Add MS 19401

The first volume of a collection of letters sent to sovereigns of Scotland, between 1525 and 1603. Including letters by King Henry VIII of England, Queen Elizabeth I of England, and Sir John Maitland, Lord Maitland of Thirlestane, Lord Chancellor of Scotland.

f. 1r Printed title-page: ‘Original Letters Relating to State Affairs in Scotland, addressed to King James V., Queen Mary, and King James VI., of that kingdom, between the years 1525 and 1623. Vol. I.’

ff. 2r-19r Index to volumes 1 and 2.

ff. 20r-21v Letter from Thomas Howard, 3rd Duke of Norfolk, to King James V of Scotland. Concerning the powers received by Howard to deliver up all Scottish rebels, and his planned journey to Newcastle. [27 August 1525].

ff. 22r-23v Letter from Thomas Wolsey, Cardinal and Archbishop of York, to King James V of Scotland. Protesting the severe measures taken against the Earl of Angus, and asserting the Earl’s innocence of any conspiracy to deliver King James V into the hands of King Henry VIII. 10 August 1529.

ff. 24r-25r Letter from King Henry VIII to King James V. Requiring the return of Sir William Lisle and other men taking refuge in the Scottish border, and promising the surrender of Scottish rebels. 10 September 1527.

ff. 26r-27v Letter from King Henry VIII to King James V. Acknowledging the answer of King James V concerning the apprehension of Sir William Lisle, and promising to prevent the Duke of Albany from entering into Scotland. 13 February 1528.

f. 28r-28v Letter from King Henry VIII to his sister Margaret, Queen Dowager of Scotland. Complaining about the refusal of her son, King James V, to make restitution, thanking her for her attempts to promote a peace between the countries, but declining her offer of mediation as being derogatory to the honour of England. 4 April 1531.

f. 29r Letter from Henry Algernon Percy, 6th Earl of Northumberland, to Margaret, Queen Dowager of Scotland. Hoping that King James V would listen to the offers of mediation made by Margaret, Queen Dowager of Scotland. 11 April 1531.

ff. 30v-31v Letter from King Henry VIII to King James V. Sending congratulations on his proposed marriage to the daughter of the King of France, and reiterating the entreaty for King James V to restore the Earl of Angus to his favour. 22 December 1536.

ff. 32r-33v Letter from King Henry VIII to King James V. Acknowledging the ‘p[er]fyt amyte’ now established between the kingdoms, and the receipt of letters delivered by David Beaton, Abbot of Arbroath and Keeper of the Privy Seal of Scotland. 16 August 1537.

f. 34r-34v Letter from David Beaton, Abbot of Arbroath and Keeper of the Privy Seal of Scotland, to King James V. Sending assurances of the good estimation in which the King of France holds King James V, and reporting on the negotiation for his marriage to Mary of Guise, widow of the Duke of Longueville. 22 August 1537.

ff. 35r-36v Letter from David Beaton, Abbot of Arbroath and Keeper of the Privy Seal of Scotland, to King James V. Concerning the sentiments of the King of France towards various countries, the state of the French court and kingdom, and of the other European powers. 13 September 1537.

ff. 37r-38v Letter from David Beaton, Abbot of Arbroath and Keeper of the Privy Seal of Scotland, to King James V. On the King of France’s alarm that King James V should cultivate the friendship of King Henry VIII and meet him at York, as King Henry VIII had requested, and the assurances given by Beaton to the King of France. Also discussing the Earl of Bothwell. 14 September 1537.

ff. 39r-40v Letter from David Beaton, Abbot of Arbroath and Keeper of the Privy Seal of Scotland, to King James V. Sending news and information from the French court. Relating the King of France’s acceptance of a present from King James V, discussing the pension due to King James V, and other matters. 25 October 1537.

ff. 41r-42v Letter from David Beaton, Abbot of Arbroath and Keeper of the Privy Seal of Scotland, to King James V. Describing Mary of Guise, widow of the Duke of Longueville, and the positive negotiations for her marriage to King James V. 22 October 1537.

ff. 43r-44v Letter from Robert Holgate, Bishop of Llandaff, and others, to King James V. Requesting the apprehension of Doctor Hilliard, fugitive, and his surrender to Sir Thomas Wharton, Warden of the West Marches, in exchange for George Rutherford, a Scottish rebel. 31 January 1539.

