Harley MS 6999

Letters and state warrants, from the years 1580-1581.

ff. 1r-2v: List of contents.

f. 3r: Letter from Robert Bowes to Francis Walsingham. Reporting on the case of James Douglas, 4th Earl of Morton, and his adherents, and requesting advice as to whether he should travel to London to answer the untrue suggestions of Rowland Johnson, and take his place in Parliament, as a Burgess for Appleby in Westmoreland. Berwick, 7 January 1580.

ff. 4r-5v: Letter from Robert Bowes to an unknown correspondent. Giving an account of the journey of Archibald Douglas, 8th Earl of Angus, to Berwick to seek the Queen’s approval. Also concerning James Douglas, 4th Earl of Morton, accused of the murder of the King’s father, and his committal. Lastly concerning how disagreeable the name of an English man was in Scotland at that time. Berwick, 7 January 1580.

ff. 6r-7v: Letter from Robert Bowes to Henry Carey, 1st Baron Hunsdon. Reporting that James Douglas, 4th Earl of Morton, was in great danger of his life. Berwick, 11 January 1580.

ff. 8r-9v: Letter from Robert Bowes to William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley, and Francis Walsingham. On the unlawful trial of James Douglas, 4th Earl of Morton, and its opposition by Archibald Douglas, 8th Earl of Angus, and Patrick Lindsay. 6th Lord Lindsay. Also on a plan for 1000 French men to guard the King of Scotland, and that a lawyer lately returned from France maintains that the King of Scotland was rightly King of England. Berwick, 11 January 1580.

ff. 10r-13v: Two letters from Henry Hastings, 3rd Earl of Huntington, to Francis Walsingham. Declaring his readiness to serve the Queen on behalf of James Douglas, 4th Earl of Morton, with his opinion on the affair. York, 8 and 13 January 1580.

ff. 14r-15v: Letter from Thomas Randolph to Francis Walsingham. Concerning the delay of letters. York, 13 January 1580.

ff. 16r-17v: Copy of a letter from the Privy Council to Henry Hastings, 3rd Earl of Huntington. On their sending 3000 l. to him. Westminster, 13 January 1580.

ff. 18r-19v: Copy of a letter from the Privy Council to Robert Bowes. Concerning the forces near the Borders. 15 January 1580.

ff. 20r-21v: Letter from the Privy Council to Henry Hastings, 3rd Earl of Huntington. Instructing that 2000 footmen and 500 horsemen be placed upon the Borders. 15 January 1580.

ff. 22r-23v: Letter from Robert Bowes to Francis Walsingham. Excusing his non-attendance of the Parliament now sitting. Berwick, 16 January 1580.

ff. 24r-25v: Extract of a letter from Robert Bowes to Henry Hastings, 3rd Earl of Huntington. Concerning the case of James Douglas, 4th Earl of Morton. 16 January 1580.

ff. 26r-27v: Letter from Robert Vernon to Francis Walsingham. Concerning an order for money to victual 2500 men. Berwick, 3 February 1580.

ff. 28r-29v: Letter from Henry Carey, 1st Baron Hunsdon, to Francis Walsingham. Requesting that the Queen appoint a Marshal. Reporting that he has paid 300 l. to Robert Vernon, 5000 l. to Robert Bowes and Henry Hastings, 3rd Earl of Huntington, and placed 200 soldiers at Norham and Warke. Berwick, 3 February 1580.

ff. 30r-31v: Letter from Henry Hastings, 3rd Earl of Huntington, to Francis Walsingham. Reporting that he had received his letters and would act according to his instructions. Newcastle, 4 February [1580].

ff. 32r-33v: Copy of a letter from Thomas Randolph to Henry Carey, 1st Baron Hunsdon. On affairs in Scotland, especially the wedding of Elizabeth Stewart, 2nd Countess of Moray, to James Stewart, son of the 1st Lord Doune, at which the King was present. Edinburgh, 4 February 1580.

