History of Scotland

Preface

. The Volume of the History of Scotland, now published, comprehends the period from the assassination of Cardinal Beaton in 1546, to the marriage of Mary, Queen of Scots, with Henry, Lord Darnley, in 1565, an interval, brief, indeed, in point of time, burt prolific in events, and most momentous in their consequences. In proof of this, it is enough to say, that it embraces the history of the Reformation in Scotland : it includes the outbreak, the progress, and the establishment of that wonderful revolution, of which, in a former volume, the Author has marked the faint approaches, but which now, with all its conflicting principles, its mingled feelings, VI

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. and stern features, comes prominently before us. Preceding this great event, occurs the violent and impolitic invasion of the Protector Somerset, and the English war with the united forces of France ;.nd Scotland. In more immediate connexion with it, the Author has traced, with greater detail than former writers, the history of the Regency of Mary of Lorraine, the crafty and unscrupulous policy of Elizabeth and Cecil, the plots of the Guises, and the selfishness, venality, and restless intrigues, of the Scottish nobles, as well Protestant as Romish. Upon these subjects he has had access to a large mass of valuable manuscript materials, of which the greater part has been hitherto unprinted and unexamined. These materials consist chiefly of the original letters of Knox, Cecil, Elizabeth, Mary, Murray, Ran dolph, Secretary Lethington, Throckmorton, and many other actors in these dark and

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. VII troubled times ; and the historical student, who is familiar with the earlier and able labours of preceding writers, will discover that an examination of this correspondence has enabled him to thro v new light upon this division of the work, and to recover from the waste of conjecture and obscurity, some portions of Scottish history which were lost. In addition to these letters which are preserved in his Majesty's State Paper Office, the Author has had access to a transcript of the unprinted Privy Council Books of Edward the Sixth.1 He has also consulted various volumes of transcripts of the unprinted Privy Council Books of Scotland, which have been carefully collated with the originals in the General Register House, at Edinburgh. 1 These volumes were politely communicated to me by James Chalmers, Esq. They formed part of the collection of the well known and indefatigable Author of " Caledonia" — Mr. George Chalmers. 2 Kindly communicated to me by Thomas Thomson, Esq. Deputy Clerk Register.

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VIII Besides these sources, he has occasionally derived assistance from two manuscript volumes of Selections from the accounts of the Lord High Treasurer, and the Register of the Privy Seal of Scotland.1 Lastly, he has con sulted an unpublished volume, entitled " Illus trations of the Reign of Queen Mary," con sisting principally of Letters from the Talbot Correspondence, preserved in the Library of the College of Arms.2 In the examination of these materials, with a view to impart the condensed historical result to the reader, the only merit to Avhich the Author ventures to lay claim, is an earnest desire to discover the truth ; a task so difficult, 1 These volumes were obligingly lent me by their Compiler, Mr. Pitcairn, the Author of that laborious and useful work, " The Ancient Criminal Trials." 2 This valuable volume will soon be presented to the Maitland Club by Mr. Kirkman Finlay.

We owe its compilation to Mr. Stevenson, Sub-Commissioner of the Public Records, whose learn ing and enthusiasm have done so much for the remoter periods of Scottish History.

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. IX that in looking back upon the wide field over which he has travelled, he can sin cerely say, that each succeeding volume has more fully convinced him of the imperfection of its predecessor, and impressed upon his mind the necessity of increased labour if he hopes to produce any thing which is worthy to live. This volume was nearly finished printing, when Mr. Van Raumer presented to the world his work, entitled " Contributions to Modern History," from the British Museum and the State Paper Office, embracing Illustrations of the Reign of Mary Queen of Scots, and of the character and conduct of Elizabeth. It is to be regretted that this lively and ingenious writer, should have fallen into the singular mistake of printing as new materials, what has been long familiar to the critical readers of Scottish and English historv. The letters, or rather the ex tracts from letters, which he has given as illus-

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. X trating the first part of the reign of Mary, from 1561 to 1565, had (with a few slight exceptions) been published from the originals by Keith, in his elaborate work, entitled, " The History of the Affairs of Church and State in Scotland." (Edinburgh, 1734.) This volume of Keith, was the great mine from which Robertson drew his stores, and it formed the chief basis of Hume for the Scottish portion of his history. Its letters have been repeatedly quoted by succeeding writers, and it is still of the greatest utility to every reader who is anxious to derive his knowledge from authentic sources. To repeat these letters was superfluous, to muti late and misunderstand them, was unfortunate — but, the climax of error was to give them as new matter.1 The Author mentions this to show that English and Scottish histoians are 1 This fact, of the previous publication of these letters by Keith, has been stated in an able article of the British and Foreign Quarterly Review, No. 7.

