Chapter XXIX: Act 131: , Par. 8, K. Ja. 6, and the subjects’ liberties, who ought (26)

In the mean time, we have thought fit, hereby to give you notice of this our Resolution, and of the state of our Affairs, and withall hereby to require You to attend Our Royal Person and Standard at Our City of York, by the first day of April next ensuing, in such Equipage, and such Forces of Horse, as your Birth, Honour, and your Interest in the publick Safety do oblige you unto, And as we do and have reason to expect from you. And this our Letter shall be as sufficient and as effectual a Warrant and Discharge unto you for the putting of your selfe, and such as shall attend you, into Arms, and Order as aforesaid, as if you were authorised thereunto by our Great Seal of England. And we do require you to certifie Us under your hand within fifteen days next after the receit hereof, what Assistance we shall expect from you herein, and to direct the same to one of our Principal Secretaries of State. Given under our Signet at our Palace of Westminster the 26th day of January in the fourteenth Year of our Raign.

_Exam._ P. WARWICK.

* * * * *

1639.—February 15.

3. _The King’s Letter to the Nobility._[164]

[This letter, though of a later date than the one which preceded it, is precisely of the same tenor, in all respects, and seems, therefore, to have been sent as a proof of the Kings settled purpose In regard to the expedition. It is, therefore, omitted as superflous.]

* * * * *

1639.—February 20.

4. _Extract from the King’s Proclamation._[165]

This proclamation sets forth “How traiterously some of the Scottish Nation had practiced to pervert his Loyal Subjects of this Realm, by scattering abroad their Libellous and Seditious Pamphlets, mingling themselves at their publick meetings, and reproaching both his Person and Government; That he had never any intention to alter their Religion or Laws, but had condescended unto more for defence thereof than they had reason to expect; That they had rejected the Band and Covenant which themselves had prest upon the people, because it was commended to them by his Authority; and having made a Covenant against God and him, and made such Hostile preparations, as if he were their sworn Enemy, and not their King; That many of them were men of broken Fortunes, who because they could not well be worse, hoped by engaging in this War to make themselves better; That they had assumed unto themselves the power of the Press, one of the chief markes of the Regal Authority, prohibiting to Print what he commanded, and commanding to Print what he prohibited, and dismissing the Printer whom he had established in that Kingdom; That they had raised Arms, blockt up and besieged his Castles, laid Impositions and Taxes upon his people, threatned such as continued under Loyalty, with force and violence; That they had contemned the Authority of the Council-Table, and set up Tables of their own, from which they send their Edicts throughout all parts of the Kingdom, contrary to the Laws therein established, pretending in the mean time that the Laws were violated by himself; That the question was not now, whether the Service-Book should be received or not, or whether Episcopacy should continue or not, but whether he were King or not? That many of them had denied the Oaths of Supremacy and Allegiance (for which some of them had been committed) as inconsistent and incomptable with their holy Covenant; That being brought under a necessity of taking Arms, he had been traduced in some of their writings for committing the Arms he had then raised, into the hands of professed Papists, a thing not only dishonourable to himself, and the said noble persons, but false and odious in it self; That some of power in the Hierarchy had been defamed for being the cause of his taking Arms to invade that Kingdom, who on the contrary had been only Councellors of peace, and the chief perswaders (as much as in them lay) of the undeserved moderation wherewith he had hitherto proceeded toward so great Offenders; That he had no intent by commending the Service-Book unto them to innovate any thing at all in their Religion, but only to create a conformity between the Churches of both Kingdoms, and not to infringe any of their Liberties which were according to the Laws; That therefore he required all his loving Subjects not to receive any more of the said seditious Pamphlets, but to deliver such of them as they had received, into the hands of the next Justice of the Peace, by him to be sent to one of his Majesties principal Secretaries; And finally, That this his Proclamation and Declaration be read in time of Divine Service in every Church within the Kingdom, that all his People to the meanest, might see the notorious carriages of these men, and likewise the Justice and Mercy of all his proceedings.”

* * * * *

1639.—March 1.

5. _Answer to his Majesties Missive anent his comming to Yorke._[166]

Apud Edinburgh, Primo Martii, 1639.—Sederunt,
Theasaurer,
Argile,
Mar,
Murray,
Wigton,
Kingorne,
Lauderdaill,
Southesk,
Angus,
Elphinston,
Naper,
Amant,
Clerk Regʳ,
Aduocat,
Justice Genˡˡ,
Trᵉʳ Deput,
Justice-Clerk,
Blackhall.

The whilk day, the Lords of Secreit Counsell ordained ane Missive to be written to His Majestie, conteaning ane answer to his Majesties Missive formerlie sent unto thame, and insert in the Bookes of Privy Counsell, anent his Majesties comming to Yorke, quhilk wes accordinglie, done of the date and tennor folowing:—

