A
DISCOVERIE
OF
THE
vnnaturall
and
traiterous
practises
of
the
Scottish
Papists
,
against
God
,
his
Church
,
their
natiue
countrie
,
and
the
Kings
Maiesties
person
and
estate
.
BY
the
confessions
and
depositions
of
maister
George
Ker
,
Deposed
by
maister
George
Ker
3.5
.
and
6.
of
Febr.
1592.
and
Dauid
Grahame
of
Fentrie
,
it
is
discouered
,
That
in
March
1591.
Maister
William
Creichtoun
(
who
hath
remained
these
two
yeres
past
in
Spaine
)
sent
to
maister
Iames
Gordoun
Iesuite
,
brother
on
the
fathers
side
to
George
now
earle
of
Huntlie
,
a
Gentleman
called
maister
William
Gordoun
,
sonne
vnto
the
Lord
of
Abiryeldie
with
letters
,
to
let
the
Catholikes
here
vnderstand
what
trauell
maister
William
Creichtoun
had
taken
with
the
king
of
Spaine
since
his
comming
thither
:
and
that
the
said
king
had
opened
vnto
him
that
he
had
bene
deceaued
by
English
men
,
and
would
from
thenceforth
,
embrace
the
aduise
and
way
which
the
said
maister
William
would
shew
him
,
both
for
inuading
of
England
,
and
alteration
of
religion
within
this
realme
.
And
for
that
purpose
the
sayd
maister
William
craued
by
this
Gentleman
,
to
be
sent
to
him
so
many
blanks
and
procurations
,
as
could
be
had
of
Noble-men
here
,
for
the
assurance
of
his
traffique
.
Vpon
the
sight
and
receipt
of
the
which
blanks
,
Deposed
by
maister
George
Ker
the
3.5
.
&
6
of
Febr.
1592.
sent
with
some
other
discréet
gentlemen
,
hauing
the
Noble-mens
commission
,
to
be
filled
vp
with
such
conditions
as
should
be
capitulated
and
agréeed
vpon
,
betwixt
the
king
of
Spaine
,
&
maister
William
Creichtoun
,
And
deposed
by
Dau.
Grahame
of
Fentrie
,
the
13.
of
Feb.
1592.
which
should
haue
serued
as
pledges
and
suerties
for
the
subscribers
part
,
at
the
landing
here
of
the
Spanish
armie
.
It
was
concluded
that
there
should
haue
bene
sent
out
of
Spaine
about
the
latter
end
of
the
spring
,
in
this
present
yeare
1592.
an
armie
of
thirtie
thousand
men
,
Deposed
by
maister
George
Ker
the
3.
of
Febr.
1592.
to
haue
landed
either
at
Kirkcudbricht
,
or
at
the
mouth
of
Clyde
,
according
to
the
oportunitie
of
the
winde
,
where
they
should
haue
intrenched
and
fortified
themselues
for
the
assurance
of
them
and
their
ships
.
Deposed
by
maister
George
Ker
the
3.
of
Febr.
1592.
And
by
Fentrie
the
14.
of
Feb.
1592
And
first
of
all
,
money
should
haue
bene
sent
to
the
Catholikes
here
,
for
raising
of
forces
to
supplie
the
sayd
armie
,
wherof
,
foure
or
fiue
thousand
should
haue
remained
within
this
countrie
,
who
with
the
fortification
and
assistance
of
the
Noble
men
Catholikes
,
their
friends
,
and
such
other
forces
as
the
spanish
monie
would
raise
,
should
haue
immediatly
after
their
landing
,
begun
to
alter
the
religion
now
professed
within
this
realme
,
Deposed
by
Fentrie
the
13
of
Feb.
1592.
or
at
least
procured
libertie
of
conscience
,
and
Papistrie
to
haue
bene
erected
here
:
Deposed
by
M.
George
Ker
3.
of
Feb.
1592.
and
the
rest
of
the
armie
should
haue
past
toward
England
the
nearest
way
from
their
landing
to
the
border
.
Deposed
by
Fentrie
13
of
Feb.
1592.
These
letters
sent
from
maister
William
Creichtoun
,
being
giuen
in
credit
by
maister
Iames
Gordoun
to
maister
Robert
Abrecrumby
,
were
shown
by
him
to
Dauid
Grahame
of
Fentrie
,
at
Abirnethie
,
in
Aprill
1592.
And
for
effecting
of
this
matter
,
it
was
once
thought
most
conuenient
that
sir
Iames
Chesholme
,
Deposed
by
Da.
Grahame
of
Fentrie
the
13
of
Feb.
1592.
who
was
then
one
of
his
Maiesties
chiefe
seruaunts
,
should
haue
gone
to
Spaine
with
this
commission
,
in
respect
,
he
was
otherwise
to
passe
towards
his
Vncle
maister
William
Chesholme
(
called
Bishop
of
Dumblane
)
for
sir
Iames
had
the
first
credite
of
this
errand
with
the
Noblemen
,
as
he
declared
to
Dauid
Grahame
of
Fentrie
,
that
he
had
dealt
with
the
Earles
of
Huntlie
and
Errol
,
and
conferred
with
maister
George
Ker
about
this
matter
,
about
the
time
of
the
last
Parlement
holden
in
Edinburgh
in
Iune
1592.
as
also
communed
againe
in
his
owne
house
with
the
same
maister
George
Ker
,
in
October
1592.
touching
the
whole
heads
of
this
dispatch
:
but
sir
Iames
not
being
able
to
be
so
soone
readie
,
and
maister
George
Ker
being
bound
off
the
country
,
it
was
thought
best
,
Deposed
by
Fērtie
13.
of
February
.
15●●
▪
that
the
same
Commission
should
be
giuen
to
him
,
and
that
he
should
vndertake
the
carrying
of
the
said
Letters
:
And
so
he
was
imployed
in
that
errand
,
the
rather
,
because
both
his
grandmothers
were
Creichtouns
.
Afterward
,
maister
George
being
bownd
to
this
iourney
,
and
readie
to
make
saile
out
of
Fairly
Roade
at
the
West
sea
banke
,
vpon
the
27.
of
December
.
1592.
Then
(
by
Gods
prouidence
)
the
said
maister
George
was
apprehended
in
the
Ile
of
Cumray
,
and
with
him
there
was
intercepted
sundry
missiue
Letters
directed
to
this
purpose
.
Amongst
which
,
there
was
eight
blankes
,
whereof
one
is
subscribed
.
De
vostre
Majestie
tres
humble
&
tresobeisant
seruiteur
,
Guilliame
compte
de
Anguss
.
An other
blanke
is
subscribed
.
De
vostre
Majestie
,
tres
humble
&
tresobeisant
seruiteur
,
Francoys
compte
de
Erroll
.
And
these
two
blankes
were
both
procured
of
them
,
Deposed
by
Maister
George
Ker.
3.
of
Feb.
1592.
by
Syr
Iames
Chesholme
,
in
their
owne
lodgings
in
Edinburgh
,
at
the
time
of
the
last
Parliament
in
Iune
.
1592.
An other
blanke
is
subscribed
.
Guilielmus
Angusi
comes
.
An other
blanke
is
subscribed
.
Franciscus
Errolli
Comes
.
Which
were
both
procured
of
them
by
maister
Robert
Abircrumby
,
who
was
the
chiefest
traueller
in
that
matter
,
Deposed
by
Fentrie
13.
of
February
.
1592.
Deposed
by
master
George
Ker
3.
of
Febr.
1592.
in
October
.
1592.
Another
blanke
is
subscribed
.
Georgius
Comes
de
Huntlie
.
And
another
is
subscribed
.
Georgius
Comes
de
Huntlie
.
Which
were
both
with
the
whole
blankes
proposed
,
first
to
the
Earle
of
Hunlie
,
by
maister
George
Ker
in
Strathbogy
,
Deposed
by
master
George
Ker
,
3.
of
Februarie
.
1592.
at
his
passing
there
.
Deposed
by
master
George
Ker
3.
of
Febr.
1592.
and
by
Fentrie
,
14.
of
Fe.
1592.
Which
six
seuerall
blankes
before
specified
,
should
haue
bin
all
filled
with
missiue
Letters
,
by
the
aduise
of
maister
William
Creichtoun
.
And
the
other
two
blanks
,
making
out
the
number
of
eight
,
were
both
subscribed
in
the
midst
of
two
open
shéets
of
paper
in
this
maner
.
Guillielmus
Angussie
Comes
.
Georgius
comes
de
Huntlie
.
Franciscus
Errollie
Comes
.
Patricius
Gordoun
de
Auchindoun
Miles
.
Deposed
by
M.
George
Ker
,
3.
of
Febr.
1592.