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. XI not so utterly neglectful of the manuscript riches of England, as has been supposed, and that the " new lights," which some of the periodical critics have hailed, as proceeding from Prussia, may indeed be new to that country, but have been burning for upwards of a century in England. Mr. V. Raumer, whose continental reputation is firmly esta blished, will, it is hoped, receive these remarks as they are meant to be given — in the spirit of necessary, but not unfriendly criticism. London, March Id, 1837. CONTENTS or THE SIXTH VOLUME. CHAP. I. MARY FROxM 1545 TO 1554. PAGE State of Scotland aster the Murder of Cardinal Beaton . . 1 Convention at Stirling 3 Knox and others join the Conspirators 3 Huntly made Chancellor • . 5 Parliament assembled 6 Siege of the Castle of St. Andrew's 7 Knox called to the Ministry 11 Death of Henry Eighth and Francis First 11 Policy of the Protector Somerset 13 Commencement of the War 14 French Fleet arrives 15 Castle of St. Andrew's surrenders to Leo Strozzi .... 17 Knox and others carried to France 17 Difficulties of the Governor 19 Treachery of the Nobles 20 Somerset invades Scotland 22 Fiery Cross sent through the Country 23 Scottish Army assembles at Musselburgh 26 Scottish Cavalry defeated CONTENTS.

XIV PAGH Attempt to arrest hostilities 25 Battle of Pinky 32, 33 Angus defeats the English Cavalry 35, So Panic of the Highlanders 37 The Scots defeated with great slaughter 38, 39 Retreat of the Protector ** Invasion of Scotland by Wharton and Lennox .... 41 Spirited Conduct of the Queen Dowager 42 She proposes to send the young Queen to France .... 43 Intrigues of the Scottish Nobles in the Service of England 44, 45 They desert Lord Wharton and defeat him 4o His Severe Retaliation 47 Invasion of Scotland by Lord Grey 49 Monsieur D'Esse, with six thousand men, from France . . 25 Haddington invested 52 Parliament — Marriage of the Young Queen to the Dauphin determined , . . . . 52 She passes over to France . 53 Ferocity of the War 55 Reinforcements from France 57 Peace concluded 5g Intrigues of the Queen Dowager 59 She passes over to France ....**••••• 60 Her projects to possess herself of the Government of Scotland 63 Opposition of the Governor Arran . 63 He resigns the Regency to the Queen Dowager .... 68 3 CHAP. II FROM 1554 TO 1561 Character of Mary of Guise 69 Her Promotion of Frenchmen 69 Disturbances in the North 72, 73 Parliament assembled • . 74 Tax to support a Standing Army resisted ...... 76 Mary of Guise joins the League between France and the Pope 77 The Scottish Nobles refuse to invade England MARY.

XV PAGE Parliament assembled 79 Scottish Commissioners sent to France 80 Marriage of Mary Queen of Scots to the Dauphin ... 81 Treachery of the Guises 82 Sudden deaths of the Scottish Commissioners 83 Parliament assembled 83 Accession of Elizabeth 84 Her general policy 85 Peace of Chateau Cambresis 86 Peace with Scotland 86 Retrospect of the Progress of the Reformation in Scotland from 1547 to 1558 88 Knox's intercourse with Calvin 89 His Return to Scotland, (1555) 89 Its influence upon his party 91 His chief Supporters 92 He leaves Scotland for Geneva 94 Progress of the Reformation in his Absence 96 First Covenant (3d Dec. 1557) 98 Alarm of the Romish Clergy 99 Martyrdom of Miln 100 Remonstrance of the Protestants 103 Their Demands 104 Parliament in 1558 106 Duplicity of the Queen Regent 107 Protest of the Reformers 108 Policy of the Queen Regent at the Accession of Elizabeth, (1558) , 109 Course of the History resumed 109 Plan of the Guises for the destruction of the Protestants in Europe 109, 110 Mission of Bettancourt to Scotland 110 Change in the policy of the Queen Regent 110 Collision between the Protestant and Romish Parties . . .

