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1
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6
"IWVll^MyCllf f
THE EARL OF STIRLING'S
REGISTER OF ROYAL LETTERS
THE £APL OF STIRLING'S
REGISTER OF ROYAL
LETTERS
RELATIVE TO THE AFFAIRS OF SCOTLAND AND NOVA
SCOTIA FROM 1615 TO 1635
Vol. I.
EDINBURGH
PRINTED FOR PRIVATE CIRCULATION
1885
1=
The Small Paper Impression is limited to One hundred and
fifty copies, of which this is No. /Ar'
lot,
v./
EDINBDRGH : PRINTED BY BURNESS & COMPANY, PRINTERS
TO HER MAJESTY.
'W'
INTRODUCTION.
William Alexander of Menstry, a pleasing poet, a vigorous prose writer, and an accomplished
scholar, was not less remarkable as a politician. Fertile in device and expert in execution, and
of an unswerving tenacity of purpose, he unhappily sacrificed patriotism to policy, and allowed
a concern in his personal interests to overbalance loftier considerations. Yet his errors were in a
manner the consequence of his surroundings, being more the result of untoward circumstances
than of any absolute perversity. For he was raised from the condition of an inconsiderable
landowner and travelling tutor to be the cherished friend and adviser of a sovereign at a court
unadorned by any virtue, and which by tergiversation and king-craft had become utterly con-
taminating. Peccant as a politician, but illustrious as a pioneer of British colonisation, William
Alexander is entitled to remembrance. And his public policy is bound up with his personal
history.
Every considerable Scotsman has a pedigree, — William Alexander's is illustrious. De-
scended from a Norwegian viking. Conn Chead Chath of " the Hundred Battles," the renowned
Somerled of the twelfth century dared to contest the sovereignty of the Western Isles with
David I. ; he was worsted, yet allowed to retain under the Scottish sovereign a measure of
authority over the territory in which lie had ruled. Twice married, Somerled had by his second
wife, Efifrica, daughter of Olave the Eed, King of Man, three sons, Dougal, Ranald, and Angus.
On Somerled's death, Dougal obtained the depute sovereignty of Mull, Coll, Tiree, and Jura ;
Ranald, of Isla and Kintyre ; and Angus, of the Isle of Bute. From Dougal sprang the Mac-
Dougals of Lome, who styled themselves De Ergedia — that is, of Argyle — and his branch is
represented by the ducal house of Argyie.
On the death of Dougal, the isles which he ruled, instead of descending to his children, were
acquired by his brother Ranald, to whom were born two sons, Donald and Roderick. Roderick
was a noted pirate. Donald, the elder son, was father of three sous, Roderick, Angus, and
Alexander. The male descendants of Roderick became extinct in the third generation. Angus,
the second son, some time resisted the arms of Alexander III., but, on the conquest of the Western
Isles by that king, he transferred his allegiance from Norway to the Scottish crown ; he died subse-
\
I
IV
INTRODUCTIO^.
quent to 1292. Of liis two sons, Alexander of Isla and Angus Oig, the former opposed, and the
latter upheld, tlie claims of King Kobert tlie Bruce, with the result tliat the King bestowed upon
Angus his brother'tj possessions, reruianenlly '.o secure tlie royal autiiority in the Isles, King
Robert erected on the isthmus of Tarbert a powerful stronghold. Tliero he temporarily resided.
Subsequently he placed the structure under the charge of a constable.* John, Lord of the Isles,
grandson o< Angus Oig, married, as his second wife, Margaret, daughter of Kobert II. His third
son by this marriage, Alexander, Lord of Lochaber, had two sons, Angus and Alexander. In 1481
James III. granted to Tarlach MacAlexander the stewardry of Kintyre, with the lands of
Auchnaglek and Le Crag, in North Kintyre.''
Prior to 1264 the Campbells of Lome obtained the lands of Menstry, in Clackmannanshire,'
and on these, under their powerful protection, the members of the family of MacAlexander, or
Alexander of Tarbert, settled not long afterwards. To the Tarbert or Menstry family belongs
Alexander de Alexandry, a Captain of the Scots Men-at-Arnis, who in 1419 were stationed in
France under command of Sir William Douglas.*
To an instrument of gift, whereby on the 8th September 1528 Queen Margaret and her
husband, Lord Methven, granted to James Stewart the office of Captain of Doime Castle, one of
the witnesses is Sir William Alexander, a Churchman.*
In a legal instrument, dated Cth March 1505, Thomas Alexander de Menstry is associated
with sixteen others in an arbitration connected with the division of forty acres of land in
Clackmannansiiire, about which a dispute had arisen between the Abbot of Cambuskenneth
and Sir David Bnice of Clackmannan. •
Andrew Alexander succeeded to the estate of Menstry. He married Katherine Graham, by
whom he ha 1 a son, Alexander, who appears as owner of the lands of Menstry prior to 1527. By
\\■^ wife, Elizabeth Douglas, Alexander Alexander had three sons, Andrew, William, and John.
William is mentioned on the 6th June 1564 as "sone lauchful to umquhile Alexander
Alschunder in Menstrie." ' John obtained the lands of Pitgogar, near Dollar, and there died in
November 1595. Andrew, the eldest son, is mentioned on the 20th April 1530 in a confirmed
charter of Archibald, Earl of Argyle, as heir-apparent of Menstry.* Succeeding to the paternal
inheritance, he married Marion, daughter of Alan Coutts, by whom he had, with other children,
four sons, Alexandei James, Archibald, and Andrew. James, the second son, received, on the
7th October 1582, from John, Earl of Mar, a charter of an annual rent of 100 merks Scots,
" furth of the lands of Langcarse, in the barony of AUoway and shire of Clackmannan." This
charter was confirmed under the Great Seal on the 30th May 1584.' In the charter of con-
firmation he is styled " James Alschunder in Menstrie."
^
* Exchequer Rolls, I. ; Preface, Ixx.-lxxii. 53-7. ' Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. x., 9.
• Kxcliequer Rolls, I. ; Preface, xlv. 24.
* "Scots Men-at-Arms in France," by William Forbes Leith ; Edin. 1882, 4to, vol. i. 13.
• " Red Book of Meiiteith," by William Fraser : Ediu. 1880, 2 vols. 4to, vol. iL 389.
* Chartulary of Cambuskenneth Aubey, p. 86. ' Commissary Record, vol. i.
• Reg. Mog. Sig., lib. xxiii., 190. » Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxv, 929.
INTRODUCTION. v
ArchibnM, tlie tliinl son, engapod ia inorclmndiso nt Stirling and Dunfermline, residing in
the former burgh. In lal,';! lie wa.s chosen one of the Miigiatnites of Stirling, and .six years later
was elected Dean of Guild, li: 1(301 he was returned to Taiiiament, and in IGOG ho represented
Stirling in the Convention of IJurghs.' lie died on the 13th September 1021, leaving issue.'
Andrew, fourth sou of Alexander Ale.xander of Menstry, became a solicitor in Stirling,
and obtained the lands of Soulhtield. He is named as "brotlier of Archibald Alexander" in
IGOfi, as " brother to the gudeman of Menstric " in IGlO," and in 1029 as uncle to Sir William
Alexander.*
Alexander, the eldest son of Andrew Alexander, succeeded to the lands of Menstry, and died
on the 10th February 1580. By his wife, JIarion, daughter of Graham, of the family of Gartmore,
scions of the Earl of Menteith, he hail, witii two daughters, a son, William, afterwards Earl of
Stirling.*
The date of Lord Stirling's birth is uncertain. Tlio opinion commonly received, that he was
born in 1 580, is untenable ; it rests solely on the circumstance that the words " retatis suoe 57 "
are inscribed on his engraved portrait by William Marshall, included in his " Eecreations with
the Muses," published in 1637. Uut Loitl Stirling's portrait was not specially engraved for this
work, a few copies only containing it. With the engraver he was certainly acquainted in 1G31,
when the artist executed a decoration for his edition of the Psalms. Writing iu 1G38,
Principal Robert Baillie, a relative, describes him as " old." " The earliest authentic information
' Burgh Records of Stirling. * Edin. Com. Reg. ; Stirling Parish Register.
» Protocol Book of John Muschet Commissariot Court Book of Stirling, vol L
* Commissariiit of Dunblane : Decreets, vol. L
• In Stacie's " Funeral Escutcheons," a record preserved in the Lyon office, the Earl of Stirling's mother is described
as "a daughter to Duncan Cample, the Luird of ulciiorchiu." Stacie, who was an Englishman, was, after being some years
employed as a herald painter, apixiintcd a herald in ] 66 J, when he seems to have commenced his record. In assigning to the
Earl of Stirling a maternal descent from the house of Glenorchy, he presents no auihority, while the opposing evidence is not
inconsiderable. In the tt'.Ument of Alexander Alexander, the Earl's father (Kdin. Com. Keg., vol ix.), are these words —
"Item, there wes awand to the said uniq' Alex. Alschinder of Menstrie be AVilliam Graham of Gartavertane, his brothir in
the law, the soum of 4u0 me: '.^is money, restand of the soum of eight hundred merkis of tocher, contractit to the said umq'
Alexr with Marion Graham, his spouse, in the Contract of Marriage ; for the whilk soumc also the said William Graham is
becom actit in the Commissary Books of .Striveling, as the Act made thireu]K>n heirs." Now William Graham of Gartaver-
tane succeeded his inicle Robert Grulmm in the estate of (iartniore, in Menteith, in 1577 ; he died about the year 1589,
leaving a son, Robert, afterwards of Gartmore, and whose daughter, Agnes, succeeding to the estate in 1634, became the
wife of John Alexander, fcjurth son of the Earl of Stirling. On the death of Agnes Graham in 1636, without issue, her
husband and his father, the Earl, invested themselves in her lands, which afterwards passed to the Earl's creditors, and at
tlitir instance were, in 1644, sold to the Grahams for 13,300 merks. Had Alexander Alexander of Menstry been twice
married, and his children been of a wife other than Marion Graham, it is nearly certain that some allusion to the fact would
have occurred in his lengthened testament. Happily there exists a contemporary record of the Campbells of Glenorehy,
embracjd in the "Black Book of Taymouth," printed by Mr. Cosmo Innes in 1855, and in this there is no allusion t'l a
matrimonial union between the families of Glenorchy and Menstry. More disposed to secure a quarter for the shield of
the third Earl of Stirling, than any strict genealogical or historical accuracy, Staeie, the herald, had probably assumed that Sir
Duncan Campbell of Glenorcliy, who in 1S94 is rucoitled as jsjssessing the lands of Menstry, was a kinsman of the
Alexanders. (Memorials of the Earl of Stirling, Edin. 1877, 2 vols. 8vo, i. 6 ; "Red Book of Menteith," by William Eraser,
1881, 2 vols. 4to, vol. i., 314-315).
' BaiUie's Letters, vol. i., pp. 76-77.
Vl INTRODUCTION.
CO" ceming him is that, having gained reputation as a scholar, ho was selected as travelling
compai.'un to Archibald, seventh Earl of Argyle, whom ho accompanied to Franco, Spain, and
Italy.' Now tho seventh pjvrl of Argyle was son of Colin, the sixth YsaxX, by his second wife,
Anno Keith, relict of tho Regent, Earl of Murray. Tlie Regent was murdered in 1570, and
though the date of his widow's marriage to the Earl of Argyle is unrecorded, it may bo assumed
that it did not occur before the following year. Further, Archibald, the seventh Earl, com-
manded the royal troops at the battle of Glenlivet in 1594, which would imply that he had then
attained his miijoiity. We may thus assign his birth to t 'ear 1572, and it may certainly
be assumed that his guardians would select as liis companion in continental travel one who was
older and more experienced than himself. Assuming that Alexander was four years older than
the Earl, we may therefore name the year 15G8 as that of his birth. By the death of his father,
about his thirteenth year, his upbringing devolved on his poternal uncle, James Alexander of
Longcarse, who was by his father in his will nominated " tutor to his barnes." * Not improbably
he was by James Alexander entrusted to the educational care of Dr. Thomas Buchanan, nephew of
the celebrated George, who, prior to 1578, was rector of the Grammar School of Stirling, and
was subsequently minister of Ceres, in Fife. According to William Drummond of Hawthorn-
den, the Earl's education was completed at the University of Leyden, but this statement is
unconfirmed.'
On the 4th March 1598 William Alexander was infeft by Archibald, Earl of Argyle, in
" the five pund land " of the Mains of Menstry.* From the F.arl of Argyle he subsequent'y
received the lands and barony of Menstry. In a contract, dated 4th May 1G05, he resigned to
the Earl of Argyle, and to Dame Agnes Douglas, his spouse, the lands of Menstry, wherein
he stood infeft; whereupon, in consideration of COOO merks paid by him, and of services
rendered to the Earl " in foreign nations and at home," he obtained new Mifeftment to himself
and his heirs-male in the whole lands and barony of Menstry, extending to a twenty pound land,
for the yearly payment of 24 bolls of wheat, 6 score bolls malt, 52 bolls oatmeal, and 23 bolls
oats, together with four dozen " sufficient capons, and two dozen hens, and 30 undipped lambs,
with 1 00 merks of money, and 40 merks at the entry of an heir, in place of the duplication of
the feu-duty." •
Introduced at court by the Earl of Argj'le, William Alexander was appointed tutor to
the Prince Henry. By James VI. he was received Mith high favour, and he continued to
retain an ascendancy over the vacillating humours of that pedantic sovereign. When James,
in 1603, succeeded to the English throne, Alexander followed in his train. Soon afterwards
> Argyle Papers, Edin. 1834, 4to. • Edin. Com. Rfg., vol. ix.
' Hawthornden MSS. , Advocates' Library. An examination of tho registers of the University of Leyden has been
obligingly mode by Dr. du Rien, Conservator of the Library, who has failed to discover any reference to William Alexander
as civii academicui. It was a conjecture of Dr. David Laing that he may have studied at St. Andrews University, and
quitted it before graduation. The conjecture is without support.. His name does not appear among the matriculated
students of any Scottish college.
♦ Writs iu the Menstry Charter-Chest. • Reg. Mag. Sig. , lib. xliv., 84.
1
INTRODUCTION.
VIJ
he was enrolled as one of the thirty-two gentlemen extraordinary of Prince Henry's private
chamber.'
He had already issued "The Tragedie of Darivs," which, in the form of a amnll quarto,
appeared at Edinburgh in 1G03, from the press of " Robert Wuldegraue, Trinter to the King's
Muiestie." Along with tlio poem are included two sonnets in praise of tliu author, " by Jo :
Morray " and " W. Quin," and it is dedicated : " To the most oxcoUont, high, and mighlio Prinoo
James the 6, King of Scots, my dreado Soveraigne :
" Whoao Racrod brow a twofoKlo lauroll boaros ;
To whom Apollo his owno Imrjv) resignes,
And overlusting Tropliios verluo roarus."
In the following year the Prince's tutor produced a thin quarto, contaming a poem of eighty-
four stanzas, entitled " A Parajnesis to the Prince," ..." printed by Richard Field lor
Edward Blovnt, 1G04." Ho also reprinted his "Darius," somewhat improved in stylo, along witii
his tragedy of "Crresus," under the title of "The Monarchicke Tragedies." In this work tiio
dedication to the King was extended from three to thiitecu stanzas; he also included his
" Parrenesis to Prince Henry."
In the " Panimesis " he administers to his royal ward wholesome counsels, setting forth that
wicked princes may be dethroned. Another poetical work from his pen appeared iu 1G04, with
the title, " Avrora, containing the first fancies of the author's youth," accompanied by " an epistle
dedicatory " to the Countess of Argyle. In upwards of a hundred sonnets he celebrates tlie charms
of a rural beauty, who rejected his pleadings, and gave her hand to another. The presentation
copy of this work to the Prince Henry, iu the original ornate binding, is now in the possession of
Lieutenant-General Sir James Edward Alexander, C.B.
Sometime prior to 1G03, the poet espnu.sed Janet, only daughter of Sir William Erskine,
younger brother of the family of Erskine of Balgonie, and commonly styled parson of Canipsie,
from his office as commendator of the bishopric of Glasgow. On the 8th May 1607, Sir William
Erskine, described as " parson of Campsie," received a royal warrant for an Exchequer pension of
£200 a year, to be sliared with his son-in-law, William Alexander — a life annuity of half the
amount being made payable to Alexander after Erskine'a decease.*
Sir William Erekine purchased from the Earl of Argyle the annual duties payable by his
son-in-law for the lands of Menstry. On the 6th June 1609, a royal charter passed under the
Great Seal, confirming a charter of alienation and vendition from the Earl of Argyle, whereby
Sir William Ei-skine obtaineU the lands and barony of Menstry in liferent, and Sir William
Alexander end his spouse, Lady Janet Erskine, the lands in conjunct fee." The conditions of
the charter remained unfulfilled ; and nineteen years afterwards we find Sir William Alexander
• Dr. Birch's Liie of Henry, Prince of Wales, p. 347.
Docquct Book of Exchequer.
Reg. Mag. Sig., Ub. xlviii. 131.
TiU
INTRODUCTION.
w
\l
consenting to a royal charter, whereby he received the lands and barony of Meuatry from the
Earl of Argyle, on an annual payment of £80 Scots.
Encouraged by his royal master, Alexander continued to woo the muse. He published, in
1605, "The Alexandrteun : a Tragedy," which afterwards suggested to Arthur Johnston the
following epigram :
" Confer Alexandros ; Macedo victricibus nrmia
Magnus erat, Scotus carmine Mojor uter 1 "
Having composed a fourth tragedy, he, in 1607, issued a quarto volume, enlltled "The Monar-
chicke Tragedies— Croesus, Darius, The Alexandrian, lulius Ca'sar ; newly enlarged, by William
Alexander, Gentleman of the Prince's Priuie Chamber. Carmine dij stiperi placantur, caitnine
manes. London: Printed by Valentine Simmes for Ed. Blovnt, 1607."* To this edition was
prefixed the following complimentary sonnet by his friend and associate, Sir Robert Aytoun
" "Well may the programme of thy Tragic stage
Invite the curious pompe-expectiiig eies
To gaze on present shewes of pass&l age,
Which iust desert Monarchick dare baptize
Crownes throwne from thrones to tombes, detomb'd arise.
To match thy nuise witli a Monarchick theame ;
That whilst her sacred soaring cuts the skies,
A vulgar subiect may not wrong the oume.
And what giucs most advantage to thy fame ;
The worthiest monarch that the sunn can see,
Doth grace thy labours with Ins glorious name,
And daignes protector of thy birth to be ;
Thus all Monarchick : patron, subiect, stile,
Make thee the Ikionarch-tragick of this lie."
In 1608 William Alexander and his relative, Walter Alexander, of the Prince's household,
were authorised by patent to receive and uplift all arrears of taxes due to the Cvuwn, from the
first year of the reign of Edward VI. to the thirtieth year of the rei^n of Queen Elizabeth, the
arrears amounting to £12,000, of whicli they were to receive a commission of fifty per cent.
On the 25th May 1609, bir AVilliam Alexander, described as " knight," received a charter of
apprising against Sir James Schaw of Sauchic, for non-payment of 17,500 merks, according to a
contract between Sir James on the one part, and Master Joseph Halden of Myreton and Sir
William Alexander of Menstry on the other. The lands apprised comprehended the barony of
Sauchie, and Wester Tillicoultry, in Clackmannanshire, the lands of Gartinkeiris, Fifesliire, and
the lands of Cowden, Caviltoun, and Burnthill, in the county of Kinross.* ^
• Of this work, a tliird edition was, ia 1C16, issued in duodecimo from the press of William Stonsby,
« Reg. Mag. Sig., Ub. i. 185, fol. 134.
INTROr>UCTION.
IX
With bis poetical contemporaries, Sir William Alexander had already attained considerable
intimacy. To the "Heroicall Epistles" of Michael Drayton, published in 1611, he prefixed the
following sonnet :
" Now I perceive Pythagoras divin'd
When he that mocked maxim did maintain.
That spirits, once spoil'd, revested were again.
Though chang'd in shape, remaining one in mind ;
These lovT sick Princes passionate estates,
Who feeling reads, he cannot but allow,
That Ovid's m\x\ revives in Druytun now ;
Still learn'd in love, still rich in rare conceits.
This pregnant spirit affecting farther skill.
Oft alt'ring form, from vulgar wits retir'd
In diverse idioms luightily admir'd.
Did prosecute that socred study still ;
While to a full perfection now attain'd
He sings so sweetly that himself is stain'd."
The death of Prince Henry at the age of cighteeii, on the 6th Novembor 1G12,
evoked the tragic muse. Among the conspicuous elegiasts was Sir William Alexander, whose
" Elegie," extending to four quarto leaves, was publislied at Edinburgh, by Andro Hart, in Ids
shop " on the north side of the High Street, a little beneath the Crosse,"* and whioh, it is curious
to find, was long afterwards, in a renovated form, the book-shop of Archibald Coustable.*
The versification of the " Elegie on the Death of Prince Henrie " was conceived in the
author's best manner ; and, in token of appreciation, the King appointed him to the same position
in the household of Prince Charles which he bad occupied in that of the deceased ])vince. In
1613 the King conjoined hiiu in a grant which lield promise of emolument. In 1520 a
company of German miners had obtained from James V. a grant for forty years of the gold and
silver mines of Scotland. What measure of success attended tlie operations of this company does
not clearly appear, but the results had not been quite fi-uitless, for, in 1 593, Thomas Foulls, gold-
smilh in Edinburgh, accepted in payment of the sum of £14,59-1 Scots, which he had advanced
in money and jewels to James VI. and his Queen, a grant of the gold, silver, lead, and other
mines in Crawford Muir. A silver mine at Hilderston, in the neighbourliood of Linlithgow, was
discovered in the year 1 607, and in the following year Sir Bevis Bulmer was, by royal patent,
appointed surveyor, with authority to work the mine on behalf of the Crown. In 1613 the King
granted the mine at Hilderston to Sir William Alexander, Thomas Foulis, and Paulo Pinto, a
native of Portugal, on their paying a royalty of a tenth portion cf the refined ore.' The mines
of Crawford Muir ultimately proved unproductive, involving the industrious goldsmith who
' A second edition of the " Elogie " appeared in 1613. The only copies known to exist lira preserved in the University
and Advocates Libraries, E(linburi;h.
* Masson's Drunuuond uf Uawtbomden, p. 37. ' Acta Ser. Con., 17th March 1G13.
b
jt INTRODUCTION.
worked them in serious loss, while the silver yielded at Hilderston was attended with such
heavy cost in the process of refining it, that the mine was abandoned.*
We learn from the Eegister that Sir William Alexander afterwards sought to compensate
himself and tlie heirs of Thomas Foulis for those untoward ppeculations. John Foulis, a relative
of the deceased Edinburgh goldsmith, was, in November 1G26, appointed collector of wine duties
ut the several Scottish ports ; while George Foulis, Master of the Coinage, another kinsman of
Thomas Foulis, was, in 1G30, recommended to the favour of the Commissioners of Exchequer.
In 1C13 Sir William published a completion of the third part of Sir Philip Sidney's romance
of " Arcadia," which, with the initials W. A., will be found in the fourth and subsequent editions
of that work. In the same year he commenced a correspondence with William Drummond of
Hawthornden, to whom he was attracted by his " Teares on the Death of Moeliades," an elegy on
the death of Prince Henry, which Drummond had composed in his best manner. ' In 1614 Alex-
ander was visited at Menstry by the bard of Hawthornden, who has, in a letter to one of his cor-
respondents, presented the following account of his reception :
" As to my long stay in these parts, ye sal ratlior impute it to so sociable a companio, from wliom I am
even loth to depart, tlien to a wilful neglect of promiset coming to yow. Fortune this last day was so
favourable, as be plaino blin(hiesse to ncquent mo with that most excellent spirit, and rarest gem of o'
North, S. V. A. [Sir William Alexander] ; for coming nearo his house, I had almost beene b Christiana
father to one of his childring. He acceptet me so kindlie, and made mo so good entertamement (which,
wliatsonipver, with him I culd not have thocht but good), that I can not woU schow. Tables removed,
efter Homer's fassion well satiat, he honord me so much as to schow me his bookcs and papnrs. This much
I wil say, and perchance not with out raison dar say, if tlie heauens prolong his dayes to end his ' Day,' ho
hath done more in One Day, then Tnsso did al liis lylf, and liartas in liis Two Weekes : tho' both the
one and the other be most praiseworthie. I estimed of him befor I was acquent of him, because of his
Workes ; but I protest hencefoorth, I will estime of his Workes, because of his awne good courteous meeke
disposition. He entreatet mo to haue mnde longer stay ; and, beleavo me, I was as sorrie to depart as a
new cnamouret lover wald be from his mistress."
Alexander was now engaged in composing his longest and most ambitious poem. He
published the first part of it in 1614, preceded by a commendatory sonnet from his friend of
Hawthornden. The poem is thus entitled : — " Doomes-day ; or. The Great Day of the Lord's
Ivdgement, by S"" William Alexander, Knight. Printed by Andro Hart, and are to be solde at his
shop on tlie north side of the High street, a little beneath the Crosse. Anno Dom. 1G14. 4to."
In its original form it embraced four books, or "hours;" these were, in 1C37, extended to twelve,
including more than 1100 verses. The poem epitomises the history of the ancient world, and
indulges in many lofty flights and daring speculations; it is believed to have suggested to Milton
the idea of his " Paradise Lost." James VI. was captivated by it ; on its merits, he styled the
author his " philosophical poet." Not unconscious, however, that the poet exhibited a certain
artificiality of manner, he was led, at his expense, to compose the following sonnet : —
■ Proceedings of Scot. Soc. of Antiq., vol. x., p. 236.
■#
INTRODUCTION.
XI
" Thb Complaintk of thk Mc8« to Alexander vpon him sklfe, for his ingratitude towards thbh, by
HURTING THKX WITH HIS HARD HAMMERED W0RDE3, FITTER TO BE V3ED VPON BIS MINBRALLES.^
" holde your hande, holJe, mercie, mercie, spare
Those sacred nine tliat nurst you manio a yeare ;
Full ofte, alace, with com forte and with care,
Wee bath'd yow in Castalia's founteyns cleare,
Then on our wingos aloft Avee did yow beare,
And set yow on our stntolie forked hillo,
When yow our heavenlie harmonies did hcarc,
The rockos resounding with their echos stillo.
Although your neighbours have conspir'd to kill
That art that did the laurcU crowuo obtpyr.o,
Who borrowing from the Kaven thoyr ragged quillo,
Bewray their hard, harsh, trotting, tumbling veyne ;
Such hammering harde, youra mettles harde require,
Our songes are till'd with smooth o'erflowing fire."
By the King, in IGl 4, Sir William was appointed Master of Requests, an office in which
he proved serviceable by repressing the demands on the royal bounty of his unprosporous
countrymen. As we learn from the Register, a royal letter was addressed to the Secretary of Scot-
land, dated the 11th April 1615, in which the King discharges "all maner of persones
from resorting out of Scotland to this our kingdome, vnlesse it be gentlemen of good qualitie,
merchands for traffique, or such as shall haue a speciall licence from our Counsell of that
kingdome, with expresse prohibitioun to all masters of shippes that they transport no such
persones." The letter also bears that Sir William Alexander, Master of Requests, had received
a commission " to apprehend all those idle and vagrant persones who by their misbehaviour here
do both, trouble and cause discredite their countrey."
With the poet of Hawthornden Sir William Alexander continued a friendly correspondence.
On the 4th February 1016 he despatched to Drummond the following letter: —
" TO MT VERT WOUTHY FRIESD
"Mr. William Duommo:,d op Hawthornden.
" Sir — I have sent you here a sonnet which the King made tlin last week, moved by the roughness
of the season, as you may perceive by his allusion to Saturn and Janus meeting. This forced the other
from me. Tlio last day being private with his Majesty, after other things, we fortuned to discourse of
Enijlish poetry ; and I told one rule that he did like of exceedingly, which was this : Thnt to muke a
good sound there mnit still Ix; first a short sijIlalUe and then a long, which is not long jtositivcly of itself,
but comparatively, vhen it foUoweth a shorter ; so that one syllable may be long in one place and short in
another, according us it is matched , for a syllable seems short token it is, as it were, borne down with a
' Sir James Balfour's M3. Colleotioni in the Advocates' Library, The words of the sonnet printed in italics are
corrections in the King's o\vn handwritiu);.
»i
INTRO D UCTION.
\ '
longer. Though this lettei would scorn idle to some, yet I know it will prove serious to you ; and I seek
in this but to get your humour to whom I write. You will find this, bj' your own observation, better
than a man can express it with words, though few or none have ever remarked it. I have preaont'y
written a number of serious letters ; and last of all, have recreated my miud with this, wherewith I end. —
Your brother, W. Alexander,
" NswuARKET, the ith ofFtbruary 1616."
"Sonnet by Kino Jahes VI.
" How cruelly these catives do conspire
What loathsome love breeds such a baleful band
Betwixt the cankred king of Creta land,
That melancholy old and angry sire,
And him who wont to quench debate and ire
Amongst the Romans, when his ports were closed ;
But now his double face is still disposed,
With Saturn's help, to freeze us at the fire.
The earth, o'ercovered with a sheet of snow.
Refuses food to fowl, to bird and beast ;
The chilling cold letts everything to grow.
And surfeits cattell with a starving feast.
Curse be that love, and mought continue short.
That kills all creatures, and doth spoil our t
rt."
"Sib W. Alexander's Reply to the Kino.
" When Britain's monarch, in true greatness great,
His council's counsel did things past unfold.
He (eminent in knowledge, as in state),
What might occur oraculously told ;
And when, far raised from this terrestrial round.
He numbrous notes with measured fury frames ;
Each accent weighed, no jarr in sense or sound ;
He Phtcbus seems, his lines Costalian streams,
This worth (though much we owe) doth more extort ;
All honour should, but it ctmstrains to love.
While ravished still above the vulgar sort.
He prince, or poet, more than man doth prove ;
But all his due who can afford him then,
A god of poets, and a king of men ?
" This day design'd to spoil the world of peace.
And accessory to so foul a crime.
Why should it rest in the records of time.
Since stained by treason, forfeiting the place t
Oh ! but those err who would it odious make
This day from danger Britain's monarch saved ;
That day when first the mischief was conceived,
Let it accurst, still clad with clouds, look black.
Then happy day to which (by heaven's decree,
A consecrated) festival pomp is due ;
Long may thy saint (a living martyr) view
All hearts for love of him to honour thee.
More length we with, but what thou want'st of light
SUall be by fire extorted from the niylU."
t It
i
INTRODUCTION.
xm
nd I seek
on, better
preaont'y
I I end. —
DER.
Writing to Michael Drayton in 1618, Druminond has these words: — "I am oft with Sir VV.
and you in iny thoughts, and desire nothing more than that hy letters we may oft meet and
mingle our souls." In a letter dated 20th December 1G18, and addressed to Sir William
Alexander, the poet of Hawthornden uses these words : " Never any friendship of mine went so
near my thoughts as yours, because I never thought any so worthy. It is all the treasure and
conquest, when death shall remove this pageant of the world from me, that I have here to vaunt of;
neither would I wish another epitaph and Mc jacet over my grave, than that you esteemed me
worthy of your friendship. There is nothing I long so much for as to see the perfection of your
works. May fortune one day be ashamed to see such a spirit so long attend the ungrateful court,
that deserves to have the sovereignty of all Parnassus ! " *
In his " Pilgrimes Farewell," published in 1G18, William Lithgow celebrates the bards of
Menstry and Hawthornden in the following couplet : —
" Amongst these long Goodnightes, farewell yeo Poets dearo,
Graue Jleustrie, true Castalian fire, quick Druminond in his sphearo."
In a letter addressed to Drummond, dated 9th November 1G19, Drayton M'rites : — " Little did
you think how oft that noble friend of yours. Sir William Alexander (that man of men), and I
have remembered you before we trafficked in friendship."
In his metrical epistle "On Poets and Poetry," published in 1619, Drayton commends
Alexander and Drummond in these lines r —
" So Scotland sent us hither for our own,
That man whose name I ever would have known
To stnnu by mine, that most ingenious knight,
My Alexander, to whom in his right
I want extremely. Yet in speaking thus
I do but show the love that was 'twixt us,
And not his numbers, which were brave and high ;
So like his mind was his clear poesy ;
A.id my dear Drummond, to whom much I owe
For his much lovo ; anil proud was I to know
His poesy. For whicli two worthy men
I Menstrie still shall love, and Ilawtliornden."