Which
two
last
blankes
,
were
first
subscribed
by
the
Earle
of
Huntlie
,
and
Patricke
Gordoun
in
October
1592.
And
after
being
sent
with
maister
Robert
Abircrumby
,
to
the
Earles
of
Angus
,
and
Erroll
,
were
subscribed
by
them
in
the
same
moneth
of
October
1592.
And
these
two
blankes
should
haue
bin
filled
vp
with
procurations
,
and
whatsoeuer
should
haue
bene
thought
méet
,
by
the
said
maister
William
Creichtoun
,
for
the
auouching
of
that
which
maister
George
Ker
had
in
direction
and
credit
of
the
subscribers
,
Deposed
by
M.
George
Ker.
5.
of
Feb.
1592.
which
credit
he
receiued
from
the
Earle
of
Huntlie
,
by
the
report
of
maister
Iames
Gordoun
,
and
from
the
Earles
of
Angus
and
Erroll
,
by
themselues
in
Edinburgh
,
in
the
beginning
of
October
.
1592.
And
the
summe
of
this
his
credit
,
was
an
assurance
,
that
these
Noble
men
should
raise
a
power
of
horsmen
,
&
méet
the
Spanish
Armie
at
their
landing
,
and
reciprocally
to
assist
,
accompanie
,
and
conuoy
them
in
their
passing
to
England
,
Deposed
by
M.
George
Ker
the
5.
and
6.
of
February
.
1592.
by
all
the
forces
they
could
procure
vpon
the
King
of
Spaines
charges
:
And
these
Noble
men
subscribers
,
tooke
the
burden
on
them
,
and
interposed
their
bandes
,
for
the
concurring
of
the
whole
Catholikes
of
Scotland
in
this
cause
,
&
thought
it
méete
amongst
themselues
for
the
better
secrecie
,
that
none
other
should
be
craued
to
binde
for
this
errand
,
but
they
thrée
.
With
these
eight
blanks
subscribed
,
as
is
said
,
there
was
intercepted
stamps
in
wax
,
of
the
Erle
of
Angus
seale
of
Armes
six
;
of
the
Earle
of
Huntlies
seale
of
Armes
foure
;
and
of
the
Earle
of
Errolles
seale
of
Armes
thrée
.
Dauid
Grahame
of
Fentrie
deposed
,
Deposed
by
Fentrie
13.
of
Febr.
1492.
that
he
met
sundrie
times
since
this
purpose
was
in
hand
,
with
maister
Robert
Abircrumby
,
as
namely
,
that
the
first
knowledge
he
had
of
this
purpose
was
by
the
said
maister
Robert
in
Dunfermling
:
and
afterward
in
the
Castle
of
Striuiling
,
before
maister
George
Ker
his
preparation
to
his
iourny
,
where
M.
Robert
shewed
him
,
Deposed
by
Fentrie
14
of
Febr.
1592.
that
this
Commission
was
to
be
giuen
to
the
said
maister
George
,
to
cause
the
blankes
to
be
filled
with
maister
William
Creichtouns
aduise
,
and
that
he
was
to
deliuer
the
same
blanks
,
with
the
other
Letters
to
him
,
who
was
to
depart
and
carry
with
him
all
this
message
.
Like
as
the
said
blankes
and
Letters
,
which
were
procuréd
for
that
errand
,
were
all
deliuered
by
maister
Iames
Gourdoun
,
and
maister
Abircrumby
,
to
maister
George
Ker
,
to
be
carried
by
him
to
maister
William
Creichtoun
Iesuit
:
And
to
be
filled
vp
at
the
discretion
and
direction
of
the
said
maister
William
,
and
of
maister
Iames
Tyrie
,
who
was
best
acquainted
with
the
affaires
there
.
A
Letter
directed
from
an
English
Iesuit
,
and
intercepted
with
M.
George
Ker
,
the
27.
of
December
,
1592.
Good
father
,
the
inclosed
to
my
Lord
,
I
pray
you
reade
,
and
take
it
as
written
to
your selfe
:
what
I
write
to
him
,
I
write
to
you
;
what
I
craue
of
him
,
I
craue
of
you
;
what
I
hope
of
him
,
I
hope
of
you
,
as
of
my
Patron
&
Pedagogue
in
spiritualibus
;
as
of
a
man
,
whose
discretion
and
moderation
I
haue
well
experimented
,
in
all
cases
,
and
at
all
times
.
If
I
had
so
far
ouerlashed
,
&
gone
beyond
my
compasse
,
as
some
good
fellowes
would
imagine
,
yet
I
wonder
that
some
good
men
,
both
in
their
owne
conceits
,
and
other
spirituall
means
,
will
admit
no
excuse
,
no
satisfaction
,
no
purgation
:
when
S.
Paul
to
the
Galathians
,
in
most
euident
terms
setteth
downe
this
rule
amongst
the
perfect
and
spirituall
:
Fratres
&
si
praeoccupatus
fuerit
homo
in
aliquo
delicto
,
vos
qui
spirituales
estis
hujusmodi
instruite
in
spiritu
lenitatis
,
considerans
teipsum
,
ne
&
tu
tenteris
.
If
I
had
spoken
with
you
at
my
last
being
in
Italie
,
as
I
well
hoped
,
I
had
perhaps
made
a
better
conclusion
of
my
businesse
there
,
then
I
did
to
my
own
content
and
all
my
friendes
satisfaction
,
which
hope
,
for
all
these
stormes
,
I
will
neuer
giue
ouer
,
and
when
I
leaue
by
your
meanes
to
be
vnder
the
good
habering
,
I
wil
write
to
you
of
that
subiect
.
The
Lord
Seytoun
,
in
whose
house
I
soiourn
sometimes
salutes
you
.
Of
the
affaires
of
the
Catholikes
here
,
I
leaue
it
to
them
to
write
and
relate
,
by
whose
meanes
these
letters
shall
be
conueighed
.
My
Lord
Seytoun
hath
a
hauen
of
his
owne
,
which
may
be
hereafter
very
commodious
for
our
purpose
.
Commend
me
I
pray
you
to
F.
Barth
.
Pere
&c.
maister
Dudley
Iipher
knight
,
and
Iohn
Thules
,
which
vpon
some
sudden
pushes
of
persecution
,
haue
made
their
repaire
hither
,
are
in
health
and
salute
you
.
And
maister
Syall
a
priest
dyed
here
lately
in
Edinburgh
.
Loue
me
and
pray
for
me
I
beséech
you
all
,
solito
.
And
if
you
send
any
into
these
parts
,
let
them
come
furnished
with
as
ample
faculties
as
you
may
.
Let
them
enquire
for
one
maister
Ionas
,
which
will
be
a
token
betwixt
vs
.
Our
Lord
blesse
vs
and
send
vs
to
méet
once
ere
we
die
.
Seytoun
this
2
,
of
October
1592.
Yours
euer
most
assured
,
Ioan
Cecilio
.
Blanke
on
the
backe
.
A
letter
directed
from
the
Earle
of
Angus
,
all
written
and
subscribed
with
his
owne
hand
,
intercepted
with
maister
George
Ker
,
the
27.
of
December
,
1592.
MY
most
affectionat
commendations
premitted
,
this
present
is
only
to
know
of
your
welfare
and
friends
,
and
of
the
estate
of
matters
where
you
remaine
,
and
to
shew
a
testimonie
of
my
good
affection
towards
you
.
For
God
be
praysed
if
you
were
in
this
countrie
,
I
could
doe
you
greater
pleasure
then
I
was
able
to
doe
before
,
albeit
good
will
lacked
not
at
any
time
,
as
you
know
.
The
M.
George
Ker.
bearer
hereof
can
informe
you
of
such
things
as
occurre
with
vs
:
for
we
are
here
dayly
subiect
to
alteration
.
You
may
credit
him
as
my selfe
,
for
so
his
vertues
do
deserue
.
It
is
not
needfull
that
I
trouble
you
with
his
recommendation
,
séeing
he
is
to
you
that
he
is
,
you
know
his
honestie
and
good
intention
,
and
the
causes
of
his
departing
,
to
whose
sufficiencie
referring
the
rest
,
my
hartie
salutations
,
and
my
bedfellowes
with
all
our
companie
young
and
old
,
remembred
vnto
you
and
your
good
company
:
commits
you
with
them
to
the
protection
of
God
.
Edinburgh
the
tenth
of
October
after
our
count
,
1592
,
Yours
euer
to
his
power
,
Anguss
.
To
M.
William
Creichtoun
.
Blanke
on
the
backe
.
A
Letter
directed
from
maister
Iames
Gordoun
to
maister
William
Creichtoun
,
intercepted
with
maister
George
Ker
,
the
17.
of
December
,
1592.
TRustie
friend
,
after
most
hartie
commendations
,
your
friends
that
are
here
,
haue
directed
this
present
bearer
M.
