The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

In all this mean time, and while that moe French-men arrived, they are not able to prove that we brake the appointment in any jot, except that a horned Cap was taken off a proud Priests head, and cut in four quarters, because he said, He would wear it in despite of the Congregation. In this mean time, the Queen, then Regent, knowing assuredly what force was shortly to come unto her, ceased not, by all means possible to cloak the in-coming of the French, and to inflame the hearts of our Country-men against us. And for that purpose she first wrote unto Duke Hamilton, in form, as followeth.

In all this mean time, and while that moe French-men arived, they are not able to prove that we brake the appointment in any jote, except that a horned Cap was taken off a proud Priests head, and cut in four quarters, because he said, He would wear it in despight of the Congregation. In this mean time, the Queen, then Regent, knowing assuredly what force was shortly to come unto her, ceased not, by all meanes possible to cloke the in-coming of the French, and to inflame the hearts of our Countrey-men against us. And for that purpose she first wrote unto Duke Hamilton, in forme, as followeth.

The Queen Regents false flattering Letter to Duke Hamilton. MY Lord and Cousin, after hearty commendations, We are informed that the Lords of the West-land Congregation intend to make a Convention ⟨p. 171⟩and assembly of your kin and friends upon Gowan Moore, besides Glasgow, on Monday come eight days, the 28 day of August instant, for some high purpose against us, which we can scantly believe, considering they have no occasion on Our part so to do. And albeit we know the Appointment was made against and without Our advise, yet we accepted the same at your desire, and have since made no cause, whereby they might be moved to come in the contrary thereof. Like as we are yet minded to keep firm and stable all things promised by you in Our behalf. We think on the other part, it is your duty to require them, that they violate not their part thereof in no wise. And in case they mean any evil towards Us, and so will break their promise, We believe ye will at the uttermost of your power convene with us, and compel them to do that thing which they ought, if they will not; praying you to have your self, your kin and friends, in readiness to come to us, as ye shall be advertised by Proclamation, in case the Congregation assemble themselves for any purpose against Us, or the Tenor of the said Appointment: Assuring you, without they gather, and give first occasion, We shall not put you to any pains in that behalf. And that you advertise Us by writ what we may trust to herein by this Bearer, who will show you the fervent mind we bear to have good concord with the said Congregation, what offers We have made them, and how desirous we are to draw them to the obedience of Our Sovereigns Authority, to whom you shall give credit: and God keep you. At Edinburgh the tenth of August, 1559.