[1643/6/88]¹

Letter: to the officers of the Scottish army in Ireland

Letter to the officers of the Scottish army in Ireland

Right assured friends,

The estates have heard at length your commissioners and their desires in which they have carefully discharged the trust committed to them, but in regard of the importance and difficulty of the business they could not return answer until now.

By the paper herewith sent, given in by the English commissioners, you will fully understand their mind concerning the arrears due to the army and the dismissing of the same, which they having seriously considered at the desire of their commissioners who sought their advice, they find the matter full of difficulties without real payment to alter the surety we have already for the reasons more particularly expressed to the bearer.

And touching the dismissing of the army, reserving some garrisons, they are no less troubled, both in respect of the army and other good country men and Christians in these parts, and how to resolve to keep them up without some assurance of maintenance is no less difficult. Yet least they should either be thought ungrateful or unkind to you or discourage you by their silence, they do hereby assure you that they shall ever be as careful of your particular to their power as of any thing most closely concerning this kingdom. But since it is likely that this kirk and kingdom shall enter in covenant with the kingdom of England (whereof they have sent you a duplicate) for the causes and ends therein contained, we desire to know your opinions and resolutions in these particulars with all speed whereby we may the better determine what course to prosecute on your behalf:

Whether or not the rest of the Scots and English in Ulster will be content to concur and join with them and you in this covenant.

Whether or not it will be better to bring over the whole body of the entire army upon the grounds and reasons expressed to the bearers, or leave a small body there (the greater part being transported into this kingdom) since it is thought impossible to maintain many at this time from their kingdoms in the calamitous condition they are brought to by the malignant disposition of papists, prelates and their adherents.

They desire to know with all diligence what numbers must be provided for, because they are agreeing for some more meal besides what is about by sea and going over land, and for the transport shipping is necessary but not easily obtained; therefore haste an answer and assure yourselves there shall be no want of affection in them, for if this kingdom resolve upon the grounds of this covenant to go in arms to England for settling and securing religion, his majesty's honour and procuring peace that no more Christian blood be shed, they shall be very willing to include the interest of that army in the deepest concern of any particulars that may touch this kingdom.

Your commissioners here have instantly urged the payment of the whole bygone arrears of the army and did peremptorily stick that at least there may be presently delivered four months' pay, but the diseases of the kingdom of England and heavy regrets made by the commissioners of that kingdom have moved us to accept that £60,000 sterling may be presently delivered, that I am commanded by the estates to signify to you.

[John Campbell, earl of] Loudoun, chancellor, in the presence of the lords