MOST SACRED SOVERANE,

By your Majesties Letter, the 18 of Januar, your Majestie wes graciouslie pleased, not onlie to lett us know your Majesties resolution to come to Yorke to be so much nearer this kingdome for accommodating your Majesties affaires heere in a faire manner, which course your Majestie graciouslie expresseth, you still affect, but also requires us, that if there be anie thing wherein we would advyse your Majestie, that we sould acquaint your Majestie therewith. Wherefore, least we sould be wanting in that dewtie which your Majestie may justlie expect frome us as humble and faithfull Counsellors, or seeme unworthie of the place and rowme whiche, by your Majesties speciall favour, we injoy in the kingdome, We cannot but acquaint your Majestie with ane Supplication given in to us by ane great many Noblemen, Barrons, Burgesses, and others of this Kingdome, which, for your Majesties better information, we presume to send yow herewith. And, withall, we cannot but let your Majestie know that, for farther cleiring thair innocencie thairof, they have offered publicklie, at Counsell table, by thair oaths and subscriptions, to justifie thameselves and thair intentions heerin. And least upon this, or some suche informations, your Majestie might be the more easilie moved to thinke upon harder courses then your Majestie heirtofore hath beene pleased to keepe with this your antient and native kingdome and subjects therein, we deame ourselves bound in dewtie, and in obedience to your Royall commandments, to represent to your Majesties wise and grave consideration this thair Petition. And, seing the peace of your Majesties Government, wherein consisteth our earthlie happenes, and wealfare of the kingdome dependeth upon your Majesties resolutions, and the course yow sall be graceouslie pleased to keepe in the prosecution of thir maters now in hand, We humblie supplicat your Majestie, in your accustomed fatherlie care of the good and preservation of this your antient kingdome, and of your faithfull subjects therein, to resolve upon sume suche course as, without force of armes or showing of your princelie power, deplorable estate of this kingdome may be settled, whereby your Majestie may receave contentment, and we, your humble and faithfull subjects, may injoy the wounted blinkes of your Majesties favour in ane happie and peaceable Government. And so, with our humble and heartie prayer to God to direct your Majestie in this great and important busines after suche maner as sall be most agreable to your Majesties honour and the peace of the kingdome, we rest, &c. Edinburgh, Primo Martii, 1639.

_Sic Subscribitur._

TRAQUAIRE,

Argile, Mar, Murray, Wigton, Kinghorne, Lauderdaill, Southesk, Angus, Elphinston, Naper, Amont, J. Hay, Sʳ Thomas Hop, W. E. Johnston, Ja. Carmichaell, Hamilton, Blackhall.

* * * * *

1639.—March 15-22.

6. _Another Missive anent his Majesties comming to Yorke._[167]

Apud Halyrudhous, 22 Martii 1639.—Sederunt,
Thesaurer,
Justice Genᵃˡˡ,
Treʳ Deput,
Mar,
Aduocat,
Justice Clerk.
Dumfreis,

The whilk day, the Missive Letter underwritten, signed be the Kings Majestie, and direct to the Lords of Privie Counsell, wes presented to the saids Lords, and read in thair audience, of the whilk the tennor followes:—

CHARLES R.—Right trusty, &c., We greit you well. We have perceaved by your Letter, wherein yow make mention of that which we expressed in a letter formerlie, of our repairing to Yorke, to be the more neere to that kingdome for accommodating our affaires there in a faire maner; and withall yow expresse your desire how the deplorable estate of that kingdome might be settled without force of armes, or showing of our princelie power. We have shewne our care hitherto by our actions for that effect: nather ar we yitt averse frome continuing in that course. But if, in the meane tyme, anie of our good subjects sall suffer for thair affection to our service, in obedience to our commands, we will be verie sensible thereof, and have a speciall care to see thame fullie repaired. And so, expecting that yow of our Counsell, as yow are honoured by us to be first in place, will stryve to goe before others by your good example in advancing of our service, we bid yow heartilie farewell, from our Court at Whitehall, the 15 of Marche 1639.

Quhilk Missive being heard and considerit be the saids Lords, they ordaine the same to be insert and registrat in the bookes of Privie Counsell.

* * * * *

1639.—March.

7. _A Letter by the Lords of the Session to the Kings Majestie, sent with my Lord Justice Clerk, in March 1639._[168]

MOST SACRED SOVERAIGNE, The danger of the tymes wherein we live threatening dreadfull desolation of this our ancient and native kingdome, and the conscience of our humble duetie which we owe to your Majestie, our dear and dread Soveraigne, and to this realme, whereof we are feeling members, honoured be your Majestie to be Counsellours and Judges therein, hes constrained us in this case, so important and pressing, to bemoane to your sacred selfe, the present calamitie and apparent insueing of more. God, who hes established in your sacred persone the just and lawfull right of regall inheritance, hes also filled your Majestie with all other induements necessar to the Royall calling; your Majestie, under God, may sollie allay the terrours of the menassing stormes; and without the sunschine of your graceous and calme countenance, this land, and the inhabitants thereof, must become quicklie miserable. The causes are better knowen to your Majestie then that they neid relation. When your Majestie was pleased to indict a Generall Assembly, we and most parte of all your good subjects of this Kingdome, wer overjoyed in expectation that the doubts in religious worship and Kirk Government, whilk was tossed to and fro this whyle bygone, should have then beine cleirlie setled; and although the greater part of your people be weill pleased with the constitutions therein concluded, yet your Majesties displeasure against that Assembly, and the proceedings thereof, and your expresse dislyke of these who adheres to the same, and the fearfull consequences therefra like to ensue, hes turned all the hopes of comfort which we expected, in sorrowes and teares. When Princes stand in doubt of their people, and their subjects stand in doubt of their Prince, if not tymelie remeaded, prove difficill remeadable. To goe on at ance with deliberation, your Majestie may be pleased to pardon us to averre, that in this they are but badd Counsellours, and no better patriots, who will advise your Majestie to add oyle and fewall to the fire. Violence and armes are pleased amongst desperat remeadies, proving oftner worse then the disease. To speake trueth ingenuouslie becomes all men, and us mainlie more then uthers, speaking to our King, and in a matter importing no lesse nor the universall fall or standing of this nation, and apprehended by most parte of the leidges to reflect on religione and conscience, which seldome are forced with successe. Who does insinuat to your Majestie that the opposers to the proceedings of Glasgow doe surpasse in number, and in uther considerable respects, such as adheres to the same, we veritablie avow, in our alledgance, that they vent unwarrantable suggestions, which may provock the Princes wrath against his people, and does foment meanes for the overthrow of the peace of this Kirk and Kingdome. It is over britle a foundation whereupon to gadge the honour and safetie of your sacred persone, and to build conclusions of warre; and we should not hold ourselves for loyall subjects, if we should not say these informations wer contrare to trueth. Yet your Majestie is knowne to the world to be ane Prince prudent and moderat, who will not be drawen from that laudable forme of raigning which was ever familiar to your Majesties selfe, and to your royall Father of blessed memorie, who worthilie gloried in the title of ane pacifick King; for the throne of Kings (says that wise King) is established by Justice and righteousnes; and therefore we must, on the knies of our hearts, supplicat your sacred Majestie, in the bowels and mercies of our blessed Saveour, to be pleased to forbeare all purpose of warre, and so to prevent the evills of dispaire and necessitie; and for that effect, that your Majestie may be pleased to close your ears against all contrarie enducements. Your Majestie is Vicegerent to Almichtie God, whose mercies and compassions, although immutable, are proponed as characters of imitation to Princes, so far as mortall man may joy therein, and resemble the immortall God.

