sent to bring home the Queen he was no sooner gone then his Interest at Court began to fall for a Parliament being called the Lord Boyd and his Brother Sir Alexander are summoned to appear thereupon he distrusting this Case fled to England but his Brother was taken and Arraigned the Earl of Arran also though absent is declared a Rebel The Queen arriving with her fleet arriving in the Ferth My Lady Arran went aboard in disguise and informed her Husband of the calamity of his House perswaded him to do for himself whereupon he hoisted Sails and returned with his Lady to Denmark The King sendeth Letters full of promises and threatnings to move his sister to return to Scotland which when she did she was constrained to be divorced from her Husband and to Marry James Lord Hamilton not long after the Earl of Arran dyed in great misery at Antwerp Queen Margaret the third year after her Marriage brought forth a Son who was named James the King of Denmark to Congratulate the happy delivery of his Daughter released all his claims to the Isles of Orkney and Sherland but in the midst of this calm a cloud begins to overcast the Kings Splendor for his Brothers being Princes of unquiet and restless spirits they set themselves altogether to study Novelties and to bring him into contempt with his Subjects to this end they had drawn away many of the young Nobility and Gentry to follow them The King was Naturally Superstitious giving much head to divinations which gave also his Brothers occasion to vilifie him and incense his people against him yea the Earl of Marre became so Insolent that in the Kings own presence he began to raile against the Government of the state and Court which the King highly resenting caused to Imprison him where he fell in a high Fever whereof he dyed The Duke of Albany imputed the death of his Brother to the Court party but while he was keeping his Cabals in order to an Insurrection he was surprised and Imprisoned in the Castle of Edenburgh out of which he soon after made his escape to France thence he came to England and began to tamper with King Edward revealing to him the weakness of the Kingdom of Scotland and how easily it might be subdued the Nobility not respecting the King but much affecting a change in the Government which by his assistance might easily be effected he promised also to settle a corespondence with the Nobles of Scotland which he did then that they might get their design wrought gives way for the breaking loose of the Borders fierce incursions are made by the English upon Scotland and by the Scots upon the English and the discontented Nobility blame the King for all thereupon pretending the necessity of the times and the danger the Kingdom was in they entered into a Bond of association after which they enter the Kings bed chamber where they seized some of his Servants in his presence and put them to death as incendiaries in the state About this time the Duke of Gloucester set forward toward Scotland with two and twenty thousand men finding Berwick two strong for him he marches directly to Edenburgh there by publick writings at the Market places he gave out high demands all which King James being shut up in Edenburgh Castle answered with silence the disatisfied Lords having obtained what they chiefly aimed at wished the English at home again therefore they desire a peace with them which the Duke of Gloucester granted upon condition that all his demands were satisfied one of which was to reinstall the Duke of Albany which after much debate was granted and he with his Army returned home The Duke of Albany having recovered his Estate and Honours his first work was to restore the King to his Prerogatives reconciling him to his discontented Lords but he himself stood not long in his favour for by the advice of some of his Enemies about the King a Plot is resolved upon to bring the Duke within compass of Law which he being aware of fled to England to present to King Edward and the Duke of Gloucester his grievancies in his absence he is convinced of many points of Treason whereupon he and the Lord Crightton his Associate are both forfeited which when he heard he presently caused to give up the Castle of Dunbar whereof he was Lieutenant to King Edward who immediately put a Garison in it Not long after the said King Edward dyed and his Brother Richard Duke of Gloucester Succeeded The Duke of Albany obtains five hundred Horse from King Richard with which he came with the old Earl of Douglass to Lochmabban to surprise a Fair which was held there whereupon the Laird of Johnston who was warden dispatched Posts about for supply of men with which he Encountred the Duke here it is most Couragously fought on both sides but at last the English are quite routed the Duke hardly by swiftness of his Horse escaped but the Earl of Dowglass is taken and brought in Triumph to Edenburgh where the King adjudged him to perpetual confinement soon after followed a Truce with England for three years but before the time was expired Henry Earl of Richmond came with some Companies out of France of which that Famous warriour Bernard Stewart Lord Albany Brother to the Lord Darnly had the leading which by the resort of his Country men turned into an Army and Rencountred Richard at Bosworth where he was killed and Henry Proclaimed King of England King James taking advantage of this change besieged Dunbar which was soon surrendred upon Articles After this King Henry sent Embassadors to King James to agree if possible upon a lasting and firm Peace between the two Crowns at length after some difficulty they agree upon a Truce for seven years The King having settled a Peace with England betakes himself to the Exercise of Religion having founded a Colledge for divine Service in the Castle of Sterling he endeavoured to annex the Priory of Goldingham to it The Priors of this Convent having for many years been of the Name of Humealedged that they were wronged of their Right First they began to Petition but finding this uneffectual they began to associate with their Neighbours giving it out that the King was a meer Tyrant not to be trusted by which means many of the Hearts of the Subjects were alienated from the King The King understanding how things stood he made choice of a Guard to defend his Person resolving to live beyond the River Ferth of which when the Lords of the Insurrection were certified they surprize the Castle Dunbar and tumultuously over-run the Countries besouth the Ferth Thus coming to Lithgow they resolved to make the Duke of Rothesay the Kings own Son their Head whom having corrupted his Keepers with Bribes they constrained to go with them But the King loosing neither Courage nor Councel passeth the Ferth near Blackness with his Forces before his arrival at this place
befooled by perfidious men which brought a great reproach upon Them and their Posterity Though it be false that they Sold him yet it is a sad truth that His Majesty told them that the English would no longer stand to their Agreement than they thought it for their Interest His Majesty being now in the English's hands they at first carried themselves somewhat respectfully to him but they began soon after to appear like themselves having purged the House of Commons of all such as they thought would oppose them they began to keep His Majesty almost a close prisoner in the Isle of Wight The Scots hearing how the King was thus contrary to the promise and engagement abused by the English sent their Commissioners to London to put the Parliament in mind of the agreement at New-Castle but before they came the Game was altered the Parliament being purged by the Army the barbarous Juncto prove unexorable wherefore the Commissioners return home and acquainted the Nobility how matters stood Whereupon an Army is presently listed under the Duke of Hamilton with which he marches to England but is unfortunately overthrown at Preston most of the Souldiers being killed and himself taken prisoner and brought up to London where not long after he together with the Earl of Holland and Lord Capel were Executed on Tower-hill Within a few days his Majesty is brought from the Isle of Wight to Windsor during his abode there the Officers of the Army and the Members they left in the House proceeded to that height of Insolence as to bring the King to a Tryal Which when it was Voted and passed in the pretended House of Commons they proceeded to make an Act for the Tryal of his Sacred Majesty which they intituled An Act of the Commons of England assembled in Parliament for Erecting of an High Court of Justice for Trying and Judging Charles Stewart King of England This Terrible form of proceeding against his Majesty struck great terrour to the hearts of all sober and good men yea the Presbyterian Ministers who before were against him now declare themselves both in their Pulpits and by earnest Petitions to the Parliament to be zealous abhorrers of the Kings Death and every where make publick Protestations against the Tryal yet nevertheless the Juncto goes on And upon Fryday January the 19 th 1648. his Majesty was brought by a strong Guard of Horse from Windsor to St. James's and from thence to Westminster where he was Tryed and found Guilty contrary to the Laws of God and Man And upon January the 30 th about two a Clock in the Afternoon he submitted his Royal Neck to the Fatal stroak upon a Scaffold Erected between White-Hall Gate and the Gate leading to the Gallery to St. Jameses The 24 th year of his Reign he was Interr'd in St. Georges Chappel at Windsor His sacred Majesty that now Reigns being at this time in France with the Queen Mother is by Unanimous consent of all his Subjects in Scotland proclaimed at Edenburg Charles the Second by the Grace of God King of Scotland England France and Ireland c. and presently after they sent their Commissioners to treat with His Majesty who was then in the Isle of Jerzey After much debating on both sides at last Breda in Holland is agreed upon as a fit place for a solemn Treaty Here the Commissioners from the Church and State met the King and delivered the Propositions During the Treaty the above-mentioned Marquess of Montross was seized in Scotland and Executed which troubled his Majesty so much that it went nigh to break the Treaty but at length through the urgency of Affairs it was concluded And being brought to Edenburgh it was agreed that another Message should be sent to invite the King over to take Possession of the Crown which was his own by an unquestionable Title but the English Parliament replyed If they could hinder it it should not be so Wherefore they prepare an Army to invade Scotland under the command of their General Oliver Cromwell However the Scots no wise daunted at the Storms threatned from England resolved to adhere to his Majesty though upon their own terms The King arriving at the mouth of Spey in the North several Lords were sent to accompany him to Edenburgh but in the mean time Cromwell was advanced as far as Haddington against him Sir David Lâ—sly sent Sir John Brown with a Party