Ill Boldness of the Reformers 112 The Preachers Summoned 112 CONTENTS.

PAGE Arrival of Knox in Scotland, May 3, 1559 • 113 The Protestant Lords accompany their Preachers to Perth . 114 Interview between Erskine of Dun and the Queen Regent . 115 Her dissimulation 115 Knox's Sermon against Idolatry H6 Demolition of the Religious Houses 117 The Queen Regent joined by Argile and the Lord James . 118 Address of the Protestants to the Queen ....... 119 To the Nobility 120 To the Catholic Clergy 121 Armistice between the Two Parties 122 New Bond or Second Covenant '.123 The Queen departs from the Articles of the Armistice . . 124 Argile and the Lord James desert her 125 Preaching of Knox 1 26 Franciscan and Dominican Monasteries destroyed . . . . 127 Great numbers join the Congregation 128 They make themselves Masters of Perth 130 Knox's Letter to Cecil 131 Destruction of the Abbey Church, and Palace of Scone . . 133 Congregation take possession of Edinburgh 134 CHAP. Ill FROM 1559 TO 156l Views of the Congregation 135 Knox's Letter to Percy ] 37 Kirkaldy meets Percy igg Elizabeth favours the Congregation 138 Proceedings of the Queen Regent 139 140 Letter of the Congregation to Cecil 14X His remarkable Reply x <o The Congregation retire from Edinburgh 145 Mission of Sir James Melvil from France ... 1 4g Knox dispatched to Berwick .... 14.7 The Negotiation with England j,m MARY XVII PAGE Cautious Policy of Elizabeth 151 Her real Views 152 Letter of the Congregation to Cecil 153 They resolve to depose the Queen Regent 154 Character of Arran 155 Character of the Lord James 156 Knox's Letter to Cecil 159 Sir R. Sadler sent to Berwick 160 He meets Balnevis l6l Arrival of Arran in Scotland 162 Mission of Bettancourt from France 162 First French Auxiliaries arrive 163 Mission of the Bishop of Amiens 164 Arrival of Randolph in Scotland 166 Lethington joins the Congregation 166 Debate on deposing the Regent . l6& She is deposed ...• 170 Commencement of the War 1 72 Efforts of Knox 173, 175 Mission of Lethington to Elizabeth 175 Policy and Intrigues of Knox 177 Violent proceedings of the Duke 180 Arrival of the English Fleet 182 Treaty of Berwick 184 Lord Grey enters- Scotland 185 Progress of Hostilities 186 Unsuccessful Attempt at Mediation 187 Congregation Defeated at Leith 188 Death and Character of the Queen Regent 191 CHAP. IV FROM 1560 TO 1561.

Anxiety of all Parties for Peace 193 Cecil and Wotton sent to Edinburgh 19* Their Negotiations with the French Commissioners . . ■ 196' VOL. VI. b CONTENTS. XVIII PAGE Treaty of Edinburgh Reflections 201 Peace proclaimed 8th July, 1560 203 Parliament assembled 204 Its important deliberations 206 to 211 Confession of Faith 212 It is sanctioned by Parliament 215 Act abolishing the Papal Power 215 Book of Discipline 217 Some of its provisions 218 It is violently opposed 219 Bill against the Bishops 220 Council of Twelve . . . • 221 Proposal of a marriage between Arran and Elizabeth . . 222 Lethington sent to England 223 Sir James Sandilands sent to France 223 Interview of Throckmorton and the Cardinal Lorraine . . 224 Interview of Mary Queen of Scots with Throckmorton 225, 227 She refuses to confirm the Treaty of Edinburgh .... 227 Her audience with Sandilands 228 Secret policy of France 229 The real designs of the Guises 230 Death of Francis the Second . 232 Throckmorton's Character of the Young Queen of Scots . . 233 Her Conduct after her husband's Death 235 Parliament assembled at Edinburgh 237 Proceedings of the Congregation 238 Proceedings of the Romanists 239 Intrigues of the Lord James -. . . 240 Arrival of Commissioners from the Scottish Queen . . . 241 Their affectionate message and letters 242 Lethington's description of the state of parties in Scotland . 243 Mission of the Earl of Bedford to the Queen of Scots . . 245 His interview with that Princess 247 Second audience 04o Mary's prudent replies 24q The Lord James's intrigues with Elizabeth and Cecil . . 251 MARY.

