[A1644/1/1]*[print] [email] [cite] [preceding] [following]
At Edinburgh, 16 April 1644
The estates of this kingdom, taking into their consideration the many threats of invasion from abroad and internal plots of malignants within, to the subverting of religion and disturbing the peace of the kingdom, have thought it necessary that this kingdom be put in a posture of defence and some forces levied within the same for defending the country and pursuing the enemies thereof, and that some able and qualified person be chosen to have chief command within the kingdom, and, having sufficient proof of the fidelity, affection and abilities of James [Livingstone], earl of Callander for that charge, they do therefore nominate the said earl to be commander in chief of all the forces that now are or shall be raised within this kingdom, both horse and foot; excepting the remainder of the several regiments raised of the fourth man belonging to the army already in England when they shall be required and all such men as shall be necessary to recruit the particular regiments of that army. And give to the said earl the place aforesaid with all the dues, privileges, prerogatives and immunities belonging thereto, and for that effect to take up a list of all the men and arms in every shire and burgh within the kingdom, the names of their colonels, lieutenant colonels, majors, captains and officers, over whom and every one of them he shall have full power and command in all military affairs of whatsoever estate or degree they be of. And, with consent of the committee of estates†, to give directions at all occasions necessary, to draw out to the fields or put in garrison such number of men out of any shire or burgh at such times as they shall think fit, and with power to him to appoint secretaries and others needful for his service, whose allowance shall be paid by the public, and to do every other thing that to a commander in chief of horse and foot does rightly appertain. And, for the better performance hereof, the estates do promise to cause all dutiful obedience be given to the said earl in everything concerning his charge of all the horse and foot within the kingdom, according to the articles of military discipline, the said earl being always answerable and accountable for his discharge thereof to the parliament and convention of estates or their committees residing within this kingdom during the abode of the aforesaid forces within the same, and when they shall go in to England and join with the army on foot there already, to receive orders from the general of the army there and to be accountable in manner aforesaid. This commission is to endure until it be recalled by the parliament, convention of estates or either of their committees.
[John Campbell, earl of] Loudoun, chancellor, in presence of the convention
[A1644/1/2]*[print] [email] [cite] [preceding] [following]
At Edinburgh, 16 April 1644
The estates of this kingdom presently convened, taking into their consideration the many threats of invasion from abroad and internal plots of malignants within for subversion of religion and disturbance of the peace of the kingdom, have thought it necessary that this kingdom be put into a present posture of defence and forces levied for defending the country and pursuing the enemies; and finding it necessary that all officers of war be established for the good of this service, and perfectly knowing the worth and abilities of James [Livingstone], earl of Callander to exercise and discharge the place or charge of lieutenant general of all the Scottish forces who shall serve in this common cause, as well horse and foot and as well by sea as land, therefore the said estates, with consent of [Alexander Leslie, earl of Leven], lord general, have nominated and elected, likewise by this act, with consent aforesaid, elect, nominate and choose the said earl of Callander to be lieutenant general of all the said forces of horse and foot, by sea and land, who shall serve in this common cause. With power to him to exercise and discharge the said place with all the honours, privileges, dignities and others whatsoever pertaining and belonging thereto in such ample form and manner as any other lieutenant general in a similar position ought and should do. For better performance whereof, the said estates do hereby promise to give all faithful and dutiful assistance to him in execution of his said charge in what he shall do or command, according to the articles of military discipline already set down by the estates with advice of the lord general. And in case of any damage or loss to be sustained or incurred by the said earl in his goods or fortunes, either by accepting this charge or in execution of the same, the said estates are and shall be hereby obliged to refund the same to him and his successors after due examination and trial thereof. And this commission is to endure until the same be recalled by the parliament, convention of estates or either of their committees.
[John Campbell, earl of] Loudoun, chancellor, in presence of the convention.