of Horse which continued skirmishing for some while but produced no great Effect The next Rencounter was at Dumbar where the Scots had a Bloody Overthrow from Cromwel which did exceedingly strengthen his Interest in Scotland The first work that the Scots went about after this disaster was the Coronation of the King which was done at Scone with as great Solemnity as the state of Affairs could allow The Ceremony being over His Majesty removed to Sterling resolving to debate his right to Cromwell where people of all ranks flocked to him insomuch as in a short time he had an Army of 22000 Men but they dividing amongst themselves gave Cromwel opportunity to pass over forthwith defeating a part of the Kings Army at Innerkething possest himself of the whole Country His Majesty seeing after the defeat that Cromwel was like to Conquer all Scotland makes choyce of his most faithful Friends to venture with him into England where he might with more safety and advantage hazard three Kingdoms than in a Field wherefore with 16000 men he privately marched to England by the way of Carlyle and without any considerable opposition came to Lancashire where at Warrington Bridge some considerable Forces of the Parliament were ready to cut down the Bridg but the Scots were with them so suddenly that they prevented the breaking down of the Bridg forced their way over the Planks Hence his Majesty marched to Worcester in very good order Cromwel hearing of his motions sends Lambâ—rt with a select Party of Horse after him the Parliament also raised numerous Forces in most Countryes in England all which marched to Worcester against the King In the mean time Lambert gained a most Advantagious Pass at Hopâ—on by a desperate attempt having caused some of his Troopers to swim the River on Horseback carrying their Houlsters and Pistols in their hands to save them from wet whereby they put Major General Massey and his men to the retreat So that the Parliamentarians had a fair opportunity to make a Bridge over the River over which Cromwel passed and joyned the rest of the Army which put the King upon a necessity of Fighting the City being attacked on all sides Whereupon his Majesty marched out of the City with horse and foot against them Where followed a most desperate engagement insomuch that his Majesties Horse was twice shot under him every man resolving to dye in the Bed of Honour rather than to have their Prince and Country thus trod upon by the base Usurpers But the Enemy still advancing with
His Royal Highness IAMES DUKE of Alban◠and Yorke only Brother to his sacred Mayesty Lord High Com̄issioner of Scotlan◠Medulla Historiae Scoticae Being a Comprehensive HISTORY OF THE Lives and Reigns OF THE KINGS OF SCOTLAND FROM FERGVS the First to our Gracious Sovereign CHARLES the Second CONTAINING The most Remarkable Transactions and Observable Passages Ecclesiastical Civil and Military with other Observations proper for a Chronicle faithfully Collected out of Authors Ancient and Modern To which is added A brief Account of the Present State of Scotland the Names of the Nobility and Principal Ministers of Church and State the Laws Criminal A Description of that Engine with which Malefactors are Tortured called the BOOT LONDON Printed for Randal Taylor near Stationers Hall 1685. To the Most Noble JAMES Earl of Perth Lord Drummond and Stobhall c. Lord Justice General of the Kingdom of SCOTLAND One of the Extraordinary Lords of the SESSION and one of the Lords of His MAJESTIES Most Honourable PRIVY COUNCIL in that KINGDOM THIS Compendious History of the KINGS of Scotland is Most Humbly Dedicated by Your Lordships Most Humble most Faithful and most Obedient Servant W. A. TO THE READER I Shall not detain the Generous Reader with Flourishes upon the Grandeur and Glory of the Scotish Crown nor tell you that it may Vie Antiquity with the Ancientist Monarchy of the Vniverse that I leave to your Vmpirage when you have compared the following sheets with the Histories of other Nations Only thus far I will assure you that Scotland will be found to be a Country Pregnant of Wonderfull Changes and Revolutions a Theatre whereon Divine Providence has I Exhibited divers remarkable Instances of it's Peculiar Care over Crowned Heads and where all Treason and Disloyalty has been persued with utter ruine and Destruction It can show a Race of Kings Vnparallel'd for their Bravery and Gallantry in the Defence of their Country and Protection of their Allies and for their Heroicism in Assisting and redresing the Miserable and Opprest But I leave their own Acts as represented in the following Mirrour to make good my assertion and shall proceed to offer something in my own Vindication for I am liable to some Reprehension for Cramming so Large so Bulky a History into so small a Volum but if it be considered that all the Curious have neither the leisure to peruse nor the means to provide a larger I hope I shall need no farther Apology upon that point nor need I advocate much for differing much from many Authors as to the Origin of our Nation since I have followed the most Authentick and have only vary'd from those whose writings are vanished with Monckery and savour more of the Legend than true History Besides the plain bomespun manner wherein all these matters are deliver'd will disgust several who only delight in what is Flaunting and Trick'd up with all the Ornaments and Gawdiness of Rhetorick and Elocution but be it known I fitted my stile for the Capacities of Vulgar Readers such as becomes a History not a Panegyrick and what squars best with the Tongue of both Kingdoms wherein there was never yet any Chronicle publish'd of the Realm of Scotland so as that those who were unacquainted with the Latin were excluded from the knowledge of the Primitive state of so Illustrious a Kingdom After having fitted this account for the Common use by divesting it of a Pompous Dress and a too Stately Dignity of stile my Chief Care was to avoid Partiality by a stedy and Cauterous stearing between Buchanan and Bishop Lesley Seylla and Charybdis where vast Funds of Wit and Learning might easily have wrought the shipwrack of an unwary Pilot so that tho' a great part hereof is a translation of Eminent Authors yet I left my Originalls when I found 'em bias'd and avoiding their Extreams boul'd directly to the Block THE Introduction HIstory has been reckon'd one of the most Generous amusements of the greatest Personages and the loftier the Subject the more agreeable the Entertainment Now for the Advantages and Dignity of a Scotish Chronicle I will not so much insist upon it's Novelty and the wonderful Vicissitudes it contains as the Preheminency of that Crown over all Common-wealths Empires and Monarchies which by stating their several Claims and Pretences will sufficiently be made appear The Emperor Challenges the first Rank as succeeding to the Roman Emperors who are supposed to have been universal Monarchs the French King pretends also to it upon the Account of his being Stiled the most Christian King with other such Pretences The King of Spain also pleads it as his Right being the most Catholick King and King of manyest Kingdoms In this Debate of theirs we are not a little concerned our business therefore shall be to prove First that the King of Great Britain hath an unquestionable Right of Precedency to all the above named Princes Secondly that he hath it it as King of Scotland First he founds his Precedency to them all 1. Upon his being a absolute Monarch of the Isle of Great Britain which was first Christian 2. Upon his being one of the Quatuor nucti which were before all other Kings 3. That having Conquered France he hath Right to all it's Titles by which he carries it clear from the Spaniard or any other Competitor and Lastly that it was granted him even as King of England by the Popes themselves in the General Councils so that had they not relinquished his Papacy it is like his Holiness had not as yet questioned their Title to it II. His Majesty as King of Scotland may justly claim the Precedency from all those Princes it being by Lawyers declared the uncontroverted use of Precedency That amongst those of equal Dignity he who first attained to that Dignity is to be preferred This being a Rule among others Dignities we see no reason but that it should hold here This being granted I subsume that the King of Scotland being equal in Dignity with the Kings of England France and Spain attained to that Dignity before either of them for the first King of Scotland Reigned about three hundred and thirty years before the birth of Christ Whereas the English Historians Confess that they cannot reckon higher than eight hundred years after Christ Nor can either the French or Spaniard come up to the English for the French take the Origine from Hugh Capi who Usurped that Crown Anno. 987. And the Spaniards from Rudolphus King of the Romans Elected 1273. But here it is objected by some that the Kings of Scotland were Vassals to the Kings of England and did them Homage for the Crown of Scotland and so can Claim no Precedency amongst any free Princes far less amongst such as are of the first magnitude This some English Historians do with great Confidence aver but that their Ignorance or Malice or both may appear we are Content to refer the matter not only to the Respect the General Councils
to the servilest of his Work which they being not able to endure Macduff Earl of Fife Posts to England where he found Malcolm the late Kings Son at King Edwards Court whom he invited home to revenge his Fathers Death and possess the Crown which was his own by right Malcolm suspecting Treachery pretended several excuses to try Macduffs sincerity but when he found him Cordial he declared his Willingness Whereupon getting assistance of Men from King Edward he entred Scotland Macbeth hearing of his arrival went about to oppose him but Macduff surprizing him in his Castle of Dunfinnan killed him with his own hand the seventeenth year of his Reign 86. Malcolm Surnamed Kanmor Son to Duncan the first succeeded A. D. 1057. He was a worthy Prince and in Compensation of their Service and Loyalty in his Restauration created many Earls Lords Barons and Baronets commanding that their Lands should be called after their Names He made also his Thanes Earls many new Surnames began at this time as Calder Lochbart Gordoun Seytown Lander Kennethe Meldrome Schau Liberton Livermond Cargill Strachan Ratray Dundass Meazeis Mertine Cockbourn Lesly Abercromby At this time also William Duke of Normandy conquered England which was the occasion that these Surnames being expelled their Country came to Scotland viz. Ramsay Vans Lindsay Lownal Towres Preston Bissat Foules Wandlaw Maxwell from France came the Names of Frazer Sintcare Boswel Montray Montgomry Boyes Campbel Beaton At this time Walter Son to Fleance came to Scotland who shortly after was created high Steward of the Kingdom King Malcolm was killed at the siege of Anwick by one Robert Moubray who came from the Castle upon a light horse holding in his hand a Lance