ff. 45r-46r Letter from King Henry VIII to King James V. Promising the conduit of letters through England to Sir Thomas Erskine, principal secretary to King James V, on his travel to Rome. 13 March 1540.

ff. 47r-48v Letter from King Henry VIII to King James V. On the disorderly state of the borders. 17 August 1540.

ff. 49r-50r Letter from King Henry VIII to King James V. Acknowledging letters delivered by Sir Thomas Erskine, accepting King James V’s declaration of amity, and assuring him of his ‘mutual correspondence in the semblage’. No date.

ff. 51r-52v Letter to King James V from Robert Reid, Bishop of Orkney, Patrick Hepburn, 3rd Earl of Bothwell, and Sir James Lermouth, one of the Masters of the King of Scotland’s household. Writing as Commissioners from Scotland, concerning the conference between King Henry VIII and King James V, and its location. 6 October 1541.

ff. 53v-54v Letter from King Henry VIII to King James V. Acknowledging the receipt of letters delivered by Sir James Lermouth, and requesting that the Commissioners from Scotland go to Windsor to discuss variances concerning the conference. 8 August 1542.

f. 55r Proclamation signed by Thomas Percy, 7th Earl of Northumberland, James Hepburn, 4th Earl of Bothwell, Sir Ralph Sadler, Secretary to the Earl of Essex and ambassador to Scotland, Sir Richard Maitland, Keeper of the Privy Seal, and Sir James Croft, as Commissioners of the Borders. For the return of prisoners who were out upon their parole. 18 September 1559.

f. 56r Letter from Archibald Campbell, 5th Earl of Argyll, to Mary, Queen of Scots. Professing his support, and devotion to her cause. 22 February 1560.

ff. 57r-58v Letter from Jean de Brosse, Governor of Bretagne and Duke d’Estampes, to Mary, Queen of Scots, while she was residing in France. Thanking her for allowing his niece to come and visit him, and for lending her carriage. 18 March 1560. French.

ff. 59r-60v Letter from François de Lorraine, to Mary, Queen of Scots. Apologising for not having sent news of the French court earlier, and reporting that Madame de Maurissiere would travel to Scotland to bring intelligence. 28 January 1561. French.

f. 61r-61v Letter from Claude de Lorraine, Duc d’Aumale and son of Claude, Duke of Guise, to Mary, Queen of Scots. Reporting warlike preparations made by the Duke of Guise and the Cardinal of Lorraine against the Prince of Condé, and of the approach of the King of Navarre. 21 March 1561. French.

ff. 62r-63v Letter from Maximilian II, Emperor of Germany, to Mary, Queen of Scots. A letter of compliment, assuring her of his good will and of his readiness to render her service according to her pleasure. 1 May 1561. French.

f. 64r Letter from Sir William Murray of Tullibardine to Mary, Queen of Scots. Expressing an affectionate desire for her personal presence in Scotland, and assuring her of his service. 12 June 1561.

f. 65r Letter from Gilbert Kennedy, 4th Earl of Cassilis, to Mary, Queen of Scots. Expressing support and desire for her presence in Scotland. 9 June 1561.

f. 66r-66v Letter from Catherine Pichonnat to Mary, Queen of Scots. Sending compliments and congratulations on her health and the prosperity of her kingdom. 12 September [1561]. French.

ff. 67r-68v Letter from Philibert Le Croc, French ambassador to Scotland, to Mary, Queen of Scots. Lamenting the impracticality of a planned journey to Scotland due to the hostile measure of England, requesting a passport from Queen Elizabeth I, and sending intelligence. 24 September [1563]. French.

ff. 69r-70v Letter from Charles de Cossé, Comte de Brissac, to Mary, Queen of Scots. Sending assurances of his support, and his desire to be instrumental to her service. 13 October 1561. French.

ff. 71r-72v Letter from François de Cernevenoy to Mary, Queen of Scots. Sending compliments, and discussing the Duke of Anjou. 13 October 1561. French.

ff. 73r-74v Letter from Louis de St. Gélais, Seigneur de Laussac, to Mary, Queen of Scots. Sending compliments. 11 December 1561. French.

ff. 75r-76v Letter from Anthoinette de Lorraine, sister of the Duke of Guise, to Mary, Queen of Scots. Complaining of an ague. 20 December 1561. French.

ff. 77r-78v Letter from Jean de Beaucaire, Seigneur de Puiguillon, to Mary, Queen of Scots. On his intention to come to Scotland, to bring gold chains and money she had requested, and to execute commissions. 7 January. French.

