CONFLICTS. The Conflict of "Drumilea. ABOUT the year of God 1031, in the days of Malcolm the second, King of Scotland, the Danes and Norwegians, under the conduct of Olanus and Enetus, seated themselves in the north parts of Scotland, and ly intreating him to lye at his house, where he should be as welcome as he could make him; that they should make merry so long as his provision could last, and when that was done, he would go with him., For this custom the islanders have, that when one is invited to another's house, they never depart so long as any provision doth last; and when that is done, they go to the next, and so from one to one, untill they make a round from neighbour to neighbour, still carrying the master of the former family with them to the next house: [moreover, all the islanders are of nature very suspicious, full of deceit and evil intention against their neighbours, by whatsomever way they may get them destroyed; besides this, they are so cruel in taking revenge, that neither have they regard to person, time, age, nor cause, as you may partly see in this particulars] Sir Lauchlan Maclean his answer to Angus Macconald his messenger was, that he durst not adventure to go unto him, for mis f Remark by the Printers. We are no friends to such general reflections; they are, we think, too commonly, dictated by prejudice of one kind or other; seldom founded on genuine knowledge, or proper information. Nothing but the fidelity we owe to the publick, by which we are, bound to exhibit, from the press, the MS. exactly as we find it, could have induced us to print this reflection. trust. Angus then replied, that he needed not to mistrust, seeing he had his son and his brother pledges already, whom his friends might keep in their custody untill his returii; and that, for his own part, he did intend nothing against him, but to continue in all brotherly love and affection towards him. Maclean hearing this, seemed to be void of all suspicion, and so resolves to go unto Angus his house; he carried with him James Macconald the pledge (his own nephew and the son of Angus) whom he kept always in his custody, thereby to save himself from danger, if any injury should be offered unto him. He came to Mullintrea, accompanied with 86 of his kinsfolks and servants in the month of i July i 586, where, at their first arrival, they were made welcome with all courtesy, and sumptuously banqueted all that day; but Angus, in the mean time, had premonished all his friends and welwilhers within Ila to be at his house the same night, at nine of the clock; for he hai concluded with himself to kill them all, the very first night of their arrival, and still concealed his purpose, untill he found the time commodious, and the place proper. So Maclean, being lodged with all his men in a long house that was somewhat distant from other houses, took to be with him his nephew James, the pledge beforementioned, with whom he never parted: but within an hour thereafter, when Angus had assembled his men, to the number of 3 or 400, he* placed them all, in otder, about the house where Maclean then lay. Angus himself came and called upon Maclean at the door, offering him his reposing drink, which was forgotten to be given him before he went to bed. Maclean answered that he desired none for that time. Although (said Angus) it be so, yet it is my will that thou arise and come forth to receive it. Then began Maclean to suspect, and so did arise, with his nephew James betwixt his moulders; thinking, that if present killing was intended against him, he would save himself so long as he could, by the boy. The boy, seeing his father with a bare sword, and a number of his men in like manner about him, cried, with a loud voice, for mercy to his uncle; which was granted, and Maclean immedi-> ately removed to a secret chamber till the next morning. Then called Angus to the remanent within, so many as would have their own lives to be saved, that they should come forth (Macconald Tearreagh and another, whom he named, only excepted;) obedience was made by all the rest, and these two only fearing the danger, refused to come forth: which Angus perceiving, he commanded incontinent to put fire to the house; which was done, so that the two men were pitifully burnt to death. This Macconald was the author ol these troubles, the other was a very near kinsman to Maclean, and of the eldest ot his sirname, renowned both for counsel and manhood. After that the report of Maclean his taking came to the isle of Mull, Allan Maclean, and some others of the Maclean, caused a rumour to be spread in Ila, that Renald (the brother of Angus Macconald and the other pledge which he had given to Maclean) was slain at Duart in Mull> by Maclean his friends; which false report was raised by Allan Maclean, that thereby Angus Macconald might be moved to kill his prisoner Sir Lauchlan Madlean, and so Allan himself might succeed to Sir Lauchlan; and indeed it wrought this effect, that how soon the report came to Angus his ears that his bother Renald was slain, he revenged himself fully upon the prisoners; for Maclean his followers were by couples beheaded the days following, by Co'.l the brother of Angus. The report of this fact at Mullintrea was carried to the Earl of Argyle, who immediately assembled his friends, to get Maclean out of Angus his power; but perceiving that they were not able to do it, cither by force or fair means, they thought necessary to complain to the King. His Majesty directed charges to Angus, by a herald of arms, commanding him to restore Maclean into the hands of the Earl of Argyle; but the messenger was interrupted, and the haven port stopped where he Ihould have taken shipping towards 11a, and so returned home: yet, with exceeding travel made by Captain James Stewart, Chancellor of Scotland,and many strait conditions granted by Maclean unto Angus, Maclcan was at last exchanged for Renald the brother of Angus, and pledge before-mentioned; and for performance of such conditions as Maclean did promise to Angus, at his delivery, he gave his own son, and the son of Macleod of Herris, with divers other pledges to Angus Macconald, who thereupon went into Ireland upon some occasion of business; which Maclean understanding, he invaded the isle of Ila, and burnt a great part of the same, regarding neither the safety of the pledges, nor his faith given before the friends at his delivery. AnD gus Macconald, returning out of Ireland, did not stir the pledges, who were innocent of what was done unto his lands in his absence; yet, with a great preparation of men and shippjng, he went into the iQands and Tirhie appertaining to Maclean, invading these places with great hostility; where, what by fire, what by sword, and what by water, he destroyed all the men that he could overtake (none excepted) and all sort of beasts that served for domestical use and pleasure of man; and finally, came to the very Bin-moir in Mull, and there killed and chased the Clan-Lean.at his pleasure, and so, fully revenged himself of his former injuries. Whilst Angus Macconald was thus raging in Mull and Tirhie, Sir Lauchlan Maclean went into Kintyre, spoiled, wasted, and burnt a great part of that country; and thus, for a while, they did continually vex one another with slaughters and outrages, to the destruction, well near, of all their country and people. In this mean time Sir Lauchlan Maclean did ifttyce and train John Macean of Ardemurchie (one of the Clan-Donald) to come unto him unto the isle of Mull, promising Him that he would give him his mother in marriage, unto whom the said John Macean had been a suitor. John being come unto Mull, in hope of this marriage, Maclean yielded to his desire, thinking thereby to draw John Macean unto his party against Angus Macconald. The marriage was celebrated at Torloiske in Mull; but the same very night John Macean his chamber was forced, himself taken from his bed out of Maclean his mother's arms, and eighteen of his men slain, because he refused to assist Ma clean against Angus Macconald. These were (and are to this day) called, in a proverb, Maclean his Nuptials. John Macean was detained a whole year in captivity by Maclean; and, at last, was released in