[1599/7/14]¹

Procedure: commission regarding military discipline

Commission regarding military discipline

The king's majesty, his nobility, council and estates presently convened, understanding perfectly that the great damage and overthrow which this realm has sustained in time bygone by the loss of so many battles has proceeded from the lack of discipline military and upon the trust of an unskilful and unarmed multitude, whose disorder and nakedness made them a prey to their enemies. And seeing the poverty of the crown and country is not able to sustain waged men under commandment, and that no enterprise nor worthy military action can be undertaken and be effectual by a confused and disordered multitude, and the said estates, finding it always most necessary and expedient for the honour of the country and surety of his majesty when he shall happen to have affairs in the challenge of his birthright, that his majesty shall be assured of some special number in order and under discipline and commandment who shall be ready to be employed in service as the occasion and necessity shall require, therefore the king's majesty and estates give power and commission to John [Erskine], earl of Mar, Robert [Seton], lord Seton, Sir John Carmichael of that Ilk, Sir William Stewart of Traquair, knight, [...] Learmonth of Balcolmie, Sir James Melville of Halhill, Captain Forrester, Captain William Murray and Colonel Bartholomew Balfour, or any six of them, to convene and meet at such times and places as they shall think expedient, and there to reason, confer and treat upon this matter and to propose and make overtures relating thereto; and that they have the same ready in writing to be given in to the next convention of the estates, to be received and allowed by them as appropriate.