EXTEACT S 
 
 FROM THE 
 
 COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 OF THE 
 
 BURGH OF ABERDEEN 
 
 1625-1642. 
 
 EDINBURGH: 
 PRINTED FOR THE SCOTTISH BURGH RECORDS SOCIETY. 
 
 MDCCCLXXI. 
 
VFORD AND M'CABE, PRINTERS, 15 QUEEN STREET, 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS. 
 
 THE EDITOR'S PREFACE, vii 
 
 CONTENTS, xiii 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER OF THE BURGH OF 
 
 ABERDEEN, 1 
 
 INDEX . . . . . . . . ... 295 
 
PEEF ACE. 
 
 The Records of the Burgh of Aberdeen are fuller and more 
 complete than those of any other of our Scottish towns, while 
 they commence at a far earlier period. 
 
 A fragment of the Burgh Court Records is dated in 1317, and 
 from the year 1397 the seiies is all but complete to the present 
 time. 
 
 Selections from these have been printed for the Spalding 
 Club, in two volumes, which come down to the end of the reign 
 of James VI. In these the Burgh is exhibited in many dif- 
 ferent aspects, as in its internal government, its relations with 
 other communities, and with the surroimding feudal barons — in its 
 religious and educational institutions, its sports and pageants — its 
 regulations about trade — and in its attitude of unbounded hospi- 
 tality to guests of all ranks. They furnish many picturesque 
 illustrations of the manners and condition of every class, and 
 
viii PREFACE. 
 
 of the results of the great ecclesiastical changes of the sixteenth 
 century. 
 
 The selections .in the volume now printed for the Burgh 
 Record Society, embrace the period from the accession of Charles I. 
 to the end of the year 1642. 
 
 We may see from these how tenaciously the citizens still 
 clung to many old customs, and how persistent were the attempts 
 of their rulers to improve them, by enforced religious observances, 
 among which were daily catechisings in Church. These were 
 to be attended by all persons, including masters and mistresses 
 of families, under pecuniary penalties (p. 49). Morning and 
 evening prayers were daily read in the Greyfriar Kirk, but 
 attendance on these does not appear to have been compulsory 
 (p. C2). 
 
 At the beginning of the volume several entries occur regulat- 
 ing the wapinscha wings and musters then in fashion, which repre- 
 sent the volunteer system of the present day. The feelings of 
 national insecurity which were recently so strong among ourselves, 
 are depicted in a statement submitted to the magistrates by one 
 of the citizens, of the " combustioun, bruttes and rumores of warres, 
 and forane preparatio'unes throchout Christendome," although his 
 apt use of that wyse saying of King Solomon, FcbUx ilia civitas 
 quce tempore pads prouidet helium, might not have occurred so 
 readily to a remonstrant of the present day. 
 
 % 
 
TREFACE. ix 
 
 We may see also in the arrangements for bealfires, in case of 
 invasion, the substitute for tlie telegraphs of our time (17), and the 
 anxious provisions for a supply of pure water for the burgh, 
 " frome one spring near the toun," furnish curious matter of com- 
 parison with the demands of modern times, which, in the case of 
 Aberdeen, could only be met by the introduction to the town of 
 the waters of the Dee (p. 55). 
 
 Several entries illustrate the connection which subsisted be- 
 tween the civic rulers and the schools of the burgh, and others 
 give evidence of the regard in which they held such learned teachers 
 as the grammarian Wedderburne, who was master of the Grammar 
 School (pp. 26, 35, 50, 99). ; 
 
 There is a grotesqueness (continued from earlier times) in their 
 
 forms of public rejoicing, — as in the " Solemnitie to be usit for 
 
 the Queenes happie and comfortable delyuerie of a sone." By 
 
 order of the maoistrates, the town was to be warned " be sound of 
 
 trumpet at the mercat croce ... to assemble thamselffis this 
 
 efternoone in thair paroche kirk, and thair to give most humble and 
 
 hartie thankis to God for hir Majesties happie delyuerie of a sone ; 
 
 and efter ending of sermone, ordaines bonefyires to be put on 
 
 throw all the streittes of the toune, the haiU bellis to ring, the 
 
 croce to be deckit and hung, a taffill to be coverit thairat, twa 
 
 peice of wyne, ane quhyit and the uther clairat, to be run thairat, 
 
 and given to all that pleasses call for the same, the sugar and 
 1 b 
 
X - PREFACE. 
 
 spyce to be brocht tliither in great abundance, a number of glasses 
 to be cassin, the tounes haill great ordinance to be sliott, and all 
 the youthes of the toune to tak thair muskattis and accompanye 
 thair magistrattis throw the streittes of the toun in singing psalmes 
 and praising God ; thau^efter to pas the tyme in shuitting thair 
 muskattis all the nicht ower at thair plesour, and all godlie 
 merrinese and pastyme usit that may expres the joy and gladnes 
 of the hartis of the people " (p. 28). 
 
 The day on which the king " did resaive the crown of this his 
 ancient kingdome of Scotland at Halirudehous," was appointed to 
 be observed with like solemnities (p. 60). 
 
 Many earlier ordinances against the use of plaids by women 
 had been fulminated ; but still the " incivil forme of behauiour" was 
 maintained by " many women of this burghe of gude qualitie, wha 
 resortis both to kirk and mercat with thair plaidis about thair 
 heidis." Intimation was ordered to be made from the pulpits, that 
 in case of their persisting in this custom, " not onlie sail thair 
 plaidis be shamfullie markit with a tar stick to thair disgrace, but 
 lyikwayis confiscat and takin frome thame" (p. 59). 
 
 Many acts of kindness from the magistrates to the clergymen 
 of the burgh are recorded in the earlier volumes. Thus, in 1 5 GO, Mr 
 Adam Heriot, the first minister of the new religion, was presented 
 with " ane garment and haill stand of clay this ; " and on the 
 departure of Dr William Forbes, one of the city clergy, to fill a 
 
PREFACE. xi 
 
 pastoral charge in Edinburgh in 1622, he got a parting banquet, 
 while his wife was presented with " wyne, sugar, and tobacco," In 
 a few years Dr Forbes returned to Aberdeen, and in 1633 he was 
 " written for be the archbishope to teache befoir the Kingis 
 Majestie," when his travelling charges were defrayed by his 
 patrons. Shortly afterwards he was nominated to fill the newly 
 established See of Edinburgh ; and on his finally leaving Aberdeen, 
 he received a grand entertainment, the magistrates giving him a 
 convoy to the Crabstane, and pledging him in a parting cup 
 of Bon accord. They also sent commissioners to Edinburgh to 
 represent the burgh, and to " congratulate the bishop's consecra- 
 tion" (p. 63). 
 
 Other entries in the present volume will be found to illustrate 
 the views of the period on the subject of trade, royal interferences 
 with burgh elections, and the disorders of the " licht horsemen " of 
 the name of Gordon, while others are valuable for their notices of 
 pubhc men, such as George Jamesone, the celebrated painter ; but 
 the greater number relate to the town's share in the political 
 troubles of the day, beginning with its refusal to subscribe the 
 Covenant, followed up by the miseries, sieges, quarterings, and 
 exactions, which ensued. On two occasions did the Marquis of 
 Montrose take possession of Aberdeen, with the view of compelling 
 the adherence of the citizens to the Covenant ; and a third time he 
 besieged the town with the view of punishing its inhabitants for 
 
xii TREFACE. 
 
 their support of the principles which he had compelled them to 
 adopt. 
 
 Such notices bring home to us more vividly than any general 
 description, the conflicts and miseries of the time ; while they are 
 mixed with others, which show how, amid these pubHc broils, the 
 details of domestic and civic life were acted out. On these, ho\v- 
 ever, it is unnecessary to enlarge, as the table of contents, prefixed 
 to the volume, will direct the reader to them in detail. It only 
 remains that I should record my obligations to Mr John Grant 
 Leslie, Sherifi'-Clerk Depute of Aberdeenshire, for undertaking the 
 task of collating doubtful passages in the manuscript with the 
 original Record. 
 
 JOHN STUAKT. 
 
 Edinburgh, October 187!. 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 1625, Nov. 31. Statute anent the kcping of the sermoiies, ... 1 
 Dec. 28. The Towues vapiiischaw, ..... 2 
 
 1626, Jan. 18. Ane capitanc chosiu to train vp the nichtbouies of the touu 
 
 in niilitarie discipline, ..... 3 
 
 ]Mar. 15. Ane watche appoynted, ...... 4 
 
 22. Ordinance to the Deane of Gild, ..... 5 
 
 The nichtboures of the toun ordanit to fiuneis thame seLffes 
 
 with sufficient armour, ..... ft 
 
 June 14. ComniissiouQ for buying of armour, .... 6 
 
 July 6. Ordinance to Andio Meldrome, ..... 6 
 
 Aug. 9. Licence granted to some nichtboures to inclose a pairt of 
 
 St Katherines Hill, ...... 7 
 
 29. Anent the tumultis maid be INIacky his souldiours, . , 8 
 
 Oct. 11. Act aganes superfluous banqueting, .... 9 
 
 18. Johne Urrey chosin Dreill Maister, .... 10 
 
 1627, Jan. 3. The Townes bakhous in the College to be repared, . . 11 
 April 4. Persons nominatt to be commanderes at the Wapiushaw vnder 
 
 the IMagistrattis, . . . . . .11 
 
 11. The Townes Wapinschaw, ..... 12 
 
 25. Answer to the Toun of Edinburghis missive, ... 12 
 
 May 9. Visitouris of the Schoolles, ..... 14 
 
 16. V. merkis moi-tifeit to ane doctour in the grammer schoole, . 15 
 
 Aug. 14. Anent the arryving of Spanyeardis in Zetland, ... 16 
 
 22 Two fyre bittis to be erected be the toun, . . . 17 
 
 Oct. 10. All doggis within the toun to be slayne, .... 18 
 
 1628, Feb. 13. AVedderburne, Howatt, ...... 19 
 
 July 23. Fraser chosin ane of the doctouris of the grammer schoole, . 20 
 
 Nov. 26. Statute anent the dcmolisheing of choppis, ... 21 
 Dec. 17. Conunissiouu for apprehending Jesuittis seminarie and mess 
 
 preistis, and excommnnicat Papists .... 22 
 
 1629, Feb. 18. Ordinance for bigging of the Tollniith steipill, ... 24 
 April 1. Twa siluer coupis giuenbe Inglis for serving at the communioun 
 
 tabilUs, ...... 24 
 
XIV 
 
 TABLE OF CONTENTS. 
 