exchange of Maclean his son and the rest of the pledges which Angus Macconald had in his hands. These two islanders, Angus Macconald and Mate* lean, were afterwards written for by the King, and trained unto Edinburgh, the year of God 15 91, with promise safely to pass and repass unhurt or molested in their bodies or goods, and were committed both to ward within the Castle of Edinburgh, where they remained not long when they were remitted free, to pass home again, for a pecunial fine, and a remillion granted to either of them. Their eldest sons were left as pledges for their obedience in time coming. *the Troubles betwixt Sutherland and Catteyness, the years 1587, 1588, 15 89, and 1 590. THE year of God 1587 there happened some dissension betwixt the earls of Sutherland and Catteyness upon this occasion. George Gordon of Marie in Sutherland (base son to Gilbert Gordon of Gartie) had done divers contempts and indignities to the earl of Catteyness and his servants, occasioned through the nearness of George Gordon his dwelling place, which bordered upon Catteyness. These insolencies of George Gordon's, the earl of Catteyness could noc or would not endure; and so, assembling a company of men, horse and foot, he comes, under silence of the night, and invades / George Gordon in his own house at Marie. George makes all the resistance he could; and, as they were eagerly pursuing the house, he slays a special gentleman of Catteyness, called John Sutherland; there \pith he issued out of the house, and casts himself into the river of Helmisdel, which was hard by, thinking to save himself by swimming; but he was shot with arrows, and slain in the water. This happened in the month of February 1587. Alexander earl of Sutherland took the slaughter of George Gordon in evil part, which he determined to revenge, and thereupon dealt with such of his friends as had credit at court for the time; by whose means he obtained a commission against the flayers of George Gordon; which being gotten, he sent 200 men unto Catteyness in February 1588, conducted by John Gordon of Golspitour and John Gordon of Backies, who invaded the paroches of Dumbaith and Lathron in Catteyness, with all hostility, spoiling and burning the same; they killed John James-son, a gentleman of Catteyness, with some others; and this was called Creach-lairn. No sooner were they returned out of Dumbaith, but earl Alexander, being accompanied with Hutcheon Macky (who had been then lately reconciled to his superior the earl of Sutherland) entered into Catteyness with all his forces, spoiling all before him till he came to Girnigo, (now called Castle-Sinclair) where the earl of Catteyness then lay. Earl Alexander escaped himself hard by the town of Weik, which is within a mile of Girnigo. They took the town of Weik with little dissiculty, and burnt the same. They besieged the castle of Girnigo for the space of twelve days, which was well defended by the earl of Catteyness and those that were within. Earl Alexander perceiving that the castle could not be obtained without a long siege, he sent his men abroad through the country of Catteyness to pursue such as had been at the slaughter of George Gordon, if they could be apprehended: so, having flaia divers of them, and spoiled the country, earl Alexander returns again with his host into Sutherland in the month of February 1588. And this was called La-ne creigh-moir. The earl of Catteyness, to revenge these injuries and to requit his losses, assembled all his forces in the year of God 15 89, and sent them into Sutherland, under the conduct of his brother the laird of Murckle, who entered Sutherland with all hostility, and coming to Strath-ullie, he slays three tenants of the earl of Sutherland's in Liriboll, burning the house above them; from Liriboll they march farther into the country. The inhabitants of Sutherland, being conducted by Hutcheon Macky and John Gordon of Backies, met with the Catteyness-men at a place called Crissaligh, where they ikirmistied a little while with little or no slaughter on either side; and so Murckle retired home into Catteyness. In exchange hereof, Alexander earl of Sutherland sent 300 men into Catteyness, conducted by John Gordon of Backies, the same year of God 15 89, whq entering that country with all hostility, he spoiled and wasted the same till he came within six miles of Girnigo, killed above 3 o men, and returned home with a great booty. This was called Creagh-ne-kainkish. The earl of Catteyness, to repair his former losses, conveened his whole forces the year of God 1590. He entered into Sutherland with all hostility, and encamped beflde the Backies; having stayed one night there, they returned homeward the next day, driving a prey of goods before the host. By this time some of the inhabitants of Sutherland were assembled, to the number of 5 or 400 only, and perceiving the Catteyness-men upon the sands o£ Clen-trednal, they presently invade them at a place called Clyne. There ensued a stiarp conflict, foughten with great obstinacy on either side, till the night parted them. Of the Sutherland-men there were flain John Murray and sixteen common soldiers. Of the Catteyness-men there were killed Nicolas Sutherland (the laird of Forsse his brother) and Angus Mactormot, with thirteen others. Divers were hurt on either side. The next morning timely, the earl of Catteyness returned with all diligence into Catteyness, for to defend his own country; for whilst he was in Sutherland, Hutcheon Macky had entered with his forces into Catteyness, and had spoiled that country even to the town of Thurso: but before the earl of Catteyness could overtake him, he returned again into Strathnaver with a great booty. Thus they infested one another with continual spoils and slaughters, untill they were reconciled by the mediation of the earl of Huntley, who caused them meet a* Strathbogie; and a final peace Was codeluded there, betwixt these parties, im the month of March 1591. Here ends this book of Sutherland. The 'troubles betwixt the Earls of Huntlie and Murray. THE instruments of this trouble were the laird of Grant and Sir John Campbell of Calder, knight. The knight of Calder had spent the most part of his time in court, where he was very familiar with Chancellor Maitland, from whom he received instructions to engender differences betwixc Huntlie and Murray; which commission he accomplished very learnedly, and inflamed the one against the other, by the laird of Grant his means, thus, James Gordon (eldest son to Alexander Gordon of Lesmoir) accompanied with some of his friends, went to Ballendallegh in Strathspey, to assist his aunt, the widow of that place, against John Grant, tutor of Ballendallegh, who went about to do her son injury, and to detain her rents from her. James Gordon coming thither, all was r«stored unto the widow, a small matter excepted; which, notwithstanding, he would have from the tutor, thinking it a disgrace to him and to his family if his aunt should lose the least part of her due. After some contestation, there was beating of servants on either side; and, being put asunder at that time, James Gordon and his company retired home. Hereupon the family of Lesinoir do persuade John Gordon (brother to Sir Thomas Gordon of Clunie) to marry the widow of Ballendallegh, which he did. The tutor of Ballendallegh grudging that any of the sirname of Gordon should dwell among them, he fell at variance with John Gordon, by the laird of Grant his persuasion, and killed one of John Gordon his servants; whereat John Gordon was so incensed, and pursued so eagerly the tutor, and such of the Grants as would assist, harbour, or maintain him or his servants, that he got them outlawed, and made rebels by the laws of the kingdom: and further, he moved his chief the earl of Huntlie to search and follow them, by virtue of a commission, as sheriff of that shire. Huntlie besieges the house of Ballendallegh, and takes it by force the 2 d day of November 1590; but the tutor escaped. Then began Calder and Grant to work their premeditated plot, and do stir up the Clan-Chattan and their chief Macintosh to join with the Grants; they persuade also the earls of Athole and Murray to assist them against