The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

Upon the nine and twentieth of July at night, was the Ordnance planted for the Battery thirteen Cannons, whereof four were Cannons Royal,¹ called double Cannons, besides other Pieces. The Battery began at four of the clock in the morning; and before ten hours of the day, the whole South quarter, betwixt the fore Tower, and the East Blockhouse, was made faltable. The lower Gallery was stopped, divers slain in it; and the East Block-house was shot off from the place. Betwixt ten of the clock and eleven, there fell a shower of rain, that continued near an hour, the like whereof had seldom been seen; it was so vehement, that no man might abide without a house. The Cannons were left alone.² Some within the Castle were of judgement, that men should have issued, and put all in the hands of God. But because that William Kirkcaldy was coming with the Prior of Capua, who had the Commission of that Journey from the King of France, nothing was enterprised. And so appointment made, and the Castle rendered, upon Saturday the last of July. The Heads of the Appointment were; That the lives of all within the Castle should be saved, as well English as Scots, that they should be safely transported to France. And in case that upon conditions which by the King of France should offered unto them,³ they could not be content to remain in service and freedom there, they should upon the King of France his expenses be safely conveyed to what Country they would, other then Scotland. With the Governor they would have nothing ado, neither with any Scottish-man, for they had all traitorously betrayed them (which, said the Laird of Grange elder, a man simple, and of most stout courage, I am assured God shall revenge it or it be long.) The Galleys well furnished with the spoil of the Castle aforesaid, after certain days returned to France, and escaped a great danger (for upon the back of the Sands they all chocked) they arrived at Felcam in November, and thereafter passed up the water of Sequane, and lay before Roan, where the principal Gentlemen who looked for freedom, were dispersed, and put in sundry prisons; the rest were left in the Galleys, and there miserably use. Amongst whom, the foresaid Master James Balfour was, with his two brethren, David and Gilbert;