These our grave and submisse supplications, we begg, in all humilitie, that your Majestie may be pleased graceouslie [to receive], which we have sent to your Majestie by this bearer the Justice-Clerk, who is ane of our number, to whom we have committed our Instructions with trust: And we shall never cease to offer up our fervent prayers to Him by quhom Kings reigne, for preservation of your sacred persone, and the continowing felicitie of your long and happie reigning over us, and thereafter of your royall posteritie, so long as the world shall endure.

The Instructions are—

1. To represent to His Majestie that latelie we have presumed, in all humilitie, to write to His Majestie to the same sence of the letter now sent, but we are informed the Letter hes never comed to His Majesties hands, but hes bein miscarried, and hath bein withdrawen, by what meanes we know not.

2. To shew His Majestie that, for any thing can appeare to us, these thinges that are now in question are urged by all as moved thereto, that are by the persuasion of their consciences, they esteeming them poyntes of their faith; and if force be used, all are persuaded, and so proves, that it is not for these poynts now in question only, but for encroaching upon religion in ane higher degrie then is pretendit.

3. That His Majestie, in this case, may be pleased to take it to his royall consideration, what successe persute of armes hes had in all uther Kingdomes against men for matters of conscience, truelie, or taken by them to be such; and that bloodie warres have ever bein to harden the Spirits of men to opposition in matters of conscience, and to increase their number.

4. That, if our neighbour nation doe invaid this countrie, it will assuredlie be taken be all Scotsmen, albeit not affected the present way, for a nationall quarrell; and all will strive as ane man to defend themselves as for their lives, estates, and liberties of the countrie.

5. That the countrie is also joyned togither, now that few or none of them most reserved, can be drawen together to oppone the countrie in this cause.

6. To represent to His Majestie the proffer made by the bodie of the Kingdome to imploy their readiest services, lives, lands, honours, and quhatsoever is dearest to them in this world, for His Majesties service, and lay the same in at his Royall feete, to be disposed at his pleasure—they being satisfied in matters of religion and conscience, in which was performed in our presence by the great asseverations of many considerable persons amongst them, and which we are persuaded fullie to be true.

* * * * *

1639.—March.

8. _The Oath that they urged upon the Scotts Men at London._[169]

I doe faithfullie swear and promise that I doe honour and obey my Soveraigne Lord, King Charles, and will bear faith and true alleadgance to him, and defend and mentaine him and his royall power and auctoritie; and that I will not bear armes, or doe any rebellion or hostile act against his Majestie, or protest against any of His Majesties Royall Commands, but submitting myselfe in all due obedience therunto; and that I will not enter into any Covenant, oath, or band, for mutuall defence and assistance of any persone or persones whatsoever, contraire to what I have herein sworne, professed, and promised: So help me God in Christ Jesus.

* * * * *

1639.—April 2.

9. _Letter from the King to Hamilton._[170]

HAMILTON,

I received yours but this morning, to which before I answer, I must tell you News: First, that Jacob Ashly has possessed Berwick with 1000 Foot and 60 Horse, and Carlisle is likewise possessed by My Lord Clifford with 300 men; Secondly, I have commanded Traquair to keep his Chamber, until he give me an account how he left Dalkeith, without striking one stroke, and before any Cannon was brought before it, having left the Ammunition (not destroyed) to their reverence, and likewise the Regalia: of this more by the next. Now for Answer, I have given the Proclamation to be written over by the Clerk-Register, with the General Oath, both which you shall have with all speed: for your Military Oath, I like it extreme well, as likewise your opinion for detaining the Patents of Honours until the Country be settled; for your Brother, certainly if you had forgotten him I should not, but have remembered my old Engagement; and for Dalliel, indeed he deserves well; yet methinks a Viscounty may serve at this time, that I may have something more to give upon further occasion: and so I rest

Your assured constant Friend,

CHARLES R.

York, 2 Apr. 1639.

* * * * *

1639.—April 3.

10. _Letter from the King to Hamilton._[171]

HAMILTON,

According to my promise yesterday I have sent you back the Proclamation and Oath, but with very few Additions. As touching Traquair I can say little more than I did, because I have not yet seen his Defence; only if I had not taken this rude notice of his base Action, I am sure I should have disheartened a number of honester men than ever he was, or will be. This morning I have News of the safe Landing of the 500 Irish, which are by this time in Carlisle, there to attend untill further Directions. I have no more at this time to say, but to know if Col. Gun be not one that you have entertained, for it is said that he is going back again to Germany. One thing I had almost forgot; they say for certain that Aberdeen holds out still, and is not likely to yield in haste; if it be so, you know what to do. And so I rest

Your assured constant Friend,

CHARLES R.

York, 3 Apr. 1639.

* * * * *

1639.—April 5.