ff. 34r-35v: Copy of a letter from Francis Walsingham to Henry Hastings, 3rd Earl of Huntington. Hoping that the Queen might raise a party on Scotland, though the number of noblemen was few. Whitehall, 6 February 1580.

ff. 36r-36*v: Letter from Henry Hastings, 3rd Earl of Huntington, to Francis Walsingham. Forwarding a packet from Henry Carey, 1st Baron Hunsdon. Newcastle, 8 February 1580.

ff. 37r-38v: Copy of a letter from Thomas Randolph to Henry Carey, 1st Baron Hunsdon. Concerning his meeting with the Abbot of Newbottle and Clerk Register, on the differences between Queen Elizabeth I and King James VI. Also on his plain dealing with the King and Council. Edinburgh, 8 February 1580.

ff. 39r-40v: Copy of a letter from Thomas Randolph to an unknown correspondent. On the case of James Douglas, 4th Earl of Morton, and the need to show favour to Esmé Stewart, 1st Earl of Lennox, who, with the Earl of Argyle, offers to be at the Queen’s devotion, though neither of them are to be trusted. 8 February 1580. Cipher, deciphered.

ff. 41r-42v: Letter from Henry Hastings, 3rd Earl of Huntington, to Francis Walsingham. On forwarding the forces to Berwick. Newcastle, 9 February 1580.

ff. 43r-46v: Letter from Thomas Randolph to Henry Carey, 1st Baron Hunsdon, and Henry Hastings, 3rd Earl of Huntington. Sending an account of a conference between himself and James Douglas, 4th Earl of Morton, and Douglas’s declaration that he should be brought to trial in a short time. With news from George Young, Clerk of the Council, and on the King’s summons to a consultation concerning possibly invasion by the Queen. Edinburgh, 9 February 1580.

ff. 47r-48v: Letter from Henry Carey, 1st Baron Hunsdon, to Francis Walsingham. Concerning the Queen’s enlargement of his commission, Thomas Randolph’s report that the party of Esmé Stewart, 1st Earl of Lennox, have become more mild, expectations of the forces, victualling in the North, and the arrival of 400 footmen and 1400 on the road in no better condition. Berwick, 6 February 1580.

ff. 49r-49*v: Letter from Henry Hastings, 3rd Earl of Huntington, to Francis Walsingham. Expressing his fears of the troubles likely to be brought upon both Kingdoms by Esmé Stewart, 1st Earl of Lennox. Newcastle, 6 February 1580.

f. 50r: Letter from Henry Carey, 1st Baron Hunsdon, to Francis Walsingham. On the placement of Harry Witherington as Marshal, the victualling of soldiers in the country, and a packet from Thomas Randolph. Berwick, 9 February 1580.

ff. 51r-53v: Letter from Henry Carey, 1st Baron Hunsdon, to Francis Walsingham. Extolling Archibald Douglas, 8th Earl of Angus, and discussing the case of James Douglas, 4th Earl of Morton. Berwick, 9 February 1580.

ff. 54r-55v: Letter from Henry Carey, 1st Baron Hunsdon, to Francis Walsingham. Reporting on the frivolity of Randolph’s actions, and that there is not occasion for himself and Henry Hastings, 3rd Earl of Huntington, to march with their troops but to the Queen’s dishonour. Berwick, 11 February 1580.

f. 56r-56v: Letter from Henry Hastings, 3rd Earl of Huntington, to Francis Walsingham. Expressing his dislike of a letter from Lord Harris, fearing that the fair speeches of the Scottish nobles are to gain time, and his plans to write to Randolph concerning the opportunity to make a party at the convention on the 20th. Alnwick, 14 February 1580.

ff. 57r-59v: Copy of a letter from Lord Harris, transcribed by Henry Hastings, 3rd Earl of Huntington. Urging the removal of Esmé Stewart, 1st Earl of Lennox, and the liberty of James Douglas, 4th Earl of Morton. Teweglis, 10 February 1580.

ff. 60r-61v: Copy of a letter from Thomas Randolph to an unknown correspondent. Reporting on a conference with the King, who seemed inclined to take the advice of the Queen, but was loathe to part with Esmé Stewart, 1st Earl of Lennox. 14 February [1580].