f. 79r-79v Letter from Claude le Parcheminier, Seigneur de Dalendouze, to Mary, Queen of Scots. Sending news on the distracted state of France, the payment of her dowry, the endeavours of several noblemen to procure an interview with the Huguenots, and the taking of Orleans by the Duke of Guise. 6 February 1562. French.

ff. 80r-81v Letter from Henri Clutin d’Oyzel, Seigneur de Villeparisis, to Mary, Queen of Scots. On a conference to be held on the subject of religion, and intelligence from the French court. 16 February 1562. French.

f. 82r Letter from René de Lorraine, Marquis d'Elbeuf, to Mary, Queen of Scots. Sending an account of the state of the country, and reporting that he has been appointed to a military position from which he hopes to serve the interests of Mary, Queen of Scots. 20 March 1562. French.

ff. 84r-85v Letter from Nicolas de Pellevé, Bishop of Amiens, to Mary, Queen of Scots. Recommending that she seek an interview with Queen Elizabeth I to remove national and personal ill will, and that a General Council of Europe should be convened. With an account of the state of France. 21 April 1562. French.

ff. 86r-87v Letter from Jacques, Seigneur de Lugerye and physician, to Mary, Queen of Scots. Sending information on the French court, the health and recent sermons of the Cardinal de Lorraine, the death of the Prince of Spain, the offer of a golden fork and toothpick, and the massacre of Huguenots at Toulouse. 20 May 1562.

ff. 88r-89v Letter from Jean de Beaucaire, Seigneur de Puiguillon, to Mary, Queen of Scots. On the management of her French property, and her dowry. 1 November 1562. French.

ff. 90r-91v Letter from Michel de Castelnau, Seigneur de la Mauvissière, to Mary, Queen of Scots. Assuring her of the health and affection of Charles IX and Catherine of Medici. On the proceedings of the General Council. 25 December. French.

ff. 92r-93v Draft letter from Mary, Queen of Scots, to Queen Elizabeth I. Professing a desire to follow the advice of Queen Elizabeth I and obtain the confidence and good will of England. Sending assurances that her uncles, the Princes of the house of Guise, would render service to Queen Elizabeth I. c. 1561. French.

ff. 94r-95v Letter from Henri Clutin d’Oyzel, Seigneur de Villeparisis, to Mary, Queen of Scots. Sending an account of the assassination of the Duke of Guise at the camp near Orleans, the distracted state of France, and the general desire of the nation for peace. 10 March 1562. French.

ff. 96r-97v Letter from Jean de Beaucaire, Seigneur de Puiguillon, to Mary, Queen of Scots. Sending information on the French court, the Princes and Princesses of Guise and Lorraine, and the accounts of her French possessions. 9 May 1563. French.

f. 98r-98v Letter from Thomas Raulet, secretary, to an unknown correspondent in the French government. Reporting the arrival of Philibert Le Croc, French ambassador, in Scotland, and discussing the proposal made by Emperor Ferdinand I for the marriage of his son, the Archduke Charles, to Mary, Queen of Scots. 21 May 1563. French.

ff. 99r-100v Letter from John Sutherland, Earl of Sutherland, to Matthew Stuart, Earl of Lennox. Requesting protection for a journey. 12 August 1563.

ff. 101r-102v Letter from Henry Stuart, Earl of Darnley, to Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester. Sending assurances of his support and devotion. 21 February 1564.

ff. 103r-104v Letter from Paul de Foix, French ambassador to England, to Mary, Queen of Scots. Sending intelligence on the treaty of peace between Queen Elizabeth I and King Charles IX of France, and Queen Elizabeth I’s presentation of the Order of the Garter to King Charles IX. 7 May 1564. French.

f. 104r Proclamation signed by Mary, Queen of Scots, and Henry Stuart, Earl of Darnley. Requiring certain persons to join with the army at Lamyntoun, to quell the discontent of the nobles who opposed or resented their marriage. 1 October 1565.

ff. 105r-106v Letter from Matthew Stuart, 4th Earl of Lennox and Regent of Scotland, to Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester. Professing his support for England and Queen Elizabeth I. 10 September 1570.

ff. 107r-108v Letter from Sir Robert Bowes, English ambassador to Scotland, to King James VI. Requesting permission to visit Scotland to bring commendations from Queen Elizabeth I. With an endorsement by King James VI giving permission and welcoming his message. 17 March 1578.

