Richard Douglas (letter writer) facts for kids

Richard Douglas was an important Scottish gentleman who lived from about 1560 to 1600. He owned land, worked at the royal court, and wrote many letters.

Early Life and Family Connections

Richard Douglas was the son of William Douglas of Whittinghame and Elizabeth Lauder. He often wrote letters to his uncle, Mr Archibald Douglas. His uncle was a diplomat who spent a lot of time in London. Richard shared news from Scotland with him.

Some people thought Richard was Archibald's brother. But in his letters, Richard clearly called Archibald his "nephew." Richard sometimes used secret code names for people in his letters. This made sure only his uncle knew who he was talking about.

Richard's sister, Elizabeth Douglas, might have been a poet. She may have written two poems for William Fowler. He was a poet and secretary to Anne of Denmark, the Queen. William Fowler wrote a poem in 1594 when Elizabeth Douglas passed away. She was married to Samuel Cockburn of Templehall, a diplomat from East Lothian.

Helping His Family and Dealing with Pirates

Richard Douglas once stayed with Francis Walsingham in London. Walsingham was a powerful English official. In April 1584, Richard asked Walsingham for help. He and his brother-in-law, Samuel Cockburn, had lost their belongings at sea. English pirates had stolen their chests and valuables.

They were in London with Colonel William Stewart, who was on a special mission. Richard and Samuel heard the pirate had been caught. So, they sent Samuel's servant, John Douglas, to Walsingham. They hoped to get their stolen items back.

Working with Important People

In March 1587, Richard wrote to his uncle Archibald. He described a meeting with John Maitland of Thirlestane. Maitland was the King's Secretary. Richard had delivered Archibald's messages just as he was asked. That same month, he wrote to his brother, William Douglas of Whittinghame. He wrote from Whittingehame Tower about a legal matter.

In August 1587, Richard met King James VI at Inchmurrin. He traveled with the King to Dumbarton and Hamilton. There, he talked with the King and Lewis Bellenden, the Justice Clerk. They discussed letters from Archibald Douglas.

Richard also heard news about Scotland's trip to Denmark. King Frederick II had promised his oldest daughter, Elisabeth, to someone else. But he was happy for King James VI to marry Anne of Denmark. He even said they might be able to change the plan so James could marry Elisabeth. The Scottish nobles would meet at Falkland Palace in September. They would talk about the King's marriage plans.

Meeting a Famous Poet

Richard saw the French diplomat and poet Guillaume de Salluste Du Bartas leave Scotland. The poet sailed from Dumbarton Castle to La Rochelle. He left with many gifts from King James VI. The King hired one of Scotland's best ships for him. He also made him a knight and gave him a gold chain. Du Bartas received 2,000 gold coins. His companions also received money and a special gold locket with the King's picture. They also got horses and other gifts from the Scottish nobles.

Royal Marriage and Family Business

In January 1589, Richard wrote to Archibald. He said that James Colville of East Wemyss would go to London. He would be there for the King's business. There would be a tax of £100,000 Scots for King James VI of Scotland's marriage. It was not yet decided if he would marry Anne of Denmark or Catherine de Bourbon. Catherine was the sister of Henry IV of France.

Richard's mother, Elizabeth Lauder, sent Archibald a gift. It was herring from Loch Fyne. She also asked him to send two crates of glass and lead for windows.

In January 1589, Richard went to London. He carried messages for Queen Elizabeth I from the Earl of Bothwell. Mr Archibald Douglas wrote to Francis Walsingham. He said Richard Douglas was not feeling well. Archibald also wanted Walsingham's advice. He wanted to know if Richard should meet the Queen. The topics they needed to discuss were very important.

Later Activities and Observations

A letter from March 1589 mentions that the King was hunting near Dunbar. In August 1589, Richard wrote to Archibald. He said the King liked the dogs sent by Lord Warwick. But the King would prefer some faster hunting dogs.

In March 1590, Richard attended a special dinner. It was for the christening of Elizabeth Stewart. She was the daughter of the Earl of Bothwell. Richard sent news to Robert Cecil about disagreements. These were among the Scottish nobles in Denmark. He also reported that King James VI had borrowed 10,000 dalers. This money came from his mother-in-law, Sophie of Mecklenburg-Güstrow. John Maitland of Thirlestane recorded this loan.

Richard Douglas also worked with John Lowe to build a ship in Norway. This project needed special permission. The ship was finished in 1592.

In September 1595, the English diplomats George Nicholson and Roger Aston saw Richard. He was at Falkland Palace. He spoke in favor of the Earl of Angus. He also supported his uncle Archibald Douglas returning from London.

Family

Richard Douglas married Christian Douglas. She was the daughter of Richard Douglas, Earl of Buchan, and Christina Stewart, 4th Countess of Buchan.