To Sir William Alexander, whom he styles " my worthily beloved," John Davies of Hereford
addressed the following epigrain : —
" Greot Alexander (whoso successful Sword
Made him a god with men) achieved no more
Then thy as happy Pen hatli well assur'd
Vuto thy Name, which Glory doeth decore.
• MasBon's Memoir of William Drummond, p. 84.
!i :H
siv INTRODUCTION.
I know thee not ; but I know I should do ill
Not to take knowledge of what is in Thoo,
When thou hast publisht it with so great skill,
Which makes Thee ore thy Monarches Soueraigne bee :
For they, beeing hnppy, prou'd viihappy men,
Whome thou host made most happy with thy pen."'
King James had long intended to compose p. metrical vers-on of the Psalms, which he hoped
would be adopted by both the English and the Scottish Church js. In his " Poetical Exercises at
Vacant Hours," published in 1591, he informs the reader that, should his verses be well accepted,
he would proceed to publish " such number of the Psalms " as he " had perfited," and would be
encouraged " to the ending of the rest." In a General Assembly held at Burntisland in 1601, he
set forth the importance of improving the version then in use.* In his project the king invited
Alexander's assistance, but was, on the whole, disposed to follow his own method. Acknowledg-
ing a psalm whicli had been sent him by Drummond for the royal approval, Alexander writes'' —
" Brother — I received your last letter, with the psalm you sent, wliich I think very well done. I had
done the same long before it camo ; but ho prefers his own to all else, though, perchance, when you see it,
you will think it the worse of tlie three. No man must meddle with tliat subject, and therefore I advise
you to take no more pains therein ; but I, as I have ever wished you, would have you to make choice of
some new subject worthy of your pains, which I shoidd be glad to see. I love the muses as well as ever I
did, but can seldom have the occasion to frequent them. All my works are written over in one book,
ready for the press, but I want leisure to print them. So referring all further to our old friend Sir Archi-
bald Acbeson,* who is coming home, I continue, your loving friend,
"London, 18th April 1620."
"W. Alexander."
Sir William Alexander was now to engage in a colonial enterprise, through which he hoped
to derive power, emolument, and fame. Discovered by Sebastian Cabot in 1497, Canada was
made to receive a European settlement in 1541, under the direction of Jacques Cartier, a French
navigator. Consequent on the loss at sea, in 1549, of M. de Iloberval, Viceroy of Caiiada, with a
train of adventurers, tlie government of France abandoned furtlier attempts at colonisation for
nearly lialf a century. At length, in 1598, Henry IV. appointed tlie Marquis de la Eoche
Lieutenant General of Canada; but that nobleman having unwisely attempted a settlement on the
Isle de Sable, and made an unsuccessful cruise upon the coast, returned home in disgrace. In
1602 the English sought to plant a colony, but the Frencli, in 1603, took possession of the
occupied territory, under Mons. de Mont, as forming part of New France. By Henry IV., De Mont
was appointed governor of the district, extending from the fortieth to the forty-sixth degrees of north
latitude — that is, from Virginia to near the head of Hudson's Bay, and which was then known as
» " The Scourge of Folly," by John Davies of Hereford ; Lontl. 1C1M4.
' Spotawood's History, p. 440. » Drummond's Works, 1711, p. 151.
• Sir Archibald Acheson of Gosford, Haddingtonshire, wa« a cherished friend of Sir William Alexander. They
became associated in the ofiBce of Secretary of State for Scotland. In 1611 Acheson olitained a large grant uf lands in Ireland,
and his expected return from that kingdom is referred to in Alexander's letter. From him descend the Earls of Gosford.
INTRODUCTION.
XV
La Cadie. To Poiitrincourt, his associate in adventure, De Mont granted that part of the district
in which they found the spacious harbour near the Bay of Fundy, then called La Bayo Francois,
and afterwards known as Port Royal. The grant to Poutrincourt ' Jng confirmed by the King
of France, a fort was reared, which became the head-quarters of tlie French colonists. In 1613,
on the ground of an alleged encroachment on the English limits of Virginia, Captain, afterwards
Sir Samuel Argall, seized the fort, and dislodged the French, — a proceeding which led Mont-
morency, Admiral of France, to address a strong remonstrance to King James, while the French
Ambassador in London also presented a vigorous complaint.
On the 3d November 1620 Sir Ferdinando Gorges, Governor of New Plymouth, received from
King James the famous patent, by which forty English subjects, incorporated as " The Council
for planting, ruling, and governing New England," obtained possession of a territory extending
from the fortieth to the forty-eighth degree of north latitude, and from the Atlantic Ocean to the
Pacific. The colonists found on their northern frontier some French colonists who professed the
Romish faith, and on their behalf Gorges entreated the English government to proceed to their
dislodgment. On this subject James VI. consulted his " philosophical poet," who considered the
opportunity favourable for his personal enterprise. In a work afterwards issued. Sir William
Alexander, referring to his first connection with the scheme, wrote thus : — " Being much enccurisged
hereunto by Sir Ferdinando Gorges and some utheris of the undertakers for New England, I shew
them that my countrymen would never adventure in such an enterprise, unless it were as there
was a New France, a New Spaiue, and a New England, that they might likewise have a New
Scotland."
Resolving to attempt a settlement in Canadian territory. Sir William Alexander obtained
the royal sanction that his field of operation should be designated New Scotland. The company of
New Plymouth having made the necessary surrender. Sir William procured a royal grant of that
vast district, which embraces Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the Gasp^ Peninsula. In the
following letter, dated 5th August 1621, King James communicated his royal purpose to
the Scottish Privy Council.
"James R. AuguM 5, 1621.
" Right trusty and wclbeloued Cosens and Counsellours, and right trusty and welbeloued Counsellours,
Wee greete you well. Iliuieing eucr beeno ready to embrace anie good occasion whereby the honor or
proffete of that our Kiiigdome might be advanced, and considering that no kynd of conquest can be more
oa.sie and innocent than that which doth procceda from Plantationes, specially in a countrey commodious
for men to live in, yet remayneing altogither desert, or at least onely inhabited by Infidells, the convereion
of whom to the Christian fayth (intended by this meanes) might tend much to the glory of God ; since
sundry other Kingdomes, as likewyse this our Kingdome of late, vertuously aduentring in this kynd, hauo
renued their names, iniposeing them thus vpon new lands, considering (praysed to God) how populous that
our Kingdome is at this present, and what necessity there is of some good mer.nes wheiby ydle people
niiglit be employed preventing worse courses, Weo tliink there are manie that 'night bo spared who may
bo fitt for such a forraine Plantatioun, being of mynds as resolute and of bodyes as able to overcome the
difficulties that such aducnturers must at first encounter with as anie other nation whatsoeuer, and such an
xvi
INTRODUCTION.
•1)1
I, J
'11
enterprise is the more fitt for that our Kingdomc it doth crauo tlie transportation of nothing from thence,
but only men, women, cattle, and victuails, and not of money, and niaio giuo a good returno of other
comniodityes, affording the meanes of a new trade at this tymo when tralKipie ia so much decayed. For
the causes abouospecifoit, Wee Imiio the more willingly harkoned to a motion made vnto vs by o' trusty
and wellbcloued Counsellour, Sir William Alexander, Knight, who hath a purpose to procure a forraine
Plantation, haueing made choice of landes lying betwoeno our Colonies of Now England nnd Newfound-
land, both the Gouernours whereof hauo encouraged him thereunto : Therefore, that he and such as will
vndertake with him by getting of good security maio he the better enabled hereunto. Our pleasure is, that
after duo considenitione, if you find this course, as Wee liaue conoeaved it to be, fur the good of that our
Kingdome, That yow graunt vnto the sayd Sir William, his hoires and assigncs, or to anie other that will
joyne with him in the whole, or in any part thereof, a Signatowr vnder our Great Scale of the sayd lands
lying betweeno Now England and Newfoundland, as ho shall dosigno thorn particularoly vnto yow, to bo
holden of vs from our King|)tember 1621, granted at Windsor Castle. On tiie 29th day of the bame month a charter
passed under the Great Seal, appointing Sir William Alexander hereditary lieutenant of the new
colony. In face of the patent was denoted the importance of the transaction; the initial letter
contained portraits of the king and his lieutenant, the former seated on his throne, and in the act
of handing the charter to the latter. Tlie border of the instrument was decorated with embellish-
ments, illustrating the productions of the colony, such being executed by Edward Norgate, an
accomplished illuminator. ^
Having obtained his patent, Sir William entered into an arrangement with his friend Sir
Eobert Gordon of Lochinvar, by means of which the latter obtained possession of tho territory at
Cape Breton, originally included in the province of New Scotland. To this territory, styled the
barony of New Galloway, Sir Ilobert Gordon, and Robert, his second son, obtained a royal charter,
dated 8th November 1C21,
In March 1G22 Sir William Alexander provided a ship at London, which he sent round the
coast to Kirkcudbright. There he hoped, through the influence of Sir Ilobert Gordon, whose
> Edward Norgate died at the College of Arms on tlie 23d December 1050 (Horace Walpole's Anecdotes of Fainting,
Lund. 1871, 12mo, p. 121).
INTRODUCTION.
xvu
lands lay in the district, to recruit a body of emiyraiits. Tiie inducements held out were incon-
siderable. Purchasers of land only were to liave a right in the soil. Farmers might obtain
leases. The lieutenant was, after a specified time, to receive a tliirteenth portion of the land
revenues. Artisans were to receive free holdings, but during tlieir lives only. None possessing
ortlinary comforts at home were likely to incur tiie risk of migrating to unexplored wastes on in-
ducements so meagre. Only one artisan, a blacksmitli, and one educated person, a Presbyterian
minister, consented to join the expedition. Tiie other emigmnts were agricultural labourers of the
lowest grade. There was a furtlier drawback. Provisions had lately increased in price, while tlio
means of procuring them had diminished. The vessel, however, weighed anclior in the end of
June, proceeding first to the Isle of Man. Early in August the voyage was '^sumed, and about
the middle of September the emigrants sighted St. Peter's Island, to the south of Newfoundland,
Sailing westward, they approached the shore of Cape Breton, but were by a storm driven back to
Newfoundland, where they sought rt ge in the harbour of St. John. Tiiere they resolved to pass
the winter, while, for new supplies, tlie vessel was despatched to Britain.
Tliese experiences, discoumging as they were, did not depress the ardour of the spirited
lieutenant. A ship, the St. Luke, was in the end of Marcii despatched from London with
additional colonists and needful supplies. By contrary winds the vessel was detained at Plymouth
till the 28th of April, and it did not reach St. John's harbour till the 5th of June. About eight
months had passed since the Scottish emigrants landed at that port. The clergyman and the
mechanic were both dead. The others were scattered — a portion earning a scanty subsistence as
fishermen.
Dreaming of prosperity, the Lieutenant of New Scotland added to his family estate. He
purchased the lands of Tillicoultry, bordering Menstry on the east, borrowing tlie purchase money
from Walter Cowan, an opulent burgess of Stirling, who on the 25tl» June 1623 received from
him, " with consent of Audro Alexander, his father's brother," an acknowledgment of the loan ;
Cowan was also " infeft with Walter, his eldest son, in an annual rent of 700 merks furth of the
lands of Tullicoultrie, under revei-sion." *
Meanwhile the voyagers in the St. Luke were endeavouring to bear up against failure.
Ten of their number were selected to proceed to New Scotland, there to fi.x ou a suitable place for
planting a colony. On the 23d June they sailed from St. John, but, impeded by fogs and contrary
winds, they did not see land for two weeks ; they afterwards sailed along the coast, which they
partially surveyed. Eeaching Port de Mouton, they, in its vicir.ity, discovered tlnee harbours, in
one of which, four leagues west of Port Mouton, they landed, naming tlie spot St. Luke's Bay.
Two leagues further to the west they found another harbour, with a fine river, known as Port
Jolly. Having coasted twelve leagues furtlier, they terminated their explorations at Port Negro.
On their return they furtlier examined Port de Jlouton, nnd then hastened to Newfoundland.
The St. Luke shipped a cargo of fish for the home voyage, and finding otlier vessels, the ex-
plorers returned to England.'
' Reg. of Deeds, vol. 374.
"Encouragement to Colonies," jxmint; Slofter'a "American Colonisation," pp. 46-47.
xvm
INTRODUCTION.
'' '
il
!j
ii
ji
I,
Hi
By these two expeditions, Sir William Alexander, instead of increasing liis fortune, sustained
serious loss. That loss was estimated at jEGOOO sterling, and for its repayment a royal waiTant
was directed to the Excheriuer. Meanwhile Sir William persovercil steadily. In 1024 he issued
his " Encouragement to Colonies," which was dedicated to I'rinco Ciiarles. In this work he main-
tains that the discovery of America was a call to Great IJritain by Providence, entreating her to
extend her boundaries. He commended Spanish enterprise in effecting Transatlantic settlements.
He celebrated King James in checking rebellion and restoring tranquillity in Ireland, and ex-
pressed a hope that the dignity of his sceptre would be further maintained by the plantation of New
Scotland. Colonists would, he remarked, be enabled to carry into unexplored tracts the civilising
influences of British culture, and the elevating doctrines of the Christian faith. In glowing terms
he expatiated on the success which had attended the colony of New England and the plantation
of Virginia. Depicting the region of New Scotland, Sir William described " the very delecate
meadowes " " with roses white and red," and " the very good fat earth " which the voyagers in the
St. Luke had found along the coast. Appealing to Scotland, he remarked that, like a bee-hive,
it yearly sent forth swarms of her people, who had heretofore expended their energies in war.
Now Scotsmen were invited to settle in a country where the merchant might prosecute successful
commerce, the sportsman enjoy abundant recreation, and the Christian have ample scope for
missionary enterprise.
By his " Encouragement to Colonies " Sir William Alexander failed to arouse a colonising
ardour, and the English Treasury refused to grant compensation for a loss in which they had no
real concern. To effect his purpose, the Lieutenant of New Scotland fell upon a new method.
Since his accession to the English throne. King James had systematically replenished his royal
revenues by the sale of titles. In July 1G03 a summons was issued at Hampton Court, charging
all who owned land to the value of £40 a year to proceed to the royal presence to receive knight-
hood, or to compound with the King's Commissioners.* About the same period, the King
proposed to constitute an order of Golden Knights, — that is, to bestow knighthood on all who
would disburse £300, to be expended by Sir Be vis Bulmer in a search for gold mines.'' He
devised a more advanced scheme in 1611, when, to further the colonisation of Ireland, he created
an order of knights baronets, who received their honours on paying into exchequer a sum equal
to £1100. liiough styled Baronets of Ulster, the new hereditary knights were really English
landowners without connection with the country from which they derived their titles.
These precedents, especally tlie last, suggested to Sir William Alexander a mode by which
he might accomplish his undertaking and relieve his embarrassments. From 1611 to 1622, 205
English landowners had become baronets of Ulster, with a benefit to the Exchequer of £225,000.
On terms less costly. Sir William estimated that Scottish landowners, or the younger sons of the
nobility, might enrol themselves in a new order — the Baronets of New Scotland. Accordingly,
on his recommendation, a royal letter was issued from his JIajesty's Court at Koystoun, informing
the Privy Council of Scotland that the King had resolved to make the colonisation of New
Rymer's " Foadera," xvi. fi29.
> Atkinson's " Disooverie of the Gold Mynes," pcutim.
■I
INTRODUCTION.
xix
Scotknd his own special work, ond in connection therewith to establish nn order of Baroiie's.
Tlie Privy Council were invited to assist in carrying out the royal intention, and instructed to
offer no opposition to it.
Under the ^^uidance of Sir William Alexander, the Privy Council approved the royal
order; and in tii following letter proceeded to indicate a scheuio whereby the royal intentions
might be carried out : —
" Most Sacred SouEnASB — Wo hauo considorit of your ISIaientio's letter concerning the Ilarronottifi,
and doe thorby porsuvo your Maiestio's great affoctioun towards this your ancient Kingdome, and your
Maiostie's most judicious constderatioun in makoing choice of so excellent meanos, both noble and Htt for
the gooilo of the same, wherein seing your Maiostie niicbt hauo procuidit without our advycc, and
unaciiuunting vs with your Maiestio's royall resolutioun therein, we are so muche the more boundin to
raniler vnto your Maiostie our most Immblo tbankos I'ur your gracious respect vnto vs, not oulie in thin,
but in all vthor thingos importoing this estate outlier in crodite or profit. And wo huniblie wisse that this
honour of Barronot soulil bo conferrit vpoun none but vpon Knichtis and Gentlemen of chiufe respect for
their birth place or fortounes, and we hauo taken a course by Proclamatioun to mak this your Maiestio's
gracious intentione to be publicklie knowen that non heirafter pnctonding ignorance take occasion
inwardlio to corapleyno as being neglected, hot may accuse thamesolilis for neglecting of so fair an
opportunitie. And whereas wo aro given to vndorstand that tlio country of Now Scotland being dividit
in twa Provinces, and eache province in severall Dioceises or Bishoprikis, and eacho diocoso in thrio
counteyis, and each countey into ton Baroneyis, every baronie being thrie nule long vpon tho coast, aad
ten niyle vp into tho countrio, dividit into sex parochies, and each paroche contening sax tliousand aikars
of land ; and that cverie Baronett is to be ane Barono of some one or other of the saidis Barronois, and is
to haif therein ten thowsand aikars of proportie, besidis his sax thowsand aikars belongeing to his bur*
(burfh) of baronie. To bo holdin free blanshe, and in a free baronie, of your Maiostie as tho baronies of
this Kingdome, ffor the onlie setting furth of sex men towardis your Maiostie's Koyall Colonic, armetl,
apparelld, and victualld for two yearos. And every Baronet paying Sir William Alexander, "inicht, ane
thousand merkis Scottis money only towards his past charges and endevouris : Thairforo our liumble
desire vnto your Maiostie is, that care be taken by suirtio actit in the bookis of Secreit Counsall, as was in
the Plantatioun of Vlster, that the said nomber of men may he dewlie transported thither, with all
provisions necessar, and that no Baronet be maid but onlie for that cause, and by some such one
particular course onlie as your Maiestie sail appointe, and that Articles of Plantatioun may bo set furth
for encouraging and induceing all others who hes habilitie and resolutioun to transport thcmsclffis hence
for so noble a purpose.
" Last wo consave that if some of the Englishe who ar best acquainted with such forrayn enterprcisea
wald joyne with the saidis Baronetts heir (as it is likelie tho lyker conditioun and proportioun of ground
wald induce them to doe), that it wald be ane grite encouragement to tho furtherance of that Koyall worke
quhilk is worth[ie] of your Maiestio's care, and we doubto not sindrio will contribute their help heirvnto.
So exspccting your Maiestio's forder dii-ectioun, and humblie submitting our opiniono to your Maiostie's
incomparable judgement, we humblie tak our leave, prayeing the Almichtie God to blisse your Maiestie
with a long and happie roigne. From Edinbui-gh, the 23 of November 1624."
On the 30th November 1624 the Scottish Privy Council issued the following proclamation :—
"At Edinburgh, ths last day of November, Tho yeir of God 1600 Tuentie-four yearis — Our Soucmno
Lord being formarlie gratiouslie pleased to erect the heritable honnour and title of ane Baronet as ane
XX
INTRODUCTTO!^,
%
'III
I*
dogrep, Rtnte, nnd placp, nixt nnd immediotlio following the younger «onc8 of VicounU and Lordis Baronis
of Parliament, as nno now lionnoiir wlmirwitli to rpwaird now niuritiR, Havcing conforrit the snniu honnour,
place, and dignitio upoiin sundrio of the K'lijjhts and KscjiiyriH of Ingland and Iroliuid, to thamo and thair
airia mail! fur ever, in couHiderntioun of tliair hcl]i and afisifitance toward that hiippio and successfuU
plantatioiin of UlKtcr in Ireland, to I'.io grite Btrenth of that his Maientie's Kingilomo, incressu of hia
UiencB' revenues, and lielp to nmnio of hia Majestie's goodo sulijects. And quhuiras our said Soverano
Lord Icing no les hopefidl of the plantationn of New Scotland, in the narrest pairt of America alreadie
discovered and surveyed Ix) some of the suhjccts of his Majestiu's Kingdunie of Scotland, joyning unto
New Ingland, quhairin a grito po'-t of his Hiencs' nobilitic, gentrio, and burrowia of Ingland are
particulurlie intorossed and hcs actuallio Ixigun thair sevorall I'lantatiouns thairof ; And for that conceaving
that manic his Majestio's subjects of this his ancient Kingdomo, emulating the vertews and industrious
interpryssis of utheris, and being of bodies and constitutions most able and fitt to undergoo the Planta-
tioun thairof and propagatioun of the Christinno religion, will not bo deficient in anie thing quhilk may athor
advance his Miijestie's Koyall intentioun towards that Plantatioun, or bo bcnetieiall and honourable to thia
his Hienes' ancient Kingdomu in gonerall, or to tlmmcselfriH in particular; The samyn being ane fitt,
warrandablo, and convenient means to disburding this his Jfaji-stie's said ancient Kingdomo of all such
younger brethcr and nieane gentlemen quhois moyens ar short of thair b'rth, worth, or myndis, who
otherwayes be most troublesome to tho houses and frcindis from whei'co they ar descendit (the common
ruynes of most of the ancient families). Or botnk thamcselffis to forren warko or baisser chifts, to the
discredite of thair oncestouris and cuntroy, and to the grite losse of manio of his Majestio's gooublicatioun of the
premises, and thot it ia his JIajestie's princelie pleasure and expres resolutioun to mak and creat tho
nomber of ane hundrelh heretable Baronettis of this liis Hienes' Kingdomo of Scotland be patentes vnder
his Majestio's grito spale thairof, who and thair airis niaill sail haif plaice and precedencie nixt and
inimediatlie after the youngest sones of the Vicountes and Lordis Barronis of Parliament, and the addition
of tho word Sir to be prelixed to thair j)ropper name, and the style and title of Baronett subjoyned to the
surname of cverie ane of thamc, and thair airis niaili, logither with tho appcllatioun of Ladie, Madame,
ond Dame to thair Wyffis, in all tyme comeing, with precedencie befoir all otheris knights alsweil of the
Bath as Knights Bachelouris and Bannarettis (except those onlio that beis Knighted be his Majestie, his
airis and successouris, in proper persone in ane oppen feild, with banner displayed with new 'additioun to
thair armes and haill vtheris prterogatives formarlie grantit be our said Soverano Lord to the saidii
1
INTRODUCTION.
Bnronoltii o( InglancI nnd Ireland, confornio to the printed patent thairof in all poynts) : And that no
peniono or porioni« whatsumovir Rail ha cn'atod nnd iimid IlaroiiottiR, hot onlio nuch princi|iall Kni^htR
ond F^qiiyi-is os will h« {{""•"'iiiislio jilca^iit to l)e UndcrtakiTis of the wiid Pluntatioiin of New Scotland,
J* nd for that effect to act flmnifst'lllH, or Homo Biiiliciont cautioneris for thanie, in the huikis of hiecreit
CouDBall bofoir the first day of Apryll nixt to come in this insuinij ycaro of God, 1025 yoaris, to sot
fiirth BOX sulflciont men artificeris or lahoureis siifficicntlie arnioit, apparrolit, and victiiiillit for tua yeiris,
towards his Majcstiu's Koyal Colonic to ho estahlifihed, God willing, thair, for his Hionua' use dureing
that 8(iaco, and that within the spnco of year and day efter the dait of thu snid Actis, under the i>niio of
tua thowsand morkis usual money of this realmo."
Tlie proclamation proceeded to recipitulcte the proposals made in the Privy Council's letter
to the King as to the payment to be made by intending undertakers to the Lieutenant, nnd invited
all who sought to possess lands in New Scotland, along with the title and dignity of baronet, to
repair for enrolment, either personally or by agent, to the Lords of the Council.'
Tlie manifesto evoked no response ; yet, as a collapse of bis undertaking would have proved
utterly overwhelming. Sir William Alexander renewed his appeal by a royal mandate. This instru-
ment, dated 23d March 1C25, informed candidates (or baronetcies that they should nt once negotiate
with him or his deputy. Tlie proposal tliat each undertiiker should pay a thousand murks to meet
past losses was omitted, while the sum of two thousand merks previously mentioned as purchase-
money, it was now provided should be strictly applied to colonial purposes. In evidence of sincerity
it was intimated that the baronets or undertakers Plight appoint delegates to superintend the
application of the funds.
The operations of the Lieutenant were again retarded ; for, on Sunday the 27tli March, King
James expired at London. Proceedings were resumed on the 28th of May, wiien three persons,
under Sir William Alexander's direction, were created baronets. These were Sir Itobert Gordon,
8on of the Earl of Sutherland, William, Earl Mariscbal, and Alexander Strachan of Thornton. On
the following day five others were added, these being Sir Duncan Campbell of Glenorcliy, Robert
Innes of Innes, Sir John Wemyes of Wemyss, David Livingstone of Dunipace, and Sir Robert
Douglas of Glenbervie.*
According to the new arrangement, the lands included in the baronies of New Scotland were
resigned by Sir William Alexander into the hands of the king, who regranted them to the knights
baronets. Thus the lands and titles were obtained directly from the sovereign. Infeftment, it
was ruled, should be " expede ' at the Castle of Eilinburgh.
The patent constituting Sir William Alexander Lieutenant of New Scotland, though approved
by the Scottish Privy Council, had not been ratified by Parliament, which had not assembled
between the date of its issue and the close of the late reign. Accordingly a charter of
novodamus was granted to Sir William by Charles L, and which, on the 12th July 1G25, passed
under the Great Seal ; the former charter being recited, with additional clauses respecting the
I Reg. Sec. Con. Acta; Jnn. 1621, Mar. 1625, foL 218.
' Keg. Precep. Cart, jiro BaronettU Nov. Scotiie.
INTRODUCTION.
M
II i
! ; i I
■ii I
order of baronets,* ond a promise made that the former grant would be confirmed by Parliament.*
On the 19th day of the same month the King informed the Privy Council that certain baronets
of New Scotland had been created, to each of whom he had granted territory in that country six
miles in length by three in breadth. His Majesty further authorised the Council to confer bar-
onetcies on intending undertakers, without subjecting them to the inconvenience of proceeding lo
London, so that a c jlony might be despatched to New Scotland in the 'oUowing spring. On
the 31st August the Privy Council by a lengthened proclamation confirmed the royal promise.
Sir William Alexander had now to encounter in his colonial enterprise some political op-
position. To a Parliament which assembled at Edinburgh in November 1625, the lesser barons
presented a memorial, complaiiiing that the precedency granted to the new order of baronets
interfered with their hereditary dignities, and was otherwise unjustifiable. And as, by a majority,
Parliament approved the sentiments of the memorialists, a resolution to that effect was passed for
transmission to the King. In the memorial it was set forth that, wherbr"* Sir William Alexander
had alleged that the precedency of the baronets was essential to his undertaking, ;hey held such
an assertion to be unwarranted, offering, in the event of the plantation of the colony being found
expedient, to carry it out without charge or honorary recompense.'
What they offered to do the Estates well knew they could not accomplish, and would not
seriously attempt. But the rapid advancement at court of a small landowner had moved them
with indignation. Their leader was Thomas Hamilton, Earl of Melrose, a favourite of the late
King, and who now held office as principal secretary. He was summarily ejected from office,
while the Lieutenant was nominated to his post. On the 28th January 1626 the King notified
Sir William's appointment to the Vice-Chancellor, with the request that it might forthwith be
duly recorded.*
Having crushed a dangerous opponent. Sir William Alexander suddenly attained a pitch of
greatness. Lieutenant of New Scotland, he also bore high rule in his native kingdom. His
determination to maintain his order of baronets, and assert his prerogative, is evinced in a royal
letter which on the 12th February he despatched to the Privy Council. Tn this letter the
Lieutenant of New Scotland was authorised to do further honour to his baronets by conferring
knighthood on their eldest sons.
Though the wishes of Scottish barons, as expressed both ia Parliament and by the Privy
Council, had been rejected, it was found inexpedient to wholly disregard public sentiment in the
north. The last creation of baronets had occurred on the 28th December 1625 ; and unless
conciliatory measures were adopted, an obstructive policy in Scotland might, it was felt, retard
the applications for the new dignity. So by royal letter dated 24th March 1626, the Earl
• The order wm restrictei] to one hundred and fifty.
• Beg. M.ig. Sig.,Iib.li. 23.
» Acta Pari. Scot., vol. V, pp. 18S188. ' " .,..,..--.,-•- 7
• The letter will bo found in the Kegistei, page 18. Though commanded to proceed " with all diligence," the Clerk
Regiiter did not record Sir William Alexander's appointment aa "principal secretary for life," in the Register of the Great
Seal till the 20th October 1627, or nearly two years after the date of the precept (Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. ii. 439).
INTRODUCTION.
im
of Melrose was informed tliat he had not been deprived " by sinistrous suggestions and cahimnies
of informers," but owing to the necessity that the King experienced of having a secretary for
Scottish affairs resident at court. He was also assured that the change in the secretaryship
should not otherwise " derogate from his grant or priviledge." * On the same day a royal
letter was addressed to the Chancellour, Sir George Hay of Kinfauns, afterwards Earl of KinnouU,
authorising him to confer knighthood on the eldest sons of baronets at majority, "without
putting them to aney charges." *
There were other grumblers. Of these the most conspicious was Sir John Stuart of
Traquair, subsequently Earl of Traquair. A leader in Parliament, he had steadily resisted the
precedence assigned to the New Scotland baronets, with the result that on the 24th March he
was commanded to assume the title which he affected to despise.'
Two other malcontents, the Laird of Waunhton and the Laird of Wemyss, also received
summonses. The former was infonned that his being willing to receive a baronetcy would do
his sovereign " acceptable pleasure ; " while the Laird of Vemyss was assured that his accepting
a baronetcy would prove " a next steppe to a further title." These commands, though proceeding
in the King's name, bore evidence of their origin too closely to effect the intended purpose. Both
lairds refused the proffered titles.*
Sir William Alexander persisted vigorously. Consequent on a royal warrant, dated 12th of
February, the Privy Council issued, on the 30th March, the following proclamation : —
" Apud Haltbudhous, Penulluno Mirtii 1626.
" Forsaniekle as our Sovcrane Lordis umquhile darrest Father, of blissed and famous memorie, out of
liis princelie and tender regard of the honnour and credite of this his ancient kingdome of Scotland, and
for the better encouragbing of the gentrie of the said Kingdome, in imitatioun of the vertuous projectis and
enterprises of otheris, to vndertak the Plantatioun of New Scotland in America, determined, with advise
of the Lordis of his Privie Counsell, the creating of one new heretable title of dignitie within the said
Kingdome caUit Kniglit Barronet, and to confer the same vpoun suche personis of goode parentnige,
nuanis and qualitie, as waKl be vndertakeris in the said Plantatioun. And of this his Eoyall and
princelie resolution, importing so far the honnour and credite of the Kingdome, publicatioun and intima-
tioun wes maid be open proclumatioun, with all snlempnitie reqinsite, to the intent those of the best not
knawing the same might haif had tymo first to begin and to haif bene preferrit to oiheri.s, and then
through ther awne default or negligence the w^ant of the said honnour to haif bene imjiutt to thameselffls,
like as u competent tynie wes appoyntit and assignit be the '■aidis Lordis vnto thame for that effect,
■whairthrow they might the more adviscdlio haif resolved thairin. And oure Souerane Lord, following his
said darrest Fatheris resolutionis in this poynt, causit net onlie renew the said Proclamatioun, hot for the
ease (if his Ma* subjcctis and saulfing of ihnme from noidles and unnaccssair travel) chargeis, and
exponssis, grantit ane commission vnder his Grito Scale, whairby the saidis Kniglitis Barronettis nu'glit Ihj
created and thnir patentis oxpetle in this Kingdome. Like as accordinglie suudrie Gentlemen of the best
sort embraced the conaitioui of the Plantatioun, wer admittit to the said dignitie of Barronet, and no
qnestion or objectioun wes moved aganis the same till the worke wes brought to a porfectioun, then some
of the gentrie repynning at the praecedencie done to thir Barronettis, whilk proceidit vpon thair awin
Regiater, p. 28.
• Ibid., p. 29.
» Ibid., p. 30.
Ibid. p. 30.