11. _Letter from the King to Hamilton._[172]

HAMILTON,

This is to tell you, that the News of the rendring of Aberdeen came immediately after the dispatch of the last Post, and that though Huntley be retired, yet he is neither beaten nor over-run: but the chief cause of my writing at this time is, that since I have shown the Proclamation to Orbiston and Sir Lewis Stewart, they have both been very instant with me to change something in it: which (though my Judgment goes with them in the most, and therefore I will not be wilful; yet) I think I shall alter, or (but rather) palliate one point, to wit, not to set Prices upon the declared Rebels Heads, until they have stood out some little time; which time is to be expressed in this same Declaration. Another thing is, whither and when to send you Devick; and lastly, whether I shall see you before you put to Sea, which I should be glad of, if it should not retard the Service: and so I rest

Your assured constant Friend,

CHARLES R.

York, 5 Apr. 1639.

* * * * *

1639.—April 7.

12. _Letter from the King to Hamilton._[173]

HAMILTON,

I send you with this my Proclamation, as I have
now made it upon debate with Sir Lewis Stewart,
wherein I have altered nothing from the first, but
what I wrote you by my last; only I have added
some things of favour to those that shall repent,
which nevertheless are of so little moment, that
although this should not come to your hands time
enough, the other might pass very well. As for
the publishing of it, I shall doe my best to get it
proclaimed both in Edinburgh, and in the rest of
the Kingdom: nevertheless you must not leave to
doe your best for the publishing of it. So wishing
good success as well to your Person as Cause, I
rest

Your assured constant Friend,

CHARLES R.

York, 7 Apr. 1639.

* * * * *

1639.—April 7.

13. _Letter from the King to Hamilton._[174]

HAMILTON,

I send you herewith my Pleasure in a Proclamation to my Subjects of Scotland, and by this command you to use all sort of Hostility against all those who shall not submit themselves according to the tenour of the same; for which this shall be your Warrant.

CHARLES R.

York, 7 Apr. 1639.

* * * * *

1639.—April 10.

14. _Letter from the King to Hamilton._[175]

HAMILTON,

I have spoken with Henry Vane at full, of all those things that were concerted betwixt you, and agree in all things but one, which is, that he thinks your going into the Frith, will make the Rebels enter into England the sooner; whereas on the contrary, I think that my possessing of Carlisle and Berwick hath made them so mad, that they will enter in as soon as they can perswade an Army together, except they be hindred by some awful Diversion; wherefore I could wish that you were even now in the Frith, though the Borders might be quiet till my Army be brought together, which they say will hardly be yet these ten days. Yet I am not out of hope to be at Newcastle within these fourteen days, and so to Berwick as soon as I may with either Honour or Safety; wherefore my Conclusion is, go on a Gods Name in your former Intentions, except I send you otherwise word, or your self find some inevitable necessity: and so I rest

Your assured constant Friend,

CHARLES R.

York, 10 Apr. 1639.

POSTSCRIPT.—I have sent you ten Blanks, whereof
four be Signaturewise.

* * * * *

1639.—April 10.

15. _Letter from the King to Hamilton._[176]

HAMILTON,

According to my Promise on Thursday last, I send you herewith the Proclamation altered as I then wrote; and that you may not think that these Alterations are grounded upon new Counsels, I shall desire you to observe, that I do not so much as seem to adde the least thing to my former Promises. It is true, that I neither mention the late pretended General Assembly at Glasgow, nor the Covenant, at this time: my reason is, that if for the present I could get Civil Obedience, and my Forts restored, I might then talk of the other things upon better terms. As for excepting some out of the General Pardon, almost every one now thinks that it would be a means to unite them the faster together; whereas there is no fear, but that those who are fit to be excepted, will doe it themselves by not accepting of Pardon, of which number I pray God there be not too many: So that you are now to go on according to your former Directions, onely proclaiming this instead of my former signed Proclamation; and so to proceed with Fire and Sword against all those that shall disobey the same. So praying to God to prosper you in all things, I rest

Your assured constant Friend,

CHARLES R.

York, 10 Apr. 1639,

at 4 in the Afternoon.

* * * * *

1639.—April 11.

16. _Resolution of Council and Session to go to Court._[177]

Apud Edinburgh, undecimo April, 1639. Sederunt. The Lords of Secret
Counsell underwritten—viz., the Earles of Mar, Perth, Wigtoun,
Galloway, Lauderdaill, and Southesk; the Lords Elphinston and
Naper; the Advocat and Treaʳ Deput; togidder with the Lords of
Session aftermentioned—viz., the Lords Durie, Innerleith, Foderane,
Innerpeffer, Balconnie, Cranston-Riddell, Craighall, Scotstarvet, and
Eskbanke.

The Lords of His Majesties Privie Counsell and Session having tane to their consideration the deplorable and calamitous estate of this Kirk and Kingdome; and understanding that one of the greatest causes thereof arose from his Majesties offence taken against the late proceedings within the same, and they being fullie perswaded that his Majestie will be pleased to heare of thame the simple truthe—as they sall be answerable to God and his Majestie—without anie privat respect, but allanerlie his Majesties honour and the safetie of this kingdome: Thairfoir they thinke it necessar and incumbent to thame, out of their humble and bound affection to the weall, honnour, and happines of his Majesties person and government, and for preventing the imminent dangers hanging over this kingdome, that they all unanimouslie sould present themselves to his sacred Majestie, and falling doun at his royall feete, deprecat his Majesties wrath againes his subjects; and, therefore they all in ane voyce have resolved to take journey with all expedition towards his Majestie for the effect forsaid.

* * * * *

1639.—April 18.