XIX PAGE His visit to the Queen of Scots at Rheiins 253 Mary disregards the advice of the Romanists 253 She treats the Lord James with confidence 254 Her openness 255 Proposals of Marriage to her 256 The Lord James offered a Cardinal's hat 257 He betrays Mary's intentions to Throckmorton and Elizabeth 258 Elizabeth secures his services 259 Mary's caution 26l She determines not to make him Governor of Scotland . . 26"2 Treachery of the Lord James 263 His secret intrigues with Cecil and Elizabeth 263 Schemes for intercepting Mary on her voyage . . . 266, 268 Elizabeth refuses her a Passport 269 Mary's remonstrance to Throckmorton 270 Her prudent and dignified conduct 272 She sets sail 273 Her arrival in her dominions, 19th August, 1 56l .... 274 CHAP V. 1561—15135.

Enthusiasm of Mary's first reception 275 Sudden change to discontent 276 Attack on the Mass in her Chapel 277 Proclamation as to Religion 277 Mary's interview with Knox '278 His injudicious violence 280,281 Lethington's character of Mary 282 Mary's title to the English Throne 2Si5 Her anxiety to hare it recognized by Elizabeth .... 284 Lethington's letter to Cecil 28a The Lord James's letter to the English Queen on the same subject 285< 286 Mary depresses the Romish party ~°< XX C OSTESTS. tage Their discontent Lethington's mixssiou to Elizabeth 289 Sir Peter Mewtas sent to Mary 290 General Assembly of the Church and Schisms amongst the Protestants 292 State of Ecclesiastical property 223 Discontent of Knox and the Ministers 294 Proposals of a meeting between Mary and Elizabeth . . . 295 Opposed by Knox 296 Madness of the Earl of Arran 297 His accusation of himself and Bothwell 2,98 Randolph's testimony to Mary's justice and clemency . . . 299 Her prudent administration 300 Marriage of the Lord James, who is made Earl of Mar . . 301 He is sent to reduce the Borders to obedience 302 Proposals of Marriage by Sweden 303 Elizabeth agrees to an Interview 303 Mary's satisfaction ■ 304 Hostile policy of France 304 Mission of Sir Henry Sidney into Scotland 306 Elizabeth delays the Interview 306 Arrival of a messenger from the Pope 307 Mary's progress to the North 309 Her suspicions of Huntly 309 She summons Inverness Castle 310 Huntly rises inarms 3U His defeat and death 31 1 Reflections on his full 3] 2 War between France and England 313 Mary's anxiety 314 Violence of Knox 3jc Randolph censures him 315 Knox's interview with Mary 317 His criticism on the Court Dancing 310 Story of Chartellet ann Mission of Lethington to England .... 301 Miserable state of France nQQ MA UT.

XXI PAGE Mary anxious to have Elizabeth's advice as to her marriage . 323 Mystery of Cecil 324 Violence of Knox 324 Policy of his party 325 His interview with the Queen 326 Bishop of St. Andrew's, and others arraigned for saying Mass 327 Imprisoned 328 Quarrel between Knox and the Lord James 329 Knox's pulpit address to the protestant Nobles 330 He attacks the Queen's marriage 331 His violent interview with Mary 332 He apostrophises the Court Ladies • 333 Lethington blames Knox's violence 334 Knox's letter to Cecil 335 Elizabeth proposes Leicester as a match for Mary .... 335 Mary's reply to Randolph 339 Reflections 340 Lethington's remonstrances to Cecil 341 Elizabeth's perplexity ..." 342 Her pretexts for delay 342 Proposed restoration of Lennox 343 Elizabeth's duplicity on this subject 344, 345 Spirited replies of Murray and Lethington 346 Return of Lennox to Scotland ' 347 Mary's savour to him 348 Elizabeth's latin letter to Cecil 349 Sir James Melvil's mission to England 350 His account of the English Queen 351, 355 Elizabeth again proposes Leicester 356 Randolph's testimony to Mary's sincerity 356 Elizabeth's dissimulation 357 Protracted negociations 359 Cecil's mysterious diplomacy - • 360 Restoration of the Earl of Lennox 36l Randolph's graphic picture of Mary 362 Her conversation with him .... • . . . 364 Her sentiments on her marriage '365 CONTENTS.

