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Commission to [Archibald Campbell], marquis of Argyll

The convention of estates taking into their consideration the open and avowed rebellion of [George Gordon], marquis of Huntly, the lairds [Sir John Gordon of] Haddo, [Sir Alexander Irvine of] Drum, Shethin, Tipperty and their accomplices to the subverting of religion and disturbing the peace of the kingdom, and finding it necessary that some forces of horse and foot be levied and sent out for suppressing of this rebellion, the actors and those that assist them there, and securing the peace of these bounds, and that some able and qualified person be chosen to command the same as chief and all other forces in the north during this expedition, and having sufficient proof of the fidelity, affection and abilities of Archibald, marquis of Argyll for that place, they have therefore, with the advice and consent of James [Livingstone], earl of Callander, chief commander of all the horse and foot that are or shall be raised within the kingdom (in manner expressed in the commission given to him by the estates of the date of this act), nominated and hereby nominate the said marquis to be chief commander of all the forces of horse and foot aforesaid; and for that effect, with power to him, with the advice of the committee of estates that is to go along with him, to draw together the whole fencible men in the north as they shall think fit for the service, and to pursue with fire and sword and in all other hostile manner the said rebels, those that assist them and such as will not concur against them, and all declared enemies to religion, his majesty's honour and peace of this kingdom and excommunicated persons, and to demolish and raze their houses, castles, towers and forts so far as he shall find expedient, and to do every other thing belonging to the said place which he is hereby to enjoy with all the privileges, prerogatives and dues belonging thereto, as fully and freely as any chief commander of forces may do, firm and stable holding and for to hold all and whatsoever things that shall be done by him in the execution of this commission, which is to endure until the same be recalled by the parliament, convention of estates or their committees, to whom he is to be answerable and liable accordingly as he shall receive orders.