17. _Letter from the King to Hamilton._[178]

HAMILTON,

It is true that I was content to hear your Advice concerning your going into the Frith, it being chiefly to shew Henry Vane that your Judgement went along as well as your Obedience: though I had a care ever to take off from you the envy of seeking this particular Imployment, taking it, as it is just, upon my own absolute Command; yet I will not say, but that you might have cause to wonder, because neither of us expressed ourselves so clearly as we might. But my chief errand to you at this time is, that upon serious Debate upon your long Letter to Henry Vane, only with him and Arundel, (for I dare trust no other) we found no reason to alter my former Commands, but were more confirmed in the fitness of them; only we have thought requisit to alter some things in the Proclamation, which you shall receive by the next Dispatch, at furthest within a day or two of this: so that you are not to (indeed I think you cannot) publish any, until the New one come to you, (for I believe it will be at the Holy-Island before you:) the Alterations of which you will only find to be, that I do not say all I think; but in no ways slack my Resolution, much less seem to yield to any new thing. So referring you to Henry Vane for the relating of our Proceedings here, I rest

Your assured constant Friend,

CHARLES R.

York, 18 Apr. 1639,

at ten a clock at night.

* * * * *

1639.—April 19.

18. _A Letter from the Nobilitie of Scotland to the Earle of Essex, lying in Berwick, sent with Mr William Cuninghame._[179]

OUR MOST NOBLE LORD,

As in all these great affairs which have been so much noysed abroad, of our Church and State, our chiefest care hes beene to walke warrantablie, according to the Laws that were sett in force for that effect; so we are certainely persuaded that amongst ourselves there is none that can justlie complaine of what hes passed; and for these our Countrie Men who are now in England, if they be of that number, as they are evill subjects to our gracious King, and worse compatriots to us; so, of all the worst guests amongst yow, while they endeavour to make the remedie of their evills, and the escape of their deserved punishment, the beginning of ane incurable disease betwixt two nations, to whom this quarrell should nowayes extend, if the informations and protestations made by us for this end, and the bond of our Covenant sworne to God and man, hes not cleered all scruples in the mynd of our gracious Soveraigne hitherto: and, of all good subjects with yow, it is not our fault, but rather our joynt misfortune with yow, that there are too too many amongst yow, also in great place and credite, whose privat byasse runnes quyte voyd and contrare to the publict good, and who are, these wicked ones, rysing earlie to poysone the publict fountaine, and to sow the unhappie teares of jealousies and discords betwixt yow and us, before the good seed of our love and respect to our neighbour nation can take place in your hearts. Amongst all the evills of this kynd which daylie overtakes us, next to the present undeserved displeasure of our Prince against us, (which God in mercie will take off in his aune tyme,) there could nothing have been fallen so strange and unexpected to us as the drawing of your forces together upon your borders, which, whether to defend yourselves, or to annoy us, and so to prepaire and gather those clouds which threatnes a sore tempest to bothe, we for our parte wishe they may first perishe in the shipwrack who beginnes to dashe the ane nation against the other.

As for yow, my Lord, although your place, persone, and qualitie, the honour and reputation of your former life, may give us some assurance that your Lordship will bewar to beginne the quarrell, whereat the enemies of both the nations will rejoyce and catch the advantage; yet give us live to admire the ground of these needlesse feares that makes you thus strengthen your borders, or rather suspect these pregnant presumptions of a farther project intendit against this nation by your power, which needs must make us bestirre ourselves betymes at all hands for our safetie; God is our witnesse that we desire no nationall quarrell to arise betwixt us, or to tast of that bitter fruit that may sett both your children and our children’s teeth on edge, but rather hold ourselves obliged, in conscience of our duetie to God, our Prince, and all our nation, our brethren, to try all just and lawfull meanes for the removall of all causes of discord betwixt two nations who are yet locked togither, and should be still in all the strongest bonds of affection and common interest, and to be alwayes readie to offer that occasion of greater satisfaction in this kynd for clearing our loyall intentions towards our Prince, to all whom it may concerne, and, namely, to your Lordship, in regard of your place and command at this tyme, by any mids whatsomever should be thought expedient on both sydes. This farr we thought good to represent to your Lordship, being occasionallie together, so few of us as are in this place, for ourselves, and in name of the rest of our number, who, together with us, shall expect your Lordships answer, and rests your Lordships affectionat friends to serve you.

Edinburgh, 19 Aprile 1639.

* * * * *

April 23.—1639.

19. _Letter from the King to Hamilton._[180]

HAMILTON,

Before that this come to your hands you will have received two of mine of an elder Date, to which I can adde so little, that if I had not received yours of the 18ᵗʰ, I would not have written at this time. You have done well in laying all the Doubts before me, and shewing all your defects, (for which I am heartily sorry) by which I see there is not so much to be expected as otherwise there might: yet I continue my former Resolution, being glad that your own inclination leads you thereto; recommending Tantallon to your thoughts, for the which I have agreed with the true Owner. Think not of the North until I have done some good in the South. I shall haste to Berwick as soon as possibly I may; but I fear it will not be before the 12ᵗʰ of May, and I hope the 15ᵗʰ will be the latest. So hoping to have a merry meeting with you in Scotland, I rest

Your assured constant Friend,

CHARLES R.

York, 23 Apr. 1639.

* * * * *

1639.—April 25.

20. _Letter from the King to Hamilton._[181]

HAMILTON,

Having opened your Pacquet to Master Treasurer, I could not but tell you, that I could not but pity your cross Winds, and commend your Diligence: and so I rest

Your assured constant Friend,

CHARLES R.

York, 25 Apr. 1639.

* * * * *

1639.—May 2.