George
Ker.
to
you
,
for
full
resolution
of
all
your
affaires
in
these
quarters
,
we
haue
delayed
ouer
long
I
graunt
,
but
he
wil
shew
you
the
cause
of
all
.
The
best
is
first
ye
vse
all
expedition
in
time
comming
,
against
the
next
summer
,
otherwise
you
will
lose
credit
here
with
your
factors
.
If
ye
come
,
ye
will
find
more
friends
then
euer
ye
had
,
but
otherwise
ye
will
find
fewer
:
because
the
next
summer
manie
are
bound
to
other
countries
,
and
wil
not
abide
on
you
no
longer
.
Hast
home
hither
some
word
to
your
friends
,
that
we
may
put
them
in
good
hope
of
you
,
and
they
will
tarrie
the
longer
.
The
bearer
is
an
honest
man
,
and
very
sufficient
,
ye
may
credit
him
as
my selfe
.
I
should
haue
come
with
him
my selfe
,
were
it
not
I
was
persuaded
that
you
would
remaine
satisfied
with
our
answere
,
and
because
I
had
a
let
out
of
Flaunders
.
As
the
bearer
can
shew
you
,
ye
haue
gotten
all
that
ye
desired
,
Relation
to
the
blankes
.
therefore
make
hast
.
The
bearer
is
come
vnto
you
on
his
owne
charge
,
therefore
ye
must
haue
respect
to
him
.
The
last
bearer
that
ye
sent
,
came
behind
hand
here
,
and
hath
gotten
no
satisfaction
as
yet
,
because
nothing
could
be
gotten
here
,
and
we
could
find
no
man
but
this
,
that
would
passe
on
his
owne
charge
,
and
I
feare
,
that
if
he
had
not
come
on
his
own
expenses
,
ye
should
not
haue
receiued
answer
so
soone
,
therefore
ye
should
intreat
him
the
better
.
We
looke
for
your selfe
here
shortly
,
and
I
would
you
brought
the
rest
of
your
friends
with
you
that
are
beyond
the
sea
:
The
Spanish
armie
.
for
if
your
purpose
passe
forward
,
they
must
be
also
present
,
otherwise
we
must
come
and
visite
you
.
All
other
affaires
of
this
countrie
,
I
will
commit
to
the
bearer
,
who
is
faithful
.
Your
wife
and
your
children
The
Catholike
Romans
and
their
confederates
.
commend
them
vnto
you
,
and
looke
to
sée
you
shortly
.
If
I
or
Sandesoun
M.
Robert
Abircrumby
.
your
friend
receiue
any
siluer
from
the
bearer
,
you
shall
be
aduertised
by
an
other
ticket
,
how
much
it
is
,
and
subscribed
with
both
our
hands
.
The
rest
I
will
refer
to
the
bearer
.
God
preserue
you
euer
from
all
euill
.
At
Dundie
the
20
of
Nouember
,
1592.
Your
most
affectioned
to
his
power
,
I.
Christesoun
.
M.
Iames
Gordoun
.
Directed
on
the
backe
.
To
his
assured
friend
George
Craufurd
.
M.
William
Creichtoun
.
A
Letter
directed
from
maister
Robert
Abircrumby
to
maister
William
Creichtoun
,
intercepted
with
maister
George
Ker
,
the
27
of
December
.
1592.
AFter
my
due
and
humble
salutations
and
offer
of
seruice
,
I
gréeue
and
lament
heauily
the
slouth
and
negligence
your
merchands
haue
vsed
in
answering
of
your
last
sute
you
proposed
to
them
.
For
apparantly
,
if
they
had
made
answer
in
due
time
,
our
wares
had
bene
here
in
due
time
,
with
our
great
profit
and
consolation
.
The
stay
and
stop
of
the
matter
apparantly
,
was
lacke
of
expenses
,
that
no
man
would
of
his
owne
charges
take
that
voyage
in
hand
:
yea
,
some
craued
a
thousand
crownes
for
his
expenses
.
So
the
matter
was
once
wholy
giuen
ouer
and
almost
cleane
forgot
,
vntill
it
pleased
God
of
his
diuine
prouidence
to
stir
vp
this
bearer
,
to
take
the
matter
in
hand
on
his
owne
expences
:
as
hée
hath
bene
euer
bent
in
that
cause
,
not
onely
to
spend
his
goods
,
but
also
the
thing
which
is
more
deare
to
him
that
is
,
his
life
:
therefore
I
thinke
he
should
be
the
more
acceptable
:
as
also
for
the
affinitie
of
blood
,
●or
both
his
grandmothers
were
Creichtones
And
as
for
wit
&
abilitie
,
in
treating
of
those
affairs
,
he
is
not
inferiour
to
any
of
your
merchands
which
you
desired
,
as
ye
wil
perceiue
by
experience
God
willing
.
And
albeit
that
he
of
his
couragious
liberalitie
and
zeale
to
the
cause
,
hath
taken
the
matter
in
hand
on
his
own
charges
,
yet
all
your
friends
in
these
quarters
thinke
it
verie
reasonable
,
that
al
should
be
repaied
to
him
againe
,
cum
vsurs
,
with
promotion
till
any
other
accident
should
fall
out
,
for
the
weale
and
furtherance
of
this
cause
,
&c.
But
now
I
will
say
one
word
of
him
,
and
so
come
to
some
other
purpose
of
our
own
:
If
I
had
a
thousand
tongues
,
The
hyperbolicall
and
ridiculous
commendation
of
M.
George
Ker.
with
so
many
mouthes
,
with
C●ceroes
eloquence
,
I
could
not
be
worthie
ynough
to
commend
this
Gentleman
,
to
you
and
all
your
company
,
as
I
shall
let
you
vnderstand
,
God
willing
,
if
euer
we
doe
chaunce
to
méet
face
to
face
:
and
therefore
whensoeuer
ye
may
,
preuent
him
with
any
benefit
,
either
by
your selfe
or
any
other
,
abide
not
till
he
craue
it
of
you
,
for
he
is
the
worst
asker
in
his
own
cause
,
that
euer
ye
conversed
with
,
Sed
nunc
ad
alia
.
If
you
be
well
remembred
,
at
your
departing
out
of
this
countrie
,
you
gaue
maister
Iames
Makcartnay
a
procuratory
to
intermeddle
with
maister
Alexander
Homes
little
liuing
he
hath
here
in
East
Lowthiane
,
the
which
he
pleaded
and
obtained
in
law
,
and
tooke
vp
the
yearely
rents
therof
to
his
own
behoofe
,
&
giues
his
none
of
it
.
In
the
mean
time
there
falles
out
such
incumbrances
touching
that
land
,
that
we
are
like
to
loose
the
whole
.
The
sayd
maister
Alexanders
nearest
friends
and
heires
,
haue
in
iudgement
prooued
him
to
be
dead
,
and
so
enter
as
heires
to
him
.
In
the
meane
time
,
the
Land
of
Spot
his
chiefe
lord
is
forfeited
,
and
so
the
land
wairds
,
so
that
we
are
like
to
lose
al
if
remedie
be
not
found
.
Wherefore
,
falling
in
consultation
with
maister
Alexander
King
,
he
thought
best
to
sell
the
land
vnto
him
,
and
we
to
vse
the
siluer
in
a
more
sure
manner
,
of
the
which
ye
shall
receive
some
writings
[
*
](A04803-e2790-b)
*
These
writings
intercepted
with
the
rest
,
are
a
charter
and
obligation
to
be
past
by
M.
Alexander
Home
of
Palywell
to
M.
Alexander
King
his
heires
and
assigns
of
foure
teame
lands
in
the
Lordship
of
Spot
,
with
a
missiue
letter
directed
by
him
to
that
effect
.
from
this
bearer
,
the
which
ye
will
vnderstand
better
then
I.
Onely
I
thinke
if
some
meanes
be
not
vsed
,
we
shall
loose
all
,
&
better
it
is
to
haue
some
thing
,
nor
loose
all
.
As
for
the
price
set
ye
it
downe
,
for
he
hath
mentioned
none
as
yet
;
but
he
will
giue
as
much
as
any
other
,
because
as
he
saies
,
he
hath
some
land
lying
neare
to
it
.
I
pray
you
answere
vs
with
spéede
.
I
doubt
not
but
ye
haue
heard
,
how
the
yong
man
,
whose
father
was
slaine
by
the
Laird
of
Ruthvenis
slue
him
againe
,
whose
Ladie
is
married
to
one
Iames
Reid
.
Camnay
is
come
into
the
Constables
hands
;
and
your
Nephew
is
priuie
of
it
,
and
that
by
the
meane
I
trow
,
of
Abraham
your
brother
:
but
your
Maich
is
litle
better
than
beggred
.
