[A1641/8/102]*[print] [email] [cite] [preceding] [following]
At Edinburgh, 2 November 1641
The which day the supplication given in to the king's majesty and estates of parliament by [James Graham], earl of Montrose, [Archibald Napier], lord Napier and [Sir George Stirling], laird of Keir and [Sir Archibald Stewart of] Blackhall, desiring enlargement upon caution according to the many practices specified and given in with the said supplication, being read in audience of his majesty and parliament, the king's majesty and estates of parliament, before they give answer to the foresaid supplication and desire thereof, ordain the Earl of Montrose to be examined upon the letter written by him to his majesty and upon any other thing to be demanded at his lord. And for his examination, nominate and appoint the committee formerly appointed for the late 'Incident', to whom the king's majesty and estates of parliament give hereby power and warrant to examine the said earl upon the foresaid letter written by him to the king's majesty and upon any other thing to be demanded at him as said is by this commission, subscribed by [John Elphinstone, lord Balmerino], president of the parliament, by order from the king and parliament, day and place foresaid.
At Edinburgh, 2 November 1641
In presence of the committee appointed by the parliament, according to the tenor of the commission above-written, compeared the Earl of Montrose, who being interrogated what was the meaning of the letter sent by his lord to his majesty on Monday 11 October last, bearing these words or the like: that his lord will make known to his majesty no less than what may concern the standing and falling of his majesty's crown, both and honour, answered that for the words his lord did write he does not particularly remember, but as his lord did understand them their meaning was such as he did already declare before his majesty and such others as were there present, which was that being questioned whether or not his lord meant thereby the accusation of any particular persons, answered then as now that his lord did not thereby accuse or intend to accuse any howsoever. And being also asked what was understood by the affirmative part of these words, answered that he did mean nothing mainly in particular, but only what his lord in his humble opinions did conceive might contribute and concern the peace and quiet of the public.
Montrose; [John Elphinstone, lord] Balmerino, in presence of the lords of the council
3 November 1641
Read in audience of his majesty and parliament, who take the same to their consideration and to advise what shall be further done.†