XXII PAGE 367 Her opinion of Leicester ■ ' ' Darnley arrives in Scotland s"8 His favourable reception 309 Murray and Lethington urge the marriage with Leicester . 371 Elizabeth refuses to recognize Mary's title ....... 37^ Mary's feelings 373 She is disappointed, and indignant 374 Difficulties of her situation 375 She resolves to marry Darnley 37o Her solicitude and affection for him 377 He is spoilt by his prosperity 378 Lethington sent to England 380 Feud between Both well and Murray 381 State of factions in Scotland 382, 383 Randolph's Letters 384, 388 Caution against Randolph's misrepresentations 389 Mary's attempt to gain Murray 390 Her instructions to Lethington 391 Lethington's treacherous conduct 393 Convention at Stirling 3.93 The Nobles agree to Mary's marriage 394 Arrival of Throckmorton at Stirling SQ5 Mary's dignified reply to him 395 English Privy Council protest against the marriage . . . 397 Strength of the Papists in England 399 State of English parties 399 Randolph's crafty and false representations 400 Mission of Hay to Elizabeth . 401 Schemes of the Protestants for assassinating Darnley . . . 402 They solicit Elizabeth's assistance 403 She recals Lennox and Darnley 404 Murray and his party pretend that Religion is in danger . . 404 Falsehood of this assertion 405 Proved by his own letters 405 Observations on the conduct of Knox 405 Tumultuous meeting of the Protestants at Edinburgh . . 407 Heads of their supplication .

MARY. XXIII PAGE Mary's temperate reply 409 Conspiracy of Murray and Argile 410 They intend to seize or murder Darnley 410 Mary defeats the plot .411 Her vigorous measures against the rebels 412 Murray's schemes detected • .... 414 Elizabeth intercedes for him 415 Mary's reply • 41 6 Her marriage with Darnley PROOFS AND ILLUSTRATIONS FROM UNPRINTED MANUSCRIPTS, I. Fiery Cross sent through Scotland. II. State of Scotland after the Battle of Pinky. III. Arrival of the French Auxiliaries IV. Embarkation of the Young Queen for France. V. Ferocity of the War. VI. Arrival of the Queen Dowager in France. VII. Letters from Sir John Mason's Correspondence. VIII. Cardan and the Bishop of St. Andrew's. IX. Comparative power of the English and Scottish Nobles; X. Lord James and the Queen Dowager. XI. Letters and Public Papers of Knox.

XII. Sir Ralph Sadler's Instructions. XIII. Cecil's Scottish Spies. XIV. Treaty of Berwick. XV. Letters of the Lord James, afterwards the Regent Murray XVI. Character of the Earl of Huntly. XVII. An Irish Ambassador in 1560. XVIII. Mary's aversion to Knox. XIX. Mary and Lethington. XX. Elizabeth's refusal of a Passport to Mary. XXI . Lethington and Cecil. XXII. Characteristic Letter of Knox. HISTORY OF SCOTLAND.

Chapter I. Mary

{Continued.) 1545 - 1554. CONTEMPORARY PRINCES. England. France. Spain. Portugal. I Germany. Popes. Henry VIII. Francis I. Charles V. Emamiel Charles V. Clement VII. Edward VI. Henry II. the Great. Paul III. Mary. John III. Julius III. T1he murder of Cardinal Beaton was followed, as might have been anticipated, by the most important consequences. It removed from the head of affairs a man, whose talents for political intrigue, and whose vigorous and unscrupulous character, had for some time communicated strength and success to the government — it filled with alarm that party in Scot land which was attached to the Romish faith, and interested for the support of the freedom and inde pendence of the country, whilst it gave new spirit to the powerful faction which had been kept in pay by Henry the Eighth, and through whose "asvol. ri.