Drumkilbo
is
dead
,
and
Thomas
Tyrie
is
Tutor
.
I
pray
you
aduertise
me
by
what
manner
,
maister
Stephen
Wilsoun
came
by
my
Lord
Leuingstons
Obligation
,
the
which
you
had
of
the
fortie
Crownes
his
L.
owed
you
:
For
maister
Stephen
hath
gotten
the
fortie
Crownes
,
rendering
the
Obligation
which
ye
had
:
I
durst
neuer
make
mention
of
the
hundreth
Crownes
from
the
father
,
and
fortie
Crownes
from
the
sonne
,
which
ye
left
me
authoritie
to
aske
,
&c.
My
Lord
Leuingstone
,
is
departed
out
of
this
world
.
Ye
heard
before
,
that
Dauid
Forester
Dauid
Grahame
of
Fentrie
.
had
one
sonne
,
and
now
hath
an
other
borne
in
the
Castle
of
Striueling
,
where
he
is
in
ward
,
hardly
handled
.
There
is
but
one
of
our
Nobilitie
here
,
which
hath
of
the
King
of
Spaine
any
pension
well
payde
of
twelue
hundreth
Crownes
.
The
which
apparantly
are
euill
bestowed
:
For
he
nor
none
of
his
as
yet
,
hath
euer
done
any
kind
of
good
in
the
promotion
of
the
Kings
matters
:
wherfore
such
pensions
were
better
bestowed
on
others
,
who
trauell
daily
and
hourly
,
putting
in
hazard
both
their
goods
&
liues
,
Enuy
amongst
the
Papists
themselues
.
as
this
bearer
hath
done
and
daily
doth
:
and
others
,
as
he
can
shew
you
,
&c.
Because
I
haue
no
other
thing
to
write
,
and
haue
bene
long
inough
,
I
commend
me
to
your
praiers
,
and
you
to
God
.
At
Scotland
the
15.
of
December
.
1592.
Yours
at
his
power
Robert
Sandesoun
.
[
*
](A04803-e3030-b)
*
M.
Robert
Abircrumby
.
Directed
on
the
backe
.
To
his
trustie
friend
George
Cranfurd
.
[
*
](A04803-e3060-b)
*
M.
William
Creichtoun
.
A
Letter
directed
to
the
King
of
Spaine
,
by
three
Noble
men
of
Scotland
,
whereof
,
two
haue
since
returned
to
the
profession
and
defence
of
the
truth
,
by
their
oathes
and
subscriptions
,
wherfore
their
names
are
suppressed
,
the
third
his
name
expressed
(
to
wit
,
the
Earle
of
Huntly
)
because
he
continueth
as
yet
in
his
former
wicked
course
.
This
Letter
written
by
them
in
the
name
of
the
Catholicke
Noblemen
of
Scotland
,
cyphered
in
French
,
was
intercepted
in
Ianuarie
,
1589.
lately
before
the
time
of
the
Rode
of
the
Bridge
of
Die
,
afterward
was
decyphered
word
by
word
,
and
translated
into
Scottish
as
followeth
.
They
are
sory
that
the
Spanish
fleete
past
by
,
without
landing
in
Scotland
.
SIR
,
we
cannot
sufficiently
expresse
by
spéech
,
the
great
griefe
we
haue
conceiued
,
being
frustrate
of
the
hope
we
haue
so
long
had
to
sée
this
yeare
past
,
the
desired
effects
fall
out
which
we
attended
of
your
Maiesties
preparations
.
And
our
displesures
haue
bin
so
much
the
greater
,
that
your
naual
armies
should
haue
passed
by
so
neare
vs
,
vnuisiting
vs
,
who
expected
the
same
with
sufficient
forces
for
the
peaceable
receipt
and
assisting
thereof
,
against
all
enemies
,
in
such
sort
,
that
it
should
haue
had
no
resistance
in
this
Country
,
and
with
our
support
should
haue
giuen
inough
to
do
to
England
.
At
least
,
if
it
had
come
here
to
refresh
it
,
it
had
preserued
a
number
of
vessels
and
men
,
which
we
know
haue
perished
neare
our
Iles
,
and
vpon
the
coast
of
Ireland
.
And
had
discouered
an
incredible
number
of
friends
,
The
Spaniard
should
haue
had
great
assistance
in
Scotland
.
in
full
readinesse
to
haue
run
the
same
fortune
with
it
,
in
such
sort
,
as
we
dare
wel
affirme
,
it
should
not
haue
found
halfe
so
many
in
England
,
for
all
that
is
spoken
by
the
English
Catholikes
refuged
there
,
who
by
emulation
,
or
rather
by
an
vnchristian
enuy
extenuate
ouer
farre
our
meanes
to
ayd
you
,
to
magnifie
their
owne
only
,
and
make
themselues
to
be
estéemed
able
to
do
all
,
to
aduance
themselues
thereby
,
in
credit
with
your
Maiestie
,
&
such
as
are
about
you
:
but
the
experience
of
this
their
passage
,
hath
sufficiently
testified
,
they
haue
not
showne
themselues
in
such
number
to
assist
your
forces
as
we
haue
done
.
And
therfore
your
Maiestie
,
as
most
wise
,
as
ye
are
,
shal
if
it
please
you
,
make
such
account
of
the
one
,
as
ye
neglect
not
the
other
,
and
so
serue
you
with
them
both
,
to
the
end
ye
pretend
,
without
hazarding
your
forces
for
the
particular
of
the
one
or
the
other
.
They
haue
informed
the
K.
of
Spaines
subiects
wracked
here
,
of
the
meanes
to
do
good
by
landing
in
Scotland
.
We
remit
to
the
declaration
of
some
of
your
own
subiects
that
haue
bene
here
,
the
commodities
and
aduantages
of
landing
in
these
parts
,
where
the
expenses
bestowed
vpon
the
equippage
of
one
Galliasse
,
shall
bring
more
frute
to
your
seruice
,
then
ye
may
haue
of
ten
vpon
the
Sea
.
And
we
may
assure
your
Maiestie
,
that
hauing
once
sixe
thousand
men
here
of
your
own
with
mony
,
ye
may
leauie
here
forces
of
this
Countrey
,
as
fréely
as
in
Spaine
,
who
will
serue
you
no
lesse
faithfully
then
your
owne
naturall
subiects
.
And
albeit
we
cannot
without
blame
of
presumption
,
giue
your
Maiestie
aduise
in
your
affaires
there
:
Alwaies
in
that
,
Aduise
to
the
king
of
Spaine
how
to
assault
this
Iland
hereafter
.
that
may
concern
your
seruice
here
,
we
may
speake
more
fréely
,
as
being
vpon
the
place
,
and
knowing
by
ordinarie
experience
many
things
vnknowne
to
any
of
yours
that
are
not
here
.
The
ouer
late
arriuall
of
your
Armie
in
our
waters
,
tooke
from
it
the
commoditie
,
to
retire
it selfe
in
such
safetie
,
as
it
might
haue
done
comming
sooner
,
by
reason
of
the
great
windes
that
are
ordinarie
here
in
haruest
:
as
also
lack
of
Pylots
experimented
vpon
the
coasts
of
England
,
Scotland
,
and
Ireland
,
appeareth
to
haue
bred
great
harme
to
the
sayd
Armie
,
whhich
we
could
haue
remedied
concerning
Scotland
,
to
haue
sent
Pilots
from
this
if
it
had
liked
your
Maiesty
to
haue
serued
your self
with
them
.
Likewise
(
sauing
better
aduise
)
it
séemes
to
vs
altogither
vnprofitable
to
fetch
the
Armie
by
sea
,
it
may
be
eschewed
for
manie
causes
:
And
amongst
others
,
because
such
as
shall
haue
fought
by
sea
,
shall
be
vnable
,
being
wearie
to
fight
againe
by
land
against
new
forces
:
so
the
best
should
be
,
to
shift
by
one
way
or
other
,
for
sparing
of
your
men
and
vesselles
,
and
so
the
English
forces
staying
vpon
the
sea
vnfought
with
,
shal
be
disappointed
and
shall
not
come
in
time
,
to
assist
them
that
shal
be
assailed
by
land
.
Aduise
to
the
king
of
Spaine
,
how
to
assault
this
Iland
hereafter
.
After
,
sending
hither
a
part
of
your
forces
,
before
the
other
which
should
go
the
right
way
to
England
,
and
that
secretly
by
the
back
of
Ireland
:
Your
Maiestie
should
compell
the
enemie
to
diuide
their
forces
,
&
it
may
be
,
should
cause
them
send
the
greatest
part
hither
,
where
ye
might
make
them
beléeue
the
greatest
part
of
your
forces
were
arriued
,
at
least
should
cause
them
disgarnish
as
much
of
England
,
and
draw
a
great
part
of
their
forces
,
which
would
resist
your
landing
and
inuasion
on
that
coast
.
