543. 7I 
 
 to resist and to fight with them, if they come, shall be acccpleil ; all 
 the preparations that may be, shall be made for defence against you, 
 and the governour wholly fall to the devotion of France : so that the 
 king's majesty shall then be drixen to use his force, and w hat pain and 
 charge it will be to win this realm so, it is easily to be considered : 
 whereas now his majesty may win it wholly to his devotion with fair 
 means in time, as is aforesaid, without any trouble or cxpcnces. And 
 this,"' quoth he, " is my oj)inion, which 1 would express to tlie king's 
 majesty himself, if I were afore him." " Mr Douglas," quoth I, " ye 
 have said well ; but yet being so many wise men in this realm as there 
 be, I cannot think, that, rather than they would agree to things rea- 
 sonable and beneficial for both tlie realms, as the king's majesty desi- 
 reth none otlier, they would so soon determine to be at utterance of 
 the wars with his majesty, specially as things do stand amongst you. 
 For," quoth I, " methinks, though ye have agreed well this parliament, 
 yet there be parties among you, as indeed the earls of Argyle and Glen- 
 cairn be at great distance; and," quoth I, " your brother and you, 
 with the other lords which ye have told me, be assured on the king's 
 party, standing firmly with his majesty, which shall make the strongest 
 party within this realm, joyning thereto the king's power; what can 
 the rest of this realm jjrevail against the same, though France and 
 them ?" " I grant," quoth he, " the king s majesty is like to have the 
 upper hand, God being with him ; and yet,"' quoth he, " I dare say 
 we here shall be a small party ; for, in this case, all our friends will leave 
 us, whatsoever the}' do now. And I dare say to you," quoth he, " if 
 those things be now mentioned, it would grow to a jarr. Wherefore," 
 quoth he, " I give you mine advice, in case ye have any instruction 
 to treat with the governour of this matter, touching the government 
 of this realm, ye shall forbear the same; for if ye enter with him of 
 that point, whereof he may take or conceive any suspicion in the 
 king's majesty, surely it will follow as I tell you. Well, ' quoth he, 
 " ye shall see me handle the governour well enough." I asked him 
 then, " how I might speak with his brother?" He said, " he would 
 
 4 
 
72 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 appoint with him, that we should meet together tlie next morning at 
 the Black-Friars, in this town, at mass." 
 
 After supper, came to me to my lodging my lord Somervail, * and 
 told me, " That things had not succeeded in all points as he thought, 
 and would they had ; but yet there was no doubt but all should well 
 be." I prayed him to tell me how, and in what sort, he, with the rest 
 of the lords and others that were with your majesty, had proceeded 
 since their home coming. He told me, " That they were not all of 
 one sort ; for the earl Ijothwel was slipt from them, and calleth them 
 the English pensioners, and the lord Fleming not all the best ; but 
 the earl of Angus, though he be too much led and directed by his 
 brother George, f was perfect good and assured, with also the earls of 
 Cassils and Glencairn, the lords Maxwel and Gray. The rest," he said, 
 " were but mean personages ; and before they came home," he said, 
 " there was a governour chosen, which somewhat changed their case. 
 Nevertheless, they delivered your majesty's letters ; and as the over- 
 tures and promises made by them to your majesty were referred to 
 their credence by your majesty's said letters, to be proponed by them ; 
 so they jMoponed the marriage, and left speaking of the government 
 of the realm, because there was a governour already chosen, thinking 
 that the marriage once agreed, whereby your majesty should have an 
 interest in the heretrix of the realm, the rest should also succeed in 
 time by little and little. And then, because they thought the cardinal 
 would be an enemy to all your majesty's purposes, and draw the go- 
 
 * Our hisiocians say, that Hugh, the sixth lord Somerville, was made prisoner at Sohvay 
 Moss. But in a MS. history of the family, in possessiou of my noble friend who now re- 
 presents it, it is said, that not lord Somerv He, hut his son James, Master of Somerville, 
 who did not succeed to the title till his father's death, in 1550, was so made prisoner. 
 Yet from Rymer's Foedera, these letters, and other authorities, it would seem, that lord 
 Hugh was the person. 
 
 f God scroft, the historian of the family, says, that Angus was much guided by sir 
 Geor'^e Douglas's opinion, as being more learned, and of greater eloquence than himself; 
 insomuch, that his common answer to any suit was, " We shall advise with our brother."— 
 Hhtori/ of the House of Douglas, Vol. II. p. 132, 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. --'3 
 
 vernour and the realm to tlie dexotion of France, they got matter 
 against him, and laid hands on him, wherewith many were sore of- 
 fended. Nevertheless, they stuck so well to it, that they prevailed 
 against the rest that were of the other side. And now," he said, 
 " the ambassadors were dispatched to go to your majesty with amp:^ 
 poM-er to conclude the marriage and the peace; which done, all shall 
 be well." I asked him whether they had also concluded, that the 
 chdd should be brought into your majesty's hands? He answered, 
 " That he and they which stand on your majesty's part, would fain have 
 had It so, but the rest of the great lords (which were a great number) 
 would not agree to it; but he trusted that some mean would be de- 
 vised therein for the time to please your majesty, and the rest would 
 also succeed in time." I asked him how they would conclude a peace 
 with your majesty, that might ever stand valeable to both their realms, 
 wlien by their league with France they are bound to the contrary! 
 without reservation or exception of France ? Quoth he, " We will ut- 
 terly leave them, and go with you against France, which we may do 
 without oifence of the league ; for they liave broken with us many 
 times, as we be able to prove. And," quoth he, " I would wish to 
 God that the marriage were once contracted, for that shall bring all 
 the rest of the king's purposes to pass, which cannot otherwise be" ac- 
 complished without gi-eat cumber; and," he said, "all the lords of your 
 majesty's part were of the same opinion." This was our communica- 
 tion in effect. 
 
 The next morning I met with my loixl of Angus, in the Ciack- 
 -Friars here, by appointment, where I found also the earl of Glencairn- 
 and fust, I discoursed with the great earl of Angus at length, there- 
 after with the earl of Glencairn, f and then with both tot-ether I 
 tound them both assured to your majesty in my poor ophiion ; but 
 
 t William, fourth earl of Glencairn. He had been lord high treasurer of Scotland during 
 he m.nonty of James V., was a prisoner at Solvvay, and on his return was one of ,h! 
 comnnss.oners for bnngn.g about the English match. He died in 1547. 
 VOL. I. jj 
 
74 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 they excused the not proponing of the matter for the government for 
 your majesty, because " there was a governour chosen before, which," 
 the}' say, "did change the case." I remembred them of their large 
 promises made to your majesty, Avhich they confessed ; anil, as I 
 smelled them, indeed they were not well able to perform them. For 
 my lord of Angus told me plainly, " That his friends came not into 
 him at the first." But I found them both of one opinion, both together 
 and apart, that they had proponed the marriage for an introduction 
 to the whole ; and they said, " There was no doubt but your majesty 
 once having the interest in the young queen, all the rest of your 
 grace's desires should follow.'' I entred with them for the custody of 
 her, how she should be brought to 3'our majesty's hands. They told 
 me, " That could not yet be obtained ; for the lords were very stiff in 
 it, and would not have her out of the realm, but were content your 
 majesty should appoint some knight or gentleman of England, with 
 such English ladies, as should please your majesty to be here about 
 her," as sir George Douglas had told me. And further, they said, 
 " when the marriage was once contracted, and both the realms knit in 
 perfect friendship and familiarity, there was no doubt but the whole 
 realm would, in a little time, fall into your majesty's devotion, and 
 France they would utterly abandon, and might justly so do without 
 offence of the league ; and they would not only refuse and annul! 
 all their leagues with France, but also they would go with you against 
 France. Hereof," they said, " was no doubt ; for all the lords were 
 well inchned in that part, and the whole realm would agree to it, the 
 marriage once accepted of your majesty. And for my part," quoth the 
 earl of Glencairn, " I have but little silver ; but if the king's majesty 
 have to do with France, I will go in person, and 5000 good fellows 
 with me, to serve his majesty against France." The earl of Angus 
 affirmed, " that he would do the like, with all the power he could 
 make ; and therefore," quoth they, " the marriage must make up all 
 the other purposes." And here they instanced me much, " that I 
 
 5 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 75 
 
 would give gentle and comfortable words on your majesty's behalf to 
 the governour, who," as they say, " is altogether aftectcd to your ma- 
 jesty ; and by him," they say, " they doubt not to work all your ma- 
 jesty's desires in time, by little and little, praying me to bring in no 
 new matters that might alter him from the good trade he was in to- 
 wards your majesty." I asked them, how they could work all your 
 majesty's desires by him ? They said, " he was a very gentle creature, 
 and a simple man, easy to be ruled ; so, as when the marriage is 
 agreed, and that your majesty hath that interest, and things here bet- 
 ter settled, which yet be not in frame, there is no doubt to have of 
 him what they list. But yet," quoth the earl of Angus, " I am not 
 fully established here ; I am but newly restored to my possessions, 
 trusting to be every day more and mere able to serve his majesty, as 
 I shall ever be a true Englishman, and faithfully serve the king's ma- 
 jesty, while I live, to the uttermost of my power." I asked them 
 what they had provided for tlie resistance of the earl of Lennox * and 
 the Frenchmen ? They said, " they would resist their landing if they 
 might, and though they got landing at Dumbarton, they should be 
 foughten, and made no doubt but they should put them back, and 
 manfully withstand their malice." I asked them in what case the 
 strong holds were ? They said, " Edinburgh and Dunbar, were at 
 the governour's commandment, and Temptallon is in my hands," 
 quoth the earl of Angus. " St Andrews and Dumbarton f be yet 
 withholden, but no doubt they will be at the governour's command- 
 ment shortly." After all this discourse, they pressed me again, " That 
 when I came to the governour and the whole council, which," they 
 
 * Matthew, fourth earl of Lennox. He had been bred in the armies of France, and was 
 attached to her cause. Yet he afterwards espoused that of Henry, and finally fled into 
 England, where the king bestowed lady Margaret Douglas upon him in marriage. He 
 was the father of Henry lord Darnley. The circumstances, which occasioned his change 
 from the French to the English faction, are detailed in this correspondence. 
 
 t The castle of St Andrews was held by the retainers of cardinal Bethune, and the go- 
 vernor of Dumbarton was attached to the earl of Leimox. 
 
76 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IX 1543. 
 
 tokl me, " was appointed the same clay at afternoon, that I would 
 not innovate any new matter, but that their ambassadors might 
 speedily depart to your majesty, for the treaty of those matters, whicli 
 thev had in charge by the whole authority of the parliament." And I 
 prayed them to consider their promises made to your majesty, and 
 thereupon to foresee, that the ambassadors should go fully instructed 
 in all things to your majesty's contentationj and so we departed. 
 And at afternoon the earl of Glencairn came to me, to accompany me 
 to the governour, and he began to iterate some part of the premisses, 
 whereof we had talked before, wishing that he were with your majes- 
 ty to declare his opinion in those matters, which he doubted not your 
 majesty would accept. I advised him to put the same in writing, and 
 I would not fail to address it to your majesty with diligence, which he 
 said he would do. " But," quoth he, " I pray you let it not be known 
 to any man," whereof I assured him. And so he hath made a memo- 
 rial of his mind and opinion in paper; besides that he told me by 
 mouth ; which being written with his own hand, and not being legi- 
 ble, he prayed me to write out again, as I have done, and herewith I 
 send both to your highness accordingly. At afternoon I repaired to 
 the governour, with the earl of Glencairn, and at mine access unto 
 him, he used me very gently, and told me, " That he had communi- 
 cated to the whole council the cause of my repair hither, and prayed 
 me that I would also declare the same unto them, with such farther 
 credence as I had." Which I answered, " I would gladly do." And 
 then I entred with him farther iu declaration of your majesty's good 
 mind towards him, and the great zeal and desire that your highness 
 hath to the advancement of such good purposes, as may tend to the 
 weal of this realm, and chiefly to the preservation of your majesty's 
 pronepte ; wherein if he, for his part, would shew himself conforma- 
 ble, the same could not but redound much to his honour and singular 
 benefit. He said, " he was wholly your majesty's in all things he 
 mi"-ht lawfully do, and would be while he lived at your grace's com- 
 mandment, not offending his duty of allegiance." I prayed him that 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 77 
 
 such ambassadors as were now ready to go, might be amply instructed 
 in all things to your majesty's contentation ; so that your highness 
 might perceive, that all their deeds were correspondent and agreeable to 
 those fair words. " Marry, I pray you," <juoth he, " tell unto the 
 council your credence." And therewith he brake out of that matter, 
 and told me, " That he was informed your majesty would send to 
 him, and be a mean for the delivery of the cardinal." I told him that 
 I was assured your majesty would not go about to do him and the realm 
 so much harm and displeasure. " For were he at liberty," quoth I, 
 " he would be governour himself, and not only seek your destruction, 
 but also be the occasion of the universal ruin of this realm, for the 
 love and affection he hath to France. For surely," quoth I, " he is 
 better French than Scottish." " By God," quoth he, " he shall never 
 come out of prison whilst I may have mine own M'ill, except it be to 
 his farther mischief" I allowed the same well, and said, " it were 
 pity but he should receive such reward as his merits did require. 
 Whereto he answered nothing, but pausing a little (as indeed he useth 
 not much talk,) he said, " He would go to the council," and called the 
 earl of Cassils * to keep me company, with whom (being one of the 
 number of those I had to talk with,) I discoursed also of all things, 
 according to mine instructions, and found him well dedicate to your 
 majesty, and of the same mind and opinion that the rest were, which 
 I had communed with before. I shall omit the particulars of the 
 same, which would but lengthen this letter, and was no more in effect 
 than the very same that passed between my lord Somervail and me. 
 As we were talking, sir George Douglas came and told me, " That 
 the governour and the council desired me to take the pain to come 
 
 * Gilbert Kennedy, third earl of Cassilis. He had been one of the Solway captives, 
 and was therefore to be reminded of his engagements to Henry. He was made lord high 
 treasurer in 15 ji, and was one of the commissioners, who went to France, to accomplish 
 the match between Mary and the Dauphin. Tlie earl of Cassilis died at Dieppe on his 
 return, and as bishop Reed, another of the commissioners died on the same night, there 
 were strong suspicions of poison. 
 
78 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 to tliem." He brought me in to the council-chamber, where I found 
 a great number of noblemen and others at a long board, and divers 
 standing, but not one bishop nor priest among them. At the upper 
 end of the board sat the governour, and caused me to sit down by 
 him on the bench, in the first place of all the counsellors there next to 
 himself And then after a little silence, the earl of Huntley * declared 
 unto me, in fair words, " That the governour there had received by me 
 the king's majesty's letters, wherein was referred unto me some cre- 
 dence, which they desired, if it so liked me, to declare unto them, and 
 the governour himself also desired the same." I answered, " that I 
 would gladly do it, and told them that your majesty had sundry ad- 
 vertisements of the good inclination and conformity, as well of the 
 said governour, as of a great many of them, towards the accomplish- 
 ment of such purposes, as had been set forth and declared unto them 
 in your majesty's behalf, by such of them as were lately with your ma- 
 jesty, and that thereupon they were now minded to send ambassadors 
 authorised by parliament, to conclude such things as should be to the 
 weal of both the realms, and your majesty's contentation. Wherefore, 
 likeas your majesty no less tendred the surety and preservation of 
 your pronepte, than your own child, and also their particular honours 
 and advancements, with the universal benefit of this realm ; so your 
 majesty had sent me hither to reside among them, as your majesty's 
 commissioner and counsellor, and had commanded me to be ready at 
 all times, and specially now at the dispatch of their ambassadors, to 
 assist them with my poor advice, to the intent they might be dis- 
 patched with such ample power and instruction, conceived in such 
 certain and plain terms, as may be correspondent to their fair words, 
 and your highness's expectation ; and therefore, if it should like them 
 
 * George Gordon, the fourth earl of Huntley. He was at present one of the privy coun- 
 cil, and at heart unfavourable to the English match. In 151-ti, he became lord high chan- 
 cellor, and in 1562, was killed in the battle of Corrichie, fighting against the earl of Mur- 
 ray, afterwards regent. 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 79 
 
 to tell me the specials of such charge as they had given to the said 
 ambassadors, I woidd accomplish my commission with my poor ad- 
 vice, in such sort as became a good minister, that minded well the 
 perfection of all things tending to the weal of both realms." Whereat, 
 they paused a little, and desired they might consult together, to make 
 me answer. I departed for a while, and was soon called again ; and 
 being set down, the said earl of Huntley said, " That they had consi- 
 dered my credence ; and whereas your majesty had sent before your 
 letters to the estates of this realm, not knowing then that they had 
 chosen them a governour, with certain purposes procured at that time, 
 by such noblemen as be your majesty's prisoners, they considering the 
 importance of those things, desiring by all means to satisfy your ma- 
 jesty in reasonable sort, had called a parliament, wherein they had 
 used all the haste that might be, for the better and more speedy satis- 
 faction of your majesty ; and by the same had authorized their ambas- 
 sadors to repair to your presence, Avith ample power to conclude the 
 marriage, and a perpetual peace ; and their ambassadors Avere ready to 
 depart," I answered, " That, like wise men, they had well determin- 
 ed for their own wealth ; for nothing could be more honourable nor 
 beneficial unto them than the marriage, with the peace. And I doubt- 
 ed not, but as they had told me the same generally, so they had also 
 specially considered the circumstances belonging to those two points, 
 the marriage, and the peace ; wherein being wise men, I was sure 
 they would weigh with whom they had to do, and would the rather 
 instruct their ambassadors in all points, to satisfy your majesty in 
 reason, wherein if they would use my poor advice in declaring of the 
 specials, I should be ready to execute my commission." They said, 
 " Their ambassadors were fully instructed in all things, and had a 
 large commission to conclude such things, as they trusted should 
 please your majesty, which they were all glad and willing to do ; 
 and if I had not come on the Sunday, their ambassadors should 
 have been gone this Munday, but they should now make no delay." 
 Whereupon, considering they had no list, as I perceived, to commu- 
 
80 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IX 1543. 
 
 nicate the same to nie, but were resolved to send away their ambassa- 
 dors to your majesty ; and, again, considering as well the desires and 
 opinions of such as I had the same day before talked with, in such 
 form as is aforesaid, with their requests, that I should press no new 
 matter, as also that the parliament was done here ; so that if I should 
 have entred or begun, as I thought to have motioned them for the 
 custody of the child, we shoukl percase have fallen into a frivolous ar- 
 gument, and the matter nothing helped by me for your majesty's pur- 
 pose, because I knew they \vev€ not minded, nor would agree at this 
 time to the custody of her out of this realm. I thought, therefore, to 
 pass it over in general sort, the rather for that the ambassadors had re- 
 ceived their charge, and were ready to depart towards your majesty; 
 and chiefly, because indeed I have no commission to entreat with the 
 governour and council here upon any special point or matter, other- 
 wise than as they should require mine advice. And so declaring unto 
 them, that I doubted not but they had instructed their ambassadors in 
 special and plain terms, as well for the custody of the child after the 
 contract, (which I touched, even to hear what they would say there- 
 unto,) as also in all other circumstances depending upon the said two 
 points generally reported to me. I gave them mine advice, that un- 
 less they would communicate with me the specials of their ambassa- 
 dors charge, whereupon J might confer with them, and say mine opi- 
 nion, tliey should detain no longer their said ambassadors, thinking 
 that else your majesty might note but delay and slackness in them. 
 Whereunto they answered, " That they had used all the diligence in 
 them possible, and would dispatch their ambassadors out of hand, 
 which shall depart this town to-morrow towards your majesty." And 
 so they arose from the board, and I departed fiom them to my lod- 
 ging, and began the dispatch of those my letters for signification 
 of all those proceedings accordingly. And within night came the 
 earl Bothwcl* unto me, saying, " That he came to visit me, and to 
 
 * Patrick Hepbuin, the fourth earl of BoUuvell, father of James the inf;imous Bothwell. 
 
EMBASSV TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 81 
 
 offer unto me all the pleasure he could do for me here for your majes- 
 ty's sake, as," he said, " he was bound, and ought his service only un- 
 to your majesty." I gave him thanks accordingly, in as good sort as 
 I could, and thought, seeing he was so come unto me, that I would 
 hear what he would say, as well of his own as of all the others pro- 
 ceedings towards your majesty, and so entred with him a long dis- 
 course of the whole. He told me, " That if all men had been as wil- 
 ling when they came home, as they pretended in England, your ma- 
 jesty might have had your purpose ere this time ; but he thinkctli, 
 that they will work the same more easily, as indeed he saith it must 
 come to good pass in time. When they were in England,'' he said, 
 " they were minded, as they outwardly declared, to do many things ; 
 but when they came home, they fell in with the governour, and were 
 clean changed : and for my jjart," quoth he, " when I saw that, I fell 
 out with the governour for a particular of mine own, and went away, 
 and came no more to them, neither would I have come now to the 
 parliament, but for my lord of Angus's sake, because I promised to him 
 to give him my vote on his great day.* I would not," quoth he, " have 
 come to the governour, who is more meet to be governed than to be a 
 governour, as he is indeed governed by mean personages. And it will 
 be wrong with this realm," quoth he, " if we have not shortly a mas- 
 ter or governour, that is able to do for us and direct us ; wherein, for 
 my part," quoth he, " I owe my service to the king's majesty of Eng- 
 land, and shall not fail to keep all promises that I have made unto 
 him, as much as in me is, which his grace shall assuredly fiud true, if 
 it come to service." He told me farther, " How that, when I was w ith 
 the governour and council here, after I had declared unto them my 
 credence, and drew apart, as is atoiesaid, some of them w ere of opi- 
 nion, that I should have been made participant to the ambassadors in- 
 structions particularly, but the rest would not so, but would have all 
 referred to your majesty." 1 asked him, " if I migiit be so bold to 
 
 * i. e. When he wcis restored aga'mst the forfeiture pronounced by James V. 
 VOL. I. L 
 
82 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 know who they were that would not liave me made privy to them ?" 
 He said, " Surely the greater number, as the voices always take place 
 in their councils; he would name no man," he said ; " bat, ' (juoth he, 
 " I pray God the kintrs majesty may like our andjassadors instructions 
 Avcll, when they shall come unto him ; for I promise you," quoth he, 
 " unless they have some private commission other than I know of, (as 
 indeed," quoth he, " they make me not much of counsel, nor I come 
 not oft amongst them,) they have no authority to conclude with the 
 king's majesty for deliverance of the child into his hands. But," 
 quoth he, " with time there will be no doubt, 1 think, but his majesty 
 may have her and the whole realm at his pleasure and devotion." '1 his 
 he told me, which I thought to advertise unto your majesty, who can, 
 by your wisdom, judge his meaning in this behalf Always he is no- 
 ted here to be of the adversary party to your majesty, and surely he 
 loveth not the governour. When lie was gone, came to me again the 
 earl of Glencairn, and brought me the memorial afore mentioned. In 
 the reading whereof, he said, " That, touching the point of having the 
 child into your majesty's hands, though the same would not now be 
 attained, yet being agreed, that your majesty shall appoint certain 
 English and certain Scottish lords to be about her person here, if it 
 please your majesty to appoint him for one, with such another Scottish 
 lord, as is also assured to your majesty," he saith, " your majesty shall 
 be sure to have her into your hands by one way or other, either by 
 consent of the whole realm, or else against their wills ; for he will not 
 fail, for his part, to do at all times all that in him lies, to accomplish 
 his promise to your majesty, which, he doubteth not, shall be done in 
 time after your majesty's own desire." This he prayed me to signify 
 unto your majesty. Furthermore, he hath written to your majesty to 
 have his son home, entring other pledges for him ; " of whom," he 
 saith, " he hath great lack ; specially now, that the earl of Argyle is 
 at distance with him, his said son having the rule of that country un- 
 der him ; and if he were at home, he should stand him in great stead." 
 I assure your majesty I think he feigneth not ; for such a man as his 
 
 4 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 83 
 
 son is, may not well be spared out of so wild a country. I have talked 
 with the man,* being with the earl of Westmoreland ; he is called the 
 lord of Kilmawrs and the master of Glencairn ; and, in my poor opi- 
 nion, they be few such Scottish in Scotland, both for his wisdom and 
 learning, and well dedicate to the truth of Christ's word and doctrine. 
 So that, I think, if he were at home, he should not only stand his fa- 
 ther in good stead, but also do much good here in the country, where 
 now the gospel is set forth in English, and open proclamations made, 
 " That it shall be lefull to all men to read the Bible and Testament in 
 the mother-tongue," and special charge, " that no man preach to the 
 contrary, upon pain of death. "f The lords ^Maxwell and I'leming were 
 gone hence before my coming, so soon as the parliament was done; 
 neither be any other of your majesty's prisoners here, as far as I can 
 perceive, but such as I have spoken with, as before. The queen-dowa- 
 ger J is at Linlithgow, twelve miles hence, so that yet I ha\e not spo- 
 ken with her, but I intend to-morrow to ride unto her with your ma«. 
 jesty's letters, and execute that part of mine instructions ; and how I 
 shall find her, I will not fail to advertise your majesty with all dili- 
 gence. The and)assadors that do repair unto your majesty, are, Sir 
 James Learmonth, Sir William Hamilton, an«l Mr Henry Balnaves, the 
 secretary § here, which, departing this town to-morrow, do intend to 
 make all the diligence they can to your majesty, &c. 
 
 * Alexander, Lord Kilmauers, was at present a hostage for the sincerity of his father. 
 The acute Sadler discerned the germ of those qualities which aftenvards made this noble- 
 man the great promoter of the Reformation, and in consequence a steady adherent of the 
 English interest. 
 
 t This privilege was granted to the communitj' of Scotland upon the proposition of 
 Lord Maxwell, late prisoner in England, who probably took this step in compliance with 
 the engagements he had come under to Henry. The proclamation was dated 19th March, 
 154-3. 
 
 * Mary of Lorrain, widow of James V., afterwards queen-regent. 
 
 § Sir James Learmont of Darsie, Sir William Hamilton of Sanquhar, and Henry Bal- 
 naves of Hall-hill, the Scottish secretary of state. These were all men of talents and con- 
 sequence, whose names frequently occur in the political transactions ot the period. 
 
84 * EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 To the Kings Majesti/, 23 March, 1543. 
 
 Please it your royal majesty to understand, that yesterday I had ac- 
 cess to the queen-dowager of Scotland, to whom I delivered your ma- 
 jesty's letters, with your higlniess's hearty commendations, antl decla- 
 red also my credence unto her, according to mine instructions. I 
 found her most willing and conformable in appearance to your majes- 
 ty's purpose, for the marriage of her daughter to my lord prince's 
 grace ; and also, that your majesty should have her delivered forth- 
 with into your hands and custody, which she confesseth to be for her 
 chief surety, and wisheth with all her lieart that it were so. She ac- 
 countelh herself most bound to your majesty, that it hath pleased the 
 same to determine such honour and advancement to her said daugh- 
 ter. And discoursing with her thereof, the rather to settle her in that 
 part, she said, " Tiie world might justly note her to be the most un- 
 natural and unwise woman that lived, if she should not heartily desire 
 and rejoice of the same ; for greater honour and benefit could not be 
 offered unto her, nor she knoweth not throughout the world such a 
 marriage could be found so proper, so beneficial, and so honourable, as 
 this is;" saying, " that she cannot otherwise think but it is the work 
 and ordinance of God, for the conjunction and union of both those 
 realms in one ; for she hath had none before but sons, and now it is her 
 chance to bring forth a daughter, for the best purpose she trusteth." * 
 
 * Here the subtle Frenchwoman dissembled to Sadler ; for was it possible that Mary of 
 Guise should wish her dauirhter delivered up to Henry, the enemy of France, and rebel to 
 the faith of Rome ? Probably, she wished to draw Sadler into some plot for carrying off 
 the young princess, which, on discovery, a circumstance always in the queen's power, 
 would have excited general popular indignation, and indeed the determined hatred of the 
 whole kincrdom. Her insincerity is, in some degree, developed by her anxiety (or the car- 
 dinal's liberty, and her wish to sow dissension between Sadler and the governor. Mary's 
 professions, as reported by the ambassador, seem, notwithstanding, to have imposed upon 
 Henry and his council. See their letter, dated 27tli March. 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND I \ 1543. 85 
 
 And when she hail thus declared her affection in that behalf, with 
 assurance that she would be a<lvised by your majesty in all things, and 
 would walk plainly on a right sort with your majesty, as she said it 
 became her not to dissemble with so noble a prince ; and so bade me 
 advertise your majesty, " That the governour, whatsoever pretence or 
 fair weather he made unto your majesty, minded nothing less, than 
 that her daughter should marry into England, and so had himself told 
 her, with this much more, that, for to please your majesty, they would 
 ofler unto the same, that there should be a contract made of the mar- 
 riage, but they would have the custody of the chihl till she should be 
 of lawful age; by which time, God might dispose his pleasure of your 
 majesty, being already well grown in years; and then they would han- 
 dle it so, as that contract should serve to no purpose. This," she said, 
 " the governour told her himself, and this was the secret tiling that she 
 desired for to have one of your trusty servants to come to her, to the 
 intent she might, by the same, advertise your majesty thereof, because 
 she durst not commit the same neither to French nor Scot.'' But here 
 she made great instance unto me, " That this might be most secret; 
 for else being in their hands here, as she is straitly looked unto, inso- 
 much that she hath none about her of her own servants, nor one that 
 she may trust, it might be to her great danger." And, to verify the 
 same, she saith, " That the governour and council have determined in 
 their parliament, that your majesty shall not have the child delivered 
 into your hands, for sundry considerations allcdged amongst them. 
 One was, that, because she is queen of the realm, it were not meet to 
 have her out of the same, by whose authority and name the governour 
 should use his office, and all things executed for the common wealtk 
 of this realm. Another is, that, if she were delivered unto England, 
 she should never die; but if God should call her, they would ever be 
 sure in England to have another to succeed her. And, again, if God 
 should dispose his pleasure of my lord prince's grace, the child being 
 in England, might be married there to some other, contrary to the 
 weal and good of this realm ; so that if they should deliver her out of 
 
86 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 their hands, your majesty, liowsoever the game should go, would dis- 
 pose the inheritance and crown of this realm at your pleasure:" with 
 many other considerations, as she saith, she gat information. She 
 saith, " Assuredly the governour mindeth to marry her daughter to 
 his son ; wherefore," she saith, " if your majesty stand not fast upon 
 that point, to have iier delivered into your hands, the marriage will 
 never take ett'ect." And here, she said, " The cardinal, if he were at 
 liberty, niight do much good in the same." I told her, I thought the 
 cardinal would rather do hurt, for he had no affection towards England. 
 She said, " He was a wise man, and could better consider the benefit 
 of the realm than all the rest." And ever in her discourse she incul- 
 ked, " That your majesty should see, they would not deliver the child,, 
 nor yet pledges for performance of the marriage." She told rne, " That 
 she was sure the governour would now, knowing that I had been with 
 her, come shortly to see her, the rather to know what had passed be- 
 twixt her and me. And," quoth she, " when he cometh, I shall (as my 
 custom is) make as though I were not well willing to this marriage ; 
 and then,' quoth she, " as he is but a simple man, he will tell me his 
 whole intent in that part : and if I should not do so," quoth she, " he 
 would keep himself the more covert and close, and tell me nothing. 
 And what I shall farther perceive by him, how he is disposed in the 
 matter, now upon your coming, if I can find any mean," quoth she, 
 " to speak with you, or send to you, ye shall have knowledge of it." I 
 told her, that knowing the least part of her mind in that behalf, I 
 would make some errand again to see her ; which she also desired. 
 Anfl then she told me, " That the ^governour shewed her, that your 
 majesty had Avritten unto him, how there had been a contract betwixt 
 the earl of Lennox and her." Whereunto she answered, " That the 
 contrary thereof was true ; and that now, since she had been a king's 
 wife, her heart was too high to look any lower." I told her, I was 
 sure your majesty had written no such matter to the governour; " but," 
 quoth I, " I remember that such a saying was, that your grace should 
 marry with the earl of Lennox." " By my truth," quoth she, " it is 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND INT 1545. 87 
 
 Utterly untrue; for I never minded it. And so," quoth she, " it was 
 a saying, that my father should come here with an army, which like- 
 wise is untrue. It may he," ([uoth she, " that the earl of Lennox 
 came hither, with what power I cannot tell ; but sure I am," quoth 
 she, " my father is in Champagne, to prepare the French king's army 
 there against the emperour, as a Frenchman told her, that arrived here 
 lately by sea." After we had discoursed a good while of those things, 
 (in which talk she asked me, " How it stood between your majesty 
 and the French king? and wished, that there should ensue no war nor 
 dissention betwixt you :" wherein I told her, that I knew not but all 
 was well,) I descended to that part of mine instructions, touching the 
 strange demeanour of her servant whom she lately sent unto your ma- 
 jesty, and declared the same unto her in such sort as is contained in 
 my said instructions. She besought your majesty " to conceive no 
 suspicion of her for sending her said servant in such manner into 
 France; whom," she saith, " she commanded to tell your highness of 
 his journey, and humbly to supply unto your majesty for his passport, 
 both to go and return by your majesty ; alledging, she was right sorry 
 your majesty should have any cause of suspicion, whereof she protest- 
 ed there was no cause." I told her, your majesty had information of 
 her virtue, wisdom, and experience, to be such, as your highness could 
 not therefore suspect her, but rather doubted not she would ai)ply to 
 that which should be to her honour, and the most surety and benefit 
 of her daughter; which, if she weighed well, she might perceive did 
 chiefly rest in your majesty, and without the same might be in great 
 danger. She confessed the same, and wished to God that she were in 
 your majesty's hands ; *' for," quoth she, " it hath been seldom seen, 
 that the heir of a realm should be in the custody of him that claimeth 
 the succession of the same, as the governour is now established by par- 
 liament the second person of this reahii, and, if her daughter fail, look- 
 eth to be king of the same. And," quoth she, " he said, that the child 
 was not like to live; but you shall see," quoth she, " whether he saith 
 true or not ;" and therewith she caused me to go with her to the cham- 
 
88 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1.543. 
 
 ber where the child was, anrl sliewed her unto me, and also caused the 
 nurse to unwrap her out of her clothes, that I might see her naked. I 
 assure your majesty, it is as goodly a child as I have seen of her age, 
 and as like to live, with the grace of God. 
 
 Thus, M'hen I had seen the child, and conferred with the said dowa- 
 ger as is aforesaid, I took my leave, and returned hither to Edinburgh 
 this day ; where, as yet, is neither the governour, nor none of the no- 
 blemen of Scotland, but are all dispersed, every man at his own house 
 abroad in the country. It is said the governour and many of them 
 will be here this feast. I will do what I can to decipher their mean- 
 ino-s towards your majesty ; for if it be true that the said dowager 
 saith, surely there is great dissimulation amongst them, specially in the 
 o-overnour, who is also governed chiefly by Sir George Douglas. This 
 same Sir George was appointed to accompany me in this journey to- 
 wards Linlithgow, with other gentlemen; and after I had spoken with 
 the said dowager, and coming from her, she called the said Sir George 
 unto her; who told me afterwards, " That she had demanded of him, 
 M'hether the child should be delivered into England or not ? praying 
 him to help to the contrary, because she was too young to be carried 
 so far." And so he began to persuade me, " That she was nothing 
 willing, nor conformable, to your majesty's purpose in that behalf." 
 Thus your majesty may perceive, that some juggling there is; which, 
 with the grace of God, a little time shall reveal unto your majesty. 
 And, for my part, if my wit and experience would serve as well as my 
 o-ood will, I should the sooner decipher the same ; wherein I shall 
 nevertheless travel as well as I can, according to my most bounden 
 
 duty. 
 
 Before the dispatch of my other letters of the 20th of this month, 
 Sir George Douglas told me, " That the governour and he were about 
 a purpose to remove the cardinal, by his own consent, from the Black- 
 ness to his castle of St Andrews, because the same castle, where all the 
 cardinal's goods and money are, is kept from the governour, thinking, 
 by this mean, to have the castle into his hands, and the goods also, and 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 89 
 
 yet the cardinal to be as surely kept, as he was before at the Black- 
 ness; and also the same castle standing on the water-side, they might 
 easily, after he had been there a while, and the house once in their 
 hands, convoy him thence again by water to Temptallon or Dumbar, * 
 which they intended to do. And this purpose," he said, " he would 
 go about forthwith." I advised him to consider the matter well, and 
 debated with him, as I thought, what might follow if lie should be set 
 at libejty, thinking that a great bruit and hope thereof would arise, if 
 he should now be restored to his own house. He warranted me, it 
 should be handled well enough, and whatsoever should be hoped for or 
 bruited, he should never be nearer his liberty. And so he went to the 
 cardinal about that purpose ; who, at his return, told me, " That he 
 was a wily carle, and would not consent to the matter." So as the said 
 Sir George told me, he had failed of his purpose, and therefore I wrote 
 nothing to your majesty thereof in mine other letters. But sithence, 
 even yesterday at morning, it was told me, " That the cardinal was at li- 
 berty in his own house at St Andrews." The said Sir George being then 
 with me, he and I both being ready to ride to Linlithgow, I asked 
 him, whether those news were true ? He answered, " By his faith he 
 could not tell ; but," he said, " he would soon know :" And told me, 
 " That he had left word with my lord Seton, who bath the guard of 
 the said cardinal, that in case he would agree to the said purpose, he 
 should convoy him to the said castle of St Andrews :" Where indeed 
 he is, and was convoyed thither on Wednesday, in the night. And 
 the said Sir George telleth me, " That he is in as sure prison there, as 
 in any place of Scotland. And yet," he saith, " he shall not tarry thi- 
 ther long ; but, assoon as they have the house and goods in their hands, 
 (which now," he saith, " they shall have,) he shall be convoyed to 
 Temptallon." Thus he telleth me. But if the cardinal shall have his 
 liberty, I shall never trust him nor the governour, who said to me, 
 " That, whilst he lived, the cardinal should never have liberty, nor 
 
 " Both which fortresses were in possession of the earl of Angus. 
 VOL. I. JI 
 
go EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 come out of prison, unless it were to his farther mischief;" as I wrote 
 in my said letters to your majesty. 
 
 The ambassadors have lingred here those two days longer than they 
 were commanded, because (as I am informed) they would here sumere 
 eucharistiam before their going; and this day they departed, intending 
 to ly this night at Dumbar, and, as they say, will make as much dili- 
 gence to your majesty as they may conveniently. Thus Almighty 
 God preserve your royal majesty in long and prosperous estate of health, 
 most feliciously to endure. 
 
 Ediiiburgh, 23d l\larcli, at night. 
 
 Tg the King's Mojcsiy, Q7fh MmxJi, 1543. 
 
 Please it your royal majesty to understand, tliat since the arrival 
 here of I\Ir Dnmimond, I took mine opportunity to speak with the go- 
 vernour, for the room and office of the secretaryship here, to be em- 
 ployed upon the said Drummond, who, for that purpose, had before 
 delivered your majesty's letters unto the said governour, and the Earl 
 of Angus. And, when I had made request in that behalf, according to 
 my instructions to the said governour, he made me answer, " That he 
 had received your majesty's kind letters for that intent, and was right 
 sorry he might not accomplish the tenor and purport of the same, for 
 that he had already bestowed the said office upon Mr Henry Balnaves, 
 whom he had now sent in ambassage to your majesty, and had given 
 the same for term of his life ; so that he could not revoke that grant, 
 nor take it from him so long as he lived, unless he failed in his duty; 
 assuring me, if the office had been ungiven, he would have preferred 
 your majesty's request afore all others." I commended much the wis- 
 dom and (qualities of the said Drummond; but considering that the of- 
 fice was gone, (which I knew well enough before the arrival here of 
 the said Drummond,) I thought it not best to press the matter over 
 much, when it could not be conveniently obtained. And so the go- 
 
 1 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. Q\ 
 
 veniour and I entred other matter, which he began himself, and asked 
 me, " How I hked the old ([ueen, and the j'oimg queen?" I said, I 
 liked them both well, and praised the young princess, which I said was 
 a very goodly child, and like to live. — (I added that, " that she was 
 like to live," to hear what he would say; because I had heard before, 
 both by the (jueen-dowager and otherwise, that he was of a contrary 
 opinion.) — He affirmed my saying; and asked me, " How I found the 
 queen disposed towards the marriage.'" I said, I had no commission to 
 feel her mind in that part; but, generally, having commandment to 
 visit her, being a noble personage, dowager of the realm, and to make 
 your majesty's most hearty connnendations unto her, for the which 
 purpose I brought her your majesty's letters only of commendations ; 
 and, as far as I could perceive, I thought she would be well enough 
 content with the marriage, which, I said, if she tendred her own ho- 
 nour, with the advancement and benefit of her daughter, she could not 
 but effectually desire and embrace. He answered, " That, indeed, if 
 she sought the world, she could not find so meet and so honourable a 
 marriage; and that, unless she were unnatural to her daughter, she 
 must needs be content with it ; but, being a French woman, he thought 
 she could not be best inclined towards England."' 
 
 Here I thought to enter somewhat Avith him in this matter, and 
 said thus unto him : " My lord," quoth I, " 1 doubt not but ye know 
 and consider, that ye have to do with a noble, wise, and grave prince, 
 that hath great experience of the affairs of the world ; and therefore 
 I would wish that ye should proceed with his majesty so sincerely, as 
 he might well perceive ye minded effectually the accomplishment of 
 such things as ye shall now propone, and set forth by your ambassa- 
 dors ; as," quoth I, " ye have now sent them unto his majesty with 
 ample commission, ye say, to conclude the marriage and the peace. 
 But," quoth I, " if ye have not given them instructions also to con- 
 clude such things as depend upon those two points, in such sort as it 
 may appear, you do indeed intend both to perform the marriage, and 
 to establish such a peace as might be available to both reafms ; his ma- 
 
^2 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 jesty is a prudent and wise prince, and shall right facilely decipher 
 your intent, which not being so perfect as you pretend, might percase 
 justly so irritate his majesty, as great inconvenience may follow. He 
 answered me, " That as he did nothing alone, so the ambassadors had 
 their commission given unto them by the three estates of the realm in 
 parliament, for the conclusion of the said two points, which, for his 
 part, he had earnestly set forth maugre the wills of divers such," he 
 said, " as favoured neither God's word nor your majesty, and be whol- 
 ly addicted to France. And," quoth he, " if I had not earnestly mind- 
 ed, that the king's majesty should have the marriage of our young 
 queen, I could have had a contract betwixt her and my son passed and 
 established by this parliament ; wherein I am supe," quoth he, " no 
 man would have been against me ; trusting," quoth lie, " that the 
 king's majesty will the rather be friendly to me, for I have had mickle 
 cumber among the kirk-men for his sake." I assured him, " if he pro- 
 ceeded plainly with your majesty, he should perceive, that your majes- 
 ty would so consider it as should be to his singular commodity." And 
 eftsoons I pressed him, if, as he said, he minded earnestly the mar- 
 riage, that he would so offer and propone it, as it might so appear to 
 your majesty ; for," quoth I, " the offer of a bare contract, without 
 other circumstances, is not sufficient." He said, " That when the am- 
 bassadors should be with your majesty, if the same should demand 
 other things of them, than they might conclude, they would advertise 
 hither of the same with diligence ; and, upon knowledge of your ma- 
 jesty's pleasure, order should be taken here for the accomplishment of 
 all your majesty's reasonable demands." I said, " this would spend 
 much time." Whereunto he said, " the matters were of so great im- 
 portance as required time ; and," quoth he, " within twenty days we 
 shall hear from these our ambasscidors ; and thereupon, God wiUing," 
 quoth he, " we shall soon be at a good point." And then he fell out 
 of this matter, and asked me, " How your majesty did with France r" 
 I said, " all was well, as far as I knew; and that, as I heard, there was 
 an ambassador newly come to your majesty from the French king, 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543- g3 
 
 wliicli, T thought, argued they intended not to displease your majesty, 
 when they sent anibaasadors to treat." " Well," quoth he, " so we 
 agree ; I care not what ye do M'ith France : And for my part," quoth 
 he, " I am noted in France to be a good Englishman ; and since the 
 king died, I neither Avrote nor sent good Mord nor bad to the court of 
 France." I told him, " if we joyned firmly together, they must aban- 
 don their leagues with France." " If we agree," ciuoth he, " for my 
 part, I pass little of France ; but we must advise well," quoth he, " be- 
 fore we break our leagues with them." I told him, " I thought their 
 leagues with France were not so beneficial for them, as they needed 
 to advise much upon the break of them : And unless they should an- 
 nul those leagues, I saw not how there could be a perfect peace esta- 
 blished betwixt us." He confessed, " they had never gain nor benefit 
 by France, but great cumber, loss, and slaughter, for their sakes : 
 wherefore, as for his part, he was no good Frenchman, so he would 
 agree to reason in all things your majesty should require, with the ad- 
 vice of the estates of the realm." And here he told me, " That so 
 long as the cardinal, being the best Frenchman in Scotland, was in 
 hold, there was the less doubt that France should have any great ado 
 here, or they with France." I said it was a common saying, " That 
 the cardinal should have his whole liberty, and was already restored to 
 a great piece of the same, being ut large in his own house." He assu- 
 red me, "That he was in as sure prison in his own house, and as strait- 
 ly looked unto as he was before ; and that he had removed him thither 
 only for a policy to get the possession of the castle, which now he 
 hath by mean thereof;" assuring me, " that he should be prisoner 
 still whilst he lived : for," quoth he, " were he at liberty, if he might 
 have his purpose, I should surely go to the fire, as, when the king 
 lived," quoth he, " he told him, I was the greatest heretick in the 
 world." I asked him, " if he intended to keep him still prisoner in his 
 own house?" He said, " Yes ; for he could n( t put him in a stronger 
 place in all Scotland." I told him, " I thought so long as he was in 
 his own house, the people would still hope for his delivery; and there-- 
 
C)4 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 fore, to take away that hope, he should do best, in my poor opinion, 
 to remove him to Dumbar or Temptallon." " No, no," quoth he, " he 
 is well enough ; and, let them hope as they list, I shall be sure he 
 shall never be the nearer his liberty." And then he told nie, " That a 
 number of noblemen and gentlemen the late king had got written in a 
 roll, which were all accused of heresy ; of tlie which," lie said, " l:e 
 was the first, and the earl of Cassils, the earl of Glencairn and his 
 son, the carl INIarishal, and a great many gentlemen, to the number of 
 eighteen score, because they were all well minded to God's word, 
 which then they durst not avow; but now," (pioth he, " I shall do 
 mine endeavour to set forth the glory of God with the assistance of 
 the kino-'s majesty."* Herein I did not only allow his intent, but also 
 did animate and provoke him forward in the same as much as I could 
 devise ; which, as far as I could perceive, was very acceptable unto 
 him. And, in the same communication, we had up the bishop of 
 Rome, " M'hom," he said, " for these five years and days he never took 
 to be any more than a bishop, and that a very evil bishop." Assuring 
 your majesty, I perceive so much by him, that if he could tell how to 
 bring it to pass, he would be well content that this realm left clearly 
 the obedience and devotion of Rome ; but he lacketh here good mi- 
 Bisters for that purpose ; and I see not how the kirk-men here will be 
 ruled for him, which, in my poor opinion, would be loath that those 
 two realms should agree, and both privately work, and will do all they 
 can to empeche the same. 
 
 After this communication finished betwixt the governour and me, 
 I took the earl of Angus apart, and entred with him in such sort, as is 
 prescribed unto me by letters from your majesty's council of the 20th 
 of March ; to know of him, how he can make the establishment of 
 the governour here by parliament, and his with the others large pro- 
 mises to your majesty stand together ; wherewith I assure your nia- 
 
 * This story of" the roll is told by most of our historians. James rejected the accusation 
 with abhorrence. 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTI.ANn IX 1543. Q5 
 
 jesty, he was much perplexed, aiul could almost say nothiua; to it, 
 saving that the same should be nothing prejudicial to your majesty's 
 purpose in time; for with him, and by him, being well dedicate 
 to your majesty, they would work all to your highness's satisfac- 
 tion by little and little. As fu'st, If it might please your majesty to 
 accept the contract, then they would devise to bring the child into 
 your majesty's hands, whereof he doubteth not ; and having her, it 
 must needs follow, that your majesty must also, for her, and in her 
 right, see the realm governed and directed in such sort, as to your 
 majesty should seem most expedient for her surety and profit. Where- 
 in he made a like discourse with me in effect, as I have already signi- 
 fied unto your majesty in my letters of the 20th of this present. And 
 to serve your majesty against all nations, he off*ereth his body and 
 and whole power to the uttermost lie can do ; wherein, if I should say 
 my poor opinion, he dissembleth not with your majesty. And where 
 things have not hitherto succeeded according to his promise, I think 
 the default thereof to have been, that either he lacked power to brino- 
 it to pass, or else was advised by his brother to stay upon such consi- 
 derations, as have been alledged in that part ; that is, " That all your 
 majesty's purposes might be wrought in time without rigour." I ask- 
 ed him, if he thought the governour minded earnestly the marriage or 
 not ? which he assured me he did. I told him, '' I wondred much 
 that he being established second person in the realm, having title to 
 the succession of the same, should have the custody of the child, 
 which hath never been seen afore." To that he answered me, " That 
 the three estates of the realm had at this parliament ordained, that 
 eight noblemen and gentlemen of this realm, should have the tuition 
 of her, whereof two should ever be with her, and the governour should 
 take no cure thereof." I communed also at the same instant with sir 
 George Douglas, touching that point of the establishment of the go- 
 vernour by parliament, which I told him in form aforesaid, could not 
 stand with the said promises, and he, for his part, denieth any such 
 
96 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 promise to be made by bim, alledging, tbat they wbicb made such 
 promises were not able to perform them. And discoursing with him 
 of the bkely hood of the success of all those matters, wherein I told 
 him plainly, that I think your majesty will assuredly stick to have the 
 child delivered into your hands : He saith, " That if your majesty 
 stick upon that, or any other point, upon advertisement thereof, 
 hither by their ambassadors, he thinketh he shall be addressed to your 
 majesty. Which journey he will gladly take upon him, if he see that 
 his message shall be such as shall be acceptable to your highness, or 
 else,'" he saith, " he will not come ; for,"' quoth he, " I will not go to 
 my master with an unpleasant message." 
 
 This communication ended betwixt us, I departed from the court to 
 my lodging, and had with nie the earl of Cassils, and the lord Somer- 
 vail, with whom I discoursed of tlie foresaid estaljlishment of the go- 
 vernour, according as I was instructed by the said letters from your 
 majesty's council ; which he confessed, '' might not very well stand 
 with their promises." And yet they said, "That their promises ex- 
 tend no further, than to charge them with the uttermost of their 
 power, which they have done, and will do, but it lay not in their 
 power to let that establishment." And the lord Somervail for his part 
 said, " He knew not of it till the very time it was proponed in the 
 parliament. And then," he said, " he might have done hurt, but no 
 good; for he might have said nay to it, and so have been suspect, and 
 yet his voice could have taken no place, being so many voices on the 
 other side," which the earl of Cassils alhrmed. We entred then into 
 the matter of the marriage, which they all make their foundation, 
 whereby to accomplish all your majesty's purposes in time. I asked 
 them, " if they thought the governour minded earnestly the marriage 
 with your majesty ?" And they said, " Yea, undoubtedly." " Why 
 then," quoth I, " if ye mind it, should ye not also agree to deliver 
 the child into the king's majesty's hands?" "Marry," quoth they, we 
 would fain have it so ; and we have told them plainly, that unless 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOT! AN'D IX 1543. QJ 
 
 his majesty have her delivered unto him, he will never enter, nor con- 
 clude the contract, nor }ct tlie peace. And for my part," quoth the 
 earl of Cassils, " I have said plainly, that if they stick, to deliver her 
 to his majesty, we must fight in the (juarrtl with those that we love 
 well." "And surely," ([uolh he, " there he many nohlemen here which 
 now stick much at it ; hut if they knew his majesty as well as we do, 
 they would never stand against him. But for our part," (juoth they, 
 " we he resolved to meet here altogether at such time as we think 
 we shall hear word again from the ambassadors. And then, if we 
 shall perceive that the king s majesty stands upon any reasonable point, 
 that we have promised, we shall do that lies in our powers to satisfy 
 his majesty, and let him be reproved that shall fail his promise." This, 
 I assure your majesty, the earl of Cassils spake very frankly, and the 
 lord Somervail affirmed the same, I take them both to be very jilain 
 and true gentlemen to your majesty; but I fear their power, as far as I 
 can perceive, accordeth not with their good wills. Once they will 
 serve your majesty to the uttermost they can against all nations, as 
 they have affirmed unto me. And the lord Somervail, as he Avas sroinff 
 from me, told me in mine ear, " That if your majesty did stand fast 
 upon your purpose, there was no doubt ye should obtain it, for they 
 were not able to maintain the wars against your majesty." There be 
 no more of the lords here, with whom I should communicate this 
 matter ; for the earl of Glencairn is gone hence, who dwelleth 60 
 miles hence. And the lords ]\Iaxwel and Fleming, were not here 
 since my coming into the country ; so that as yet I spake not with 
 them, nor know not how to speak with them, till they come hither ; 
 for the one dwelleth above 50 miles hence one way, and the other 40 
 miles another way. I shewed the earl (;f Angus, and sir Georo-e 
 Douglas, what the sheriff" of Air said, touching the earl of Lennox 
 his repairing hither, whom, they say, " they will withstand, and wish 
 that he may be met withall on the sea, by some of your majesty's 
 ships, which," they say, " would be very acceptable to the gover- 
 nour.'" I have communed also with the earls of Huntley and JNIurray; 
 
 VOL. I. N 
 
98 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 but as to the earl of Aigyle, he came not here since mine arrival. I 
 find them both of perfect inclination towards the marriage, and esta- 
 blishment of a perpetual peace ; but entring Avith them of myself by 
 ■\vay of communication, to feel what conditions they would offer for the 
 conclusion of those two points, they told me, " Your majesty should 
 have a contract oftered to be made betwixt my lord prince's grace 
 your son, and their princess, which," they said, " should be an easy 
 conquest of this realm to your majesty ; and such a conquest, as be- 
 ing so had by a rightful mean and title, shall be acceptable to the 
 whole realm." I told them, " if they minded earnestly the accomplish- 
 ment of the marriage, they would offer it in such sort, as their earnest 
 intent in that matter might appear to your majesty." They said, 
 " Your majesty should perceive they minded it effectually ; for as it 
 became them not to dissemble with your majesty ; so knowing your 
 majesty's wisdom and experience,'' they say, " your highness could 
 soon perceive them, which could not be but to their great lack and 
 dishonour. And look M-hat reasonable conditions your majesty would 
 demand for the security of their ofiers, they ^^'ould for their part ac- 
 complish the same." I said I feared nothing, but they would take 
 nothing for reasonable, Ijut that which they thought reason. And 
 here I perswaded them by such good means, as my poor wit could 
 devise, to apply to such good purposes as your majesty intended to 
 set forth, for the Vv'eal and benefit of both realms. " Whereto," they 
 said, " they wouJd be conformable in all reason." But 1 cannot see, 
 that they will hastily condescend to the delivery of the child out of 
 the realm. They say, " There may be indifferent devices to satisfy 
 your majesty." And as for their leagues with France, I perceive by 
 them, that the marriage once agreed upon, they will not stick in that 
 matter : wherein I found the earl of Huntley, who is a jolly young 
 man, and of a right good wit, far more frank than the earl of Murray; 
 for he is a great beads -man, and noted here to be a good Papist, whol- 
 ly given to the old ceremonies and traditions of Rome. Nevertheless, 
 lie said, " That the marriage agreed, they would not pass much upon 
 
 2 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAXD IX 1543. 
 
 99 
 
 France." But the earl of Huntley said plainly, " Tliat those things 
 being once well established between those realms, he would serve your 
 majesty in the wars against France ; and his intent is, that peace and 
 unity succeeding, to see your majesty before Christmass, which," he 
 said, " he longed most for." And also I have communed with the 
 earl IVIarihlial, * who is a goodly young gentleman, well given to your 
 majesty, as I take him ; but yet I find him not well willing to have 
 the child delivered out of the realm, till she be of lawful age ; where- 
 in, as I ilo perceive, they have all one opinion, " That if she were 
 once in your majesty's hands, howsoever the game should go, your 
 highness," they say, " would dispose the crown of this realm ;"' the 
 title and fieedom whereof methinks they be wholly bent to maintain, 
 not willing to have the same subject to England, till, by the consumma- 
 tion of the marriage, God shall unite and conjoin both realms in one 
 dominion. But for France, tlie said earl Marishal told me, " That the 
 earl Cassils and he had given hands, the one to the other, to go to- 
 gether in your majesty's service against France, if your highness would 
 command them. 
 
 Thus have I signified unto your royal majesty such discourses and 
 communications as I have had with those noblemen here ; wherein if I 
 have not used such dexterity and circumspection as were requisite, I 
 most humbly beseech your majesty, of your clemency and most benign 
 nature, to bear with mine insufficiency in that behalf And as I am 
 most bound, I shall daily pray for the preservation of your most noble 
 and ro}'al person in prosperous estate of health to live, and most felici- 
 ously to reign over us the years of Nestor. 
 
 Edinburgh, the 27th March. 
 
 * William, fourth earl Marischal. He succeeded to his grandfather about 1531, and was - 
 friendly to the Reformation. He stood neuter during the civil wars of (iueen Mary; and 
 having shut himself up ni his castle of Dunnotar, obtained the name of William in the 
 Tower. He died about 158). 
 
100 LMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 To Sir Ralph Sadler, Q7th March, 1543. * 
 
 ]\Ir Sadleh, 
 After our right hearty commendations, ye shall understand, that the 
 king's majesty considering your last advertisements of your discourse 
 with the queen, noteth in you much diligence, wisdom, and discretion, 
 in your proceedings and service there, and giveth unto you his hearty 
 thanks therefore. In the queen, considering the circumstances of her 
 reasons, fashions, and hehaviour to you, with the manner of her enter- 
 tainment, the king's majesty judgeth to be a frank and plain manner 
 of proceeding, such as motherly love to the surety of her child should 
 of reason easily perswade her. In the rest, the king's majesty is in a 
 marvellous perplexity what to say of them, being their deeds so re- 
 pugnant to that the queen saith, with the strange fashion of removing 
 of the cardinal, so denied at one time, doubted of afterward, and then 
 granted by sir George Douglas, as ye wrote; which knowledge of 
 their proceedings, the king's majesty will use to his benefit as much 
 as may be, and requireth you to repair eftsoons to the queen, and re- 
 newing your discourse with her, of the conveyance of her daughter 
 hither, and shewing yourself desirous to be a minister in the same, to 
 know of her what lords of Scotland she thinketh would be well willing, 
 aidant, and assisting, to bring that purpose to pass, to the intent, upon 
 knowledge of them, you may take opportunity to speak ami commune 
 with them thereof, and so feel their minds in that behalf And as ye 
 shall get knowledge of the queen what those personages be, the 
 king's majesty's pleasure is, ye shall use your dexterity and wisdom to 
 break the matter unto those lords, or so many of them as may of like- 
 lyhood be trusted in that matter, alluring them with promises and re- 
 
 * The violence and impatience of Henry's temper, may be clearly traced in the two 
 letters which follow. 
 
EMBASSV TO SCOTIA ND IN 1543- 101 
 
 wards to the king's majesty's puri)osc, as you shall think requisite ; and 
 what ye shall do therein to signify with diligence. Advertising in 
 the mean time sir George Douglas, and such of that band as shall re- 
 pair unto you, that the king's majesty (which is also most true) causeth 
 such preparations of force and power to be made on the borders, as in 
 case these promises, gentle handling, and reasonable communication, 
 take not eft'ect, the king's majesty may use his own princely power 
 and strength. And this, ye may say, is written unto you, which as it 
 is true, so may you shew it unto them M-ritten, if they recjuire it. 
 
 From the Kings Majesti/ of England to Sir Ralph Sadler, 20th 
 
 March, 1.543. 
 
 Trusty and right well beloved, \yg greet you well : Letting you wit, 
 that we have received your letters, and well considered the contents of 
 the same. For answer whereunto, ye shall understand our pleasure 
 and commandment is, that upon the sight hereof, ye shall take your 
 opportunity to speak with the earls of Angus and Glencairn, the lord 
 Maxwell and sir George Douglas : And to those four ye shall declare, 
 that we have given you in commandment to signify unto them, that 
 considering with ourself the estate of their things there, with the par- 
 ticular proceedings of them, and of all the rest, which be obliged to do 
 us service ; we find so great difference between words and deeds, as 
 enforceth us to conceive and think, that they little or nothing regard 
 the advancement of our purpose, nor the goodness which we have ex- 
 tended towards them ; which hath so plainly api)eared unto us, since 
 their entry into Scotland by all their proceedings, as unless it be very 
 shortly and substantially redoubled with deeds, and not with words ; 
 we purpose no longer to be deceived with fair words, and vain hope of 
 things to come at length, but presently to follow our entcrprize as to 
 our honour appertaineth : And to the hitent they may the better 
 know that we forget not what tliey have promised, and liow contrajy 
 
102 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN l.T(43. 
 
 their doings be to the same, you shall remember unto them, that, First,^ 
 Where they promised to give unto us due and faitliful advertisements, 
 from time to time, of all their proceedings in Scotland, and what they 
 should, from time to time, find themselves able to do; who were sure 
 to their party for our purpose, and who were letts to the same, with 
 their advices what should be expedient to be done, from time to time, 
 for the advancement of our enterprize, and for removing of all the im- 
 pediments and obstacles against it ; they never gave us any manner of 
 advertisement of any effect, till now of late, that they were by our 
 admiral, and by you at your coming, provoked and pricked imto it ; 
 and how their advertisements answer to the points of their promises, 
 they know best themselves. 
 
 Secondly, Where they promised to work nothing without our ad- 
 vice and counsel, ye may declare unto them, that we, esteeming them 
 our good servants, have given them our advice in sundry things and 
 occurrences, which we judged might in any wise touch them ; but as 
 for their part, they have been so strange unto us, that we never recei- 
 ved a letter from any of them, expressing any particular of the things 
 done, or like to be done, whereupon we might give them our advice 
 in any time convenient. But when things have been determined af- 
 ter their fantasy, then we hear a little of them covertly, rather as it 
 were to make fair weather with us, than indeed to satisfy any piece of 
 that which they had promised, or that might in any wise advance our 
 purpose. And to touch one thing specially, we could never yet hear 
 from them, what special things they had to lay against the cardinal 
 when they took him ; whom, albeit the governour himself, and some of 
 them, have written and said many times precisely, " That he should 
 never be delivered, but to his farther displeasure ;" yet, as we hear, he 
 is now at home in his own house, and at liberty. 
 
 Ihirdiy, Ye shall tell them, that we marvel most of all at their pro- 
 ceedings in their parhament, wherein they seem to have provided by a 
 special law, that we shall not have our purpose in the government of 
 that realm, having established him governour and second person of 
 
ESrBASSY TO SCOTLAND IX 1543. ]03 
 
 the realm by the said parliament whom some of them ha\c ifputcd so 
 unmeet to have government ; as they know themselves best how 
 largely they have spoken in that behalf, and whether this doth agree 
 vitli iheir promises or no. let themselves consider. Once this it impor- 
 teth certainly, that they cared not what they granted, nor what they 
 omitted, so that they might serve their own purpose. Wherefore, ye 
 shall, on our behalf, advise them, as men whom we would be loath to 
 lose, if by any good mean we can retain them, to weigh those matters 
 as they ought to do : And if their ambassadors be not instructed to 
 the purpose, let them procure that it may be out of hand supplied that 
 wanteth. For you may say, and assure them, that we will no longer 
 tolerate the mutter, but, either by one way or other, bring it to some 
 better conclusion. And you may say, though none of them have pro- 
 ceeded so frankly with us as appertaineth, yet we know somewhat of 
 the manner of all the doings of Scotland ; what combination was made 
 by oath by the earls of Argyle, Huntley, Bothwel, and xMurray, with 
 diverse bishops, both for the delivery of the cardinal by force, if it 
 could not otherwise have been compassed, and for the destruction of 
 the governour, the earl of Angus, and some other, which they yet pur- 
 pose, though the earl of Huntley go now about to make a colour of 
 alliance betwixt him and the governour by marriage, thereby to insi- 
 nuate himself that he may know their counsels ; which matter is of no 
 small importance, and not to be lightly disclosed, but secretly search- 
 ed for, and prevented by wisdom. And here you may remember them, 
 how much they owe, and be bound to us, all the premisses notwith- 
 standing, that it pleaseth us thus fraid-:ly to give them monition and 
 warning of such extreme dangers as be towards them, advising them 
 again even frankly, and like true gentlemen, without any farther tract 
 of time, to do that thing that may be to our satisfaction ; And what 
 they shall answer and determine to do hereupon, and how they shall 
 indeed proceed, ye shall advertise us with diligence,* Sec. 
 
 * The violent expostulations here enjoined must have had the natural effect of disgust- 
 ing those of the noble captives who remained attached to Henry's cause, and alienating 
 .such as were wavering. Sadler, accordingiy, hesitates at delivering these reproaches. 
 
104 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 Tu the Lords, and others of his Jllajesti/'s Privy Council, 5\st March^ 
 
 1643.* . . 
 
 It may like your good lordships to understand, that on Thursday 
 night late I received your letters of the 20th of this month, touching, 
 anions: other things, the removing of the cardinal here from the Black- 
 ness to the castle of St Andrews, Mhich, as appeareth by your lord- 
 ships said letters, the king's majesty would have by some mean im- 
 peachetl : and albeit (as I doubt not his majesty hath by letters or this 
 time perceived) tlie said cardinal is already removed to his said castle, 
 so as your said letters came too late for the stay or impeachment of 
 the said purpose, yet I thought it not amiss to talk somewhat of the 
 matter viith sir George Douglas, whom I sent for to come and speak 
 «ith rpe, as he did accordingly. And then discoursing with him there- 
 of, according to the king's majesty's pleasure, expressed in your said 
 letters, M'ith further allegation of mine own part, that I heard credibly 
 reported, " that the said cardinal was at liberty," (as indeed all the 
 town here bruited the same,) and a chaplain of the same cardinal's 
 came to a priest, that keepeth the house where I ly here, and told him, 
 " that he had a message to me from the cardinal ;" which, because for 
 fear of suspicion he durst not himself come to me, he prayed the said 
 j)riest to declare, being in effect, " that the cardinal had him very 
 heartily commended lo me, and had now obtained his liberty; M'here- 
 fore he would be glad to welcome me into the country, offering his 
 lawful service unto the king's majesty ; and whatsoever stead or plea- 
 sure he might do me in those parts, he was ready and most willing to 
 accomplish the same." Whereby I told the said sir George, " that not 
 a little to my marvel, considering how largely the governour had said 
 
 * Tliis letter seems to relate to some dark intrigue for securing the person of the cardi- 
 nal in some fortress of the Douglasses, or perhaps for conveying him to England. 
 
CMBASSV TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. JOS 
 
 to me in that part, I perceived the cardinal was now at liberty." The 
 said sir George, seeming to be in a great heat, told me, " that the go- 
 vernour was tlie most wavering and unstable person in the world, and 
 the soonest would be altered and changed with every man's flattery 
 and fair speech ; as," quoth he, " the earl of Huntley, who is the fal- 
 sest and wiliest young man in the Avorld, hath found the means to set 
 such credit with the governour, as he had not only perswaded him to 
 remove the queen and the princess to Stirling, but also, that the cardi- 
 nal should have more liberty now in his own house than he had before 
 at Blackness ; that he might go abroad to the church, and elsewliere 
 about his house, at his pleasure; intending," quoth lie, " to set him 
 clearly at liberty, and, in fine, to work the governour's overthrow and 
 utter confusion. But," quoth he, " I have changed the whole pur- 
 pose ; and have said my mind at large to the said earl, with whom I 
 have fallen out so far, that now there is great sute and mean made 
 by him to make us friends again." And here he chafed much against 
 Kim, reproving greatly his wiliness (as he called it) arid subtilty. I 
 advised him to have sure regard to the said earl, and such other as 
 were of his party ; and told him, how the king's majesty commanded 
 me, on his highness's behalf, to advise to look well to them, lest per- 
 case they might take their opportunity to lift him out of favour and 
 authority, which he should not be able to recover again. He most 
 humbly thanked tlie king's majesty for tliat advice, and said, " tliat he 
 would provide well enough for that matter." I asked him, " in what 
 case the cardinal was ?" He said, " he was prisoner in his own house, 
 but he was in ^oubt whether he was as straitly kept as before ; for," 
 quoth he, " the letters were made ready to be signed by the governour 
 for his enlargement, in such sort as is aforesaid, which I did tear in 
 pieces, and went to the governour, with one of the pieces in my hands, 
 to whom," quoth he, " I declared my mind plainly, and put him in re- 
 membrance how largely he had spoken to you touching the sure cus- 
 tody and imprisonment of the said cardinal ; which, if he should now 
 so soon digress and vary from, I told him," quoth he, " that you being 
 
106 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 15^3. 
 
 here a wise man, would soon perceive liini, and would advertise the 
 king jour master of it, who would note much untruth and lightness 
 in him ; and with such like words," quoth he, " I changed him again 
 clearly from that purpose. And now," quoth he, " I will go to him, 
 and tell him what the king's majesty hath written to you in that be- 
 lialf, trusting to bring you good answer. But," quotli he, " it shall 
 not be best to speak any word of the convoying of the said cardinal 
 into England ; for I know," quoth he, " that the governour will not 
 favour it, and it shall but engender suspicion in him." 1 told him, 
 " there could be no cause of suspicion to be conceived in that part.'' 
 He said, " the governour was so suspicious, as where no cause is at all, 
 yet he will suspect." So tliat 1 could not persuade him that it was 
 good to make any motion thereof Wherein, nevertheless, I shall not 
 fail myself to essay the governour at my next speaking with him. I 
 asked also the said sir George, " whether the purpose of the dowager 
 and the young queen's removing to Stirling was stayed?" " Which," 
 he said, " he had stayed, with the good contentation of the governour 
 and the whole council." And forasmuch as I had received a letter 
 from the said dowager, (which ye shall receive here inclosed,) contain- 
 ing only credence to be given to the bearer; which credence was, 
 " Tiiat having certain matter to communicate with me, which she 
 would not commit to writing, she desired me to take some opportuni- 
 ty to come to Linlithgow and speak with her ; and if I could conve- 
 niently, I should not bring with me such persons as did accompany 
 me thither the last time of my being with her ; which were, the lord 
 ]\Iethven, the lord Ochiltrie, sir George Douglas, and James Stewart, 
 appointed thereto by the governour. Whereupon I resolved and sent 
 her answer, that I would not fail to accomplish the same assoon as I 
 might conveniently. 1 thought best, therefore, to require the said sir 
 George (whom, nevertheless, I would not make privy to the matter, 
 nor to her said desire) to tell the governour, that, by his licence, I 
 would eftsoons go see the said dowager, with whom I had a little mat- 
 ter to confer of, which 1 had omitted at my last being with her. He 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IX 15i3. 1()7 
 
 told nic, " it would like the govemour mcII enough, and though he 
 M'ould conceive some suspicion tliereof, ne\eithcless he would move 
 liiiii of it, and bring mc answer again, as well of that as of the rest 
 touching the cardinal." 
 
 At night he came to me, and told me, " That if the governour liad 
 known the king's pleasure in time, the cardinal should not have been 
 removed, nevertheless he shall be kept surely where he is; and the 
 Lord Seton * is bound to him in life and lands for the sure custody of 
 the said cardinal : Eut as for the removing of him from St Andrews, 
 now since lie is there, he thinketh it not meet to be hastily done, in- 
 tending to send thither this day the laird of Grange, f treasurer here, 
 to see how the said cardinal is kept, and to take order for his sure 
 guard and custody; so that,"' as the said Sir George telleth me, " he 
 shall be in as sure and strong prison, and as straitly kept in his own ' 
 house, as if he were in any other strong hold witliin Scotland, 
 and hereafter may be removed to Dunibar or Temptallon, as the case 
 shall require."' And touching my desire to go to the queen-dowager 
 here at Linlithgow, he told me, " That the governour had appointed 
 to send this day to her the earl of Huntley, and the said sir George, 
 to the intent, that the same earl who liad been the procurer, and had 
 also obtained that she should remove with her dauahter to Stirlino-. 
 should now himself, on the behalf of the governour and council here, 
 declare to her the reason and cause of the stay and impeachment of 
 the same; and the said Sir George specially appointed to go with him, 
 to hear that he do his message justly in that behalf Wherefore the 
 governour desired me to put off my journey till their return, at which 
 time I should know when she would appoint me to come to her pre- 
 sence, which I might accomplish at my pleasure accordingly." Also 
 the said sir George told me, " That the said earl of Huntley and lie 
 
 * George, fifth Lord Seton, who died in 1545. He had assented to the English match; 
 but, being a rigid Catholic, was probably disposed to retract as soon as possible. 
 
 t Sir William Kirkaldy, the gallant laird of Grange, a friend to the English interest, 
 and an enemy to the cardinal, in whose death he was an accomplice. 
 
108- EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 •were made friends again, and tliat the said earl had made him large 
 promises of friendsliip." Whereupon he and I entring farther in com- 
 munication of the state of things i)ere, and of the likeiyhood of the 
 success of the king's majesty's purposes, he told me, " That he per- 
 ceived the noblemen here hoped there should be some business between 
 the king's majesty and France, which, they thought, would be a mean 
 to cause his majesty agree with them upon the more easy conditions." 
 And, therefore, the said sir (ieorge prayed me to signify, " That his 
 poor advice was, that it may please the king's majesty to keep in with 
 France, until his highness be at a full point and conclusion with those 
 men ; whereby," he saith, " his grace shall make his bargain much the 
 easier." Finally, he told me, " That the governour was very sorry that 
 I had no better cheer nor entertainment here, trusting I would ascribe 
 the same to their business ; and that the said governour desired me 
 heartily to take the pain to dine with him to-morrow ;" which I have 
 promised to do. And then will 1 take mine opportunity with him, to 
 feel him throughly touching the cardinal, and see how he can be con- 
 tent to accomplish the king's majesty's desire, for convoying the said 
 cardinal into England, whereof I shall advertise with such diligence as 
 appertaineth. And thus, &c. 
 
 To the Lords- of his Majesty's Privy Council, \st April, 1543. 
 
 It may like your good lordships to understand, that this day I dined 
 with the governour, who made me great cheer and good countenance, 
 and all dinner-while held purpose with me against the abuses of the 
 church, the reformation whereof he most earnestly pretendeth ; and 
 desired me to write into England for some books of the New Testament 
 and Bible in English, and also the statutes and injunctions made by the 
 king's majesty for the reformation of the clergy, and extirpation of the 
 bishop of Rome, which I promised him I would do : And if it may 
 please your Ibrdships to take order for the accomplishment of his de- 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IX 1543. 103 
 
 sire in that part, surely it shall l)c very acceptable unlo him. After 
 dinner 1 thought to feci him throughly, what he intended towards the 
 cardinal, as I wrote to your lordships in my last letters; and entring 
 with him in that behalf, I told him, that the kings majesty hearing 
 afore the carchual's removing, that he should be remo\ed from the 
 Blackness to the castle of St Andrews, oidy of intent thereby to get 
 entry into the same castle, had commanded me to solicit with him the 
 impeachment of that purpose, thinking that where they mean that way 
 to win the said castle, it is the most ready way that can be devised 
 both to lose the castle and him also, being the same is set in such a 
 place, as they be not able to keep it, if his friends will the contrary ; 
 and, being there, he might have the better opportunity, with the aid 
 of France, and clergy of Scotland depending upon liim, to work, (as he 
 will to his possible power,) to overthrow all their purposes, specially 
 the state of his government, and matters of reformation of the clergy, 
 which I told the said governour should be more than necessary for him 
 to foresee. And therefore I told him, albeit the cardinal was thus re- 
 moved, before I received the said commandment from the king's ma- 
 jesty ; yet it was my duty to declare unto him his majesty's opinion in 
 that part, whereby he might perceive his highness's good affection to- 
 wards him, and the advancement of his honour and surety, giving him 
 my poor advice, not to suffer the said cardinal to remain at St An- 
 drews. He answered me, " That if he had known the king's pleasure 
 in time, he would have been ruled by his advice; and yet he said it 
 was the nearest way for him to come by the castle, which now he hath 
 in hands, and the cardinal there, in the custody of the lord Seton, as 
 straitly kept as he was before ; for the which the same lord Seton was 
 bound in his life and inheritance." And much he thanked the king's 
 majesty, " That it pleased the same so to tender his estate, as to give 
 him such advice and monition of the said cardinals intent, who," he 
 said, " he was sure would work him no less cumber, than I told him 
 on the king's behalf, if he were at liberty;" assuring me, " that he 
 should never come out of prison whilst he lived," as he hatli done sun- 
 
110 KMBASSV TO SCOTLAXD IN 1543. ' 
 
 dry times before. I lolcl him, that as long as he was in ins own castle, 
 such as depended upon hiui, (which, I thought, were a great number,) 
 being win unto him by money and rewards, besides the whole clergy, 
 would ever hope for his delivery, and do flepend and stay theieupon, 
 who, if that hope were taken away, would (juietly conform themselves 
 to reason. He said, " If the peace were once established, he doubted 
 not to bring all this realm to good quietness, and was sure there was 
 no man in Scotland that depended so much upon the cardinal, as would 
 ortend him, or refuse quietly to agree to reason ; and let them hoi)e 
 what they would, he should have sure regard to the keeping of the 
 cardinal." I advised him yet to consider, how much the more easily 
 such as do hope for his delivery, and depend upon him, would be in- 
 duced to reason and conformity, if that hope were once taken away. 
 And therefore I said, he could do no better than to send the said car- 
 dinal into England, where he should be iu such surety, as he should 
 not need to doubt his practices, and thereby all hope of his delivery 
 sliould be avoided. Hereat he laughed, and said, " The cardinal had 
 lever go into hell. And," quoth he, " it would be thouglit strange if 
 J sliould send him into England, as who should say," quoth he, " we 
 were not able to punish his fault here. But I assure you,'" quoth he, 
 " he shall be as surely kept here, as if he were in England," I told 
 liim, I thought it not convenient he should remain where he was, for 
 the considerations afore rfhearsed. Nevertheless, whatsoever I alled- 
 ged in that part, I could not remove him from that opinion, but that 
 lie was, and should be as surely kept, and to as good purpose, where 
 he was at St Andrews, as in any other place ; assuring your lordships, 
 that unless he be the greatest dissembler that ever was, he mindelh to 
 hold surely the cardinal in prison. And I have learned since his re- 
 moving to St Andrews, that the cause thereof was not only to have 
 the castle into the governour's hands, but also that indeed it should be 
 noted and bruited he was at liberty, to the intent the priests through- 
 out this realm, which before were at such a stay, as they would neither 
 Elinister sacraments nor say mass, might hereupon the rather now at 
 
KMBASSY TO SCOTFAND IN 1.543. Ill 
 
 this feast of Easter, in (juiet manner be induced to execute and do the 
 same accordingly ; which the governour hath also confessed unto 
 nie. 
 
 After tlie governour and I had talked of this matter, I told him that 
 I intended, by his licence, to go visit the qiiecn-dowager, as I had be- 
 fore sent him word by sir George Douglas. Whereto he answered me, 
 " That I should find her in end (whatsoever she pretendeth) a right 
 French woman."' And then he told me, " That Mr Drummond had 
 shewed him, on the king's majesty's behalf how that she had sent word 
 to his majesty by one of her servants, that he intended to marry the 
 young (|ueen here to his son;" wherein he sware a great oath, no less 
 than by the wounds of God, " that she belied liim, and that she had 
 advertised his majesty so, only to bring him in suspicion with his ma- 
 jesty. For," quoth he, " if I were so minded, I could easily work it; 
 as I am sure," quoth he, " not a nobleman in Scotland could nor would 
 be against me in it. And, indeed," cjuoth he, " before the marriage 
 was proponed for the prince of England, 1 thought no less than to have 
 married her to my son, and communed with the queen here in that be- 
 half and found her both willing and conformable : But,"' quoth he, 
 " after the home-coming of the prisoners, who proponed the marriage 
 for England, I did consider it to be so beneficial to the common-wealth 
 of the realm, that I did not only agree to it, but with all my power 
 advance and set it forth ; and so God help me, as I do efi^ectually mind 
 it." Here, as 1 have done at other times afore, I pressed him so to 
 proceed with the king's majesty, as it might appear he did earnestly 
 mind it; " which," he said, " he would do." And still he shewed him- 
 self to be moved w t > t:ie queen, for the cause aforesaid, saying, " She 
 studied nothing more than to set the king's majesty and him at pick; 
 and so to keep both realms from unity and agreement, the rather be- 
 cause this realm should still adheie and depend upon France. This," 
 he saith, " is her only device; which," quoth he, " as she is both sub- 
 tile and wily, so she hath a vengeable engine and wit to work her pur^ 
 
112 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 pose. And still she laboureth," quoth he, " by all means she can, to 
 have the cardinal at liberty ; by whom, being as good a French-man as 
 she is a French-woman, she might the rather compass her intent." 
 Thus the governour told me, almost word by word as I.write it to 
 your lordships, so that I cannot tell which of them to trust, but refer 
 the same to your wisdoms ; and by the ambassador's proceedings with 
 you, ye shall perceive the whole, which a little time shall reveal : for 
 my part, as much as I can, I will bend my poor wit, and spare no la- 
 bour to decipher them, and from time to time, whilst I am here, shall 
 write and advertise what I see and hear worth writing. 
 
 Assoon as I was departed from the governour, I received your lord- 
 ships letters of the £7th of March ; whereby I do perceive how the 
 king's majesty judgeth in the queen a frank and plain manner of pro- 
 ceeding, wherein also I was fully perswaded upon my last conference 
 with her ; and yet think it can be no otherwise, intending to-morrow 
 to repair unto her, wherein she is at Linlithgow, (the governour being 
 well content that I should so do) ; and, at mine access unto her, when 
 I have heard what she will say unto me first, because she hath sent for 
 me, I shall then so accomplish my charge, committed unto me by your 
 said letters, as she shall have nothing of me, whereby she may take 
 any advantage, if she be not so sincerely minded towards the king's 
 majesty as she pretendeth; and as I proceed with her, with such mat- 
 ter as she shall declare unto me, and how I find her, I shall not fail to 
 advertise your lordships with all diligence. The rest of your said let- 
 ters, touching the king's majesty's preparations on the borders, I shall 
 declare Ukewise to sir George Douglas, and such of that band (where- 
 of there is no more here, at this time, but he and the earl of Angus, his 
 brother) as shall repair unto me accordingly. And thus, &c. 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. ]]g 
 
 To the Lords of his Majestj/'s Privy Council, Qd April, 1543. 
 
 It may like your good lordships to understand, that as I wrote yester- 
 day to your lordshi])s, that I intended this day to ride to Linlithgow, so 
 have I been there with the queen, whom I find in the same terms I left her 
 at my first being with her. She told me, " that she sent for me, to declare 
 unto me, how the governour had been with her, and what he said unto 
 her, and also to know of me, how I found the said governour and all the 
 lords inclined to the king's majesty, and the accomplishment of the mar- 
 riage betwixt my lord prince's grace and her daughter: And first," she 
 said, " she could perceive none other in the governour, but that he 
 minded not the said marriage, intending rather to take this time to 
 marry her to his son ; assuring me, that he said unto her at his last be- 
 ing with her, that he would rather die than deliver the child into the 
 kings hands; and that he would nevertheless give good words, and 
 make fair weather to get peace by that means, till better opportunity 
 should serve to the execution of his purpose : as," she saith, " also he 
 prayed her to give me good words, saying, I was an haughty fellow;" 
 wherein I trust I should have testimony, if need were, that he mista- 
 keth me. And then she required me to tell her, how I found him 
 and the lords inclined? I said, " I found them .veil given and affec- 
 tionate to the marriage, and much desirous of the peace." '' Yea," 
 quoth she, " but I am sure ye see not in them that they will, or in- 
 tend to deliver the child into the king's hands." I told her, I could 
 not tell what they would do, but they give good words, and say, 
 II they doubted not to satisfy his majesty in that behalf with reason." 
 " ^ea," quoth she, " peradventure the governour will offer one of his 
 sons m pledge for performance of the marriage, as," quoth she, "I have 
 heard partly of it; but that is not sufficient, for he hath moe sons nor 
 one, and it is hke enough that, for a kingdom, he will be content to 
 lose one of them. Eeside that," quoth she, " I hear say, thev can be 
 
 VOL. I. p 
 
114 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 content that the king's majesty shall appoint a certain number of Eng- 
 lishmen and ladies to be here about the person of the young queen for 
 her better safeguard and surety. But what is that to the purpose?" 
 quoth she, "the king shall never the sooner recover her into his hands, 
 if they here list to vary from their covenants. And therefore," quoth 
 she, " I doubt not but his majesty, being a wise prince, hath had such 
 experience of practices in the world, and of fair words, that he will 
 not trust to M'ords. At the least," quoth she, " if they will not delive? 
 the child into his- hands, I would wish he shoukl take sufticient pledges 
 for the performance of the marriage, and also establish such a guard of 
 English personages about her person, as would look well to her sure- 
 ty ;" for else,'' quoth she, " whatsoever they say or promise, they will 
 never observe nor perform the marriage." I assured her, that the 
 king's majesty proceeded plainly, and directed all his purposes to the 
 preservation of her daughter and the wealth of this realm ; and in case 
 they here should go about to abuse his clemency in that part, they 
 might be sure, that as his majesty used them gently, and went about 
 to win them in that sort to his devotion and godly purpose, tending 
 chiefly to their benefit ; so his majesty was always ready to use his 
 force and princely power to bring them to reason, and would not fail, 
 in that case, to execute the same. She told me, " that she thought 
 assuredly all, or the most part, of the noblemen could be contented 
 that the marriage with my lord prince's grace should take eft'ect, but 
 undoubtedly the governour did rather mind it to his own son. And 
 greatly," she said, " she feared the surety of the child ; for she heard 
 so many tales, that the governour would convoy her to a strong house 
 of his own, where she should be altogether in his hands, or into the 
 isles." So that (as I perceive) she is in fear of her destruction, and I 
 therefore wished her in England, which the queen also wished for her 
 part, saying, " she should be tlien in her friends hands, out of all dan- 
 ger."* 
 
 * The reader will probably be of opinion, that the wily dowager wished to push the 
 English monarch upon insisting for the instant custody of the infant cjueen's person j to 
 
 5 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 115 
 
 And here I thought to take occasion to enter with her, acconling to 
 the contents of your lordships last letters, and told her, " that the 
 king's majesty, upon my advertisement of such conference as I had 
 with her, had conceived a good opinion of her, and that she used to- 
 wards his majesty a frank and plain manner of proceeding, such as 
 motherly love to the surety of her child should of reason persuade 
 lier : And therefore," quoth I, " if ye will provide for her surety, it 
 shall be well done, that ye devise some means to biing her to his ma- 
 jesty's hands." A«d then I asked her, " whether she thought not her- 
 self assured of some noblemen of tliis realm which minded eftectually 
 this marriage, and could be as well contented as she to deliver the 
 child into his majest3's hands?" She told me, "she knew none of their 
 minds in that behalf; but if any would be conformable to the same, 
 she thought the lord Maxwel was chiefly to be trusted, and also she 
 supposed the lord Fleming was good ; but she knew neither of their 
 affections in that behalf assuredly." The cardinal she much commend- 
 ed, " who," she said, " would have been a good minister to the king's 
 majesty in the perfection of this matter ;" which, I told her, could 
 not enter into my creed. She still affirmed it, saying " that if he 
 were at liberty, she thought he would go into England to offer his ser- 
 vice to the king's majesty, and that he had so sent her word." I ask- 
 ed her, what she thought of the earl of Glencairn and Cassils ? "By 
 my truth," quoth she, " I know not what they will do ; but surely," 
 quoth she, "both they, and a great many moe, had lever the king's ma- 
 jesty had the government of this realm, than he that is governour 
 who," quoth she, " is assuredly a simple and the most inconstant man 
 in the workl ; for whatsoever he determineth to-day, he changeth to- 
 morrow." I demanded also of her, what she thought in that part of 
 the earl of Angus? She answered, " he was, as she took him, assured 
 to the king's majesty, in whatsoever his highness should commit unto 
 
 which condition, she was well aware, the Scottish governor and his couiisellors, however 
 iiesirous to oblige Henry in other respects, neither would nor durst consent. 
 
116 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IK 1543. 
 
 him ; but she thought liim of no poHcy or engine, (as she called it,) 
 and that he was altogether directed by his brother sir George, who," 
 she said, " was as wily and crafty a man as any was in all Scotland." 
 Finally, I could not perceive by her, that she knew so much any of 
 the lords affections here, that she might jilainly affirm which of them 
 minded earnestly the delivery of the child into the kings majesty's 
 hands ; so that I cannot see with whom I might practise that matter, 
 according to your said letters; but when I shall speak with the lord 
 INIaxwel, who, they say, will be here to-morrow, I shall afar off essay 
 him how he is minded in that behalf. Other communication of ef- 
 fect I had not witli tlie queen ; but, at my departing from her, she de- 
 sired me, " to give good ear, and hearken if any thing were devised by 
 the governour, that should not tend to the surety of her daughter and 
 the advancement of the marriage, that I would speedily advertise the 
 kings majesty of it; and if she heard or perceived any thing that were 
 meet to be signified to his majesty, she would send for me to come and 
 speak with her, to the intent to make me privy to the same ; requiring 
 me to take the pain to come to her, when she should send for me ;" 
 which I promised to do, and so departed. 
 
 Now your lordships have heard what opinion she hath of the gover- 
 nour, who, she saith, dissembleth altogether with the king's majesty; 
 and, on the other side, your lordships have likewise perceived by my 
 last letters what he saith of her ; so that I cannot certainly judge whe- 
 ther of them is best to be trusted ; and yet it may be that they mean 
 well enough on both sides towards the accomplishment of the marriage. 
 For the governour denieth not but that he once minded the same for hi& 
 own son; "from the which," he saith, " in respect of the common- 
 wealth, he is now clearly removed." And the queen, not only suppo- 
 sing that he is still of that mind, but also, as I take her, earnestly de- 
 siring the marriage of her said daughter to my lord [)rince's grace, doth 
 so much inveigh against the said governour, the rather to move the 
 king's majesty eflectually to work with him, and to stand fast upon 
 such conditions as may serve to the sure and perfect accomplishment 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IV 1543. 117 
 
 of the said marriage, which else percase she feareth should take no ef- 
 fect. This is my conjecture, as I love to judge the best; but I will 
 have better experience of the fidelity and truth of Frenchmen and Scot- 
 tish than I have had yet, before I will presume to give any certain 
 judgment of their intent. Your lordships shall now see the plat of 
 those mens purposes at the arrival of their ambassadors ; and, as I shall 
 perceive here, I will advertise with such diligence as the cause shall re- 
 quire. 
 
 I had forgotten in my last letters to signify unto you, that the go- 
 vemour desired me to write to the king's majesty, that it might please 
 the same to send home the abbot of Paisley, being his bastard-brother, 
 M'ho, he saith, "might stand him in great stead here;" and some think 
 he will make him bishop of St Andrews ; which it may like your good 
 lordships to declare unto his majesty accordingly. And thus, &c. 
 
 To the Lords of his Majesty's Privy Council, ^th April, 1543. 
 
 It may like your good lordships to understand, that yesterday, in the 
 morning, came hither to me in my lodging the lord Maxwel, * whom 
 I had not seen afore since my coming hither; and, after we had used 
 accustomed words of salutation, I began to enter with him frankly, 
 that methought things had not succeeded in such sort as he and others 
 had largely promised, at their being with the king's majesty. He an- 
 swered me even frankly again, " That he saw not but all might suc- 
 ceed as his majesty would, if it might please him to prosecute the same, 
 in case by fair and gentle means (which nevertheless," he said, " was 
 the best and most godly way) the same could not be obtained. And 
 for his part," he said, " he was driven to a narrow point; for both he 
 
 * Herbert, fifth lord Maxwell, a nobleman of great influence on the western marches. 
 He was taken at the battle of Solway; which, inrleed, was lost chiefly owing to the confu- 
 sion occasioned in the Scottish army, by hearing Oliver Sinclair proclaimed general instead 
 of Maxwell. He died in 1546. 
 