ff. 109r-110v Letter from Queen Elizabeth I to King James VI. Requiring him to receive Lord John and Lord Claude Hamilton into his favour. 22 February 1579.

ff. 111r-112v Letter from Sir Robert Bowes, English ambassador to Scotland, to King James VI. Requesting his acceptance of a ‘hoby’, i.e. a horse. 13 April 1579.

ff. 113r-114v Letter from Queen Elizabeth I to King James VI. Protesting against the proceedings against Lord Claude Hamilton by the Earl of Morton, concerning his alleged participation in the murders of the Regents Murray and Lennox. 7 November 1579.

ff. 115r-116r Letter from Queen Elizabeth I to King James VI. On some disturbances in Scotland, and reporting that she is sending Sir Thomas Randolph there. 6 January 1580.

ff. 117r-118r Letter from Queen Elizabeth I to King James VI. On the journey into Scotland of M. La Mothe Fenelon, envoy from King Henry III of France. 15 December 1583.

ff. 119r-120v Letter from Jacobus and David Wood to King James VI. A letter of compliment. 3 April 1584. Latin.

f. 121r Letter from King John III of Sweden to King James VI. A letter of compliment. 18 August 1584. Latin.

ff. 122r-123v Letter from King Henry III of France. On the old connection and alliance between their kingdoms, and sending the Baron d’Esneval as an ambassador to the Scottish court. 10 November 1585. French.

ff. 124r-125v Letter from R. Le Maçon de la Fontaine and J. Castol, on behalf of the Huguenot refugees in England, to King James VI. Acknowledging the favour he has shown to those of the Protestant religion, and requesting letters of safe conduct into Scotland. 21 June 1586. French.

ff. 126r-127v Letter from King Frederic II of Denmark to King James VI. Acknowledging letters received in Denmark and giving credit to the bearer, Petrus Junius a Setonn, as having performed his mission well. 22 August 1586. Latin.

ff. 128r-129v Letter from Henry Carey, 1st Baron Hunsdon, to King James VI. Requesting permission for his son, Robert Carey, to deliver letters into Scotland by which Queen Elizabeth I might exculpate herself from any participation or connivance in the execution of Mary, Queen of Scots. 16 March 1587.

ff. 130r-131v Letter from Charles, Prince of Sweden, to King James VI. Recommending Johannes de Belzig, and requesting he be given employment in the Scottish court. August 1588. Latin.

f. 132r-132v Letter from King John III of Sweden to King James VI. Recommending Sir Andrew Keith, a Privy Counsellor of Sweden, to his favour. 12 September 1588. Latin.

ff. 133r-134v Letter from Christian Huygens, secretary to the United Provinces, to King James VI. Apologising for his delay in acknowledging letters sent from Scotland by Johannes de Jong. 7 October 1588. Latin.

ff. 135r-136v Letter from Christian Huygens, secretary to the United Provinces, to King James VI. Lamenting the King’s anger over the delay of letters, and deprecating the immediate payment of the debt contracted to Belgium by the Dutch, for the maintenance of their soldiers. 14 February 1589. Latin.

ff. 137r-138v Letter from Archibald Douglas, 8th Earl of Angus, to King James VI. Entreating the King not to listen to unfavourable representations of his conduct or loyalty by the Master of Gray, Scottish ambassador in England. 30 May 1589.

ff. 139r-140v Letter from Nicolas Kaas, Peter Munck, Georgius Rosenkrantz and Christopher Valckendorff, Regents of Denmark, to King James VI. Thanking him for assurances of good well towards the widowed Queen Mother, arranging his marriage with Princess Anna of Denmark, and offering their good wishes. No date.

ff. 141r-142r Letter from Princess Anna of Denmark to King James VI. Expressing regret at the postponement of their marriage due to a storm, and desiring to be in the presence of her bridegroom, though fearing that the voyage may not occur until the following Spring. [1589]. French.

ff. 143r-144v Letter from Princess Anna of Denmark to King James VI. Sending thanks for his affectionate letter, reporting that she is still detained by tempestuous weath in Norway, and expressing her eagerness to complete her voyage. [1589]. French.

ff. 145r-146v Letter from Henri de la Tour d'Auvergne, Viscount Turenne, to King James VI. Concerning his solicitations of aid against the Spaniards. 10 December 1590. French.