Huntlie. They shew the earl of Murray that how he had a fit opportunity and occasion to make himself strong in these north parts, and to make head against the house of Huntlie; that they and all their friends would assist him to the uttermost of their power; that Chancellor Maitland would work at court to their effect against Huntlie; so that now he should not slip this occasion, least afterward he should never have the like opportunity in his time. Hereupon the earls of Murray and Athole, the Dunbars, the Clan-Chattan, the Grants, and the laird of Calder, with all their faction, met at Fofress, to consult of their affairs, where they were all sworn in one league together, some of the Dunbars refusing to join with them. Huntlie understanding tha t the earls of Murray and Athole did intend to make a faction against him, he assembled his friends with all diligence, and rides to Forress with a resolution to dissolve their contention. Murray arid Athole, hearing of Huntlie's coming towards them, they leave Forress, and flie to Tarnoway, the earl of Murray's chief dwelling place. The earl of Huntlie follows them thither; but, before his coming, the earl of Athole, the lairds of Macintosh, Grant, Calder, and the sheriff of Murray, had left the house, and were fled to the mountains; only the carl of Murray staid, and had before provided all things necessary for his defence. Huntlie coming within sight of the house, he sent John Gordon beforementioned, with some men, to view the same: but John approaching more hardily than warily, was fliot from the house, and flain with a piece, by one of the earl of Murray's servants. Huntlie perceiving the house of Tarnoway furnished with ali things necessary for a long siege, and understanding also that the most part of his enemies were fled to the mountains, he left the house and dissolved his company the 24th of November 1590. The earl of Huntlie thereupon hastens to the court, and doth reconcile himself to Chancellor Maitland, who shortly thereafter (not so much for the favour he bore to Huntlie, as for the hatred he had conceived against the earl of Murray for Bothwell his cause) did purchase a commission to Huntlie against the earl of Murray, caring little, in the mean time, what should become either of Murray or Huntlie. The year of God 15 91 Huntlie sent Allan MacdpnellDuy into Badenach against the Clan-Chattan; after a sharp skirmish the Clan-Chattan were chased, and above fifty of them flain. Then Huntlie sent Macronald against the Grants, whom Macronald invaded in Strathspey, killed eighteen of them, and wasted all Ballendallegh his lands. The year of God i 59 1, the 27 th of December, the first raid of the Abbay was interprised by the earl of Both well; but failing of his purpose, he was forced to flie away, and so escaped. The duke of Lennox and the earl of Huntlie were sent into the west with a commiflion against Bothwell and such as did harbour him; but Bothwell escaped before their coming. Then took the earl of Murray his fatal and last journey from Tarnoway south to Dunibriflill, where he didjiarbour and recept the earl of Bothwell. Huntlie being now at court, which then sojourned at Edinburgh, he urges Chancellor Maitland for his commission against the earl of Murray; and, having obtained the same, he: takes journey with forty gentlemen from Edinburgh to the Queensferry, and from thence to Dunibriflill, where he invades the earl of Murray. Huntlie, before his approach to the house, sent captain John Gordon (brother to William Gordon laird of Geight) to desire the earl of Murray to give over the house and to render himself; which was not only refused, hut also captain John Gordon was deadly hurt by a piece, by one of the earl of Murray his servants, at his very first approach to the gates: whereupon they set fire in the house, and force the entry. Huntlie commanded the earl of Murray to be taken alive; but the laird of Cluny, whose brother was slain at Tarnoway, and the laird of Geight, who had his brother lying deadly wounded before his eyes, overtaking Murray, as he was escaped out of the house, killed him among the rocks upon the sea-side. There was also the sheriff of Murray slain by Innes of Innermarkie, which happened the 7 th day of February 1591. Presently hereupon Huntlie returned into the north, and left captain John Gordon at Innerkeithing, untill he were recovered of his wound, where he E was taken by the earl of Murray's friends and executed at Edinburgh, being scarce able to live one day longer for his wound received at Dunibrissil. Sir-John Campbell of Calder, knight, who was the worker and cause of thir trouble's, and of the miseries that ensued thereupon, was afterward pitifully flain by his own sirname in Argyle. The earl of Huntlie was charged by the lord St. Colme (the late slain earl of Murray his brother) to underly the censure of the law for the slaughter at Dunibrissil. Huntlie compeared at Edinburgh at the day appointed, being ready to abide the trial of an assize; and unto such time as his peers were assembled to that effect, he did offer to remain in ward in any place the King would appoint him: whereupon he was warded in the Blackness the i 2 th day of March 15 91, and was released the 2 oth day of the same month, upon security and caution given by him that he should enter again upon six days warning. whensoever he mould be charged to that effect. Aster the earl of Murray his slaughter at Dunibriffil, the Clan-Chattan (who, of all that faction, most eagerly endeavoured to revenge his death) did assemble their forces under the conduct of Angus Macdonald-Williamson, and came to Strathdisse and Glenmuck, where they spoiled and invaded the earl of Huntlie's lands, and killed four gentlemen of the sirname of Gordon, among whom was the old baron of Breaghley, whose death and manner thereof was much lamented, being very aged, and much given to hospitality. He Was slain by them in his own house, after he had made them good chear and welcome, never suspecting them, or expecting any such reward for his kindly entertainment, which happened the 1st day of November 1592. In revenge whereof, the earl of Huntlie, having gotten a commission against them, assembled his power and raid into Pettie (which was then in the possession of the Clan-Chattan) where he wasted and spoiled all the Clan-Chats an'3 lands, and killed divers of them; but as the earl of Huntlie had returned home from Pettie, he was advertised that William Macintosh with 800 of Clan-Chattan were spoiling his lands of Cabereghe; whereupon Huntlie and his uncle Sir Patrick Gordon of Achindowne, with some few horsemen, made speed towards the enemy, desiring the rest of his company to follow him with all possible diligence, knowing that if once he were within sight of them, they would desist from spoiling the country. Huntlie overtook the ClanChattan before they left the bounds of Carbereghe, upon the head of a hill called Steplegate; where, without staying for the rest of his men, he invaded them with these few he then had; after a sharp conflict he overthrew them, chased them, killed 60 of their ablest men, and hurt William Macintosh with divers others of his company. Shortly afterward, the earl of Huntlie conveened his forces, and went the second time into Pettie, causing Alexander Gordon of Abergeldie, Huntlie's baillie in Badenoch for the time, bring down his Highlandmen of Loehaber,Badenoch andStrathdowne, to meet him at Inverness; desiring him also, in his journey towards Inverness, to direct some men of Macrenalds into Strathspey and Badenoch, to spoil and waste the laird of Grant and Macintosh's lands; which was done, and afterward Abergeldie and Macrenald, with the Highlandmen, met Huntlie at Inverness, from whence (joining altogether) they invade Pettie, where they wasted, hurnt, and spoiled all the rebels lands and possessions, killed a number of them, and then returnr ed home into their countries. Whilst the north of Scotland was thus in a combustion, the Spanish Blanks were discovered, and Mr. George Car, doctor of the laws, was apprehended in the isle as Cumray, and brought back to Edinburgh, 1592. Afterward, the year of God 1594, the Popilli earls, Angus, Huntlie, and