[73] Anderson, vol. ii. p. 103.
[74] Anderson, vol. ii. p. 104, et seq.—and Keith, p. 375, et seq.
[75] Anderson, vol. ii. p. 157.
[76] Anderson, vol. i. p. 107; and Keith, p. 381.
[77] Keith, p. 382.—There are extant two lists of the names of the subscribers, and these differ in one or two particulars from each other; but the one was only a list given to Cecil from memory by John Reid, Buchanan’s clerk; the other is a document authenticated by the subscription of Sir James Balfour, who was at the time Clerk of Register and Privy Council. The chief difference between these two copies is, that Reid’s list contains the name of the Earl of Murray, though on the 20th of April he was out of the realm of Scotland. It has been supposed that the bond, though not produced, might have been drawn up some time before, and that Murray put his name to it before going away. This is possible, but, considering Murray’s cautious character, not probable. The point does not seem one of great importance, though by those who are anxious to make out a case against Murray rather than against Bothwell, it is deemed necessary to insist upon it at length. Perhaps Bothwell forged Murray’s signature, to give his bond greater weight both with the nobles and with the Queen; although one name more or less could not make much difference either to her or them.
[78] Keith, p. 390.
[79] Keith, p. 383.—Melville’s Memoirs, p. 177.—Whittaker, vol. iii. p. 106 and 356.
[80] Melville, p. 177.
[81] Keith, p. 390.
[82] Anderson, vol. i. p. 97.—Keith, p. 390.