ff. 147r-148v Letter from John Spottiswood, Bishop of St. Andrews, James Law, Bishop of Glasgow, and James Nicholson, Bishop of Dunkeld, to King James VI and I. Requesting the King to displace ministers who will not conform to the new regulations of the church. No date.

ff. 149r-150v Letter from Theodore Beza to King James VI. Asking his assistance in support of the University of Geneva, and his influence in defending it from enemies. 9 March 1591. Latin.

ff. 151r-152v Letter from Henri de la Tour d'Auvergne, Viscount Turenne, to King James VI. Acknowledging the aid he has promised to the King of France, recapitulating the strength of the other allies, and requesting the King to support the Duke of Brunswick in the same cause. 12 June 1591. French.

ff. 153r-154v Draft of a letter from Sir John Maitland of Thirlestane to King James VI. Requesting an investigation of his cause and the opportunity to repel slanderous accusations. [January 1592?].

f. 155r-155v Letter from François de Civille to King James VI. Sending assurances of support and service to Scotland. 22 August 1592. French.

ff. 156r-157v Letter from George Gordon, Earl of Huntley, to King James VI. Professing his readiness to obey the King. 22 April [1593].

ff. 158r-159v Draft letter from Sir John Maitland of Thirlestane to Queen Anna of Denmark. Protesting his innocence and praying to be restored to her favour. 30 April 1593.

ff. 160r-161v Letter from Sir John Maitland of Thirlestane to King James VI. Acknowledging the King’s endeavours to reinstate him in the favour of the Queen through the mediation of the Danish ambassador, and asking for the King’s mercy. 30 June 1593.

ff. 162r-163v Letter from Sir John Maitland of Thirlestane to King James VI. On the matter of an estate which was contested by the Earl of Huntley and the Master of Gray. 16 July 1593.

ff. 164r-165v Letter from Queen Elizabeth I to King James VI. Containing maxims and axioms for government, as well as assurances of good will. Holograph. Endorsed August 1593.

ff. 166r-167v Letter from George Gordon, Earl of Huntley, to King James VI. Reporting that the Master of Glamis was taken at their ‘coming out of St. Johnstown’ [Perthshire], and protesting his loyalty to the King and his regrets at being banished. No date.

ff. 168r-169v Draft letter from Sir John Maitland of Thirlstane to King James VI. Protesting his innocence, reiterating assurances of his loyalty to the King, requesting permission to leave Scotland, and entreating the King to show favour to his secretary. No date.

ff. 170r-171v Draft letter from Sir John Maitland of Thirlstane to King James VI. Acknowledging the King’s favour and expressing his readiness to comply with the summons recalling him to Edinburgh. No date.

f. 172r-172v Letter from King Henry IV of France to King James VI. Regretting the delay in acknowledging the receipt of letters from Scotland, and promising to send a French representative to the baptism of the second son of King James VI. 11 July 1594. French.

ff. 173r-174v Letter from King Henry of France to King James VI. Concerning the reconciliation of the League with the King, the reception of the Council of Trent, the state of confusion in which France had long been, and requesting assistance in opposing the enemies of all true religion. Holograph. No date. French.

ff. 175r-176v Letter from one G. Birdein and another correspondent to King James VI. Awaiting his directions before sailing to Denmark. 14 July 1598. French.

ff. 177r-178v Letter from Sir William Constable, to Queen Anna of Denmark. Entreating her to use her influence with the King in commuting a sum relating to the Privy Seal on his behalf. No date.

ff. 179r-180v Letter from James Stewart to King James VI. Regretting that he had inadvertently offended the King, and praying to be reinstated in the royal favour. [1585-1595].

ff. 181r-184v Letter from Doctor John Gordon, canon of Salisbury, to King James VI and I of Scotland and England. Sending congratulations on the King’s accession, and a treatise on how he may best secure the affections and promote the interests of his new subjects. 21 April 1603. French.

ff. 185r-186v Letter from John Graham, 3rd Earl of Montrose, to King James VI and I. Recommending John Kinloch who was owed a fee for providing lodging at his house and supplying horses. 28 June 1603.

ff. 187r-188v Letter from King Christian IV of Denmark to King James VI and I. Offering ten white falcons, being brought to England by Robert Anstruther. 29 September 1603. Latin.

ff. 189r-190v Letter from Louis Gallucio de L'Hospital, Marquis de Vitry, to King James VI and I. Sending congratulations on his accession to the throne. [1603]. French.