21. _Missive Letter from the Marquis of Hamilton to the Provost, Magistrates, and Council of the City of Edinburgh._[182]

LOVING FRIENDS,

Such is and haith bein his Majesties tender fatherlie caire of this his native Kingdome, that he haith bein graciouslie pleased to indevore, by manie faire and calme wayes, to reclaizme his disobedient subjects within the same, but hitherto all in vaine. So haffing producit no better effects in divers of theme bot _the daylie incressing of insolences; and to such ane hicht it is growne, that nothing can be justlie expected from his Majestie bot to use his royall power and force: zitt still, such is his guidnes and clemencie, as that will be the last way he will trite, and then to the gritt grieff. Quhairfore he hes bein pleased to send me, his High Commissioner, unto these pairts againe, with full powar and authoritie to accommodat these effaires (if it be possible) in ane peaceable way, and to treat and use his guid and deutifull subjects with all favour and kindnes, qwhereof I thought fitt to give yow notice, yow being the cheiff and principall citie of this his Kingdome; zitt I may say with sorrow, that none hes schewing themselfis more proane to riot and disobedience to his Majesties commands than yow. Bott zitt ther is tyme for repentance—such is his Majesties clemencie. These are thairfor to desyre yow, that not onlie your selfis, bot that yow lykewayes prepair the hairts of the Commouns, that both yow and yai may be readyr to repaire his Majesties gratious pleasure whichsal be signified unto yow, with that humble and thankfull obedience, as becommeth loyall, deutifull, and guid subjects, so that, by your guid example, the rest of this Kingdome may doe the lyke, which will be ane meanes for yow to redeme His Majesties favour which yow have iustlie lost, and saive the schedding of much innocent blood, which both His Majestie and all just men call Heaven and earth to witnes, yow ar the principall causers thereof, as haiffing cheiflie countenanced the beginners of these trubles, and which one day most lye heavilie upone yowr consciences, and call for iust vengeance from God and the King, with the curses of manie innocents which, by yowre meanes, will be destroyde. Bott I houp now, at yᵉ last, yow will sie yowr awin errors, and accept this meanes of reconceiliatioun which now is to be offerit unto yow; wherein no man sall more joy than I,

Your verie loving Friend,

HAMILTON.

* * * * *

1639.—May 3.

22. _Letter from the Provost, &c. of Edinburgh to the Marquis of Hamilton, in answer._[183]

PLEASE YOUR GRACE,

We, his Majesties humble and loyall subjectes, doe, with all thankfulnes, acknowledge that His Majesties caire to this his native Kingdome hes bein more tender, and His Majesties proceedings more calme, then our enraged enemies, who have bein, by all meanes, seeking His Majesties dishonour, and owre utter ruine could have wyched. So are we heartilie sorie that the suggestiounes and informatiounes of our enemyes sould have prevailed so far with His Majestie, as that ourselfs or anie uther of His Majesties guid subjects should be compted so refractorie and disobedient as to have deservit that his Majestie sould make use of any powar or forces against us, who have bein seeking nothing bot the libertie of oure religioun against novatiounes, and that all questiounes micht be determined by a Nationall Assemblie and Parliament, both which were graciouslie indicted be His Majestie, and have bein doeing nothing bot using preparatiounes for our lawfull and necessar defence against threatened invasion and hostilities. We are glaid that your Grace is come hither as His Majesties Commissioner, to accommodatt effaires in a peaceabill way, which is the desyres of oure hearts, and seemes to ws not onlie possibill bot easie. Bot we are heavielie greived that your Grace sould come against this your native countrey in such ane hostile way as may rather provoke then pacifie, and does protend that the Kingdome will be moved to doe more for feir of violence, then frome trew loyalitie and conscience of that dewtie we ow to our dread Soveragne under God. Nothing can be requyred of us for ourselffis, who have the honour to be the chieffe cittie of this His Majesties Kingdome, or for the Commones, so far as our creddeitt and powar can reache, or for giving good exemple to uthers in receaving His Majesties gratious pleasure and iust commandments, with all humble and thankfull obedience, which sall not be to the full and most cheirfullie performit. Bot when we have doone the dewtie of gud and loyall subjects which (nixt unto oure dewtie to God Almichtie) hath beene our cheifest caire, and whairof we have given all proofes and exemplarie evidences if it sall come to pas (which the Lord of his mercye prevent) that innocent blood salbe sched, then hath yᵉ curse cum on them, and the burdein wherof, the consciences of those who haith bein aither the principall causers, or the beginners, or the fomenters, of those present trubles; for, as we have, in this cause, a guid conscience before God, and nevir meant evill to any man, far les to our King, which is oure gritt confidence and comfort, so we ar assent to be approven of all just and good men, who ar not ignorant of our proceidings, and of the necessarie causes of our intendit defence. Your Grace knowes weill what fals calumnies hes bein spred against us, and we call to God of Heaven and earth to witnes; and how the wayes of grace, informatioun (all which have bein assayed by the Nobilitie, Barrones, Burgesses, Ministers, and Commouns, heir, by whose speciall advyse we have sent this answer unto your Grace, and who have warranted us to make knowen their mynd with owre owne) hath bein stopped this lang tyme past. Humblie and earnestlie intreating, in thair name and our awin, that your Grace vald be pleased to convay to His Majesties eares the trew estaitt of matters as they stand, and the guid meaning of the honest and loyall hearts of us His Majesties subjectes: which will no doubt prove a mor readie meane of reconciliatioun then all the terrors under heaven, and which will obleice us to prove to the uttermost of our power

Your Graces trew and humble Servands.

* * * * *

1639.—May 8.