 PAOB 
 
 1629, April 8. The maister of grammer schuill discliairget frome tacking of 
 
 bent silver, ....... 25 
 
 July 17. Magistrates. Iluntar. Anent the yron wark of the Tolbuith steiple, 25 
 
 Sept. 22. Councell. Weelderburne, ..... 26 
 
 Oct. 28. Visitouris appointit for the schooles, .... 26 
 
 1630, April 13. Solemnitie to be usit at the buriall of the Laird of Drum, . 26 
 May 26. Ordinance for bigging a loft iu the auld kirk for the College, . 27 
 
 Ordinance to the maister of kirk wark for payment of the 
 
 saci-istares stipend, ...... 27 
 
 June 4. Solemnitie to be usit for the Queenes delyuerie of a yong sone, . 28 
 
 9. Anent apprehending of witches, ..... 29 
 
 July 14. Anent the new grammer of Mr Alex. Hume, ... 29 
 
 28. Clialmer admittit doctour of the grammer schoole in place of Eraser, 30 
 Oct. 21. The Gild brethrenis answer and advyse concerning the bushefisheing, 31 
 Dec. 1. Ordinance to the thesaurer in favour of Wedderburne, . . 32 
 
 XI lib of fie granted to Mailing for rewlingthe tonnes clokes, . 32 
 1G31, Mar. 9. Ordinance of Counsall in fauouris of the Bedallis of the Towncs 
 
 hospitale, ....... 33 
 
 30. Ordinance to the Thesaurer in favoris of Wedderburne, . 35 
 
 May 4. Ordinance againis scholares repairing to lyik walkis, . . 35 
 
 June 22. Anent the plantatione of the kirk of Futtie, ... 36 
 
 Sept. 11. Oi'dinance to the Thesaurer, ..... 36 
 
 14. A Bybill given be Henry to the hospitall, ... 37 
 
 Oct. 5. Statute anent the bcgiuing of the mercattis, ... 37 
 
 Ratificatioune of the auld statutes, .... 37 
 
 12. Ordinance for bigging of a fleshous, .... 38 
 
 Statute againis flesliouris, ..... 38 
 
 Nov. 2. Ordinance to the Thesaurer, ..... 39 
 
 Dec. 21. Ordinance to the Dcane of Gild, ..... 39 
 
 Ordinance in fauores of ]\Ieluill, ..... 39 
 
 1032, Jan. 25. Ordinance to the maister of kirk wark, .... 39 
 
 Feb. 8. Ordinance for ringing of bellis at nyne houris at evin, and fyue 
 
 houris in the morning, ..... 40 
 
 Contract betwixt the Towne of Aberdein and Mr Robert Douny, 
 
 Bibliothecar, ....... 40 
 
 29. Ordinance in fauouris of the kirk sacristar, ... 45 
 April 11. Ordinance to the M? of kirk wark, ^ ... 46 
 June 13. Ordinance againis foirstairis and clioppis, ... 47 
 
 Anent the admitting of burgesses, .... 47 
 
 Ordinance to the dcane of gild concerning clwandis and measouris, 48 
 
 20. Anent the daylie catocheising, ..... 48 
 
 Aug. 15. Coupares suorne anent the birning of salmound, . . . 49 
 
 Anent the bying of fir and peites, .... 49 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS. 
 
 XV 
 
 PAGR 
 
 1632, Sept. 12. Anent the erecting of fontanes, ..... 60 
 
 Aueiit Wedderburnes new giammer, .... 50 
 
 19. The tonnes consent anent the erecting of fontanes, . . 51 
 
 Willox appoiutit keepeir of the clok and ringar of the common bell, 51 
 
 Support grautit be the counsall to the craftis hosf)itall, . . 52 
 
 Oct. 3. Ordinance anent the repairing of the calsies of Month Cowye, . 53 
 17. Ordinance anent the begynning of the fleshe, nieill, and malt 
 
 mercattis, ....... 64 
 
 Nov. 7. Ordinance to the Deane of Gild, ..... 54 
 
 1633, Jan. 9. Ratificatioune of the act maid anent snperfluous banqueting, . 54 
 
 23. Dischairgc be the Counsall to Jamesoue, . . .55 
 
 Feb. 20. Act of his Maiesties Privie Counsell anent the fontanes, . 65 
 
 May 15. Act discharging wemen to wear playdis about thair heiddis, . 58 
 29. Licence grautit to the principall and regeutis of the Kingis Colledge, 59 
 
 June 4. Grant for printing a poesie, ..... 69 
 
 4. Ordinance to the Tliessaurar, . . . . .60 
 
 19. Ordinance to the Tliessaurar, ..... 60 
 
 Solemnitie of the Kingis Maiesties coronatioune, . ■ . 60 
 
 Aug. 14. A wapinschaw indicted, ...... 61 
 
 Anent glassing the wyndoes of the Grayfrier kirk, . . 61 
 
 Oct. 2. Ordinance to the Mr of kirk wark, .... 62 
 
 Nov. 20. The doctouris of the grammer schoole ar to obey the maisters 
 
 directioun iu thar doctrine and discipline, ... 63 
 
 Dec. 4. Doctor Forbes' expenses to Ediu. to be paid, ... 63 
 
 11. Anent chambers to be built for students in the College, . . 63 
 
 1634, Feb. 12. Lord Keythe ; Irwingis contra ISIeldrum, ... 64 
 Mar. 12. Ordinance anent burgesses for making of thair residence, . 66 
 
 26. llatificatiouu of the act againis mastishe and cur doggis, . 66 
 
 April 2. Ordinance anent the casting of the praj^er bell, ... 67 
 
 Aug. 6. Support to the Colledge of auld Aberdeine, ... 67 
 13. Act of Ijordis of Privie Counsall for support of the jjeople of 
 Cathnes and Orkney in this calamitous tyme of darth and 
 
 famine, ....... 67 
 
 Oct. 20. Comissionars nominat to deal with Doctor Johne Forbes to 
 accept upoun him the function of the ministrie within this 
 
 burghe, ........ 69 
 
 Nov. 19. A hearse given be Mr Thos. Gray to the new kirk, . . 69 
 Dec. 17. Anent the charge gewin to the toun for rysing in armes againes 
 
 the licht horsemen, ...... 70 
 
 1635, Jan. 14. The Kingis Maiesties letter preseutit to the counsell, . . 70 
 Feb. 11. Ordinance to the Mr of kirkwark, .... 72 
 Mar. 26. Missive from his Maiestie, ..... 73 
 April 8. Ordinance to the dean of gild anent the Bishopis buriall, . 74 
 
xvi 
 
 TABLE OF CONTENTS. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 1G35, May 13. Licence grantit to Jamcsoune, ..... 74 
 
 June 3. Colinsone and lloss cliosiu commissionaris anent the Bishop of 
 
 Aberdeine's transplautatioiuie, . . . . . 76 
 
 Anent our nichtboures sumniondit for concealled moneyis, . 77 
 
 Statute anent the playding packed in the tounes packhous, . 77 
 
 Taxt Roll of the burrowis, . ..... 78 
 
 Aug. 9. Licience for ane Frensche schoole, . . . . 80 
 
 Sept. 23. Deserting of the ordinar dyett off election, ... 80 
 Oct. 7. Charge for macking election of the new councell and niagi- 
 
 strattis, &c. . . . . . . .83 
 
 Nov. 4. Ordinance againis the carying of blind bowattis on the streittis, 88 
 Money collected for the ministers of the Palatinate to be lent for 
 
 the use of the minister at Futtie, .... 88 
 
 18. Anent a lodging for the Bishop, ..... 89 
 
 1636, Feb. 5. Decreit Lordis of Privie Councell anent the election of the magi- 
 
 strattis and councell for this yeir, &c., ... 89 
 
 24. Andro Melville adniittit maister of the niusick schoole, . . 96 
 Mar. 16. Anderson appoynted to tak order with layeris of fuilzie on the 
 
 streittis, . ... . . . .97 
 
 Straquhyne, Straitton, dischargit of keping schoolles, . . 98 
 
 April 27. Ane edict to be served for ane doctour to the grammer school, . 98 
 
 June 29. Boyd admittit ane of the doctouris of the grammer schoole, . 98 
 
 July 20. Gratitude to Wedderburne, ..... 99 
 
 Oct. 5. Ane watche appoynted, ...... 99 
 
 Theasurer, Brastounes, ...... 100 
 
 The craftis consent to be taxt with the brethrene of gUd for tuo 
 
 thousand merkis to by a tenement for ane correction hous, . 100 
 
 Nov. 9. Ane piller to be erected at Petniedden, .... 102 
 
 Dec. 14. Ane loft to be biggit in the Grayfrere kirk for the magistrattis 
 
 and councell, . . . ■ . . . . 102 
 
 Eeport of Commissioner sent to a meeting of the burrowcs, . 102 
 
 21. Ratification of the act aganes superfluous banqueting, . . 105 
 
 1637, Feb. 1. Discharge Luniysdcn of his commission anent the licht horsemen, 105 
 