ff. 62r-63v: Copy of a letter from Francis Walsingham to Henry Hastings, 3rd Earl of Huntington. Instructing that a supply of horsemen should be sent from those parts, and care taken to furnish the footmen with suitable arms. Whitehall, 15 February 1580.

ff. 64r-64*v: Copy of a letter from Francis Walsingham to Henry Carey, 1st Baron Hunsdon. Sending a deciphered letter from Thomas Randolph, and a copy of a project concerning the Assembly at Edinburgh on the 20th. Whitehall, 15 February 1580.

f. 65r: Letter from Henry Carey, 1st Baron Hunsdon, to Francis Walsingham. Sending an account of a letter from Thomas Randolph concerning the Lord Seaton, and his opinion on the danger of Seaton. Berwick, 16 February 1580.

f. 66r-66v: Copy of a letter from Thomas Randolph to Henry Carey, 1st Baron Hunsdon. Requesting advice on what course to take concerning Lord Seaton. Edinburgh, 14 February 1580.

f. 67r-67v: Copy of a letter from Henry Carey, 1st Baron Hunsdon, to Thomas Randolph. Sending an answer to the Council of Scotland concerning the Bill of Heatepoole. Advising against sending Lord Seaton. Berwick, 15 February 1580.

f. 68r-68v: Copy of a letter from Thomas Randolph to Henry Carey, 1st Baron Hunsdon. Reporting that the Commander of Newbottle had been with him from the King to obtain safe conduct from the Lord Lieutenant, against which he had remonstrated. On receiving a message from Lord Seaton’s second son, requesting to deliver his mind to the King. February 15 1580.

ff. 69r-70v: Letter from Thomas Randolph to an unknown correspondent. Edinburgh, 23 February 1580. Cipher.

ff. 71r-72v: Letter from Henry Carey, 1st Baron Hunsdon, to Francis Walsingham. Sending thanks for his advice concerning how to behave upon the death of his son, acknowledging the Queen’s favour in bestowing the keeping of Launson Castle upon one of his sons, sending a letter to the King and another to Randolph, relating the condition of Tinmouth Castle, and mentioning a report of a ship’s arrival at Aberdeen with the Bishop of Ross. Newcastle, 13 March 1580.

ff. 73r-74v: Letter from Thomas Randolph to Henry Carey, 1st Baron Hunsdon. Sending a letter from the King to be transmitted to the Queen. On the likelihood of war, and the King’s design of a new coinage. Edinburgh, 11 March 1580.

ff. 75r-76v: Letter from Thomas Randolph to Francis Walsingham. On the end of his negotiation, and open war. Reporting on letters sent to the King and between the Councils. Edinburgh, 11 March 1580.

ff. 77r-78v: Letter from Thomas Randolph to Francis Walsingham. Hoping that some good may be done by commissioners, although willfulness overrules them. A great number will not suffer their religion to be overthrown. Edinburgh, 13 March 1580. Partly cipher.

ff. 79r-80v: Letter from Thomas Randolph to Henry Hastings, 3rd Earl of Huntington. Wishing that matters might be advantageously concluded without war, discussing commissioners. Edinburgh, 13 March 1580. Cipher.

f. 81r-81v: Extract of the above letter from Randolph, deciphered. On the prudence of pushing matters, led on by Archibald Douglas, 8th Earl of Angus.

ff. 82r-83v: Letter from Robert Bowes to Francis Walsingham. That the effect of appointing commissioners will be to accept the excuses and offers of Esmé Stewart, 1st Earl of Lennox, to the dissatisfaction of Archibald Douglas, 8th Earl of Angus. Newcastle, 14 March 1580.

ff. 84r-85v: Two copies of letters from Francis Walsingham. Concerning advice from the Queen and the Privy Council, for Randolph to repair to Berwick to confer upon a composition, gaining time. With a letter to Randolph, in which he is sorry to find so great a difference in opinion between himself and Henry Carey, 1st Baron Hunsdon, and recommends his repairing to Berwick for a conference. 15 March 1580.