118 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 was suspected here, and yet lie had done the kings majesty no service, 
 which grieved him most. But," cjuoth he, " if the king's majesty do 
 prosecute his ])urpose, I will do him service according to my promise, 
 or eke let me be reproved." I told him, it was every nobleman's part 
 to perform and keep promise; " and yet," cjuoth I, " my lord, to be 
 plain with you, I cannot perceive that either ye, or any of you all that 
 M>ere with the kings majesty, have hitherto had such regard to the ob- 
 servation of your words and promises as appertained to men of your 
 sort. For,'" (luoth I, " neither have ye, since your coming out of Eng- 
 land, advertised the kings majesty of any part of your proceedings, 
 nor yet have ye, as far as I see," qnoth 1, " gone about seriously in 
 your said promise to accomplish the same, but rather, directly contrary 
 tliereto, ye made and established here a governour by parliament, 
 which, if ye weigh it well, standeth not with your promise. And now," 
 quoth I, " ye have sent ambassadors instructed, as I understand, to 
 conclude a bare contract of a marriage betwixt my lord prince's grace 
 and your young queen liere, with also a general peace : But I assure 
 you," quoth I, " if they be not amply instructed with such things as 
 may satisfy the king's majesty, they might as well have tamed here at 
 home." " By the mass," quoth he, " I trow ye say truth. But," 
 quoth he, "his majesty shall have the marriage of our queen for his 
 son, and both those realms knit in perfect friendship and perpetual 
 peace. And," tjuoth he, " when the marriage shall be consummate, 
 then both to be under one dominion. Tliink ye," (juoth he, " that this 
 v/ill not satisfy your master the king's majesty ?" " I cannot tell," 
 quoth I, " what will satisfy him ; bat ye know what ye have promised 
 to him, which I think his majesty looketh for. And be you assured," 
 quoth I, " that he will stand upon the delivery of the child into his 
 hand." " By God's body," quoth he, " if his majesty will prosecute it, 
 there is no doubt but he shall obtain it ; for the realm is not able to 
 withstand his power, nor to make defence : And all we," quoth he, 
 " that be his prisoners, be of one mind to assist his majesty to our 
 power, according to our promise. The earl of Angus also," quoth he, 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1513. lip 
 
 " and his brotlicr, he true gentlemen ; and," quotli lie, " the carl should 
 have my daughter in marriage,* but the governour doth all that he 
 may to impeach it; for," (juoth he, " he will have no alliance betwixt 
 us." " What think your" (juoth I ; " will not the governour and the 
 rest of the noblemen condescend to deliver the child into his majesty's 
 hands, as well as to offer him a contract of the marriage? which," 
 <luoth I, " if they mind to perform, why should they not also consent 
 to deliver herr"' " I think," cjuoth he, " they will not consent to de- 
 hver her; for they be of opinion," quoth he, " that, if she were in the 
 king's majesty's liands, she shoukl never die ; and whatsoever became 
 of her, his majesty would dispose the crown of this realm. And there- 
 fore," quoth he, " unless the fear of the war move them to deliver her, 
 surely they will never consent to it: In which case, there is no other 
 way to his majesty to come by his purpose," quoth he, " but to use his 
 force; unless," quoth he, "it shall please his majesty to take some 
 mean and indifferent way, either to take pledges for her delivery, whea 
 she shall be of lawful age to be married, or to appoint English men 
 and women to be here about her, or both, which," quoth he, " I think 
 the governour and all the noblemen here will be brought unto. And 
 if this will not serve," quoth he, " by my truth, then must his majes- 
 ty, as far as I see, go to it by force ; which if it come so to pass, his 
 majesty shall find me ready to perform and keep my promise, to the 
 uttermost of my power. And then,"^ quoth he, " the time shall be 
 come, that shall reveal who will keep promise; as, by my truth," 
 quoth he, " I dare say, there is not one of us, his majesty's prisoners, 
 but is firmly determined upon the same." " How happened it," quoth 
 I, " being so well minded to keep your promise, that, contrary to the 
 same, ye have established a governour here by parliament?" " By the 
 mass, I cannot tell,"' quoth he : " We thought the king's majesty had 
 been content that he should be governour ; for," quoth he, " his ma- 
 jesty wrote many kind letters to him, and accepted him well. And if 
 
 * Margaret Maxwell was accordingly married to the earl of Angus. 
 
liSO EMBASSV TO SCOTLAND IN 15'13. 
 
 I durst,'' quoth he, " I would charge his majesty with one thing, which 
 is, that he promised to send no safe-conduct, except some of us, his 
 majesty's prisoners, were named in it, to come to his majesty for the 
 conclusion of all matters to his grace's satisfaction. Wherefore," 
 quoth he, " for my part, when I saw that his majesty, at the gover- 
 nour's suite, had sent a safe-conduct to such only as he named, I 
 thought his majesty had well taken and reputed him for governour." 
 " No, by St Mary !'' quoth I, " it was far beside his majesty's expecta- 
 tion ; and you may be sure," quoth I, " his majesty doth not yet re- 
 pute him for governour, as, if ye noted such letters as his highness 
 wrote unto him, ye may perceive," quoth I, " by the directions of the 
 same, where his majesty calleth him only. The tarl of Arran, occupying 
 the place of governour. But surely," quoth I, " there was some default 
 amongst you, that ye wrote not, nor advertised the king's majesty from 
 time to time of your proceedings, whereby ye might have had know- 
 ledge again from his majesty of his graces pleasure, and advice how to 
 have prevented such things," " I have written divers times," quoth 
 he, " and never heard word again ; and great suite have I made," 
 quoth he, " for my son,* who hath great charge on the borders, which, 
 because I am prisoner, I cannot myself execute. And I promise you," 
 quoth he, " the chief cause why I do desire him at home is, for that I 
 might be able to keep promise with the king's majesty in the deliver- 
 ance of the strong-holds being in my keeping, which," quoth he, " I 
 am not trusted withall, because I am prisoner; and therefore am fain 
 to ly myself in England, to the intent my son may be at home to take 
 the charge of mine offices : For if any other man should be put into 
 the holds, I were not able," quoth he, " to keep my promise in that 
 behalf with the king's majesty, if his grace do prosecute his purpose by 
 force, which I durst not write," quoth he, " for it touched me too near ; 
 
 * Sir Thomas Wharton, afterwards lord Wharton, was depnty-warden of the west 
 marches, and commanded the Enghsh at the memorable battle of Solway. The pledge 
 whom Maxwell proposes to put into his hands, was his second son, sir John Maxwell of 
 Terreagles, who afterwards became seventh lord Maxwell upon his brother's death without 
 issue. 
 
 n 
 
EHrBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 121 
 
 but T tell it to you," quoth he, " desiring that ye will write it to the 
 king's majesty, and solicit efi'ectually, that it may please his majesty to 
 send commandment in that behalf to sir Thomas Wharton, to take 
 mine other son pledge, who is as good a pledge as mine eldest son. * 
 And," quoth he, " I will remain myself at Carlile till that time, as I 
 am now going thither for that purpose : For," quoth he, " my son 
 must needs be at home for the cause aforesaid." In this discourse and 
 communication, I asked him also, whether they intended to abandon 
 France? Whereiinto he said, " There would be no doubt nor sticking 
 in that part, if the rest do well succeed." And eftsoons finally he 
 prayed me, " To write for him, that he might have home his son, 
 which he chiefly desired, as he said, for respect of his said promise to 
 the king's majesty, and that I would write in such sort as he might 
 have shortly answer thereof at Carlile, where," he saith, " he will re- 
 main till that time." I promised him that I would write, as it may 
 please your lordships to signify the same unto the king's majesty. And 
 so my lord IMaxwel took his leave of me, and returned home again; 
 for, as he told me, he came hither but only of purpose to speak with 
 me, Sec. 
 
 Postscript. 
 
 I received the king's majesty's letters of the 30th of March, giving 
 me charge to declare unto the earls of Angus and Glencairn, the lord 
 Maxwel, and sir George Douglas, on his majesty's behalf, such things 
 as be contained in his highness's said letters, which I know not how 
 to accomplish, for at this present there is not one of them here, nor 
 yet any other of that band. The earl of Angus and sir George Dou- 
 glas, I think, will be here to-night, with whom I shall take mine op- 
 portunity, according to his majesty's commandment: But as to the 
 earl of Glencairn, and the lord Maxwel, I know not when I shall see 
 them ; for the earl is sixty miles hence in the Highland here, as they 
 
 * Robert, afterwards sixth lord Maxwell. 
 VOL. I. <i 
 
J22 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 call it, towards the isles, and the lord Maxwel went yesterday froni 
 hence towards Carlile, which it may please your good lordships to de- 
 clare unto his highness accordingly. And if I should say my poor 
 opinion, I think his majesty shall without force have his purpose here, 
 both for pledges to be delivered unto him for the performance of the 
 marriage, (I Avill not say for the delivery of the child at such time as 
 percase his majesty shall appoint, but when she shall be of lawful age; 
 for till then, I think, they will stick to have her here,) and also for the 
 abandoning and renunciation of France. This I conjecture by such 
 discourses and communications as I have had here amongst them ; but 
 I am not able certainly to judge thereof; not doubting but before 
 these my letters shall arrive with you, or shortly thereupon, your lord- 
 shij)s have, or shall know the truth thereof by their ambassadors. Thus 
 Almighty God, &c. 
 
 To the Lords of his Majesty's Privy-Council, % April, 1543. 
 
 It may like your good lordships to understand, that yesterday I re- 
 ceived your letters of the third of April ; at which time were with me 
 at dinner, in my lodging, the earls of Cassils and Glencairn. being 
 newly come hither. Wherefore I thought it not amiss to participate 
 unto them that part of your said letters, touching special regard to be 
 had to the surety of the queen's person ; wherein I told them, the 
 king's majesty thought, as it was most likely to be truth, that the 
 cardinal being now at liberty, and the earl of Lennox, who began to 
 assemble and gather a power, with their complices, would do the best 
 they could to surprize and get into their hands the said young queen ; 
 advising them therefore to devise and consult with their governour 
 and others of their party, to get her removed to the castle of Edin- 
 burgh, where they might be sure of her. They answered, " It was 
 very like that the earl of Lennox, and the cardinal also, if it lay in 
 their power, would surely go about such a purpose, but being the 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 123 
 
 young queen where she is well kept and guarded, it was not possible 
 for them to bring their desire to pass in that behalf, unless the gover- 
 nour should start from them to that party, which they thought he 
 would not do." And as for the earl of Lennox, they assured me, 
 " He had no gathering nor assembly; nevertheless, they thought it 
 not amiss to make all sure, if they might," saying, " they would go 
 down to the court to speak both the governour, the earl of Angus, 
 and Sir George Douglas, and see what they could work in that mat- 
 ter;" which I advised them to do. And afterwards I sent for sir 
 George Douglas, to whom I declared the contents of your lordships said 
 letters. He said, " He liked very well the king's majesty's advice and 
 counsel in that behalf;" and as he and I had, before the receipt of 
 your said letters, communed of like matter in effect, touching the 
 queen's person to be had into such place and surety, as, though the 
 earl of Lennox, or any other of that party, should go about to sur- 
 prize her, they should not now prevail in that part ; so he told me, 
 " he had been in hand with the governour to remove her to the castle of 
 Edinburgh, wlicre the late king, her father, was also nourished ; but 
 the governour," he said, " as he perceived, had no good will thereunto, 
 because it was so near England, saying, there was an untrue informa- 
 tion put into his head, that the king's majesty would not admit their 
 ambassadors to his presence, but referred them to your lordsliips of his 
 council ; and that a great number of soldiers, which he called White- 
 coats, were come to the Borders, which put him in great fear and sus- 
 picion." And therefore he told me, " That the said governour was 
 afraid that the king's majesty minded some enterprize to be done for 
 the convoying of the said queen into England ; thinking it best, that, 
 at mine access, I should not only satisfy him in that behalf, but also 
 that I should not speak of the removing of the said queen to the castle 
 of Edinburgh, lest he should thereby conceixe farther suspicion, and 
 in the mean season he would work the best he could in that behalf." 
 
 This day I repaired myself to the governour, and told him, " That 
 the king's majesty perceiving, not only how he had been deceived in 
 
124 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 the matter of the cardinal, but also how the earl of Lennox began to 
 gather some force and assembly, which his majesty thought to be for 
 some great purpose, either to surprise the young queen, Avitb the ad- 
 vice and consent of the cardinal and his complices, which was most 
 likely, or else to do some notable displeasure to him, and such as were 
 of his party, liad therefore commanded me to give him framing there- 
 of, with advice, on his majesty's behalf, to remove the person of the 
 queen to some other place of strength, where he might be sure of her, 
 so that she be not gotten out of his hands or he be aware of it ; pro- 
 viding surely, that he be not served therein as he was in the matter of 
 the said cardinal." Whereunto he answered, " That indeed ne\er man 
 was worse served nor he was in that matter ; and if the king's majes- 
 ty's advice in that part had come in time, he would surely have fol- 
 lowed it; as now he thanked. his majesty most humbly, for his advice 
 touching regard to the sure custody of the queen ;" which I prayed 
 him then to follow with effect. And he assured me, " there was no 
 danger of it ; for the earl of Lennox," he said, " did make none as- 
 sembly at all, but would have come to him or this time, saving that he 
 was afraid of the earl of Angus ; and now," he saith, " he will be here 
 on Sunday next, for which purpose he hath already sent to take up 
 his lodging ; and the cardinal," he said, " remained still at St Andrews, 
 feigning himself sick, saying, that as soon as he is whole, he will come 
 hither to Edinburgh." And, besides that, he told me, " that the said 
 young queen was in bis chief strength at Linlithgow, and such about 
 her as he trusted, so that he thought he could not be deceived." I put 
 him in remembrance how the lord Seton had handled him,* being his 
 near kinsman ; and also, that the house of Linlithgow was an house of no 
 great strength, f, Wlierefore, seeing the kings majesty hath given him 
 
 * In setting the cardinal at liberty. 
 
 f Linlithgow palace had been the favourite residence of James V.; queen Mary was 
 born there, and it was still, it seems, the place of her residence. Although strongly situated 
 upon the banics of a laiie, magnificence has been more the object of the architect than de- 
 fence ; a circumstance not very common in Scottish palaces. 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTIA ND IN 154r3. 125 
 
 this advice and waininj^, I wislied he should emhrace and foHow the 
 same. He said, " lie would use no princes advice in tiie world afors 
 his majesty's. And for removing the person of the young (jueen to 
 some other place of strength, he said he could be well content to do 
 it ; but it was appointed by parliament, that she should be kept no- 
 where but at Linlithgow or Stirling, without consent, as well of the 
 dowager and him as also the other estates of the realm ; in which 
 case," he said, " he was content, for his part, that she should be remo- 
 ved to the castle of Edinburgh, where," he said, " her father was fos- 
 tered and nourished ; and he doubted not but the rest of the lords 
 would also agree to it ; but what the dowager would do he doubted; 
 for the which purpose he would nevertheless send unto her to know 
 her inclination in that behalf" When I heard him thus conformable 
 to bring her to the castle of Edinburgh, (whereof, although I minded 
 earnestly the same, I had forborn, by the advice of sir George Dou- 
 glas, for the consideration foresaid, to make special mention to the 
 governour,) I then pressed him ther-eunto by all the good means I 
 could, which he hath promised me, as much as in him lieth, to set 
 forth and accomplish accordingly. I told him then, " tliat I perceived 
 by your lordships said letters, that their ambassadors had presence and 
 access unto the king's majesty, and were well entreated of the same, 
 as I doubted not he should shortly hear from them;" whereof he seem- 
 ed to be very glad, " and wished all things might come to good pass." 
 Here I took occasion to enter some discourse with him of the per- 
 plexed state of this realm ; how he stood himself in the contempt of 
 the clergy here, who, with their adherents, knowing his affection to 
 the truth of God's word, would not fail to take their time, as it should 
 serve them, to devise his ruin and destruction. Wherefore, I advised 
 him to consider, what honour had been offered him by the king's ma- 
 jesty, whereby he might well perceive his highness's zeal and affection 
 towards him, and how great a stay his majesty should be unto him, as 
 well in the maintenance and upholding of his authority and state of 
 this government, as also in the execution of all his godly purposes, 
 
126 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 both to bring this reahn to due obedience, and in the advancement of 
 God's glory in setting forth of his true word and doctrine, which I 
 thouo-lit of congruence should move him freely and frankly to proceed 
 with the kings majesty in all things, without sticking in any such 
 matter, as they which percase would his ruin, shall or may persuade 
 him to stay in, the rather to hold and keep him from the kings ma- 
 jesty, to the intent they might the better work their will upon him 
 hereafter to his overthrow and utter destruction ; M'hich I assured him 
 they would do as their time might serve them. He confessed all the 
 same, saying, " it was true ; and that if the king's majesty and this 
 jealm were once at a good peace and unity, they would all be afraid of 
 him, where now both divers lords and all the clergy seem to be at ut- 
 terance with him ; wherefore his trust is, that the kings majesty will 
 be a o-ood lord to him : And as he desired nothing more than to do all 
 that might be to his satisfaction with honour and reason; so he 
 trusted the kmg's majesty would require nothing but that he and the 
 estates of the realm might well embrace, wherein for his part he 
 would be most willing and conformable." And thus we discoursed of 
 those things generally ; wherein I did as much as I could to cause him 
 smell the danger which must needs ensue to him, if he should relent 
 and fall from the devotion of the king s majesty to the other party, 
 which himself hath told me be of the cast of France ; assuring him, 
 that the bishops and clergy being of that party, knowing his disposi- 
 tion and opinion in Christian religion, would, when he thought him- 
 self most assured among them, work his destruction, as is aforesaid. 
 He confessed the same, and has promised, " that he will in all things 
 shew and declare himself most addicted to the king's majesty, and 
 most willing to satisfy all his lawful desires, not offending the liberty 
 and freedom of this realm." 
 
 As I was going to the said governour, I received the king's majes- 
 ty's letters of the 4th of this present, proporting the whole progress 
 with the ambassadors there, which, after I had perused, I resolved with 
 myself not to enter, at this time, so far with the governour as to sig- 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 127 
 
 nify unto him tlie special points of his majesty's resolution, until he 
 shall ha\e aci\ ertisement of the same from the ambassadors, which is 
 not yet arrived. And, in the mean season, I shall commune with the 
 earls of Angus, Cassils, and Glencairn, and sir George Douglas, which 
 be now here, and also with the lords INIaxwel and Somervail when 
 they come, of and upon the contents of the king's majesty's said let- 
 ters, both to ripe them the better in the points resolved by his majes- 
 ty with the said ambassadors, and also to devise with them how they 
 may best work and frame the governour and the other lords of this 
 realm to agree to the same, which I shall ensue in such sort as is pre- 
 scribed unto me by the king's majesty's said letters accordingly. Here- 
 with, your lordships shall receive a letter from the dowager here to 
 the king's majesty, which she writeth upon knowledge that she hath 
 of the detaining of her servant. She sent the same letter to me by 
 one of her servants, and desired me " to convoy it to the king's majes- 
 1}% and also to solicit a good answer thereunto with as much diligence 
 as might be conveniently." And thus, &c. 
 
 To the King's Majesty, gth April, 1545. 
 
 Please it your royal majesty to understand, that yesterday I received 
 your majesty's letters of the 4th of April, containing the special points, 
 which your majesty's pleasure is I should communicate with the go- 
 vernour here, in such sort as is expressed in your highness's said let- 
 ters. The first, touching the setting forth of the scripture ; the se- 
 cond, for the extirpation of the monks and friers, with the abolition 
 of the bishop of Rome's usurped authority ; and the third, concernino- 
 your majesty's determination for the marriage of your highness's dauo-h- 
 ler, the lady Elizabeth, to the said governour's son In which three 
 points I have conferred this day at good length with the said gover- 
 nour, according to the \ ery purport and contents of your majesty's 
 said letters, as near as 1 could, and in such order as is prescribed unto 
 
Ig8 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 me by the same. In the first point, I find him in such terms as your 
 majesty voukl have him, fiar the setting forth of the scripture ; where- 
 in he saith, " he hath taken such direction for the admonishing of his 
 people to read it sincerely and quietly to themselves for their own 
 knowledge, without taking upon them any sinister or rash interpreta- 
 tion of the same, as by act of parliament made here in that behalf, he 
 told me is fully set forth, with the banishment of all other English 
 books, saving the mere scripture, being also of the best and truest 
 translation ; and when your majesty shall have perfected such books, 
 as I told him your highness intended to set forth by publick authori- 
 ty, containing such a certain doctrine, as is maintainable by the mere 
 truth ; if it may like your majesty to send him the same," he saith, 
 '' he will not fail to publish it here, desiring, with all his heart, that 
 these two realms may concur, not only in unity of the true under- 
 standing of God's word, but also, by all other good means, to be knit 
 and assured one to another in perfect amity." 
 
 To the second point, he told me, " That he desired no less the re- 
 formation of the abuses of the church, and the extirpation of the estate 
 of monks and friers, with the abolition of the bishop of Rome's 
 usurped authority, than your majesty doth ; but that,^ saith he, " will 
 be an hard matter to bring to pass ; for there be so many great men 
 here, that be such Papists and Pharisees, (as he called them,) that un- 
 kss the sin of covetice bring them unto it, (that is, the desire of ha- 
 ving the lands of the abbeys,) he knoweth none other mean to win 
 them to his purpose in that behalf." And here he told me, " that he 
 thought all monasteries, and houses of religion, were first founded to 
 pray for the souls being in the pains of purgatory : and," quoth he, 
 " if there be no purgatory, (as I am clearly of that opinion,) these 
 foundations," quoth he, " be in vain and frustrate. And methinketh," 
 quoth he, " it is a good ground whereupon to proceed to the extirpa- 
 tion of these sects ye speak of, of monks and friers, and to convert 
 and employ the same to such better uses, as," quoth he, " ye have de- 
 clared unto me on the king's behalf." I told him, " he should find 
 7 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. JQO. 
 
 causes and grounds enough to proceed thereunto, if he would once go 
 ahout it." Wliereunto he answered, " That were the peace once con- 
 cluded, and all things well estahlished betwixt your majesty and this 
 realm, he would as well in that, as in all other things, proceed by your 
 advice and counsel afore all other princes livinf." 
 
 Then Avent I to the third point, touching the marriage to be had 
 betwixt your majesty's said daughter and the governours son,* which 
 matter I handled with him as seriously as my poor wit could serve me, 
 and as near as I could, omitted no point of the charge which your ma- 
 jesty gave me in that part by your said letters. The governour under- 
 standing the great honour your majesty did ofier unto him in that be- 
 half, put off his cap, and said, " he was most bound of all men unta 
 your majesty, in that it pleased the same, being a prince of so great re- 
 putation in the world, to offer such alliance and marriage with so poor 
 a man as he is, for the which he should bear his heart and service to 
 your majesty next unto his sovereign lady during his life. He con- 
 fessed both what honour the same should be unto him, and Avhat ad- 
 vancement of his blood in the reputation of the world ; what benefit, 
 honour, and surety, it should be to himself and all his posterity ; and 
 also what stay and assistance he might thereby have of your majesty, 
 as well in the quiet use and continuance of his place, oftice,and autho-' 
 rity of this government without interruption ; as also in and for the 
 better execution of all his good purposes, tending to the setting forth 
 of God's word, and the advancement of God's glory, in the extirpation 
 of hypocrisy, and the usurped power of the bishop of Rome." But 
 yet he would not confess, nor belie veth, that any such combination 
 should be contrived against him by the lords and bishops, who would 
 not come to him at the first, as is comprised in your majesty's said let- 
 ters ; alledging, " That if the peace were once established, he could 
 
 * This bait which was held out to the earl of Arran, perhaps without any great sinceri- 
 ty, does not seem to have attracted him so much as one uould have expected from sa ueak 
 and va>a a man. Elizabeth, afterwards queen of England, was the princess whom Henry 
 proposed to bestow on the son of the Scottish governor. 
 
 VOL. I. „ 
 
15§ EMBASSY TO SCOTLAIfD IN 1.543. 
 
 and would rule them, he doubted not, at his o\rn pleasure and devo] 
 tion. And as for their parliament matters," he said, " they were whol- 
 ly and solemnly agreed upon by all the states of the realm, none ab- 
 sent but the earl of Argyle, who, being himself sick, sent his procura- 
 tor." But, touching the cardinal, he said, " He was as evil served in 
 that matter as ever was man ; for he had committed him to the keep- 
 ing of the lord Seton, who standeth bound in his life and inheritance 
 for his sure keeping: And yet, nevertheless," quoth he, " the cardinal 
 is master of his own house, where he is, and has his liberty as well as 
 you or I." I told him then, he might perceive his majesty's opinion 
 was true, in that your majesty did advertise him, " that where he re- 
 moved the cardinal to his own house, to get thereby an entry into the 
 castle, it was the next way to lose both him and the said castle ;" 
 which he sware was true ; and that the lord Seton, whom he trusted 
 chiefly, had deceived him, saying, " that he had thereby forfeited both 
 his life and his lands, if he list to put him to that extremity." I ask- 
 ed him, what he minded to do in that behalf r He told me, " he was 
 at his wits end in the matter; but he would devise with the council 
 thereupon, and see what they would determine." I returned then to 
 the matter we were in before, and asked him, what I should write to 
 your majesty of his answer to that overture of marriage which your 
 highness hath in such sort made, as I had declared unto him "-"' He 
 put off his cap again, and prayed me, " to write unto your majesty, 
 that he most humbly thanked the same a thousand times for the great 
 honour it pleased your highness to offer unto so poor a man as he Mas, 
 and that he would communicate the same to his most secret and trus- 
 ty friends, as to his brother and sir George Douglas, and not many 
 moe : Whereupon, or it were long, your majesty should know his 
 whole mind and resolution in that behalf" And finally, he prayed me, 
 on his behalf, " to render most humble thanks to your majesty for the 
 great goodness and clemency you did shew to his said brother and the 
 other gentlemen, which were lately with your majesty ;" which I told 
 liim I would do accordingly, and so we departed. I intend diligently 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAXD IN 154:3. 131 
 
 to solicit liis further answer to this overture of inarriage, which had, I 
 shall advertise with such diligence as appertaineth. 
 
 Furthermore, it may like your majesty to understanil, that sir George 
 Douglas hath told me, " That he went purposely on Saturday last, as 
 sent by the governour, to St Andrews, only to see how and in what 
 sort the cardinal Mas kept by the lord Seton ;" where he hath been in- 
 deed. And he telleth me, " That the cardinal is at liberty, and mas- 
 ter of his own castle, which he may well keep and defend, if he will :" 
 wherein he said, " the lord Seton had failed of his duty;" and much 
 he depraved him for the same. He told me also, that the cardinal said 
 unto him, " That he was, and would be, at the governour's command- 
 ment; and notwithstanding that he was, and might take his liberty at 
 his pleasure, he would nevertheless offer his body to the trial of his in- 
 nocency ; and if it may please the governour to use his service, he 
 would most willingly serve him in the affairs of the realm : And though 
 he were noted to be a good French-man, yet as he could not deny but 
 he had some cause to favour France, for such living as he had there ; * 
 so,'' he said, " he was nevertheless a true Scotsman, and bare not any 
 such affliction to France, as should, in any point, move him to neglect 
 the wealth and commodity of this realm. And no man knoweth better 
 how necessary your majesty's amity was for the same, and what wealth 
 and benefit should ensue to them l)y the conjunction of those two 
 realms in perfect friendship and alliance; wherein, without regard of 
 France, if he were at liberty, in the governour's favour he would travel 
 to satisfy your majesty as much as any man in the realm of Scotland, 
 saving the freedom and liberty of the same." This the said sir Georo-e 
 told me, that the cardinal said unto him. And I asked the same sir 
 George, " what they intended to do in that matter r" He said, " He 
 could not tell what to say to it;" — swearing a great oath, — " That the 
 cardinal's money and substance had corrupted the lord Seton, and a 
 great many moe of the noblemen here." Aaid then he told me, " That 
 
 * The cardinal was bishop of Mirepoix in France, and held other benefices there. 
 
J 32 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 the earl of Huntley, who had asked licence of the governour to go 
 home into his country, was with the cardinal in St Andrews, and went 
 not home at all." And also he said, " That the earl of Lennox began 
 to gather a company together, and that the earl of Argyle was with 
 him, and the lord Areskinc, with certain bishops about Stirling; in so 
 much, as he thought they would make a party about Stirling if they 
 could. And loath he would be," he said, " that the cardinal should 
 join with them ; for he should be able, with his money and friends, to 
 do more hurt than all the rest : wherefore it was more than requisite 
 for them, to debate and consider well this matter," saying, " that he 
 thought it expedient, seeing the cardinal was now in such case, as he 
 might put himself abroad and at liberty when he would, to hold him 
 in good hope, and to allure him to come out of the castle to the go- 
 vernour, by means whereof they might eftsoons get him into their 
 hands, and so make him sure, rather than to put him into any despe- 
 ration, whereby he might revolt to the other party." I told him, their 
 matters were so perplexed, that I knew not what advice to give unto 
 him ; but I said, it behoved the governour, his brother the earl of 
 Ano-us, and him, specially to look well to it, for it touched them chief- 
 ly ; and they might be sure, if the other party might prevail, to smart 
 for it. He told me, " If it come to that part, they were strong enough 
 for any party that could be made in Scotland against them ; and, in 
 case they needed, they would sue and ask aid of your majesty." I ad- 
 vised him to consider and consult well upon all those things, so that 
 such remedy might be provided in time, for those mischiefs which 
 seemed to be towards, as they were not prevented, nor taken suddenly 
 or unawares ; which he said he would do ; assuring me, " that there 
 could be no party so soon assembled, as should be able suddenly to dis- 
 tress them." The governour in all discourses told me nothing of any 
 such practice or assembly made by the earl of Lennox, nor would be 
 acknown of any such division ; whereof I assure your majesty there is 
 great appearance. 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN' 1543. 133 
 
 Since my last writing to your majesty, the cardinal sent a cliaplain 
 of his unto me, with the selfsame message and tale, that he told to 
 the said sir George Douglas, as is before expressed; and oflered unto 
 me, all the gratuity and pleasure he could, with commendation of liis 
 service unto your majesty. Whereunto I answered, that forasmuch as 
 I knew not in what case I stood, hearing tell that he M'as committed 
 upon sundry great crimes, it became me not, nor I would not require 
 any gratuity or pleasure at his hand; but if he were his own man, and 
 in such case as I might lawfully commune or treat Mith him, I would 
 be the ratlier glad to use his advice, if I thought he would play the 
 part of a good minister, for the good perfection of such things as might 
 tend to the benetit and wealth of both these realms. The said cliap- 
 lain told me then, " That his master, the cardinal, bade him say unto 
 me, that wdiere he understood your majesty was informed, how that he 
 sliould have been the impediment and lett, that the late king of Scots 
 came not to your majesty, he was able to prove that he was unjustly 
 reported to your highness in that part : And whatsoever information 
 was made unto your majesty, he had always as great a regard and de- 
 sire to the increase of amity betwixt these two realms as any man li- 
 ving ; wherein, when it shall be his chance to speak with your majesty, 
 lie shall declare himself by pregnant reasons." Also, since the dispatch 
 of my said last letters, here hath been with me the lord Fleming;* 
 who, in discoursing with me of the state and success of his promise, 
 amongst others made unto your majesty, told me, " That if your high- 
 ness had not all your desire and purpose, the Douglasses were most to 
 blame therefore ; for they had established a governour here, most un- 
 meet to bear the name, and occupy the place of such an office and es- 
 tate, whom they only did support, and w itli whom also they might do 
 
 * Malcolm, third lord Fleming, was married to Janet Stewart, sister to king James V., 
 and was lord chamberlain of Scotland. Being made prisoner at Solway, he embraced the 
 English party, which he shortly afterwards deserted. He was killed at the battle of Pinky. 
 It may be observed, that he takes the part of the queen-dowager in the following discus- 
 sion with Sadler, and was probably already engaged in her interest. 
 
13-i EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 what they would, and specially sir George Douglas; so as if they did 
 not work with liiiu all your majesty's attairs in such sort as they pro- 
 mised, your great liberality bestowed upon them was evil employed." 
 And he said, '' It" sir George Douglas had not taken u]Jon him to work 
 all things, as he did, after his own fantasy and appetite, your majesty 
 might have had your whole purpose or this time." I understand there 
 is some dissention betwixt them and the said lord Fleming, for an of- 
 fice of sheriffship here within this realm, anri that percase moved him 
 to speak the more against them: Nevertheless 1 heard him (juietly; 
 and then began he to dispraise the said governour, saying, " That he 
 was the greatest dissembler, and the most inconstant man in the 
 world ; and therefore for his part he meddled not with him, nor came 
 not to him, M-ho, he thought, minded nothing less than the marriage 
 of the young queen here to my lord prince's grace ;" assuring me, " that 
 after he came from your majesty, the said governour said unto him, that 
 he would rather take the said young queen, and carry her M'ith him in- 
 to the isles, and go dwell there, than he M'ould consent to marry her 
 into England. Whereunto," he saith, " he answered, that if he so did, 
 your majesty, for the value of lOl. Scots, could have one of the Irish 
 cettericks* there to bring you his head." And, further, he told me, 
 " That unless your majesty had the child delivered into your hands, 
 which would not here be granted, or else suflticient pledges for the per- 
 formance of the marriage, he thought assuredly the same should never 
 take effect. And as for pledges," he said, " if the governour were well 
 content, and minded to grant the same, it lieth not in his power to 
 perform it with good pletlges; for he should never get a nobleman in 
 the realm that would lay pledge in England for the matter." Siclike, 
 he told me, " That he came even then from the queen-dowager, who 
 bade him make her recommendations unto me, and therewith to tell 
 me, that the governour had been with her since my last being there, 
 and had demanded of her, whether your majesty did make unto. 
 
 * Banditti. 
 
EMBASSV TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 135 
 
 her any oflice of marriage? and wlietlicr slie intended to go dwell 
 in England ? ^'hereunto she answered, that if your majesty, being 
 one of the noblest princes, of the greatest reputation this day in 
 the world, should mind or offer unto her such honour, she could not 
 but account herself most bound to your highness for tl)e same. And 
 tlie governour said again, that your majesty dissembled altogether with 
 her, in whatsoever I said unto her on your behalf; and that whatso- 
 ever she said or signified unto your majesty, your grace did again ad- 
 vertise him of the same." This the lord Fleming told me from the 
 queen; " whom," he saitli, " your majesty shall find a true and plain 
 gentlewoman in all her proceedings, and singularly well affected to all 
 yoar majesty's desires." Finally, he told me, " That he had written a 
 letter to my lord privy-seal, whereby he had declared some part of his 
 mind; and shortly,'' he told me, " he would afore his day go to his en- 
 try, and repair unto your majesty for the farther declaration of his in- 
 tent; and, for his part, he Mas fully determined to serve your majesty 
 to the uttermost of his power, according to his promise, as (if these 
 matters proceeded to force) your highness should well perceive." Thus 
 I write unto your royal majesty every man's tale in such sort as I hear 
 them ; Avhereby your grace may perceive the perplexed state of those 
 things and affairs here, and thereupon judge the better by your most 
 excellent wisdom, what is most expedient to be done for the accom- 
 plishment of your most noble and vertuous desires: And as I shall get 
 further knowledge of things worthy your majesty's knowledge, I shall 
 advertise the same from time to time with diligence. This day the 
 earl of Angus hath married the lord Maxwel's daughter, * which hi- 
 therto hath been protracted by the governour, and now at last accom- 
 plished with his good-will and consent. Thus Almiglity, &c. 
 
 * Margaret Maxwell. She survived the earl, and married Baillie of Lamington. 
 
135 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 To the Kings Majesty, 1 2th April, 1543. 
 
 Please it your royal majesty to understand, that this day the gover- 
 nour sent for me at afternoon, and at my coming unto him, said, " He 
 had sent for me, l)ot]i to declare himself concerning the liberty of the 
 cardinal, who," lie said, " had now gotten himself free with his mo- 
 ney ; and also to give me further answer, touching such great honour 
 as your majesty had minded towards him, in the overture of the mar- 
 riage betwixt your majesty's daugliter and his son. And first, for the 
 cardinal, he would begin witli that matter, because it touched him 
 near : wherein," quoth he, " I have spoken so largely to you, that I 
 am afraid the king's majesty shall take displeasure with me, and con- 
 ceive some suspicion that the said cardinal hath gotten liberty with 
 my will and consent." And here he sware many great oaths, as 
 •wounds and sides, that he was no more privy nor consenting to the set- 
 ting of him at large * 
 
 and laid hand on his sword, oft'ering to stick himself to the heart, if 
 he knew of it till he was at liberty, praying me most effectually, hold- 
 ing up his hands, " That I would write to your majesty with all dili- 
 gence for his declaration in that part." I prayed him to tell me the 
 manner how the said cardinal got his Hberty, to the intent I might al- 
 so write the same unto your majesty. He said, " That the lordSeton, 
 who is his near kinsman, (which he rued, for," quoth he, " he hath 
 shamed all his blood,) was bound to him in his life and inheritance for 
 the sure keeping of the said cardinal as a prisoner : And now," he said, 
 " it was appointed, when the said cardinal should remove from the 
 Blackness to St Andrews, that the said lord Seton should first have had 
 the castle of St Andrews delivered unto hint, and all the cardinal's 
 folks to have been put out of it, and then he to have been brought 
 
 * linn the cnpi/ wes rottin and consumed. — Marginal note on MS. iu Advocates' Library. 
 
 II 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 137 
 
 thither, and so to have remained there prisoner in as sure custody as 
 before : Nevertheless," quoth he, " tlie lord Seton being corrupt by the 
 cardinal with great sums of money and other gifts, brought the cardi- 
 nal into his own strength, in the said castle of St Andrews. And 
 M'hereas the lord Seton," quoth he, " hath not twelve or sixteen men 
 Avithin the castle, the cardinal hath three hundred ; so that he is plain- 
 ly at his own liberty, and is master of the castle, in such sort," he 
 said, " as he might go where he would, being as he M-as amongst his 
 friends." I told him, he had been very evil served, and that the lord 
 Seton had a great matter to answer unto, ^hereunto he said, " That 
 he should answer unto it; and were those matters once at a aood 
 point with your majesty, he would pursue him according to the laws." 
 This he sjiake in a great heat, as, I assure your majesty, lie seemed to 
 be much moved with the matter, and laboured with great oaths and 
 constant asseverations to puige his innocency in the matter; still 
 praying me, " to write to your majesty as effectually as I could in and 
 for his declaration, trusting that your majesty would believe him: for," 
 quoth he, " I am a Christian man, and if I should swear to you as I 
 ■do, and ly, I were worse than a Jew." I promised that I v/ould write 
 unto your majesty in that behalf with diligence. " Eut now," quoth 
 I, " since the cardinal is at his liberty, what intend you to do in that 
 matter ? ' " Marry," quoth he, " I have, by the advice of the council, 
 sent my brother, the abbot of Paisley, unto him, to look if he can in- 
 duce him to come hither : and," quoth he, " since he had his liberty, 
 he said he would serve me; and that, leaving utterly the cast of 
 France, he would be Avbolly, as I am," quoth he, " given to the cast 
 of England ; which, if he will do, the rather I shall be content to ex- 
 tend favour and mercy unto him. But," quoth he, " I think verily he 
 will not come to n-, fearing lest I should eftsoons lay hand on him : 
 And it is told me," quoth he, " that he will go further northwards, to 
 Arbroth, .among his friends, where he thinketh," quoth he, " to be in 
 surety ; but by God's blood," quoth he, " if he do so, I will follow and 
 pursue him so near, that I will either have him into my hands again, 
 
 VOL. I. S 
 
138 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 or else," quoth he, " I will dy upon him." And, sir," quoth I, " do 
 ye intend, in case he come hither, to remit him r" " I pray you," 
 quoth he, " what is your advice in that part ?" " IVIy lord," quoth I, 
 " I am not able to give you advice ; but if it may please you to tell 
 me what ye have to charge him withal, and for what cause he was ap- 
 prehended, I will tell you," quoth I, ♦' mine opinion." " Marry," 
 quoth he, " the principal matter whereupon he was taken, was upon 
 knowledge that we had by a letter from my lord warden, my lord 
 Lyle,"* quoth he, " that the cardinal had procured the duke of Guise 
 to come hither with an army to subdue this realm, and to take the go- 
 vernment of the same ; whereof now," quoth he, " Ave have no proof, 
 nor we perceive not," quoth he, " that the same was true. Neverthe- 
 less," quoth he, " we have other matters to charge him with ; for he 
 did counterfeit," quoth he, " the late king's testament ; and when the 
 king was even almost dead," quoth he, " he took his hand in his, and 
 so caused him to subscribe a blank paper; and besides that," quoth he, 
 " since he was prisoner, he hath given special and secret command to 
 his men to keep his hold and castle of St Andrews against us ; which," 
 quoth he, " is a plain disobedience and rebellion." I engrieved these 
 crimes as much as I could, and told him, that 1 heard say, " he had 
 forgiven and pardoned the cardinal of that crime in forging of the 
 king's testament ;" as indeed communing yesterday with the lord So- 
 mervail in that matter, he told me it was so. Nevertheless, the gover- 
 nour assured me, that he never gave the cardinal remission for the 
 same. Whereupon I told him, that my poor opinion was, though the 
 cardinal come hither at his sending for, he. should never admit him to 
 his presence, nor yet so hastily remit his offences, which being so great, 
 he could not, with his honour, pardon in such sort, specially consider- 
 ing the said cardinal had so heaped one fault upon another, as besides 
 his great crimes which he was committed upon, he had as it were by 
 a mean broken prison ; wherefore, if he should thereupon clearly re- 
 
 * John, ther fourth and last lord Lyle* 
 10 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 139 
 
 lease him, it should not only much impair his estimation, but also be 
 a great courage to all offenders to double their offences, thinking there- 
 by the rather to obtain remission and pardon. Wherefore, I said it 
 was best, in my poor opinion, that if the cardinal come hither, he 
 should be committed to the custody of some noblemen here in the 
 town, and not go abroad, nor come in the governours presence, nor 
 yet be lestored to liberty, until he had your majesty's advice in the 
 same, which I said I doubted not should be shortly. " And seeing," 
 quoth I, " you ask mine advice, I have now told you the same." 
 Whereupon he paused a little, and said, he thought it not amiss, and 
 would devise farther in that behalf with the council, praying me, in 
 the mean season, to advertise your majesty of the whole matter, and 
 to make his declaration in the same. And then leaving that matter, 
 he told me, that he had communed with his secret friends, touching 
 the marriage betwixt your majesty's daughter and his son ; and they 
 not only thought him, as he also thought himself, most bounden unto 
 your majesty for the great honour was offered unto him in that behalf, 
 but also had determined, that it was an overture most meet and requi- 
 site for him most willingly to accept and embrace. And," quoth he, 
 " I am bound to creep on my knees to do his majesty service, for his 
 great clemency and goodness extended towards me therein. Where- 
 fore," quoth he, " forasmuch as I remember well you told me, that the 
 king's majesty, in case I should go through with him in all other mat- 
 ters, had resolved upon this marriage, if I should desire the same ; 
 therefore it is meet," quoth he, " that I should desire it : So when all 
 those other matters be concluded, or at a good point, which," quoth 
 he, "there is no doubt but we shall easily agree upon, unless the king's 
 majesty go about to take away the liberty and freedom of this realm, 
 and to bring the same to his obedience and subjection ; I shall then," 
 quoth he, "send to his majesty to desire the said marriage for my son." 
 Here I repeated unto him, the great honour and manifold commodities 
 that should grow unto him by the same, in such sort as I was instruct- 
 ed by your majesty's last letters, which he affirmed. And ever, ac- 
 
140 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 cording to the contents ofyourhighness's said letters, I bound upon hiin 
 for the sending of his son, in case this marriage should take ^ftect, to 
 be nourished and educate in your majesty's court ; wherein I found 
 him most willing and conformable. In tliis discourse, also, he told me, 
 that if the peace were concluded, he wouid not be long from your ma- 
 jesty. And again, he prayed me, to write immediately unto your ma- 
 jesty, both for his declaration in the cardinal's liberty ; and also, on his 
 behalf, most humbly to thank your majesty for the great lionour and 
 advancement minded towards him by your highness, for the which 
 your majesty should be assured of his heart and service for ever. 
 Which, I assure your majesty, he spake as heartily, and with greater 
 affection, in appearance, than I can devise to express it. I promised 
 him then, that 1 would forthwith write unto your majesty, according 
 to his desire, and so departed from him. 
 
 The earl of Lennox came not yet to the governour, but remaineth 
 still in the west parts ; some say he will come, and some say he will 
 not. The governour himself told me, that the said earl had sent him 
 word, that he had both letters and credence* to the lords and states 
 of the realm from the French king; wherefore, if there might be in- 
 different place appointed, at St Johnston or Stirling, where the lords 
 would assemble, he would come to declare his credence ; for the go- 
 vernour told me, he had no will to come hither to Edinburgh, for fear 
 of the earl of Angus. He was answered by the governour, " that if he 
 had any credence or commission from the French king, if he would 
 come hither and declare it, in case it should then seem to be of such 
 importance as required a convention and assembly of the lords, the go- 
 vernour would then send for them as the case should require, or else 
 he thought it not meet to trouble any of them in that behalf ;'' so that, 
 he saith, "the said earl will come hither, though," (juoth he, "he maketh 
 no great haste." I told him, that I heard say, the earl of Argyle was 
 
 * Credence, like crennce in French, is used for the effect or substance of an embassy of 
 mission referred to the envoy's own report.— See Howell's French and English Dictionary, 
 voce Creance. 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 141 
 
 with him, and diverse other lords, intending to make a party; but the 
 governour assured me, that it was not so. And in tliis communication 
 of the earl of Lennox, I j)ut him in remembrance of the conditions of 
 abstinence, which are such, as I told him, he might not treat with any 
 other prince or potentate, upon any amity, conjunction, or alliance, 
 without break of the said abstinence; which, he answered me, he 
 knew well enough, and assured me, he would justly observe the con- 
 ditions of the same. 
 
 I communed also this day with the earls of Angus and Cassils, the 
 lords Maxwel and Somervail, where we dined all together with the 
 earl of Angus. They be all much offended with the lord Seton for the 
 liberty of the cardinal, and flo all excuse the governour of the same. 
 They protest unto me very seriously, that neither the governour, to 
 their knowledge, nor any of them, were consenting to it, but they 
 suspect much the earl of Huntley. And now, since the cardinal is at 
 liberty, the lord Maxwel said, betwixt earnest and game, " that it was 
 not amiss (if he would leave France, and be of their affection towards 
 England, which he thought assuredly he would do,) to send him in 
 embassage to your majesty, to knit up all those matters." Finally, dis- 
 coursing with them of the state of all things here, I do find them, in 
 outward appearance, most assured and willing to serve your majesty, 
 and to satisfy the same in all points, according to their promise, by 
 fair means, if they can ; if not, otherwise, if it shall so please your mar 
 jesty to extend your force. " Marry," they say, " if it might so 
 stand with your grace's pleasure, to leave your purpose of the govern- 
 ment cf this realm, and not only to suffer this man that is governour 
 to use the place and ofifice, but also to be content, that in case the 
 young queen die before the consummation of the marriage, he may be 
 sure to succeed in the crown of this realm, as he is now established 
 second person of the same ; there is no doubt, but in all other things 
 which your majesty could require, your grace should be satisfted." I told 
 them, I knew not what would please ; but they knew well enough, 
 and so did I, what they had promised, which, most seriously they as- 
 
142 '' EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 sured me, they would perform, or else die in the field for the same. 
 And so they prayed me to write unto your majesty, as I promised 
 them I would do accordingly. And now there be letters sent out to 
 all the lords that be absent, to assemble here against such time as they 
 think to hear from their ambassadors being with your majesty, which 
 they look for shortly, to the intent they may, upon knowledge what 
 your highness shall stick upon, devise for your satisfaction, as they 
 say, in all things reasonable ; whereunto these men seem to be very 
 earnestly affected and inclined. 
 
 This is the sum of such communication as I have had this day with 
 the ffovernour and the other noblemen afore named ; wherein, though 
 I have not used such dexterity as were expedient, it may nevertheless 
 please your majesty, of your accustomed clemency, to bear with me, 
 and not to impute the same to any default of good- will, but to the 
 lack of wit and experience ; as knoweth God, &c. Thus, &c. 
 
 The former part of this Letter folloxving, to the Kings Majesty, of the 
 ISth of Jpril, 1543, was lost, so that there is but a part of it here 
 written, iti maimer folbwing. 
 
 ********* so great benefit, f And I knew well 
 enough that (his brother except) no man had made larger promises 
 than he, havina: heretofore bound himself without condition to remain 
 ever your majesty's true subject. And as I heard credibly, that even 
 at his last repair northwards, speaking with your majesty in the lodge, 
 in the park of Windsor, he did both repeat his band and promise in 
 that behalf; and also said many other things touching the crown of 
 Scotland, with such like things, I)eing of such importance, as I was 
 sure he could not so soon forget ; w herefore he could not say, that he 
 hath not so largely promised as the rest, lor indeed his promises be far 
 
 t Sadler seems to speak of an interview with sir George Douglas. 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1.543. 143 
 
 larger ; and therefore I required him to leave his so saying, and to ap- 
 ply himself to accomplish that lie had promised, whilst time served. 
 Whereunto he answered, " That indeed he ought his service unto your 
 majesty, and would serve, and hath served the same since his coming 
 ' hither, as well and better than any of the rest, who had made largest 
 promise; but for promise he had made none so large as the others^ 
 And he doubted not but your majesty remembred, that when his bro- 
 ther covenanted and bound himself, and also took oath to serve your 
 majesty, which band and oath was," he saith, " taken at Abingdon in 
 the Park, at your majesty's being there, he, for his part, refused to be 
 sworn as his brother was, saying, that he had never taken oath but 
 once to his wife, which he had broken, * and therefore would no more 
 be sworn ; offering nevertheless his service to your majesty, which," 
 he saith, " it pleased you at that time to accept, and take in good part. 
 And at his last departure from your majesty, he remembreth that there 
 passed but very few words betwixt your majesty and him, and that 
 was when he came into the said park into the lodge, as j^our majesty 
 came forth to go on shooting, he offered himself to take his leave, and 
 desired to know your majesty's pleasure, how his brother and he should 
 behave themselves when they came to the borders, because," saith he, 
 " it was then in doubt, whether there should be any wars or not ; and 
 your majesty answered, that, because there were many folks by, he 
 should take no leave, but go his way, and from time to time he sliould 
 know your majesty's pleasure by your council. These,'" he saith, " were 
 all the words which passed then betwixt your majesty and him : Ne- 
 vertheless," he said, " he was your servant, and would have no other 
 master whilst he lived :" And here he wished, " your majesty knew 
 his heart, and also knew perfectly what service he hath done, and in- 
 
 * Sir George Douglas's lady was Elisabeth, daughter and heiress of David Douglas of 
 Pittendriech, by whom he became possessor of that estate. He appears to have been a 
 man of intrigue ; as^ besides his family by his wife, he left a natural son, George Douglas 
 of Parkhead, and a daughter by Lady Dundas, born during her husband's lifetime. See 
 Godscroft. 
 
144 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 tendeth to your majesty since his arrival here. And if all things suc- 
 ceeded not to your majesty's satisfaction, according to his intent and 
 desire, but shall percase proceed to force and utterance ; as he hath 
 bent all his wits to frame your majesty's purposes in peaceable and 
 quiet manner, which he feareth he is not so happy to bring to pass 
 So your majesty shall well perceive that he will likewise apply himself 
 to serve otherwise in all things, as your majesty shall command him, to 
 the uttermost of his power, as readily and willingly as any of the rest, 
 who have made largest promises." 
 
 And as we M'ere thus talking, being together in a garden at the 
 Black-friers, came to us, by appointment before had among us, the 
 earls of Angus, Glencairn, and Cassils, with whom, and also with the 
 said sir George, I entred farther, according to the contents of your 
 majesty's said letters; and surely I found them in words and appear- 
 ance as firmly bent, as any men can be, to serve your majesty in the 
 perfection and accomplishment of their promise, if this matter come to 
 force. And the earl of Glencairn earnestly perswaded the rest, out of 
 hand to joyn with him in the solicitation of the governour, to get the 
 young queen in the castle of Edinburgh ; wherein I told them what 
 the said governour had promised me, as I also wrote in my last letters 
 to your majesty's council. They said, it was time to go about it ; for 
 else percase, considering that the cardinal, the earls of Lennox, Hunt- 
 ley, and Argyle, keep themselves abroad from the court, it was like 
 enouo-h that they would assemble and go about to surprise the child if 
 they might ; wherein the earls of Glencairn and Cassils were very ear- 
 nest, and seemed a little moved with the earl of Angus and sir George, 
 because they made themselves more sure of the child where she was, 
 than indeed they can be : wherein nevertheless they resolved all to 
 work what they could to remove her to Edinburgh. Touching the 
 strong-holds, methinks they be out of hope to recover tliem, though I 
 perceive they would gladly. As for Stirling and Dumbarton, they say, 
 .they will not be had ; and yet they say, they will advise the gover- 
 nour to demand Dumbarton of the earl of Lennox in the queen's name. 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 145 
 
 and they wish all that the earl of Glencaiin had it. As likewise they 
 would he glad to have the rest, saying, they were madmen, if they 
 so would not, but they knew not how to come by them. StirHng, they 
 say, is the (jueen-dowager's jointure, and is in the keeping of the lord 
 Areskine, who is not their friend, and will surely keep it: Edinburgh 
 and Dumbar be at the governour's commandment; and my lord of 
 Angus saith, he will surely keep Temptallon. And further, touching 
 the inconstancy of the go\ernour, whicli they all affirm, they say, " they 
 have and do use all the perswasions they can, to entertain him on their 
 part, and have, as much as in them is, advised him of sucli dangers and 
 incon\ eniencies, as might or nmst needs ensue unto him by the con- 
 trary ; but they much fear that he will at last work his own confusion. 
 And ever since his brother, tlie abbot of Paisley,* came home, he hath 
 heen chiefly ruled and counselled by him, who, they assure me, is alto- 
 gether at the cast of France, and the cardinal's great friend ; and what- 
 soever they do mind with the governour to-day, the abbot of Paisley 
 changeth him in the same or to-morrow; nevertheless they will take 
 as good heed to him as they can." 
 
 Then left we these matters, and I entred with them of the ambassa- 
 dor's proceedings with your majesty, and partly discoursed with them 
 of such conferences as they had with your majesty's council; finally 
 declaring unto them your highness's resolution in that behalf, whereof, 
 I told them, the governour and they should hear very shortly from 
 their said ambassadors. And here I inculked unto them liow reason- 
 ably and plainly your majesty proceeded, assuring them, that, for my 
 part, I thought that your majesty would not have so much relented, 
 as to have given place, or yielded to any piece of that which was pro- 
 
 * The abbot of Paisley was John Hamilton, natural brother to the governor. In this 
 year, 154-3, he was made keeper of the |)rivy-seal, and afterwards lord- treasurer. Being a 
 man of talents, and devoted to the interests of the church of Rome, he contributed much to de- 
 tach his brother from the English faction. He was afterwards made bishop of Dunkeld, and 
 finally primate of St Andrews. In the civil wars he espoused the cause of queen Mary with 
 such ardour, that he was accused of treason by the opposite fattion; and falling into their 
 hands, at the surprise of Dunbarton, he was publicly hanged at Stirling, 1st April, 1570. 
 
 VOL. I. T 
 
140 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 mised : wherefore I prayed them to consider it accordingly, and now 
 to shew themselves true gentlemen in the furtherance and setting forth 
 of those your majesty's most reasonable desires, tending so much to the 
 benefit of tliis realm; whereby, I told them, they might redouble all 
 other their defaults in those matters. The earl of Glencairn answered, 
 " That he could not tell what they should be able to do in the treaty 
 of marriage, wherein he and the rest also, he doubted not, would bend 
 their wits to the uttermost, to satisfy your majesty as much as in them 
 is ; but if it come to stroaks, as he saw it was very like to do, they 
 would shew themselves true gentlemen unto your majesty :" Which 
 they all affirmed ; and they agreed all in one opinion, that as they 
 thought assuredly it would never be granted without stroaks, that the 
 child should go out of the reahn, till she were of lawful age to consum- 
 mate the matrimony. And as for pledges, they -would your majesty 
 had such as were chief of this realm. But, as far as I perceive by them, 
 they be in doubt, though the governour would agree to it, how he 
 shall be able to get you such pledges, as they perceive your majesty 
 would accept. For the peace perpetual, in such sort as your majesty 
 requireth the same, they think surely that will be obtained. And thus, 
 after we had discoursed a good while, they seeming to be in great de- 
 spair for accomplishment of those things without force, resolved (for 
 as much as on Sunday next all the great lords arc appointed to assem- 
 ble here for those matters) to send for the lord MaxM'ell, and also for 
 their folks and servants to be here with them in the tOMn, intending 
 to make Drumlanrig, being their assured friend, provost of the town, 
 whereby to have the strength of the same, so that whatsoever chance 
 they will be masters of the town; and, in the mean season, they will 
 work to have the young queen removed to the castle of Edinburgh, if 
 it were possible, which, they say, they will forthwith go about. And 
 even as we were departing, came a messenger from the governour to 
 the earl of Angus and his brother, also to the rest which were so with 
 me, saying, " That the governour had sent for them to come to coun- 
 cil, for the herauld was newly arrived with letters from their ambassa- 
 
EMBASSr TO SCOTLAND IV 1543. 147 
 
 dors out of England." AMiich wlien tliey heard, they feared lest the 
 same news, which the herauld bringeth, should alter the governour, so 
 as they should not come by their purpose touching the queen's remo- 
 ving, wherein nevertheless they would use all the possible means unto 
 them. And so desiring them now to stir and apply these things, in 
 such sort as your majesty might be satisfied, wherein I told them, they 
 might have a goodly opportunity with the governour, before the rest 
 of the lords of the adverse party assemble here ; and also praying them 
 that I might hear of their proceedings, which the earl of Glencairn 
 and sir George Douglas promised me: I left them going to the court, 
 where the governour and they, with the rest of the council here, have 
 sit all this day very busily upon these matters. 
 
 And this evening came to me the said earl of Glencairn, who shew- 
 ed me, " that the governour was much altered, and utterly determined 
 to abide the extremity of the war, rather than condescend to the ac- 
 complishment of your majesty's desires, in such sort as is contained in 
 the schedule delivered to their ambassadors, M'hich they have sent hi- 
 ther." And also a great number of the council being now here were 
 of the .same opinion, none standing with your majesty's desires but 
 your majesty's prisoners, and such as they have dra^n to their devo- 
 tion, as the earl Marishal and the lord Ruthveu. And as for sir George 
 Douglas, he hath no voice in council ; so as when all the lords and bi- 
 shops shall assemble, unto which time they have put off the further 
 consultation of this matter, that is to say, till Sunday orMunday next; 
 the said earl of Glencairn assureth me. "there will be six voices aaainst 
 your majesty till their one. ^\'herefore," he saith, " if your majesty 
 be resolved to stand upon those points, it shall be recjuisite to prepare 
 your force and army both by land and sea, and in time to declare your 
 high pleasure how your majesty will resolve for them which be here 
 your prisoners ; whether they sliall make them ready to enter at their 
 day into England, or remain here together to put themselves in force, 
 able to keep a party in this country till your majesty's army come tc 
 them; and what shall be your majesty's pleasure in that part, they will 
 
148 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 undoubtedly follow the same to the uttermost of their powers," I told 
 him, it should be most requisite for them in time to look to the surety 
 of the person of the young queen, and to get her into their hands, if 
 it was possible. And he said, " the governour would nowise remove 
 lier now to the castle of Edinburgh, but they would have sure regard 
 that he should not take her away to any other place without resistance 
 to their possibility, and will do what they can to be sure of her," Be- 
 sides that, I told him, it were more than necessary for them to get 
 some of the strong-holds into their hands, according to your majesty's 
 former advice. Whereunto he answered, " that your majesty should 
 be sure of Temptallon, and such other strong-holds as were in hands 
 of the lord Maxwell ; the rest," he said, " were hard to come by, but 
 he believed they should be able to keep and hold this town maugre 
 the governour and all his partakers, and trusted also to keep him here 
 with them, either with or against his will, while your majesty's army- 
 should arrive : Praying me to ad\ertise your majesty with all speed 
 thereof, to the intent they may the sooner know what your gracious 
 pleasure is to have them do ; for the execution whereof they will 
 put themselves in readiness accordingly." I said, it was much to my 
 marvel, why the governour, or any good Scotsman, should refuse your 
 majesty's said desires, considering they were so reasonable and so be- 
 neficial for them, and prayed him to tell me upon what point they 
 stuck so fast ? He answered, " that in nowise would they agree to the 
 delivery of the child within two years." I asked him, what time they 
 would rccjuire for her delivery ? He said, " they would have her eleven 
 years old first ; but in that ])oint, for the certain time, they were not 
 yet resolved, but had put it off to the assembly of the whole council; 
 and for pledges," he thought, " they would come to it hardly. And 
 likewise, for the perpetual peace, he trusted, that a great many would 
 be of their opinion, to grant it in such sort as your majesty recjuired 
 it ; but for the delivery of the chikl witliin two years, he saw perfect- 
 ly they would never grant it. And also the governour," he saith, 
 " doth much mislike the appointment by your majesty of his govern- 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. I49 
 
 iiient, with such conditions and (jualifications as in tlie said schedule is 
 expressed, Avhich he will in no wise accept. These things," he saith, 
 " they stick upon, which, for liis part, he thinketh nevertheless reason- 
 ahle," and saith, "he told so the governour ; advising liim to look 
 well upon them, and to bear off the inconveniences which might follow 
 the refusal of the same." And also he saith, " he told the said gover- 
 nour that he might be sure of the war, if he should not herein apply 
 to reason, which it should be more than necessary for him to consider 
 and fbresee how they might be able to resist it ; which, if he weighed 
 well, he should soon perceive a great lack and diflfurniture." W'here- 
 unto he saith, the governour answered quickly, " That this realm had 
 defended itself hitlierto, and God would help them in their right ; and 
 as for him, he told him, he spake only for his own part, and such as 
 were your majesty's prisoners, which, though they were all tied in fet- 
 ters in England, he should nevertheless cause their friends and kins- 
 men serve in their places." And the earl of Glencairn saith, he told 
 him plainly again, " that if they were all tied in fetters in England, 
 he might be sure, that never a friend nor kinsman of theirs would 
 serve him till they were loose ; and that he spake not so much for his 
 own part, because he was your majesty's prisoner, but of his very duty 
 and special zeal he liath to the preservation of the young queen and 
 benefit of this realm ; which, he telleth me, that he and all the rest of 
 your majesty's servants and friends here will make their quarrel, and 
 stand fast to your majesty in the same, according to their promise, if 
 this matter grow to such extremity, as is now \ery like. In which 
 case," he saith, " both he and the lord Maxwell sliall have great lack 
 of their eldest sons remaining pledges for them in England." And 
 here, again, he prayed me to remember your majesty t'lereof; and also, 
 that it might please the same shortly to signify unto him and the rest 
 of that party your grace's pleasure in the premisses ; how they shall 
 proceed, either to put themselves in readiness to repair to your majes- 
 ty at their day of entry, or remain for putting themselves in force, to 
 keep some part of this realm in their poN^er, to joyn with your majes- 
 
]50 EMBASSV TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 ty's army, when it shall please your highness to send the same ; and, 
 upon knowledge of your majesty's pleasure in that behalf, they will 
 not fail to execute the same to their uttermost power, which I promi- 
 sed that I would write to your highness accordingly. And thus we 
 ended our communication for the time, which I thought meet to sig- 
 nify unto vour majesty undelayedly ; and to-morrow I intend to speak 
 with the governour, whom I shall jncss to the satisfaction of your ma- 
 jesty, in such sort as your grace hath prescribed unto me by yoiu- most 
 o-racious letters : And as I shall llnd him, and all other Avhich I shall 
 essay in that behalf, and also what I shall perceive is to be looked for 
 at their hands, I shall not fail, from time to time, to advertise the 
 same, according to my most bound duty. The Holy Trinity preserve 
 your most excellent majesty, &c. 
 
 To my iorrf Suffolk,* 20/// April, 1543. 
 
 Please it your grace to understand, tliat this morning came to me 
 the earl of Angus, and prayed me, " Now, since my lord Lyle is gone 
 from the borders, to write unto your grace for his wages, payable," as 
 he saith, " on Thursday next." And, moreover, he told me, "that 
 the cardinal, the earls of Lennox, Huntley, Argyle, and Murray, do 
 come hither very strongly to this assembly, being now set and ap- 
 pointed for conclusion of these matters between these realms, as he is 
 informed ; and that the governour being now somewhat altered from 
 the king's majesty, and greatly miscontent with his majesty's demands, 
 has secretly given advice and monition to the said cardinal and the 
 others above named, being of the adverse party to the king's majesty, 
 
 * Charles Brandon, duke of Sullolk, son of sir William Brandon, who bore the standard 
 of Menry VII. in the fickl of ]5osv\ortli. He married four wives, the third of whom was 
 Mary, queen-dowager of Frame. The duke was renowned for his address in tournament, 
 and for gaining early, and retaining to the last, the favour of his capricious sovereign. He 
 died at Guilford, in Surrey, 21th August, 1545. 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 151 
 
 to come hither as starkly as they can." Whereby the said earl of An- 
 gus gathereth, that tliey mind not well to him, his brother, the earls 
 ot" Cilencairn and C'assils, and [he otliers being of his higlniess's party: 
 wherefore, he iiath presently made out letters to i)is friends and ser- 
 vants to repair nnio him ; so that he donbteth not to be in and about 
 this town, at the least, to the number of six or seven thousand men. 
 And also the rest of the said earls and lords of his jjarty do likewise 
 provide to make themselves strong; assuring me, "that if those things 
 come to any utterance here aniong themselves, they will be strong 
 enough for their adversaries, as he trusteth. 'Jlie gathering of this 
 force," he saith, " is very chargeable unto him ; and though, where 
 the king's majesty alloweth him 100 1. a month, he spendeth 3001. on- 
 ly in retaining gentlemen and others, his friends and servants, about 
 him ; yet," he saith, " he is ashamed to put the kings majesty to such 
 cost and charge as he doth ; trusting, nevertheless, his majesty shall 
 see such fruit of his service, if those matters proceed to force, as his 
 highness shall have cause to think his cost well employed." And, 
 therefore, he prayed me, " that I m-ouUI write presently to your grace, 
 not only for his ordinary wages, now due, but also, that it might please 
 you to advance unto him lOOl. more for his relief in those charges at 
 this time :" which, in my poor opinion, shall be well done to accom- 
 plish ; for if the rest be mtU bestowed, the same is not lost ; and it is 
 no great matter. Assuring your grace, that if there be any truth in 
 man, he shall shew himself a true gentleman to the king's majesty, and 
 so shall also the earls of Glencairn and C'assils; whereof I see notable 
 appearance. 
 
 At the writing hereof, I received tlie letters from the council to the 
 said earl of Angus, which I have sent to him. And as to the contents 
 of the same, there has been as much said and devised in that behalf, 
 as is now written by the said council. And for the surety of the child, 
 they will do so much, and have taken order, as they say, " to keep her 
 sure, that she shall not be stoln away from l.inlitligow, where she is ; 
 and by force," they say, " she shall not be taken away without battle :. 
 
152 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1.543. 
 
 but to remove her to any other strong-hold, they cannot yet bring it 
 to pass." And as to the governoui', lie is even now ready to revolt to 
 the other party, notwithstanding of all such perswasions as has been 
 unto him ; whose stay, nevertheless, they do procure by all the good 
 means they can. And, for my part, I have said as much unto him as 
 I could devise by my poor wit, to cause him savour the dangers he 
 should put himself into, by giving ear, trust, or credit, to the clergy, 
 and those which be of that party ; and the great benefit, honour, and 
 surety, that he sliould receive by his conformity to the king's majes- 
 ty's desires. But, I fear me, all will not help : which it may please 
 you signify unto my said lords of the council accordingly. And thus, 
 &c. 
 
 To the Kings Majestij, 20th April, 1543. 
 
 Please it your royal majesty to understand, that this day I have had 
 access to the governour ; and at our meeting, I told him, that I under- 
 stood he had received letters from his ambassadors ; by the which, I 
 doubted not, he did well perceive how reasonably and jilainly your 
 majesty proceeded, and how nuich your highness tendred the surety 
 and preservation of your pronepte, and the universal benefit of this 
 realm : trusting that, for his part, he woukl shew himself again in such 
 terms towards your majesty, and so conformable in that behalf, as it 
 should not appear to the world, that he alone neglected the opportu- 
 nity and occasion offered of Ciod, and by your majesty embraced, for 
 the conjunction of both these realms in perfect unity and perpetual 
 peace, lie wished, " that your majesty wouUl proceed reasonably ; 
 for he thought your demands very sharp, and such as he was sure the 
 states of the realm would not agree unto : and, foi- lii.s jKirt, he could 
 not be induced, nor per.-iwaded to condescend unto the same." I told 
 him, that I had received letters from your majesty, by the which I 
 could not perceive but that your desires were such as no man of rea- 
 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 15413. 155 
 
 son could judge unreasonable, to the intent I might (if it would be) 
 satisly liim with reason. He said, " Tirst, your majesty would have the 
 child delivered, and brought into your realm within two years, and 
 pledges in the mean season for the same, which he thought to be 
 against all reason : for having her in England, if it should please God 
 to call the prince to his mercy, he said your majesty might marry her 
 to whom pleased you within your own realm, against the will and 
 consent of this realm ; liesidps other inconveniences, which might 
 grow of her being out of her own realm." Secondly, He said, " your 
 majesty would have them friends to friends, and enemies to enemies, 
 by mean whereof they should lose their old friends, as France and 
 Denmark. But, to the third part, which," he said, " touched himself 
 for the place of governour here, he passed not thereupon ; for he re- 
 garded not so much the authority of the place, as he tendred his duty 
 to his sovereign lady, and the wealth and benefit of the realm." 
 
 I praj-ed him to give me leave to answer him in these three points, 
 which indeed, I said, contained the substance of your demands. And 
 to the first, I told him, that I doubted not all men of reason would 
 grant, that your majesty, having once the interest and marriage of her 
 person, was most meet to have the guard and custody of her, for her 
 chief surety and preservation. And I was sure, that the prince's grace 
 of England was a marriage to be sued for and desired for the daughter 
 of any king in Christendom, whose marriage I thought your majesty 
 would not put in suspence upon a bare contract made in words or wri- 
 tings ; nor yet was it meet that he should be matched with one that 
 had no knowledge of the fashion and nourriture of England. And 
 however it should please God to determine of him, yet was she to no 
 man so tender as to your majesty, being, as she is, your near kinswo- 
 man; nor could be in any hands or custody more to her surety, nor 
 that would provide and look better for her honour and advancement, 
 than your majesty, as the instinct of nature requireth. 
 
 To the second, touching the amity and peace, I wondred much 
 that he should not most willingly embrace that in such sort as your 
 vol.. I. u 
 
15'4 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 majesty required, considering there A\'as no amity so proper for them 
 as the amity of England, nor so beneficial and necessary. Which be- 
 ing concluded upon so just and honest cause as this is, no friend they 
 had could or ought be offended therewith ; neither France, I said, nor 
 Denmark, which (they being at enmity with us) were and should be 
 ever farthest from them when they should be nearest their harm. And 
 by this league, I said, they should not seem specially to covenant 
 against France nor Denmark. And here I remenibrcd him also of such 
 communication as he and I had since my coming hither of this mat- 
 ter, touching the benefit they had always gotten by France ; wherein I 
 told him, I thought by that I had heard him say before in that part, he 
 had been fully perswaded what small stead the amity of PVance stood 
 them in, and what they had suffered for France ; so that I thought he 
 had not been so much dedicate to France, as that for France he would 
 seem to neglect or pretermit this amity, that was so beneficial for 
 them. Here he interrupted me, and said, " That he desired more the 
 amity of your majesty than of all France and all the princes of the 
 world;" and said, " that he thought the lords would stick but sober- 
 ly at that matter for the conclusion of the peace, if the marriage were 
 contracted ; but for the deliverance of the child out of the realm till 
 she should be at the state and age of marriage, he thought it so sharp 
 and unreasonable, that he could not agree to it." Whereunto I pressed 
 him by all the good means and perswasions I could, insomuch as I 
 drave him to say, " he could not answer me, and that he would not 
 reason the matter with me, but refer it to the states and council of the 
 realm, without whom he did nothing ; and if they would agree to it, 
 he Mould not be against it." Here I advised him to beware of the 
 counsel and flattery of such as would his ruin, whatsoever countenance 
 they make him, and take time whilst it serveth like a wise man, where- 
 in he should do special good office to his country, and avoid the ex- 
 tremities which will else undoubtedly ensue, of their refusal to come 
 to reason in these matters. Hereupon, musing a little, he said, " he 
 could not see what cause your majesty had to make war upon them, 
 
 8 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 155 
 
 being their sovereign lady an innocent, that never offended you."' I 
 answered, your majesty minded no war against her, but rather sought 
 her surety, wealth, and preservation, with the union of those two 
 realms, the opportunity and occasion whereof is offered unto you of 
 God, which, they may be sure, your majesty will not pretermit; and 
 therefore, if they shall neglect her surety and honour, and the benefit 
 of her realm, with also their own wealths, your majesty will direct 
 your proceedings to the war in her quarrel for her surely and defence, 
 and for the wealth of her realm against them, who, without considera- 
 tion, do seem thus to contemn and neglect the same. He asked me, 
 if I called it her benefit to destroy her realm ? Whereunto I said, that 
 I called it her benefit and great honour to be made a queen of two 
 realms by a just and rightful title, where she had now scarce a good 
 title to one. He wished to God that every man had his right, and 
 that they were quite of our cumber. And then I pressed him again 
 to apply himself to reason, in the satisfaction of your just and reason- 
 able demands, whereby he might be sure to quite both these realms of 
 cumber for ever. He said, " he would do as the rest of the noblemen 
 of the realm would, who would assemble all here within a day or two; 
 and then they would consult and devise upon such answer as should 
 be made to their ambassadors, which they would determine and send 
 with as much diligence as might be." I put him in mind how the time 
 passed. 
 
 And finally I came to the third point, touching his government here, 
 and told him, he might well perceive, by the overture your majesty 
 made last unto him, that your grace favoured him in such sort, as 
 shewing hiniself conformable, he must needs have great honour and 
 benefit at your majesty's hands; which he confessed, and acknowled- 
 ged himself much bound to your highness for the same, in such sort 
 as he has done at other times before this. But surely I think he will 
 never consent to the deliverance of the child within two years. And 
 I perceive, that if it go by voices, as the fashion of their council is, it 
 wdl not be granted; for the bishops and their adherents make the 
 
155 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 number in the council, m hich I think will grant nothing willingly, 
 that should tend to the conjunction and amity of these two realms, but 
 desire rather utter enmity ; and, as I understand, wish for the war, ra- 
 ther than any good agreement. After I departed from the governour, 
 I spake with the earls of Angus, Glencairn, and Cassils, and declared 
 unto them partly, how I found the governour; and they assured me, 
 " That he was nothing minded to your majesty's purpose ; and therefore, 
 as they would procure as many noblemen of the council as they could 
 to give their voices with them, to prevail that way if they can ; so 
 they will make themselves strong, to be master of this town if they 
 can at this assembly, and will work what they may, by all means, to 
 bring all things to pass after your majesty's desires ; which if they will 
 not be obtained but by extremity, they will serve your majesty to the 
 uttermost of their powers, according to their promises." The earl of 
 Cassils said, " He lacked nothing but silver, to wage his men which he 
 keeped about him ;" as they all said, " they must be at charge to keep 
 so many men together, which they would nevertheless bear to their 
 powers, knowing they served a good master that could consider it;" 
 which I affirmed with such words as T thought convenient. The earl 
 of Glencairn went from the court with me towards my lodging, and 
 by the way we communed of those matters, if they should grow to the 
 wars, what service he would do : wherein he saith, " He will take it 
 upon him to convoy j'our majesty's army from Carlile to Glasgow 
 without stroak, being almost an hundred miles; and if your majesty 
 make proclamation, whilst your army is in Scotland, to preserve and 
 accept such as will come in to your majesty, he thinketh your high- 
 ness shall so win a great part of this realm without stroak; specially if 
 your majesty's army do use no burning nor spoiling in the country, 
 but take up such corn, and cattle, and all other victuals as they find, 
 to be preserved for such garrisons as must remain within the realm in 
 winter, for the guard of such parts of the same, and of such fortresses 
 as your majesty shall contiucr in the summer; for else, if the country 
 
 be all wasted, burned, and spoiled, the garrisons shall not be able to re- 
 
 1 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IV 1543. 157 
 
 main tor lack of victual." This he prayed me to write to your majes- 
 ty as his opinion : And then falling into communication of the gover- 
 nour, the earl of Glencairn told me, " that he was neither wise, con- 
 stant, nor politick, and had no title to the crown of this realm ; for he 
 was a bastard undoubtedly."* Wherrunto I said, that I marvelled 
 then, what moved thcni to make him governour, and specially to esta- 
 blish him second person of the realm. He answered, " That, for his 
 part, he had neither given his voice to it, his hand, nor his seal, nor yet 
 was sworn to it as the rest were, and he took that establishment to be 
 of none effect;" for he said, " that a parliament could not give away 
 the right of a kingdom from the true inheritor of the crown of the 
 same. It was," he said, " a special cast above all other, wherein the 
 parliament had none authority." Thus have I signified unto your ma- 
 jesty the estate of those things, as far as I can yet learn ; but what is 
 to be hoped certainly of the success of the same, I cannot tell. It is 
 thought that it will be condescended, that your majesty shall have ba- 
 rons of this realm pledges for the delivery of the child, when she shall 
 be of lawful age to be married, or peradventure at eight or nine years 
 of age ; and also that the perpetual peace shall be agreed, in such sort 
 as your majesty desireth : But for her deliverance within those two 
 years, it is thought assuredly, it will not be granted without extremi- 
 ty. At this assembly it shall appear what will be granted, which I 
 shall diligently observe, and advertise from time to time, as the case 
 shall require. And also, according to my most bounden duty, shall 
 use all the ways and means I can, to the uttermost of my poor wit, for 
 the conducing of those matters to such end as your majesty desireth, 
 as knoweth our Lord ; to whom I shall daily pray for the preservation 
 
 * James Hamilton, first earl of Arran, father of the governor, was thrice married ; first, 
 to Beatrix Drummond, by whom he had a daughter; second, to Janet, sister of Alexander 
 earl of Home, from whom he was divorced ; third, Janet, daughter of sir David Bethune, 
 by whom he had the governor. Now as this son was born during the lifetime of the di- 
 vorced countess, his legitimacy depended on the validity of the divorce, which Glencairn 
 seems to have disputed. 
 
158 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAXD IX 1543. 
 
 of your most royal person, in long life and prosperous estate of liealth 
 most feliciously to endure. 
 
 To the Kings Majcsiy, 22^7 April, 1543. 
 
 Please it your royal majesty to understand, that very early this morn- 
 ing came to me sir George Douglas, and shewed me, that the gover- 
 nour was clearly altered from your majesty, and will surely revolt to 
 the cardinal, the earls of Lennox, Huntley, Argyle, and Murray, and 
 the clergy, to his own utter confusion. In which part the said sir 
 George telleth me, " he hath been very plain with the governour, and 
 she\\ed him the dangers thereof but all will not help; in so nuich as 
 the said governour hath not only jnit away his friers preachers, which 
 he hath all this while defended, ami kept about him to preach the word 
 of God, but also hath secretly sent to the said cardinal and earls, be- 
 ing of the adverse party, and wholly at the cast of France, which w ill 
 be here all to-night or to-morrow, to come hither very strongly." So 
 that the said sir George saith, " It is time for his brother anfl him, 
 ■with the rest that be assured to your majesty, to look to themseh es, as 
 he doubteth not they will be strong enough with the grace of God." 
 And here he seemed to be someM hat moved witli the lord Maxwell that 
 he is not yet come, notwithstanding that he hath sent oft for him He 
 told me, "1 should see such a meeting, as was never seen at parliament 
 or council ; for every man was preparing jacks and spears, and if they 
 fight not or they depart, it shall be a great wonder; wishing that I 
 were at home, for my being here was to little purpose, as the case 
 standeth.'' Nevertheless, he warranted me, " that your majesty's ser- 
 vants and friends here shall defend me from hann, as long as they 
 might prevail; and, though they M'ere overthrown, yet the others 
 could not for shame but preserve me." I told him, it should be good 
 they handled me well, for I served a master that was able to revenge 
 my quarrel, and as they used me, their ambassadors, being in Lngland, 
 
EMBASST TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 159 
 
 should be used in the same sort. And he advised me indeed to write 
 to your majesty, that their ambassadors might not depart out of Eng- 
 land, till your majesty were sure of me ; " for," he saith, " they labour 
 to come home, and have written plainly, that they be out of hope of 
 agreement." And also he advised me, to M'rite all such letters as I 
 should write from henceforth in cypher; for the governour fiudeth 
 fault with my servants posting in and out to Berwick, and therefore it 
 is good to prevent the danger of the interruption of my letters. 
 
 Then we began somewhat to discourse of the estate of these affairs; 
 wherein he told me, " that he had laboured all this while to bring all 
 things to good pass in quiet and peaceable manner ; but seeing it will 
 not be, whereof he is most sorry, he will serve your majesty like a true 
 gentleman, according to his bounden duty, in so much as if your ma- 
 jesty will extend your force, sending your royal army, and stick to 
 your poor servants and friends here, which else shall be undone, he 
 doubteth not but his brother and he, the earls of Glencairn and Cas- 
 sils, and the lord Maxwell, with their friends, shall deliver into your 
 majesty's hands all the country on this side the water of Forth this 
 summer. In which case," he said, " your majesty must preserve and 
 defend the country from burning and spoiling, and come in as a 
 conquerour, making proclamations to defend all such as will subitiit 
 themselves ; Avhereby your majesty," he saith, " shall not only win the 
 people's hearts, by preserving them from spoil, but also have the better 
 commodity of victuals for such garrisons as must remain here in the 
 winter, for the guard of such conquest as your majesty shall make this 
 summer. And here," he said, " he trusted to have occasion to repair 
 now to your majesty, for at this assembly they would determine to 
 make an answer to your majesty. And if it be such as may be accept- 
 able, he will go most gladly; if not, yet if they will have him go, he 
 will not refuse it, because he may thereby have the commodity to de- 
 clare unto your majesty the estate of all this country, with his poor 
 mind and opinion how your majesty shall provide for the conquest of 
 the same ;" whereof, I told him, I would advertise your majesty. And 
 
160 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 then I asked him, whether he thought not that the governour would 
 grow to any reasonable point in the satisfaction of your majesty's de- 
 mands ? VVhereunto he answered me, " that the governour was so far 
 gone, so fickle and inconstant, that he durst promise nothing of him, 
 for now revolting to the other party, which be all French, he will sure- 
 ly be of the same cast, and then undoubtedly will agree to notliing 
 that may be against France." Again, he saith, " tbey will not surely 
 agree to the deliverance of the child till she be of lawful age. And as 
 for pledges in the mean season, he is in great doubt that the same will 
 be granted ; for he thinketh, that such pledges as were meet to be ac- 
 cepted of your majesty, will not ly out of the realm for any such pur- 
 pose ; so that he is far out of hope that your majesty shall be answer- 
 ed to your satisfaction. The abbot of Paisley," he saith, " hath been 
 the only cause of the governour's alteration ; M'hich abbot is all for 
 France, and the cardinal's great friend ; and, since his coming home, 
 the governour hath been altogether ruled by him." 
 
 This is the effect of the discourse had this morning betwixt the said 
 sir George and me, which I thought meet to signify unto your majes- 
 ty ; as from time to time, whilst I am here, I shall not fail to advertise 
 how all things proceed, as I shall get knowledge accordingly. And 
 thus, &c. 
 
 To the King's Majesty, 2.6th April, 1543. 
 
 Please it your royal majesty to understand, that since my last letters 
 addressed to the same, here hath been much ado, and great controver- 
 sy made by those great lords of the adverse party to your majesty to 
 come to this town, because they might not be suffered to bring with 
 them such force and company as tliey had assembled, which was for- 
 fended unto them, and proclamations made to the contrary by com- 
 mandment of the governour ; who, albeit he was almost altered from 
 your majesty, and ready to revolt to the other party, hath been so 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IX 1543. l6j 
 
 stayed and pcrswaded, both with fair means and also some threaten- 
 ings by the earls of Angus, Glencairn, and Cassils, the lords IMaxwell 
 and Somervail, and sir George Douglas, that he is now, as they tell 
 me, well determined to remain with them at the cast of England, as 
 they call it ; in which case, their trust is, that your majesty will relent 
 in some j)art of your demands ; that is to say, in the hasty delivery of 
 the child, which, they say, will not be granted till she be of lawful 
 age, or within a year or two of the same, but pledges, in the mean 
 season, your majesty shall have for the security of her deliverance at 
 that time. And now the earls of Lennox and Argyle be come hither, 
 and an outward agreement taken betwixt the earl of Angus and the 
 said earl of Lennox, and all things treated among them in peaceable 
 and quiet manner ; so that, hitherto, they agree well on all parts, not- 
 withstanding there was a while great appearance to the contrary. The 
 earl of Huntley is still at home in the north parts of this realm, Avhere 
 he hath much ado with my lord Forbes, who hath slain many of the 
 said earl's men.* The difference betwixt them is for land, which the 
 late king here took from the said lord Forbes, and gave it to the said 
 earl of Huntley, and others of his sirname, called the Gordons. And 
 now the said lord Forbes intendeth, if he can, to recover his land again 
 with the sword; for other law or justice here hath little place, as far 
 as I see. Tlie earl of Murray is here ; and it appeareth unto me that 
 he is well dedicate unto your majesty ; and also the earls of Glencairn 
 and Cassils, and the lord Somervail (who have well wrought the said 
 earl of Murray to that purpose) do tell me, " that he will surely leave 
 the cast of France, and is agreeable to a good part of your majesty's 
 demands." 
 
 This day, in the moniing, the governour sent for me, being the earl 
 of Lennox also appointed to come at the same instant to the court, 
 
 * An ancient hereditary feud, between the families of Gordon and Forbes, had been ag- 
 gravated by the catastrophe of John, master of P'orbes, who, in 1537, was accused of high 
 treason by the earl of Huntley, condemned, and executed. The grants of land to which 
 Sadler alludes, probably followed from this trial. There was, however, no confiscation of 
 the estate of lord Forbes, who was released soon after the execution of his son, 
 
 VOL. I. X 
 
162 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 both to make his agreement with tlie earl of Angus, and also to de- 
 clare such commission mul credence as he hath from the French king. 
 And at my coming to the conn, ihe governour told me, " that he had 
 sent for me, to pray me to write to your majesty his excuse in this 
 lono- delay of the answer to your majesty's demands; the cause where- 
 of was the slow coming in of the lords, which, he doubted not, I per- 
 ceived well enough, and what difficulty they made to come; but now," 
 he said, "they were all come, saving the cardinal and the earl of Hunt- 
 ley. And for the earl of Huntley they would not tarry, nor yet for 
 the cardinal, who," he said, " durst not come, for fear he should be 
 eftsoons apprehended : yet, whether he would come or not, he could 
 not tell ; but to-morrow they would go about their consultation, and 
 devise such an answer to your majesty's demands, as, he trusted, (if 
 your grace were not too sharp or unreasonable,) should content you. ' I 
 prayed God they might devise an answer to your majesty's satisfac- 
 tion, which I thought Mould not be, if they should refuse to accom- 
 plish your highness's desires, which, I doubted not, he had now so 
 well digested, as he perceived them to be both very reasonable, as also 
 most necessary and beneficial for this realm. He sware a great oath, 
 " that he thought them most unreasonable, and so sharp, as, he assu- 
 red me, there was not one person in Scotland, neither man, woman, 
 nor child, that had any reason, but they had all lever die in one day 
 than they would grant the same. Nevertheless, your majesty should 
 have such reason ottered unto you, as, he trusted, your h-ghness would 
 not refuse ; and, within two or three da}s at the farthest, he would 
 dispatch their answer." With this came the earl of Lennox, whom the 
 governour welcomed, and I also saluted him with an embracing after 
 the French form. And then the governour told me apart, " that he 
 was come to declare his credence from the French king, which he 
 would advertise me of as soon as he knew what it was, saying, that he 
 and the rest of the lords would first go make agreement betwixt the 
 earl cf Angus and the said earl of Lennox, and then they would go to 
 
 1 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IX 1543. 168 
 
 the council together to hear his credence; praying me eftsoons to write 
 to your majesty the excuse of this delay of their answer, which,'' he 
 said, " I might perceive was not feigned ; and at afternoon he would 
 not fail to send me word of the earl of Lennox credence;" and so I de- 
 parted, leaving them going together ahout the said agreement, which, 
 I think, Mill not long endure. 
 
 At afternoon, the go\ ernour sent unto me David Panter, who was 
 lately with your majesty ; and he told me from the said governour, 
 " that the earl of Lennox had declared his said credence, which was, 
 in eifect, that the French king required the estates of the realm to 
 consider their old leagues with France, and to observe the same for 
 their part as he would do for his ; and in case your majesty should in- 
 vade them, he would give them aid, with men, money, and munition, 
 in such sort as they would reasonably desire ; and, at the least, if they 
 should agree Avith jour majesty, that then they would comprehend 
 him in such league and treaty as they should make with your high- 
 ness : And this,"' he said, " Avas the effect of all his credence, which 
 the governour willed him to declare unto me ;" and also I have other 
 intelligence that the same is true. 
 
 I have had, since my last letters addressed to your majesty, sundry 
 conferences with the earls of Cassils and Glencairn, the lords Maxwell 
 and Somervail, who have declared unto me, " as well how much ado 
 they have had with the governour to stay him from revolt to the other 
 party; as also how they have wrought him, so as he is now in a good 
 towardness ; trusting, that if your majesty will somewhat relent in 
 your demands, all shall be well. And this," they say, "the governour is 
 come to for his part, that your majesty shall have pledges for the deli- 
 verance of the child when she shall be of lawful age, or within a year 
 or two of the same, which," they think, "is to be accepted of your ma- 
 jesty, having such pledges and security for her deliverance at that 
 time, whereby the marriage may take effect." Touching the peace, 
 they say, " the whole realm murmureth, that they had rather die than 
 break their old leagues with France," as indeed there goeth a great rii- 
 
l64 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND TN 1543. 
 
 niour for the same ; " but they will so join in amity with your majesty^, 
 as France shall have no stead nor benefit by them ; and they trust to 
 bring it to such pass, as every man here that list shall be at liberty to 
 serve your majesty for your money against France ami all others: 
 Which two things, if your majesty will take now for the first entry,- 
 they think assuredly, that within a while there should grow such amity 
 within these two realms, as your majesty should have your whole pur- 
 pose." And touching the governour, who your majesty is content 
 should use the place during the minority of the young tjueen, if he 
 continue such devotion and inclination to your majesty and the wealth 
 of both those realms, as he seenieth now to have ; foreseeing also, that 
 he use the advice ami counsel of such persons as your majesty shall 
 think best for the wealth of both realms. To that they say, " that 
 the governour and the other lords here do interpret by the same, that 
 your majesty mindcth to establish an English council here to rule and 
 direct them, which they will not admit. But they think, that if your 
 majesty minded thereby none other, but that the governour should be 
 advised by the counsel of certain of the nobility and wise counsellors 
 of this realm only, that surely should be most acceptable to all the 
 lords anil noblemen here. To this point," they say, " these matters 
 will come as they trust ; and also," they think, " that sir George Dou- 
 glas, or some other wise gentleman, shall repair to your majesty in 
 post, with such resolution and answer as they shall now make : And 
 if thereupon it shall appear that your majesty will agree with them, 
 they will send some noble personages to knit up all those matters, as 
 the importance of the same requireth." 
 
 I bear them still in hand, that your majesty will not relent in any 
 part of your desires, the same being so reasonable as they ought not to 
 be refused here. " In whieh case," they say, " your majesty must 
 then win the same by force, for otherwise it will not be granted ; and, 
 if it come to that point, they will serve your majesty as they have pro- 
 mised." But here tlicy complained much of the lack of silver to bear 
 their charges wilhall; saying, " that the entertainment of such conipa- 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTf.ANn IN 1543. 1 <»5 
 
 nies, as lluy keep here ;il)()ul tlicin, is so cliargcable to tlu-m, as, with- 
 out yoiir majesty's lifl|), lluy III- notable to sustain it; and yet," say 
 they, " if they had not had sucli force and strength here witli thcni, 
 as whereby they might be able to be too strong a party for the other 
 side, it was very like that the governour would have left them, and 
 also pcrcase would have devised to have betrappcd some of them." I 
 told them, they might be sure their service could not be lost; for your 
 majesty was a prince of such honour, as bolli could and would consi- 
 der every man's service, and reward the same accordingly; — whicii he 
 confessed. And the lord Maxwell told me apart, " That indeed he 
 lacked silver, and had no way of relief but to your majesty;" which lie 
 prayed me to signify unto the same. I asked him, wliat would relieve 
 him? and he said ;3()flfl. ; " for the which," he said, " as your majesty 
 seemed, when he was with your grace, to have him in more trust and 
 credit than the rest of your majesty's prisoners, so he trusted to do you 
 as good service as any of them; and amongst them they will do you 
 such service, as, if the war succeetl, ye shall make an easy contpicst of 
 this realm ; as for his part, he shall deliver into your hands, at the en- 
 try of your army, the keys of the same on the west marches, being all 
 the strong-liolds there in his custody."' I oflered him presently to write 
 to my lord of Suffolk for 100 1. for biin, if he would; but he said, " lie 
 would stay till he heard again from your majesty in that behalf." Also 
 the carl of Glencairn, and the said lord Maxwell, a.skcd me, " Whe- 
 ther I had answer from your majesty for the changing of their jiledgesr" 
 saying, " they had a marvellous great lack of their eldest sons." I 
 told them, I had no word thereof. And then the lord Maxwell swarc 
 a great oath, " that he thouglit your majesty had them iu some sus- 
 picion ; and yet, for all that, they would be true men to your majesty." 
 The earl of Glencairn prayed me " to write to your majesty, and to 
 beseech the same for the passion of God, to encourage them so much, 
 as to give them trust, for they were already commonly hated here for 
 your majesty's sake, and throughout the realm called the I'.nglisb 
 lords; and sucii ballads and songs made of them, how the l''.ng!isb 
 
166 EJIBASSY TO SCOTLAxVD IN 1543. 
 
 angels had corrupted tlicni, as have not been heard ; so, as they liave 
 ahnost lost the hearts of the common peo|)le of this realm, and be also 
 suspected of the governour and nobility of the same; and if your ma- 
 jesty should also mistrust them, they were in a hard case: ^Vherclbre, 
 seeing they were minded, as indeed they would scr\e your majesty 
 with their bodies, goods, and all their power, according to their band 
 and promise, from which they will ne\er vary nor digress, they be- 
 seech your majesty to gi\e them trust and credit, which, if tliey may 
 perceive, shall be most to their comfort ;'' wherein I did as much as I 
 could to satisfy them. And, to say my poor opinion of them to your 
 majesty, surely, if men may be trusted by their words and promises, 
 by constant asseverations and oaths, they will shew and piove them- 
 selves true gentlemen to your majesty ; for it is not possible for men 
 to declare themselves in appeaiance more earnest, nor better deter- 
 mined in that part, than they do ; though they labour nevertheless for 
 the satisfaction of your majesty in quiet manner, if by any good means 
 it may be brought to pass. And I see not but the earls of Angus, of 
 Glencairn, and Cassils, the lords Maxwell and boniervail, and sir 
 George Douglas, do adhere firmly together, and draw all by one line, 
 who undoubtedly had a great hand of gentlemen, and others their 
 friends, tenants, and servants belonging unto them, in a manner the 
 whole strength of this country on this side the water of Forth. 
 
