“Westkirk, the 13th day of August, 1650.”[444]
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In the interim, Cromwell having got provisions by sea, returns to his old quarters, and, on the 12ᵗʰ of August, marches on the south side of Edenborough, and encamps on a hill of advantage; his ships likewise pass up the Forth above Leith. The Scots still keep their quarters, the Armys being within three miles of each other.
During his stay there, the Committees, by Swinton and Collonel Carr, sent him their Declaration; and (’tis reported) his answer was that he would not juggle with them; he came for their King: if they would deliver him he would treat, otherwise not. But many believe they were too much of an opinion to have any difference during their negotiations. His Majesty from Dumfermling sends a letter to the Assembly to desire to have some of their number sent him, to satisfie him in point of conscience concerning some parts of the Declaration, and then he would give them satisfaction. What induced him to do it, I cannot say, only the Marquess of Argyle and some of the nearest about him were hourly enforcing the necessity of compliance, and the danger he was in in case he persisted; and possibly making the dangers greater than they would have been had he kept his former resolutions. About four days after, when they had published their papers, been with Cromwell, and the Chancellour and others had harrangued to the army the sence of the Kirk and Committee, which wrought not any great effect, the spirit (though not the body) of malignancy and affection to the King being still amongst them; the Assembly sent two of their number to satisfie His Majesty, who, after many disputes, were at length induced to give way that some expressions, in reference to His late Majesty, should be varied; so His Majesty, upon Friday the 16ᵗʰ of August, signed it, and very late that night came to St Johnstons, being lodged in a house of David Lesley’s, formerly Earl Gowry’s, and wherein the murther was designed to be acted on King James.
Here following, you may read the Declaration,[445] and by it judge if they ever meant it for his Majesty’s good, or whether they have gained or lost by the publishing of it. I am sure many that promised wonders if it were done, and threatned destruction if not, have since found they have, both in Honour and interest, been no gainers by it. And now because it may seem strange to many that His Majesty was induced to sign it, I conceive myself bound in duty, and for His Majesty’s vindication, to offer unto them these following considerations:
First, That necessity had brought him into such hands, as not out of meer loyalty, but for their own interest had seemingly wedded his; and so he was not in a capacity to oppose them.
Secondly, Most of those in power about him, as well English as others, passionately persuaded him to it; laying down the Dangers by his refusal, at the deserting of the army, and probably his own restraint, and an union with Cromwell.
Thirdly, The Ministers made it a matter of conscience and breach of Covenant and Treaty.
Fourthly, It is possible great advantages of power and interest were laid before him to facilitate his compliance; notwithstanding all which, he many days persisted in his refusal until he had got some alterations made in reference to his father. So that, considering the time that it was done in, the importunity that was upon him, and the ill consequences represented in case of his refusal, with the pretended advantages on the contrary. I believe it will be found that few Princes in the like exigent (though of much more years and experience) would have so long resisted so hard and desperate assaults.