 8. Contract betwixt the toun and the conipartinaris of the wark of 
 
 the correction hous, ...... 106 
 
 22. Act aganes forstalleris of the timber mercat, . . . 112 
 Mar. 15. Anent the chappell of Futtie, ..... 113 
 April 12. Charge for removing of middingis aff the streittis and commoun 
 
 passages about the toun, ..... 115 
 
 June 14. Lummisden, his discharge of his commission, . . . 115 
 
 21. Mortimer chosin commissionar anent the licht horsemen, . 116 
 
 Coats to be given to the officiares, .... 117 
 
 July 26. Tapstaris of drinck, mariueris, ..... 117 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS. 
 
 xvii 
 
 PAGE 
 
 1G37, Aug. 19. Report of commissionar aneiit the licht horsemen, . . 118* 
 
 Discharge to the tomi of thair fyiie for tiie licht horsemen, . 119 
 Sept. 13. A voluutarie contribution to be vplifted for helping to ransom 
 some inhabitants of the toun of Air from their captivitie with 
 
 the Turkis, ....... 120 
 
 Iniunction to the sacristar auent the furneshing off candill to 
 
 the kirk, ....... 121 
 
 1G38, Jan. 3. Anent the doctoris of the grammer schoole, . . . 122 
 Statute anent lyke wakes, . . . . . .123 
 
 31. Contribution to the captives of the burgh of Air, . . 123 
 
 Mar. 21. The lecture of the mathematics to be in a four yeires course, . 124 
 April 11. Acquittance toun of Air on the ressett of our contribution for 
 
 releiff of thair captives, ..... 124 
 
 25. Missive from his Maiestie, . . . . . 124 
 
 May 16. Anent the sale of wyne, aill, or bier, .... 12.5 
 
 23. Deacones of craftes convict for convocating thair craftis in armes, 125 
 July 4. A held of steine wark for livering and loadning ships, . . 127 
 
 16. The councellis refusall as of befoir to subscrywe the covenant, . 128 
 
 24. Anent the escaping of Alexr. Kcyth out of ward, . . 130 
 Sleick, officier committit to waird, .... 131 
 
 25. Comniissioun to be procured for searching and apprehending of 
 
 Alexr. Keyth, ...... 131 
 
 Aug. 8. A wapinschaw indicted, ...... 132 
 
 15. The baillies appoynted to mak chois of cafiitancs and commanders 
 
 at the wapinschaw, ...... 133 
 
 A missive frome his sacred Maiestie, .... 133 
 
 Missive frome the Marquis of Hammiltoune, . . . 134 
 
 Sept. 26. A missive from his Majestic, ..... 134 
 
 Oct. 5. Exhibition be the Marquis of Iluntly of his Maiesties declaration 
 
 anent the annulling of the service book, . . . 136 
 
 8. Discharging of the trayned band, .... 137 
 
 The tonnes consent to subscrywe the Confession of Faith and 
 generall band appoynted be his Maiestie to be subscrywed 
 
 be all his lieges, ...... 137 
 
 10. Statute anent the keping of sermones, .... 139 
 
 31. The haill inhabitants of the toun, fensibill persones, to be 
 
 trayned vp in militarie exercise, .... 140 
 
 Nov. 5. Petition anent the directing of ane commissioner to the General 
 
 Assembly, ....... 141 
 
 7. Anent the Generall Assemblie, ..... 143 
 
 1639, Jan. 2. Ijcslie chosin commissionar anent Alexr. Keyth, . . . 144 
 5. Anent the actiones intentit aganes the magistrats be the creditoris 
 
 of Alexr. Keyth, ...... 144 
 
 1 c 
 
xviii 
 
 TABLE OF CONTENTS. 
 
 PAOB 
 
 1639, Jan. IG. Overtures proponit to the brethrene of gild and craftis for 
 
 defence of tlie toun, ...... 145 
 
 26. Chusing of councell of warr, capitanes, and vnder officieris, . 147 
 Mar. 4. Councell, Gordoun, ...... 148 
 
 The toun to be fortifeit, ...... 149 
 
 15. Consent brethrene of gild and craftismen tofortifie the toun, and 
 
 to by muskats and pickis, ..... 149 
 
 16. The deane of gild and thesaurar ordanit to giwe thair band to 
 
 the IMarquis of Huntly for the nmskattis and pickis, . 150 
 
 20. Anent the tounes evidentis and registeris, . . . 151 
 
 Kirk moneyes to be lent to the toun, .... 151 
 
 Commissionares direct to the nobilitie of the covenant, . . 151 
 
 Thesaurar, deane of gild, ...... 152 
 
 25. Commissionares direct of new agane to the nobilitie, . . 152 
 28. The Erie of Montrois answer to oure commissiouaris proposi- 
 
 tiones, ....... 153 
 
 The towncs capitanes quyttcd thair charge, . . . 154 
 
 Entrie of the first armie, ...... 154 
 
 April 2. Charge gewin be the nobilitie to the toun, . . . 155 
 3. The toun chargit to subscry we the covenant, . . .156 
 9. A new charge gewin be the nobilitie to the toun, with thair 
 
 answer thairto, ...... 156 
 
 10. The townes subscription of the covenant, . . . 157 
 15. Hay, Farquhar, Moreson, appoynted be the nobilitie to go coni- 
 
 niissiouares to Edinburgh, ..... 157 
 
 Protestatioun Willeame Erskyne for himselff, and in name of the 
 
 auld covenanters, ...... 158 
 
 17. Compt of Andro Burnet, thesaurar, his debursementis to capi- 
 
 tanes and others of the armie, . . . .159 
 
 20. !Moir chosin commissionar to meitt at Monymusk, . . 159 
 
 The townes consent to send fourscoir men to Monymusk, . 160 
 
 A watche appoynted, ...... 160 
 
 ;May 6. Thesaurar, Farquhar, ...... 160 
 
 A letter frome the taibles to send the fourt man to the Bound rod, 161 
 
 10. The tounes answer lo the nobilities letter, . . . 161 
 
 13. The townes refusall to lend thair cannon, . . . 163 
 
 The tounes answer to the letter direct to thame from the Lord 
 
 Fraser and Maister of Forbes, .... 164 
 
 16. The townes answer to the Laird of Banff and his associattis anent 
 
 thair demand of frie quarteris to thair soiouris, . . 164 
 
 27. Ten thousand merkis imposit vpoun the toun for the Geuerall 
 
 and remanent nobilitie of the present armie, . . 166 
 
 28. The toun disarmed, ...... 167 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS. xix 
 
 PAGE 
 
 1639, May 29. A note vpoiin the payment be the toun of ten thousand meikis 
 
 imposed vpon thame be the nobilitie, . . . 1G8 
 
 The towncs tuelff peice of cannon, with pulder and ball mellit 
 
 with be the Erie of ]Moutrois, .... 109 
 
 June 7. The townes answer to the remonstrance made to thame be thair 
 foure commissionares that wer send to Edinburgh be 
 appoyntment of the nobillmen, .... 109 
 
 10. The townes testimonie and approbation gewin to Mr Alex. 
 
 Jaffray, thair prowest, of his dutifuU and gude careage in 
 
 his office, ....... 171 
 
 14. The townes disassentiug that thair commissionares re-enter in 
 ward, or that the fyues imposed vpoun thame and some 
 other nichtbouris be payed, ..... 172 
 
 The touue chargit to marche in armes with the Lord Aboyne, . 173 
 The watche appoyuted, ...... 173 
 
 17. The Lord Aboyne, his demand of the toun for intertenement of 
 
 his armie, and the townes answer, .... 174 
 
 20. The toune to be convenit, and his Maiesties letter to be intimat 
 
 to thame, . . . . . . .175 
 
 Charge for restoring of plundered goods, . . . 176 
 
 Ordinance to the Theasurar, ..... 176 
 
 28. The Kings Maiesties letter manifesting the peace, . . 176 
 
 The tounes consent to contribute for frieing of thair magistrattis 
 of the sevin thowsand merkis gewin to the nobillmen at the 
 intacking of the Brig of Dee, .... 178 
 
 Gray and Chalmer chosin commissionares to go to his Maiestie 
 
 at Bervick, ....... 178 
 
 July 2. A letter of the Erll Marshallis intimat to the toun, . . 179 
 
 11. The townes ans\\'er to the demand made to thame for imposing 
 
 a taxatioun for payment of a pairt of the quartering moneyes, 180 
 17. Anent the entrie of tenentis to tempill laudis and abbottis landis, 180 
 24. Discharge be Wedderburne and PauU, of thair quartering moneyis, 181 
 31. Thesaurar, Farquhar, ...... 181 
 
 The councellis obleisment of thame and thair successoures to 
 releive the present prowest, baillies, deane of gild, and 
 thesaurar, of the moneyis gewin to the nobillmen, . . 182 
 
 A missive to be direct to the toun of Edinburgh for excusing our 
 
 absence from the Generall Assemblie, . . . 182 
 
 Blakhall to be presewit for selling of bear and malt at Newcastle, 183 
 Aug. 7. Forbes chosin commissiouar to the Generall Assemblie, . . 183 
 
 7. Discharge be Gray and Chalmer of thair connnissioun to his 
 
 Maiestie, ....... 184 
 
 14. Jaffray chosin commissiouar to the Parliament, . . . 186 
 
XX TABLE OF CONTENTS. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 1G39, Sept. 4. Ordinance to tlie deane of gild and thesaurar, . . . 187 
 
 11. Ordinance to the deane of gild, . . . . . 187 
 
 Debts contracted be the toune in the late trubles, . . 187 
 Oct. 11. Act discharging the holding of any kynd of mercat on the 
 
 Sabbath day, ....... 189 
 
 23. Anent the timber mercat, ...... 189 
 
 A bell to be rung for convening and disolving of the schooUes at 
 
 thair ordiuarie houres, ..... 190 
 
 Nov. 20. Anent keiping of sermones, ..... 190 
 
 Anent keiping of the streittis clene, . . . .191 
 
 Hyrers of horses, ....... 191 
 
 Katification of sundry acts, ..... 192 
 
 27. Moreson appoynted to tak ane accompt off muskattis and pickis, 192 
 Dec. 19. Letter from the nobillmen at south f or interteneing of some com- 
 
 manderis till the spring, ..... 193 
 
 Suspension to be raised of the charge gewin to the toun for pay- 
 ment of the armes receawed be thame f rome the Marquis of 
 
