Hamilton.
I shall desire that none may see this but His Majesty, or, at least, that it be not known that it came from me.
1639.—May 16.
34. The Nobilities Supplication to the Commissioner.[195]
Please your Grace,
As we have assayed this tyme past, by divers supplications and many other meanes, to give our graceous Soveraigne all lawfull satisfaction, so doe we most especiallie esteeme ourselves oblidged at this tyme to endeavour the same, and most earnestlie to deprecat his Majesties indignation, even to prove these preparations we have now readie, for our lawfull and necessar defence, to be for no other end. And we doe now expresse—not moved with fear, but with the sense of duetie—that our hearts have been and are free of all disloyaltie and disobedience quhatsoever to our graceous Soveraigne, and least our hope of a happie, peaceable, and contented conclusion, be interrupted by the mischeefe that may arise from the stoppe of trade, and injuries done by the fleete lying here, or by the armies that will ly so near upon the Borders, we earnestlie beseech your Grace to medeat with His Majestie, and that so seriouslie and speedilie, as all thir threatened evills may be prevented; and, in the meane tyme, the country may be secured from all such dangers as we have entrusted the bearer more particularlie to relate to your Grace; and herein we wishe your Grace that successe which may tend to the glorie of God, the honour of His Majestie, the good of this Kingdome, the remembrance of your Grace in after ages, as ane happie instrument, and the present oblidgement to a thankfull remembrance by us, who humbly crave your Graces answer.
1639.—May 17.
35. The King’s Answer to Hamilton’s Proposals.[196]
Hamilton,
I have kept this honest Bearer the longer, that I may with the more assurance give you my Directions what to doe, consisting of two points, Fighting and Treating: for the first, we are still of the same Opinion, that it is not fit that you should give on untill I be on the Borders, which will be (by the Grace of God) by this day eight days, except you find that before that time they march down to meet me with a great Strength. In that case you are to fall on them immediately, and in my Opinion as far up in the Frith as you think probably may doe good, thereby to make a Diversion. In the mean time I like well, that you go on upon that ground of Treaty you sent a Note of to Master Treasurer, (which you will find I have underwritten,) no body else being acquainted with it.