Erroll, were, at the earnest suit of the Queen of England's ambassador, forfeited at a parliament held at Edinburgh the penult of May 1594. Then was the King moved to make the earl of Argyle his Majesty's lieutenant in the north of Scotland, to invade the earls of Huntlie and Erroll. Argyle being glad of this employment (having received money from the Queen of England for this purpose) makes great preparation for the journey, and addresses himself quickly forward; thinking, thereby, to have a good occasion to revenge his brocher in law the earl of Murray's death: so, on he went, with full assurance of a certain victory, accompanied with the earl of Tullibairne, Sir Lauchlan Maclean and divers islanders, Macintosh, Grant, and Clan Gregor, MacneillWarray, with all their friends and dependers, together with the whole sirname of Campbell, with sundry others, whom ei ther greediness of prey, or malice against the Gordons, Had thrust on forward in that expedition, in all above 1 0,000 men. And, coming through all the mountainous countries of that part of Scotland, they arrived at Rivert of Badenoch, the 27 th of September, the year 1594, which house they besieged, because it appertained to Huntlie: but it was so well defended by the Clan-Phersone (Huntlie's servants) that Argyle was forced to give over the siege, and to address himself towards the Lowlands; where the lord Forbes with his kin, the Frascrs, the Dunbars, the CfanChenzie, the Irvines, the Ogilbies, the Leslies, the Monroes, and divers other sirnames of the north, sttould have met him as the King his lieutenant, and so join with his forces against Huntlie. Argyle came thus forward to Drummin in Strathdown, and encamped hard thereby, the 2d of October. Huntlie and Efroll hearing of this great preparation made against them, they laiked neither courage nor resolution; they assemble all such as would follow them and their fortune in this extremity. Erroll came unto the earl of Huntlie to Strathbogie with 100 or 120 of resolute gentlemen; and so having there joined with Huntlie's forces, they march forward from thence to Carneborrow, and then to Auchindowrie, with 1500 horsemen, the 3d of October; parting fi;om Auchindown, Huntlie sent captain Thomas Car and some of the family of Tillihoudie, Gordon, to spy the fields and view the enemy. These gentlemen meeting, by chance, with Argyle his spies, they kill them all except one, whom they saved and examined, and by him understood that Argyle was at hand. This accident much encouraged the earl of -Huntlie's men, taking this as a presage of an ensuing victory; whereupon Huntlie and Erroll do resolve to fight with Argyle before he should join with the lord Forbes and the rest of his forces: so they march towards the enemy, who, by this time, was at Glenliyat in the mountains of Strathawen. The earl of Argyle understanding that Huntlie was at hand, who (as he believed) durst not shew his countenance against such an army, he was somewhat astonished, and would gladly have delayed the battle untill he had met with the lord Forbes; but perceiving them to draw near, and trusting to his great number, he began to order his battle, and to encourage; his people with the hope of prey, and the. enemy's small forces to resist them. He, gave the commandment and leading of his, vanguard to Sir Lauchlan Maclean and tQ Auchinbreck, which did consist of 4000 men, whereof 2000 men were hagbutters. Argyle himself and Tullibairne followed with all the rest of the army. The earl of Erroll and Sir Patrick Gordon of Auchindowne, accompanied with the laird of Geight, Bouietoun Wood and captain Car, led the earl of Huntlie's vanguard, which consisted of 300 gentlemen; Huntlie sollowed them with the rest of his company, having the laird of Cluny Gordon upon his right hand, and Abergeldie upon the left hand: and as he began to march forward, he encouraged his men, shewing them that there was no remedy, but either to obtain the victory, or to die with their weapons in their hands, in defence of whatsoever they held dearest in this world. Argyle his army being all footmen, and assailed, had the advantage of the ground; for they were arrayed in battle upon the top of a steep, rough, and craggy mountain, at the descent whereof the ground Was foggy, mossy, and full of peit-pots, exceeding dangerous for horse. Huntlie his forces consisted all in horsemen, and Were constrained to ride first through the mossy ground at the foot of the hill, and then to ride up against that heathy rough mountain, to pursue the enemy, who did, there, attend them. Before that Erroll and Auchindowne gave the first charge, Huntlie caused captain Andrew Gray (now colonel os the English and Scottish in Bohemia) shoot three field-pieces of ordnance at the enemy, which bred a confused tumult among them, by the slaughter of Macneill-warray, an islander, and one of the most valiant men of that party. Huntlie his vanguard, seeing the enemy disordered, presently gave the charge; the earl of fcrroll with the most part of the vanguard turned their fides towards the enemy, and so went a little about, directly towards Argyle, leaving Maclean and the vanguard upon their left hand, being forced thereto by the steepness of the hill, and the thick shot of the enemy; but Auchindowne, with the rest of his company, did gallop up against the"hill towards Maclean; so that Auchindowne himself was the first man that invaded the enemy, and the first that was slain by them, having lost himself by his too much forwardness. The fight was cruel and furious for a while. Auchindowne his servants and followers, perceiving their master fall, raged among their enemies, as if they had resolved to revenge his death, and to accompany him in dying. Maclean again playing the part of a good commander, compassed Huntlie his vanguard, and inclosed them betwixt him and Argyle; having engaged themselves so far that now there was no hope of retreat; so that they were in danger to be all cut in pieces, if Huntlie had not come speedily to their support, where he was in great danger of his life, his horse being slain under him; but being presently horsed again by Invermarkie, he rushed in ampng the enemies. Thus the battle was again renewed with great fury, and continued two hours. In end, Argyle with his, main battle began to decline, and th'en to. flje a-pace, leaving Maclean still fighting in the field; who seeing himself thus destitute of succours, and his men either fled or slain, he retired in good order with the small company he had about him, and saved himself by flight; having behaved himself in the battle, not only like a good commander, but also like a valiant soldier. Huntlie and his horsemen followed the chace beyond the brook of AldchOnlihan, killing the enemies till the steepness of the next mountains did stay them, being inaccessible for horsemen. Argyle his ensign was found in the place of battle, and brought back with them to Strathbogie. The earl of Argyle lost in this battle his two cousins, Archibald Campbell of Lochinell, and his brother James Campbell, with divers of Auchinbreck his friends, Macneill-warray, and 700 common soldiers. Neither was the victory very pleasing to the earl of Huntlie, for besides that the earl of Efroll, the laird of Geight, and the most pare of all his company were hurt and wounded, Sir Patrick Gordon of Auchindowne, his uacle, a wise, valiant, and resolute knight, with 14 others, were there flain. All their hurt men were carried that night to Auchindowne, where most part of them staid untill they were recovered. This battle was fOughten on Thursday the 3d day of October 1594. The lord Forbes, the lairds of Buquhan and Drum assembled all their friends and followers, with intention to join with Argyle; but hearing of his overthrow, they conclude to join with the Dunbars, and the rest of the forces coming from the provinces of Murray and Ross, and so to invade the Gordons when they came from the battle, thinking it now an easy matter to overthrow them, and to revenge old quarrels. To this effect the whole sirname of Forbes, with most part of the Leslies and the Irvines, met at Druminour (the lord Forbes his dwelling) and so went on, thinking to overtake Argyle, aud