 Huntly, ....... 195 
 
 1640, Jan. 1. Jaffray chosin commissionar to Edinburgh, . . . 196 
 
 8. Anent the ressett of strangeris, and no houssis to be sett to 
 
 excommvnicat papistis, ..... 196 
 
 10. Suspension to be raised of the charges for the Marquis of 
 
 Iluntlyes armour, ...... 196 
 
 15. Psalms to be sung daily at evening as well as morning service, . 198 
 
 29. Jaffray, his discharge of his commissioun, . . . 198 
 
 Legacie, Mr llobert Johnstoun to the toun of Aberdeine, . 199 
 Feb. 5. Anent the Generall Band of Heleiff, . . . .200 
 
 Instructiones anent the Band of Releiff, .... 200 
 
 The Generall Band, ...... 203 
 
 11. The toun convenit, . . . . . .206 
 
 14. The townes answer anent the subscryviug of the Generall Band 
 
 of Releiff, and other particulares demandit of thame, . 206 
 
 18. Imprecations against the covenanters, .... 207 
 
 19. Act anent Rob, calseymacker, ..... 208 
 Mar. 11. Deane of Gild appoynted to advance vjc merkis to Lieutenant 
 
 Colonell Forbes, . . . . . .208 
 
 April 8. Jaffray chosin commissionar to a meitting of the nobilitie and 
 
 estates at Edinburgh, ..... 209 
 
 9. Chusiug of taxtares for stenting the toun for payment of thair 
 
 tent partis conforme to the Generall Band, . . . 209 
 
 15. 1000 merkis advancit to Lieutenant Colonell Forbes, . . 211 
 Isobel Blak to be joggit, ...... 212 
 
 22. Licence gewin to Rob anent the bigging of the steppis of his stair, 212 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS. xxi 
 
 PAGE 
 
 1640, May 5. Helen Mearns convict, ...... 213 
 
 6. Jaffiayes discharge of his commissioun, .... 214 
 
 Instructioiies for commanderis and soiouris, . . . 214 
 
 Ordinance anent Johne Leith of Harthill, . . . 217 
 
 12. Straquhyn convict of dinging Beith, .... 218 
 
 Patersones convict, ...... 218 
 
 27. Commissionar chosin to the Parliament, .... 219 
 
 Precept from the committe anent silver and goldsmith wark, • . 221 
 Charge to the toune to meitt the Erie Marshall at the Brig 
 
 of Dee in armes, ...... 222 
 
 29. The toun convenit for subscryving the articles presented to 
 
 thame be the Earle Marshall and Generall Maior Minro, . 222 
 June 10. Warrandis from Generall Maior Monro anent the souldiouris of 
 
 his regiment, ....... 225 
 
 17. Lummisdaue chosin cormnissionar to the Generall Conventioun 
 
 of Burrowes, ....... 227 • 
 
 The Grayfreir Kirk to be repared for the Generall Assemblie, . 227 
 July 8. Dimissioun Wedderburne of his office of maister of the grammer 
 
 schoole ....... 227 
 
 15. Chalmer admittit maister of the grammer schoole, . . 228 
 Contract betwixt the toun and Mr Thomas Chalmer, maister of 
 
 thair grammer schoole, ..... 229 
 
 Pension to Wedderburne, . . . . .231 
 
 22. Leslie and Jaliray chosin commissionares to Generall Assemblie, 232 
 A guard at the Assemblie, ..... 232 
 Lumisdanes discharge of his commission at the Convention of 
 
 Burrowes, ....... 233 
 
 Charge that nane of the inhabitantis remowe out of the toune, . 233 
 Letteris to be direct to the moderatoris of Presbyteries for send- 
 ing in vivares for the Generall Assemblie, . . . 234 
 Aug. 3. The prayers to be red in the Grayfrier Kirk, . . . 235 
 Mr Andro Cant chosin ane of the Townes Ministers, . . 235 
 12. Jaffray chosin commissionar to the Committee of Estate, . 236 
 A company of soiouris to be levied to the Erll Marishall for the 
 
 publict service of the cuntrie, . . . . 236 
 
 19. These that removed out of the toun when the Tonnes Company 
 
 wes tacking wp to be depryvit of thair fredome, . . 238 
 Warrant to Mr Robert Farquhar for the moneyes advancit be 
 him for shoes and hardin to Monroes soiouris and for fourtie 
 
 dayes Lone to the Townes Company, . . . 238 
 
 Sept. 9. Hay, Aidy, chossin commissionares to Invernes, . . . 239 
 
 11. Christen Brow convict, ...... 240 
 
 23. Names of the provost, baillies, and councell, . . . 240 
 
xxii 
 
 TABLE OF CONTENTS. 
 
 PARS 
 
 1640, Sept. 23. A nightly watche appointed, ..... 241 
 Oct. 3. Searche to be maid for runawayes, . . . . 241 
 
 7. Dr Wm. Guild chosen to be Principal of the King's College, . 242 
 
 14. The bell of the grammer schoole lent to Doctor Guild, . . 243 
 
 22. The toun and the Lord Sinclare, anent the quartering of his soiours, 243 
 
 23. George Ross convict, ...... 244 
 
 28. Moir chosia commissionar to the Committie of Estate, . . 245 
 
 Nov. 11. Patrick Leslie chosin commissionar to the Parliament and to a 
 
 meitting of the burrowis, ..... 246 
 
 12. Act of the committee of estates of Parliament anent the pryces 
 
 of schooes, boottes, hyddis, and tanning of leather, . . 248 
 Dec. 2. Patrick Stewart depryved of his place in the Gild Bretherenes 
 
 Hospitall, ....... 251 
 
 16. Yoole vacance dischairgit, ..... 262 
 
 23. Leslye his discharge of his commission at the Parliament and 
 
 meitting of the burrowis, ..... 252 
 
 1641, Jan. 6. Iniunctions to the kirk sacristar, ..... 253 
 Feb. 17. Act aganes abstracteris of thair corncs from the tonnes mylnes, 255 
 Mar. 17. Hay and his servantis pickiemen at the tounes mylnes convict, . 255 
 
 Ordinance of councell aganes servantis gewares of any more nor 
 the dew multure and knaveeship for grinding of thair 
 maisteris malt, and aganes pickiemen exacteris o'f more nor 
 
 thair due, ....... 256 
 
 19. Vulgine and Bellie convict, ..... 256 
 
 25. Election of Mr George Gilespie minister, . . . 257 
 31. Mr Andro Cant resavit as ane of the ministers, . . . 257 
 
 April 7. Deane of Gild, calsiemacker, ..... 258 
 28. llatification of the Act maid anent the entrie of tenentis to 
 
 Tempill Landis and Abbottis Landis, . . . 258 
 
 May 4. Sherar and Burnett convict, ..... 259 
 7. The tonus ratificatioun of the Act of counsell maid aganes 
 
 persewcrs of actions befoir inferiour judges, . . 259 
 
 19. Act for dimolcshing the fauld biggit in the Linkis, . . 260 
 
 Restraint of careing sand fi'om Iledinishill, . . . 260 
 
 26. Statute anent the wool niercat, ..... 260 
 June 14. Act anent transporting of iDassengeris out of the cuntrie, . 261 
 
 15. Mariorie Jack convict, ...... 261 
 
 Andersone and Makie convict of usurping the rights of gild 
 
 burgessis, ....... 262 
 
 16. Moreson admittet ane of the doctouris of the grammer schoole, . 262 
 23. James Peir convict of assaulting Crombie, . . . 263 
 
 July 6. Fraser convict of injuring Bessie Forbes, .... 264 
 
 ^Yatsone convict of dinging over Margaret Andro, . . 264 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS. 
 
 xxiii 
 
 PAOK 
 
 1G41, July 6. Robert Massie convict for putting hands on Wm. Gordon, . 204 
 
 7. Act discharging some abuses at Buriallis, . . . 265 
 
 9. Lord Siiiclare and the toun auent the billeting of his soiours, . 265 
 
 10. Intimatioun anent the soiours, ..... 260 
 
 12. The tonnes consent to quarter the Lord Sinclares soiouris for 
 
 tuentie dayes, ...... 256 
 
 Aug. 3. Walker convict of injuring his master, .. . , . 267 
 
 James Alexander, convict, ..... 267 
 
 11. Band Farquhar to the nichtboris for quartering the Lord Sin- 
 
 clares regiment, ...... 268 
 
 25. Commissioun to the prouest to petition his niajestie for some 
 
 particulares in rcgaird of oure towues losses, . . 269 
 
 Sept. G. Alex. Cuming, convict, ...... 269 
 
 17. Anent two booths in the Hound Table, .... 270 
 
 Peter Crombie, convict, ...... 271 
 
 Oct. 6. Anent the buriallis in the kirkyard, .... 272 
 
 25. The old barrowes and pheasses to be comprysed and lent to the 
 
 maisteris of the correction hous, .... 272 
 
 Nov. 20. Smith and Kemp, convict, ..... 272 
 
 30. Duncan convict, ....... 273 
 
 Gordon convict, ....... 273 
 
 Dec. 11. Sara Fowler convict, ...... 273 
 
 15. Thrie dayes play grantit to the scholares at the beginning of ilk 
 
 quarter, ....... 274 
 
 22. Patent, Robert, Duke of Lennox to the toun, of the office of 
 
 admiralitie within thair boundis, .... 274 
 
 1642, Jan. 6. Act anent the tounes mortclothes, .... 276 
 
 Feb. 11. Act for removing of the court de guard, .... 277 
 
 16. Commission to Farquhar, ...... 278 
 
 Lummisdane his discharge of his commission, . . . 278 
 
 The lectures and morning prayeris to be in the auld kirk, . 279 
 
 Mar. 16. Act aganes bannares and swearares, .... 279 
 
 30. Thesaurar appoynted collector of the pryces of muskattis and pickis, 281 
 
 The pheissis lent to the masters of the correctioun hous, . 282 
 April 6. Act againes prenteissis and wtheris sitting in daskis within the 
 
 kirkis of this burghe, ...... 282 
 
 Ordinance to the maister of the kirk wark, . . . 283 
 
 Bonaccord coup gewin to the vse of the kirk, . . . 283 
 
 13. Anent the patronage of the kirk Sauct Nicolas, . . . 283 
 Act for ane taxatioun, ...... 284 
 
 22. Elspet Meldrume convict, ..... 285 
 
 May 4. Protestation Leslie, ...... 285 
 
 11. Licence to Dickson to vse his tred of macking gouff ballis, . 286 
 
xxiv 
 
 TABLE OF CONTENTS. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 May 
 
 27. 
 
