“Upon the return of Ballard to this country, one of the principal Catholics who sent him (to the Queen) communicated their intentions according to what you had written before, more particularly asking directions for the execution of the design. I have written them a full despatch, giving my advice concerning all requirements; as much for those on this side as for those outside the kingdom, in order to bring their enterprise to a successful issue. I have shown them that they must not lose time, having undertaken to carry out the resolution contained in the despatch, they must hasten to communicate this to Mendoza, the Spanish Ambassador, sending for the purpose either Ballard or some other of the most faithful and secret that can be found, and who will be sufficiently instructed by them, having promised them that I would write to Mendoza as I do now, to give credit to these messengers, the Stewards: so that I hope if ever the Pope or the King of Spain have had intentions to provide aid to this state, the occasion is now offered them very advantageously. Finding that the Catholics are so well prepared there will be more to do to keep them back than to urge them forward. As to the other difficulties that the ambassador refers to, such as my escape from here and other things, he will be sufficiently satisfied. It only remains now to go on as quickly as possible, both in Rome and Spain, to procure the required support in horses, foot-soldiers, arms, ammunition, and money.”
Queen Mary to Mendoza, the Spanish Ambassador, Chartley, 27th July 1586:—
“Since yours of the 29th May I have been pleased to see that my good brother the King of Spain begins to retaliate the injuries and practices of this queen (Elizabeth); against him not only for the good of this island, but principally for the maintenance of the greatness and reputation of Christendom. You cannot conceive how the exploit of Leicester and Drake has raised the hearts of the enemies of the king, and how his long patience with this queen has tried the confidence the Catholics have always had in him. As to myself, I frankly confess I was very much discouraged to enter into new proposals, seeing how little effect those of the past have had. I shut my ears to the different overtures and propositions that have been made to me for the last six months by Catholics, not being able to give them any answer. Now, having heard of the good intentions of the king, I have written very fully to some Catholics, with my opinion on each point, that they may resolve together on the execution of these. In order to gain time I have asked them to send you, with all diligence, one of themselves sufficiently instructed to treat with you concerning the general offer which has been made to you. On every point they will show you and the king that upon their faith they have given me assurance that, faithfully and sincerely, they will accomplish at the hazard of their lives what they promise by their deputy. You will credit them as if I myself had sent them. He will inform you of the means of my escape from here, which I undertake to effect provided that I can be assured of sufficient strength to receive and preserve me while waiting on the assembling of troops. Thank God, my health at present is better than it has been for three months. I thank you very fully for your good offers on the part of the king, your master, for the 12,000 crowns he is pleased to bestow for my deliverance; in which they will be employed and in nothing else, for it is to my great regret that the other 12,000 have been of so little profit to Scotland. I have notice from London which tells me ... but without urgent necessity I shall be very unwilling to be importuned for these things, which I resist owing to the tax required for this sum. You will help me if you please to testify to the king the obligation which I have to him and how willingly I should repay it if ever I have the means; and to you in particular I hope not to remain ungrateful. I have given charge to my ambassador to receive what you will deliver to him, and to send it to me with all diligence by the secret means that I have made known to him.”
“P.S.—As I was sending you enclosed, yours of 5th July reached me. Thank God, this way of communication is so well established that from henceforth you can write to me when you please. May God give help to the king my good brother, preserve his children, and give him all the honour, contentment, and prosperity that his piety and care for the good of Christianity merit; in respect of which he will have my daily prayers, since I cannot serve him otherwise. I thank you for your diligence in having imparted to him what I committed to you in my letter of May as much for what concerns myself as for those poor English gentlemen whom I cannot abstain from recommending to you, especially the liberty of Morgan, and some pension, if by any means you can help him. I have already answered you about the money that you obtained for me, and I shall put myself in communication with my ambassador concerning what more has to come.”
Queen Mary's Devices and Mottoes
In Queen Mary's apartments the following devices and mottoes were discovered,—in Latin and French, [22]—and have fortunately been preserved.
Queen Mary's Devices