to cause him return and renew the battle against the Gordons and their partakers; but as they marched forward, a gentleman called Irvine was killed with the shot of a pistol, in the dark of the night, hard by the lord Forbes, the author of which shot was never yet known unto this day; for present ly all their pistols were searched and found to be full. This unexpected acci? dent bred such a confusion and amazement in the minds of the Forbeses and their followers, being now all afraid of one ano-> ther, that they dissolved their companies and returned home. The rest of the clans in the north, such as the Dunbars, the Frasers, the Monroes, and the QlafrChenzie, being conveened at Forbes in Murray, were staid by the policy of Dunbar of Munesse, who then was tutor $o the sheriff of Murray, and favoured the earl of Huntlie, Sir Patrick Gordon of Auchindowne having married his mother. Whilst the earl of Argyle was thus employed against Huntlie, the King came to Dundee, where he expected the issue of that battle; which when he had heard, his Majesty took journey north toward Strathbogie. In this voyage his Majesty, by the instigation of Huntlie and Erroll's greatest enemies, permitted (though unwillingly) divers houses to be thrown down, such as the house of Strathbogie, which appertained to Huntlie, the house of Slains, in Buchan, appertaining to the earl of Erroll, the house of Culsamond, in Garioch, appertaining to the laird of Newtoun Gordon, the house of Bagayes, in Angus, appertaining to Sir Walter Lindsey, and the house of Craig, in Angus, appertaining to Sir John Ogilvie, son to the lord Ogilvie. In this mean time that the King was at Strathbogie, the earl of Huntlie, with divers of his friends, went into Sutherland and Ca'tteyness; and when his Majesty returned into Edinburgh, Huntlie left the kingdom, and travelled though Germany, France, and Flanders; having staid abroad One year and five months, he was recalled again by the King; and, at his return, both he, Angus, and Erroll were again restored to their former honours and dignities, at a parliament held in Edinburgh, in November 1597; arid further, his Majesty honoured the earl of Huntlie with the honour of Marquis, the year 1599^ All quarrels betwixt him and the earls of Argyle and Murray were taken away, by the marriage of Argyle his eldest daughter to George lord Gordon, Huntlie his eldest son, and by the marriage of lady Anne Gordon, Huntlie's daughter, to James earl of Murray, son to him that was flain at Dunibrissill. The Troubles betwixt the Forbefes and the Gordons in the years 157 I and 157 2. THE two families of Gordon and Forbes were of great power and authority in their country, both of them valiant, wise, and wealthy; both harbouring deadly feud, long rooted between them. The Gordons then lived with great concord and unity among themselves; and, by attollerance of their Kings, had, for many years, governed the people adjoining unto them, whereby they became wealthy and of great poWer, and purchased strength among themselves, together with the attendance and following of other men towards them. "When, on the contrary, the Forbeses were at wars one with another, daily impaired their own strengths, with their own slaughters, and, in end, wrought their own harm by pressing to strive against the Gordon?. These two surnames did live together at this time, rather in secret emulation than open envy; because they had (in way of reconciliation) by marriage intermingled their families together; but their hid and long rooted rancour did now burst forth, not only by following contrary factions during these civil wars betwixt the King's party and the Queen's, but chiefly because that John master of Forbes (eldest son to the lord Forbes) had repudiate and put away his wife, Margaret Gordon , daughter to George earl of Huntlie, which he did by the instigation of his uncle Black Arthur Forbes, who mortally hated the Gordons. This Arthur was a man of great courage, ambitious, and ready to undertake any thing Whatsoever for the advancement and reconciliation of his family. The Forbeses, from the first time of thir civil discords in Scotland, did follow the King's party) the Gordons did always remain constantly faithful to the Queen, even unto the cad. The Forbeses, by persuasion of Black Arthur .Forbes, had appointed both day and place of meeting, where they should assemble together, not only for their own general reconciliation among themselves, but also to interprise something against the Gordons and the rest of the Queen's favourers in these parts; whereof Adam Gordon of Auchindowne having secret intelligence (his brother the earl of Huntlie being then at Edinburgh) he assembled a certain number of his kindred and followers to cross the proceedings of the Forbeses, who were all conveened at Tilliangus above Druminour, in the beginning of the year of God 1572. The Forbeses perceiving the Gordons coming up towards them, against the hill where they then were, they did intrench themselves within their camp, which they had strongly fortified, dividing their army in two several companies, whereof Black Arthur Forbes commanded that which lay next unto the Gordons. Adam Gordon (far inferior in number to his enemies) presently, without any stay; fiercely invaded the first company, his brother, Mr. Robert Gordon, set upon-the other: so, breaking their trenches, they ran desperately upon the spears of their enemies. After a sharp and cruel conflict, couragiously foughten a long time on either side, Black Arthur Forbes, with divers others, gentlemen of his sirname and family, were flain; the rest were all overthrown, put to flight, and chased even to the gates of Druminour, the lord Forbes his chief dwelling place; few of the Gordons were killed, but only John Gordon of Buckie, father to John Gordon of Buckie now living. The Forbeses attempted nothing afterward in revenge of this overthrow, untill the/time that John master of Forbes (Black Arthur his nephew and chief of that family) hardly escaping from his enemies, hastened to court, where the earl of Mar, then regent, had his residence, hoping by him to be relieved. The regent gave him five companies of footmen and some horsemen, w,ith letters to such of the adjoining nobility as favoured and followed that party, desiring them to associate and join rhemselves unto the Forbeses. These then being confederate and assembled together with certain other families of their affinity and neighbours, so advanced the spirit of this John master of Forbes,that he now thought himself sufficiently furnished against the forces of his adversaries, and so presently went to Aberdeen, to expel Adam Gordon from thence, the year of God 1572, who knowing the preparation of the Forbeses, and understanding the approach of the enemies so near at hand, assembled such of his friends and followers as he could soonest find at that time, and led them out of the town. He sent a company of musketeers, under the conduct of captain Thomas Care, to a convenient place where the Forbeses must of necessity pass, there to lye in ambush, and not to stir till the battle did join; then he sent certain of the Sutherland bowmen (who had retired themselves out of their country during the earl of Sutherland's minority) and desired them to draw a great compass about, and so,to set upon the back of the Forbeses footmen and muslceteers; he himself, aud his brother Mr. Robert Gordon, with the residue of his company, stayed the coming of the Forbeses at a place called Craibstane, not far from the ports of the new town of Aberdeen. The Forbeses, being in sight of Aberdeen, began to consult among themselves what was best to be done; some were of opinion that the fittest and safest course was to go to Old Aberdeen, and there seat themselves, and from thence to molest the New Town, and compel Adam Gordon to depart from New Aberdeen, by the aid and assistance of these experienced footmen which were sent from the regent: but the master of Forbes and his kinsmen Would not hearken thereto, desiring present battle, which was then concluded; and so the Forbeses advanced with great courage against the Gordons, who received them with the like resolution. At the very first