 David Philp convict, . . . . . • . 
 
 286 
 
 
 30. 
 
 Bellie and Wilson convict, ..... 
 
 287 
 
 
 
 Aydie convict, ....... 
 
 287 
 
 June 
 
 8. 
 
 Mure convict, ....... 
 
 287 
 
 
 15.- 
 
 Lady Rothiemay bir mortification of ane thousand pundis for 
 
 
 
 
 maintenance of ane maistres of schoole to bring vp young 
 
 
 
 
 wemen, ....... 
 
 288 
 
 July 
 
 26. 
 
 Donaldson convict, ...... 
 
 290 
 
 Aug. 
 
 12. 
 
 Andro IVIowat convict, ...... 
 
 291 
 
 
 16. 
 
 Smith, Hoode, and Kany convict, .... 
 
 291 
 
 Sept. 
 
 19. 
 
 Philp and Fraser convict, ...... 
 
 291 
 
 
 30. 
 
 Wm. Walker skipper oblist not to transport persons to forane 
 
 
 
 
 countries, ....... 
 
 292 
 
 Oct. 
 
 5. 
 
 Thesaurar collector of the muskat money, 
 
 292 
 
 
 19. 
 
 Ordinance to bursars in the coUedge, .... 
 
 293 
 
 Nov. 
 
 23. 
 
 An aid for repair of the colledge, .... 
 
 293 
 
 
 
 A weeklie lesson in Hebrew to be in the colledge, 
 
 293 
 
 Dec. 
 
 14. 
 
 Swan admitet doctor of grammar school, .... 
 
 294 
 
 
 21. 
 
 Act contra yoole day, ...... 
 
 294 
 
 
 
 Moreson to set caution, ...... 
 
 294 
 
 Erratum — Page 279 margin — For 1842 read 1642. 
 
EXTEACTS 
 
 FROM THE 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 T 
 
 31 November 1625. 31 Nov. 
 
 1625. 
 
 HE quliilk day the prouest, baillies, and coimsall, considering that the Statute 
 
 • • • • ■ • tlDGnt tlic 
 
 Lord's day is greatHe prophained and brockin within this burght, be ane keping of 
 great many of the inhabitantes thereofF, in that some of thame uses J^i^one"' 
 gainging and playing in the Hnkes and walking about the feildes, some of 
 thame passes to tawernes and ailhonsses, and utheres remaines wilfullie at 
 home within thair housses in tyme of sermon on the Sabboth day, als weill 
 befou' as efter noone, to the great dishonom- of God and scandall of the 
 Gospell ; for remeid quhairof it is statute and ordanit that quhatsumeuer 
 inhabitant -within this burght shall be noted and fimd giltie heirefter in 
 braking of the Lordis day be gaming or playing, walking about the feildes, 
 passing to tavernes or ailhousses, or be wilfull remaining in thair housses in 
 tym of sermon on the Sabboth day, ather befoir or efter noone, that thay 
 sail pay the payne and unlaw of twentie shillinges toties quoties to the 
 1 A 
 
2 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1625. 
 
 31 Nov. 
 1625. 
 
 Statute 
 anent the 
 keping of 
 the ser- 
 mones. 
 
 CoUectour of Kirk Session for help and releiff of the poore ; And in caice 
 of refusall or inhabiHtie of any persone offending in the premisses to pay 
 the penaltie foirsaid presentHe upoun thair apprehensioun or convictioun, 
 efter lawful! tryall, to be punished in thair bodies be imprissonment, or 
 efter sic uther maner as the magistrates shall injoyne, conforme to the 
 tenor of his Majesties Actes of Parliament maid thairanent. 
 
 28 Dec. 
 1625. 
 
 ThT 
 Townes 
 vapin- 
 schaw. 
 
 28 December 1625. 
 
 The quhilk day for obedience to the generall proclamatioun and 
 charge giuen in to all his Majesties lieges, fensibill persones, alsweill to 
 burgh as land within this kingdome, for giweing thair mustures and wapin- 
 schawing, this twentie aucht of December instant, the prouest and baillies 
 of this burgh causet convein be the tounes commoun drummer, all the 
 inhabitantes of the toun, alsweill frie as unfrie, fensibill persones, at the 
 mercat croce, in thair best armour, and thairfra merchet efter thair 
 magistrates to the Linkes, quhair the rolles of the haill foiu- qiiarteres of 
 the toun were callet, and notice takin of the armes careit be euerie man ; 
 and thau-eftir the toune being rancket and put under commandement, the 
 muscateres be thame selfFes, the pickmen be thame selffes, and these that 
 careit two handet swordis being ranket about the toimes three ensengzeis, 
 thay merchet all in ordour and rank in that pairt of the tounes linkes 
 quhair the toune heirtofore hes euer beine in vse to mak than- mustures, 
 to wit, in the principal! pairt of the linkes betwixt the first hole and the 
 Quenis hole, and haveing merchet thair a certaine space, they than returned 
 in order to the towne, and haueing marched diuerse and sundrie tymes in 
 the Castleget round about both the croces, wer then dismissed be com- 
 mand of the magistrates; and it is to be remembered that there mustered 
 this day muskateres, and als many with pickes, speares, and 
 
 crosboltes, and some sexteen with two handet swordis. Quhairof the 
 Councell thinkes meitt that thaii- shall be giuen up to the Lordis of his 
 Maiestie's Privie Counsall. 
 
1626.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 3 
 
 18 Jan. 
 
 18 January 1626. 1026. 
 
 The said day anent the petitioun giuen in to the pi'oiiest, bailHes, and tMcchos/n 
 cotmcell be George Johnstoun, younger, burges of this burgh, for him selfF, [j^^ 
 and in name and behalff of such nichtbores and comburgesses of the toun 
 as does assist and concur with him in the busines followeing, be the qviliilk militarie 
 petitioun the said George humbhe desyres thair wisdomes wald be pleased *^'*^'P''°®- 
 to tak to thair serious consideratioun that wyse saying of King Solomon, 
 FcbUx ilia ciuitas quce tempore pads prouidet bellum, and the rather becaus 
 albeit we haue long injoyed, and do yit still be the mercie of God injoy, 
 ane happie pace ; yit the winnersall combustioun, bruttes and rumores of 
 warres, and foran preparatiounes throchout Christendome, should waken 
 ws out of our securitie, and stir ws wp to be wpon our gaird, and to prepair 
 for the storme efter so long ane calme, that we may be in reddines 
 alsweile for perseute as defens as his Maiesties seruice, and our awin 
 particular necesseteis and occasiones shall present : The most graue and 
 ancient of this citie ar sensible of our waiknes at the present, ather to 
 defend or offend our enemeis, if it sould fall out (quhilk God forbid) that 
 we war assaulted at unwarse be ane meir handfull : In such ane caice of 
 necessitie it becomes all loyall and trew hearted subjectes, alswell in 
 regard of than* alledgeance and bund deutie to their king and countrie, as 
 for thair awin guid and saiftie, to be prepairing thame selffes with con- 
 venient armoiir, both offensive and defensive, as lykwayes to be training 
 wp and exercising thame selffes quhow to handle thair armes : And since 
 ane great many of the nichtbores and inhabitantes of the toune ar willing 
 to contribute of thair proper means for furnishing ane competent yeirlie 
 pensioun to any qualefeit gentilman who hes borne charge at armes in 
 the Low Countrie, that will tak wpon him to train wp in militarie discipline 
 the nichtbores of the toune efter the ordour vseit in the Low Countreis, 
 they humblie desyre the Councelles approbatioun thairto, and to mak 
 choose of the persone quhome they think most fitting for the imployment, 
 and they sail at thair awen charge, prouyd and contribute to gratifie him 
 
4 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1626. 
 
 18 Jan. for his paines as at mair lenth. was contenit in the said petitioun ; quhilk 
 — ' _ being red and considderit in Coimcell, and the new and auld counsallers 
 tanecliosin hailing deliberatly aduysed and consulted thaii-wpoun, they allow of the 
 the'Sclu-'' motioun as being both necessar and proffitable for the furtherance of his 
 
 boures of Maiesties seruice, and for the guid and benefeit of the toun, and giues 
 the toun in _ , ° ^ ° 
 
 inilitiirie thair approbatioiui and consent thaii-vnto ; lykas for that effect they 
 clisciphuc. |j^g^g^Q_^|jQ maid chooss and nominatioun of Capitane Arthure Forbes, quho 
 is ane gentilman, that hes borne charge in the Low Countreis, and is 
 accompted the most qualifeit and fitt for the busines of any in thir 
 pairtes ; upon conditioun alvayes that the petitioner and his associattes 
 satisfie him for his paines at thair awin proper charges, be ane voluntarie 
 contributioun, to be collected amongst the nichtbours of the toun, such as 
 they sail be pleased voluntarlie to condissend to, and no uther wayes, 
 and with speciall conditioun also, that the said Capitane Arthiu-e Forbes 
 shall haue no power to cans the nichtboures of the toune, or any of thame, 
 lift armes in any peice of seruice whatsoeuei', without the express wairand 
 and directioun of the prouest, baillies, and councell of this burgh for the 
 tyme haid and obtenit thairto ; lykas wpoun thair warrand and dii-ectioun 
 he shall be obleist to lead the nichtbom-es of the toune both in pace and 
 war, and to pas wpon seruice sa oft as he shall be comandit be the 
 magistrates and councell for the tyme, and no wther wayes. And the 
 employment of the said Capitan Arthure in the seruice aboue specifeit to 
 indure for the space of three yeii'es efter the dait heii'off allanerlie, and 
 no longer. 
 