And
we
may
well
promise
,
that
hauing
here
six
thousand
of
your
men
,
With
6000.
men
sent
from
Spaine
,
&
money
to
leauie
a
power
in
Scotland
,
they
will
in
sixe
weekes
be
far
in
Englad
.
Bruce
is
the
mouth
of
these
Lords
,
to
the
King
of
Spaine
and
Duke
of
Parme.
and
mony
to
ayd
others
here
,
we
should
within
sixe
wéekes
after
their
arriuall
,
be
a
good
way
within
England
,
to
approach
and
assist
the
forces
which
your
Maiestie
shuld
cause
to
enter
there
.
The
knight
William
Sempill
colonel
,
can
shew
your
Maiestie
the
whole
to
whom
we
leaue
it
.
Also
,
we
haue
caused
to
write
both
before
and
since
his
departure
,
our
many
such
aduises
,
by
maister
Robert
Bruce
,
and
caused
to
addresse
the
same
to
my
Lord
Duke
of
Parme
,
to
whom
your
Maiestie
remitted
vs
from
the
beginning
in
these
affaires
.
And
séeing
we
hope
your
Maiestie
is
duly
aduertized
and
enformed
,
we
will
end
the
present
,
kissing
most
humbly
your
Maiesties
hand
.
Praying
God
with
all
our
affection
,
to
graunt
you
full
accomplishment
of
all
your
holie
enterprises
.
From
Edinburgh
this
24.
of
Ianuarie
.
1589.
Your
Maiesties
most
humble
and
affectioned
seruitors
.
G.
Earle
Huntlie
,
&c.
In
name
of
the
other
Lordes
Catholikes
in
Scotland
.
A
Letter
directed
from
the
Erle
of
Huntly
,
to
the
Duke
of
Parme
,
intercepted
in
Ianuarie
,
&c.
MY
Lord
,
I
haue
receiued
from
Iohn
Chesholme
,
Letters
receiued
from
the
D.
of
Parme
by
Iohn
Chesholme
.
Support
of
10000.
crownes
from
the
Duke
of
Parme.
the
Letters
it
pleased
your
Highnesse
to
write
,
the
13.
of
October
,
full
of
most
Christian
affection
to
the
welfare
of
our
cause
:
for
the
which
,
I
giue
your
highnesse
most
humble
thanks
.
The
support
of
ten
thousand
crownes
sent
to
that
end
,
is
receiued
by
M.
Robert
Bruce
,
which
shall
not
be
imploied
but
for
helpe
of
the
most
vrgent
necessitie
of
the
sayd
cause
,
as
it
hath
pleased
your
highnesse
to
direct
.
After
the
departure
of
Colonel
Sempil
,
I
haue
found
my selfe
so
beset
on
all
hands
,
and
pressed
in
such
sort
by
our
King
,
that
it
behooued
me
to
yéeld
to
the
extreame
difficultie
of
time
,
and
subscribe
with
his
Maiestie
,
not
with
my
hart
,
the
confession
of
their
faith
,
He
dissembles
his
religion
for
feare
and
pollicie
.
or
otherwise
I
had
bene
forced
immediatly
to
haue
departed
the
countrie
,
or
to
haue
taken
the
fields
for
resisting
his
forces
,
and
such
as
he
might
haue
drawn
out
of
England
to
his
aide
,
which
I
could
not
haue
done
,
specially
then
,
when
by
the
returning
of
your
armie
into
Spaine
,
all
hope
of
helpe
was
taken
from
vs
,
but
if
on
the
one
part
I
haue
faulted
,
by
the
apprehension
of
dangers
that
threatned
my
ruine
,
I
shall
on
the
other
part
endeuour
my selfe
to
amend
my
fault
(
whereof
I
repent
me
with
all
my
heart
)
by
some
effect
,
tending
to
the
weale
&
aduancement
of
the
cause
of
God
,
who
hath
put
me
in
such
credit
with
his
Maiesty
,
that
since
my
comming
to
the
Court
,
he
hath
broken
his
former
Gards
,
and
caused
me
to
establish
others
about
his
person
of
my
men
,
by
the
means
of
whom
and
their
captains
,
who
are
also
mine
,
I
may
euer
be
maister
of
his
person
,
He
hath
established
gards
about
the
king
at
his
own
deuotion
,
to
be
maister
of
his
person
,
when
occasion
shall
offer
.
and
your
support
being
arriued
,
spoile
the
hereticke
of
his
authoritie
,
to
fortifie
and
assure
our
enterprises
:
wherevpon
I
beséech
your
Highnesse
to
send
me
your
aduise
,
&
to
assure
your selfe
of
my
vnchangeable
affections
in
my
former
resolutions
,
albeit
the
outward
actions
be
forced
to
conforme
themselues
,
sometime
to
necessitie
of
occasions
,
as
M.
Robert
Bruce
will
more
amplie
write
vnto
your
Highnesse
,
to
whome
I
remit
me
farther
.
Praying
God
after
I
haue
most
humblie
kist
your
Highnesse
hand
,
to
giue
you
accomplishment
of
your
holy
enterprises
.
From
Edinburgh
the
24
of
Ianuarie
,
1592.
Your
highnesse
most
humble
and
affectionate
seruitour
,
G.
Earle
of
Huntlie
.
A
Letter
from
the
Earle
of
Erroll
,
to
the
Duke
of
Parme
,
intercepted
in
Ianuarie
,
&c.
MY
Lord
,
since
God
of
late
by
the
cleare
light
of
his
holy
Catholike
faith
,
hath
chased
from
my
vnderstanding
the
darkenesse
of
ignorance
and
errour
,
wherin
I
haue
bene
heretofore
nourished
:
I
haue
bene
as
soone
persuaded
in
acknowledging
of
so
great
an
effect
of
his
diuine
grace
towards
me
,
that
I
am
chéefly
obliged
to
procure
,
sith
I
know
the
enterprises
of
his
Catholike
Maiestie
and
your
highnesse
tende
principally
to
that
end
,
The
causes
of
the
Papists
are
inseparable
,
for
the
king
of
Spains
seruice
.
as
also
to
the
aduancement
of
some
ciuile
cause
which
hath
verie
great
affinitie
&
coniunction
with
ours
here
.
That
I
may
testifie
by
this
present
,
the
affection
that
I
haue
to
the
weale
of
the
one
and
the
other
,
hauing
euer
before
my
conuersion
bene
one
of
the
number
of
your
friends
and
seruitors
for
the
respect
of
the
last
,
to
the
which
,
the
first
of
religion
,
which
is
the
greatest
&
most
important
that
is
in
the
world
,
being
ioined
thereto
,
I
am
also
become
altogether
yours
,
which
I
most
humbly
beséech
your
highnesse
cause
to
be
signified
to
his
Catholike
Maiestie
,
and
to
promise
him
in
my
behalfe
,
that
he
hath
not
in
this
countrie
,
a
more
affectionate
seruaunt
then
I
,
neither
yet
your
highnesse
,
as
ye
shal
vnderstand
more
amplie
of
my
intention
in
particular
,
by
him
by
whom
your
highnesse
shall
receiue
this
present
.
To
whom
,
after
I
haue
most
humblie
kissed
your
hand
,
I
beséech
the
Creator
to
giue
you
the
accomplishment
of
your
holy
desires
.
From
Edinburgh
,
this
24
of
Ianuarie
1589.
Your
highnesse
most
humble
and
most
affectioned
seruitant
,
Francis
earle
of
Erroll
.
A
Letter
from
Robert
Bruce
to
Monsieur
Francisce
Aguirre
Spaniard
,
&c.
intercepted
in
Ianuarie
,
1589
,
written
in
French
,
and
translated
into
Scottish
,
as
followeth
.
MOnsieur
de
Aguirre
,
I
haue
receiued
your
Letter
,
dated
the
ninth
of
Nouember
,
written
from
And
werpe
,
wherby
I
was
glad
to
vnderstand
of
your
arriuall
there
and
health
,
and
that
you
haue
guided
your selfe
so
wisely
in
the
execution
of
all
that
I
committed
to
you
.
Your
maister
,
who
at
my
request
hath
giuen
you
entertainment
,
hath
giuen
me
the
like
testimonie
of
your
behauiour
,
and
hath
promised
me
by
his
letters
to
haue
you
in
the
fauourable
commendation
I
desired
,
and
to
employ
you
in
good
occasions
.
If
he
send
you
hither
againe
into
these
parts
cause
your selfe
to
be
set
on
land
néere
Seytoun
,
where
I
pray
you
to
enter
secretly
,
and
there
you
shal
be
kept
while
I
may
come
and
find
you
,
&c.