B 1545. 2 HISTORY OF SCOTLAND. sistance this monarch confidently looked forward to the accomplishment of his favorite schemes; the marriage of the youthful Queen of Scotland, to his son, the Prince of Wales, the establishment of the Reformation, and the entire subjugation of this country under the dominion of England. If the fact had not been already apparent, the events which immediately succeeded the assassination of the cardinal rendered it impossible for any one to escape the conclusion that the conspiracy had been encouraged by the English monarch. Scarcely was the act perpetrated when letters were despatched to Lord Wharton, the English warden, by some of those numerous spies whom he retained, describing the consternation which the event had produced in the capital, the change in affairs which was likely to ensue, and the necessity for immediate exertion on the part of his master.1 On the other hand, the conspirators, who had seized the castle of St. Andrew's, were soon joined by many adherents, previously the most zealous supporters of the English interests ; and who, although not present at the murder, believed that it would subject them to suspicion and persecution2 * 1 MS.

Letter in State Paper Office. Original from Lord Whar ton, June 2nd, 1 545, enclosing three letters which he had received from Scotland. - Anderson's MS. History, vol. ii. p. 80, dorso. They amounted to seven score persons ; among them the Laird of Grange, Henry Balnaves, a Senator of the College of Justice, Henry Primrose, the Laird Pitmillie, Mr. John Leslie, Sir John Auchenlech, and sundry gentlemen of the name of Melvin. MARY 3 amongst these the most noted were John Knox,1 the great advocate and supporter of the Reformation, Mr. Henry Balnaves of Hallhill, and the Laird of Grange. Whilst such was the conduct of the English sac tion, the Governor Arran, and the Queen Regent, exerted themselves to maintain the cause of order, and to bring to punishment those bold and daring men, who had so unscrupulously taken the law into their own hands.

A convention of the nobility, spiritual and temporal, was held at Stirling, on the 10th of June* and nothing was left unattempted by which a cordial union might be promoted amongst the parties which separated and distracted the state. The meeting was attended by the chief persons of both factions, by the Earls of Angus, Cassillis and Glencairn, to whose devotion to the English interests many of the late disorders might be attributed, as well as by Huntly, Argile, and the Lords Flem ing and Elphinston, who were the leaders in the faction attached to France, and interested in the support of the Romish faith.2 To conciliate the lords 1 Knox's History, p. 74. Maitland, vol. ii. p. 866. 2 MS. Book of the Privy Council of Scotland. Entitled Liber Secreti Consilii, 1545, sol. 28. p. 2. The members present were the Bishops of Orkney and Galloway, the Earls of Angus, Huntly, Ar«ile, Bothwell, Glencairn, and Sutherland, the Commendator of Kelso, the Abbots of Melrose, Pasley, Dumfermling, Cowper, Corsregal, Dryburgh, and Culros; with the Lords Fleming, Ruthven, Maxwell, Somerville, Hay of Yester, Innermeith, Elphinston, Livingstone, Erskine, Sir George Douglas, and Sir William Hamilton.

B HISTORY OF SCOTLAND. of the English party, Arran, the Governor, solemnly renounced the contract for the marriage of the young Qusen to his son ; the " bands " or feudal agreements by which many of the nobles had promised to see this alliance carried into effect, were annulled, and at the same time the Queen Regent released from their written obligations all such barons as had stipulated to oppose the ambitious matrimonial designs of the Governor.1 On the other hand, the Earl of Angusr Sir George Douglas, and Lord Maxwell2 cordially embraced the interest of the Queen Regent, approved of the late act of the Scottish parliament, which had dissolved the peace with England, derided all idea of a marriage between Prince Edward and the young Queen ; and renounced for ever all those " bands " by which they had tied themselves to Henry, and which had been repeatedly renewed, or forgotten, as their private interest seemed to dictate : Maxwell, who was now made warden of the West Marches, once more took possession of the strong castle of Lochmaben ; and twenty peers were selected, out of which number four were directed to remain every successive month with the Governor as his Secret Council.3 1 MS.