 15 March 15 March 1626. 
 
 1G26. 
 
 Ane The samen day the prouest, baillies, and councell being informed 
 
 appoynted. that the tounes of Edinburght and Leyht, and wther buiTowes in the 
 south pairtes of this realme, hes ane nightlie watche be reasone of the 
 imminent dainger whairin this haill kingdome standes of invasioune be 
 forane enemeis, to witt, the King of Spain and his confederates : Thaii-foir 
 
1626.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 5 
 
 thinkes it meit and expedient that thair shall be also ane watche keipet 15 March 
 in this biu-ght, and for that effect appoiutes that tuelflf persones shall — ' 
 watche everie nicht, thairof sex at the Blokhoiis, and uther sex at the watche 
 Castelliil], and gif any persone shall be absent from the watche, being '^PP^J'"^'^''- 
 lawfiillie warnit thau-to, without ane lawfull exciiise, to incur the unlaw 
 of ... to be payed to the tonnes use unforgiven. As lykwayes 
 ordaines all the inhabitantes of this bin-ght, alsweill frie as unfrie fensible 
 persones, to be charget be the drum passand throw the haill straits of the 
 toune, to prepair and furnishe thame selfifes with sufficient armoiu-, alsweill 
 offensive as defensive, within . . . dayes nixt efter the dait heiroff, 
 as lykwayes to convein and assemble thame selffes in armes at the 
 mercat croce of this burght als oft as any warning shall be maid to thame 
 for that effect be the drum or be the common bell, be nicht or be day, 
 and to follow thair magistrates as they sail be directed to any peice of 
 seruice that shall occm*, under the pain of death. 
 
 22 March im. 22 jj,,,,, 
 
 1626. 
 
 The samen day the councell ordaines Mr Mathow Lumysden, Qj.j'^jj^.g 
 deane of gild, to deburse the soume of ane hundreth merks money to the 
 
 D6<in6 of 
 
 to be send south with the prouest for buying taffetie to be ane hand Gild, 
 signpe, and for buying ane droum, and for doing sic uther of the 
 tounes effahes as is given to the prouest in commissioun upoun compt to 
 be giuen be him at his returne, that in caice he be super-expendit he may 
 be reimbursed : Quhilk soume sail be allowed to the said deane of gild 
 in the comptes. 
 
 The said day the prouest, baillies, and councell, appointes and The nicht- 
 
 • boiirGS of 
 
 ordaines that all the inhabitantes of this burght, fensibill persones, shall the toun 
 
 furneis thameselffes with sufficient armoiu-, some with pickes and 
 
 corslettes, and utheres with muskates and bendroUes, as thay sail be thame 
 
 . . . selffes with 
 
 commandit and mjoyned be the magistrates, betwixt the dait heirof sufficient 
 
 and the twentie four-day of Junii nixt, to come under the paine of 
 
EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1626. 
 
 22 March 
 1626. 
 
 The nicht- 
 boures of 
 the toun 
 ordanit to 
 furneis 
 thame 
 selffes with 
 sufficient 
 armour. 
 
 fourtie pundis, to be payed be ilk persone contraveinand being solvend ; 
 and in cace of thair inhabilitie to pay tlie unlaw, to be depryved of 
 thair fredome being friemen ; and being unfiie, to be wardet at the 
 pleasour of the magistrates till thay giue obedience and furnish thame- 
 selflfes with sufficient armour, and this act to be intimatt be the drum 
 throw the haill streittes of the toune that naine pretend ignorance 
 thairof. 
 
 14 June 
 1626. 
 
 Commis- 
 sioun for 
 buying of 
 armour. 
 
 14 June 1626. 
 
 The Bamen day the prouest, baillies, and councell, in respect of 
 the skearsitie of armour in this bm-ght, ordain es commissioun to be 
 giuen to Gilbert Hervie eldar, who is presentlie bown, God willing, to 
 Flanderes, to by thair for the tounes vse, — Two hundreth muskattis, 
 and three hundreth pickes with pulder, and uther furnitour requisite ; 
 and thairwith ordaines the haile inhabitantes within this burgh, fensible 
 persones to be charget be the drum throuch the haill streittis of 
 the toune, to prepair thame selffes with pickes, corslettes, muskattes, 
 pulder, and leid, in all convenient dilligence againe the nixt Wapinschaw, 
 and to send to Flanders for that effect with the present occasioun 
 of the ship of this bm-gh callet the Sampsone, presentlie bown thair, 
 vnder the paine of fourtie pund money, to be payed be ilk persone 
 that shall not be sufficientlie armed at the nixt Wapinschaw, as also 
 be euei'ie ane quha shall not declair be his aith that the armes he 
 beares belonges to him selff as his awin proper gudes. 
 
 5 Jidy 1626. 
 
 The quhilk day the prouest, baillies, and councell, ordeanet Andro 
 Meldrome, collector of the tounes impost and shoar silver, to build 
 and set up in all convenient diligence a beakin, without the heid of 
 the Bulwark, about that pairt whau- ane beakin stuid of auld ; and 
 
 5 July 
 1626. 
 
1626.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 7 
 
 lines Hill. 
 
 the expenses to be deburst thairupoun thay ordain to be allowed to 5 July 
 him in his comptes. — ' 
 
 9 August 1626. 9 August 
 
 1C26. 
 
 The quhilk day anent the petitioun geivin in to the prouest, Licence 
 baillies, and councell, be Alexander Jalfray, Andro Meldi'ome, Robert fom'lf*^*^ ^° 
 Cruikshank, and Thomas Cargile, for thame selfFes and in name of ^Q°J|.gg 
 thair nichtboures, the remanent proprietares of the yardis mercheand inclose ^ 
 to Sanct Catharines hill, mackand mentioun that quhair that pairt st\athe- 
 of the said hill betwixt the auld chappell and the lard Forbes yaird, 
 is maid ane filthie vennell, whau-throw the nichtboures cannot have 
 commodious access to the said hill, desyrand thairfoir licence to big 
 ane laich dyk or reaveling of tymber about the pau't foh-said, for 
 preserveing and keiping the same clein in tyme coming, from sic filth 
 and pollutioun, promising gif it pleis their wisdomes to grant the 
 said licience, that they shall plant the boimdis with trees, and mak 
 it a comoun walking place to these quha shall contribute thairto ; in 
 respect the bigging of the said dyik, and inclosing of the boundis, will 
 nowayes be preiudiciale to the auld passages wset and wount to and fra 
 the said hill, as at moir lenth wes contenit in the said petitioun : Quhilk 
 being red in councell, and thay conveining vpoun the boundis, and 
 haweing sichted and considderet the same, thay find the boundes to 
 belong in propertie to the toune as a pau-t of the said hill : Neuertheles 
 in respect the same is filthilie abuset as ane vennall, and is altogidder 
 unproffitable and serves to the toune for no wse at the present, the 
 prouest, baillies, and councell grants licience and libertie to the petition- 
 eres, vpoun conditioun alwayes as is vndirwrittin, to big a dyick or 
 raveling of tymber, betwixt the chappell wall and the lard Forbes 
 back dyke of his yaird, and to inclose the saides boundes, and grantes 
 libertie to euerie nichtbour that contributes to the building thairof, to have 
 ane key for thair awin vse, with this alvayes conditioun, lykas it is 
 
8 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1626. 
 
 9 August 
 1626. 
 
 Licence 
 granted to 
 some 
 nicht- 
 boures to 
 inclose 
 a pairt of 
 St Kathe- 
 rines Hill. 
 
 heii'by speciallie declaired, that it shall be lesome to the prouest, baillies, 
 and coiincell of this burgh for the tyme, to dimolishe the said tymber 
 dyk, and to appropriat and apply the said haill boundis to the comraoun 
 benefeit of the toun for sic vse as they shall think the same most suting 
 for the tyme, as being the tonnes propertie belonging to them in 
 commoim, but preuidice alwayes to the proprietares of the yairdes 
 mercheand to the said hill, of thair passages thaii'to vset and wount, 
 conform to thaii' infeftments grantet to thame thairupoun. 
 
 29 August 29 August 1626. 
 
 1626. 
 
 Anent the The samen day the prouest, baillies, and councell, considdering 
 
 maid b'e many dissordouris, tumultes, and commotiounes maid within this 
 
 Mackyhis burght be the souldeouris now present within the samen, levied be 
 souldiours. ° ...... 
 
 Colonell Macky and his capitaines for his Majesties service in the pairtes 
 
 of Germanic, and how that some of the nichtbouris of the toune hes 
 
 bein in great dainger for not haveing armes reddie upoun thame the 
 
 tyme of the saids tumultes : Thairfoir and to the effect the nichtboures 
 
 may be upon thair gaird whan any sic tumultes shall fall out heirefter, 
 
 and for the better repressing thairoff: Ordaines the haill inhabitantes of 
 
 this burght fensible persones, to wear thair swordis about thame at all 
 
 occasiounes whan thay walk on the streattes so long as the saides 
 
 souldioures remaines within the toune : As lykwayes ordaines both 
 
 mercheandis and craftsmen to hawe long wapins in thair boothes to the 
 
 effect they may be mou- reddie to assist the magistrates for repressing 
 
 such insolencies in tyme cumming, and in cace any fensible persone 
 
 inhabitant within the toune shall be fund walking on the streittes, and 
 
 not haweing his suord about him dm-eing the space aboue mentioned, the 
 
 persone contraveining shall incur the unlaw of fywe merkes toties quoties 
 
 to be payed to the Deane of Gild for the commoun benefeit of the toune. 
 
