The queen and her husband were obliged, immediately after their
marriage, to set about the suppression of a rebellion. The measure they
adopted for raising troops was according to the custom and rule of the
Scottish government. ‘There was ane proclamation at the Mercat Cross of
Edinburgh, commanding all and sundry earls, lords, barons, freeholders,
gentlemen, and substantious yeomen, to address them with fifteen days
victuals, to pass and convoy the king and queen to the parts of Fife,
under the pain of tinsel [loss] of life, lands, and guids; and also
commanding all and sundry the inhabitants of the burgh of Edinburgh,
betwixt sixteen and sixty, to address them in the same manner, under
the pains aforesaid.’--_D. O._ On the 22d of the month, this order was
extended to ‘all our sovereign’s lieges.’
[Sidenote: 1565.]
This feudal mode of raising an army was felt as a serious burden,
particularly in the larger towns, where industry had attained, of
course, the highest organisation. For the Rothschilds of Edinburgh,
such as they were, there was another trouble. The mode of raising money
adopted by Henry and Mary was not quite what would suit the views
of modern men of that class. Sept. 27, ‘Our soveranes causit certain
of the principals of Edinburgh to come to them to Halyrudehouse, and
after their coming, some of free will, and some brought agains their
will, our soverane lady made ane orison to them, desiring them to lend
her certain sowms of money, whilk they refusit to do; and therefore
they were commandit to _remain in ward within the auld tower_ wherein
my lord of Murray lodgit, wherein they remainit.’ Ultimately, the two
difficulties were in a manner solved by each other. On the 6th of
October, the above-mentioned notables of the city ‘agreeit with our
soveranes in this manner, to lend their majesties ten thousand merks,
upon the superiority of Leith, under reversion ... and alse to give
their highnesses ane thousand pounds, _to suffer the haill town to
remain at hame_.’
For some time after, the criminal records abound in cases of persons
‘delatit for abiding from the queen’s host.’ On such occasions, some
are found excusing themselves on account of sickness or personal
infirmity; others plead their having sent substitutes. When no excuse
could be made, fines are imposed. On the whole, it appears to have been
a public burden of no light character, and during the reign of Mary,
and the subsequent regencies, it was, owing to the great troubles of
the country, of frequent occurrence.
* * * * *
‘Great herships and oppression in mony parts of Scotland, in
Strathearn, in Lennox, in Glenalmond, in Breadalbin; baith slaughter
and oppression being made in sundry other parts by the Earl of Argyle
and M‘Gregor and their accomplices. Siclike in Strathardle, mony men
slain by the men of Athole and the Stuarts of Lorn.’--_C. F._
* * * * *
[Sidenote: NOV.]
The town-council of Edinburgh were accustomed annually, at this time,
to bestow upon their chief a bullock, which was called _The Provost’s
Ox_, twelve pounds Scots being allowed for the purpose of buying
the best that was to be had. They also now gave him a tun of wine,
and twelve ells of velvet to make him a gown, as an acknowledgment
of special services he had done to the city.--_City Register, apud
Maitland._
* * * * *
[Sidenote: 1565-6.