M
1
XXIV
INTRODUCTION.
alnuglio ami iiogligonco in not tymotis inibrnccing tho conilitionis of the suid Plantntiotin, they ninid aome
publiuk oppositioun ngaiii? tho prccciloncio (Kmio to *Uir l)rinartheni«hiro, in 1577. Ho iH-ciune n commoner of J"«iia
College, OxfonI, in 1591. Among liin piililicatii.nH nro " Vaiia I'cM'nmta do Sphu'ianim Oniini'," Lond. 1589; "Canticiim
Canticorum Salomonis," l.VJ? ; "IVH-niata continent Econ Kolwrti ConiitU K»»cx," 159S ; "Tlio (loldon lirovo," ICOO;
and " Directions for llealtli," lt!17.
' " Tlic (ioldun KKh-co, tranK|)oi'tt>d from Canibrioll Colehos out of tlio southemmoat jiart of the Island, commonly
caUud New fomid' loud." By Orpheus Juuiur. Loud. 1C2C 4to.
INTRODUCTION.
XXV
1
Viscount Falkland and my Lord Bnltiinoro, to whom you n-ssi^iuHl tho Nortliornly piirt of your flnint, ilo
undergo tlio wholit burden, 8U]>iH)rtiM){ it with bmvo n>8olutiou iiud u groitt doiU of oxponso, which othorwiso
you wore obligud to iHsrfornio. Tho like inconvuiiiunoos I huvo felt, oven iu tho infuncy of my uttcmpt ;
■whothor tho offoots procoodod through tlui Into »i-ason of tho yoar, whi>n wo sot out tho Colony, or by tho
clownoss of our j>ooj)lti, who, woariod in thoir passage at soa by n-ason of contrary winds, rustod thonisolvoa
too long at St. John's }IarlK>nr, and at my Lord of Ikiltinioro's plantation, I knowo not ; but euro I am,
it cost me and my frionds vory do^tr, and brought us into much doertunonts ; and hath woU nigh dishoart^nod
my poor Countrymen, if, at my luunblo suit, our most noble and generous K iug Charles had not, out of
his KoyiU nuigniliconco and res|KK4ivo euro to us and our Postoritioa, restored and revived our couragus, by
conferring such monies as might arise by tho crvation of Knights liiironots in Scotland, towanls the erecting
of Mus now fabrick ami boroicol action. And yot 1 foar all this will not suffice and defray tho charge.
" ' In such abundance doth my native coiintry of Scotland overewarm with poojile, that, if now
habitations bo not suddenly for them, ivs Ilivos for IWi, thoy must oitlior miscarry of want, or turn
drones unprotititblo to tho owner, as you well remembered in your Poetical works which you termed
' Coiubrousiuiu Coroleio.'
" ' Si nova mm apilius coikIm, Rex, nivoa ; Fuoi
luiiavi fiont, neo tibi lucra fvrcnt. '
" ' We need not complain, with our Saviour in tho Ooapol, that tlio Harvest is gn^it and the Ijibouri>rs
few; for wo have many Lal)t)urt!r8 which would willingly manure this maitlon soil, and with the ])ainful
sweat of their brows roap what thoy sow. ]tut tho charge of transporting thom, with such implements and
domestical cattle as must bo had now at tho lirst, cannot but grow to an excessive cost. To oxjMict more
lie][)s than it pleased our most bountiful king already to Iwstow U]>on us, will be in vain, I doubt, con-
sidering tho scarcity of money in these day.s which not only in Scotland, but likowi.so all his Majesty's
IJominions, do affirm to be true. Tlie native and genuine salt of tho earth, which fructiliod our cornlields
■with 80 many intinito ploughings of our ancestors, and ours, is spent ; nor will limo or murle ever recover
thom to tho pristine and antiont vigour and fertility. Knglish Cloth, which heretofore was dignified with
tho title of the Goldon Fleece, grows out of recjuost, yea (and with iawanl grief I speak it) in contempt also
among tho owners ond inhabitants themselvos. Our Tin, Lojid, and Coal Mines lx>gin to fail. Our Woods
which Nature produced, and our Fathers left us for firing, for rt'iwrations of decayed houses, ploughs, anil
shipping, ore lately wasted by tho covotousness of a few Ironm.istors. What, then, remains in this famous
Isle ? Except wo relieve our wants by Navigation, ond these must bo by fishing by hook or by crook, by
Letters of Mart, by way of reprisals or revenge, or else by tralfick and coinnioi-co with other nations Ixwidos
Spanianls, I would wo <•., aid invent ami hit upon some profitable means for tho settling of these glorious
works, whereto it soems tho Divino Providence hath elected us aa instruments under our Earthly Soveruigno.'"
By a royal letter, dated Oatlands, 28lh July 1(520, tlio Privy Council are informed tlmt the
Baronets of Now Scotland were exempted from i)ayn:<3nt of foes to tho heiiilds at tlio Lyon oflico.»
In a royal letter directed to tiie Burov.s of Exchequer on the 17th -January 1()27, "Sir Wil-
liam Alexander intimated that of all tuoney lie had received or might receive from tlio Baronets,
he would use two parts in tho well-onlering of tho colony ; and further, tliat, having n ship of
large burden lying at Duubarton ready for a now expedition, the same should be examined, and
the value of its furnishings and provisions estimated for a future settlement witli the Biuoiiels.''
Funds for tho expedition were urgently reipiired. Accordingly, Sir James IJuillie, tho Treasurer
comiuuuly
* Regiiter, p 68.
• /4. Colonul Papers, p. 06.
Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. lil 223.
INTRODUCTION.
XXIX
1
I
"i
l.
I
!
intended port of Largs might prove serviceable in shipping men and goods both to New Scotland
and Ulster. In January 1628 he accepted Irish citizenship, with a grant of a thousand acres in
the county of Armagh. His grant included the lands of " Mullalelish, Ballyloghan, Ballyhinche,
Ballylaney, Ballibreak, Mulladroy, Dromnehunchin, Dromard, Ballykedemore, Ballycagait,
Durichele, Leggacony, and others." *
New Scotland proved a perpetual drain. By a royal letter, dated 28th December, Sir James
Baillie, Treasurer of Marine, was empowered to receive, as for the King, prize-money on captured
vessels, and to convey the same to Sir William Alexander, till his claim for £6000 granted him
by the Crown was fully discharged. Sir James was further informed that Sir William had
induced certain of his Majesty's subjects to increase the quota of prize-money payable to the
Crown ; and he was called upon to persuade others to pay proportionally. Sir James having made
no response, a royal letter was addressed to the Commissioners of Exchequer, on the 23d May 1628,
in which he was charged with having applied to ordinary purposes the proceeds of the Lubeck
ship, instead of employing them in liquidating the debt due to the Lieutenant of New Scotland. The
Commissioners were instructed to cause Sir James to pay Sir William the balance of prize-money
in his hand, with all penalties, as in 1621 had been provided by Act of Parliament. On
behalf of the Commissiorers and Sir James Baillie, the Treasurer-Depute reported that various
sums had been paid out of the Exchequer which ought to have been defrayed by the English
Treasuiy, and he demurred to further exactions. His letter was forwarded to the High Treasurei
of England, who, on the 30th June 1628, was required to consult with Sir William Alexander,
and thereafter to prepare a report. The English Treasurer dismissed the application, while on the
11th July the Scottish Secretaiy intimated to the Commissioners of Exchequer that he had been
appointed one of their number. On the 7th November 1628 Sir William's claims were, in a royal
letter, urged upon the Commissioners.
Under the belief that the royal grant was paid, Robert Hayman, the English poet, thus
expressed his congratulations : —
" Great Alexander wept and made sad mone
Because there was but one world to be wonne ;
It joyes my heart, when such wise men as you
' Conquer new worlds, whi-li that youth neuer knew.
The King of Kings assist, blesse you from Heaucn,
i"or our King hath you wise assistance giuen ;
Wisely our King did aide on you bestow,
Wise are all Kings who all their gifts giue so ;
'Tis giuen well, that is giuen to such a one
For SLTuico done, or seruico to be done ;
By all that know you 'tis well vnderstood
You will dispei.d it for your countrie's good ;
' ,- --^.^^-~-— - Old Scotland you made happy by your birth,
New Scotland you will make a happy earth.
* Records of the BoUs, Ireland, vol v., p. 107.
m!
' I
XXX INTRODUCTION.
" You are a Foot ; better thor's not any, ^
You have one supor-vertue 'niongst your many :
I wish I were your cquall in the one,
And in the other your compnnion ;
Witli one I'd giuo you your doserued due,
And with the other sorue and follow you." •
In acquiring land, and projecting a shipping port on the Ayrshire coast, Sir William
Alexander had been much encc.raged by James Stewart, fifth Lord Ochiltree, who, till his recent
embarrassments, had taken active part in the colonisation of Ulster. In the hope of retrieving
his sb'. ttered fortune, Lord Ochiltree consented to join Sir William Alexander the younger in his
second expedition to New Scotland. In May 1629, Charles I. authorised £500 sterling to be
borrowed for his Lordship's use, in connection with " his present expedition to Cape Bretton, for
planting of a colony there." He sailed in June, and, with his followers, reached his destination
safely.'
With considerable prosperity at home, and good prospects abroad, the Scottish Secretary
proceeded to extend the family estate. By a charter under the Great Seal, on the Slst July
1629, he received the lands and barony of Tullibody, adjoining the lands of Menstry on tlio
south and east.^
The creation of baronets was resumed. On the 2d May 1 629 a commission was granted to
the Earl of Menteith, President of the Council, and to Sir William Alexander the elder, and Sir
Archibald Acheson, Under-Secretary of State, to expede the passing of New Scotland patents.
To induce persons of opulence to seek the new honours, the Commissioners were empowered to
fill up the dates of patents at their discretion, so that those unwilling to occupy a lower place on
t,be roll might be reckoned among the earlier crej'tions. The expedient did not avail, for a royal
letter, dated 17th October 1629, authorised the Privy Council to institute "a voluntary contribu-
tion " for transplanting to the colony members of the Highland clans.
The Council remained inactive, and Captain Kertch reported from Port Eoyal, that without
immediate supplies the colony could not be maintained. On the 17th November the King, by
mandate, urged " contractors for baronets " to proceed with their work diligently, " so that the
next supplie " for New Scotland " may go out in time." On the same day the Scottish f rivy
Council were informed by royal letter that his Majesty was pleased to " authorise and allow
the Lieutennant and Baronettis to weare a carfe about their neckis," consisting of "ane
orange tanney silk ribbane, whareon shall hing pendant in a scutcheon argent a saltoire azeier,
thareon ane inscutcheone of the armes of Scotland, with ane imperiall croune above the
scutchone," and also bearing the motto — Fax mentis iiONESTiU gloria.
The privilege of wearing an orange ribbon failed to attract those who were otherwise
indifferent to the new honours. In a letter to the Privy Council, dated 26th November of the
> B. Hayman's "Quodlibeta": Load. 1628, book u., p. 35.
• Beg. Mag. Sig., lib. liL 222. —
■ Colonial Papers, p. 106,
'^^
INTRODUCTION.
XXXI
1
Bame year, the King intimated tliat he would advance to higher honours those who accepted
present favours. The hitter contained a chiuse for those who held heritable offices, warning them
that only by aiding Sir William Alexander's colonial enterprise would they acquire a claim to
have their privileges recognised. Two weeks later, Mr. David Fullerton, Iteceiver of Crown
Rents, was commanded to pay the Lieutenant the balance of XGOOO described as due to him
by the Exchequer. He kept silent
On the 23d April lC2i) a treaty of peace was concluded between France and England, in
which it was provided that while prizes taken during the war should remain with the captors,
whatever was seized on either side for two montlis after the signing of the peace should be
restored. Proceeding on these articles, Captain Daniel of Dieppe claimed for the Company of
New France the country at Cape Breton, and on the 10th September dispossessed the settlers
under Lcjrd Ochiltree. Some of these were permitted to return to Britain, but Lord Ochiltree
and seventeen others were detained in France. After much harsh treatment, Lord Ochiltree was
released on the interference of Sir Thomas Edwards, the English ambassador.' Liberated about
the end of January 1G30, he laid before the English Government the following statement: —
" Tlu5 King of France, by his commissiono, dooth assure to himself Coloni&l Papers, pp. 104-106.
rr
xxxn
INTRODUCTION.
\
' j
' 1 .1'
When Sir William Alexnnder the younger nrrived nt Port Royal iu the siininior of 1629, ho
found that thirt\ of the Scottish colonists had perished from exposure ; otlierwiso the prospects
of the colony wore satisfactory. The native Indians, entering into an alliance with the Governor,
selected Sagamore Segipt, one of tlieir number, to proceed to Eiigluiul, to crave protection against
the French. In December 1629, a royal letter was directed to Sir James Bagg, Governor of
Plymouth, requesting him to conduct to court " one of the commanders of Canada, attended by
some others of that countrie." Sagamore Segipt's appearance in London is, by the Rev. Joseph
Mead, iu a letter dated Christ College, 12th February 1630, thus described : —
" There camo lost week to London the king, queen, oiiJ young prince of New Scotland, which ia the
west part of that tract which was in the patent which Sir Fordinando Gorges had for Now England, but
he consented that Sir William Alexander, a Scot, should have a patent tlioroof from King Jnines, anno
1621, but to bo governed by the laws and depend upon the king of England. This king comes to be of
our king's religion, and to submit his kingdome to him, and to become his homage for the same, that he
may be protected against the French of Canada. Those savages arrived at Plymouth, wore a while
entertained at my Lord Poulot's in Somersetshire, much made of, especially my lady of the savage queen.
She came with her to the 'joach, when they were to come to London, put a chain about her neck, with a
diamond valueil by some at near .£20. The savages took all in good part, but for thanks or acknowledg-
ment made no sign or expression at all." ^
In the autumn of 1629, Claude de la Tour, the former Governor of Port Royal under the
the French, visited England. Introduced at court, he married, as his second wife, one of the
Queen's nmids of honour. On the 30th November he received a patent as a Baronet of New Scot-
land ; and on the payment of a sum of money," obtained from Sir William Alexander a grant of
territory, extending from the sea inland thirty or forty miles, a.'d reaching from the site of the
present Yarmouth north-easterly to Lunenburgh, comprising the ;^)reseut counties of Shelburne
and Queen's, and half the county of Lunenburgh. In accepting these lands. Sir Claude bound
himself to become a good and faithful subject of the British sovereign. With two ships
of war he sailed for New Scotland in May 1630, and landed at Cape Sable. To his son, Charles
de Sainct Estienne, who commanded the French garrison at Cape Sable, he bore a patent of
baronetcy, with a commission authorising his continuance in office, on his submitting to British
rule. Indignant at an offer which implied treachery to his own government, Sainct Estienne
rejected the proposal, and offered to defend the fort with his life. Returning to his ship, Sir
Claude again affectionately entreated his son to surrender him lelf. Meeting a second refusal. Sir
Claude landed his men. For two days he attacked the foi i, vigorously, but was compelled to
return to his ship. Throwing himself on the clemency of his son, he and his wife received per-
mission to reside in the neighbourhood, but were prohibited from entering the fort.*
> Birch's Court and Times of Charles I. Lend. 1849, vol. ii., p. 60.
* Sir John Scot of Scotstarvet alleges that " Sir William Alexaniler got a great sum of money from the King of France
to quit his interest in Nova Scotia." The report may have arisen from his receiving a boon from Claude de la Tuur, — (Scot's
"Staggering State," p. 76. Edin. 1872.)
> Ualiburton's Nova Scotia, vol. i., p. 45.
INTRODUCTION.
XXXtll
Inspired by Cnnlinal do Richelieu, the government of Fmnco resolved not to almndon La
Cadio to the Scottisli settlers. Accordingly, Monsieur do Chasteauneuf, the French aniluissador,
clnimed, on the Articles of April, an inmiediate surrender of tiie province of New Scotland. To
the English government ho, on the Ist February ICIJO, presented the following note:
"The Ambnsgador of Franco pmys his Miijosty of Gront Uritnin that ho mny ploai« to ordain and
consent to what hns boon promised and f^nintod by tho Articles of tho 23d April last, to Captain Querch
(Kirk) and Sir William Alexander, ond certain others, his subjects, who aro resident, or sholl hcrcofter
reside, in New France ; that they withdraw themselves therefrom, and rostoro into tho hands of those
whom it may please the King his Muster to send out, and who shall bo bearers of his commission, all
places and spots which they have occupied nnd inhabited since the last troubles, and, in particular, tho
fortress antl sottlomont of Quebec, Coast of Cajw IJroton, and l*ort Royal, tnkon and occupied ; to wit, tho
Fortress of Quebec by Captain Quorch, and tlio Coasts of Capo Hreton and Port Koyal by Sir Williom
Alexanders, tho Scots uobk-mon, since tho 23d April last. And that they restore them in tho sanio con-
dition OS they found them, without dismantling the fortifications, or destroying the foundations of tho
houses ; or carrying off any arms, munitions, merchandise, or chattels therefrom from such as were thoro
at the time of tho capture ; and that they sboll 1)0 boun Colonial Fkjien, p. 113.
• AcU Pari Scot., vol. v., pp. 208, 223, 224.
INTRODUCTION,
XXXV
" Immpdintoly about tho timo thnt Colnmhii* diRoouowHl tho Iulo of Cuha, Sobaiitinn Chftlwt, net out
from Knjjlnml by Heiirio Iho SevcTitli, did first disooiicr tho continent of Amnricft, lioginninf; at Xowfound-
land, and tliprcaftcr going to the Gulph of Canada, and from thence having scon Copo Itretton, all olong
tho coa«t of Florida : Ily which discouory his MajoBtio hath tho title to Virgijiio, Now England, New Soot-
land, as bcinr then first tliscouerod by Chalwt, ot the charge of tho King of Kngland.
"Tho ' .fncli after this, neglecting the knowledge they had thereafter by .Ta(iue8 Cartier, of tho TJivcr
of Canada as a cold climat, or, as it may bee, in regard it was clmlhmgod as fintt discovered by tho English,
Imning a great desire to possesso themselves in some port of Amorien, they planted first a Colony under tho
charge of Monsieur Villegagnon in Itrnsill, and another vndor the charge of Monsieur I^ndofSiore in Florida,
from both of whicli they wore exi>ellod by tho Spanianls.
" Then giving oner all hope of attempting anything that was Iwlonging to the Spaniards, ond pressing
by all meanes to h.iue some interest in America, notwithstanding that tho English (though thoy were not
able to possesso the whole at first) had possessed themselves of that Continent, tliscouorod by them, by a
Colonio in tho south part thereof, now called Virginia, and by another in tho north part thereof, now called
New England nnd New Scotland, i>lanted by Justice Poplmni. Tho French, in tho timo of Henry t^o
Fourth, under tho charge of Monsieur Poutrincourt, hauing seen all the coasts of New England and Now
Scotland, to both which parts they did then beginne to claim right ; thoy seated thomsolvos in Port Royall,
out of which, as soon as it was made known to tho English, they were displantcd by Sir Samuel Argall,
as hauing wrongfully intruded themselves within those bounds that did belong to this Crowne, both by
discouery and possession.
" The remainder o:' this French Collony, not hauing occasion to be transported to F'ranco, stayed in
the contrio. Yet thoy were neglected by tho State not owning them any more, and hartlly supplied in
that which was necessary for them by volontary aduenturers, who came to trade, in hojMj of their comodi-
ties, in exchange of what they bought : And during tho time of King James there wos no complaynt made
vpon Sir Somuel Argall for hauing displanted them, and they were now lately glad to demand that pro-
tection from his Majestic, which was not afforded them from any other. Whereby it may euidcntlye
appear that his Majostie's title was thought good ; otherwise it is likelio tho French King, if any wrong
had been done vnto him, would hauo sought to houo tho same repaired, either by treatio or otherwise.
But without making either any priuat complaynt, or yet doing any publick act against the same^ thoy
went next and seated themselves vpon the north side of tho River of Canada at Kibeck, a place whoreunto
the English, by a preceding title, might likewise have claimed right : But small notice was taken thereof,
till, during tho time of the lato warre, a Commission was given by his Afajestio to remove them from
thence, which was accordingly performed ; the place being tak3n a little after tho peace was concluded,
which, at that time, had not come to tho taker's knowledge ; and a Colonio of Scottish was planted ;it
Port Royall, which had never beene repossessed nor claimed by the French since they were first removed
from tho same.
" This businesso of Port Royall cannot be made lyablo to the Articles of tho Peace, seeing there
was no act of hostilitio coraitted therebyc; a collony oiioly beeing planted vpon his Majostie's owno
ground, acconling to a Patent granted by his Jfajostie's late dearo father and Majestio's selfe, having as
good a right thereto as to any part of that Continent : and both the patent and tho possession taken there-
ujion was in the timo of his Majestie's late dearo Father, as is sot down at length in tho voyages written
by Purclias. But neither by that possession, nor Iks the subsequent plantatioun, hath anything been taken
from the French, whereof they had any right at all, or yet any possession for tho time ; and what might
hauo bccne done, either before tho warre or since tho warre, without a breach of peace, cannot justly beo
complained vpon for beeing done at that timo.
" After that the Scottish Colonio was planted at Port Royall, they, and the French who dwelled there,
II
XXXVl
INTRODUCTIOr.
hauing met with tho Commanders of the Natives, culled by them Sngamoes, did make choice of one ot the
Cheefe of them, called Sagamo Segipt, to come, in name of the rest, to his Majestic for acknowledging of
his titio, and to become his Majestie's subjects, crouing only to bo protected by his Majestie against their
enemies : which demand of his was accepted by his Majestie, who did promise to protect them, as he
reported to the rest at his retume.
" Monsieur La Tour, who was cheif commander of the few Fionch then in tliat Countrie, beeing neglected
(as is sayd) by his own Countriumen, and finding his Majestie's title not so much as questioned, after their
beeing expelled from Port Eoyall, and the con.'ng in of tho Scottish necessary for his security, did, along
with the same Sagamo, offring and demanding the like, in the name of the French who live there ; so
that his Majestie hath a good right to New Scotland, by discouery, by possession of his Majestie's subjects,
by removing of tho French, who had seated themselves at Port Royall, and by Monsieur La Tour, Com-
mander of them there, his turning tenant, and by the voluntarie hauing tenents of the rest to his Majestie,
and that no obstacle might remaine, the very sauages, by their Commissioner, willingly oifring their
obedience vnto his Majestie ; so tliat his Majestie now is bound in honour to maintaine them, both in
regai of his subjects that hauo planted there vpon his warrant, and of the promises that he made to tho
Commissioner of the Natives that came to him from them, os he promised to the Commissioner of the
Natiues ; And as all the subjects of his Majestie's ancient Kingdome of Scotland did humbly entreat at
their last Conuention, as may appeare by a letter to his Mujostio from his Counsel to that effect." ^
When the Scottish Privy Council met to sanction the transmission of the documents, the
commissioner announced that, on the 4th September, the King had elevated him to the state and
dignity of Viscount of Stirling and Lord Alexander of Tullibody. Next followed an intimation
that his Majesty had constituted him Master of Requests for Scotland, with a salary from the
Exchequer of £200 sterling. The Council received the M'arrant, but gave no sanction that it
should pass the seals; consequently, on the 16th December his Majesty reported that he had
" filled up the grant with his own hand ;" and he also commanded that it should be " expede the
seal," and that the salary should be duly paid.
During his visit to Scotland, Lord Stirling sold, for £12,000 Scots, the lands and port of
Largs to Sir Thomas Boyd of Bonshaw, John Boyle of Kilburn, John Brisbane of Bishoptowu,
Piobert Boyd of Towerhill, and others."
The Scottish colonists at Port Eoyal, under the command of Sir William Alexander the
younger, built on the west side of Granville ILaven, nearly opposite to Goat Island, a coi>siderable
fort. Here they were joined by Sir Claude de la Tour, who retained his allegiance to the Liltish
Crown."
Leaving Sir George Home in charge of Port Pioyal, Sir William Alexander the younger, in
the autumn of 1G30, returned to Britain. On the 26th February 1631, he, along with Captain
Kertcli and others, described as " adventurers in the Company of Canada," presented a memorial
to the English Admiralty, praying that the masters of The Whale and other ships of the port
of London might be restrained from proceeding to Canadian ports. By the advice of Lord
Dorchester the prayer was granted. On the 19lh April a royal warrant was issued to Lord
> Colonial Papers, p. 119. • Eeg. of Deeds, vol. xlvi.
* Holibu. 'ton's Nova Scotia, vol. i., \. 45.
INTRO D UCTION.
xxxvu
Ochiltree, Sir Peirce Crosbie, and Sir Ai-chibald Acheson, Baronets, and Sir Walter Crosbie,
Knight, empowering them to plant a colony " nearer unto the River of Canada." On the 29th
April the Scottish Piivy Council were assured by royal letter that the plantation of New Scotland
was still an object of solicitude, and were invited to elect members of their own body to join in
the enterprise. On the otli May followed another missive, intimating that the King was prepared
to grant baronetcies to those aiding the new colony, commissioners being specially appointed to
receive from Lord Stirling resignations of land in New Scotland, and to grant infeftment in
the same.
On the 10th July 1631, Lord Stirling was charged to abandon Port Koyal in the following
missive: —
i " Charles R.
^ " Bight, &c. — WTieras ther is a finall agreement made betwixt wa and our good brother the French
^ king, and that, amongst other particulariteis for perfecting heirof, we have condescended that Port Royall
J shalbe putt in the estate it was befoi the beginning of the late warre, that no pairtie may haue any
<| advantage ther dureing the continuance of the same, and without derogation to any preceiding right or
' title be vertew of any thing done, other then, or to be done, by the docing of that which we command at
_; this tyme: It is our will and pleasur, and we command yow heirby, that, with all possible diligence, yow
give ordour to Sir George Home, Knyclit, or any vther haveing chorge from yow ther, to demolisch the
Fort which wos builded by your Sone ther, and to remove all the people, goods, ordinance, munition,
cattel, and vther things belonging vnto that Colonic, leaveing the houndis altogidder waist and unpeopled
as it was at the tyme when your said Sone landed first to plant ther, by vertew of our Commbsion, and
this yow faill not to doe, as yow wilbe answerable vnto ws.
"Gbebswich, 10 Jm/^/ 1631."
A vacillating policy supervened. On the 12th July the King informed the Scottish Privy
Council that he would maintain the colony. In a royal letter he assured the Couiicil that he
was far "from quyting [his] title to New Scotland and Canada," that he would "manteane all his
good subjects who plant themselffis there, and lett none of the Barroneta any way be prejudged
in the honour and privileges couteynit in ther Patents."
As commanded by his Majesty, the Privy Council issued a proclamation assuring his
Majesty's loyal subjects, more especially the Baronets, that " so farre from quitting his title to
New Scotland and Canada," his Majesty " will be verie careful! to maintean all his good subjects
who doe plant thamesellis there." This proclamation wa^ issued from Holyroodhouse on the 28th
July, and on the same day two other manifestoes on the srme subject were despatched from the
palace of Greenwich. The first, a Latin document, entitled " Pro Eege Gallorum," is of the
following purport : —
" Charles, by the groce of God King of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, and Defender of the
Faith, &c., to all whom those presents may concern, greeting. Since we have judged it good and right
and just, that now at length peace and amity being recently concluded bolweun us and the most Christion
King, our very dear brother, should resume their former influence and sway ; and so that all controversies
and difiicultios which hitherto, from time to time, have divided our kingdoms and subjects, being now
made up and conclude(i, should, by a mutual reconciliation, be abolished and put wholly aside by both
xxxviii INTRODUCTION.
parties, to which end, we, among other conditions offered on our part, do agree to make evacuation of the
fortalice or castle and settlement of the Eoyal Port, commonly known as Port Royal, in New Scotland,
which, during the height of the late war, by virtue of a warrant or commission under the seal of the King
of Scotland, had been captured and occupied aa a place already abandoned ; and that, moreover, without
any prejudice to the right or title of us, or our subjects, in time to come. We, offering the guarantee of
our royal word and promise in this matter against reasons or objections to be brought forward or urged
against it whatever, by these presents do declare, and on the faith of our royal word promise that we will
undertake, cause, and effect, that, by our subjects dwelling in the said fortalice or castle and settlement of
the Eoyal Haven, commonly called Port Royal, whether they reside or dwell there as soldiers of the
garrison or colonists or iiihabitpnts, the said fortalice or castle and settlement of Port Royall shall be
forthwith abandoned and relinquished, and also all their weapons, machines, provisions, cattle, goods, and
chattels therefrom transported, immediately and as soon as letters declaring this our will and decree shall
be shown and read unto them by deputies or commissioners, who shall bring the same from the most
Christian King our brother ; opportunity being given of sending thither and returning thence : In witness
whereof, we will to sign and confirm these our letters by our own hand, and the Great Seal of our Kingdom
of Scotland. — Given from our Palace of Greenwich, the 28 day of the month of July, a.d. 1631, and of
our reign the seventh." *
Another royal missive in connection with New Scotland affairs informed the Scottish Privy-
Council that the Earl of Haddington and twelve others were appointed commissioners, " for the
better furtherance and advancement of the plantation." Negotiations continued til', by the
treaty of St. Germain-en-laye, subscribed on the 29th March 1632, the entire t€rr''*^ov New
Scotland was formally ceded to the French. The tliii-d article of the treaty proceeded thus : —
" On the part of his Jfajesty the King of Great Britain, the said Lord Ambassador, in virtue of the
power he has, which will be inserted at the end of these presents, has promised, and promises, for and
in the name of his said Majesty, to give up and restore all the places occupied in New France, Acadia,
and Canada, by subjects of his Majesty the King of Great Britain ; and to cause all such to withdraw
from the said places. And to this end, the said Lord Ambassador will deliver, after the confirmation and
signature of these presents, to the Commissioners of the most Christian King, in due foi-m, the power
which he holds from his Majesty the King of Great Britain for the restoration of the said places, together
with the commands of his said Majesty to all who hold command in Port Royal, Fort Quebec, and Cape
Breton ; that the settlements and forts aforesaid be surrendered and restored unto the hands of such as
it shall please his most Christian Majesty to order," &c.
In consideration of his further loss by the surrender of the colony, Lord Stirling had his
girnt of £6000 increased to £10,000, a royal warrant for payment of the larger sum being
directed to the Exchequer. That warrant was accompanied by a royal letter to the Privj
Council, in which, on the 19th February 1632, the King gave pledge that the grant was " noway ib
for quyting the title, ryght, or possession of New Scotland, or of any part thereof, bot onlie for
the satisfaction of the losses that tlie said Viscount hath by giveing ordour for renioveing of liis
Colony at our express command, for performeing of ane Article of the Treaty betwixt the French
and ws, and We are so far from abandoneing of that business as We doe heirbye reqyre yow and
everie one of yow to affoord your be!»t help and encouragement for furthering of the same, cheiflie
> Bcgister, p. 547.
INTRODUCTION.
xxxix
, oulie for
in perswading such to be Baronets as are in ^ualitie fitt for that dignitie, and come befor yow to
seek for favour from W8." ^ ^^^; i ■ - . ■/•
By Sir William Alexander, late Deputy-Governor of New Scotland, was, on the 16th June,
submitted to the King the following note : — .,
" A Minute of some points considerable for his Majestie's service in regard of the French tlieir
possessing of New Scotland at this time.
" The possessing of it by the French immedaitelie vpon the late Treatie, though it bee not warranted
by the Treatie, if some speidie acte do not disproue it, will bo held to be authorised by it.
" The French pretend title to Virginia and New England, as may appcare by their patent graunted
to the Canada Corapanie of all Nona Francia from Florida to the North Pole, To be found in Mercure
Franfoise, anno 1627, which tytle may hereafter proue dangerous for hb Ma*'" subjects in these pairts, if
the French become stronge in New Scotland.
" It is evident that the French haue a design more than ordinarie heroin, for besides their plantacion
in Canada, for the which there is a reason apparent in the benefite of trade, they haue this yeare sent 300
men to New Scotland, where no present benefite can possiblie redound to them in proportioun to the
charge they are at, and are the next yeare, as I am crediblie informed, to sett out ten shippes with
planters, those that are interested in it haueing bound themselues to a yearlio supplie of a great nomber of
planters, which is a certane proofe of some end greater than aney person's expectation of proffeit can
encourage them into.
" This their future expectation, in my judgement, most consist in the use of wood for building of
shippes, and for haueing all materials requisite for shipping, such as pitch, tarr, and roset, which are there
in abundance ; yron oare hath been lykeways formerlie discouerod by the French themselues.