with the Keys of the Castle upon the point of it King Malcolm looking stedfastly to the Lance the other run him through the Eye with it escaping to the next Wood Whereupon King William changed this Moubrey's Name to Percy King Malcolm dyed the thirty sixth year of his Reign and was buried in Dunfermling 87. Donald the seventh Sirnamed Bane being Malcolm Kanmores Brother usurped the Crown A. D. 1093. But within a year he was expelled by Duncan base Son to the foresaid Malcolm 88. Duncan the second usurped the Crown but did not enjoy it long being killed by Macpendar Earl of Mearnes at Taich by procurement of Donald the seventh who after was Crowned King He gave the North and West Isles to the King of Norway for his assistance to recover the Crown He was taken Captive by Edgar his Successor and put in Prison where after some years he dyed miserably 89. Edgar Malcolm Kanmores Son succeeded A. D. 1098. He was the first anointed King Governing with great Wisdom and Sobriety He dyed the nineteenth year of his Reign and was buried in Dumfermling 90. To him succeeded Alexander the first Sirnamed Fierce A. D. 1107. Soon after his coming to the Throne certain Traitors were by his Chamberlains means let in to his Chamber intending to have killed him in Bed but he being surprised at their noise got out of Bed and caught a Sword in his hand wherewith he killed the Chamberlain and six of the other Traitors the rest hasted away but being pursued and some of them overtaken Confessed that divers of the Nobles were in the Conspiracy them the King pursued killing some and taking others He dyed in Peace the seventeenth year of his Reign and was buried in Dumfermling 91. To him succeeded his Brother David the first A. D. 1124. He possessed Northumberland and Cumberland Huntington and Westmorland He married Maud Daughter to the Earl of Northumberland who dyed in the flower of her Age for which the King took such Grief that he resolved never to Marry again but gave himself wholly to works of Charity He purged his Court from all Vices so that his whole Family were given to Vertuous Exercises no Rioting nor Drunkeness nor Lascivious or wanton Songs were suffered This Victorious and Religious King dyed in Carlyle the twenty ninth year of his Reign and was buried at Dumfermling where King James the first visiting his Tomb called him a Sore Saint to the Crown 92. Malcolm the fourth Sirnamed the Maiden next Heir after King David began his Reign A. D. 1153. A just and mild Prince in the beginning of his Reign there was a great Famine in Scotland whereof many dyed Sumerled Thane of Argyle taking advantage of the present Calamity raised a Rebellion purposing to make himself King but he was soon crush't his Friends killed and himself forced to fly to Ireland soon after being invited to London by King Henry of England under pretence of confirming him in his Title to Northumberland Cumberland and Westmorland he carried him with him into France where he had Wars for that time he no sooner was returned home then he made War with England to the great loss of both Kingdoms He dyed at Jedburgh the twelfth year of his Reign 93. To him succeeded William his Brother Sirnamed the Lyon A. D. 1165. He demanded Northumberland which by Right belonged to his Crown to be re-delivered to him which the King of England being taken up with Wars in France durst not altogether refuse but condescended to let him have such parts of it as his Grand-father possest but soon after he was by a Stratagem taken Prisoner at Alunick and sent to France where the King of England was whence not long after he was Ransomed with a sum of Money being returned home he expelled all the Murrays out of Murray-Land for that they were Seditious and Tumultuous in his absence About this time the Pope sent to King William a Sword with the Sheath and Hilts all of Gold set about with precious Stones with a Hat or Diadem giving him the Title of the Defender of the Church After this he retired to Bertha where he stayed not long when by a sudden Inundation of two Rivers Tay and Almond the Towns Walls were beat down the Castle demolished the young Prince and his Nurse with several others drowned the King himself narrowly escaping He founded and built the City of Perth granting to it several great and ample Priviledges He dyed the forty ninth year of his Reign and was buried in Aberbrothick 94. His Son Alexander the second succeeded to him A. D. 1214. Having pacified all Rebellions at home he led his Army into England where having made Peace with King John he married his Sister Afterward he went into France and renewed the old League with this Addition that neither of them should receive or protect the Enemies of the others Kingdom nor Marry with any Stranger without making one another privy thereto In the mean time his Queen dyed without any Succession within a year after he married Mary Daughter to Ingelram Earl of Coucy in France who bare to him Alexander the third in his time came Cardinal Egadius into Britain to beg Money for the Holy War of which he got a great deal but
going through France he spent it all and told his Holiness when he came to Rome that he had been robb'd by the way Whereupon presently another Legat was sent to Britain But the People hearing how they were cheated of their Money by the last procured an Order discharging this not to enter the Kingdom King Alexander dyed in Peace the thirty fifth year of his Reign and was buried at Melross 95. Alexander the third succeeded his Father A. D. 249. Being nine years of Age at his Coronation Ambassadors were sent to England demanding Margaret King Henry the third's Daughter in Marriage for King Alexander which was granted the next year the two Kings had a meeting at York where the Marriage was Solemnized During his Minority the Realm was well Governed by his Nobles taking the Government upon himself his first work was to summon the Earls of Monterth Athole and Buchan and the Lord Strabogy who were all of the Name of Cumings they not daring to appear were denounced Rebels They being now afraid thought nothing so much for their safety as the having the King in their Power which they got and confined him in the Castle of Sterling but the Earl of Athel who was the head of the Party dying their Hearts failed them and every one of them getting his Remission they set the King at Liberty soon after the Danes with a great Army invaded the Country the King with his Forces went against them and routed them killing twenty four Thousand of them the King returned to Norway with only four Ships which was all that was left of his whole Fleet. At this time Alexander Earl of Carrick passed to the Holy-Land having a Daughter who succeeded to his Estate she Married Robert Rance Lord of Annaudale and bare to him that noble and invincible Champion Robert Bruce King of Scotland King Alexander had two Sons by his Queen viz. Prince Alexander and David and one Daughter Margaret who was married to the King of Norway she bare to him Margaret called the Maiden of Norway The King and Queen going to London to the Coronation of King Edward the first David the second Son dyed in their absence within a few years after the Prince dyed at Lundores to the great Grief of the Nation and not long after the King dyed by a fall from over a Rock at Kinghorn the thirty seventh year of his Reign Leaving none of his own direct Line to succeed him The Nobility having met upon this so important occasion they put the Kingdom into the hands of six Regents for the South side Robert Arch-Bishop of Glasgow John Cumine and John the great Steward of Scotland For the North the Arch-Bishop of S. Andrews Macdiff Earl of Fife and Cumine Earl of Buchan Edward of England sends to demand the Daughter Grand-Child in marriage as next Heir to the Crown which was agreed too but the Death of the Lady frustrated all that Negotiation by which means great contention arose between Bourn and John Baliol. Baliol managing the English and Bruce the French interest Baliol being in the second degree of relation and Bruce in the third the one being David Earle of Huntingtons Grand Child the other his great Grand Child matters standing thus the whole was referred to King Edward who coming to Berwick and calling Lawyers to his assistance pretends all equity but raised up eight other Competitors the better to weaken the claim of the other two and so handled the business that Bruce having refused the Crown in Homage to England upon his aceptance of these conditions 96. John Balliol was declared King A. D. 1293. In the fourth year of his Reign an Appeal being made against him to King Edward by Mac-Duff and he refusing to rise from his Seat to answer it King Edward enters Scotland masters the Country takes Baliol and sends him Prisoner to London and afterward to France where he dyed long after in Exile About this time Sir William Walace arose who to his Honour did so Heroically defend his Country in its low condition as made it easily appear that if he had had as happy a fortune to advance as he had to relieve he might have been Commemorated for as great a man as ever was in any age for having upon a quarrel Slain a Young English Gentleman and enforced to lurk in the Hills for safety of his life he became inured to such hardness that awaking his natural Courage he be came the Head of all the Malecontents and filled both the Kingdomes with his terror so that having gleaned up to a tumultuary Army he became Baliols Viceroy thus after some little skirmishes he reduced all beyond the Forts after which he went to England and Ranged up and down for some time and returned without opposition after which the English enters Scotland with a great Army and finding the Scots disposed under three Leaders who disputed among themselves for Priority quite routed them but soon after they made a general insurrection to oppose which King Edward sent Ralph Conniers with a great army who a by tripple Victory were defeated at Kolkin All this while Robert Bruce continued with King Edward who weary of the Kings delays and offputs at last strikes in with John Cumin Baliols Cousin german they agreed that Bruce should have the Kingdom and Cumine all Bruces Lands Cumine notwithstanding communicates this agreement to King Edward Bruce hath notice and by shooing his Horse backward escapes to Lockambban there he finds Cumines Letters advising to cut him off upon which he hastens to Dumforess where he heard that Cumin was and after his exprobrating his infidelity Stabs him dead in the Franciscan Monastery About the same time Walace was traiterously Betrayed by Sir John Monteits at Glasgow and delivered to the English and being brought to London was Cruelly executed in Smithfield and his Limbs hung up in the most Eminent places 97. Robert Bruce was after he had stayed for the Popes absolution for defiling the Monastery with the murder of Cumine Crowned at Scone 1306. a Valiant and Heroick Prince he had many Enemies both at home and abroad which Edward taking advantage off with the assistance of the Cumines quite Routed him forcing him to the Hills where he endured great Misery to the great ruine and Slaughter both of his Family and Friends but making to gether some little force he took Carrick and Innerness by surprisal and by this means augmented his Train so that he was in case to withstand Edward having obtained a considerable Victory though sick and forced to be held on horse back this gave him time to take in the remaining strength but they were within a year retaken from him which incouraged Edward the second to enter with a great Army to Scotland but had a great defeat at Bannokburn which occasioned the loss of Berwick and Bruces confirmation in Parliament some few years after were spent in light Skirmishes and Incursions Robert having some rest
