From Dalkith, February 7.
Upon Wednesday last, the Councel of Edenburgh met to
consult, whether they should accept of the Commission
granted them by our Commissioners, for chusing of their
Magistrates. The debate was very High and hot, and it hath
cast the Town into very great divisions among themselves,
Sir James Stuart threw in many bones of contention and division
to prevent their comming to any issue, so that nothing
was concluded that day: This day they are to meet again
about it; what the result will be you shall hear by the
next.
Argile hath again addressed himself by Letters to the
Major General, and also to Sir Henry Vane, and to Lieut.
General Monke, desiring a pass to come hither: The Major
General returned him for answer, that if he expected any
such thing, he must apply himself to all the Commissioners.
In the mean time according to his old wont, he is working
what he can to fortifie himself in his nest: whithin these
ten daies he hath had a meeting at Fueraran, with all the
chief Gentry and Heads of Clans under his power, to make
them firm to his Interest.
The warrants for Assesments, as also those for chusing of
Commissioners (supposing them to be to the like effect) are
returned back to us, and broken up; several other shires
have this week chosen their Commissioners as Berwickshire,
middle Lothian, Sterlingshire, &c. The North is at present
very quiet. Orkney hath sent some Gentlemen to Innerness,
to let us know they are willing to pay the monthly Assesments
laid upon them. The Highlanders have lately killed
six of Colonel Fitche's Souldiers in the Country, in their
beds.
The Souldiers since the Proclaiming of the Declarations
against Monarchy, have pulled down the Kings Arms in the
most publick Places it Edenburgh, Major General Lambert
sets out about ten daies hence; we must not repine,
since it is for so publick a work, of so high concernment. Our
Commissioners have drawn up a Declaration of Favour, to be