" The building of shippes there, and the imployment of them in fishing, wliich aboundes vpon that
coast, especiallie Salt, being to be made by the Sunne aa in France, lykelie to tend infinitely to the increase
of shipping and of mariners, which apparentlie is the designe of the French : besides, that if the French doe
once in a public and generall way enter to ixi'a on that coast, it cannot but vndo the English trade, that
is, by fisheinge, since the French haue Salt at an easier rate than the English, but more if they make salt
in the countrie, which I am confident they may doe.
" If his Mnjestie shall be pleased to appoint some whom he shall thinke fitt for considering these
things, and the like that may be proponed, there may perchance some thing bo found expedient to be
done either now or I'. Colonial P*pen, p. 162,
■(
1; ■
1 ■
1';
xl INTRODUCTION.
whom it concemeth so much in credit to be affectioned to the progres of it as these of your
number for justefieing the groundis of our princelie favours, which yow have receaved by a most
honorabill and generous way, we haue thoght fitt to direct the bearer heirof, Sir William
Alexander, Kny*, vnto yow, who hath bene ane actor in the former proceidingis, and hath sene
the cuntrie, and knowen the commoditeis therof, who will communicat vnto yow such proposi-
tions as may best serve for making the right vse lieircfter of a plautatione and trade in these
boundis for encouraging such as shall adventure therein."
Unable to effect a settlement on the land. Lord Stirling joined a cause whereby he obtained
an occupancy of the ocean. In 1629 was established a joint stock company for conducting the
business of fishing on the west coast of Scotland, with headquarters at the Lewis. The company
employed 200 vessels, varying from 30 to 50 tons burden, and conducted a considerable trade.
With the company Lord Stirling became acq".ainted consequent on being, in 1 623 and previously,
defender in an action raised against him by certain citizens of Lubeck, respecting a vessel
belonging to them captured on the Scottish coast, and which had been assigned him as a prize
by the Commissioners of Marine. Offering his services to the company, he obtained for them
letters patent, and wus named one of the twelve members of council. * At his suggestion the
King issued in the ii ei- sts of the company a proclamation restraining the killing, dressing, and
eating flesh in Lent, or on fish days appointed by law.* But the company experienced an
embarrassing opposition from the islanders and others, and their affairs did not prosper.
In the midst of his public avocations Lord Stirling found leisure for literary pursuits.
Subsequent to the death of the poet Drayton, which took place on the 23d December 1631, he
received from William Drummond of Hawthorden the following letter : —
"The death of JI[ichaelJ Drayton, your great freind, hath beene very greeuous to all those wliich lo 'e
the Muses heere ; cheeflie that hee should haue left this world before lie had perfected the northern part
of his Polyolbion : that it brake off that noble worke, of the northern part of tlie Polyolbion wliich had
beene no litle honour to our coimtry. All wee can doe to him is to honour his memorj'e. If your
L[ordship] can get those fragments, remaines of his worke wliich conccrrie Scotland, wee shall endeauour
to put them in this country to the presse, with a dedication, if it shall be thoght expedient, to your L.,
with the best remembrances his loue to this country did descrun. Of all the good race of Poets who wrot
in the tyme of Queen Elizabeth, your L. now alone remaines.
"Daniel, Syluester, King James, Done (Donne), and now Drayton, who, besides his louo and kindlye
obscruance of your L., hath made twice honourable mention in his Workes of your L., long since in his
Odes, and latclie in Flcgies, 1637 :
" ' So Scotland sent us lather for our owen
That man whoBe name I euer would bane knowen,
To Btand by niyne, that most ingenious Knight,
My Alexandeii, to whom ':i his right
I want extieamlie ; yet in s[K>aking thus
I doe just show the loue that was twixt vs.
And not his numbers, that wer braue and hie,
So like his Mind was his cleare Poesie,'
' Acta Pari. Scot, vol. v., p. 239.
• Eymer's "Foedera," 1626, voL xviiL, foL 822.
INTRODUCTION.
xU
" If the date of a Picture of his be just, he Imth liued three score and eight yeeres, but shall Hue by
all likelihood so long as men speake English after his death. I, who n^uer saw liiin, saue by hia letters
and poesie, scarce beleive hee is yet dead ; and would fain misbelieue veritye, if it were possible."
While nominally consulting Lord Stirling in reference to his metrical version of the Psalms,
James VI. does not appear to have accepted his suggestions. At the King's death, versions of
thirty -one Psalms only were found in his repositories, all of which were unsuited for congregational
singing. This fact was suppressed, in the belief that a new version, put forth in the name of the
deceased sovereign, migiit obtain ready acceptance. Accordingly, on the 25th August 1626, his
Majesty informed Archbishop Spotswood of St. Andrews that " his deare father, of famous and
eternall memorie," had composed a new translation of the Psalms, and requested the Primate
to nominate " some of the most learned divynes " to associate themselves with Sir William
Alexander " to revewing the meeter and poesie thairof." By the Archbishop this letter passed
without notice, and tlie matter remained in abeyance, till towards the close of 1627 appeared
in print Lord Stirling's translation, while on the 28th December the author was by the Attorney-
General allowed the sole right of publishing it in England for the period of twenty-one yeara
under the title of " The Psalms of David, translated by King James."
Eequested to certify as to the suitableness for public worship of the new version. Archbishop
Spotswood maintained silence. Nor did the English Primate or bench of Bishops recognise the
new version by expressing a word. But Lord Stirling persevered. Before Midsummer 1631
his Psalm-Book was issued in the two forms of octavo and duodecimo from the press of William
Turner, printer to the University of Oxford. On the title-page were inscribed these words
of palpable fiction — ''■ The Psalmes of King David, translated by King James," while on the next
page the King certified that " his late deare father was the actual author." By a letter, issued on
the 14th June 1631, Charles commanded the archbishops and bishops to allow the new version
to be sung in schools as " a perpetual monument to his father's memorie."
Contemporaneously with tiie publication of the Psalm-book, Lord Stirling obtained an office
of emolument. He war constituted a Lord of Session, and in two days thereafter the Treasurer
Depute was informed that the duties of the office must be fultilled during his absence without
any diminution of his emolument. During the same month the King's Advocate was instructed
so to negotiate that Mr. Walter Neisch (Lord Stirling's nephew) might be forthwith admitted as
usher of tlie Exchequer. *
The death by the hands of ai. oUi of the Duke of Buckingham, which took place on
the 23d August 1628, had removed the last obstacle to the secretary's ascendancy at Court. In
a letter to the Earl of Menteith, President of the Privy Council, dated 1st September, he writes,
" The Duke's death hath bred a greate change in this court, but, praised be God, I hope for tlie
better." And to the same correspondent he, in a private communication, addresses these words :
" Be as careful for me at home as I am for you here, that I may be able, as I am affectionat, to
• RcKister, pp. 544, 546, 547.
/
1 1'l"'^
5
■
^m
xlii
INTRODUCTION.
serve your Lordship."* From this period steadily proceeded the advancement of his house. On
the 7tli November 1628 hi? second son, Anthony Alexander, who had studied architecture
abroad, was conjoined with James Murray of Kilbaberton as Master of Works, and on the
9th January 1634 the partners • were appointed royal surveyors with a salary of £12,000
Scots. Anthony was on the 3d July 1634 initiated in the rites of masonry in the Lodge of
Mary's Chapel, and through this connection was chosen General Warden of "the Master
Tradesmen of Scotland," an association for securing the rights and privileges of its members.
He received one-half of the entrants' fees, and a portion of the penalties.' Against his
appointment as Master of Works, a complaint had been lodged by Sir William Sinclair of
Koslin, who asserted that the office tended to interfere with his privileges as Master Mason
of Scotland. Though not wholly ignoring the Baron of Roslin's claim, Charles, in a missive
dated 27th February 1635, requested the Commissioners of Exchequer to expede Sir Anthony's
appointment.
On Lord Stirling's recommendation the Scottish Privy Council petitioned the King to
issue a small copper coin for the convenience of the people. Accordingly, his Majesty, on
the 30th June 1631, gave commission to "Nicholas Briot," chief graver to the English Mint,
to prepare dies and other instruments necessary for coining copper farthings, and to send
them under direction of Viscount Stirling to the Mint at Edinburgh, and also to repair thither
personally to establish and superintend the works." On the 10th July, Charles directed
the Treasurer of Scotland to pay to Lord Stirling a royalty on the coinage. As no royalty
was forthcoming, the King, on the 13th of December, informed the Privy Council that he
had abandoned the project of issuing farthings, and commanded that coins of three different
denominations should be struck in their stead. The result of this new arrangement will
appear subsequently.
During the months of autumn Lord Stirling resided at Menstry. As commissioner to the
Parliament, the Treasiirer Depute was, on 28th July 1631, required to defray the expenses of his
visit to Scotland during that year and the preceding. The King also gave command that his
expenses in Scotland should be paid so long as he was engaged in the public service.
When, in 1631, Lord Stirling was rai.sed to the dignity of Viscount, it became essential that,
like others of his order, he should possess an heraldic escutcheon, and it was also of no
inconsiderable importance that he should, as the recognised chief of his sept, bear supporters
to his anus. Accordingly, some weeks before his patent of nobility was prepared, he invited
to his residence at Menstry Archibald Alexander of Tarbert, the actual chief of Mac Alexander.
On the 10th August 1631* they were together elected burgesses of Stirling. Similar courtesies
» Red Book of Menteith, by William Fraeer, Edin., 1880 ; 2 vols. 4to, i. 314-15 ; ii. 92.
• History of the Lmlge of Edinburnh, by D. Murray Lyon, Edin. 1873, 4to, pp. 70-87. Sir Anthony Alexander
was in Novenibt;r 1635 knighted at Whitehall.
' Briiit '.viis the most expert coin engraver of the period. Originally connected with the French Mint, he left it in
1028, and, repairing to England, was appointed to his important office. He wag the first artist in Great Britaia who
exhibited a coin carved with letters upan the edge.
' Stirling Burgh Records.
INTRODUCTION.
xliii
were by the new peer extended to his relatives at Edinburgh and Leith, also to the enterprising
skippers, Eobeit and David Alexander, of Anstruther, who were in 1632 constituted members
of the Fishery Board. Accepted as their chief by the
members of his sept, both in the east and west, Sir
James Balfour, Lyon King of Arms, was, in a royal
letter dated at Newmarket 13tli March 1632, instructed
" to mar^hall his coate armour, allowing it to him
quartered with the armes of clan AUaster, who hath
acknowledged him for chief of their familie." This
royal letter was accompanied with a draft of the
proposed grant, while the Lyon King was charged
to embody in the escutcheon the arms of New Scotland.
The coat of arms is described thus : — " Alexander, Earle
off Stirline, Lord Alexander of Cannada, &c., bairyeth
quarterlie: First, parted per pale arg. and sable, a
chiveron with a croisunt in bass counterchanged for
his paternall coat Secondlie, or, a lumfad raes in croce sable betuixt thrie croce croslet
gules by the name of ^^[Alexander] ; the tlirid as the second ; the fourt as the first. Over
all ane Inscutcheon with tlie armes of Nova Scotia, viz., arg. a crop- azur with the armes
of Scotland; aboue the scheild his comital crounet; upon the same, his helme and mantle guls
doubled ermine. For his creist, on a wreath arg. sable, a bever proper. For supporters a
Savaidge and a Marmaid, combe in hand. His motto. Per mare per terras." *
A mansion befitting his rank was Lord Stirling's next project. He had already rebuilt or
enlarged the family residence at Menstry, which, even as a ruin, presents a massive and not
inelegant aspect. Inclosing a quad-
rangular court, it is entered by a
handsome arcliway. Around are
gardens and orchards, and the situa-
tion, at the base of the heath-clad
Ocliils, is romantic and beautiful.
But Lord Stirling felt that, as a peer
and the King's connnissioner, he
ought to possess a lordly dwelling,
while his title suggested its erection
in the town whence it was derived.
The designing of the new structure was entrusted to his son Anthony, who, in October 1632, was
admitted a burgess of Stirling." There ho selected as a site for the contemplated mansion a
spot immediately adjoining the decorated structure of Mar's Work and the entrance to the
^''■^^:;^^S'J^ ^^r
' MS. in Lyon OflBce.
• Stirling Burgh Records.
'•m
f . .,1
. t "II
::liv
INTRODUCTIO!^.
castle, where on every side the view is alike extensive and beautiful. North-west the
horizon is bounded by the crests of the giynntic Grampians. To the north-east are the
massive Ochils, guarding a plain diversified with crags, sylvan-clad mansions, and the winding
Forth. To the south are the picturesque battlefields of Falkirk and Bannockburn, the latter
indelibly associated with the national liberties. On the south-west are the verdant slopes of
the Touch and Lennox Hills. V
On a site so favoured Anthony Alexander had abundant scope for the exercise of his skill.
He proved equal to his task by designing an
edifice of graceful and elegant proportions.
A square structure, with two projecting
wings, the back and front display a series
of dormer windows, with a profuse distribu-
tion of semi-classic mouldings. The baron's
hall, occupying a portion of the second
floor, is a lofty apartment, panelled with
oak, and provided with an elegantly sculp-
tured chimney-piece richly gilt. The stair-
case exhibits a massive balustrade of carved
oak. In the centre of the front wall, over
the entrance porch, an elegant sculpture, also entire, represents the owner's arms.
As the building of the mansion was proceeded with, money was urgently required. Lord
Stirling lost no opportunity in securing it. On the 19th July 1632 the King instructed his
Attorney-General to prepare a warrant re-granting to Lord Stirling the power of preserving a
register of natives of Scotland resident in India, with authority to charge the duty of one shilling per
pound on the moveable estate of all who there died. His Lordship obtained other grants. Anne
Nasmyth, daughter of the late John Nasmyth, chirurgeon to the late King, being on the eve of
her marriage, was, as an heiress, bound to pay into the Exchequer certain dues of " ward,
nonentrie, and marriage." These by a royal warrant were, on the 12th October 1632, transferred
to Lord Stirling. Francis, second Earl of Buccleuch, was a minor. In December 1633 Lord
Stirling obtained a grant of his feudal wardship. On the 27tli February 1635, the King, " with a
princely respect . . . and care for the good and religious breiding " of the young Earl, desired
Archbishop Spotswood to associate with Lord Stirling in his guardianship "aney tuo of the
Earl's most speciall freinds and kinsmen."
Tliougli the New Scotland scheme was still advocated both by Lord Stirling ani his eldest
son, baronetcies in connection with the enterprise ceased to be in demand. Lord Stirling now
suggested that the area of honour should be extended. Accordingly, on the 24th April 1633,
was published a royal letter, in which the Commissioners for the Plantation of New Scotland
were informed that loyal subjects in England and Ireland might obtain baronetcies in
connection with the colony without extra fees. The King also assured the Commissioners that,
INTRODUCTION.
xlv
notwithstanding liis arrangement with the French king, he had not abandoned possession of
New Scotland, but would carry on the plantatiou " by compleiting of the intendit number of
Knight Barronetts, as other wayes."
Both in Scotland and Ireland the new movement was unpopular. The Irish Court of
Chancery was moved to deprive Lord Stirling of his lands in Ulster, under the plea that he
had not fulfilled the conditions of his grant by planting his lands with Scottish or English
settlors ; * while an Irishman who was created a baronet was, by the authorities in Scotia", i,
subjected to insult. This was Peirs Corsbie, a member of the Irish Privy Council, whose
patent was stopped by the Chancellor of Scotland, on account of his being an associate of Lord
Ochiltree, who, for falsely accusing the Marquis of Hamilton of high treason, had forfeited his
patent and been subjected to imprisonment. Subsequently Corsbie received his patent through a
royal order, while in March 1633 he was pi-omised the royal protection.*
When, on the 14th June 1633, Charles was crowned at Holyrood, Lord Stirling was
advanced to the dignity of an Earl, with the additional title of Viscount Canada. In his former
patent he had been careful in the limitation to provide that the peerage might, in the lapse
of heirs-male of his body, yet continue to be enjoyed by his race. The Viscountship was granted
"sibi et hereiUbus suis masculis cognomen et arma de Alexander gerentibus." In the patent
for the Earldom, the succession was equally extended, the words of limitation being "sibi
suisque heredibus masculis in perpetuum." ' His elevation to the peerage was by the
poet William Habington commemorated thus : —
" The Laurell doth your reverend temples wreath
As aptly now, as when your youth did breath
Those tragicke raptures, which your name shall save
From the black edict of a tyrant grave.
Nor shall your day ere set, till the sunne shall
From the blind Heavens like a cinder fall ;
And all the elements intend their strife.
To ruine what they fram'd ; then your fame's life,
When desp'rate time lies gasping, shall expire,
Attended by the world, i' th' general fire.
Fame hngthens thus her selfe ; and I, to tread
Your steps to glory, search among the dead,
Where vertue lies cbscur'd, that as I give
Life to her tombe, I, spight of time, may live.
Now I resolve, in triumph of my verse.
To bring great Talbot from that f orren * hearse,
» The Court held that " Henry Duff O'Connellan, a mere Irishman, hath inhabited upon one quarter of the town of
MulUIigliese, granted to Sir William Alexander, Knt. , by letters patent, said quarter being undertaker's land, and contrary
to the conditions" (Inquisitionum Cancellariae Hibeniise Repertorium, 1633),
> Register, p. 654. • Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. liil 135 ; liv. 135. . .;-.-.
* John Talbot, Earl cf Shrewsbury, was killed at the battle of Bordeaux, and buried at Rouen.
w
! 1 I
xlvi
TNTRODUCTION.
" Which yet doth to her fright his dust enclose ;
Then to sing Herbert,* who so glorious rose
With the fourth Edward, that his faith doth shino
Yet in the faith of noblest Pembroke's line.
Sometimes my swelling spirits I prepare
To apeak the mighty Percy, neerest heire
In merits as in blood, to Charles the great ;
Then Barbie's worth and greatness to repeat,
Or Morley's honour, or Monteaglo's fame.
Whose valour lives eternized in his name ;
But while I think to sing these of my blood,
And my Caatara's, Love's unruly flood
Breaks in, and beares away whatever standes
Built by my busie Fancy on the sands." *
The Earl added to the family estate. Ou the 12th July 1634 he received, under the Great
Seal, a charter of the lands of Tillicoultry, " including the lands of Balhart, Drumny, Schanniet,
Cosnachtane, Columsdanache, with the mill of Cairntown, and others," which formerly belonged
to James, Lord Colville of Culross — the whole lands, with the town of Tillicoultry, being erected
into a burgh of barony, to be held of the King on the annual payment of £55 Scots.*
By a royal letter, dated 18th October 1633, the Privy Council were enjoined to satisfy
Lord Stirling and his " creditors " as to his claims on " the copper money." As this grant of
the coinage yielded no substantial profit, appeals were fruitless. But Lord Stirling, whose affairs
were becoming desperate, determined not to abandon his efforts to profit by the undertaking.
Obtaining for John Alexander, his fourth son, the office of General of the Mint, he recalled the
copper farthing, and issued in its place a coin of the same weight, which was made to pass as of
the value of two farthings. The new coins were called tamers,
probably from the French Toui-nois, signifying the tenth of
a penny sterling. The turner was obnoxious to the common
people.
As the coinage now yielded a substantial profit, Lord Stirling
proposed to acquire further benefit by mining and smelting
the ore. The Earl of Melrose being induced to resign the
office of Master of Metals, John Alexander was, on the 20tli August 1G35, appointed his
successor.* About the same time Lord Stirling's third son was elected agent at court for
the Convention of Burghs. The appointment was granted in recognition of service which the
members for Glasgow felt had by the Earl been rendered to their university. For in 1617 he liad
by his influence at >. our^ secured to Glasgow College payment of a legacy of £6000 Scots,
bequeathed to it by Michael Wilson, a Scottish schoolmaster resident in England, an act on
account of which he was already celebrated by a public inscription.'
> William Herbert, Earl of Pembroke, s firm adherent of the House of York.
' Habington's "Castara," 1634, 8to, p. 233. • Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. liv.. No. 68.
♦ Eeg. Mag. Sig., lib. iv. ; Paper Register, p. 260. • History of Glargow, ISV" 8vo, p. 622.
B
INTRODUCTION.
xlvii
'-"■•i
On the llth May 1633, Lord Stirling's eldest son obtained a royal patent granting liim the
right of trading in wool and skins in all countries adjacent to the River and GuU of Canada, for a
period of thirty-one years, and on the 28th day of the following June his own privileges in
relation to New Scotland were confirmed by Parliament.* As there was only a remote hope of
his being refunded his colonial expenditure, for which he had obtained a warrant for £10,000, he
sought to secure further possessions in Transatlantic regions. At his instance a royal letter was,
on the 5th January 1G35, addressed to Sir Ferdinand Gorges, of the Council of New England,
requesting his attendance at court, that there he might afford counsel respecting colonial aflairs.*
On the 29th day of the same month, the Commissioners for Plantations, including Sir Ferdinand,
met at London, when the Earl of Stirling and Lord Alexander were admitted councillors and
patentees of the New England Company. After certain negotiations, the Council of New England
ftranted to Lord Alexander " that part of the mainland in New England, from St. Croix, adjoirang
New Scotland, along the sea coast to Pemaquid, and so up the river to the Keuebaymeut of iin|K>rt duties.
%.
Ivi
INTRODUCTION.
was first in order, it would be met with an ample monetary return. As a preparatory step, he
explained that personally he must be secured in a certain bounty. So on the 20th of May 1626
he accepted from liis friend ' a bond for 3000 merks, with a further sum of £300 as an
allowance for costs. All being clear, the Koyal Commissioners, at a meeting at Whitehall,
held three days later, had submitted to them a proposal tliat the Laird of Craigie should, in
acknowledgment of his surrender, be paid 4000 merks yearly from the customs. That sum the
Commissioners deemed excessive, but they were willing that the King be recommended to grant
" twentie thowsand pundis scotts " in one payment. Tliis amount the Commissioners held
should be granted to the Laird, " less as pryce for his office than as a gift," in considei'ution that
among his predecessors was " ane William Wallace, for his singular valour in defence of the
kingdom so deservedly renouned." The pat' otic suggestion no doubt emanated from the
Secretary. Further proceedings are detailed in the Register. What the Commissioners recom-
mended was fully sanctioned ; but withal the Secretary did not venture to order payment of the
entire grant. In a royal letter dated the 2d June it was restricted to £10,000, which the Earl
of Mar, as Treasurer, was commanded to discharge. Hugh Wallace, in the autumn of 1629,
proceeded to London, and on the 17th November the King, at the Secretary's instance, instructed
the Commissioners of Exchequer to pay hipi tlie full amount voted, while, nine days later, the
Secretary accepted from him a further bond for 3000 merks, with an additional sum as
expenses. On the 8th December the Commissioners of Exchequer were strongly requested to
make pfiyment in consideration of the services of the Laird's illustrious ancestor, and inasmuch
that he was " burdened with debt." There was no response, and when Lord Stirling's own affairs
had in 1631 become considerably involved, he, in order to provide security for his debts,
registered Wallace's bonds. Royal letters were addressed to the officers of the Exchequer in
May and November 1634, pleading on tJie Laird's behalf. He was dubbed a knight, but got
nothing more. When Lord Stirling's affairs became desperate. Sir Hugh Wallace's bonds were
appropriated by his creditors.*
It was one of the King's pleas for revocation that he had intended better to endow the
Scottish Church. In a letter to the Privy Council, dated 8th February 1627, he refers to " the
great encrease of Papists," and to " tlie insolencie of their carriage ; " and while notifying his
desire " rather to winne their soulls than ruyn ther estates," he intimates that all who accepted
marriage or baptism at the hands of Romish priests, would by his High Commissioners be put in
ward, and otherwise punished.
Tlie clergy were not satisfied, for the King's disregard of truth, his political tergiversation,
and his despotic policy might not be readily disguised. A deputation of their number, including
several bishops, attended at court, and there made entreaty that the patrimony of the Church
' Hugh Wallace's stepmother was Lady Elizabeth Douglas, daughter of D id, seventh Earl of Angus ; T^ord
Stirling's eldest son, Viscount Alexander, espoused Lady Margaret Douglas, a <1' «r of William, eleventh Earl of
Angus, and first Marquis of Douglas.
' Memorials of the Earl of Stirling, i., 182-183.
m
^
INTRODUCTION,
Ivii
of
might be saved from confiscation. Unwilling to incur the risk of ecclesiastical censure,
Charles, on the 18th May 1627, despatched to the north two letters. In one of these, addressed
to the archbishops and bishops, he indulged the reproof that "it becometh churchmen rather
to judge charitably than to be suspitious;" he tlien assured them that the Commissioners
to whom the teind aflairs had been intrusted were " persones of gooerous and munificent
Edinburgh citizen.
a
Ix
INTRODUCTION.
^X
of High Constable, apprehending that it would interfere with the High Constables of the
city, Charles, with his own hand, assured them that they should " have no wrong." Such a
conciliatory policy was needful at a period when on the good offices of the Town Council
of the capital, the King depended alike for a Parlinment House and a place of deposit
for the national muniments. On the 6th October 1G33 he begged the Town Council to protride
" a fair and large house of two or three rooms, near the College of Justice, to which the records
and registers of the kingdom might be transferred from the castle."
To those who disapprove the use of academical degrees conferred by foreign colleges, an
arbitrary proceeding of Charles I. will not be unacceptable. On the recommendation of a Dr.
Seaton, the University of St. Andrews had conferred on Mr. Bostock, an Englishman, " the
degree of doctorat." Informed of the occurrence, probably by Archbishop Spotswood, Charles,
in a letter dated 13th May 1634, censured the university, and charged the members forthwith
to proceed with the " degraduating " both of Seaton and Bostock.
There are allusions to the coal trade. On the 13th December 1615 was ordered a survey of
the " coaleheughes," in order to discover whether license should be granted for the exportation of
coal. Consequent on the inquiry, Charles, on the 2d June 1626, sanctioned the exportation of
coal, on payment of double the ordinary duty. The royal order being unheeded, the Privy Council
was, on the 15th June 1628, reproved for allowing coal and salt to be exported without an impost.
At the same time the King ordained that export duties should be applied for maintaining a
naval armament upon the coast. On the 7th February 1634 Charles recommended the Council
that, as coal exported from the English mines paid a duty of 12$. 4d. sterling per chalder,* a
duty of 6s. should be imposed on a like quantity of coal exported from Scotland.
For foreign services there were frequent levies. Of these the greater number were intended
for the army of Christian IV. of Denmark. On the 3d March 1626, Charles invited the
Privy Council to grant a commission to Sir Donald Mackay " to levy and transport " 2000 men
for the King of Denmark's army, under Count Mansfelt. And on the 20th March 1628,
Archibald, Lord Lome, " as the most eminent person in the isles and northern parts," was
invited to raise troops for embarkation to Denmark. On the 20th April 1630 Charles required
the Council to assist Lord Gordon in levying a company of 2000 footmen for the service of
Louis XIIL of France, and on the 28th March 1633 he empowered Sir John Hepburn to recruit
1200 men in the same cause. Levies were also allowed on behalf of the Czar of Muscovy, the
general of whose " foreign forces " was Sir Alexander Leslie, afterwards Earl of Leven.
In the Eegister warrants for the payment of grants and pensions are frequent. Tliese are
addressed to the Privy Council, the High Treasurer, the Treasurer of Marine, the Commissioners
of Exchequer, and others. But of all these money orders probably not one was paid. Even
the pension granted to the King's nurse was unsatisfied. Some drafts on the Exchequer, super-
scribed by the King, were intended only +o gratify tlie recipients by checking their importunity.
In reality the national revenue of the reign never exceeded in a single year a sum equal to
' A ch.ilder of coal consists of thirty-six bushels.
INTRODUCTION.
u
£140,000 of sterling money. On the 14th June 1G34 Charles appointed Commissioners, including
Lord Stirling, to enquire into " the unnecessary burdens." Certain changes supervened, but the
arrangements might not salutarily affect the national exchequer.
Lord Stirling's Register is comprehended in three folio volumes. Of these the most con-
siderable in extent, and most important in character, is preserved in the General Register House.
On the opening page it is inscribed " Registerium Annor: 1G2G, 1627, 1628, 1629, 1630, 1631.
S' William Alexander. Omnia suni hominnm tenui pendentia JUo." Embracing 620 pages, the
entries between the 26th January 1626 and the 3d July 1627 are in the handwriting of the
Earl's amanuensis, Alexander Alexander; his caligraphy reappearing on the 20th December
1630, and continuing till the Slst December 1631, when the volume terminates. Another
hand is employed in the period intervening between the 3d July 1627 and the 20th December
1630, in which the misspelling of Scottish names would point to a southern origin. Not impro-
bably, the writer was that James Philp, whom "the Chancellor, President, and remanent Lords of
Counsall and Session" were, in a royal letter dated 23d October 162G, required to examine and
admit as a Notary Public, and who, as " a servand to Sir William Alexander," is described as
" having applyed his mynd and studies those divers years bypast to the wryting and formeing
of diverse securiteis and writts." This volume of the Register was by William Trumbull of East
Hampstead, great-great-grandson of Lord Stirling, presented in 1759 to Major William Alexander,
the American claimant of the title. In a letter to Major Alexander, Mr. Trumbull describes it as
"a book of Sir William Alexander's correspondence while he was a Secretary of State for
Scotland." • The volume, which was probably sent to London, to be used in the House of ImtAs in
connection with Major Alexander's claim, came into the hands of Mr. John Caley, who, in May
1792, presented it to Mr. Thomas Astle, the well-known archaeologist, by whom, as an inscrip-
tion bears, it was in December 1793 granted for preservation to Lord Frederick Campbell, the
Lord Clerk Register. The two other volumes of the Register, which are preserved in the
Advocates' Library, fell into the possession of Alexander Alexander, Lord Stirling's relative and
principal amanuensis, and after his death became tlie property of the distinguished antiquary
Sir James Balfour. One is entitled " Letters of K. Clmrles touching the Exchequer ; or rather,
Secretary Alexander his Register of Letters." It comprehends styles of addresses to titled
persons and public officials, also royal letters dated at intervals from the 26th January 1626 to
the 24th June 1635. Tlie other volume, a folio of larger size, and styled " Secretary Alexander
his Register," bears on the title-page " 31 Denmylne," being Sir James Balfour's library press
mark. From ptige 1 to 192 there are letters dating from the 26th January 1626 to the 8th July
1627, while from page 193 to page 204 are letters dating from 22d January 1615 to the 20th
February 1616 Undated styles and some unimportant letters occupy the succeeding folios.
Among these is a license to Lord Ross, subscribed by Sir William Alexander, authorising him or
his servant to transport from England to Scotland arms consisting of " thirtye complect corslettes,
twenty muskettis, with their bandelieris and restis, two hundred wciglit of powder, two hundred
weight of match, thirty pickis, and thirty lether beltis for his owne vse."
(i
■'S
* Duer's " Life of Major-Geneni Willum Alexander, Earl of Stirling," p. 42.
1 '. ' '!
hi
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Ixii
INTRODUCTION.
Among the miscellaneous entries is tlie fuUowing sonnet, evidently composed by Lord
Stirling on r'narles's return from Spain in 1623, after his expedition there under the proiwsal of
marrying tlie Infanta : — . ., - . t ..*«
The Ciprinn'a smyloing, led our prince to Spnyno, . ' •• • •
• ' ■ ■ Ilor Inmband's lightning welooinos him a^;aine ; i : .
Lovo was but ho]x)d for in a furrayne pairt,
He finds it burning hocre in every lioart. _ *
As rovdlls strange would wosto the worlil away, '
Weo burned the night, and huavon drowu'd the day.
Juno and Vonus onoly frowno a space,
Tiiat Pallas now preferred of both takis place.
This day, like duonicsday, flanieing all with fyre,
To judge of secreots, too, will needs aspire ;
What hopes and fcares, did vpon it depend,
Which now dispayro or contidonce must end.
But how comes this, that clouds ecclipse the sphearos ;
Those showres, vnlesse of joy, can not be tcares ;
The heavens, I think, of our hu(igo fyres affray'd,
Their violence in ty mo by raine have it stayed. » ■
Among various entries relating to personal and household uffairs, Alexander Alexander
records the happy event of his obtaining an office of which he had long been an expectant. He
writes — "The 21st of November 1G38 his Majestie signed my signature for the Masery." Now,
it appeal's from the Eegister he had been recommended to the Privy Council "for the first
vacking ofBco of maesavio" some time prior to the 24th July 1G30, wlien an expresfon of the
royal will to this effect was emphatically renewed. His claims were further urged in a royal
letter dated the 18th May 1632. He enjoyed his advancement about eight years; his will is
dated 7th April 1646.