all means to have gotten Robert Stewart in his hands for he knew that next to King David his Title was best to the Crown Soon after King Edward prepared an Army both by Sea and Land to enter into Scotland but the most part of his Ships Perished in Forth The King returning with Balliol into England left Cumin Earle of Athol Governour who seized upon all the Lands pertaining to Robert Stewart and his Friends but Robert Stewart took the Castle of Dunne and killed all the Englishmen therein at this time the Earle of Murray came from France who together with Robert reduced much of the Country to the obedience of King David chasing the Governour and his Followers to the Mountains but the English entred with a great Army and though a great part of their Army was routed took Perth but their Fleet being harrast at Sea were forced to retreat and the rather in design of a French War but some of the Nobles still standing out the English landed in Murray and reduced all and leaving Balliol returned home the next year the English beseiged Dunbar and sent in two Parties under Talbot and Monford who were both routed yet the seige continued at last they were forced to raise the seige also having received great loss by the Valour of Robert Stewart Murray in the mean time dying Stewart was created Viceroy till Davids returne who having the first year gained some Victories did the next year take Perth Sterling and the Castle of Edenburgh the Scots gaining all their ground except Berwick In the year 1336. David resolves upon an expedition into England though much disswaded by his council Making John Randolph General himself going disguised Soon after a peace for two years was treated of which David would not accept without the consent of France whereupon marching as far as the County of Durham had his Army quite routed and himself taken Prisoner his Kingdom also in a manner Depopulated with the Plague by this time John of France was also made Prisoner in England the Scots after eleven years Captivity ransomed their King who at his returne punished some of those who had deserted him at Durham and endeavoured to remove the Succession of the Crown from Robert Stewart to whom he was some years after reconciled he spent the last five years of his Reign in composing Domestick feuds Queen Jane daughter to Edward the second of England dying he Marryed Margaret Logy Daughter to Sir John Logy then he purposed to have past to Jerusalem having provided all necessarys for his Voyage but he fell sick of a Feavour in the Castle of Edinburgh whereof he dyed in the fortyth year of his Reign without Succession and was buried in Holyrood-house 100. Robert Stewart the first King of that Name succeeded his mothers Brother A. D. 1378. A Valiant and worthy Prince he Married Eupham Daughter to the Earl of Ross who bare to him David Earl of Strathern Walter Earl of Athol Alexander Earl of Marr with several Daughters After her Death he marries Elizabeth Moor his own Concubine the better to Legitimate Children he had by her he honoured them with Titles and declared them his Successors two years after an Attempt is made upon Berwick and Sir John Lilbourn and 〈…〉 grave Captains of it taken 〈…〉 After this the Earl of Douglass came with twenty thousand Men to the Fair of Pennire within England spoiling all the Goods there but carried away the Pestilence with him whereof many dyed To revenge this the English came with a great Army over Solway destroying all before them mean while the Scots gathered together about five hundred Men. and lay in Ambush till the English returned back then with a sudden noise and Clamour as they passed by they set upon them forcing them back till many were drowned in Solway Not long after Edward King of England dyed whereupon the Duke of Lancaster came into Scotland intreating to have a Peace for three years which Peace being expired My Lord of Galloway laid siege to the Castle of Lochmaban and made himself Master of it defeating a strong party of English who were coming from Carlyle to it's relief King Richard fearing of it sent the Baron of Gray-stock with a Body of Men to fortifie Roxburgh who being within a mile of it he was taken by the Earl of March and carried to Dunbar the same year the strengths of Teviotdale were by the Earl of Douglas recovered out of the English hands soon after which he dyed His Son James succeeding to him went by the Kings Order with an Army into England whence he was presently after Counter-manded home where he found the Admiral of France with two hundred and forty Ships well Man'd come to their Assistance with them they passed into England and took the Castles of Warkford and Corwal And laying siege to Roxburgh and Carlyle the Scots and French could not agree in whose Names the strengths should be kept if they were won which brought the business to nothing Whereupon King Richard in revenge enters Scotland with a great Army and marching through the Mers and Louthian did much hurt But the Earls of Fife Douglas and Galloway followed him into England and secretly passing the Water of Solway came to Cokermouth where in three days time they spoiled the whole Country about and returned safely with great Booty In the year 1388. The King past again into England with an Army at which time the Irish taking their advantage entered Galloway destroying all before them Whereupon William the Lord of Galloways Son pursued them to Ireland and burnt the Town of Carlingfoord and finding sixty Ships in several Harbors loaded fifteen of them with the spoil of the Town and burnt the rest Returning home he spoiled the Isles of Man The next year the King of England sent an Army into Scotland which did much hurt in the Mers revenging this affront King Robert sent two Armies into England the one under the Command of the Earl of Fife entred Cumberland the other led by the Earls of Douglass and March entred Northumberland the two Armies met within two miles of Newcastle The Earl of Douglass chose out ten thousand Men to besiege Newcastle wherein was the Earl of Northumberland with his two Sons Henry Hotspur and Ralph Henry Challenged the Earl of Douglass to fight with him which Douglass accepted off so being mounted upon two starely Horses they assaulted one another desperately at last Douglass beat Peircy out of his Saddle but he was presently rescued and brought into the Town Immediately Douglass assaulted the Town but it was so well defended by the English that he was forced to retire and encamp at Otterburn whither Henry Peircy immediately followed there they fought a bloody Battel until the darkness of the Night parted them but when the Moon began to appear they joyned again with more Fierceness than before Victory inclining sometime to one side and sometimes to another till at last Patrick
snatched it out of his Fathers hand and wrung off her Neck for which his Father being angry Well says he Since I cannot Govern thee I will bring one shall Govern us both And from that day he ceased not to further the Redemption of the King he Governed four years 102. But the Nobles weary under this form of Government the Governour being also irritated by the Misdemeanor of his Children all Unanimously determine without longer delays to work the deliverance of their Native Prince James fourth of England which at length was effected Anno. Dom. 1424. Having Ransomed him for the sum of forty hundred thousand Marks He married Jane Daughter to the Duke of Somerset Son to John of Gaunt who bare to him two Sons Alexander who dyed shortly after and James the second who succeeded to him The King having passed the Solemnities of Hasterat Edenburgh He with his Queen came to Perth and from thence to Scone where he was Crowned in the twenty seventh year of his Age after he held a Parliament at Perth where the Tax was laid on to pay the sum promised to England for his Ransome from thence he went back to Edenburgh where he called such as were Concerned with the Crown Rents together he understood by their Accounts that the most and best part of the Crown Lands were alienated and wasted by the late Governour and his Sons whereat he was exceedingly incensed yet that time he smothered and put a fair Countenance upon his Passion But soon after pregnant Accusations were brought in against some of the Nobility especially the Governours Friends upon which some of them were made Prisoners which occasioned much discontent and Jealousie on both sides yet the King securing the Body of this Estate on his side resolved to go on and having Arrested the Governour with two of his Sons and several others his Friends they were all committed to several Prisons Whereupon James the Governours youngest Son in a desperate rage accompanied with a number of Out-laws came to Dumbarton and set on Fire and killed John Stewart the Kings Uncle with thirty others This Insolency of the Son quite diverted the Kings Clemency from his Father and Brethren Whereupon he calleth a Parliament at Sterling where the Governour with his two Sons and his Father-in-Law the Duke of Lenox were Arraigned and Condemned and soon after Executed this highly perplexed some other Lords and Gentlemen who were Prisoners at the same time fearing that they should also meet with the same measures yet the King like a wise Physitian being not willing to take away more Blood than he thought would take away the Disease of the Body in a short time set them all at Liberty The Wars continuing between France and England the French sent an Ambassador to renew the ancient League with Scotland But his main business was to carry on a match between Lewis the Daulphine tho' then very young and Margaret Daughter to King James this match the English neglected but afterward most earnestly sued for it The South parts of the Kingdom being brought under Obedience the King resolved to have the North follow their Example for which end he went thither himself in Person to keep his Courts When he came there he found things in a strange Condition all going by strength of hand the stronger overthrowing the weaker The King not knowing well how to go about the taming of these rude Villains seemed to give small Faith to what he heard of them allowing such of them as seemed to come and see him a great deal of seeming Favour till at length he got forty of their Chiefs all