BL Harley 6991, 7

BL MSS Harleian 6991, 7
Wright: Queen Elizabeth and her Times Vol 1, 1838, No. 216 page 444
Sir Thomas Smith (1) to Lord Burghley, Windsor, the 15th of October, 1572

Transcribed by Thomas Wright

My very good Lord, to this commission of the cownsell in the north, altho I said it came from you, I cannot get her Majestie's hand. After all other excuses, she said she was not wont to signe such thinges, except some bodie's hand were to it, that all were well conceived, and as it was wont. I do well perceive her Highnes is disposed to signe nothing, except your Lordship be here
The day that you went from hence, after that I had dispatched into France and to Mr. Killegrew (2), after dynner I sent to King, the knight marshalnian, to come to Mr. Treasurer and me. When he came he was axed for Grene the priest, who was committed to his charge. He said your Lordship gave him a letter, and commanded that he should be carried with that letter to the Bishop of London. I said he mistoke the matter; I had the matters in my keping which should charge hym. and that my Lord of London, nor the commissioners, had neither information nor anythyng to do with hym, he should be examined by other of the counsell and me, wherof Mr. Treasurer was also privie. And therupon Mr. Treasurer and I charged hym forthwith to bring hym hither agayn ; the which he said he wold do. This was upon Monday, about two or three of the clocke after noone, sith which time to this day, which is Wednesday at three after none, I can heare no word of hym, excepte that the Marshallnen do make; but of the said Green we cannot heare.
Her Majestie hathe bene very sick this last night, so that my Lord of Leicester did watche with her all night. This morning, thanks be to God, she is very well. It was but a soden pang. I pray God long preserve her. These be shrewde alarmes. The letters to the three wardens anempst Scotland be written by the advise of the Lord Honsdon, and sent. Thus I commit your Lordship to Almighty God. From Wyndesor, the 15th of October, 1572.
Your Lordship's allwais,

T. Smith

(1) Mr. Thomas Smith was now Secretary of State.
(2) Ambassador in Scotland, commissioned to negotiate between the government and Grange and Lethington, who still held Edinborough Castle, and who refused constantly to acknowledge the King's authority.