The
rest
of
this
missiue
being
set
downe
in
obscure
terms
,
is
to
be
seene
in
the
originall
.
A
Letter
from
Robert
Bruce
to
the
Duke
of
Parme
,
intercepted
in
Ianuary
1589.
Lately
before
the
Rode
of
the
bridge
of
Die
,
ciphered
in
French
,
deciphered
afterward
,
and
translated
into
Scottish
as
followeth
.
MY
Lord
,
Monsieur
Chesholme
arriued
in
this
countrie
fiue
daies
after
his
departing
from
thence
,
and
with
requisit
diligence
came
to
the
Earle
of
Huntlie
in
his
own
house
in
Dunfermeling
,
Letters
sent
by
Iohn
Chesholme
from
the
Duke
of
Parme
to
the
Harle
of
Huntlie
,
and
receiued
by
him
at
Dunfermeling
.
where
hauing
presented
to
him
your
highnesse
letters
,
of
the
13
of
October
,
be
declared
amplie
vnto
him
the
credit
giuen
him
in
charge
,
conformable
to
the
tenour
of
the
letters
from
your
highnesse
,
wherein
they
perceiued
your
highnesse
great
humanitie
and
affection
,
to
the
aduancement
of
the
glorie
of
God
in
this
countrie
,
with
other
consolations
most
conuenient
,
to
moderat
the
dolour
&
displeasure
conceaued
by
the
harts
of
the
Catholikes
,
by
reason
of
the
successe
of
your
armie
,
against
their
hope
and
expectation
.
Also
some
dayes
afterward
,
10000
Crounes
receiued
from
the
Duke
of
Parma
by
Bruce
,
to
be
imploied
for
the
king
of
Spaine
his
seruice
in
Scotland
.
as
the
commoditie
offered
to
me
to
receiue
the
money
,
the
said
Chesholme
deliuered
to
me
six
thousand
two
hundred
thrée
score
&
twelue
crownes
of
the
Sun
,
&
thrée
thousand
seuen
hundred
Spanish
Pistolets
,
and
likewise
hath
caried
himselfe
in
all
his
actions
since
very
wisely
,
and
as
becomes
a
man
of
God
:
chéefly
then
,
when
vpon
the
suspition
conceaued
of
his
so
suddaine
returning
,
the
king
sent
to
take
him
.
I
shall
behaue
my selfe
by
the
grace
of
God
,
in
the
kéeping
and
distribution
of
the
monie
last
sent
and
of
that
which
resteth
yet
of
the
first
summe
,
according
to
your
highnesse
prescription
,
and
as
I
ought
to
answer
to
God
in
conscience
,
and
to
your
highnesse
in
credit
,
and
to
the
whole
world
in
the
reputation
of
an
honest
man
,
and
will
mannage
it
in
such
sort
,
that
by
the
grace
of
God
there
shal
be
fruit
drawn
therof
pleasant
to
your
highnesse
.
The
mony
is
to
be
distributed
among
the
Catholike
Nobilitie
of
Scotland
.
It
is
true
that
I
find
(
as
all
others
would
doe
,
that
would
enterprise
such
a
charge
here
)
my self
inuolued
in
great
difficulties
:
for
on
the
one
part
I
am
in
great
danger
of
the
heretikes
,
&
of
them
of
the
faction
of
England
,
by
reason
of
the
open
profession
that
I
make
of
the
Catholike
religion
,
and
of
the
suspicion
that
the
last
hath
of
my
secret
practises
and
dealing
against
them
.
On
the
other
part
,
I
haue
much
ado
to
moderate
the
appetite
that
some
Catholike
lords
haue
,
to
haue
the
monie
presently
,
for
the
hope
which
they
giue
of
some
pretended
occasions
,
which
will
neuer
fall
out
as
they
promise
.
The
Earle
of
Huntlie
made
instance
to
haue
the
third
part
of
the
summe
which
was
sent
hither
as
soone
as
it
was
deliuered
to
me
,
The
Earle
of
Huntlie
would
haue
a
third
part
to
himself
.
but
he
hath
not
toucht
,
nor
shal
not
touch
herafter
a
half
peny
but
vpon
good
tokens
.
I
haue
paied
him
in
the
meane
time
with
inexpugnable
reasons
,
wherwith
in
the
end
he
is
contented
.
I
beséech
your
highnesse
,
by
the
first
letter
it
shall
please
you
to
write
into
their
parts
,
to
the
Catholike
Lordes
,
to
remoue
one
errour
from
thrée
,
who
haue
written
there
in
name
of
the
residue
,
that
moues
them
to
thinke
,
by
reason
they
were
the
first
that
made
offer
of
their
seruice
to
the
King
Catholike
,
that
all
the
money
that
comes
hither
,
should
be
parted
in
thrée
,
and
immediatly
after
the
arriuall
thereof
deliuer
it
to
them
,
without
giuing
part
to
others
,
which
beside
them
are
in
great
number
to
the
King
Catholikes
seruice
,
and
yours
;
and
also
deliberate
to
hazard
after
their
power
for
the
aduancement
of
this
cause
,
as
they
are
;
of
whom
the
others
will
not
depend
in
any
sort
,
in
the
accepting
of
the
means
that
comes
from
your
liberality
,
both
acknowledge
them
as
comming
directly
from
your
Highnesse
,
to
whom
onely
they
will
be
bound
and
obliged
,
and
not
to
the
other
thrée
.
Of
the
which
,
the
Earle
of
Mortoun
,
hath
hitherto
contented
himselfe
with
reason
:
As
also
the
Earle
of
Huntlie
,
hath
neuer
showne
himselfe
subiect
to
money
,
but
since
he
hath
bene
induced
by
the
third
,
to
wit
,
my
Lord
Claud
Hammiltoun
What
euer
this
Noble
man
hath
bene
,
at
this
time
it
is
not
to
be
obiected
to
him
now
after
his
faith
and
subscription
giuen
to
the
contrarie
.
his
vncle
,
who
is
somewhat
couetous
of
gaine
,
and
thought
vnder
such
pretext
to
make
his
profit
.
The
sayd
Earle
of
Huntlie
,
is
constrained
to
remaine
at
Court
;
he
is
fallen
from
his
constancie
in
his
outward
profession
of
the
Catholike
Religion
,
partly
,
for
hauing
lost
all
hope
of
your
support
before
the
returning
of
the
said
Chesholme
,
because
of
his
long
staie
there
,
partly
by
the
perswasion
of
some
politikes
,
partly
to
eschew
the
perils
imminent
to
all
them
that
call
themselues
Catholikes
,
partly
to
kéepe
himselfe
in
the
fauour
of
his
King
,
The
Earle
of
Huntly
,
dissembles
his
Religion
first
,
for
feare
and
pollicie
,
after
to
worke
his
matters
the
better
.
who
pressed
him
greatly
to
subscribe
to
the
confession
of
the
heretickes
,
and
to
be
at
league
with
England
.
But
for
all
this
,
his
heart
is
no
whit
alienated
from
our
cause
:
for
he
hath
the
soule
euer
good
,
albeit
he
haue
not
such
vigour
to
perseuere
and
execute
so
as
is
requisit
in
so
great
an
enterprise
:
but
they
may
helpe
the
defectes
,
ioyning
with
him
a
man
of
credit
,
resolute
to
assist
him
,
as
we
haue
aduised
to
do
,
since
the
Baron
of
Fentrie
is
put
in
ward
by
the
King
,
in
the
Towne
of
Dundie
:
So
that
he
durst
not
goe
out
of
the
gates
thereof
,
vnder
the
paine
of
a
great
summe
,
vntill
occasion
may
be
offered
to
depart
the
Countrie
,
within
the
time
limitted
.
And
I
by
the
Kings
Commandement
,
am
forbidden
to
come
neare
the
said
Erle
:
because
they
haue
attributed
to
the
said
Laird
of
Fentrie
and
me
,
his
constancie
in
the
Catholike
Religion
,
and
his
absence
from
Court
against
the
Kings
will
:
His
warding
hath
somewhat
hindered
our
course
,
and
permits
me
not
to
moue
him
,
as
it
hath
pleased
you
to
command
me
,
and
as
I
desire
to
dispence
the
money
coniunctly
with
me
:
so
that
for
supplying
of
the
default
of
him
,
I
haue
associated
to
the
same
end
,
a
verie
honest
man
,
&
verie
wise
called
father
William
Creichtoun
Iesuit
,
who
was
deteined
some
yeres
in
the
Citie
of
London
,
after
he
was
taken
vpon
the
sea
,
comming
hitherwards
from
France
.
Likewise
,
I
shall
helpe
my selfe
by
the
prudence
of
Sir
Iames
Chesholme
,
Sir
Iames
Chesholme
,
brother
to
Iohn
Chesholme
a
confederate
.
