Charles I - volume 539: July 1640

Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1625-49 Addenda. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1897.

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'Charles I - volume 539: July 1640', in Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1625-49 Addenda, (London, 1897) pp. 623-624. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/domestic/chas1/addenda/1625-49/pp623-624 [accessed 23 April 2024]

July 1640

[July?] 17. Notes of particulars touching which the writer directed the bearer, the Laird of Gagie, to give information, being confident that his Majesty is not sensible of the truth of the carriage of matters in Scotland:—
1. Concerning Edinburgh Castle, the several assaults made upon it, the resistance, and what inconvenience will ensue if General Ruthven is not timely relieved.
2. Concerning the procedure of the Parliament, how royal authority was rejected, the small estimation of God and King, and how a kingdom is stolen from him if he does not fight for it.
3. Concerning the proclamation at the Cross of Edinburgh, importing the forfeiture of all those that sided with his Majesty.
4. Concerning the coming down of John Haddow, servant to Lord Loudoun, his relation thereafter in Scotland, that his Majesty could furnish himself neither with men nor money, which gave the rebels encouragement.
5. Concerning the safe coming down of the petitioners and especially how the liberation of the sheriff of Teviotdale [Sir William Douglas] wrought harmful effect.
6. What power Lord Dunfermline has raised to withstand royal authority.
7. Concerning Lord Loudoun and his gracious permission to come down with a kiss of his Majesty's hand, who has wrought great disturbance to loyal subjects, and encouraged the multitude, as that if they take Edinburgh Castle, they will use the people with all rigour, and will hang General Ruthven if he comes into their power, and with the same measure will handle the Earl of Nithsdale and Lord Ogleby [Ogilvie] if they can make themselves their masters. As for Nithsdale, there is a siege laid to his house of Carlaverock, which began on Monday the 29th of June, when his outer guard was surprised, three men taken and the rest driven back into the castle. This plot was by Charles Murray, a cashiered soldier of Nithsdale. All his Majesty's fair words and good deeds will not reduce the people to obedience unless he accord to all their articles and give way to the ruin of those that stand for him, and neither Lord Loudon nor Lord Dunfermline will do his Majesty any real service. It is a grievous heartbreak to those who strive to give testimony of their fidelity and suffer heavily for the same, to see so good a King abused in cherishing disloyal persons upon smooth promises. It is reported that to congratulate Lord Loudoun's coming home, they made an assault upon the castle, which however returned to their own loss. Concerning Dumbarton Castle, the bearer can inform you how they sank ships to stop up the haven and what state it is in. It is pitiful to think in what state General Ruthven is, and what number of loyal gentlemen are detained in captivity or burdened with fines, as the laird of Drum and his brother in 100,000l. Scottish, the Constable of Dundee [Sir John Scrimgeour] in 40,000 marks, the laird of Hadow (Gordon) in 20,000 marks, others in 15,000 marks, and all detained in constraint until they pay. It seems strange how Loudoun should escape and the rest of them and his Majesty's loyal subjects be thus tormented for their fidelity. [2¾ pp.]
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