The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

For then the most part of the Town appeared rather to favour us then the Queens faction, and did offer unto us the uttermost of their support, which for the most part they did faithfully keep. The same did the Town of Leith, ¹but they kept not the like fidelity. For when we were upon the field, marching forward for their support (for the French marched nigh to them) they rendered themselves without further resistance. And this they did, as is supposed, by the treason of some within themselves, and by persuasion of the Laird of Lestarrig, who before declared himself to be one of us; and notwithstanding that same day rendered himself undesired to Monsieur Dosell. Their unprovided and sudden defection astonished many, and yet we retired quietly to the side of Cragingate, which place we took for resisting the enemy. In the mean time divers mediators passed betwixt us, amongst whom the Lord Ruthven for our part was principal. Alexander Erskine did much travel to stay us and our Soldiers, that we should not join with them of Leith, till that they, as is said, had rendered themselves to the French. The said Alexander did oft promise that the French would stay, provided, That we would not join with those of Leith. But after that they were rendered, we heard nothing of him but threatening and discomfortable words. Before it was eight of the clock in the morning, God had given unto us both courage, and a reasonable number to withstand their fury. The Town of Edinburgh, so many as had subject themselves to discipline, and divers others besides them, behaved themselves both faithfully and stoutly. The Gentlemen of Lothian, especially Calder, Hatton, and Ormeston, were very comfortable, as well for their counsel as for their whole assistance. Some Gentlemen of Fife prevented the French-men, other were stopped by reason that the French had passed Leith. Always the enemy took such a fear, That they determined not to invade us where we stood, but took purpose to have passed to Edinburgh, by the other side of the water of Leith: and that because they had the Castle to their friend, which was to us unknown, for we supposed the Lord Erskine, Captain of the same, either to have been our friend, or at least to have been indifferent.

For then the most part of the Town appeared rather to favour us then the Queens faction, and did offer unto us the uttermost of their support, which for the most part they did faithfully keep. The same did the Town of Leith, ¹