In making a transcription for the press, the only course practicable was to present each
document precisely as it appeared in the Register. The transcriber, Mr. William J. Aimebs,
merits the commendation due to abundant skill, unflinching perseverance, and punctilious
accuracy.
For most important aid in revising the proof sheets, the Rev. Walteii Macleod is entitled
to our grateful acknowledgments. Tlie index, of which the preparation is due to his painstaking
care and diligence, will be found to embrace all the names and subjects which occur in the
Register.
REGISTER OF ROYAL LETTERS.
§
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^ ' 'I
REGISTER OF ROYAL LETTERS.
To THE COUNSELL.
Eight trustie and welboloued Cosen and Connsellour, and others, our right trwsty and welbeloued
Cosens and Counselloure, &c. — Whereas wee are informed by the B. of the Isles that certaine seditious and
euill disposed persones haue by crafty and indirect nicanes procured and entertayned this late trouble of
Isles, trafficking with them to that effect, as the said Bischope offers himself to justifie befor yow : There-
for our pleasure is, that yow cause cite and conveene before yow all such as are law byd'ng, whom he will
accuse for the cause forsaid ; and if there be any others that are alreadie fugitive, or not answeareable to
our lawes, that yow grant a Commission for apprehending them ; and if any of the Rebells happen to be
taken alyue (which wee would wishe to be the rather for that cause), let them be confronted before yow
with them for the better clearing of that mater ; lykwise because it is complayned vnto vs by the said
Bischope that sindrie lands belongeing vnto him are conveighed away vnder the colour of other temporall
lands, to the prejudice of the Church : Our will is, that in tyme coroeing all signatures which passe con-
cerning such Irish lands be examined, that the like be not done hereafter to harme the said Bischoprick,
which wee nowise intend. So recomending this to your care, wee, &c. — Newmarkott, 22 Januar 1615.
To THE Ahchbishope OF St. Andkois.
Eight reuorend father in God, right trusty and welbelnued Counsellour, wee greet, &c. — Whereas it is
complained to vs by M' James Staton, Minister at Logie, that by reasone of the meanosse of his stipend,
now of late without cause diminished, he nor no honest [man] is able to serue any longer there, but hath
already purchast letters of transportation, that he may goe to some other parte, so that the said Church is
likely to remayne altogether desolate, without it be in tyme prevented : Wherfor, out of that earnest care
which we haue eucr had to haue the Churches of that our kingdome well planted, our pleasure is, that
after due triall taken of the estate of the said Church, if it be found as is alleadged, that all ordinario mcanes
be vsed whereby it may be most conveniently provided, whereby yow shall doe vs an acceptable seruice. —
So, not doubting of your diligence, we bidd, &c. — Newmarket, the 22 Januar 1615.
HI
» 1
To thb Archbishop op St. Androis.
Eight Eeuerend father in God, right trusty and welbeloued Counsellour. — Tlie father of this bearer,
M' James Rind, being diseased \n such maner as is not unknowen to yow, becanje a humble suittor vnto
vs ; that in respect his said father had left a distressed widow and many pooro children vnprovidod for, heo
might bo admitted to hi'- '-*,hei.''8 place, that so he might bi. a meane to keep his mother, brother, and
sisters from the tjxtremitio of necessitic ; and seing the place which his father had ia alreadie disposed of
*t'
a REGISTER OF ROYAL LETTERS.
to another, and that the young man him selff is sufficientlio qualified, so as if the respect to his mother and
brethren metved him not, heo would not goe out of this countrey : Wee haue therfore thought good to
require yow to present him to the first competent liveing which shall fall to be vacant in your province ;
which noti doubting that yow wiU performo accordinglie, woe bidd, &c. — Whitehall, the 24 Februar 1615.
To THE COUNSELL AND CoLLEDGE OF Ju8TICE.
Eight, &c. — Wliereas we haue vnderstoode that there are sundrie rents and commodities due to
Patrick, I!, of Eosse, by his prouision to the said bishoprick, vnjustlie detayned from him, as hee alledges,
for the recovering whereof ho is constrained to sue his partyes before yow, whereby, bcsids his great
paynes and charges, he is distracted from attending his calling in the Church, farr from our intention, who
would haue him peaceablie to enjoy the benefite of that which wee huue bestowed vpon him, that he may
be the more able to attend his charge : Therfor our pleasure is, that in all such actiones as conceme him
in this kind, yow administer justice with as speedie a dispatche as the course of our lawes can conveniently
permitt; wherein exspecting the vttermost of your cndoauours, wee, &c. — Newmarkett, the 15 of
March 1615.
Direction to the CoUedge of Justice.
To our right trustie and right walbeloued Cosan and Counsellour the Earle of Dumfermeling, our
Chancellour, and to the remanet Senatours of our Colledge of Justice of our kingdome of Scotland.
Direction to the Counsell.
To our right trusty and right walbeloued Cosan and Counsellour the Earle of Dumfermeling, our
Chancellour of Scotland, and to our right trusty and welbeloued Counsellours, the remanent Lords of our
Frivie Counsell of the said kingdome.
To THE DKPUTT ThESAURER.
Trasty and welbeloued Counsellour, &o. — Haveing beared by James Gardner, M' Cannonser of our
Castle of Stirling, that there are some moneyes duo by vs vnto him four ^eares past befor year entrie, as
he olfers him selff to justifie, and because of his late imployment in Orknay, where wee heare, in
dischargeing his place he did good soruice : Our pleasure is, that after triall, haveing informed your selff
of the particular sowmo which is due vnto him, that yow presentlio pay it, wee being the ratli"r willing to
gratifie him in this in reguard of his seruice forsaid. So exspecting your performance, wee, &c. — ^Whitehall,
the 11 of Aprill 1615.
To THE Lords of Session.
Eight trusty and welbeloued Cousins and Counsellours, &c. — Whereas Eobert Dawson, being spoyled
by piratts and reduced to great distresso, hath heaviely lamented his case vnto vs, showoing with all that if
he could haue any little delay or favour from his Creditoura, ho hopes by his Industrie agane to recover his
estate and disclmrdgo his debts : Therfor our pleasure is, that haueing compassion for his estate, yow grant
him all the privilcdgcs and fauour that the course of our lawes can convenicntlie permitt, that ho may bn
the bettor enabled for prosecuteing his honest endcauors. So recommending this to your charitable
consideration, wee bidd you hartlie farewell. — Whitehall, the 11 of ApriU 1616, -
REGISTER OF ROYAL LETTERS.
To THE MaUQUISSB OF HuNTLY.
Right trusty and welbeloued Cosen and Counsellour, &c. — Whereas vpon a complaint made vnto vs
by Jhon Leyth of Harthill vpon George Lesley of Oldcraig for the slauchtcr of his sonne, wee ■wore pleased
to write vnto yow, as Sheriff of that parte, for apprehending the said George, wlio remaynes a Kebell at
our home ; yet wee are informed tliat notwithstanding of this he haunts ordinarely the bounds within
your charge, and is not as yet appreliended : Therefore wee command yow, as yow would continue sheriff,
to faile not to doe the duetie that belongs to the place, and apprehend the said George tliat he may be
presented to Justice, otherwise wee will think that yow neglect oiur seruice ; and if in the meanetyme Jhon
Leyth or any of his be hurt in their person or goods by the said George, who, as wee heare, threatens them,
wee will blame yow as accessarie therevnto, by omitting your charge, whereanent wee desire to be certefied
bak from your selff. So hopeing that yow will haue a more reguard to our service, wee bidd yow farewell.
—Whitehall, the 11 of AprUe 1615.
To THE Secretary of Scotland.
Eight trusty and welbeloued Cosen and Counsellour — Whereas we haue giuen a Commission to Sir
W" Alexander, knyght, our M' of Eequests to vs for oiur kingdome of Scotland, for caujeing apprehend
all those idle and vagrant persones, who comeing from thence thither, by their misbehauiour heere do
both trouble vs and discredite their countroy : Lyk as wee entertayne an officer of purpose vnder the
said Sir William Alexander, either to punish them heere or to send them home, as shalbe thought most
expedient, because it is to be suspected that such as are sent away (as the preests ordinarly doe) may
returne priviely bak agane, whereby the labour wilbe infinite, and this order not efFectuall : Our pleasure
is, that a proclamation be made, dischargcuig all maner of persones from resorting out of Scotland to this
our kingdome, vulesse it be gentlemen of good qualitio, mcrchands for traf&que, or such as sliall haue a
speciall licence from our Counsell of that kingdome, with expresse prohibition to all masters of Shippea
that they transport no such persones as ar abouespecifeit, certefeing them that if they doe in the contrarie
they shalbe punished. So recommending to your care that the most convenient course bo taken for this
effect, we bidd, &c.— Whitehall, the 11 of Aprdl 1615.
To THE Provest and Batuffes of Edinburgh.
r
if
lis
it
Trusty, &c. — Wlioreas wee haue giuen Commission to Sir W™ Alexander, kny*, for causeing
apprehend all those iu. and vagrant persones, who comeing from thence thither, by their misl)ehauiour
111 ere do both trouble vs and discredite their countrey ; like as wee entertayne an officer of purpose
vndiT the said Sir W" Alexander, either to punish them heere or send them homo, as shalbe thought
most |)edient, because it is to bo susjMict that such as are sent away, as the preests ordinarely doe, may
return, privily bak againe, whereby the labour wilbe infinite, and this order not effectuall : Our
plea8u^ •, that you receaue from the M' of the ship who brings homo any persone of this sort who
shall happen to be recommended vnto you by the said Sir William, and that yow committ him to safo
custodio till he find surety, such as he is able to giuo, that ho rctumo not bak againe, or otherwise that yee
enlarge him upon the best conditioues ye can. Lykwise our pleasure is, that you cause haue a care that
in Leith no ship from thence transport any such peraoues thither, wherein yow will doe us au acceptable
seruice, «Ssc. — Whitehall, the 11 of Aprill 1615.
■tii*
REGISTER OF ROYAL LETTERS.
To THE COUNSELL.
Right, &c. — Wee haue vnderatootle of the misbehauiour of M''kintosh towards his landslonl, the
Earle of Murray, and also of your proceedings against him for the same, wherein as wee doe verie well
allow of your provident caro for the quietnesse of that our kingdomo, so wee need not at this tymo to
insist in rcquireing yow to obaorue the like onler whensoeuer the like occasion shall offerne. But
because the eyes of verie manye are open vpon the issue of that matter, and for that your behauiour in
each particularitie thereof wUbo verie narrowlie obsoruod and drawn vnto example in tymo comeing, wee
haue thought good by these presents to require yow (besids all other penalties which we shall think fitt
to bo surrogated vpoun him) not to set the said M'kintosh at libertio till he shall exhibit before yow all
such his partakers, as for their enormities, being summonded with him, compeared not, or at least that
he find caution to oxhibite them. Secondly, that you tak sufficient caution of him that neither bee nor
any in his name shall convocat or subonie any of the said Earle his tcnnentu in prejudice of their Landlord,
but that hee surcease from all kind of midleing with them in tymo comeing. Thirdly, that, according to
the contents of the genorall bond, yec cause him be answearcable for all bis freinds and followers, and
generallie for the whole Clanchattan. And lastly, that yow cause liim find caution vndor the payne of
great pecuniall soumes that hee shall personallio compearo where and whensoeuer hee shall vpon any
occasion bo cited to come before yow. These heeds being duoly obserued, wee perswado our self that no
violent possessour whosoeuer will presume vpon his example, or vpon hope of impiinitie, to det.iyno any
lands from the just proprietars without some cullour of law ; whorovnto willing yow carefully to advert,
wee bidd, &c.— WhitehaU, the 11 oi" Aprill 1615,
To THE Ahchbishop OF Glasoow and Eemanent Bishopks.
Right reuerend father in God, Reuerend fathers in God, and others our welbeloued prelats, &c. —
Whereas it is complained vnto vs by M' Alex' Innes, minister, showeing how hee hath beene oxceedinglie
wronged by the Bishope of Murray, being both deprived by him of his benefice, which hee had acquired
with difficultie, and whereby hee should haue liued, and being likwise porsued of his life, and kept in
continuall trouble by his meanes, a thing which wee would haue thought should nouer haue beene
committed by any of your nomber, whoso j)owors should protect men from the injuries of others :
Therfor our pleasure is, that after exact triall of this mater yow cause repaire the said complenar, satisfeing
him for the damage and skayth which hee hath sustained by meanes of tho said Bishop, that wee be no
more troubled with his complaint, tho scandalo tliat arrises from such an cnormitio being removed, whereof
yow shall do vs acceptable seruice. — Greeuewich, the 26 of May 1615.
To the Commissioneks.
Right, &c. — Whereas it is complained to vs by Walter Grahame, sometymo of Netherbec, that there
are sundrio debts due vnto him by Cuthbort Curvin and John Edyar, whereof hee can haue no payment,
and can hardlie by reason of his age and inhabilitie prosecute the course of law ; Therfor our pleasure is,
that yow vso all the meanes that can justlie 1)0 vsed by vortue of your commission for furthering of him,
chargcing tho saids pcrsones to answero before yow, and if they will not compearo, that yow cause our
guard apprehend them, that thej' may bo imprisoned till they satisfie that which acconling to equitie is
by yow decerned : Likwise because the said Walter Grahame and Ricluird Grahame, his sonne, may not
REGISTER OF ROYAL LETTERS. S
live in the border where they were borne by reason of the course that we haue taken for the transplanting
of all their sort, our j)k'asuro is, that they haue libcrtic to liuo in any place of that our kingdonio, it being
as fiirr distant from the lUver of Esk as shall scemo expedient to yow, from whence wee will haiio them
altogether secluded sune, whom by your special! licence, without prejudice for the order taken for pacifeeing
those parts, they must repaire thither to sue that which is duo vnto them, and that a warrant bo grauutcd
for this effect, &c. — Greeuvich, the 26 of May 1615.
To THE COUNSELL.
Eight, (fee. — Ilaueing roceaued ■\ humble supplication from the Lord Ochiltrie and his sonno makoing
mention where the said Lord, being to retire himself to liue in Ireland, and desiroiiig exceedinglie that his
place and estate in Scotland may continue with the auncient familie for benefite and other reguards, hath
made choice of Sir James Stewart of Killeith, knight, heo and his sonno being as it were dcaiH'inl vpoun iiiicy vflicr tlu^n vpoii wh. 'I'lmt tlii! Hiiid tcyiid
may no lon),'(T be, hh tlmy lmv(^ Imim licirtofoir, the ciuiho of blood, o]>|)rfHMioiiiH, ciiinictciH, mid of inforco
dopondiuicoH, iiiul many tynios by vntymclio tcyndinj? a moancH to mine thu stok, to the j;n'at damiiago of
tliii whole kin^domi', Wo have the morn willin^'lio, nccordinn an Hnndrie of our royiill progenitouris have
fonnerlie done, made oiir Itevoeation of late not to wrong nnoy of our Hubjectw, nor to (jiieMtion aney laniliH,
toyndia, jmilFoits, or priviledges whatsoouer, save such a«, belonging to the antient patrinionio of our Crown,
or annexed and fallin thervnto, or belonging to the Chureli, ar, without any ju«t eau«e or lawfull forme,
convoyed from tlie same, to tlio detriemcnt tliairof, and against eouHcienco, and may be lawfullie reeovorod.
And lutt tliis breed no torrour nor scruplo in the myndis of our subjects that wo doo not rehearse in everio
article of our revocation ; That we doo onlio revok such things named heirin as being disposed of to tlio hurt
and di^trimcnt of our Crown, without conscience against the lawis of (mr rcalmo, becaus tliat lieing mentionat
in the begining as it was in our lato father's revocation, it should ho as weill vndttrstiide in the itsat,
which wo doe doelair by these presents to be as valido as if it wore ]>artieularlio exprest in everio
particular article. Nor /.it lat any grudge at this that wo revock in everio article what was done by our
prodicessoris in manor forsaid, wher our lato royal! fathi^r, being long minour, extending his revocation for
the most part no further then his owin minoritie, wlierin ho feared most harmo dureing the tymo of his
Regents, docth it hot in some few articles whorin ho did think himsellF speciallie damnifoid by his
j)redice88ors, becaus we not comeing to the Crown in our minoritie, anil so not havoing hurt the patrimunie
thairof, our selH' behoved, for tlie keiping of our niynll prerogative, to rovok what our iiredicessors had
done to the hurt of the .same, which we might lawfullie doo, siiung it is acknowledged by the Esteats of
parliament in the begining of our said father's revocation, that he might revock what was done by his
predicessoi's in thor tymo, to the hurt and detriment of the Crown, soull and conscience, aganes the lawes of
our rcalmo ; I.ykas our snitl father did revock wluit was done by liis mother, Queno Mary, and in sindrio
articles of his revocation what was done by his predicessors ; Queue Mary did revock what was dono by
liir father, King James the fyft, and ho wliat was done by liis father to tho hurt of the Crown. And
sieing, amongst many otlier great charges necessarie for the jirescnt, we ar to sett out tuo thousand men by
sea for the defence of that our kingdome, whervpoun wo ar to bestow all the taxatioun granted at tho last
conventioun, besydis all other helpis that we can have from sucli as ar generouslie disposed and Weill
affected to our service : So lykwayos, that we may have less cause to burden our subjects, when that which
vnjustlie withlioldiu from oxir patrimonie is restored, and when our rovenewis ar woill governed, AVe
have appoynted Commissioners to concurro with our Thesaurer and deputie thcsaurer for managoing of
our rents and ndeing of our Excheker as haveing charge thorin : And further, haveing a care that justice
may be dowlie administrod, considering what inconvenicntes have occurred since tho session was changed
from the esteat wherin first it was establisched. We have resolved with all possible diligence to reformo it
as noir as wo can according to tho first institution, by making choyse of grave, learned men to be judges
therin, who may seriouslio apply thcmselfFis thervnto, no sossioner being a Counsellour, nor no privie
Coun-sellour being vpon the sessioun, save onlio the four extraordinario Lordis as they war first
intendit to assist and remark the proceidings of the rest, so therby avoyding that forme confounding tho
counsell and session togidder, which of them seltiis ar distinct Judicatries : And that all such of our
subjects as compleano vpon anoy lieavio greevanco may have the meanes in Justice to be roleived. We
have appoynteil commissionoris for that purpois, with power to huar and judge of thor complayntis, and
thairefter to tak such ortlour as may stand by law for releiveing of them, and punisching tho ofTonders.
And though we had conceaved the.se thingis in our judgment to be necessarie for the good of our kingdome,
REGISTER OF ROYAI. LETTERS.
1.5
and for our particular l)cnoflt«!, zit wmiM wo not procoiil thcriii till wo had nont of purpoiH for tlio clioill"
otliccris anil Rome coiincullouriH of that onr kinKdotius and had heard all olijuotioniH that couhl Ihi made
to tho pontmriti, havoin^' di'liatt'd thn Hanm at Ii'iith, which divl the more iniiflnnn wk in our lirst resolution .
And siein^ our onlie cam in all the^ic our proceidiuKH Ih for the ^{ood of our Huhjecln, whidi wc t we think will rather absolutulio quyt tho same or willinglic nmiovo
tlicniselHis ♦ill the matter bo decydit by such commissioners ns wo shall mnk choyse of to hoar and
dotermyue therin : And in the nionne tymo, till thv.t bo done, we have nuido choyse of others, as may
appear by ther general'. ])rosentations, to sujiplie Wwx places ; and as for the other sessionors who ar nathor
noblemen nor otlicers of esteat, pruvydeing they (piyt all former right or pretence, ( )ur i)leasur in, that
yow delyuer vnto them our new i)resentation8 to ther former places, which yow shall receive hoirwith,
nnd taking ther onthes for deAV obedience to ws, and fnythfuU administratioun of Justice, admitt them
agane, and cans nno act to bo made nnd insert in tho Sederunt lijok, beiring tho day of ther admission,
and that they did acknowledge ther former rights to be voyd by the dcnth of our Into dear father, and
therfor tliil tak new jiresentations from ws, which yow shall caii:^ particularlie to l)o recorded in tho said
act : And if any jiersone, allier nobleman or utlicer of estate, or ordinnrie sessioner, standing to ther former
titles, will not willinglio reiucve themselffis, command them to do it in our name, till tho cans above
specifeit be onlourlie tryed ; and thairof ter, when this is done, and such otiier admitted as wo have recom-
mendit vnto vacant places, that Justice •'^ithcut any delay may bo dewlie pdministred : Our fi.rther
))I"i'sur is, yow witli the other senatoura of i,;ir raid Colledge of Justice doe mak choyse of a I'resident,
and for that purpois being woill informed of the sutKciencio and long experience of Sir James Skene,
knyeht. fur the dischargeing of the said jilace, A\%! have tl\oglit good by these presents to recommend
him . nto yow to be made choyse n'. which we hope wilbe as willinglio oboye.il at our desyre as it was by
preferring of vthers in our lato deal father's tyme, whom ho reconnnoudit in tho lyk ninner : And if
these things cannot bo done in dew tyme, we desyre yow to prorogate tho sitting of the session till tho
first day of March nixtocuui, that tha samyne be convenientlio j)erformed. So referring further trust to
William Scliaw, gentilmnn of Our privie Chalmer, which he h to delyver, according to the Instructions
he hath from ws. and recommend'ng the prosecuteing of this earuestlie to your caro, We bid, &c. —
WhUhali, Ja-- ;'0, 1G [26].
REGISTER OF ROYAL LETTERS.
»S
Presentation for the old Sehsioners.
To THB ViCE-ClIANCELLOUR.
Itiglit tnistio and wcilbolbolovit Couniii and Counsellour, "Wo greet yow well. — For as much as by
the death of our late dear father, the whole phices of the session ar vacant in our hand, and at our gift
and ((isposition, whorns it is recjuisit fur administration of Justice that pi^rsones of good learning, know-
ledge, and experience Ini provy
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tailzeour, all borne within our kiiigdomo of Scotland, that thay may be denisons within our kingdome of
England, We are well pleased to grant this ther requeist ; And therfoir have thoght good by these presents
to requyre yow to cans our letters patents to be drawin vp to everie ano of then, to that effect, and that
yow putt our great seall thairvntc. In which behalf these presents shalbe vnto yow a sufficient warrand.
— Wlrthall, 9 March 1<)26.
Sir Thomas Coventrey, Kny*, L[ord] Keeper of our great seall of England.
To THE Eklk of Monthoise.
Eight, &c. — Haveing bene informed of your sufficiencie and good affection to our ser^dce, whairof
yow have sindrie tymes givin piooff in our late dear father's tyme, wo have made choyco of yow, as of one
jvhome we especiallie respect, to be president of our privie Counsall of that our kingdome, and to bo one
vpoun the remanent commissions wi.>ich we have directed to be proclamed ther : And therfor we desyre
that yo.v should dispoise of your selff to be readio to attend our service, which, thogh it may prove
chargeable to yow in abstmcting yow from your other affaires, we will recomponce in such sort as your
careage shall deserve, so that yow shall have no cans to repent yow of your paines therin ; ffor we would
not imploy yow thus if we had not conceived a go'xl opinion of yow, and had ane intention to doe you
good. And so expecting your vttermost endevour for this service, wo bid, &c. — "Whythall, 15 March 1626.
To the CoUNSAMi.
Eight, &c. — ^Wheros being to establish our privie Counsall of that our kingdome, for the more
decencie and ordour we have thoght fitt to appoynt one to be president therof ; and being weill informed
of the sufficiencie and good affection to our service of our, &c the Erie of Montroise, our pleadur is that
yow admitt him president of the samyne, and that ho enjoy all the dignitio and privUedges belonging
therevnto, taking place at all tymes immediatlie efter our thesaurer, the dignitie of whois place was in the
lyk manor establisched in our late dear father's tyme. And so recommending this vnto your care, wo bid,
&c.— Whythall, 15 March 1626.
To THE Session.
Eight, &c. — Wlioreas out of the eniest desjre that we have alwyso had for the furthering of Justice,
and to avoyd deiayes, we wer pleased that yow should requy.'e M"" James Oliphant to compeir as our Advocat
in the cans depending betwixt the E of Mar and L. Elphingstoun, as he had formerlio done ; yet calling
to mynd how our late dear father (in regaird of his owin interest) did wryt vnto yow heirtofoir that he
might be made acquaintit with all the progress of that action, and that yow should sie the Marqueis of
Hamilton, the Erles of Angus [and] Nithsdaill, sufficientlie secured from any liarme that might come to
them by the success of the said action, &c. &c. — Whitehall, 17 March 1626.
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To THE EULE OF AfVZIE.
Eight, &c. — Wnderstanding that t)\ero is place in the gendarmes (whereof yo^ haue charge from the
frensh king) voyd and at your disposition. Wo liauo thought good to recommend vnto yow Thomas Edgar,
whom wo understand to bo a gent, weel boron, and fitt for that place. Therefor wo desyre yow to admitt
him to tho same ; which wee will take as a epeciall pleasure doen vnto vs. So, &c. — Whitehall, 20
Marche 1626.
REGISTER OF ROYAL LETTERS.
To THE Session.
a?
Eight, &c. — Wheras we are informed that ther was a signature procured from ws in favours of the
Commissar of Brechin of the office of Thesaurarie of that toim, whervnto (as wo ar lywayes informed since)
our trustie and wcilbeloved Sir David Levingstoun of Donypace, knyght baronet, and gentlmaa of our
privie chahner, hath vndoubted right, as haveing the presenting of officers to have charge in the said office,
his predicessours haveing bene in vse to doe the same ihese many yeres bypast : And we, being vnwilling
to wrong any man in his just and lawfull right, our pleasure is, that yow, notwithstanding of the signature
so procured, yow tak the samyne into your consideration, and therefter (finding the same to be as he
alledgeth), that yow procoid as yow shall find the equitie thairof in justice to requyre. Which recom-
mending to your earnest coi-e, We bid, &c. — Whythall, 24 March 1626.
To THE Lord Privie Sealu
Trustie and weilbeloved Counsellour, We. &c. — Haveing at the desyre of our wcilbeloved Sir Patrik
Cokburne renewed your gift of the office of privie Seall ther, and being informed that yow, vpoun our
request and that of our late dear father, promised to secure him ane of your narrest kinsmen of his succeid-
ing to yow in the estate of all your landis, failzeing of hey res-male of your owin bodie, We are well pleased
to renew our former requeist to this purpois, and to desyre yow with all expedition to pass thrugh the
sealls that Infeftment wheieof the procuratorie of resignation signed by yow doeth remane in the custodie
of the Erie of Lawdcr.laill, and who hath direction from ws to signiiie vnto yow our further pleasur concome-
ing the same. So not doubting of your reedines to pleasur ws heirin, We bid, &c. — Whythall, 24
March 1626.
A Letter to the Advocat.
Trustie anl weilbeloved Counsellour, We, &o. — Wheras our right trustie and weilbel ved Cousen and
Counsellour the Erie of Murray hath vndertaken to prosecute some matters for the furthering of our service
ther, wherein it is requisit that he should proceid by dew advyse, and speciallie that which concerneth the
legall prcceiding therein : Therfoir our pleasur is, that yow giue vnto him your best advyse and furtherance in
whatsumever he shall communicat vnto yow, and therefter that yow certifio bak vnto ws what is fitt to be
done for the better enabling of him to this purpois. So we bid, &c. — Whythall, 24 March 1626.
To the Commissioners of the Exchequer.
Eight, &c. — Haveing by our pror.lamation gevin dew notice of our just and royall intention concerneing
the Eevocation intendit by ws of late not therby to wrong any of our subjects, but to procoid therin
according to the right and priviledgo of our most royall ancestours, in so far as may not bo contrarie to the
Lawis of that kingdome : Therfor, till we have further resolved of the course that we intend to hold
therin, our pleasur is, that yow have a spcciall care that no signature pass wheroy in any manor of way
we may be prejudged in our said Eevocation. Which earnestlie reco Jimending vnto your spcciall care, we
bid yow farewoill.— Whythall, 24 March 1626.
To THE ChANCELLOUR.
Eight trustie, &c. — Wheras we wer weill pleased to give ordour formerlie, by our letter from
Salusbery, that the accompts of our last taxatioun levyed be our right trustie, &c. the Erie of M.t and his
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deputeis might bo hoard, so now since this that is prosentlio gevin is to bo levyod, considering how
necessario it is that we should first vndorstand the trow esteat of the last taxatioun, and how it was
disposed of, and what further thairof we may expect : Our plcasur is, that with as much diligence as
possiblie can be vsed, yow and such others as we have appoynted to concarro with yow, receave from the
said erle his acc^^npts of the said taxatioun, and haveing heard the samyne, that yow acquant ws therwitu,
that by conferring the one with the other we may the better vndorstand what course is to be takin with
this that is in iiand ; and so assureing our self! that this wilbe done without delay, Wo bid, ferred vnto them, yet wo havo thoght litt to tiik particular notice of yow, and tho mther bocnus it
would seanie that yow, not knowing or mistaking our intention in a nuitter so much concerneing our
ri>yull jirerogative for tho furthering of so noble a work, did seik to hinder the same : Thoifor our plcosur
is, that yow with diligence cmbroco tho said dignitie, and pcrformo the conditions na others doo, or that
yow expect to be heard no more iu that purpois, nor that yow compleane no more heireftcr of others to bo
preferred vnto yow. So not sents ar to ivquyre yow to pass tho said .signatur, and to jHTforme the lyk conditions as others doo,
or vtherwayes doo not compleane heirefter of the precedencio of others, whom we will the rather pre-
ferr that by tho enibraccing of the said dignitie they be careful! to further so worthie a work as dooth
depend thervpoun, and as it is a nixt stejipo to a further title, so we will cstcame of it acconlinglio :
Thus willing yow to ccrtefio bak your resolution heirin, with all diligence, to Sir William Alexiuider, our
secretarie, who will acquaint ws therwith, we bid yow, &c. — WhythiUl, 24 March 162C.
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A Precept to tiil: Tiikhaubku Dbpdtv.
In roj;artlo, as wc ar iiifonncd, of the custoino kcipit by our lato dwir faUiu', of woiUiio memorie, to
linvo soniu Imiicka bro}{Ut vnto him from tlio tiorthenio parts of tliat our kiiiK
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or quo de son bnttcau, marclmniliees, habillemcnts ot autrea clioses, ou compensation equivnlento en argent,
ou mison sufficionto suit nionstrco du contrairo Car nous cntendons quo cost do nos ontMiiios et non point
de nos auliji'ots quil faut fairo Iwutin, ot en autre ou scmblable occasion vous resouteroB los effects do nostra
gratification Eoynlle. Do noatro palais do Whitehall lo 26"" Mars 1626.
To TDK COLLEDOB OF JUSTICE.
Right truatio and woilbelovod, We, &c. — Wheras wo wer fomierlio pleased to give ordour for
distinguiscliini,' the kirks of tho toun of Edinburgh, and that overie parosch should koip the kirk within
the pr(!cinct allotted thervnto, from which course (haveing otiiorwyso takin a good effect) yow onlio, as we
ar informed, plead inimunitie : And sieing this good ordour so vsuallie observed in all civill tounes and
commonwealtliia, wo coidd hardlio beleivo that yow couhl bo averse and refractorio to the same : Therfoir
our pleasur is, that yow call befor yow tlio rest of your number, with the advocatts, wrj-tors, and
otheris memberis of that our Colledgo of Justice, and both by your owin oxemplo and famileis,
yow mcett, and by our authoritio in our name yow n>quyro them that they and thor famileis from hence-
furth resort to tho paroch kirk wlier they have tlier residence, and that they vndorgoo the discipline and
government of tho same, contributeing as others doo to tlie niantenance of those who have tho caro
thairof, according to tho ordour to bo and which is prescryved to that touu : But if at anoy tynie lieirefter
yow of the said Colledge sliall build a cliurch among your selffis, and bestow a compitent meanos vpon
a minister and vMiers members thairof, then wo think it verio good reasono that yow should bo exempted
from that wImcIi we requyro yow to doe. So expecting that yow will contribute all things that may tend
to the furtherance of our pleasur in this, whorvpoun the tranquillitio of tho Church there docth so much
depend, We bid yow farewell. — Whythall, last of March 1626.
To THE COUNSELL.
