[1587/7/72]¹

Protestation of [Claud Hamilton], commendator of Paisley for [John Maxwell], lord Maxwell

²The which day, in presence of the king's majesty and three estates of this present parliament, compeared personally Claud, commendator of Paisley and William Baillie of Lamington, and in name and behalf of John, earl of Morton, lord Maxwell, protested that by the general act of restitution and rehabilitation of the heirs of all persons forfeited in his highness's minority since his coronation for whatsoever offence, excepting as is therein specially excepted, and specially by rehabilitation granted to Archibald [Douglas], earl of Angus, as nearest heir to succeed to the late James [Douglas], earl of Morton, in and to the earldom of Morton, lordship of Dalkeith, etc., that the said John, earl of Morton in no way be prejudiced of that part of the lands, earldom and regality of Morton or lordship of Dalkeith pertaining or competent to him lawfully by birthright, either as heir to the late James, earl of Morton, lord Dalkeith, his grandfather, or as heir to Dame Beatrix Douglas, lady Maxwell, his mother; and likewise protested that the premises in no way alter nor infringe any condition of the said Lord Maxwell's licence granted to him before his late departing out of this realm in May last, and that nothing done in this parliament might be hurtful or prejudicial to the said lord in any way; whereupon the said Claud, commendator of Paisley and William Baillie of Lamington, in name and behalf of the said Lord Maxwell, asked and required act and instruments.