The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

The French perceiving by the clamour of our fray, followed as said is, to the midst of the Cannon-gate, to no great number, but a twenty or thirty of their foot loss; for in the mean time the rest retired themselves with our Ordinance.¹ The Earle of Argyle and his men were the first that stopped the flying of our men, and compelled the Port to be opened after that it was shut. But in very deed, Lord Robert Stewart, ²Abbot of Halyrud-house was the first that issued forth; after him followed many upon the backs of the French. At last came the Duke, and then was no man more busy, then was M. Gavin Hamilton aforesaid. The French burnt a Back-house, and took some spoil from the poor of the Cannon-gate. They slue a Papist, and a drunken Priest named Sir Thomas Sklaitter, an aged man, a woman giving suck, and her child; and of our Soldiers, to the number of ten: Certain were taken, amongst whom Captain Mowet was one, M. Charles Geddes, domestic to the Master of Maxwell. The Capt. of the Castle that day shot a Shot at the French, declaring them thereby friends to us, and enemy to them, but he suddenly repented of well-doing.³ The Queen glad of Victory, sate upon the Rampart, to salute and welcome her victorious soldiers: one brought a Kirtle, another a Petticoat, the third a Pot or Pan; and of envy, more then womanly laughter, she asked, Where bought ye your ware? Je pense que vous l'aves achete sans argent. ⁴This was the great and motherly care which she took for the trouble of the poor subjects of this Realm. The Earle Bothwell lifted up in his own conceit, by reason of this our repulse and discomfiture, utterly refused any restitution; and so within two days after was his house spoiled, in which were no things of great importance, his Evidences, and certain Clothing excepted. From that day back the carriage of money was dejected, with great difficulty could men be retained in the Town; yea, some of the greatest estimation determined with themselves to leave the enterprise; many fled away secretly, and those that did abide (a very few excepted) appeared destitute of counsel and manhood.⁵ The Master of Maxwell, a man stout and witty, foreseeing the danger, desired most gravely either to take such order, that they might remain to the terror of the enemy, or else that they should retire themselves with their Ordnance, and Banners displayed in order.