Hist. MSS. Com., Hatfield House Papers, Part iii. p. 206.
Memorial from Secretary Walsingham touching
the Execution of the Queen of Scots
1586-87, Feb. 2.—Letters presently to be sent to E.L. (Earl of Leicester), with order to return speedy answer.
Sir Amias to be assured of the E(arl) of K(ent) repair to Fotheringhay at the day appointed before he send the particular letter to the Earl of Shrewsbury.
After the return of the Earl of Kent's answer, Burnell to be sent down unto Sir Amias with the commission and letters unto the two Earls. For the colouring of his going down he is to have a commission to be furnished with post-horses in Scotland.
(Noted in margin) The Earl of Kent may be ordered to advertise Sir Amias of the time of his coming by some trusted servant of his own.
The Earl of Shrewsbury to be warned by the particular letter immediately after Burnell's arrival.
To consider what speeches were fit for the two Earls to use at the time of the execution.
(Noted in margin by Burghley) To express her many attempts both for destruction of the Queen's person and the invasion of this realm; that the hope and comforts she hath given to the Prince Palatine, traitors of this realm, both abroad and here at home, are the very occasions of all the attempts that have been against Her Majesty's person, and so confessed, and yet so continue, so as sure by the laws of God and man she is justly condemned to die. The whole realm hath often time vehemently required that justice might be done, which Her Majesty cannot longer delay.