rencounter, Auchindowne his mulketeers, who lay in ambush, killed a number of the Forbeses; then both the armies joined with great violence. After a cruel conflict, with incredible obstinacy on either side, the laird of Pitfligo (Forbes) his two brethren, with divers other gentlemen of the surname of Forbes, were there slain; captain Chisholme with the footmen (sent by the regent to their support) were put to flight by the Sutherland bowmen, who pursued them eagerly with great slaughter. Among the rest capt. Chisholmewas slain, with three other captains, which the rest of the Forbeses perceiving, they fled apace; many of the principals were taken, with their chief and general John master of Forbes, whose father was then very aged, lying sick at Druminour, expecting the sorrowful news of this overthrow. Adam Gordon used this victory very moderately, and suffered no man to be killed after the fury of the fight was past. When all was ended he returned to the church of Aberdeen, and there gave thanks unto God for his happy success. Alexander Forbes of Strath-gar-neck, (author of all thir troubles betwixt these two families, • and the chief stirrer up of Arthur Forbes against the Cordons) was taken at this battle, and as they were going to behead him, Auchindowne caused stay his execution. He intertained the master of Forbes, and the rest of the prisoners, with great kindness and courtesy; he carried the master of Forbes along with him to Strathbogie; and in end, gave him and all the rest leave to depart. The next ensuing summer after this conflict at Craibstane, Adam Gordon of Auchindowne, following his victors, entered the Mearns, and besieged the house of Glenbervie, putting all the negent's party within that province into a great (Var and tumult. The earl of Craufurd, the lords Gray, Ogilvie, and Glames, taking part with the regent against the Queen, assembled all the forces of Angus and Mearns to resist Auchindowne, and to stop his passage at Breichin, where they encamped; but Adam Gordon, being advertised of their proceedings, left the most part of his men at the siege of Glenbervie, from whence he parted in the dead time of the night, with the most resolute men of his company, to invade these lords; and being come to Breichen, he killed the Watch with divers others, surprized the town, set upon the lords, chased them, and made himself master of the town and castle of Breichen. The next morning, the lords understanding Auchindowne's small forces in regard of theirs, they assembled their men together, and came near unto Breichen to fight against him, who met them with resolute courage; but as they were ready to encounter, the lords, not able to endure the first charge of their enemies, fled a-pace with all their companies. There were slain of them above 80; and divers of them were taken, amongst whom was the lord Glames, who was carried to Strathbogie, and being detained there a while, he was set at liberty with the rest. This conflict was called the Bourd of Breichen. Then returned Adam Gordon back again to the siege of Glenbervie, and took itj from thence he went to Montrose, and took that town. In his return from thence, he took the castle of Dun, which appertained to the regent's cousin, and so marched foreward into Angus. The inhabitants of Dundee hearing of his approach, and despairing of their own abilities to resist him, they sent for help into Fife; but Auchindowne, having done his pleasure in Angus and Mearns, returned home into the north, being contented for that time, with what he had already done against his enemies. By this good success of the Gor* dons, the Queen's favourers in all the parts of the kingdom were highly encouraged at that time. The Brige of Dee. THE year of God i 5 88 there were some secret emulations and factions at court; the earl of Huntlie being in favour with his Majesty, obtained the captainry of his Majesty's guards, which the master of Glames had before; for this cause the master of Glames and his associates, joining themselves to the English ambassador then lying at Edinburgh, do surmise to the King's Majesty, that some letters of the earl of Huntlie's, sent by him to the King of Spain, were intercepted in England. Huntlie was called to make his answer; he compears, and refuses these letters to have been written or sent by him, but only devised by his enemies, thereby to put him in disgrace with his master; yet he is warded in the castle of Edinburgh, in the latter end of February, and being tried, he is released the 7th day of March following; whereupon the earls of Huntlie, Craufurd, and Erroll address themselves unto the north, and take journey towards St. Johnstoun, where they were advertised that the earls of Athole and Morton and the master of Glames had conveened forces to intrap chem within St. Johnstoun. Huntlie, Erroll, and Craufurd issued forth of that town, with such small companies as they then had, and rencountered with the master of Glames, whom they chased and apprehended in Kirkhill, and carried him prisoner with them into the north. Chancellor Maitland and the rest of the master of Glames his faction at court, hearing of this accident, they inflame the King with anger against Huntlie and his associates, and do persuade his Majesty to take a journey into the north. Huntlie, in this mean time, assembles all his friends and dependers, to the number of i 0,000 men, and came forward to the Brige of Dee, with a resolution to fight against his enemies, the 20th of April the year 1589; but being certainly informed that the King was coming in person against Him:, He dissolved his army, and submitted himself to his Majesty, withal releasing the master of Glames from captivity; whereupon Huntfewas committed to ward at Edinburgh, jrhen at Borthwick, thereafter at Finnevin; from whence he was shortly afterWard released by his Majesty. The earl of Erroll was also warded in Edinburgh castle, Where he was detained untill he pays a: sum of money, which was employed to the1 use of Chancellor Maitland. fliould either be compelled to embrace the reformed religion, or else that the censure of excommunication should be used against them, and their goods decerned to appertain to the King so long as they remained disobedient. M r. George Car, doctor of the laws> was the first that withstood, and was excommunicate; the next wasOavid Graham of Fintrie. This Mr. George Car, consi* deridg that hereby he could have no quiet residence within his native country, did deI liberate with himself to pass beyond sea into Spain; and therefore, that he might be ,the welcomes there, he devised certain blanks, as if they had been subscribed by some of the Scottish nobility, and directed from them to the King of Spain, to be filled up at his pleasure: which project was first hatched by the Jesuits, and chiefly by father Crightoun, who, for some discontentment had, few years before, left Scotland and fled into Spain: where he endeavoured to insinuate himself into King Philip his ,favour, and published a book concerning the genealogy of his daughter, the Infant, married to the Archduke; wherein he did his best to prove, that the two crowns of England and Scotland did appertain unto her: and, that this cunning Jesuit might the rather move King Philip to make war against the King of Scotland, he writeth books and pamphlets in the disgrace of his own native prince. Then he adviseth with himself that his next and readiest way Was tosolicite some of his friends in Scotland, who were of his faith; and to this effect, he writeth letters this year of God 1592 to this George Car, and to such of his own colleagues the Jesuits as were then in this kingdom, whereby he made them understand What great favour and credit he had with the King of Spain, who, . by his persuasions, was resolved both to in* fade England, and to establish the Catholick faith in Scotland: but, first, that King Philip would be assured of the good will of the Catholicks of Scotland; wherefore he behooved to have certain blanks subscrived by the Catholicks, and that he should cause them to be filled up after* wards; which if he did obtain, he had promise of the King of Spain, to send them 250,000 crowns to be distributed among