 The sheriff of Ayr, * and the laird of Brunstoun, have been sundry 
 times with me since they came home, whicli greatly pretend their ser- 
 vice unto vour majesty. And the earl of Glencairn telleth me, " that 
 the sheriff (who is a man of good power) is wholly bent and deter- 
 mined to take such part as he doth M'ith your majesty."' Wherefore 
 he much desireth, " that it might please your majesty to write a let- 
 ter to the earl of Cassils, that likeas he hath given truce to the said 
 sheriff till Lammas, at your majesty's recpiest, so he will be contented 
 also to commit the matters in (question betwixt them to the hearing 
 
 * Sir Hugh Campbell of Loudoun, sherifi'of Ayr. 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. ]67 
 
 and determination of friends here, to be indifferently cliosen for the 
 same; to the intent that they being made at one, may tlie better joyn 
 as friends together in your majesty's service; which,"' tlie said earl of 
 Glencairn saith, " the earl of Cassils would gladly do, if your majesty 
 would write him such a letter for that purpose."' Surely the sheriff 
 seemcth to be mucli dedicate to your majesty ; and that will the rather 
 move the earl of Cassils to agree with him, as the same earl himself 
 hath said to me; and for his part he committeth the whole matter to 
 your majesty, to be ordained and determined, as it shall please your 
 highness to appoint. 
 
 Finally, the bishop of Orkney * came to me this afternoon, and told 
 me, " that as he came now hither out of his country, he came by the 
 cardinal, who desireth much to speak with me; and if he do come 
 hither, whereof he is in doubt, fearing eftsoons to be entrapped, he 
 would not fail to speak with me; but if he come not hither, if then I 
 would vouchsafe to make an errand to St Andrew's, and speak with 
 him, I should have good cause, he trusted, to tliink my journey well 
 bestowed." I answered in effect, as I did lately answer the cardinal's 
 chaplain, to wit, that it was not meet for me to resort to speak with 
 him, not knowing in what terms or estate he standeth. And then the 
 bishop prayed me to advise thereupon, and began to persuade me, 
 " That the cardinal was much addicted to your majesty, and was the 
 sorrowfullest man alive to hear that your majesty was displeased with 
 him, which he protested was without cause, as he was able to prove, 
 whatsoever information was made to your grace against him : And if 
 he might come frankly to this council without danger, to say his opi- 
 nion in those great matters, for the common weal of tliis realm, he 
 
 * Robert Reid, bishop of Orkney, a dignity which he attained in 1510. He is said by 
 Keith to have been a man of learning, and an admirable politician. He was one of the 
 commissioners who witnessed the marriage of Queen Mary with the Dauphin of France, 
 1558, and died at Dieppe on his return. As the eail of Cassilis, often mentioned hi these 
 dispatches, who was also of the commission, exjjired on the same night, they were sup- 
 posed to have been poisoned for expressing reluctance to confer the crown matrimonial oa 
 the brideatroom. 
 
l68 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAXD IN 1543. 
 
 would declare himself of good zeal to bring all your reasonable desires 
 to good pass, and labour as well, and as effectually in the same, as any 
 man alive." This the said bishop of Orkney told me, whereof I 
 thought meet to advertise your majesty ; but unless your grace shall 
 command me, I intend not to speak with the cardinal, except he come 
 hither to the court, so as I cannot avoid him. As yet I cannot learn 
 any certainty of those matters ; but within tliese two days it will appear 
 what is to be trusted to and looked for at their hands ; which knowing, 
 I sliall not fail, with God's grace, to advertise^the same to your majesty 
 with all possible diligence. 
 
 And where I understand by my friend Mr Wriothesley, * that your 
 majesty hath determined to alleviate and disburden me of the office of 
 secretary; for the which, as I am most unmeet and unworthy, so most 
 insufficient to supply the charge and authority of such place; and also 
 that, in recompence of such profits and livings as I shall forego in that 
 part, it hath likewise pleased your majesty, of your clemency and 
 goodness, to determine towards me the office which the lord Windsor 
 lately had, in your majesty's great gardrobe : I do therefore, upon my 
 knees, and prostrate at the feet of your most royal majesty, render un- 
 to the same my most humble and lowly thanks ; and, according to my 
 most bounden duty, shall daily pray to Almighty God for the preser- 
 vation of your most noble person, in long life, and prosperous estate of 
 health, most feliciously and victoriously to reign the years of Nestor. 
 &c. 
 
 To the King's Majesty, \st May, 1543. 
 
 Please it your royal majesty to understand, that yesterday I received 
 your most gracious letters of the 25th of April; at the receipt where- 
 
 * Thomas Wriothesley, created lord Wriothesley of Tichbourn, and afterwards earl of 
 Southampton. He was educated to the law, became chancellor in 1544, and died in 1550. 
 
 % 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 154.3. I69- 
 
 of, the governour, and the rest of the nobility here assembled, were at 
 tl)e point of the conclusion of their answer to your majesty's demands ; 
 for tlie conducing whereof to such end as your majesty desireth, I 
 have done as much as my poor wit would serve me, though it lieth 
 not in me to bring it fully to that point. And I have in that behalf 
 communed apart with the earls of Murray and Argyle, who were no- 
 ted all for France, and also with the earl marishal, who hath ever borne 
 a singular good affection to your majesty. Which three, if I could 
 have won to those that be already assured to your majesty, all the rest, 
 save the kirkmen, I think would have gone the same way. I pro- 
 mised them largely on your majesty's behalf, in general terms ; but yet 
 I could not frame them to my purpose. The earls of Murray and Ar- 
 gyle were at the first directly against the delivery of the child, or 
 pledges ; but with pledges they be now well content, and say expressly, 
 " That they mind nothing more than that the marriage should take 
 effect, which they wish for with all their hearts, as the thing that 
 righteously," they say, " shall knit both these realms in one domi- 
 nion ; but until the same shall be so united, by consummation of the 
 marriage, they will preserve the liberty and freedom of this realm to the 
 uttermost of their power; wherein they will employ and spend their 
 lives:" — thinking " that your majesty, having the child once delivered 
 into your hands, had also forthwith the obedience and subjection of 
 the realm :" Reciting all such other inconveniences which might hap- 
 pen upon her being out of her own realm, as I have heretofore written 
 unto your majesty. And notwithstanding all the perswasions and 
 promises I could make unto them, I could not remove them from that 
 mind and opinion. They protest unto me, " That they covet and de- 
 sire no prince's amity in the world so much as your majesty's; and 
 that they will do what stead and service they can to your highness, 
 not offending their duty of allegiance unto their sovereign lady, and 
 the liberty and freedom of the realm. As for France, they might not 
 declare themselves enemy to France, but they would take no part with 
 them, nor no other prince or potentate in the world against your ma:- 
 
 VOL. I. Y 
 
170 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 jesty." And this was all I could get of them, notwithstanding all the 
 perswasions I could use unto them. And yet the earl of Cassils hath 
 travelled much with the said earl of Murray, to hring him to this per- 
 fection, to grant pledges, which he was very far from at the first. 
 The earl Marishal was more frank with me, and said, " If your ma- 
 jesty accept the contract of marriage in such sort as it shall be offer- 
 ed," that is to sa}', " with pledges for the performance of the same, 
 and deliverance of the child about her lawful age, he will surely serve 
 your highness against France." Also the said earl of JNIurray said unto 
 me, " That if it might please your grace to accept and embrace these 
 things at the first, in such sort as they might perceive, your majesty 
 went about to win them by love and kindness, there was no doubt 
 but, as time did alter many things, so by time that the noblemen of 
 this realm had acquaintance of your majesty, your grace might by 
 dulce and gentle means come by your whole purpose, which by the 
 wars your majesty should find very difficile to be obtained ; notwith- 
 standing," he said, " that the prisoners had promised you very largely 
 such things as he knew they were not able to perform." 
 
 The governour himself is now wholly on your majesty's party ; and 
 yesterday, at four of the clock in the afternoon, he sent for me, and 
 told me, " That never man had so much ado as he had to bring the 
 nobility of this realm to any reasonable point or conformity, for the 
 satisfaction of your majesty's desires ; and the traitor bishops," he said, 
 " would grant to no part of the same, but the earls of Murray and Ar- 
 gyle were now good and reasonable gentlemen. As for the earl of 
 Bothwell," he said, " your majesty had ill bestowed your liberality up- 
 on him, for he was directly against all your majesty's demands ; ailed- 
 ging, that he would forsake Scotland, France, and England, for ever, 
 rather than he would consent to lay pledges for the performance of the 
 marriage:" which undoubtedly he said openly before all the council, 
 as both the earls of Angus and Cassils to me. Nevertheless the said 
 governour said, " That with much difiiculty he had won all the noble- 
 men, and brought them to such point, that they had resolved, it was 
 
 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 171 
 
 better to lay pledges than to have the war ; whereupon," he said, " they 
 had agreed, that your majesty should have good pledges, as earls and 
 lords of this realm, for the perfection of this marriage, and deliverance 
 of the young queen within a year or two of her lawful age. And for 
 the peace," he said, " they stuck so hard upon the observation of their 
 leagues with France, that he could not induce them to such conclusion 
 with your majesty, as to be friend to friend, and enemy to enemy; but 
 \vhensoe\er your majesty had to do with France, tliey would neverthe- 
 less be assured friends to your majesty, and take no part against you, 
 nor yet receipt, comfort, or maintain any of your grace's enemies; and 
 this," he said, " was all he could bring them to, if his life lay upon it. 
 And yet," he said, " he had laid reason unto them, that it were even 
 as good for them to covenant expressly against France, as to promise 
 to your majesty, that they will take no part with France; in which 
 case they shall be sure to lose their friendship and estimation with 
 France for ever, and thereby percase so move, and give occasion of war 
 to France against them, that they shall be enforced thereby to seek 
 aid of your majesty, which if they refuse now to be friend to friend, 
 and enemy to enemy, your highness is not bound to give unto them. 
 And," quoth he, " if France or Denmark work us any cumber, there is 
 no doubt but we must come then on our knees, and beseech his ma- 
 jesty, that we may be friend to friend, and enemy to enemy. This 
 reason," he said, " with all the perswasions he could alledge, he used 
 with them, which nevertheless they would not favour." I told him, I 
 thought they would be content to do as he would have them : But he 
 sware a great oath, " He could not perswade them to it, for all that he 
 could do ; as," he doubted not, " the earl of Angu^, my lord Maxwell, 
 and others, which were," he said, " assured to your majesty, could tell 
 me what he had done in that behalf" Wherefore he prayed me, with 
 his cap in his hand, as instantly as he could, " to write his good mind 
 to your majesty, and that he desired nothing in this world so much, as 
 to have your majesty his good and gracious lord ; most humbly be- 
 seeching the same to accept and embrace these otfers now at the fust 
 
172 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 entry, and though they be not so fully to your satisfaction as your 
 majesty desireth ;" yet he sware a great oath, " that whilst he is go- 
 Aernour, your highness being his good lord, and supporting him, he 
 will not fail, as time shall serve, to satisfy your majesty in all the rest 
 of your demands, which cannot now be obtained, with all the stead and 
 service, tliat shall ly in the uttermost of his power. And out of hand/' 
 he told me, " he would send the lord Maxwell and sir George Doug- 
 las to your majesty, both with those offers, and also to desire the mar- 
 riage of your highness's daughter for his son, whom he would also send 
 to your majesty upon knowledge of your highness's pleasure, to be 
 brought up and educate in your court for that purpose ; wherein," he 
 said, " your majesty had offered him such honour, as, whilst he lived, 
 .how soever things come to pass, he must needs bear you his heart and 
 service." Assuring me also, " That if those matters Avere at a good 
 point, he would not lett to post to London, without a safe-conduct, to 
 see your majesty, and to render his most humble thanks unto your 
 highness, with heart and service for the same during his life." And 
 here again he prayed me, " To write with diligence unto your majes- 
 ty, and to express his good mind to please the same, as effectually as 
 I could devise." Which, I assure your majesty, I cannot set forth with 
 the pen more earnestly, than he declared it to me by his word and 
 countenance, and with great oaths also bound the same. And ever he 
 inculked unto me, (wliich I was wont to perswade him,) " That those 
 kirk-men loved him not, and did all they could to impeach this agree- 
 ment betwixt your majesty and him, and also to set all the noblemen 
 of this realm against it; so that by their engine and policy they had so 
 wrought those things, as it was not possible for him to satisfy your 
 majesty's desires at this time ; but," he said, " his trust was, that your 
 highness would embrace tliat which now might be had, being sufficient 
 for your purpose ; for you should have good pledges for the perform- 
 ance of the marriage, and have them of this realm to be your assured 
 friends for ever, and also your majesty should have his son and lieir in 
 your court, wlio, by succession, is inheritable to the crown of this 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 173 
 
 Tealm ; wliicb things he trusted your majesty would not refuse." And 
 then he said, " those things being agreed upon, he doubted not, by 
 your majesty's aid and good support, to be master of them, which now 
 be ahnost masters of all this realm, and to bring the same to such due 
 obedience as appertaineth ; and, whilst he is governour, your majesty 
 shall be assured to have of him whatsoever he can or may do, to the 
 satisfaction of all your grace's desires." These words he uttered to me 
 very effectually. And as to the kirk-men, I assure your majesty they 
 seek the war by all the means they can, and do daily entertain the no- 
 blemen with money and rewards to sustain tiie wars, rather than there 
 should be any agreement with your majesty ; thinking, verily, that if 
 peace and unity succeed, that they shall be reformed, and lose their 
 glory, which they had rather die, and put all this realm in hazard, than 
 they would forego. The earl of Lennox also procureth here all that 
 he can for France, offiering himself to remain prisoner, and to lose his 
 life, if the French king do not accomplish such things as he hath of- 
 fered ; that is to say, money, men, munition, ships, and all that they 
 will desire, to resist therewithall their ancient enemies of England. 
 
 This morning, at five of the clock, came to me sir George Douglas, 
 and told me, " That the kirk-men (who had lever all the world should 
 sink, than they lose their pomp and glory) had wrought those matters in 
 such sort, as it was not possible to satisfy your grace's demands at this 
 time, albeit the governour were now as well minded to your majesty 
 as could oe desired ; but with such conclusions, as the greatest num- 
 ber of the noblemen of the temporality had resolved, the governour 
 and nobility of this realm," he said, "were determined to send the lord 
 Maxwell and him to your majesty indelayedly. Wherefore he came to 
 me to know mine opinion, and to ask my counsel, whether I thought 
 it best for him to go or not? alledging, that if I had any hope that the 
 conclusions here taken should please your majesty, he would then 
 come to the same with as glad a heart as any man alive. And two 
 things," he said, " moved him the rather to be content to go; one was, 
 that your majesty, besides good pledges for the deliverance of the 
 
174 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 young queen within two years of her lawful age, should have the ga- 
 vernour's son (who, if the said young queen fail, shall he prince of this 
 land) into your court for your majesty's daugliter, which," he thinketh, 
 " is the best pledge your grace can devise to have, for the better at- 
 taining of all your whole purpose in time. And though your majesty 
 liave not presently all ^our demands satisfied, yet having security for 
 performance of the marriage, with also the governour's son as is afore- 
 said, and such English-men and Scottish-men about the person of the 
 young queen here as your highness shall appoint, being the governour 
 also so well minded to your majesty as he is, there is no doubt but very 
 shortly you shall have all your desires at your own pleasure, whereof 
 he seeth great likelyhood : For the governour, being the peace once 
 agreed, and those matters brought to some good point, must be en- 
 forced to depend upon your majesty, or else shall he never be able, 
 without your support, to occupy his place. And sure it is, that the 
 earl of Lennox and the clergy, with divers other noblemen, their atihe- 
 rents and complices, will make a party, and will not fail to put at him 
 what they can; so that he must of force come so far within your ma- 
 jesty's danger, for your aid and supportation, as ye shall have occasion 
 to work him at your will. Which things being well inculked to your 
 majesty, he thinketh might move the same the rather to embrace that 
 is now offered, being almost im]>ossible to get any more at this time, 
 as the clergy, and present offers of France, with a great number of the 
 greatest men of this realm, being now present at this considtation, liath 
 Avrought their purpose. The second cause why he is the rather con- 
 tent to go, is, that in case your majesty shall refuse these offers, he 
 may nevertheless confer with your highness upon the estate of this 
 country, and say his j)oor mind how the same is to be conquered by 
 force :" And therefore he told me, " He had le\er have the earl of 
 Glencairn with him than the lord Maxwell, because the said earl is a 
 man of deep judgment, and could," he thought, " better satisfy your 
 majesty wilii reason, both in the one part and in the other; that is to 
 say, either for peace or war, wliichsoevcr shall please your highness to 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 175 
 
 embrace." Herein he prayed mine advice ; and as I considered the es- 
 tate of these matters how they stood, so I thouglit it not amiss that 
 they should repair to your majesty for the said purposes, whereby I 
 thouglit your majesty could lose no time, supposing, that though the 
 wars succeed, your grace cannot conveniently send an army befoie Ju- 
 ly; and in the mean season pre])aring all things, as I understand your 
 majesty doth for tlie furniture tliereof, your highness shall rather win 
 advantage of those men than lose time, for here tiicy make no prepa- 
 ration for defence. AV'herefore I advised the said sir George to repair 
 to your majesty, and also thought it best, that the earl of Glencairn 
 should go with him, for the causes expressed; as indeed I know, that 
 the said earl of Glencairn and sir George be very great, and they be 
 both wise men to confer with your majesty upon these matters ; and 
 if they be not true men, and assured to your majesty, then is there no 
 Scottish-man to be trusted. 
 
 The earl of Glencairn of late commended much the said sir George's 
 wit, and told me, " that thougli the same sir George were assured to 
 your majesty, and would undoubtedly do as his brother and the rest 
 which were bound by promise would do ; yet he thought not amiss, 
 that your majesty should cause the said sir George to subscribe, and 
 set his hand to such writings as they had done, to the intent, being all 
 of one mind to serve your majesty, they might likewise be all under 
 one bond and promise." Wherein your majesty, at his now repair un- 
 to you, may taste him, if the case so requiie, as to your high wisdom 
 shall be thought convenient, I have foreborn to charge him at this 
 time with his promises to your majesty, according to the continue of 
 your highness's said letters, fearing I should thereby have too much 
 discouraged him ; specially now tliat he is to repair to your majesty, 
 assuring the same, that at this time the governour, being ready to re- 
 volt to the other party, hath been in effect only stayed by the said sir 
 George.* And it is not possible (as I am informed) for a man to do 
 
 * Hume of Godscroft says, that sir George told tlie Scottish nobles the apologue of the 
 physician, who, to escape the wrath of a tyrannical suitao, undertook to teach an ass to 
 
176 EMBASSY TO SCOTIAND IN 1543. 
 
 more with wit than he hath done, to bring your majesty's desires to 
 pass, if it would have been ; and lie alone, against all the clergy in 
 open council, hath reasoned and disputed so much for the advance- 
 ment of the same, as the kirk-nien would give 10,0001. to have him 
 destroyed, whereof I am credibly informed : as indeed he hath lately 
 escaped a hazard at St Andrews ; and the laird of Craigy (who is now 
 fled into England for fear) should have been the executer ; not with- 
 out the consent of the cardinal, as is supposed. Surely I know the 
 whole clergy do hate him deadly ; and, undoubtedly, he never denied 
 unto me, that he had promised unto your majesty his service and sub- 
 jection ; but when his brother was sworn, he saith " he took none 
 oath, but promised his service without oath ; which he will bear to 
 your highness as assuredly as he that is ten times sworn." And to say 
 how I have found him, surely I never could perceive but that he la- 
 boured always to bring those matters to pass like a wise man, as one 
 that would most gladly have satisfied your majesty, and also have 
 pleased this realm, if it would have been ; but if it should come to ex- 
 tremity, I never saw but he intended to be as forward to serve your 
 majesty as any of the rest. And surely, even now at this busy time, 
 he hath shewed himself, in my poor opinion, most ready and willing 
 to do all that was possible to be done for your highness's satisfaction ; 
 and all the rest of your highness's party here do use him, and take him 
 as one of their band most assured to your majesty : And therefore I 
 thought it not best to propone any displeasing matter unto him, where- 
 by he might conceive any discourage, specially when he looketh ra- 
 
 spcak within the course of ten years; and justified the hopeless undertaking to his friends, 
 by saying, that he had gained a space, within whicli either the king or the ass, or he him- 
 self, might die, in any of which events he escaped final punishment, and meantime lived 
 in good estate and favour. " Even so," said Douglas, " we being unprovided for war, gain 
 by this treaty ten years of peace ; during which, king Henry or his son, or the queen, may 
 die, or the parties coming of age may refuse each other, or matters may so stand that the 
 match may be concluded on more equal terms." — Godscroft, Vol. II. p. 113. edit. 1743. — 
 Sir George, in boasting of the effects of his eloquence, probably did not pique himself to 
 Sadler upon the nature of his arguments and illustration. 
 
 7 
 
EMBASSV TO SCOTLAND IX 1543. 177 
 
 ther for thanks of your majesty, wlierein, at his now repair to your 
 higliness, your majesty may in such sort use and entertain him, after 
 your accustomed benignity, as your grace shall think most meet and 
 recjuisite. 
 
 This day I have also spoken with the earls of Angus, Glencairn, and 
 Cassils, and with the lords Maxwell and Somervail, according to the 
 continue of your majesty's said letters. And albeit since mine adver- 
 tisements, whereupon your majesty wrote your said letters, things 
 have changed and altered here, as your majesty now perceiveth ; ne- 
 vertheless, I thought it not amiss to confer with the said earls and 
 lords upon the points of the said letters. And considering that their 
 demeure here is most necessary, till these matters be at some conclu- 
 sion, which cannot be afore their day of entry being at hand, I decla- 
 red unto them, that your majesty had prolonged their day until mid- 
 summer; and also the considerations whereupon your highness had de- 
 termined the same, which they thought to serve to special good pur- 
 pose. And besides that, knowing that they had been now -at great 
 charge with abiding in this town, and also with retaining of good 
 numbers of men about them, which here is chargeable, I thought it 
 good to tell them, that your majesty, of your own mere motion and 
 benignity, hath sent every of them a remembrance for their costs and 
 charges now sustained : assuring them, that God giving unto your ma- 
 jesty the accomplishment of your good purpose, they and their poste- 
 rity should have cause to confess that they served a most gracious 
 master ; which they took in marvellous good part, and most humbly 
 thanked your majesty for the same. And though the case be changed, 
 and all things now in so good quietness, as they need not to be at such 
 charge in retaining of force presently, as was thought if the governour 
 had revolted ; yet because they have been at charge, and had com- 
 plained to me for lack of silver, as indeed I know they be but poor 
 men, and none rich here to speak of but kirk-men ; I therefore thought 
 it best, for the better encouraging of them to serve, to bestow your 
 highness's liberality upon them, as proceeding of your majesty's own 
 
 VOL, r. z 
 
17S KMBASSy TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 mere renienibrancc. And so I told every of them apart, what your 
 highness had determined in that behalf; that is to say, to every of the 
 two earls of C'assils and Glencairn three hundred merks ; and your 
 majesty having committed the rest to my discretion, because the lord 
 IMaxwell hud required a relief of 3001. as in my last letters to your 
 majesty appeareth ; I thought best to tell him, that your highness had 
 now of himself remembred him Math three hundred merks, which 
 coming in such sort unasked was better than 3001., and yet if he would 
 tarry till he should hear again from your majesty, I would write what 
 he desired. He answered me, "that he esteemed that 2001. so sent of 
 your own remembrance, better than lOOOl. otherwise bestowed upon 
 him, and prayed me to speak nothing of his further demand." Also, I 
 told the lord Somervail, that your majesty had sent him two hundred 
 merks. And thus I have bestowed so much of your majesty's liberali- 
 ty, in such sort as none of them knoweth by me what another hath. 
 And I think lOOl. were not amiss bestowed on the earl Marishal ; for 
 surely I think, if those matters come to force, he will take such part 
 as the earl of Angus doth ; and so it is told me secretly : wherefore, 
 knowing your majesty's pleasure in that behalf, I shall ensue the same 
 accordingly. And my lord of Cassils telleth me, that money will also 
 tempt the earl of Murray,* who is no rich man; but that must be with 
 a greater sum than any of the rest have; for the which, it is thought, 
 he might be easily induced to enter himself for one of the pledges for 
 the performance of the marriage. Furthermore, I entred with the said 
 earls of Angus, Glencairn, and Cassils, and the lords Maxwell and So- 
 mervail, touching their advice, where your majesty's army should en- 
 ter by sea and land, with declaration of your majesty's pleasure unto 
 them for the secrecy of the same, and also how your majesty intended 
 therein to use them as your principal counsellors. Whereupon they 
 debated, " wishing, that if the war succeeded, your majesty do so look 
 
 * James Stuart, carl of Murray, was natural son of James IV. He died at his castle of 
 
 Tarnoway in 150-, and the earldom reverted to the crown, where, notwithstanding some 
 
 claims of the house of Gordon, it remained until it was conferred on the celebrated Prior of 
 
 St Andrews, afterwards regent. 
 
 8 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTlAND IN 1543. 179 
 
 afore hand to the furniture of your army with victual, and all things 
 necessary, as the same may be able to remain and continue within this 
 reahn for the accomplishment of your majesty's purpose. And it was 
 their part," they said, " to devise for the surety of that army, and your 
 majesty's prosperity in your enterprize ; for if it should quail, it should 
 be their undoing." And they thought best, "that your majesty should 
 enter both at the east and west marches ; and also your navy by sea, 
 to come into the Firth to land at Leith, both to victual the army, and 
 to do further exploits, as the case shall require." Whereupon they 
 said, " they would debate further, and advertise your majesty of their 
 opinions at length. And in the mean season," they said, " that such 
 of them as now should repair to your majesty with sir George Dou- 
 glas, should confer with your majesty in that behalf; and for present 
 aid, as the case is now changed, they shall need none at this time." 
 
 Then was I in hand both with the earl of Glencairn and the lord 
 IMaxwell touching their pledges, wherein they be both satisfied ; but 
 the lord Maxwell sware a great oath, " that he would send up his son 
 to your highness to declare himself; and whatsoever was said to your 
 majesty, he bade me assure the same, that his son would do whatso- 
 ever lie would have him." Furthermore, Avhereas your majesty hath 
 granted a prorogation of the entry of all the lords, and such as I shall 
 perceive be assured for your part, I have, as is aforesaid, declared the 
 same to the lords afore specified, and devised with them for the entry 
 of such as were requisite in that case. But when we had considered it, 
 we thought best to enter none till they should go altogether ; for the 
 lords remaining, there is none of the other that can do good or harm ; 
 and if some should enter and some remain, it might engender suspi- 
 cion towards those that so should have liberty to remain here ; where- 
 fore we have resolved to enter none till they go altogether, unless your 
 majesty shall command the contrary. 
 
 This afternoon the governour sent for me again, and at mine access " 
 unto him, told me, " that the council had sitten this day about an an- 
 
180 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 swer to the earl of Lennox, who had brought him only a letter of cre- 
 dence, with general overtures and good words, containing large offers 
 in generality, but nothing in special. And albeit the kirk-men," he 
 said, " had spoken as much to-day for France as they spake yesterday 
 against England, yet as the said earl of Lennox had brought good 
 words and general matter, offering for the performance thereof his life 
 and heritage, which,"' he said, " M-as not worth 10,0001. Scottish to be 
 sold ; so he had given him good words again, and a general answer, 
 little to his satisfaction, and would not condescend to enter any treaty, 
 or farther communication of any other general or special matters with 
 him, notwithstanding the kirk-men much pressed the same, and would 
 most willingly have had him break the conditions of the abstinence in 
 that behalf, which he assured me he would not do, though this were 
 the last day of the said abstinence ; and that he knew your majesty 
 wovUd invade this realm with as great an army as the power of Eng- 
 land were able to make." And here he began to declare again his af- 
 fection to your majesty, " how much he desired to have you his good 
 lord, and what he had done to get the noblemen of this realm to grant 
 that pledges should be laid for performance of the marriage ;" where- 
 with he took a paper out of his bosom, which he shewed, subscribed- 
 with the names of a great many noblemen of this realm for that pur- 
 pose, to the number of twenty, or thereabout ; " and also what he 
 had done and said to get it agreed, that the peace should be concluded 
 as your majesty desired, that is to say, to be friend to friend, and ene- 
 my to enemy, which nevertheless he could not obtain." And hereof 
 he took record of my lord of Angus and sir George Douglas, whom 
 he called to him, and repeated the same again afore them, which they 
 confessed. And sir George said even plainly to him ufore me, " that 
 indeed he shewed himself now most addict to your majesty, which 
 should be his own honour, surety, and great benefit ; and if he mind- 
 ed not the same so sincerely in his heart, as witli his mouth he did 
 speak, he was surely the most dissembling gentleman in the world." 
 Whcrcunto the governour answered, with a great oath, (as indeed he 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543i 181 
 
 is a good swearer,) " tliat he niindcd no less to please your inajesty, 
 than he intended his own salvation :" And sware again, " that though 
 it could not be agreed among them at this time to have the peace 
 agreed, friend to friend, and enemy to enemy ; yet as long as he was 
 governour of this realm, he would be enemy to whosoever was not 
 your majesty's friend ; and what should ly in him to do, for the fur- 
 ther satisfaction of your majesty from time to time, he would surely 
 do it." And then he fell to talk of sir George Douglas's repair now 
 to your majesty, w^hom he prayed to set forth his good mind to your 
 grace ; and in the mean season praying me to write it to your majes- 
 ty, asking me, '^whether I thought best to send the earl of Glencairn, 
 or the lord IMaxwell, with the said sir George, and which of them 
 should be most acceptable unto your majesty r" I said, they were both 
 very acceptable to your highness. And he said to me, " they were 
 both certainly dedicate unto your grace ; but because the earl of Gleu- 
 cairn Mas the man of greater reputation, and also of better experience 
 and judgment than the lord Maxwell, (who, nevertheless, was surely a 
 good wise gentleman,) he intended, therefore, to send the said earl of 
 Glencairn and sir George Douglas out of hand as fast as they can 
 make them ready to depart ;" which I allowed : " And when all those 
 things shall be knit up, as he trusted in God," holding up his hands, 
 " your majesty would embrace those offers, he would then send some, 
 noblemen of this realm for the solemn conclusion of the same;" where- 
 unto he named the earls of Angus and Murray, (for Huntley is not 
 here,) " and such other," he said, " as your majesty would have to 
 come to you for that purpose." Hereupon I told him, that your ma- 
 jesty had prolonged the day of the prisoners entry * till midsummer, 
 which, I said, your highness had done chiefly, for that ye would not 
 disfurnish him of his most faithful friends, being most meet to be 
 about him, till all thiugs were better settled here than they yet seem 
 
 * i. e. The Jay on which they were bound to surrender themselves into England for 
 satisfaction of their ransom. 
 
182 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 to be. He was singularly well content therewith, saying, " that if he 
 durst liave been so bold, he would have sued to your majesty for the 
 same ; for if they should go from him till those matters were finished, 
 he should liave great lack of them." And then he prayed me " to 
 speak the earl of Cassils, the lords Maxwell and Somervail, to abide 
 Avith him, and to tell it was your majesty's pleasure they should so do; 
 and as for the carls of Angus and Marishal, they would not go from 
 him," Thus we ended our communication, and departed for the time. 
 And as soon as I was come to my lodging, came to me from the go- 
 vernour a gentleman of his chamber, saying, " that my lord governour 
 prayed me to write on his behalf to your majesty, that it might please 
 the same to change the lord Maxwell's pledge, to the intent he might 
 remain on the borders to keep good rule there ; and my lord Maxwell 
 to be here about the governour ; wherein your majesty should do him 
 singular pleasure." I promised him to write according to his desire ; 
 but this I know to proceed of the lord Maxwell's suit, upon occasion 
 of thegovernour's request made to the lord Maxwell to abide here, who 
 came to me this evening to take his leave of me, because hegoethnow 
 to Carlile to relieve his son. And he assured me, " that Mhatsoever 
 had been told your majesty of his son, he will do as he would have 
 him, or else," he sware all the oaths of God, " he would hang him 
 on a tree ; and though he were of other mind and disposition to your 
 majesty than he was, yet could he do nothing otherwise nor he should 
 appoint ;" whereof he assured me; and therefore besought your majes- 
 ty " to give no credit to such informations, but to let him have him 
 home, which he desired for your better service, for he could not else 
 attend here upon the governour, nor look to his charge and offices, 
 wherein he must serve your majesty, if the case so recpiire ;" praying 
 me, " to write as my lord governour had required me in that behalf;" 
 which I promised, because the said governour had so required me to 
 do. Also, my lord Somervail maketh special suit to have his son 
 home, wlio is very sick of the stone, and ofiereth to lay as good or 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 183 
 
 better pledges for liim till he be whole ; assuring me, " that if he may 
 not come home for help to be cut of the stone, (which disease he hath 
 by kind,) he is like to be in great peril of death ;" wherefore he most 
 humbly beseecheth your majesty " to have pity upon him, and to let 
 him be relieved for a season." 
 
 Thus have I discoursed to your majesty the present state of those 
 things, and how the same have been wrought, whereby your highness 
 may perceive, that the earl of Glencairn and sir George Douglas shall 
 now, with convenient diligence, repair unto your majesty, for the 
 more ample declaration of the same, and better framing of all things 
 to good purpose, which I beseech our Lord to conduct to such end as 
 your majesty desireth. Once it standeth upon the governour to ad- 
 here firmly to your majesty, for otherwise he could not long enjoy his 
 place, being only supported by the earl of Angus, and such as be assu- 
 red on your party, who do maintain and uphold him, of intent to bring 
 your purpose to the better effect by him, having the place and autho- 
 rity of the realm. The band that is against him is great, but their 
 power is on the other side of the water ; so that they prevail more in 
 council than they may do with any force in this part of the realm. 
 And surely it was not possible, at this convention and assembly, to do 
 more for the perfection of your highness's desires, than hath been done 
 by all those which be assured to your majesty, and by the governour 
 himself also, who offered, if any of the noblemen would take his of- 
 fice, to go ly himself pledge in England for the performance of the 
 marriage, whereby the most part of the nobility were induced to grant 
 pledges ; but the earl of Bothwell is expressly against it, and diverse 
 others, with the whole rabble of the kirk-men, as your majesty shall 
 perceive all things at good length by the said earl of Glencairn and sir 
 George Douglas, at their arrival with your majesty, whose repair to 
 the same, in my poor opinion, shall serve to good purpose • for that 
 your highness shall now have the opportunity to confer with them, 
 both for the better attaining of your godly purpose, either by peace 
 or war, as to your high wisdom shall seem most expedient. But the 
 
184 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 impeachment of their journey hath been practised by all means the 
 clergy could devise, since they knew of the same, fearing them to be 
 so acceptable to your majesty, as the rather by their good means you 
 should now embrace these offers, which they most heartily wish your 
 majesty should refuse ; for they would rather the utter wars than any 
 agreement. As even now, since this convention, they have devised to 
 leavy a tax off the clergy for the maintenance of the wars, which they 
 have offered to the governour and nobility here ; and to go themselves 
 in person to the battle,* rather than your majesty should have so much 
 of your desires as is now at this assembly granted. This is the charity 
 of those holy prelates and pastors, whom God amend. And thus, &c. 
 
 To my Lord Suffolk, Parr, and Durham, 5th May, 1543. 
 
 My duty remembred unto your good lordsliips. I received yester- 
 day your letters of the 2d of May ; and upon the contents of the same 
 I have conferred with the governour, who forthwith hath addressed 
 strait commandments, both to the earl of Bothwell and all other war- 
 dens, to keep their days of truce, and to meet at the places appointed 
 and accustomed, for making and taking redress, and also to keep good 
 rule on the borders, according to the abstinence: Assuring your good 
 lordships, that if any default be in that behalf on this part for Scot- 
 land, it is much against the mind and will of the governour. But as 
 to the earl of Bothwell, who, as ye know, hath the rule of Lidders- 
 dale, t I think him the most vain and insolent man in the world, full 
 
 * In fact, when the war broke out between the two nations, the bishop of Dunkekl, the 
 abbot o( Dunfermline, and other churchmen of rank, actually took up armSj regarding 
 resistance to the English heretics as a sort of holy warfare. At the battle of Pinkie, there 
 was, it is said, a whole band of Scottish priests and monks ; their banner, of white sars- 
 net, bearing a female, with dishevelled hair, kneeling to a crucifix, and the motto, Afflictcc 
 sponsor nc oblivixnris, made part of Somerset's trophies. — See Patten's account in Dah/ell's 
 Fragments, p. 72, 73. 
 
 t He was lord of Liddesdalc, and keeper of the royal castle of Hermitage, in that disor- 
 derly district. 
 
EMBASSV TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 185 
 
 of pride and folly, and here, I assure you, nothing at all esteemed; 
 wherefore the governour prayeth you to weigh his answer according- 
 ly. And in my poor opinion, I think it not amiss, that if you my 
 lord Parr do come to the Borders, je do quickly call upon the said 
 earl of Bothwell to meet at the places accustomed for Liddersdale, and 
 to make redress for the same, as heretofore in time of peace hath been 
 used ; which if he shall refuse to do, or if the Liddersdalers make any 
 attempts or incursions within England, I would wish it should be 
 truly payed home again, as I doubt not your lordships will take such 
 order therefore as appertaineth. 
 
 Yesterday the governour rode out of this town towards his house of 
 Hamilton, and with him the earls of Angus and Cassils, and the earl 
 IMarishal, with also the lord Somervail, who be all of the king's majesty's 
 party. And at my being with him yesterday before his going, he told 
 me, " how the earl of Lennox had served him, who,"' he said, " whilst 
 he was in this town, did promise to set his hand and seal to the act 
 made for the establishment of him, in the place of governour, and se- 
 cond person of the realm; and nevertheless is departed the town very 
 suddenly, without the accomplishment of the same." Wherefore the 
 governor told me, " That within those eight days, either I should 
 hear that the said earl of Lennox should confess his just title, and 
 subscribe to the said act, or else he would put at him indelayedly, and 
 lay hands on him, if he could, or drive him out of the realm ; and or it 
 were long he trusted to get from him the castle of Dumbarton."* 
 Surely it is very like, that if the governour hold on his purpose, that 
 he shall either distress the said Lennox, or chase him again into 
 France ; for he is not able to make any party against the governour 
 and the earl of Angus : And if the said Lennox go to the sea again, as 
 it is like he will do very shortly, for that he shall not be able to abide 
 here, if that the governour do prosecute him, 1 would wish that some 
 
 * The earl of Lennox combated the governor's claim to the regency, on account of his 
 having been born during the life of Janet Home, the divorced wife of the earl of Arran. 
 his father. 
 
 VOL. I. 2 A 
 
186 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 of the king's ships might meet with him in his return, if it would be, 
 which the governour also much desireth. He hath but two ships here, 
 whereof one, that he came in himself, is a ship of , well ap- 
 
 pointed for the wars, that lieth ready for him at Dumbarton, to slip 
 into at his pleasure ; and the other is but a small boat, M-hich the ab- 
 bot of Paisley hired to bring in and convoy his baggage and coffers 
 out of France; which boat, as it is thought, returneth not again. Once 
 the governour is much offended with him, and saith, " He is minded 
 to send the laird of Erunstoun to the French king, to declare unto him 
 the misbehaviour of the said Lennox since his arrival here, as well in 
 that he remained here, at the least three weeks, within less than for- 
 ty miles of the court, without declaration of his charge and commis- 
 sion from the said French king ; as also for that he hath done as much 
 as in him is, since his coming hither, to ^stir sedition, strife, and rebel- 
 lion within this realm ; and thereupon to know whether the French 
 king sent him hither for any such purpose : In which case," the gover- 
 nour saith, " if he do send the said Erunstoun, he will also send the 
 king's majesty word thereof, with the effect of all his charge and com- 
 mission in that behalf." 
 
 There be four or five merchant ships here in Leith preparing to set 
 forth to the sea within these six days ; and also here is a Frenchman, 
 which lately came in with wines ; and, as far as I can perceive, they 
 intend to go altogether to the seas, and have furnished themselves 
 with men and artillery as strongly as they can, both to defend them- 
 selves and annoy their enemies, as the case shall require : Whereof I 
 thought good to advertise your lordships, to the intent Woodhouse 
 and his fellows may have warning to look upon them, if ye think so 
 convenient. 
 
 On Munday next, the earl of Glencairn and sir George Douglas 
 take their journey towards the king's majesty, afore which time they 
 cannot be ready, intending then to make as great diligence as they 
 can make in journey without post. They say, " they will ride it in 
 eight days ;" whereof, with such other matter in this letter contained, 
 
 8 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 187 
 
 as ye think good, it may please your lordsliips to advertise the court 
 in the mean season accorchngly. And thus, &c. 
 
 To the Lords of his Majesty's Privy Council, 6th May, 1543. 
 
 It may Hke your good lordships to understand, that yesterday I re- 
 ceived your letters of the 1st of May; before the receipt whereof the 
 assembly and convention of the estates of this realm was dissolved, and 
 every man departed into his country. And afore their departure, the 
 earl of Glencairn and sir George Douglas, by the consents of the 
 greatest part of the nobility, were dispatched with such answer in ef- 
 fect to the king's majesty's demands, as I have written to the same in 
 my last letters, wherewith they will depart to-morrow towards his ma- 
 jesty, intending to be there within those ten or twelve days at the far- 
 thest ; assuring your lordships, that more than hath been done, both 
 by the governour himself, and also all others here of the kings majes- 
 ty's party, for his highness's satisfaction, was impossible to be done at 
 this time. But the governour being so well minded as he is, if it may 
 please the king's majesty to embrace and accept that which now may 
 be obtained without force, I see great likelyhood and appearance, that 
 within a little time his majesty shall be able to work what he will in 
 this realm at his grace's pleasure, and may, in my poor opinion, by gen- 
 tle means, have all the nobility of the same induced to his own will 
 and devotion ; as I doubt not, but upon the arrival there of the earl of 
 Glencairn and the said sir George, his majesty and your lordships, con- 
 ferring with them upon the points and circumstances of all these af- 
 fairs, shall more amply perceive, and thereupon resolve upon such de- 
 terminations, as shall be most for his highness's honour, and the ad- 
 vancement of his most gracious and godly purpose. In the mean sea- 
 son, I see not what can be done here further in that behalf; the nobili- 
 ty of the realm being scattered and gone home, as is afore said, with 
 whom the matter should be debated and resolved. And also the go- 
 
188 EMBASSY TO SCOILANP IN 1543. 
 
 Aernour himself is gone to his own iiouse of Hamilton, and with hiiM 
 the earls of Angus, Cassils, and Marishal. The lord Somervail is gone 
 home to his own house; " and," as he told nic, " would also follow the 
 governour, if there were any cause." The lord Maxwell is either at 
 Carlile, or at Lochmaben ; so that I see not how it is possible for me 
 to confer with them upon the contents of your lordships said letters; 
 whereof also I see no great cause or necessity, considering in what 
 terms all things do stand. And ye shall now have good opportunity, 
 upon the arrival there of the said earl of Glencairn and sir George, to 
 confer and communicate with them at length upon ihe same. And 
 yesterday when your letters arrived, the said earl and sir George being 
 at dinner with me, who came to take their leave of me, we have never- 
 theless conferred upon the elfect of your said letters in all points, ac- 
 cording to the king's majesty's pleasure signified unto me in that be- 
 half; whereupon they intend to make the more haste to his majesty, 
 and be in good hope that his highness shall be satisfied. And albeit 
 at this assembly it could not be obtained, that the peace should be 
 granted in such sort as the king's majesty requireth, that is to say, to 
 be friend to friend, and enemy to enemy, yet I dare assure you, that 
 the governour would fain have had it so, and saith, " That if there be 
 such a league betwixt his majesty and the French king, if he might 
 have the copy of the same to be shewed here, he doubteth not but 
 thereby all the nobility of this realm would the rather be induced to 
 condescend to the making of a like league with the king's majesty." 
 And I think that the said sir George hath some further commission 
 from the governour to the king's majesty, as well in that part, as also 
 touching the marriage betwixt his majesty's daughter and the said go- 
 vernour's son, than the earl of Glencairn doth know of; for, as I per- 
 ceive, he is not privy to the whole circumstances of that matter of 
 marriage. 
 
 Touching the earl of Lennox, the governour (as he told me on Fri- 
 day last at his departure hence) is resolved to command him, in the 
 queen's name, to deliver the castle of Dumbarton, and also will ha\.£ 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTIA \n I x 1543. r^y 
 
 him subscribe, and set his seal to tlie act for the establishment of the 
 said governour, as second person of the icahn,- or else if he refuse so 
 to do, (as undoubtedly it is thought he will,) the said governour saith, 
 " He will prosecute him so, as he will either get him into his hands, or 
 chase him out of the realm ; anil if he lice to the sea, to pass again in- 
 to France, in that case the governour wisheth that some of the kings 
 ships might chance to meet with him."' And also he told me, " That 
 lie intended to send the laird of Brunstoun into France," for such pur- 
 pose as I did lately advertise unto my lord of Suftblk, who, I doubt 
 not, hath signified the same unto your lordships accordingly. 
 
 Finally, whereas I do perceive, that the king's pleasure is, I should 
 repair to St Andrews to speak with the cardinal; I intend to forbear 
 the same, till I shall hear again from your lordships of his majesty's 
 pleasure in that part, for certain considerations ; whereof one is, for 
 that the said cardinal, and the bishops here of this realm, have even 
 now called a convention and assembly of the clergy at St Andrews, 
 which will endure these seven or eight days, wherein no doubt they 
 will devise some mischief, and do all they can to impeach any good 
 agreement betwixt these two realms ; during which assembly I think 
 it not convenient for me to come there. Another is, for that the "o- 
 vernour is now as far out with the cardinal as ever he was, and would 
 fain have him in hands again, if he wist how: Wherefore seeing he 
 standeth in such terms with the governour, if I sliould repair to St 
 Andrews to speak with him, witiiout licence or consent of the said o-o- 
 vernour, (who is not here now to grant me the same,) I am in o-reat 
 doubt what suspicion he might have in that behalf; and besides, that 
 this country is not very free for English-men to travel in without some 
 conduct, specially now that there is hke to grow some garboil betwixt 
 the governour and the earl of Lennox. Which considerations move 
 me to forbear my going to St Andrews, as is aforesaid ; wherein I shall 
 nevertheless do, as it shall please the king's majesty upon knowled"-e 
 hereof to determine, whereof (if it so stand with his majesty's pleasure) 
 I Diay be advertised before the said convocation shall dissolve; during 
 
190 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1.543. 
 
 which time I think it not convenient tor me to repair unto the said 
 cardinal, as is aforesaid, though there were none other consideration to 
 impeach the same. Assoon as conveniently may be theretore, 1 pray 
 you let me be advertised of the kings majesty's pleasure in that behalf, 
 which I shall accomplish according to my most bounden duty. And 
 thus tlie Holy Trinity preserve your good lordshijjs in long life, health, 
 and honour. From Edinburgh, 6th May, &c. 
 
 Credence of' the Laird of Driimlamig* shezved unto John Thomson, De- 
 puty-customer and Servant to my Lord JVarden oj the JVest March- 
 es at Du7njries, sent to my said Lord JVarden, the 5th of May, as 
 folloxveth: H'rittcn at Carlile the 6th of May, asfoUoxveth: 
 
 At the entring of the communication with the said Drumlanrig, the 
 said John Thomson said to him, " That my lord warden not a little 
 marvelled that he advertised him of no news of long time, trusting he 
 had forgotten him." Whereunto the said laird answered, and said, 
 " That there was so much falshood and inconstancy amongst the lords, 
 that such agreement as they determined and made one day, they would 
 break the same the next day; so that by reason of their imagined 
 falshood and inconstancy, so oft determining and changing their pur- 
 pose, he would not take upon him to write any news to my lord war- 
 den, trusting that if he had written any news, and the same not proved 
 true, my lord warden would have taken the same to be made of his 
 own device. 
 
 Also the said laird said, "That at their late convention it was agreed 
 by the lords, that they would perform the marriage of their queen, and 
 all other covenants, which they made and promised to the king's ma- 
 
 * Sir James Douglas of Drumlanrig, who was about this time made warden of the west 
 marches ; a trust lor which this letter shows him to have been particularly unfit. In Hayne's 
 State Papers there is an order for paying him L. 100, for services done, and to be done, to 
 the Enghsli cause.— Vol. 1. p. 9. Drunilaurig died about 1578, at a very advanced age. 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1513. IQ} 
 
 jesty, and send to his highness for a safe-conduct to an ambassudor of 
 theirs, to make suit for peace, and for the accomplishing of all such 
 covenants as were made to the king's majesty. This determination 
 was made one day, and broken on the next. The occasion of break- 
 ing whereof was studied and devised by the dowager and cardinal, 
 who considered, that if the marriage of the queen and peace were ta- 
 ken with the kings majesty, it should not only put them out of credit 
 and estimation with the French king, but also take a great commodi- 
 ty and authority from them, as well in the realm of France as Scotland ; 
 And upon that consideration they laboured and perswaded the gover- 
 nour, the earls of Argyle and Huntley, and their adherents, to consent 
 to sue for no peace, nor perform no covenants to the king's majesty, 
 putting the governour in comfort that his son shall marry the queen ; 
 and likewise putting the earl of Argyle in comfort that his son shall 
 marry the queen. And upon those subtile perswasions, the governour, 
 dowager, cardinal, tlie earls of Huntley and Argyle, with their adhe- 
 rents, had determined to sue for no peace, nor keep any covenants to 
 the king's majesty, but utterly to follow the French king's device and 
 jHirpose in every behalf" 
 
 Also the said laird said, " That at the departing of the lords from 
 then- convention, they appointed no day certain to meet again, but 
 upon a new warning, which should be at the arrival of the French 
 king's army into their realm, which they looked for daily." 
 
 Also the said laird said, " That the cardinal and dowager have de- 
 vised, that the French king shall send Lorgy Montgomeiy, * and a 
 power with him, to remain and aid the realm ; and after his arrival 
 there, within a short time, the dowager and queen shall be convoyed 
 and sent to France, if in any wise the same may be done." 
 
 Also he said, " That, at the making of the earl of Angus lieutenant, 
 the governour, by consent of the lords, promised him the next vacation 
 
 * Montgomery Seigneur de L'Orge, renowned in the civil «-ars of France. Henry IL 
 was killed by a splinter of his lance, when encountering him at a tournament. 
 
192 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 of any benefice that should chance first to fall ; and, at the death of 
 the bishop of Aberdeen, the earl of Angus made suit to the govemour 
 for that benefice, according to his promise ; which the govemour de- 
 nied to him. Tiie earls of Argyle and Huntley made like suit to the 
 governour for the said benefice, whereof he made neither of them any 
 grant, but keepeth the same benefice in his own hand, not granted to 
 any as yet. The earl of Angus is out of trust with the go\ernour and 
 his adherents, and much suspected that he beareth favour to the king's 
 majesty's affairs, and sets forth the same as far as he may," as the said 
 laird saith. 
 
 The said laird further said, " That the assurance between the earl 
 of Argyle, and the earl of the Isles, went forth on May-day, * and that 
 the earl of Argyle hath laboured all his friends, to take part and go 
 with him to war on the earl of the Isles, among which he laboured the 
 sheriff of Ayr and Drumlanrig. The sheriff of Ayr hath promised to 
 take his part ; Drumlanrig said, " He was a Borderer, and could not 
 leave the Borders, so he might not go with him." 
 
 " The governour, dowager, cardinal, and their adherents, much en- 
 vy the earl of Cassils, and had determined to have taken and commit- 
 ted him to ward, if he had not wisely convoyed himself betimes out of 
 Edinburgh, at this late convention," as the laird saith. 
 
 The said laird farther said, " That he will be always a man to my 
 lord warden, and do for him any pleasure or service that lyeth in him 
 to do, and set forth the king's majesty's affairs as far as he may in every 
 behalf, when opportunity of time shall serve ; and his advertisements 
 he desires to be kept secret. 
 
 * That is, expired on May- day. It is difficult to guess whom Sadler calls earl of the Isles. 
 The earls of Ross, and lords of the Isles, were once almo.st independent princes; but their 
 power was broken, their family extinct, and their principality annexed to the crown, about 
 the bcinning of the sixteenth cenUiry. But the Macleans had in some degree succeeded 
 to their power, and certainly to their enmity against Argyle and his clan, tjadler used in- 
 accurately a well-known and distinguished name. 
 
 11 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IX 1543. JgS 
 
 COALMUNICATION had betxvLvt Robeut INIaxwell ami the mid 
 John Thomson, the place and day aforesaid. 
 
 The said Robert Maxwell, among all his talks, said, " tliey looked 
 daily for the coming of Lorgy iMontgomery, who bringeth with him 
 two thousand Frenchmen, and as much money as will wage five thou- 
 sand Scottishmen for five months, to remain and defend their realm 
 against^ the king's majesty's army, if the same should invade their 
 realm :" Drunilanrig told the same. 
 
 He says also, " that the French king sends a great army by water 
 to invade the king's majesty's realm ; which army will not come into 
 Scotland, but land in England, without any aid of Scotland." 
 
 He saith also, " tiiat he would do any thing that might relieve his 
 father, if he might know what the same were." To which words, the 
 said Thomson answered, and said, " that he supposed my lord of Len- 
 nox and my lord warden had written to him, ' that if he would deli- 
 ver to the king's majesty's hands such castles and houses of strength 
 as he had in his keeping, it would be a mean to relieve his father.' He 
 answered, that he had received such Miiting from my lord of Lennox 
 and my lord warden ; albeit such writing came to him, having the 
 said castles and strengths in his keeping, he would deliver the same to 
 none but to his father. And if his father were at liberty, he would de- 
 liver all the said castles and strengths to him ; and if he would deliver 
 the same to the king's majesty, or to his highness's oflficers, he would, 
 for his part, be well contented therewith." 
 
 Walter Bell,* servant to Robert I\Jaxwell, (who came out of Edin- 
 burgh on Saturday the 2d of IMay,) told the said John Thomson, that 
 
 * This may have been the Wattie Bell, chief servant to John Maxwell, son of the lord 
 Maxwell, who was slaui at a skirmish in Cumberland in 1547.-See lord Wharton's Letters 
 in Introduction to Nicholson's Histoiy of Cumberland, p.lvii. lis. 
 
 VOL. I. 
 
 2 B 
 
194 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 it was openly bruited in Edinburgh, that the earl of the Isles would 
 take plain part with the earl of Lennox against all Scottishmen his 
 enemies ; and that great preparation for war is made between him and 
 the earls of Argyle and Huntly. 
 
 The laird of Drumlanrig and other Scottishmen, shew the same John 
 Thomson, that the west part of Scotland, and especially Nithsdale and 
 Galloway, was the most poor countries, not able to victual themselves. 
 And as for Annandale, the said John Thomson, in his passing and re- 
 passing, saw the same to be in a great poverty, without corn for them- 
 selves. 
 
 To my Lords o/'Suffolk, Parr,* and Durham, f %th May, 1545. 
 
 IMy very good lords, my duty remembred unto your lordships. It 
 may like the same to understand, that this morning I received your 
 letters of the 5th of ]\Iay ; by the which I do perceive, as well the 
 earl Bothwell's refusal to meet at the places accustomed on the Bor- 
 ders, and his will in the appointing of the same, where no true man 
 will come to demand redress : % As also, what attemptates have lately 
 been done in England, both by the Armstrangs of Liddisdale, and 
 others also in the east marches ; whereof your lordships do require me 
 
 * William Parr, son and heir of sir Thomas Parr of Kendal, and brother to Catherine 
 Pan-, whom Henry VIII. raised to the perilous honours of the royal bed. He was created, 
 on this event, baron Parr of Kendal, and earl of Essex, having married the heiress of the 
 ancient family of Bourchier, which had long enjoyed the latter title. He was attainted in 
 the days of queen Mary, but restored to his own and additional honours and employments 
 by Elizabeth, and he died in 1571. 
 
 t Cuthbert Tunstall, bisliop of Durham. He had been bishop of London, and lord-privy 
 seal. He was deprived of his see by Edward VI. on account of his attachment to popery, 
 was restored by queen Mary, and a second time deprived by ijueen Elizabeth for the same 
 reason. He died at Lambeth in 1559. 
 
 X These incursions on the English border, and the refusal of redress, were employed by 
 the lords of the French faction, as the readiest means to produce such reprisals as might be 
 the means of breaking off the matrimonial treaty with England, Henry and his council 
 fell into the snare. 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 15i?, ]g5 
 
 to advertise tlie governour, wlio is now at his house at Hamilton, and, 
 as I lately wiote unto you, gave, before his departure hence, strait 
 charge and connnandment to the said earl, and all other wardens on 
 the Borders, to keep their days of truce and meeting at the j)laces ac- 
 customed; which, I think, tliey will observe ; at the least, I dare say 
 the governour would liave it so for his part. And if they will needs 
 be doing, without regard of conmiandment or justice, like as I have 
 before given you my poor advice in that part; so I doubt not but your 
 lordships will devise to pay them truly again with siklike. Yester- 
 night came hither the earl of Angus, and this morning lie told me, 
 " that the governour and he had been at Linlithgow, where they had 
 taken order for the sure keeping of the young queen's person, whom 
 the dowager would fain have removed to Stirling; but seeing she can- 
 not have the same granted unto her, she is content, against her will, 
 to abide at Linlithgow. And now," he saith, " the governour and he, 
 having thus taken order for the sure keeping of the young queen's 
 person, will prepare to go upon the earl of Lennox, in case he shall re- 
 fuse to deliver the castle of Dumbarton, and to seal and subscribe to 
 the act made for the establishment of the governour as second person 
 of the realm ; for the which purpose," he saith, " he came now hither 
 to assemble his friends, intending to be on Wednesday's night at Ha- 
 milton with the governour, and a good band of men with him : So 
 that if the earl of Lennox do not yield to their desires," he saith, " I 
 shall hear that he shall be sore put at and pursued." And I put him 
 in remembrance of the king's majesty's pleasure, that in any wise, if 
 they get the castle, they should commit the same to sure hands for the 
 earl of Glencairn, or at least to take himself the charge of it in the 
 same earl's absence, wherein he hath promised me to do the best he 
 ran. And then I told him, how the earl of Bothwell useth himself on 
 the Borders ; and also of the said attemptates done, as is contained in 
 your said letters, the whole contents whereof I made him privy to. 
 And he hath promised me to declare the same to the governour, say- 
 ing, « there shall be no good rule in Liddisdale till the said earl Both- 
 
Ig6 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 well be shut up in a castle, and some honest man appointed to his 
 charge, that will better look to the same."* 
 
 I have likewise told the said earl of Angus the cause of the stay of 
 his cart-horses, and adx ised him in that behalf, as your lordships re- 
 quired nic ; wherein he prayed me to advertise you, " that he hath a 
 licence of the king's majesty in that behalf under his broad seal, as his 
 brother sir George shall declare unto your lordships at his arrival with 
 you. And besides that,"" he saith, " he is the king's majesty's subject 
 and his servant, and will be during his life, or else he would not have 
 been so bold as to have sent for horses to England." In which part 
 your grace may use your discretion, considering my lord of Angus is not 
 every man. ^Vnd finally, he prayed me, " to write to your grace, that 
 it might please the same to send so much money to Berwick to Mr 
 Shelley, to be paid by mine appointment, as should be sufficient to 
 pay his M'ages and his brother's ; for that, he thinketh, it would be 
 noted, if he should send his servant so far within England as to Darling- 
 ton for money, whereof might grow some bruit and suspicion, which 
 he would be glad to avoid." And also, he desireth, " that it might 
 please the king's majesty to double his wages for a little time, till 
 these things here were in better frame ; because he must needs be now 
 at charge to maintain a force against the earl of Lennox, which he 
 trusteth his service shall deserve, or else he will render the same, with 
 all that he hath, unto the king's majesty." Wherein it may please your 
 grace, to advertise me, by } our next letters, what you think expedient 
 to be answered. It is but lOUl. more, which you have authority to 
 help by your grace's discretion. And thus the Holy Trinity preserve 
 your good lordships in health and honour, cvc. 
 
 * From these expressions, it was evident, that Bothwell, in his cnpaclty of keeper of 
 Liddisdale, had connived at, or perhaps encouraged, the incursions of tlie Armstrongs and 
 other Borderers inhabiting that disorderly district, in order to embroil the negociatiou bo- 
 tween Easland aud Scotland. 
 
EJIBASSr TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 197 
 
 To 7)11/ Lord of SvFTotK, \5th May, 1543.. 
 
 Please it your grace to understand, that I have received your letters 
 of the 1 Itli oflNIay ; by tlie wliich, I do perceive that your grace hath 
 licensed the earl of Angus's cart-horses and their keeper to repair hither 
 into Scotland ; and also, that ye have directed a warrand to Mr Win- 
 dale for lOOl. to be paid to the said earl, over and above his month's 
 wages, which shall be due on this day come seven-niglit; whereof I 
 shall advertise him, not doubting but he \rill send for the same, with 
 also liis wages, to I)p fine nt the said day. He departed hence to Ha- 
 milton upon Wednesday last to tlie govf-rnour, who is now at Paisley, 
 not far from Dumbarton ; and (as I lately wrote unto you) sent a he- 
 rauld to the earl of Lennox, with charge to deliver the castle of Dum- 
 barton within forty-eight hours, upon pain of treason. In which part 
 (as I am credibly informed) the said earl of Lennox pretendeth and 
 sheweth himself willing, that the said castle should be delivered, and 
 that he will not meddle with the withholding of the same : But he 
 that is captain of the said castle, named 
 
 doth clearly refuse the deliverance thereof, alledging, that he hath a 
 tack and assedation, as they call it; that is, a lease or grant of the 
 keeping of the said castle for seven years to come; "which," he saith, 
 " was given him by the late king here that dead is." But this is 
 thought to be a practice devised between the earl of Lennox and the 
 said captain, who taketh upon him the keeping of the said castle by 
 such title as is aforesaid, refusing to deliver the same out of his hands, 
 and thereof would make innocent the said earl of Lennox ; notwith- 
 standing that the same earl is within the castle ; and, for the better 
 colouring of the matter, (as is supposed,) layeth the whole burden of 
 the default to the said captain, by practice and agreement betwixt 
 them. A\'herefore, the governour intendeth (as I am also informed) 
 to prosecute the said earl of Lennox, by the order of the law first, to 
 
198 EJIEASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 summon and appeach him ot treason for the said refusal, and after to 
 put him to tlie honi, as they call it here, that is to say, to proclaim 
 him a traitour, and so to enter upon his lands ; and if he can appre- 
 hend liim, to proceed to his execution, or drive him out of the realm. 
 This I understand the governour Avill do, as soon as is possible by good 
 advisement ; but what will be the end thereof I cannot tell. As 
 soon as I shall hear any certainty of the same, I will advertise your 
 grace accordingly. 
 
 Furthermore, you shall understand, that the said governour hath 
 now addressed a special charge and commandment to be declared to 
 the earl Bothwell, touching his office in Liddisdale, commanding him 
 to make redress for the same ; and to meet for that purpose at such 
 day and place as shall be appointed betwixt the two wardens of the 
 middle marches of England and Scotland ; the copy of which charge 
 and conmiandment the governour sent hither unto me yesterday, 
 which your grace shall receive herein inclosed ; and (as I understand 
 by credible means) the said governour remaineth ever the longer the 
 better minded towards the king's majesty. 
 
 rinally, your grace shall recei\'e herewith a letter from the earl of 
 Cassils to my lord of Glencairn and sir George Douglas ; with also 
 my letters to my friends at London, which it may please your grace, 
 at your next dispatch to the court, to send in your packet. And this, 
 &c. 
 
 To the Earls o/" Angus and Cassils, \5th May, 1543. 
 
 My Lokes, 
 After my very hearty commendations yesterday, I received your let- 
 ters, with also a letter to me from my lord governour, and tlie copy of 
 tlic charge directed to the earl Bothwell, to make due redress for 
 Liddisdale ; for your good remembrance whereof, and for the rest of 
 your advertisements contained in your said letters, 1 do most heartily 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 1^9 
 
 thank your lordsliips. And this day I have received certain letters 
 from my lord of Glencairn and sir George Douglas, with others which 
 I have sent your lordships inclosed in this packet; praying you to 
 cause them be delivered, according to the directions and indorsements 
 of the same. As for occurrences out of England, I have had none since 
 your departure hence of any importance ; but as soon as I shall have 
 any worthy the writing, I shall not fail to make you participant of them 
 as the case shall require. Praying your good lordships, at your next op- 
 portunity, [to let me know, as well how all things proceed against the 
 earl of Lennox, with such other occurrences as in the mean season shall 
 occur amongst you ; as also what hath been done at the late conven- 
 tion of the clergy at St Andrews, to the intent I may advertise his 
 majesty of the truth of the same. And thus Almighty God have youF 
 good lordships in his holy tuition, &c. 
 
 To the Lords of his Majesty's Privy Council, HOfh May, 1543. 
 
 It may like your good lordships to understand, that upon the receipt 
 of your letters, bearing date on Whitsunday at night, which I recei- 
 ved on the Thursday after, I repaired forthwith unto the governour, 
 whom I found in the -west parts of this realm at Glasgow, being forty 
 miles from Edinburgh, and declared unto him fully the king's majes- 
 ty's advice and counsel, touching the legate that is to repair hither, 
 called Mark German, the cardinal here, and the earl of Lennox, with 
 their adherents, how and in what wise the king's majesty would have 
 him to proceed against them, in such sort as is expressed in your lord- 
 ships said letters : which the said governour took in marvellous good 
 part, "accounting himself most bound unto the king's majesty, that it 
 pleased the same so much to tender him, as in such wise both to ad- 
 monish him of dangers like to ensue towards him ; and also to advise 
 and counsel him how he might best avoid and eschew the same; 
 whose counsel and advice," he said, " he would follow afore all the 
 
goo EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 princes of the world. And to the matter," he said, " if the French 
 king would do them no more harm, than procure the sending of a le- 
 gate to curse them, he cared little for tlie same ; for he would so pro- 
 vide for the legate, as if he arrived here to make any garboil in this 
 realm, with his fuhninations of cursing, or to advance and set forth 
 such things as might stir any division or inquietation here, he should 
 surely never go home again ; but glad he would be, according to his 
 majesty's advice, to work so as the said legate's journey hither should 
 be impeached and broken. And only," he said, " he suspended all his 
 proceedings here in the nflTnirs of ibis ipalm, upon knowledge whether 
 he should have peace or war with the king s majesty ; for if all things 
 were established, and the peace concluded betwixt these two realms, 
 which he most heartily wished and desired, he would not doubt with 
 the kings majesty's good advice and counsel, to order and govern this 
 realm in such sort, as the same should be reduced very shortly to as 
 good obedience as ever it was ; and he would reform the abuses of the 
 church, and advance God's word and doctrine, maugre the legate, the 
 cardinal, the bishops and priests of this realm, with all their partakers, 
 which he doubted not to subdue and rule at his will, if he were once 
 at a good point with his majesty." I told him, I was in good hope 
 that the conclusion of the peace would not be long a doing ; " which 
 he again most heartily wished for ; and prayed me, that I would play 
 the part of a good minister to help the furtherance and perfection of 
 the same ; for the doing whereof," he said, " he would account himself 
 most bound unto me while he lived, and would be always ready to do 
 me all the pleasure he could ; repeating unto me, how greatly he de- 
 sired to satisfy and please the king's majesty ; and that for his life he 
 could do no more nor he had done to the accomplishment of his ma- 
 jesty's demands. And if the peace were once concluded, lie would 
 forthwith set upon the cardinal within his castle of St Andrews, whom 
 he doubted not shortly to have into his hands; for he was the man," 
 he said, " whom (God forgive him !) he did only hate in all the world, 
 not without just cause. For the cardinal," he said, " did speak as fair 
 
 2 
 
EMBAJSSy TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 201 
 
 wonls, and write as humble letters to liim, with desire of his remission 
 and favour, as was possible for any man to do ; and yet privily he 
 wrought all that he could, to set division and distance betwixt me and 
 the noblemen of the realm ; wherefore, if the peace were concluded, I 
 would soon be revenged thereof; but, till Iw knew how all things 
 should succeed betwixt these two realms, he would be loth to stir any 
 garboil within the realm." 
 
 And touching the earl of Lennox, he told me, " That since his 
 coming into those west parts, he had sent an herauld to him, and com- 
 manded him, in the queens name, to deliver the castle of Dunibar!;on, 
 which the said earl shewed himself willing (as much as in him was) to 
 accomplish ; but the captain, named Stirling, who claimed an inteiest 
 in the keeping of the said castle for seven years yet to come, by force 
 of a grant he had thereof of the late king, utterly refuseth the delivery 
 of the same, and keepeth it perforce; which," the governour saith, " is 
 only done by the earl of Lennox's drift and procurement; who, not- 
 withstanding that he maketh semblance of the contrary, hath put 
 100 men into the castle, and keepeth himself abroad in the town of 
 Dumbarton, where he gathereth his friends about him to the number 
 of 1200 men." Whereupon the governour determining to break the 
 assembly, took purpose to repair to Dumbarton, being with him the 
 earls of Angus and Cassils, the lord Somervail, and the sheriff of Ayr, 
 with diverse gentlemen, and a goofl band of men, to the number of 
 4000 : Which, when the said earl of Lennox heard of, he wrote by and 
 by a very kind letter to the earl of Angus, desiring to speak with him 
 upon trust, offering to be ruled by him in all things which the gover- 
 nour would desire of him. Whereupon it was ordained, that both the 
 said earls should speak together upon trust, according to the same earl 
 of Lennox's request; as indeed upon Wednesday last they spake toge- 
 ther ; at which time the said earl of Lennox promised the earl of An- 
 gus, " That he would the next day come and submit himself to the 
 governour, and not only render the castle of Dumbarton, but also 
 confess him to be goveraour and second person of the realm, and sub- 
 
 VOL. I. 2 c 
 
C02 EMBASSY TO SCOTLA>rD IN 1543. 
 
 scribe to tlie same, as otlier noblemen had done ;" which was thought 
 assuredly he Mould have done. Nevertheless he accomplished no part 
 of the same ; but the next day, atbre the governour should come to 
 Dumbarton, the said earl of Lennox, with a few with him, fled into the 
 Highland, and hid himself in the rocks and mountains, where it is 
 not possible hastily to come by him, or apprehend him ; and all his 
 company skaled * and broke: And all the gentlemen being of that 
 company offered themselves to the governour at his coming to Dum- 
 barton, to do him service, supposing that the earl of Lennox had been 
 a true gentleman, and would have done the same. " The governour," 
 sailh he, " took their offer in good part, alledging that he would 
 charge them as the case should recjuire in that behalf" The captain 
 of the said castle of Dumbarton very proudly set out banners and flags 
 vipon the tower of the said castle, immediately upon the governour's 
 entry into the town, and prepared for defence, if the same should have 
 been assaulted, and would in no wise render nor deliver it: " Which," 
 the governour telleth me, " is so strongly situate upon a great high 
 rock or craig of stone, that it is impregnable otherwise than by fa- 
 mine; whereupon he caused proclamations to be made in the queen's 
 name in the town of Dumbarton, and all the country thereabout, that, 
 upon pain of death, they should net aid nor support the said captain with 
 victual, nor otherw ise : And so finding the country obedient, none re- 
 belling but the said castle, which he saw impregnable by any assault, 
 he returned hither to (ilasgow, intending within these five or six days 
 to repair towards Edinburgh, and to take deliberate advice how to pro- 
 ceed against the said earl of Lennox, who,"' he saith, " is only set out 
 and procured by the cardinal to do as he doth." For the governour 
 saith, " he is credibly informed, that after the said earl of Lennox had, 
 upon Wednesday last, made the said promise to the earl of Angus, the 
 same night came one to the said earl of Lennox, with a letter and 
 message from the cardinal, which clearly changed his purpose, and 
 
 * Dispersed. 
 
KMBASST TO SCOTLAND IX 1543. 203 
 
 caused him the next morning to withdraw himself privily out of the 
 town of Dumbarton, and so tlee into the Highland among the hills 
 and mountains, where he hideth himself, so that no man knoweth 
 where he is become."' 
 
 Thus far the governour told me he had already proceeded against 
 the earl of Lennox, " M-ho, he assured nic, durst not abide him, nor 
 was he able to make any party in Scotland against him." And told 
 me further, " That if tlie peace were concluded, he would not fail to 
 pursue both the cardinal antl the said earl of Lennox, and doubted not 
 right soon to have them into his hands : But of force he must suspend 
 and stay his proceedings in tliat behalf, till he see how all things shall 
 stand between these two realms ; till which time he may not conve- 
 niently make any great stir within this realm." I advised him so to 
 suspend his proceedings in that part, as his enemies took no courage 
 by his stay, nor might have time and opportunit}' to practise their mis- 
 chievous intent against him for his destruction, which they so much 
 desired. But he made nothing thereof, saying, " that they neither 
 could nor would enterprize to make any party towards him ; and he 
 had such watches, as they could make no gathering nor assembly but 
 he should soon have warning thereof, and within twenty-four hours 
 he might be able to make a party to repress their malice : And, for the 
 earl of Lennox, he had so wrought, that if he should happen to repair 
 out of the Highlands to his own country of Lennox, or shew himself 
 abroad, he should escape very hardly, but he M'ould be taken. And, 
 having the peace once concluded," which string he always harped on, 
 " he would soon bring this realm to perfect obedience ; wherein, and in 
 all his proceedings, he Avould use wholly the king's majesty's advice 
 and council ; giving again his most humble thanks unto his majesty 
 for such advice as his highness gave now unto him. And touching 
 the castle of Stirling, albeit he desired muth to have the same into his 
 hands, and would (according to the king's majesty's advice) do what 
 he could to get it from the lord Areskine,* which he thought would be 
 
 * John, twelfth lord Erskine, was, by a grant dated 15th May, 1325, made heritable 
 captain and constable of the castle of Stirling. He had the custody of queen Mary's per- 
 son from the year 154-2 till 15i8, when she was sent to France. 
 
20J) EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 soinewh.at difficile, because it is tlic queen's jointure; yet nevertheless," 
 lie said, " though he had it not, he could be master of the bridge at 
 his pleasure: Tor lie, and the carls of Angus, Glencairn, and C'assils, 
 had as many and inoc friends on the other side of the water than any 
 of their adversaries had, so that they could be masters of the bridge 
 on both the sides of the water at their own will; and in the caslle 
 there was no ordinance nor artillery to keep the bridge with ; neverthe- 
 less he would practise to get it into his hands, which," he saith, " he 
 hath had in purpose afore this, and trusteth to obtain the same, with 
 the good contentation both of the cjueen and the lord Areskine. ' 
 
 Also, touching the last convocation at St Andrews by the clergy, 
 he saith, " The same was not without his licence and authority, but 
 by him granted, to the intent they should agree and determine upon 
 such a mass and sum of money as they would give for the sustentation 
 of the war, if the same should t-nsue." And he saith, " There have as- 
 sembled together at St Andrews a great many of the bishops, but 
 not all : VV herefore, because many were absent, they dissolved their 
 convention the sooner, and prorogate the same to the 1st of June; at 
 •which time, tlie whole clergy intend to meet for the said purpose. 
 And, in the mean season, they have resolved, though the mass and 
 sum be not yet determined, that they will, for the maintenance of the 
 war, give all the money they have, and also their own plate, and their 
 churches plate, — as chalices, crosses, censers, and all, leaving nothing 
 unspent in that quarrel, and fight themselves, if need reijuire." But 
 tlie governour saith, " If the peace succeed, he will stop their next 
 convention and meeting, which shall be the said 1st of June." 
 
 Furthermore, as to the ship, which the earl of Lennox came in 
 hither, she is now within these six days departed towards France; and 
 one Stewart, a Scottish man, in her, wdiom the said earl of Lennox hath 
 dispatched to the French king, with such answer as he hath received 
 here, and to declare by all likelyhood the estate of this realm. It 
 were happy if some of the king's majesty's ships might meet with her, 
 for thereby percase might surely be known what practices the said 
 
tMBASSr TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 205 
 
 earl of Lennox liath here to do for France; wliich nevertheless may be 
 easily conjectured The governour saith, " That he piuposed to have 
 taken and stayed the said ship whilst she was here ; but it was not 
 possible to come by her, for she kept always aloof in the seas, and 
 came not near the land; so tiiat, being well furnished with ordinance 
 and artillery, it was not possible to approach her. And very sudden- 
 ly," he said, " the said Stewart departed with her, and is yet scantly 
 oft from the coast of this realm ; for since his departure, the wind has 
 not served him ; but as the wind shall serve, he will not fail to make 
 all the sail he can into France."' In the end of my communication 
 with the governour, I told bini of myself, according to your lordships 
 said letters, that I trusted, when this peace shall be concluded, (which 
 I was in good hope would not be long a-doing) he would make forth 
 some ships for the keeping of the seas ; so that the legate, if he pass 
 not in the mean season, should not escape them, though the French 
 king do what he can to the contrary. Whereunto he answered me, 
 " That he M-ould not fail for that purpose to send as many ships as 
 he could furnish out of all Scotland, with all his heart, to join with 
 the king's sliips as soon as he could by any means possible, after tlie 
 peace once agreed upon." 
 
 Finally, I have participated the whole effect of your lordships said, 
 letters, according to the continue of the same, to the earls of Angus 
 and Cassils. and to the lord Somervail. As to the lord Maxwell, he is 
 not here, but remaineth, as 1 understand, upon the Borders. And with 
 them I have communicate upon the premisses at length, which in ef- 
 fect agree with the saying of the governour. They seem to fear no 
 peril or danger, neither of the coming of the legate, nor of any party 
 that can be made here by their adversaries; but say, " that if the 
 peace succeed," whereupon only the governour suspendeth all matters, 
 "they will soon repress the malice of all their enemies." And the 
 earl of Angus, whose power the earl of Lennox only feareth and flieth 
 from, is of a jolly courage to M-in the castle of Dumbarton by assault; 
 " which," he saith, " if he had had, at this time of their being there, 
 
'20G EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 154 J, 
 
 any ordinance and artillery, be would surely have assayed; and doubt- 
 clb not, but tlmt when the governour is resolved, by the deliberation 
 and advice of the council, how to proceed farther against the earl of 
 Lennox, if the castle be not rendred, he shall surely win it:' Which 
 nevertheless is thought by most men to be impossible, the situation of 
 the place is so strongly formed by nature. The said earls of Angus 
 and Cassils, and lord Somervail, do assure me, " the governour re- 
 maineth most assured unto the king's majesty, and desireth notliing 
 more than the perfection of this peace, and the favour of his majesty." 
 Which I assure your lordships, I do well perceive to be true: And now 
 at my coming hither unto him, he made me such chear and entertain- 
 ment, as I might well perceive that I was heartily welcome unto him. 
 And this day he hath appointed certain gentlemen to accompany me 
 to Stirling, being twenty-four miles hence, not much out of my way to 
 Edinburgh, to the intent I shoukl see the castle of Stirling, and the 
 country in the west parts. And he himself departetli this day also to- 
 wards his own house of Hamilton, where he remaineth three or four 
 days, and then will draw towards Edinburgh, against such time as he 
 thinketh to hear from the earl of Glencairn and sir George Douglas, 
 In the mean season, I have thought good to signify all those things to 
 your good lordships, whereof it may please the same to advertise the 
 king's majesty accordingly. And thus, &c. 
 
 POSTSCRIPT. 
 
 The governour told me, that the cardinal had sent liim a message 
 by the laird of Brunstoun, which was in this effect : " That forasmuch 
 as the said cardinal thought, that the king's majesty (whom he never 
 offended) was so much displeased with him, that percase his demeure 
 and abiding in this realm might be some lett and impediment to such 
 good purposes, as might be set forth to the unity of these two realms ; 
 and again, because he perceived the governour favoured him not, nor 
 would use his service, which most willingly and obediently he offered lo 
 do at all times to the said governour : He therefore humbly desired and 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1.543. £07 
 
 prayed tlic same, that lie would license him to go into Fiance, where 
 he might remain quietly, and would be ready to serve the governour, 
 as well there as in all places, at his commandment; and also would re- 
 turn to serve him here, whensoever it should please him to call upon him 
 for that purpose; Desiring also, that it might please the governour to 
 be so good a lord unto him, as to let him have into France his yearly 
 profits of his bishoprick, and other his revenues witliin this realm, from 
 time to time, as the same shall be due unto him." Wherein the said 
 governour told me, " he would use only mine advice, praying me to 
 tell him my mind in that behalf " I told him, that I thought I should 
 give him evil council, in case I should advise him to license the cardi- 
 nal to go into France, where he might freely work all the mischief he 
 could devise against this realm. And hereupon I made him an ex- 
 ample of our carflinal Pool, the marquis of Exeter, and the lord Mont- 
 acute, with the cirnimstanres of that matter; and therefore advised 
 him rather so to proceed against the said cardinal, as he might be sure 
 to keep him from such liberty, as whereby he might the rather have 
 any opportunity to work him such displeasure, as I knew he intended 
 toM^ards him. Whereupon he is resolved that the cardinal shall not 
 depart, but saith, " He will proceed against him, and all the rest, in 
 such sort as the king's majesty shall give him counsel: And if the 
 peace were agreed on to-day, he would not fail to-morrow to go upon 
 the cardinal, and pull him out of his castle of St Andrews by the 
 head; which castle," he saith, " is of no strength." 
 
 To my Lord of ?)v^TOhK, Q3d May, 1543.* 
 
 Please it your grace to understand, that I have received your letters 
 of the 20th of May, with the kings majesty's letters to the earl of Cas- 
 
 * This letter seems to refer to the English made prisoners at the battle of Hatldeiirig, Iq 
 1542. According to the usage between tiie couiitiies, tiiey ought to have paid their ran- 
 som, or surrendered up their persons to their captors, according to their respective bonds. 
 
HOS EMBASSY TO SCOTI.AXD IN 1543. 
 
 sils, and sucli others as were addressed to me with the same : Percei- 
 ving right well, by your grace's said letters, and sir William Evers, 
 M-itli the copy of a Scottish letter contained in the same, how certain 
 of the takers of tlie English prisoners do demand the forfeiture of the 
 bonds made for their entry at Mliitsunday. In which matter I have 
 already done this much now at my late being with the governour in 
 the west parts of tliis realm, from whence I came yesternight to this 
 town, having the letter with me which was sent by the taker of Iho- 
 mas Eglinsby, called Alexander IMacdoual, to the captain of Berwick; 
 being a like letter in effect to the same sent by the taker of Richard 
 Bowes : which Macdoual's letter the said captain had before sent un- 
 to me. I have moved the governour in that behalf, who has ta- 
 ken upon liim to stand between all the English prisoners and their 
 harms for that matter, notwithstanding any suit or rlemand made by 
 any of their takers for the forfeiture of their bonds. And, as 1 do per- 
 ceive, by the abbot of Paisle}', the cause why the said IMacdoual and 
 John Dickson, taker of Richard Bowes, had no commandment from 
 the governour not to call upon the entry of tlieir persons till midsum- 
 mer, nor to ask or pursue any forfeiture of the bond for non-entry at 
 Whitsunday, w-as, for that the said abbot of Paisley, and the rest of 
 the council about the governour, had not present knowledge of all the 
 names of the takers of the said English prisoners ; for they addressed 
 conmiandments to all such of the takers as they could remember in 
 that behalf As now, upon my relation, there is a like commandment 
 addressed unto the said Alexander IMacdoual, and, as soon as 1 can, I 
 shall procure the semblable to the said Dickson, the taker of Richard 
 Bowes, which cannot well be done till the governour (who is now at 
 his own house at Hamilton) do come hither. Once the governour 
 hath assured me, " that none of the English prisoners, nor their sure- 
 ties, shall incur any danger of forfeiture for non-tntry at Whitsunday; 
 
 The governor, in this instance, seems to have suspended the forfeiture of these engage- 
 ments till niidsuniuKr. Henry complained, in iiis nianil'esto, that the Scots refused to ran- 
 som these prisoners. The subject is resumed in a subsequent letter. 
 
EMBAS8V TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 209 
 
 and that his promise of the prorogation of the day of entry till mid- 
 summer shall be sufficient for their discharge in that behalf. And this<, 
 &c. 
 
 To the Governour, Q.Sth 3Iay, 1543. 
 
 Please it your grace to understand, that this morning, among others, 
 I received two letters to your grace from your ambassadors in Eng- 
 land, which I thought meet to dispatch immediately to your grace. 
 And forasmuch as it seemeth unto me by such advertisements as I 
 have at this time, that the same letters now addressed to your grace 
 be specially dispatched for the prorogation of the truce to the first of 
 July, and to signify the repair hither of sir George Douglas with dili- 
 gence ; * if it may please your grace to advertise me what day you 
 will cause the said prorogation to be proclaimed, I shall signify the 
 same to the duke's grace of Suffolk, the king's majesty my sovereign 
 lord's lieutenant on the borders, to the intent he may make like pro- 
 clamations on our part accordingly. And thus, &c. 
 
 To my Lords o/'Suffolk and Durham, id June, 1543. 
 
 It may like your good lordships to understand, that albeit I have no 
 great matters whereof to write unto your lordships, yet because ye re- 
 quired me in your last letters to advertise you as soon as I could, what 
 towarduess or untowardness I should perceive in those matters now 
 last brought hither by sir George Douglas ; I have, therefore, thought 
 
 * Sir George Douglas, as we have seen, had gone to London with the earl of Glencairn; 
 but came back again to Scotland, in order to remove some obstacles which had occurred in 
 settling the treaty. The chief point of discussion seems to be the age at which the young 
 queen was to be sent to England j Henry's council insisted it should not be later than ten 
 years. 
 
 VOL. I. 2d 
 
210 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 good to signify unto you, that since the arrival here of the said sir 
 George, I have been sundry times with the governour; as I have taken 
 occasion to go to him, both for the speedy sending forth of the pro>- 
 clamations to prorogate the abstinence till the 1st of July, and also 
 to present and commend unto him sir Robert Richardson, priest, whom, 
 for the king's majesty's sake, he hath well accepted, anil hath heard 
 him preach ; and also liath promised him living and enlcrtainnient for 
 the kings sake, whereof it may please jou to advertise his majesty. 
 And being for those causes with the said governour, I have taken oc- 
 casion to feel his inclination towards the end and C(mclusion of those 
 articles last devised and brought hither by the said sir George; wliere- 
 in I find him most willing and conformable to pass the same without 
 difficulty. As for his part, he saith, " he seeth nothing therein to 
 be sticked at ; nevertheless, it hath been thought best to him, and 
 such of the council as be about him, to call the lords of the realm un- 
 to it, such as will come, because they shall not say hereafter that he 
 concluded the same privily by himself, without calling them to coun- 
 cil in that behalf; and therefore he sent forth letters, immediately up- 
 on the arrival liere of the said sir George, to sundry lords and noble- 
 men of the realm, to be here to-morrow for that purpose, thinking 
 that Biany of them will come ; and he supposeth that none of them 
 will stick at any of the said articles, unless it be at the delivery of the 
 daughter of Scotland at ten years old, which, nevertheless, he trusteth 
 easily to bring them unto : And in case the said lords and noblemen 
 come not to-morrow, or the next day, seeing," as he saith, " he hath 
 given them warning, so that they shall not be able to say hereafter 
 that they were not called to it ; he will then, with the advice of such 
 noblemen and others of the council as be here, proceed to the conclu- 
 sion of these matters, and dispatch away the said sir CJeoige with the 
 same to tlic king's highness accordingly." This is as much as I can 
 yet learn of his towardness in those matters; wherein I have also talk- 
 ed with the earls of Angus and Cassils, and with the lord SomervaiL 
 and sir George Douglas, which also seem to make no great ditiiculty 
 
 7 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 211 
 
 at the conclusion of those things in such sort as the articles do pro- 
 port. And ihey thought it best also, that the lords should be sent 
 for, because the greater the number is of the nobility that shall be 
 present at the same conclusion, the more honourable and the greater 
 shall be the authority of the same. 
 
 The governour told me also, " that where the clergy prorogated 
 their last convention to the 4th of June, and were determined to have 
 kej)t their day, he hath now broken and put oft" the same, so that they 
 shall not conveen according to their appointment." And also he said 
 to me, " that if he were once sure of the peace, he would prosecute 
 the cardinal forthwith." Whereunto I answered him, that he might 
 now perceive how to be sure of the peace, which was in his own 
 hands, performing such things as were now required by the king's ma- 
 jesty ; which I doubted not the said sir George had declared unto him 
 at length : And upon their conclusion and agreement of the same, he 
 might direct his proceedings against the cardinal, and such as were 
 not his friends, accordingly. " Which," he said, " he would advise 
 upon, and do further, as by the noblemen and others of the council here 
 should be thought most expedient ; and, for his own part, he was ful- 
 ly agreed to all those things contained in those last articles ; trusting, 
 that all the lords, which he now looketh for to assemble here to-mor- 
 row, will likewise agree to the same." These things I have thought 
 meet to signify unto your lordships, which it may please you in the 
 mean season to advertise unto the court. And also, with your next 
 dispatch thither, it may please you to send such my letters inclo- 
 sed in this packet, as I now write to Mr Wriothesley, and other my 
 friends, containing nothing else but mine own private affairs. And 
 tliis, &c. 
 
212 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 To the King's Majesty, 7th June, 1543. 
 
 Please it your royal majesty to understand, that since the arrival 
 here of sir George Douglas, upon the declaration here of his charge to 
 the governour, letters were addressed forth unto all the noblemen of 
 this realm to assemble here for their advice and consultation upon 
 these matters and articles now last devised and brought hither by the 
 said sir George. And on Tuesday last arrived sundry of the lords 
 that were sent for, viz. the earls of Montrose and Caithness, the lords 
 Areskine, Fleming, Seton, Oliphant, and divers other lords and barons, 
 besides those which were here with the governour before, as the earls 
 of Angus and Cassils, the lord Somervail, and divers others of the 
 meaner sort, which be of the council, to a great number. All which 
 being assembled here together, did yesterday all day sit very busily 
 upon the said matters, and great sticking was among them at the de- 
 livery of the daughter of Scotland at ten years old, unless that pledges 
 should be laid and delivered by your majesty into Scotland, before her 
 deliverance out of the realm, that she should be married to my lord 
 prince's grace at her age of twelve years at the farthest. Nevertheless, 
 with much difficulty, it is now agreed, 
 
 First, That she shall be delivered to your majesty, or to my said 
 lord prince's grace, at her said age of ten years ; providing that the 
 marriage between my lord prince's grace and her shall be, afore her 
 going out of this realm, contracted by procurators /)tr verba de futuro; 
 and six earls or barons, or their heirs, such as your grace shall have 
 reasonable cause to be content withall, shall be laid into your majesty 
 as pledges and hostages for her delivery at the years above specified. 
 And touching the custody of her person, in the mean time of her de- 
 meure in Scotland, it is agreed upon in such sort as is contained in the 
 said articles. 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 213 
 
 Secondly, Touching the peace, it is agreed upon in all things accord- 
 ing to the said articles, saving that there is a little alteration touching 
 their accustomed traffic or intercourse of merchandize with the suhjects 
 ofsuch comprehensed, as in case expressed in the said articles, shall lose 
 the benefit of his comprehension ; without the which intercourse and 
 traffic, they say, their merchands here cannot live. They are content 
 and agreed, that the peace shall be passed according to the articles of 
 the last peace, and the exception of France to be pretermitted and left 
 out ; Mith provision also, that whomsoever your majesty, or the party 
 of Scotland, shall comprehend generally, it shall be added, that if the 
 same comprehensed, detain, or withhold any land, possession, or pen- 
 sion, from your majesty, or the party of Scotland, the same com[)re- 
 hensed shall not enjoy the benefit of that comprehension, nor shall be 
 aided, assisted, or favoured in any thing prejudicial to either party : 
 Reserving also liberty, by special covenant, to aid and assist each otlier 
 for the wages of the requirent against those persons so comprehen- 
 sed. And so be these articles qualified touching the marriage and the 
 peace. 
 
