The Records of the Parliaments of Scotland to 1707, K.M. Brown et al eds (St Andrews, 2007-2024), date accessed: 19 April 2024

[M1705/6/18]1

[Member excused; gratuity awarded to authors]

Prayers said, rolls called.

Minuts of the last sederunt read.

The 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, wryter to her majesty's signet, haveing wryte a book intituled, Ane Historicall Essay shewing that the Croun and Kingdom of Scotland is imperiall and independent, therby 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 four thousand eight hundred pounds; 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 hath in his wryteings served the interest of this natione, get lykewayes a reward for the same, and agreed that he shall have the lyke sum of four thousand eight hundred pounds.

[Seditious book and pamphlet ordered to be burned; acts considered, amended and approved]

Moved that the book intituled, The Superiority and Direct Dominion of the Imperial Croun of England over the Croun and Kingdom of Scotland, being scurrelous and full of falshoods, as also the pamphlet intituled, The Scots Patriot Unmasked, reflecting upon the honor and independancy of this nation, both wryte by William Atwood, be brunt by the hand of the hangman; and accordingly the same was ordered to be done by the magistrats of Edinburgh Wedensday nixt (being the fyfteenth instant) betwixt the hours of eleven and twelve, and that a warrand be given to them for that effect.

Then the parliament proceeded to consider the act for appoynting 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 seperat, and agreed that it be by the estates seperat. Also agreed that the said commission consist of seven of each estate (being in haill tuenty one) and agreed that seven of them be a quorum.

Moved that the members of parliament who are taxmen and collectors of her majesty's customes and excyse be secluded from being choisen as members of the said commissione, and, after debait, it was put to the vote seclude or not, and carried seclude.

[Continuation]

Then the lord chancellor, by order of her majesty's high commissioner, adjourned the parliament till Tuesday nixt at ten a cloak.

Seafield, cancellar[ius], I.P.D. p[arliamenti]

  1. NAS. PA3/7, Printed Minutes No.18, 1-2 or NAS. PA6/36,120, f.1.