f. 86r: Copy of a letter from Francis Walsingham to Henry Carey, 1st Baron Hunsdon. Reporting that the Queen defers coming to a resolution until a conference has passed between Carey and Randolph. That an order has been given to convey 3000 l. to him, and that the Parliament was prorogued. Whitehall, 18 March 1580.

ff. 87r-90v: Copy of a letter from Francis Walsingham to Thomas Randolph. Requesting that he specify in writing the good effects that might come from the appointment of commissioners, more than could be obtained by his own audience with the King. Also answering such objections as might be made against the army’s passing of the Borders. 18 March 1580.

ff. 91r-94v: Copy of a letter from Thomas Randolph to Henry Carey, 1st Baron Hunsdon, and Henry Hastings, 3rd Earl of Huntington. Giving the heads of his conference with the King, and reporting on George Flecke’s involvement in the affair of James Douglas, 4th Earl of Morton. Edinburgh, 16 March 1580.

f. 95r-95v: Letter from Henry Carey, 1st Baron Hunsdon, to Francis Walsingham. On the deferral of Randolph’s departure from Edinburgh, the discovery of Archibald Douglas, 8th Earl of Angus, and his friends, the necessity of entering into open action, the apprehension of the Lord of Whittingham and others, his opposition to the appointment of commissioners, and the unavoidability of war. Berwick, 20 March 1580.

ff. 96r-98v: Letter from Thomas Randolph to Henry Carey, 1st Baron Hunsdon. On the dissatisfaction following the conference, his deferred journey to Berwick, the news that a minister from the Prince of Orange has arrived concerning the affair of James Douglas, 4th Earl of Morton, that all the clans belonging to Morton and Angus have offered their service to the King, and that the Lord of Whittingham has confessed to secure himself. Edinburgh, 18 March 1580.

f. 99r: Letter from Henry Carey, 1st Baron Hunsdon, to Francis Walsingham. Enclosing a letter from Randolph, by which it appears that his former advice ought to have been followed. Berwick, 21 March 1580.

ff. 100r-102v: Letter from Thomas Randolph to Henry Carey, 1st Baron Hunsdon. On the Lord of Whittingham, a proclamation against Archibald Douglas, 8th Earl of Angus, and requiring men to be in readiness to join the forces. With some notes on the affair of James Douglas, 4th Earl of Morton, and the desertion of the clans. Recommending the appointment of commissioners, and reporting that soldiers are marching for the Siege of Dalkeith. Edinburgh, 20 March 1580.

ff. 103r-104v: Letter from Henry Hastings, 3rd Earl of Huntington, to Francis Walsingham. That if James Douglas, 4th Earl of Morton, be justly accused, he agrees with Randolph for the meeting of commissioners. Newcastle, 22 March 1580.

ff. 105r-106v: Letter from Henry Hastings, 3rd Earl of Huntington, to Francis Walsingham. Reporting that he has written, as advised, to the Privy Council, concerning the enlargement of his allowance and his desire that he may not be a commissioner in the Scottish affairs. Newcastle, 23 March 1580.

f. 107r: Letter from Henry Carey, 1st Baron Hunsdon, to Francis Walsingham. Reporting that the Court in Edinburgh is in fear of itself, that the Lord of Whittingham has not confessed anything against the Earl of Angus, and that the charges of the new forces are above 3000 l. per month. Berwick, 24 March 1580.

ff. 108r-110v: Letter from Thomas Randolph to Henry Carey, 1st Baron Hunsdon. Sending an account of the Lord of Whittingham’s confession, and on the details thereof. Edinburgh, 23 March 1580.

ff. 111r-112v: Letter from Henry Carey, 1st Baron Hunsdon, to Francis Walsingham. Reporting that by a letter from Archibald Douglas, 8th Earl of Angus, it appears that the surprise of Dunbarton, which had been intended, could not be undertaken without peril to James Douglas, 4th Earl of Morton. Also on distrust in the court, the promise of the King of France to send forces, and the rumours of a rebellion in England. Berwick, 25 March 1581.