at once within the Castle of Innerness whom he presently surprized making them close Prisoners Within a few days after the King was convinced of this wickedness Alexander Macrory and John Macherter were hanged John Campbel for murthering John of the Isles was beheaded The Earl of Ross being taken in this Trap was brought by the King to Perth where he was accused of Oppression and other things yet the King pardoned him and freely dismist him taking his Oath of Fidelity But as soon as he went home he gathered together a Rabble of Out-laws who came towards Innerness burnt both Town and Castle to the Ground Whereupon the King himself went with his Forces against him at whose approach all the Rebels fled Alexander thus abandoned of his Forces fled to the Isles but finding that he was way-laid on all hands and had no way left him to escape he came disguised to Edenburgh Whereupon Yesterday the King being at Church he came wrapped in a mourning Garment and fell down at his Feet beging his Life which at the Queens request was granted but to keep him from any more mischief the Earl of August was appointed to take him into Custody within Tanutallon Castle Donald Balloth Cousin-german to the Earle of Ross raised a great number of outlaws and invaded Lochaber and in a Bloody Battel overthrew the Earles of Marr and Caithness at Innerlochy the news coming to the King he came with a great Army to Dunstaffage which when the Clans heard of they tendred their Submission to the King promising to break Balloth and his party which the King accepted of Balloth fled to Ireland where he was taken and his head chopt off and sent to King James Notwithstanding of the many Acts of Justice that were done upon these disorderly outlaws yet nothing frighted one Macdonald who was Famous for all sorts of Villanies among other Cruelties he is said to have nailed Horseshoes to the Soles of a Widdow because that she swore to delate him to the King being taken with twelve of his associates and brought to Perth the King caused them to be shooed in the same manner as he had served the woman draging him about for a Spectacle to the people for three days then all of them were put to death In this year A. D. 1430. the first of June was a terrible Eclipse of the Sun at three of the clock in the afternoon the day turning black for the space of half an hour as though it had been night which was afterward called by the common people The black Hour The King having setled the Country begins to look to his own affairs and having advisedly perused all evidences and Charters belonging to the Crown he recalls all such Lands as had been either alienated from it or wrongfully usurped about this time there came Ambassadors from the King of Denmark requiring of King James a Yearly Tribute due to him as King of Norway for the western Isles the Ambassador was honourably entertained and the old League renewed with Denmark soon after the French Kings Ambassadors came to have Margaret already betrothed to Lewis the Dauphin delivered to them and conveyed to France where they found the Lord Scroop earnestly dealing with the King that he must bestow his daughter upon King Henry the sixth of England promising that if he would agree thereto
the Hamiltons were forced to retire having left above fourscore of their number dead upon the Street These broils coming to the Governours ears in France he made all the haste he could home coming to Edenburgh he set himself to amend the Enormities committed in his absence a Parliament is called to which many Noblemen and Gentlemen are cited to appear and answer but some fearing the Event appeared not Whereupon their Estates are forfeited several fled into England among which were the Humes and the Cockburns who were the Authors of Darcies death others submitted and were pardoned The King of England being informed of the Condition of Scotland sent thither an Embassador requiring the Duke to avoid the Country according to the Articles agreed upon between him and the King of France in their last Truce To which he answered that what the Kings of France and England agreed upon in their Treaties of Peace was to him uncertain but of this he was most certain that neither the King of England nor France had Power to Banish him a Foraigner over them where Authority did not reach his Native Country like over like having no Jurisdiction Whereupon King Henry gathered a great Army to Invade Scotland Now they draw to Arms on both sides the Governour marches with his Army to Carlile where he pitched his Camp upon the River Esk this struck great Terror to the Citizens of Carlile who offered him divers presents for their safety of the Town which were rejected but the Nobility refusing to go upon English ground suspecting that the Governour only played the Game of the French he was forced to come to a Truce However the Governour resolving to be revenged upon England went to France where he obtained from the King Three Thousand Pikes and One Thousand Lances with which he returned home and having raised an Army with them he Marches to England and Besieges Wark but is Repulsed whereupon much against his will a Truce for some Months is concluded on Soon after the Administration of the Government was put upon the Prince himself the Thirteenth Year of his age the Governour returning to France after which he never returned to Scotland A Parliament is called wherein a Peace is concluded with England and eight Lords appointed to have the Custody of the Kings Person quarterly Embassadors were sent to England to treat for a Marriage between the King and the King of Englands Daughter which came to nothing The State began of New to be tossed with the troublesom factions of the Queen and the Earl of Angus the Queens Faction accused Angus of High Treason for detaining the King against his will to which the Earl moved the King to give an answer shewing that he was not kept against his will But with all sent another Letter secretly desiring by any means he might be removed from the Earl upon this advertisment the Queen and they of her Faction Assemble what Forces they could raise and with great expedition marched from Sterling to Edenburgh The Earl of Angus with the Citizens of Edenburgh and the King though against his will Marched out against them when the Leaders of the Queens Forces understood that the King himself was in Person in the advers Army they would advance no farther but retired back again to Sterling where they Disbanded and returned every man to his own dwelling place presently after the Queen sues for a Divorce from the Earl of Angus which the Archbishop of S. Andrews granted with the Earls own consent The King wearied of his confinement in the Earl of Angus his custody consults with the Lord of Buccleugh and some Borderers how he might be set at Liberty they Essayed it by Arms at Melross but were put to the worst then the Earl of Lenox undertook it and raised some Forces for that end but the Earl of Angus having gotten the assistance of the Earl of Arran with several others quite routed him near Costerphin where he was killed in cold Blood Now the Earl of Angus thinks himself secure enough having put all things in as he thought to rights he takes a progress to Lothian leaving the King at Faulkland Now the King amidst his Solitary walks in his Park bethinks himself what a fair oportunity he had resolved to essay by stratagem what the Factions of his Nobles could not perform by Force thereupon he directeth the Forester of the Park to advertise such Gentlemen about as kept Hounds to attend him next Morning for he would have his Sport early he Suppeth sooner then he used Commanding all to their rest the waiters all shifted and the Court hush'd shutting his Camber door in the Apparel of one of his Grooms unperceived he passed the Guards to the stable where with two who attended him with ready Horses he posted to Sterline where many of the Nobility and Gentry flocking to him he discharged the Earl of Angus from all Publick Offices whereat he was so exasperated that he and his Friends followed very extravagant Courses but the King pursued them so that after much misery at home they were constrained to fly into England where they were Charitably received and Honourably entertained by King Henry The next year the King visited the Borders holding Justice Courts and executing Justice upon all Oppressors Thieves and Out-Laws there in Ewsdale He caused eight and twenty famous Robbers to be Hanged others he brought with him to Edenburgh for more publick Execution and Example yet the Borders were nothing the more Peaceable for by the means of the Earl of Angus the English make daily Incursions and Spoiles the Country the Scots likewise serving the English with the same Sauce till at last by the Mediation of the French King a Peace is concluded on during the Princes Lives and one Year after the Decease of him who should Dye first About this time the Pope's Power began to Totter in England King Henry having renounced all Subjection to him because he would not Grant him a Divorce from his Queen Katharine who had been before Married to his Brother Prince Arthur and then by a Dispensation from the Pope to him The Pope finding King Henry peremptory in his purpose did together with the Emperor deal with King James to make War with England and to this end sent an Ambassador privately to Scotland King Henry went on with his Affairs in England and Executed John Fisher Bishop of Rochester for asserting the Pope's Supremacy in England Upon this the whole Conclave stirr'd up the Pope against King Henry wherefore he sent another Ambassador to Scotland most invectively Exclaiming against the King of England's Cruelty and humbly desiring King James's assistance against him King James to try his Uncle's Mind send an Ambassador to England to acquaint him with the Emperors and Popes Embassage King Henry presently dispatched William Lord Howard to Scotland who made such hasty Journeys that he prevented the News of his coming he found the King at Sterline a part of