The
mony
is
in
my
L.
Leuingstones
chiefe
house
,
and
at
Edinburgh
,
to
serue
the
Catholike
Noble
mens
turnes
that
are
shortly
to
assemble
.
More
money
promised
by
the
Duke
of
Parme.
eldest
brother
to
the
said
Iohn
,
who
brought
the
mony
from
your
Highnesse
:
For
he
is
a
man
confident
,
wise
,
one
on
our
part
,
and
verie
litle
suspect
.
In
the
mean
time
,
the
one
part
of
the
money
,
is
in
the
principall
house
of
my
Lord
Leuingstoun
,
a
verie
Catholike
Lord
,
the
other
here
in
Edinburgh
,
in
suretie
inough
,
to
helpe
as
it
shall
néed
the
Lords
Catholiks
,
who
will
come
verie
soone
hither
to
resist
,
to
the
purposes
of
them
of
the
faction
of
England
,
who
in
the
same
time
,
are
purposed
to
remaine
at
Court
,
with
forces
to
raunge
all
things
at
their
fantacie
.
As
for
the
like
summe
or
greater
,
which
your
Highnesse
will
is
to
cause
follow
the
last
sent
hither
:
it
is
good
in
al
euents
,
it
were
very
soone
sent
hither
,
secretly
to
help
the
necessitie
that
may
fal
out
,
&
to
cause
things
incline
to
our
side
,
when
they
are
in
ballance
,
as
there
is
great
appearance
they
will
be
,
by
the
occasion
aforesaid
:
And
in
case
that
necessitie
requires
no
distribution
,
the
said
summe
shall
be
kept
,
and
reserued
to
better
occasions
,
or
till
the
arriuall
of
your
forces
in
this
Ile
.
It
is
ment
that
Spanish
forces
should
arriue
in
this
Iland
.
There
is
suspition
,
as
also
arguments
probable
inough
,
that
Thomas
Tyrie
,
who
hath
brought
hither
your
Highnesse
Letters
to
our
King
hath
not
behaued
himself
according
to
his
dutie
:
For
he
hath
accommodat
himselfe
in
his
behauiour
,
more
after
the
affection
of
our
Chanceller
(
who
is
of
the
faction
of
England
,
and
abuseth
the
credit
he
hath
with
the
King
)
then
according
to
the
instructions
giuen
him
there
.
He
hath
not
presented
nor
made
mention
to
the
King
of
Colonell
Sempills
Letter
,
whereof
I
haue
caused
the
copie
to
be
presented
to
his
Maiestie
by
the
Earle
Bouthwell
,
as
if
it
had
bene
sent
to
him
with
another
of
the
said
Colonells
to
himself
,
which
he
receiued
from
Thomas
Tyrie
at
his
arriuall
,
who
hath
reported
to
the
said
Chanceller
all
that
Seigneur
don
Bernardino
spake
to
him
in
Paris
,
to
the
disaduantage
of
the
said
Chanceller
.
Also
,
he
hath
reported
to
the
King
,
that
my
L.
Bishop
of
Dumblane
,
being
returned
thither
,
spake
to
your
Highnesse
,
and
to
others
many
things
,
to
the
great
preiudice
of
his
Highnesse
:
And
it
is
beléeued
also
,
that
he
is
the
cause
of
the
suspition
which
is
conceiued
of
the
comming
of
the
said
Iohn
Chesholm
,
newly
to
the
said
Bishop
.
How
euer
it
be
,
They
count
our
King
amongst
the
heretickes
.
the
other
reports
aforesaid
,
which
he
hath
made
,
haue
not
serued
to
conciliat
,
but
to
alienate
the
affection
of
the
King
,
of
the
Chanceller
,
and
many
others
Heretickes
,
from
the
said
Siegneur
don
Bernardino
,
the
sayd
Bishop
,
and
Catholikes
here
,
that
haue
had
to
do
with
them
.
As
for
me
,
albeit
I
speake
not
willingly
to
the
disaduantage
of
any
whatsoeuer
,
chiefly
of
them
whom
I
haue
recommended
,
as
I
did
the
sayd
Thomas
Tyrie
,
to
the
said
Don
Bernardino
,
yet
I
will
preferre
the
loue
of
the
truth
to
men
,
and
would
not
in
concealing
thereof
,
bring
preiudice
to
the
publike
weale
,
nor
to
the
fidelitie
that
the
one
oweth
to
the
other
;
and
specially
to
that
we
owe
all
to
the
King
of
Spaine
,
and
your
highnesse
,
to
whom
I
am
presently
seruant
,
particularly
addicted
by
the
Obligation
of
fiue
hundreth
crownes
of
fée
,
and
fortie
for
monethly
entertainment
,
which
it
hath
pleased
your
highnesse
,
to
giue
me
fréely
in
name
of
the
King
of
Spain
,
not
being
required
for
my
part
,
Bruce
seruant
to
the
King
of
Spaine
,
and
to
the
D.
of
Parme
,
hath
one
pension
of
40.
crownes
in
the
moneth
,
and
500.
crownes
of
ferill
.
nor
other
thing
for
my
particular
to
this
present
:
by
reason
whereof
,
I
am
the
more
bound
to
giue
your
highnesse
most
humble
thanks
,
&
to
endeuour
my selfe
to
deserue
by
my
most
humble
and
faithfull
seruices
,
as
well
the
said
entertainment
,
as
the
recompense
it
hath
pleased
your
highnesse
to
promise
me
of
your
grace
&
fauour
.
The
said
gift
of
your
liberalitie
,
came
well
for
my
purpose
,
séeing
by
reason
of
the
danger
of
my
person
,
it
behoued
me
to
augment
my
ordinarie
traine
for
my
greater
suretie
,
which
I
was
not
able
longer
to
haue
borne
out
without
helpe
.
For
from
all
the
Lords
of
Scotland
,
Bruce
hath
negotiated
in
Spaine
with
the
K.
and
in
the
low
countries
with
the
D.
of
Parme.
A
haue
not
retained
but
a
part
only
of
the
mony
,
which
I
spent
trauelling
,
for
the
weale
of
this
cause
in
Spain
with
his
Catholike
Maiestie
,
and
with
your
highnesse
in
the
low
countries
.
As
for
the
foure
hundreth
crownes
,
imployd
for
the
deliuerance
of
Colonell
Sempill
out
of
prison
,
I
haue
put
it
in
count
with
the
residue
which
I
disbursed
of
the
first
sum
,
according
as
it
hath
pleased
your
Highnesse
to
commaund
me
.
The
Earle
of
Mourtoun
Whatsoeuer
this
Noble
man
hath
bene
,
at
this
time
it
is
not
to
be
obiected
to
him
,
now
after
his
oath
and
subscription
giuen
to
the
contrary
,
if
he
remaine
constant
.
to
whom
I
haue
giuen
consolation
by
writing
in
prison
,
hath
instantly
praied
me
also
by
writing
,
to
remember
his
most
affectioned
seruice
to
your
highnes
.
Finding
himself
greatly
honored
,
by
the
care
it
pleased
you
to
haue
of
him
.
By
the
grace
of
God
,
he
is
no
more
in
danger
of
his
life
by
way
of
iustice
;
It
not
being
possible
to
his
enemies
to
proue
against
him
any
thing
which
they
had
supposed
in
his
accusation
:
As
also
the
Kings
affection
not
so
far
alienate
from
him
,
as
it
hath
bene
heretofore
:
And
incase
they
would
noy
him
,
or
that
it
were
presently
requisit
for
the
weale
of
our
cause
to
deliuer
him
,
we
haue
euer
meanes
to
get
him
out
of
prison
,
and
attend
in
the
meane
time
,
but
the
Kings
will
toward
his
libertie
,
onely
to
auoid
all
pursute
that
they
would
make
,
if
we
deliuer
him
extraordinarily
.
When
they
offered
him
in
the
Kings
name
his
libertie
,
if
he
would
subscribe
the
Confession
of
the
heretikes
Faith
,
he
answered
,
he
would
not
do
it
for
the
Kings
Crowne
,
nor
for
a
hundreth
thousand
liues
,
if
he
had
them
to
lose
;
And
hath
offered
to
confound
the
Ministers
by
publike
disputation
.
I
shall
solicite
the
Lords
his
friends
to
procure
of
the
King
,
his
libertie
verie
soone
:
For
he
imports
more
the
weale
of
our
cause
,
than
any
of
the
rest
,
by
reason
of
his
forces
which
are
neare
England
,
and
the
principall
Towne
of
Scotland
,
and
the
ordinary
residence
of
our
King
;
As
also
he
is
a
Lord
the
most
resolute
,
constant
,
and
of
greatest
execution
of
any
of
the
Catholickes
.