Eight, &c. — According to our late dear father's intention for m.iking Glenalmond a frie forrest,
haveing to that effect made choyse of yow to surweigh tho boiindis therof, we wer pleased to signifie our
pleasur for satistieing of such persones who, pretending interest thorin, did freelio submitt thor right vnto
ws. Now, to tho end that this our rcsolutioun may tak tho moro speedio effect in regard of the present
spring, l)eing the fittest seasono of the yeir for storoing tho said forrest with dear, and being sorie that our
said father's intentioun and ouris to this purpois hath takin so slow a course, our pleasur is, taking such
others to assist yow whom you [or] our Thesaurer shall think fitt to nominat, yow surveigh the said
Boundis of our forrest, wliich for tlio greatest part consisteth of the lands which belonged to Sir Patrick
Murray, our servand, and that yow cause sett trew marches for distinguishing tho same from the nyght-
boreing boundis about, to tho oirect that no beasts doe in any wyse annoy the same, nor the dear to bo putt
therin : Concerning which we ar willing that our lawis provyded for such purposes be putt to dew oxecu-
tioun vpon breach of aney poynt thairof : And our further pleasur is, that yow in our name requ3rre tho
Erles of Murray and Perth, tho Lanlis of Glenvrquhy and Laweris, to furnish our said forrest with such
store of dear out of our forrests in tliuse parts, wherof they are the keiperis, as may most convenientlio bo
spared, and that they for helping to bring in the said dear cause give thor best assistance : And as in
this, so in all vther thingis, willing yow both tuiching the putting in oxecutioun tho effects of our former
letters concerneing this purpois, and for tho sufficient provydeiug of fosters and keipers of the said forreat
till our further pleasur be knowen, to uso your best endovours for advanceing our said intention, we bid
yow farwell.— Whythall, March the last, 1626.
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ministretur sine vlln nd Ccsareani Camoratn provocationo paria aut corto majora Immanitatis ofTiciiB -"oliis
vostriBquo proatituri \h\ in nostris ilitionibus sine aliis opora nostra vobis illisvo vsa osso possit Volo, —
Datum ox Alba Aula, 13 April 1626.
To THB THESAURIE & DEPDTT.
Kight, &c. — Whcras wo ar informed that owlour was hoirtofoir govin that Johno Anchinowtio and
Johne Livingston should bo satisfcid of the feyis granted vnto thorn by our lato dear father as groomos of
his bed chalnier in Scotland, confomio to thor warrand vnder tho jirivio soall govin thorvpoun; and
vndorstanding that our right trustio and woilbolovit Cousin and ConnHoUour the orlo of Annandaill had
tho lyk place and fio : Therfor our pleasur is, that from honcoforth that yow pay to everio ano of them
tho said fio of 200 lb. scotts out of our such rents and dewteis and at such tt'nnes as ar nppoyntod in thor
Baid warrand, and that yow give spociall ordour to Sir Henrie Wanllaw, Sir James Ikillio, and James
Carmichaell, to pay vnto them and ther forsaidis ther arriagcs dew vnto them or ather of them, and that
out of tho rests of tho said Sir Ilonrie, Sir James, a.id James Carmichaell, ther intromissions with our
lents of the principolitio of that our kingdomo, belonging to ws as prince, or out of the readiest money
belonging to the same, whorof they shall now intromott. For doeiug whairof, &c. — Whythall, the 13 of
ApriU 1626.
To iHE COUNSALL.
1
Eight, &c. — Being informed that one Andrew Scott havoing procoidit by a logall course for tho
rocoverie of monoyis, tlie which as surety for Sir Walter Scott of Whytstod, Sir Johno Scott of Now-
brught, Sir Robert Scott of Hayning, and Kobort Scott of Herschaw, ho payed to ther creditours, and that
ho wantoth nothing but tho execution of those decreits and letters gevin and publisclied in his favours,
which (as ho allcdgeth) hath bene of a long tymo, and is yit deferred to his great prejudice : Thogh his
losses wer not sufficient inducements for ws to wish him to bo repaired, yit tho neglect of our lawis in so
contemptuous manor as is made knowon vnto ws, should move ws to requyre yow to have a s]>eciall care
for preventing of tho lyk dan^jrous presidents, tending so much to the publict scomdoU of our authoritio,
and to tho vndoeing of the pairtie so interested : Therfor if yow find tho premisses to bo of veritio, our
pleasur is, that accordinglio as justice hath bene dewlie administnit vnto him in so far as concometh tho
legall poynt, so yow have a spociall care to [see] the same putt to dew executioun with as much diligence
as convenientlio may be; and to this efftct, that yow requyre all shirreffis and others persones whom it may
concerne to vse diligent search for the apprehending and presenting tho saids persones befoir yow, which
wo will tak as acceptable service done vnto ws. And so wo bid, &c. — Whythall, Aprill 13, 1626.
To THE ThESAURER OF ENGLAND.
». ,
h.
Bight trustio and woilbeloved Counsallour, We, &c. — Whcras diverse of our loveing subjects of our
kingdomo of Scotland have bono (and as we ar informed), ar to bo humble sutters vnto ws for licence to
carlo armos to that our kingdomo, whois demand (which may import tho saiftio thairof ) we have thoght
fitt at this tymo and to some persones to bo granted : And for tho avoyding of tho often troubling of ws
lioirin by tho saidis persones, of whome we would have particular notice takin by Sir William Alexander,
our secrotarie for that kingdomo, our pleasur is, that vnto such as shiUbo recommended vnto yow by
him, yow give licence for exporting from hence, and transporting thither, so and sa many armos, with
powder, bullet, match, baiiedloyis, and all vthor thingis necessarie, as shalbe particularlie named vnto yow
by tho said Sir William. For doeing whairof, &c. — Whythall, Aprill 13, 1626.
REGISTER OF ROYAL LETTERS.
To TUB Keepek op our Great Seall op Enoland,
35
Right tnistio niul wcillKjloveil Counsclloiir, Wo, Ac. — Wlicma liumblo mito hntli bene mado vnto ws
l)y Jamua Hope, scutiflniiin, that hu may bu donizuu uf this our kingtlomo uf England, wo ar wuill pluosud to
grant his re(jiu'i8t ; And thurfor liavo tlioght good by these proscnts to rciiuyro yow to causo out luttora
patents to bo dniwin vp to him for that eiroot, and that yow putt our gri'at soall thorvnto. In which
bohalll' those proseiita sliall bo vnto yow a sufficient warmnd. And so, &r. — \Miythall, 13 Aprill 1C26.
I
To John Auchmowtib, M« op the Wardrop in Scotland.
Trustio and weilbeloved, wo, «S:c. — Wheraa our intention is schortlio to repair to that our kingdomo,
wher, being cairfull that our houssis should bo provydit with the best decencie and ordour that possiblio
the tymo will permitt, haveing appoynt«d Comniissioncris for surveying and taking Invontarie of our hous-
hold stuff ther ; and being infonncd that diverse of the said stuff belonging to our said wanlrop ar in the
handis of diverse personea, which wo dosyro may bo restored bak for our owin vso : Thurfor our plcasur is,
that by your selff or vtherwayes yow leani if any hanging tajjcstry place or vther stuff and plonisching
belonging vnto ws have bene sofiuestred, or anoy way kcipod bok from our said wanlrop ; and thercftor,
if yow acconlinglie find the samyno, that ye in our name requjrre and tak the said plcnisching or vther
goodis into your custodie, to bo safelie keiped by yow in our said wardrop. For doeing, &c. — Whythall,
13 ApriU 1626.
A PRBCErr to the Thesaurer op England.
Our plcasur is, that our trustio and weinH!lovod Sir Alex' Stniuchan, kny' baronet, be licensed and
authorized to export and cans be exported from hence to our kingdomo of Scotland to his owin vso and tho
better saiftie and defence of that kingdom, Corsletts, picks, muskets, bandeliera, and all armes necessarie
and competent for fourtie pikmen, and so many musketeris, with a reasonable proportion of powder, schot,
match, and all vther necessaries : And we retjuyro our high thesaurer of England to give ordour accordiiiglie.
—Given at WhythaU, 13 Aprill 1626.
To THE Eble of Nithisdaill.
Bight, &c. — In regainl that it is requisit for tho imployment which wo have conferred vpoun our
trustio and weilbeloved Sii" Ilenrie Bruce, kny', genei-all for our Artillerie, and Master of our munition
within that our kingdome, that moneyia bo advanced for buying of provisionis, and that his charges in
pi isecuteing the said service bo allowed vnto him : Our plcasur is, that whensoever the said Sir Henrie
sluill give vnto yow a trew accompt of his charges in the said service, that yow accordinglie pay vnto hiiu
or his assigneyid the moneyis aryseing therby ; as lykwayes all such moneyia as shalbe fund requisit by
our Counsall of Warro for that kingdome, to bo bestowed for buying of Armes and other thingis neidfull,
and that out of the readiest moneyis of our taxatioun that shall cum or remaino in your handis. For
doeing whairof, &c So we, &c. — Whithall, 13 Aprill 1626.
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To THE Erle op Mar, precept.
Our will and plcasur is, that for the great paynes tAkin by Archibald Prymrois, Clerk to our taxa-
tiouns of that our kingdome, not onlie in the tryeing of the treuth of tho Inventarie of Lent Money govin
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vp by tlio SliprilT-clork, bot )_,k>vayig in collovtiiiff of tlin I'xtmortliiinrio tnxntioiin of tlio Hiimo lont monoyin,
yow conttmt nml pay to liim out of tli« miid oxtnioriliniiriu tnxationii, for liis fio tlio lyk houhio
of mnnoy zoirlio ns is payed to him for his (io, out of tlio onliiinriu tnxatioun gmiituil to our lutn dear father, of
worthio incniorio, in tho moneth of Atijjiist 1621 yeres. Whernnent those pmscnts, with hia diiivhargo
vpoun the rocept thairof, shalbo your warrand. — Whythall, Aprill 13, 1620.
A Warrand to Sib William Alexander, Sir Georoe ELniiNSTOUN, and Sir James Skknb.
Whoraa, by a warrand from ws, tho bodio of ano Williiini Fiithie, sorvand to tho Loi>. ^'ilvio, was
approliondit till our fathor'a ploasur was kiiowon, Our will is, that yow exaniyno him vpoun such intcrro-
gatiouna as shalbo gevin to yow by Alex' Auchmowtio, and that yow cortifio bak vnto avs what yow lind
concomeing tho sama. tfor doeing whairof, &c. — Whythall, Aprill 15, 1626.
l!
To Glenvrquht.
Tnistie and woillMsloved. — Wo are informed of tho care and diligence takin by yow in that service when
yow wor appoyntod a Commissionor for surveyand of Glunalmond, for tho which wo render to yow thanks,
and ar woill pleased to dosyro yow to continew tho lyk good affection to our said service in goving your
best assistance (as we have alrcadie writtin to this purpois) in contributeing, so far as in yow lyoth, your
best moanna of furthering this our royall intcntioun tuitching tlie erecting of the said Glenalmond in a frie
forrest, and for tiolping to store and preserve tho same : And lieing lykwayos infonned that in our late
dear father's tyme yow war willing to give towanlis tlie enlargeing of the said forrest a small nortion of
ground called Doun Andowis, wo aro confident that yow will tho rather at our retjueist porforme tho
samyno at this tyme ; and besydis that wo will tak it as a cortesio done vnto ws, we will refer it to our
Thesaurer of that kingdomo what further consideratioun is fitting to bo gevin vnto yow for your right
thairof : And lykwayes we, out of our respect to yow, being willing to tak particular notice of anoy puqwis
that may tend to the advancement of your house, havcing acconlinglie i)as8ed a signature in your name of the
dignitio of Baronet, do wish thot yow woidd embrace the same, and that yow porforme the lyk conditions
as others doe, for we will-be sory vpoun the neglect of this our grtttious favour if yow or your successours doe
heiroftor compleane of the procedancie of vthers whomo we have a niynd tho rather to prefer to furtlier
digniteis, as shall be thoght iitt, for that they are willing to further so worthie a wark as doeth depend
heirvpoun. So wo, &c. — Whythall, 15 Aprill 1626.
To THE BisoHOP OF Aberdene;.
Right reverend father in God, Wo, &c. — Wheras our loveing subjects of our brught of Aberdono
haveing bene humblo sutters vnto ws that one M' James Sibbald miglit be placed as ano of the ordinarie
ministers of that toun : Becaus (as we ar crediblie informed) the presenting of ministers to vacant places
within all our frie burrowis of that our kingdomo is onlio in our power : And finding ther demand to
be so much the more reasonable, as they dosyre that yow would tak tryeU of his suflBciencie ; we thairfoir
have thoght good to recommend him vnto yow, requyreing yow, if tho premisses be of veritio, and if ther
be no suflicient caus to the contrarie, whairof (if anoy be) we desyre to be certifeid bak, to admitt him to
bo ano of the saidis ordinarie ministers, and that his stipend and vthers his priviledgos be such as have
bono in vse to be enjoyed by aney of his predecessours in that place. Which recommending vnto your
care, we bid yow, &c. — Whythall, 5 of May 1626.
REGISTER OF ROYAL LETTERS.
37
To THH SkSSIOK.
Ki^ht, fee. — Wlinriw wo wnr plcnsod (ns our Into donr futlicr fi)ri)ii'rli(' intcndit) to rcqtiyro yow that
tho Marqiiuia v)f Ilnmiltoun, tlio Krlim of Aiii{iih, Nitliifldaill, and Aiiiiandaill, hIkiuM I>o Huflicieiitlio
8L>ourod from xmvj IinniKi that might cum in to thorn by tlio huccchh of tlut action dcjx'ndinK Iwfoir yow,
ht'twone tho P>lo of Mav and tho Lord Klphinston. ontl that yow should not sulFdr any decroit or Intor-
lo(luitour to pass thorin, llmt might projudgo vs in our nsvocntion : Hot since Iwing informed that tlio
Niid Erie of Mar is willing to satislio our plonsur in thcso dcmandis, by making a lawfidl n^nuiitiation to
tho saidis Erlis of Niihisdaill and Annandaill, agrioablo in all poyntis to tho lottor diioct by our said lato
father in favours of tho said Marquois and orle of Angus ; as also that tho snid crlo of Mar hath made
duclaration in judgment that no Interhxjuitour or di'croit that shal happin to bo gevin in the said action
shall prejudge ws in our said revocation : Thorfoir, out of tho eaniost desyro thot wo have alwyso had
for the furthering of justice and avoyding of delayes, our plcasur is, notwithstanding of anoy former
declaration conccrneing the same, that with all convenient expedition eftor the ))orfi'cting of the said
revocation, anoy vthor writt that may lawfullio secure the Midis Erlis of Nithisdaill and Annandaill,
yow proccid to putt a finall end to tho said action, as yow shall find the oquitie thairof in justice to
requyre. Which earnestlie recommending vnto your care, wo bid, &c. — Whythall, 6 May 1G26.
i!
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To THE Lord Carnaot.
Right tnistie and weilboloved Counsollour, Wo, &c.— Wheras wo ar pleased by our lottor to dosyro
yow that yow shoiUd continow the pension of Walter Murray, couformo to a procoiding gift gnintod to him
thervpoun, and if yow doe find that ho coidd doo good service to the house of Lennox, that yow should
imploy him in that whorin ho could bo most stedable, acknowledging his paynoa as yow shall find him to
desorvo : And sieing our gratious intention is still the sr.mo towartlis him, and that, as wo ar crediblio
informed, ho hath deserved woill of that house, wo would bo sory that ho should bo frustrat of the same :
And therfor our pleasur is, that yow and the remanent Commissioneris choyson for manageing tho
afTaires belonging thorto, cause tho said pension to bo payed vnto him, conformo to his former gift, vntill
our right trost and weiJbcloved Cousen the Duik of Lennox bo of perfyte aige : And to this effect that
yow give particular notice to the saidis Commissioneris of this our intentioun, and that yow and they in all
circumstances and other matters concernoing tho enjoyeing of this said pension, give your best ond readiest
furtherance : For doeing whairof these presents shalbe to yow and them one sufficient warrand. —
Whythall, 5 Hoy 1626.
To THE Session.
Eight, &c. — Wheras we ar informed that ther is ane action depending befor yow concernoing the
conjunct fie of the widow of the late L[ord] Chancellour of that our kingdomo, and in regard of hir sex aa
being widow and the late wytf of a cheiff officer who had done good service to our lato dear father, the
momorio quhorof is still recent with ws : We ar graciouslie pleased to recommend hir vnto yow, requyreing
that with all convenient diligence yow pruceid to putt a finall end vnto the said action as yow shall find
tho equitio thairof in justice to requyre ; which we doe earnestlie recommend vnto yow, and bid yow
farweL— Whythall, 6 May 1626.
To TUB COUNSALL.
Right, &c. — Whoias our subject, Andrew Huntar, in Aberden, haveing by his long tmvells and sight
of diverse countreyis atteaued to the knowledge of finding and working of mottalls and mineralls, and being
M'n'-
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HEGISTFR OF HOVAL LETTERS.
returned vnto that oui kingdome, is willing to hazard some part of his meanes for searching and finding out
of such mettalls as may be ther : Wo have thoght good by these presents to requyre yow to expeed vnto
him our licence an^' commission to breck, dig, opin, and search all and whatsumevir grotmd bynorth the
river of Dee in Mar, wlior he shall think any preuious stones ar, or of gold and silver, or any vther
sort of mettalls wherof the prcdominat and cheiff value is of the saidis kyndis may be had with as large
priviledgcs as can be granted l>y Law : And that it shalbe lawfull for him (if the owner or possessour
of the ground f'nd not himselif therby greatlie prejudged) to dig, search, find, and try such as shalbe ther,
and to transport a certane quantitie thairof to aney such place or places in that our kingdome as be shall
think most convenient for making of further tryeU and prooff of the qualitie and value of the same ;
provyded allwyse, that haveing fund aney veyne of mettuU or stone of good oare, he proceid not to the
working thairof in a setled maner without our speciall licence and pieosur be signifeid to yow for that
effect : Thus recommending him to your speciall furtherance in all the premisses. We bid, &c. — Whytholl,
6 May 1626.
To THE Deputy of Irland.
Eight, &c. — Being informed that ther ar some questionable matters in Law between our trustie and
weilbeloved Sir Johne Home of Northberwick, kny', and some other persones within that our realme ;
And in regard of his nation he was one of the first vndertakers of the plantation ther ; and that besydis
his not ordinarie resideing within the said realme, which in reasone should be a spurre for his more quick
dispatch, from thence ho hath done good service to our late dear father, the memorie wherof is still recent
in our memorie. We ar weiU ploasi d to recommend him vnto yow, requyreing yow that haveing takin
the saidis diflferenoes vnto your serious consideratioun, yow by your best f nd readiest endeavour proceid,
and cause proceed to putt such ane tinall end vnto as yow shall find the equitie of his cause m justice to
requyre, which we will acknowledge as acceptable service done vnto ws. And so we, «&c. — Whythall, 6
May 1626.
To THE ChANOBLLOUR OF SCOTLAND.
■Right, &c — Wheras, out of our princelie care for the good of that v«ur kingdome, we have appoynted
Commissioners to the end that such our loveing subjects who find themselffis justlie greeved and oppressed
may have the meanes in justice to be releived according to the commission, which by our direction yow
did expeed thrugh the great seall : And being willing that this our gracious intentioun should tak the
wisched effect. Our pieosur is, that yow caus opin proclamation be made vpon the same at the places
accustomed, wherby our whole subjects, who find themselflis so greived or oppressed, may have dew notice
gevin them for declareing of the same : And that warning be made to such of our Commissioners ac shall
happin for the tyme to bo within the said kingdome requyreing yow in our name to convene, and according
to the samyno Commission to determyne what ther ordinarie place and tymes of raeitting shalbe, and of all
other matters and circumstances conduceable to the furthering of that service, that heirefter yow and they
proceid in the executioun thairof, according as yow ar warranted by ws. Which recommending, &c. —
Whythall, 5 May 1C26.
[To THE Admiralty.]
Quheras the good schip named , of the burden of tunes or therabout, whairof
Capitan, is licenced to pass to the southward of the equinoctiall Ijne : These ar therfor to
will and command yow and everio of yow to permitt and suffer the said schip, with hir f urnitur and schipia
REGISTER OF ROYAL LETTERS.
39
company, to quhom we doo heirby grant the benefite of our proclamatioun in all respects, which was gevin
at our house of Hampton Court, the 13 of Dec' in the first yeir of our Reigne, quyetlie and peaciablie to
pass by yow without aney let, stay, trouble, or impresses of hirmen, or aney vther hinderanco whatsumovir,
whairof yow shall not failL — Whythall, 5 May 1626.
To all Officeris of the Admiralty, To all Capitanes and Masters
of schips on the seas, and to all others to whome it nay
apperteane.
To THB D'CPDTT OP IrLAN'D.
Right, &c. — ^Wheras by our speciall direction our trustie and weilbelovit ',ervand Sir Robert
M^CleDan, kny', hath levyed and transported vnto that our realme a troup of fyftio horse and ano
hundroth of foot at his owin charges : These ar therfoir to will and requyre yow to mak furth warrandis
vnto him of fidl pay to our Thesaurer of Warris ther, for payment of the interteinement of himselif and
the said Companyis, his owin personall interteinement, and for thers, to begin from ther first comeing over
to the said realme, and so efterwards as the same shall grow dew from tyme to tyme : And our further
pleasur is, that yow furthwith give ordour for entring him in the cheker rolls of our Army ther, and that
they be placed in such a guarisone as yow shall find most convenient. So recommending this speciallie to
your care, for wiiich these presents shall be, &c. — Whythall, May 20, 1626.
To Sir Ronald M°Kt.
Trustie and weilbelovit, we, &c. — Vnderstanding that yow, according to your Commission, have
levyed some forces within that our kingdomo for the better supplie of Count Mansfeild in that war which
he doeth prosecute by our direction, the doeing whairof we acknowledge for good service done vnt-o ws ;
and thogh moneyis can not be convenientlie had at this tymo, being loath that your worthio intention in
this should be dbcontinewed, or yow discouraged from farder prosecuteing thairof, our pleasur is, that
yow proceid by your best meanes to provyde schips and victuallis for ther transportatioun : And so soone
as moneyis can be commodiouslie granted by ws for the said Compt his vse, we doe ofler yow tliat yow
shall have so much thairof as agreid vpoun the name of the said Count with yow. Thus wishing yow to
insist in all things that may further that our s3rvico, we bid, &c. — Whythall, 20 May 1626.
[Memorial to the King.]
We, o£ your Majesteis Counsall of Scotland, assembled at Qiihythall, 23 May 1626, haveing by your
Ma**" direction of Hugh Wallace of Craigiewallace concemeing his resigneing vnto your Ma"" his heretablo
right of the bailliarie of Kyle, which purpois was heirtofoir hearkned vnto by your Ma'*'' late dear father
and your selif, as may appear by your tuo letters writtin to this effect to the Commissioners of the Exchequer
of that your kingdome, we find it no way convenient that, in consideration of hip said right, four thow&and
merks scotts should be yeirlie assigned to him out of your customes ther, as was formerlie intended ; and
sieing, as we conceave, that all or the most pairt of heretable offices within thot kingdome may bo lawfullio
rccovereU by your Majevtio, we had not thoght it convenient at all for your Ma"" to have ma^le nurchos of
this, wor it not that the doeing thairof can be no president for other heritable offices gevm furth, since ther
was ane act made against the granting of the saidis heretable offices, Becaus long befoir that tyme (as ho
doeth o£fer to prove) that office was enjoyed by his predicessours, amongst whome the meaiorie of ano
William Wallace, being for bis singular valour in defence of that kingdome so doservedlie renowned, may
be ane inducement for your Ma"' to deale the more noblie with this gentlman, who is the heyre of the
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40
REGISTER OF ROYAL LETTERS.
house whairof the said William did descend, and cheiff of that name : And haveing lykwyse observed
what hath bene bestowed for other heretable offices, we conceive that your Majestie may bestow vpon
liim Tuentie thowsand pundis scotts at least, which we could wishe should rather frielie be gevin vnto
him by your Majestie as a gift for the causses aforsaid, then oiherwayes it should be payed for a pryce for
the said office : All wyse we may humblie submitt these our opinionis vnto your Ma**'" most wyse and
prineolio consideration. Subscribitur, Marschkll, Nithisdale, Anandalb, Bishop Eoss, Sir W"
Alexander, Sir Archibal3> Naper, Sib George Elfhinqstoun, Sir Alexander Strauohan,
To THE EuLE OP Mab, Viscount Stobmond, and Glenvrquhy.
Eight, &c.' -According to our late royall father's Intentioun for making of Glenalmond a frie forrest
(haveing to that effect made choyse of yow to surveigh the boundis thairof), we ar weill pleased of late to
signiiie our pleasur for satistieing of such persones who, pretending interest therin, did frielio submitt ther
right vnto ws ; Now, to the end that this our resolution may tak the more speedie effect in regard of the
present Spring being the fittest seasone of the yeir for storeing the said forrest with d^ar, and being sorie
that our said father's intentioun and ours to this purpois hath takin so slow a course, our pleasur is, that
(taking such others to assist yow our tliesaurer shall think fitt to nominat) yow surveigh the saidis boundis
of our forrest (w)iich for the greatest part consisted of the landis which belonged to Sir Patrik Murray,
our servand) ; and that yow caus sett trew marches for distinguisching the samyne from the nighbouring
boundis about, to the effect that no beasts doe in aney wayes annoy the samyne, nor the dear to be putt
therin ; concemeing which we ar willing that our lawis provyded for such cases be putt to dew executioun
vpoun breach of aney part thairof : And our further pleasur is, that ye in our name requyre the Erlis of
Murray and Perth, the Lards of Glenvrquhy and Laweris to furnish our said forrest, with such store of dear
out of our forrests in these parts as may be most convenientlie spared, and that they for helping to bring
on the said dear cause give ther best assistance ; And as in this so in all vther things, willing yow, both
tuitching the putting in executioun the effects of our former letters concerneing this purpois, and conceme-
ing the sufficiencie provyding of fosteris and keipers of the said forrest till our further pleasur be knowen,
to vse your best endevour for advanceing of our said intentioun. "We bid yow fareweill. — Whythall, 24
May 1626.
A Precept to Nithisdailu
In regard of the charges which Sir Donald Mckj', kny*, hath alreadie bene at, and of these which
heirefter he is lyklie to vndergoe, in levyeing and transporting of forces from that our kingdome for the
better supplie of the Count of Mansfeild in that warre which he doeth prosecute' by our direction, and wo
being vnwilling that this his intentioun should he discontinowed or be discouraged from dooing such
acceptable service to ws : Our pleaour is, so soono as yow have takin a coui?" for the payment of these
moneyis for which yo'v have ordour from ws alreadie, that with convenient diligence yow caus pay vnto
the said Sir Donald, his assigneyis or factours in his name, the sowme of ane thowsand pund sterling, and
that out of the first and readiest of our taxatiouns grantit vnto ws at the last Convention of the Esteats
of that our kingdome. For doeing whairof, &c. — Whythall, 28 May 1626.
To the Session.
Wheras, vpoun good consideratiouns and dureing our pleasur, we have bene pleased to appoynt M'
Thomas Hope as ane Ordinarie Advocat to plead in actions and causses which may conceme our service
within that our kingdome, without prejudgeing the place of our right trustie and woilbcloved Counsallour
:|^
REGISTER OF ROYAL LETTERS.
4»
Sir "William Oliphant, kny', our Advocat in the ordinarie feyis and commoditeis belonging to the same :
Therfoir our pleasur ia, that yow tak his oath for his lawfull dischargeing of the said office, according to
the accustomed forme vsed in lyk caices, and that his service to ws efter this maner doe not hinder him
from pleading in whatsumevir common causses wherin we have no particular interest. And so, &c. —
"Whythall, May 29, 1626.
To THB Session.
Eight, &c. — Wheras we have bene humblie petitioned by Alex' Chimesyd, shewing that he out of
ane assured trust surrendered hia Landis vnto the handis of Alexander and Johne Cranstounes for ther
releiif of sowmes of money far below the value of the samyne, vpon promeis made by them tliat they
would not mak further bcnefite thairof, then for releiving theuiselffis of what was justlie dew vnto them
by the petitioner : Notwithstanding, as we ar informed, they tak a vigorous course for the evicting of the
saidis landis from him to ther owin propper vse, contrario to ther said promeis and aganat all equitie and
conscience : Wherfor we thoght it expedient to desyre yow to convene the saids pairteis and tak notice
dew vnto the saids Cranstounes, and finding the petitioner able to secure them at aney terme that yow and
they can condescend vpon for the payment of these money is which ar justlie dew vnto them, our pleasur
is, that yow most moderat the most fair and froindlio course for composeing of these differences betweeno
them, according to equitie and conscience, ffor we doe hold it hard measur (if it be so aa we ar informed)
tliat the petitioners absolute trust efter so freindlie a maner should be the meanea of his vndoeing. Alwyse
recommending the same to your considerations. Wo bid, &c. — Whythall, 2 Jun^ 1626.
To THE TOUN OF EDINBURGH.
Trustie and weilbeloved. We greet yow Weill. — We perceave by your Letter vnto ws how earnestlie
yow ar affected to doe ws service in yeUding to these things which, for the publict good, was thoght
neceasarie at thia tyme ; and aa it ia the more acceptable vnto ws that yow have done u frielie of your
sclffis, seiking onlie how to please ws, and wer io conforme your selffis to otheris who war not so forward
in our service, so thia which we have done voluntarlie shalbe no preparative to mak yow be cliarged with
the lyk heirefter, hot sail onlie mak wa the more readio to extend our favour towards yow, who we hope, as
yow have heirby purchased our good opinion, yow will continew to performe the samyne, and spetiallie
by the advancement of moneyis at thia tyme for the payment of tuo schips which are alreadie boght, and
that the samyne may be in readines t(i be delyvered to Sir James Baillie, to whom the receiveing thairof
ia intruated for whatsumever superplus wa ar to receave from hence at this tyme, we intend onlie to
dispose for the good and saftie of that our kingdome, which shalbe ever our cheiff care, and so we, &c. —
Whythall, 2 Juuij 1626.
To THE COUNSBLL.
Right, &c — As for that ordour which yow havo takin concemeing the importation of forrayne victuall,
and the transporters of prohibited goodia, tliogh our former directions therin wi^a agrieabic to the Lawis of
that our kingdome, whorby we still aeik to direct our course in our affaires ther; yit since yow have done
it with such a publict consent, we doe approve the samyne for the present, but doe think it neceasarie that
overie year all such commoditeia ahould be by yow particularlie conaidered, that therfoir (that wliich is
dew for our vse therby being payed) yow may give c rdour for restrayneing or enlargeing the libertlo of
trausportatioun or importance, aa yow shall find the plenty or acoraity of them for the tyme to roquyro.
■I
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REGISTER OF ROYAL LETTERS.
As for the contentment that yow have gevin to the burrowis concemeing the Coalls, wo lyk it Weill, hot
iloe wish lykwayes that some respect might have bene had to our benefite, becaus we sie no reasone wliy
nney prohibited goodis should bo transported at all without a licence from ws, which should be acquyred
in considoratioun of some reasonable benefite to aryse vnto ws therby, concemeing which our late dear
father did wryt diverse tj'mes vnto yow dosyreinp that all strangers transporting Coalls from thence might
pay the double of the custome that the natives doe pay, as is vsuall in all commoditeis in vther parts ; bot
when we have considered further vpoun this, yow shall hear our further pleasiir concemeing the same.
We allow of the course that yow have takin in geving commission to such as will adventur aganst the
comoun enemy, and ar willing that such persones be rather encouraged by farther priviletlges then to be
discouraged by too strict conditions : And as to the purpois concemeing money, we leave the same as we
formerlie did to your owin consideratioun, to be resolved vpoun at such tyme and efter such a maner as
yow shall think expedient ; and wher yow remember the expedience for strenthening of our seaports by
some forces, we will give ordour therin to the Commissioner"! of our Counsall of warre, willing yow to
assist them wher your help is requisit in that which shall by them be fund necessarie for that effect : And
last, wher yow ar earnest sutters to have two schipis from hence to be imployed for the preservation of
that our kingdome against the common enemie, thogh this danger, with more credit and less loss, might
have bene prevented dureing the tyme of the last convention, when we did wUlinglie offer the taxatioun
then granted to ws to be bestowed vpoun that vse which, without dew consideratioun, was too cairleslie
neglected ; yit we have gevin ordour that two schipis may be prcsentlie boght and sent with diligence, to
remane with yow for that purpois, for the honour and saiftie of that our antient kingdome shall ever be
our cheiff care ; and so not doubting bot that yow will contribute your best endeavours that may further
the same. We bid yow farewell — Whythall, 2 Junij 1626.
To THE CoUMISSIONEItS OF TBK KeNTS.
