Death of Harry the Second, King of France.
In the meantime there came assured information, first, that the King of France was hurt, and, afterwards, that he was dead.... This wondrous work of God in his sudden death ought to have daunted the fury of the Queen Regent, and given her admonition that the same God could not long suffer her obstinate malice against His truth to remain unpunished. But her indurate heart could not be moved to repentance; and, hearing of the detention of the printing irons, she raged more outrageously than before.... We answered that we, without usurpation of anything justly pertaining to the Crown of Scotland, had stayed the printing irons because the commonwealth was greatly hurt by the corrupting of our money....
The Regent again takes up Arms against the Congregation.
Partly by her craft and policy, and partly by the labours of the Archbishops of St. Andrews and Glasgow, the Queen Regent procured, from the whole number that were with her, consent to pursue us with all cruelty and expedition, before we could again assemble our forces, then dispersed for new equipment. Certain knowledge of this reached us on the Saturday at night, on the twenty-second of July, and we did what in us lay to give notice to our brethren. It was impossible, however, that those of the West, Angus, Mearns, Strathearn, or Fife, in any number, could come to us; for the enemy marched from Dunbar upon the Sunday, and approached within two miles of us before sunrise upon Monday. They verily supposed that they should have found no resistance, being assured that only the Lords and certain gentlemen remained, with their private households.... The most part of the town appeared rather to favour us than the Queen's faction; and offered us the uttermost of their support, a promise that, for the most part, they faithfully kept. The town of Leith made similar promise, but they did not keep the like fidelity; for, when we were upon the field, advancing to their support, when the French were close upon them, they surrendered without further resistance. Their unprovided and sudden defection astonished many; and yet we retired quietly to the side of Craig-end gate, where we took up a defensive position.... Before eight o'clock in the morning, God had given us both courage and a reasonable number wherewith to withstand the fury of the enemy. As many of the town of Edinburgh as had been trained to arms, and divers others besides, behaved themselves both faithfully and stoutly. The gentlemen of Lothian, and especially Calder, Haltoun, and Ormiston, were very helpful....
Edinburgh Castle supports the Regent: Appointment made at Leith.
The enemy took such fright that they determined not to invade us where we stood, but planned to approach Edinburgh by the other side of the Water of Leith, and that because they had, unknown to us, secured the support of the Castle. We had supposed the Lord Erskine, Captain of the Castle, either to be our friend, or at least to be neutral. But, when we had determined to fight, he sent word to the Earl of Argyll, to Lord James, his sister's son, and to the other noblemen, that he would declare himself both enemy to them and to the town, and would shoot at both, if they made any resistance to the entrance of the Frenchmen to the town. We could not fight or stop the enemy, but under the mercy of the Castle and whole ordnance thereof. In conclusion, it was found less damage to take an appointment, albeit the conditions were not such as we desired, than to hazard battle betwixt two such enemies. After long talking, certain heads were drawn by us....
At the Links of Leith appointment was made and subscribed on the twenty-fifth of July. We returned to the town of Edinburgh, where we remained until the next day at noon; when, after sermon, dinner, and a proclamation made at the Market Cross, we withdrew from the town....
The Congregation invoke the Aid of England.
We came first to Linlithgow, and after that to Stirling, where, after consultation, a bond of defence, for maintenance of religion, and for mutual defence, every one of the other, was subscribed by all that were present.... This bond subscribed, we, foreseeing that the Queen and bishops meant nothing but deceit, thought good to seek support from all Christian Princes against her and her tyranny, in case we should be more sharply pursued. And because England was of the same religion, and lay next to us, it was judged expedient first to approach her rulers. This we did by one or two messengers, as hereafter, in the proper place, shall be declared more fully....