 Thirdly, They have added a new article, that if it shall please God 
 to call my lord prince's grace to his mercy, without issue had of the 
 said daughter, that tlren she shall return again into this realm unmar- 
 ried, at her liberty, if she list or desire so to do. All the rest of the said 
 articles be here agreed upon, in such sort as your majesty recjuiretb, 
 with little or no alteration in effect, as far as I can perceive. But they 
 desire much, that this treaty of the marriage and peace being passed 
 and agreed upon by your majesty, the prisoners may be made free by 
 ransom or otherwise, at your majesty's pleasure, afore they lay in their 
 hostages for the delivery of the said daughter at the time afore speci- 
 fied ; for they would lay some of the said prisoners as hostages and 
 pledges for that ])urpose, now at the first time, because, as I under- 
 stauti, they know not, without great difficulty, how to supply and fur- 
 nish otherwise the whole number of six now for the first entry. The 
 earls of Huntley, Argyie, and Murray, ,were not at this couventian ; 
 
^14 EM-BASSV TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 the cause whereof is, for tliat the earl of INIurray is sick of his old -dis- 
 ease, and some think he will not recover. The earl of Argyle hath 
 much ado in the Highland \\ith the Irishmen, who rehell against him; 
 and the earl of Huntley is likewise occupied in the north parts of this 
 realm.* 1 hey be all three far hence ; and, as I j)erceive by the go- 
 vernour, he is glad they come not here, specially the earls of Murray 
 and Huntley; saying, " that their presence would have done more 
 hurt than good to those affairs betwixt your majesty and this realm." 
 For the governour s part, I assure your majesty, he is wholly given and 
 dedicate unto your highness, and, as far as I can see, his affection dai- 
 ly increaseth in that part; and if he had not even now sticked fast to 
 those matters, with the earls of Angus and Cassils, the lord Somervail 
 and sir George Douglas, surely there Mould have been a great altera- 
 tion ; and with great difHculty they have brought the said articles to 
 such frame as is before expressed; wherewith the said sir George Dou- 
 glas shall be this day fully dispatched, and to-morrow, or the next 
 day, taketh his journey in post toAvards your majesty. The earl of 
 Lennox is returned into his own country of Lennox, being in the Mcst 
 parts of this realm, and joining near to the Highland ; where (as I 
 hear) he gathereth force to him as he may ; which cannot be great, 
 for he hath no substance nor money to maintain therewith any great 
 power ; but, as I hear, he looketh both for men and money out of 
 France, whereupon he dependeth. And the governour stayeth his 
 proceedings against the said earl and the cardinal upon the determina- 
 tion and conclusion of this peace betwixt these two realms. The car- 
 dinal maketh great suit and means to the governour for his favour, or 
 else that he may have licence to pass into France ; but the said gover- 
 nour is 60 far displeased with him, that as yet he will hear none of his 
 suits in that behalf. And whereas the clergy should now have kept 
 
 * The earl of Huutley, awl his allies the clans of Grant and Fraser, were engaged in a 
 feudal war with the Canitrons, Macphersons, and other Highland dans. About this time 
 there w as fought a rut st desperate battle between the I'rascrs and Camerons, in which tra- 
 dition says the former were nearly extirpated. 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 215 
 
 their convention at St Andrews, which (as I wrote hefore) they proro- 
 gated hetore Whitsunday till the 4th of June, the governour liatli now 
 stayed and put off tlie said convention, so as they hold not tlie same 
 according to their appointment. Finall3^ the prisoners desire to know 
 your majesty's pleasure, whether they shall keep their day of entry at 
 midsummer or not ; wherein, they say, they will accomplish your ma- 
 jesty's commandment. And thus have I thought good to signify un- 
 to your royal majesty the state of all tliose affairs, to tlie intent your 
 majesty should know as much of the same as I can get knowledge of, 
 before the arrival with your grace of the said sir George : U hich it 
 mav please your highness, of your gracious clemency and accustomed 
 benignity, to accept in good part ; beseeching Almighty God to prs- 
 serve your royal majesty, &c. 
 
 To my Lord Suffolk, Parr, and Durham, ^th June, 1543. 
 
 It may like your good lordships to understand, that this morning I 
 received your letters of the 7th of June, with also the news sent from 
 sir Thomas Wharton, which, though it be possible that they may be 
 true, yet I think them vain and utterly untrue. And as to the gover- 
 nour himself, if he be a Christian man, and have any spot of honour, 
 honesty, or truth in him, he is wholly dedicate to the king's majesty, 
 and the most desirous man that ever I saw, in appearance, to have the 
 king's majesty his good and gracious lord, and most willing he hath 
 shewed himself, both at the council and convention of the lords here, 
 at the time of the dispatch of the earl of Glencairn and sir George 
 Douglas, and also now at this last convention, for to have accomplish- 
 ed all the king's majesty's desires, in form as they were recjuired. 
 " Which though, for his own part, he would most gladly do," as him- 
 self hath told me seriously ; " yet," he saith, " if he should do any 
 thing of his own head and authority, without the whole consent of the 
 great part of all the nobility and council of the realm, they would 
 
216 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IX 1543. 
 
 take a just occasion thereof to set the whole realm against him, and to 
 deprive him, if they might ; and all the disobedience that is used to 
 him in this realm, and all the malice and hatred that is borne him, is 
 only for God's cause and the king's majesty." As indeed they mur- 
 mur here universally against him in all parts of this realm, saying 
 plainly, " that he is an heretick, and a good Englishman, and hath 
 sold this realm to the kings majesty.' And they say, " he must needs 
 be a good Englishman, for his ancestors were Englishmen ;" As inileed 
 the governour himself hath told me divers times, that his ancestors 
 came out of England, and that he is come of tlie house of the Hamp- 
 tons in England ; and also he saitli, that he is the king's majesty's poor 
 kinsman. 
 
 Surely, my lord, I cannot think, that if the lords, mentioned in the 
 said sir Thomas Wharton's news, should make such party as is expres- 
 sed, that the governour would take any part with them ; anfl it is 
 very unlike that they can be able to make any party against him. Ne- 
 vertheless, the state of this realm is so perplexed, that it is hard to 
 judge any certainty what will follow ; for all this while the fear of our 
 wars hath made them sit still and agree together; but when the peace 
 shall be concluded, it is not unlike that the war will begin here among 
 themselves, the realm being divided as it is in sundry parties. There 
 is one party which be called hereticks, and the English lords, which is 
 the governour and his partakers. Another party there is, which be 
 called Scribes and Pharisees, which is the clergy and their partakers : 
 And then is there a third party, which seemeth to be neuter, and will 
 (as it is thouglit) be always ready to take the better and the stronger 
 party, if there come any business among them. Thus is this reahn di- 
 vided and perplexed, so that it is hard to judge what may foUoM- ; but 
 unless it may please God and the king's majesty to help to stay them, 
 it is very like that great inconvenience will fall upon them. Touching 
 James de la Ilile, I have communed w illi the governour for him, who 
 promised assuredly, " that he shoultl be gotten, and delivered to the 
 king's majesty, if it were possible ;" and thereupon very instantly 
 
 10 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 217 
 
 wrote to the earl of Argyle fortlnvith; whereof, as yet, he hath none 
 answer. But yesterday the said governour told me, " that he had 
 privily enquired of the said James de la Hile, and he is done to wit for 
 a certainty, that the same James is dead ;" whereof, as I shall hear 
 further, I will advertise you ; and shall not fail, if he be alive, to travel 
 for his apprehension accordingly. To-morrow, at night, sir George 
 Douglas will be at Berwick, in his journey towards the king's majesty. 
 Finally, I wonder not a little, that your lordships have not heard of the 
 proclamations of the truce on tlie Borders in this realm ; for I am sure 
 tliat the governour dispatched his letters, with the proclamations made 
 for that purpose, nine days ago : And they tell me here that tlie same 
 be proclaimed, and marvel much that your lordships hear not of the 
 same. Thus the Holy Trinity, &c. 
 
 To the King's Majesty, I3th June, 1543. 
 
 Please it your royal majesty to understand, that since the arriva. 
 here of sir Robert Richardson, priest, I have, according to your high 
 commandment and pleasure, contained in your most gracious letters 
 to me, addressed by the said sir Robert, commended him, on your ma- 
 jesty's behalf, to the governour here, who did very thankfully receive 
 him, and, for your majesty's sake, hath well entreated him, heard him 
 preach, and also hath promised him convenient living and entertain- 
 ment ; which I trust he will perform. And, with the said governour's 
 licence and consent, the said sir Robert Richardson hath been with the 
 cardinal at St Andrews, with whom he hath had conference and com- 
 munication of such matters as be contained in his letters ; which I 
 caused him now to write unto your majesty for the better declaration 
 of the same, as your highness shall perceive by his letters inclosed in 
 this packet. And also, according to your majesty's other letters, which 
 were brought hither unto me by Mr John Spencer, I have, on your 
 majesty's behalf, put him to the governour's service, who likewise, at 
 
 VOL. I. 2 E 
 
218 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 your majesty's contemplation, was heartily content to accept and re- 
 ceive him ; and, for your majesty's sake, hath promisetl to put liim in 
 an honest place of service about him ; whereof I thought meet to ad- 
 vertise your highness accordingly. And thus, &c. 
 
 To my Lord Parr, \Sth June, 154S. 
 
 JIY VERY GOOD LORD, 
 
 After my most hearty commendations, I have received your letters 
 of the 11th of June; by the which I do perceive what matter stand- 
 eth partly between sir Robert Bowes and his taker ; wherein your 
 lordship desireth to know, whether he may proceed in that behalf with 
 his said taker to his ransoming and deliverance, without offending 
 any promise, or other act done by me here, that might be an impeach- 
 ment to the same. For answer whereunto, your lordship shall under- 
 stand, that, for my part, I have not promised nor taken any thing up- 
 on me, either for Mr Bowes's entry, or of any other of the English 
 prisoners ; only I sued for the prorogation of their entry till midsum- 
 mer ; which was here granted, Avithout condition, bond, or promise, 
 on my part, that they should enter at that day, saving that their old 
 bonds should stand in the same strength they stood in before ; so that 
 for any thing that I have done, Mr Bowes, and all the rest which were 
 prisoners with him, may make their bargains as well as they can. But 
 as far as I understand, all their takers be bound to the governour and 
 the council here, that they shall not compone with the said prisoners 
 for their ransoms, nor acquit them of their captivity A\ithout the li- 
 cence of the said governour and council, who do intend (as far as I 
 can perceive) to use Mr Bowes, and the rest of our English jjrisoners, 
 in such sort as the king's majesty shall use the Scottish prisoners; that 
 is to say, either to ransom them, or to set them free without ransom. 
 And, as I think, if the peace succeed, whereof I see no great diflicul- 
 ty, the king's majesty will set free witliout ransom, either all or the 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 219 
 
 most part of the Scottisli prisoners. So that it is lii<e that the gover- 
 nour here will do the seniblable with Mr Bowes and liis fellows ac- 
 cordingly. And it may be, that their takers, having some knowledge 
 thereof, and fearing lest they shall be driven to compone with the go- 
 vernour for the ransonis of our said prisoners, (in which case, perad- 
 venture, they shall not have so much as they look for,) would be glad 
 to get afore-hand as much as they might, in making their own bar- 
 gains with our said prisoners ; wliich, in my poor Opinion, it shall be 
 well done to Mv Bowes and the rest to consider as appertaineth. And 
 thus, Sec. 
 
 To my Lords of Suffolk, Parr, and Durham, l^tli June, 1543. 
 
 It may hke your good lordships to understand, that this day I recei- 
 ved your letters of the 17th of June, declaring the king's majesty's 
 pleasure both for the entry of the Scottish and also the English pri- 
 soners, which I shall ensue and accomplisli with all the diligence I can 
 possible ; though I think it cannot well be brought to pass that the 
 Scottish prisoners may keep their just day of entry now at midsum- 
 mer ; for the governour lieth sick at his house at Hamilton, which is 
 thirty English miles hence ; and the lords, mentioned in your said let- 
 ters, be not together, but are scattered abroad for a little time ; so that 
 it will be three or four days or we can meet for the determination of 
 the matter. If the governour had not been sick, I had been with him 
 or this at Hamilton, for the matter touching the cardinal and the earl 
 of Lennox ; but his sickness hath been the impediment thereof. This 
 night I shall know when I may have access unto him ; and, for my 
 part, I shall not fail to use all the diligence to me possible for the ac- 
 complishment of those things, according to the continue of your said 
 letters ; but I think the time so short, that it will be after midsummer 
 or the Scottish prisoners can enter; whereof I thought meet to adver- 
 
220 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 tise your grace iu the mean season. And Oliver Sinclair* (whom, ye 
 say, the king's majesty will specially have to enter) is fourteen score 
 miles hence northwards ; so that I see not how he can keep his day of 
 entry. And to say mine opinion of him, whatsoever he saith he can 
 declare unto his majesty touching his honour and the wealth and sure- 
 ty of the governour, as your grace writeth to me, I assure you I could 
 never perceive in him, since mine arrival here, that he was either well 
 dedicate to the king's majesty, or to the advancement of any his 
 highness's godly purposes, or yet to the wealth and surety of the go- 
 vernour. 
 
 The cardinal on Saturday last rode with a good company of men, as 
 it were with a garrison about him, to Arbroath, twenty-four miles 
 northwards from St Andrews, where he now is. I doubt whether he 
 had license of the governour to ride thither or not ; but, as far as I can 
 perceive, the governour hath been so laboured by the friends of the 
 said cardinal, and of the earl of Lennox, that he nowwaxeth somewhat 
 cold in the prosecution of them : wherein I shall do what I can to feel 
 his inclination at mine access unto him ; and shall not fail, by all the 
 good means 1 can, to excite and tjuicken him in that behalf. The 
 success whereof, and all other things worthy the writing to the king's 
 majesty, I shall advertise unto his highness as I can get knowledge of 
 the same accordingly. And thus the Holy Trinity, &c. 
 
 • Oliver Sinclair was a cadet of the family of Roslin, raised into temporary eminence 
 by the undeserved favour of James V. He was taken at Solway ; indeed the loss of that 
 battle was owing to the mutiny which broke out among the Scottish soldiers, when he an- 
 nounced his commission as their leader. The importance of Sinclair ended with the life 
 of James; but when Sadler is at Tantallon, we find the favourite playing the part of a 
 freebooter, and lymg in wait for him and his retinue. Henry seems to have attached an 
 importance to him more suitable to liis former than his present condition. 
 
EMBASSy TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 221 
 
 To the Lords of his Majesty s Privy Council, Qlsf Jiaie, 1543. 
 
 It may like your good lordships to understand, that having received 
 a letter from you, my lord privy-seal, INIr Brown, * and Mr Paget, f 
 written from S. Sithes in Essex, the liith of June, making mention, 
 that the king's majesty's pleasure was, that I should eftsoons induce 
 the governour here to the apprehension of the cardinal, the earl of 
 Lennox, and their adherents, hy all means I could possibly ; the pro- 
 secution whereof he hath all this while deferred, until the conclusion 
 of those matters betwixt the king's majesty and him ; which cause of 
 delay is now removed, and the peace in a manner fully determined and 
 concluded, as your said letter proporteth. I did thereupon retjuire to 
 have access unto the said governour, who then was, and yet is, sick at 
 his own house of Hamilton, almost thirty English miles from hence; 
 and upon my request and desire of access unto him, he wrote me this 
 letter here inclosed, and sent to me therewith one David Panter, J his 
 secretary and chief counsellor, to know the cause of my desire to speak 
 with him. Whereupon I entred with the said David Panter in that 
 matter, touching the said cardinal and earl of Lennox, according to 
 the contents of your said letter, and prayed him to signify the same 
 unto the governour, putting him in remembrance of such communica- 
 tion as heretofore hath passed betwixt the said governour and me, in 
 that behalf; and of his alledgeance of the cause of the stay of his pro- 
 
 * Sir Anthony Brown, knight of the garter, and master of the horse. He was named by 
 Henry one of the executors of his will. Sir Anthony died Oth May 1548. 
 
 t Sir Wilham afterwards lord Paget, joint-secretary with sir William Petre. He died 
 9th June, 1563. 
 
 I David Pander, or Panter, an excellent classical scholar, and about this time commen- 
 dator of Cambuskenneth. He was much employed in foreign negociation, and was tiiially 
 made bishop of Ross. He died in 155S. The Royal Epistles, compiled by him and his 
 uncle Patrick Panter, are monuments of their skill in the Latin tongue. Panter, as a church- 
 man and retainer of the cardinal, was unfriendly to the English match, and is severely 
 censured by Buchanan, for his share in breaking it off. 
 
222 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 ccedings against tlie said cardinal and earl : which cause, I told him, 
 was now removed, as is aforesaid. And the said David Panter pro- 
 mised me, " That he would signify the same unto the said governour." 
 And in discourse with him of the premisses, he seemed to assure me, 
 " that the governour remained still in great clioler and displeasure 
 against the said cardinal, and specially against the carl of Lennox, with 
 a vehement desire to he revenged of them ; which," he said, " there 
 was no doubt but as soon as the governour should know that the peace 
 were concluded, he would put in execution, if God should send him 
 health." Yet, I am privily advertised, that the cardinal hath made 
 such earnest labour by friends unto the said governour for his favour, 
 that he hath been thereby induced to forget and mitigate a great piece 
 of his displeasure towards him : But what he will do in that behalt" it 
 shall shortly appear ; and as I shall see the success thereof, I shall not 
 fail to advertise of the same accordingly. 
 
 Semblably, having received letters from my lord of Suffolk ; by the 
 which I do perceive the king's majesty's pleasure toucliing the entry 
 of the prisoners nov/ at midsummer, and the respite of those which 
 his majestv, for consideration, hath respited till Lammas, I have like- 
 wise signified the same to the said governour by the said David Pan- 
 ter ; who hath promised me, " that order shall be taken immediately 
 for the accomplishment thereof, according to the king's majesty's plea- 
 sure in all points." But it is not possible for those that shall enter to 
 keep their just day now at midsummer, the time is so short : As short- 
 ly after as is j)Ossible they shall enter. And by the next I shall adver- 
 tise your lordships of the names of those which shall enter, and also 
 of the names of those which shall remain till Lammas, according to 
 the king's majesty's appointment. Finally, I received yesternight your 
 lor<lships letters of the 17th of June from Pirgooth, mentioning, that 
 certain sail of Frenchmen, to the number of sixteen or seventeen, 
 were seen betwixt Dover and Calais, and supposed to draw towards 
 those parts; whereof the king's majesty's pleasure is, I should encjuire 
 dili"entlv whether the same were coming towards the Firth, or to any 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. S2<- 
 
 place of Scotland, and thereof to advertise with all diligence. Accord- 
 ing whereunto I have made search, and enquired, and thereupon have 
 learned, that there is a Frenchman come into the haven here of Lcith, 
 laden with wines, who saitli, he came in company with the said six- 
 teen sail from Diep; and left them, six days ago, hetwccn Humber and 
 Flamburgh, had in a chase, after six sail, either of Englishmen or Fle- 
 mings. He saith, they be all Frenchmen, come out of Diep, at their 
 own charge and adventure to scour the seas, and think to meet our 
 Iseland fleet in those parts as they come homewards. I caused my 
 lord of Angus, being now here, t(j send one aboard the said French- 
 man tliat is come into this haven; and also I used all such other means 
 as I could to know the truth, what should be the intent and purpose 
 of the said sixteen sail of Frenchmen ; but more than is aforesaid I 
 cannot yet learn. They be not yet come into the Firth, nor, as far as 
 I can perceive, purpose to draw to any place of Scotland ; but I liave 
 spoken to my said lord of Angus to lay watch on the coasts of this 
 realm, and to have regard where they shall be come, which he hath 
 promised me to do. Some say, they should meet with certain ships 
 and hulks of the king of Denmark, to the number of twenty or thir- 
 ty sail, hereabout those coasts, and should join altogether to keep the 
 seas against the emperour and the king's majesty ; and some say, they 
 will land all here in Scotland, to take part with the cardinal and the 
 earl of Lennox against the governour. These seem to be flying tales; 
 for the said Frenchman, that is come hither into this haven, saith as- 
 suredly, they be but rovers, come forth to the seas out of Diep at their 
 own adventure, as is aforesaid, and never a gentle nor honest man that 
 is captain among them. Nevertheless, I have signified the same to the 
 governour here of myself, by the said David Panter, and advised him 
 to look into it, which may percase the more excite and stir him against 
 the said cardinal and earl of Lennox ; and as I shall hear further 
 what shall become of the said sixteen sail of Frenchmen, whereunto I 
 will have good regard, and also how all other things shall succeed 
 
224 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 154S. 
 
 here, I shall not fail to advertise with all diligence accordingly. And 
 thus, Sec. 
 
 To my Lords ©/"Suffolk and Durham, SL5th June, 1543. 
 
 It may like your good lordships to understand, that this morning I 
 received your letters of 23d of June, with also the Scottish ambas- 
 sador's letters to the governour, which I have addressed unto him pre- 
 sently : And yesternight he sent me word, that, being now recovered 
 of his late sickness, he intendeth to be here to-morrow in Edinburgh, 
 and then will commune with me of those matters, which I lately ad- 
 vertised him of by David Panter, touching the prosecution of the car- 
 dinal and the earl of Lennox ; and also that, touching the entry of 
 the prisoners, he had already sent forth letters to warn every man to 
 his entry ; but he would not resolve who shall remain here, and be re- 
 spited to Lammas, untill he come hither and speak with me in that 
 behalf. For the English prisoners likewise, which the king's majesty 
 would have respited till the said time of Lammas, whose names be 
 contained in a schedule here inclosed, the governour advertised me that 
 he hath already written his letters to their takers for their said respite. 
 And as soon as he cometli hither, which, as he saith, will be to-mor- 
 row, I shall, with God's grace, be in hand with him, both for the or- 
 dering and perfection of that matter of the prisoners' entry, and also 
 for the proclamation of the truce established to the first of August. 
 
 Touching the French navy, I can hear no more than I have written ; 
 but now, upon your writing, I shall eftsoons cause the Fienchman, that 
 is come into this haven of Leith, to be connnuned witliall, and by all 
 the ways and means that I can use, I will cause him to be groped and 
 ensearched of as much as he knoweth, or at least will confess of the 
 said French fleet. Indeed he saith, they be all ships of Diep, come 
 out at their own charge and adventure, well appointed for the wars; 
 and tliat they look for to meet with certain ships and hulks of the 
 4 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAXP l.\ 1543. 21^5 
 
 king of Denmark, at the least twenty sail, and so to join with them 
 for to keep the seas against the king's majesty and the empeiour.' Thus 
 he saith; but what the truth is God knoweth, and as I can leani 
 thereof, I shall advertise from time to time ; and, in the mean season, 
 as I have already, shall again warn the governour iiere, and all the rest 
 of such as l)e addicted to the king's majesty, to look well unto it for 
 their omu indemnity, which I think it standcth them upon to do, as I 
 suppose they will do accordingly. And thus, &c. 
 
 To the Lords of his Majcslifs Privy Council, 50th June, 1543. 
 
 It may like your good lordships to understand, that this morning the 
 governour here hath had news from Aberdeen, that the sixteen sail of 
 Frenchmen, lying on the coast there, have landed a ?e\v of their com- 
 pany both at Aberdeen and other places thereabouts, and have convoy- 
 ed certain writings to the queen-dowager, the cardinal, and the carl of 
 Lennox. And albeit the captain, and such of the Frenchmen as came 
 on land at Aberdeen, do say, that they remain and keep on that coast 
 for to encounter a certain fleet of Flemings ; yet it is thought, that 
 they are come thither for some other great purpose ; and the gover- 
 nour is advertised, that they have at the least Uvo thousand men of 
 war aboard, which keep themselves very close and secret with their 
 ships. And also it is thought, that they have brought with them the 
 money and munition, whereof I wrote iamy last letters, that is to say, 
 50,000, crowns, 10,000 pikes, 2000 hagbuts, and certain pieces of ar- 
 tillery. Whereupon the go\ernour is resolved to go forthwith to Lin- 
 lithgow, and to take order for the sure keeping of the young queen's 
 person, whom I have advised him to remove here to the castle'of Fdin- 
 burgh. He assureth me, that he will be sure of her person, and saith, 
 " that, having the king's majesty's order and assistance, he esteenietli 
 not much the power of his adversaries, nor yet for all the aid that 
 France can give them." But, for all that I could say afore or adver. 
 
 VOL. I. £ J. 
 
£26 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 tise, both unto himself and also to my lord of Angus, I could not make 
 them savour nor believe that the Frenchmen would come into those 
 parts for such purpose as now beginneth to appear ; but now they be- 
 gin to smell it, and to stir a little towards the resistance of such incon- 
 venience as else might ensue. And as I shall see and hear further, I 
 will advertise. And presently the governour hath written letters to 
 his ambassadors there touching this matter, which he prayeth me to 
 convoy in my packet, as your lordships shall herewith receive the same 
 accordingly, &c. 
 
 To the Lords of' his Majesty's Privy Council, 1 \th July, 1543. 
 
 It may like your good lordships to understand, that this morning I 
 received your letters of the 28th of June, with the articles containing 
 the words and sayings of Drummond, touching such communication 
 as passed betwixt him and his father-in-law of the gov^nour, and the 
 unsurety and danger of the young queen's person ; and also touching- 
 such communication as was passed betwixt him and the sherift" of Ayr 
 at Glasgow. And, to the First, Indeed, afore his departure hence, he 
 declared in effect like matter unto me, which I took to be of such im- 
 portance, as I thought it more than necessary to be tryed ; insomuch, 
 that I was so plain with the said Drummond, that I told him, I would 
 not take him to be so good a servant to the king's majesty as he pre- 
 tended, unless he would cause me to have assured knowledge of the 
 truth of it. And besides that, I told him plainly, that if the gover- 
 nour had moved any such matter to his father-in-law, the same had 
 not done his duty to his princess, nor to the realm, to conceal it. And 
 when the said Drummond saw that 1 took it for so earnest a matter, 
 he seemed to be somewhat abashed therewith, and prayed me to be 
 good to him, and he would, for his discharge, cause me to speak with 
 his good-father, of whom he had learned it : Which though I recjuired 
 him most instantly to do, yet he accomplished not ; but, very soon af- 
 4 
 
EMBASSy TO SCOTLAND IN 1643. 2£7 
 
 ter, departed hence to London. Wlierefore, because he hath, since my 
 coming hither, told some Hght and untrue tales, it made me tlie rather 
 to believe that this also was no gospel. Nevertheless, I determined 
 with myself to try out the truth thereof, and have made sundry means 
 to speak with the said laird of Caldcr; whicli yet I could not do, by 
 reason he cometh not to the court, but keepeth always at home in his 
 own house. And now I shall not fail to devise some means to speak 
 with him, and try the truth, if I can. And rather than it fail, I will 
 take some occasion to ride to his house to him, (which is not past 
 twelve miles hence,) if otherwise I cannot speak with him. And as I 
 shall further learn thereof, I shall not fail to advertise accordingly. To 
 the second. The sheriff of Ayr is now at Ayr, in the west parts of this 
 realm, so that I cannot presently speak with him ; but as soon as I 
 may conveniently speak with him, I shall not fail to accomplish the 
 contents of j-our letters in that behalf. And for the matter touchin<>- 
 the earl of Lenno.x, your lordships shall understand, that the earl of 
 Angus hath told me lately, " that the earl of Lennox would gladly 
 make an alliance M-ith him, and marry his daughter the lady Margaret 
 Douglas, whose marriage," the said earl of Angus saith, " he referreth 
 wholly to the kings majesty."* Toucliing the earl of Argyle, he is 
 far hence dwelling in the Highland ; so that I cannot speak nor com- 
 mune with him myself, for to win him to the king's majesty's devo- 
 tion ; but such other ways and means, as may be devised therefore, I 
 shall observe and accomplish to the uttermost of my poor wit. And 
 to say mine opinion of him, for that I have perceived of him, in such 
 communications and conferences as I have had with him, at his once 
 being here since my coming hither ; I think him to be a good and 
 reasonable gentleman, well minded to the increase of the amity be- 
 tween those two realms, and to the uniting and conjunction of them 
 both in one, by this marriage now in treaty between my lortl prince's 
 
 * Lady Margaret Douglas was the daughter of the earl of Angus by the queen-dowager 
 of James IV. and was therefore the niece of the English monarch, at whose court she now. 
 resided. The proposed match was afterwards concluded. 
 
2528 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 grace and the daughter of Scotland. And tlie governour hath a spe- 
 cial trust and credit in him ; who hath promised the said governour, 
 " that if he will prosecute the earl of Lennox, he will undertake 
 either to take him, or put him out of the Highland," as the governour 
 told me himself: so that he is esteemed and taken to be wholly on 
 the governour's party ; and yet I know that he is much addicted to 
 the cardinal. Furthermore, I have delivered this day the amhassador's 
 letters to the governour, who laketh in marvellous good part the kings 
 majesty's sending of the six ships to ly in the mouth of the river of 
 Clyde for the apprehension of the five ships of Diep, mentioned in 
 your said letters ; and hath promised me, that he will forthwith take 
 order for the victualling of them as appertaineth. Finally, the French 
 navy, which I lately advertised you did ly before Aberdeen, are now 
 before Arbroath, where the cardinal is ; but what they purpose, we 
 cannot yet learn the certainty. It is said, that one Monsieur de Rohan, 
 of Eretanny, is among them ; and that there be 4000 men of war at 
 the least in the ships, whereof is 1000 hagbuteers. They keep still the 
 seas along the coasts, and ly now afore Arbroath, as is aforesaid, ■with- 
 out pressing to land any number ; and say themselves, that they ly on 
 that coast to meet with the Flemings : but surely it is thought they 
 come to convoy away the young queen, and also the old, if they can 
 work their purpose to effect. Whereunto the governour assureth me, 
 that he will have such regard as they shall fail of their intent ; and 
 hath laid sure guard and good await about the house of Linlithgow 
 where the said queens are, and intendeth himself to go ly there in the 
 town, and my lord of Angus and other noblemen with him, till the 
 whole purpose of this French navy sliall be discovered. For he telleth 
 me, that the young queen cannot be conveniently removed, because 
 she is a little troubled with the breeding of teeth. And where the 
 said Drummond sailh, that the governour should mind her destruc- 
 tion ; by my truth I cannot see but he teiidreth as much her health, 
 preservation, and surety, as if she were his own natural child. Mhat 
 shall further become of the French navy, and also how all other things 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 154:3. 229 
 
 shall go here woitliy advertisement, I shall not fail, God willing, to 
 signity the same with all speed accordingly- And thus, &c. 
 
 To the Kings Majesty, \3th July, 1543. 
 
 Please it your royal majesty to understand, that I have rccei\cd 
 your most gracious letters of the 7lh of July, with the copies of the 
 treaties, both of the peace and also of the marriage, and your majes- 
 ty's commission to demand the ratification of the same, with such 
 other copies and writings as it pleased your majesty to address unto 
 me at that time.* And, with the grace of God, I shall not fail, to the 
 uttermost of my poor wit and power, to accomplish the contents of 
 your majesty's said letters, in such sort as is to me prescribed by the 
 same according to my most bounden duty : and also of the success of 
 the same, and of all other things worthy advertisement, I shall adver- 
 tise with such diligence as the case shall require. And whereas (being 
 now covenanted by the said treaty, that your majesty should have cer- 
 tain persons resident here about the young queen's person, for the 
 causes and considerations expressed in the said treaty) it hath pleased 
 your majesty to appoint me and my wife for to supply and furnish that 
 part of the said treaty : And, for that purpose, your majesty's pleasure 
 is, I should take order for the convo} ance of my wife hither as soon 
 as 1 can conveniently. I have thought it my bounden duty to render 
 unto your royal majesty mine humble and lowly thanks upon my 
 knees, for that it hath pleased your majesty to conceive such an opi- 
 nion of us, as to think us meet to serve your highness in a place of 
 «uch trust and credit. And as I am bounden, so shall I not fail (my 
 life enduring) to serve most willingly, either here or wheresoever, and 
 
 * The treaty of peace and marriage was to be affirmed on the part of Henry by his sub- 
 »cription seal and oath, and in that of Scotland by a confirmation and oath in name of the 
 three estates of parliament, and by the governour's subscription and the queen's great seal. 
 
230 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 in what sort it shall please your majesty to command me, to the utter- 
 most of my wit and power ; assuring also for my poor ^^'ife, that she 
 hath as good will to serve, according to your majesty's appointment, 
 as any woman on life. But as she is most unmeet to serve for such a 
 purpose, as 3'our majesty hath now appointed, having never been 
 brought up at court, nor knowing what appertaineth thereto ; so that, 
 for lack of wit, and convenient experience in all behalfs, she is un- 
 doubtedly not able to supply the place to your majesty's honour ; so, 
 also, though she were meet therefore, yet is she now in such case (be- 
 ing great with child) as she is not able to take such a long journey up- 
 on her, nor is it possible for me to convoy her hither this sunmier ; 
 and when winter cometh, the journey is such, so long, foul, and tedi- 
 ous, as no woman can well travel or endure. So that, besides that she 
 is most unmeet for the purpose, for the causes before expressed, 1 know 
 her also to have such impediments as she cannot continue to supply 
 the sauie, nor yet, though she were meet, can I conveniently have her 
 convoyed hither afore the next summer ; which I have thought my 
 bounden duty to signify unto your majesty, lest your highness should 
 be frustrated and deceived of your expectation in that behalf. For 
 mine own part, it shall be great comfort and pleasure to me to remain 
 here, or elsewhere, where I may have occasion to serve your majesty, 
 so long as shall stand with your most gracious pleasure. And, in my 
 poor opinion, it Avere the more necessary, that she, whom your majes- 
 ty would have to be resident about the young queen's person here, 
 were a grave and discreet woman, of good years and experience ; and 
 the better if she were a widow, as I think the lady Edongcomb were a 
 meet woman for such purpose, and many others, whereof I doubt not 
 your majesty hath choice enough ; most humbly beseeching your ma- 
 jesty to pardon this my presumption and bold writing, which I do in 
 respect of my duty ; and for that I think it convenient that your ma- 
 jesty should be served with such as be meet, and can serve to your ma- 
 jesty's honour and conlentation. 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 231 
 
 The estate of this reahn is so perplexed, that I see neither order nor 
 obedience in the same ; and now there is appointed a convention of the 
 lords and great men, to be present for the ratification of this treaty, 
 and also for to devise upon some good ways, to bring the realm to a 
 better order and perfection : but it is thought that many and of the 
 greatest lords, as Huntley, Argylc, Bothwell, Murray, and others, will 
 not appear. The French navy is now no more spoken of here, nor we 
 cannot learn where they are become. Some say, they are gone to meet 
 with the navy of Denmark, which should join with them ; but they 
 were not seen near the coasts of this realm this seven-night. As I shall 
 hear and perceive thereof, I will advertise from time to time, as the 
 case shall retjuire. I have to-day spoken with the sheriff of Ayr touch- 
 ing such matter as John Drummond declared unto your majesty of the 
 earl of Lennox ; and the said sheriff saith, " That, indeed, there was 
 such conmiunication betwixt him and the said Drummond towards 
 that effect, but not in such sort as it might be taken thereby, that he 
 was in hope that the said Lennox might be induced or reconciled from 
 France to your majesty's devotion. For he thinketh assuredly, that if 
 France will support the said Lennox, as he daily looketh to Imve mo- 
 ney and munition from thence ; for the which, he sent one Stewart in- 
 to France since his coming hither, and yet hath received no answer 
 since his going hence from him : in that case, that if this aid of money 
 and munition do come, the said Lennox will not surely be won from 
 France, but will cause much trouble, as is thought, in this realm : and 
 many great men being also well given to France, by the procurement 
 of the cardinal, do also abide out from the governour upon that pur- 
 pose; which the sheriff thinketh, if this aid come not out of France, 
 will be easily reduced to good conformity; and till they be brought to 
 due obedience unto the governour here, which must be by fair means 
 or foul, there will be no time that can serve to practise with the earl of 
 Lennox, or any of the others, that be not well dedicate to your majes- 
 ty, to win or reconcile them to your majesty's devotion; for if any 
 means should be used in that behalf^ without the knowledge of the go- 
 
232 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 vernoiir, it might be a means to bring him into a great suspicion of 
 your majesty. And though he thinketli that the said Lennox would 
 be content to many the said lady Margaret Douglas, yet whether he 
 would have her so, as for her he would lea\'e France, and adhere firm- 
 ly to your majesty, he is in grea-t doubt; but he thinketh surely if tlie 
 governour and the said Lennox were good frieiwls, and that Lennox 
 A\ould obey and acknowledge the governour,- as the parliament hath 
 admitted, in that case the said Lennox might be the more facily in- 
 duced both to the marriage, to leave Fiance, and also to be reconciled 
 to your majesty." This is the said sheriff's mind and opinion in tliat 
 part, which he prayed me to signify unto your majesty. 
 
 Finally, where it hath pleased your royal majesty of late, to bestow 
 on me the office of your great gardrobe, wjiich the lord Windsor lately 
 liad ; considering it is an office of charge, and that your majesty's plea- 
 sure is, to have me to remain here; so that I neither knowing the es- 
 tate of the office, nor yet how I shall discliarge my duty towards your 
 majesty in the same, I must needs, upon my knees, humbly beseech 
 your majesty to be my good lord in that behalf: it may tlierefore j)lease 
 the same, to appoint my very good friend JNfr Wriothesley to help to 
 discharge me in the said office during mine absence. And to the in- 
 tent he may the better look to it, I shall most humbly beseech your 
 highness, to make him joint patentee with me; in which case, I doubt 
 not, he is so much my friend, as he will not take any part of the fee 
 from me, nor yet meddle with the office M'hen I am in England, other- 
 wise than as he and I shall agree. Eftsoons beseeching your majesty 
 most humbly to pardon me, that I thus presume to trouble your high- 
 ness with mine own private causes, and of your accustomed, most no- 
 ble and gentle nature and benignity, to take my boldness therein in 
 good part; for I have no refuge but only your majesty, whom, and 
 none other, I do and will depend ujion, as I am most bounden. And 
 thus, tS:c, 
 
 11 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 233 
 
 To the King's Majesty, l6th July, 1543. 
 
 Please it your royal majesty to understand, that likeas in my last let- 
 ters I signified unto your highness, that a convention of the lords was 
 appointed here at Edinburgh, both for tiie ratification of the treaty 
 now passed, and also to devise some good ways for the establishment 
 of this realm; where it was thought, that sundry of the greatest lords 
 would not appear: so now the governour telleth me, " That the car- 
 dinal, the earls of Huntley, Argyle, Lennox, and Bothwell, do make 
 great assemblies and gatherings of men to very great numbers, intend- 
 ing to meet at Stirling the '2()th of this month, and so to come to Lin- 
 lithgow to surprise the young queen, and afterwards (if they can) to 
 depose and put him down, which," he saith, " is their full intent and 
 purpose. And all this," he saith, " doth proceed by the procurement 
 of the cardinal, who also hath procured the lord Home, * the laird of 
 Balcleuch, t and the Kers, to stir all the mischief and trouble they can 
 on the Borders, and to make rodes and incursions into England, only 
 to break the peace, and breed contention betwixt both the realms ; 
 which he prayeth your majesty to consider, and weigh whence it pro- 
 ceedeth, and to bear somewhat with the same, not imputing the fault 
 thereof unto him ; which yet, as the case standeth, he cannot remedy." 
 The earl of Murray, as the governour telleth me, is coming towards 
 him, with his own family only, in quiet manner, and is none of the said 
 conventicle. But the earl of Argyle, he saith, hath greatly deceived 
 him ; for, besides that he is his near kinsman, he hath made him many 
 fair promises, and is sworn to him, which now he seemeth to have 
 clearly forgotten, and is knit and joined against him, with the said 
 cardinal and earl of Lennox. Nevertheless he telleth me, that he had 
 made out letters to all his friends and servants, and hath warned the 
 
 * George, fourth lord Home. f Sir Walter Scott of Buccleuch, 
 
 VOL, I. 2 G 
 
234 EMBASST TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 country, in the cjucen's name, upon pain of deatli, to be ready forth- 
 with to resist this rebellion. So that, he assurelh, that within those 
 three or four days, liere will be 20,000 men ; and, with the grace of 
 God, he saith, if the said cardinal and earls of the adverse party do 
 come forward and keep their appointment, he will surely meet them 
 in the field ; and in case they retire, he will seek them, and spend his 
 life upon them. This, he saith, is his utter determination, not to de- 
 sist till he be revenged of the cardinal and his partakers, whatsoever 
 cumber or travel he endure for the same. And the chief cause of this 
 rebellion against him, is for God's cause and your majesty's; for they 
 make their pretence of this commotion and insurrection to be for the 
 defence of the faith and holy church, and also for the preservation of 
 the liberty and freedom of the realm, which, they say, he hath sold to 
 you, calling him an heretic, and an good English-man; wherewith the 
 people be so incensed, that they arise full and whole in the north parts, 
 as the bruit goeth, Wlierefore, the governour saith, that his trust is 
 in your majesty, and that you will aid and supjiort him in such wise, as 
 he may be the better able to stay the realm, and punish the offenders 
 after their demerits,'' I asked him, M'hat kind of aid he would demand 
 of your majesty ? He said, " That he had men enougli, and would not, 
 for his part, bring in no English-men into the realm, unless his adverse 
 party brouglit in any French-men to take their part, in which case he 
 would apply to your majesty for the aid of English-men, But, in the 
 mean season, if it might like your majesty to give him some furniture 
 and help of money, he would employ it in God's cause and yours : 
 And notwithstanding that his enemies make him all this cumber, only 
 upon intent to impeach him, so that he shall not be able to observe his 
 part and promise now made with your majesty; he saith, he will spend 
 his life in that quarrel, and hold and keep all promises with your ma- 
 jesty, or else die in the field for the same : and to-morrow," he saith, 
 " he will ride to Linlithgow, and ly there about the queen, till his 
 whole force shall assemble ; and in case he shall hear that his enemies 
 come forwards, he will remove the queen to the Blackness, and put 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 235 
 
 sure folks about lier llieie; which," he saith, "is a place of such 
 strength, as it is inipregnahle; and tlien will he go towards his adver- 
 saries, and, with Gods grace, he will over the water at Stirling to meet 
 them in the field. Hereof he j^rayed me to advertise your majesty with 
 diligence, trusting that your highness will now consider his estate, and 
 the lath.er help to support him against those \\ ho be contrary to God, 
 your majesty, and the common weal of their own country." The bruit 
 is very great of this rebellion and commotion, and of the great gather- 
 ing of men made by the cardinal and earls aforenamed ; but the gover- 
 nour and the earl of Angus seem to be of good courage, and put no 
 doubt to subdue and repress tliem. What will follow, God knoweth; 
 for undoubtedly tliere is great appearance of mischief It is also said, 
 that eleven of the French ships, Avhich have kept off and about the 
 coast here of this realm, do now ly behind an isle, called the May, 
 within the Firth, whereof four of them be great ships of four tops, and 
 seven of a less sort : but for Avhat purpose they ly there, it is unknown. 
 The governour hath knowledge and advertisement of their lying there, 
 and saith, he will have regard to the same. 
 
 The Scottish ambassadors be not yet come out of England, and 
 when they shall come, considering what trouble and business is to- 
 ward, I see not how there shall be any quiet convention of the three 
 estates of the realm, for to pass the ratification of the treaty; nor yet 
 how the hostages shall be laid within the time limited by the treaty, 
 for the performance of the conditions of the marriage. The estate of 
 things here is so |)erplexed, and such malicious and despiteful people, 
 I think, live not in the world, as is the common people of this realm, 
 specially towards English-men, as I have well found and proved since 
 my coming hither. As all things shall succeed, 1 shall not fail to ad- 
 vertise with such diligence as the case shall require. And thus, &c. 
 
&36 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 To the Kitig's Majesty, \7th July, 1543. 
 
 Please it your royal majesty to understand, that likeas I wrote in 
 my last letters, that eleven sail of the French ships lay hehind the 
 May, within the Firth, so this day are come into Leith here and into 
 Bruntisland, within the said Firth ; seven sail of them so well beaten, 
 that they are not able to keep the seas until they be repaired, and 
 many of their men sore hurt. They say, and so it appeareth, that they 
 met with English-men afore Lastoft'e at Erfordness, which have so 
 dressed them ; and they curse the cardinal here, for this, say they, 
 they have gotten for his sake, because the English-men supposed that 
 the queen and the said cardinal had been aship-board Avith them. 
 They want six or seven sail of their company, and know not whether 
 they be taken or escaped ; but those that be here be so well beaten, 
 that it is thought they will not be meet to go to the seas again this 
 fourtnight, specially the greatest ship among them, which they call 
 the Sacker of Diep ; and in her, they say, there be some English-men, 
 which leapt into her when she was boarded, and so remain prisoners 
 with the French-men : But what English-men they be, or how many 
 they be, or whether it be true or not, I cannot yet learn the certainty; 
 but as soon as I shall know further in that behalf, I shall not fail to 
 advertise the same indelayedly. This evening, the earl of Angus and 
 the lord Maxwell, who came this day to this town, were with me, and 
 told me, that the cardinal, the earl of Huntley, Argyle, Lennox, and 
 Bothwell, and the lords Home and Balcleuch, with all their partakers, 
 made great preparation and assemblies against the governour and his 
 adherents, and gathered great force ; the cardinal and Huntley in the 
 north parts, Argyle and Lennox in the west parts, and Bothwell, 
 Home, and Balcleuch, in the east parts upon the marches ; so that the 
 governour is yet in doubt Avhich way to direct his journey first, 
 and surely there is great appearance of much trouble and inconve- 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAXD IN 1543. 237 
 
 iiience. Wherefore, they told me, that the govcrnour sent them to 
 me to devise with me for my removing toTemplallon,* because, when 
 he is gone out of this town, he doubteth (the country being all in sucli 
 a stir and commotion) how I should be entreated. And so, before they 
 depart this town, I have resolved with them to go toTemptallon afore- 
 said, not without cause, for the governour being here, I have not been 
 used in friendly sort ; and if he were away, I find the malice of tlie 
 people here such towards all English-men, that they wovdd not lett to 
 execute the same to the destruction both of me and mine. For the 
 governour being in the town, as I walked here in a garden, and 
 some of my folks with me, on the backside of my lodging, one (but I 
 cannot tell who) shot an half-hag amongst us, and missed not one of 
 my men, I dare say, four inches ; besides other despiteous parts which 
 they have played me since I came hither, whereby tliey.have largely 
 declared their malice, and yet the offender can never be known. The 
 said earl of Angus hath subscribed the articles of the device, which 
 your majesty sent unto me with your last letters ; and the lord INIax- 
 well telleth me, " that as soon as he received the like articles from 
 your majesty by his son, he forthwith subscribed the same, and sent it 
 to your majesty." The rest I have not yet spoken with, because they 
 be not here ; but as soon as I can possibly, I shall not fail to accom- 
 plish that part, according to your gracious commandment. I call and 
 cry still upon the governour, and other your majesty's friends here, to 
 look to the surety of the young queen's person, which, they say, they 
 will do ; but the governour will not be induced to remove her hither 
 to the castle of Edinburgh, saying, " that he will so provide for that 
 part, as he will be sure enough of her ;" which way they be not yet 
 certainly resolved. As they shall resolve in that behalf, and as all other 
 things shall go here, I shall advertise your majesty from time to time, 
 as I may get knowledge accordingly. And thus, &c. 
 
 * A castle belonging to the earl of Angus. The governour, who was now almost deter- 
 mined to join the French faction, was desirous to get rid of Sadler. 
 
238 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN ]5'13. 
 
 A Letter from the Kings Majesty to &> Ralph Sadler, Q9,d July, 
 
 1543. 
 
 Trusty and right well beloved, we greet you well, and by your let- 
 ters of the 16th of this present, we have at length perceived the per- 
 plexed state of the affairs there, with the determination of the gover- 
 nour touching the same. And to the intent he may now, in this time 
 of trouble, receive some comfort at our hands ; likeas we have already 
 written to our cousin of Suffolk to send unto you 100(> pounds to be 
 delivered unto him by way of a present, or token from us ; so we have 
 now written unto him such letters as you shall perceive by the copy 
 sent herewith unto you, willing you for }'our credence to declare unto 
 ]iini as followeth. 
 
 First, You shall declare unto him, that where we perceive by your 
 advertisement, how the cardinal, with his complices and partakers, la- 
 bour to make a revolt and rebellion against him : we be right glad 
 (standing things between us as they do) to understand how prudently 
 he prepareth both to withstand and refell the same, and also to put in 
 surety the person of the young queen, which is the mark they shoot 
 at; thinking, that if they might once get her into their hands, they 
 should thereby make such a party, as they should be able to dispose 
 of the government of the realm as to them should seem most expe- 
 dient. 
 
 Secondly, AVhere he seemed, in his last conference with you, to de- 
 sire some aid of money of us for his supply in this trouble, ye shall 
 tell him, that, over and beside the token which we have sent him, if 
 the case so require, giving us warning in time, we shall so help him, 
 and consider his case, as he shall have good cause to say, we be an as- 
 sured friend towards him and the commonwealth of that realm, as our 
 amity now requireth. But ye shall tell him, that, seeing all the nobles 
 of Scotland have chosen him to be their governour by a common con- 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAXD IN 1543. 239 
 
 sent, and liave subscribed to tlie same ; our opinion is, that lie should 
 not only niiike their doings therein manifest to the whole world, where- 
 by their inconstancy and disloyalty may appear ; but also, being now 
 well learned by the example and experience of the cardinal and others, 
 what it is to give scope and liberty to such as be bent and determined 
 against him, in case any of them come in his hands, he should be- 
 stow them where they should do him nor the realm no hurt ; and, in 
 the mean season, upon their open attempt, proclaim and use such of 
 them, as he shall think good, as rebels and traitors to the queen and 
 the realm accordingly. 
 
 Thirdly, Where it appeareth, that he mindeth to meet the rebels on 
 the other side of the water, and so to give them battle, if they will 
 abide it ; you shall say, we think it not meet that he should pass the 
 said water, nor put himself in hazard at his enemies call; but we think 
 it most expedient and necessary for him to take Stirling in his own 
 hands, whereby he may be master of the passage ; and then, as he 
 may be sure to be master of all that is on this side the said water, so 
 he may take advantage of his enemies, and fight with them, or lea\e 
 them, as shall be most for his own commodity. 
 
 Fourthly, Where he desireth us to take in good part for a time, 
 though the Borderers do not as becometh them ; you shall to that tell 
 him, that if he will be so content, we shall so chastise those Borderers, 
 as, with our advice, he may plant others in their places ; for which pur- 
 pose, we have written to our cousin of Suffolk, and to the lord warden 
 of our marches, to put all our borders in order for the same, M'illing 
 you to advertise our lieutenant and warden of his determination in this 
 behalf. 
 
 Fifthly, Where it appeareth by your letters, that eleven of the 
 French ships, which have kept that coast this long season, ly now in 
 the I\Iay ; you shall understand, that being lately the whole number 
 of sixteen, in their return towards France, there encountered Avith 
 them six of our ships, Avhich took two of them, and had undoubtedly 
 taken the admiral, and moe of the best of them, if they durst have 
 
240 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1.^43. 
 
 tarried it; but perceiving tliemselves at the last too weak, after a sore 
 fight betwixt tliem, they share off, and tliese eleven plyed again to- 
 wards Scotland, though there we cannot yet certainly hear what is be- 
 come of them. And if the governour think it good, we will send our 
 navy to the May, where they be, to take them, m hich shall be a great 
 surety to Scotland, and a great discourage to all that depend upon 
 France. But, in that case, the governour must j^ermit our ships to 
 take them, though they should fly into Leith for succour, and also help 
 them with \ictuals and necessaries, if they shall need the same; wil- 
 ling you to know his mind therein, and to signify the same unto us 
 with all diligence, doing what ye can to cause him to stay them till 
 our ships come ; and if that will not be granted, then we would ye 
 should have a diligent eye upon them, that you may advertise us a 
 seven-night at the least before they shall be ready to depart, that we 
 may provide and lay for them, in such place for the taking of them by 
 the way as shall be most convenient. 
 
 Sixthly, You shall understand, that a sirname, on the west Borders, 
 called the Davidsons, whereof many belong to the earl of Angus and 
 his brother, liave lately made sundry incurses into our realm ; where- 
 fore our pleasure is, that ye shall declare the same unto the said earl 
 and sir George, advising them to have regard whom they trust and 
 take for their friends ; for if these which be towards them should be 
 the first breakers and offenders of the peace, it might give men occa- 
 sion to think, that either themselves be not so sincere as they be in- 
 deed towards us, or else that they foresee not so well whom they tiust 
 as appertaineth. And you shall also press the governour as much as 
 you may in the points before specified touching the Borders ; the pu- 
 nishment of whom, that is to say of such as be against him, and pro- 
 cure those incurses, shall be a mean to make them also retire home, 
 and percase to leave the party they now take, when the partakers shall 
 have most need of them. 
 
 Seventhly, Our pleasure is, that if this matter grow to such a gar- 
 boil and extremity, as the young queen shall be removed from Linlith- 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 241 
 
 gow, you shall do what you can, by all good means and perswasion, 
 both with the governour, the earl of Angus, and sir George Douglas, 
 to get her removed to Temptallon ; but whether that shall be granted 
 or no, you shall travel, that the old queen may be secluded from her, 
 and left at Linlithgow, or where it shall please her. Which the gover- 
 nour may, aud has good cause to do, seeing this conspiracy for her sur- 
 prize* could not be made but by her consent ; the like whereof she 
 will undoubtedly attempt hereafter by all means, so as the young queen 
 cannot be sure in her company ; foreseemg that he put most trusty 
 and sure folks about her, both for her sure keeping and preservation of 
 her healtli accordingly. 
 
 Eiglithly, Our pleasure is, that you shall also advise the governour, 
 the earl of Angus, and our sure friends there, before they shall join 
 with their enemies, to put all the strong holds in such sure hands and 
 custody, as, whatsoever should chance, they may be preserved and 
 kept against the conspirators, and to the benefit of the party which be 
 obedient, and have concluded with us upon this peace. And if it shall 
 come to the fight, you shall require the governour on our behalf, that 
 albeit it be their manner to light all on foot when they join in battle, 
 yet he will, at our desire, preserve one thousand good men, with a 
 good captain, still on horseback, so as the same may stand still in a 
 wing, or stale, till the forces be joined, and then to enter freely upon 
 the rebels ; which, if he follow it, shall be much to liis benefit, and to 
 the great discomfit of his enemies. Given under our signet, at our 
 manour of Oatland, the 22d of July, tlie 35th year of our reign, &c. 
 
 * He means the enterprize of the cardinal and the'nobles assembled at Stirling, to possess 
 themselves of the young queen's person. 
 
 VOL. I. 2 H 
 
242 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 154?. 
 
 To the K'wgs Majesty, ^Ut July, 1543. 
 
 Please it your royal majesty to understand, that this day the gover- 
 nour sent for me, and told me, "that the lord Fleming, and the bishop 
 of Orkney," M'hich be both knit and joined with the cardinal and that 
 party against the governour, " had been with him, as sent from the 
 cardinal and his complices ; and, on their behalf, proponed, that if the 
 governour would not hold this convention at Stirling, but needs would 
 have them come hither to Edinburgh; in that they desired for their 
 security, first, to have pledges for them, that they should come and go 
 safe ; the earl of Cassils, the abbot of Paisley, sir George Douglas, the 
 earl of Glencairn's son and heir, and the lord JMaxwell's son and heir: 
 2. That the castle of Edinburgh should be delivered out of the gover- 
 nour's hands to the provost of the town here ; and that all the pikes, 
 guns, and such weapons as were now in this ruffle taken out of the 
 same, should be forthwith laid in again: 3. That all such footmen as 
 the governour had waged, being about seven hundred, should be dis- 
 charged : 4. That the town of Leith (who be noted all to be good 
 Christians)* should have commandment not to stir from home, nor to 
 come to this town during the time of this convention : 5. That their 
 councils should be kept in the town, in their judicial house, called the 
 Tolbooth : 6. That the governour should have no halberts nor weapons 
 borne about him. Those," the governour told me, " be their desires ; 
 which be so unreasonable, as he neither hath, nor will grant them. But 
 because they shall have no just cause of dread of life, or bodily harm, he 
 hath now sent unto them the earl Marishal, the abbot of Paisley, and sir 
 James Lermonth, to charge them, by his authority in the queen's name, 
 to come hither to this convention, in quiet manner for the conclusion 
 
 * Reformers. The citizens of Leiih liaye, down to the present day, been eager Calvin- 
 ists. 
 
 n 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 245 
 
 and ratification of the treaties now concluded with your majesty ; and 
 further, to devise upon such things as may tend to the quietation of 
 this realm, and for the commonweal of the same ; and if they, or any 
 of them, be afraid of bodily hurt, he is content to lay his own son in 
 pledge, that they shall come and go safe. And also, if anj' of them be 
 afraid of sir George Douglas, he shall in likewise lay his son, the mas- 
 ter of JNIorton ; * or if they be afraid of any that is here about the go- 
 vernour, whosoever they be afraid of shall lay them in a pledge." This, 
 the governour saith, he hath offered them ; which I told him was too 
 much. But he thinketh assuredly, that for all that they will not come 
 here; and that they mind nothing less, than that the treaties now ta- 
 ken with your majesty should take effect ; " for the bishop of Ork- 
 ney," he saith, " did privately practise with him in such sort as the earl 
 of Huntley did afore, for the conclusion of a marriage between the 
 young queen and his son, and made him large promises in that part on 
 the behalf of the said cardinal and his complices." But the governour 
 remaineth firm towards your majesty, and, as he saith, will rather be 
 torn in pieces, than swerve from his promise made to your highness. 
 And also, he told me, " that the said cardinal and his fellows, notwith- 
 standing that they now make a face and ])retence of convention, for 
 quietness and agreement to be had among them, yet they mind no- 
 thing less ; for while they now dissemble and be a treating of the 
 same, he is credibly informed, that they do secretly practise of new to 
 assemble and gather their folk, intending to come suddenly upon him, 
 and to put him down, if they can. For what with that he hath thus suf- 
 fered them, and again with the hope they have of aid of money and 
 munition out of France, (which is much bruited here to be coming,) 
 with nineteen or twenty sail of great ships, and ambassadors from the 
 French king and the bishop of Rome, whereof one should be the duke 
 of Guise's son, or the duke himself, (as a Frenchman that is here arri- 
 ved, whom I wrote of in my last letters, doth plainly declare and af- 
 
 * Afterward earl of Morton, and regent of Scotland. 
 
644 EMBASSr TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 firm,) lliosc rebels do therewith grow into such a pride, that he think- 
 etli surely they will never be daunted but by force and battle, for the 
 which he maketh him ready. And here he complained nmch of 
 lack of money, saying, " that he neither had money, nor yet could get 
 liis plate coined in time to do him service ;" wherefore his only refuge 
 was to your majesty, praying me to take some way and order with my 
 lord Sulfolk for his present relief, till your majesty might eftsoons be 
 advertised of his necessity. In which case, his. trust is, your majesty 
 •will help him, both with men and money, in such wise as he may be 
 able to repress his enemies ; the honour and benefit whereof, he say- 
 eth, shall be your majesty's : For in case he be so impeached by his 
 enemies, either by convoying away the young queen, or otherwise, that 
 lie shall not be able to keep and perform the treaties now passed with 
 your majesty, he assureth me, that he will, in that case, with your ma- 
 jesty's assured friends here, make you such an entry into Scotland, 
 that all shall be your majesty's on this side the water of Forth ; alled- 
 ging, that all the strong-holds in the same, which he rehearsed to me 
 by name, should be at your majesty's will and commatYdment, This 
 he spake verj- constantly unto me ; wherefore, considering his present 
 necessitv, with his good determination towards your majesty, I thought 
 it best, both to put him in comfort, and also to continue him in that 
 good mind and purpose, to ofter him, on your majesty's behalf, the one 
 thousand pounds which your majesty before sent him ; being hitherto 
 by me stayed at Berwick, as I lately wrote unto your majesty. Which 
 offer he took in very good part, and most humbly thanked your high- 
 ness for the same ; praying me, nevertheless, eftsoons to dispatch a 
 post to your majesty, to advertise the same of his estate, trusting, that 
 your grace would thereupon take order for his further relief, both of 
 money and men, to the number of four or five thousand, whereof one 
 or two thousand to be good archers, which he would most gladly have 
 to be put in readiness to help him, as the case shall require. Thus he 
 prayed me to write unto your majesty, which I promised him to do; 
 •beseeching your majesty to pardon my presumption and boldness in 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. Q^S 
 
 bestowing of your said 1000 1, in tliis sort ; wliicli I have done for the 
 best, and for the better advancement of your majesty's afi'airs. And, 
 to say my poor opinion, if those matters grow to extremity, I see not 
 but your majesty, in and for tlie attaining of your purpose here, must 
 needs be at further charge to sustain tlie governour, and such as be as- 
 sured to your majesty, who liave no money lo maintain tlie quarrel 
 •withal. For the other party will do what they can for France, from 
 whence they look assuredly for aid ; which maketh them so high, that 
 now they seem nothing to esteem or weigh the governour. I have al- 
 so communed this day with the earls of Angus, Glencairn, and Cassils, 
 and the lords Maxwell and Somervail ; by whom I can perceive none 
 other, but that, notwithstanding the late appointment with the cardi- 
 nal and his complices, they think, nevertheless, this matter will grow- 
 to a bargain, which they call a battle : For they tell me plainly, that 
 the said cardinal and his folks do secretly gather anfl assemble their 
 force again; wherefore they desire much the aid of Englishmen, and 
 specially a good number of good archers, which they would fain put 
 in a readiness forthwith in all events. 
 
 The (jueen's person, they tell me, is indifferently well kept ; and 
 though the cardinal and all his complices do ly now at Stirling, where 
 she is, yet they say, that the barons which keep her,* will not suffer 
 past one or two of them at once, and but one man with him, to come 
 within the gates. And where the old queen desired to have the car- 
 dinal lodged within the castle, the said barons would in no wise suffer 
 It ; so that, as they say, whatsoever trouble be M'ithin the realm, the 
 young fjueen's person will be surely preserved for to be delivered into 
 England at the time appointed. 
 
 Thus have I declared unto your majesty how things go here at this 
 
 \ time ; and to-morrow, I think, it will appear, at the return of the earl 
 
 Marishal, the abbot of Paisley, and sir James Lermont, where the car- 
 
 • Lord Erskine, governor of Stirling castle; to whom were associated, for the charge of 
 the infant queen's person, the lords Livingstone, Fleming, and Ruthven. 
 
245 SMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 tlinal and his complices will come into the governour upon such secu- 
 rity as he hath offered them, which, if they refuse, it is facile and 
 easy to be judged that they mind not well toM'ards him, nor yet that 
 the treaties now passed with your majesty should take good effect. As 
 I shall see further hereofj I shall not fail to advertise with diligence. 
 And thus, &c. 
 
 A Letter from the King's Majesty to Ralph Sadler, Ath August, 
 
 1543. 
 
 TiTisty and right well-beloved, we greet you well, and have received 
 your letters of the last of July : By the contents whereof, we perceive 
 such conference as you had lately with the governour, the earls of 
 Angus and Glencairn, the lords JNIaxwell and Somervail, touching the 
 overtures made by the bishop of Orkney and the lord Fleming on the 
 behalf of tlie cardinal and his complices, being the said lord Fleming and 
 bishop of that party ; and also, concerning such aid as the said gover- 
 nour, and the rest before named, do desire of us for their defence and 
 surety, with a repetition of their offers unto us, in case the governour 
 shall not be able so to daunt the cardinal and his partakers, as they shall 
 agree to the ratification of the treaties passed betwixt us, or that the 
 queen shall be convoyed away, whereby they shall not be able to de- 
 liver her at the time by the treaties appointed and prescribed. For an- 
 swer whereunto, our pleasure is, that immediately upon the receipt 
 hereof, you shall make your repair to the governour, and making unto 
 him our hearty commendations, with condign thanks for his honour- 
 able proceedings and friendly offers made unto us, you shall declare 
 imto him, that we be of such mind and determination towards him 
 again, as, he may be well assured, that neither now, nor hereafter, shall 
 we suffer him to receive any such damage or dishonour, as he shall not 
 have good cause in the end to say, that he hath had a most constant 
 and faithful friend of us. And for his present relief at this time, we 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 247 
 
 have, according to his desire, api)ointed our Heutcnant in those parts, 
 to put in order live tliousand men, to be addressed unto iiim, when lie 
 and you together shall by your letters desire the same. Which five 
 thousand men shall enter in two parts ; the one from the west marches, 
 in the conduct of sir Thomas Wharton, till he shall arrive with the 
 lord Maxwell ; and then the said lord Maxwell to be chief captain of 
 that number. The other by the east and middle marches, in the con- 
 duct of sir Ralph Evres, kniglit, Brian Leighton,* Robert CoUingwood, 
 and Robert Horsley, esquires, till they shall arrive with the earl of An- 
 gus ; and then the said earl to be their chief captain ; accounting the 
 said earl and lord Maxwell, with all the rest of our friends there, which 
 adhere surely to him, to be of such honour and truth, as we dare well 
 commit the leading of our people to them. Providing, that the said 
 earl of Angus and the lord Maxwell do send some trusty men of ho- 
 nour and estimation to receive the said sir Thomas Wharton and sir 
 Ralph Evres, with such as come with them at the said Borders, to help 
 to conduct them and victual them, till they shall join with their other 
 forces ; and shall also, after they be joined, use the advice and counsel 
 of the said sir Thomas, and sir Ralph, Brian Leighton, Robert Coling- 
 wood, and Robert Horsley, which shall have the conduct of them in- 
 to Scotland, in all things touching any enterprize and exploit to be 
 done, and likewise for the victualling and placing of the same accord- 
 ingly. And M'here the governour desireth to have such as we shall 
 send for his aid, bring some victual with them ; we have, for his satis- 
 faction herein, not only taken order that they shall bring as much 
 victual with them as can conveniently be prepared in the short time of 
 their assembly, but also, that plenty of corn shall be sent into the 
 Firth, both from Newcastle and from Berwick ; not doubting, but the 
 governour, with the rest of the earls and others our friends, and spe- 
 cially those which shall have the chief charge of our subjects, Mall. 
 
 • Sir Ralph Evers and sir Brian Leighton, or Laytoun, were both distinguished warriors,, 
 aud were killed at the battle of Ancram-moor, 1 iiS. 
 
248 EsiBAssr to Scotland in 1545. 
 
 take order, that when it shall arrive, it may be employed for the 
 victualling of the same, as appertaineth. And our further pleasure is, that 
 you shall also declare to the said governour, and the rest of the lords 
 our friends there, that in case the number now sent shall not so daunt 
 the said cardinal, as he and bis complices shall be glad and fain to con- 
 sent to the ratification of the treaties, the laying pledges and all other 
 things convenient, or that the said cardinal shall convoy aAvay the 
 young queen's person, we will prepare a greater furniture to repress 
 their malice ; not doubting but the governour will (in case of that ne- 
 cessity) deliver unto us the holds which he hath promised to deliver; 
 assuring the said governour, that in case they take away the person of 
 the young queen, and dispose her marriage otherwise than by his own 
 consent, we will, by force of our title and superiority, make him king 
 of the rest of Scotland beyond the Firth, aiding him with our power 
 by sea and by land to recover the same, so as he go through with the 
 overture of marriage betwixt his son and our daughter the lady Eliza- 
 beth, which is of such sort, and shall be such honour and establish- 
 ment to his son after him, as he could not recover the like party in 
 Christendom. And being now in such terms with the governour and 
 the rest of our friends there, that we must account our affairs all one ; 
 we can do no less but to remember unto him, how they have been 
 heretofore abused by the cardinal and his partakers, and what inconve- 
 niences have ensued of the same, to the intent they may hereafter be- 
 ware of the craft and falshood of him and his angels, and utterly stop 
 their ears to any tiling that can be said on his behalf Wherefore you 
 shall desire and pray both the governour and the rest of the said lords 
 our friends, and specially the earl of Glencairn and the lord Maxwell, 
 to weigh their affairs more deeply, and to consider how they have been 
 now twice deluded by the crafty means of the said cardinal ; once at 
 his deliverance, and now again at the deliverance of the young queen; 
 requiring them, at the contemplation of our advice and counsel, and 
 also in respect of their own honours and estimation, which shall be 
 much defaced in the world, if he should eftsoons deceive them the 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 24y 
 
 third time, to beware of him, and utterly to close their ears, as js afore- 
 said, against him and his com])lices. Which advice and counsel if 
 they follow not, but pcrcase shall tolerate many things in hope of bet- 
 ter, whereby he shall get the upper-hand and victory of them, what 
 scruple soever tliey have of an honest zeal, which would be loath to 
 have any slaughter in their native country; they may be assured in 
 that case that he will spare none of them, but dispatch them, either to- 
 gether, or one after another, as he shall have his most opportunity. 
 And therefore, seeing the said cardinal is now at Stirling, and travel- 
 leth secretly to assemble again his army, to the intent he may both de- 
 pose the governour, and of all the rest dispose at his pleasure; consi- 
 dering his force, being so lately disparkled, will not soon or easily be 
 brought again together, our advice and counsel is, that the governour 
 shall secretly and suddenly, in any wise, send a good band of his men 
 t-o Stirling, and either there to take him and bring him to the castle of 
 Edinburgh, or at the least to drive him over the water, and then to set 
 such an assured order for the safe keeping of the bridge, as neither the 
 queen shall be convoyed away, though the barons having the keeping 
 of her would consent thereto at the said cardinal's recjuest and desire, 
 nor that the cardinal, or any of his complices, be permitted to pass the 
 bridge, or that any of them on this side do resort to him, but at the 
 governour's will and pleasure. Given under our signet, &c. 
 
 To the King's Majesty, lOth August, 1543. 
 
 Please it your royal majesty to be advertised, that whereas I wrote 
 in my last letters that the queen-dowager had sent for me, so have I 
 now been with her at Stirling; and, at mine access unto her, she told 
 me, " That she had sent for me, not only that I should know that she 
 was now the same woman that I left her at my last being with her, 
 both for her good mind and zeal to accomplish all things which might 
 be to your liighness's good contentation, and specially to the perfec- 
 
 VOL. I. 2 I 
 
250 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 tion of the marriage betwixt my lord prince's grace and her daughter; 
 which," she said, " she was now in better hope than ever she was 
 should take good effect, the rather, for tliat the noblemen of the realm 
 had now delivered her out of the governour's hands, and bestowed her 
 in a good place, in the custody of such barons as were appointed by 
 the parliament. But also to declare unto me, on the behalf of the said 
 noblemen, (as, she said, they had desired her to do,) that they were all 
 well-minded and dedicate to the performance and accomjjlishment of 
 all things contained in the treaties of peace and marriage, lately passed 
 with your majesty ; and for that purpose were appointed to conveen 
 with the governour, the 20th of this month, for the ratification of the 
 same. And for her own part," she said, " that as nothing could be 
 more honourable for her and her daughter than this marriage, so she 
 desired the perfection thereof with all her heart, which she now was in 
 good hope should take effect, the rather for the cause afore expressed, 
 and also for that your majesty had so wisely provided to have good 
 pledges for the delivery of her daughter into England, at her age of tea 
 years. But in the mean season she would so look to her surety, now 
 that she was in so good a place and sure guard, that, with the grace of 
 God, she should be in good plight to be delivered at the said time." 
 And when she had all said, I (first remembring her of what determina- 
 tion and mind she shewed herself to me at my first coming to the 
 country) told her, that I was glad to perceive by her words, that she 
 remained still the same woman towards your majesty, trusting that her 
 deeds should also declare the same : But much I marvelled, that the 
 noblemen she spoke of should rise, as they lately did, and rebell against 
 him whom they had chosen to be their governour, and were sworn un- 
 to him ; whereby, if the said governour had been as desirous of re- 
 venge, and as malicious as they, and had not rather used great attem- 
 perance, wisdom, and policy, to mitigate and appease the same, no 
 doubt but great effusion of blood must needs have ensued. Where- 
 fore, as for my part I thought they could not honourably maintain 
 their so doing ; so I feared the whole world would note their untruth 
 
 5 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 251 
 
 in that behalf. Hereunto she answered as earnestly as might be, '•' That 
 they had good cause so to do, for their quarrel was both for the surety 
 and healtii of their sovereign lady and mistress, and also for the com- 
 mon -weal of the realm ; for where the whole body of the realm had 
 appointed by parliament, that her daughter should be kept in the realm 
 by certain barons named for that purpose, the governour would never 
 permit the same to be put in execution, but held her still in his own 
 custody, and put such about her as him listed, in such wise, as both 
 she and her daughter were holden as it were in a prison, whereof she 
 had many times complained, and could find no remedy. And ever," 
 she said, " when she complained, they would bear her in hand, that 
 she minded to transport her daughter out of the realm ; And this," 
 she said, " was one cause why the noblemen assembled in this sort, 
 with their power, to relieve their queen and mistress, and to put her in 
 sure custody, such as was ordained and decreed by parliament. Ano- 
 ther cause," slie said, *' was, for that the governour use<l, in the direc- 
 tion of the great affairs of this realm, and specially of those M'eighty 
 matters lately treated on with your majesty, only the advice and coun- 
 sel of certain private persons, without calling thereunto the great and 
 notable personages of this realm, wherewith they were not contented, 
 and would be right glad that your majesty should understand, that 
 they, for their parts, would at all times be as ready and willing to agree 
 to all things as should be to your majesty's reasonable contentation, 
 and the weal of this realm, as the governour, or any others within the 
 same : And that whatsoever was done in such sort by private persons, 
 without their consent and agreement, could not be a\ailable, nor they 
 that had so privately passed the same, could be able to perform their 
 promise in that behalf." 
 
 In those two points I answered her, that, for the first, whatsoever 
 pretence they made, they all, or at least some of their party, as the earl 
 of IMontrose,* the lords Erskine and Fleming, did perfectly know, that 
 
 * NVilliam Graham, second earl of Montrose. 
 
252 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND 7N 154?. 
 
 there was a special article in the treaty of marriage, that the young 
 queen's person should be in the custody of such barons as were appoint- 
 ed by parliament, which should have been accomplished, though they 
 had made no insurrection for the same. And in the great matters be- 
 twixt your majesty and this realm, I told her, I could well excuse the 
 governour, for that he used no private counsel therein, but the whole 
 advice of as many of the nobles of the realm, as would come to give 
 liim their counsel; as at the dispatch of the first ambassadors into 
 England, which were dispatched by the three estates of the realm in 
 parliament : And likewise at the second time, the earl of Glencairn and 
 sir George Douglas, the parliament yet continuing, were dispatched by 
 them all, none absent but the cardinal and the earl of Huntley: And, 
 third, when sir George Douglas returned, he was again dispatched 
 (the parliament still continuing) by the whole body of the same ; be- 
 ing as many of the nobility of the realm present at the same dispatch 
 as would, upon the governour's letters sent unto them, repair to him 
 for that purpose ; and, therefore, I thought, that such as came not at 
 the governour's sending for, ought rather to answer to their disobe- 
 dience in that part, than that they have any just cause to say, that the 
 governour used pri\ate counsel in those matters, wherein they would 
 not come to give him their advice, according to their duties. And 
 sure I was, that the earl of Montrose, the lords Erskine and Fleming, 
 were present both at the first, second, and last dispatches, and consent- 
 ed to all things concluded in the same, which were so honourable and 
 beneficial to Scotland, as I thought no man of reason would disagree 
 to any thing now passed by the said treaties; being assured that no- 
 thing is passed by the same, but it was first agreed here by the body 
 of the realm, in form afore expressed : so that, I told her, they could 
 not justly say, that those matters were so privately handled as they al- 
 ledged; nor yet had they any just cause whereupon to ground their 
 fjuarrel, and to make such a stir and commotion in the realm, as where- 
 by, if wisdom and temperance had not ruled the governour, must needs 
 have followed great mischief and inconvenience. Wherefore I thought 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 25S 
 
 tlieyhad some other purpose in their heads, and nevertheless made this 
 the ground and foundation of their quarrel, to the intent the same 
 might have some honest appearance to the world. 
 
 She laboured much to excuse them, and to maintain their action ; 
 but she had little reason whereby to justify or approve the same. Once 
 she is very glad, that she is at Stirling, and much she praised there- 
 about the house, and told nic, "That her daughter did grow apace; 
 and soon," she said, " she would be a woman, if she took of her mo- 
 ther;" who, indeed, is of the largest stature of women. And there- 
 with she caused also the child to be brought to me, to the intent I 
 might see her, assuring your majesty, that she is a right fair and good- 
 ly child, as any tliat I have seen, for her age. And then after a little 
 time passed in the beholding of the child, she took me again apart, 
 and making me a short repetition of the cause why she sent for me, as 
 is afore expressed, she prayed me to signify the same to your majesty, 
 which I promised, and so departed from her. 
 
 At my return to this town, arrived here your majesty's letters, con- 
 taining your highness's pleasure to be declared by me to the governour, 
 and others the earls and lords your majesty's friends here, touching the 
 aid of 5000 men, which your highness hath appointed to be sent hi- 
 ther, and the preparation of a greater number, in case of a more neces- 
 sity ; in which case your majesty doubteth not, but the governour will: 
 deliver the strong-holds : And also concerning your majesty's promise^ 
 in case the person of the young queen be convoyed away, to make him 
 king of the rest of Scotland beyond the Firth, so as he go through 
 with the marriage between your majesty's daughter and his son. And 
 finally, touching the cardinal and his partakers, as in your majesty's 
 said letters is at length expressed. Whereupon I made my repair to 
 the governour; and first (because I would know of him, how things 
 had passed whilst I had been at Stirling) I asked him, whether all mat- 
 ters stood still in good terms? Whereunto he answered me, " That he 
 thought when all was done, that, notwithstanding the fair words of 
 the cardinal and his partakers, they would, or it be long, make him a 
 
254 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 riew business; for he was certainly informed, that the earls of Hunt- 
 ley, Argyle, and Lennox, did make great preparations, and have, since 
 their arrival at home, given secret charge to all their friends, tenants, 
 and servants, to be ready, with fifteen days victuals, to set forwards 
 with them, against the 20th day of this instant ; whereupon he hath 
 resolved here, in council, to send home forthwith the earls of Angus, 
 Cassils, and Glencairn, the lords IVIaxwell and Somervail, the sheriff of 
 Ayr, and other lords, and others of reputation here, assured of his par- 
 ty, every man unto his own country, to prepare tlieir forces to assem- 
 ble here and at Linlithgow against the said 20th day. So that," he 
 saith, " he will be ready, or rather afore-hand with his adversaries, in 
 such wise as they shall not suddenly prevent him, as they did at their 
 last commotion." And for this purpose, the earl of Glencairn and the 
 lord Somervail are already gone home yesterday, before I received 
 your majesty's said letters, and the rest go this day, or to-morrow. 
 
 The governour told me, " That undoubtedly the cardinal and all his 
 complices did altogether dissemble with him, depending only upon the 
 aid of France, which," he saith, " is without all fail coming hither by the 
 west «eas, with one Stewart, * whom the cardinal and earl of Lennox 
 sent purposely for the same ; whereof," he saith, " he hath credible ad- 
 vertisement, by letters arrived here of new yesterday, addressed to An- 
 drew Barton." t -'^•"1 further, he saith, " That where the cardinal 
 made suit and means to him for his favour, and desired that he might 
 safely come and speak with him in some indifferent place, which tlie 
 governour hath oll'ered him, yet he putteth oii' the same, and tritleth 
 with him ; pretending that he dare not come for fear of his life, or bo- 
 dily hurt; whereby," the governour saith, " that he perceiveth well all 
 his fair words and pretences, with likewise all his partakers, are no- 
 
 * Captain James Stewart of CarJonnock. 
 
 t The Bartons were a family celebrated for their skill in naval aflairs e\en in the rciga 
 of James III.— Sec Pitscoitie, p. 9.5. folio edit. The person here mentioned, was perhaps 
 the son of the famous sir Andrew Barton, wiiose defeat and death by the earl of Sin rev led 
 to the breach between James IV. and Henry VIII., and to the fatal battle of i-'lodden. 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 255 
 
 thing else but craft and dissinuilation; for the which he will provide 
 accordingly."' ^'hereupon I entrcd with him in the declaration of the 
 contents of your majesty's said letters, in such sort as is prescribed un- 
 to me by the same ; which he heard at good length, and after made 
 me this answer: First, " He thanked your majesty most humbly for 
 your great clemency and goodness towards him." And touching the 
 aid of English-men, he said, " That he, and other your majesty's friends 
 here had well debated that matter in council, and with good advertise- 
 ment they had found, that if it come so to pass that they must seek 
 for aid of English-men, it would not then be the number of 5000 that 
 would help them; for the bringing in of 5000 Englishmen should 
 cause 20,000 Scots-men forsake them, and run to their enemies; as- 
 suring me, that whensoever they brought in English-men, all their 
 own friends and tenants, or at least the greatest number of them, will 
 utterly leave them. And therefore, in case things do grow to such 
 extremity, as they shall be enforced to have aid of your majesty's sub- 
 jects, it must be such an army, as with them, and such of their friends 
 as will abide with them, may be able to work their feat without any 
 great number of Scots-men." Nevertheless he prayed me, to write un- 
 to your majesty, and to beseech the same, " That not only the men 
 may remain still in a readiness for him, in case he, with other your 
 friends here, shall see that they may be brought in to some good purpose, 
 but also that it may please your majesty to advance unto him the sum 
 of L. 5000, for the which (if your majesty will so require him) he will 
 give to your highness his bond and obligation for the repayment of 
 the same ; assuring me that the late ruffle and business cost him 20,000 
 merks Scots ; which sum of 5000 1. sterling, if it may please your ma- 
 jesty, he desireth to have within these ten days, Avith the which he 
 trusteth to wage so good a number of men of this nation, that, with 
 the help of your majesty and his friends here, and their forces, he shall 
 be able to daunt the cardinal and his complices, in such sort, as they 
 shall be glad and fain to consent to the ratification of the treaties, the 
 laying in of the hostages and pledges, and performing of all other 
 
•236 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 things according to tl>e said treaties. And in case they shall convoy 
 away the queen's person, or so impeach him that he shall not be able 
 to keep promise with your majesty according to the treaties, he will 
 then make his refuge to your majesty, and be ordered and advised by 
 the same, as well in the delivery of the strong-holds, as in the accom- 
 plishment of all such other things as your majesty will require him to 
 do, whatsoever it be, to the uttermost of his power." And here he 
 prayed me to report unto him the point that touched your majesty's 
 offer, to make him king of all Scotland beyond the Firth; which I did 
 in such sort, as is contained in your majesty's said letters. Whereunto 
 he answered, " That your majesty had devised such honour for him and 
 his posterity, as for ever he is obliged to your highness for the same. 
 Marry," he said, " all his lands and living lay on this side the Firth, 
 which he would not gladly change for any living beyond the Firth." 
 Wherein I told him, he might be sure that your majesty would so deal 
 with him, as he should have good cause to say, that he had met with 
 a great friend. And then he swore the wounds of Christ, " That if 
 those matters grew to such extremity, he would do whatsoever your 
 majesty would have him to do ; but he trusted, that if it would please 
 your majesty to advance unto him this 50001. he should be able to 
 daunt the cardinal and his complices, in such sort, as they should be 
 glad to leave the cast of France, and join with him in the cast of Eng- 
 land." And for the aid of English-men, he desired, " that the said 
 number of 5000 may be in readiness," as is aforesaid. " But surely," 
 he thinketh, " he shall not need them; for if he be driven to have the 
 aid of English-men," he saith, " your majesty must furnish him such 
 an army, as wherewith he, and others your majesty's and his assured 
 friends here, may be able to do you service, though their own country- 
 men forsake them," as is aforesaid. " In which case he doubteth not 
 but your majesty shall right soon have this whole realm at your will 
 and pleasure." This he prayed me to write unto your majesty with all 
 diligence, to the hitent he might the sooner receive your majesty's an- 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 257 
 
 svver in tlie premisses : •\vliicli I promised him, and so departed accord- 
 ingly- 
 After this, I spake immediately with the earls of Angus and Cassils, 
 
 the lord Maxwel and sir George Douglas, and communed with them 
 of all the premisses, finding them in all things agrecahlc with the 
 mind and opinion of the governour ; assuring me, that having well 
 debated the bringing in of English-men, they find, that the same shall 
 do more hurt than good, and shall put both themselves and the Eng- 
 lish-men (unless it were a main army) in danger of destruction. So 
 that, they say, a present furniture of money shall be most beneficial 
 for the governour at this time. And if it shall come to that point, 
 that they shall have need of English-mens aid, in that case, they say, 
 it shall be requisite for your majesty to send such a power, as by the 
 samf, with the help of the governour and others, A\hich be here at 
 your majesty's commandment, they may go through with the con- 
 quest of this realm, wherein they will serve your majesty as they have 
 promised ; trusting, though in that case a great many of their friends 
 here will peradventure forsake them, that yet some will abide with 
 them, to such a good number, as wherewith they doubt not they shall 
 be able to do your majesty good service. And the said earls of Angus 
 and Cassils, and the lord INIaxwTll, told me, that they were even now 
 ready to go home to see what force they were able to make, where- 
 with they would repair to this town and to Linlithgow, on this side 
 the 20th of this month ; for the which purpose they be already de- 
 parted. 
 
 Whilst I was now at Stirling, by the means of a gentleman of a 
 good house in this country, being also of honest credit and reputation, 
 whom I do use for my purpose here in many things for the better ser- 
 vice of your majesty, I came by a secret bond and confederacy made 
 by the cardinal and his complices, at their late being together at Lin- 
 lithgow ; the copy whereof I have sent to your majesty herewith : 
 And till I shewed the governour of the same bond this day, he had no 
 manner of knowledge thereof, which hath now the more exasperate 
 
 VOL. I. 2 k 
 
258 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1545. 
 
 and stirred him against the cardinal, whose only act and device it is. 
 The lord Fleming, who, I assure your grace, is as ill, or rather w^orse, 
 than tlie earl Bothwel, hath subscribed the same amongst others, as 
 your highness shall perceive by the said copy ; and also the laird of 
 Craigy, for whom your majesty wrote to the governour, hath likewise 
 subscribed it, and is plain of that party. And as for the lord Fleming, 
 he hath said plainly, that he will never go again into England, what- 
 soever become of his son that lietli pledge for him ; his ransom he will 
 pay to redeem home his pledge, as it was taxed by the late ambassa- 
 dors, but he will never enter into England. Of this I am credibly in- 
 formed by such as heard him speak it. And at my now being at Stir- 
 ling, I saw him there with the queen, ])ut he was not the man that 
 would bid me once welcome, and yet I thought to have spoken with 
 him, had he not suddenly departed ; which, I think, he did of purfbse. 
 Finally, touching the French ships here in the Firth, they now be all 
 afloat, sailing about here in the Firth, ready to depart, abiding only for 
 the wind, as I am informed ; and yet they have promised the gover- 
 nour to tarry those three days, for such letters and other things as he 
 maketh them believe he will dispatch with them into France. But it 
 is thought, that as soon as the wind serveth they will away ; and, as 
 far as I can learn, they intend to hover a while about this coast north- 
 wards, to meet with the Iseland fleet, if they can. And if they go 
 homewards, they will surely keep aloof in the seas, as far as they can 
 from the coast of England. I will do the best I can to know what 
 course they keep, and where they become, and will advertise thereof 
 to my lord of Suffolk, to the intent (if it be possible) he may give 
 knowledge thereof to your majesty's navy from time to time as the 
 case shall require. And thus, &c. 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. £59 
 
 To my Lords of Suffolk, Parr, and Durham, IS/A August, 1543. 
 
 It may like your good lordsliips to understand, that I received your 
 letters of the 4th of August : for answer whereunto, lirst, touching 
 the victualHno: of such Enjilish aid as the govemour and others his 
 majesty's friends here lately desired ; if I had perceived, that they had 
 continued still in that determination to have the said aid, I would or 
 this time have advertised your lordships what order they would have 
 taken for the victualling of the same ; but surely I see not that they 
 will bring in any English-men at this time. Wherein, if I should say 
 mine opinion, they have wisely resolved ; for if they should, both all 
 their own friends would forsake them, and also our English-men should 
 be in no little danger, unless they were such a company as might be 
 able to be a party to all Scotland. And there is already a bruit and 
 saying here, that the governour will bring in English-men into the 
 realm ; for the which he is so universally hated, that he scant dare 
 trust his own servants ; assuring your lordships, that this nation is of 
 such malicious nature towards English-men, that they cannot abide, 
 nor suffer to hear, that English-men should have any manner of supe- 
 riority or dominion over them. And therefore, when the king's majes- 
 ty shall send hither any force, I would wis!) the same to be such a 
 power as might be able to work their feat, without the aid or assist- 
 ance of any Scottish-man, in whom I would put no great trust in that 
 behalf Nevertheless, forasmuch as the governoir desireth, tint the 
 aid, which the king's majesty hath appointed, may remain still in readi- 
 ness for him in all events ; I have, therefore, desired him to tell me, 
 how he will furnish them with victual, in case he shall see cause to 
 bring in the same. In Mhicli case, his desire is, that they shall bring 
 with them as much victual for themselves as they may conveniently. 
 And also he will, as he saith, send both to Newcastle and to Berwick 
 for grain ; and will cause the same to be baked and browen here, and 
 4 
 
260 EMBASSV TO SCOTLAJfD IN 1543. 
 
 SO to be uttered to tlie English-men for tlieir money, according to 
 your device. This order, he saith, he will observe in case aforesaid. 
 
 Secondly, Touching the navy that (as your lordsliips wrote) was 
 seen afore Holy Island on Friday last. If there were seen to the num- 
 ber of fifty sail, as your letters proport, I wonder what they were. But 
 true it is, that the French ships, which have been here so long in the 
 Firth, being nine sail, were amongst them, which took the two Crayers 
 English-men, mentioned in your said letters, and have sent them into 
 the haven here of Leith ; and, as I understand, the said French-men 
 do ly still afore the coast of Bamburgh and Holy Island, and certain 
 Scots merchants with them, which went all together out of the Firth 
 here on Thui-sday last in the night. And if the king's majesty's navy, 
 which (as you know) were appointed to come hither for to take the 
 said French ships here in the Firth do come forwards, it is very like 
 that they shall meet together. But I can hardly believe that there 
 were seen to the number of fifty sail ; whereof it may please your good 
 lordships to make better enquiry ; and if it was so, then, if it be pos- 
 sible to know what they were, to the intent I may advertise the go- 
 vernour here, who is much desirous to have true knowledge of the 
 same. 
 
 Finally, Whether those men here shall agree or no there is no cer- 
 tainty, but either party so much mistrusteth other, that they prepare 
 their forces on both sides. The governour, methinketh, is out of heart 
 and courage ; the only cause whereof, I assure you, is lack of money ; 
 for, undoubtedly, he hath little or none at all ; and the other party, as 
 I am also informed, hath no more than they occupy. And now the 
 cardinal hath made special instance to speak with sir George Douglas, 
 who, having the lord Seton laid here in pledge for him to the gover- 
 nour, doth, to-morrow, repair over the water to speak with the said 
 cardinal. At his retour I shall know how they agree, and shall not 
 fail to advertise the same accordingly. 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. gffl 
 
 To my ior^Z? o/' Suffolk, Park, and Durham, 14/// August, 1543. 
 
 It may like your good lordships to understand, that this Ijearer, Mr 
 Poyntz's servant, arrived here yesternight with me, and brought me 
 such letters as you shall receive herein inclosed ; by the which ye may 
 perceive in what case he standeth for money and victuals. He hath 
 already received two hundrec^ngels upon my credit, of the earl of 
 Cassils, which, as I perceive by this bearer, is already spent; and there- 
 fore I have now made shift for one hundred pounds more for him, 
 which I will find some means to convoy safely unto him Avith all dili- 
 gence. But, considering how chargeable this matter will grow, if the 
 said I\Ir Poyntz do remain long with the kingg ships in these west 
 seas, which, after twenty pounds a day, as he maketh his rate, will 
 amount to five hundred and sixty pounds a month. It is not only re- 
 quisite to know the king's majesty's pleasure in that part, for the which 
 purpose this said bearer repaireth now to the court to my lord admi- 
 ral ; but also, that it may please your lordships, to take such order as 
 he may be furnished with money for the time accordingly; for with- 
 out your help I shall not be able to supply the same. Wherefore it 
 may please your lordships to send me, with convenient diligence, so 
 much as will repay the money which I have already borrowed for to 
 help him withall, being two hundred angels and one hundred pounds, 
 as is aforesaid, which amounteth in the whole to the sum of one hun- 
 dred and seventy-five pounds ; and also such a convenient sum of mo- 
 ney besides, as your lordships, by your discretion, shall think meet to 
 serve him, untill such time as the king's majesty's further pleasure may 
 be known in that behalf Thus, &c. 
 
 POSTSCRIPT. 
 
 Whereas I do perceive by your lordships last letters, which I received 
 yesternight, with also the king's majesty's letters to me, addressed with 
 
J6S IBIBAaSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 the same, that six of the king's ships passed by you on Sunday morn 
 ing at eiglit of the clock, to arrive here in the Firth, wl:^m ye would 
 have me to advertise of the number of the French ships being on the 
 sea ; ye shall understand, that none of the said six ships is arrived 
 here as ygt, nor I know not what they should do here ; for the Frencli- 
 men that have lain here so long are gone, and departed hence to the 
 geas on Thursday last, as I wrote to you in my last letters , and, since 
 their departure, have taken the two English Crayers which you wrote 
 of, and have sent them hither, as I also did advertise you by my said 
 last letters. But where the said FrenoH-men are now become, 1 can 
 learn no certainty. Some say, they be about the coast afore Bam- 
 burgh and Holy Island, and some say they are plied homeward aloof 
 in the seas from the coast of England ; and others say they are gone 
 northwards to abide the Iseland fleet ; but certainty I can get none 
 what course they keep, &c. 
 
 To my Lords o/"Suffolk, Parb, and DuRftAM, 17th August, 1543. 
 