Eight, &c. — ^Wher as [We] wer pleased to wryt vnto yow of befoir that yow should suffer no
signature to pas that chould prejudge ws in our revocatioun. We have thoght fitt to explane our selfiis
more particularlie heirin to the effect our subjects may have frie passage in all vthers matters which doe
not effectuallie conceme the same : And therfor our pleasnr is, vnlcss yow shall receave an express
warrand from ws to the contrarie that yow lat no signature pass of any erections, or of any disposition
whatsoever of any part of the patrimonie of the church patronages which doe or formerlie did apperteane
ather vnto our Croun or to the churche of Begaliteis, or heretabill offices of blensch holdings or taxations :
As for other signatures which doe not conceme the saidis particulars, our will is, that yow diligentlie
consider if the samyne doe in any wyse prejudge ws in our Eevocation; and if yow find the case doubtfuU,
that then yow tak the advyso of our advocat, and therefter that yow proceid therin as yow shall think
expedient, least our subjects be hindred in the ordinarie dispatches, wherat we would be heartely sory;
and lykwyse, if yow find it expedient for our further securitie, yow may caus insert in ther securiteis a
clause declareing that the passing thairof shall not prejudge ws in the benefite of our said revocatioun,
causeing enlarge the samyne efter the surest manor that yow shall think fitting. Which recommending to
your care, We bid, &c.— Whythall, 2 Junij 1626.
To TUB Session.
Eight, &c. — ^Whoras we have writtin to yow of befoir that no Decree nor Interloqnitour should pass
in ane action depending befoir yow that might prejudge ws in our revocatioun, wherby, as our intention
is not to hinder any of our loveing subjects of tiiat our kingdome in the course of ther lawfull dispatches,
REGISTER OF ROYAL LETTERS.
80 we think it good reasone that we should have ' our power to mak vee as we shall think expedient of
that which is dew vnto ws by the Lawes and consuetude of that our kiugdoiue : And therfoir we have
thoght it expedient to requyre yow of new that yow proceid to this effect in the dispatching of all actions
deponding or which heirefter shall depend bofor yow ; and wher yow shall find the case to ha doubtfull
whither it may prejudge ws in our revocatioun or not, that yow cause insert a clause in the sal lis decreits
and interloquitours declareing that the passing therof shall not prejudge ws in the benefite of the same.
Which recommending to your care, we bid, &c. — Whythall, 2 Juny 1626.
To THE Session.
Eight, &c. — Being informed that ther is auo action depending befoir yow betweene Georga Leslie of
that ilk and Johne Leslie of Pitcaple, concemeing some Laudis to which the said George is superiour, and
other his tennent, efter the tenour of Wardholding, in which case, or any other of this natur;, thogh we
be loath to recommend any persones vnto yow as preferring privat respects to the generall co irse cf our
lawis, yit in a case of this nature, wherin, as we ar informed, we may be so much interessed by the sequell
thairof, we could not hot recommend vnto yow that of the said George, who, in regard, as h< alledgeth,
that the saids lands fell vnto him dureing the ward of the minour, and lykwise efter the samy le was ex-
pyred, the saids lands have still since then [been] in nonentrie, wherby the proffeits aryaing thairof
dureing all the said tyme should, according to the Law of that our kingdoi.ie, justlie belong vnto him, Iiath
bene ane humble sutter vnto ws that justice may be done thorin with diligence : And therfoir our pleasur
is, that, taking the said action vnto your serious considcratioun, and how much the effects of your decreit in
favours of aney pairtie may from henco furth serve as a president for all such bussines of the lyk nature,
yoW proceid with all convenient diligence to putt such a finall end thervnto, as yow shall find the equitie
thairof in justice to requyre. So recommending the same to your earnest care, We, &c — \/hythal], 2
Jung 1626.
»,i'4
To THE COUNSALL.
Right, &c — ^Wheras by our letter vnto yow we desyred that the terme of Witsondey nixl should be
appoynted for the inbring of the first terme's payment of the ordinarie taxatioun granted vnto ws in that
our kingdorae, but being informed that the persones who should roak payment thairof cannot befoir the
terme be lawf ullie charged to this effect, and that the customo heirtofoir hath bene that letters wcr direct
from our Counsall of that our kingdome as wer not charged in dew tyme befor the terme for making pay-
ment of ther parts of the taxatioun vpoun 20 dayes warning : Therfoir, sieng the terme appoynted for
inbringing of this is alreadie past, our pleasur is, that by your act yow ordeano letters to be direct, chargeing
all persones who ar to pay to ws any part of the same first terme's payment of the ordinarie taxatioun, to
mak payment of ther parts therof to our right, &c. the Erie of ITithisdaill, our Collectour-genemll thairof,
or to his deputeis in his name, and that efter such maner and tyme as is above spocifeit, and vnder such
panes as ar contaynit in the Act of the taxatioun. For doeing whairof these presents, &c. — Whythall,
the 2 Juny 1626.
To THE Counsall.
Right, &c. — Wheras we have bene petitioned in the name of M' Johne Archbald that he might
have a lease for fyve yeires of the assyse dew Lie belonging vnto ws of all whyt fisches packed and peilled
to be tokin within the seas and lakes of that our kingdome, from Puntland firth to the Mule of Galloway,
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REGISTER OF ROYAL LETTERS.
and with the wholo east and west Hands belonging to the same ; Togidder with all other assyso dewtie bo-
longing vnto ws of all herring to be takin within the Ilnndis of Lewis, Orknay, and Zetland, or within
Murray firth and others northerno parts of tliat kingdome, offering to pay vnto ws yeirlie some small
sowmes of money for the same, thogh, as ho afhrmeth, for the first fy ve or sex yeires no great benofite can
aryse to him therby, and alledging that it was expedient for our benefite, wher for the present we have
none, that a sufficient and able man for this purpois shoidd be authorised for levyeing of the same.
Thogh these demandis would appear sufficient inducements to ws for giveing way thervnto, yit in a
matter of this consequence, wher nather the value '.hairof nor how much it might interest our subjects
whom it may concerne ar knowen vnto ws, we could not absolutelie determyne them without d iw advyse ;
Therfoir our pleasur is, taking the premisses vnto your serious consideratioun, and finding the samyne to
be of veritie, and not to prejudge our subjects further then by taking from them these dewteis which
justlie belong vnto ws, that then yow grant vnto the said M' John Archibald tuo leases, or vther securities
neidfull heirvpon, in dew forme, referring the yeires of the saidis leasses, the dewties to be payed vnto ws,
and to all vther necessarie and obligatorie clausses, to be insert therin by your advyse, Whairof, not
doubting bot yow will have a spetiall care. We, &c. — Whythall, 2 Junij 1626.
To THK ChaNCELLOUB.
Eight, &c. — Wheras ther ar processes intended and to be intendst before the Lordis of Session in
that our kingdome aganst the wrongous vpgivers and couceallers of money, which shoidd have bene
lyable to our taxations granted to our late dear father, of worthie memorie, in August 1621, whois
punischment, according to the acts made in that behalff, will terrifie vthers from committing the lyk wil-
fuU oversight heirefter : We thau-foir desyre yow, as yow tender our service in this particular, that yow have
a speciall care that nothing be done in that Judicatorie wherby we may be prejudged in our said taxa-
tions, bot that justice be dewlie administred therin with all convenient diligence. Wherin, assureing our
selff that yow will vse your best aide and furtherance, we bid, (&c. — Whythall, 2 Junij 1626.
*"
Precept for Cragtwallack.
In regain! of good and considerable causses knowen vnto ws, it is our will, and pleasur that yow with
all convenient diligence pay or caus to be payed vnto Hugh Wallace of Cragywallace, or to his assigneyis,
of the sowme of Ten thowsand pundis scottis, and that out of the first and readiest of our rents and
casualiteis of the kingdome of Scotland, or vtherwyse out of the first and readiest of the rests of the
moneyis dew vnto ws by the last taxatioun, ordinarie or extraordinarie, granted to our late dear father, of
worthie memorie, or out of the concealed moneyis thairof which ar alreadie in your hand, or which heiref t«r
shall aryse heirby ; for your doeing wliairof these presents, with his or his forsaidis discharge vpoun
the recept thairof, shalbe a sufficient warrand. — Gevin at Whythall, the 2 of Junij 1626.
To our Eight trustie, &c. Tlie erle of Mar, our thesaurer and
collectour generale of the last taxatioims granted vnto our late
father. And to our »&c. Sir Archibald Naper of Merchinstoun,
our deputie thesaurer of our kingdome of Scotland.
To THE COCNSALL.
Eight, &c. — Wlieras out of a speciall care for advanceing of aney project that may tend to the honour
and benefite of that our antient kingdome, we have gevin a Lease for 21 yeirs to M' James Galloway and
REGISTER OF ROYAL LETTERS.
45
M' Nathaniell Vdward for making of Iron Ordinance, for the better furnisching of our Castells and Forts
thorof, and generallie for the vse of our loveing subjects ther, according to ther signature granted thor-
vpoun : And wheraa, for the better prosecuteing and bringing the intendit work to perfection, we gave
onlour to such of our Counsall of Warre of that kingdonie resident heir for the tymo. for condescending
vpon articles betwixt ws and the patents, which we have sent yow hoirwith : Therfoir our plcasur is, that
bofoir the exjwiding of the said signatur thrugh our great seaU, that yow tak suirtio for ther performance of
800 niony of the saidis Articles that may concerne ws as yow in your juilgments shall think most expedient.
The doeing whairof recommending to your cair and sudden dispatch, we bid, &c. — Whythall, 2 Junij 1626.
.c
V
To THE Counsall.
Kight, &c. — WTieras We have bene pleased to grant vnto our right trustio and woilbeloved the Lord
Spynie the office of Muster Master generall and Colonell of the Trayned Bandis in that our kingdome, and
the Ylis belonging thervnto, which we have the rather done in regaird to the present estate of the tyme :
And therfoir wo thoght good by these presents to requyre yow to give way to our signature granted to
him for that eflfect, that according to the ordour it may be exped thrugh the sealls, and withall to advyso
and sett doun such feyes and allowances as you shall think most iitt and sufficient for one haveing so great
and honorabill a charge, and for his vnder officeris according to ther severall places, and from whence and
by what maner the saidis feyis may be most convenientlie levyed. Which recommending to your care and
speedie dispatch, we bid, &c. — Whythall, 2 Junij 1626.
To THK COMHISSIONERIS OF THE GrEEVANCES.
Bight trustie and weilbeloved Counsellours, Right trustio and weilbeloved Cousens and Counsellours,
and right trustie and weilbeloved Counsellours, We greet yow well. — Vnderstanding how expedient it may
prove, for the better prosecuteing our service according to your Commission, that the advyse of some
persones skillfull and long practized in the lawis of that our kingdome should be had considered by yow,
as you shall lind the nature of the caus to requyre ; and haveing sufficient prooff of the abilitie of Sir
James Skene, kny', president of our CoUeuge of Justice within that kingdome, our pleasur is, that yow
receive and admitt him, and such judges and Lawyers as he to this effect shall bring vith him, and that
they assist at all your roeittings, taking his and ther advyse for your better resolutions aforsaid. Which
recommending vnto your care, We bid, &c. — Wliythall, 8 Junij 1626.
i!
To THE Session.
Kight, &c. — Wheras we have caused deall for purchessing to our vse the Lands belonging to the
Lard and Lady Bass, who to that effect ar to repair vnto our Court for accomplisching of that bai;gane ;
and sieing our Intention is not to defraud Siiy of ther creditours of what is justlie dew vnto them, hot
rather in regard of so' le compleners that we have heard to hasten ther payment, and to releive the said
Lard and Lady from present miserie : Our pleasur is, that you requyre the Creditours to consent to such
a protection for them as yow in your judgments shall think most expedient to the effect abowe writtin. So
we bid, &c.— Wliythall, 8 Junij 1626.
To THE Clerk of Register.
Trustie and weilbeloved Counsellour, &c. — Wheras it is fund expedient for our service at this t3nne,
and for the better clearing of many doubts that may arise in the dew executioun thairof, that some
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REGISTER OF ROYAL LETTERS.
records in your office may be sene and considered : We therfoire doo heirby requyre yow that yow suffer
Sir James Skene, kny', president of our Colledge of Justice ther, to search the whole registers for such
particulars as we have speciallie entrusted to his charge for the better advancement of the said service ;
for doeing whairof these presents, &c. — Whythall, Juny 8, 1626.
To THK Advooat.
Trustie, &c. — Sieing the course intended by ws for making such vse of our revocation as shall seams
most expedient wnto ws, is so warranted by presidents in the tymes of our most noble progenitours, and
of itselir so necessarie for our benefite and the generall good of that our kingdome. We have resolved to
have the same prosecuted in a legall maner : And therfor our pleosur is, that yow uctnpeir befoir the
Lordis of our Session, and produce the said rovocatioim, that it may be enacted ther in the Books of
Sederunt; for doeing, &c.— Whythall, 8 Junij 1626.
To THE Session.
Right, &c. — Whereas wee were pleased of before to wrett wnto yow that wnderstanding all your
places of Session to be voyed by the death of our late deare father, and so to be disposed of by ws, and
that non could be a Judge there but by our warrant, which course was taken by ws for preserving of our
royall prerogative ; and wnderstanding likwise that all offices of state are in like maner at our said guift :
Therefor, and for the better clearing of all such questions hereafter. Our pleasure is, that yow cause enact
in your bookes of sederunt that all such offices of state and places of Judicatorie, being at our said disposi-
tion, were accordingly disposed of by ws as we thoght expedient : And lykwise because our intention is to
make such vse of our revocation as may be best for our benefit and for the generall good of our subjects
there, and that the samen should remaine vpon record in all ages herefter, our further pleasure is, that
yow cause enact the samen in your said bookes, according as some other revocations have formerlie beene
in the time of our said late deare father. And so, &c. — Whythall, the 8 of June 1626.
To THE Defutib Thesaurbr.
Trustie, &c. — Sieing wo have vnderstude by yow how vndewtiefull Sir Johne Buchanan did carie him-
towardis our late dear father, when he was treated with efter a fair maner and vpon reasonable
conditions to surrander his interests of his taks in Orkney : Thogh his misbehaveour and neglect therin
can not induce ws to doe any thing that is vnjust or contrarie to the lawis of that our kingdome to his
disadvantage, yet we cannot but remember the samyne by abstracting of any favour that is in our power to
confer vpon him : And therfoir our pleasur is, whensoever he hath any busines befor yow in the Excheker,
which may depend vpoun our grace and favour, that yow bar him altogidder from the benefite thairof till
yow first acquaint ws heirwith, and have a speciall wanrand from ws to that elToct. And so we, &c. —
Whythall, 8 Junij 1626.
To THE Commissioners of the Bents.
Right, &c. — Wlieras we ar informed that many of our subjects have changed the tenours of the landis,
conceiled their dewteis justlie belonging vnto ws, have taken in patronages of Churches in ther infoftment
which ar unjustlie takin from ws, and particularlio have done many things to the prejudice of our Croun
in that our kingdome : And we being vnwilling to intend action of Improbation against them (vnless they
be altogidder refractorie to our favours offered), whereby they should be putt to vnnecessar charges as to
REGISTER OF ROYAL LETTERS.
47
hnzanl the loss of thor evidonts, our pleasur it., thut yow tnk such information as possiblio yow can have
for everio ano of tlie saidis particulariH, and calling tho pairtois befoir yow, that ye vse your host moanos
to reduce them to ther former tenuris, quyting the other latlie purchassed, and that yow cause them pay
thor dewteis, and wher patronages of our Churches ar withholdon from ws that they be restored : As for
others defeicts in ther Infoftiaonts not tending to our prejudice, our further pleasur is, that yow supplie
the same by giveing them new vpoun reasonable composition. Which referring to your consideratioun, we
bid yow farewell— Why tliall, 8 Juny 1626.
»
To THE COCNSALL.
Bight, &c. — Being crediblio informed that the Coyne of forraino princes is current far above the trew
value thairof within that our kingdome, to the prejudice of our subjects ther, and against the customes of
the best and ilourisching kingdomes : And being informed that our Cunzie house ther hath not proved so
beneficiall since the comeing of our late father to the Croun of this our kingdome as in former
tymes ; These ar therfor to requyre yow that, taking the premisses vnto your serious consideratioun,
yow tak such a course for the redressing of the sai, abuse for the prycea of money as yow shall find to be
most expedient for the estate of the said kingdome ; and lykwaycs that yow tak the best and most fitting
course that the said Cunzie hous may goe as formerlie it did for our benefite ; and if any imi)ediment
be, that yow certifie bak vnto ws how the samyne may be tho beat remeded. Which .wommending to
your care, We bid, &c.— Whythall, 8 Junij 1626.
A Prkcbpt to the Dkputib TnKASunEB.
Vnderstanding how necessarie it will proue for the advancement of our present service within that our
kingdome, concerning which wee haue alreadie wretten to our advocat that soumons bo raised, processe in-
tended, and that diverse things be searched and discouered to the commissioners of our Exchequer there,
the doeing whereof (besydes the great paines to be taken therein) will be chargeable : Therefore our
pleasure is, that yow disburse or cause disburse suche soumes of money as shalbe necessarie for this efiect ;
for doeing whereof these presents shalbe a sufficient warrant, &c, — ^Wliythall, the 8 of June 1626.
We finding it convenient that the estate of our revenue of that our kingdome be made knowen vnto
ws once everie yeir, and to that effect that our deputie thesaurer repair to ws to give ws notice therof, and
to receave warrand and directions from ws for bestowing and dew ordering of the same, and being
unwilling he shalbe made a loser : Our pleasur is, that yow allow vnto him in his accompts the sowme of
100 lib. sterling for everie journey that he shall mak to our Court within this our kingdome. — ^Whythall,
8 Junij 1626.
To THE Deputie Tbesacber.
It is our pleasur that yow buy in such pensions as convenientlie yow may, all jwing vnto such pensioneris
for the same thrie yeires purchas, and not above; for doeing whairof, &c. — Whythall, 8 Junij 1626.
For the deputy Thesaurer.
It is our pleasur that yow vse our best meanes for agrieing vpoun reasonable conditions with Bernard
Lyndsay for his houssos, called the King's housses, at Leith, that thay may be made a custome house for
our service, and that zow pay vnto him the moneyis which shalbe agried vpoun betwixt yow. And for
your so doeing, &c. — ^Wliythall, 8 Junij 1626.
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REGISTER OF ROYAL LETTERS.
i."-'.
;
Our ploasur is, tliat yow shall not charge nor cause charge such porsonos of the Ministcrio for the
payment of thcr pairt of the taxatiouns ilow vuto ws, whois names in roll ahalbo govin vp vnto yow vuder
the hands of the tuo Archbischops of H' Andruwis and Glasgow, and vthers the bischops uf the said
kingdom in whois dyocois the saidis ministers doe remaino; fordouing whairof, and for dcfonsing to yow in
your accompts of ther saidis pairts of the taxatioun, by the conditiouns thairof, these presents shulbe vnto
yow and them a sufficient warrand. — Whythall, 8 Junij 1626.
Directed to our right trustio and weilbelovcd Couson and Coun-
soUour The Erie of N.^hisdaill, Collcctour gencroll of the
Taxatiouns granted vnto ws iu the moneth of October 1625.
To THE C0UN8BLU
Right, &c.^\Vheras, out of a princelie care for the generall good of that our kingdome, we have
appoynted Commissioners to the end that such of our loveing subjects who find thomsclifiB greived
vnjustlie and oppressed may have the meanes in justice to be releived, according to the Commission which
by our direction was exped thrugh our great seall ther ; and being willing that this our gratious intention
should accordinglie be prosecuted, and that a certane [day] be appoynted for this effect ; Our pleasur is,
tliat yow ciMis open proclamatioun be made of the same at the places convenient, and that therby yow
cans intimat the 19 of July nixt as the first day appoynted by ws for the meitting of the saidis Com-
missioners, requyreing so many of them as shall happin for the tyme to be within that kingdome to
convene at the day forsaid, that according to the said commbsion they may determyne what ther ordinarie
place and tymes of meitting shalbe, and of aU vther matters and circumstances conduceable to the furthering
of that service, and at that tymo, and therefter that they proceid in the execution thairof according aa they
ar warranted by ws. And so we bid, &c. — Whythall, 9 Junij 1626.
To THE Session.
Eight, &c. — Wheras by our direction our truatie and weilbeloved Sir James Skene, kny', president of
that our CoUcdge of Justice, for dispatch of affaires concernoing our service within that our kingdome,
hath repaired hither to our court, wherat he hath hitherto bene carfull to attend our directions, for now
we have willed him to continew till we shalbe pleased with more conveniencie give ordour for his retume :
These ar therfor to requyre yow to tak notice of this our royall pleasur concerneing his stay, which aa
it shall serve for his lawfull excuse, so we will tliat the samyue and the causes thairof be insert in youi
Sederunt Book; fov doeing whairof these presents shalbe vnto yow a sufficient warrand. — Whythall,
9 Junij 1626.
To THE TUO ArCHBISOHOPS.
Most Eeverend, &c. — Wo ar informed that it hath bene the custome heirtofoir not to charge any
ministers whois names wer given vp in the roll by yow and the rest of our bischops, as persones whois
meanes was so small that they could not possiblie pay ther parts of the taxatiouns : And we being vnwilling
to hinder any such pious and charitable custome, our pleasur is, that yow consider of the esteat of such
ministers as ar in distress within your owin dyoceis, and that yow cans the rest of the bischops doe the
lyk within tlier dioceseis, and finding them vnablo for the purpois above said, that yow give of ther names
vnder your handis to our CoUectour Generall of the present taxatiouns, or to his deputeis and collectours,
that they be not troubled for the same. — Whythall, 14 Junij 1626.
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REGISTER OF ROYAL LETTERS.
49
To THE CoHMIHSIONBIlS OF .IIR £XCUG()UKR.
Vndoratanding how oxpediont and docont it is that in all CommisAions of great and woightie
importance, whorof ther ia a nccessitio of the continuance for some cortano tyme, that a president should be
choysen, and being confident of the habiliteis of our most reverend father in God, and our right truatie
and weilboloved Counsellour, the Archbisliop of S' Androwis, to discharge that place, those presents Br to
requyre yow to accept of hin. oa president of the Exchokor, geving him that dew respect which belongoth
to a persono of the lyk eminent charge. And so we, &c. — Whytholl, 14 Junij 1626.
To THE Skssiok.
Whorus the Esteats of that our kingdomo in the parliament holdin in the moneth of August 1621
did grant vnto our late dear father ane extraordinarie taxatioun of the tuentin pennoy of all anuel rents
dew to bo payed to ancy personcs within that kingdomo, ordeaneing the samyno to be vpliftod at ccrtano
termes contenit in the Act concernoing the same ; Wherby it is provydit that as weill vnjuat vpgivors as
conceallers of money (out of which the said extraordinarie taxatioun was to bo levyed) should be punisched :
And being informed that some persones, without fear of our lawis, and to the manifest contempt of our
authoritio, have brokin the provisions of the samyne act, and that as olreodio so that heirefter
processes ar to be intended against them for this caus : Thairfor our pleosur is, that from tynie to tyme
Justice may be carefuUio and apeedelie uf Jiistico. Tluiyh UiIh doluy did nut
(oh wu ar infcmni'd) oxceidin^lic pn'jiid^o tlioMu oriiliiuieg hy l)oiii>{ dofraudod of tlio nu'ikiiuB >vht>rvnt<) tlioy
protend a rigiit, yit in neglect of tho royall plunHuro of our Biiid lato doar fittlior [and] uf oufh, bo often and to so
Rood ])uriKiig Bif^nifeid, and wli«r nothing waH cravinl hot tliu dew execution of our law)>H, nhould liavo Im'iio
rt'ijuyrcd f oni yow a further couHidunttioun then what hitherto hath bene funtl hy ws : Thorfor our idvaxur
is, tliat with all convenient diligence yow cqub putt bucIi tlnall end to that action, as yow shall find the
equitio thairof to rcquyro iu justice. Which reconiuiouding to yow, &c. — Whythull, 14 Junij 1626.
To THB Advooat.
Trustie, &c. — Wo ar informed that thor ar pnx-CBses intended and to be intended, at the instance of
our coUectour and of yow, againnt such ]M>raone8 within that our kingdonie who have govin vp vnju»t In-
vonturis, and have conceolod nioneyis which should liave bene lyablo to our taxations, contrair to the Act
of Parliament made in August 1621, intending thcrby to have defrauded our lato dear father and ws o(
the taxatioun granted at that tymo ; and Ix'ing resolved that they shall vndcrgoe tho punishme.it provyded
by tho said action, our {ilcasur, is that from tyme to tymo as yow shall receave information from such as it
shall concerne, yow carefullio insist in tho porsute of the processes vntill tho finall end thairof, which we
will tak as acceptable service vuto ws. And so, &c. — Whythall, 14 Junij 1626.
To TUB Erle of Mar.
Wheras wo ar informed that ther ar processes intended and to be intended, at tho instance of yow and
of our advocat, against such persones within that our kingdome who have gevin vp vnjust Invonturs, and
have concealed monoyis which should have bene lyablo to our taxatiouns, (&c., as the former to tho Advocat).
—Whythall, 14 Juiiy 1626,
To THE COONSELU
Wheras, by our former letter writtin vnto yow, We appoynted the terme of Witsonday for inbringing
of the taxatioun granted vnto ws, which tomie, togidder with the first and secund of our extraordinarie
taxatioun being bypast, and being informed that the custome heirtofoir hath bene that letters wer direct
■from our Counsell thair for chargeing of such persones, vpon 20 dayes warning, to mal-. payment of ther
part of tho taxationis, who had not bene charged in dew tyme for doeing thairof : Our ploasur is, that by
your Act yow ordcaue letters to bo direct, chargeing all persones who ar to pay vnto w j any part of the
said terme's {myraent of the ordinario and extraordinarie taxational, to mak paymeni thairof to our right
trustie and weilbeloved cousen and counsellour tho Erie of Nithisdaill, our collectour (jenerall thairof, or
to his deputes in his name, and that after such maner and tyme as is above specif oit, and vnder such
panes as ar conteyned iu the act of the Taxationis. For doeing, &c. — Whythall, 14 Junij 1626.
Mr
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To THE Counsell.
Wlieras by the exemple of our late dear father, of worthie memorie, we have agried that ther shalbo
payed vnto ws yeirlie by tho Toun of Edinburgh, iu full satisfaction of thor parts of tho ordinario and ex-
traordinarie taxationis granted to ws by the estats of that our kingdome, the sowme of Ten thowsand
pundis Scotts in everie ano of the four yeirs of the samyn taxatioun : Wherwith we have thoght fitt to
acquaint yow that by our act of Counsell this our agriement may bo sotled and suiHcient securitie takin for
i
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REGISTER OF ROYAL LETTERS.
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our r-^yment ; but our pleasur is, befor the passing of the same, that ther bo delyvered to the Collectour of
these moneyis or to the Clerk of the Taxatiouns, a note subsciyred be the Clerk of our said burgh, con-
teneing the names of all such peraones within the same as ar burgesses and friemen, lyable to watch anJ
ward, and to contribut with that toun in all ther publict adoes, and that these and none vther be com-
prehendit within this agrioment, excludeing out therof for the matter of our extraordinario taxatioun all
persones duelling in the cuntrie, thogh they have tenements of Land within the said burgh, for which
they ar lyable to pay ordinarie taxatioun ; and that yow provyde a remedie for preventing of fraud,
which may be vsed by the Inhabitants of the said burgh in lending of ther names to the outputting
of moneyis appertenoing to persones duelling in the Cuntrey : And that yow tak the lyk course with
all others our burghes ther ; and that the Advocatts, Clerks of our Session, and Writters i/O the Signet,
and ther members who shall desyre to mak the lyk composition. For doeing of all which these, &c.
— Whythall, 14 Juny 1626.
To THB COUNSKIX.
Wheras William Rig, burges of o(ir burgh of Edinburgh, was by our direction confynbJ! within
Fyff dureing the pleasur of our late dear father for some disconforme behaviour vsed by him towaiuid
some persones of the Ministerie, and now, being informed of his resolution to carie himselff heirefter
in a more dewtiefull maner, our pleasur is, that vpon declaration therof to yow by the Archbishop of S*
Androis yow enlarge him to the effect he may repair whither it shall best please him, for the dispatch of
his affaires.
12 Articles.
H
1. That the Lordis of the Colledge of Justice tak a course for appoynting a chaplane, who may everie
morning at eight aclok say a prayer vnto them.
2. That the President of the said Colledge mak choyse of two or thrie lawyers which may consult
and assist with the King's Advocatts in all bussines that concemes hia Ma^'* Law affaires.
3. That the President appoynt such dayes and tymes as he shall think fitting for consultatiouns in
his Ma*^ affaires.
4. That the President search all registers and tak note of such thairof as may advance his Ma'*'*
service.
5. That the President give command to his Ma"'' Advocat to advert that nothing be done in that
action betwixt the Erie of Mar and the Lord Elphingston prejudicial! t« hia Ma"'" service.
6. That the President caus revise all such acts and ordinances that doeth couceme expedition of
Justice, or ordoreing of the house of session tiiat may be of new enacted, aud what is further
necessarie being advertised by the president, his Ma"' may give ordour therabout.
7. That the President in the search of the registers mak a roll of all holdingis and ther charge.
8. That the President mak a note of all priviledges of tlie session and members therof, that his Ma**"
may ratifie such of them as he shall think expedient.
9. That the President search the registers and mak a note of all acts that concerues the preaentatiouns
and admissions of the Lordis of Session.
10. That hia Ma'"'* Advocats be commanded to advyse what coui'se shalbe takin in the bussines of the
Basse.
1 1 . That his Ma'*''* Advocats be commanded to raise summondis aganist such Lords of the Erections,
and other poynts conteyned in his Ma"** rovocatioun, as shalbo thoght expedient.
12. To search these books and acta which wer made in the tyme of the Lords, called the Octaviana.
Signed at Whytliall, Junij 14, 1626.
REGISTER Of ROYAL LETTERS.
91
To THB COUNBKLL.
Right, &c. — Haveing resolved to send a supplie of Fyve hundreth men to our vncle the King of
Denmark, and that he have them from that our kingdome. Our pleasur is, that yow grant vnto Capitan
Alex' Setone a commission with a sufficiant warrand to leavy and transport the said 500 men, with as
large priviledges as any vther hath had heirtofoir in the lyk kynd, he alwyse giveing such satisfaction to
everie ane of the said number as shalbe ogried vpon betwixt him and them, according to the custome in
the lyk caices. For doeing whairof, &c. — Grenwiche, 24 Junij 1626.
To 'I'BB COUNSBLU
Bight, &c. — Sieing it hath pleased ws to give ordour for the payment of such money for the
intertenement and transportatioun of these forces levyed or to be levyed by Sir Donald M°Ky and Sir
James Leslie, kny**, by vertew of ther severall commissions granted to this effect, as ar proportionable with
the number of soldiours so levyed by them, according to the extract of the Informations gevin by Count
Mansfeild to one M' Woulson, which we have sent yow here enclosed : Therfoir our pleasur is, thai, no^
onlie yow have a speciall care to tak suretie of them for fulfilling the samyne in all poynts, bot lyk way is
that in all other matters and circumstances conduceable to the furthering of the quick dispatch from
thence, yow give your best aide and forthemnce, which we will tak as acceptable service done vnto ws.
So we bid, &c.— Whythall, last of Junij 1626.
To THE ChANCKLLOUR.
Bight, &c. — Becaus yow have bene acquainted heretofoir with all the proceidings between the Lord
Ogilvie and the Ladie his mother-in-Law, as one to whois consideratioun it was particularlie referred :
And that we fand that at your last beijg here how well yow wer affected to the setling that bussines,
and how the said Lord was so obstinat that he would tak no course for the releiff of the Lady who hath
bene so heavelie distrest, being vorie desyreous that schoe may obtene that which is dew vnto hir with as
much diligence as convenientlie can be vsed, we would willinglie that yow should vse your best endevoura
for that effect; and in regard schoe hath compleaned heirtofoir that schoe could have no Advocat to pleade
for hir, and that these who wer commanded by yow to plead in hir cause (not being employed by the
other pairtie) did ref uise to doe the same : Therfoir our pleasur is, that yow tak such ordour with tlie?e
persones ao yow may lawfuUie doe be vertew of your place, to the effect they may not plead for the
vther pairtie, and that schoe may have as much favour as yow can justlie affoord, for as we will never
wish yow to declyne from that which is equitable out of respect to aiiy persone, so we wish yow to give
vnto hir your best furtherance in so far as can agrie with equitio. In doeing wherof yow shall doe ws
acceptable service, and so we, &c. — Whythall, first July 1626.