Noble and Wise Prince in the thirteenth year of his Reign He was buried in the Charter-house of Perth which he himself had founded 103. The three Estates of the Kingdom set the Crown upon the Head of James the second at Holy-rood-house while yet a Child in the sixth year of his Age A. D. 1437. The Government is intrusted to Alexander Levingston of Calander and the Custody of the Kings Person to Sir William Crichtoun Whereupon Archibald Earl of Douglass grudging that these Honours had been conferred upon Men far below himself retired home and gave Orders that none of his Vassals should acknowledge the present Government also he used all means to weaken the hands of the Chancellor and Governour sowing by his Instruments the Seeds of Division between them which accordingly answered Expectation they begin to cross and Counter-act one another which made them at length that neither of them was obeyed the Country having usurped a Licencious Liberty doing what he thought best The Queen seeing things thus mis-managed betwixt them and finding that the Chancellor was mostly to blame she at last resolves to change the Game of State To effect her design she came to Edenburgh and with fair Speeches prevailed with the Chancellor to let her enter the Castle and delight her self some days in the Company of her Son after some days staying where having fixed every thing for her purpose she puts the King into a Trunck as if he had been some Fardel of her Apparel and conveys him by water to Sterling presently after Proclamations are made against the Chancellor and he Commanded to render the Castle which he refusing to do he is presently besieged But the two Rulers being better advised considering that Douglass waited to see them undo one another come to an agreement Much about this time the Queen Dowager married James Stewart's Son to the Lord of Lorn the Governour fearing what might follow upon the Novation committed them both to the Castle of Sterling then the Queen began to repent her of her former Courtesies to the Governour resolving once more to Face about which the Chancellor observing lays hold upon the Opportunity and strikes in with her presently they contrived how to take the Prince out of the Governours hands which they after effected thus the King being one Morning hunting in the Park the Governour being at Perth the Chancellor coming to him by the Queens assistance prevails with him to go to Edenburgh and take the Government upon himself which when the Governour hears of he very calmly came to Edenburgh where the Chancellor and he becometh Friends The great Confusions that were in the Country did necessitate the the calling of a Parliament where many grievous Complaints were brought against several Oppressors and among the rest William Earl of Douglass Son to Archibald was represented as the Source whence the Miseries of the Country sprang The Parliament resolve to proceed against him by way of Rigour but the Governor and the Chancellor advise them rather to write a fair Letter to him and invite him by fair means to come in and submit which was accordingly done and wrought so effectually upon him that he resolves presently to obey hoping thereby to get himself set up He upon his arrival was together with his Brother David and Sir Malcolm Flyming of Cummerald with great Ceremony conducted by the Governour to the Castle of Edenburgh where the King was at this Table he was set to Dine this so elevated his Heart that he Blessed himself with the Expectation of other Favours But amidst these Entertainments behold the Instability of Fortune near the end of the Banquet the Head of a Bull which was the sign of present Death in those days is set down before him At which sudden Spectacle he leapt from the Table all agast but he is presently seized upon by armed Men who led him to the outer Court of the Castle and notwithstanding the Tears and Crys of the young King that they might spare his Life he together with his Brother and Flyming had their Heads cut off This Act left Grief and Terror in the Hearts of the People who ever after hated the Actors of the Tragedy The Kings Nonage being now near expired he takes the Government upon himself and finding the two Rulers being so long settled in the Government not to be Ambitious and Head-strong he resolves to entertain another Faction more powerful than they So setting his thoughts upon William Earl of Douglass Son to the Baron of Abercon him he received into Favour This sudden change of Court moved the two Rulers to withdraw after which they were both removed from their Offices and at last summoned before the King to answer such things as they should be Legally accused of They finding that there was a design upon them did not appear Whereupon they were both forfeited This produced great Confusion in the State all being divided into Factions and Parties Whereupon followed much Effusion of Blood especially between the Layndsays and the Ogletives Douglass to keep himself high did much abett these Broils making his own use of them yet not long after the Chancellor notwithstanding Douglass's power and Policy is restored to his Fortune and Dignity The King being setled upon the Throne married Mary Daughter to the Duke of Gnilders soon after the Peace with England expired and the Borders of both Kingdoms break and mutually invade each other which issued in a Truce for seven yeers But this Truce stood not long both Nations being equally inclined to break it Whereupon after several Incursions on both sides at last they came to a Battel The Scots were Commanded by the Earl of Ormond the English by the Earl of Northumberland Magnus Red-beard a man trained from his Youth in the Wars of France who is said to have required no more for his Service to the Crown of England then that by his own Valour he must Conquer of Scotland Here it is valiantly fought for a long time with doubtful Victory till at length Magnus being killed it inclined to the Scots the loss of the English was great many brave Men being killed and taken Prisoners upon their side but the Scots lost few of any Note except Cragy Wallace This Battel brought on a Truce for three years This Victory no sooner was obtained and thereby Peace abroad but presently they fall out at home this Douglass being always the first mover of strife But now finding himself over-powered by Adversaries both at Court and in the Country he leaveth the Kingdom and goeth to Rome he was not long gone but by the means of his Enemies he is cited to appear before the Council upon several days together with his Brother and Vassals to answer such things as should be objected against them and upon not appearing are all denounced Rebels the Earl of Douglass hearing of this unexpected News at Rome takes a Journey and comes to the Borders of Scotland whence he sent
Lord Gordon usurping almost a Royal Authority over the Countries benorth the Ferth as the Lord Hume also did upon the South-side The Queen seeing her Authority contemned privately Marries the Earl of Angus looking upon him as one who could Protect her and hers in Extremity but this Match instead of heightning weakened her Interest the Nobility dividing in two Factions the one pleading for the Earl of Douglass and the other opposing him thinking him too high already made choice of the Earl of Arran but a third party steps in of whom the Lord Chamberlain was Chief who carried the choice from both pitching upon John Duke of Albany When King Henry heard that this Gentleman was like to carry the Day he writes to Scotland remonstrating to them how dangerous this choice might prove to their State Yet notwithstanding of all that could be said they adhered to their choice and sent to France to call home the Duke of Albany who furnished with all necessaries by the French King with eight well Rigg'd Ships takes the Seas and in the Month of May arrived upon the West-coasts of Scotland from whence with a great retinue of the Nobles and Barons of the Country by easie Journies the Queen meeting him he came to the Town of Edenburgh where he is restored in Parliament to his Fathers inheritance At the Presence of this new Governour the Face of the State turned more beautiful Oppression is restrained Justice sincerely executed the Governour not willing to listen to every mans Advice gave himself to follow the Councel of John Hepburn Prior of S. Andrews this man being of a subtle mind Malicious and Crafty represented to him things as he pleased representing the Factiousness of the Nobility naming several whom he said the Kingdom could not bear Among others he gave out the Lord Chamberlain to be a man unpolish'd Stubbornly Stout mighty in Riches and Power of a working Mind and vehement Spirit that he spoke against the Chamberlain c. The Governour did presently lay hold on this and changed in his affection toward him which the Chamberlain perceiving could not but reflect upon the Governours ingratitude wherefore he resolved to Face about and striking in with the Queen and her Husband became very intimate with them he represented to them what hazard the Prince was in the Governour being a man of such an unsatiable Spirit that nothing but the Crown could set bounds to his Ambition Advising the Queen to think of a way to prevent it they concluded at last that their only safety would be that the Queen would transport her Son to England But as privately as the business was managed it came to the Governours ears who presently sent a Troop of Horse who surprized the Castle of Sterling and in it the Queen with her two Sons The Prince and his Brother are sequestred from their Mother and committed to the keeping of four Noblemen Whereupon the Queen her Husband and the Chamberlain with many others mis-trust-ing the Governour fly to England their sudden departure perplexed the Court exceedingly which moved the Governour to write to King Henry representing to him how little reason they had from him to depart the Kingdom earnestly declaring his respects to the Queen and that if she and all that were with her should please to return she should be very welcom they hoping that they were sincere at last were moved to yield to his desires but when once he had got them within the Country he resolved to be revenged upon them this bred new Confusions for some of the Lords being imprisoned their Friends break very loose the Country is daily pestered and impoverished by Incursions and Inroads till at last after great loss on both sides they come to an Agreement which was followed with the renewing of the Truce with England for some Months All things being thus seemingly calmed both at home and abroad the forementioned Prior of S. Andrews begins to perswade the Governour that all his indeavours to settle the Realm would prove vain so long as the Earl of Hume was alive whom neither rewards could soften nor Honours and preferments make constant upon this the Governour begins to contrive how to get the Earl secured wherefore he came to Edenburgh and called a Convention of the states having intreated the Earl of Humes Friends that he would not fail to be there the matters to be determined concerned him dearly The Earl of Hume with his brother David came to Edenburgh the Night before the Day appointed who were received by the Governour with great Ceremonies and with more than ordinary Favours entertained and shortly after both imprisoned and a day appointed for their Tryal The first thing laid to their Charge was the death of the late King whom several Witnesses proved to have been seen coming to the Castle of Hume from Flondon this not being proved by pregnant Evidences he was accused of several other points of Treason of which he not being able to clear himself to their satisfaction the Judges prepared and directed by the Governour pronounce him and his Brother guilty and Condemn them to have their Heads chopt off which Sentence was the next day put in Execution and their Heads fixt upon the most Conspicuous places of the City This Calamity of the Family of the Humes bred Terrour and Astonishment in many of the Noblemen of the Kingdom and greatly estranged their Hearts from the Governour Ambassadors being sent from France to renew the Ancient League between the two Countries The Governour was chosen by the Nobility of Scotland to pass into France for accomplishing this solemn Action He was no sooner gone but the Queen after she had stayed a year in England Honourably dismissed by her Brother came to Scotland Sir Anthony Darcy being by the Governour made Warden of the Mers and Lothian was slain by Sir David Hume of Wedderburn coming to Dunce to hold a Justice Court Whereupon the Earl of Arran was declared Supream Warden of the Marches who soundly revenged Darcies Death upon the Humes The Kingdom now began to be sensible of the offence of the Governour Factions increasing daily the Nobility and Gentry deciding their Rights by their Swords insomuch that the Earl of Arran who was Provost of Edenburgh having been with the Prince at Dalkeith upon his return had the Gates shut upon him the Citizens pretending that he intended to invade their Priviledges Whereupon followed a Tumult in the City which continued all Night where a Deacon of the Crafts was killed by one of the Hamiltons which did quite alienate the Citizens affection from the Earl of Arran and made them incline to the Earl of Angus this made the Earls of Arran and Angus begin to cross each other Whereupon followed much Confusion in the Country and much Blood-shed between the Douglasses and the Hamiltons at last having encountred one another with their followers at Edenburgh they fight most desperately in the Street till at length