 It may like your good lordships to understand, that I have received 
 here of late your several letters, and have forborn to write again, be- 
 cause I would have been glad to have some certain matter to write of 
 if it would be ; but that, I trow, will never be had amongst those men 
 here, their proceedings are so uncertain. And now, what appearance 
 there is how things shall succeed, you shall perceive by such letters as 
 I write presently herewith to the king's majesty; but what Mill fol- 
 low, God knoweth; for I think never man had to do witli such people. 
 And where, in another of your before-written letters, ye write, ye fear 
 the bottom of their purpose and agreement will not appear till they 
 shall have the king's money in their purses ; I have also thought be- 
 fore of that matter, and, by mine advice, if the king's majesty shall re- 
 solve upon my last letters to send hither any money, according to the 
 governour's desire, there shall be some stay made of his highness's li- 
 
^ EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1,54S. 263 
 
 berality in that belialf, till we see cause how it may be em|)loye(l to 
 good purpose ; wherein it may please your lordships to give nie your 
 advice as the case shall require. Furthermore, amongst your said let- 
 ters, I have received tlie special advertisements which it liked you to 
 send me, whereof I shall make the best enquiry I can. Part thereof 
 hath some appearance of truth, and part 1 know to be untrue. But, as 
 I have sundry times written, it is hard to judge the end of those per- 
 plexed affairs till time reveal the same. For my part, I shall be as vi- 
 gilant as I can. And though plainness and truth be oft times abused 
 with subtilty and falshood, yet in the end alway truth triumpheth, 
 when falshood shall take reproach, and bear the burden of the same. 
 
 Finally, where it appeareth by your said letters, that ye understand 
 the young queen should be very sick ; neither the governour nor any 
 mat here knoweth thereof. Indeed she was sick of the small-pox, but 
 she is H^rfectly recovered of the same more than ten days passed. And 
 also perceiving by your said letters, that ye likewise understand that 
 the said young queen should be M'holly under the government of tlie 
 cardinal and his complices, and under their strength ; and that the 
 lords Livingston* and Lindsay,! favouring the governour, seeing they 
 bear no stroke, would have come away, and the old queen stopped 
 their baggage that they could not depart ; as your said letters do make 
 mention. To say mine opinion, I think surely that she is in such cus- 
 tody as the cardinal and his complices may dispone of her at his plea- 
 sure. For the dowager, the earl of Montrose, and the lord Erskine, 
 be of that party ; and the castle is the dowager's, whereof also the 
 lord Erskine is constable and keeper, and hath the keys of all the pos- 
 terns and back gates ; so that, if they list to convoy her, it cannot ly 
 in the power of the lords Livingston and Lindsay to impeacli ir; 
 wherefore, they might indeed as well be away as there : But yet they 
 neither desired to go hence, nor did the dowager stop their bagga"-e, 
 
 * Alexander, fifth lord Livingston. He had an office about the person of the infant 
 queen. He died 1550. 
 
 t John, sixth lord Lindesay of the Byres. He died 156J. 
 
264 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 as your said letters proport. Nevertheless, the earls of Glencairn and 
 Cassils, and also tiie lords Maxwell and Somervail, to whom I have 
 heretofore declared mine opinion in tliat part, have assured me upon 
 their honours, that the earl of INIontrose and lord Erskine will safely 
 keep and preserve her for the time that the child shall be in their hands, 
 for the which they be bound on their lives and heritages. Whatsoever 
 trouble be within the realm, they say, her said keepers be men of 
 such honour, as will undoubtedly discharge their loyalty in that be- 
 half, and preserve her to be married in England, as was decreed by the 
 parliament. This they say, but how it will prove, God knoweth, who, 
 &c. 
 
 To the Lords of his Majesty's Privy Council, \7th Atignst, 154^ 
 
 It may like your good lordships to understand, that I have received 
 your several letters of the 10th and l£th of this month, with your let- 
 ters to sir Nachas Poyntz, which I have sent unto him ; and also, I 
 have received the copy of captain Polyne's letter, addressed to the go- 
 vernour of Thuryne ; which matter I have, and shall, as opportunity 
 may serve me, set forth according to the contents of your lordships 
 said letters. And such as I have already declared the same unto, as the 
 governour himself, and some others, seem greatly to detest the French 
 king and the bishop of Rome, no less than their doings in that part do 
 justly require. Furthermore, touching the contents of your lordships 
 said letters, I liave partly answered the same, by such letters as I write 
 herewith to the king's majesty, and shall observe the execution of the 
 rest as the case shall require. And whereas, it appeareth by your said 
 letters of the ]2th of this present, amongst other things, that the 
 king's pleasure is, I should advertise how his majesty's books of reli- 
 gion be liked here, and whether the governour desircth to have any 
 moe of them. Surely, to signify the plain truth, I see not that the 
 same is much liked of any party here, nor yet the governour desiretli 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 255 
 
 to have any moe of tlieiii ; for such as pretend to favour Gods word, 
 do hke chiefly tliat part which confuteth the primacy of tlie bishop of 
 Rome ; and such as they call here Pharisees and Papists, do so much 
 niislike that part, as they give almost no credit to the rest: But they 
 be well pleased with the restraint of the scripture made in England, 
 from certain degrees of the ijeojjle, and yet would have liked it much 
 better, if it had been generally restrained from all sorts ; though such 
 as do pretend, as is aforesaid, to be professors of God's woid, be much 
 offended with the same. And if I had found the said book of relision 
 well liked here, I would or this time have advertised the same, and al- 
 so sent for moe books. Such as your lordships sent hither, I disposed 
 as I was commanded accordingly. Thus, &;c. 
 
 To mt/ Lords of SuFTOLK, Parr, a'w/ Durham, \9th August, 1543. 
 
 It may like your good lordships to understand, that I have received 
 your letters of the 17th of August, with also the bill of your news, 
 which are no news here. And if the cardinal and his complices do 
 mind or intend any such things, as is comprised in the said bill, they 
 keep no counsel of the same, for a man might have learned all these 
 news in the Fish-market here, with many moe tending to like purpose, 
 at the least fourteen days ago. And at my last being with the queen 
 at Stirling, she found herself somewhat grieved with part of those 
 bruits, both touching the marriage that (as commonly was spoken here 
 abroad) should be betwixt her daughter and the earl of Argyle's son ; 
 and also, the contention and strife which should be betwixt the earls 
 of Lennox and Eothwel for her love.* She told me, " she was little 
 
 * It was a common belief at the time, that these two noblemen, who were rivals in 
 splendour and courtly accomplishments, hoped for the marriage of Mary of Lorrain. The 
 continuation of Pitscouie and Buchanan, both mention this report; and that the earl of Len- 
 nox being trained in the wars and tournaments of France, surpassed the other in dexterity 
 as well as strength. " He was," says the former historian, " of a strong body, well pro- 
 VOL. I. 2 L 
 
266 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 beholden to the people of this nation, that raised such tales to the 
 slander of her and her daughter." But I wrote nothing of these things, 
 because the same was here in common bruit. And if I should write 
 all such tales, as be common here in many mouths, and sowen in the 
 market place, I could every day fill your ears with a number of them. 
 Nevertheless, I assure your lordships, I am of opinion, that the cardi- 
 nal and his fellows would be right glad to accomplish all those things 
 contained in the said bill, and it may be that they do intend the same. 
 But the governour is sufliciently warned thereof by the common bruit 
 of the people ; and also, I shall not fail, on your lordships behalf, to 
 advise him to beweigh the same, in such sort as ye require me by your 
 said letters. And touching the force and power, which is contained 
 in the said bill, the carl of Argyle should now raise and assemble ; it 
 is true, that every man on l)nth parties hath been preparing all the 
 force they can make, which, nevertheless, is now staid, upon the late 
 communication and agreement betwixt the cardinal and sir George 
 Douglas ; and yet in such sort, as every man may have his power ready 
 within twenty-four hours warning, as I wrote in my last letters. But the 
 earl of Argyle, as I understand, shall be able to do little hurt at this 
 time to the governour, though things do proceed here to extremity. 
 For whereas certain Irishmen* have been long prisoners in the castle 
 of Edinburgh and Dunbar, for stirring and breaking of the Irish 
 countries ; the governour hath now let them loose, and sent them 
 home, only of policy to hold the said earl of Argyle occupied. So 
 that, as the governour and others here tell me, the earl of Argyle shall 
 have his hands so full at home, that he shall have no leisure to look 
 hitherwards. As indeed the said Irish-men have already begun with 
 
 portioned, of a sweet and manly visage, straiglit in stature, and pleasant in behayiour. 
 Boliiweli was fair and whitely, somewhat hanging shouldered, and going forward, but of a 
 gentle and humane countenance. These two being fed with fair words for a time, at length 
 the earl Bolhwell having spent very much.'^was forced to retire." I'ttscollie, folio edition, 
 p. 182. 
 
 * 2. c. Highlanders, so called from speaking the Irish, or Gaelic. 
 
 U 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 26? 
 
 him ; and even now, upon their new coming home, assembled toge- 
 ther about eighteen luuuhed men, and have slain a great many of his 
 servants, and taken a good booty of his and his friends goods and 
 cattle ; and yet the said governour took bonds of the said Irish-men 
 when he put them to liberty, that they shall not make any stir or 
 breach in their country, but at such time as he shall appoint them. 
 But how they will observe those bonds, now since they be at liberty, 
 it is hard to say; for they be noted such perillous persons, as it is thought 
 it shall not ly in the earl of Argyle's power to daunt them, nor yet in 
 the governour s, to set that country in a stay and quietness a great 
 while. But once the earl of Argyle shall by this means be so match- 
 ed at home, as he shall not dare nor be able to go from home, he shall 
 have so much ado to keep his own ; and this is done of policy, as is 
 aforesaid.* 
 
 I have herewith sent your lordships the names of the Scottish pri- 
 soners, with the value of their substance in lands and goods, as near 
 as I can get knowledge, to the intent ye may the better devise upon 
 the taxation of the ransom, against such time as the commissioners 
 for this party of Scotland shall come to you for the composition of the 
 saids ransoms and deliverance of the hostages, which, the governour 
 telleth me, " he will dispatch with as much speed as he can possibly. 
 And, for the more ease and conmiodity of you, my lord of Suffolk," 
 he saith, " he will send his said commissioners unto you to Newcastle 
 for the said purpose ;" whereof I think the earl of Angus, because he 
 is the greatest man here, shall be principal commissioner. As I shall 
 know further thereof, and of all other circumstances, I shall not fail 
 
 * The tumultuary chieftains thus let loose to embroil the Highlands, and deter Argyle 
 from joining the cardinal and queen-mother, were the leaders of the clans of Macleod, INIac- 
 donald, Maclean, Mackenzie, and many others, who, having been seized as hostages by James 
 the Fifth, in the voyage which he made round Scotland in 1540, had been ever since de- 
 tained in the Lowland fortresses. Huntly and Argyle were commissioned by the governor 
 to restrain their excesses, which they did not achieve without much labour and blood- 
 shed. 
 
268 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 154i5. 
 
 to advertise your lonlships in good time, with the grace of God, \\ho 
 ever preserve your lordsliips in long hfe and health, M'ith increase of 
 honour, &c. 
 
 To my Lords o/'Suffolk, Parr, and Durhaji, 24M August, 1543. ' 
 
 It may like your good lordships to understand, that this morn- 
 ing I received your letters, touching the entry of the prisoners, for 
 making of their bonds, and promise for the payment of their ran- 
 soms, according to the proport of the indenture made betwixt the 
 king's majesty's commissioners and the ambassadors of Scotland in 
 that behalf. In which matter, I had, before the receipt of your said 
 letters, communed with the governour, who told me, that all the 
 prisoners should be warned to their entry for that purpose. But it is 
 thought that divers of them will not enter, as the lord Fleming, the 
 lord Oliphant,* the lord Erskine's son, the laird of Waughton's son, 
 and also Oliver Sinclair, who is so far hence, that he cannot be warn- 
 ed in time ; " and therefore," the governour saith, "that he will make 
 no bond nor promise for those that will not enter, and so little regard 
 their own faith and honour ; but rather, it is thought best, to let 
 them remain still captive, and the rest of the noblemen that be bound 
 for them, (as they be all bound one for another.) the governour saith, 
 shall have his authority to ride upon them, to baftle them, and to put 
 them to such dishonour and reproof, as in that case appertaineth. And, 
 on the other side, it is thought, that the earls of Cassils and Glencairn, 
 the lords Maxwell, Gray, and Somervail, though they be right willing 
 to enter, cannot well be spared from the governour, seeing there is 
 yet no perfect agreement betwixt him and his adverse party; for if 
 they were from him, his enemies might have too great advantage. And 
 specially, the earl of Glencairn saith, " he cannot be four days from 
 
 * Laurence, third lord Oliphant. His ransom was fixed at 800 merks. 
 
EJIBASSr TO SCOTLAXD IN 1543. 269 
 
 home, unless he should be in (lani>;cr to lose all that he hath, because the 
 earl of Argyle and he be at utterance." M'herefoie, I cannot perceive, 
 that any of them likewise can enter; and, it is thought here, that it 
 shall be sufficient to send commissioners to deliver the hostages, and to 
 compone for the ransoms of such as the governour will be bound for; 
 delivering to you their bonds and obligations for ])ayment of the same; 
 containing their own promise in writing to yield themselves prisoners, 
 if they break their days of payment, with the governour's writing also 
 according to the said indenture. And the rest of the prisoners, which 
 the governour will not be bound for, to remain still captive, and their 
 pledges also to be kept in England, till they shall enter and be made 
 free by the kings majesty. Nevertheless, I make the means I can to 
 have all the prisoners enter, and have and will declare as much in that 
 part as your lordships have written. But what they will do, I cannot 
 tell : for though they have sit here in council those two days upon 
 that matter, and also to devise for to get pledges to be laid for the per- 
 formance of the treaty of marriage, they be not yet resolved upon the 
 same, and hardly, I think, they shall get their pledges, unless the pri- 
 soners, or the more part of them, may be accepted at this time. On 
 Sunday next they have appointed to ratify the treaties, whereat nei- 
 ther the cardinal, nor any of his complices, will be present, as far as I 
 can see. I moved the governour to demand their hand-writing, ac- 
 cording to your lordships advice. But he said, " they had all agreed 
 openly to the treaties already, whereof there were witnesses enough ; 
 and their hand-writing,'' he said, " they cared not ; for he had that to 
 show in that they swore also when he was admitted governour, and 
 yet they lett not to do directly both against their promise and hand- 
 writing. And also," he said, " that he had the earl of Argyle's hand- 
 writing to show, that he promised to lay a pledge into England for the 
 performance of the marriage, which, nevertheless, he would not do. So 
 that there is no truth," he saith, " to their hand-writing, and therefore 
 thinketh it but folly to demand the same." Nevertheless, I told him it 
 could do no hurt to prove them, whereby he should decipher them the 
 
87® EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 better, so that what he will do I cannot tell ; and he is now in a man- 
 jouring to ride over the water to Fife and Angus, and so to make an 
 errand to his own house at St Andrews, to see if the cardinal will come 
 to him according to his promise, wherein he is not yet fully resolved ; 
 but as the same, and all other things here, shall succeed, I shall adver- 
 tise accordingly. 
 
 POSTSCRIPT. 
 
 Here be certain Scottish ships arrived, which came directly out of 
 Denmark; and they say, that the king of Denmark, by the soUicitation 
 of the French king, is setting forth a strong navy to the sea, of huge 
 and great ships, of five and six tops, to the number of eighteen or 
 twenty sail, to do all the annoyance they can, both to the emperour 
 in Flanders, and also to the king's majesty and his subjects; which 
 navy, they say, was ready to set forth afore they came out of Den- 
 mark ; and that the said Scottish ships have been a great while de- 
 tained there, and not suffered to depart, because they should make no 
 bruit abroad of the setting forth of the said navy," &c. 
 
 To the King's Majesty, Q.5th August, 1513. 
 
 Please it your royal majesty to understand, that this day the treaties 
 were ratified and confirmed here in Edinburgh, and the governour, in 
 my presence, hath renounced and sworn according to the proport of 
 the same, which was solemnly done at the high mass, solemnly sung 
 with shalms and sackbuts in the Abbey-church of the Holyroodhouse. 
 And although the cardinal and his complices were absent, yet the 
 thing was done by their consent, and in the name and by the autho- 
 rity of the queen and three estates of the realm, in presence of the 
 greatest part of the nobility of the same, and notaries also present, 
 which have made their instruments thereupon, as shall appear to your 
 majesty by the said treaties; wherewith the governour sendeth pre- 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN IJiS. 271 
 
 sent!}' in post a g-entlcnian to your majesty, named tlic laird of Fyvie, 
 wlio is a right honest gentleman, and well aOecled to your highness : 
 And he is sent to he present at the ratification and oath to be made 
 by your majesty of and upon the said treaties accordingly. And also 
 he hath commission, to entreat your majesty to he content to retain 
 and keep still the lord Fleming's heir, and the lord Oliphant's lieir, and 
 also tlic lord Erskine's son's brother, which do now ly pledges in Eng- 
 land, to remain with your majesty for three of the pledges for perform- 
 ance of the treaty of marriage now for the first time : For the go- 
 vernour would be loath to lay in j^ledge any other of the prisoners that 
 be his friends, whereby his power siiould be the more weakened : 
 " And needs," he saith, " timt the more part of the prisoners must be 
 laid at this time, for he shall not be able to get any others sufficient 
 for that purpose. And if it may please your majesty to accept the 
 three before specified, he will enter bonds for the payment of their 
 ransoms, to make them free of their captivity." In which case, he 
 writeth himself presently to your majesty ; and as soon as it shall be 
 possible for him, he will send his commissioner (o my lord of Suftblk, 
 both to deliver unto him the hostages, and to compone for the priso- 
 ners ransoms ; for the which purpose also, the prisoners are warned to 
 enter to deliver their bonds, and to make their promises to perform the 
 same, with also the governour's bond and promise in write, according 
 to the indenture in that behalf, made betwixt your commissioneis and 
 the Scottish ambassadors at their late being in England ; which, he 
 trusteth, shall be performed within fourteen or fifteen days at the far- 
 thest, or sooner, if by any possibility he can accomplish the same ; 
 saying, " he will presume upon your majesty's goodness in that part ; 
 upon trust, that your highness will be content to grant him that re- 
 spite, notwithstanding the time limited in the treaties." Touching the 
 five thousand pounds, which he desired lately to have in loan of your 
 majesty, perceiving that there is some towardness of agreement be- 
 twixt him and the cardinal and his complices, he hath said nothing to 
 me thereof till this day, and likewise passed it over with silence, till 
 
272 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 he began with me this day. After the treaties were ratified, and we 
 had dined, (as he caused me to dine with liim,) he required of me, 
 whether I had received any answer from your majesty touching his 
 said request? I told him, 1 had received sucli an answer, as might ap- 
 pear thereby proceeded from a grave and wise prince, that had expe- 
 rience of the world, with such respect to the common affairs of both 
 the realms, as he could not but well accept the same ; which was, that 
 your majesty, so long as he remained constant in his word and pro- 
 mise, would declare yourself so great a friend unto him, as the amity 
 now requireth, and would not sufi'er him to be repressed with his ene- 
 mies. And for the money which he desired, I prayed him to consider 
 on your majesty's behalf, that, first, he required an aid of men, which 
 your highness had put in readiness to your grace's no little charge. 
 Anil now, seeing the cardinal and his complices had already consented 
 to the treaties, (though it is to be thought that he, and some of liis ad- 
 herents, will never be drawn from their affections to France, unless 
 they were subdued and brought into capti\ity, or driven out of the 
 realm,) your highness saw not to what good purpose the said five 
 thousand pounds might be employed, either for his benefit or your ma- 
 jesty's : and therefore would be loath to defray such a sum, unless you 
 might be assured what commodity should ensue thereby to your 
 o-race's affairs. And as for the cardinal and his complices, I told him, 
 your majesty knew they were not able to make any party to him ; but 
 that, if he would go roundly to work, he and his friends might easily 
 repress them. Whcrcunto he answered, " that he doubted not your 
 majesty would be a good lord to him, if he should have mister ; and till 
 he had mister, he Avould not incumber your majesty with any suit for 
 aid of men or money ; but that oath that he hath taken this day, in the 
 name of the whole realm, if all the rest of the realm should be against 
 it, he alone would shed his blood, and spend his life in the observa- 
 tion thereof to your majesty. In which case, if he shall be put at, or 
 pursued by the cardinal and his complices, (whicl), no doubt," he saith, 
 " with the aid of money, whicli the whole church will advance unto 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 273 
 
 liini, besides the aid tliey look for out of France, shall he able to be a 
 great party unto hiui,) he must needs make his refuge to your majesty, 
 without whose help and aid in that case, he shall not be able to with- 
 stand their malice : but his trust is, that all shall be well. And the 
 cardinal, he thinketh, will declare and prove himself the most honest 
 man of all the rest to your majesty and him also. And this afternoon,'' 
 lie said, " he would go over the water," as indeed he is gone to St 
 Johnstoun and Dundee, " to see and visit the country, where he hath 
 not been since he was governour, and so to make an errand to his own 
 house at St Andrews, where the cardinal," he saith, " will come and 
 speak with him ; so that he hopeth to compone all matters and con- 
 troversies here, in such sort as good peace, quietness, and agreement, 
 shall ensue amongst them." I wished it might be so ; but I told him, 
 I hardly believed that the cardinal would declare himself so honest a 
 man as he said. Nevertheless, he assured me, that the cardinal prin- 
 cipally desired your majesty's favour; which, I said, your princely cle- 
 mency and benign nature was such as he might easily obtain, if he 
 would use and behave himself as became him, towards the advance-^ 
 ment of such things as do tend to the benefit and common weal of his 
 own country. And thus, with general terms, we passed over that 
 matter. And touching the two points, for delivery of the strong-holds 
 in gage for the five thousand pounds, or delivery of the young queen 
 into your majesty's hands, I moved not to the governour thereof in this 
 confereiice, the rather because he seemed not now to press or desire 
 the money : And besides that, I know the one part thereof he can- 
 not perform, though he would, which is the delivery of the queen ■ 
 for she is in such custody as he cannot come by her : And the stron"- 
 holds, I am sure, he will not deliver, unless his enemies srow so strono- 
 upon him as he shall not be able to resist them. In which case, he 
 must needs be enforced to do whatsoever your majesty will require ; 
 but if he shall eftsoons make any further request for money, I shall es- 
 say him in these two points, according to the proport of your most 
 gracious letters addressed to me in that behalf. 
 
 VOL. h 2 H 
 
ST-i EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IV \5'13. 
 
 Finally, I toKI liini also of tlie stay of tlie Scottish sliips going into Fiance 
 with victuals ; and also declared unto him the efi'cct of your majesty's 
 pleasure in that part, both touching that the treaties will not bear it, and 
 also touching the governour's safe conduct to be given to his friends that 
 pass out of this realm, in such sort as is contained in your highness's said 
 letters ; which, the governour saith, he will observe accordingly. But in 
 case the cardinal and he, with the rest, do fall to agreement, whereof there 
 is good likelyhood, then his desire is, that all ships of this realm may 
 pass without stay, though they have not his safe conduct; for if the 
 ships should be staid by your majesty, now that the peace is concluded 
 and ratified, he saith it should be a mean to cause the whole realm to 
 exclaim upon him, which he would gladly avoid, for they love him iU 
 enough already for your majesty's sake, and then would love him 
 much worse, and also judge evil of the peace, and take it to be but a 
 feigned matter betwixt your majesty and him, to cause them put their 
 ships and goods in adventure; the stay only whereof should be a great 
 binderance to the merchants. And as to the victuals whicli they car- 
 ry hence into France, he saith it can be no great matter, for there is 
 no abundance here of victuals to be spared. Peradventure, he saith, 
 they may carry fish thither, and yet no great store, which they have 
 used commonly to carry into France for other merchandizes, and hard 
 it will be for him to cause them leave that trade with the same. 
 Wherefore, considering it can be no great matter, he beseecheth your 
 majesty to bear with it, and he will do the best he can to cause them 
 use their traffick into England, or at least to convoy no kind of victual 
 into France.* 
 
 The earl of Argyle is much incumbered with certain Irish, which 
 
 * This passage alludes to certain Scottish vessels bound for France, and detained in the 
 English ])orts. They were probably laden with salmon, then a great article of exportation 
 from Scotland. 
 
 5 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 15'iS. 275 
 
 liave been long in ward, and lately put to liberty by the governonr, 
 and sent home only of policy to keep the said earl occupied at home, 
 to the intent he should have the less opportunity to execute his malice 
 against the governour; wherefore, the said earl knowing the same to 
 have proceeded of tlie counsel and advice of the earl of Glencairn, 
 hath pretended to burn and destroy his country, some part whereof is 
 nigh adjacent to the Highland ; and also, the said Argyle hath like- 
 wise threatned the earl of Cassils and the sheriff of Ayr, whose coun- 
 tries also be not far from him ; so that there is like to grow some 
 business amongst them ; and already he hath begun with the earl of 
 Glencairn, because he is next him. 'What sliall follow, and as all other 
 things shall succeed here worthy advertisement, 1 shall not fail to sig- 
 nify the same unto your highness from time to time, as the case shall 
 require. And thus, &c. 
 
 To my Lords o/' Suffolk, Parr, and Durham, 9.6th August, 1543. 
 
 It may like your good lordships to understand, that I have received 
 from you the king's majesty's letters, dated at the ]\Iore, the 24th of 
 this present, and have with myself considered the contents of the 
 same. But forasmuch as the governour is now on the other side of 
 the water with the cardinal, I can take no good occasion or opportu- 
 nity to repair unto him till he shall return hither, which I think will 
 be within those three or four days ; and if the cardinal and he do 
 agree, as it is thought they shall, then shall it be to none effect, in my 
 poor opinion, to go about to perswade the governour to proceed 
 against him and his complices, in such sort as is contained in the 
 kings majest} 's said letters. But if they agree not, 1 shall not only 
 have a goodly occasion thereunto, but also I think the governour will 
 right easily be pcrswaded unto the same, if lack of money staj' him 
 not. For the other party, as I understand, is aided by the church. 
 
276 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 wliich dotli contribule, and have gathered grtat sums of money 
 amongst them to maintain their evil quarrel against the governour and 
 his party, if they fall not to agreement. As for the peace and mar- 
 riage, concluded with tlie king's majesty, they make not that their 
 quarrel ; but though they do allow the same, and have consented in 
 word, that the governour sliould proceed to the ratification of the 
 same, as he hath now done, and to lay hostages accordingly ; yet it is 
 supposed, that they do mind only the rupture of the same ; as un- 
 doubtedly they work as much as they may secretly, that the governour 
 should get no hostages to be laid for the accomplishment of the con- 
 ditions of the treaty of marriage ; so that, beside such as be prisoners, 
 he cannot indeed, as far as I can perceive, get past two or three at the 
 most. And the cause why he delayeth the sending of his commission- 
 ers, with the hostages to your lordships, is, for that he would get as 
 many other hostages than the prisoners as he could ; and much he 
 trusteth upon a respite of fifteen days, after the time limited in the 
 treaty, to be granted by the king's majesty, Mhereby he may the bet- 
 ter accomplish the same. Nevertheless, the earl of Cassils, who is tar 
 ried here behind the governour, told me yesterday, " that when he 
 went, he resoh^ed Avith him, that in case he had no word shortly from 
 the king's majesty of the said respite, rather than he would adventure 
 the breach of the treaties, he would take order, that such hostages as 
 he could get, should be entred within England afore Friday next co- 
 ming, to be delivered unto your lordships." Whether he will do so or 
 not, I cannot tell. But, at his departure, he prayed me to send him 
 word as soon as the king's highness's answer should arrive touching 
 the said respite, which being now of such sort as ye know, shall by me 
 be passed over in silence. The laird of Fyvie will make all the haste 
 he can to the king's majesty, to the intent the said treaties may be ra- 
 tified by his highness within the time limited by the same : Which 
 laird of Fyvie is a man of eighteen score merks land Scottish, almost 
 five hundred merks Scottish, a great living in this country ; and be- 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 277 
 
 sides that, I assure you, lie is a very good gentleman, and singularly 
 well atieeted unto the kings majesty. 
 
 I have also received your letters of the 24tli of this present, where- 
 by I perceive that ye have already advertised the king's majesty of the 
 ships-take, so that I need not enquire thereof. And as for the French 
 ships, the same that was chased into Dundee, I understand was but a 
 small vessel, where she yet reniaineth; and another called the Falcon, 
 I hear say, was chased into INIontrose, a haven on this side Aberdeen ; 
 which Falcon, they say, is a fair ship, and is also still at Montrose, as 
 far as I can learn : But I cannot understand that any of the king's 
 ships followed them into the said haven ; but belike lost them in the 
 chase, and they slipped into the havens. The Sacker and the rest, I 
 cannot hear where they be become, but am glad that your lordships can 
 make so good account of six of them, whereof be five men of war, and 
 one merchant, as I perceived by your said letters. There wer-e not 
 past three or four moe ot that consort at the most. Touching the 
 ships of Denmark, I can write no more than I did by mine other let- 
 ters ; but such Scottish ships and others, as now be come home from 
 thence, do affirm, that it is true that the king of Denmark hath in- 
 deed set forth such a navy as I M'rote of to your lordships. Whereof, 
 as I shall hear further, I shall not fail to advertise ; and as soon as the 
 governour shall return hither from beyond the water, I will be in hand 
 with him for the safe conduct that you, my lord of Suft'olk, do write 
 of for grain, and shall signify unto you his answer accordingly, &c. 
 
 To the Kings Majesty, 2iith August, 1543. 
 
 Please it your royal majesty to understand, that as I wrote in my 
 last letters to your highness, that the governour made an errand over 
 the water of Forth to St Andrews, to speak with the cardinal ; so 
 now he hath been there, supposing that the said cardinal would, ac- 
 cording to his fair words and promise, have humbled himself so much 
 
£78 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 as to have met him on the way, and done his duty accordingly ; but 
 it appeareth now more plainly than ever it did, that all his fair be- 
 hechts are but jjraclices ; for he neither would meet the governour, 
 nor yet see nor speak with him when he came to St Andrews, but 
 kept his castle, and desired that sir George Douglas might come to 
 him into the castle, v;lio having sir John Campbel of Calder, the earl 
 of Argyle's brother, laid to the governour as a pledge, went into the 
 castle to the cardinal, and perswaded him to come into the town, and 
 to wait upon the governour, according to his promise; which he ex- 
 cused, saying, he durst not for fear of his life. In wliich case, pledges 
 were oftered to be laid into the castle, such as himself would desire. But, 
 finally he would not, for no perswasion nor condition that could be of- 
 fered unto him ; insomuch as the governour caused his treason and 
 untruth to be openly proclaimed there in the town of St Andrews, and 
 therewith pardoned all such of the town and others, that had before 
 in any wise aided and assisted him, so as trom henceforth they do 
 leave him, and adhering to the governour, having the regiment and 
 authority of the realm, would, by all means, annoy the said caidinal 
 and all his complices and partakers. Which proclamation, as I under- 
 stand, was so well taken amongst the people, that the cardinal hath 
 lost thereby a great many of the hearts of such as before were on his 
 party ; so that it is thought tlie same shall work good eifect. After 
 this proclamation made, the governour returned hither yesterniglit 
 late, and is now devising to gather his force, and to make like procla- 
 mations in all parts of this realm, not only against the cardinal, but 
 also against all the other great men his complices, whereby they shall 
 be declared manifest rebels and traitours. And this morning I repair- 
 ed to the said governour, who told me all the premisses, assuring your 
 majesty, that I found him so much incensed against the cardinal and 
 his complices, as I needed not to prick him furwartls in that behalf; 
 which nevertheless I did by all the means I could, and discoursed with 
 him at length the contents uf your majesty's last letters of the 24th of 
 August, and also of such other letters of the same date as I received 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IX 1543. 2?^ 
 
 from my lords of your majesty's council. For the one part whereof, 
 in that your majesty would have him stirred against the cardinal and 
 liis complices, the same is sufliciently accomplished, if he will do as he 
 saith. And presently all the noblemen here, as the earls of Angus, 
 Cassils, Glencairn, and ]\Iarishal, the lords Maxwell, Cray, and Somer- 
 vail, and the sheriff of Ayr, and others of reputation on this party, do 
 depart to levy and gather their forces. In which case their adverse 
 party have a great atlvantage upon them, which be already gathered, 
 and ready to set forward, intending to be at Stirling on Friday next, 
 as it is said. For albeit upon the connnunication lately had betwixt 
 sir George Douglas and the said cardinal, it was agreed, as I have be- 
 fore written in mine other letters, that all gatherings and assemblies 
 on both parties should cease, yet to be so ordered as their forces might 
 be always ready to assemble upon twenty-four hours M'arning. Where- 
 upon the governour, meaning good faith indeed, ceased according to 
 the said agreement ; nevertheless, the cardinal and his complices, 
 meaning only falshood and practice, did continue their musters and 
 assemblies, whereby they have such advantage, that they be ready to 
 come forwards ; and the governour, so deceived by the cardinal's said 
 practice with sir George Douglas, whereto he gave credit, that he can- 
 not be so soon ready to meet them as were recjuisite. For the other 
 part of your majesty's said letters, touching the accomplishment of the 
 treaties, and delivery of the strong-holds, wherein I have essayed the 
 governour, according to your majesty's pleasure; he saith plainly, 
 " That he is not able to perform the treaties within the time limited 
 in the same. And also, if he should deliver the strong-holds to your 
 majesty, it shall behove him to fly the realm ; for in that case his own 
 friends will detest and forsake him ; so that unless your majesty should 
 send in a main army to make a conquest, with the which he and others, 
 your highness's friends here, might join, and so serve your majesty 
 without giving trust to any further aid of Scottish-men, he seeth not 
 how he can deliver the holds without his utter destruction." I remem- 
 bred him of his large promises, and advised him to write the same to 
 
^280 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 } our majesty, to the intent your highness might thcrehy see his good 
 will to the same, which liillicrto had no otherwise appeared to your 
 majesty, but by my relation and advevti.^ement. lie answered, " tliat 
 no prince alive had, nor should have, his heart and service but your 
 majesty only ; aliedging plainly, that of force he must adhere to your 
 majesty ; for lie had lost all other friends in tlie world besides, and 
 without your majesty's aid and supportance," he said, ''he \\as in great 
 danger of overtlirow and destruction ; wherefore, lie liad resohed to 
 send away in post a gentleman to your majesty, called the laird of 
 Brunstoun, to declare his state and condition, antl to make your high- 
 ness such offers, as whereby your majesty should well perceive his 
 good heart and service towards the same ; trusting that, of your prince- 
 ly goodness, you will not suffer him to be overtrodden and repressed 
 with those, which, if they have the overhand of him, will not only 
 destroy all your friends here, but also work the whole realm (being al- 
 ready almost wliolly inclined thereto) to the devotion and cast of 
 France, which should," he saith, " be a great hinderance to your ma- 
 jesty's purposes." I advised him, that if he would so dispatch a gen- 
 tleman to your majesty, that, remembring what he had before promi- 
 sed, in case of none performance of the treaty, he should make such 
 expedition to your majesty in that behalf^ as your grace might per- 
 ceive evidently, that he went not about to seek aid and relief at your 
 majesty's hands, without such a reciprocal commodity to be ministred 
 again on his party, as might justly require your highness's benevolence 
 towards him : For I told him, if he went otherwise to work, your ma- 
 jesty (being a wise prince, that hath experience of the world in such 
 cases, and knoweth the practices of the same) would soon perceive it. 
 He thanked me for mine advice, saying, " that by such offers as he 
 would make to your majesty, he would so declare his affection, that 
 your highness should well perceive the same to be unfeigned ; wliere- 
 iinto, before the dispatch of the said laird of Brunstoun, he would 
 send for me again, and make me participant ; and having so many 
 things ado," he said merrily, "he would talk no longer with mc at this 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 281" 
 
 time :" And so we departed. As soon as I shall know what dispatch 
 the said Criinstoun (who is well atrccted to your majesty) shall have 
 here of the governour, I shall not fail to advertise with diligence. I 
 liave also coninuMR'd with the earls of Angus, C'assils, Glencairn, the 
 lord Maxwell, and sir George Douglas, and find them all now very 
 hot upon their enemies here; hut they Ihj of opinion, that your majes- 
 ty must support the governour with money to daunt the cardinal and 
 his complices-, or else send a main army to coniiuest the realm, where- 
 with they will join, and serve your majesty according to their pro- 
 mise : for the sending of a small number of English-men, or the deli- 
 very of the holds and strengths into your majesty's hands, shall be a 
 mean to cause all their country-men to forsake them, and to put all 
 your majesty's friends and servants here in danger of destruction. And 
 I was plain with them, as of myself, that I knew your majesty was a 
 prince of such wisdom, as would not lay out your money, except your 
 highness saw good appearance of some benefit and commodity to en- 
 sue thereby to your grace's affairs ; wherewith I remembred unto them 
 what benefit both the governour and they had received already at your 
 majesty's hands ; for the which they had yet done utterly nothing to- 
 wards the recompence of the same ; but rather with good words and 
 fair semblances of things to ensue to your highness's great commodi- 
 ty, had hindred such enterprizes as your majesty had intended, and 
 might, or this time, have brought to good purpose. Wherefore, I ad- 
 vised and prayed them to consider the same ; and now, that the go- 
 vernour was in mind to dispatch a gentleman to your majesty, that 
 they would procure such expedition as might be thankfull and accept- 
 able to your majesty ; which, they say, they will do ; and seem now 
 to be sorry that ever they counselled or procured your majesty to 
 peace, but rather wish that your majesty had sent hither your army, 
 according to your first determination. They think the governour will 
 now offer his son unto your majesty, to be sent and delivered to the 
 same upon your gracious appointment : but sure they be not thereol^ 
 nor what otfers shall be made ; wherein, they say, they will travel that 
 
 VOL. I. 2 N 
 
S82 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 154S. 
 
 the same be such as may please your highness, and minister good oc- 
 casion unto the same to extend your aid and benevolence to the go- 
 vernour. And, to say my poor opinion, I cannot perceive, but that, 
 without your majesty's aid, they shall be put to great lack and dan- 
 ger : for money they have none, and the church beareth all they can 
 make with the other party. Once every man is preparing to force and 
 arms, so that if ever they fight it will be now; for the governour saith 
 he will no more be deluded with fair heghts and promises. And those 
 things do so occupy him, that I see none opportunity as yet to com- 
 mune with him of your majesty's book of religion, in such sort as your 
 majesty commanded me by your said most gracious letters. Neither 
 see I that I can have any opportunity to speak with the cardinal, or 
 that it is requisite I sliould so do as the case now standeth. Wherefore 
 I shall omit the same, till I know further of your majesty's pleasure in 
 that behalf. And thus, &c. 
 
 To the King's Majesty, 5th September, 1543. 
 
 Please it your royal majesty to understand, that I have received two 
 letters from my lords of your majesty's council, one of the last of Au- 
 gust, and the other the first of September : but there is now such a 
 wonderfull change here, that the contents of the same cannot be put 
 in execution ; for the governour being left here alone, saving only the 
 abbot of Paisley and David Panter, which are suspect to be of the 
 cardinal's faction, is now revolted unto the said cardinal and his com- 
 plices. * And on INIunday last, after that sir John Campbel of Lundy 
 and the abbot of Pittenweem had been here with the governour with 
 
 • Nothing can more strongly point out the vacillating and mutable temper of this feeble 
 regent, than that on the 25th August he ratified the treaty with England, and proclaimed 
 cardinal Bethune a traitor; and on the 3d of September held a private meeting with the 
 same prelate, renounced the alliance of England, and attached himself to the French fac- 
 tion. 
 
 7 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. <283 
 
 letters from the carflinal, the said govemour, the same day towards 
 nit>ht, (k'parted hence sudflenly, with not past three or four with him, 
 alk'dgiiig, tliat lie would go to tlie Blackness to his wife, who, as he 
 said, laboured of child. And yesterday he rode to my lord Living- 
 ston's house, * which is betwixt Linlithgow and Stirling, where the 
 cardinal and the earl of Murray met with the said governour, and 
 very friendly end)racings were betwixt them, with also a good long 
 communication. And then they departed from thence all together to 
 Stirling, where they now be ; which I am most certainly advertised of 
 by a gentleman that saw it, and was present at the same. And the ab- 
 bot of Paisley and David Panter were addressed and sent back again 
 to Linlithgow by the governour ; the said cardinal and the earl of 
 Murray, of intent (as is supposed) to dispatch forth letters to the noble- 
 men which be abroad, and went to gather their forces to serve the so- 
 vernour, to cease their gatherings, and to be at this town on Munday 
 next, where, it is thought, shall be a convention of all parties, and all 
 matters and divisions so determined and agreed as all shall be well. 
 This last is only supposed to be, but no certainty is thereof The gen- 
 tleman that told me the same, saith, " That when he perceived the go- 
 vernour would needs go to Stirling with the cardinal, he prayed him to 
 consider well wliat he did, and if he would needs put himself into his 
 enemies hands, which would surely destroy him at length, though they 
 made him fair weather at the first, he, for his part, Avould leave him, 
 and serve him no longer." Whereunto the governour answered, even 
 shortly, " that his going to Stirling should be for the best, for he • 
 should make all well." But wimt shall follow of the same it is uncer- 
 tain; for some think that indeed they shall now concur all together, 
 and observe the treaties in all points, if j-our majesty will accept the 
 same, and dispense with the time which they have already omitted; 
 and others think, that the noblemen, which all this while adhered to 
 the governour, will not trust him now, nor the cardinal and his com-- 
 
 * Callander-house, near Falkirk. 
 
•284 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1545. 
 
 plices, so much as to come to any convention as shall be by them ap- 
 pointed : so that what shall hap God knoweth, and as all things shall 
 succeed, I will advertise with diligence. 
 
 Finally, when I had first some inkling and knowledge of the said 
 governour's revolt, I did advertise of the same by my letter to sir 
 George Douglas, lying at Coldingham, within six miles of Berwick, 
 who wrote unto me again this letter, which I have sent unto your ma- 
 jesty here inclosed. And thus, &c. 
 
 ■From the Cardinal and his Faction to the Earl of Angus, 
 6th September, 1543. 
 
 My lord, we commend us heartily to your lordship. It will please 
 the samen to understand, that we being here consulted and reasoned 
 many ways for the common weal and honour of this realm, and for 
 peace and concord to be had amongst all the lords and noblemen of 
 the samen, for forth-setting of our sovereign lady's authority, and for 
 justice and policy to be had universal amongst the lieges thereof, and 
 for stenching great and enorme displeasures, breaks, and inconvenien- 
 -cies, that are else begun, and would grow far greater if remeid were 
 iiot put thereto in time; Avhereupon we sent certain articles to my lord 
 governour, and received fra him certain others, condescending all glad- 
 ly to his grace's desires, and subscribed the same, with the whilks his 
 grace being content, came to certain meeting with my lord-cardinal 
 and earl of Murray, and agreed so well, that his grace came to this 
 town, and has spokai with us all, and knows our heartly mind to all 
 good ways, (whilks are and shall be ay without colour or dissimulation,) 
 to bring all discords and dissentions to good friendship and amity, sua 
 'that we may concur to help and supply the common weal of this realm, 
 and, as we believe, my lord-governour has written more largely to you; 
 Exhortand herefore, and right effectuously praying your lordship to be- 
 lieve no other thing of us ; and all scruple of displeasure being set aside, 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 285 
 
 tliat ye would come and concur with my loid-governour and us, and 
 consult on all manner of things concerning the common weal, and 
 other points foresaid : And hecause the coronation of our sovereign 
 lady is deferred while Sunday the 9th of Septemher instant, that ye 
 would be here betwixt this and the said Sunday, where ye shall find 
 nothing but all heartliness, and us appliable to you as to ourselves, and 
 to make us all in one body. And Almighty God conserve your lord- 
 ship. At Stirling, the 6th of September foresaid. 
 
 Cardinal of Scotland, 
 The Chancellour, 
 P. Bishop of ]\Iukray, 
 George Earl of Huntley, 
 ! Earl of Argyle. 
 
 To my Zorfi^o/" Suffolk, 6th September, 1543. 
 
 It may like your grace to understand, that I have received your let- 
 ters of the 3d of September, the effects whereof I Mould be glad to put 
 in execution ; but the noblemen with whom I should practise the same, 
 as the earls of Angus, Glencairn, and Cassils, with the rest of the king's 
 majesty's friends, are abroad in their own countries, forty and fifty 
 miles one from another. And, as I think, (now that the governour is 
 thus revolted from them,) they will keep themsehes in their own 
 strengths at home, out of his danger, fearing least he and the cardinal, 
 being (as they now be) agreed and joined together, should conspire 
 any displeasure against any of them ; so that I know not by what 
 means to get any conference or communication with them, for the ac- 
 complishment of your device; for I am in such case here, as I dare not 
 go, nor almost send out of my doors, and much less might I ride or 
 travel abroad in the country to seek the said noblemen, the king's ma- 
 jesty's friends, without suspicion and danger; not doubting but your 
 
286 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 wisdom can well consider, as the case standeth, what I am able to do 
 in that behalf: And whether the said earls, and others the king's majes- 
 ty's friends, will perform and keep such promises as they have made 
 unto his highness, or not, I cannot tell ; but if they do not, and, not- 
 withstanding the governour's revolt, if they remain not firm and con- 
 stant to the kings majesty, and do whatsoever his majesty Avill have 
 them, to the uttermost of their powers, I will say, as all the world may 
 say, that they be the falsest men on earth. Assuring you, that tlieir. 
 power is not such, as to daunt the rest of Scotland is possible to them, 
 without aid of the kings majesty's force and power ; but I think 
 them well able to defend themselves from the malice of their enemies 
 all this winter, till the time and season of the year may serve the king's 
 majesty to send in a main power for the accomplishment of such enter- 
 terprizes as his majesty hath intended ; wherein, if they be true men, 
 they will join and serve accordingly. 
 
 Yesternight arrived here the abbot of Paisley ; and, this afternoon, he 
 came hither to my lodging to me, and told me, " That the governour 
 hearing tell of the stir and commotion in this town, had directed him 
 hither principally, because he understood that I was inquieted here 
 through the lewdness of the people ; Mdiich he prayed me to take in 
 o-ood part, and to ascribe the same to the rudeness, ignorance, and 
 beastliness of the common people, which knew not what they did; as- 
 surino- me, that the governour and noblemen of the realm would have 
 such respect to me, as I should be without danger." I thanked him, 
 and passing over this matter generally with him, I began to discouise 
 of the governour his sudden revolt, which he by all means excused, al- 
 ledging, " That the same undoubtedly should be for the best; for now, 
 he trusted, the cardinal, and the other noblemen of that party, would 
 concur with the governour and his partakers, in and for the accomplish- 
 ment of the treaties in all points and conditions ; and for that purpose, 
 he thought, a convention should be forthwith appointed at this town, 
 of all the noblemen of this realm ; and so, he doubted not, but good 
 agreement and quietness should follow on all parts." Thus he told me : 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IX 1543. 287 
 
 Wherefore I woukl be glad to know, in case it shall so come to pass 
 that they will thus concur together, and accomplish the treaties, whe- 
 ther the king's majesty (considering they have already broken the said 
 treaties, for none laying in of the hostages within the time limited) 
 would now accept the same or not. And if his majesty intend not to 
 accept it, then would I also be glad to know what his gracious pleasure 
 is to have practised Mith his friends here in that behalf; to the intent, 
 if such a convention shall be as is specilied, I may the better work the 
 same according to his most gracious pleasure. Which, as mv most 
 bounden duty is, I shall ensue and follow to the uttermost of my 
 power. 
 
 Finally, the governour, and the cardinal, with his complices, be all 
 together at Stirling; and having dispersed all their force and power, 
 saving their houshold-servants, do sit there in coimcils; and, on Sun- 
 day next do intend (as I hear) to crown the young queen. Whereof, 
 and of all other things, as the same shall succeed, I will advertise with 
 diligence, &c. 
 
 To the King's Majesty, Wth September, 1543. 
 
 Please it your royal majesty to understand, that since the gover- 
 nour's revolt, because I would not only feel his inclination towards 
 your majesty, and the accomplishment of his oath and promise, in and 
 for the performance of the treaties, or whether the cardinal and his 
 complices have any thing altered or changed him in that behalf; but 
 also, that I might the better know somewhat of their proceedings at 
 Stirling, I sent thither purposely your majesty's servant Henry Ray, 
 pursevant of Berwick, with such letters to the governour, as whereof I 
 send your majesty the copy here inclosed ; and such answer as the said 
 governour made thereunto, it may please your majesty to receive the 
 same lierewith. And, by mouth, he bade the said Henry tell me, " That 
 he would do as much as in him was to observe the treaties, and more 
 
288 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAXD IN 1543. 
 
 than he might he could not do.'" Whereby, and by sucli other things 
 as I do hear, I do perceive that the cardinal and his complices l>oth 
 have and will do all they can to interrupt tlie- peace, and to v. in the 
 governour to their devotion, which is very facile and easy to do now 
 that he is amongst them. And yet I am informed, that he would 
 gladly slip from them if he might, and that the}- have a special watch 
 upon him that he should not so do ; but if he do come to Edinburgh 
 shortly, as his said answer proporteth, I shall then know farther of his 
 intention, whereof I shall not fail to advertise your higlmess accord- 
 ingly. Once the earls of Angus, Glencairn, and Cassils, the lords Max- 
 well and Somervail, and sir George Douglas, with divers other noble- 
 men and gentlemen, their friends, as the lords Ogilvy, Gray, and 
 Glammis, &c. notwithstanding the governours special letters, and also 
 the cardinal's and his complices letters, containing many fair words 
 and requests to them to come to Stirling to the coronation of the young- 
 queen, would not come there, nor do intend, as they say, to join or 
 agree with the governour, the cardinal, or his complices, unless they 
 shall conform themselves to the accomplishment of the said treaties. 
 And since the governour's revolt, the earl of Angus hath assembled 
 with him, at his house of Douglas, the earls of Glencairn and Cassils, 
 the lords Maxwell and Somervail, the sherit^^"of Ayr, and laird Druni- 
 lanrig, and have subscribed a bond to abtde fijmly together, the one to 
 take the others part against all men that will pursue or put at any of 
 them; which bond they have sent to divers other noblemen and gen- 
 tlemen, their friends, to be likewise subscribed by them. And yester- 
 day came hither to me the said lord ]\Iaxwell and Drumlanrig, from 
 the said earls of Angus, Glencairn, and Cassils, and lord Somervail, to 
 declare unto me the making of the said bond, and therewith to require 
 me to signify on their behalf to your majesty, " That, notwithstanding 
 the governour's revolt, they were determined to stick together firmly 
 to your majesty, in such sort as either your highness should have the 
 treaties performed, or else they will be ready to serve your majesty, 
 according to their promise, to the uttermost of their powers ; wherein 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 154S. 289 
 
 tlieir trust is, that your higliness will assist them, without the which 
 Ihey shall not be able to bear the malice of their enemies." And here- 
 of the said lord Maxwell and Drumlanrig prayed nie to advertise your 
 majesty on the behalf of all your highness's said friends, and to beseech 
 your grace to advertise them of your gracious pleasure, what they shall 
 do that may be most agreeable to your highness, whicli, they say, they 
 will be ready to accomplish to the uttermost of their powers ; and in 
 the mean season, they will keep themselves from the malice and dan- 
 ger of all such as shall go about to annoy them by any means. This 
 they prayed me to ad\ertise your majesty on their behalfs, whereof they 
 desire your majesty's answer to all points, as soon as shall please your 
 higlmess. And as I do hear, the said earl of Angus, who is much 
 moved with the governour's revolt, doth keep a great company and as- 
 sembly of noblemen and gentlemen about him at Douglas, and is as- 
 suredly determined to remain and adhere firmly to your majesty to the 
 uttermost of his power, in such sort as he hath written unto me, whose 
 letters I have sent to your highness here inclosed, with also such other 
 letters as I received with the same from him and the said earls of Cas- 
 sils and Glencairn jointly together. 
 
 Finally, the young queen was crowned on Sunday last at Stirling, 
 with such solemnity as they do use in this country, ^^'hich is not very 
 costly : And, as I do undestand, they have been about to chuse a coun- 
 cil of the noblemen and clergy now assembled at Stirling, whereof to 
 be eight spiritual men, and eight temporal ; but they are not yet agreed 
 upon the same. Whereof, and all other things worthy your majesty's 
 knowledge, I shall not fail to advertise with all diligence, according to 
 my most bounden duty, &c. 
 
 VOL. I. 2 o 
 
2S0 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1.543. 
 
 To the Lords of his Majesty's Privy Council, \5th September, 1543. 
 
 It may like your good lordships to understand, that I received your 
 letters of the yth of September, with the copies of such letters as the 
 king's majesty hath written to my lord of Suffolk, and to the lords and 
 others here, whom his majesty taketh to be well-minded to his high- 
 ness, and the observation of the treaties. Which letters, addressed to 
 the saids lords here, I understand were delivered to the hands of sir 
 George Douglas, at Berwick, on Wednesday last, who, I think, will 
 see them convoyed accordingly : And, for my part, I shall not fail to 
 set forth the contents of the same, as 1 can, by any possible means, 
 have opportunity thereunto, according to the king's majesty's pleasure 
 and commandment, and to advertise your lordships how things go here 
 at this present. 
 
 The old (jueen-dowager of Scotland, the governour, the cardinal, the 
 earls of Huntley, Murray, Lennox, Argyle, and Bothwell, with others 
 their complices, do intend to be here at this town on JNIunday next, or 
 Tuesday at the farthest; and whilst they have been at Stirling, they 
 have chosen a council, by whom the governour shall be directed and 
 ordered in all the great affairs of this realm ; of which council the said 
 dowager shall be reputed as principal ; the rest are named to be the car- 
 dinal, the archbishop of Glasgow, who is chanceilour, the bishops of 
 Murray, Orkney, Galloway, and Dumblane, and the abbots of Paisley 
 and Cowper, of the spiritual sort; and of the temporality are named 
 the earls of Angus, Huntley, Argyle, Murray, Glencairn, Lennox, 
 Bothwell, and JNIarishal, whose counsel the governour is sworn to use, 
 and to be ordered by, in all the matters of the realm. And yesterday 
 the lord Fleming, and abbot of Paisley, were addressed to the earl of 
 Angus, froMi the said dowager, the governour, the cardinal, and their 
 complices, both to declare to him how he is chosen as one of the prin- 
 cipal of the said council, and also to perswade him and the rest of the 
 
 10 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. !*9 1 
 
 lords of his party, to conveen here at this town on Wednesday next, 
 as well for the conipouing of all contentions and variances witliin the 
 realm, as also for ordering of all matters with the king's majesty. But 
 whether the said earl of Angus and his partakers will come or not, un- 
 less they may be assured that the treaties shall he fulfilled, it is uncer- 
 tain ; and yet it is thought that he will not stick to come to this 
 town, because he may be here strong enough for the adverse party, if 
 they should conspire any displeasure towards him, or any the king's 
 majesty's friends, which, as far as I can learn, be determined to remain 
 firmly at the performance and observation of the treaties as much as 
 in them is. The lord ]\IaxM-ell (being of opinion, that the cardinal 
 and whole nobility of this realm, will condescend to the accomplish- 
 ment of the treaties in all points, rather than abide the extremities of 
 the wars) doth labour and desire this convention to be now had at 
 this town on Wednesday next, and will do as much as in him is to 
 bring it to pass ; the rather because, as is aforesaid, the said earl of 
 Angus and he, and others their partakers, may safely conveen with 
 their adverse party at this town without danger, and the sooner feel 
 their utter minds and inclinations towards the performance of the said 
 treaties, whereunto the said lord INIaxwell thinketh, by fair means and 
 perswasions, the whole nobility will be induced. This I know most 
 certainly, that the lord INIaxwell laboureth as one that would most 
 gladly bring to pass that the treaties should be performed in quiet 
 manner, with the universal consent of the whole realm ; and yet, if 
 the same cannot be brought to pass, he will remain himself, as far as I 
 can perceive, firmly with the rest of the king's majesty's friends here, 
 ready to serve his majesty, according to his promise. 
 
 If this convention take effect, which is laboured by all means that 
 may be, it will certainly appear within this seven-night, whether they 
 intend to perform the treaties or not : And if the cardinal and his 
 complices will not permit the same to be observed, I think, that then 
 the earls of Angus, Glencairn, and Cassils, the lords Maxwell and So- 
 mervail, with such other their friends as they can draw unto them, 
 
292 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAXD IN 1543, 
 
 will dissever themselves from the rest that shall be against the treaties, 
 and, like true gentlemen, will be ready to serve his majesty, according 
 to their promise, to the uttermost of their powers. But, to say mine 
 opinion, I see not how they be able (without the king's majesty's force 
 and power) to repress the malice of the adverse party, specially when 
 in this quarrel they shall not be sure of their own forces. Wherefore, 
 if in case of none-performance of the treaties, (whereof I have no 
 great hope,) the king's majesty shall be driven to extend his force, I 
 would wish that his majesty should send no less power to repress and 
 daunt the untruth of this nation, than as if his majesty had no friends 
 here at all, for there is none assurance to be made of their assistance ; 
 which I doubt not but his majesty and your lordships will weigh and 
 consider far otherwise and more deeply than my wit can arreach. And 
 to declare unto your lordships, why I have not hope of the perform- 
 ance of the treaties, I have credible information, that neither the car- 
 dinal, nor sundry other of his complices, as Huntley, Lennox, Argyle, 
 and Bothwell, and specially the holy kirk-men, can in no ways agree 
 that pledges should be laid in for performance of the marriage, nor yet 
 that the young queen should pass out of the realm before she attain 
 her lawfuU age of marriage : Wherefore, it is thought, that if this con- 
 vention do now take eft'ect, they will make new practices and treaties 
 with the king's majesty, and to essay if they can induce his highness 
 to relent in any of the saids two points, or at least in one of them : 
 but within these six or seven days it will appear what they will do ; 
 and, in the mean season, I will use all the means that possibly I can, 
 both to know mens afllections here, and also sollicit an answer to such 
 letters as the kings majesty hath lately written to the earls of Angus, 
 Glencairn, and Cassils, with others his majesty's friends here, which I 
 cannot do so well as I would, because I know not how to get any op- 
 portunity to speak with them, unless they come to this town : \\'here- 
 in I shall, nevertheless, use all the good means I can. 
 
 Finally, I have received the king's majesty's letters, addressed to the 
 provost of this town, and also his highness's other letters to the pro- 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 1'93 
 
 vost and all the inhabitants of the same ; by the copies of which, and 
 also by your lordsliip's said letters, I do perceive how much his majes- 
 ty tendereth my surety, being one of the poorest and most simple of 
 his majesty's servants ; which his highness's princely clemency and 
 goodness ought, of reason and congruence, besides duty, to encourage 
 all men to serve. As for my part, I shall endeavour myself, without 
 regard of life, or other respect, to serve here, or elsewhere, according to 
 my most bounden duty. The said letters I caused forthwith to be de- 
 livered to the provost, who, as soon as he and his brethren liad read 
 them, sent them to Stirling to the governour and the other lords there. 
 And yesterday the provost, and four of the chief of this town, came 
 hither to me, and offered me all the service and humanity they could 
 do for me, and prayed me to take all things past in good part, which, 
 from henceforth, they doubted not, I should perceive to be amended. 
 And the provost himself gave me thanks apart for the good report I 
 had given him to the king's majesty, and seemed to be very glad that 
 it pleased his majesty to remember him with his gracious letters of 
 thanks, which, he said, he had not deserved. So that it seemeth to 
 me his highness's said letters have wrought some good effect in them ; 
 though, I assure your lordships, the common people of this town are 
 much offended with the sharpness of the same. Nevertheless, I trust 
 now, that (though for no love, yet for fear) they will let me be in 
 more quietness from henceforth, for the time it shall be the king's ma- 
 jesty's pleasure to have me remain here ; and much the better, if they 
 might have their ships restored ; for the which some of the most ho- 
 nest sort do now require me to write. * And in case I should tarry 
 any longer here, I would indeed be a most humble suitor to the king's 
 majesty, and you, my lords, for their delivery ; for else undoubtedly I 
 shall be sure, if I abide amongst them, to have displeasure and unquiet? 
 
 * Henry having apparently given up all hope of the treaty being accomplished, had, 
 with his usual iiripetuosity, seized and det;iined some Scottish trading ships, under pretence 
 of their being bound for France. This impolitic step furnished the subsequent Scottish 
 parliament with a pretext for annulling the English treaty. 
 
294 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 154S. 
 
 ness. Which it may please your good lordships to consider accordingly, 
 &c. 
 
 This Lett erf ollffwing is imperfect, the beginning thereof being lost; but 
 by that which remains of it, and by the Letters precciihig and fol- 
 lowing, it is clear that it should be placed immediately ajter the Let- 
 ter last preceding. 
 
 *#****###* The post was taken, as is aforesaid : I told 
 them, that the man that hath taken him, whose name is Patrick Hume, 
 hath not only put as many irons upon him as he is able to bear, as 
 though he were a strong thief and murderer, but also hath threatned 
 to hang him, with his letters about his neck, which I engrieved unto 
 them no less than indeed the nature and quality of the fault requireth; 
 which they prayed me to comport withall, and ascribe the same to the 
 disorder of the Borders, which, they said, did proceed of the rades, in- 
 cursions, burnings, and spoils, daily made in Scotland by English-men. 
 But here I notified unto them again the like attempts done by the 
 Scottish in England, which I bade them perswade themselves that 
 English-men would not sit still and behold unrevenged ; and if good 
 peace and quietness were not observed on the Borders, I told them the 
 difficulty thereof was in themselves. The cardinal prayed me to make 
 him understand how the default should be in them, which I said I 
 would do, and so declared unto them, in order, their proceedings with 
 your majesty, since the decease of their late king ; and how that your 
 majesty thereupon, of your princely clemency, staid your sword, being 
 in open hostility with this realm, for most just and lawfull causes; but 
 also, upon special zeal to the commonweal of both realms, was content 
 to commune and treat with them upon a peace and marriage, which they 
 have now concluded with your majesty, and for their part have ratified the 
 same, and also sworn to observe and perform the conditions, their none- 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1.543. 295 
 
 performance whereof, within the time limited by the treaties, I told tliem, 
 was the only cause of disorder in the Borders. The cardinal said again, 
 "That I knew the realm was divided, and that the greatest part of the 
 nobility of the same was not present, nor consenting to the conclusioti 
 of the treaties, as they have been passed by private means, and by pri- 
 vate councils not authorised by parliament ; not doubting but your 
 majesty was a prince of such wisdom and experience, as would ratlier 
 seek such direct means in the conclusion and perfection of the treaties, 
 as might be authentick and honourable to all intents and construc- 
 tions, than b}' any private ways, which could not stand nor be avail- 
 able. And those noblemen, which be here present, minded no less to 
 satisfy and please your majesty, than the others which had privately 
 treated and concluded with your highness in all things reasonable, 
 standing with the honour and surety of their sovereign lady, and the 
 honour, liberty, and commonwealth of her realm." I answered, that 
 what private causes of variance and division they had among them- 
 selves I could not tell ; but sure I was, they could not say with truth 
 and honour, that your majesty liad treated privately with them ; for 
 they should not be able to deny justly, but that their ambassadors 
 were addressed to your highness from time to time, fully instructed by 
 the three estates of the realm in parliament ; and, by the same autho- 
 rity, not only treated and concluded with your majesty, but also in 
 end, by the same authority, the treaties have been ratified ; and so- 
 lemnly the governour, representing the state of the realm, in name 
 thereof, hath sworn to observe the same in all points, as by the books 
 thereof made and sealed with the great seal, and instruments thereup- 
 on made by notars in authentick form, more plainly may appear to the 
 whole world; which, if they would pertbrm and observe, should re- 
 dound chiefly to their own wealth and benefit ; and if they listed to 
 vary or digress from the same, the dishonour should be theirs, beside 
 the inconvenience that would follow; and sure Uiey might be not to 
 obtain the like conditions again at your majesty's hand. The cardinal 
 replied, saying, " That he doubted not your majesty was a prince of 
 
295 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1.543. 
 
 such honour, as would ]>ress tlieni to nothing that was contrary to the 
 wealtli, honour, and Hbcrty of the realm, and what they might do, 
 not repugnant to the same, to satisfy and please your majesty, they 
 would gladly do it. And in case for not granting to that M'hich can- 
 not stand with the honour and liberty of this realm, your majesty 
 should prosecute your own kinswoman, being an infant, and spoil her 
 country and dominion, it could not stand with your honour." I told 
 him, lie should not be judge of your majesty's honour; and bade him 
 assure hiniself, that as your highness had friendly proceeded with them 
 in such things as do undoubtedly tend to tlie advancement of the weal, 
 honour, and surety, of your majesty's pronept, and the commonweal 
 of her realm ; so your highness would not fail to prosecute the in- 
 terrupters of the same as her enemies, not regarding her honour, nor 
 the common wealth of her subjects. And in case they minded to be- 
 gin any new communication or treaty with your majesty, they should 
 best declare themselves ; for they might be assured, that your majesty 
 would not relent in any point of those things which were passed 
 and concluded. And I told them, that Mdien I came hither, I durst 
 have laid my right hand, that your majesty would not have come, nor 
 condescended to such conditions, as now your highness, upon special 
 zeal to the rest and quietness of both realms, hath concluded. VVIiere- 
 fore, I advised them to consider the same like wise men, and either to 
 conform themselves out of hand to accomplish the treaties, or else to 
 declare plainly their utter minds in that behalf The cardinal said 
 again, " That they did not send for me at this time upon purpose to 
 have talked any thing with me of this matter, saving that the same 
 came thus in question by way of communication. The occasion of 
 sending for me, was," he said, " the two causes aforesaid. And for 
 this great matter," he said, " that all the lojds w t re not yet come, but 
 would be here very shortly; and then, wiien the} were assembled, 
 they would advise further upon the same, and do what should become 
 them towards your majesty, not oftending the honour and liberty of 
 the realm." Which words of qualification they used always; but what 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 297 
 
 exposition tliey will make of the same I cannot tell. After tliis the 
 governour arose, and took me apart, and told me, " That those men 
 were very stiff against the treaties, but, for his part, lie remained still 
 the man that he was, and, as mucli as lay in him, he would do for the 
 performance of the said treaties ; praying me to write, and to beseech 
 your majesty, not to conceive any evil opinion of him ; for lie would 
 do all that he could, to the uttermost of his power, to please your ma- 
 jesty." I tokl him, I was sure your majesty had once a very good opi- 
 nion of him ; but I was uncertain what your higliness had now con- 
 ceived of him, upon his sudden revolt and departure from such noble- 
 men as had all this while adhered unto him ; with whom, if he had 
 tarried, he might have wrought and enforced those men at his own 
 will and pleasure. And, touching the treaties, he could not with his 
 honour digress from them, considering how largely he had said and 
 promised to your highness in that behalf He assured me, " that it 
 lay not in him to perform the same ; but when the other lords should 
 come in, he would plainly declare his affection and good will in that 
 part, which was and should be of such sort as he had promised." And 
 here came the earl of Murray, and interrupted our communication ; so 
 that, as it seemed, they were loath that I should have over-lono- talk 
 with him, as indeed they do (now since they have him) use him like a 
 man of his wit ; and yet, as I perceive, be afraid that he should revolt 
 from them. Thus I was forced to leave communication with him, and 
 so departed. Furthermore, likeas I wrote in my letters to the lords of 
 your majesty's council, that the lord Fleming and the abbot of Paisley 
 were sent to the earls of Angus, Cassils, and Glencairn, to perswade 
 them to a convention and meeting at this town ; so the said earls and 
 the lord Somervail have sent me word by James Douo-las of Park- 
 hedge, not only that they have answered the said lord Fleming and 
 Abbot ; that, before they can grant to any such convention, it beho- 
 veth them to advise with other noblemen their friends, which dwell 
 on the other side of the Firth, in the North, and that done, will make 
 a resolute answer ; but also, that to-morrow the said earls of Angus, 
 
 VOL. I. 2 p 
 
253 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAyP IN' 154"S. 
 
 Glencairn, Cassils, and the lords Maxwell and Somervail, do intend ta 
 meet all together at Douglas, my lord Angus's castle, where they will 
 first make answer to your majesty's letters lately written to them ; and 
 also are determined, as they have sent me word, to answer resolutely 
 to those lords which be here, that they will come to no convention, 
 nor commune with them, unless they will concur all together, in and 
 for the performance of the treaties!, as your majesty shall perceive by a 
 letter here inclosed, which the said lord Somervail wrote unto me ; 
 whereby your highness shall also perceive his suit for his son. who nia- 
 keth special labour to come home for a time upon other pledges. The 
 lord Maxwell, nevertheless, laboureth to have my lord Angus and the 
 other lords to come to this convention, upon a certain hope and trust 
 that he hath conceived, that if they once meet all together, they shall 
 agree to the pertbrmance of the treaties ; whereof I can perceive no 
 likelyhood, and therefore I know not what he meaneth by his soUici- 
 tation in that behalf And this day he came to this town, and spoke 
 with the lords which be here, and departed hastily again without 
 speaking with me ; but sent me word, " that if I did well, I should 
 not be against the comings hither of the said earl of Angus, and the 
 other lords his partakers ; for he trusted verily, that the same should 
 be a mean to and for the perfection of the treaties, which, though they 
 should not be performed, yet the convention of all the lords together 
 could do no hurt, for by the same it should appear who were with or 
 who against the treaties ; and such as were against the same, the rest 
 might declare themselves their enemies : And there was no doubt but 
 that mv lord of An^us and friends mi^ht be here in as good surety 
 and strength as in his own castle of Douglas." Thus the said lord 
 Maxwell sent me word ; so that whether this assembly and conven- 
 tion, which he laboureth after this sort, shall take etiect or not, I can« 
 not write the certainty ; but, as tur as I can perceive, there, is none of 
 my lord of Anguss party willing to it, but only the lord MaxwelL 
 What shall succeed thereof, and of all other things worthy your majes- 
 tj^'s knowledge,^ I will advertise with ail diligence. Finally, it may. 
 
 I 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IS 1513. 
 
 29S 
 
 please your majesty to receive herewitli tlie letters of the provost and 
 burgesses of this town, answering as your grace lately wrote to them, 
 -who now begin to use me more courteously ; and since tliey received 
 your majesty's letters, have made me a small present of wine, and in 
 words offered me great humanity, whicli I trust tliey will continue. 
 And thus, &c. 
 
 POSTSCRIPT, 
 
 The earl of Huntley is arrived here ; so that where it was thought 
 that he was revolted from this party to the earl of Angus, the same 
 appcareth now to be untrue. But touching the earl of Lennox; as I 
 was closing up this letter, came to me one of his servants, and brought 
 me two letters from my lord of Glencairn, to be addressed, one to my 
 lady Margaret Douglas, and the other to myself; which two letters it 
 may please your majesty to receive here inclosed. And for credence, 
 he told me, " that the earl of Lennox, his master, had left the gover- 
 nourand cardinal's party, and being hitherto noted a good French-man, 
 is now become a good English-man, and will bear his heart and ser- 
 vice to your majesty ; and very shortly intendeth to dispatch a servant 
 of his to your highness, and to the said lady :Margaret, with his full 
 mind in all behalfs." This was all his credence, which I have also 
 thought meet to signify unto your majesty, &c.* 
 
 * As soon as the governor united himself to the cardinal, the latter, having no farther 
 use for the earl of Lennox, whose claims he had hitherto set in opposition to those of Ar- 
 ran, began to treat that nobleman with such coldness and neglect, that he, in resentment, 
 changed sides also; and from being chief of the French faction, became almost the only 
 faithful adherent to that of England. There is in Hayne's State Papers, Vol.1 p 18 a 
 letter from king Henry to Lennox, assuring him of his protection and friendship. 
 
300 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 To the King's Majesty, Q-ith Scptemba\ 1.543. 
 
 Please it your royal majesty to understand, that yesterday, at three 
 of the clock afternoon, the queen-dowager of this realm, the gover- 
 nour, the cardinal, and the other lords of that party which be here, as 
 the earls of Huntley, INIurray, Argyle, Bothwell, and INIontrose, the 
 lord Fleming, and others of that council, besides the bisliops of Glas- 
 gow, ]\lurray, Orkney, &:c. sent for me ; and at mine access, the cardi- 
 nal, on the behalf of the rest, declared unto me, " that whereas there 
 hath now been passed, by treaty betwixt your majesty and the gover- 
 nour, and other lords of this realm, a peace and contract of marriage, 
 in such sort as appeareth by the books and M-ritings thereof made, and 
 also ratified and confirmed by the said governour ; which peace was 
 also proclaimed in both the realms, so as the merchants, subjects of 
 this realm, taking the same for good and perfect, did thereupon ad- 
 venture their ships and goods to the sea, as they have been accustom- 
 ed in time of peace. Nevertlieless, contrary to the tenor and purport 
 of the said treaties, not only the ships and goods are taken in Eng- 
 land, but also divers incurses, burnings, and spulzies, have been made 
 into Scotland, on the Borders, since the said peace proclaimed, as in 
 time of open war and hostility, to the great hurt and impoverishing 
 of the subjects : wherefore, supposing that I knew the cause of the 
 said ships, they desired me to declare the same, and also to put to my 
 good will and helping hand for the restitution of them to the poor 
 merchants." I answered, that, touching the stay of the said ships, my 
 lord governour knew as much as I did of the cause thereof, which I 
 shewed him immediately after they were staid ; and, as far as I knew, 
 they were staid for two causes ; one for that they were loaden with 
 victuals into France ; which, I told them, was contrary to the treaties, 
 for that the same would not bear that they should minister any kind 
 of aid to your majesty's enemies. And the other cause was, for that 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. SOI 
 
 such as were within the said ships did speak very slanderous, shame- 
 full, and despiteous words of the governour and other noblemen of the 
 realm. "Which two causes, I told them, as tar as I knew, were the first 
 occasion of the stay of the said ships. And touching the discord on 
 the Borders, I tolil them, the same j)roceeded on their party, and that 
 your majesty's subjects were first provoked by the manifold incurses 
 and attemptates done by their Borderers in England ; which I delated 
 in such sort as they could not well deny it. But for the stay of the 
 ships, the cardinal said, " the causes thereof by me declared were not 
 sufficient ; for as to the loading with victual, he understood perfectly 
 that they had no such loading, except it M'cre fish, which," he said, 
 " is their common merchandize ; and lie could not perceive by the 
 treaties, but that the merchants, being subjects of both realms, might 
 use their accustomed trafficiue with such merchandize as they have 
 been in use to transport to other countries. And as to the unseemly 
 words spoken of the governour, the punition thereof appertained to 
 him, and no cause why your majesty should stay the said ships and 
 goods," I ansMcred, that if they well weighed and considered the 
 said treaties, they should facily perceive, that without offence of the 
 same, they might not transport victuals, nor minister any kind of aid 
 to such as were your majesty's enemies : And fish, I told them, could 
 not be denied, was victuals, and laden, as themselves confessed, in the 
 said shi])S to be transported into France, being in open hostility with 
 your majesty, which cannot be avoided, is a certain kind of aid mi- 
 nistred to your majesty's enemies, and therefore a lawful! and just cause 
 to stay the said ships ; requiring them to })ersuade themselves, that 
 your majesty would not have done the same, but upon such grounds 
 as your highness is able to justify and maintain. The cardinal ])raying 
 me to help to the restitution of the said ships and goeds, left that mat- 
 ter, and proceeded to another, saying, " That whereas the governour 
 for his part had ratified the treaties, and made his oath in my presence 
 to observe the same ; which treaties, so ratified and sealed with the 
 
202 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543, 
 
 great seal of Scotland, were delivered unto me by force of my commis- 
 sion, and by me delivered again to the laird of Fyvie,* who took upon 
 him to convoy and deliver the same to your majesty, and was purposely 
 sent to be present when your highness should ratify the said treaties, 
 and make your oath according to the proport of the same, your majes- 
 ty had not, nevertheless, for your part, ratified the said treaties, nor 
 taken your oath as the same required." I answered, it was true, and 
 prayed them to weigh one thing with another. For the laird of Fyvie, 
 as the governour, being present, knew well enough, was not only sent 
 to receive your majesty's oath and ratification, but also to sue, on the 
 governour's behalf, for a longer time and respite to be granted for the 
 performance of the conditions of the treaties ; whereunto your majes- 
 ty had answered, that you would appoint no time certain, but percei- 
 ving them to proceed faithfully, would be content to bear with them 
 for a small time. 
 
 And touching the ratification, forasmuch as the hostages were not 
 laid, which was the principal knot of the treaties, your majesty deferred 
 it only upon that consideration. The cardinal then demanded of me, 
 " Whether, in case they should wholly conform themselves to the lay- 
 ing of the hostages and accomplishment of the treaties, I were able to 
 promise on your majesty's behalf that your majesty would accept the 
 same, and not only restore the said ships and goods, but also cause all 
 atteniptates done on the Borders, since the time of the abstinence ta- 
 ken, to be redressed : as for their part, they woidd do the semblable ; 
 for unless your majesty would so do, it were in vain," they said, " for 
 them to devise upon the perfection and accomplishment of the trea- 
 ties." Whereunto I answered, that considering the time was past, 
 within the which they should have performed certain conditions of the 
 treaties, the first breach whereof hath proceeded of their party, and 
 
 * Sir George Meldrum of Fyvie was the deputy sent with the Scottish ratification of the 
 treaty of marriage and alliance to the court of England, and he was to have received that 
 <^ Henry in exchange. But Henry, as the cardinal here complains, dismissed Fyvie with- 
 out the counter-ratification. 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 305 
 
 your highness thereby at liberty; and again considering what altera- 
 tion arises daily among them ; I was not able to assure them on your 
 majesty's behalf, that your highness would restore tlie said ships and 
 goods, or cause the said redress of all attemptates on the Borders to be 
 made, or yet accept their offer, if they would now conform themselves 
 to the accomplishnient of the treaties; but knowing your majesty ta 
 Be specially aftected to the weal of this realm, and to the rest and tran- 
 quillity of both the realms, I supposed, that if your majesty might per- 
 ceive them to proceed faithfully and honourably to the effectual exe- 
 cution of the said treaties, according to the proport of the same, your 
 princely clemency was such, as I thought your highness would not on- 
 ly accept the same, but also use toward them all such favour and gra- 
 tuity, from time to time, as the amity required; and semblably, I 
 thought, would restore the ships, and cause redress the attemptates 
 done on the Borders, they doing the like. This, 1 told them, was my 
 supposal, though I were not able, nor would take upon me, to promise 
 the same. The cardinal then required me, on the behalf of the rest, to 
 write unto your majesty, to know your gracious pleasure in that part: 
 I said I would, with good will, write at their desire ; and therewith I 
 told them, they should do best to declare their utter minds, whether, in 
 case your majesty will grant it, they Mill indeed concur all together, 
 and perform the treaties, to the intent I miglit also write the same un- 
 to 3'our majesty, which were a frank and plain manner of proceeding, 
 and the shortest way, in my poor opinion. They told me, " That the 
 matters were weighty, and they must needs have time to devise upon 
 tiie same." But I answered, that I doubted not they had sufficiently 
 and with good deliberation devised thereupon, and, as I thought, it 
 could not be but that they were resolved what they would do in that 
 behalf. Nevertheless I could get no more of them, but that they de- 
 sired me to write unto your majesty in the case afore expressed, and in 
 the mean season they would advise upon the matter, and declare their 
 resolution upon knowledge of your majesty's pleasure ; and so we broke 
 off communication ; wherein also there was some question of the vali-- 
 
304 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 dity of the treaties, which they alledged to be passed privately, and 
 not by pubUc authority ; and I rephed to the contrary as my poor wit 
 woukl serve me, being assured, that before indift'ereut judges, I am 
 able to confute them in that behalf. 
 
 On Saturday last, at night, arrived here the lord Somervail, the she- 
 riff of Ayr, and the laird of Drumlanrig, addressed hither from the earls 
 of Angus, Cassils, and Glencairn, the lord INIaxwell, and sir George 
 Douglas, with letters and credence from them to the governour, cardi- 
 nal, and others that be here, which contained in effect, that unless they 
 would concur together, and perform the treaties concluded with your 
 majesty, the saids earls of Angus, Cassils, &c. would in no wise come 
 to any convention or communication with them, but would, for their 
 parts, stand to the accomplishment of the said treaties, as much as in 
 them was, as to the thing that the governour and three estates of the 
 realm had promised and concluded, which tliey took to be for the ho- 
 nour and common weal of the same. And yesterday, after many high 
 words used on the part of the governour and cardinal, with their com- 
 plices here, towards the earl of Angus and his partakers, as the said 
 lord Somervail hath declared unto me, the said governour and cardinal 
 have given answer, " That if the said earl of Angus and his partakers 
 will perform the conditions of the said treaties, and lay the first hos- 
 tages of themselves and the prisoners, they will concur with them in 
 the rest accordingly ;" so, as the said lord Somervail telleth me, " If 
 your majesty will accept the most part, or the one half of your prison- 
 ers for pledges at this time, there is no doubt," he saith, " but the trea- 
 ties will be performed.'' I told him, that I was sure your majesty 
 would not accept any of the prisoners for pledges. In which case he 
 assured me again, " That then there is no other way but force to bring 
 them to it, and then your majesty must needs prepare for the wars, 
 which in that case would undoubtedly follow." And, furthermore, he 
 told me, " That the said earl of Angus, and other lords, your majesty's 
 friends here, had made answer unto your majesty's letters, lately ad- 
 dressed unto them, >v.liich they .intended to convoy unto your majesty 
 
 2 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 305 
 
 by the west Borders with all diJijrence."' And, as far as I can perceive, 
 if trust may be given to their words and writings, they be deterniined, 
 for their parts, to keep their promises made to your majesty, and to ad- 
 venture their lives in the maintenance and defence of the same. 
 
 Finally, when 1 was yesterday with the said dowager, the governour, 
 and the other lords here, I demanded the delivery of my post that was 
 taken, and my letters, according to their promise; which, notwith- 
 standing that I had sundry times sent for unto them, they had not per- 
 formed. And tliey answered me, " That the post was a soldier of Ber- 
 wick, and one of them that had harried and stoln the goods of Patrick 
 Home, who therefore had taken him for a lawful prisoner;" which I 
 defended, alledging, that thougli he were one of the garrison of Ber- 
 wick, yet was he an ordinary post appointed to serve your majesty at 
 this time, and repairing to me with your grace's letters, ought not to 
 be in such ways interrupted. As for my letters, tliey said, " they 
 should be forthwith sent unto me;" as, indeed, within an hour after, 
 they did send the same to me to my lodging; but whether I shall have 
 the post delivered or not I cannot tell. Tlie letters being in a packet, 
 they had opened, and, as I have credible information, they have had 
 them in this town these two or three days, which being in cypher, they 
 had kept the longer to prove their cunning in the decyphei ing of them, 
 which (as I credibly am informed) they could do. The packet con- 
 tained nothing else, but a letter to me from my lord of Suffolk and my 
 lord Durham, [This that folhjweth should be in cypher.^ with also a co- 
 py of a letter addressed from your majesty to the earl of Angus, the 
 effect whereof I shall set forth to my possible power, as the case shall, 
 require, with all the rest of your highness's affairs here, according to 
 my most bounden duty, as knoweth our Lord, &c. 
 
 voT,. r. 2 (^ 
 
306 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 To my Lords t/ Suffolk mid Durhaji, 9.7th September, 1543. 
 
 It may like your good lordbhips to understand, that I liave received 
 two letters from you in cypher, one of the ^2d, the other of the 'i3d of 
 September, which were brought unto me by Scottish-men ; not doubt- 
 insr but ye have likewise received such letters as I lately wrote to the 
 king's majesty ; by tlie which ye may perceive how things go here, 
 which do remain still in such terms, as if the kings majesty will ac- 
 cept four or three of such as be his highness's prisoners for hostages at 
 this time, and also will restore the ships and goods, and cause redress 
 to be made of the attemptates on the Borders; it is thought, that all 
 the nobility of the realm will, in that case, concur in the accomplish- 
 ment of the treaties. Nevertheless the earl of Angus, and other lords 
 of his party, do still keep themselves at home, and will not convene 
 with those lords here, but intend, as I am informed, to be at this town 
 this day seven-night, with such a company and power, as if those lords 
 here will not be agreeable to perform the treaties, they shall of force 
 be compelled thereunto. Thus I am informed, and as it shall succeed 
 I will advertise accordingly. And whereas I lately wrote unto your 
 lordships, that I feared lest the letter had been intercepted which the 
 king's majesty wrote to the earl of Angus, whereof ye sent me the co- 
 py in cypher; I am now certainly advertised, by letters from sir 
 George Douglas, that the same was safely delivered unto him untouch- 
 ed at Coldinghani, and by himself convoyed to the earl of Angus, to 
 his house of Douglas, w-ho also hath already made answer of the same 
 to the king's majesty ; which answer sir George Douglas hath to con- 
 voy by post, and will, as he hath written to me, ride himself therewith 
 to Berwick, because he dare trust no other man to cany it. And also, as 
 far as I can perceive by his letters, he intendeth shortly to be with 
 your lordships ; for he hath prayed me to excuse him, that he came 
 not to you so soon uS he would, the cause whereof was his late being 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 307 
 
 in the west-lantl witli the carl of Angus, and as yet lie cannot ride, 
 for that he is somewhat accrazed as he hath written to nie. 
 
 Finally, the cardinal hath made sundry means to me, to speak with 
 me at length, since he came hither, in so much as yesterday I spake 
 with him at the Black-friers in this town; and, at our meeting, he 
 made me a long discourse altogether tending to his excuse and purga- 
 tion in such things as he thought the king's majesty M'as oft'ended with 
 him for ; " wherein,'' he said, " he would justify that he had been mis- 
 reported, alledging, that there was no prince in the world whose fa- 
 vour he desired so much as the king's majesty's, and no man in Scot- 
 land should more willingly than he set forth all things to his majesty's 
 pleasure and contentation, not offending his duty of allegiance." And 
 promised to do as much as in him Avas, to bring the whole nobility and 
 clergy of the realm to condescend and concur together, in and for the 
 performance of the treaties : Assuring your lordships, that in words he 
 shewed himself most desirous of the king's majesty's favours; but how 
 his deeds shall declare him hereafter, I cannot tell, &c. 
 
 POSTSCRIPT. 
 
 I received your letters of the 24th of September, with also a letter in 
 cypher from the lords of the council, which appointeth unto me a very 
 strange commission ; assuring your lordships, that it cannot be but 
 very hard and dangerous for me, and all that be with me, to abide 
 here in a strange country amongst our enemies in time of open war 
 and hostility, where I can do no manner of service after the sort that I 
 am here : Wherefore I have now written again to my said lords of the 
 privy-council in that part, beseeching your lordships to cause my let- 
 ters be convoyed to them with all diligence, &c. 
 
SOS EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 r 
 
 To the Lords oj his Mujcstys Privy Council, Tlth September, 1543. 
 
 It may like your good lordships to understand, that yesterday I re- 
 ceived your letters of the 22d of September, by the which I do per- 
 ceive, that the king's majesty minding suddenly to correct the folly 
 and untruth of those Scottish, f would be lotli that I should be in any 
 danger tliereby ; and therefore would I should convoy myself to Tenip- 
 tallon, or some other place of strength belonging to his majesty's 
 friends here, wherein I might be sure from their malice, and advertise 
 his highness from time to time of as much knowledge as I can get. 
 Albeit no man alive shall with better will adventure himself than I 
 shall, without respect of life, to serve his majesty ; yet I beseech your 
 lordships to consider my estate here, and what service I shall be able 
 to do in time of open war and hostility, after the sort that I am here ; 
 assuring your lordships, I know not how it is possible for me to con- 
 voy myself and my folks out of this town either to Temptallon or any 
 other place of strength : For I am secretly informed, that the inhabi- 
 tants of this town will not suffer me to depart till they have their ships ; 
 and nightly there is a watch about mine house here, which I am made 
 believe is for my surety ; but it is told me secretly, that it is purpose- 
 ly appointed to watch me, that I should not steal away in the night; 
 and yet if I might steal away, being here reputed the king's ambassa- 
 dor, whether it should be his highness's honour or not, your lordships 
 can much better weigh and consider than 1. Surely, my lords, I have 
 been as ill treated here as ever m as man, and in no little danger of my 
 life, although in time of peace; and, therefore, ye may facilely conjec- 
 ture, if I abide here, how I shall be handled in time of war: Not 
 doubting but, if it please the king's majesty to revoke me, in case the 
 
 / t Henry was now prcpariiii; the fleet and army, which, under the earl of Hertford, burn- 
 \ «d Leiih and Edinburgh in tlic following spring. 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 309 
 
 wars succeed, the nobility here, for their own honours, will sec me 
 safely convo} ed out of the realm, as, in such cases, ambassadors have 
 been used. 
 
 Finally, if I sliould honestly convoy myself to Temptallon, which is 
 almost thirty miles within Scotland, yet I assure your lordships, I see 
 not how I could tlo any service to the king s majesty ; for, being so 
 shut up in a castle, neither could I get any manner of advertisement, 
 nor, though I might, could I have opportunity of messengers to con- 
 voy tlie same through the country, the king's majesty having an army 
 in Scotland. M'herefore eftsoons I beseech your lordships to weigh my 
 poor condition, and consider what I am able to do after this sort, so as 
 I may know certainly, by the next post, what the king's majesty's 
 pleasure is I should do, in case war or peace succeed, which I shall fol- 
 low to the uttermost of my power. And thus, &c. 
 
 To my Lords o/' Suffolk and Durham, SOth September, 1543. 
 
 It may like your good lordships to understand, that on Friday last, 
 the dowager, the cardinal, the earls of Huntley, Argyle, and I3othwel, 
 departed this tOMn, over the water towards St Andrews ; and yesterday 
 the said Huntley and Argyle took their way homeward, viz, Huntley to 
 the north, and Argyle westAvards; the said dowager, cardinal, and the 
 earl Bothwel, remaining still at St Andrews. The earl of Murray went 
 not out of this town, but abideth still here. The governour, seeming 
 somewhat accrazed, abode here also, promising the cardinal assuredly 
 to come after to St Andrews : But some think he feigned himself sick, 
 because he would not go with them. And yesterday he passed to a 
 castle, four miles hence, called Dalkeith, where sir George Douglas 
 lieth, with v.hom he went purposely to commune; and this day the 
 said sir George sent me word. " That the governour would now, for 
 keeping of his promise, pass to St Andrews, and would not tail to re- 
 turn hither on Wednesday or Thursday next; and in case he could in- 
 
310 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 (luce the cardinal and his complices to come with him, to make an end 
 AV'ith the king's majesty in laying of the hostages and performance of 
 the treaties, he would bring them with him ; and if they would not, 
 he would leave them and come himself, to join with the earl of Angus 
 and rest of that party, which intend all to be here on Thursday next." 
 This the said sir George sent me word of, but he doubteth much if it 
 shall be performed. And this night the governour is at Linlithgow, 
 intending to-morrow to go over the water to the cardinal, M'ho, at his 
 departing on Friday last, sent Rotiiesay, the Scottish herauld, to make 
 his hearty commendations to me, with gentle offers of his service to 
 his majesty, and all the pleasure he could do to me, and therewith also 
 to tell me, that he would be here again within four or five days. But 
 some men think, that, get he once into his castle of St Andrews, he 
 will not come here a good while. 
 
 Thus be all the great men now dispersed, and when they shall be 
 together again I know not ; but the earl of Angus and his company 
 will be here, they say, on Thursday next, and the earl of Lennox with 
 them ; who, as I am informed, is now wholly at the devotion of my 
 lord of Angus ; which maketh me to think that the governour will not 
 be here; for Lennox and he, as I suppose, will not be both of one 
 party. Other things I have not to advertise at this present, but would 
 be glad to hear some news from your lordships. And thus, &c. 
 
 To my Lords 0/ Suffolk, Pakr, ami Durham, 5th October, 1543. 
 
 It may like your good lordships to understand, that I have received 
 your letters of the 1st of October; upon the contents whereof, according 
 to your lordships advertisement, I have communed with sir George 
 Douglas, who first touching the safe custotiy of tlie young queen of 
 Scotland, hath answered me, " That she is kept in the castle of Stir- 
 hng by such noblemen as were apjjointed thereunto by the parliament, 
 and such as having the castle well furnished with ordinance and artil- 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 311 
 
 leiy, will defend the same, and keep her so as he thinkelh." The king's 
 majesty's friends here are not able to get the said young tjueen out of 
 the castle ; for they luivt- no great pieces of ordinance wherewith to be- 
 siege the same. And besides that," he saith, " that if the barons, 
 which have the custody of her, do perceive themselves unable to keep 
 and defend her in the said castle ; and if they shall perceive that any 
 man should go about to have her out of their hands, (which could not 
 be so secretly wrought but they must needs ha\e knowledge of it, 
 they being charged with her custody upon their lives and lands,) 
 might easily convoy her person out of the castle into the Higliland, 
 which is not far from Stirling, where it is not possible to come by her; 
 and therefore he thinketh it vain to go about by force to remove her 
 out of the custody she is in. And yet," he told me, " that there was 
 a communication amongst such as were the kings majesty's friends 
 here about such a purpose ; which was, that if the king's majesty 
 would advance such a convenient sum of money unto them, where- 
 with they might wage certain soldiers, tliey would besiege the cardi- 
 nal in his castle of St Andrews, and also the castle of Stirling, to see 
 if they could get the cardinal into their hands, and also the possession 
 and custody of the young queen ; which purpose," he said, " they had 
 not resolved ; but now, at this assembly, when all the lords of their 
 party are come hither, which be not yet arrived, he thought they 
 would commune further of the same. And as touching the strong- 
 holds," he said, " it would be hard to come by them ; for such as 
 were in the hands of the adverse party, as Stirling, Edinburgh, and 
 Dunbar, were very strong, but what might be done with money and 
 reward, he could not tell ; for the captain of the caslie of Edinburgh 
 is one of the Ilamiltons, which," he said, " be all false and inconstant 
 of nature ; and therefore, he doubteth not, what might be wrought 
 and jjractised with him for money," which he hath promised to essay 
 and prove as soon as he may conveniently. For the rest, I see not that 
 he hath any hope to attain them. This is the answer of the said sir 
 George to the points of your lordships said letters, which I have 
 II 
 
312 EJIBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 thought meet to signify unto you ; and tlierewith also advertise you> 
 that yesternight ariived here tlie earl of Angus, the lords Maxwell and 
 Somervail, ^itli whom, and also with the said sir George, I have this 
 day conferred upon the contents of the king's majesty's last letters, 
 which I received yesterday, containing his majesty s pleasure, not to 
 accept the treaties as they be now passed ; to have the governour and 
 cardinal delivered into his majesty's hands, or deprived ; to have a 
 council of twelve noble personages of tliis realm established, and also 
 eight others, to be authorised and appointed to have the custody of 
 the young queen, and those to be removed which now be about her. 
 Upon which things, in such sort as is prescribed unto me by the king's 
 majesty's said letters, I have discoursed with the said earl of Angus, 
 lords MaxAvell and Somervail, and sir George Douglas, which seem 
 unto me not to mislike the king's majesty's advice in that part: but 
 they say, the governour, as they believe, Mill come unto tliem this 
 night or to-morrow, which if he do, they may not with their honours 
 lay hands upon him, but rather entertain him amongst them ; because 
 he hath yet the place and authority of the realm, though they intend 
 not to give any credit to whatsoever he saith. And, besides that, con- 
 sidering that he is established governour by a parliament, and also 
 such as now have the custody of the young cjueen, appointed there- 
 unto by authority of the same ; neither may tire governour be depri- 
 ved, nor they discharged of that custody, but by a parliament again, 
 which, they say, will take a long time both for the summonance of it, 
 and for such other things as thereunto be requisite. And as for the 
 cardinal, they wish that he were in the king's majesty's hands, so as 
 he might never more trouble this realm ; but now that he is i:n his 
 castle of St Andrews, which he hath made very strong, they think it 
 will be hard for them to come by him. And also, touching the alter- 
 ation of the custody of the young queen, they seem to nud<e it very 
 difficile ; and, in effect, did cast the same doubts therein which sir 
 George Douglas moved unto rae, as is afore expressed. Nevertheless, 
 they said, they would commune further of the same, and also of the 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 313 
 
 Other premisses, at the arrival lierc of the earls of Cassils and Glen- 
 cairn, which be not yet arrived ; but, as is su|)poscd, will be here this 
 night or to-morrow. Upon whose arrival they have j)romised me to 
 make their resolute answer to the king's majesty in that behalf, which 
 I shall not fail to advertise with diligence. 
 
