Scrinia Ceciliana, mysteries of state & government in letters of the late famous Lord Burghley, and other grand ministers of state, in the reigns of Queen Elizabeth, and King James, being a further additional supplement of the Cabala.

SIR,

SInce the time that we first sent the Merchants to Rhoan, to confer with the Marshall de Crosse, for restitution to be made on either side, we never heard from them but once; at which time they advertised us, that the Merchants pretended ignorance of those things which the Ambassa∣dor here had alleaged both in the Kings name, and in his, nevertheless he entreated them well; and caused them to stay untill he might send and have answer from the King, which they did; and since that time we have not heard of them; but making report thereof to the Ambassador, he would not seem to believe our Merchants; pretending the mistaking of the Marshals words; and so in the end, by his frequent solicitation, the Queens Majesty hath accorded; by advice of her Council, in such manner as you perceive, by a Copy hereof in writing sent herewith; the like whereof is sent at this present unto the said Merchants remaining at Rhoan. In which accord, you shall see a division of the matters in que∣stion according to their natures; That is, for things plainly and openly Arrested and staid, to be restored within a time, without suit in Law; the rest of the things to be restored, by order of Law, with favorable expedi∣tion; whereas the Ambassador would have had the accord made, that all things, of what nature soever they were, being proved to have been taken by any the Queens subjects; or any other that should be proved to have brought the same into any Port or Creek of this Realm, that im∣mediate restitution or recompence should be made for the same, where∣by you can guess what matters he meant to have drawn to their advan∣tage, by such large words. Thus much of this matter I have thought good to write unto you for your information; and for the enlargement thereof, I have at present written to the Merchants, to advertise you of their proceedings.

We have report come to us from Callis, that the King there is come to Paris, and that his brother, with his Army, is at Orleance, with many other things, to the advantage of the Prince of Navarr; but hereof I make no certainty nor account, untill I may hear from you.

You shall, perchance, hear of some troubles in Ireland, which also may be by our ill-willers increased; and therefore I have thought good to impart unto you briefly the state of those matters, Fitz Morris of Des∣mond, one that pretendeth title to the Earldom of Desmond, hath trai∣terously conspired with divers Rebels in the South-West part, with one Mac Cartemore, late time made Earl of Clancarty, to withstand the Au∣thority of the Queens Majesty; and pretendeth to make a change of Religion, being provoked thereto by certain Friars, that have offered to

get him aid out of Spain and Portugall; and upon comfort hereof, hath with a Rebellious number over-run divers parts in the West; and espe∣cially made great spoil upon certain Lands belonging to Sir Warham St. Leger, neer Corke. And besides this, I have procured the Earl of Or∣monds younger brethren to commit like riotous acts, pretending, on their part, that they do the same, not of any disobedience to the Queen, but to maintain their private Titles and Lands against Sir Peter Carew, whom indeed the Lord Deputy there findeth very serviceable against them; and in that respect, it seemeth, they would cover their disorders, But thanked be God, the brothers powers are dispersed, and they dri∣ven into desert places; and the Deputy was the 27. of the last moneth in a Castle of Sir Edward utlers, which was taken by force, and from thence marched with his Army against the other Rebells, who also fled from him. And so, although indeed it be a matter to be pitied, to have any such disorder to be begun, yet with Gods goodness there is great likelihood of due avenge to be had of them all; and no small profit to grow to the Queens Majestie, by the forfeitures and escheats of their Lands, wherewith the better subjects may be rewarded.

The French Ambassador hath been here this day, and shewed the Queens Majesty, that the King is come to Paris to levy mony for increase of his Army, and that there are coming six thousand more Switzers to his service.

The 25. of the last, the Earl of Murray began a convention at St. Iohns Town, and meaneth to send, as I think, the Lord Lydlington hi∣ther with his minde concerning the Queen of Scots; and so I end with my hearty commendations, both to your self, and my Lady.

Yours assuredly, W. Cecil,

Otlands, 3. Aug. 1569.

Postscript.

〈☐〉〈☐〉 here is very desirous that 〈☐〉〈☐〉 might be 〈☐〉〈☐〉 hither.

To the right honorable, Sir Henry Norris Knight, the Queens Majesties Ambassador, Resident in France.