The Records of the Parliaments of Scotland to 1707, K.M. Brown et al eds (St Andrews, 2007-2024), date accessed: 28 March 2024
[M1705/6/18]1
[Member excused; gratuity awarded to authors]
Prayers said, rolls called.
Minutes of the last sederunt read.
[James Brodie], laird of Brodie excused by her majesty's commissioner for his absence this session of parliament in regard of his indisposition.
Moved that Mr James Anderson, writer to her majesty's signet, having written a book entitled An Historical Essay showing that the Crown and Kingdom of Scotland is imperial and independent, thereby clearing the Independency of this Nation, he should have a reward for that good service, and agreed that he shall have for reward the sum of £4,800; as also that the thanks of the parliament be given him by the lord chancellor in presence of her majesty's high commissioner and the estates, which was accordingly done.
Moved that Mr James Hodges, who has in his writings served the interest of this nation, get likewise a reward for the same, and agreed that he shall have the same sum of £4,800.
[Seditious book and pamphlet ordered to be burned; acts considered, amended and approved]
Moved that the book entitled, The Superiority and Direct Dominion of the Imperial Crown of England over the Crown and Kingdom of Scotland, being scurrilous and full of falsehoods, as also the pamphlet entitled, The Scots Patriot Unmasked, reflecting upon the honour and independency of this nation, both written by William Atwood, be burnt by the hand of the hangman; and accordingly the same was ordered to be done by the magistrates of Edinburgh on Wednesday next (being 15 August instant) between the hours of 11 o'clock and 12 o'clock, and that a warrant be given to them for that effect.
Then the parliament proceeded to consider the act for appointing a council of trade, and, after several amendments, it was put to the vote approve the act or not, and carried approve.
Moved that it be determined if the election of these members who are to make up the commission for trade shall be in plain house or by the estates separately, and agreed that it be by the estates separately. Also agreed that the said commission consist of seven of each estate (being in total 21) and agreed that seven of them be a quorum.
Moved that the members of parliament who are tacksmen and collectors of her majesty's customs and excise be excluded from being chosen as members of the said commission, and, after debate, it was put to the vote exclude or not, and carried exclude.
[Continuation]
Then the lord chancellor, by order of her majesty's high commissioner, adjourned the parliament until Tuesday next at 10 o'clock.
[James Ogilvy, earl of] Seafield, chancellor, in the presence of the lords of parliament
- NAS. PA3/7, Printed Minutes No.18, 1-2 or NAS. PA6/36,120, f.1.