[1585/12/16]¹

Procedure: protest; asking of instruments

Protestation of [George Gordon], earl of Huntly and [John Maxwell], lord Maxwell

The which day, in presence of our sovereign lord and three estates of parliament, compeared personally noble and potent lords George, earl of Huntly, lord Gordon and Badenoch, and John, earl of Morton, lord Maxwell, in name and behalf of the earls, lords, barons and gentlemen of this realm; and protested that in respect all leagues and bonds made between whatsoever our sovereign lord's lieges and subjects in time coming are discharged, annulled by act of parliament this instant day, and also in time coming it is statute and ordained by the same act that no leagues nor bonds be made amongst whatsoever our sovereign lord's lieges of any degree, under any certain pain contained in the same act as said is at more length bears, that all fees, lands and casualties given out by the said two earls and others aforesaid to their dependants for their lieges, bonds and service may return to themselves, to be possessed and conveyed by them as they think expedient; and thereupon the said earls of Huntly and Morton, for themselves and in name and behalf aforesaid, asked instruments.