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The speech of his grace John [Hay], marquis of Tweeddale etc., her majesty's high commissioner to the parliament of Scotland.
5 August 1704
My lords and gentlemen,
At your sitting down, her majesty, in her gracious letter, recommended to you two things which she thought most necessary for your own quiet and security, as well as for that of her government: the settling of the succession in the Protestant line and the providing for the subsistence of the forces, the funds last given for that end being then exhausted. The first of these you have not thought fit for your interest to do at this time. I heartily wish you may meet with an opportunity for it more for your advantage at another. The other, all of you seemed most ready and willing to go into, as witness the several motions and resolves made relating thereto, but withal showed strong inclinations for an act of security as absolutely necessary. I told you then, as I had done at first, that I had been fully empowered and instructed not only as to that but many other things for your good, but, upon the alteration of circumstances, had not now the liberty to make use of those powers even as to that until I had acquainted her majesty and knew her mind, which I would do, and use my utmost interest to procure it favourably, which was the true reason of your long adjournment, and not what was insinuated by some, who ought to have known me better, the character I have in the world being, as I hope, above so mean a reflection.
And now, my lords and gentlemen, I can tell you that from her majesty's innate goodness and gracious disposition towards you, it has been more easy for me and some others of her servants to prevail with her than perhaps was by others expected, so that you have an act of security sufficient for the ends proposed. And it is hoped at the same time you will perfect that of supply, which you yourselves seem convinced to be absolutely necessary at this time, and without which neither the forces can be kept on foot, nor any frigates maintained for guarding our coasts and securing our trade, both which now lying before you I hope you will go presently about, that, when finished, they may have the royal assent, which I am ready to give, and thereafter you may have time to proceed to other business relating to trade or your other concerns, wherein I shall be willing to comply with your desires, so they be within the bounds of my instructions.