Fleet, who likewise confirmed the former report of the King's being
in England, and brought several Letters and Dutch Diurnals, to testfie the
truth of the former Report. But Sir George strickly examining the skipper,
and some others, they did confess, that two or three daies before
they came out of Holland there came intelligence that the King was overthrown.
Yesterday, there came in another Dutch Ship, that hath been out of
Holland but six weeks, which saith there was a credible report, that both
the King and Mossey were taken Prisoners, and the whole Army killed or
taken; which if it prove true, and be confirmed by and from England,
we doubt not but there will be a good account suddenly given of this
place: for the Island is in great want of all things; and the Lord Willough
by retains his Master's principles, in Tyranising over the Inhabitants,
who like Asses bear their burthens, though not without much
groaning. Sir George Ayscue, and the Commissioner, have sent several Declarations
up and down the Island, to inform the people what the Parliaments
intentions are towards them; and they are resolved to use all amcable
waies, before they proceed to Acts of Hostility. Truly, were
not Sir George a p[unr]ent discreet person, our business would not have
thriven so well, as it is like to do under his care; yet we relie not upon
the wisdome of man; the Lord is out strength, and out wisdom.
From Dalkeith, February. 10.
There is nothing yet done about the chusing of Magistrates for Edenbugh.
Sir Jams Stuart wholy obstructs the work; he would an Act of Infa[unr]ny
might pass against those who brought the Petition, as having exceeded
their Commission, both in stiling our Commissioners, Commissioners
of the Parliament of the Common-wealth of England, and in expressing
a desire of obedience thereto; and in conclusion, moved that an
Act of Infamy should pass against them.
Argile hath another meeting at Innwary on Friday next with the chief
of the Clans and Islands. The Chancellor and David Dick are gone
thither; he would fain work a consistent interest among them, and for
that end he with might and main endeavours the reconciling all particular
feuds among them. He hath also sent an Agent into Athole. Argile
is much afraid of being summoned by our Commissioners to appear
before them. It is certain that neither the Chancellor nor Argile have
received any letters from the King since his going beyond the Seas.
Yesterday, was the first day, wherein were to have appeared the commissioners
For the Shires and Burroughs therin, of Hadington Berwick,
Peeb'es, Selkirk, Roxburgh; but not all appearing, nothing was done
till to day, when all appearing, such whose Commissions were onely to
treat with and receive our Commissioners demande were turned back;
such as had full power were received; which is all the account I can by
this Post give you.