ff. 113r-114v: Letter from Robert Bowes to Francis Walsingham. Requesting to know whether he should let an ambassador pass, if the Scots should send one. Reporting that D’Aubigny would not quit Scotland unless requested by Mary, Queen of Scots. Also on the danger to Randolph of two shots being fired near him. Berwick, 20 March 1581.

ff. 115r-116v: Draft letter from Francis Walsingham to Thomas Randolph. On the appointment of commissioners, and the topics of their meeting: that there by no alteration of religion, no attempt to transport the King out of the realm without the assent of the three estates of Scotland and the privity of the Queen, that there should be no treaty of marriage for the King without the Queen’s knowledge, and that all proceedings against the Earl of Morton be stayed until the charge is laid before the Queen. 26 March 1581.

ff. 117r-122v: Draft letter from Francis Walsingham to Henry Carey, 1st Baron Hunsdon, and Henry Hastings, 3rd Earl of Huntington. Concerning the appointment of commissioners, and discharging such part of the forces as they might find convenient. 26 March 1581.

ff. 123r-124v: Letter from Henry Hastings, 3rd Earl of Huntington, to Francis Walsingham. Reporting that some of the clans might be tampered with, and brought over to the Queen, since according to a letter from Randolph, there are some that have already taken up arms. Newcastle, 26 March 1581.

ff. 125r-126v: Letter from Henry Hastings, 3rd Earl of Huntington, to Francis Walsingham. Concerning D’Aubigny’s deceitful dealing, and the advantage to the Queen from their quarrel amongst themselves. Newcastle, 27 March 1581.

ff. 127r-128v: Letter from Henry Carey, 1st Baron Hunsdon, to Francis Walsingham. Reporting that the withdrawal of sea and land traffic to Scotland might bring them to reason, and expecting to hear of a strategy by Angus and Marr to bring James Douglas, 4th Earl of Morton to a trial, with no doubt that they will have his head. Berwick, 29 March 1581.

f. 129r-129v: Letter from Henry Carey, 1st Baron Hunsdon, to Francis Walsingham. Sending an account of the answer he gave to the Earls of Angus and Marr’s request for assistance. Reporting that Randolph is now with him, in whose opinion it is now too late to negotiate through commissioners. Berwick, 29 March 1581.

ff. 130r-132v: Letter from the Earls of Angus and Marr to Henry Carey, 1st Baron Hunsdon. Requesting assistance. Stirling, 23 March 1580.

ff. 133r-134v: Letter from Thomas Randolph to Francis Walsingham. Reporting his arrival at Berwick and the little good to be done with the King and Council. Fearing what will become of the Earls of Angus, Marr and Glencairn, his hope for commissioners dashed, and the neglect of the case of James Douglas, 4th Earl of Morton. Berwick, 29 March 1581.

f. 135r-137v: Letter from Thomas Randolph to Francis Walsingham. Reporting that the alteration of their minds gave him cause to alter his opinion regarding the meeting of the commissioners. With some other private matters. Berwick, 30 March 1581.

ff. 138r-139v: Letter from Henry Carey, 1st Baron Hunsdon, to Francis Walsingham. Reporting that since Randolph departed Edinburgh, they have begun fortifying Leith. That the Queen should withdraw sea and land traffic to Scotland. Berwick, 30 March 1581.

f. 140r-140v: Draft letter to Henry Carey, 1st Baron Hunsdon, and Henry Hastings, 3rd Earl of Huntington. That the Queen is loathe to use open force, if there can be another remedy. 31 March 1581.

ff. 141r-142v: Draft letter to Henry Carey, 1st Baron Hunsdon. When it is known what assistance is required by the Earl of Angus and others, they may enter into Scotland with the declaration that they are only taking away such men from the King’s person that are endeavouring to destroy the amity between the two realms. 31 March 1581.

