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Edinburgh, 6 March 1649
You shall show that it is the constant resolution of the parliament of this kingdom inviolably to preserve the peace and union between the two kingdoms according to the Solemn League and Covenant and treaties which has been often acknowledged to be of so great use and advantage to both.
And hearing that our raising of forces in this kingdom is interpreted as if thereby we intended to invade England, you shall therefore show that our present levying of forces is necessary for suppressing malignants who are in arms and rebellion and have surprised the garrison of Inverness, to prevent further insurrections and to preserve the peace of the kingdom, and in no way for invasion of England.
You shall show that by the large treaty the remonstrating of the breaches of peace, the craving of just reparation and using of all fair means should be first satisfied before any engagement of these kingdoms in a war, which even then cannot be done by either kingdom but upon a preceding warning of three months. Which rule, as we intend to observe on our part, so being informed of a design in England to send an army to invade this kingdom, we desire you to enquire whether those who have the present power and command of the forces in England think themselves obliged and do intend to observe the aforesaid rule upon their part to us. For enforcing whereof, you may remonstrate that the commissioners from that kingdom in their papers given in in the last session of parliament did urge this duty from the treaty. And upon the same ground, amongst others, we did protest against the late Engagement and have repealed all acts made for promoting thereof.
You shall manage these instructions as upon the place you shall think fit to the best advantage, and as soon as you can return to us an account of your diligence. Signed in the name and by the command of the parliament of the kingdom of Scotland. Signed thus, [John Campbell, earl of] Loudoun, chancellor.