David Lestes hath given in a List of such engaging Officers as he thinks
fit to be imployed, which List is approved by the Parliament, and Licensed
by the Kirk, who are now as zealous to take in such, as before Dunbar[unr]e
Fight to put themout. The Kirk hath also caused an Act to be read in
every Parish, desiring all Ministers and Elders to take notice who in their
Congregation keep correspondency with the Enemy, of speak favourably
of them; as also assuring them that all those that joyn with the Sectaries
shall be Excommunicated, as well as those that complyed with Montrosse:
and all those that take Protections shal be punished both by Ki[unr]k and Sta[unr]e.
The English Malignants, that since the defeat at Dunbarre were banished
the Court, and had 1000 l. distributed amongst them, are now generally
returned thither again, as, the Lord Wilmot, Seym[unr]r, &c. Sir
James Mountgomery also who was banished Scotland, is there; and Sir Jo.
Henderson, against whom there was also a particular Act. And indeed,
its now enough to make any man a Sectary, to talk of such a thing
as a Malignant.
Middleton hath been tryed by the Presbytery, at Aberdeene, and wil speedily
be absolved, and it's thought by most, will be a generall person in their
Army.
The Western Remonstrance is a piece of Treason not to be mentioned amongst
them, and scarce a man that was thorough in that business dares
shew himselfe.
I heare this day, that they have imprisoned two Ministers for speaking against
their proceedings one of them being the Minister of D[unr]lgittey, who
when the Act for the new Levy was put into his hands, said, that they
were going the right gate to the Devill, and threw it away, and went out
of the Ki[unr]k.
To morrow his gude Majesty is to have the Crowne put upon his head,
and for that end is gone to Scone; they are so eager upon the businesse,
that upon a strong Alarum the last week they had, of our being upon our
march toward Sterlin, they were about to have dispatched to have crown'd
him last Friday.
I trust the Lord will direct us as he hath hitherto done, and could we
but get into Fife, I thinke our work would be in a very faire way; the
Lords time is best, we are waiting for him, and desire the concurrence
and help of your prayers for us.
Edenburgh, December 31. 1650.
There is newly published an excellent Piece, intituled, The false Broker, or, A
Map of Scotland drawn by an English Pencil; being a snort History of the Political
and Civil Transactions between England and Scotland, their many secret and
dangerous designes; with the Jugling of their Commissioners with the late King,
Parliament, and City, &c. Printed for Francis Tyton, at the three Daggers, neer
the Inner Temple gate.
London, Printed by Tho. Newcomb.