ff. 143r-44v: Letter from Henry Carey, 1st Baron Hunsdon, to Francis Walsingham. Expressing surprise at the Queen’s commandment to discharge the new levied forces. Berwick 1 April 1581.

ff. 145r-146v: Letter from Thomas Randolph to Francis Walsingham. Reporting that whatever his opinion may have been, he now finds that it will be to no purpose to appoint commissioners. Berwick, 1 April 1581.

ff. 147r-149v: Letter from Thomas Randolph to the Privy Council. Giving his reasons for changing his mind respecting the appointment of commissioners. Berwick, 1 April 1581.

ff. 150r-151v: Letter from Robert Bowes to Francis Walsingham. Concerning the allowance to the companies that are ordered to be discharged. Berwick, 1 April 1581.

ff. 152r-153v: Letter from Henry Hastings, 3rd Earl of Huntington, to Francis Walsingham. Giving his opinion of the measures to be taken in Scotland, that may most tend to the Queen’s honour. Newcastle, 2 April 1581.

ff. 154r-155v: Letter from Henry Hastings, 3rd Earl of Huntington, to Francis Walsingham. Reporting that Archibald Douglas, 8th Earl of Angus, is either in arms or coming to England for relief. It is feared that the Earl of Marr is snared by the Earl of Lennox. Newcastle, 4 April 1581.

ff. 156r-157v: Letter from Henry Scrope, 9th Baron Scrope, to Henry Hastings, 3rd Earl of Huntington. Reporting that Archibald Douglas, 8th Earl of Angus, is in Loughnaben. Carlisle, 3 April 1581.

ff. 158r-159v: Letter from Henry Carey, 1st Baron Hunsdon, to Francis Walsingham. Reporting that he had written to the Privy Council, for an allowance for himself, as directed. 4 April 1581.

ff. 160r-161v: Letter from Henry Carey, 1st Baron Hunsdon, to the Privy Council. Reporting that Archibald Douglas, 8th Earl of Angus, has been left alone, as the Earl of Marr and others have come to the King. A proclamation has been made forbidding any Scottish man to have any trade or traffic with England. Also requesting an allowance for himself. Holly Island, 4 April 1581.

f. 162r-162v: Draft letter from Francis Walsingham to Henry Carey, 1st Baron Hunsdon. On discharging some of the troops. St. James’s, 5 April 1581.

ff. 162r-164v: Letter from Henry Hastings, 3rd Earl of Huntington, to Francis Walsingham. Desiring to be excused from attendance at Court, and laying before him the proceedings of the Scots who had made proclamations against England, wishing that the end of this action may not embolden them to do more harm than England can sustain. Newcastle, 8 April 1581.

ff. 165r-165v: Draft letter to Henry Carey, 1st Baron Hunsdon, probably from Francis Walsingham. Signifying how the Queen was moved to hear of this new and strange step taken in Scotland. Because of the great charges she is not willing to raise more forces or prevent the discharge of those already ordered to be disbanded. St. James’s, 10 April 1581.

ff.. 166r-166v: Draft letter to Henry Carey, 1st Baron Hunsdon, probably from Francis Walsingham. Reporting that since the closing of the former letter he has received order from the Queen and Privy Council for the discharge of 500 men appointed to be reserved. St. James’s, 10 April 1581.

ff. 167r-168v: Letter from Henry Carey, 1st Baron Hunsdon, to Francis Walsingham. Reporting that he has discharged 500 horsemen, who being Borderers were to be raised again upon immediate warning. Recommending supplying Yorkshire with arms. Reporting the news that Sir John Seaton was planning to come to him that day, and as the King of Spain’s servant, was an unfit messenger to be sent to the Queen, and therefore he would detain him until he knew her pleasure. Berwick, 10 April 1581.

f. 169r-169v: Letter from Henry Carey, 1st Baron Hunsdon, to Francis Walsingham. Reporting the arrival of Sir John Seaton, and that he has refused to furnish him with a passport until he hears from Court. Berwick, 10 April 1581.