 Finally, I see not that those lords which be already arrived here, nor 
 those which be to come, as the earls of Lennox, Cassils, Glencairn, 
 Rothes, and Marishal, the lords Gray, Glamniis, and Ogilvy, who be 
 all the earl of Angus's friends and kinsmen, do bring any force or 
 number of men with them, but only their housliold servants ; as I 
 think they need not, for here is no man to resist them, the adverse 
 party being scattered, as I wrote to you in my last letters ; and the go- 
 vernour again, as I understand, will revolt to this party ; only the old 
 queen, the cardinal, and earl Bothwell, remain in the castle of St An- 
 drews, whereof the people speak largely enough, because in the late 
 king his time, he had her in some jealousy for the over-much familia- 
 rity betwixt her and the cardinal. And thus, &c. 
 
 To ))ij/ Lords of' Suffolk, Parr, and Durham, 6th October, 1543. 
 
 It may like your good lordships to understand, that all the lords of the 
 earl of Angus's party are now arrived here ; and even now came to me 
 the lord Somervail, and told me, " That the earl of Lennox had recei- 
 ved letters here this morning from Dumbarton, making mention, that 
 six French ships are landed there ; in the which is a legate come from 
 the bishop of Rome, and an ambassador from the French king, with mo- 
 ney, munition, and powder; * and James Stewart, who was heretofore 
 
 • These were, according to Lesly, Francis Contarini, patriarch of Venice, and legate of 
 o pe Paul III., and from the French king, the Sieurs de la Broche, Menaijer, and Anerat, 
 who brouoht with them a large sum to be delivered to the earl of Lennox, whose apostacy 
 rom the cause of France and Rome was not yet known to those powers. But .Sadler else- 
 where calls the legate Mark German ; and the earl of Arran, in a letter to the pope, calls him 
 Marcus Grymanus, patriarch of Aquileia. — Bishop Keith's History, p. 10. 
 
 VOL. I. 2 R 
 
3]4 ESIBASSV TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 sent by the said earl ol" Lennox into France for the said money and 
 munition, is now also arrived in the said ships, and wrote hither the 
 said letters, requiring the said carl of Lennox either to come himself, 
 or send his folks to Dumbarton, for to convoy the said legate and am- 
 bassador to Glasgow. Whereupon the said earls of Lennox and Glen- 
 cairn are both departed suddenly in all haste to the west seas, to get 
 into their hands the saids ships, money, and munition, to the intent to 
 keep the same from the possession of the adverse part}'," And the 
 said lord Somervail telleth me, " that the earl of Lennox will justly 
 excuse the same, and hath his mind so set on the marriage of the lady 
 Margaret Douglas, that he will not slip now from the party of the king's 
 majesty's friends here, notwithstanding the arrival of the said aid out 
 of France;" which I can hardly believe. Cut what shall succeed there- 
 of, I will advertise with diligence. 
 
 POSTSCIUPT. 
 
 The earl of Cassils came to me, and told me, " that the said French 
 ships were not landed, and, as he thought, would not land their mo- 
 ney and munition, till they should perceive and see how the same 
 might be employed for the purpose and benefit of France ; wherefore 
 he wished, if the king's majesty had any ships on the sea, that some 
 of them might repair with speed to the west seas, where they might 
 be sure to find the said French ships afore Dumbarton. Nevertheless," 
 he saith, " the said earls of Lennox and Glencairn will do as much as 
 they can to cause the French-men land their money and munition at 
 Dumbarton, or some other place thereabout, within the strength of 
 the said earl of Lennox, who, the said earl of Cassils thinketh verily, 
 will keep promise with the earl of Angus, and hold a true part towards 
 the king's majesty ; which he hath promised to do, and to spend all 
 the French gold, if he can get it into his hands, in such quarrel as the 
 said earl of Angus shall take in hand. This he saith ; but what he 
 will do, knoweth God. It is very like, that the coming of those 
 French ships will make a great change here; and the said earl of Cas- 
 n 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IX 1543. 31a 
 
 sils telletli me, " That the governour and cardinal had a secret informai 
 tion, that the king's majesty was preparing an army to invade Scot- 
 land, which they do greatly suspect ; and therefore they were once in 
 purpose to have adchessed forth letters in all the parts of this realm, to 
 charge all men to be in rearhness, and to repair to the liorders for de- 
 fence against the 14th of this instant month." But the said earl of 
 Cassils telleth me, " that he heard h not that any such letters be yet 
 gone forth.'' Wliereof^ as 1 shall hear further, I will advertise accord- 
 ingly, &c. 
 
 To the Lords of his Majesty's Privi/ Council, 14/// October, 1543. 
 
 It may like your good lordships to understand, that I liave received 
 from my lord of Suft'olk and others, the king's majesty's council at Dar- 
 lington, a copy of your lordsliips letters, addressed unto me the 6th of 
 October, the original whereof is, by all likelyhood, not written in cy- 
 pher, which my said lords do keep, and have sent a copy of the same 
 in cypher for fear of interception, whereunto indeed it is very necessa- 
 ry to have regard, for it is much ado to convoy letters safely in this 
 country. Upon the contents of your said letters, I have communed 
 with the earl of Angus and others, his majesty's friends here, in such 
 sort as is appointed unto me by your said letters ; and they say, they 
 will have regard to the execution of the same as they may to the ut- 
 termost of their power. And, touching the governour's being at Dal- 
 keith with sir George Douglas, the said sir George saith, " That the 
 governour came thither unto him upon trust ; so that unless he should 
 have betrayed him, he might not have stayed him. And likewise," he 
 said, "that the said governour hath sithence that time been upon trust 
 at this town with the earl of Angus and the other lords here, who 
 might have laid hands on him and kept him, if they would dishonour 
 themselves, which he trusteth the king's majesty will not require of 
 them." Also, I have spoken with the provost, and others of the most 
 
3l6 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1.543. 
 
 substantious inhabitants of this town, both touching such English 
 ships and goods as be stayed here, notwithstanding tlieir safe conduct, 
 and touching the restitution of their ships stayed in England, upon 
 the condition expressed in your said letters. For answer unto the 
 which two points, they said, they would take advisement, and when 
 they had resolved, would repair again to me with their answers ; which, 
 as it shall be, I shall advertise unto your lordships. He that was late 
 provost, hath left the office at jMichaehnass last; and sir Adam Otter- 
 burn, who hath been heretofore ambassador in England, is now cho- 
 sen provost, who is noted to be of the cardinal's faction, and a great 
 enemy to the king's majesty's purposes; and yet to me always he pre- 
 tendeth the contrary, alledging, " that such trouble as he had in the 
 late king's time here was for England's sake, because he was sus- 
 pected to be over-good an English-man." 
 
 Finally, as touching the Falcon, and the other French ships of Diep, 
 specified in your said letters, which were chased into Montrose and 
 Dundee, here in Scotland, by the king's majesty's navy, I cannot hear 
 where they are become ; for in those parts they are not. The Falcon 
 was convoyed away out of the haven of Montrose three weeks ago, as 
 I am informed by the master of the ship, with the mariners and sol- 
 diers, and departed to the seas, leaving their captain behind them, 
 who is lieic in this town, affirming the same to be true ; and that he 
 knoweth not where the said Falcon is become ; but 1 shall do the best 
 I can to learn the truth thereof; and, as I shall get knowledge of the 
 same, as also where her fellows are become, which were but two small 
 l)oats, 1 shall advertise accordingly. And thus, &c. 
 
 To the Lords of his Majesty s Privy Comml, \6tli October, 1543. 
 
 It may like your good lordships to understand, that I have received 
 a copy, in cypher, of your letters of the 1 1th of October, containing 
 the king's majesty's ])lcasure how I should eftsoons confer Mith the 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 15iS. 3-17 
 
 eail of Angus, and tlie otlicr lords of that part}-, upon such points as 
 I have heretofore communed with them. But forasmuch as the said 
 lords are now departed from this town westwards, as I wrote in my 
 last letters to the king's majesty, it is not ])ossible for me to have any 
 conference with them upon the same till they return ; lor it behoveth 
 not me to ride abroad in this country, the wars being open, and so 
 many attemptates and great damages done to the Scots, as are daily 
 done on the Borders, which doth so stir and incense the people here 
 against me and mine, that it is like enough, if the same form continue, 
 that I cannot remain here without great danger. And therefore, if the 
 earl of Angus and sir George Douglas keep touch to me, I shall be con- 
 voyed to Temptallon within those three or four days, unless the town 
 here M'ill detain me perforce, which indeed be very loath I should de- 
 part, because, as long as I am here, they be in hope to have their ships 
 restored. But I intend to make an experiment, whether they will de- 
 tain me or not, as it is secretly informed me that indeed they will. 
 
 And now to the points of your lordshi])S said letters, to be conferred 
 eftsoons with the said lords : First, Touching the obtaining of the 
 young cpieen into their hands ; they have told me plainly, at my last 
 conference with them, before the receipt of your said letters, that it is 
 not possible for them to get her perforce out of the castle of Stirling. 
 And, to say my poor opinion, whereas it is expressed in your lordships 
 said letters, that they might by policy accomplish the same, as by way 
 of licence to visit her in the said castle, in such sort as your said let- 
 ters do jjurport. I cannot see how they can prevail that way ; for her 
 guardiars, being all undoubtedly of the adverse party, which do also 
 suspect and fear, that the earl of Angus, and other his majesty's friends, 
 intend to convoy her from them into England, will not suffer any of 
 that party to have entry into the castle, but in such sort as they may 
 themselves be masters ; nor they use not to suffer any of the nobles of 
 the realm to enter, but with one or two servants with him at the most, 
 saving only the dowager, who, by the parliament, is admitted to be 
 continually resident about lier said daughter, with a certain number at 
 
318 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 her pleasure ; so as I cannot perceive how they may win her into their 
 hands by any such policy. 
 
 Secondly, touching the strong-holds, they said plainly, " That they 
 know not how to come by them ; for if they might," they say, " they 
 were mad men, if they would not take them into their hands, which is 
 one of the things they most principally desire ; and, so long as they 
 were here in this town, the captain of the castle here kept himself con- 
 tinually within it, and was determined, if they had made any procla- 
 mations, or put any thing in execution to the derogation of the gover- 
 nour's authority, (which was suspected,) to have beaten them all out of 
 the town with shot of ordinance from the castle; for the which pur- 
 pose he had mounted and charged all the pieces within the same,"' as 
 the lords themselves told me. The castle of Dunbar is holden by a 
 stout man, wlio beareth none affection to England, and I think surely 
 he will not deliver it out of his hands, neither to the governour him- 
 self, nor to no man else. And the said lords told me plainly, " They 
 were out of all hope to come by it." For Dumbarton, to say mine opi- 
 nion, the earl of Lennox had as leif part with his right hand as with 
 it; and I think if the same should be moved now unto him, it were 
 the next way to make him revolt to the adverse party, with the French 
 money and munition which he hath now gotten into his possession at 
 Dumbarton, within the said castle ; j" and, therefore, it were not amiss, 
 in my poor mind, not to be over hasty with him in that matter for a 
 while, till the king's majesty see whether the said earl of Lennox will 
 himself repair to his highness, or what they will further do towards 
 his majesty, according to their last writings. 
 
 Thirdly, touching the sending of any of the king's majesty's ships 
 for apprehension of the French ships at Dumbarton, now that the mo- 
 ney and munition is landed, with also the legate and French ambassa- 
 dor, and the ships brought into the haven, whereby that purpose is 
 
 t The money was delivered to Lennox by the French agent, who was ignorant of the 
 revolution which had transferred iiis allegiance to the English faction. 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 319 
 
 disappointed, I need not tliciefore to have any treaty with tlie carl of 
 Cassils in that hchalf. 
 
 And finally, touching the said legate, I see not that they intend to 
 detain him, or the French amhassador, or any of their train, as prison- 
 ers, but rather to use them as ambassadors, with as much demeanour 
 and good entertainment as they can. And now that they have the 
 said money and munition in their hands, laid up into the castle of 
 Dumbarton, they will convoy the said ambassador to Glasgow, where 
 they may use him with better entertainment than at Dumbarton. And 
 I am informed, the dowager, governour, and cardinal, have sent strait 
 commandment to the earl of Lennox, to convoy the said legate and 
 ambassador to Stirling, with also the money and munition; but he 
 liath yet refused to accomplish the same : howbeit, it may be he will 
 send the legate and ambassador to Stirling ; but for the money and 
 munition, it will be hard to get the same out of his hands, which I 
 think surely he will not so soon part withall. What shall succeed 
 hereof, I will not fail to advertise accordingly, &c. 
 
 To my Lords 0/ Suffolk, Parr, and Durham, \?>th October, 1543. 
 
 It may like your good lordships to understand, that the French am- 
 bassador, who lately arrived at Dumbarton, came on Tuesday night last 
 to Stirling, and the legate came thither afore them on Munday last; 
 whereby ye may perceive that the kings majesty's advice to the earl of 
 Glencairn to take the legate prisoner came too late ; for he was then, 
 and now is, sure among his friends at Stirling, where the dowager, go- 
 vernour, and cardinal, and earl of Huntley, are all four lodged together 
 in the castle ; because, as I am informed, they dare not ly in the town, 
 for fear of the earl of Angus and that party. Yesterday the said 
 French ambassador had access to the dowager and governour, but M-hat 
 is their legation I can get no certainty, although the same may be 
 right easily conjectured. But once the French money, which they 
 
SCO EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 brought, is in the possession of the earl of Lennox, uithin the castle of 
 Dumbarton, and also as nuich of the munition as could be gotten a 
 land in so short time. And the earls of Angus, Lennox, Glencairn, and 
 Cassils, with others of that party, be all at Glasgow, saving sir CJeorge 
 Douglas, M'ho lieth very sick at a place called Pinky, within four miles 
 of tliis town : I'ut what tliey have done since their meeting and as- 
 sembly at Glasgow, or what they will do, I cannot tell; for, since their 
 departure of this town, I have had no advertisement from them. And 
 since the revolt of the governour, I have lost a great commodity of 
 such espials as I had, which were ready to do me pleasure so long as 
 the governour was on our party. But now they dare not show them- 
 selves, but are slipt from me with their captain. More I cannot ad- 
 vertise you at this time ; but, as I shall have any further matter wor- 
 thy the writing, I shall not fail to signify the same with such diligence 
 as appertaineth. And thus, &c. 
 
 To the Lords (f his Majesty's Privy Council, 9.5th October, 1543. 
 
 It may like your good lordships to understand, that I have received 
 your letters of the lyth of this present, by the which I do perceive, 
 that the king's majesty doth not only somewhat marvel that I would 
 put myself in such hazard, as to abide here behind the earl of Angus, 
 and the other lords of his majesty's party, when they departed out of 
 this town westwards ; but also that his highness's pleasure is, consider- 
 ing I can reside nowhere in more surety, nor where I may better serve 
 for his majesty's aftairs, nor M'here the said lords do remain, that I 
 should therefore (if I might safely) repair unto the said earl, and signi- 
 fy unto him, that tlie king's majesty hath commanded me to resort to 
 liim, and therefore to require him to take order for my safe convoy- 
 ance accordingly. For answer whereunto, I assure your lordships, it 
 was much against my will to abide here behind the saids lords : For at 
 their being here, I prayed them most heartily, that either I might go 
 
EJIBASSr TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 321 
 
 with tlicm westwards, or else that it would please my lord of Angus 
 to lend nie his house of Temptallon to ly in, and that I might be con- 
 voyed thither, afore their departure out of this town ; but they thought 
 it in no wise convenient for me to jro witli them. And thoua.h, as I 
 could perceive, the earl of Angus had no great good will to let me ly 
 in his house of Temptallon, because the same is unfurnished, and al- 
 most all the lodgings taken down to be new huilded ; yet at the last, 
 rather than to take me with them westwards, he was content to lend 
 me Temptallon, But he said, " I might not remove thither, while 
 within live or six days after their departure out of this town; for the 
 house could no sooner be ready for me." And I pressed them that I 
 might go out of hand, Ai'hich they bade me then keep secret; for there 
 was a certain muttering in the town, that I should not depart till they 
 had their ships restored. And they told me plainly, " That if the town 
 would detain me, they were not able perforce, with the small company 
 they had, to convoy me away but by stealth ; whereupon,"' they said, 
 " they M'ould devise, and bade me keep secret." 
 
 As for my part, I kept it secret enough ; but what secrecy they used 
 I cannot tell; for the next day the provost, and a great many of the 
 town, came to me, and said, " They understood I was afraid to tarry 
 here behind the lords, which they were sorry to hear, and it should cost 
 a thousand mens lives, or I, or any of mine, should suffer any displea- 
 sure;" with large offers of mucli humanity and gentleness; whereof I 
 thanked them, and perswaded them to think, that it was for no fear 
 that I desired to be out of this town, but for mine own recreation. 
 But thus your lordships may perceive, that neither the lords, as I con- 
 jecture, nor 3-et the town, M'ere willing that I should depart. Never- 
 theless my lord of Angus hath promised me, that his house of Temp- 
 tallon should be made ready for me, and that his brother George, with- 
 in four or five days, should come to me, to convoy me thither; where- 
 of I heard nothing since their departure. But I sent a servant of mine 
 to Temptallon, who brought me word, that the house was clearly un- 
 furnished, both of bedding and all manner of houshold-stuff, and none 
 
 VOL. I. 2 s 
 
3S2 EMBASSr TO SCOTLAND TX 1543. 
 
 to be bought nor hired, nor no manner of provision to be made there- 
 of, nor of any kind of victual nearer than this town, which is twenty 
 miles off; so that I was fain to tarry here against my will : And yet 
 if I had not fallen sick of a fever, whereof I am not yet recovered, I 
 had made such shift, as, unless the town here would have stopped me, 
 I had bee-n at Temptallon or this time. And as soon as I am able to 
 ride, I shall, with the grace of God, prepare myself thitherwards. 
 
 Yesternight the lord ^Maxwell, having been with the governour at 
 Linlithgow for private causes of his own, came hither to m.e, to whom 
 I declared, according to the continue of your said letters, that the 
 king's majesty's pleasure was, to have me reside where the earl of An- 
 gus and they of his party were abiding; and therefore I prayed him 
 to convoy me thither. He answered me, " That the earl of Angus lay 
 at his castle of Douglas, and he and the rest of his majesty's friends 
 lay every man at his own house, twent}-, thirty, and forty miles one 
 from another, and the country- was so broken, and so much robbin? 
 and reaving, that he knew not where I might ly in surety, to be ho- 
 nestly furnished as appertained, ex<:ept I might be lodged with the 
 earl of Angus in his castle of Douglas ; which, he thought, was not so 
 well furnished as to lodge us both."* As indeed, for my part, I think 
 he would be loath to be impesched with me and my folks, Mhere he is 
 scantly furnished for himself, his wife, and family. Nevertheless the 
 said lord Maxwell hath promised to devise with the said earl of Angus, 
 because Temptallon is out of the way, to lodge me where I shall be 
 both in surety, and near to his majesty's friends ; and this being de- 
 termined, to convoy me thither accordingly. 
 
 The said lord Maxwell told me further, " That since the earl of Anr 
 gus, the earl of Cassils, and the lord Somervail, parted (jut of this 
 town, they, with the earls of Lennox and Glencaim, had been toge- 
 ther at Glasgow, and had communed of some things, but concluded 
 
 * It may be recollected, as some apology for the res angusia domi which is here intimated, 
 that Angus bad but just returned from, a long exile, during »hich his iauus liad been coa- 
 fecated. 
 
 7 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND TV 1543. 323 
 
 nothing. And the carl of Lennox," he saith, " desirelh tlie marriage 
 of the carl of Angus's daughter, and government of this realm ; but he 
 will not be induced,"' as the lord INIaxwell saith, " to repair towards his 
 majesty, till he shall know his highness's good mind towards him in 
 the said marriage and government; for, if he should repair to the 
 king's majesty," he saith, " he were sure to lose the French king, and 
 all his benefits in France, which he will not do, till he may see what 
 commodity or benefit he may receive at the kings majesty's hands. 
 And therefore," the said lord jMaxwell told me, " that they concluded 
 upon nothing at their said convention at Glasgow, but are to meet 
 again at Douglas castle with my lord of Angus at this day, wliere they 
 will commune further upon all things; and," as he thinketh, " they 
 will send the sheriff of Ayr, and the laird of Drumlanrig, to the king's 
 majesty, with their minds, and to know his grace's pleasure in all 
 •things accordingly." Thus the lord Maxwell told me, adding further, 
 " That he hath no great confidence in the earl of Lennox ; for since 
 their being together at Glasgow," he saith, " the same Lennox hath 
 had sundry letters and messages from the dowager, cardinal, and Mon- 
 sieur de la Brochey, the French ambassador, who remaineth with the 
 queen at Stirling; and also the said Lennox hath been with them there 
 himself; but it is thought that they agreed not all the best." What 
 they should do, it is uncertain. And it is supposed, that the earl of 
 Lennox will hold in on both sides, till he may assuredly know and 
 perceive the king's majesty's good mind towards him in such things as 
 lie desireth. The French money (which at the most, for all their brags, 
 is not past 30,000 crowns, as I am credibly informed) was addressed 
 hither to the old queen and the cardinal, to be divided by their discre- 
 tion amongst the noblemen of this realm. And notwithstanding that 
 the earl of Lennox hath the money within the castle of Dumbarton, 
 yet the French ambassador hath his bond and obligation, as the said 
 lord Maxwell told me, for the delivery thereof to such as the said 
 queen and cardinal shall appoint. 
 
324 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 Also, I understand llie said La Ijiochey liath commission to bestow 
 yearly pensions amongst the noblemen Ik re of the French king's libe- 
 rality, and to make straiter and augment tlie amity and old leagues 
 between France and Scotland, or 1o ([ualify the same, as for the chief 
 commodity of this realm shall be thought most expedient. The le- 
 gate, as far as I can hear, cometh here with bulls, faculties, and par- 
 dons, to get money. And some say, that, linding the people and coun- 
 try here so wild, he wisheth himself at home again ; but now, as I am 
 informed, the cardinal and he both are departed from Stirling, and be 
 tOQfether within the castle of St Andrews. 'Ihe oovcrnour licth at Lin- 
 lithgow, and, as it is thought, will be here in this town within these 
 three or four days. 
 
 Finally, The towns-men here, nor their provost, have, as yet, made 
 me no answer, touching the condition whereupon 1 promised them the 
 restitution of their ships, according to the proport of your lordships 
 said letters of the 6th of this present, nor they come never to me si- 
 thence; but, as I am informed, they be greatly offended with that 
 condition, and say, they will not only lose their ships and goods, with- 
 out making any further suit of the same ; but also they will lose their 
 lives rather than grant that condition, and become traitors to their 
 own country. This, I am secretly informed, they murmur among 
 themselves ; but, notwithstanding they promised to make me an an- 
 swer what they would do in that behalf, they have hitherto made 
 me none, nor I have not thought meet to press them to the same. And 
 thus, &c. 
 
 POSTSCRIPT. 
 
 John a Barton is not yet gone to the seas ; but, it is told me, that 
 as soon as the wind scrvcth, he will go with the Mary Willoughby, 
 and nine sail more, half merchants and half men of war, as vi^ell fur- 
 nistied of men and artillery as any ships that went from Scotland those 
 many years ; being determined, as I am informed, to accomplish their 
 voyage intcndeil to Bourdeaux, or else to die rather than they will be 
 
 5 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1J43. 325 
 
 taken. And some say, that the said Jolm ;i liarton will not go to the 
 seas at all, unless he have the king's majesty's safe conduct ; for ob- 
 taining whereof he hath lately made some means unto iiic, and like- 
 wise some other merchants here have made suit to n:c for safe con- 
 ducts ; assuring your lordships, that this town nccdclh none other 
 wrack, than to have their trartiiiue thus taken from them hy keeping 
 of the seas. So that if the king's majesty will appoint some of his 
 ships of war to ly upon those coasts to hold in the Scots that they sail 
 not out, within a little wliile it shall utterly beggar this town ; for 
 what with the loss of their ships and goods lately sustained, and again 
 with tlie keeping of the seas with men of war, so that they dare not 
 make any adventure, they do already complain exceedingly, &c. 
 
 To the Lords of his Majesty's Privy Coimcil, 30th October, 1543. 
 
 It may like your good lordships to understand, that since my last 
 letters addressed to your lordships, I have liad no matter wortliy the 
 writing to advertise. But now be arrived at this town the lord Max- 
 well and the sheriff of Ayr, which have been with me, and told me, 
 that they, with the earls of Angus, Glencann, and Cassils, the lordSo- 
 mervail and sir George Douglas, had been together, and kept their 
 convention and meeting at Douglas-castle on Thursday last, accordino- 
 to their appointment ; but the earl of Lennox broke liis promise in 
 that part, and came not there, which moved the said earls and lords to 
 have no great trust nor confidence in him ; for he hath been at Stir- 
 ling with the queen, the cardinal, and French and^assador, and also he 
 is in commission with them, appointed by the French king, for distri- 
 bution of the French money and munition amongst the noblemen of 
 this realm, and also to limit and bestow yeaily pensions among them 
 by their discretions. Howbeit the said Lennox sent to the earl of An- 
 gus, and others of that party, at their being together at Douglas, to 
 excuse his absence, and to assure them, that he would perform all that 
 
5i6 , UIBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 lie liad promised. But what he will do they cannot tell. Wherefore 
 they have ordained the lord Somervail to repair in post to the king's 
 -majesty with their minds, and to know his majesty's mind again in all 
 things accordingly. For which purpose, I think he will depart with 
 all diligence, as your lordships will better perceive by such letters as 
 he wrote unto me, which I send you here inclosed. The French am- 
 bassador, who remaineth still with the queen at Stirling, practiseth and 
 laboureth by all the means he can, to interrupt the marriage between 
 the young queen of Scotland and my lord prince's grace, and to won 
 all noblemen here to the devotion of France, and to make division and 
 extreme wars between those two realms ; for the maintenance where- 
 of, is promised by the said ambassador, on the French king's behalf, 
 whatsoever aid they will require against the next year, besides great 
 rewards and yearly pensions, as is aforesaid ; which things the said 
 dowager and cardinal do advance and set forth by all the means they 
 can ; and also they labour to set an unity and agreement between the 
 governour and earl of Lennox, the rather to join them together on 
 the French party. Assuring your lordships, that, as far as I can see, 
 the whole body of the realm is inclined to France ; for they do consi- 
 der and say, that France requireth nothing of them but friendship, and 
 would they should continue and maintain the honour and liberty of 
 their realm, which of themselves they naturally do covet. and desire. 
 France, they say, hath always aided them with money and munition, 
 as now they have promised more largely by that which they have 
 brought. "W^iereas, on the other side, England, they say, scekcth no- 
 thing else but to bring them to subjection, and to have superiority and 
 dominion over them ; which universally they do so detest and abhor, 
 as, in my poor opinion, they will never be brought into it but by force. 
 And though such noblemen as pretend to be the king's majesty's friends 
 here, could be contented, as they say, that his majesty liad the supe- 
 riority of this realm ; yet, I assure your lordships, to say as I think, 
 there is not one of them that hath two servants or friends that is of 
 the same mind; or that would take their parts iu that behalf Marry 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IX 1543. 327 
 
 I think, when they shall perceive tliemselves unable to resist the king's 
 inajesty's power, very tear (which I call force) shall enforce them to- 
 yield to that thing, which they will never do, if they shall find them- 
 selves able to make their part good. 
 
 Thus I have thought good to signify unto your lordships what I do- 
 now by continuance here perceive of the affection of this nation ; 
 which your lordships can nuich better weigh and consider than I, and, 
 with the grace of God, thereafter provide for it. Finally, The provost^ 
 and sundry other merchants of this town, yesterday came unto me,v 
 and said, they understood that the lord Somervail was now appointed 
 to depart towards the king's majesty, wlierefore they intended also to 
 send some honest personage to his grace to sue on their bchalfs for the 
 restitution of their ships, praying me to write in their favours. And I 
 put them in remembrance what I had said to them before on the kings 
 majesty's behalf, and upon what condition his majesty will restore unto< 
 them their saids ships and goods; whereunto, I told them, they had pro- 
 mised to make me answer, which, I said, I daily looked for. They told 
 me, that the man, whom they would now dispatch to the king's ma- 
 jesty with their letters and requests, should ha\'e also credit and com- 
 mission from them to declare unto his highness their mind and reso- 
 lution in that behalf; and they desired of me that I would write fa- 
 vourably for them. I said, I would be glad to do them all the plea- 
 sure 1 could, as now I beseech your lordships- to be good unto tliem i;y 
 their reasonable suits; the rather for that I have found much gratuity 
 at their hands ever since his majesty wrote unto them, which it may 
 please you to consider accordingly. 
 
 Sir George Douglas being at Leith, sent to me, and desired me to 
 take m.ine horse and ride out of this town into the fields to speak with 
 hiir, which I did ; and at our meeting, he told me as much in eftecb 
 touching the earl of Lennox and the French practices, as is before spe- 
 cified, and also of the dispatch of the lord Somervail to the king's- ma- 
 jesty, saying, " that he will accompany tlie said lord Somervail toDar-^ 
 lingtou, because himself will speak with my lord of Suffolk, both 
 
0'5>S £MBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 toucli'mg sucii things as the said lord Somervail liatli in charge, as al- 
 so for the Border matters, wherein he complaineth much of the da- 
 mage done daily to such as," he saith, " he tlie king's majesty's 
 friends."* He told me also, " tliat the dowager and carilinal intend- 
 ed to send the Lyon, heing one of the late king of Scots ships, into 
 France, wilh a special dispatch thither; for she is now a rigging for 
 that purpose, but will not yet be ready to depart. And," he saith, " he 
 will advertise me assuredly when she shall depart, to the intent I may 
 give knowledge thereof in time, if it shall please the king's majesty to 
 take order for lier apprehension." And also, he said, " that the French 
 ships which brought liither this money and munition, might easily be 
 apprehended, if his majesty would send some of his ships for that pur- 
 pose into the west seas here. The said French ships," he telleth me, 
 " do ly upon the coast afore Dumbarton, two or three miles into the 
 seas. They be in number seven, and the greatest of them not past 
 nine score, or two hundred, which, notwithstanding they have landed 
 the legate and the ambassador with the money and munition, yet," 
 he saith, " the ships, men, and artillery, that is in them, were a good 
 booty ; and he thinketh, if the king's majesty would send his own 
 navy into the west seas here unto Dumbarton for the apprehension of 
 them, he might surely have them." 
 
 Furthermore, the said sir George Douglas told me, " That his bro- 
 ther the earl of Angus and he had devised upon my removing out of 
 this town, and could find no place so meet and proper for me as Temp- 
 tallon ; for in the west parts of this realm I could be no where lodged 
 but in an open town, where I might not remain in surety, the country 
 being so broken as it is, and yet I should be twenty miles from my 
 lord of Angus, and as far, or farther, from the rest of his ma'csty's 
 friends. And at Temptallon," he sailh, " I shall be in surety, and 
 
 * In the correspondence between the council and sir Ralph Ever?, which may be found 
 in Ilayne's State Papers, strict orikis arc given not to spare the friends of sir George Dour 
 glas in the incursions on the middle and east marches, as it was suspected that he only 
 meant to strengthen and secure himself without alltjrdiiig cllcctual assistance to England. 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 309 
 
 within twelve miles of him where he lieth ; and also, in forty-eight 
 hours, I may ahvays sentl, and ha\e woril again from my lord of An- 
 gus ; and as tiie case shall recjuire," he saitli, " we may meet and com- 
 mune together from time to time, by appointment, upon such things 
 as shall occur."' So that he hath resolved with me, that I shall go to 
 Temptallon as soon as the house can be furnished and made ready for 
 me ; which I shall do with the grace of God, who preserve your lord- 
 ships, &c. 
 
 To the Lords of/iis Majestij's Privy Council, 6th November, 154^, from 
 
 I'cmptallun. * 
 
 It may like your good lordships to understand, that yesterday, as I 
 was to depart out of Edinburgh to this liouse of Temptallon, arrived 
 with me one Sanford, a kinsman of Mr Wharton's, and brought me 
 your letters of the 27th of October, with also a copy of }our letters to 
 Mr Wharton. Upon the contents whereof tlie said Sanford told me, 
 " that he, and one Appleby, being sent by Mr Wharton, had, accord- 
 ing to their instructions, not finding me with the earl of Angus, con- 
 ferred with the said earl only, because none of the other lords were 
 with him, and such answer as the said earl made unto him, he would 
 dispatch forthwith by the said Appleby, not doubting but your lord- 
 
 * Tantallon, or Temptallon castle, a place of proverbial strength, is situated about two 
 miles from North Berwick, in East Lothian, on a clitf overhanging the sea. Its ruins shew its 
 extent and consequence. When Tantallon was built is uncertain ; but it seems always to have 
 been a strong-hold of the Douglas family. When James V. expelled from his kingdom the 
 earl of Angus and his friends, Tantallon held out against his arms for some time ; and was 
 not reduced till Angus, who had fled into England, was only admitted there upon condi- 
 tion of that castle being rendered. Upon the return of Angus, and the recal of his forfei- 
 ture, Tantallon was again occupied by his retainers, and now served for a place of refurfe 
 to Sadler, after his joyful release from liis precarious situation in Edinburgh. The circum- 
 stances of Angus, so lately an exile and fugitive, must makesomeapology for the miserable 
 accommodation afibrded to the English ambassador. 
 
 VOL. I. 2 T 
 
350 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 ships shall receive the same before the arrival of those my letters. And 
 what the said earl of Angus, and other the king's majesty's friends, 
 will do, upon the apprehension of the lords IMaxwell and Somervail, 
 which ought to move and stir them (if they be able) to revenge it, I 
 cannot tell. But afore, they told me plainly, that they were not able 
 to do such things as the king's majesty required of them, neither to 
 apprehend the governour nor the cardinal, nor yet to get the young 
 queen into their hands. Assuring your lordships, that, as far as I can 
 perceive now, they have enough ado to save themselves out of the 
 danger of their enemies, and much less be they able to seek their ad- 
 verse party within their bounds and strengths, as also I think the ad- 
 verse party unable to seek them within their bounds and strengths : 
 and in the field ye may be sure they will never meet ; at least, for my 
 part, I think they may well discord and chide, but I will never believe 
 that they will fight, till I see it, what brags soever they make upon 
 the same. And surely, my lords, to say mine opinion, if it shall please 
 God to send his majesty the accomplishment of his gracious and god- 
 ly purposes here, it must proceed, first, with the will and pleasure of 
 God, and then with the king's majesty's own force and power ; for here 
 there is none aid of these men wherein I would wish his majesty 
 should trust : For though the earl of Angus, and the rest of that side, 
 be all well dedicate to the king's majesty, as they pretend ; yet, consi- 
 dering the malice of this nation towards England, which they would 
 in no wise should have any superiority or dominion over them ; I see 
 not, that the said earls, and others of that side, can be sure almost of 
 their own servants in that quarrel.* So that, I think, it must be the 
 fear of the king's majesty's force which must make them yield to that, 
 which they would never do, if they could find themselves able to re- 
 sist it. This I have touched afore to your lordships, and now write it 
 
 ■* This was probably the reason of their extreme reluctance to allow sir Ralph to gO 
 with them to the western counties, where they purposed to collect their followers. His pre- 
 sence would have been odious even to their own retainers. 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 531 
 
 agaiu ; because whosoever had continued here in my place so long as 
 I have been here, though he had but half an eye, might easily see it. 
 The lord Somervail is removed out of the castle of Edinburgh to the 
 Blackness, and the lord Maxwell remaineth still, who, some men think, 
 was taken by his own consent ; which, if it be true, declareth him a 
 most unfaithfull man ; and though it be not true, yet both he and So- 
 mervail used much folly to put themselves in such danger, as to come 
 so slenderly furnished within the bounds and strength of their ene- 
 mies. For the castle of Edinburgh is in the govemour's hands, and 
 the town also, say what they will, is wholly at the cardinal's devotion. 
 Whether the earl of Angus, and others of that party, will send any 
 other to the king's majesty in place of the lord Somervail or not, I can- 
 not tell. But sir George Douglas hath sent me word, " that he will 
 forthwith repair to Darlington to my lord of Suffolk, to advertise him 
 of all such things as the said lord Somervail had in charge, to the in- 
 tent he may signify the same to the king's highness accordingly." The 
 parliament is appointed at Edinburgh by the governour and that side, 
 to begin in the beginning of December, which the earl of Angus and 
 his side mindeth to impeach, as they say, by all the means they can ; 
 and, as far as I can perceive, the earl of Lennox is revolted from the 
 earl of Angus, by the great perswasions of the dowager and the cardi- 
 nal, who do labour by all the means the)' can to make him and the 
 governour friends. And it is said, to please them both, the governour 
 shall continue still in that place, and the earl of Lennox shall be made 
 lieutenant-general throughout the whole realm ; which, it is thought, 
 shall be established at their parliament. But what shall follow, God 
 kuoweth. As I shall perceive things to occur worthy advertisement, 
 I shall not fail to signify the same with such diligence as the case shall 
 require. 
 
 The captain of this castle of Temptallon, who being yesterday with 
 me at Edinburgh, and tarried there behind me for certain business, 
 came hither this morning, and told me, that the governour, cardinal, 
 and earl Bothwell, came yesternight to Edinburgh ; as indeed the go- 
 
332 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 vernour hath been coming tliitlier those ten or twelve clays; and, as I 
 Avas intbrnied credibly, deferred and put of his coming because I was 
 in the town, as now it appeareth to be true : For as soon as I was de- 
 parted yesterday from thence, their officers came thither to make pro- 
 vision for them. 
 
 Finally, whereas T perceive that the king's majesty would have me 
 resident where the earl of Angus and other lords of that party be ; it 
 is told me, that it is not possible tor me to be among them ; for in 
 their houses I cannot be, the same being so evil furnished as scarcely 
 doth serve themselves, and no town is near them where I may eitlier 
 be in surety, or have any honest kind of furniture. Wherefore, I am 
 desired to remain here at Tem])tallon ; which, though it be but easily 
 furnished, and slender lodging in it, yet I assure you it is of such 
 strength, as I need not fear the malice of mine enemies ; and therefore 
 do think myself now to be out of danger. . ■ 
 
 To mi) Lords of Suffolk and Dukham, 7th November, 1543. 
 
 It may like your good lordships to understand, that this morning I 
 received a letter from the laird of Brunstoun, the copy whereof I have 
 sent you in cypher here inclosed ; by the which ye may perceive what 
 game is now like to begin in this country, and what is to be looked 
 for at our enemies hands. And, to verify the said Brunstoun's letter, 
 I have also this morning credible advertisement, that the governour 
 hath this night taken the castle of Dalkeitli, belonging to the earl of 
 Morton, who is a Douglas ; and sir George Douglas's son, who is heir 
 to the earl of IMorton, being in tlie castle, got himself into a (kmgeon 
 of the same castle, M'here he } et is, and keepetl) the same dungeon 
 against the governour.* But without rescues lie cannot long hokl it ; 
 
 * This is the first exploit ut the famous carl of Morion, afterwards regent. It seems not 
 to have been known to his biographer Godscroft. Dalkeith castle, into the donjon, or prin- 
 cipal tower of which, he now retreated, afterwards, from beiny his chief residence, was 
 called the Lion's Den. 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543- 353 
 
 f 
 
 for he is unfurnished both of victuals and artillery. And also, I am in- 
 formed, that the cardinal hath said plainly, that it shall cost him life, 
 but he will drive all the Douglasses, with their friends and partakers, 
 out of tlfis realm, or destroy them. It is also told me, that the go- 
 vernour and cardinal have devised to beset and stop all the ways and 
 passages to and from the house of Temptallon, because no letters or 
 messengers shall come or go from me unsearched ; and therefore I 
 doubt much, whether this letter, or any other that I shall write, shall 
 be safely convoyed. I shall, nevertheless, adventure the intercep- 
 tion of my letters, which, being in cypher, can give them little ad- 
 vantage. And as I may have matter worth the writing, and com- 
 modity of Scottish bearers, I will write from time to time accordingly, 
 Sec. 
 
 POSTSCRIPT. 
 
 Oliver Sinclair* lieth at a little house, within two miles here of Temp- 
 tallon, with threescore horsemen, as I am informed, to ly in wait to catch 
 up me or some of my servants, if we stray too far out of the bounds of 
 this castle ; which, if he should do, he thinketh he should be the bet- 
 ter able to redeem his pledge, and pay his ransom to the king's majes- 
 ty ; whereof I am credibly informed by honest gentlemen, being my 
 lord of Angus's kinsmen and servants, which dwell hereabouts, and 
 came purposely to me to give me warning of the same, praying me that I 
 would not walk, nor suffer none of mine to go too far out of the bounds 
 of the castle. 
 
 * When the earl of Angus, his friends, and followers, were banished by James V. Oliver 
 .Sinclair was placed as governor in Temptallon castle. 
 
334 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 To my Lords o/'Suffolk and Durham, '6th November, 1543. 
 
 It may like your good lordships to understand, that I have received 
 your letters of the 4th of November ; by the which ye require me to 
 advertise you what succeedeth of the taking of the lords Maxwell and 
 SomervaiJ, and also where sir George Douglas is, not doubting but by 
 such letters as I have lately written, since my coming hither, to the 
 lords of the council above, of the 6th of November, and also by such 
 as I have written to your lordships of the 7th of the same, ye do per- 
 ceive as much as I can yet advertise of those aflfairs. And, as I am ad- 
 vertised, sir George Douglas was at Berwick on Tuesday last ; and 
 therefore I think, or this time, he is with your lordships. Also, this 
 morning I am credibly advertised, that the governour sent a good 
 number of men to besiege a house of sir George Douglas's, called 
 Pinky ; and as yet, as far as I can hear, the said sir George Douglas's 
 son holdeth the dungeon of the castle of Dalkeith against the gover- 
 nour.* And it is said, that James Douglas of the Parkhedge, and Alex- 
 ander Drummond, which be two hardy gentlemen belonging to the 
 earl of Angus and sir George Douglas, be also within the said dun- 
 geon. Assuring your lordships, that if they were furnished with artil- 
 lery, they would soon beat their enemies from the siege, or if they 
 have victual, it is thought they will defend the said dungeon till they 
 may have rescue of their friends : but still they are besieged, and daily 
 the country about resorteth to the siege by the governour's command- 
 
 t Sir George Douglas of Pittendriech had two sons ; David, who succeeded his uncle as 
 eighth earl of Angus, and James, who became earl of Morton and regent of Scotland. Da- 
 vid was inactive in his habits, and sicivly in his person; but James had all the ambition and 
 talent of the great family whence he sprang. It was he that defended the donjon, or great 
 tower, of Dalkeith against the governor. In the next letter he is called master of Morton j 
 a title given him in right of his wife, who was daughter of the carl of Morton. 
 
 James Douglas of Parkhedge (Parkliead), mentioned a little lower, was an illegitimate 
 son of sir George Douglas, and a brother tousecjuently of Morton. 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1545. 535 
 
 nient. I can yet hear nothing what the earl of Angus intcndcth to 
 do, saving that he, with tlie earl of Cassils and Glencairn, and the she- 
 riff of Ayr, were assembled to devise how to proceed to the revenge of 
 these injuries done to their friends. And what shall succeed thereof, 
 and all other things here, as I can get knowledge, I will advertise ac- 
 cordingly, &c. 
 
 To my Lords of Suffolk and Durham, \Qth November, 1543. 
 
 It may like your good lordships to understand, that yesterday, in 
 the morning, came hither to Temptallon the master of IMorton, sir 
 George Douglas's son, who told me, " That he had rendred the castle 
 of Dalkeith to the governour by appointment, conditionally that he 
 and all his friends within the house might remove and depart, with all 
 their goods and baggage safely untouched ; which," he saith, " he was 
 of force constrained to do, because he was utterly unfurnished both of 
 victuals and artillery wherewith to defend the castle. And after he 
 had rendred it," he saith, " he had communication with the governour, 
 who wished that the earl of Angus and his brother would be true 
 Scottish-men, and leave their affection to England, in which case he 
 would do for tliem, and esteem them above all the rest of the noble- 
 men in Scotland." And the said master of Morton answering, " That 
 he knew well they had never failed in their duty of allegiance to their 
 sovereign lady; and so long as they did nothing prejudicial to the 
 realm, nor against the weal of the same, he thought they could not be 
 enemies to England, having received such benefit as they had done at 
 the king's majesty's hands." The governour replied, " That he would 
 all the world were enemies to England, for he knew well he was the 
 man the king's majesty loved worst of all men alive." Whereunto the 
 master of ]Vforton saith he answered, " That if so was, he was himself 
 the cause thereof ; for of late he knew that the king's majesty loved 
 and esteemed him as well as he did any nobleman in Scotland ; and if 
 
336 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 he had observed his faith and promise to the kings majesty, he might 
 have been sure to have had both his favour, and also great honour by 
 tlie same." The governour rephed again, and said, " the king's majes- 
 ty had broken with them first, in taking of their merchant ships and 
 goods in the time of peace, and therefore he might justly break with 
 him aa'ain." Then he told the said master of Morton, " how the 
 earls of Angus, Cassils, and Glencairn, tlie lord Maxwell, sir George 
 Douglas, and the sheriff' of Ayr, had dispatched the lord Somervail 
 with letters and writings to the king's majesty ; which letters, he said, 
 were intercepted with the said lord Somervail, being about him when 
 he was taken, and do contain no less than high treason ; for that by 
 the same it may appear, that the said earls and lords intended to prac- 
 tise with the king's majesty to the great mischief and confusion of this 
 realm. And besides that," he said, "there was certain credence in the 
 said letters committed to the lord Somervail, which he would gladly 
 know ; but he could in no wise cause the said lord Somervail confess 
 the same." This communication, in effect, the said master of INIorton 
 told me that he had with the governour ; " who," he saith, " is, by the 
 perswasions of the cardinal, earnestly bent against England, and will, 
 if he can, destroy and put down all such noblemen and others within 
 the realm as do favour the same." Also, I am informed, that they have 
 taken sir George Douglas's house of Pinky, and tlir ahiint of Dunferm- 
 ling hath the possession of the same. 
 
 I hear nothing yet what the earl of Angus and his partakers will do; 
 nor yet can I learn certainly what part the earl of Lennox will adhere 
 unto : but there is a saying, that the governour and he will not be 
 both of one party ; and yet much labour is made to make them friends. 
 And it is sa'ul, that the cardinal hath devised to divorce the governour 
 from liis wife, to the intent to make a marriage betwixt him and the 
 dowager, and then also to make a contract betwixt the young queen 
 and the earl of Lennox, who shall be made lieutenant-general oi' Scot- 
 land, and use the authority ; and the governour sliall bear only the 
 nanie of that office, and have a certain yearly stipend for the same ; 
 
 u 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 337 
 
 and so they shall be friends, and join together on one party with 
 France against England. Such sayings I hear, which whether they be 
 true or not I cannot tell ; but sure I am, that the cardinal and the 
 dowager would gladly make the said governour and Lennox friends, 
 and also procure as many friends as they can to adhere to the French 
 party. Whereof as I shall hear further, and what shall succeed of all 
 this business, I will advertise as I may have commodity of bearers. 
 
 Finally, the laird of Brunstoun sent me word, " that he would glad- 
 ly have come hither to me, but he durst not for fear of suspicion." 
 And also he sent me word, " that he thought, if it might please the 
 king's majesty, to extend a piece of his liberality to the sherift' of Ayr, 
 who may and will do his majesty good service, it should not be amiss 
 bestowed." And he prayed me to remember the same when I Avrote 
 next to court, &c. 
 
 To the Earl of Ami AS, Wth November, 1543. 
 
 MY LORD, 
 
 I have received your letters of the 10th of November, perceiving by 
 the same, that ye understand I daily receive and direct writings pri- 
 vately to and from sundry great and small men within this realm, and 
 send theieupon advertisement to the king's majesty, being both very 
 suspicious and hurtfull to the commonwealth of the same, now stand- 
 ing the wars between both realms, and is of such weight and import- 
 ance as may not be permitterl. Wherefore, your desire is, if my com- 
 mission do continue, that I address me unto you, to declare my charo-e, 
 and receive my answer tliereupon ; or else if the same be expired, "ye 
 say, ye are constrained, by my strange behaviour and practices, to pray 
 and also charge me to depart forth of this realm with diligence. For 
 answer whereunto, it may like you to be advertised, that^'whatsoever 
 ye understand of my strange behaviour and practices, the truth is, I 
 know the same to be such as from no part of mine of- 
 
 VOL. I. 2 u 
 
338- EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 154S. 
 
 iice, nor yet have I received or written any other letters to or from 
 an^' great or small men within this realm, than I would your lordship 
 and whole realm were privy unto. And touching my commission, the 
 same endureth till it shall please the king's majesty to revoke me. And 
 also, standing such division in this reahn, and such changes and alter- 
 ations as I daily see chancing amongst you, I know not to whom I 
 may repair, either to declare the king's majesty's mind, or to receive 
 mine answer upon the same, till I shall know his majesty's pleasure ; 
 which known, I shall not fail to address myself for the execution there- 
 of accordingly. And thus the Lord have you in his kee]jing. From 
 Temptallon, the 11th of November. 
 
 Your lordship's, 
 
 Ralph Sadler. 
 
 To the Lords of his Majestifs Privy Council, 13th November, 1543. 
 
 It may like your good lordships to understand, that yesterday the 
 laird of Brunstoun came hither to me, and told me, " that the gover- 
 nour, by the procurement and instigation of the cardinal, is utterly 
 determined to have the wars in England ; for the maintenance where- 
 of is promised unto them by La Brochey, the French ambassador here, 
 that they shall have six thousand soldiers out of Denmark, in the . 
 French king's wages, which shall be set on land in England or Scotland, 
 as the said governour and cardinal shall appoint; and also, that they 
 shall have money of the said French king to wage ten thousand Scot- 
 tishnien, with all the aid and help both by sea and land that they will 
 desire ; which maketh them so high and so proud, that," as the said Brun- 
 stoun told me, " the cardinal said unto him, that the king's majesty 
 should not have that honour to begin the wars with them, for they 
 would begin the same to his hands. And all such as were his majes- 
 ty's friends here, as the earl of Angus and all the Douglasses, the earls 
 ■'f Glencairn and Cassils, the sheritf of Ayr, and the kird of Drunilau- 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 335 
 
 rig, with all their partakers, the said govevnour and cardinal said to 
 Briinstoun, they should either he cliascd out of this realm into Eng- 
 land, or put into holds, or else they should light for it or it be long." 
 
 Also, the said Brunstoun told me, " That the governour was \try 
 extreme against the lordSomervail, because he would not confess what 
 credence he had to the kings majesty from the earl of Angus and 
 other lords of that party, now wiien he was appointed by them to go 
 into England, insomuch," as the said Brunstoun thinketh, " they will 
 put the said lord Somervail unto tortures to nuke him confess his said 
 credence." And because here was a saying, that the lord Maxwell 
 should be taken with his own will and consent, the said Brunstoun 
 telleth me, " that he enquired the same at the governour, who affirm- 
 ed and sware that it was not so ; and that the said lord Maxwell was 
 undoubtedly taken against his will, and had no knowledge before of 
 the same, as he trusted to have more of them ere it were long." 
 
 Furthermore, the said Brunstoun told me, " that since the sheriff' of 
 Ayr sticketh so fast to his majesty's party here, and can do good ser- 
 vice, it should be well done for me to write in his favours, for hewant- 
 eth money;" as, I think, so do all the rest of his highness's friends 
 here, or else I trow they would not sit so still, being their friends daily 
 pursued by the adverse party. Likewise, he prayed me to advertise, 
 that John a Barton, who is esteemed a principal man of the town of 
 Leith, is much dedicate to the king's majesty, and having certain goods 
 in France, he was minded to have gone thither with five or six ships, 
 whereof he thinketh the INIary Willoughby is one, which he hath had 
 long in readiness for that purpose. But the said Brunstoun told me, 
 that by his advice and counsel the said John a Barton tarrieth himself 
 at home, and hath sent forth the said ships to pass into France for his 
 said goods, which, if he once had at home, the said Brunstoun saith, 
 he would no more use any trade that way, but altogether into Eng- 
 land. 
 
 Finally, the said Brunstoun told me, that he would write himself 
 to the king's majesty both in that behalf, and also of such news and 
 
34 > EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 occurrents as be here, and also dispatch an messenger to his highiicss 
 with the same by post. 
 
 The governour and cardinal are now gone over the water of Forth 
 into Fife and Angus, as it is thought, to do some exploit on the north- 
 land lords, as the earl of Rothes, the lords Gray, Ogilvy, and Glammis ; 
 and if they can, either by force or policy, to win and reconcile the said 
 lords from the devotion of the earl of Angus, which some men think 
 will be hard to do ; and yet men do marvel much that the earl of An- 
 gus doth sit so still and suffer, which is a mean to encourage his ene- 
 mies, and cause his friends fall from him. Assuring your lordships, 
 that the cause of his still sitting with the rest of his majesty's friends, 
 as far as I can see, is only lack of money ; who, if they had money, 
 might wage men enough to take their parts in their own private quar- 
 rels. Wherefore, I would wish the king's majesty, having been already 
 at some charges with them, to bestow a little more amongst them ; 
 and if they may be forced to try the matter, and debate it by the 
 sword among themselves, they shall be the more easy for us to deal 
 withall the next year, which I doubt not your lordships will consider 
 as appertaineth, &c. 
 
 POSTSCRIPT. 
 
 Whereas the governour hath lately given me charge, either to repair 
 unto him to receive mine answer, or else to depart this realm with di- 
 ligence, as by his letters, which I sent unto the king's majesty, may 
 appear; 1 have thought good to remember your lordships, that if it 
 shall please his majesty thereupon to appoint me any charge or com- 
 mission wherewith to repair to the governour, your lordships may be 
 sure, that when I shall be once within his bounds, he will not suffer 
 me to return again to this castle of Temptallon, but rather will dis- 
 patch me the next way into England. Wherefore, if the king's majes- 
 ty shall have dispatched any other commission to me in that behalf, 
 before these letters arrive with your lordships, I intend to forbear the 
 execution of the same till I shall have further answer. Assuring your 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. S4.I 
 
 lordships, that the said goveinour is much offended with my being 
 here; and undoubtedly the earl of Angus hath lost many hearts in this 
 realm for the same; and it is universally spoken, that he hath rendred 
 his house to the English-men, for the which tliey do much detest 
 him. Such is the malice of this nation towards English-men. Never- 
 theless, I may remain here in this house in surety, niaugre the gover- 
 nour and all his partakers, as long as shall please the king's majesty. 
 And though tlie passage by land be stopped, his highness may send 
 hither by sea, maugre all Scotland, the earl of Angus being our friend, 
 as undoubtedly I think him to be, &c. 
 
 Tomi/LordqfAi<Gus, \ 5th November, 1543. 
 
 MY VERY GOOD LORD, 
 
 After my most hearty commendations, I have received your writino-s 
 by your servant John Douglas, and do right well perceive by the same 
 your intent and towardness to show yourself like a man of honour in 
 this busy time, not doubting but God will give you the upper hand of 
 your adverse party. And before the receipt of your said letters, I had 
 written to the king's majesty as much in effect as your lordship desi- 
 red, and now have written again, looking for answer shortly, accord- 
 ing to your own request. Signifying further unto your lordship, that 
 the governour, on Sunday last, sent an herauld unto me with letters, 
 charging me either to repair to him to receive mine answer, or else to 
 depart this realm. Whereby ye may perceive, that he would fain have 
 me at home, and yet not so fain as I would myself, if it so please the 
 king's majesty. But so long as it is his highness's pleasure to have me 
 remain in this country, your lordship being my good lord, I may well 
 sit and abide an charge more of the governour, having so good a house 
 over my head as this is, where I think neither he nor the cardinal will 
 seek me to do me any great displeasure for disobeying of their charge. 
 And thus, &c. 
 
342 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 From theLaird of Brunstoun * toSir Ralph Sadler, \6ih November, 
 
 1543. 
 
 MY LORD, 
 
 After my most hearty commendations, this present shall be to ex- 
 cuse me to your lordship, that I have been so long unwriting to your 
 lordship ; for the time is so dangerous, that I may not at all times as I 
 would. Wherefore, I pray your lordship in like case, that I may be 
 excused to the king's majesty, and to thank his highness, on my be- 
 half, of his gentle letter, which it hath pleased his highness to send to 
 me ; the contents whereof I shall not fail to fulfil so far as God will 
 give me grace. Howbeit, as your lordship knows, I cannot get letters 
 carried so oft as I Mould ; nevertheless your lordship shall perceive, that 
 I shall lack no good will. With such conclusions as are made in this 
 parliament, I shall write his grace an answer of his grace's letter. And 
 as concerning John a Barton, as I shew your lordship, I have caused 
 him remain at home, as I have written already to his highness : I will 
 answer upon mine honour, that there shall be no man in Scotland more 
 desirous to further his majesty's godly purpose than he shall be. His 
 ships have been divers times on the sea, and by contrary winds are ay 
 returned, and as yet are in readiness to depart. And to the effect that 
 none of his ships stir of the king's lieges in their way, I cause this ser- 
 vant of mine, bearer hereof, to pass with them. Wherefore it will 
 please your lordship to be so good lord to him, as to let him have a 
 letter of your lordship, that in case he go a-land in any part for re- 
 freshing of victuals, that no man do him harm, and that they be used 
 as the king's majesty's friends and servants. There is no novels here 
 
 V 
 
 * Crichton, laird of Bninstoun, was a keen reformer, and consequently a friend to the Eng- 
 lish interest. He is mentioned frequently in Knox's history, particularly as narrowly escap- 
 ing from the cardinal's soldiers, when the famous George Wishart was made prisoner. 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 343 
 
 to write to your lordship for the present, but such as I have given this 
 bearer in charge to shew to your lordship. It is believed that my lord 
 of Angus will conic in to the parliament, and sends the sheriff' of Ayr 
 and laird of Drumlanrig (which are looked for this Saturday) to dress 
 his way. The earl liotln\ell and the bishop of Murray have been this 
 Friday in the castle, and hath spoken with the lord Maxwell, and I 
 am afraid that, by his means, they draw in my lord of Angus, by 
 George : Wherefore, I think good it were, that ye advertised George, 
 and in like case that he take better heed to himself than he doth where 
 he is now ; for they will do him tlispleasure, if they can, through the 
 lord Home. I wot your lordship knoweth how they intend to sum- 
 mon him for treason, M'hich I suppose shall be a great part of it that 
 shall be done at this, parliament, if they make not four regents as was 
 before. I will not trouble your lordship with a longer letter: The 
 bearer will shew your lordship all other things at more length, to 
 whom it will please your lordship to give credence. If there be 
 any pleasure or service your lordship would I did, let me know, and 
 it shall be done at the uttermost of my power, as knoweth God, 
 who mot have your lordship in his keeping. From Musselburgh, 
 this Saturday in the morning, by your lordship's assured friend and 
 servant. 
 
 POSTSCRIPT. 
 
 Praying your lordship, if ye have any novels of late, to let me knov/ ' 
 some of them by this bearer, and to have me heartily recommended to 
 Mr Aevery. Good it is that your lordship be circumspect in sending 
 of letters, for the ways are straitly keeped. When your lordship hath- 
 seen these other letters, close them within another letter, and send me 
 them again. 
 
344 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 To the King's Majesty, l6th November, 1543. 
 
 Please it your royal majesty to understand, that where it pleased the 
 same to commend this bearer, IMr Richardson, unto the governour 
 here, who, before his revolt from your majesty, the rather for your ma- 
 jesty's commendation, Mas content to accept and receive him, and also 
 maintained him and others in the setting fortli and true preaching of 
 the word of God, which the said Mr Richardson hath ilone very ho- 
 nestly and diligently according to his vocation, so long as he might be 
 permitted and suffered to do the same. Forasmuch now as the said 
 governour, who was before a supporter of good preachers, and seemed 
 desirous to advance the true doctrine of Christ, is now (through the 
 counsel and perswasion of the cardinal, for whom he hath forsaken 
 both God and man) become a persecutor of the same ; * the said Mr 
 Richardson is therefore forced to tly this country for fear of persecu- 
 tion ; the cardinal's malice, which now reigneth, being such towards 
 him, (not only for his preaching, but also for his zeal and affection to- 
 England,) as the poor man is not able to abide the same here without 
 danger of his life. Wherefore he hath required me to commend him 
 again unto your majesty, which 1 could not refuse, the rather for that 
 I know him to be sincerely addict to your majesty, and most willing 
 to serve the same, as in some things I have proved him here; and 
 surely have found him both faitlituU and diligent, and most desirous, 
 
 * When the governour reconcikd himself with the cardinal, he abjured the doctrines of 
 the Reformation, and banished the preachers whom he had tbrnierly countenanced and 
 maintained near his person. This Richardson seems to be the person formerly called sir 
 Robert Richardson : this title given to priests was renounced by such ol them as bf ( ante 
 reformers. Mill, a Scottish priest, who was conveited to the reformed doctrines, at his trial 
 for heresy, refused the title of sir Walter, saying, he had been one of tlie pope's knights 
 over long. 
 
 U 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 345 
 
 after his power, lo do whatsoever might tend to the pleasure and con- 
 teutation of your majesty. And thus, &c. 
 
 To 5/r Ralph Sadler, \%th November, 1543. 
 
 Right honourable and my very good lord, after my most hearty 
 commendations, j)k'asc it your lordshij), I am stopped in my purpose 
 in my coming to Edinburgh at this time, by my great friends advice, 
 the which we will supersede as yet for further reasons, as I am coun- 
 selled to ; and hereafter, as shortly as I may, ye shall know all my 
 whole purpose and mind in all our proceedings : not doubting but ye 
 know my brother's whole mind and purpose in all affairs, as knoweth 
 God, who have you in his keeping. At Douglas, the 1 8th of Novem- 
 ber, by your assured friend, 
 
 Archibald, Eaul of Angus. 
 
 To the King's Majesty, 9.6th November, 1543. 
 
 Please it your royal majesty to understand, that I have received cer- 
 tain advertisements from the laird of Brunstoun, who shewcth himself 
 most desirous to do such service as might be acceptable to your majes- 
 ty ; and, except there be no truth in Scottishmen, undoubtedly mind- 
 eth the same in his heart to the uttermost of his power. Which said 
 advertisement I send unto jour majesty in cypher, here inclosed, as 
 the said laird of Brunstoun required me to do, to the intent your high- 
 ness might thereby perceive both his good will And diligence to adver- 
 tise your majesty of the occurrents here; and also, how the governour 
 and cardinal do proceed against your majesty's friends here, wherein 
 now they triumph, and let not to take their opportunity as the time 
 serveth them, in such sort as your majesty shall perceive by the said 
 
 VOL. I. 2 X 
 
346 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IX 1543. 
 
 laird of Brunstoun's advertisements. And whatsoever it shall please 
 your majesty to command me thereupon, I shall most willingly accom- 
 plish the same according to my most bounden duty, as knoweth the 
 Lord, who, &c. 
 
 To 9)1 ij Lord of SvTiOLK, 9.9th November, 1543. 
 
 Please it your grace to understand, that yesternight I received a let- 
 ter from Berwick, from my servant Walter Brage, whom I lately sent 
 unto your grace for money. By the which letter, I perceive that ye 
 willed him to declare unto me, that the king's majesty's pleasure is, I 
 should forthwith repair to my lord of Angus, and the rest of the lords 
 his highness's friends, wheresoever they do ly, to the intent to remain 
 always where they be, for the better service of the king's majesty. For 
 answer whereunto, I assure your grace, there is no man living that 
 shall with better Mill do that thing, whereby his grace may be best 
 served, than I shall, whereunto I am most bounden ; but this country 
 standing in such terms as it doth, I am not able to do his majesty the 
 service here that my poor heart would. And as to repair forthwith to 
 my lord of Angus, and the other lords the king s majesty's friends, and 
 to remain with them wheresoever they ly ; it is not possible for me to 
 be with them all, for they are not all together, but twenty and thirty 
 miles sundry one from another. And as the country is broken, I can- 
 not travel through the same towards them in surety, and forthwith I 
 cannot go for lack of conduct : assuring your grace, that being this 
 country in such garboil as it is, I would be loath to adventure to go to 
 my lord of Angus, with any conduct that he would appoint me, unless 
 the king's pleasure be that I shall so do. And furthermore, I am cre- 
 dibly advertised, that there is no place for me to ly in near the earl of 
 Angus, or any of the rest of his majesty's friends, by sixteen or twen- 
 ty miles ; and yet the same must be in an open town, where 1 must be 
 amongst such a malicious sort of people, to my no little danger, as, so 
 n 
 
ElIBASSy TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 3i7 
 
 God help me, I had lever be among the Turks ; for in my lord of An- 
 gus's house, where he is, I cannot be, being the same (as I am credibly 
 informed) in such ruin, as he hath there scant one chandier for himself 
 and my lady his wife. And likewise my lords of Cassils and Glenrairn, 
 V hich dwell twenty miles asunder, and almost thirty miles from my 
 lord of Angus, be not so wdi housed as they can spare me any lod- 
 ging- 
 
 Finally, if my said lord of Angus, and the other lords his majesty's 
 friends should, as it is thought they will shortly repair to Edinburgh 
 or to Leitli, now at the parliament time, tlien should I be nearer unto 
 them here at Temptallon than where they now be, unless I should be 
 a iider with them up and down the countr\-, like a man of war, as they 
 do; which, for my part, I could be well content to do; but, in my 
 poor opinion, it were not expedient; for I assure your grace, if I should 
 so do, it should not only be dangerous to me but also to them ; for it 
 would make the whole realm to detest them, and cause their whole 
 friends to leave and forsake them, as undoubtedly many of their friends 
 do already slip from them, only because they be noted good English- 
 men. And my lord of Angus is principally hated, because I do ly here 
 in bis castle of Temptallon : So that, as far as I can perceive yet, for 
 any thing that they do hitherto, both my lord of Angus and the rest 
 of his majesty's friends, shall have enough ado to keep themselves out 
 of the danger of their enemies, Mhich daily do catch up some of them, 
 as they may come by them. 
 
 Thus have I thought good to signify unto your grace, which it may 
 please you, if ye so think good, to advertise unto the court, to be there 
 considered. And whatsoever shall be the king's majesty's pleasure that 
 I shall do thereupon, I shall not fail to accomplish the same to the ut- 
 termost of my power, according to my most bounden duty. And thus, 
 &c. 
 
348 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN J543. 
 
 rOSTSCUlPT. 
 
 I have received a letter from the carl of Angus, the copy whereof I 
 i)ave sent you in cypher, here inclosed. And I would wish, that if the 
 said earl will, like a man, step in time to the revenge of the injuries 
 which the governour, by the instigation and procurement of tlic cardi- 
 nal, hath now done to the said earl and his friends, that in that case 
 he should not lack the king's majesty's aid and assistance to the same ; 
 Avithout the whicli, surely he, with the rest of his majesty's friends, 
 shall scant be able to resist the malice of the adverse party ; for the 
 governour hath three hundred men in wages, found unto him by the 
 kirk men, besides his own band ; and all the great men of that party 
 ready to assist him at all times with their powers, wherewithal! ye may 
 be sure the clergy will bear also to the uttermost of their powers. And 
 the hope which they have of the aid that is promised by the French 
 ambassador here, to come unto them out of France, hath made them 
 so high, that they seem little to esteem the force of the king's majes- 
 ty. And, first, they have begun with his majesty's friends here, in- 
 tending, if they can, to destroy them ; as surely I think, without the 
 king's majesty's help, they will be put to a great afterdale. 
 
 And, touching my lord Somervail's son and heir, a second son of the 
 same lord Somervail hath been with me since his father was taken, and 
 desired, that I woukl find the means to get home his brother to revenge 
 his father's apprehension, &c. 
 
 To my Lord of SvFFOLK, IQth December, \54:d,J'ro)n Benvick. 
 
 Please it your grace to understand, that on Saturday night last I re- 
 ceived your grace's letters containing my revocation, and such other 
 letters and copies in cypher as your grace addressed unto me witli the 
 same. And also I received at the same instant a letter from IVIr Dou- 
 
 4 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 154S. <» 
 
 49 
 
 glas, making mention, that wliatsoever day I would appoint him, lie 
 would come to me to Temptallon, and convoy me surely to this town 
 of Berwick; as indeed, according to mine appointment, he came yes- 
 terday to me, with an honest comjiany of gentlemen and their trains, 
 to the number of four huiulrcd horses or thereabouts, and hath very 
 friendly, this day, brought me hither in safety. 
 
 Likewise, came yesterday to me James Douglas of the Parkhedgc 
 from my lords of Angus, Cassils, and Glencairn, M-ith letters of cre- 
 dence from them, both to the said sir George and also to me. And, 
 for his credence, he declared unto us, " that the saids earls of Angus, 
 Cassils, and Glencairn, the master of Maxwell, the sheriff of Ayr, and 
 the lan-d of Drumlanrig, were now once again assembled together at 
 Douglas, and have devised among themselves how to proceed against 
 their enemies, to do them all the annoyance they can devise: where- 
 in," the said James declareth, " that the earl of Lennox will assuredly 
 join with them. And also," lie saith, " that the earls of Argyleand 
 Murray have partly promised to join with them ; for both the same 
 earls, and also some other barons of the realm, seem to be greatly of- 
 fended with the governour and cardinal, for the apprehension and de- 
 taining in ward of such ancient barons as they have lately taken, with- 
 out calling them to their trial ; and specially because they were taken 
 only by the advice and procurement of the cardinal, without the coun- 
 sel and consent of the noblemen of the realm." So that it is thought 
 that they agree not all the best at this parliament, the assembly tnd 
 number whereof consisteth chiefly in the kirk-men ; and, as is afore- 
 said, the said James Douglas declareth, " that the said earls of Angus, 
 Glencairn, and Cassils, do believe verily, that the said earls of Argyle 
 and IMurray will fall from the governour, and adhere to them." For 
 the which purpose, there was an appointment of a meeting yesterday 
 betwixt the same earls of Argyle and JMurray, and the earl of Cassils 
 and sheriff of Ayr, but how they have agreed I cannot tell : And in 
 case they do agree and join all together, they have determined, as the 
 
3S0 EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 
 
 said James saith, to extend their power to the deprivation of the go- 
 vernoiir, and putting down of the cardinal, and will chuse the earls 
 of Angus, Lennox, Huntley, and Argyle, to he four regents of the 
 realm. And in case the said earls of Argyle and Murray will not be 
 induced to their devotion, they will nevertheless use forthwith all their 
 force and power to the annoyance of their enemies ; intending to take 
 into their hands, for the beginning, the abbot of Paisley, and to burn 
 the governour's town of Hamilton ; and to seek all other ways and 
 means they can to be re\'enged upon such injuries as the governour 
 and cardinal hath lately done unto them and their friends, trusting to 
 assemble such force and power as they shall be able to be masters of 
 the fields. For the execution wbereof, they say, they want nothing 
 but money, which is the chief instrument they must work withall ; 
 and therefore, they have sent the said James Douglas to the said sir 
 George for the money which was sent to this town for that purjjose ; 
 and also they have written a letter to your grace, which I send inclo- 
 sed in this packet. Wherefore the said sir George Douglas desireth 
 your grace to advertise your pleasure, whether the money shall be sent 
 to them, and how the same shall be distributed, which requireth speed; 
 for till they have money, they can do little or nothing but defend 
 themselves. And if they will do as they say and promise, I would wish 
 they should want no aid of the king's majesty. And, finally, the said 
 James Douglas told me, " that the said earls of Angus, Glencairn, and 
 Cassils, thought my being at Temptallon to be to small purpose; and 
 wished that the kings majesty would revoke me, and command me to 
 ly at Carlile, where, they say, that I should be nearer unto them by 
 twelve or sixteen miles than I was at Temptallon ; and all the country 
 betwixt Carlile and Douglas is theirs and their friends ; so that they 
 might always send and write to me without danger, to make me parti- 
 cipant of all their proceedings, and know the king's majesty's pleasure 
 again upon the same." If my revocation may stand them in any stead, 
 they are now satisfied in that behalf; and for the rest, I am ready to 
 
EMBASSY TO SCOTLAND IN 1543. 351 
 
 do whatsoever pleasethlhe king's majesty, according to my most bound- 
 en duty. 
 
 These things I have thought meet to signify unto your grace by 
 post, specially because of the money-matter, and I shall not fail to wait 
 upon your grace myself on Saturday night, with the grace of God, who 
 preserve, &c. 
 
FITTED ACCOMPT 
 
 OF THE 
 
 EXPENCES OF SOMERSETS EXPEDITION, 
 
 IMO EDWARD VI. 
 
 VOL. I. 2 Y 
 
The death of Henry did not, as is well known, abate the indignation of the English for 
 breaking off the match uhich he had devised between his son and the heiress of Scot- 
 land. King Henri/ had bequeathed his eagerness for the marriage, and his resent- 
 ment against those who opposed it, as a legacy to the councils of his son. Accord- 
 higly, the war between the nations was prosecuted zvith vigour by the lord protector 
 Somerset, who, in I5i7,i?ivaded Scotland at the head of a gallant army, routed the 
 Scottish forces in the bloody and decisive battle of Pinky, coiujuered all the eastern 
 parts of Scotland on the south of Forth, excepting the castle of Edinburgh, and re- 
 tired into England, having hardly lost an hundred men. 
 
 In this memorable expedition, sir Ralph Sadler was treasurer-general to the army, and 
 the folloimig abstract of his accounts is given from the original as matter of interest 
 and Idstorical curiosity. 
 
FITTED ACCOMPT, ^c. 
 
 The Kviges Maiesties moost Royall Army agabist Scotland, undre the 
 kdinge of the Right Highe and Mightie Prince the Duke of So- 
 merset, Lord-Protector, in anno regni regis Edwardi tj"- prinwi 
 
 The declaracion of the acconipte of sir Raiiffe Sadler, knight, wliome 
 our most dread sovereigne lorde kiirge Edwarde the Sixte, by the advise 
 of the lorde protector's grace and others of his maiesties moost hono- 
 rable counsaille, in the first yere of his highnes reigne, did name and 
 appointe to be high-treasoror of his maiesties armye foiagainst Scot- 
 land, under the leadinge of the right highe and mightie prince Ed- 
 warde, duke of Somersett, governor of the kinges maiesties moost roiall 
 personne, and protector of all his realmes, doniynions, andsubiects: 
 That is to saie, as well of all suche sommes of the kina,-es maiesties trea- 
 sure, by hym or any his deputies recevid towardes the furniture of the 
 kinges said army, as also of the deburcing and payment of tlie same 
 treasure diverse waies, aboute the chardges of the kinges maiesties said 
 armye, from the iirst dale of August untill the xxth dale of Novembre, 
 in the yere aforesaide, as appereth by diverse warrants signed by the 
 saide lorde protector, and by dyverse other warrantes and lettres, sign- 
 ed by the right honorable the erle of Warwick, lieutenant to the same 
 lorde protector, whiche have ben perused and examyned by vertue of a 
 comniyssion undre the greate scale of Englande, directed to certayne 
 
356 FITTED ACCOMPT OF THE EXPENCES 
 
 commissioners for the havinge and determynacionof the said accompte. 
 The tenor wherof hereafter ensueth: Edwarde the Sixte, by the grace 
 of Cod kinge of England, France, and Ireland, defender of the faith, 
 and in earth of the church of England, and also of Irelande the supreme 
 hedd ; To our right trustie and wel beloved counsailler the lorde Seint 
 John, knight of our order, and grete master of our housholde, and to 
 our trustie and wel beloved counsailler sir Thomas Mode, and sir ^Val- 
 ter ]\Iildemay, generall survewors of our court of augmentacions and re- 
 venewes of our crowne, gretinge; where we heretofore, of greate trust 
 and confidence, did make, constitute, and ordeyne, our trustie and 
 right wel beloved counsaillor sir Raufie Sadler, knight, master of our 
 great warderobe, and one of the gentilmen of our prevee-chamber, to 
 be our highe treasorer of our warres ageynst Scotland, who, by reason 
 thereof, recevid and paid manye greate sommes of monye for our jmo- 
 vicions, expences, and chardges in that behalf: Forasniuche as the said 
 sir Rauft'e Sadler, for his dischardge and indempnilie in the exercisinge 
 of the said rome, hath made his humble sute unto us to commande, 
 name, and appointe, certeyne of our commyssioners to viewe, peruse, 
 examyne, cast, and trie, all his books, bills of receipte, and paymenles, 
 concerninge his chardge and dischardge in that behalf; we, therefore, 
 havinge speciall trust and confidence in your approvid fidelities, wis- 
 domes, and circumspeccions," auctorice you, and by these presentes do 
 give unto you, or ii of you, full power and auctorite not onhe to viewe, 
 trie, cast, and examyne, and determyn the reconnyngs, accomptes, pay- 
 ments, and receiptes, by the said sir Raufte recevid and paied, and 
 hym to chardge and dischardge by the warrantes of us, or of our dear- 
 est uncle the duke of Somerset, governor of our personne, and protec- 
 tor of our realmes and domynions, or of the lieutenant in the north- 
 parties, or by warrantes from our counsell, or otherwise, as jusllie shall 
 apperteyne; but also upon the said accomptes, views, reconinges, re- 
 ceiptes, and payments, by you, or ii of you, viewed, tried, cast, and 
 examyned, trulie made and determyned by vertue hereof, to acciuite 
 and dischardge the said sir RaufFe, his Iieires, executors, and assignes, 
 
or somerset's expedition. 357 
 
 by your acquittances, subscribed and sealed witli the handes and seales 
 of ii of you at the lest ; piomisinge and bindinge ourself, our heires 
 and successors, by these presentes, that all and everie suche acquit- 
 tances and dischardges made by you, or ii of you, our said conimis- 
 sioners, shal be unto our said counsaillor sir Rauffe Sadler, knight, a 
 good, lawfull, and sufficient acquittance, exoneracion, and full dis- 
 chardge, against us, our heires and executors, as thoughe the same 
 were made by us under our grete scale of Englande. Provided alwaies 
 and forsene, that all suche sonimes of money, as upon the saide ac- 
 comptcs of the said sir Rauffe shall growe and be due unto us, be unto 
 us well and truelie satisfied, contented, and paied, as apperteyneth, and 
 by your appointment delivered to such of our treasoro rsas to your dis- 
 crecions shal be thought moost mete and convenient ; and if upon the 
 declaracion, viewe, triall, and examynacionof his said^accomptcs and re- 
 coninge, it shall appere unto you our said commyssioners, or unto ii of 
 you, that the said sir Rauffe be or shall be in superplusage of or for 
 any somme or sommes of money by hym laied owte, or in anywise de- 
 livered to any personne or personnes more then he hath recevid ; then 
 we woll, and by these presentes doe geve full power and auctoritie un- 
 to you our said commyssioners, or unto ii of you, to make preceptes, 
 commaundementes, and warrauntes, to our treasoror of our court of 
 augmentacions and revenewes of our crowne for the tyme being, to 
 content and paie, or cause to be contented and paid, unto our said 
 counsaillor, all and everie suche sommes of money, as upon the said de- 
 claracion, viewe, triall, examynacion, and determynacion, of his said ac- 
 compte and reconinge, shal be unto hym adiudged and determyned to 
 be due or owinge ; and that the same your preceptes, so to be made as 
 is above said, shal be an immediate and sufficient warrant and dis- 
 charge unto the saide treasoror of the said court of augmentacions and 
 revenewes of our crowne for the tyme being, for the payment and pay- 
 mentes of the same against us, our heires and successors for ever ; and 
 further, we woll you, and everie of you our said commyssioners, to at- 
 tende and execute the premysses, as our speciall trust is in you. In 
 
35% FITTED ACCOMPT OF THE EXPENCES 
 
 witness wherof, we have caused these our lettres to be made patentes ; 
 witness ourself, at Westm. the sixte daie ot" December, in the first 
 yere of our reigne. By force of whiche commyssion, the said sir RauflTe 
 Sadler liath yelded to the kinges maiesties use a perfecte accompte 
 of the premysses before the said commyssioners. The declaracion 
 wherof hereafter ensueth; that is to saie, the said sir Rautl'e Sadler is 
 charged with, ' * 
 
 Readi) Money by him 7rceive(I of 
 Sir Edmonde Peckhin, knight, liighe treasoror of tlie 
 
 kinges maiesties mintes, (Tliat is to saic,) the viij"' 
 
 of Julie, in the first yere of the reigne of our sove- 
 
 reigne lorde kinge Edwai-de the sixte, owte of the 
 
 Tower of London, V='"]i (i:.5000.) The xxv"' of 
 
 Julie, eodem anno, note of the said Tower, xx^"li 
 
 (of. 20,000). Thexxiiij of August, in the same yere, 
 
 from the said Tower^sent from thence by John Bushe, 
 
 and recevid at the liandes of John Unedall, x""li 
 
 {£. 10,000). The xj'*" of September, the same yere, 
 
 sent from the saidTower, and received at the handes 
 
 of Gregorie Riulton, one of the clerkes of the sig- 
 net, v^"li (£.5000). In all, sis by certificate therof, 
 
 from the said treasoror, it appereth, - - XL. an', li. (o£. 40,000) 
 
 John Unedall, treasoror for the payment of the kinges 
 
 maiesties garrisons on the Borders, in the north 
 
 partyes. The xxviij''^ of September, in the yere 
 
 aforesaid, recevid by the said Unedall, from the 
 
 minte at York, iiij^"li (^".4000). The viij'" of Octo- 
 ber, the same yere, an'ocii {£. 1200). In all, as by 
 
 bills indented of the same Unedall, it doth a[)pere V, an' cc li. (.£.5200) 
 Treasoror of tlie ordenaunce in the kinges said armye, 
 
 of suche money as the said John Man recevid in 
 
 the campe, of diverse souldiers, for weapons and 
 
 otiier municione to them sold, the iiij''' daie of Oc- 
 tober, in the yere aforesaid, tlie somme of - Cclix li. {£. 259) 
 
 Xlv.cccclix (i,'.45,4s9) 
 
Ot SOMERSETS EXPEDITION. $59 
 
 Cotes and Conducts owtuardes. 
 Wherof the said accomptant is allowed (or, First paid 
 
 by the said Sir Rauf Sadleir, knight, treasoror of " 
 
 the kinges njaiesties armye in Scotland, witliin the 
 tyme of this acconipte, by vcrtue of sondrie war- 
 rauntcs to hym directed, to sondrie capitaynes, J 
 
 peticapitaynes, souldiowrs, and gonners, retayncd to "** 
 
 serve the kinges njaiestie in the said voiage, for the *" 
 
 cootes of the same capitaynes^ peticapitaynes, and 
 their retinevvs, after diverse rates, and for the con- 
 ducte owtwardes of diverse and sondrie lords, 
 knightes, gentiiuicn, capitaynes, peticapitaynes, 
 souldiers, and gonnors, from sondrie places within 
 this realme, to the borders and fronters of Scotland, 
 aftre the rate of vij"* of a mile for a lorde, iiij* a 
 mile for a capitayne, ij"" a mile for a peticapitayne, 
 ob (I) a mile for everie souldier a fote ; viij"" a mile 
 for a capitayne of horsemen, iiij"" a mile for his peti- 
 capitayne, j'' a mile for everie souldier, as by the 
 said warrauntes, signed as is aforesaid, declaring the 
 nomberof men, the distance of their dwelling places, 
 and the several rales before mencionid upon this 
 declaracion, sene, examynid, tried, cast, and pro- 
 ved, by the auditor of this accompte, it male appere t ]• J 
 amounting to the somme of - . . Vij.iiij.Lxviij. xij. x. ob 
 
 (of. 7468 12 10) 
 Conducte homextarde. 
 Also paid the same treasoror, by vertue of like seve- 
 rall warrauntes to hym directed, to diverse and 
 sondrie lordes, knightes, and gentilmen, captaynes, 
 peticaptaynes, souldiers, and gonners, for their con- 
 ducte homewarde to their dvvellinge places, of son- 
 drie distances, as by the saide warrantes, signed as 
 is aforesaide, declaringe the nomber of men, the 
 distance of their dvvellinge places, and the severall 
 
 rates before mentioned, herupon examvned and , i- 
 
 ... , ■' an' Ji s d 
 
 paid, IS conteyned, Vj.Lxv. xiiij. iiij. 
 
 {£.G0Q5 14 4) 
 
 Xiij.D.xxxiiij. vij. ij. ob 
 {£. 13,534 7 21) 
 
ggO FITTED ACCOMPT OF THE EXPENCES 
 
 Redy Money by hym paid and dahusred for JFages of JVarre. 
 Also paid by the said accouiptaiU, wilhin the tyme of 
 this accomple, that is to say, first, for the diettea 
 of the right honorable the erle of Warwicke, lieute- 
 nant to the lorde protector's grace of the kinges 
 maiesties said arraye, paid by vertue of a warrant 
 undre the kinges previe signet, aftre iiij.li {£A) the 
 daie; and for the wages of diverse and sondrie 
 lordes, barons, knightes (esquires), gentilmen, capi- 
 taynes, peticapitaynes, and souldiers, retayned to 
 serve the kinges maieslie in the voiage, at diverse 
 and sondrie rates, by the daie, and paid by this ac- 
 comptant, at sondrie dales, and in sondrie pay- 
 mentes, as to hym was appointed by diverse and 
 sondrie warrantes, signed as in the hedde of this 
 accompte is specified, declaringe the nombre and 
 severall wages of the same, undrewritten by the ca- 
 pitaynes of the said armye, testefienge the receipte 
 
 therof, at the handes of the said treasoror, in likewise 
 
 upon the declaracion by the said auditor, perused, 
 
 cast, and examined, it shall apyNcre amountinge to g^t ^x li s. d. 
 
 the some of Xxvj.cciiij. xix. vij. j. 
 
 (i:. 26,299 7 1) 
 Rcxcards. 
 Also paid at sondrie tymes, by vertue of diverse and 
 
 sondrie warrantes, signed by the right honorable 
 
 the erle of Warwicke, lieutenant to the lorde pro- 
 tector's grace, that is to saie, in rewarde to capitayne 
 
 Padley, Hispanierd, xij"x»U.12 10). To three of 
 
 the lorde grace his servauntes, being hurte, lx^ To 
 
 sondrie spiolls, xxxvj' viij^ To Sir Thomas Chal- 
 
 loiier, to be paid over to certayne Frenchmen, xxv" 
 
 (=£■.25). To Sandie Pringell, c\ (100'). To x guides, 
 
 xxxiiij". (.^.34). To Sandie Wiiitlawe, c\ (lOO.s.). 
 
 To a Scottishe herraulde, c'. To Thomas Alen, x". 
 
 To Doctor Durham, towardes his settinge forth, x". 
 
OF somerset's expedition. 3GI 
 
 To Kunj'on Cockeburne, being sent from Burlhie 
 
 ' Cragge to speke with mj Ionic proteclors grace, iiij". 
 
 To Laurence Kendall, c'. To Sur Fraunces Brian, 
 
 for tlie conduclinge of the eric of Huntlowe from 
 
 Baiwicke to London, xl". (£.40). To capitayne \x li s d 
 
 Burtiiicke, xxv''. In all, - - _ _ Ciiijv. vj. viij, 
 
 (i'. 185 6 8) 
 
 Delivered, by zcai/e of prest, to diverse captaynes, upon their mvne ways 
 
 and their rctyyme. 
 Tlie lorde grace of Wilton - . . D" {£. 500) 
 
 Tlie lorde Clinton - - - l: 
 
 ^xvj" 
 
 Sir Peter Gambou - _ _ ix' 
 
 xxv" (i'.925) 
 
 To William Berde 
 
 x» 
 
 Captayne Rheny - - _ _ 
 
 xv" 
 
 Roberte Crouche _ _ _ 
 
 xx" 
 
 Sir John Luttrell - _ _ 
 
 cc» 
 
 Edwarde Dudley _ _ _ 
 
 c" 
 
 John Basinge, captayne of the Phanx, to be de- 
 
 
 livered to Sir Andrewe Dudley 
 
 c« 
 
 To Araane Arcanye - _ . 
 
 iiij" 
 
 an'DccccI.li(i:.1950) 
 
 To diverse Persoimes, to be imploied aboutes the 
 
 Kinges Affaires. 
 Roberte Legge, treasoror of the kinges 
 
 marin, causes ■ ■ _ an' li (£. 1000) 
 
 Frauncis Flemynge, lieutenante of the or- 
 
 dinaunce in the said army - - Dclxx" 
 
 John Man, treasoror of the ordenaunce 
 
 for the said army - _ > D" 
 
 George Stonehouse, surveior of the kinges i; „ i t r i 
 
 =■ ' => Ji s d an' c li s d 
 
 maiesties victualls iu the said army ccij. x. viij. ij.iij.lxxij. x. viij. 
 
 iiij.nj.xx)j. X. vnj. 
 
 VOL. I. 2 z 
 
362 ^ FITTED ACCOMPT OF THE EXPENCES 
 
 Alloiianccs toucJiinge the Treasoror and his Accompte ; his ori'n Dieits, 
 
 avd Images of his Clerks and Sirvantes. 
 Also allowed to the said treasoror, by vertue of the 
 
 kinoes lettres patent, iindre the greate seale of Eng- 
 
 lande, bearinge date at Westminsterj the xxvj'* of 
 
 Julie, in the first yere of kinge Edwarde the sixte, 
 
 aiictorisinge the said sur Rauf Sadler, knight, to be 
 
 highe treasoror of the kinges maiesties said army 
 
 roiall against Scotlande, gavinge hym the aliou- 
 
 ance follow inge; that is to saic, first, for his owne 
 
 dietts^ from the first dale of August, in the yere 
 
 aforesaid, untill th xx"' of November next ensuinge, 
 
 by the space of cxij. dales, aftre the rate of xxvj* 
 
 viij' by the dale; cxlix'" vj' viij^ for the wages of 
 
 XXX men, by all the said tyme, aftre viij'' the dale 
 
 apece; cxij" for iiij clerkes for like tyme, aftre ij' 
 
 the dale apece; xliiij"xvj' one purcevant during the i- , 
 
 same tyme, at xij*" the dale, cxij'. In all - Cccxj. xiiij. viij. 
 
 Necessarie Chardges and Allowances. 
 Also allowed to the said treasoror, for mony by him 
 expended, as well for the provicion of cartes (carte 
 horses), the wages of diverse carters, and for diverse 
 other chardges in the convewaunce of the kinges 
 maiesties treasure, clxvij" xvj' j"* ob. ; also for a 
 lent to kepe the same treasure, vj" xiij' iiij'', and 
 for parchement, paper, books, quilles, dust, counters, 
 sand boxes, and canvas bagges, vj'' xiij' iiij'' ; iiij 
 yardes of grene cloth, xxj'iiij''; a tellinge table, 
 xxiij' iiij'' ; trussinge coffers, xl' ; for cariage of the 
 kinges maiesties tcntes owt of Scotland upwards to 
 London, as by warraunt from the lorde lieutenant, 
 appereth, xx" viij% and for the expences of hymself 
 and his clerks attend inge at London, for the iijgrosse- 
 ment of the particulars of this accompte, and for 
 the examynacion of the same, with the auditors ther- 
 
OF somerset's expedition. S6S 
 
 li s d 
 Cccxj. xiiij. viij. 
 
 -unto appointed, in like sorte as he was allowed upon 
 this last accompte for the warres against Scotland, 
 xxvj" xiij' iiij"*. And also for the travaile and 
 chardges of the auditors, assigned by the commis- 
 sioners aforesaid, for the perusinge of the bookes and 
 particular warrautits of tliis accompte, and for the 
 makinge and writinge of this declaracion, in like 
 sorte as was allowed in the said last accompte of 
 
 this accomptant, for the warres against Scotland, y^ « d 
 
 xxvj" xiijj' iiij**. In the hole, _ - _ _ Cclviij. xiiij. ix. ob. 
 