them* After this advertisement of father Crightoun's,this George Car (by the advice of the Jesuits then resident in Scotland) devised these blanks, to the effect that George Car might transport them into Spain. Car addressed himself to the town of Air to have taken shipping there, and lying in the iste of Cumray, attending a fair wind, he was discovered by the indiscretion of father Abercrombie, and apprehended in the ship; from whence he was carried back to Air, and from thence convoyed to Edinburgh; with him was found a packet of letters, directed (as it were) from some Scottish noblemen into Spain and some parts of France: therein were found blanks alledged subscrived by the earl of Angus, the earl of Huntley, the earl of Erroll, and Sir Patrick Gordon of Achindowne, uncle to the earl of Huntley. The blanks were thus, Imprimis, two missive bills directed to the King of Spain; the one subscrived de vostre Majeste tres humble et tres obeijfant serviteur, Frangois Counte d'Erroll; another on this manner, de vojlre Majeste tres humble et tres obelssantserviteur, Guilliame Counte d'^ngus; item, another blank subscrived by them all four> as it were by form of contract or obligation conjunctly thus, Gulielmus *dngusiae Comes, Georgius' Comes de Hunt ley > Franciscus Erroliae Comes, Patricius Gordon de Achindowne Miles; item, a blank subscrived apart by Franciscus Erroliae Comes; item, one by Georgius Comes de Huntley; item, one by Gulielmus Anguftae Comes. Hereupon the ministers sent some of the privy council to the King to Alloway (where his Majesty then lay) to advertise him of these blanks. The King came to Edinburgh, where all the matter wa"s debated to him at length, partly by Mr. Bowes Leiger, ambassador for the Queen of England in Scotland, and partly by Mr. Robert Bruce, principal minister at Edinburgh, shewing that the realm of Scotland was in apparent danger of Spaniards to be brought in by the forenamed earls being Papists; and thereby, both his Majesty's crown was in danger, and the established religion in hazard to be altered. That Mr. George Car had sufficiently delated the whole circumstance of the business in his confession, accusing the Popish lords as guilty of these blanks; and thus, taking the matter already fro confejso, they urge the business vehemently, and do intreat his Majesty to proceed against them with all celerity and rigour. Then was David Graham of Fintrie apprehended, arraigned, and executed at Edinburgh, in February this year 1592, (or 1593stilo novo) who, thinking to save himself thereby, did write a long letter, subscrived with his own hand, directed to the King, wherein he made mention that the Roman Catholicks of Scotland had undertaken to receive such a number of soldiers as the King of Spain and his council should appoint; and in case he would bestow any money for levying of men here, they mould willingly both convoy the King's army into England, and retain a certain number in Scotland, for reformation of religion, and to purchase liberty of conscience: that he himself had given counsel thereunto divers times,after that the matter was communicate to him by the Jesuits, and because he fore-knew this purpose, and concealed the same, he was in danger of the law: for this cause he desired not to be tried by a jury, but offered himself unto the King's mercy and will, when he was arraigned at the bar. The King (nottheless of this his voluntary confession) commanded to proceed against him according to the law; which was done. After this, the King's Majesty (believing certainly that these blanks, together with the informations and intelligence of father Crightoun concerning the Spanish King, were true indeed) addressed himself to the north of Scotland, for prosecuting of Huntley, Angus, and Erroll, and made his Majesty's residence at Aberdeen. Themselves and their dependers were, by open proclamation, at their dwelling places, required to show their obedience and appearance before the King: but they having understood before the King's coming, and how his Majesty was incensed and stirred up against them, they had all left their ordinary habitations void. The countesses of Huntley and Erroll came to the King, to whom he granted their houses and rents, without making any account thereof to his Majesty's thesaurer for the supposed transgression of their husbands. In this mean time, the Queen of England sent an extraordinary ambassador into Scotland, whom the King received at Edinburgh, after his Majesty's return from Aberdeen. This ambassador required, that the peace and confederacy concluded and confirmed at Leith, after the expulsing of the French army fcorn Scotland, should now, de novo, be ratified by his Majesty in his perfect age; and further, that he should, without delay, punifli the lords and gentle-' men suspect of treason, and tried by their own writs and messages; that he should grant them no favour, but extreme rigour; for fear of the inconvenient that should follow upon their wicked pretences, if they were unpunished, when both time and occasion permitted the same. Still the Englifli ambassador and the Scottish ministers urged the King to call the Catholick lords to a trial of their peers; but the King procured to the ministers thus much for them, that, by their favours, they might be brought to be tried without warding; and thereafter to make such satisfaction as mould be thought requisite; that in case they were found culpable, to be punished as justice should require; and, if it were otherwise, that they should be absolved: but the ministers would not yield unto the King's pleasure therein, nor permit that the Popish lords should have any trial, till they should be first warded untill the nobles mould conveen to try them. The King refused to Ward them untill they were found guilty; knowing, by this time, their innocence: for George Car had refused what he had »before, through fear, confessed against the lords, touching the Spanish blanks. His Majesty was earnest with the ministers that no excommunication should pass against the lords before their trial; which was refused: whereupon there was a convention of the estates holden by his Majesty at St. Johnstoun, the year of God 159 3, to curb the power of the presbyterial ministers. There it was resolved (to suppress their liberty) the estate of bishops sheuld be erected and restored. Within few days after, the King went from St. Johnstoun to the abbay of Halyrudhouse; whither also came secretly the earls of Huntley, Angus, and Erroll. The next day, the King riding at Lawder to visit chancellor Maitland ( who was then sick) these three earls came to his Majesty on the highway; and there humbling themselves, in few words demanded licence to be tried, which his Majesty granted. But the King thereafter, in respect that he had promised both to the ambassador of England and to the ministers at Edinburgh, that he should neither receive them, nor admit them to his presence and favour, till they were tried; he directed the master of Glammes and the lord Lindores unto the ambassador and the misisters, to certify them of their coming t9 his Majesty on the highway,, at such time and place as he looked not for; and although he had used but some few words unto them, yet he would proceed no further, nor fliow them any other favour, but according to justice and reason. Then the ministry assembled themselves, by their commissioners, at Edinburgh, together with certain barons and balzies of burghs (the King being then at Jedburgh for some affairs of the commonwealth.) They concluded, all in one voice, some articles to be presently demanded of his Majesty; which I omit to relate, as fitting to be supprest. Whereupon the affairs of the King and of the church were directly opposite and repugnant to another: the King caused proclamations to be made, commanding all his lieges and subjects to reset and receive the earls of Angus, Huntlcy, and Erroll, which should not be imputed unto them as a crime at any time thereafter; whereby also licence was granted unto them to pass and repass freely in any parts of the couutry publickly, as best should please them: The ministers, upon the contrary, offered their proclamation in the churches, to