ff. 170r-171v: Letter from King James VI to Henry Hastings, 3rd Earl of Huntington. Desiring a free passage for Sir John Seaton, whom he has sent as his ambassador to his dearest sister and cousin the Queen. Holyrood House, 10 April 1581.

ff. 172r-173v: Letter from Henry Carey, 1st Baron Hunsdon, to Francis Walsingham. Requesting that, since there is nothing to be done in Scotland, he be granted leave to return home on his own private affairs. Berwick, 10 April 1581.

ff. 174r-175v: Letter from Archibald Douglas, 8th Earl of Angus, to Francis Walsingham. Requesting to be introduced into the Queen’s presence, to solicit the cause of James Douglas, 4th Earl of Morton. 12 April [1581].

f. 175*: Letter from Sir John Seaton to Henry Hastings, 3rd Earl of Huntington. Enclosing a letter from King James VI and wondering at his being stayed at Berwick, considering the King’s good mind towards the Queen. Berwick, 13 April 1581.

ff. 176r-178v: Letter from King James VI to Henry Hastings, 3rd Earl of Huntington. Complaining that his ambassador, Sir John Seaton, is detained at Berwick, and desiring him to obtain a free passage for him to the Queen, with whom he entertains great amity. Holyrood House, 12 April 1581.

ff. 179r-180v: Letter from Henry Carey, 1st Baron Hunsdon, to Francis Walsingham. With an account of King James VI’s dislike at his ambassador’s detainment at Berwick. 13 April 1581.

ff. 181r-182v: Letter from Thomas Randolph to Francis Walsingham. Advising against Sir John Seaton’s visit, being a dangerous man, and that it is better to show strangeness to King James VI. Harrington, near Durham, 14 April 1581.

ff. 183r-184v: Letter from Henry Hastings, 3rd Earl of Huntington, to Francis Walsingham. Recommending the detainment of Sir John Seaton, and reporting on hard dealings in the country. Harrington, near Durham, 14 April 1581.

ff. 185r-186v: Letter from Henry Carey, 1st Baron Hunsdon, to Francis Walsingham. Reporting that his letter on the trial of James Douglas, 4th Earl of Morton, has been forwarded to Esmé Stewart, 1st Earl of Lennox, with some remarks of his own, wishing that the Queen had written to the King. Wishes that the Queen knew how idle he was, that he might have leave to return. Desiring Walsingham’s interest to appoint Mr Bellany as Dean of Durham, following Mr Wilson’s decease. Berwick, 30 May 1581.

ff. 187r-188v: Letter from Sir John Forster to Francis Walsingham. Sending an account of the trial of James Douglas, 4th Earl of Morton, at which he was sentenced to be hung, drawn and quartered. Reporting that the messenger who brought him the advice saw Douglas standing on the scaffold, that it was thought that the accusations against him were very slender, and that he died very stoutly. Alnwick, 4 June 1581.

ff. 189r-190v: Letter from Henry Scrope, 9th Baron Scrope, to Francis Walsingham. Reporting that Archibald Douglas, 8th Earl of Angus, and others, were coming to Carlisle, and that he would receive them but immediately send a messenger to King James VI to acquaint him with it. Desiring further advice for his behaviour. Carlisle, 5 June 1581.

ff. 191r-192v: Letter from Henry Carey, 1st Baron Hunsdon, to Francis Walsingham. Concerning the trial of James Douglas, 4th Earl of Morton, which was preceded by a proclamation made with a trumpet that no man, upon pain of death, should stir out of doors, or look out of their windows until 6 o’clock at night, except noblemen, their servants, and soldiers. No good is to be expected from the King towards the Queen, while this council is about him. Reporting that Scottish merchants trading to Yarmouth are denied corn, all English men going to Edinburgh are strictly examined, English merchants are spoiled by Scottish pirates, and a messenger sent from Thomas Randolph has been imprisoned. Berwick, 5 June 1581.

f. 193r-193v: List of names of those which were upon the assize of James Douglas, 4th Earl of Morton. No date.