To THE AdVOOATTS.
Trustie and weilbsloved Counsellours, and trustie and woilbeloved, We, &c. — Wheras ther hath bene
complant made vnto ws by the Lady Ogilvie, elder, aganst the now Lord Ogilvie, hir sone-in-law, luost
humblie schawing that schoe hath bene mony wyse wronged and oppressed in hii- bodie, goodis, and estate
by him and by his meanes, which, if it be trew as schoe doeth alledge, is botli so ill of itselff and by the
■».
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54
JiEGISTER OF ROYAL LETTERS.
oxmiiplo, that wo cannot but \w can^fiill to sio tlit- saniyno dowlio tryed and puiiiscrliod, siuing that tlio
injiiriMH (:oiii|iI(>aii(ul of ar sudi ryotts and insolmictMs aw liatli liwui doiiu witli a iiiaifor the consideration thairof to our Chnncollour, tho now jiresident of our Session, and others, who did
certilie vndor ther handis how the late Lonl Ogilvie had satistied diverse sownios of money which wer
alledgod to be vnpayed, and that the now Lord had obteinod decreits aganst hir vndor borrowed names and
in hir absence, who if scho"- had bene present would have eleideer8ono haveing
power from yow, weill instructed for perfecteing of that which was conferred vpon bitwixt our said
president and yow, vnto wlionie we wisli yow delyver tlio writts and evidents of your Land, that they may
remane the more secure in his custodie till it be fully determyncd what is fitt to ho do le by ws licirin,
taking his note according to an Inventarie to be made thairvpoun for the delyvcrio thairof to ws or back
agane to yow according to the Issue of the said bargane. And so we bid yow farewell, — From our Court
at Whythall, first July 1626.
Precept to the E[arl] Nithisdalb.
Wheras we liave gevin ordour to yow for buying of thrie schippes for our service, and for defence of
our subjects of that our kingdomo of Scotland who have ther trade by sea, tuo of which shippes ar now
lyeing in tho river of Thames ; the one called the , at the pryce of 2400 lib. stf.rling, as by tlie
bill el sale appcareth, with 25 lib. sterling to the Master ; the other called tho Helen, at 865 lib. 7s.
Stealing, as appeareth lykwayea by the bill of sale, with 3 lib. money forsaid to the mastei ; and the thrid
Bchip willed the lUissing, now lyeing in Leith, belonging now to Robert Ker and his partiners, at the
pryce of 22,500 lib. scotts money ; Our will is thairfoir, that yow caus pay vnto Sir James Baillie, who
hath advanced and gevin securitio for the saidis sowmes, or allow in the first end of his wiceipta as one of
your deputts, not onlie the forsaids principall sowmes, with ther interest and proffito, l;ot also all and
whatsumevir sowmes of money the said Sir James or his factouris shall deburso and lay out at tho sight
and by advyse of Sir William Alexander and Sir James Spenso, kny*", tuo of oar Cour.sall of warrs, in
trymming, dressing, outreaking, victualling, provision of powder, schott, taikle, sadls, anchors, warkmen's
wages, commander's, souldiours', and saillers' fees, for the saidis tuo schippis lyeing in tho ivor of Thames,
and transporting of them to Scotland : As lykwyso that yow allow vnto him all such sowmes of money as
ther Commissioners for ther marine affaires within Scotland sliall think reciuisite for repaiiing, victualling,
and outreaking of tho forsaid schip called tho Blissing, now lyeing within the said port c f Leith ; whicli
sowmes of money not specifeit particularlie hcirln, which ar as yit to be payed to the said Sir James, with
the principall sowmes above writtin, shalbo thankfullie allowed to yow in your accompts ')y the auditoura
therof, whomo we command to defease and alio- tlie samyne to yow, these presents, with iiertificats of tlio
said Sir WUliam Alexander and Sir James Spense, and of the saidis Commissioners, beir g schawn vpon
accompt for your warraud. — Whythall, fh'st July 1026.
^\H'
Jli
To the Advocatts.
Trustie and weilbelovod Counsellours, and Trustie and weilbeloved. We, &c. — Wheras we ar resolved
to vso our best endeavours for planting of all sucn churches within that our kingdomo as ar not alreadie
planted, and for freeing the gentry thairof from that which they suffer by the power that others have over
them by mcancs of teynds and hcretable offices ; and being to niak the best benetite wo can (>f our revocation
to that ofiect, as lykwyso for the advancement of other common works, and for the increase of our revenewia,
in so far as it may lawfullio and couveniontlie be done. Our pleasur is, that yow our advocat, and yow of
H
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58
REGISTER OF ROYAL LETTERS.
wliomo wo hiivo iimiUi clioyco tt) coiicuro willi liini, don nuwt and ooiiHidl to^iddor to tlio ofToot foirwiid, nnd
thiit yow tntwlio di^ost and cunHidditr of »w\i lliinKH n» yow your huIIF [think] to Ixi for tlio ^ood lioirof, or Itiiit
sliiilbu ]ir<)iMinod vnto yow by any vllmrH for \\\\» xnd : And lliimtfUir, hav(tin){ ndvymtd wliiil fluiirRo !» tiUvHt
for W8 to tak for rtwovcrio of that wlmrvnti) wo have right, and for tho diHpoH'.'inK of such abbnyus as wo
have alnmdio, or tliitt hIiuII hn]>])iii to fall vnto our hand, that yow oortitio ba«k vnto wh your o])inion
thorin. So nwcrving all othor thingx uonccrnoiiig tlio pruinisHOH to your further couHidurution, Wo bid, &c. —
Whythall, tho lirst of July 1620.
A LiCRNOR FOkl TnAVRLI.INn.
Charles, by tho Graoo of God, king of England, Kootland, Franco, and Irlarid, (Uifondor of tho fayth,
To all >rayro», ShirivfliH, JuHticoH of IVaco, Vioo-Adniindls, ItaillivoA, (.'onntabloH, ('ustoniorix, ("JomiitMllcris,
Son'horis, and all vtbi>rH our ottiooria whom it may couoornc, ami to ovorio of thtmi, Orooting. — WheraH
Aloxander Maoknauchtoun, gonllnmn of our privio chalmor in ordin:irio, is to travoll \;"to Franco vpon
8onMi nocosHario occa-sionx him noir concoriioing : Thoso ar to will and connnand yow and everio of yow to
8Uti\, Our ploasur is, that yow for tho present tak some speodio courso how the said ('astlo nuiy
1hi most sttfolie koopit, and lykwyse that yow dwdl or cause doalo with tho said Sir Johno that he desist
from cutting of tho wood of Moth von till yow shall hoar from ws conconioing tho same. — Wanstod, tho
11 July 1626.
To THK COUNSKLU
Kight, &c. — Tliogh by a Letter of tho dato tho 26 of Ja'^, which was thairoftor by act of counsall
interponed thorvnto publisehed by oppin proclamation. We wor ploasod tt) declare what wo intended
concornoing tho IJevocation : Yit leiuit some inconsidcrat jwrsonos should niistak the sinceritio of our
designcs, making sinistrous constructions thairof far contrario to our mynd, to vindicat tho integritio of our
courso in this from all vnjust asiH>rsions, and to satistio all our woill disposed aubjocta by romovoing
thoae wrongfullio suggested gMunds that may broad preposterous fears, Wo have thoght good hereby t:;
express our meaneing eirectuallie ; That, as tho end we aynui at is just and nocossarie for tho good of that
our ancient kingdome in planting of the Church and freeing of the gentry of tho bondage wherin they ar
by the meanos of heretruHuntH that wo intund t(j male no bonotitu thorof by oxU>ndinf{ it any further then onlio
aganHt t}ie uroutionH and otIiorH diH]>uHiti(mfl wliatHocvur of LandH, toyndH, putronagoM, tNinofitos fomiitrlio
t>olongtng to tho Church, and Binco annoxuotwixt and thu (irHt day of .lanuar nixt cnnueing tho date hcirof, may have sotno
ronHonablo com|)oHitions for tho Bame, wo have appoynted CommiHsionerH to treat with them thcrvpoun,
who hath jiowor from W8 both to treit and agree with them, and to dixpoHo of HUch teyndH oh ar rccovereruvent any trouble or inconvenient tliat may arise from tho revocatiouns of our successours at any tyme
lioiroftcr, Wo intend, (>od willing, at tho nixt parliament to l>o holdin within that our kingdome, with
tho advyso of our estoats, to ostiililiHch a ccrtano patrimonio of our Croun, which shalbc enacted to remano
vnalionable, and it shall onlio bo made lawful! for our successours to revocik such parts thairof as liavo
bene alionati;d, and no further : Thus shall th(ty find by tho effects how carefuU we arc to provydo for ther
good and socuritio, both duroing our tymo and fur ever heirofter. So havcing limited our revocation in
manor forsaid, rosorvoing, notwithstanding of that which is above expressed, a libertie to ws to clayme
whatsoever wo havo just right vnto by tho Lawis and practiiiuo of that our kingdomo vtherwnys then by
vertow of tho said rovocatioun, We urdeano this Declarotiun tu bo further extended in what forme shaltto
thoght recpiisit, and to tie rogistrat in tho books of Counsall and Session, and the author.tie of the Lords
thorof be interponit thairto. So we, &c. — Wansted, tho ij. July 1626.
To THB AncnniHCUop of S* Andhois.
Right, (fee, — As we at our lost Iwing hero perceovod your afTection to doe ws service as haveing
considered tho justice of our dosignes, and how necessario they wer for the good of that our kingdome, so
wo have lykwayos since at sindrio tymes fund tho same by your letters presented vnto ws by the Erie of
Annandalo, tho Bischop of Ross, and wo cannot bot expect tho vttermost of your endeavours for the
effectuating of these ends which yow recommended vnto ws, and be confident that, as we ar resolved
constantlio to prosecute the -amyne, so we will not be vnmyndfuU of your paynes tending to this purpois ;
and as the said erle and uischup have many tymes acquanted ws with your good intentions heirin, so we
oxjject that they shall witnes vnto ws how roallio yow labour to have the same performed : And so
reserving all further purpois heirin to be delyvered by them vnto yow in our name, We bid, &c —
Wansted, the y. July 1626.
>«
REGISTER OF ROYAL /.FTTFRX
I
! I
(M
i^
To TIIK CoMMIHItlONKIW or TlIK nUKKVANOlW.
Ivi^lit, iVo. — Hnvoinjj np|M>yiit a rnn< timl nil hiicIi of our lovciiin bhIijocIh wIid fmn|
thcniKoiniH vii^jiisllic jjnHivoil nml iipiiniHNoil iimy Imvo llic iimmiiioh in jii»tii'i> fo Im rt'Ioivcil iiccorxliiiK to our
ooinniiwiion ({oviii to tliiH (ttrft(ir ix in thiH tlio
clioilV iiinrk niul nymo nl, «i> w<< lintilio r<>(|iiyrn yow (imlt n|>nrt nil oHi<>r n«MiM>i«(>tlo iti
our w»i»l wrvicc n>nlli(< nml «|H'«>tl( of our Holiipjiin^ within tliiit
our kiuiplome. So rocomiuomlintJ this viito your w ••> VVu bid, itc- Wtuistinl, tho ij. July 16'J(5.
A LlOBNOa TO TllAVKI.K
AVhcrns M' Thoiuixs Kplli»>, };<>ntluu>n, out of tho ntroction ]w onryoM to our sdrvioo, is to ffw nnd
Ftn'vo a voluntnrio mildiour in tho Kin^ of Donnntrk, Iuh nrniy, v|m)u hiH owin ohnrgoH : Wo thorfoir Ity
tluvio im'souts givo jtowor nud lioonco to hiui lo d(>i>nrt from our kin^lonio ;>f Sootlnnd, and lo tnivoll into
(iormnny, iiMhiliitoiiij; nil our ollioors, or nuy vthors our sulijootw whouu' it inny ooiu^orno, to trouMo him,
hin luo Horvnudis, or to hiudor thoiu in tho tnuiMporling of tuo horcu^os, iiotwithHtaiidiu){ uny uut mndu tu
tho contmrio. — Waustod, tho ij. .hdy 1626.
To TUB KkI.R MAKHOIlBt.I.
Whonw wo hnvo hy our coniniisaiou goviu to yow tho ohoilf con\iunnd of our Rchi))pfi whiidi wo hnvo
al>^H1y^^tod for dofouoo of thnt our kiuf^ilouus oonsidorin>; how nMiuinit it is tliat our sorvico in thnt kyud
U.\ with diligouco putt in oxwuliouu : Our ploimur is, thnt with as much hast as r.oiivonioullio can Ik) vsod,
yow sio tho saids schipps sott fourth for dofondin^ tho Ctvtsls of our said kiuj^donio from thu Invasion of
tho common onomy, and that yow vst' ynd for Inking advautjigo a^inst tho suhjocts or assistons of our ouomois which wo will
csteamo as gowl service done vnto ws ; and so we bid, &c. — Wanstead, tho 12 July 1626.
i'
To THE COMMISSIOKKHH OP TUB KxciIKgi:KU.
Kight, v^v. — navoing alroadio ostaMischod yow to Imi our Commissioners of our Exchoqtior, msorvoing
a lilH>rti vnto ws to add vnto yow at any tymo dun>inj; that commission any jM V
gntxl a catiiifl ; wo Imvo talcin it oxcnwlinKlio w«tlH nt Hmr Imnilin, nml Uicrfoir our j>lt)i wirvo an ii iliw'.liikr){)! for imymDnt
of thiir tiixntioiiin tliiii nt thin tomin viito wn, nml inny Miimyno vi>on nx-.onl an a uroatfull UiHtiiiionio of
tlixr voliiiiUirio ail'octioii tu our mirvico, whnrof wo will not Im) vnrnyiulfiill. Ho wu liiil, niH(intH, with thii aaiil Mir JaiiiiiH hin lu^quittamKi, Hhalliu viito yow a HUfTiciont warraml. — Wanntiiail,
12 July 1020.
TiiK TouN OF Ei)ivnui«oii.
TniHtio and w<'ilhtilovi«l, Wo, Ac. — HavtiinK out of thii ^rtiat cam wn have for tho good of that our
anciont IcinKdoinn, apjioyntod coniiuiKHiontTH whoar tliu Junt coinplayiitH of all nuch of our HiiliJctctH hh Hiiffiir
hy tho ononiiouH |iroc(iidinKH of athiir af^airmt law or onlour; And hoarin){ yow to ho wiiill affix^I'Ml to thin
coumo, That mich nhuHHon may 1m( rodnwHivl, and tho ofromlom i)iiniHcho^'..,.
6f
REGISTKR 01' ROYAL LETTERS.
iiiul Hliikll not 1mi vmnyiulfiill of th«« unnio wlit'ii occiiMion hIiuII oIW liy wliicli w« inny ('Xi)n'(iii our nwiMM't
vtito yow, iliy tht' Hitiil (iric, vi>oii whom, iw omi of onr
(.'oniiniHHioncrH for tlit* pn'Honl Hurvicu of Ihitl our kingdonio, w«i Imvo rv^toHMl u vlx'ilV IruMi, Hu wu hid,
&0.— Wftustoil, la.luly 1020.
To TIIIC C'OVNMKI.I, (>K WahIIB.
Ri^ht, «to. — Hiivi'inj^ vmlnrHluilo how ncooNHiirix it in thut munn sen jiortJ^ nnil others |mrlH ex]iom invik(l«il : Onr
|)l(>nHur Ih, timt yow oonitidtir whtit pliu'cM ur to Im* ho fortifeid, and of thu Ih'hI ht'l|w lliitt iMkii ho lind from
th« nighlioriiix hnr^hx itnd cuntrio uho'.it, and of idl vthrr witycH how initny may hn numl t'ouvoiiinnlliu
furnischt cunloiiu> of nil civill and phriHtinn kin^domnR, what
{diu'o and dignitio is dui> vnto tho ('iiiiii'h, tlu< ]ir('('ll : And our idcaciir in, that ho liavo tho tirst placo hoth in our ('onnmill aiii
at all vthcr puMict mooltiiigs hofoir our C'liancollour aiul all othor our MuhjoctH within that our kingdonio,
n8 ono from tho ominoncie of wIioIh pinco wo will havo nono in any wayoa to dorogat, but Hhnll ovor con-
triluitc what wt* can for th(< advauc«iiiont thairv)f, in ho far as is lawfiill and uxpodiont. And so wo bid,
Ac— Wunstod, 12 July 1626.
if
hi"
AUTU'IS WR TIIK ll[l.SIl()P] OF IIOHS.
Yow shall dwiaro vnto yoiir brotlm'n tho Hischops and Archhisohojw that we nr plonsod that thoy
sntVor such of the Ministcric as being admitted therto befor the fyvo CanonB wer made at 8' .Tohnstoun, and
haveing befoir that tyme taicht and instructed ther |)imicliiiieris vtherwayes, doo now mak Hcrujilo to
practeis any of these canons, s]M'ciallio that concerneing geniciilntion, and that they, out of ther charitio
towanls ther bnmmuniou to aney crnvi ing tho samyne
kneeling : That they shall not receave any persones of their nyghbour congregation to tho Communion
■without the testimoniall of ther niinistors, and that for eschewing of schisines and confusion, provydod if
any of the Siiid t>ld ministers have practised aney of the saids ouions at aney tymo befoir that these bo not
exempted from pnicteising them heirefter : That they shall not wryt any Invectives aganst tho said canons
or chim-h govemewont :
That the bretlnvn who ar Itanisched have libertie to rotumo and lie placed at churches agane, and the
brethren coutined or su9i>eudit for their disconfoi initio bo enlarged and placed ogane in the ministorie,
KEGISTF.K OF ROY A I. LETTERS.
H
fW
pmvydchig lluiy nil k'v» Hiimlid (or n1»Riirvoin« itritlliii in tlinr fuvuura v|miu llui |iutiliou u( thu ArcliLiituhop of
tliti |>roviiii!nH(',ryv(iiii){ n Ixuid of r.onforniitiit, Ixtt wx
)mi ntlvortoimHl in wimiH ilyocio Ihnt niiniHtxr dtit'IlH, to thn tAXw.i wii niny c.niiMo tlm liiH(:lio|i thrrof Imi
piiMittidrnd for udniiltinK nny witliout n Itniid of coiiforniilio, nnd that tlm wiiil iiiiiiiNU^r Ihi vrgnd to
HiiliNrryvd tlint linnd which nt \\'.a niitrin hIioiiM hnvti iNtnii HiiliHcryvnd Ity him :
Tlint n conion Ixind of uonforinilio \m foriimd, whioh nil tlm Ar(diliiMr,lio|iH nnd liiHchopH hIiiiII ciiiih ho
■uliHcryvnd hy ovorii) niiniHtor within thu diiMiio nt tlmr ndiiiiMHion, which wii doclitro wo will linvo ovorio
aridiliiw.hop nnd hiscliop to oniiH Imi donu, vndor tho pnyno of loMiin^ tlmr plnnoit nnd iMinotlcofi :
Tlint nil liimdiopM innk niMidoiico in thor iliiMioiH nt tlmr cnthrdmll ohiindioH with dilii^'"''-", oxnopt
Riudi iiH hIiuIIh) iiiiployou nlioiir our Horvioo nnd ]inliliot imployniontH, nnd tho liiHchopH not rtiMidont tlmr
linniuH to bo duolitrod to wh by tho Aridibiw.liop of tho provinoo, to tho oiroct wo may Hi^nillo our ploniiur
conoornoiiiK tlm wiino : Tlint yow donll with tlm ArchbiHcliopH nnd otliorH whom it niny concoriio tlint tho
Kriu of Nithiwlnlo Imi not troublod for IiIm roli){ion vnhuui ho gnvo Homo publiot ofTonco, till wo Imi lirHt
acqunnlod tlmrwitli :
Tlint nil tlm An-.hbiHchnpn nnd binnhopH vm ordinnrio viHitntionH, nnd Unit in tho tymo tlinirof tlioy
pinco huooIIh in ovorio ]inroc)iin, nnd cnuoo woiklio cntochino tlm pooplo Imj ilk ininiHtor for runiovoing
iKiiomncu, Imrhnritio, nnd nthioHnio, nml nlmi thnt tlioy tnk ordour for inUirtunoinij tho pooni in ilk
pnronhin : Yow bIuiII ilonyro M' I'utor Uny to dolyvor to yow IiIh liook to 1m) porvBc! hy tho ArchbiMchop
of 8^ AndroiH nnd yow, nnd wimn yow linvo rofornmd hucIi tliin){iK thnt yow tliink fitting, thnt yow cnuHo
putt tho Hiiniyno to tlm proHHunnd piibliwdmd, und cortifiu tlm nnid I'otor from wh thnt wo linvo ttikin noticu
of liiH K'xxl Horvioo ihmo to our Into donr fnthor, nnd of iiiH nbilitio and suflicioncie to florvo wh oh fitting
oc.oHHion Hhnll olFor. Wo shall not bo forgotfull, hot hnvp a caro of \m profurmunt. — WanHtud, tho 12 of
July 1026.
'I
¥
To THE AnuiiniHcriopg and disohopb.
Right Rovorond nnd Rovorond Fnthors in God, and right trustio and woillK)lovoloyud in our 8«rvico, ur thii puhlict uiruirttH of tho Cliurcli,
and to Ihi diligent in yuur HuvuruU uhurguH, us yow would uxpuct uur favour. Wo bid, &c. — VVunHtod, tho
\i of July 1020.
To TUB COUNHKI.I.
Ri^ht, A'c. — ^V^lun^8 wo wor l)IwWl^d of lute to wryt vnto yow tluit yow hIiouM hoo Uil-ho oonditiouH
porforniud by .Sir Donuld K['°ky, knyS wliicli lio hud vndiirUtkcn by covonitnt to \w donu vnto Count
Muuiift'ild, lU'i'ordiu^ to tho IuHtru(^tionH sont vnto yow vpou dolyverin of tluwo iiuincyiH, for whiidi hu hud
onlour from lionuu : Iluvoing hoard by a luttor from yow how fur he hath bvnu diHupoyntod for not
delyvoriu of tluwi moncyiM in dew tynie, which hiovimI yow 500 lib. 8ttorted at this tymo from thence, for our Horvico at tho most
riMtsonablo mtes yow can procure, as of a sjx'ciall service of ours : And lykwyso that in all other matters
conduceable to the furllu^ring of the ((uick dispatch fnmi thence, and for takeiii)^ ordour with these
jwrsones who liaveing bargained with him hath disbanded or shall disband from his regiment, yow givu
him your best aide and furtherance, and if yow tind tho hindtranue of this bussines to havo proceided from
amiy considerable fault of aney persono who hath failed to performe his condition agn'cd vpon for this
purpois, let ws bo aciiuanted Iherwith. All which things recommending to your earnest care, wo bid yow
farewell— Thoobal's, the 18 July 1626.
!--
To TUB TllESAfUER AND DePUTT.
liight, &c. — AVheros we wer fomicrlie j)lea8ed to grant vnto our right trustio and woillwlovod tho
Lonl of Kincleviu a pension of sex tliowsund pundis Scottis dunging his lyftymo, conformo to warrandia
from our late dear father for answering him of the lyk sownio as by tho sainyne may api>ear : And Ixjing
vnwilling that the stiid Lord should bo defraudeil of that which vpon so goml and considomblo grounds
was gmnttid vnto him, Our pkvisur is, that yow Iwth roiulolie answer and pay vnto him, or his assignoyis,
tho ariagos of tho said i)ension resting dew vnto him, as lykwyso tho samyno yeirlie and termelio
duroiug his sjiid lyftyme, according to his gift granted to him i^vvpon, for doeijig whairof these proseuta
shalbe vnto yow, &c. — Theobald's, 18 July 1626.
To THE Eni-K OP Mar.
Eight, &c. — AVhoras wo wor fcrmerlie pleased to wryt vnto the Lords of Session that tho Marqueis
of Hamilton, the Erie of Angus, Nithisdale, and Annandale, might be secured from any harmo that might
aryse vnto them by the action depending befor the eaids Lords betwixt yow and tho Lonl Elphingstoun
REGISTER OF ROYAL LETTERS.
6S
«r it wor iloconiod, HJitiiig wo liitiir now tlmt yow Imvo olitonit your ili-cntit : Our |iluasur Im, tliiit yuw
iie<;unt the Kria of AngUH in lo far lut dooth concurno him, thnt li« )iave nu niiuH to noni|il(inn«. lu ilovinij
wliitirof, yow iiiiull doe wh a Hpooiiill ]>lnt within tliiit our kinKaNt, it would bo vurio lUMM'jitalile to wh that mom dili^oncc nmy be vkimI hciruftcr, and diiMllio
that tho thfHaun^ ond CommiHHionurH of tho Kxuhuckur (if ncid Imj) would stay thu longer tynii; togiddor,
nnd that the CommiHsiomtrH for th(( (JrcuvancoH, wherHCMiver they i)art at any tyme, doe aiii>oynt a new
tyme of thur mt-eting agan(% and that yow doc what further Hlmll)u nupuHito for tho elTect forwiid. Which
reconiniunding to your cure, We bid, &c. — Fntm our Court ut Theobol's tho 18 of July 1626.
To TUB C0UNHKI.L.
Kight, Ac. — WhoroH our late doaro father was ploiiMod to grant a coniniiflHion vnder tno great seulim of
our kingdomos of England and Scotland for composing of some diirorcncea arrymng betwcno our Hubjecta
v|)on the liordoni, which woo in like nmnur jdeaHed to renew, and did oxHpoct l>uforo thiH time to hauu
found thu fruictH of thoir laboiirH, who wee entnwted with thu charge thereof. Wee aro complaineto him a commission vndor our great aoall o_' that our kingdome for him seltV, his partinei-s, and
aaaociats, granting thoni all aucl: power, iirivilcdges, and immunitcia as hertofor hath bene granted by any
forniyne president, whervnto we dewyro the greater reganl may bo had, both ii. respett of the tynie and
HEGISTER OF ROYAL LETTERS.
6f
persono : And for your Ixittor information, we have sent yow lioirwitli the copio of a Signature which he
desyrod to bo presented vnto ws, alwyse referring to your consideration the particidar lieods therin : And
being willing titat yow grant vnto liim and them all such favour as is not contrane to our Lawis and
customes of that kingdunic, We bid yow farewell. — Theobald's, 21 July 1626.
To TUB COUNSALL.
Kight, &c. — Wheros we liear a rumour that ther be extraonlinarie leveyis of men made, or to bo made,
by some nobloraon vithin that our kingdonie, wlio, vnder the pi-otenco of publict caussis, may seik to
revenge ther owin privut (juuri'ulls, wlicrof, in regnrde of tlie state of the tymo, wo liavo the more reasono
to be carofull, Our pleasure is, that if there bo any such levyes, vther than these that ar levyed by par-
ticular warrands from ws, that yow tak a course imniediatlio for supproAsing thairof : And licaring that
ther is some variance betwixt our riglit trustie and weilbeloved cousuns and counsuUours the Man^ueis
Iluntlie and the erle Murray, which may bread ill effects, Our further pleasure is, tliat, haveing called the
said Marqueis and erle befor yow, yow vse your best nieaneci to niediat an agriement bttweene them in
things wherin they contravert, or vtherwayse advertoise ws of the poynts wherin they ditTer, that we may
signifio our further pleasur, and in the meanetyme tak such surety of both as yow think expedient for
preventing of any trouble that may aryse thtrby. So we bid, &c. — Oatlands, July 28, 1626.
To TUB COUNSKLL.
Httveing vnder8tuprehending ther owin interest in this, will have a speciall care for perfurmeing thairof,
sieing wo ar to convert no moneyis levyed by tliis meanes to our owin vse, but onlie at your sights to
imploy them for the purpois a))ovo8ix!cifeit : And as the occasion is extraordinarie, not haveing pi-esidents
in such a cose whcrby to be ruled, we desyre yow to deliborat of the best meanes and forme that may be
vsed heirin : As for tlie marinetis, wher we desyre to supplio our navie neir, we have gevin ordour to trio
wliat is to bo allowed towardis their mantcnance, wherof yow shalbe advertoiscd as soone as we know tlier
numlicr, befor they Imj broglit from thence ; and as yov,' concoavo what furtlior is Jitt to Iw done for tlio
puriK)ses abovespecifeit, let us bo ac»:iini8fiioii, nnd tlmt wo wor con-
tiilont, nntl Ntill iir, tliiil yoi' wonlil tiik mi WMiig nor violent coiirso in jiuUiiig tho biuiiyiio in oxooulioini :
Yit, sioing (us wo ur iiifornuHl) tlior is not tlml intiiviios of fi'i) Ih'Iwocuo yow tiio iw in rtMiHono'
vhouKl 1h'. Oin- jiloiLsuro is, tlmt for a tynio yow doo not cxtontl tho jiowor yow liavo from ws furthor thiiii
ngiinst tho Clitnolmttiui, nuconling iis wi»h intoutloti by your first Connniasion, till wo vnilorHtiinil tho niitiiru
of tho (liH'oroni'i's botwoono yow from our Couusiill, to whom wo hiivo written concornoing this purpois.
And 80 wo, &o.— Oiillumls, '-'8 July IG'JG.
To TlIK ^rAKlJlKIH OF IIUNTI.IK.
Kight, il-c. — Whoraa wo wor plonsod of Into to ronow our Conimisaion to mir rigid, fic. tho Erlo of
Murmy, your sono-iu-luw, for pcrsowing tho ('Iiuu'hattnn, goving him lykwyso powor ihorby to jmrsow
vflior nmlofiu'timrs luivoing comndtlod tho lyk otVoncis, making him it ; Auver of yow shall
doo othorwyso shall iiuuro our high indignation. So, not doubting that yo\ir ohooH" oaro hoirin wilbo for
tho (luyetnes of tho eountrio, ami to givo ws eontont, Wo bid, «X:c. — Outlunds, 28 July IGL'G.
To THE CllANCELLOUR.
Whoraa wo wor ploasotl by a Letter vnto yow and tho remanent of our privio Counsall in that our
kingdomo to sigiiilie onr ploasur ooncornoiug a grant to 1mi ))assod vmlor the groat soall thoro in fav(mr of
Sir Thonms llaekot, kny', whorin ther was a mistaking in these wonlis, " Melting all sorts of Mottolls," which
overie wher in tho said grunt shoidd havo bene thus. Melting and refyiuMug all sorts of mynoralls : Thor-
foir our pleaswr is, whensoever yow shalbo nHjuyrcd to this elVect, that yow couso ox])ood tho samo grunt
of new vmler our gr<>nt seall ther, contenoing tho Avords so r<>formed ; and that yow joyne Oetavio do
Stnuln, gentlnuui Ikihomian, as oijuull putontoo with tho suiil Sir Thuutus. For dooing, A-c. — Oatlands,
July 28, 1G26.
To TIIK CoUNSKUi.
Hight, ar vnito ws that none could justlio cliallongo foos of them by vort<'w
of any grant that was gevin k'for that onlour was erootod, yit In-foir wo would resolve what wua to bo
done heirin we caused onuuyro of the eheetl' horaidds and other oHieers within this our kingdomo wher
tho said dignitie of kirronet was first instituted by our late dear father, aiul doe find that the baroiu'tts ar
bund U\ jmy no foyis, nor did pay over any thing at all, save that which they did voluntarilie to tho
herj^ulds, of wliom thoy hod present vso ; and therfor, sieing ther cn^ation within that our kingilonio is for
so good a cans, wherby a colony is making reudio for getting furtli this nixt spring, to begin a work that
may tend so much to tlie lionour ond bonofito of that kingdomo, we would Imve them ovcrio way to ho
encouraged, nnd, not as we wryt bofoir, putt to ncidlcs charges ; and our ploasur is, that none as baronett.s
iiii!
re
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to 1)0 iimiln 1>() blind to jmy f<\vi«i '>'it wliiil thoy hIiiiUmi ])loii8(!(I to doo out of tlior owin (lincrntion to tho
liomiililH or to liny hucIi olliiv.irs of wlioni tliny hIiiiII Imvo vho : And iih for llior oldoHt hoikm, wlioiimMjvor
itiiy of thoni ih r.iini to |M3rfytu aigu and duHyrn to Imi knighUid, lut thoni jiny tliu foyJH allowud liurtofor to
bo jmynd by vtlior kiiif^litH. For douiiiK whi