23. _Letter from the King to Hamilton._[184]

HAMILTON,

The length of Henry Vane’s Dispatch will shorten this, not being willing to trouble my self with writing, nor you with reading of Repetitions. This I must observe to you, that whatsoever either he or I writes at this time is no absolute Command, but meerly Advices to help your Knowledge, that you may the easier judge what is best for my Service. Upon this ground I send you here a Discourse of Mr Thomas Hamilton’s, wherein many things to my seeming are very well said, but how far practicable, or when, I leave you to judge; as likewise upon the whole matter I give you my Opinion, that if you find it not fit to land all our 5000 men upon Lothian-side, then it may be councellable to send most of your Land-men to the North, to strengthen my Party there. As for your landing in the South, I shall onely name two Places besides Tentallon, to wit, Sterlin, (if that be not too far off to be relieved) and Dumbar: as for Tentallon, I shall command the Marquis of Douglass to send one to agree that business with you. So longing to hear from you, and wishing you good luck, I rest

Your assured constant Friend,

CHARLES R.

Newcastle, May 8, 1639.

* * * * *

1639.—May 9.

24. _The Nobilitie of Scotland, their Supplication to the King._[185]

MOST SACRED SOVERAIGNE,

Be graceouslie pleased to hearken unto the humble Supplication of the Subjects of your ancient and native Kingdome of Scotland, still prostrat at the feete of your Majesties clemencie and myldnes; shewing that, as there is nothing so greevous unto us and everie ane of us as your Majesties heavie displeasure, conceaved against us this tyme past, which maketh us, in the trueth of our hearts and in all humilitie, to deprecat your Majesties wrath: so nothing under heaven can revive and refresh us so much as that the sweet rayes of the light and love of your Majesties countenance should, in the wonted comfortable maner, schyne upon us and this whole kingdome. In this we are most unhappie, that we want the comfort of your Majesties personall presence, and that your gracious accesse, which the meanest of your subjects find there. Lett us humblie begg that your Majestie may suffer your graceous favour to triumph over the severitie of your indignation; and if it may be your Majesties good pleasure to keepe the Parliament, graciouslie indicted by your Majestie, for putting a finall determination to all our troubles, whither in your owne royall persone, which is the earnest desire of our hearts, or by your Majesties High Commissioner, quherein we shall labour to give your Majestie just content, as becometh duetifull subjects, We are fullie assured that no act hath proceeded from your Majesties goodnes and Justice which shall make your name more glorious in the sight of the world, us more blessed in ourselves, and more cheerful to continow in all loyaltie and obedience, and to pray more heartilie for your Majesties long and prosperous raigne, and for the continowance of your princelie care over us to the end of the world.

* * * * *

1639.—May 9.

25. _Letter from Lords and Gentlemen of the Covenant to Hamilton._[186]

PLEASE YOUR GRACE,

As we were here met to attend the Parliament
indicted by His Majesty, there was shewed to us
by the Provost of Edinburgh a Letter from your
Grace to himself, and the Bailiffs, and Council of
this City, with the Copy of theirs returned to your
Grace, deferring the more full Answer till our
Meeting. And withall there was presented from
your Grace His Majesties Proclamation, which having
perused, we find it doth contain divers points
not onely contrary to our Nationall Oath to God,
but also to the Laws and Liberties of the Kingdom:
for it carries a denunciation of the high crime of
Treason against all such as do not accept the Offer
therein contained; albeit it be onely a Writing put
in Print without the Kingdom, and not warranted
by Act and Authority of the Council, lawfully convened
within this Kingdom. And your Grace in
your Wisdom may consider, whether it can stand
with the Laws, Liberties, and Customs of this
Kingdom, that a Proclamation of so great and dangerous
Consequence, wanting the necessary Solemnities,
should be published at the Mercat-cross of
this City. Whereas your Grace knows well, that
by the Laws of this Kingdom, Treason and Forfeiture
of the Lands, Life, and Estate of the meanest
Subject within the same, cannot be declared but
either in Parliament, or in a Supreme Justice-Court,
after Citation and lawful Probation, how
much less of the whole Peers and Body of the Kingdom,
without either Court, Proof, or Trial. And
albeit we do heartily and humbly acknowledge and
profess all dutiful and civil Obedience to His Majesty
as our Dread and Gracious Soveraign; yet since
this Proclamation does import in effect the renouncing
of our Covenant made with God, and of the
necessary means of our lawful Defence, we cannot
pve Obedience thereto, without bringing a Curse
upon this Kirk and Kingdom, and Ruine upon our
selves and our Posterity; whereby we are persuaded,
that it did never proceed from His Majesty,
but that it is a deep Plot contrived by the Policy
of the Devilish Malice of the known and cursed
Enemies of this Church and State; by which they
have intended so to disjoyn us from His Majesty,
and among our selves, as the Rupture, Rent, and
Confusion of both, might be irreparable, wherein
we hope the Lord (in whom we trust) shall disappoint
them. And seeing we have left no means
possible unessayed, since His Majesties coming to
York, (as before,) whereby His Majesties Ear
might be made patent to our just Informations, but
have used the help (to our last Remonstrance) of
the Lord Gray, the Justice-Clerk, the Treasurer,
and the Lord Daliell, as the Bearer can inform your
Grace, and yet have never had the happiness to
attain any hopes of our end, but have altogether
been frustrate and disappointed thereof; and now
understanding by the sight of your Graces Letter,
that your Grace as His Majestys High Commissioner
is returned with full Power and Authority to accommodate
Affairs in a peaceable way, we will not
cease to have recourse to your Grace, as one who
hath chief interest in this Kirk and Kingdom, desiring
your Grace to consider, (as in our Judgments
we are persuaded,) that there is no way so ready
and assured, to settle and compose all Affairs, as
by holding of the Parliament according to His
Majesties Indiction, either by His Sacred Majesty
in Person, which is our chiefest desire, or by your
Grace as His Majesties Commissioner, at the time
appointed, wherein your Grace shall find our Carriage
most Humble, Loyal, and Dutiful to our
Soveraign, or to your Grace as representing His
Majesties Person: and in the mean time that your
Grace would open a safe way, whereby our Supplications
and Informations may have access to His
Majesties Ears. And we are fully persuaded, that
we shall be able to clear the Lawfulness and Integrity
of Our Intentions and Proceedings to His
Majesty, and make it evident to His Majesty, and
to the World, that our Enemies are Traitors to the
King, to the Church and State; and that we are
and ever have been His Majesties Loyal and Obedient
Subjects. So we rest

Your Graces humble Servants,

A. Leslie,
Argyle,
Marre,
Rothes,
Eglinton,
Cassils,
Wigtown,
Dalhousie,
Lothian,
Angus,
Elcho,
Lindesay,
Balmerino,
Montgomery,
Forrester,
Erskins,
Boyd,
Napier,
Burghly,
Kirkudbright,
And about 30 Commissioners for Shires
and Burroughs.