 Dlxx. ix. V. ob 
 (cf.670 9 5*) 
 
 Sum Totall of the Money paid and delivered by the said Accojjiptant, for 
 the Chardges of' the said Army. That is to say, 
 
 ant c li s d *% 
 
 Cotes and couducte owtwardes vij.iiij.lxviij. xij. X. ob. r ant i; s d 
 
 ant li s d r Xiij.Dxxxiiij. vij. ij.ob. 
 Conducte homewardes - - vj.lxv. xiiij. iiij. j 
 
 ant XT li ad 
 
 Wages of wane ._-___ Xxvj.cciiij.xix. vij. j. 
 
 XX li s d 
 
 Rewardes ----_. Ciiijv. vj. viij. 
 
 In prest to diverse captaynes, upon ^ c li ^ 
 
 their wages . . . j^an'ix.l. / ^^j ^ ,; ^ ^ 
 
 In prest to be iraployed about the i ant c li s d ^ - J* • J* 
 
 kinges affaires - - 5 'J-'U-'^^'J- ■^'- ^'"J-) 
 
 The dietts of the treasoror, and the 
 
 ) c li s d ^ 
 i iij.xj. xiiij. viij. C 
 
 r»r»i<riii villi i V nin -^ 
 
 li s d 
 
 wagesofhisclerkesandservauntesi "J-^J-^'"J-^"J-> j.. " •' - , 
 
 ° \ JJJxx. IX. V. ob, 
 
 Necessarie chardges and allouances cclvlij. xiiij. ix.ob 
 
 ant li E 
 
 Xliiij.Dccccxij. xiij. 
 And so remayneth in the handes of the said treasoror, i? § d 
 
 upon the deterraynacion of this accompte, - Dxlvj. xviij. xj. 
 
 Which somme of Dxlvj" xviij' xj'' is paid to the handes 
 
 of sir John Wilhams, knight, treasoror of the kinges 
 
•364 PITTED ACCOMPT, &C. 
 
 raaiesties court of augmentacions and revenues to his 
 highnes use, as by tlie acquittance of the same trea- 
 soror reuiayniuge witli tlie auditor of tiiis accompte 
 it doth appere. And so the said sur Rauff Sadler is 
 from his said accompte clerelie dischardged, and 
 
 QUYTE. 
 W. Seint John. Thomas Mayle. Wa. Mildmay. 
 
 The Kinges Maiesties Armye Roiell against Scotland. 
 Sur Raufe Sadler, knight, beinge highe treasoror of the kinges maiesties 
 armye against Scotland, undre the leadinge of the right highe and mightie 
 prince Edwarde, duke of Somerset, governour of the kinges maiesties most 
 roiall personne, and protector of all his realmes, domynions, and subiectes, hathe 
 made and yelded his accompte and reconinges before us, auctorised therunto 
 by the kinges maiesties comyssion, undre the grate scale of Englande, beringe 
 date at Westminster, the vj"" dale of December, in the first yere of the reyne 
 of our sovereigne lorde Edwarde the sixle, by the grace of God kinge of Eng- 
 lande, Fraunce, and Irelande, defendour of the faith and of the churche of Eng- 
 lande, and also of Irelande, in earthe the supreme hedde, (That is to sale,) as 
 well of the somme of xlv*''ccccli.\", by hym, or any his deputies, received and 
 had of the kinges maiesties money, by the handes of diverse personnes, for the 
 payment of the said armye ; as allso of the somme of xliiij""ix'^xij'' xiij* by the 
 said sur Rauf Sadler, defraied and paid for the kinges maiesties said armye, 
 from the first of August untill the xx"" of November, m the yere aforesaid, upon 
 the ende or determyiuicion of which his accompte, or reckoninge, the said ac- 
 comptant is found to be indebted to the kinges maiestie, in the somme of 
 Dxlvj" xiii' xj'', which somme, so by him due, the said accomptant hathe, by 
 our appoyntment, contented and paid to the kinges highnes use, the xx" dale 
 of December, in the first yere of our said souvreigne lorde, to sir John Williams, 
 knight, treasoror to the kinges maiesties court of augmentacions and revenues, 
 as by a declaracion of the said accompte, before examyned, it doth appere. 
 And so the said sir Rautfe Sadler is from his said accompte clerelie dischardged 
 and 
 
 QUYTE. 
 W. Seint John, Thomas Matle. Wa. Mildmay. 
 
LETTERS 
 
 DURING THE 
 
 REIGN OF QUEEN MARY. 
 
LETTERS 
 
 DURIKG TUB 
 
 REIGN OF QUEEN MARY. 
 
 Queen INIary to Sir Ralph Sadler.* — By the Quene. 
 
 MARYE, THE QUENE. 
 
 Trustie and welbeloved we grete you well. And whereas we have 
 appoynted our right trustie, and welbeloved, the lorde Clynton, to 
 remayne here aboute our citie of London, with a good number of 
 horsmen and fotemen under his charge, for the better staye and quiet 
 of our lovingc subiects, and the repressing of those that wolde, in our 
 absence, attempt disorders and tumults amongs the same : For his bet- 
 ter service wherin like, as we have gyven him power and auctorite to 
 call unto hym the forces of our counties of Essex, Hertforde, and 
 others, within xxv niyles of our saide citie, whensoever, and as often 
 as he shall thinke mete and necessarie. So, knowinge your fidelitie 
 toA\-ards us, your good zele to the commen quiet, and rede good-will to 
 serve us, we have thought good not onely to advertise you herof, but 
 
 * Sir Ralph Sadler's zeal for the reformation of religion, had probably been a little 
 eooled by the death of Edward VI. since we find that Queen Mary thought him worthy 
 of some countenance. Hh seems to have been living in retirement, at his country seat in 
 Hertfordshire, when this and the following letter were addressed to hina. 
 
56S LETTr.ftS PUUINO TIIF. KEICN 
 
 also to will and requier you to iml I'liithvvitli in a red) ncs of your 
 owne .sfivaunls, tenants, and oilier your trends about you, as many 
 liable men, as well on liorsbacke as on foote, as ye ar liable to make in 
 suclie sorle, as upon advert isnient to be gyven unto you, from the 
 said lorde Clynlon, they maye be redy to attenrle upon liyni, to be 
 employed as lie shall see eause. In which case our pleasure is, you 
 shall, from tyiiic to tynie, folowe his order and appoynctement : Re- 
 (juiringe you, never the lesse, to have your force in suche redynes, as 
 you maye with the same be liable to represse any other tumult that 
 maye fortune to springe, or arrise, in any other parte of that our coun- 
 tie where you dwell; and besyds, to contynewc your accustomed dili- 
 gence towards the conservation of the (juiet and good order of those 
 places about you, as moche as in you maye lye. W'herof fade you not, 
 as our speciall trust is in you, and as you will answer for the contrarye. 
 And lilies our lettres shal be your suilicient warraunte in this behalf. 
 Given under our signet, at our nianour of St James, the ixth of Maye, 
 the fuste yere of our reigne. (1554.) 
 
 To our Iriistir arid xvelbehved Sir Itdiif}' Sadleyr, Knight, Ilcrtf. 
 I'litil of ^^'arc, se tills leltre dclyvered. 
 
 To our frusfye and xtxllbcbved Sir Haffe Sadler, Knight. Hertford- 
 shire.- - Jii/ the Ki)igc and Qiicnc. 
 
 (N. B. On the back t)J' this Letter is written " consyderable papers.") 
 
 rnir.i.ipp and marye the quene. 
 Trustio and welbeloved, we grele you well. And albeit we have 
 of late, by suche our leltres and instructions, as we have addressed 
 furthe unto the sheritfe and justices of peace of everye shire, prescri- 
 bed suche ordre, as the same beinge well executed, shall, by the helpe 
 of alinightye God, be sulHcient to kepe all parlyes of our realme iu 
 gooil order and quietness. Vet consideringe that the tyme of the 
 
Ol- QUEEN MARY. 36^ 
 
 yere drawcthe fast on, wherein stirres and tumults have of" late yercs 
 conionlyc byn wonte to breake furthe, we have tliought good, for 
 preventinge of the worst, to prepare to have some powrc in a rcdincs, 
 to mete with any soden attcmpte that might be offered, therefore, 
 knowinge your fidelitye and good will to serve us, and the zcale you 
 here to the common tranquilitic and quietnes of your cuntrye, we 
 have specially appoynted, and by theis presents doo appoynte and au- 
 thorise you, to muster, levie, and prepare forthwith, all your owne ser- 
 vants, tenants, and others under your rules and oflfices, and of the same 
 so muslred to choyse out, appoyncte, and put in full readines, as 
 many hable men, bothe on horsebacke and on foote, as you maye well 
 cause to be furnished with armore, weapons, and other neeessaryes, 
 givinge suche ordre, as uppon an hovvres warninge theyemay be readye 
 to be employed for repression of any soden tumulte, stirre, or rebellion 
 within our realme, or for resistinge of anye forren invasion, or other- 
 wyse for our service, as by us, or our privie counsell attendinge aboute 
 us, you shalbe required from t3me to tyme. For the doing wherof, 
 like as theis our lettres shalbe your sufficient discharge. So doo we re- 
 quire you to use your accostomed good diligence bothe in the prepa- 
 ringe your said men, and also inadvertisinge our said counsaile what 
 nonibers and \v]iat sortes you shall have redye, to thentente, uppon 
 knowlaidge therof, we maye dispose of their service as occasion shall 
 require ; whereof we praye you not to fayle, as we specially trust you. 
 Geven under our signet, at our honour of Hampton Courte, the xxth 
 daye of Aprill, the first and seconde yeres of our reignes, 
 
 VOL. I. 3 a 
 
370 LETTERS DURING THE REIGN 
 
 No. III. 
 
 Dr Nicholas Heath* Archbishop of York and Chancellor of England, 
 ■ to Sir Ralph Sadler. 
 
 After our right hartie commendacions, this bearer Frauncys Kempe, 
 our servaunte, by our advyse makith his repayre unto youe at this pre- 
 sent, intending at his comminge to commyne with you touching thof- 
 ficeof theclerkeship of the Hamper; wheareinhe sekith toobtene your 
 good will, by agrement with you for the having of the same at your 
 hands. And forasmuche as for certaine good consideracions us mo- 
 vinge, we do ernestlie desire his preferrement unto the saide ofiftce, and 
 niynde in all that we can to make any lawful meanes that may be for 
 his furtheraunce in that behalfe, beinge never a whyt ignorant in what 
 state the saide oilSce nowe standeth, and knowing also right well what 
 communicacion hath ben latelie had with you concerning the same, 
 we have thought good, by these our letters, hastelie to desire and pray 
 you, not onlie favourablie to treat with hym in this matter at his be- 
 ing with you, but also so to extend your freendship towardes hym 
 lierein, as he maye go thorough with you in this his suyte. Your be- 
 nefite wherein towardes hym, and pleasure to us, (for that you shall do 
 it at our request,) shalbe so muche the greater, and so considered of all 
 partes as you shall shewe your selfe to be more willinge in doinge of 
 it. And though it may seeme that we do overmuche burden you with 
 our freendship, in seking, for freendship's sake, to have youe forgoe 
 this thinge, being a parte of your livinge ; yet considering both in 
 
 * Dr Nicholas Heath was formerly bishop of Rochester, and was imprisoned in 1547 for 
 opposing the Reformation under Edward VI. In Queen Mary's reign he became arch- 
 bishop of York, and chancellor of England. Upon her death, he moved in council, that 
 Elizabeth should be proclaimed ; but he refused to be present at her coronation, and was 
 deprived of his see. He lived long in religious privacy at his manor of Cobham in Surrj'; 
 and, being a Catholic, was notwithstanding in such esteem with the tjueen, that she fre- 
 quently honoured him with her visits. Camden ad aim. 1559. 
 2 
 
OP" QUEEN MARY. 371 
 
 what sorte the same is required, and also how not longe agoo you were 
 contented to suffer Hales to enjoye the hole profit thereof, and have 
 not sithens byn any whyt charged M'ith the redeniinge of it (as farre as 
 we knowe) yf there weare no further question to be made of the mat- 
 ter as ye well understande there hath byn of late, yt cannot be, we 
 doubt not, thought either unreasonable or unworthie of our frendship, 
 yf in his behalfe, whonie we do this earnestlie studie to preferre, we 
 require this thinge of youe, whiche shalbe by hym reasonablie consi- 
 sidered, and by our freendship supplied wheare the same may in any 
 case stand you in steade. We woulde use moe woordes of perswasion 
 unto youe, aswell for your owne commoditie, as for thadvauncement 
 of hym in whose case we write, yf we did either mistrust your confor- 
 mitie, or did think that this that we have alreadie written weare not 
 sufficient to move you. But to conclude, thus muche we saye, that ye 
 can do nothing that we will accepte in more thankfuU parte, or glad- 
 her consider towardes you then this ; wherefore, eftsones praing you 
 that it maye take effecte accordinglie, we bid you right hartelie well 
 to fare. From the courte, the xxiiijth of February e, 1556. 
 
 Your lovinge freende, 
 
 (Signed,) Nico. Ebor. Canc. 
 
 'Jo our lovinge freende Syr Raffe Sadler, Knight. 
 
LETTERS 
 
 DURING THE WAR 
 
 OF 
 
 THE SCOTTISH REFORMATION, 
 
 1559-60. 
 
LETTERS, &c. 
 
 The follomiig letters were written during the crisis of the Reformation in Scotland. 
 At that momentous period Kltzatieth, well aurirt: of the itrqmrtunt advantages to he 
 derived by cherishing and supporting the reformers, who were now in arms under the 
 title of Lords of the Congregation, employed the tried abilities of Sir Ralph Sadler in 
 negociating with them. Sadler was sent to Berzcick under an ostensible commission, 
 granted to him, to Sir James Croft, and to the earl of Northu?nberland, to settle with 
 Scottish commissioners certain disputes which had occurred on the Borders, and to 
 oversee the fortifications of Berwick. But the more important task of supplying the 
 wants, and animating the courage of the Scottish insurgents, was reposed in Sadler 
 alone, with power to him to use the advice of the others in so far as he thought it pru- 
 dent or necessary. It appears that he distrusted the earl of Northumberland, and as- 
 sumed the assistance of Sir James Croft alone in his private negociation. 
 
 As an introduction to the intrigues of Sadler and of Croft, the reader may peruse 
 the following curious memorial, presented to Queen Elizabeth by Cecil, upon the af- 
 fairs (f Scotland. 
 
 Memorial of certain Points meet for the restoring of the Realm of Scotland to the 
 ancient JVeale, written by my Lord Treasurer (i. e. Cecil) with his own hand. 
 5 August, 1559. 
 
 Imprimis, It is to be noted, that the best worldly felicity that Scotland can 
 have^ is either to continue in a perpetual peace with the kingdom of England, 
 or to be made one monarchy with England, as they both make but one isle, 
 divided from the rest of the world. 
 
 If the tirst be sought, that is, to be in perpetual peace with England ; then 
 must it necessarily be provided, that Scotland be not so subject to the appoint- 
 ments of France as it is presently ; which, being an ancient enemy to England, 
 
276' LETTERS DURING THE WAR OF 
 
 seekclli always to make Scoliancl an instrument to exercise thereby their iiuiiice 
 upon England, and to make a footstool thereof to look over England as they 
 may. 
 
 Therefore, when Scotland sliall come to the hands of a mere Scotsman in 
 Llood, then may there be hope of some such accord; but as long as it is at the 
 command of the French, there is no hope to have accord long betwix't these 
 two realms. 
 " Therefore, seeing it is at the French king's commandment, by reason of his 
 wife, it is to be considered for the weale of Scotland, that, until she have chil- 
 dren, and during her absence out of the realm, the next heirs to the crown, 
 being the house of the Hamiltons, shou'd have regard thereto, and to see that 
 neither the crown be impair'd nor wasted : And, on the other side, the nobility 
 and commonalty ought to foresee, that the laws and old customs of the realm 
 be not alter'd, neither that the country be impoverish'd by taxes, imprest, or 
 new imposts, after the manner of France ; for provision whereof, both by the 
 law of God and man, the French king and his wife may be mov'd to reform 
 their misgovernance of the realm. 
 
 And for this purpose, it were good that the nobility and commons join'd with 
 the next heir of the crown, to seek due reformation of such great abuses as tend 
 to the ruin of their country; whicli must be done before the French grow too 
 strons; and insolent. 
 
 y First, That it may be provided, by consent of the three estates of the land, 
 that the land may be free from all idolatry, like as England is; for justification 
 whereof, if any free general council may be had where the pope of Rome has 
 not the seat of judgment, they may offer to shew their cause to be most agree- 
 able to Christ's religion. 
 
 Next, To provide that Scotland might be governed, in all rules and offices, 
 by the ancient blood of the realm, without either captains, lieutenants, or sol- 
 diers, as all other princes govern their countries ; and especially, that the forts 
 might be in the hands of mere Scotsmen. 
 
 Thirdly, That they might never be occasion'd to enter into wars against Eng- 
 land, except England shou'd give the cause to Scotland, 
 
 Fourthly, that no more noblemen of Scotland should receive pension of 
 France, except it were whilst he did service in France ; for otherewise, thereby 
 the French wou'd shortly corrupt many to betray their own country. 
 
 Fifthly, That no office, abbey, living, or commodity, to be given to any but 
 mere Scotsmen, by the assent of the three estates of the realm. 
 
 10 
 
THE SCOTTISH REFORMATION, 1559-60. 377 
 
 Sixthly, That there be a council in Scotland, appointed in the queen's absence 
 to govern tiie wliole realm, and in those causes not to be directed by the French. 
 
 Seventliiy, That it be by the said three estates appointed how the revenue of 
 the crown shall be expended, how much the queen shall have for her portion 
 and estate during her absence, how many shall be limited to the governance and 
 defence of the realm, and how many shall be yearly appointed to be kept in the 
 treasury. 
 
 In these and sucli like points, if the French king and the queen be found un- 
 willing, and will withstand this provision for tiie weale of the land ; then hath the 
 three estates of the reahn authority forthwith to intimate to the said king and 
 queen their humble requests; and if the same be not effectually granted, then 
 humbly they may commit the governance thereof to the next heir of the crown, 
 binding the same also to observe the laws and ancient rights of the realm. 
 
 Finally, If the queen shall be unwilling to this, as it is likely she will, in respect 
 of the greedy and tyrannous affliction of France; then is it apparent that Al- 
 naighty God is pleased to transfer from her the rule of the kingdom for the weale 
 of it: And in this time great circumspection is to be used, to avoid the deceits 
 and trumperies of the French. 
 
 And then may the realm of Scotland consider, being once made free, what 
 means may be devised through God's goodness to accord the two realms, to 
 endure for time to come at the pleasure of Almighty God, in whose hands the 
 hearts of all princes be. 
 
 A short Discussion of the weight]/ Matter of Scotland. August, 1559. 
 
 Question, Whether it be meet that England should help the nobility and 
 Protestants of Scotland to expell the French ; or no ? 
 
 That no. 
 
 1. It is against God's law, to aid any subjects against their natural princes or 
 their ministers. 
 
 2. It is dangerous to do it ; for if the aid shall be no other than may be kept 
 in secrecy, it can't be great, and so consequently it shall not suffice; if it shall 
 be open, it will procure wars, and the end thereof is uncertain. 
 
 VOL. I. 3 b 
 
37S LETTERS DURING THE WAR OF 
 
 ^3. It may be doubted, that when aid shall be given, and money spent, the 
 Froncii may compound with the Scots, and pardon tliat error, to join both in 
 force against England ; which is more easy to be believed, because they had 
 rather make a shameful composition with Scotland, than suffer it to be rejoined 
 and united witli the crown of England. 
 
 4. It may be doubted, that to stay the progress of religion against the see of 
 Rome, the emperor, the king catholique, the pope and potentates in Italy, the 
 duke of Savoy, will rather conspire with the French king, than to suffer these 
 two monarchies to be joined in one manner of religion ; and in this part may 
 be doubted, that many, as well Scots as English, that can like very well to have 
 these two kingdoms perfectly knit in amity, will not allow them to be knit in a 
 like religion. 
 
 That yea. 
 
 1. It is agreeable, both to the law of God and nature, that every prince and 
 publick state shou'd defend it self, not only from perils presently seen, but from 
 dangers that be probably seen to come shortly after. 
 
 2. Nature and reason teacheth every person, politick or other^ to use the same 
 manner of defence that the adversary useth in offence. 
 
 ■ccr:;; tJpon these two principles agreed, will evidently follow, that England both 
 
 \ may and ought to aid Scotland to keep out the French. 
 
 The crown of England hath a just and unfeigned title, of longer continuance 
 than the friendship betwixt Scotland and France, unto the superiority of Scot- 
 land ; and for the right thereof, it is as good, and in some respect better, than 
 the right of the French queen to the realm of Scotland, as hereafter shall ap- 
 pear. To prove the antitjuity and continuance of the right of this superiority, 
 remain good, ancient, and abundant stories; and which is the best proof, the 
 authentick and manifest writings under the seals of Scotland, declaring, from 
 age to age, from king to king, from parliament to parliament, the liomages done 
 to tlie kings of England by the kings of Scots; coming sometimes to York, 
 sometime to London, sometime to Lincoln, sometime to Canterbury. By which 
 title of superiority, the crown of England hath upon differences decided the con- 
 troversies, and appointed die crown of Scotland as to it was thought fit. And 
 by this title and dignity doth the French queen, as queen of Scots, owe homage 
 
THE SCOTTISH REFORMATIOX, 15.59-60. 379 
 
 to the crown of England ; and so consequently ought tlie crown of England to 
 defend the liberties, the laws, the baronage, and people of Scotland, from oppres- 
 sion, and that in honour and conscience, no less than the emperor ougiit to de- 
 fend the state of Milan, or the kingdom of Bohemia, being vassals to the empire : 
 And therefore, if it may appear that the French king, by pretence of the mar- 
 riage of an heir of Scotland, will alter the laws, liberties, and customs of Scot- 
 land, and will subvert the lawful heirs of the Scottish blood to the crown, and 
 deprive the barons and states of the realm of their inherilance, whereby the 
 French nation and blood may possess that land ; then the crown of England is 
 bound in honour and conscience to defend and protect the realm of Scotland 
 against the French. And so doth the first question alter in the most principal 
 point; for then is not the case betwixt subjects and a natural prince, but be- 
 twixt a superior king and a realm of the one part, and an inferior king alone 
 joining with strangers on the other part. 
 
 But beside this former reason, which resteth but upon a right and honour, it 
 followeth to consider how England ought, even for the protection of it self from 
 perpetual ruin and subversion, see, and that with good speed, that the French be 
 not suffered, by pretence of this particular disorder, to bring their armies into 
 Scotland. And in this part, both God and nature doth not only allow, but also 
 move the realm of England to look to this in time; for in these cases, when it 
 concemeth kingdoms, hand putarem conieth too late. 
 
 To prove this, that England is in evident danger, if Providence be not used, 
 We to be considered these things following. 
 
 First, The disposition of the French to conquer, and be masters of England, I 
 think is unknown neither to Englishmen, nor to any of the Christian nations 
 that knoweth one nation from another. No man is so simple, that hath read or 
 remembered any stories, to think that that nation hath any conscience in keep- 
 ing or breaking of peace with England. 
 
 Next to this. It is too evident that they mean it, and of necessity they must 
 both mean it and follow it. 
 
 At the making of this last peace, it was manifest how they laboured to have 
 had the Burgundians conclude a peace without England ; and how insolent 
 reasons they used in that point, shew'd what ground they meant to work. Tiiey 
 cou'd most falsely say at that time, that they knew not how to conclude a peace 
 with the queen's majesty, nor to whom they shou'd deliver Calais, but to the 
 dolphin's wife, whom they took for queen of England. 
 
380 LETTERS DURING THE WAR OF 
 
 Before that, in tlie time of queen Mary, what practices had they in many 
 places, both abroad and here in England, to dcj)rivo the queen's majesty's title 
 lliat now is, and to set forth their own ? insomuch, as, if God had not conferred 
 tills crown to the queen's majesty with a notable concord of all states of the 
 realm, it was well seen in France how they meant to have set abroad their de- 
 vice. And too many things there be to prove their burning desire to further 
 this tlieir doings at Rome, in procuring the last pope's bull to declare the queen's 
 majesty illegitimate; their practices in Almain to set forth Eckin's works against 
 the queen's mother; their usurpation of the arms of England, Hrst, in their open 
 justs, when the king was killed, and then consequently using the same in plate, 
 and to despite the queen's majesty's servants in the same plate, wherein her 
 ambassadors were served, now also sent into Scotland; tlie consultation also had 
 upon the king's death, how this French king shou'd be proclaimed king of Eng- 
 land ; which was stayed by the wisdom of the constable. 
 
 Yet nevertheless followed the ingraving of the same stile in the great seal sent 
 into Scotland, and in the treaty confirmed with the king cathoiique: This that 
 they forbare to do by proclamation, they do by paintings, gravings, writings, 
 and workins;s ; so as it appeareth manifest what they would, and what they 
 covet. Beside this, how lightly they esteem the queen's majesty appeareth by 
 their keeping of their treaty, being bound and tieuianded to send a fourth hos- 
 tage, they have neglected it; and how dishonourably one of them hath pass'd 
 here with the killing of one of the queen's majesty's subjects, doth appear too 
 plain ; and yet they have seemed cunningly to be coniplainers, that is, to bite 
 and to whin like dogs or Frenchmen. 
 
 What good disposition the French queen herself is of, doth well appear by 
 her own disdainful speech to diverse persons, and amongst others to some of the 
 queen's majesty's own * gentlewomen being in France. 
 
 Hitherto may appear sufficient arguments of the earnest minds of the French 
 towards this kingdom ; which how maliciously it hath been set, former years 
 have always declared, when they made no pretence to this crown; and now how 
 this their malice is augmented and taken root, by their false pretended title, 
 may easily appear to be such as the same will never be stayed in them as long 
 as the French queen liveth, or as long as any issue shall come of her body : So 
 
 * Elizabeth S.inds, 
 
THE SCOTTISH llEFORMATION, 1559-60. 381 
 
 lliat this quarrel now begun, is undoubtedly like to be a perpc.ua! incumbrance 
 ol' this kingdom. 
 
 And to manifest that it shall now in this lime be put must in ure, it is to be 
 considered at this present, the cardinal of Lorrain, and the whole house of Guise, 
 have the chief govei nance, who only depend upon the queen their niece, and 
 have nothing so much at heart as to advance her titles ; wherein they have long 
 flattered themselves, that to augment the crown of France with England by the 
 same woman llicir cousin, by whom they have gotten Scotland, shall be an im- 
 mortal fame to their house, and an establishment of the same. 
 
 Beside this, at this present the French king hath no quarrel towards any other 
 parts, being in peace with the king catholique, and having married his sister to 
 ban, who also is too strong for him ; and having also married with the duke of 
 Savoy, and delivered to him his five towns, whereby also the entring of the 
 French king into Italy is utterly cut ofl': And therefore now resteth no place 
 for the French to bend wars upon, but upon Scotland and England or Ireland; 
 Jn which point, is to be also remembred the practices which they presently en- 
 terlam by means of George Paris, who is very lately gone into France with 
 intelligence from certain lords of Ireland, wherein the Dowager of Scotland is a 
 party, and from her the said Paris went last into France. 
 
 It foUoweth, to consider how near these dangers be at hand, and whether they 
 be so far off as the same may be deferred without present remedy. 
 
 True it is and likely, that as long as the nobility of Scotland shall be of greater 
 power than the French, so long will the French forbear the open invasion of 
 England ; but as soon as Scotland shall either yield of it self, or be compelled 
 for lack of power and ability to yield to the French, forthwith will the French 
 employ both their own strength and the power of Scotland against England. 
 
 And to understand how long it is likely for the Scots to keep the upper hand, 
 is easily judged, if it be remembred that the Scots of themselves, when they had' 
 a king of their own to aid them, never came into the field with raore than fifteen 
 days victual, neither could abide longer together, but were forced to return and 
 change their numbers : So as the way to overcome them, is to prolong time, and 
 not to fight with them, but stand at defence; and therefore, without relief of 
 money to pay them wages, they can't endure long in the iicld, or in strength. 
 So that it is most evident, that without some relief it will be no long time ere'the 
 Scots shall be lorced to leave off, whose end of necessity must be the beginning 
 of England ; and so the sooner the one endeth, the sooner the other shall begin! 
 
382 LETTEUS DURING THE M'A R OF 
 
 Then followeth another, though no difficult question, Whether it be meeter 
 or more prolitable for England to continue the Scots in their strength and de- 
 fence, than to leave them, and be at the charges of our own defence? In conti- 
 nuance of tlie Scols, our people is spared, and our country in peace ; only some 
 treasure is to be spent : In our defence, our people must be spent, our country 
 spoiled and wasted ; and as to expence of treasure, ten times more to be spent 
 that way than tiie other. The easiest way to stand upon defence must be, to 
 put into Barwick (which now holdeth but 2000) 3 or 4000 more ; and if it 
 shou'd come to a siege, 10000 will scantly suffice. 
 
 Beside this, the whole three borders must be planted with garrisons, which 
 will not be done under 4 or .5000 men ; and if the enemy shall approach with 
 an army, which of necessity lie will do, having it transported into Scotland, and 
 so employ it to some profit; then must also an army of like force be levied, and 
 kept there, if not to invade, yet to defend. And what the charges thereof will 
 be, if it last but three months, is soon conjectured to be such as it will weary both 
 the realm and the crown. Furthermore, how at this present England shall be 
 able to furnish an army, is pitiful to understand ; how void it is of such generals 
 as either the old dukes of Norfolk, Suffolk, and the last duke of Northumber- 
 land, is soon perceived ; how much people is of late years wasted by death, is 
 well understood. Again, what manner of army the French mean to have, is 
 already understood ; the Rhingrave is appointed already to levy 5000 Almains ; 
 what the duke of Saxe shall do, is unknown : And for transportation of them, 
 means is already made with the king of Denmark, whose friendship is sought 
 with such a bait as therewith he will soon be taken, that is, with release of the 
 title that Lorrain pretendeth to Denmark. It may be said, that England may 
 also have Almains: Tis true, but some chance may happen that they shall come 
 too late ; and whensoever they come, they be unreasonably chargeful. The 
 French have a great advantage at this present ; for they pretend outwardly to 
 keep peace with us, and yet they, under the pretence of this matter of Scotland, 
 do daily lev}', prest, and send soldiers into Scotland : And England, upon colour 
 I of peace, doth not so much as talk how to be defended ; and if it forbear until 
 I the French be in the field, then is it easily perceived how late it will be to send 
 for succoms out of Ahnain. 
 
 These things being but words, of peace, of war, of levying of men, of arming, 
 of victualling, of money, of munition, and such like, move but as words may ; 
 but when time shall come, (which Almighty God prolong,) then will it move and 
 10 
 
THE SCOTTISH REFORMATION, 1559-60. 383 
 
 Stir all good English bloods, some to fear, some to anger, some to be at their 
 wits end. * 
 
 Sir William Cecil was the author of this Discussion, (as he calls it,) and it is 
 all written in his own hand. 
 
 At the beginning of this paper, there is a short note in Sir Robert Cotton's 
 hand, as follows : 
 
 " Notwithstanding that this month of August, 1559, the treaty of Upsatling- 
 ton, between the queen of England, .and Mary and Francis of Scotland, was 
 made and confirmed ; f yet did she, as a[)pears by this consultation in the hand 
 of Sir William Cecil her secretary, continue her purpose of aid and support to 
 the faction in Scotland by Murra}'." 
 
 * There is a very wide dilTereiice betwixt this discussion, as contained in Mr Crawford of Drum- 
 soy's Collections MS. Lawyers Library, taken by that gentleman from the originals in the Cotton 
 Library, and that copy of it as published by bishop Burnet, Hist. Reform. Vol. lU. p. 283. .Append. 
 Numb. 54. Whence this disagreement should arise, I cannot divine; but perhaps I may afterwards 
 be enabled to satisfy my readers herein. 
 
 t This peace was made in the month of May, and confirmed in August. Fcedera Aiiglia. 
 
LETTERS 
 
 DURING THE WAR 
 
 OF 
 
 THE SCOTTISH REFORMATION. 
 
 1559-60. 
 
 No. I. 
 
 The Moustre of tholde Garrisons of Berwick. 
 
 (First occur the names of the individuals, 204 in all: of these, 123 had 
 Ad. a-day, the others Qd. Then comes thefoUowing letter:) 
 
 I require you to paie unto the persouns abovenamed, beying soul- 
 diours and others of thold guarison of Berwik, for one hundreth 
 twentie at iiiid. per diem the pece, for Ixxvj daies, begynnyng the 
 first of February, and ending the xvijth of Aprell; and for iij at Hke 
 waigs, for xxij daies, begynnyng the xxvijth of March, and ending as 
 before ; and for Ixxxi at iid. per diem the pece, for Ixxvi daies, begyn- 
 nyng the said first of February, and ending as before ; and this shalbe 
 your sufficient warrant in that behalf Geven at Berwik, the iid ol 
 IMaii, annis regnorum Phi, et Marie, regis and regine, quarto et quin- 
 to. 
 
 To Sir William Inglehy, Knight, 
 Treasorer of Berwik, and Paymaster of the Gaurrisons 
 in the North Parts. 
 VOL. I. 3 C 
 
385 
 
 LETTERS DUUING THE WAR OF 
 
 The Debts owyng by the Querns Ma jest ie to all the Gaiirrisons in the North 
 Parts, as well ordinarie as extraordinarie, the 'i'id of August, 1559- 
 That is to saj/e, 
 
 To the Extraordynarie. 
 
 £ 
 221 
 
 To Sir James Crofte, knight. 
 
 To the Marshall, - 
 To Sir Richarde Lee, 
 To Tliomas Gower, - 
 To Capten Somerset, 
 To Capteii Drevvrye, 
 To Capten Vaughan, 
 
 To Captain Rede, 
 
 To Capten Markam, 
 To Capten Sutton, 
 
 To Capten Ingleby, 
 
 To Capten Twety, 
 
 To Pykemen and Pregle, captens, 1126 19 
 
 To Browne and Dethicke, captens, 461 I 
 
 To Carrile and Woode, captains, 792 6 
 
 To the gonners of the great ordenance, 693 13 
 
 To the Hollye and Feme islands, 363 2 
 The gonners of Warke, - 
 
 The gonners at Carlislye, 
 
 The benevolence. 
 
 J. d. 
 
 
 lb. 
 
 ccxxi 
 
 v"J 
 
 d. 
 
 iiij 
 viij 
 viij 
 
 X 
 
 4 an, an. cclxx xvij iiij 
 8 an. an. ccxxxix iij viij 
 c 
 2976 an. an. ixlxxvj 
 
 XX 
 
 1386 9 4 an. ccciiijvj ix iiij 
 
 2045 11 8 an. an. xiv xj viij 
 c 
 
 911 14 2 ix.\j xiiij ij 
 
 108 5 4 cviij v iiij 
 
 4 an. cxxvj xix iiij 
 
 900 7 4 IX 
 
 133 6 8 cxxxiij vj 
 
 9 6 8 ix vj 
 
 2119 10 10 an. an. cxix x 
 2270 17 
 2«39 3 
 
 iiijlxj 
 
 C XX 
 
 vijiii)xij 
 
 C IX 
 
 xvj 
 
 vj viij 
 vjnijxiij xiij iiij 
 
 2 
 8 
 
 40 15 
 
 92 
 
 925 16 
 
 iijlxiij 
 xl 
 
 XX 
 
 iiijxij 
 
 >J U 
 XV viij 
 
 IXXXV XVJ 
 
 an. c lb. s. A. 
 xix viijxvij vij vj 
 
 To the Ordinarie. 
 
 Garrysone of Berwick, 
 Somme of all the debts. 
 
 an. }h. s. I 
 
 . . - xxicccxvij vij •* 
 
 Imprested to the said captens towards the debts afor- 
 
 said, . - - - an. an. an. Dlxxij 
 
 So the quenis majestie is yet indebted to her said gar- an. c lb. $. d. 
 
 risons the xxij of August aforesaide, - xvijvijxlv vij vj 
 
 The works to be consydered. 
 
 The Lord Wardeyn's fee. 
 
 12 
 
 £ s. 
 19817 7 
 
 1500 
 
 21317 7 6 
 
 3072 
 
 17745 7 
 
THK SCOTTISH REFORMATION, 1559-60. 387 
 
 No. II. 
 
 Instructions given hy the Queues Jllajesiic to her right trusiic and right 
 velbcloved cousi/ne iherle of Northumbcrlandc, * and to her trustie and 
 uelbeloved Sir Raphe Sadler, and Sir James CroJ'ts,\' Knights, 
 
 Elizabeth R. 
 
 The ver^' cause of their commission is, because it appereth by sun- 
 drie letters of the saide erles, aswell to her majesty as to her counsell, 
 that notwithstanding the laste conclusions made by the commyssioners 
 of bothe the reallmes, neither the frequent sollicitacion of the saide 
 erle to thopposite wardens of Scotlande, there hathe ben no redresse 
 of diverse attempts there committed. Therfore, lest the same might 
 tende to so great enormitie as, in processe of tyme, the greatness therof 
 wolde be remedyles, her majesty hathe tliought necessarye to provoke 
 the quene regent, her goode sister, to appointe some of her ministers of 
 like quahties to mete with the said erle, and the saide sir Raphe and 
 sir Janjes, to determyne some better ordre in suche causes, according to 
 the laste treatie there concluded. 
 
 And for this purpose, they shall sende one with her majesties lettres 
 to the saide quene regent, and to move her, that herin some expcdi- 
 cion might be used, and consequently the saide commissioners shall 
 
 * Thomas Percy, seventh earl of Northumberland, son of sir Thomas Percy, brother of 
 Henry, the sixth earl. He was restored in blood hy Queen Mary; his father having been 
 attainted for his share in Aske's rebellion, called the Pilgrimage of Grace. The earl him- 
 self engaged afterwards in an unfortunate insurrection, in favour of the Catholic relin-ion, 
 concerning which there are some documents in this collection. He fled into Scotland ; and 
 being delivered up to Queen Elizabeth by the regent Morton, was beheaded at York, 22d 
 August, 1572. 
 
 t Sir James Croft, or Crofts, had a good military reputation ; having governed Ireland, 
 and defended Haddington against the French and Scotch. He was attainted by Queen 
 Mary, but restored by Queen Elizabeth, and made governer of Berwick ; an office which 
 he enjoyed at the date of these letters. He was afterwards comptroller of the household, 
 and one of the commissioners at the treaty of Bourbourg, and died in 1590. 
 
388 LETTERS DURING THE WAR OF 
 
 (as they see cause) employe themselves, with the ministers of Scot- 
 lande, to the mutuall ledresse of disoidres ujion bothe parts/ And fur- 
 ther shall, accordinge to thauthorite of their commission, conclude 
 and determyne eny other thinge, that maye tende to commen quiet of 
 those frontyers, and for the raunsomynge of prisoners on bothe parts, the 
 saide commissioners shall doo their endevour, foreseinge that without 
 her majesties advise, the lord Grey nor therle Marshall's sone, whiche 
 be prisoners of great value, be not acquyte nor prised, but contrary wise, 
 if it shall appere necessarye, that they bothe be revoked into the 
 reallme. The same shall so doo, as they see cause. 
 
 {August 1559-) Cecill. 
 
 No. III. 
 
 {On the back of this is written, " Papers worthy.") 
 
 Instructions given by the Queues Majestic to Sir Rafe Sadleyr, Knight, 
 being sent presently to Berxiiikejor the pur pas hereof ter J olouing. Au- 
 gust i, A°. 1559. 
 
 Elizabeth R. 
 In primis, He shall by the waye, if therle of Shrewsbury * be either 
 at York, or nere the highwaye, or els not, rejjayre unto him, and dely- 
 vcr unto him the quenes majesties lettres, and confer with him, how 
 
 * Francis, fifth earl of Shrewsbury, whose correspondence nnJ memorials with those of 
 his descendants, during the period of thirty years, have 1 pen published by Edmund Lodge, 
 esquire, under the title of "Illustrations of English History. Biography, and Manners." 
 In 1557 the earl of Shrewsbury was lord-lieuteuant of the counties of York, Lancaster, 
 Chester, Derby, Stafford, Salop, and Nottingham ; in the next year, justice-general of the 
 forests north of the Trent; and, upon queen Mary's accession, he became lord-president of 
 the North. Elizabeth continued to admit Shrewsbury to the royal councils, allhough he 
 was not only a strict catholic, but even opposed the revocation of the acknowledgment of 
 papal authority. He died 21st September, 1560. 
 
THE SCOTTISH KEFOR JIATION, 1559-60. 389 
 
 such money as is due to be payd to her INIajestie for the subsidye at 
 this present, may be with spede levyed and collected, so as it may be 
 ])aid to the treasorer of Berwyke, according to such wanaunt as the 
 cheif collectours shall receve from the court of thexchcquer. And 
 in this point it is nient, that such discretion be used as to the cause 
 doth apperteyn. Herin the saide Sir Rafe Sadleyr shall, before his de- 
 parture out of London, confer with the lord treasorer, and sliall also 
 take \vith him such further instructions to be imperted to the sayd 
 erle, for the spedy levying of such debts and arrerages, as be due to 
 lier Majestic in those parts. And if the said erle be not nigh the 
 waye, then the sayd Sir Rafe shall impart the contents thereof by his 
 writting. 
 
 Item, In his waye to Berwyke, he shall conferre with therle of 
 Northumberlande, and declare unto him the causes of his sendyng 
 downe to be ]nincipally to see the state of the works at Berwyke, and 
 thoccasiou of the great wasts of treasure there. And next to joyne 
 in commission with the said erle, for communication with the Scot- 
 tishe ministers, for better reformation of the disorders there uppon 
 tlie frontiers, whereof her Majestic, by the said erles lettres, perce- 
 veth there is great lack, and many disappointments on the part of 
 Scotland ; and therefore the sayd erle shall procede according to the 
 ;ommun instructions sent for that purpos. 
 
 Item, From thens he shall go to Berwyke, * and there take a vieu 
 of the fortifications and works, and procure at sir Richard Lees hands, 
 and the treasorers or otherwise, if it may there conveniently be done, 
 the total charge, though it be but in an estimate of the fortification of 
 
 * The fortifications of Berwick were now undergoing various alterations under the in- 
 spection of sir Richard Lee, who, in the reign of Edward VI., had been employed in a 
 similar commission at-Tjneraouth and at Norham, (Lodge's Illustralkms, pages 80. 101 
 Vol. I.) and was afterwards deputed to survey Leith, Edinburgh, and Inchkeith. Haynes, 
 p. 2S6, 297, 307. The works, when completed, rendered Berwick, in the opinion of Cam- 
 den, the best fortified town of all Britain. But, while they were going on, mih'tary men 
 appear frequently to have blamed particulars of the plan, and the council frequently coiq.. 
 plain of the enormous expence. 
 
\ 
 
 390 LETTERS DURING THE WAR OF 
 
 the new pere and fort that was begon in king Edwards time, and 
 since rehnquished ; and next to that, he shall by like nieanes procure 
 a declaracion of the yerly charges susteynid during the reigne of quene 
 Mary about the new fortifications and walling of the towne, and con- 
 sequently of the charges susteynid sence the begynnyng of the reign of 
 her majestic now ruling. Which done, he shall cause a comparison to 
 be made of the rest of the town that is not, and yet ought to be forti- 
 fyed, with that quantite which is finished, and theruppon, by sum col- 
 .ection or jugement, cause to be made an estimate of the charges to 
 cum for the performaunce of the fortifications ment and purposed : 
 wherin her majestic meanetli not to burthen any of them with mis- 
 comptiug or misjudging, but requireth only an estimate as nigh as 
 they may. 
 
 Item, He shall confer with sir Richard Lee, and understand tlie 
 mater wherof he wrote to her majestic in July last, and for which 
 purpos he desired to have sum singuler trusty persoune sent thither, 
 as now her majestic sendeth the sayde sir Rafe Sadleyr for that pur- 
 pos. * 
 
 Item, He shall understand privatly and apart the complaints of the 
 treasorer, and of Abington, touching the care of victailling, wherein 
 the souldyours find great lack, for that their victaill is nother season- 
 able, nor of reasonnable price ; and the victailler also complaineth, that 
 he cannot have his money retourned at the treasorers hands. Heriu 
 the sayd sir Rafe shall employe sum care to sett those maters in better 
 order. 
 
 Item, He shall also consyder with therle of Northumberland, and 
 with such others as he shall think meet, for the order of the castel of 
 Warke, f what is best to be done therewith. And before his depar- 
 
 * This short intimation conijiniicnds the principal object of Sadler's commission j his 
 powers, namely, to treat with llie Scottish insurgents. 
 
 f Situated on the southern bank of the Tweed, two miles west of Cornhill : its ruins oc- 
 cupy a high, and apparently an artificial rnount, at the end of the village, and overhang 
 the river. It belonged to sir Kalph (iray, to whose family it had been restored by ijuecn 
 Mary, upon an indenture for duly keeping and defending it. 
 
THE SCOTTISH REFORMATION, 15,59-60. 391 
 
 tiire from London, he shall require of the lord treasorer the copie or 
 the brief of thindentures betAvene the late quene Mary and Mr Gray 
 for that purpos. 
 
 Item, , He shall, if he see cause, deliver a lettre to the lady Carna- 
 by, * for the lendyng of the hous at liexam, which she hath there, 
 to the keaper of Tyndale, accordyng as the lord wardeyn thinketh it 
 necessary. 
 
 Finally, He shall, in all his doings, use conference with whom he 
 thinketh meet in the premisses, and shall use his wisdom to cause 
 things there at Berwyke to be better governid for her Majesties weall 
 and commodite ; and shall at such tyme as he thinketh meet, take the 
 musters of the garrisons there, and see how the olde garrison of the 
 towne is in order of service, for that it is doubted whither by pre- 
 tence of the new, the old be decayed. 
 
 Cecill. 
 
 No. IV. 
 To our trustk and welbeloved Sir Rafe Sadleyr, Knight, f 
 
 Elizabeth R. 
 Trusty and welbeloved, we grete you well. Lyke as we have uppon 
 greate trust conceaved in you, conferred for certen speciall service to 
 be doone by you uppon our frontiers towards Scotlande, so doo we au- 
 thorise you to conferr, treate, or practise, with any maner of person of 
 Scotland, ether in Scotland or England, for those purposees, and for 
 
 * The widow of sir Raynold, or Reginald Carnabie, who, in 1534, was one of the earl 
 of Northumberland's gentlemen of the bed-chamber, and lieutenant of the marches in 1537 
 jointly with his father, William Carnabie. The lady not chusing to surrender her house 
 to sir Francis Slingsby, keeper of Tynedale, occasioned much dispute between sir Ralph 
 Sadler and the earl of Northumberland, as appears from letters which follow. 
 
 t This letter contains sir Ralph Sadler's private powers. 
 
392 rZTTEilS DUKIKO THE WAR OF 
 
 the furderance of our service, and of any other thyiig that may tend 
 to make a perpetuall concord betwixt tlie nation of Scotland and ours. 
 We doo also authorise you to reward any manner of person of Scot- 
 land, with such somes of mony as ye shall thynk mete to be taken, of 
 the some of three thousand pounds, which we have ordred shuld be 
 delyvered unto you in gold. Wherin such discretion and secrecy is to 
 be used, as r\o parte of your doings maye empayre the treatyes of 
 peace lately concluded betwixt us and Scotland. And for enlarge- 
 ment of our furder meanina; in this, we referr vou to consider a me- 
 nioryall of certen articles to be delyvered to you by our secretory ; 
 whereunto ye shall not nede to have furder respect than the oportu- 
 nite of the tyme will requyre. Gyven under our signett the 8th of 
 August, at Nonsuch, 1559, the first yere of our reigne. * 
 
 No. V. 
 
 To our ven/ loving Frends, Sir Rafe Sadler, Kiiiglit, A'r James Crofts, 
 Knight, Captol of the Tozvn mid Castle of Banvik, and Sir William 
 Engle:py, Knight, Treasourer there, f 
 
 After our very harty commendacions. Where we understande, that 
 emongst others, that by ordre IVom hence w^ere of late discharged of 
 theyr intertaynement there in the north, one John Wylding and John 
 Stoddert were allso cassed emongst the rest. Forasmuche as we be en- 
 formed, aswell by our very good lorde therle of Northumberlande, as 
 otherwayse, notonely that these men have byn of very longcontynuance 
 in service there, but allso that they ar honnest persounes, and very ne- 
 cessarie men to be contynued still in intertaynement: we have thought 
 mete to require you, in caase it shall appere unto you, uppon enquirie 
 
 * The hand-writing is secretary Cecill's. 
 i' This letter is endorsed, Papers of great concerne. 
 
 7 
 
THE SCOTTISH UF.rOUlIATION, 1559*60. 393 
 
 of the matter, that the sayd personnes have remayned any long while 
 in service in tliose partes, and that they ar suche necessarie men as is 
 reported, to take ordre that they be agayne restored to theyr former 
 places, with suche entretayncnient as they have heretofore, in tymes 
 of peace, byn accustomed to have. And farther, whei e in the tyme of 
 Quene]\Iary, oneJolm I'ieming was, with fyfly gonners, suche as came 
 from Guysnes, sent unto Berwyk to serve tliere; lyke as this matter 
 was fyrst devised of intent to rehef the poore men, being then withowt 
 other succour ; so for that it was not therby ment to have the charges 
 of that nombre contynued any longer then during the lyves onely of 
 those L personnes that came from Guysnes ; and considering herewith- 
 all, that it is not lyke but that many of the sayd gonners that M'ere 
 fyrst placed there, ar either by death, or by absenting them sellfs 
 from thence, decayed by this tyme ; we have thought good, aswell 
 in respect hereof, as for that allso we understande the sayd voyde 
 tomes have byn supplyed by otlier men, contrary to the fyrst mean- 
 ing, to pray you to cause this matter to be substancially examined, 
 and not onely to cause such as have newely byn brought into the sayd 
 rome, and were not of the nombre of the said gonners that came from 
 Guysnes, to be all cassed, onelesse they, or any of them, shall appere un- 
 to you to be suche men, as for theyr skyll and qualities ar fyt to 
 be contynued in service ; but allso to take ordre, that from henceforth, 
 as any of the sayd fyfty gonners, that were fyrst placed in the sayd 
 rome, shall, by death or otherwyse, fayle, none other be suffred to come 
 in to his place, but that the roome may dye with the personne, accord- 
 ing to the fyrst intent. And bycause it was lately ordred from hence, 
 that the sayd John Fleming, having, at the fyrst entrie into the charge 
 of the sayd men, had the intertaynement of iiij= by the day, sholde be 
 abated of ij' thereof by the day, and remayne onely with the wao-is of 
 ij' per diem: we think it no reason but that thother officers under hym 
 sholde be, in lyke manner, abated of the fyrst wagis that was appointed 
 unto them, and therefore where the sayd Flemings mate hath hitherto 
 had ij' by the day, and iiij quarter-masters xvj*" eche of them by the. 
 VOL. I. 3d 
 
39i LETTERS DURING THE WAll OF 
 
 day, it is tliought here convenient that the sayd Flemings mates inter- 
 taynenient be brought to xvj'' by the da}', and the iiij quarter masters 
 to xij** by the day the j)eece, from henceforwards. VVe therefore require 
 you to take ordre forthwith therein, according to this determinacion. 
 And so we byd }ou liartely well to fare. From Hampton courte, the 
 xv"" of August, 1569. 
 
 Your loving frends, 
 W. NouTHT.' E. Rogers,* 
 
 Arundeli,* F. Knollys,^ 
 
 E. Clynton,' W. Cecill,' 
 
 W. Howard,* R. Sackeville,' 
 
 Tho. Parry,^ N. Wotton.'° 
 
 ' William Par, Marquis of Northampton. 
 
 * Henry Fitz-Alen, 10th earl of Arundel. He had been governor of Calais, and lord 
 chamberlain under the reign of Henry VHI. and was steward of the household to queen 
 Elizabeth. Arundel nourished the preposterous ambition of marrying this princess, who, 
 though she had no objection to her subjects being her lovers, did not think ot chusing any 
 one of them for a husband. He died in 1579-80. 
 
 ' Edward lord Clinton, lord high admiral, afterwards earl of Lincoln. 
 
 4 Wilham, first lord Howard of Effingham, son of the second duke of Norfolk, by a 
 second marriage. He died I 'Jth .January, 1572. 
 
 i Sir Thomas Parry, or Ap Harry, alias Vaughan, a distant relation of Cecil, by whom 
 he was probably introduced to the (|ueen's notice. He was comptroller of the household, 
 and master of the court of wards and livery, and died 15th December, 1559. 
 
 ^ Sir Edward Rogers, of Cannington, in Somersetshire. He was a steady reformer, and 
 fled into France from the fires of persecution, in the reign of Queen Mary. Sir Edward 
 was sworn a privy counsellor on queen Elizabeth's succession, and was afterwards comp- 
 troller of the household. He died in 1582. 
 
 7 Sir Francis KnoUys, son of Robert Knollys, gentleman of the bedchamber to Henry 
 VIII. He was a brave soldier, a zealous reformer, and even supposed to be attached to 
 the tenets of the puritans. In queen Elizabeth's reign he obtained the garter, was vice- 
 chamberlain, captain of her guard, and treasurer of her chamber. He was also one of the 
 instruments of persecution whom Elizabeth employed against the unfortunate Mary. In 
 15!»fi he died, treasurer of the ([uccn's household. 
 
 8 Sir William Cecil, principal secretary, afterwards lord Burleigh, and lord high trea- 
 surer. 
 
 9 Sir Richard Sackville, chancellor of the court of augmentations, and under treasurer 
 of the eschrqw-r. He «as, says Camden, a person of a wise foresight, and the queen's 
 kinsman, by his mutlier, v\ho was a Boieyn. At his death, in 155ti, he was succeeded in 
 
 10 
 
THE SCOTTISH REFORMATIOX, 1 5,5.0-60. 595 
 
 No. VI. 
 
 Cflppie of a Lettre sente fo the Doxcager of Scotlamk by therle of 
 
 North II m baiand. 
 
 I\Iay it please your grace to be advertised, that accordinge to your 
 graces lettres, sendinge the conteuue of the same unto tlie Queanes Ma- 
 jestic and hir councell, before the arryvall whereof her Majestic was 
 determinede, and had maide comission to such as hir highnes pleasure 
 is, shall commune of those affaires, who, as I perceive, are sir Raufe 
 Sadler, Mr Croftes, capteine of Barwyk, and my selfe, as by hir Ma- 
 jesties letres, herewith, all sent unto your grace, I trust will appeare 
 and be declared. And further, I ame enformede that Mr Sadler wilbe 
 ' heare on Fridaie next, so as if it may so staunde with your graces plea- 
 sure, it shall be verie good for losse of tyme that your graces comis- 
 sioners, and all suche thinges as are requisite for that purpose, shalbe 
 in aredines ; whereupon beinge ascertainede, your grace shall have with 
 all speade advertisment of tyme and place accordinglie. Furthermore, 
 the deputies and officers of that your realme have bene at Alnwyke 
 accordinge to the laite appointment, Avhere I suppose the} have bene 
 in all maters aunswered accordinge to justice, as I trust themselfes will 
 testitie; and for that they were not in suche forwardnes to aunswer 
 our complaintes as they thought conveniente, they desired further daie 
 then was ap])ointed, which is agread unto, not dowbtinge but that your 
 grace will geve order that the lyke procediuges shalbe used, towardes 
 the lieges and subiects of this realme, by your graces officers for the 
 mantenance of good rule on the borders, and repressinge of offenders, 
 
 the queen's favour by his son, Thomas Sackville, who was created lord Buckhurst, and 
 founded liie ducal family of Dorset. 
 
 »° Nicholas Wotton, dean of Canterbury and York. He was much employed in foreign 
 negotiations, during the reigns of Henry VIII. and his successor, and died in 1566, after, 
 having served in nine embassies to the several states of Europe. 
 
396 LETTERS DURING THE WAR OF 
 
 theaves, and true breakers, for the which (as I have diverse times 
 heretofore done) I shall most humblie beseache your grace to have 
 suche consideracion therin as to justice, with honor and quietnes of 
 bothe realmes, shall apperteigne. And so I committ your grace to 
 Ahnightie God. From Warkworth, the xvj"" of August, 1559- 
 
 No. vir. 
 
 The Erie of Northumberland to Sir Ralph Sadler. * 
 
 After my right hartie comendacions unto you. And forasmuche as 
 the instructions declare, that we shall sende one with the queues ma- 
 jesties letres to the quene regent of Scotlande; and to move that expe- 
 dicione might be used in the causes of our comissione, I have therefore 
 made a letre in the mame of yourselfe, Mr Croftes, and me, which you 
 shall receyve hereinclosed, together with the quenes highnes letres to 
 the said regent, which yf you do not myslike, then may you and Mr 
 Croftes seigne it, and send it awaie by Henry Ray the pursyvant (of) 
 Berwike, or other, as shall please you. And if you do not thinke it 
 to passe in that sorte, tliat it will please you to devise the maner 
 thereof, and ether to send it from yourselfcs, or to retorne it hether ; and 
 as you shall determyne, it shalbe used. But for conveyaunce, althoughe, 
 accordinge to my sayinge unto you, I have vvr3'tten to Thomas Clave- 
 ringe f to be in aredynes for the purpose upon your comandement, if 
 it shuld chaunce the pursyvaunt not to be there, or that ye wold have 
 
 * Endorsed, To my assured loving frend sir Raiift'Sadlcr, knight, at Barwick, geve this in 
 hast, hast, post hast, for thie lief, lief, lief. Delivered at Warkworth the xixth of August, at 
 3 of the clok in the afternoone. Rassaved at Alnevvike after vth of cloke in the afternone. 
 Rassaved at Belfourd the xix da off August at ix off the cloke at night. 
 
 t Who, as elsewhere appears, was farmer of the demesnes at Norham, by a lease from 
 sir Henry Percy, brother to the carl. Clavering, perhaps as being a dependant on the Percy 
 family, seems to have been held in great suspicion by Sadler, who repeatedly expresses an 
 an.xious wish that he should be removqd from his situation at Norham. 
 
THE SCOTTISH REFORMATION, 1559-60. 397 
 
 the said Claveringe to travel! therein, yet for diverse causes, and spe- 
 cially for the metinge at Jcdworth for thanswere of oure bills, he 
 may presentlie be verie evell forborne, which I shall require you to 
 consider accordinglie. And so byd you most haretelie farwell. Frome 
 Warkworth, the xix'" of August, 1559. 
 
 Your assured loving frend, 
 
 Northumberland. 
 
 postscript. 
 Ye shall receyve also here inclosed a copie of my last lettres to the 
 queue dowager and regent of Scotland, accordinge to suche letres as I 
 receyved from my lordes of the councell and Mr Cecill, of the which 
 as yet I have had none answere. I have wrytten to Thomas Clavering 
 that yf any answere thereof be come unto his handes, or do come, that 
 they shalbe brought unto you, which I pray you to brek up and pe- 
 ruse, and therebie ye shall the better understand what is to be wryt- 
 ten or saide by this message. 
 
 No. VIII. 
 
 Copie of a Lett re from the Dozvagier of Scotland to therle of Northum- 
 berland. 
 
 After our hartie commendations. We have receyved a letre from 
 the quene your soverain, and an other of your owne, declaring the 
 commission given to you, sir Rate Sadleir, and sir James Croft, and 
 reparing of the saide sir Rafe towardes the bordeis to that effect, de- 
 siering that our commissioners, and all suche things as shalbe requi- 
 site for that purpose, maye be in a readiness. For satisfieng of the 
 whiche desier, we shall immediatelie give commaundement to expede 
 the commission for the parte of this realme, and make advertisement to 
 
39S LETTERS DURING THE AVAR OF 
 
 therle Boitliuile and his colleags to put tlicmselfes in a readines, and 
 therafter give you warning what daye they niaye kepe for meting, and 
 appointe summe convenient place for the same. Thus referring the 
 residue to their advertisement, we committ you to the tuicion of Al- 
 mightie God. At Edinburgh, the xix daye of August, 1559- 
 
 La toiite vast re, 
 
 Marie R. 
 
 To therle of Northumbei/and, 
 Ueuttetiant of' the North Paits of England 
 foreanents Scotland. 
 
 No. IX. 
 
 To therle of Northimiherhmd, JFarden of thest ami middle marches of 
 England, Sir Rape Sadleir, and Sir James Cuoft, Knighfi: 
 
 After our hartie commendations. We have receyved your letre of 
 Warkworth, the 19 of this instant, purporting in effect, that ye have 
 receyved commission from the quene your soverain to mete suche 
 persons of this reahne as shall please us to appoynt, to determyne and 
 conclude uppon the matiers therby committed unto you, desiering that 
 .you may understand by this berer, aswell our commissioners for that 
 purpose appointed, as also their mynds of the tyme and place of meting; 
 this shalbe to signefie unto you, that for the present the persons we 
 thinke convenient to ioyne with you beyng absent, and sumnie of 
 them occupied in the same border affaires, we have sent for them to be 
 with us shortelie for receving of their commission and instructions, 
 unto whose comming we cannot give you resolute aunswer; but they 
 shall cause you be certefied by their letres of the poyntes ye nowe 
 requyer of us, wherin ye shall well perceive suche diligence, as we 
 shalbe lathe to see our tyme driven, or so good a purpose put in de- 
 
THE SCOTTISH REFORMATION, 1559-60. Sgg 
 
 laye. Thus we committ you unto Alniin;]itie God. At EdinburHi 
 the 23d of August, 1559. 
 
 La toute vostre, 
 
 Marie R. 
 
 No. X. 
 
 Sir Rafe Sabler and Sir James Croft to Mr Sec. Cecili.. 
 
 : It may like you to understonde, that upon tharryvall here of me 
 sir Rafe Sadler, we have conferred togither upon this secrete aftayree, 
 which it hathe pleased the queues majestic to committe unto us ; and 
 considering tiie state and perplexite therof, albeit we cannot iudo^e 
 wliat is to be hoped for certenty at their hands whom we have to do 
 withall, * yet we thinke it good polycie, that if they may be by any 
 meanes incouraged and comforted to folowe their enterprises, the same 
 be not neglected on our parts. And therfore, thinking it not amisse 
 that they might understonde of tharryvall of me the saide Sir Rafe; 
 forasmoch as at my commyng hither here was a secret messenger sent 
 from Knox, I sir Jamcj Crofts have by him signefied the same by my 
 lettres unto the said Knox, wishing that Mr Henry Balnaves, f or som 
 other discrete and trustie man, might repayre in such secret manei", and 
 to such a place, as I have apoynted here, to thintent we might con- 
 ferre \\n\h. him touching their affayrees, supposing that shortly we shall 
 receyve som answer in that parte, wherof we shall advertise you with 
 such spede as the case shall require. 
 
 And uppon further consideracion of this matier, it semeth unto us, 
 that nothing might more advaunce the same, then the presence of therle 
 
 * At the hands of the Scottish nobles associated for the cause of religion, under title of 
 the Lords of the Congregation. 
 
 t Mr Henry Balnaves of Hallhill, who figures among the favourers of the Scottish 
 Reformation. 
 
400 LETTERS DURING THE WAR OF 
 
 of Arrayn in Scotland, Avho sliouldc have more estymacion there 
 then his father,* and shoulde be well hable to take the matier in hande 
 if his father wold e refuse; wherfore it were no evill polycie to haste 
 him thither, For^lbeit the duke hath withdrawen himself from the 
 regents partie, yet is he not so fully inclyned to thothers devocion as 
 they desire. Albeit they have good hope of the same. 
 7' It seemeth they make litle or none accompt of the French power 
 which is loked for out of France, wishing that the same shoulde rather 
 com then not; for as the nomber can not be greate, so thinke they, 
 that the same shoulde so stirre and irritate the herts of all Scottish 
 men, as they" wolde holly and firmely adhere and sticke together, 
 wherby their power shoulde so increase, as they shoulde be well able 
 both to expell the French out of Scotlande, and also the better achieve 
 the rest of their hole purpose. In which case, as I sir James Crofts 
 understonde by Knox, they woll require ayde of the quene's maiestie, 
 for thenterteynemente and wagis of xv' (1500) arquebusiers, and iij* 
 (300) horsemen, which, if they may have, then Fraunce (as Knox 
 sayeth) shall sone understonde theyre mynds. And if any such ayde 
 shalbe required, albeit we thinke it not good, we intende not to answer 
 them, so as they shalbe Avithout hope thereof, yet wolde we be glad 
 to understonde the queues maiesties pleasure in that parte, wishing, 
 if it may be loked for that any good effect shall folow, that her maies- 
 tie shoulde not, for the spending of a grete dele more then the charge 
 of their demande amounteth unto, pretcrmitte such an oportunyte. 
 
 And to say our poure mynds unto you, we see not but her highnes 
 must be at some charge with them, for of bare words onely, though 
 they may be comfortable, yet can they receyve no comforte. The be- 
 stowing of ij or iij"" (2 or 3000) crownes to relieve them, which have 
 susteyned grete losses, and spent, as we understonde, in maner all they 
 had in this matier; now to incourage them to do somwhat, and if 
 
 * The feeble and vacillating disposition of the duke of Chatelherault, of which he shew- 
 ed so many instances vi hen governor, liad rendered him contemptible, in siiite of his high 
 rank and relation to the crown. • 
 
 2 
 
THE SCOTTISH REFORM ATIOV, 1559-60. 4OI 
 
 the same be well spent, a grete dele more cannot but be well employ- 
 ed ; and if such effect do not folow thereof as we desire, her highnea 
 must accompte that she hathe cast so moche into the see, the losse 
 -whereof may be easily born and recovered, and cyther must her ma- 
 iesty adventure the losse of money amongst them, or ells leave them 
 to themselfs, for we see not that the meane can serve the turne in this 
 parte. 
 
 Thus be we bolde to expresse our poure mynds, as men desirous to 
 do our dueties in thys service, which we shall attende to thuttermost of 
 our witts and power: besecliing you to let us be often advertised and 
 instructed from tyme to tyme, of the quenes maiesties pleasure. And 
 that we may also understonde, as the case shall require, of such adver- 
 tisements as ye shall have outof Fraunce, from tyme to tyme, wherupon 
 we may the better direct and frame our doings here in this service. 
 August 20, anno 1559. 
 
 No. xr. 
 
 Sir James Crofts to John Knox.* 
 
 I have receyved your lettres, with others addressed to Mr Cecil, 
 which 1 have depeched unto him. Assone as any answer of the same 
 shalbe retourned, you Shall understonde it. And forasmoche as before 
 tharryvall of your messenger here, I understode that sir Rafe Sadler 
 was specially directed hither from the courte for these affayres, I 
 thought good to stay your saide messenger untill his arryvall ; for that 
 I thought to have som good matier whereof to advertise you. And 
 now the saide sir Rafe is here presently, who, and J also, wolde be 
 glad to have som conference eyther with Mr Henry Balnaves, or som 
 other discrete and trusty man, for the better expedicion of this grete 
 
 * The hand-writing is sir Ralpl; Sadler's. 
 vol. I. 3 E 
 
> 
 
 Hi 
 
 402 LETTERS DURING THE "WAR OP 
 
 and weightie busyness, which you have in hande; wheruppon you shall 
 understonde how moche your cause is tendered, and also, I trust, re- 
 ceyve such comforte as shalbe to your good contentacion. And if 
 ]\Ir Bahiaves, or whosoever shall com, it shalbe best that he com by 
 sea to Holy Ilande, there to remayne quyetly with capitayn Rede, 
 till I may be advertised of his arryvall there, and thereuppon I shall 
 take order for his conveyance hither, in suche secret maner as the case 
 doth requyre.* August 20, 1559. 
 
 No. XII. 
 
 Seaxtary Cecill'J' to Sir Ralph Sadler. 
 
 This dayelhave receaved your lettre dated the20tli of this moneth. 
 For answer of the substance wherof the quenes maiestie hath wrytten 
 to you, Mr Sadler, at this present. It is thought that a paye of ij 
 moneths wold well serve at this present, the yere being so farr spent 
 as it is, and so might a thousand harquebusiers be mayntened ij moneths 
 with less than ij thowsand pownds, and iij" horsemen, for the lyke 
 space, with vij"-'- It is required that the Mr of Maxwell might be al- 
 lured with some gentle lettres, but of what argument, and to what end, 
 it is not known. In your conferences, me thinketh, the protestants 
 there should be thus perswaded, that considering we be in peace with 
 
 * The first copy was worded as follows, but is now crossed out. " To be addressed hither by- 
 see to Holy Island, from the lords, with som instructions from the lords of the congregation 
 of their niynds, and intents, how they iutende to precede, with « horn we may conferre 
 what is to be don in this greate and weightie busyness, which they have in hande, where- 
 uppon they shall understonde by the saide sir Rafe and me, how ernestiy this ijuenes ma- 
 iestie, my saide sovereign, doth tender their cause, and also shall rectyve such comforte at 
 her hands, as thereby they shall well perceyve that she doth no lesse tender their cause 
 then they themselfs do, and woll do as moche for the furtheraunce of the same godly action 
 as she well may with her lionour, and as the equyte of their cause reijuireth." 
 
 t In Cecill's own hand-writing. 
 
 12 
 
THE SCOTTISH REFORMATION, 1559-60. 403 
 
 there enemyes, and may not conveniently breake without great iniurye 
 offered unto us, or evident commoditee therby ensuing, that therfore 
 they shuld devise such wayes wherby they might be helped by us, and 
 yet we to remayne in peace as we do. As for any iniurye offered, it 
 is so farr of, as now presently beyond expectation and custome also; 
 the French make many shews of great goodwill towardes us ; wherin, 
 notwithstanding, we be tought not to be deceaved. As for any evi- 
 dent comniodite herby insuing, it is rather apparently dowtfull than 
 certeyn, and so wilbe, except they shall make more spede hereafter than 
 they have done. I will procure the young man* to come thyther in 
 hast, assone as he commeth hyther, which I thynk wilbe x or xij dayes 
 hence. I wish Ballnavuss there with you. 
 
 Out of France we have not many newes, and yet ye shall have them 
 as they be. The 13 hereof the old king was buryed, the new pro- 
 clamed, and no more but with the acf-nstomed style, although they 
 have a scale ingraving for the aflayres of Scotland, with the armes and 
 style of England and Ireland. What will succede I know not.f The 
 XV of this moneth the Kingof Navarr was not at the courte, but looked 
 for on the 17th. He is offended that so great hast is made with the 
 sacre of the new King, which shalbe the 10 of the next. All the car- 
 dinalls of France, saving Lorrayne, is gone to Roome to the deth of the 
 old, or creation of a new pope. The King of Spayne is not yet past 
 by. The French were embarked the xx"*" of this moneth, being in 
 nomber 14 sayles, but as yet I have no knoledg certen of there passing 
 by. There is 1000 pykes, and 1000 harquebusiers. One Octavian, 
 
 * The earl of Arran. 
 
 t He alludes to the succession of Francis II. and Mary of Scotland to the French 
 crown. It seems to have been expected, that they would have assumed, among their titles, 
 that of King and Queen of England, in consequence of the illegitiniacy imputed to Eliza- 
 beth by the catholics. It is well known, that Queen Mary's quartering the arms of Eng- 
 land with those of France and Scotland, was the mortal oflence which Elizabeth never 
 forgave. 
 
404 LETTERS DURING THE WAE OF 
 
 an old Mi/leiwr* of this court, hath cheff clianlge. La Bross, and the 
 bishop of Amyens,. followeth the bishop as a legate from Roome. 
 
 Theciuenes niaiestie is half hoole half in doiit of an agew. God send 
 her as good helth as she hath a hart. I pray you send this lettre in- 
 cluded, as ye niaye saftly to the duke, and so I end. If Mr Lee be 
 not come, tell hyni that he shall have his lettre of lycens at my house, 
 by Stamford. I trust you, Mr Sadler, knowe his meaning. God be 
 with you, and us also. From Hampton court, the 24th of August. 
 
 Yours, assured, 
 
 W. Clcill. 
 
 No. XIII. 
 
 The Copie of Mr Secretary C- cirr's Lettre to the Duke o/'Chastel- 
 
 H£iiAULT, ■ I Scotland. 
 
 Maye it please your grace, after myne humble and lefull commen- 
 dacions. I have receved your lettre of thankes, given to me for my 
 good ^\\\ shewed towards your sonne,t who, indede, for his reaported 
 qualities deserveth more than I can shewe, and therfore whatsoever I 
 have doone I acknowledge it due to him, and so therby I am indebted 
 to your grace for your thankes. I beseche your grace at this present, 
 neglect not suche oportunitie of dooyng good to your countrey, as tie 
 lyke was ne\ er oftVed this j 00 yeres, nor percase shall not many other 
 10!' happen, if this tyme be omytted. llepentance doothe most harnie 
 where no remedie remaineth. But I will not molest your grace with 
 niy writing; this one thing I covet, to have this isle well united in 
 
 * 2. e. A native of Milan. This same captain Octavian shortly afterwards arrived at 
 Leith, with a regiment of French soldiers. 
 
 t The aioresii'd e^'H of Arraii being driven to take refuge in England, it would see;i! 
 that liis father hud bespoke fojr him the protection of Cecil. 
 
THE SCOTTISH REFORMATIOK, 1559-60. 405 
 
 concord, and tlien coulde I be content to leave my lief and the ioye 
 therof to our posterite. I doo send iierincluded a lettre from your 
 graces sonnes servauiit, to wlioin I have given the best advice that I 
 coulde. for the accomplishing of his errand, wherof I trust in God to 
 heare within theis l^dayes. And so I take my leave, prayeng Almightie 
 God to make you the instrument of his true honor, against Antichrist, 
 the pcrpctuail enemye of his deare sonne, our Saviour Christ. From 
 Hampton courte, the 24th of August, 1559. 
 
 Your gracis, at command, 
 
 W. Cecill. 
 
 Sitpscripflon, 
 To the Duke of Chastellhcrault, in Scotland. 
 
 No. XIV. 
 
 To our trusty and n-elbeloved Counsellor Sir Raff Sadler, Knight, at 
 
 Barwyk. 
 
 Elizabeth R. 
 Trusty and wclbeloved, we greate you well. We have sene your 
 lettres and sir James Crofts to our secretary, dated the 20th of this 
 moneth, and uppon consideration aswell thereof, as uppon certen let- 
 tres sent from others there, whereof sir James Crofts was privee, and 
 sent them to our sayd secretory, we thynk it convenient that ye shall 
 imparte such monny as was comtnitted to you at your departure, or so 
 much thereof as ye shall thynk mete, in the secretest manner that ye 
 can, to such persons, and to such intents, as maye most effectually 
 furder and avance that manner of service, that hath bene specially 
 reconmiended unto you. And therin we do recommend the maner 
 and circumstancees hereof to your discretion, using therein at your 
 choise ether the counsell of the sayd sir James, or sir Henry Percy, or 
 
406 UTTERS DURING THE WAR OP 
 
 any other our trusty servants there. Gy ven under our signett the 24 
 of August, 1555. 
 
 No. XV. 
 
 To the Querns Majestie, from Sir Rafe Sadleir and Sir James 
 
 Croft. 
 
 Please it your highness to understonde, that, forasmoche as sir Rafe* 
 secretarie, now repayring to your majestic, can well declare the 
 state of the fortificacions here, Ave shall referre the same to his re- 
 porte. And nevertheles have thought it our parte to signefie unta 
 your majestie, that, in our poure opynyons, it were mete, considering 
 your highnes charges here he grete, that som of the nohilite and of your 
 gracis consaile might rejmyre hither before the spring of the next 
 ^ere to view the same,* not doubting but whosoever do com woll thinke 
 his travaile well bestowed ; for surely tlie works are wourthie the seing, 
 and, as we thinke, be both fayre, and lykelye to be made very strong, 
 wherein grete expedition hathe ben used hitherto, wishing that it may 
 please your majesty to be content that the same may be folowed to the 
 ende, with all the hast that may be; for as it is our duties to let your 
 highnes understande the trowth, so we must neds say, that albeit your 
 majestie hathe ben at grete charge, and as moch don for the same as 
 coulde be in so shorte tymc, yet we see not that the towne is of any 
 more strength then it was before tbe works began ; but as it was of 
 litle or no strength before, so is it at tliis present of such wekenes, a» 
 if thenemye knew thadvantage thereof, it were easily surprised, which 
 uppon the view of the place may well be perceyved. "We referre the 
 better explanacion thereof to the said sir Rafes secretarie, who can 
 better expresse the same to your majestie then we can write it. For 
 
 * The duke of Norfolk was sent accordingly. 
 
THE SCOTTISH REFORMATION, 1539-60. 40'}' 
 
 the help whereof, we wish that it may please your majestic this next 
 I yere to bestowe asmoche uppon tliese fortiiicacions as hatha ben spent 
 here these ij yeres before, wherewith we thinke your highnes townc 
 wilbe closed, and put in such strength as the enemye can not have 
 that advantage. In the meane season, we see not but your majestic 
 must be at charge with the greter garrisons of men, which after the 
 towne is in strengthe may be abated, as to your highnes shalbe thought 
 convenient. Aug. 28, 1559. 
 
 No. XVL 
 
 A Copie of the Scottishe Commissioners Commission. 
 
 Frmciscus et Maria, Dei gratia rex et regina Francorum ac Scoio- 
 rian, S^c. Univcrsis et singulis ad quorum notitias presentes Uttere perve- 
 nerint salutem. Cum superiori hello quod inter Scotos et Anglos gestum 
 est viulti utrinque capti sunt, quorum alii nulla habita ratione Jederis ab 
 eo tempore initi etiamnum captivi delineantur carceribus inclusi ; alii non 
 prius lit ad siios remearent impet rare pot uerunt quam cautione interposita 
 aiit saltern Jide data de redditu cavissent, quo Jit ut perpetuam servitutem 
 perpetiantur semperque in metu vivant inccrti qua hora in dominorum po- 
 testatem redire cogantur. Accedit ad hec quod in conventibus piiblicis, 
 que ad utriusque regni limit es per gardianos utjus leddant, haberi soknt, 
 inde etiam proveniat litiitm odii, et inimicitiarum seges uberima cum alii 
 alios prescriptis, verbis, et soletmi quodam ritu publice notant, quod jidem 
 fej'ellerint, cui mala mederi volentcs atque id genus captivorum calamita- 
 tem miserati, iitqiie hoc belli seminarium, priusquam altiores agat radices, 
 funditus tvllatiir, commissarios ad id deligere statuimus, qui cum Anglis 
 super ea redclibermt. Itaque de pr obit ate, industria, et ergo nostra man- 
 data Jide delecticonsanguinei nostri Jacobi comitis Boithuil,* domini Haitlis, 
 
 * This was the infamous James earl of Bothwel, the original cause of all Mary's sufferings. 
 
408 ' LETTERS DURING THE WAR OF 
 
 et Creichfoni, admiralU nostri ; dilecti et Jidi .consiliarii nostri Richardi 
 Jllait/a/id de Lethiugtoun, inilitis ; f et diked nostri IValteri Ker de Ces' 
 surd,'l militis gardimii rnediarum marchiarum ?iostri regni versus Angliam, 
 plurimum co)ijidc)Uai, cos et eurum duos fecimus, const it uimus, creavin^us, 
 et ordinavin'iis^ ac per prtr.se.ntes facimus, const it niiiitis, crennius, et ordi- 
 namus. Dandis concedentis et committentis eisdem vel eorum diiobiis nos- 
 tram plenum potestatem ac mandatum sptciale cum strenissime regine 
 Anglie sororis nostre commissariis sujfficitntcm potestatem ad id hubcini' 
 bus, quibuscumque diebus tt locis eis visum Juerit, conveniendi deliberandi- 
 que et concludendi nan modo super redemptione captivorum, protioque liber- 
 tatis, quo quisque solute libernbitur, verumetiam super sarciendis iiijuriis 
 que utrinque ab inito pads Jedere out indutiis sunt illate ; utque prC' 
 missa commodius fieri valeant serenissime regine Anglie commissarios et 
 oratores antedictos eorumq. famulitia comitatus et sequelas in regno nos- 
 tra sub Jide publica toties quoties opus fuerit introducendi et liumaniter 
 tractandi indcq. salvos reducendi et generalxter alia omnia et singula fa-^ 
 ciendi exercendique que in premissis, et circa ea neccssaria aut aliquo moda 
 oportuna fuerint, tcanetsi mandatum magis speciale quam presentibus est 
 expression, requirant, promittentes bona Jide in verba regio nos Jirina at- 
 que stabilia habituros omnia et singula quecmique in premissis aut aliquo 
 eorum per nostras predictos commissarios vel duos eorum contigerint jicri 
 conveniri ac concludi, nee unqiiam contraventwos, sed observaturos eodem 
 inviolabiliter. In quorum Jidem omnium et singulorum testimonium mag- 
 num sigillum nostrum presentibus manu charissime matris nostre Alurie 
 regine dotai'ie et regent is, nostri rcgni subscript is appvni fecimus ajud 
 Edinburgh vicesimo octavo die mensis Augusti, anno Duinini millesimo 
 
 t Sir Richard Maitland of T>ethington and Tiiirlestane, the father of the celebrated se- 
 cretary of (juecii Mary, arid the no less able cliancelior of king James VI. Sir Richard 
 Maitland hiinseU was a man of great talent, and a respectable poet. See hjs Poems, edi- 
 ted by Pinkerton in 1780. This venerable statesman and poet died in 1586, aged ninety 
 
 years. 
 
 + Sir Walter Kerr of Cessford and Ahltonburn, ancestor of the dukes of Roxburgh. He 
 was an active warrior and a powerful border baron, and died very old about 1584. 
 
THE SCOTTISH REFORMATION, 1559-60. 4O9 
 
 quingentesimo tjui/iquagesimo mm, et regmrum mstrorum annis prhm 
 et decimo neptimo. 
 
 No. XVIL 
 
 Sir Rafe Sadler to Secretary Cecill. 
 
 Sir, 
 I do perceyve by the quenes majesties lettres to me lastly addressed, 
 that her highnes pleasure is I shoulde in this secret affayre use the 
 coumaile and advise of sir James Croft, sir H. Percy,* or any other 
 her majesties trustie servaunts here, at my choise. But in mynn npy- 
 nyon, the fewer be pryvy to it tlie better. Onely I have hitherto 
 joyned M'ith sir James Croft in this matier, and so I intende to do 
 still; praying you that such lettres as it shall please the quenes ma- 
 jestic, you, or the lords of the counsell to write hither in this matier, 
 may be addressed and directed to him and me ioyntly, so that he may 
 perceyve that we be ioyned together in this commission. Surely this 
 busynes shalbe the better accomplished ; for besyds that he is best ac- 
 quaynted with the matier, so is he a wise man, secret and diligent, 
 both in this and all other things tending to the advauncement of the 
 quenes majesties service. As for sir H, Percy, I saw him not yet ; for 
 he hathe not ben nere the fronteirs syns I cam hither, nor a <>ood 
 while before; nor do I judge him a man of such integryte as in any 
 wise may be comparable to sir James Croft. And therle his brother, 
 
 * Sir Henry Percy, second son of sir Thomas Percy, who was executed in 1537 on ac- 
 count of A.ske's rebellion, and brother of Thomas, seventh earl of Northumberland. Having 
 remained attached to the queen, and even taken arms against the insurgents, in the t-rcat 
 northern rebellion, headed by his brother and Westmoreland, he escajied one great peril, 
 and succeeded to the family titles and domains upon his brother's execution, in ^572. But 
 havmg engaged in lord Paget's enterprize for setting queen Mary at liberty, and being 
 imprisoned, he shot himself through the heart to prevent the attainder and forfeiture which 
 must liave attended a conviction for treason. 
 
 VOL. I. 3 Y 
 
410 LETTEKS DURING THE WAR OF 
 
 I assure you, a very unmete man for that charge, which is comytted 
 unto him here. I can not be close mouthed in such things, specyally 
 when it standetli uppon thadvancement or hinderaunce of the queues 
 majesties service, trusting you woU take it in good parte, and iudge of 
 -me that I speke it for none other respect, but for my dueties sake 
 to the queues majestic, M'hose officirs and mynisters, spec3'al]y uppon 
 this frontier, I wishe to be such as were most mete and hable to go- 
 verne such a charge. 
 
 The direction of your paquet was, me thought, fondely wrytten by 
 the clerke that wrote it, wherein he maketli me the queues ambassa- 
 dour resydent uppon the frontiers of Scotlande. * I thought to tell 
 you of it, because it may be amended from henceforth. 29 August, 
 1559. 
 
 No. XVIII. 
 
 Sir Rafe Sadler and Sir James Croft io Secretary Cecill. 
 
 Sir, 
 We have receyved your lettres of the xxiiij'" of August; and as the 
 matier and tyme woU serve, we shall not faile taccomplishe our comis- 
 sion in that parte with no lesse good will and diligence, then our boun- 
 den duetie requireth. But hitherto syns tharryval here of me, sir 
 Rafe Sadler ; we have harde nothing from the protestants, the cause 
 whereof we iudge to be for that they be so farre of, or ells they are 
 waxen very colde in their busynes ; yet we understande that they have 
 had soundry conventions aud meetings, both at Glasco and Sterling, 
 though we know not certenly to what ende ; but as we here from 
 them, which we howrly loke for, so we shall precede with them, and 
 advertise you thereof with diligence. 
 
 * Such a direction was inconsistent with th secrecy to be observed in the negociation 
 
 with the reformers. 
 
 12 
 
THE SCOTTISH UEFORMAJION, 1559-60. 411 
 
 The French are newly arryved in tlie Fryth, which, as some say, be 
 iiij or V euseignes; but the certen nombre is yet unknowen to us.* We 
 tliinke the sone will stirre up, and exasperate the protestants ; orells if 
 they suffer still, and tbrflowe their tyme, it is lyke er it be long they 
 woll repent it, when they shall have litle reniedie. 
 
 The lettres addressed to the duke of Chastellherault, I sir James 
 Croft woll take ordre to sende unto him, I trust, in safetie, with as much 
 spede as I can. Uppon tharryvall here of me the saide sir Rafe, we sent 
 the quenes majesties lettres to the regent of Scotlande, by the pursy- 
 vaunt of this towne, and also therle of Northumberland ; and we 
 wrote to her to know her pleasure, both for her comissioners and our 
 meting for the border matiers ; and such answer as she hath made unto 
 us in that part, you shall percey ve by the copie of her lettre which yon 
 shall receyve herewith. Thus we leave to trouble you till we have 
 other matier to wryte of; and so comytte you to the tuycion of Al- 
 mightie God, &c. 29 Aug. 1559- 
 
 Postscr'ipta. I sir James Croft receyved this lettre hereinclosed from 
 Knox, answering somwhat to that I wrote to him of tharryval here of 
 me the saide sir Rafe, and of our desyre to speke with Mr Henry Bal- 
 naves, or som other trustie man to be sent hither from them, as we 
 wrote to you in our last lettres. You shall not muse that he calleth 
 himself John Sinclear, for so his name is chaunged in all lettres, that 
 passe betwixt me, the saide sir James and him, by both our agrenients^ 
 
 * This reinforcement of the queen-dowager's French forces, consisting of a thousand men, 
 commanded by the Italian leader Octavian, were a part of a much larger reinforcement ; 
 but a tempest had dispersed the convoy, and driven many transports upon the coast. With 
 this force the queen-regent immediately began to fortify Leith. 
 
412 LETTERS DUUINO THE WAR OF 
 
 XIX. 
 
 Therle of Northumberland to Sir Ralph Sadler, 
 
 * After my verie haitie comendacions unto yoiu I recey ved lettres from 
 my brother Slingisbie * fom Berwicke, before his going to Jedbrughe, 
 to the daie of Trewes, that yoii declared unto hyin, that ye had certen 
 instructions from the queues majestes, concernynge the house of the 
 ladie Carnabie at Hexham, wherein she denyed the keaper of Tindale 
 to have any easement of lodgeing ; and that you willed hym to advise 
 me not to precede with any further intermedhng in that matter, till 
 suche tyme, as I shuld here from you. Whereupon I have all this 
 while staled lokinge for your direction, and as yet have receyved none 
 advertisement from you in that behalf Nowe foras moche as the 
 usage of that matter by the said ladie and her frendes hathe bene and 
 is suche evell example of disobedience to thauctoritie, that thereupon 
 imdoubtedly may, and will ensue more inconveniente then is suflferablcj 
 as partlie by experience is proved; 1 shall therefore desire you, that I 
 may knowe the queues majestes pleasure, and your dyrection therein. 
 So that I may thereupon dischardg myself of my duetie as shall ap- 
 perteigne, and as to your wisedome shall seame good. And thus I 
 bid you most hartlie fare M'ell. From Warkworthe, the xxix"" of Au- 
 gust, 1559. 
 
 Your assured loving frend, 
 
 Northumberland. 
 
 Superscription. — To my verie hvinge frende sir llaiif 
 Sadler, knight at Benciek, geve this in hast, hast, post 
 hast, with all possible diligence, hast, hast. Delivered 
 at Warkworthe, the xxix"" of August, at eleven of' the 
 clok before nooiie. 
 
 * Sir Franris Slingsby of Scriven and Redhousc, in Yorkshire. This gentleman niariied 
 Mary, sister ot the earl of ^Jorthunaberland, and was the ancestor of the present sir Thomas 
 
THE SCOTTISH REFORMATION, ISjQ-GO. 413 
 
 No. XX. 
 
 Thcrk of Northumberland to Sir Ralph Sadler. 
 
 After my verie hartie comendacions unto you. Having receyved 
 lettres from my loid<'s of the councell directed unto you and me, co- 
 pies whereof do sende you herein closed. And upon your advertise- 
 ment and opinion in that behalf, I shalbe redie j/mediately thereupon 
 to dischardge the footmen at VVarke. Ami so I byd you hartlie fare 
 well. From Wark worth the xxx"" of August, 1559. 
 Your assured loving trend, 
 
 Northumberland.* 
 
 To my verie loving frend sir Raiiff" Sadler, knight, 
 at Berwicke. Geve this in haU, hast, post hast, with all 
 diligence possible. Delivered at Warkeworth the xxx'" 
 of August, at nxjne of the cloke before none. 
 
 Copy ofLettrefrom Lords of the Privy Council. 
 
 After our very hartie comendacions to your good lordships. Where 
 we have bene moved by lettres from sir James Crofts, that fiftye sol- 
 diours of captain Reads f bande remayninge at Warke, mighte be re- 
 moved to Berwicke, and joyned to the rest of the said captain Reads bande 
 servinge there. For so muche as we do not certynlie knowe the presente 
 stait of that peice, and what nombers are requisit to femayne there, we 
 have thoughte good, bothe to referre the consideracion unto you of that 
 
 Turner Slingsby, Bart. He appears, from a subsequent letter of Sir Ralph to Cecill, to have 
 betn keeper of Tynedale; and it was therefore his convenience, which the earl consulted ia 
 his anxious desire to possess him of the lady Carnabies' house in Hexham. 
 
 • Seal, a lion rampant- Esperance en Dieu. 
 
 t This captain Read is n)entioned by HoUinshed, as having distinguished himself in the 
 war which was concluded in 1550, 
 
414 LETTERS DURING THE WAR OP 
 
 shalbe fit to be clone, for the sa\vfgartl of the said peice, not doubtinge 
 withall but j'ou will have that regiiarde to the defence and sawfgard 
 of Barwicke as the same, being the quenes principal! piece, and of 
 greatest moment tiiere, doth recjuiie. And also we praye you to call 
 before you sir Ra])he Greye, f to whome thinheritance of Warke ap- 
 perteyneth, and to chardge hyni both to make his repaire to that 
 castell, and to follow also such ordre for the suretie therof, as beinge 
 agreable to his covenants, whan he was restored to the same, shalbe 
 by you prescribed unto hym. And then (in case you shall tliink it 
 so convenient) you maye cause the said fiftie soldyours presentlie ser- 
 ving there to be removetl to Berwicke to ioyne with the rest of there 
 company, according to the said motion. And thus we bid your lord- 
 ship right hartelie farewell. From Hampton Court, the xxv. of Au- 
 gust, 1559, 
 
 Your good assured and loving frends, 
 
 Arrundall. Tho. Pary. 
 
 E. Rogers. W. Cecili,. 
 
 To oure verie goodlorde the erie of Northumberland;, 
 warden ofthest and mydeU marches for anempst Scot- 
 land ; and to our verie loving J'reud sir Rauff Sadler, 
 i night. 
 
 No. XXI. 
 
 Therle Bothvill and his Colkags, Commissioners of Scotland, to iherk 
 of Northumberland and his Colleags, Co7nmissioners of England. 
 
 After oure hartlie commendacions. Quhare as it lies plesit the quenis 
 grace to gif comissioun unto us to meit with you, for treating of sic af- 
 
 + Sir Ralph Grey, lord of the castle, manor, and villa of Wark, which he derived from 
 a long line of ancestors, was high-sherifJ' of Northumberland in the 5th of queen Eliza- 
 beth, and died seized of these and other extensive possessions in the tenth year of her 
 
THE SCOTTISH REFORMATION, 1559-50. 415 
 
 faires as lies bene thought necessary for thintertenyment of the peax, 
 alsweill be the quenis niaiestie your soverane, as the quenis hienes our 
 niaisteres, conforme to the lettres past betuix yame. Tliis present salbe 
 to gyf you advertisment, that, according to our said niaisteres com- 
 \ mandment, we salbe reddy to meit you at our Lady Kirk the v day of 
 September nixt, to cum for that effect, desiring you to send us warnyng 
 with this berar, gif ye will keipe tryste that day. At quliilk tyme, God 
 willing, ye sail weill persave in us ane gude inclinationn to iustice and 
 combination of amyte betuix tliir realmes. Thus we commit you to 
 the protection of God. At Edinburgh ye penult day of August, 1559. 
 Your loving freyndis in lefull maner, 
 
 BoiTHWILL. 
 RiCIIART MaITLAND. 
 