their parochiners, commanding the people to abhor them, and to refuse their companies in any kind of way, and exhorting all men to be upon their defence, and to arm themselves for expelling of these earls and their adherents: moreover the ministry, by their solicitation, had drawn a great number of people into Edinburgh. Whereupon his Majesty did call a convention of the estates, and caused a proclamation to be made, and published in divers capital towns of the realm, charging all and sundry his Majesty's subjects, of what estate, quality, or degree soever, that none of them mould resort or repair to the burgh of Edinburgh, or place of his Majesty's residence, upon whatsoever colour or pretence, during the handling and ordering of these matters in question, except such persons as were appointed and specially written for, or that did crave and obtain his Majesty's licence for their coming. In this commission, which was appointed at Edinburgh for decision of all controversies, there were nominate six earls, six lords, six barons, six burgesses, and six ministers, elected and chosen by his Majesty and his council; and although the six ministers were Well qualified men, and such as the rest of the brethren could justly find no fault withal; yet, because they were not nominate by themselves in general pokes, they were afraid to be prejudged in their authority and estate; and therefore, not only opponed against them, but also suborned them which were chosen by the King and the council: therefore the King, with advice of his council, commanded their names to be blotted out, that no minister thereafter should be nominate in commifli-' on, but that they all, or some certain number, by command of the rest, should only be supplicants, if they had any thing to crave, and no otherwise: and thus were the ministers themselves the cause that their authority was diminished. The commillioners did assemble at Edinburgh, as was appointed j and after some few days disputation and reasoning, amongst divers other things, they decerned that the three Popish' earls and Achindowne mould not from thence forth be accused for the crime they were summoned for, founded upon the blanks; but the fame to remain abolished and in oblivion> and to be null thereafter: which was proclaimed, by edict, at the market cross of Edinburgh. The advertisement of this edict being sent from Edinburgh to the Queen of England by her ambassador, Ihe sent the lord Southe into Scotland, willing the King to remit his lenity towards the Catholick lords, and deal plainly with rigorous justice, as the cause and good reason requi. red. The two ambassadors of England followed the King from Edinburgh to Stirling; by whose diligence and procurement letters were directed, charging the Roman Catholick earls to enter their persons in prison, under the pain of treason. There was also a parliament proclaimed, to be holden the 15 th of April next ensuing. In the mean time, great instance was made by the ministers of Scotland and by the ambassadors of England, that the Roman Catholick lords Ihould be summoned to hear and see the process of forseiture led against them. In end they do prevail; and direction was given for the same against the parliament, which was appointed to be in April 1594. Not-theless of all this, the ambassadors of England, and the ministers of Scotland, thinking that the King and his counsellors were more negligent in prosecuting of the Popish lords than was promised or expected; it was secretly devised that the earl of Bothwell, being an outlaw, should invade Scotland, by the assistance of England, upon two pretences; the first was, that, by the help of the ministers, he might banish the Popish lords out of the realm of Scotland, and that the Queen of England should support him with money; which being known and revealed, did so incense the King against her ambassador, that a special gentleman of the lord' Southe's was committed to prison in the castle of Edinburgh, who confessed, that, by the command of the ambassador, he had spoken with the earl of Bothwell and with Mr. John Colvill (Bothwell his chief counsellor:) The second pretence was to revenge the earl of Murray his death against Huntley and his partakers; and to fortify his purpose, the earls of Argyle and Athole mould be ready in arms, attending Bothwell his coming, to join with him against Huntley. The King, hearing of these two pretences, thought expedient, with advice of his council, td make a general proclamation that no manner of persons should convocate his lieges in arms, for whatsoever occasion, without his Majesty's licence,under the pain of death. Whereupon Both-' Well came to Kelso, and from thence to Leith, the 2d of April 1594. The King being advertised of his coming, went to sermon that morning in the High Church of Edinburgh; and there, sermon being ended, he made great instance to the people, that they would assist him to suppress their common enemy Bothwell; and, to animate the ministry and the people, he promised, in their presence, that he should never lay down arms, till he either supprest or banished the Popish lords and their adherents: so, the King led the people out of Edinburgh towards Leith ; and, betwixt Leith and Edinburgh, there was a company selected out of the army, which, under the conduct of the lord Hume and Weimes Colvill,should invade Bothwell; who, perceiving the King marching out of Edinburgh, with his army, towards Leith; aM seeing that the earls of Argyle and Athole had failed him, he retires from Leith, with his company, and takes the way to Mussilburgh,and so to return into England: but K the lord Hume, with his train, overtakes Bothwell beside Duddistoun, where, after a little skirmish, the Lord Hume was overthrown, and all his people beaten and chased back again to Edinburgh. . Bothwell, perceiving that the King was sending more forces against him, retires towards the south borders, and so into England. The earl of Bothwell being thus gone, the King returns to Edinburgh, and seeing no other means to satisfy the ministers, and all utterly to suppress Bothwell his rebellion, he condescends to the forfalture of the Popish lords, being forced to yield to present necessity. A parliament was holden at Edinburgh the penult day of May 1594; all and whatsoever petitions then craved by the ministers were assented to by this parliament, where there were present but only three earls and six lords; by reason whereof things were violently carried by the ministers. The criminal cause of the Popifli lords being read and considered by the few number of nobles there present, they would gladly have delayed the determination thereof untill a fuller convention of the nobility were assembled; but the ministers and commissioners of burghs, being the greater number, prevailed; and found their hand-writs by witnesses cognosced; the rest was past over, as proven by presumption; the nobles suspended their voices, because the Popish lords intentions were not proven judicially; always they were forfalted and made proscript by plurality of such voices as were there present, and their arms were riven in the justice place, in presence of the parliament. These noblemen, being thus forfalted, the King was also moved to make the earl of Argyle his Majesty's lieutenant-general in the north of Scotland, to invade the earls of Huntley and Erroll; whereupon followed the battle of Glenlivat in October 1594; which happened as I have declared already; and were afterward restored the year of God 1597. FINIS. About this Book - From Google This is a digital copy of a book that was preserved for generations on library shelves before it was carefully scanned by Google as part of a project to make the world's books discoverable online. It has survived long enough for the copyright to expire and the book to enter the public domain. A public domain book is one that was never subject to copyright or whose legal copyright term has expired. Whether a book is in the public domain may vary country to country. Public domain books are our gateways to the past, representing a wealth of history, culture and knowledge that's often difficult to discover. 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