enough neither had they Ammunition enough to Engage with so strong an Enemy in his own Country that they thought it enough that upon their approaching they made the English retire if not fly for whether they did fly or retire they had suffered as much Wrong as they had done The King finding them thus obstinate returneth with his Army to Edenburgh where he immediately Disbanded them he begins most bitterly to reflect upon the Noble mens refusing to Invade England which was aggravated and abetted by Cardinal Beatâ—n Oliver Sinclave and others The Lord Maxnel seeing the King so highly Offended desired His Majesty to give him Ten Thousand men and he would ingage his Honour to effect something to the King's Satisfaction the King thanketh him for his Offer appointeth a Rendezvous upon the West Marches No Proclamations are divulged for the levies of Men but close Letters sent The Cardinal and the Earl of Arran March towards Haddingtoun and the East Borders and several Earls Lords and Barons accompanied with the King 's Domestick Servants ride to the West Borders The Night before they rode the King himself came to Lochmabban to attend the Event Sir Thomas Wharton Warden of the Marches much troubled at such a frequent Assembly of the Scottish Riders raising the Power of the Country placeth them by a Hill where he might take a view of the Forces The Scottish Lords beholding the English putting themselves in a Fighting posture desire to know the King's Lieutenant-General whereupon Oliver Sinclave is mounted upon crossed Pikes and the Commission read wherein he is designed to be Lieutenant and all Commanded in the King's Name to follow him No sooner began the Commission to be read but such a Tumult and confused Clamour arose in the Army that there was no Order kept every thing running in Confusion The English taking advantage of the Disorder brake in among them while they stand in Amaze doubting whether to Fly or Stand. Here is a general Surprize most part willingly rendering themselves to the English without any shew of Defence many of the Nobility and Gentry were taken and carried Prisoners to London where they remained till after the King's Death The certainty of this voluntary Defeat coming to the King at Lockmabban so Stupified and Astonished him that he had neither Council nor Resolution what to follow apprehending by this and their former Actions that the Nobility had Conspired his overthrow After which he came to Faulkland where he gave himself over to Sorrow Now are his Thoughts busied with Revenge as also with rage against his Nobility Long Watchings continual Cares and Passions abstinence from Food and Recreation had so extenuated his Body that pierced with Grief Anguish Impatience Despair he remained affixed to his Bed To Comfort him Letters came from Lithgow to him That his Queen was delivered of a Daughter when he heard it was a Daughter he turned his Face from them that read the Letter and Sighing a Farewel to the World It will end as it began sayes he the Crown came by a Woman and it will go with one The Cardinal put some blank Papers in his hand of which they Composed a Letter-Will which whether he Subscribed or not is uncertain After which he spoke not many Words that could be understood he Dyed the Thirteenth of December Anno Dom. 1542. in the Thirty-Third Year of his Age and Thirty-Second of his Reign not without Suspition of having got an Italian Posset by the Cardinal's means The King was no sooner Dead leaving his young Daughter who was afterward called Mary to Succeed then the Cardinal proclaimed his Last Will wherein were expressed four Protectors or Regents of whom himself was the First and Principal and with him were joyned the Earls of Huntly Argyle and Murry But within a Week after the Chase was turned For the Earl of Arran being advised by the Lord of Grange who was Treasurer and Master Henry Balneaves with some others caused to Assemble the Peers of the Realm representing to them his undoubted Title to the Government of the Kingdom during the Minority of her to whom by Line he should Succeed if she want Succession of her own body The Cardinal opposed himself and all his Interest against Arran but it was carried by many Voices whereupon Arran was declared Governor and with publick Proclamation invested in his Office A Parliament soon followed wherein the Clergy most violently pressed That severe Edicts might be Published against those they called Hereticks But others Propounding in Parliament whether such of the People as could not speak Latine might not have the Word of their Salvation in the Language they understood as Lawfully as they that understood Latine must have it in that Language it was Voted Affirmative and at last after much debating it passed into an Act That it was free for all Men and Women to Read the Scripture in their own vulgar Tongue and all Acts made to the contrary were rescinded King Henry before the Parliament was ended sent an Ambassador to Scotland whose Embassage was to Contract a perpetual League and Amity between the Two Kingdoms and that all Occasions of Wars might be taken away a Match was proposed by the Ambassador between young Prince Edward and the Queen of Scotland which was by the Governour and Parliament Accepted whereupon they sent their Ambassadors to England where things came so far that both Partyes declared their Agreement in all Particulars except the time when the young Queen should be delivered to the English The Papists foreseeing what would probably follow if the Queen should be put in their Enemy the King of England's hand begin with all their might to Oppose it about this time the Governors base Brother John Hamilton came from France who was very helpful to his brethren the Papists in carrying on all their Affairs At last partly by few promises of great Things and partly by Threatning to declare him an Enemy to Holy-Church if he complied not they make him Condescend to break with England whereupon ensued great and bloody Wars between the Two Kingdoms for King Henry immediately sent a strong Army to Scotland who came as far as Edenburgh committing great Hostilities In compensation of which the Scots enter England Burning and Destroying all before them returning again with great Spoil Mr. George Wishart being by Cardinal Beaton burnt Alive for the Protestant Religion the said Cardinal was surprized by Norman Loslie Master of Rothes William Kirkaldie of Grange and John Loslie of Park-Hill in his Castle of St. Andrews and put to Death Possessing themselves of the Castle for their Security knowing that now they were to have many and powerful Enemies which accordingly fell out for the Papists procure an Army from France under the conduct of Monsieur Deosel who besieged the Castle and soon after took it King Henry being now Dead his Son King Edward sent an Army of Ten Thousand Men to Scotland The Popish Party there procures the
Kings Favourites were impeached amongst which Arch-Bishop Laud was one and soon after him the Earl of Strafford This Year 1641. His Majesty went towards Scotland where he was entertained with great Demonstrations of Affection and confirmed the Treaty between the two Nations by an Act of Parliament which he summoned himself during his abode there In the mean time the horrid Rebellion in Ireland broke out wherein those cruel Butchers did most barbarously murther about 200000. Protestants Men Women and Children The King being then in Scotland moved the Parliament to send thither Sir George Monroe with 2500. men to reduce the Rebels The King being returned from Scotland the Parliament then sitting at Westminster the breach daily grew wider wherefore the Scotish Commissioners interposed between the King and Parliament for composing their differences which were now grown to such a height that the King not long after left London and returned to York Now began the Calamity of a sad War for which they began Vigorously to make preparations on both sides The Scots finding as they pretended that the King was refractory to an Agreement with his Parliament and giving ear to those vile Libels that were spread abroad which accused His Majesty of conniving at the Papists both in England and Ireland being called by the Parliament to their assistance entred England Jan. 16. 