Edinburgh, 9 May, 1639.

* * * * *

1639.—May 10.

26. _Answer to the above, addressed to Rothes_.[187]

MY LORD,

I Received a Letter yesterday morning signed by your Lordship, and divers Noblemen, and others, wherein you alledge you are come to attend the Parliament; but considering your Preparation and Equipage, it appears rather to fight a Battel, than to hold a Civil Convocation for the good of the Church and Commonwealth. You may perceive by His Majesties Gracious Proclamation, that he intended in His Own Sacred Person to be present at the Parliament, so soon as with Honour and Safety he might doe it, and for that end exprest therein what was fit to be done. But these Courses which you take, and your Disobedience to his Just Commands, daily more and more shewed, will necessitate him to have them put in execution another way.

It is true that His Majesty sent me hither to accommodate these Affairs in a peaceable manner, if it were possible, which I have laboured to doe; and accordingly my Deportment hath been, which hath been met with that Retribution, as if I had met with the greatest Enemy: but your refusing to publish His Majesties Grace to his People, signified in his Proclamation, hath taken away that Power which otherwise I had; that being a Liberty taken to your selves, which never any Loyal Subjects assumed in any Monarchy. You alledge many Reasons for your selves, of the Illegality of that Proclamation; but you cannot be ignorant, that your Carriage hath forced many of these principal Councellours for safeguard of their Lives to forsake the Kingdom, out of which they remain yet for the same cause. You have suppressed the Printing of all Writings, but what is warranted by Mr Alexander Henderson, and one Mr Archibald Johnstown; neither was the Clerk of the Council, whom I sent for twice to give him Directions concerning this Business, permitted to come aboard to me, upon conference with whom (for any thing you know) I might have resolved to come ashore my self, and convened a Council for the Publication thereof in the ordinary way. But your extraordinary Proceedings in all things must needs force from His Majesty some things, which perhaps you may think not ordinary. Whereas you desire me to be a means that your Supplications may have free access to His Majesties Ears, it is a work of no difficulty; for His Majesty hath never stopt his Ears, to the Supplications of any of his Subjects, when they have been presented to him in that humble and fitting way which became dutiful Subjects: nor did I ever refuse any all the time I was among you, or conceal any part of them from His Majesty. So that your Allegation of not being heard, is grounded upon the same false Foundations that your other Actions are; and serves onely for a means to delude the simple People, that by making them believe what you have a mind to possess them with, they may become backers of your unwarranted Actions; which as it is generally lamented by all His Majesties good Subjects, so it is more particularly by me, who have had the Honour to be imployed in this Business with so bad Success.

My Lord, Your humble Servant,

HAMILTON.

* * * * *

1639.—May 10.

27. _Missive from the Council and Session to the Commissioner._[188]

Apud Edinburgh, decimo Maii 1639. Sederunt. Argile, Mar, Perth,
Wigton, Galloway, Lauderdaill, Southesk, Naper, Aduocat, Treʳ Deput,
Sir Robert Gordoun; Togider with the Lords of Session underwritten,
viz. Durie, Innerpeffer, Balcomie, Foveraine, Cranston-riddel,
Scotstarvet, Eskbanke.

The Lords nominats and appoints John Earle of Perth to be President at this meeting.

The whilk day the Lords of Secreit Counsell and Session abovewritten, ordained ane missive to be written and directed to James Marquis of Hamilton, his Majesties Commissioner, quhilk was accordinglie done, of the tenor following:—

Please your Grace,—We of His Majesties Secreit Counsell and Session, being jointlie conveened in this lamentable estait of Kirk and Kingdome, to consider on some fitt and convenient way for averting the evills hanging over this countrie, whilks to our great greefe are too farre advanced, have thought it incumbent to us, in our dewtie, to acquaint your Grace, who represents his sacred Majestie as his High Commissioner, that our intention is, if your Grace will be pleased to allow of this motion, to appoint some of our number to confer with your Grace concerning this bussines, and to advise with your Grace if anie faire way can be found out for accommodation of the same, quhereof if your Grace be pleased to allow, we doe expect to be advertised be your Grace of the time, place, maner, and way of their wise addresse. Whereanent expecting your Graces Answer, we rest, &c. Edʳ, 10 May 1639.—_Subscribitur_ Argyle, Mar, Perth, Wigton, Galloway, Lauderdaill, Southesk, Naper, Sʳ Thomas Hop, Ja. Carmichael, Sʳ R. Gordoun, H. Gibsone Fletcher, Balcomie, S. G. Halyburtoun, Cranston-riddel, Scotstarvet, S. Pa. Nisbet.

* * * * *

1639.—May 11.

28. _The Commissioner’s Answer to the Council._[189]

Apud Edinburgh, undecimo Maii 1639.
Sederunt ut die predict.

The whilk day the Missive Letter underwritten, direct frome the Marquis of Hamilton, his Majesties Commissioner, to the Lords of Secret Councell and Session abovewritten, was produced before the saids Lords and read in their audience, of the whilk the tenor followes:—