Such was the complexion of affairs in the summer of 1649; and we shall best accomplish our object, in a brief abstract of these Scottish annals, by noting, in the first place, from the authentic Acts of the Estates, the more prominent particulars therein recorded, and subjoining these to such documents and extracts from contemporary chronicles as may fill up the outline thus presented.
On the 18th of July, 1649, the Estates appointed a committee to meet at Perth upon the 24th of August, and to call before them all persons within the Highlands, islands, and other places, who were upon the late Engagement against England, or had been accessory in any manner of way to the troubles of this kingdom; and to call on all landlords, and baillies of land, and chieftains of clans, to subscribe a bond and declaration for keeping the peace of the kingdom, and to obtemper [obey] any orders the Committee should appoint for that effect; with power to do all things necessary for keeping the peace of the kingdom.[428] On the 31st, commissions were also granted for visiting the universities of Edinburgh and Aberdeen;[429] and, on the 7th of August thereafter, a further commission was granted for the Committee of Estates to sit and act, with plenary powers, till the next session, which was appointed for the first Thursday of March, 1650. Winram of Libberton was appointed Commissioner on a new mission to the King, and (12th September) he was furnished with a letter to the King, and instructions for conducting the negotiations with his Majesty.[430]
And thus closed the third session of the Whigamore Parliament. For an illustration of the relative transactions, whether with regard to affairs of Church or of State, we must refer to the memorials of the times.
The fourth Session of the Whigamore Parliament was opened at Edinburgh on the 7th of March, and next day a letter was approved of to be sent from the Estates to Charles II. acknowledging receipt of his Majesty’s acquiescence in their desire to accept the Government. Commission was granted to the Earl of Cassilis and others to repair to the King at Breda, and treat upon the ground of the former “desires” presented to him at the Hague by the Commissioners of Parliament, “according to the Solemn League and Covenant,” &c. Instructions were also given to the Commissioners; and an adjournment then took place till the 15th of May following.[431]
The Parliamentary proceedings from that time till the end of the year, may be thus given in an abbreviated form, so as to afford a general view of its progress:—
May 15.—The Parliament reassembled.
May 17.—“Act ordaneing the sentence and dome of foirfaultoʳ to be putt in execuᵒione aganes James Grahame, and for tryell of the remanent Captives.”—P. [515].
May 18.—“Ordour givin to the Magistrates of Edinʳ to receave James Grahame and the remanent prisoners from Coˡˡ Campbell of Lawers at the water gaitt,” &c.—P. [515].
May 21.—“Act in fauors of the Lord Angus & Sir Roᵗ Murray, anent the prisoners in the Canongait.”—P. [516].
June 21.—Letter from Parliament to Lenthal, Speaker of the House of Commons of England, remonstrating against the armaments in England and their approach to Scotland, &c.—P. [523]. Another to Lord Fairfax, Commander in Chief of the English forces, and another to Sir A. Haselrige, Governor of Newcastle.—P. [524]-5. Commission for purging the Army.—P. [525].