1643. their Army being in number 18000. Foot and 2000. Horse In the mean time matters are fitting in Scotland by James Earl afterward Marquess of Montross who having received the Kings Commission by Sir Robert Spotswood to be General Governour of Scotland passed into the heart of the Kingdom where he raised what men he could for the Kings Service resolving with them to divert the Covenanters They upon the other side raised an Army to oppose him Their first Rencounter was near Perth where the Covenanters under the Command of the Lords Elcho Tullibardine and Drumond were quite routed here the Atholmen and Irishmen of which he had 1500. did him good service From thence he marcht Northward to Aberdeen where at the Bridge of Dee he defeated another Body of the Covenanters under the Lord Burleighs command After this Victory he went about most of the Northern Countries and brought a great many of them under Subjection though himself and his Army were reduced to great straits by reason of the coldness of the weather and scarceness of Victuals yet he would not give over his enterprise From thence he marched into Argileshire where he burnt destroyed all before him and returned back again to Lochabor He stayed not long there when hearing that Argile was coming against him and was already the length of Innerlochy He resolves finding his men bent for 't to fight him which accordingly he did and quite worsted him Not long after he had an absolute Victory over General Major Hurry at a place in the Highlands called Aldearn which did very much weaken the Covenanters And Baily resolving revenge at Alford was served with the same sauce himself The next Victory that this Valiant Champion obtained was at Kilsyth a fatal day it was to the Covenanters for here they lost a great many Gentlemen of Quality besides a vast number of common Souldiers yea such of their Leaders as escaped this bout finding as they thought their strength quite gone fled some to England others to Ireland and some also came in and Submitted to Montross upon Mercy Thus things being in humane probability brought to great order Montross receives Orders from the King at Oxford to march Southward with his Army Where His Majesty promised to send him some recruit of Horse to fight Sir David Lesly who was coming from England against Montross But Lâ—sly preventing the Kings recruits surprises Montross at Philiphaugh where he quite routed him Thus the wheele of Fortune turnes now upon this gallant Nobleman who was Conqueror hitherto and forces him with a very few followers to shift for himself leaving many of his Friends dead in this fatal place Montross by this loss being brought very low he marched toward the North with the few men he had and after many endeavours to make up his Army again he is surprised by a Message from His Majesty Commanding him to lay down his Armes and go into France where he should stay till further Orders which accordingly he did though with great reluctancy in the Year 1646. But to return to the Scots Army in England They after they had served the Parliament upon several occasions and particularly at Marston-Moor where they helpt them to obtain a Victory against Prince Rupert retired to New-Castle The King being brought so low that he was hardly able to keep any thing of an Army in the Field came thither in disguise acquainting the Scotish-General That he would now commit himself to him looking upon him as a man of Honour that would do nothing but what is Just and Loyal in a matter of such weight The General answered His Majesty He would with all his heart serve him and that the most effectual service that he thought he could do him was to mediate a Peace between His Majesty and His Parliament The Parliament being Advertised that the King was in the Scotish Army sent their Messengers thither to know upon what account they detained the King of England in their Camp who were only called in to assist the Parliament but not to Act by themselves Telling them further That if the King were in Scotland as he was then in England they would not presume to keep him up from his Subjects there as the Scots did in England the Committee of the Army answered That they knew very well the People of Englands Right to the King to be as good as theirs neither did they detain His Majesty from them but that he was with them as their King in no wise under restraint but at full Liberty as became his Majesty to be And further that it was their earnest desires to see a well-setled Peace between His Majesty and his two Houses Presently after they had another message desiring them to return home for that the Parliament had no further service for them thanking them withal for the Service they had done The Committee replyed that they came not to England without the Parliaments call and that the Terms upon which they were invited thither were not fulfilled by the Parliament their Army wanting almost 500000 l. of their Arrears That upon payment of it they would go home At last it was agreed that the Scots should have 200000 pound of their Arrears in hand and the rest should afterward be sent after them So that within weeks after they would draw the Army out of England As for the Kings Person it was agreed That he should be kept by the English in Honour and Splendor suitable to his Royal Dignity and that nothing should be transacted in England concerning His Majesty without the Advice and Consent of the Scots Thus were they
that the Town and Castle of Berwick should be delivered into the hands of the Scots with all the Lands lying between Tweed and the Redcross in in Richmondshire the French Ambassadors also proffered great and tempting things withal puting the King in mind how true they have been to him for so many years since the first making of the League The King and his Council after mature deliberation declare they will not break the Ancient League with France whereupon the English Ambassadors turned from Prayers to Threatnings and being denied friendship denounced War But the King no wise moved hereat presently prepared his Ships and with a company of able and skilful Mariners set his Daughter to Sea and having escaped the English Fleet that waited for her safely arrived at the Rochel A. D. 1430. The English to revenge this supposed afront invades Scotland both by Sea and Land against their forces commanded by Henry Piercy of Northumberland went James Dowglass Earle of Angus with several Gentlemen their numbers were much about one the lists of their meeting was Popperden Adam Hepburn of Hales and Alexander Elphinston led the Vanguard of the Scots Sir Richard Piercy and Sir John Ogle of the English Sir Alexander Ramsey of Dalehouse and Henry Clidsdale kept the Rears no sooner came they within distance of Joyning but the sounds of Drums and Trumpets was out noised by the shouts of the Assailants Guns being about this time invented were here first practised between the Scots and English in an open field then the fight with equal order had been long maintained on both sides now the Scots then the English yielding ground many of the Commanders at length began to fall most of the English then was the Piercy at once constrained to be both Commander and Souldier but all would not do at last Victory declared her self altogether for the Scots two hundred Gentlemen and Common Souldiers of the Scots were slain here Of the English dyed Sir Henry Cliddsdale Sir John Ogle Sir Richard Piercy with fifteen hundred Gentlemen and Common Souldiers and four hundred taken prisoners of which forty were Knights King James resolving to prosecute this War raised an army and cometh to Roxburgh beseigeth the Castle defended by Sir Ralph Gray But when he came so near his designe that they within were driven to terms to Surrender The Queen in great hast cometh to the Camp representing to her Husband a Conspiracy which if not suddenly prevented would indanger his person and Crown this put the King in great astonishment not knowing what to do at last after many doubtful resolutions and conflicts in his thoughts raiseth the seige disbandeth the Army and accompanied with some chosen bands of his most assured friends Perplexed Pensive and Sad returned to Perth staied in the Convent of the Dominicans indeavouring so secretly as was possible to find out the Conspiracy but his close practising was not unknown to the Conspirators which made them hasten the mischief before tryal or remedy could be thought upon The Conspirators were Robert Graham Robert Stewart Nephew to Waller Earle of Athole and one of the Kings sworn Domesticks but he who gave motion to all was the Earle of Athole he himself the Kings Fatthers Brother this quarrel was no less then a pretended Title to the Crown and being animated by the Oracle of a Southsayer who assured him that he would be Crowned in a solemn Assembly before his death never doubted of success These having associated unto them the most audacious whom hope of preferment might intice Thus Graham and Stewart which were accomplices guided with resolution and guarded with the darkness of the Night came to the Black-fryers of Perth and having the way made open to them entred the Gallery before the Kings chamber door where they attended some of their Confederates who should have stole away the bar by which means they might enter the chamber but before their coming the occasion was put in their hands for Walter Streater one of the Kings Cup bearers came forth of the Chamber and finding armed men rushing rudely to force their entry with a loud voice gave the alarum of Treason while they were working his death a Maid of Honour got to the Door and essayed to shut it but the bar which should have made it fast was gone she thrust in her Arm in the place of it but that easily broken the conspirators rush into the Chamber and slaying all such of the waiters as made defence they at last stroke down the King whom while the Queen by interposing her body sought to save she received two wounds and he with twenty eight most toward the heart was left dead The report of this Murther being spread abroad wrought incredible Sorrow and Grief in the Hearts of his Subjects of all sorts the Nobles of their own accord and motion Assembled to Edenburgh and directed Troops of Armed men through all the quarters of the Kingdom to aprehend the Murtherers such diligence was used that within forty days all were taken and put to Ignominious Deaths the common sort of the Conspirators were hanged upon Gibbits the punishment of Athol was continued for three days the first day he was Stript naked to his shirt and by a Crane fixed in a Cart often hoisted aloft and thus dragged along the great street of the Town on the second day he was mounted upon a Pillar in the Market-place and crowned with a Diadem of burning Iron with this Inscription the King of all Traytors thus was his Oracle accomplished the third day he was laid naked upon a Scaffold his belly ript his Heart and Bowels taken out and thrown in a Fire before his eyes lastly his Head was cut of and fixed in the most Eminent place of the Town his Body sent in quarters to the most populous Cities of the Kingdom to remain a Trophy of Justice His Nephew was not altogether so vigorously handled being only hanged and quartered But it being notorious that Graham had imbrewed his hands in the Kings Blood a Gallows being raised in a Cave he had his Right hand nailed to it and as he was dragged along the Streets Executioners with burning Pincers tearing the most Fleshy part of his Carcass being thus torn and flayed his Heart and Intrals were thrown into a Fire his Head set up and his Quarters sent among the Towns to satisfie the wrath and sorrow of the injured People Being asked during his Torture how he durst embrew his hand in his Princes blood he made answer that having Heaven and Hell before him he dared leap from Heaven into Hell an answer worthy for such a Villain Dueas Sylvius then Legat in Scoltand from the Pope having seen this sudden and Terrible revenge being a Witness of the Execution Said he could not tell whether he should give them greater Commendations that revenged the Kings Death or brand them with a sharper Condemnation that distained themselves with so Hainous a parricide Thus dyed this