 Lykas it is ordanit if any such tumultes shall fall out, that the nichtbom-es 
 
 of the toune, how sone notice sail be giwine to thame, shall assemble 
 
1626.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 9 
 
 thame selflfes and repair to tliair magistrates, and accompany thame for 29 August 
 taking ordom* with all sncli persones as shall be moweres and raiseres of — 
 the saides tumixltes, and ordaines intimatioun to be maid heiroflf be the tunuiltis 
 di-um thi'ou the haill streites of the towne, that nain pretend ignorance Macky^his 
 of the premisses. souldioui s. 
 
 11 October 1626. H October 
 
 1G2G. 
 
 The quhilk day the proiiest, baillies, and conncell, considdermg that Act aganes 
 albeit the abuse of superfluous and costlie banqueting laitlie within these fluous 
 few yeires cropin in within this burgh at the baptizeing of young childreue, j^t"*^"^'" 
 wes expreslie prohibite and forbidden be speciall act and ordinance, set 
 doun againes the same be the coimcell of this burgh for the tyme, upoun 
 the auchtein day of Februar 1624 yeires ; neuertheles they find the said 
 abuse yit still to continew in a heich degrie, to the offence of God, the hurt 
 of honest men's estates, and to the sclander of the toune : And search eing 
 out the causses of the grouth and continewance of the said abuse, thay 
 find the principall and cheiff caus thairofi" to be the impunitie and ower- 
 sicht granted to the brackeres of the said act in tyme bygain, fibr remeid 
 quhairoff, and for repressing and abolisheing of such abuse heirefter, it is 
 statut and ordanit that no inhabitant within this burght, of quhatsoeuer 
 rank, qualitie, or degrie thay be off, shall at any tyme heirefter invite anie 
 ma persones to be gossopes or cumberes at the baptizeing of thair childrene, 
 bot four gossopes and four cumberes at the most ; and that thair shall be 
 bot sex wemen at the most invited or employed to convey the chyld to 
 and fi'a the kh-k, nather yit shall thair be any mair persones invited to any 
 denner, supper, or afternoones di-ink at a baptime, or yit any other tyme 
 dureing the haill space of the womanes chyldbed, or at the wpseat, bot 
 sex men and sex wemen at the most : And withall ordaines that naine 
 presume to have at any such tyme any kynd of suggoures, droiges, 
 or confectiounes brocht from forane cuntreis, nather yit any kynd of 
 vennesone, wyld meat or baiken mait, under the pain of fourtie pundis 
 1 B 
 
10 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1626. 
 
 11 October money to be exacted preceislie but favour, of ilk persone contraveinand 
 — in any of the pointes aboue prohibited, toties quoties, to be payed to 
 super- the deane of gild of this burgh, and applyed to the tounes publict 
 Banquet- benefeit : And forder, becaus the sin and vyce of excessive 
 
 '"o- and extraordinarie drinking is become too frequent now adayes, both 
 
 to bm-gh and land, to the dishonour of God, and abuse of his gude 
 creatoures, quhilk pairtlie proceidis in that many disordourlie people 
 gewin to riot and intemperancie, ar sufferit and forborne not onlie to 
 drink waucht and scoall at thair pleasoiir, at ail publict meitinges whair 
 thay happin to be present, bot also to urge and compell thair nichtboures 
 in companie with thame to doe the lyk, or than presentlie to move a 
 quarrell and doun looke at thame for thair refuisall, ffor repressing of the 
 quhilk abuse heirefter within this burgh, it is statute and ordanit, that 
 no inhabitant within the samen whosoever, shall presume in any tyme 
 cuming, at quhatsumeuir meiting, publict or privat, to compell or urge 
 any of thair nichtboures sitting at table with thame, to diink or scoall 
 any quantitie of wyn, aill, or beir, farder nor thay sail be pleased to 
 drink, under the lyk pain of fom-tie pundis, to be exacted of the contra- 
 veinar and urger, without favour toties quoties, and payed to the 
 commoun benefeit and use of the toune, as said is, and the contra- 
 veinares to be tryed alsweill be thair aith as be witnesses : And ordaines 
 this act to be publictlie iutimat out of pulpet the nixt Sabboth, in both 
 the kirkis of this burgh, that nain pretend ignorance thairoff. 
 
 18 October 18 October 1626. 
 
 162C. 
 
 Joline The samen day the prouest, baillies, new and auld counsaUis, being 
 
 choshi convenit in the councell hous, nominates and chuises Johne Urrie to be 
 Maister generall dreill maister, to teich and instruct the nichtboures and inhabit- 
 antes of this burgh, to handill thair armes in place of Capitane Arthurs 
 Forbes, who wes nominat of befoii- to that use, bot now is employed in 
 his majestie's service, under Collonell Mackye, in the pairtes of Germanie : 
 
1627.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 11 
 
 And tliis employment of the said John Urrie to indure till Witsondav 18 October 
 
 *■ 1626 
 
 nixt to come, whome the coimsall ordaines to be satisfied for his paines, — ' 
 
 be voluntarie contributioun of the nichtboures that receaves the benefeit, Urrie 
 
 or be sic wther forme as shall be thocht most expedient be the couucell, p'-gj]]^ 
 
 and siclyk the councell thinkes meit, that thair shall be sex nominat out Maister. 
 of everie quarter to be dreill maisteres under the said Johne Urrie, for the 
 greater furtherance and expeditioun of the work. 
 
 3 January 1627. 3 January 
 
 ^ 1«27. 
 
 The qxihilk day the prouest, baillies, and councell ordaines the The 
 toune's baklious within the College of this burgh, to be repaired upoun bakhou^s in 
 the tonnes commoun chairges in all convenient diligence, and maid a [|,'^)3g°g^^'' 
 comodious duelling hous to Mr Willeam Forbes, doctor in divinitie, ane of pared, 
 the tonnes ordinar ministeres, to serve him for ane duelling hous so long 
 as he remaines actuall minister within this burgh ; lykas the said bakhous 
 is ordainit to remain ane commoun hous belonging to the toun for serveing 
 ane of thair awin ministeres for his duelling in all tyme cumming, or for 
 sic uther publict use as the councell of this burgh for the tyme shall 
 appoint the samen, and George Andersone, maister of Kirk Wark, is 
 ordanit to deburse sic as shall be requisite for perfyting of the said wark 
 as he shall be directed be the magistrates or maister of wark to be ap- 
 pointed for the wark forsaid, quhilkis debursementes shall be allowed to 
 him in his comptes. 
 
 4 April 1627. 4 April 
 
 1627. 
 
 The said day the prouest, baillies, and councell nominattes and Persons 
 appointes Johne Vrrie, Mr Mathow Lummysden, Thomas Cargill, to be com- 
 Alexander Chalmer, Patrick Leslie, George Moriesoun, Thomas Meluill, 
 Andrew Meldrome, Andro Birnie, Thomas Gairdyn, tailyeour. Hew Ander- Wapin- 
 son, goldsmyth, to be commanderes vnder the magistrates at the tonnes the Magi- 
 
 strattis. 
 
12 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1627. 
 
 i April 
 1627. 
 
 Persons 
 nomiaatt 
 to be com- 
 manderes 
 at the 
 Wapin- 
 shawvnder 
 the Mage- 
 strattis. 
 
 wapinsliaw appoynted to liauld the allevint day of Apryll instant, viz., 
 the said Johue Vnie to be principall commander vnder the magistrate, 
 and the remanent persones aboue named to command vnder thame as 
 serjeandes, and to carie partizens to that effect : And ordaines intimatioun 
 to be maid be the drum, that nain presume, nor tak vpoun thame to com- 
 mand at the said wapinshaw, or to carie a partizan vnder the paine of 
 foiuiie pundis money, to be payed be ilk persone contraveining to the 
 deane of gild for the behowe of the toune, and that nain presume to carie 
 armes befoir thame, except the magestrates under the pain foirsaid. 
 
 11 April 11 April 1627. 
 
 1G27. 
 
 The The quilk day for obedience of the generall proclamatioun and 
 
 Wap?n- charge gewin to all his Maiesties liege fensibill persones als weill to burgh 
 schaw. as land within this kingdome for gewing thair mustures and wapinschaw- 
 ing, the prouest and baillies causet convein be the tovsmes common 
 di-ummeres all the inhabitante of the toun, fensible persones als weill frie 
 as vnfrie, in the tounes commoun linkes, in that pairt thairof quhair the 
 toune ewer heirtofoir hes bein in vse to mak than* mustures, to witt, 
 betwixt the first hoill and the Quenis hoill, and thair causet call the rolles 
 of the haill four quarteres of the towne, and tak notice of the armes 
 cariet be euerie man, and thairefter, thay being ranket and put in com- 
 mandement, it wes fund that thair wes twa hundreth muskateres and ane 
 hundreth pickmen by and attour the commanderes that gawe thair mus- 
 tures. 
 
 25 April 
 1627. 
 
 Answer to 
 the Toun 
 of Edin- 
 burghis 
 missive. 
 