It
is
no
small
maruell
considering
the
meanes
the
heretickes
haue
to
hurt
vs
,
and
their
worldly
wits
so
far
passing
ours
,
and
their
euill
will
and
intention
against
vs
,
that
we
subsist
.
Truly
,
we
cannot
but
attribute
the
effect
thereof
to
God
,
who
(
then
when
the
certaine
newes
of
the
returning
of
the
Armie
of
Spaine
by
the
backe
of
Ireland
,
were
dispersed
through
this
countrie
,
&
the
heretikes
of
the
faction
of
England
triumphed
,
and
the
constancie
in
the
outward
profession
of
the
Earle
of
Huntlie
and
others
was
altered
)
caused
the
Earle
of
Angus
to
die
,
who
was
chéefe
of
the
English
faction
,
&
the
selfe
same
time
grew
some
dissention
amongst
the
heretikes
,
by
reason
of
some
offices
that
some
pretended
to
vsurpe
aboue
others
at
Court
,
and
by
the
instant
prayers
and
holy
persuasions
of
two
fathers
Iesuits
,
conuerted
to
our
holy
faith
,
two
heretike
Earles
of
the
chiefest
authoritie
amongst
them
,
the
one
wherof
is
called
the
earle
of
Erroll
,
Constable
of
Scotland
,
conuerted
by
father
Edmund
Hay
,
the
other
called
the
Earle
of
Craufurd
,
conuerted
by
the
said
father
William
Creichtoun
.
They
are
both
able
and
wise
young
Lords
,
and
most
desirous
to
aduaunce
the
Catholike
faith
and
your
enterprises
in
this
Ile
,
which
they
are
determined
to
testifie
to
his
Catholike
Maiestie
&
your
highnesse
by
their
owne
letters
,
which
by
the
grace
of
God
I
will
send
by
the
first
opportunitie
.
The
king
of
Spaine
&
duke
of
Parma
haue
enterprises
to
be
executed
in
Scotland
.
In
the
meane
time
they
haue
required
me
to
make
you
offer
of
their
most
humble
and
most
affectioned
seruice
,
promising
to
follow
whatsoeuer
the
same
Iesuits
and
I
shall
thinke
good
to
be
done
,
for
the
conseruation
of
the
Catholikes
,
and
to
dispose
and
facilitat
the
execution
of
your
enterprises
here
,
The
Iesuits
and
Priests
do
great
hurt
in
Scotland
.
which
they
may
do
more
easilie
then
they
that
are
knowne
to
be
Catholicks
,
whose
actions
are
euer
suspicious
to
the
heretickes
for
their
religion
,
whereof
these
two
Earles
haue
not
yet
made
outward
profession
:
but
in
that
as
in
the
rest
,
they
submit
themselues
to
our
will
,
Hereby
it
is
euident
that
the
declining
of
papistrie
draws
with
it
defectió
from
our
natiue
kings
obedience
.
to
the
seruice
of
the
king
of
Spaine
and
D.
of
Parme.
and
to
that
we
think
most
expedient
.
The
said
Fathers
of
that
companie
do
profit
verie
much
in
Scotland
,
and
so
soone
as
any
Lord
or
other
person
of
importance
is
conuerted
by
them
,
they
dispose
and
incline
in
the
very
meane
time
their
affection
to
the
seruice
of
the
king
of
Spaine
and
your
highnesse
,
as
a
thing
inseparable
conioined
with
the
aduancement
of
the
true
Religion
in
this
countrie
.
If
I
had
commandement
from
your
highnesse
,
I
would
giue
them
some
little
almes
in
your
name
to
helpe
them
&
eight
others
,
whereof
foure
are
also
Iesuits
,
and
the
other
foure
are
seminarie
priests
of
Pontawmoussone
in
Lorraine
,
which
are
al
the
Ecclesiastikes
that
produceth
so
great
spirituall
fruit
in
Scotland
,
and
acquires
to
you
here
such
augmentation
of
your
friends
and
seruaunts
.
After
the
parting
of
Colonell
Sempill
from
hence
,
the
Lords
sent
letters
with
the
said
father
Creichtoun
and
other
Gentlemen
after
the
armie
of
Spaine
,
The
Popish
Lords
did
send
by
Chreichtoun
to
moue
the
Spanish
fleete
to
land
in
Scotland
.
to
cause
it
land
in
this
countrie
,
but
it
had
taken
the
way
to
Spaine
few
daies
before
their
arriuall
at
the
Ilands
,
where
it
had
refreshed
it selfe
,
so
that
it
was
not
possible
for
them
to
attend
on
it
.
They
of
this
countrie
that
are
of
the
faction
of
England
,
were
in
a
maruellous
feare
during
the
incertaintie
of
the
landing
of
the
sayd
armie
,
and
confessed
plainly
,
if
it
had
landed
here
they
had
bene
vtterly
ouercome
.
The
Earle
Boithwell
,
who
is
Admirall
of
Scotland
,
and
as
gallant
a
Lord
as
any
is
in
the
countrie
,
albeit
he
make
profession
of
the
new
religion
,
yet
is
he
extremely
desirous
to
assist
you
against
England
,
hauing
waged
and
intertained
all
this
summer
(
vnder
pretence
to
go
daunt
the
Isles
)
some
troupes
of
men
of
warre
,
which
togither
with
his
ordinarie
forces
,
should
haue
ioined
with
yours
if
they
had
come
hither
.
He
suffers
himselfe
to
be
peaceablie
guided
by
me
,
notwithstanding
the
diuersitie
of
our
religion
,
and
hath
often
times
sayd
,
that
if
the
Catholikes
would
giue
him
suretie
to
possesse
,
after
the
restitution
of
the
Catholikes
religion
,
two
Abbies
which
he
hath
,
that
he
would
euen
presently
be
altogether
one
of
yours
.
He
intends
to
send
the
Colonell
Halkerstoun
,
to
accompanie
certaine
Captaines
and
gentlemen
to
Spaine
,
and
almost
foure
hundred
souldiors
,
all
safe
from
the
Naufrage
in
our
Iles.
And
because
they
are
in
great
necessitte
,
he
is
purposed
to
furnish
them
with
ships
,
vittels
,
and
other
things
necessarie
,
to
testifie
thereby
to
the
king
of
Spaine
the
affection
he
hath
to
do
him
most
humble
and
affectionate
seruice
.
And
if
we
thinke
it
good
,
hath
offered
himself
to
go
out
of
the
countrie
,
and
to
go
offer
himselfe
to
your
highnesse
in
the
low
Countries
,
and
by
your
aduise
afterward
,
doe
the
like
to
his
Catholike
Maiestie
in
Spaine
.
But
here
vpon
we
will
aduise
what
is
most
expedient
.
If
we
may
alwaies
be
assured
of
him
,
he
will
be
as
profitable
for
the
weale
of
our
cause
,
as
any
Lord
in
Scotland
,
for
he
hath
great
dependance
about
this
towne
,
which
is
the
principall
of
Scotland
,
as
also
vpon
the
frontiers
of
England
.
He
hath
offered
to
maintain
and
defend
me
against
all
that
would
attempt
any
thing
against
me
.
We
haue
chosen
for
euery
Catholike
Lord
,
A
counsell
of
chosen
men
,
for
euery
Catholike
Lord
are
erected
by
Bruce
,
for
the
execution
of
Catholike
enterprises
.
a
gentleman
of
the
wisest
and
faithfullest
Catholikes
,
and
best
beloued
of
their
friends
,
to
serue
them
in
counsell
,
and
to
meete
at
all
occasions
,
to
resolue
vpon
the
most
expedientest
courses
that
may
concerne
the
weale
of
our
cause
,
according
to
the
will
and
intention
of
their
Lords
,
who
haue
obliged
themselues
to
approue
and
execute
their
resolutions
,
and
in
no
wise
to
contradict
the
same
:
and
by
that
means
we
hope
to
proceed
with
greater
securitie
and
effect
then
we
haue
done
heretofore
.
Alwaies
they
shall
know
nothing
of
our
intelligences
there
,
nor
our
finall
intentions
,
but
according
to
the
exigence
of
the
affairs
which
shal
be
in
hand
,
and
that
superficially
,
and
without
discovering
our selues
ouer
far
.
Your
highnesse
shall
vnderstand
by
the
particular
letters
of
the
Lords
that
which
resteth
to
be
sayd
to
you
by
these
presents
:
by
reason
whereof
I
will
make
an
end
most
humbly
kissing
your
highnesse
hands
,
and
praying
God
to
giue
you
all
the
good
hope
and
felicitie
you
desire
.
From
Edinburgh
,
the
24
of
Ianuarie
,
1589.
Your
Highnesse
most
humble
and
most
affectioned
seruitour
,
Robert
Bruce
.