Draft of Letter from the King to Sir Robert Anstruther, dated 16, Sept 1612.
Trustie etc.
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As for the Scottishmen gon into Sweeden; wee hope that by or Lres by Quarryer wch wilbe wth yow before these, the King will have receaved satisfac̅c̅o̅n̅satisfa{ccon} in that matter. And as wee wrote then, wee wold bee curious to informe ourself, how that cold be, considering or order given to the contrary, when or Secretary of Scotland shold be come, who was then upon the way, soe have wee upon his arrivall made very straight enquiry of the passage of that matter, and cannot find other then this; That as heretofore upon our first entring into this Kingdome, the Earle Hume and some others did Levye some men for the Archdukes service (though making us privately acquainted wth it) yet having no publique warrant nor striking any drumme, but only passing them in silence; Soe now the Captens of this Levye did by that example suppose to themselves; that usuing the same privie maner of proceeding wthout drumme or Ensigne displayed (though not making us acquainted wth it) they might without offence have caryed away such as they cold move voluntarily to goe; the rather, for that they protest they had no purpose to serve against the King of Denmarke, but to be employed in Muscovia; a misconceipt of theires wch wee doe no wayes allowe; for indeed it is all one, as if they did, seeing their serving the King of Sweeden in that part doth but enable him to be the stronger against Denmarke. And or said Secretary doth further assure us upon his creditt wth us; that the Levye was so closely caryed, as that untill or Lres came to or Councell of Scotland for the stay of them; he had never for himselfe heard of any such thing to be in hand; He doth further adde that it is likely; that Andrew Ramsey being the cheif of the buisnes (whose brother all men knowe what place he hath wth us) many did suppose that it was not wthout our liking; that he undertooke the transporting of them, untill by our prohibition the contrary was made manifest. Although these be the excuses, wch our Councell of Scotland have made to us for this error, yet have they not so satisfied us therewth, that that wee have lett them knowe how much wee mislike some dullnes of theirs, wch they can̅otca{n}ot avoyd; And wee doe assure orself that hereafter no like thing will happen; and pray the King to be perswaded; that if any of ours shall soe farre forth forgett themselves as to serve any Adversarye of his; wee shall impute it to them for no lesse fault, then if they served an Enemy of our owne;
As for that point; concerning Andrew Ramsey, wherewth the King doth charge him; that having heretofore (after service don to the late King of Sweeden) found favor at the King or brothers hande; and given his faith to him never to serve the King of Sweeden against him more; wee are so much displeased wth his cariage therein; as we meane to take a due tryall thereof; and if he doe not give us satisfaccon although by course of Lawe the fact be of that nature as hath no punishment prscribed; yet shall or usage towarde him be such; as all men shall perceive how farre wee mislike men of so unworthie disposic̅o̅n̅.disposi{con}.
Draft from the King to Sir Robert Anstruther, dated 30, Sept 1612.
Trustie, etc.
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