Book of Privy Council, sol. 30, p. 2. 2 In Anderson's MS. History, vol. ii. p. 81, we find that Robert Lord Maxwell died in July, 1546, and his second son John returned home out of England, and took upon him the government of the country within the wardenry. 3 On the expiry of the month, their place was to be occupied bv other four chosen from the remaining sixteen, and so on throughout the year, care was also taken to select at this convention, each party 1545. 5 MAhY. The Lords Erskine and Livingston were continued in their charge of the person of the young Queen, and the important office of chancellor, now vacant by the assassination of Beaton, was conferred upon the tried fidelity of the Earl of Huntly.1 Peace having been lately concluded between England and France, and a clause inserted in the treaty, of which Scotland might, if she chose, avail herself, it was determined by the Privy Council that " the comprehension should of four who were to serve in rotation, and to intimate to them the month during which they were to give their attendance on the governor ; and it was agreed, that when five months had expired, the same councillors should resume their duties in the same order. — MS.

Book of the Privy Council, sol. 29, p. 1. " It is devised and ordained by the queen's grace, my lord governor, and hail lords convened in this convention, that certain lords remain with my lord governor, and be of secret council with him, and they to remain monthly with him, and that to the number of four. The 1st month to begin this day the 10th of June. The 1st month, 10th June to 10th of July. Robert, Bishop of Orkney. George, Earl of Huntly. William, Lord Ruthven. Sir George Douglas of Pittcndreich, kt. 2nd month. Gavin, Arch, of Glasgow. Arch. Earl of Angus. H.w, Lord Somerville. George, Abbot of Dumfermling. 3rd month. Arch. Earl of Argile. William, Earl of Glencaira. Donald, Abbot of Cowpar. 4th month. Patri.k, Bishop of Moray. Patrick, Earl Bothwell. Gilbert, Earl Cassillis. Malcolm, Lord l'leming. 5th month.

William, Earl Marshall. Will. Earl of Montrose. Andrew, Bishop ol Galloway. Sir Wm. Hamilton, of Sanquhar, Knight. William Bishop, of Dumblane. i MS. Book of Privy Council, sol. 28. p. 2. 1546. 6 HISTORY OF SCOTLAND. be accepted, without prejudice to the queen, her realm, and its liberties." A conciliatory reply was at the same time directed to be made to the English monarch, who had complained of the depredations committed by Scottish privateers upon his merchant men.1 Having endeavoured to secure the kingdom from without, it only remained to appease its internal commotions by adopting decided measures against the conspirators who held the castle of St. Andrew's. Accordingly, after an ineffectual attempt to negociate, a parliament was convoked (29th July, 1546) in which they were declared guilty of treason:2 proclamation was made, interdicting all persons from affording them the slightest assistance in their rebel lion, and the Governor having assembled an army commenced the siege, with a determination speedily to reduce the fortress.

This, however, was found a task of no easy execution : it was naturally strong, and its fortifications had been repaired at great expense by its late master ; on the one side the sea rendered it impregnable, and on the land quarter the thickness of its walls defied the imperfect and ill served artillery of the times. Beaton, from a principle of security had provisioned it fully against attack, and even were it attempted to starve out the garrison, the English fleet which commanded the Firth might at any time throw in supplies. To 1 MS. Book of Privy Council, sol. 38, p. 1. Ibid. sol. 40, p. 2. • Acts of the Parliament of Scotland, vol. ii. pp. 478, 479. MARY 7 secure this support the conspirators, or Castilians as they were termed, lost no time in opening a com munication with Henry the Eighth.

Kircaldy of Grange, Balnaves and John Lesly were sent as en voys to that monarch, and they returned with an as surance of his assistance, on condition that they would promote the marriage between the young Queen and the Prince of Wales, and retain in their hands the eldest son of Arran, who had been made prisoner at the time they seized the castle.1 Confident in their strength, the besieged derided all the efforts of the Governor, and despising the prayers and remon strances of those pious men who, with a mistaken zeal for the Reformation, had joined their party, they abandoned themselves to every species of intemperate indulgence.8 Meanwhile, month after month stole away without any perceptible progress in the siege. Application for assistance was made to France, by Panter, secretary to the Queen, who was sent ambassador to that country.3 Remonstrances against any intended interference for the defence of the Castilians were addressed to England,* but after every effort had been exhausted, it was 1 Anderson.