ff. 194r-195v: Letter from Henry Carey, 1st Baron Hunsdon, to Francis Walsingham. Reporting that he has been denied any answer from Esmé Stewart, 1st Earl of Lennox, and that great broils are likely to be shortly in Scotland among themselves. The King is better versed in the art of dissimulation now in his young years than others forty years older than he is. Discussing the danger of Loughlevin and Weatherburne going the same way as Morton. Despite the orders of the Privy Council, ships pass daily with corn for Scotland. 6 June [1581].

ff. 196r-197v: Letter from Henry Carey, 1st Baron Hunsdon, to Francis Walsingham. Concerning the probability of a marriage now Francis, Duke of Anjou and Alençon, has come to Court. He has received a letter from Esmé Stewart, 1st Earl of Lennox, who persists in sending Sir John Seaton to the Queen. With an account of the points in Morton’s trial, and an observation that there is no material business for him here. Berwick, 8 June 1581.

ff. 198r-199v: Letter from Henry Scrope, 9th Baron Scrope, to Francis Walsingham. Concerning the arrival of Archibald Douglas, 8th Earl of Angus, and others. Carlisle, 8 June 1581.

f. 200r-200v: Letter from Francis Walsingham to Henry Carey, 1st Baron Hunsdon. Sending instructions not to grant a passport to Sir John Seaton, but to any other who is a favourer of religion, and inclined to do good offices between the two Crowns. Whitehall, 12 June 1581.

ff. 201r-203v: Letter from Henry Carey, 1st Baron Hunsdon, to Francis Walsingham. Reporting that he will obey the Queen by staying at Berwick, although there is no real occasion for it. Respecting the Scottish affairs, the only method is to leave them to themselves, and banish them from trafficking with England. Berwick, 15 June 1581.

ff. 204r-206v: Copy of a letter from Henry Carey, 1st Baron Hunsdon, to Esmé Stewart, 1st Earl of Lennox. Remonstrating against the hasty execution of the Earl of Morton, and the sending of Sir John Seaton as ambassador. Berwick, 9 June 1581.

ff. 207r-208v: Letter from Henry Scrope, 9th Baron Scrope, to Francis Walsingham. Concerning his letter to King James VI reporting the arrival of Archibald Douglas, 8th Earl of Angus, and others, in his jurisdiction, and the reception of his messenger at Edinburgh. Carlisle, 17 June 1581.

ff. 209r-210v: Copy of a letter from Archibald Douglas, 8th Earl of Angus, to Francis Walsingham. Desiring him to return his thanks to the Queen for her kind protection of him, and throwing himself entirely upon her future pleasure. Carlisle, 17 June 1581.

ff. 211r-212v: Letter from Henry Carey, 1st Baron Hunsdon, to Francis Walsingham. Resolving to give no more advice on Scottish affairs as it has been neglected. Giving examples to argue that the Scottish should be left to themselves. Requesting leave to repair to the Queen and look after his own concerns, there being no service for him here. Reporting the journey of Archibald Douglas, 8th Earl of Angus, to Carlisle. Berwick, 28 June 1581.

f. 213r-213v: Declaration by Mr Churchyard regarding the letter sent from Archibald Douglas, 8th Earl of Angus, by him, to Henry Carey, 1st Baron Hunsdon.

ff. 214r-215v: Copy of a letter from Archibald Douglas, 8th Earl of Angus, to Francis Walsingham. Desiring that his cousin may be permitted to wait upon the Queen, to better acquaint her with his mind and his case. Carlisle, 31 June 1581.

ff. 216r-217v: Letter from Henry Scrope, 9th Baron Scrope, to Francis Walsingham. Concerning secret practices for the alteration of religion in Scotland, which would be hard to be effected without foreign Aid. Mentioning his complaints to King James VI concerning the disorders and spoils committed by his subjects within his wardenship, but despairing of having them redressed. Carlisle, 14 July 1581.

ff. 218r-221v: A letter in reply to King James VI. Concerning certain articles of grievances and misunderstandings between the two kingdoms. No date.