[1641/8/311]¹

Ratification of the decreet arbitral between [Walter Scott], earl of Buccleuch and Francis Stewart

Our sovereign lord, with the advice of the estates of parliament now presently convened, ratifies and approves a decreet arbitral pronounced by us between the late Walter, earl of Buccleuch, and Francis Stewart, eldest lawful son to the late Francis [Stewart], sometime earl of Bothwell, touching the forfeiture of the Earl of Bothwell and benefit thereof established in the person of the late Earl of Buccleuch or his predecessors containing this clause: that either of them shall do what shall be thought fit in law and in their power to perform for securing of the other of that which we appoint to be done, as the said decreet arbitral, of the date at Oatlands, 8 August 1631, at more length purports; together with the articles signed by us and both parties at St James's, made for explaining of the said decreet², willing and declaring that this present ratification shall be as valid and sufficient as if the whole tenors and contents of the said decreet arbitral, articles and explanations were herein inserted.