 Walter Ker of Cessurd. 
 
 No. XXII. 
 
 A Mynutc of a Lettre to the Lo7'ds of the Congregation in Scotland, ment 
 to haxe been sent to them, but aftencards upon other Causes stayed.* 
 
 After due commendacions unto your good lordships. We be most 
 hertelie sorie to understonde, that your godly enterprise, tending prin- 
 cipallie to the advauncement of Goddes glorie, and next to the safe 
 garde and defence of your naturall countrey from the conquest of the 
 French nacion, is thus infortunately stayed and interrupted, which we 
 
 reign.— See Wallis' Northumberland, Vol. II. p. 464. It would seem there had been some 
 interruption in the possession of this fortress, by the hereditary Castellan, which was re- 
 stored to him by queen Mary, and was to be held by the border tenure of watch and ward. 
 * This seems to have been the " comfortable letter," which, in confoimity to Cecil's 
 advice, was to have been dispatched to the reformed nobles: perhaps it was stopped in 
 consequence of the arrival of Arrau, by means of whom the necessary encouragement 
 might be orally transmitted to the congregation, with less chance of committing queen 
 Elizabeth, as a foraenter of the Scottish insurrection. 
 
416 LETTERS DURIKG THE WAR OF 
 
 assure you greveth us no lesse then if the case were our owne ; and 
 therefore we cann no lesse do, then give you our poure advises not to 
 shrynke from that ye have enterprised, neither yelding to feare nor 
 vayn persuasions, but stoutly and honourablye to ioyne and knytte your- 
 selfs fast and firmely togither, and specially to have good regarde that 
 ye be not, thorough false practises or otherwise, attrapped or betrayed 
 into your enemyes hands, and to use all good nieanes to allure and 
 persuade the hole nobilite of the realme, or as many as you can, to 
 take parte with you; whereunto their naturall love to their countrey 
 ought to induce them, ratlier than to suffer the violent conquest of 
 the French, which undoubtedly do meane to subverte and extinct the 
 native blood of Scotlande, inheritable to the same if the French quene, 
 your soveraign, should dye without yssue, and to annexe that realme 
 perpetually to the crowne of Fraunce, which we thinke alltrew Scottish 
 men shoulde naturally detest and abhorre, and, whills tyme serveth, 
 ought to prevent and forsee the same. And for your helpe and de- 
 fence in that behalf, be ye most assured that ye shall not lacke ayde, 
 both of money and otherwise, out of Englande, more then hitherto 
 hath bene mencyoned or promised ; for ye may assure your selfs, that 
 if ye will nobly and stoutly debate your owne cause, and pursue your 
 enterprise as to men of honour and good courage aperteyneth, as ye 
 shall lacke no such helpe and ayde of us to that effect, as ye can reso- 
 nably requyre, so, rather then the French shoulde have their willes 
 over you, and bring you to subjection, you may be sure that Englande 
 woll shew her self your frende, and an open eunemye to your adverse 
 partie. This we write not to you without good commission, and ther- 
 fore it may jilease you to give firme credence to the same, and to sendc 
 som trustie man hither to conferr with us in this matier, by whom we 
 may under&tonde your lordships determynate mynde and pleasure ther- 
 in, with as moche spede as you may convenyently. * 
 
 * It seems to be the joint work of sir Ralph Sadler and sir James Crofts. The writing 
 sir Ralph's. 
 
 1. 
 
THE SCOTTISH K£FORJIATION, 1559-60. 417 
 
 No. XXIII. 
 Mr Cecill to Sir Ralph Sadler and Sir James Cuofts. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 Sence your lettres of the 20 of this moneth, we never hard from you, 
 wliich tyme we have thouglit very long. 
 
 To morrowe shall pass hence in post the erle of Arrein, * and with 
 him Cometh maister Randall.! Wherfore it is thought very necessary 
 that the duke he advertised, to the end at his coming he maye not be 
 knowen; for in dede there dependeth much matter theruppon. He 
 is very desirous to speke with you INIr Sadler. Wheruppon I have 
 willed Randall to wryte by post from Borrobridg, that Mv Raylton J 
 or suche lyke might mete hym abovvt Anwyke,to impart furderof your 
 ni} nd unto hym. 
 
 I have wrytten this lettre in Mr Crofts ciphre; but for better suerty 
 and more ease to both partes hereafter, I will send you an other ciphre 
 by the next post; and for this tyme bidd you well to fare. 
 
 La Bross and the B. of Amyens be passed by the west seas with 
 iiij** (80) horsees and 200 footemen. The quenis majestic is clere of 
 hir agew. I am sorry to advertise you of the deth of sir John Brend 
 in Norfolk, and sir Tho. Carden here at Horsley. Ligressi sunt 
 
 * Decj'phered. 
 
 t Thomas Randal or Randolph, often called by the assumed name of Barnabie, was an 
 able and intelligent agent of queen Elizabeth, well fitted to conduct the secret intrigue 
 with the associated barons. He appears to have accompanied Arran to Benvick, and after 
 some short time, to have followed him into Scotland upon that nobleman's request. He 
 may be therefore considered as the resident envoy of Elizabeth to the congregation. Ran- 
 dolph occasionally corresponded directly with the queen's council, (See Haynes, Vol. I. 
 p. 236. 241.) but chiefly through the medium of sir Ralph Sadler and sir James Crofts. 
 
 % Raylton seems to have been a sort of private secretary or decypherer. 
 
 VOL. I. 3 G 
 
 /i^ 
 
 f"\ 
 
418 LETTERS DURING THE WAR OF 
 
 viam universe carnis. From Hampton Court, the 31 of August, 
 
 1559. 
 
 Your assured frend to command, 
 
 W. Cecill. 
 To myn honourable freiids, sir Raff Sadler and 
 sir James Crofts, knights^ at Barwi/k, 
 
 No. XXIV. 
 
 Mr Cecill to Sir Ralph Sadler. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 By my lettres of the 3 1 sent by the ordynary post, I sent you word 
 of his comming, * that with this sendeth his owne lettre to advertise 
 you where he is at the wryting, and by what tyme he shall come nigh 
 you, and consequently that ye maye send some one to mete and con- 
 ferr with hym touchyng his passage. I beseche you take some care 
 hereof, that it may be doone suerly and secretly. Wheruppon much 
 good maye ensue. From Hampton Court, the 31 of August, 1559- 
 
 Yours to command, 
 
 W. Cecil. 
 To sir Raff Sadler, the queues majesties embas- 
 sador uppon the frontiers, or at Barziyk. 
 For the queues affayres. Hast, hast, hast, 
 post.-\ W. Cecill. 
 
 * i. e, Of Arrau's coming, to which we see so much consequence attached, 
 t Both letter and direction are iu Cecill's own hand-writing. 
 
THE SCOTTISH REFORMATION, 1559-60. 419 
 
 No. XXV. 
 
 Sir Ralph Sadler to thearl of Northumberland. 
 
 I have receyved your lordships lettres of the xxix'" of this present, 
 by which I understonde, that Mr SHngsbie hath signefied unto your 
 lordship, that I declared unto him that I had certen instructions 
 from the quenes majestic concerning the lady Carnabies house at Hex- 
 ham, and that I willed him to advise you not to procede with any 
 further intermedling in that matier untill you shoulde here from me. 
 For answer whereunto, trew it is, I shewed IVIr SHngsbie that I had 
 commission for the purpose aforesaide, and therefore prayed him to 
 shew your lordship, that my desire was it might please you to stay 
 therein untill I might conferre and speke with you meself. Supposing 
 that because the matier requireth no haste, I shoulde have tyme 
 ynough before my going out of the countrey so to order the matier 
 uppon my conference with your lordship, as might best advance the 
 quenes majesties service in that behalf, without any iniurie or inius- 
 tice offred or don to any partie. In dede, I have the quenes majesties 
 lettres to the saide lady Carnabie, conteyning no commandement, but 
 a o-entill request unto her for the lending of her house at Hexham to 
 the keper of Tyndale ; and yet it pleased the quenes majestic to com- 
 mitte the matier to my discression, ether to delyver or not to delyver 
 her highnes lettres to the saide lady Carnabie, as I should see cause. 
 Wherein, to say my pour mynde unto your lordship, lyke as I do not 
 thinke my lady Carnabies house at Hexham to be so propire and mete 
 a place for good service to be don by the keeper of Tyndale, as dy vers 
 other places are, so it were to grete an iniurie to wrest the same from 
 her without her consent and good will; specially considering that she 
 being a poure widowe, and a nother gentilvvoman, * also a poure wi- 
 
 * Her daughter, as we afterwards learn. 
 
420 LETTERS DURING THE WAR OF 
 
 dow, being there with lier, and their famelie have none other place to 
 bestowe themselfs in. And well I know it is not the quenes majesties 
 pleasure that any such extremyte, or iniustice, shoulde be mynistercd 
 to any of her highnes subiects. Besides that, I assure your lordsliip, 
 whosoever being keper of Tyndale shall desyre to lye in Hexham for 
 the better execucion of that office, I can not iudge otherwise of him, 
 -but that he rather seketh thereby his own ease and commodyte, then 
 the service of the quenes majestie, or the stay and quyetnes of the 
 countrey. And where your lordship writeth of the disobedience of 
 the lady Carnabie and her frends in this parte to be such towards 
 thauctoryte, as may brede more inconvenyence then is sufFerable, it is 
 mete, if any such matier be proved against them, that they be called 
 to answer thereunto, and fn be nrderpd for the same as equite and ius- 
 tice shall require. But this I must neds say, that if thauthoryte do 
 commande or require any thing that is uniust, or contrary to law and 
 equite, I can the lesse blame the partie that doth refuse or denye the 
 same ; for no mans auctoryte extendeth so farre as to do any Avrong 
 or iniustice; but he that so doth, rather abuseth thauctoryte commit- 
 ted unto him, then shew himself indifferent in the due execucion of 
 his office. And if any man giveth your lordship advise or counsaile 
 otherwise, eyther he hath small consideracion and respect to your ho- 
 nour, orells for lacke of knowledge doth that in him is not a litle to 
 touch and empaire the same. Beseching your good lordship to here 
 with my playnes, wherein I meane not to offend you, but I assure you 
 do love and esteme your honour a grete dele more then they, whatso- 
 ever they be, which by their undiscrete advise do rather go about to 
 •dishonour you, and to deface your auctoryte, then in any wise to 
 mayntene and preserve the same ; as when I may speke with your 
 lordship, I shall more at length sliew you my poure mynde in that 
 behalf. 
 
 Fynally, I have receyved your other lettres of the xxx of this pre- 
 sent, with also the copie of the lettres addressed to your lordship and 
 me from the lords and others of the quenes majesties privy counsaile, 
 
THE SCOTTISH REFOllHATION, \669-60. 421 
 
 touching the remove of capitayne Reads souldiours from Warke to this 
 towne of Berwick. And for that niatier, because the same may be 
 don at all tymes as we shall see cause, and agayn for that we have to 
 conferre with sir Rauf Grey according to the purporte of the saide 
 lettres, I thinke it best, if your lordship thinke so good, to stay the 
 remove of the said souldiours untill you may have som occasion to re- 
 payve hither, at which t} me tlie said sir Rafe Grey may be called afore 
 you, and commanded to bring M'ith him tlie counterpayn of thinden- 
 tures made betwixt our late sovereign lady queue Mary and him when 
 he was restored to his inheritance, and then we shall take order in 
 that matier accordingly. If my business in this towne Avere not such 
 as I cannot yet go hens without ofience of my duetie, I wold ells 
 waite uppon your lordship in any other place where you shoulde ap- 
 poynte for that purpose. Thus, &c. Aug. 31, 1559. 
 
 No. XXVI. 
 
 ^ Pasporlcfor Mr Barnyby and Mons. de Beaufort. * 
 
 Elizabeth R. 
 
 Whereas this bearer, Thomas Barnaby, gent, appoynted to accom- 
 pany one mons'. de Beaufort, a gentilman of our good brother the 
 French kingis, sent in to Scotland to our good sister the quene dow- 
 agier, there do at this present passe with our good favour and licence 
 thorough this our realme into Scotland ; we will and commande you, 
 not only to suffer the saide mons'. de Beaufoite and Thomas Bainaby 
 quietly to passe by you with their baggs, baggage, and necessaries, 
 without any your serche, let, or trouble, bothe going and commyng, 
 but also to see them favorably used by the way, and furnisshed of 
 
 * These are the fictitious names assumed by Thomas Randall and the earl of Arran in 
 their secret journey to Scotland. 
 
422 LETTERS DURING THE WAR OF 
 
 there liable post horses, and of all other thingis that they shall nede 
 for their reasonable money, whereof we recjuire you not to faile as you 
 tender our pleasure, and will aunswere for the contrary at your perills. 
 And thies our lettres shalbe your sufficient warraunt in this behalf. 
 Geven under our signet, at our honour of Hampton Courte, the last of 
 August, the first yerc of our reign. 
 
 To all mayours, sherieffs, bailiffs, constables, customers, 
 comptrollers, and serchoiirs, to our wardens and under 
 wardens of our marches for anempst Scotlande, and 
 to all other our officers, miriisteis, and snbiects, to 
 whom in this case shall apperteyn. Cecill. 
 
 No. XXVII. 
 
 To all Ballyves, Constables, Hedborroives, and to all the Quenes Majesties 
 
 Posts, 
 
 Although it nedeth not to requyre any more favor for the furderance 
 
 of theis gentillnien, having the quenis majesties especiall passport, yet, 
 
 because I knowe there iorney requireth expedition, I doo recommend 
 
 them to you, praying you to lett them perceve that my commendation 
 
 do them plesure in there jornay. From Hampton Court, the 31 of 
 
 August, 1559. 
 
 W. Cecill. 
 
 No. XXVIII. 
 
 Therle of Northumberland to Sir R. Sadler and Sir James Croft. 
 
 After my right hartie comendacions unto you. Hereinclosed ye 
 shall receyve a lettre sent to you and me from the commissioners of 
 
THE SCOTTISH REFORMATIO:^, 1559-60. 423 
 
 Scotland touchinge the daie of ouie metinge, whiche for that adaie of 
 trcwes speciall for dcHvery of all siiche bills as are fyled in the niydlc 
 marches, is appointed onThursdaie next at Ilexpethe Gaitchead, wlicr- 
 iipon dependethe moclie of the furtheraunce or utter delaie of redrcsse; 
 and that in this commyssion is named bothe therl Botlivile, and the 
 lard of Cessorde, who shuld make the said deliverance. I doubt yf 
 cure meting be the same daie by them appointed, that it will frustrate 
 and delaie the other appointed day, which I wold not, because that 
 delivery, if it shall procede, must be for the benefyt of Englande ; and 
 yf they shall delay it, or not performe there appointment therein, there 
 meanyngs shall the better appere unto us. And also we may at our 
 metinge with commysioners therebie the better understande what is 
 to be treated on in that behalfe. I have therefore thought it good to 
 make thanswere to there lettre inclosed, if the same shall seame aood 
 unto you, and that ye will signe the same, and let it passe in that 
 sorte ; or yf for any other consideracions ye shall thinke other answere 
 more convenient, what soever ye shall devyse therin and answere unto 
 them shall well content me, and upon your advertisement I slialbe 
 redie to attende the metinge according to youre appointment, wherein 
 5'ou may advertise them, that for as moche as I did not understonde 
 howe your busines wold spare you to kepe the daie and place, that 
 thanswere of there lettre was tlierefore referred unto you. And so I 
 comit you to Almightie God. From Warkworth, the iij" of Septem- 
 ber, 1559. 
 
 Your assured loving frende, 
 
 Northumberland. 
 
 Post script. Yf ye thinke this answere to passe in this sorte, re- 
 member to put in such daie as ye shall think good, and advertise me 
 thereof. 
 
424 lETTERS DURING THE WAR OF ^ 
 
 No. XXIX. 
 
 Therle of Northumberland to Sir Ralph Sadleir. 
 
 After my right hartie commend'acions unto you. I have receyved 
 your lettre of the last of August. Amongest other conteynynge than- 
 swere of niyne owne lettres unto you, touchinge the ladie Carnabies 
 house, at Hexhame, wherebie it seameth unto me, that your mynde is 
 not that the keper of Tindale shiilde have any ease of lodginge in the 
 same. But moclie to the contrarie, ye thinke the place not so propre 
 and mete as other places are for that purpose; and that it is to great 
 an injurye to wrest the same from hir without hir good will, being two 
 wedowes withowt any other house to bestowe themselfes in : and that 
 the keper of Tindale is desirouse to be there, seketh rather his owne 
 ease, then the advancement of the queues maiesties service, and quiet- 
 nes of the countrie. -And that where I thought the disobedience used 
 in that case, might brede more inconvenience then is well sufliabell. 
 You seanie to thinke that I have so moche alnised my auctorite therein, 
 that the denyall and ganesaying thereof is none offence in the parties, 
 and that suche as have advised me therein, either lack good considera- 
 cione and knowledg, or els have small respect to the maintenance and 
 preservacione of thauctorite and honour of the same ; in whiche 
 thinges, as I do knowe your experience and consideracione to be sin- 
 gular good and perfite, even so do I well perceyve that all thies con- 
 iectures came not thereof, but upon such report and informacione, as 
 wold rather have the matter of itself by you misconceyved, than well 
 accepted. For as for the place, whether it be most mete and propice, 
 it hathc bene considered not of any rashe or sodeyne determynacione, 
 but with suche deliberat advise, of those as shulde best knowe, and 
 have also most just cause to wishe the good governement of that 
 countrie, as with reason cannot be advoyded, oneles other houses then 
 be nowe present, were buyldcd, or reparcd for the purpose. And 
 
THE SCOTTISH REFORMATION, 1559-60. 425 
 
 whetlier the same hath been souglit at hir hautles, to have with hir 
 good will, by asiiioch gentle meanes as coukl be devysed, hir self can 
 reporte. And seiug that othere ofHcers have before this tyme had 
 there lyinges there, it is great marvell that nowe, at my desire, she 
 cannot spare so moche as to serve hym ; where indede half, or a great 
 deale Icsse, then hath been occupied by other men, wold suffice : and 
 yet at no tynie before, she was not harde to compleane for hir self nor 
 hir faniylie, nor to lack any easement of lodginge, nor yet neded at all 
 for any thinge that shuld have bene taken from hir, or hir doughter, 
 for this purpose, yf other thinges that I knowe did not meave hir to 
 this obstinacie. In that you do thinke the keper in this case to seke 
 his ease, rather then discharge of his dewtie in thoffice, I must therein 
 be plaine with you, that he that is keper myndeth not, nor hath not 
 in tyme of his exercise thereof sought his ease, nor yet so spared 
 thexecution of his charge in any behalf; but that I have good cause 
 to seke his placeinge in the most convenient sorte. And, therefore, 
 that informacione, who so ever made unto you, is grounded upon suche 
 malice and untreuthe, as I could wishe well to be perceyved. And for 
 the abusinge myne auctoritie in that behalf, and the usinge of evell 
 advice therein, after all gentle perswasions by them wilfully and obsti- 
 natlie reiected, I have used but onelie suche gentle requestes and com- 
 mandementes, as hath bene in the like cases, and as officers must do 
 in the scmblabell. I am well assured, whiche thinge happelie shalbe 
 as moche herme in other mens handes to be sufiered, as the present 
 greaff can be unto me ; and for the advice, if any suche were, I tak it 
 as it is to be imputed, not to the gever, but to hym that can not de- 
 seme the good from the other. And yet as moche advice as was had 
 in that matter, was not by fewe persons, nor in secrete. And fynally, 
 where in your saide lettres ye do saie, that ye knowe it is not the 
 queues maiesties pleasure that eny extremytie, or injustice, shuld be 
 mynystered to eny of hir higlines subiectes, as I am assured, that no 
 suche hath bene offred by me to any maner of person of malice or pur- 
 pose ; and sorie I am that you or other shuld concey ve other openyon 
 VOL. I. :> H 
 
426 LETTERS DURING THE WAR OF 
 
 of me; even so in this case I mynde not to beare the contempte and 
 despite offred unto nie, and that, as I take Godd to vvitnes, for none 
 other cause special!, but that tliauctorite shall not, in my hande, be so 
 moche defaced. And yf the ([uenes maiestie, and hir highnes coun- 
 cell, \vold thinke that I shuld so heave it, (whiche I suppose verelie 
 they will not,) I shuld take my selfe therein for the litell service and 
 paines taken in this office, (whiche I must confesse to be little worthie,) 
 verey evell rewarded, Mdierein as I do make full accompt of your 
 assured frendshipe, in maters of more ymportaunce, yf I shall have 
 nede; even so in this I shall desire your indeferent favour, withowt 
 aftectione to any partie, as occasione and oportunytie may serve : as 
 you shalbe well assured to have any pleasure that I shalbe abell to do 
 you. And thus I comit you to Almyghtie God. From Warkworth, 
 the third ot September, 1559. 
 
 Your assured loving frend, 
 
 Northumberland. 
 
 No. XXX. 
 
 Secretary Cecill to Sir Ralph Sadler. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I have no other thyng presently to wryte, but that I am departyng 
 from this court for 10 or 12 days to Stamford,* where I will lye in 
 wayte for all your lettres, and forstall them, as the quene hath licensed 
 me; because, if the maters require my presence at the court, I maye 
 repayre with them to the court, if not to abyde out my tyme. 
 
 I send you herincluded a ciphre for Mr Crofts, and presently for 
 you. I thynke ye can, of your old experience, fynd it out. The 
 
 • Near which was his house of Burleigh, from which he look a title so well known in 
 English history. 
 
 I 
 
THE SCOTTrSII REFORMAT fOX, 1559-60. 427 
 
 queues maiestie is clerc from hir suspected ague, ^^'e here that the 
 4or<i Sherteld is drowned in StafFordshyre. 5th September, in hast. 
 
 Yours, assured, 
 
 W. Cecill. - 
 The gret pacquett is the French Embassadours, which I praye you 
 send as sone as it may conveniently. 
 
 To the rl'Jit honorable Sir Raphe Stid/er, Inti^^ht, 
 the (jueiies maiesties cmbasMiIour toward Hcot- 
 laiid. 
 
 No. XXXI. 
 
 Sir Rape Sadler fo therk o/" Northumberland. 
 
 These shalbe to signefie unto your lordship, that uppon the receipt 
 of your lettres for the 3d of September, with tlaothers from the commis- 
 sioners for Scotlande, sir James Croft and I did ymedyately dispece 
 the Scottish heraull with the lettres signed by your lordship, where- 
 unto the saide sir James and I did also subscribe, and appoynted our 
 day of meting to be on iNIonday next, requyring the saide heraull 
 that he wolde, in our name, desyre the saide commissioners to adver- 
 tise us before that tyme, whether they wolde observe and kepe that 
 day, or appoint any other, whereof I thinke they woll advertise your 
 lordship, praying you that if they so do, it may please you to let Mr 
 Croft and me understonde the same by the post; and if they sende 
 any advertisement thereof hither unto us, we shall in lyke wise signe- 
 fie the same to your lordship undelayedly ; trusting that you woll take 
 the payne to be here a day or ii before the day of meting, to thintent 
 we may consider our commission and instructions, and conferre together 
 uppon such matier as we shall treate of. 
 
 As concerning my lord Carnebies house, I am sory to understonde 
 that your lordship is so ernest in that matier, without any grounde or 
 
428 LETTERS DURING THE WAR OF 
 
 cause reasonable. And where as your lordship taketh it, that all that 
 I wrote to your lordsliip therein, proceedethe uppon conjectures and 
 informacions, surely you are nioche deceyved; for albeit I know not 
 the state of this country so well as many others do, yet I am not so 
 ignorant but that I know which placis be most apt and mete for the 
 service of the keper of Tyndale ; and who so ever sayeth that Hexham 
 is a convenyent place for it, I say he understondeth not what aper- 
 tayneth to that service.* Mary, as I wrote to your lordship, so I saye 
 agayn, that if the keper of Tyndale woU rather seke his ease and co- 
 modyte than the well executing of his office, then, indede, Hexham is 
 a mete place for his purpose; and this I wryte not uppon any informa- 
 cion made to me, groundeduppon malice and untrouth, but for that I 
 do know, and have knowen every day this xx yeres, as well as Mr 
 Slingsby doth, what placis be most mete for the service of the keper of 
 Tyndale, or for any other service to be done in this country, for the 
 stay and quyetnes of the same. Nevertheles, because your lordship is 
 so ernest in the matier, I woU contende no further with 5'ou by wryt- 
 ing, but shall referre the same till I may speke with your lordship my- 
 self, trusting that you will give me leave to execute my commission 
 in that matier, as I have receyved it from the queues majesty. And so 
 I comytte your lordship to the tuycione of Almighte God, &c. Sep- 
 tember 5th, 1559. 
 
 * When lord Wharten proposed that there should be a lord-warden-general for trans- 
 acting all border affairs, he also proposed he should reside at Hexham : but, though a centrical 
 spot, considered with reference to the borders at large, it was less so when viewed with 
 respect to Tynedale alone. 
 
THE SCOTTISH REFORMATION, 1559-60. 429^ 
 
 No. XXXII. 
 
 Tho. Randolph, alias Barnabie, to Sir R. Sadler. 
 
 Yt may please your honour tunderstand, that the gentleman * and I 
 are this morninge here arrived at Anwicke, dissyeringe that we may 
 knowe your pleasure at the nexte post, where we intende to attende 
 the same. Most humbly I tayke my leave. From Antwicke this pre- 
 sent VVensdaye, at ix of the clocke, beying the 6th of September, 1559- 
 
 Your honours, to command, 
 
 Tho. Randolph, alias Barnaby. 
 
 To sir Raf Sadler, the queries maiesties embassadour 
 
 upon the frontiers, or at Barwicke. 
 For the queues affairs, hast, hast, post hast, hast 
 for thie lif, hast. 
 
 No. XXXIII. 
 
 The Commissioners for Scotland to Therle of Northumberland, and his 
 Collegis, Commissioners of England. 
 
 Eftir oure maist hartlie comendations unto your lordsliip. We have 
 ressavit your writtings of the dait at Berwik, the ferd of this instant, 
 makand mention that ye michtnot keip the first day appunctit be us to 
 meit at oure Lady Kirk, for certane affaris and besynes alreddy ordanit 
 be you afore oure writting, and uthair causses contenit in your last 
 lettir, quhilk ansuer we accept in gude parte ; howbeit we ar sum- 
 parte disappuntit of oure first meting; nochttheles we sail, God 
 willing, meit yow at oure Lady Kirk, upon Mounday nixt, the xj of 
 
 * The earl of Arran. 
 
430 LETTERS DURING THE WAR OF 
 
 this instant of September, at x liounis afore none, ortliairby; and thair 
 sail jane with yow in all niataris confornie to our commissionis, to the 
 rest and quietnes of baith the realms, and liegis thairof. And thus we 
 committ yow to Almyghty God. From Milross, the vij of September, 
 
 1559. 
 
 Your loving freyndes in lefuU mantr, 
 
 borthuell. 
 
 Rechart Maitland. 
 
 Walter, Ker, of Cesfurd. 
 
 To the richt honorable trie of Northumber/cuid, 
 and his colkgis, comissionaris of Ingland, ^c. 
 
 No. XXXIV. 
 
 Sir Ralph Sadler and Sir James Croft to Mr Secretary Cecill, 
 
 Sir, 
 We doubt not but ye have ben in som expectacion to here from us, and 
 Ave have thought it as long to have som what whereof to advertise you. 
 Now at the last Mr Balnaves arryved here on Wednesday last, at niid- 
 iiio-ht, from the lords of the congregacion, and yesterday, in the morn- 
 ino-, we communid with him at good length, who, because he had never 
 before conferred with me, sir Ralph Sadler, in that matier, made me a 
 hole discourse, at my request, of all their procedings from the begyn- 
 ning, agreable in all poynts with such advertisements as you have had 
 heretofore. And now he sayeth that they intende to revive the ma- 
 tier, for that the regent hathe not observed tharticles of their last agree- 
 ment,* but hath infringed the same, aswell in that she luith set up 
 
 » In the armistice agreed upon at the Links of Leith, 24.th July, 1559, by which it was 
 covenanted, on the part of the reformers, 1. That the town of Edinburgh should use what 
 religion they pleased: 2. That no one should be prosecuted for their religious tenets: 3. 
 That no garrison should be placed in Edinburgh: A cause of dispute occurred, concern- 
 
THE SCOTTISH REFORMATION, 1559-60. 43] 
 
 the masse again in thabbey of Holy Rodehouse, which they had before 
 suppressed ; as also in that the French men do remayn still, and a more 
 nombre sithens arryved, wherewith he sayeth all Scotlantl is nioch 
 moved. And also a new matier they have to burden her with for her 
 misgovernement, in that she abased the congregacion, without consent 
 of the counsaile, to the gref and impoverishment of their comon 
 welth. For these niatiers he sayeth they wol begyn agayn, and wolde 
 have don at this tyme, but sondry causes, he sayeth, they had to pro- 
 tract the tyme in pursuing hereof, whereby they have rather grete ad- 
 vauntage than hinderaunce. One for that the regent, by her policie, 
 devised to stirre James i\PDonell, and others of the Scottish Irishrie, 
 agenst therle of Argyle, to thintent the same erle might be so occupied 
 at home in defence of his country, as he shoulde have no tyme tattende 
 this matier; wherefore it behoved him to go home for the stay thereof; 
 which he hathe now so well ordered, as the regent shalbe clerely frus- 
 trate and decey ved of her expectacion in that behalf A nother cause 
 is, for that harvest is late with them this yere, and if they shoulde 
 have assembled any power in the felds, it coulde not otherwise be but 
 that a grete distraction must have ensued of the fruts of the erth 
 which wolde have gretly moved the people agenst them. 
 
 Agayn during this meane tyme they have had tlieir prechers abrode 
 in the realme, m hich, by their preching and doctrine, have so woonne 
 and allured the people to their devocion, as he sayeth their power is 
 now double that it was, in the cause of religon ; and such as yet be 
 not fully persuaded therto, here, nevertheles, such hatred to the French- 
 men, as he thinketh in maner the hole realme fa\oureth their partie. 
 And also he sayeth, that in this protract of tyme, practises have ben 
 used, and conferences had both with the duke, therle of Huntley, and 
 others. And the duke persuaded so farre, that he hathe promised to 
 coom no more at the regent, ne to take any parte with her; the rest he 
 
 ing the possession of the High Church of St Giles, which the queen desired to retain for 
 the exercise of the Catholic worship. 
 
432 LETTERS DURING THE M-^AR OF 
 
 woU refene to the coomyug home of his soon, who, he sayeth, may 
 take the matier in hande, if he himself Ust, to be sicke or lame, and to 
 wynke at the matier. And here the saide Ealnaves semed to be 
 gretely desyrous of the coniyng home of the saide dukes son, who in 
 dede was nerer him then he was ware of. The lyke promise, he sayeth, 
 they have obtayned of therle of Huntley, and be in good hope that he 
 woU manyfest himself on their syde j others also they have woonne, as 
 he sayeth, to their partie, which be the best bordierers of the Marehe 
 and Twydale, which in dede have their prechers amongst them ; and 
 though som of tholder sorte do draw backe, yet having young and 
 lustie gentilmen to their soones, they are content to let them follow 
 their purpose, and dissemble the matier themselfs with the regent. 
 These advauntages, sayeth Belnaves, have they gotten by this protract 
 of tyme: and now assone as their harvest is at good poynt, they woll 
 assemble all the power they can make ; for which purpose the lords of 
 the congregacion do mete and convene, as he sayeth, the x'"' or xij"" of 
 this moneth at Striveling; where, he sayeth, they be in good hope to 
 here of som good ayde and comforte at the quenes majesties handes, 
 for the which purpose they had now sent him unto us. When he had 
 sayde that he wolde, we tolde him, that they might assure themselfs 
 that the quenes majestic, and all the lords of her highnes consaile, 
 did so moch tender their cause, as they wolde be no lesse sory then 
 they themselfs, if the same shoulde not take good effect ; and such 
 ayde and comforte as her highnes might minister unto them, without 
 touche of her honour, and breach of the peax, which she now hath 
 both with Fraunce and Scotlande, they might be sure to have it at her 
 gracis hands. Marry, we tolde him they were wise men, and coulde 
 consyder, aswell as we, what might be don by her highnes in that be- 
 half, considering that albeit tlieir cause was grounded uppon a good 
 and godly foundacion, to extirpe idolatry, and to advaunce Cristes 
 trew religion ; and also for the preservation of the freedom of their 
 countrey, and to dely ver the same from foreyn govcrnement, as in con- 
 science they are bounde to do : yet the worlde can make nae other 
 
 !2 
 
THE SCOTTISH REFORMATION, 1.55^-60. 43^. 
 
 exposycion of it, but that they be as it were a faction gathered togi- 
 ther, contending agenst tliauctoryte : and how the quenes niaiestie 
 may seame to niaynteyne them in sucli a case, we doubted not but he, 
 being a wise man, coulde wey the same as depcly as we did. lie con- 
 fessed all that we sayed to be trew, and wished that the quenes ma- 
 jestic shouldc remayn still in peax, which he sayed shoulde also serve 
 better for their purpose, than if we were in the warrcs ; for that if we 
 were in the warre, they coulde then fynde no faulte with the comying 
 of the French men into Scotlande, which might say they cam to de- 
 fende our countrey ; but now, being in peax, all Scotlande may, and 
 doth well perceyve, that they com rather to make a conquest of them 
 than for any other cause. And in theyr conferences, he sayeth, they 
 have considered asmoch as we sayed unto them. And therefore what- 
 soever pretence they make, the principall marke they shote at, is, he 
 sayeth, to make an altcracion of the state and auctoryte, to thintent 
 the same being established as they desyre, they may then enter into 
 open treate with her majestic, as the case shall requyre. This, he 
 sayeth, is very secret, and if the duke woll take it uppon him, they 
 meane to bestowe it there ; or if he refuse, his son is as mete, or rather 
 more mete for the purpose. In the meane season he sayed they trust- 
 ed, and the lords of the congregacion were in good expectacion, that 
 her highnes wolde comforte them with som secret ayde of money ; and 
 because they liad spent a grete dele of theyr substaunce in maynteyn- 
 ing and keping all this while, certen bands of souldiours, for their 
 more strength and suretie, to their no litle impoverishing; if they 
 might now have such rcliefe at her rnajesties hands, as wolde kepe to- 
 gether m. (lOOO) harquebusiers, and iij' (300) horsemen, for ij or iij 
 monethes, besydes such power as they trust to make at their own charge, 
 they woll eyther achieve their enterprise, or spende their lyves in the 
 pursute thereof. 
 
 Uppon this we resolved with him, that in dede there was none other 
 way for the queues majestie to relieve or comforte them, but with 
 
 vol.. I. 3 1 
 
434 LETTERS DURING THE WAR OF 
 
 money; which, if it might be don with such secresie as the case doth 
 requyre, we sayed we doubted not but her majestic so moch tendereth 
 theyr case and godly action, as they might and shoulde taste of her li- 
 beralyte and goodnes in that parte. And here I, sir Ralph Sadler, put 
 him in remembraunce how liberall the king, her majesties father, had 
 bene afore tyme to tlie nobilite of Scotlande, as he knew, and how 
 Utle they considered it;* and also, that they used therein no secresie 
 at all. He confessed it to be trew ; but he sayed the case is now moch 
 otherwise than it was then, for then we sought of them, and now they 
 seke of us ; and, quoth he, we be so farre alredy entered into this ma- 
 tier, that though we have no ayde at all at your hands, we must neds, 
 for owre suretie, eyther go through with it, or lose our lyves ; and so 
 we be fully bent and purposed to do. And, quoth he, for the secresie 
 of the matier, it it please the quenes majestic to ayde us according to 
 our desyre, it shalbe so secret, that none, except a few which be of the 
 privie counsaile, amongst us shall know any other but that the yorcc 
 is levied of the benevolence of the hole congregacion. 
 
 To com to thendc of this long talke, the rehersall of the hole where- 
 of were superfluous, we sayed that the yere was so fane spent, that we 
 thought one moneths wagis for thenterteynment of such souldiours as 
 they desyred wolde suffice, which amounted to the poynt of xv'li. 
 (15001.). He answered, that the tyme was nothing at all spent for 
 their purpose, for the wynter is best for them, and worst for the French 
 men; but within ij moneths he trusted the matier wolde be tryed. 
 And so fynally wc graunted them m.m.li. (aOOO 1.), whicli we sayed 
 we wolde spare them of the pay our souldiours here shoulde receyve at 
 this tyme ; and doubted not but the quenes majestic, if she shoulde 
 perceyve the same to be so employed by them, as theyr cause may be 
 well advaunced, and her honour untouched, she wolde in that case 
 shew herself more liberall unto them, wherein we pray you helpe, that 
 
 * Alluding to the negociations concerning the Scottish match, conducted by Sadler 
 himself. 
 
 11 
 
THE SCOTTISH REFORMATION, 1559-60. 435 
 
 we may kepe promise, if the case so require. With thys the saide 
 Balnaves was well satisfied, seming to take it in very thankefuU parte ; 
 and we be resolved, that witliin these vj dayes they shall sende hither 
 for the same by sea, and shall receyve it at Holy Ilande, wherein slialbc 
 used as moch secrecie as is possible. 
 
 Tims haNe we adventured so moch of the quenes money, and surely 
 by all likcliliods and coniectures that we can conceyvc, the same can 
 not but be employed to good purpose. Otliers there be, as Kyrkauldy,* 
 Ormestonf and VV'hitlaw, which, having spent moche for this matier, 
 Avhereof they be ernest prosecutors, and for the same have bein capi- 
 taynes of bands in Scotland, have lost a xv or xvj monethes pay, 
 which they shoulde now have had out of Fraunce, do loke for som re- 
 liefe, whereof, as we understonde, they have ben put in some hope ; 
 but because we have ben now so liberall of the quenes purse, albeit it 
 pleased her majesty to comytte the same to the discression of me, the 
 saide sir Rafe, yet we wolde be glad to know how her highnes lyketU 
 or mislyketh that we have don, before we do any more. 
 
 Now, sir, all this while of our talke with Mr Balnaves, was therle 
 of Arrayn here in the castell, the one of them not knowing of thother; 
 for Balnaves came on Wenesday last at midnight ; and therle, for 
 whose secret conveyance hither we had taken order according to your 
 lettres, cam in to the castell on Thursday morning before day, within 
 three howres after Balnaves. \V'e told first therle that Balnaves was 
 here, and devised with him whether he wolde talke with him or not. 
 After som consideracion whereof, because he wolde understonde the 
 state of things in Scotlande, knowing Balnaves to be his assured frende, 
 he resolved to speke with him, and so we brought them together. 
 And Mr Balnaves, we assure you, semed to reioyce very moch of his 
 commyng, and discoursed with him of the state of theyr countrey at 
 good length ; and in thende ordered that Balnaves shall kepe it secret,. 
 
 * The renowned sir James Kirkaldy, laird of Grange. 
 
 t John Cockburn of Orniestqi), much trusted by the reformers. 
 
436 LETTERS DURING THE WAR OF 
 
 till therle shall disclose himself. And this last night the saide Cal- 
 naves departed hens secietely, as he cam, to Holy Islande ; * and assone 
 as the tyde Mill serve, goeth his way with such resolucion as is before 
 declared. We are now devising for the secrete and sure conveying of 
 therle, trusting to put him into Scotland by Tevydale, from whens he 
 shalbe both secretely and safely conveyed to his father's house at Ha- 
 mylton. 'NVe have no lesse care thereof, assure your self, then our 
 dueties doth requyre, and woU do what we can therein for our lyves. 
 Not doubting but ye shall shortly here that the same is \vd\ accom- 
 plished. 
 
 Thus have we troubled you with many words, and lytle matier, to 
 your payn in the redyng, and ours in the wryting; praying you never- 
 theless, though we lacke witte, to do that we desyre, you woU helpe 
 that the quenes majestic may accepte and take our good willes and 
 well meaning in good parte, which shalbe our comforte. 8 of Sept. 
 1659- 
 
 No. XXXV. 
 
 Tlierle of Northumberland to Sir Ralph Sadler. 
 
 After my right hartie commendacions. Having presentlie receyved 
 lettresfrom the lordes commissioners of Scotland, I sende you the same 
 hereinclosed ; and according to the contentes thereof I shall not faill, 
 God willing, to be at BarM icke upon Sondaie by two of the cloke in 
 the after none, of intent to advice with you in suche thinges as shall 
 concerne the same meting. And so 1 bid you most liartlie fare well. 
 From Warkworth, the ix'" of Sept. 1.559. 
 
 Your assured loving frend, 
 
 NORIHUMBERLAND. 
 * lie probably came and rtliirncd by sea, from sonic part of the Fife coast. 
 
THK SCOTTISH RKFORMATIOX, 1559-60. 43/ 
 
 No. XXXVI. 
 
 Mr Secretary Cecii.l to Sir Ralph Sadler and Sir Jamks Ciioft. 
 
 After my harty commendalions. This xj"" I have receaved yours 
 of the viij'", and have, as by appoyntiiient it was ordered by the quenis 
 majestie, redd tlic same here at my liouse nere Stamford, and sent the 
 same to hir majestie, with my opinion that ye deserve commendation 
 for } our wise proceding, and thanks also. I cam hyther on Frydaye 
 last, and must depart on Saturdaye next, and meane to be at the court 
 on Sondaye at night with Gods leave. I wold be gladd to here of the 
 sure entry of Mons'. de Beaufort ; * ye knowe what erle I meane. I 
 have wrytten to the court that lord Ormeston, Kircaldy, and Whytlaw, 
 might have some releffe. Ye wryte nothing to me of the recept of a 
 new ciphre, which I lately sent to you, wherein this I wryte. Therle 
 of Arrayn borrowed of me at his being at London 200 crowns, f which 
 he promised should be payed to you ]\Ir Sadler for me. After some 
 tyme passed, I praye you aske it of hym, and I will send you by some 
 thorow post his bill. I thynk to be at the courte or your next 
 lettres will come hence. And so I leave you, being my self now lyke 
 a byrd out of the cadge. ]\Iy lord ad my rail and I meane to retorne by 
 Standen on Sondaye at dynner. xj"* Sept. 1559. 
 
 Yours most assured, 
 
 W. Cecill. 
 
 Endorsed, To the right honourable sir Raff Sadler and 
 
 «> James Crofts, knights, at Berwick. For the que/ies tna- 
 
 jesties affuyres, from sir ff'm. Cecill, her majesties secretary, 
 
 hast, hast, hast for liffc,for liffe. Rec. at Newcastle the xiitj 
 
 of Sept. at xj of the cloke before noone. 
 
 * The feigned name used in the earl of Arran's passport. 
 
 t The sum is in cypher, but appears from a subsequent letter (No. XLVII.). 
 
438 LETTEKS DURING THE WAR OF 
 
 No. XXXVII. 
 
 ^Ii/ Lord Clynton to Sir Ralph Sadler. 
 
 Aftar my most liarty commeuclacyons unto you. Wher this berar 
 is a seutar to syr Jamys Crofte, to be plasid captein of a band in Bai- 
 wyk, wberin he hath sarvyd a good tyme, and very onestly, and hath 
 obtaynyd lettars in his faver to Mr Crofte from som of the cownesell, 
 I have thought good, for that you ar in thos parts, to requyer you to 
 speke to Mr Crofte in the furdrance of this yong gentj-Uman, whom I 
 wold gladly do pleasure unto ; wherin if it plese you to travel], I 
 shall geve you my harty thanks at oure metyng, wych I wyshe to be 
 shortly ; and if ther be any thing wher in I may do you plesure, ther 
 is no man whome you shall fynd more redy to do it then I, and so I 
 pray you to think of me. And thus I wyshe you as well to do as I 
 wold my nowne sellff. From Semperyngham, the xj'" of Sept. 1559. 
 
 Your assured lovyng frend, 
 
 E. Clynton.* 
 
 No. XXXVIII. 
 
 IMr Secretarie Cecil to Sir Rape Sadler, f 
 
 Sir, 
 Yesterday I wrote to you from this place, mentioning the receipt of 
 your lettre of the viij'" of tliis, wherin I perceyved the comming thi- 
 ther of Balnaves and of therle of Arreyn. 'this night I remembered 
 that ye wer advised by my former lettres from the cowrte to knde the 
 
 * Seal, a star and garter; motto, Iloyii soil, &c. 
 
 i The words in italics are written in a cipher; but are deciphered by another hand. 
 
THE SCOTTISH REFOllMATION, 1559-60. 439 
 
 protestants money as of your selvc, taking secretlie the bonds of them to 
 rendre the same, so as the qiiene shuld not be a pm'tie therto. Never- 
 theles I referr my judgment to that whicli ye see there metest. I 
 praye you by your lettres send to Hughes, tlie lord tresorors man at 
 York, to hasten his collection of the mony tliat must come to Bar- 
 wyk for the soldiers there. Sir Richard Lee hath missed me liere by 
 the waye, because he diverted f here to St Albon's directly. And so 
 I take my leave, wishyng the contynuance of good newes thence. I 
 wold gladly ye sought to understand what becometh of the French 
 men that went by the west seas, which was the B. of Amyens and La 
 Brosse, with iiij" (80) horsmen; if they come savely to the rest, it 
 shall much proffitt them. I\Iy lord admyrall departe with Gods leave 
 hence on Fridaye in the after noone. The xij"" of Sept. 1559. 
 
 Your assured frend, 
 
 ^y. Cecill.;{: 
 
 To the right honorable sir Raff Sadkr, hiii^ht, embassaJ. 
 for the queues majestic uppon the front, of Scotland, at Ber- 
 teyk. Hast, hast, hast, hast, for lieff, for liff, for Iiff. W. 
 Cecill. 
 
 -R. at Newcastell the xv of SejJt. at x of the cloke before 
 noone. Rassaved at Borford at rij off the cloke at negket. 
 Rec. by sir Ralph 15 Sept. at midnight. 
 
 No. XXXIX. 
 Sir Ralph Sadler and Sir James Ckofts to Air Sec. Cecill. 
 
 Sir, 
 This shalbe to signefie unto you, that on Sonday, about ij of the 
 clocke in the morning, therle of Arreyn was safely dely vered in Tevi- 
 
 t A Latinism for " turned aside." 
 t All in Cecill's hand writing. 
 
440 LETTERS DURING THE WAR OF 
 
 dale, unto such one of his frends hands, as hathe undertaken both se- 
 cretelye, and surely, lo convey him to his father; where in we doubt 
 nothing the performaunce of his promise. Assone as we shall under- 
 stonde of his safe arryvall there, Me shall advertise you of the same. 
 
 We be infourmed that dyvers merchaunts of Scotland have sued to 
 the regent there for her lettres to the quenes majestic, whereby they 
 might obteyne safeconduct to trafifike into England with their mer- 
 chandises, as in such case hath ben accustomed, which the saide regent 
 woll in no wise graunte to them, because, as it is supposed, she wolds 
 have no resorte of Scotts into Englande at this tyme. Wherefore it 
 hath ben requyred of us, both "by Mr Balhaves and Alexander Whit- 
 law, that we wolde sue to the quenes majestic for such a safeconduct, 
 and also for a lycence to bye x geldings for the lords of the congrega- 
 cion, as you shall perceyve by a memoriall delyvered unto us by the 
 saide Whitlaw, M-hich we sende you hereinclosed. 
 
 Yesterday therle of Northumberland and we, niette witli the Scot- 
 tish commissioners here uppon the frontiers, and using thaccustomed 
 maner, we perused their commission, and they lykewise ours. And 
 uppon consideracion of the same, tliey founde faulte with ours, be- 
 cause there was none auctoryte given us by speciall words to treate 
 uppon the raunson and delyverie of prisoners; wherein nevertheles the 
 generall words of our commyssion do auctorise us sufficiently, besids 
 our speciall instructions for that purpose, as we declared unto them ; 
 and so we ofiVed to treate with them in that matier, which they re- 
 fused not. ^Ve also founde fault with their commission, because it 
 extendeth no further then to treate specyally uppon the ransom of 
 prisoners, and redresse of attemptats committed syns the last conclu- 
 sion of the peax, as you shall perceyve by the copie of their commis- 
 sion, which we sende you herewith ; so that they have no such aucto- 
 ryte therby as we have by our commission, to make and establisbe 
 such other lawcs and ordenaunces, as on both sides we shoulde thinke 
 mete for the better order and common quiet of thes frontiers. Ne- 
 vertheles we agreed, because we wolde lose no tyme, to enter into 
 
 7 
 
THE SCOTTISH REFORMATION, 1559-60. 44I 
 
 treatye with them uppon these ii speciall poyntes, untill they might 
 obteyne a larger conmiission. This clay we shall mete agayn for that 
 purpose ; and of our further proceedings therein we shall advertise, as 
 the case shall require. If it lyke you to sende us a larger commission, 
 with speciall woords to treate upon the ransom and delyvery of pri- 
 soners, &c. 
 
 Not touching the attemptats and disorders of the west marches, 
 which they refuse to meddle with, xij Sept. 1559. 
 
 No. XL. 
 &> Ralph Sadler to Mr Secretary Cecill. 
 
 Sir, 
 Amongst my lettres and instructions which I receyved from you by 
 Mr Raylton after my departure from the courte, there was one lettre 
 addressed from the quenes majestic to the lady Carnabie, and by myn 
 instructions I perceyved that it Mas to borowe her house at Hexham 
 for the keper of Tyndale, and that I might use my discression therein 
 as I shoulde see cause. If I had then conferred with you uppon the same, 
 I coulde have declared unto you, that Hexham is no apte, ne mete 
 place for the service of the keper of Tyndale. Nor in my tyme I am 
 sure there never lay any such in Hexham, saving onely sir Reynolde 
 Carnaby,* who had lever lye in his owne house, though it Avere not 
 the metest place for the service, then seke any others. But undoubt- 
 edly the most apte and convenyent placis for that purpose on all the 
 frontiers are Gangston, Langiey, or Chipehace, f in one of which iij 
 
 * Husband of the v\ idow lady Carnaby, whose house was now wanted for the keeper. 
 
 t Belonging to the family of Heron. " A pretty town and castle," says Leland, " hard 
 on the east part of the arm of North Tyne, the which divideth Tyndale from Northum- 
 berland. For Tynedale, though it be as a part of Northumberland, yet it is as a part pri- 
 vileged within itself."— Zfwi. Vol. VII. p. 63. Hence it came to have a keeper, indepen- 
 dent of the usual deputy-wardens. 
 
 VOL. I. 3 K 
 
442 LETTERS DURING THE WAR OP 
 
 placis men of service have ahvayes ben placed, and specially for the 
 well executing of that oftice of Tyndale. Nevertheles, I have lerned 
 syns my comyng hither, that INIr Slingsbie, brother to my lord of 
 Northumberland by maryage of his sister, being keper of Tyndale, 
 and by all lykelihood seking rather his own ease and commodyte then 
 the service of the (jucnes majestic, and the stay and quyetnes of the 
 contrey, hath a gret desyre to lye in Hexham, wher indede he hath 
 lyen for the most parte this xij moneth, ever syns he had thoffice, in a 
 house, which, if he woU neds lye in Hexham, may serve him aswell 
 now as it bathe don before; and if he be wery of that house, yet is 
 there in Hexham ij towers of the quenes majesties, which, as 1 am cre- 
 dibly informed, with thexpens of xx'"" to make a litle reparacion, 
 woll serve as gootl a man as Mr Slyngsbie is ; but for his more ease 
 and comodyte, he must neds have my lady Carnabies house, because 
 it is the fayrest house in the towne ; and well he can be content that 
 she being a pouie wydowe, and her daughter also a poure wydow, 
 and one of the heyres of the house, * having none other place to be- 
 stowe therasclffs in and theyr famylye, shoulde seke a new dwelling 
 to give place to him, his wyf, and his famylie, as you know it is rea- 
 son, and all uppon pretence that it is for the better service of the 
 quenes majestic, which I assure you is mere contrary. In this matier 
 my lord of Northumberland is very ernest for his saide brother, and 
 hath wryttcn therein to my lady Carnabye in suche sorte, as when I 
 compare the quenes majesties lettres and his togither, being bothe 
 wryttcn to the said lady for one matier, I fynde a grete difference be- 
 twixt them ; thone conteyning a gentill request to her, that she woll 
 condescende to let the keper of Tyndale have the use of her house for 
 the better discharge of his office, the same being thought mete for the 
 purpose; thother conteyning an imperious commandementand straight 
 
 * Sir Reginald Carnaby left his estate to three daughters co-heiresses, viz. first, Cathe- 
 rine, wife of Culhbcrt lord Ogle; second, Ursula, wife of Edward Widderiiigtoii, esqj 
 third, Mabel, wife of George Lawson, esq. 
 
 3 
 
THE SCOTTISH REFORMATIOX, 1559-60. 443 
 
 charge, uppon payn of contempt and disobedyence, that she woU suffer 
 the saide keper to be placed in her house for the better service as is 
 aforesaide. As though his auctoryte did extende so farre as. he may 
 do wrong to whom he lysteth. I spcke not this uppon informacion ; 
 for I have his lettres to shew, the lyke whereof I have not scne wryt- 
 ten in such a case by any subiect. The poure gentilwonian, that can 
 not spare her house because she hath no mo, hath had nioch a do to 
 kepe it from my lordf and his brother. And therefore, when I had 
 well understode the matier, I wrote my poure mynde to my lord there- 
 on, and in the same declared to him what commission I had, with 
 also myn opynyon, toching thaptenes of the place, and desyred that 
 it might please his lord to stay in it till I might speke with him. 
 Whereuppon, he perceyving that I lyked not his proceedings therein, 
 and that I semed to be against his opynyon for the convenyence of 
 the place, he wrote to me very ernestly agayn, amongst other things, 
 that he wolde not here such contempt and dispite as Avas offered unto 
 him in that parte by the lady Carnaby and her frends, whills the auc- 
 torytie was in his hande, with other fonde matier, which is not worth 
 the rehersall. And now I here say that he intendeth to sende up his 
 saide brother Slingsbie, or som other, eyther to complayne, wherein I 
 thinke he woll make some untrew suggestion, or ells to make meanes 
 and sute to the lords of the counsaile to disturbe the poure gentilwo- 
 man in lier house, I assure you, without any good grounde or cause 
 reasonable. Wherefore I have thought mete to advertise you of that 
 I know therein. And if any such complaynt or sute be made there 
 by the said Slingsby, or any other, if it may please you to retourne the 
 matier hither by commission, or lettres directed to therle of Northum- 
 berland, sir James Croft, and me, or such others as you shall thinke 
 mete, giving charge unto them to examyn the circumstances of it, and 
 to call before them the most experte and M'ise gent, of the countrey, 
 and by them to lerne which be the most mete placis for the service of 
 
 t The earl of Northumberland, and sir Francis Slingsbv. 
 
444; LETTEKS DURING THE WAR OF 
 
 the keper of Tynclale ; then shall you know whether the saide keper 
 seke my lady Carnabyes house for his own commodyte, or for the well 
 executing of his office. At the leest, I make a certen accompte that 
 you woU not give credite to thone partie till you have harde thother. 
 
 It is more than xx yeres ago syns 1 had som understanding of this 
 frontier, and yet dyd I never know it in such disorder ; for now the 
 officer spoyleth the thefe,* without bringing forth his person to tryall 
 by the law ; and the thefe robbeth the trew man, and the trew men 
 take assuraunce of the theves that they shall not robbe them, and 
 give them yerely rent and tribute for the same, f And in these last 
 warres I here, which I never harde of before, that English borderers 
 were assured by the Scottes from burning and spoyle, and for the 
 same in lyke wise payed the Scottes certen rent and tribute. All which 
 procedeth of the lacke of stoute and wise officers. Wherefore, if you 
 woU have the frontiers well ordered, you must appoynt such officers as 
 can governe better, which, in my pour opynion, might be so chosen, 
 as the quenes majestic shoulde by them be a gret dele better served 
 then she is now, and with lesse charge, as at my retourne, if I may 
 have the hering, I shalbe able to declare unto you. ;]: 
 
 I trust you avoU conceyve that I write nothing herein eyther of any 
 malice or fond ignorance, but onely in respect of my duetie to the 
 quenes majestic, and for thadvancement of her highnes service, which 
 is as mete, and more mete, to be considered and loked to on this fron- 
 tyer, then in any place of Englande. Sept. 12. 1559. 
 
 * i. e. takes his goods. 
 t Called in Scotland black-mail. 
 
 X All these complaints seem levelled against the earl of Northumberland and his d«- 
 puties. 
 
THE SCOTTISH REFORMATION, 1559-60. 445 
 
 No. XLI. 
 
 Sir Wm. Ingleby* to Si>' Ralph Sadler. 
 
 Righte worshipful!, itmaye please yowe to understande, thatt the or- 
 der of the receipt haith bene suche here, by whose necligence I can 
 nott sale, thatt to this presente theire is not received the soinme of five 
 thowsande pownds ; which thinge, bycause itt is contrarie thexpecta- 
 ciouns of the quenes highnes nioste honorable councell, and gretlie pre- 
 iudiciall to the soldiours so longe unpaied, I thoughte good to signefie 
 unto yowe, thatt theire mighte some remedie be had therein. Yf more 
 spede be not maide hereafter by the collectours, theire is so manie de- 
 laies and excuses maide, thatt I doubte much the somme of fivetene 
 thowsande apointed to Barwicke M'ill not be had in theis partes, 
 whiche thinge so sone as I can have prove of, as I nowe but suspecte 
 the same, yowe shall not faille to be certefied. Thus I ceasse to truble 
 yowe. Frome Riplaie, this xiij"" of Sept. 1559- 
 
 Yours to commaunde, 
 
 Wtllam Inglybtt. 
 To the righte worskipfidl 
 lir Raphe Sadler, hiighte, give this at Bemicke. 
 
 No. XLIL 
 The Queen to Sir Ralph Sadler and Sir James Croft, 
 
 Elizabeth R. Bj/ the Quene. 
 
 Trusty and welbeloved, we grete you well. And let you wit, we 
 have sene your lettres conteyning the discourse and communicacion 
 
 * This gentleman appears to have commanded a company of soldiers, and also to have 
 been treasurer or paymaster of the garrison at Berwick. 
 
446 LETTERS DURING THE WAR OF 
 
 you have had with Bahieves, wherein lyke as we well perceyve you 
 have used your sellfs with no lesse wysdome and circumspection, then 
 we allwayes looked for at your handes, so doo we take your doings 
 therein in veiy good parte, and gyve you by these our hasty thanks 
 for the same ; assuring you, that as we nothing doubt of the contyn- 
 nuance of your good and diligent service in this or any other thing 
 that we shall have occasion to employe you in, so shall you well per- 
 ceyve, that we will be glad, as commoditie may serve, to consider the 
 same in suche sorte, as you shall have cause to think us your good and 
 gracious lady, and your travayle and paynes not to be forgotten. Geven 
 under our signet at our honnour of Hampton courte, the xiij"* of Sept. 
 the fyrst yere of our reigne. 
 
 Post script. We will within fewe dayes more fully and particularly 
 advertise you of our further pleasure touching the content of your sayd 
 lettres. 
 
 No. XLIII. 
 
 Mr Secretary Cecill to Sir Rafe Sadleir and Sir James Croft. 
 
 After my harty commendations. The queues majestic sent theis 
 lettres included to be sent to you, and hath by hir private lettres, 
 willed me to assure you as soone as I come to the court, to gyve you 
 knoledg for the releving of * Kirkaldy, Ormeston, Sec. I trust uppon 
 the arryvall of this post ye shall have herd summe certenty of thcrle of 
 Arrein being with his father. The queues majestic wold have you have 
 good regard to whome ye delyver the monei/, both for honor of the 
 persons and secretie. I was willed, if I thought mete, to addresse this 
 beror, being the post of the court, through to you with these lettres; 
 
 * This and the other words in itaUcs are written in a cypher, but are decyphered. 
 
THE SCOTTISH REFORMATION, 1559-60. 447 
 
 which I have doone for suerty, aswell of hir majesties lettres, as also 
 for the retorne of that which he shall bryng from you. 
 
 I send you included a specialtye for 200 crowns, as ye maye see; 
 wherof if ye here any thyng, I pray you receave the monny, and de- 
 lyvir the bill. * I wold not wish more hast thcrin than you see con- 
 venient, although it is of my owne purse, God be with you both, 
 and with all your affayres. From my poore howsc at Burlegh, the 14"* 
 of Sept. 1559. 
 
 Yours assuredly, 
 
 W. Cecill, 
 
 No. XLIV. 
 
 Sir Rafe Sadler and Sir James Croft to Mr Secretary Cecill. 
 
 Sir, 
 We have receyved your lettres of the xj"* of this present. And to satis- 
 fie your desire to here of f the sure entrance of Mans, de Beaitfort,'^ lyke 
 as we did advertise you by our lettres of the xiij'" that he was safelye 
 delyvered in Tevydale to one of his f rends hands, that undertake to convey 
 him surelie and secretelye to his father, so you shall understonde, that 
 we have now certen advertisement that he is safely in the cast ell of Ha- 
 milton with his father, who rejoysed not a litle of his commyng thither; 
 and hitherto he remaineth there so secret, that at the wryting hereof 
 it was not known in Scotland that he is arryved there. He hath sent 
 hither for Randall, whom we woU sende unto him by the same man 
 that conveyed hym before, with asmoch spede as we may conve- 
 nyently. 
 
 ■* This is the bill for the money lent by Cecil to Arran, as mentioned in p. 437. 
 
 t All the words in italics seem to have been written in a cypher. 
 
 % The earl of Arran, concerning whose safe arrival Cecil had so often expressed anxiety. 
 
448 LETTERS DURING THE WAR OF 
 
 The Scottish commissioners, with whom we have had sondry con- 
 ferences and metings for these border matiers, have ben very tiuesitif 
 of the passage of Scottish men thorough England, and chiefely the olde 
 larde of Lethington, * who, being the wisest man of them, tolde us 
 that tlie regent of Scotland willed him to declare unto us in gentill 
 and pleasant maner, as he sayed, that she understode, that without her 
 licence or knowlege, dyvers Scottish men passed thorough Englande 
 into Scotlande, and lykewise out of Scotland into Englande, and had 
 not onely passeporte and safeconduct, but also licence to passe in post 
 at tlicir pleasure, which she sayed is contrary to the treatie ; for that in 
 the same it is capitulated, that no subject of eythcr prynce shall have 
 safeconduct to passe in that sorte, without consent and lycence of the 
 princis of both realmes ; trusting that the quene our sovereign wolde 
 have such consideracion of the same as apteyned. We answered, that 
 in dede of late sondrye Scottis men and French men also cam out of 
 Eraunce into Englande to passe into Scotland, which were permytted, 
 without ony stay, to passe frelye, as frendshypp and good neighbour- 
 hood doth require in tyme of peax ; and I sir James Croft toke the 
 faulte uppon me, saying, that if it were a faulte, I was asmoche to be 
 blamed for it as any other; for that if eyther Scottish man or Frensh 
 man repayred to this towne to passe into Scotland, I suffered him to 
 passe, and stayed no man, thinking thereby to deserve thanks, rather 
 then that any defaulte shoulde have ben founde with the same. Where- 
 with they passed over the matier ; but, as we coniecture, all is for that 
 they mistrust the commyng of therle of Arrayn thorough England. 
 And as we can understonde, they have gotten som knowlege that a 
 French man shoulde secretely passe thorough Alnewyk ; and because 
 they can not lerne where he is becom, therefore they be so quesitif 
 Hereof we thought mete to advertise you, to tliintent you may con- 
 sider what the treatie purporteth in that behah) and also advertise us 
 
 t Sir Richard Maitland ; his son, the secretary of queen Mary, is usually called young 
 Ixthingtott. 
 
THE SCOTTISH REFORMATION, 1559-60. 449 
 
 what we shall answeie, if they fynde any more defaulte with the 
 same. 
 
 The English borderers on the west marches, called the Graymes, * 
 have made sonchy incursions into Scotland uppon the lord Maxwell, 
 and have slayne his cosen the parson of Ji/uuk, and also chased the 
 saide lorde Maxwell, who hardly escaped them. And still they ryde 
 and spoyle his countrey as we understonde, so that he is so occupied 
 there to defende the same, that he hath yet no leysour to /oke tkother 
 icaye.\ This matier seameth very strange unto us, considering that in 
 tyme of warre, when they shoulde and ought to have don service, 
 they stired not, nor ever set fote into Scotland to annoy thenemye, and 
 now, in tyme of peax, do all they can to distoiube the same. Whether 
 it be a practise or no, we woll not judge ; but this we perceyve, that 
 the Scottish commissioners here fynde no fault Avith it; and where as 
 we oftred to treate with them for redresse of attemptats don on tlie 
 the west marches, they refused it, as we wrote to you in our last 
 lettres. We woll do what we can to lerne how it cometh to passe 
 that the Graymes be so busye, and have alredy made meanes therefore. 
 The lord Dacres J lyeth at Carlisle, and eyther suffereth it, orells can 
 not or woll not amende it. What polycie it is to commytte rule and 
 auctory te to such men as your wardens here be, ivitli their other faults 
 not wiknoxccn to you, § you can iudge and consider better then we can ; 
 but we, as our dueties do requyre, M'ishe that suche shoulde have the 
 rule of these frontierrs, as favour the quenes maiesties procedings, and 
 be most mete and hable to governe so gret a charge. 
 
 * A fierce and untractable clan of borderers inhabiting the Debateable Land on the 
 Tvesteni inarch. There was an ancient feud between them and the lord Maxwell, who had 
 plundered and foraj-ed their landi about the year 1530. 
 
 f This is explained by a passage in a subsequent letter from Balnaves to Sadler and 
 Crofts, in which he complains, that the outrages of the GrEemes prevented Maxwell from 
 bringing his men to the rendezvous of the lords of the congregation. 
 
 1 Thomas lord Dacre of the north. He died in the 8th year of queen Elizabeth's reign, 
 
 § To which was added, " being indeed rank papists;" but these words are deleted. 
 
 VOL. I. 3 L 
 
.\ 
 
 450 LETTERS DURING THE AVAR OF 
 
 Post scripta. I sir Ralph Sadler receyved your other lettres directed 
 to me of the xij"" of this, niencioning, amongst other things, that by 
 ,-your former lettres from the courte, I was advised to knde the protec- 
 tants money as of myself, taking secretely hands of them to render the 
 same, so as the quenes majestie shouldc not be a partie therto. In dede I 
 ^^o remember, that when I was with you at the courte before my dis- 
 patche, such maner of talke passed betwixt you and me ; but syns that 
 lyme, if you wrote to me any lettres of such effect, surely they are 
 imbesiled, for they never cam to my hands. The money is alredy de- 
 ly vered to Balmives, who, by reason of contrary wynde, was forced to 
 tary vj dayes /;/ Holy Islande ; and therefore, to advoyde further tra- 
 vaile in sending backe agayn for it, having Akw. JVhitknce in his 
 companye, he desyred that they might have the money xv'ith them, 
 wherein we thought good to satisfie his desyre ; and on Wenesday last, 
 afore none, they sayled homewards xtith a very good ztyndc, trusting to 
 here shortcly of their safe aiTytalL 
 
 Touching the B. of Amyens and La Brosse, we here not of them, 
 but that they be loked for in Scotland. Marry, it is thought there that 
 they woU not passe by the rcest seas, because if they com that way, 
 they must neds fall in the danger of the prctestants. * Assone as we 
 shall lerne any certentie of them, you shall be advertised accordinglye. 
 
 We had worde even now that therle of Arrayn hath discoxered him- 
 self in Scotland, and hclhcr he hath sent your cc crozcns, (200) though 
 the same were not requyred of him by any of us. You shall do well 
 therfore to sende him his bi/i. "I And lykewise I sir James Croft re- 
 ceyved commendacion this mormngfoom the young larde of Lethington, 
 secrelarie to the regent, desiering me to have no lesse good opinion 
 then heretofore I have conceavcd of him, offering also his service to 
 the quenes majestie in any thing tliat he can doo. And further, sent 
 
 * Wliose principal strength lay in the western counties. 
 
 •f Wiiat follows, and liie terniinatiou of the next letter, appears to be written by sir 
 James Croft. 
 
THE SCOTTISH REFORMATION, 1559-60. 451 
 
 me wooifle, that he attended uppon the regent in her coiirte no longer 
 then till he might have a good occasion to revoke unto the protestants. 
 These conimendacions lie sent me by one Jllelvin, a Scottsman, and ser- 
 vaunt to the constable of Fraunce, who is now passing hence towards his 
 master. * Thus we ende, and committ you to the tuicion of Ahuightie 
 God. From Berwick, the IG'* of Sept. 1559. 
 
 No. XLV. 
 
 Sir IIafe Sadler and Sir James Croft to Mr Secretary Cecill. 
 
 We have no specyal niatier to write of the protestant procedings, 
 because we harde nothing from them sithens the departure of Balnaves, 
 and therefore because your post, this berer, is ver}^ disyrous to retourne 
 to his charge, we have thought good to depeche him with such matier 
 as we here reported by the common brute of Scottishmen, that is, that 
 gretely they reioyse in Scotland of the comying home of therle of Ar- 
 rayn, and moch devising tliere is which way he cam, suspecting the 
 same to have ben thorougli England. The regent is in gret melancoHe 
 and displeasure with the same : and also they say that the congrega- 
 cion begynneth to assemble, and woll ryse agayn, and the French men 
 devise for their defence, loking daylie for the marques Dalbeuf, and 
 
 * This was the amiahlp and nrrnnifvlished sir Jamrs Melville of Ilallhill, author of the 
 Memoirs which bear his name. He went to Fiance to be page of honour to queen Mary» 
 and by her allowance entered into the service of the constable Montmorency, where he 
 remained for nine years. He had been dispatched by Henry H. into Scotland, to recom- 
 mend mild and temporizing measures to the queen-dowager, such as might secure the tem- 
 poral obedience of the reformers, " leaving Scottishnien's souls to God, as he had difficulty 
 enough to rule the consciences of Frenchmen ;" and with amicable proposals to the pro- 
 tejtant lords. Melville had chiefly addressed himself to the prior of St Andrews, better 
 known as the regent Murray, and was returning to France through England with his an- 
 swer to the French king's message, when he passed through Berwick, as mentioned in the 
 text. The death of Henry II., and the violent counsels of the Guises, broke off these 
 communings, and with them all hopes of reviving the French interest in Scotland. 
 
452 LETTERS DURING THE WAR OF 
 
 with him more ayde out of Fraunce, which, if they were arryved, they 
 think themselfs strong ynoiigh for the protestants. This is the com- 
 mon brute, but we trust to here shortly som certentie of their pro- 
 cedino-s, and tlien we shall advertise the same with diligence. 
 
 The incursions and attemptats into the west marches of Scotland, by 
 the Graymes and other surnames of Englande do contynew, or rather 
 increase ; and as we wrote that we had made som meanes to know how- 
 it cam to passe, that they were now so busie in tyme of peax, and in 
 the tyme of warre so quyet, so have we lerned, by informacion, tbat 
 the lord Dacres, who might stay it if he Molde, lyeth at Carlisle, and 
 wynketh at the matier ; and as we be informed should say, that he 
 had no commandement from the queues majestic, neyther to stay them, 
 nor to bidde them rijde, and therefore they might do as they listed. 
 We woU not say this is trew, but Me must neds thinke that it procedeth 
 eyther by his will or by his necligence.* And also we understonde, 
 that he sent to the regent of Scotland ij of his trustie servaunts, which 
 retourned from her on Thursday last; and as themselfs say, they went 
 to her to desyre that she wolde appoynte a warden on her west marches, 
 to thentent the lord Dacres might mete and conferre with him, for to 
 make redresse of attemptats don, and for the keping of good rule on 
 those borders. Eut why my lord Dacres shoulde sende to her to de- 
 sire redresse we see not, for thenglishmen have now don so gret hurt 
 to Scotland, that, as we be infourmed, they be not hable to make re- 
 dresse for it, and the Scotts, which wolde fayne be quyet, have don 
 nothina: to Enslande. And therefore my lord Dacres hath no cause 
 to complayn, ne to seke for any redresse. What the cause is whie he 
 shoulde sende to her we know not, but what lie is you know; and to 
 
 * The inference seems to be, that by connivai>ce at the inroads of these borderers. Lord 
 Dacres was bringing on a incach between England and Scotland, and a revival of the an- 
 cient national anti|)alliy, which could not be otherwise than destructive to Elizabeth's plan 
 of forming a Scottish jfarly in the interest of England. L'esidcs, Lord Maxwell was a zea- 
 lous reformer, and these aggressions eilectually kept him from joining the lords of the con- 
 gregation. See No. LII. 
 
THE SCOTTISH REFORMATION, lJ59-60. 453 
 
 say our opynyons to you, we tliinke he wolde be very loth that the 
 protestants in Scotland, yee or iu Englande, shoulde prosper, if he 
 might Ictt it. And even of the same sorte is your warden of the est 
 and myddell marches here ; and then iudge you how mete they be to 
 governe such a charge, that requyreth men of wisedom, trust, stoutnes, 
 and good governement : such oflicers we wishe to be in their placis ; 
 the consideracion whereof we referre to the high powers. In the meane 
 season, under your reformacion, we thinke it mete that, at the least, 
 straight charge and commandement, by lettres from thens, be addres- 
 sed to the saide lord Dacre, to stay the saide incursions, and to kepe 
 better rule on the frontiers under his charge. The rest we referre to 
 your wisedom. And so, &c. *iye susptct that therle of Northumber- 
 land is advertised, from tyme to tyme, by Alert, the clerke of the counsail 
 there, of all secret matiers, xchat soever they be, that concernith him, or any 
 other, xix September, 1559. 
 
 No. XLVI. 
 
 The Maior of Nexvcastell to therle of Northumberland, and the other 
 
 Co7nissioners. 
 
 Yt maye please you to understande, that I have received your ho- 
 norable lettres of the xviij of September, touchinge the enteraunce of 
 James Hume, Skotisheman, sonne of the lorde of Coldingknowes, and 
 his retourne agayn unto you.f So it is that the said James, makinge 
 his entraunce unto sir Robert Brandlinge, to thuse of my lorde Whar- 
 ton, agreable to his bonde. I have not the les, accordinge to your 
 
 • In cypher (in the margin). 
 
 t James Home, son of John Home, laird of Coldingknowes, a near relation of the earl 
 of Home, appears to have been taken at a skirmish before the gates of Berwick. Lord 
 Wharton writes several letters claiming the ransom of this prisoner, for one of his re- 
 tainers . 
 
454 LETTERS DURING THE WAR OF 
 
 honorable lettres, sent and retouined the said James Hume unto your 
 lordship by thes berers ; not doubteing but that your honour woll take 
 suche order with the said James Hume, as that I may be discharged 
 and acquyted from all manner of encumberaunces, touchinge his dely- 
 verie from hens, if my lorde Wliarton, at any tyme herafter, shall call 
 for him at my hands. As knoweth our Lorde God, whome I beseche 
 to have your honours and woorshipes in his blessed tuycions. At 
 Newcastle, this xxi of September, anno 16.59- 
 
 Your lorde and wourshi])s most humble at commandment, 
 
 The maiour of Newcastle, 
 
 OswoLD Chapman. 
 
 No. XLVn. 
 
 «S'//' Ralph Sadler and Sir James Crob'T, to the Lords and others of 
 
 the Lords Priv/e Counsel. 
 
 It may like your lordships to understande, that perceyving by your 
 lettres of the XV of August, that John Flemyng, with 50 goonners, such 
 as cam from Guysnes, was in the tyme of queue Mary sent hither, to 
 serve here in this towne, onely of intent to relieve them, being then 
 without other succour, and that it was none otherwise meant at that 
 tyme, but that the charges of that nomber shoulde contynew no longer 
 then during the lyves onely of those 50 persons that cam from Gys- 
 nes; in consideracion whereof your lordships pleasure is, not onely 
 that if any of them be ded, or their rowmes otherwise becom voyde, 
 and supplied agayn by others, contrary to the first meaning, we shoulde, 
 in that case, cause such as have newly ben brought in to the saide 
 crue to be cassed, onles they, or any of them, shall appere unto us to 
 be such men as, for their skill and qualities, are fytte to be contyncw- 
 ed in service, but also that we shoulde take order that from hensfourth, 
 as any of the said 50 gooners shall by death or otherwise iayle, none 
 
THE SCOTTISH REFORMATION, 1569-60. 455 
 
 otlier be admitted to his place, but that the rownie may die witli tlie 
 person, according to the fjrst intent. Me have thouijht aood to sW- 
 nefie unto your lordships, that uppon consideration of the matier, as 
 we fynde tliat of the saide nombre of 50, that cam hither from Guys- 
 nes, 5 or 6 at the most have lefte their rowmes here, som of them by 
 deth, and som otherwise; so hathe it ben thought mete, by such as for 
 the tyme had the charge here, to supplie their placis with others, for 
 the better furnyture and more suretie of this towne. And when the 
 fortifications here shalbe fynished, it is thought that the same woU oc- 
 cupie no lesse nombre of goonners than one hundreth at the leest, for 
 the greate ordenaunce. Wherefore we thinke it mete that the saide 
 nomber of 50 be contynewed, and as any of them shall fayle, to be 
 still supplied, if it may so stande with your lordships pleasure; where- 
 unto, nevertheles, we do refene the same, as aperteyneth. 2 1 Septem- 
 ber, 1559. 
 
 No. XLVIII. 
 
 Copt/ of John Sinclear's (J. e. John Knox's*) Lettre to Sir James 
 
 Croft. 
 
 Right Woorshipfull, 
 These are to advertise you, that upon Monday the ] 7 of September, 
 the lords of the congregacion departed from Sterling, where they had 
 remayned certain dayes before, in consultacion upon thies present af- 
 faires. Theile of Arrane being in their companye, they departed alto- 
 gether, I saye, to Hamilton, to my lord duke, for reconsiliacion to be 
 made betwixt him and summe lords and other gentlemen, whome, be- 
 fore, he and his freends having authoritie, had offended. In that com- 
 
 * This celebrated reformer, in his passage from Geneva to Scotland, had had an inter- 
 Tiew with Cecil, and was well acquainted with his views. He arrived in Scotland 2d May, 
 1559. 
 
456 LETTERS DURING THE WAR OF 
 
 panye departed bothe the men who last wer with you, togither with 
 the larde of Graiinge: God unite their harts in perfett love. Before 
 I wrote unto you and unto ]\Ir Secretary, that onles summe supporte 
 were made unto particuler men, and especiallie to those whome I did 
 notefie in writing, that impossible it ware unto them to serve in this 
 action. For albeit that money, by the adversarie partie, largelie offred, 
 coulde not corrupt them, yet shulde extreame povertie compell them 
 to remayne at home; for they are so superexpended alreadie, that they 
 are not hable to beare oute their trayne, and the same thing I write 
 unto you again, requyering you to signelie the same to suclie as tendre 
 the furtherauuce of this cause. If any persuade you that they wooll, 
 or maye serve withoute supporte, they doo but deceyve you. If I did 
 not perfetlie understand their necessitie, I woolde not write so precise- 
 lie: for I nothing doubte to obteyne of them, by the authoritie of Gods 
 woord, what lyeth in their power; yea, if they coulde have money 
 uppon their lands, I shulde never solicitt for them ; but the knowledge 
 of their povertie, and the desier which I have that the cause prosper, 
 makith me bolde to speake my iudgement. If we lacke those, sir, 
 whome in my former leltres I expressed, our power will be weaker 
 then men beleve. Fraunce seakith all meanes to make them freends, 
 and to diminish our nombre. Ye are not ignorant what povertie on 
 the one parte, and money largelie offied upon the other parte, is hable 
 to persuade. Be advertised, and advertise you others, as you favour 
 the successe of the cause. I have doon what in nie lyeth, that corrup- 
 tion entre not amongst them ; and at my last departing from them, I 
 verilie beleve that they were of one mynde, to promote the cause en- 
 terprised, but the power of summe is suche as before I have expressed. 
 One thing must I suite of you, to witt, that either by yourselfe, or 
 ells by sir Rate Sadleyr, to whome I could not write, because no ac- 
 (juayntaunce hathe been betwixt us, you woolde procure a licence for 
 my mother, Elizabeth Bowis,* to visitt me, and to remayne with me 
 
 * I do not know tliat the name of our reformer's mollier is to be found elsewhere. His 
 father resided at Giflbrd, in East Lothian, and was, as it would seem from a passage in 
 Knox's History, a retainer of the earl of Bothwell. See Hist. Edit. 1732, p. 306. 
 
 11 
 
THE SCOTTISH REFORMATION, 1559-60. 457 
 
 for a season ; the comfort of her conscience, whiche cannot be quyett 
 without CJotls woorde, truhe preached, and his sacraments rio-htehe 
 ministred, is the cause of her request, and of my care. 
 
 The castell of Edinburghe hathe narowlie eskaped betrayeno-, but 
 nowe, I hope, it be in better assurance, because the quene and her 
 Frenche counsaile are disapoyntid of their purpose in that bihalfe. They 
 have began to fortefie Leyht. Their souldiors supplie tlic place of pio- 
 ners, for augmentation of their wagis. As otlier things occurrith, ye 
 shall be advertised. And thus I commit you to the protection of the 
 Omnipotent. From St Androwes, the xxj of September, 1559. 
 
 Yours to his power, 
 
 John Sinclear. 
 
 No. XLIX. 
 
 At the Kirke of oure Lady of UpsatUngtoun*- the xxij of September, 
 
 1559. 
 
 Articulis and Ordinances aggreit upoun and maid be the Lordis Com- 
 missionaris of bait h the Realmes, for the bettir ordour of redresse 
 and reformation of all attemptatis done, and to be done upon the 
 Border s.-\ 
 
 First. It is be the saidis commissionaris ordanit, that all billis allreddy 
 fylit, salbe duelie and fully deliverit be the wardane and wardanis of 
 ather realmes, viz. in the niyddill marcheis, on Tewisday the xxviij day of 
 September instant : and for the est marcheis, on Mounday the secund 
 of October. Ane bill for ane uthair on every marchc safer, as baith 
 
 * Now called Lady Kirk, situated on the north bank of the Tweed, near Norham. Lady 
 Kirk was built by James IV. in the bounds of the ancient parish of Upsetlington. 
 
 t See the confirmation of this treaty by Francis and JMary, in Rymer's Fxdera Vol 
 XV. p. 539. 
 
 VOL. I. 3 M 
 
458 LETTERS DUKING THE WAR OF 
 
 the realmes have hke noniber of billis fylit. And yf ather realme 
 chances to have maa billis fylit nor the other sal have, sic billis to 
 be deliverit without follow. And the like ordour to be observit for all 
 billis to be fylit hereftir. And ordenis the wardanis to keip thair con- 
 ditions, to uthairis alreddy maid for spering, fyling, and delivering 
 according to the said covvenant. 
 
 Item. That the wardanis of athir realme sail appoynt and keip thair 
 conventionis and diettes, at townes and places accustimat for every 
 marche, and thair to here and rassaif all complayntis of athir realme, 
 and gif detfull ansuere, without ony delay, to all billis, for every 
 attemptat committit be the liegis of athir realme, according to the 
 lawis and custume of the borderoins. And that the said wardanis sail 
 appoynt thair assysours, according to the anchient use to that eflect. 
 
 Item. For sic attemptatis hes bene committit be athir of the realmes 
 sen the conventioun of the saidis commissionaris, upoun complaynt 
 geven to the wardanis of athir realme, thair names being alwayis con- 
 tenit in the complaynt, the saidis wardanis sail spere, fyle, and deliver, 
 according to the custume of the bordour, upoun thair honours, alwayis 
 the opposit wardane taking, upoun liis honour, that sic gude wantit 
 within that tyme, and fylit that marche. 
 
 Item. It is aggreit be the lordis foresaidis, that all presonaris of 
 athir realmes, sail enter to thair takaris, or pay thair severale bandis, 
 of quhat kynd so evir thai be, under writting sympill or conditionalie, 
 or be promisse, without Mritting; and in defalt thairof, to forefalt the 
 soumes of money contenit, or promissit, in the said bandis. 
 
 Item. Gif any contraversy happin to be for forefalting of bandis, 
 that the parties grevit, of athir realme, sail complene to the wardane 
 of the opposit marche, and for Cervvik to the capitane thairof; all thir 
 contraverses salbc decidit be the said wardanis ; and the said capitane 
 of Berwik, for thois under his reule, viz. sic assistente as thai sail tak 
 unto thame ; and in like nianer all contraversys to be decidit in maner 
 abonewrittin, of presonaris. 
 
 2 
 
THE SCOTTISH REFORMATION, 1559-60. 459 
 
 Item. Gif any presonar of athir realme be lattin hame, be his takar, 
 upoim promes of re-entre, quliidder the sam be" maid be word or writ- 
 ting, and na penaltee maid for non entre, it is ordanit be the said com- 
 missionaris, that every sic presonaris salbe compellit to enter be the 
 wardanis of that realme, quhair the presonar is sorlit, and sicHke the 
 capitane of I3er\vik within his auttorite. 
 
 Item. It is menit to the saidis commissionaris, that thair is divers 
 presonaris in athir reahne, sum jjiit in irnes and fetters, or castin in 
 horrible pittes or vyld places, aganis the order of cherrite amangis cris- 
 tiane men, quharefore the saidis lordis ordanis, that all presonars be 
 honestlie treittit, and cheretabhe demanit in tyme cuming. 
 
 BoiTHUELLE, R. SaDLER, 
 
 Rechakt Maitlaxd, Cesfiird. James Croft. 
 
 No. L. 
 
 Sir William Inglyby to Sir Ralph Sadler. 
 
 After my humble commendacions. Theis maye be to signefie unto 
 yowe, that accordinge to suche advise as I received from yowe and 
 Mr Crofte, in your last lettres, I shall certefie the quenes highnes 
 councell the lacke of suche money as will not be levied in theis parts • 
 and shall in the meane time, so spedelie procure the receipte of that is 
 here to be had, as within shorte time I hope to arryve withe the same 
 at Barwicke. Thatt I have received is so small a somme, as the send- 
 inge thereof shulde be doble chargis to the quenes majestie, and the 
 soldiourlitleholpentherebie; butso soneas acompetenteporcionn shall 
 come to my hands, I shall, accordinge to your opynyons, yf more will 
 not be levied, bringe the same withe spede. Thus wyshinge your 
 healthe, I ceasse further to troble yowe. From Ryplaye, tliis xxij'' 
 of September, 1559. 
 
 Yours humbhe to commande, 
 
 Wyllam Ingltbt. 
 
/^O LETTERS DUUIN6 THE WAR OF 
 
 Sir, I have, accordinge to your request for liownds, sente yowe tM'o 
 couple of howiids, suclie as shall content yowe, as I trust.* 
 
 No. LI. 
 Secretary Cecill to Sir Ralph Sadler. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I sent you a bill for 200 crownes, which I praye you delyver where 
 it ought to be. I praye you send me word, in ciphre, what your opi- 
 nion is for the ■\changyng of the wardens of thest, west, and lalddle 
 marches; for it is here sene, as the tyme requireth, very necessary. The 
 xcarden of thest and middle marches hath made suyte to repayre tip to the 
 coiirtc, and so he shall have leave, after that he hathe ended his com- 
 mission. I wold gladly have some good matter against the warden of 
 the west marches at his coming upp. And so I end. From Hampton 
 Court, the 23 of September, 1559- 
 
 Yours assuredly, 
 
 W. Cecill. 
 Endorsed, To the Rt. Hon. sir Ralph, Sfc. 
 
 Haste, haste, poste haste, haste, haste. 
 Delivered at Hampton Court at ix of the clocks 
 
 aforenoone. Rec. at Newcastle, the xxvij of 
 
 September, at ix of the clocke at night. 
 
 * These were probably blood-hounds, or sluith-hounds, used on the Borders for tracing 
 delinquents; although doubtless Sadler may have sent for grey-hounds, for his own pas- 
 time. 
 
 t This proposed change of the wardens, seems to be in consequence of Sadler's letters. 
 No. XLVIII. and XLEX. The earl of Northumberland held the wardenry of the east and 
 middle marches ; lord Dacre that of the west. They were both catholics. 
 
THE SCOTTISH IlEFORMATION, 1559-60. 461 
 
 No. LII. 
 Copie of Mr Balnaves' Letter to Sir R. Sadlek and Sir J'. Croftis. 
 
 Right Wokshipfull, 
 After most hartie commendacion. Having occasion by opoitunitie 
 of tliis bringar Mr Whitlaw, I thought it good to advertise you of the 
 procedings here since myn arriving and tleparting from you. The 
 16 of this instant I cam to Striviling, where I founde the lords, togi- 
 ther with my lorde of Arrane. The matiers I had in hand, as secrethe 
 as it was possible, I communicate to a fewe nombre, and purpose was 
 taken with suche dihgent spede as might to gett our men togither ; 
 no daye prefixit, but that all countreis shulde be warned to be in a rea- 
 dines upon the space of 4 dayes warning, and then to have the certain- 
 tie of my lorde dukes mynde in this cause. We past to Hamilton the 
 19 of this instant, and there, after all our purpose was opened up to 
 him, he gladlie subscribed all the bonds we had made, bothe towards 
 reli2:ion and other affaires of the commenweale. And he, togither 
 with the rest of the lords, wrote to therle of Huntley, * that he shulde 
 ioyne him to them, and com forwards with all his freends. It is be- 
 leved he shall be on this side. Nowe we beyng in Hamilton, woorde 
 cam to us, the Frenchmen ware entred to the fortefyeng of Leitht, 
 whiche thing displeaseth not a littell the lords, who incontinent wrote 
 to the quene regent, t to cause them desist from the saide entreprise, 
 or ells the hole nobilitie and commonalltie of the realme woolde pro- 
 vide remedie. There was no aunswer brought again of their lettre at 
 
 * George Gordon, earl of Huntley, was a man of great power and considerable abilities; 
 he had little reason to love the regent, who had, upon a former occasion, imprisoned him 
 in Edinburgh castle, and deprived him of many of his honours, particularly the earldom of 
 Murray. Yet he adhered to her faction during the war of reformation, though not without 
 occasionally coquetting with the lords of the congregation. 
 
 t Their letter, or rather manifesto, may be found in Knox's History : it bears date at 
 Hamilton, 19 September, 1559. 
 
462 LETTERS DURING THE WAR OF 
 
 this tyme. Notwitlistanding finall conclusion is taken by the lords, 
 to convene with all the force and strcnght they maye, the 15 of this 
 next moneth, and not to depaurte a sounder, till the accomplishe the 
 \ change of this authoritie, and have their intent of the Frenshe men, 
 ether by one nieanes or other. And bicause we feare the fortefyeng 
 of Leicht in this meane tyme, if it be possible, with suche nombre as 
 maye be gathered of our men, we make to take Edinburgh, to theft'ect 
 the Frenchmen maye be impeded of their intreprise ; and bicause we 
 woolde be sure of the castell of Edinburgh to freende, there is lettres 
 sent to my lorde of Erskyn * with secret credit. I trust he shall mete 
 my lorde prior this next Soundaye, to common upon this niatier. As 
 suche matier takith eft'ect, I shall advertise you tyme by tyme ; but 
 the passage is verie difficill. INIy lorde of Arrane is verie desierous to 
 have My Randall to common with ; and to that effect, bathe sent this 
 bringar with his owne direction, who can open all these maters at 
 lenght to your M. as he shall be requyered. INIoreover, if we shall 
 not have the lyke thing I brought with me, sped hither with dili- 
 gence, aboute the latter end of this next moneth, it is not possible to 
 kepe our men any long tyme togither. Therefore I praye your Ai. 
 have respect therto, and advertise with this bringar me, what tyme 
 the same maye be lippened f to be received, that I maye appoint 
 summe secret man to that effect. For it is not possible to my selfe 
 to be absent from the lords of counsaile, while these maters take 
 summe staye. This entreprise of Leitht bathe inflamed the harts of 
 our people to a woonderfuU hatred and des]>ite of Fraunce, wher- 
 through I thinke there shall folowe a playne defection from Fraunce 
 
 * John, thirteenth loril Erskine, and sixth earl of Mar. He was at this time governor of 
 the castle of Edinburgh, and observed a neutrality between the contending parties, re- 
 fusing particularly to admit either English or French soldiers into the fortress which he 
 commanded. When James VI. was born, the custody of his person was committed to this 
 nobleman ; and upon the death of the earl of Lennox at the surprize of Stirling, the earl 
 of I\Iar was chosen regent in his room. But he did not long enjoy this high office, as he 
 died in November 1572, not without symptoms, or at least suspicion, of poison. 
 
 t J. e. trusted. 
 
THE SCOTTISH REFORMATION, 1559-60, 463 
 
 for ever. Thus, not molesting your IM. with longer lettre, I committ 
 you to the tuicion of Almightie God. From Striveling in hast, the 
 
 £d of Sept. 1559. 
 
 By jour M. assured freend at power, 
 
 Henry Balnaves of Halhill. 
 
 There hathe chaunced latelie slaughter betweene the Grames of 
 Eske and the M'. of Maxwell, who is our freende,* and if the same 
 shall not be stayed by summe meanes of your warden of your west 
 marches, it shall make the saide M'. of Maxwell to be so impeded, 
 that he may not bring forth his men to us in our necessitie. Good it 
 ■were, if you maye, that summe remedie were provided herin, by the 
 meanes wherof we maye have without lett, the force and strength the 
 saide M'. of Maxwell maye make to us. 
 
 * This throws further light on the conduct of lord Dacres, in conniving at these disor- 
 ders. 
 
 END OF THE FIRST VOLUME. 
 
 Edinburgh : 
 Printed by J. Ballantyne & Co. 
 
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