[1593/4/53]¹

²Act for the better execution of decreets and acts in burghs

Item, because there is no execution on burgh acts but only warding and poinding, which is not only a great trouble to the magistrates but hurtful and fraudulent to the party, in respect sundry absent their gear, others respect not warding, and that the suiting of letters accordingly is both exorbitant to the pursuer and obstructive, the decreets being given ofttimes for small sums, therefore our said sovereign lord, with consent of the estates, declares that the lords of council and session shall direct letters of horning on all decreets and acts given by provost and bailies of burghs between fellow citizens, and all others subject to their jurisdiction upon the sight thereof and execution of the officer charging the party, to make payment within 15 days, likewise is granted upon commissaries' precepts, and that the said letters of horning proceed upon a simple charge of 10 days only.