 25 April 1627. 
 
 The said day anent the missive direct from the towne of Edinburgh 
 to the prouest, baillies, and councell of this burgh, for keiping a meiting 
 of the burrowes appoynted to hauld at Edinburgh the first day of May 
 nixt to come, concerning certane particular efieares mentioned in the said 
 
1627.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 13 
 
 missive quhairof the tenour folio wes. " Ryclit honorabill and loveingfreindis 25 April 
 and nichtbouves : the calamitie of the tyme makes us resent the daylie — " 
 hurt sustenit, especiallie be the bodie of our estate of the burrowes, the the^Toim*' 
 intercourse of tred.(the cheif friend of our common weill) being contracted ^^n^'|,'^g' 
 be occasioun of foran ennemyes, and that litle occasioun left, we can missive, 
 hardlie enjoy it without sein dainger, and om* home effeares does not a 
 litle pinshe us, so that both at home and abroad our effeares requyres 
 some spedie course to be taken: our shippes are taken daylie be the 
 Dimkirkeres, our sea-fairing men detenit in bondage, the penall statutes 
 are licklie to be put to executioun, notwithstanding of these letteres we 
 haue piu'chest in the contrar be om- commissioner, and euerie man hes his 
 eye thau-wpon, that by otu- loss that way they may proffeitt thame selffes, 
 and that which is left to the burrowes, which is thair commoun landis 
 given thame for publict vses, sustentatioun of thair ministrie, scooles, and 
 hospitales, the teicheres quhairof ar liklie to be drawen under the compas 
 of this commissioun, so that quhar we look wpon the generall conditioun 
 of our estait, we cannot but be compairtineres of your greiflf, and lest the 
 delay of such courses as micht in some manner releiff you of these sores 
 micht be imputed to ws, we ar earnestlie to entreat you, as ane feilling 
 member of the estait, to tak the foirsaid greivances to your earnest con- 
 sideratioune, and to send your commissioneres sufficientlie instructed for 
 meiting and conveining at this biu-gh the first of May uixt, with continua- 
 tioun of dayes, with the remanent commissioneres, with ample commis- 
 sioun to doe in the premisses, and all other thinges concerning your 
 estait, as thay shall think most meit and expedient for the weUl both of 
 the countrie in generall, and the estait, quhairof you ar memberes in par- 
 ticular : recommending to your cair that you send such as are suffi- 
 cientlie experienced in such effeares weill instructed with your best 
 advyse in the foirsaid effeares : so hoipeing the wechtines of these 
 particulares shall be ane sufficient motive to stir wp your myndis to 
 avaick from the slumber of negligence in this perrellous tyme, and attend- 
 ing thir commissionares the said day as you tender the weill of the estait, 
 
14 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1G27. 
 
 25 April 
 1627, 
 
 Answer to 
 the Toiin 
 of Edin- 
 burgliis 
 missive. 
 
 9 May 
 1627. 
 
 Visitouris 
 of the 
 Schoollcs. 
 
 we comitt you to God, and restis your loveing freindis and nychtbouris, 
 the prouest and baillies of Edinbiu'gb, subscryveand be Mr Alexander 
 Guthrie, our clerk, at our command. Sic subscribitur, A. Guthrie. Edin- 
 burgh, 18 Aprilis 1627." Quhairwith the prouest, baillies, and counsall 
 aduysing, they find it not expedient that any commissioner be sent at the 
 present for keiping of the said dyet, both becaus of the shortnes of the 
 tyme, the missive not being delyuered vnto thame till this morning, as 
 lyekvayes in respect of the approtcheing of the Generall Conventioun of 
 Burro wes at Air in July next, whair the liaill burro wes ar to be present be 
 thair commission eres, and at the whilk tyme the fittest occasioim will be 
 ofiered for advysing and resolving vpon the best course to be takin in 
 all the saidis particulares mentioned in the said missive ; and, in the mein- 
 tyme, ordaines a letter to be direct to the prouest and baillies of Ediu- 
 bm'gh, bearand our aduyse, and excuseihg our absence from the meit- 
 ting. 
 
 9 May 1627. 
 
 The quhilk day the prouest, baillies, and councell nominates and 
 appointes Thomas Collinsoun, Robert Johnstoun, Mr Alexander Jafi"ray, 
 and Mr Wedast Lowsoun, to assist and concur with Doctour Forbes, 
 Doctour Dun, Doctour Johnstoun, eldar and younger, and Mr Robert 
 Barroun, in the visitatiouu of all the schooles in this burgh, alsweill the 
 grammer scoole, as the Musick and English scooles, and to tak notice of 
 the forme of doctrine and discipline in all the saides scooles, and how the 
 maisteres and scolleris observes the lawes and injunctiounes set doun, 
 and to be set doun to that effect, and whahin they find any of the 
 maisteres of the saides schooles deficient ather in doctrine or discipline, 
 that they report the same to the councell of this burgh, with thair 
 aduyse how all defectes and abuses shall be repaired, to the intent that 
 the magistrates and councell may accordinglie give ordour for reforma- 
 tioun, conforme to ane act formerlie set doun to this same effect vpon the 
 tent day of Junuar last bypast : Lykas it is appointed that the lawes 
 
1627.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 15 
 
 of all the schooles shall be imprinted and publictlie affixt in everie scole, ^.^^ly 
 that nather maister nor scoller pretend ignorance thairoff. — 
 
 Visitouris 
 of the 
 Schoolles. 
 
 16 May 1627. 16 May 
 
 1627. 
 
 The said day the prouest, baillies, and councell underwritten, thay moitifelr* 
 ar to say Paull Menzies, pronest ; Mr Dauid Rutherfuird, alderman ; Gilbert j° ^""jq^j. 
 CuUan, Mr Johne Mortimer, Mr Thomas Johnstoun, Johue Hay, baillies ; in the 
 Thomas Colinsonn, Robert Johnstoun, Henrie Forbes, George Riccard, fchooie. 
 Robert Alexander, Thomas Cargill, Dauid Adye, George Morisoun, Androu 
 Meldrum, Andro Birnye, Thomas Robertsoun, cordiner, and William Ord, 
 wricht, being convenit in the councelhous, the said Paull Menzeis, 
 prouest, exhibit and delyuered reallie befoir thame in reddie down tauld 
 money on the counsall tabile the soume of fyve hundreth merkes vsuall 
 money of this realme : Quhilk soume ane nichtbour of this burgh (who 
 obscuires his name), out of his zeall to the godlie and wertuous educatioune 
 of the youth in the grammer scoole of this burgh, hes frielie gewin and 
 mortified to be employed on bank be the prouest, baillies, and councell of 
 this burgh for the tyme, to the vss efter following — viz., he destinattes and 
 appoyntes the annualrent of the said fyve hundreth merkes to be gewin 
 and bestowed yeirlie in all tyme cumming, to the doctoiu* of the grammer 
 schoole of this burghe as ane help to his proiiisioun, prouyding the said 
 doctour be chosen and placed be the prouest, baillies, and councell of this 
 bm-gh for the tyme : Quhilk soume of fyve hundreth merkes wes instantlie 
 delyuered to Robert Alexander, present thesaurer of this burgh, who 
 grantes the receipt thairof, to be waired and employed to the vse forsaid 
 and no utherwayes, and to be furthcummand to that effect perpetuallie 
 in all tyme cumming, whairwpoun the said Paull Mengzeis askit act and 
 instrumentes. 
 
16 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1627. 
 
 U August li August 1627. 
 
 1627. 
 
 Anentthe The quliilk day tlie new and auld councelles being convenit in the 
 
 oFspanye- councell hous, upoun certan knouledge and aduertesment geuin to thame 
 ardis in of the arryvall of fourtene Spanish shippes of warr in Zetland upoun the 
 sext day of August instant, whair great numberes of sojoures are landet 
 furth of the saides shippes, and waisting thes ylls with all crewalty, so 
 that the inhabitantes so many as can have occasioun of shipping ar fleeing 
 with thair wyflfes and children e for saiftie of thair lywes, in respect quhairof 
 the saides prouest, baillies, and councell findes it expedient that all gude 
 meanes be used lying in thair possibilitie that may resist these crewall 
 enemyes in cace of thair cxmaing in tliir boundes, referring the succes to 
 the gude pleasour and prouidence of God, whome we beseik to direct all 
 to his glorie, and to the confort and saif gaird of this toime and countrie : 
 And first of all be reasoun the cuming of the said naival concernes this 
 • haill kingdome, it is thoucht meit that aduertesment be gevin thairof be 
 a lettre from the prouest and baillies to the Lordis of his majesties most 
 honourabill Priuie councell, and thay petitioned to g"ive spedie and tymous 
 ordour for resisting the farder invasioun and incursioun of the said com- 
 moun enemye : As lykwayes it is thoucht meit that lettres shall be direct 
 to the Erie of Erroll, the Lord Forbes, and to the most speciall baiTones 
 of this shirrefdome, giveing notice to thame of the certantie of the landing 
 of the said enemye in Zetland, and Avith all craveing thair ayd and assist- 
 ance in cace of any assault of the said enemye, quhilk God forbid. 
 
 Item it is thoucht expedient that thaii' shall be a musture and wapin- 
 shaw of the haill inhabitantes of this burght fe'nsible persones on Thurs- 
 day nixt, the sextein of this instant, and thay to be chairget this day to 
 that effect be the drum ; ilk persone absent, or that shall not be sufficientlie 
 aimed, under the paine of fourtie pundis. 
 
 Item it is thoucht necessar that thair shall be a nichtlie watche of 
 tuelflf persones to begin this nicht, and that eurie man watche in proper 
 persone, as he shall be charget under the pain of ten pundis, to be payed 
 
1627.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 17 
 
 be ilk persone absent to the deane of gild unforgewin, and tlie watcbe to U August 
 begiQ at Futtie quarter. ^ — -[^ 
 
 Item tliair shall be four capitanes chosin, with leiutenentes, hand anyving 
 signeies, and serjandis, to comand the toune as the magistrates shall give afjis']^^'^" 
 thame direction, and to instruct the nichtboures to handle thair armes, Zetland, 
 and the saidis capitanes to be chosen be the proiiest, baillies, and councell. 
 
 Item that euerie nichtbour prouyd himselff with pnlder and bullet. 
 
 Item that the mercheandes quha hes pulder to sell, be delt with be 
 the magistrates to sell the same to ther nichtboures at a reasonable raitt, 
 and novayes sufferit to exact exorbitant pryces be reasone of the present 
 necessitie. 
 
 Item that euerie nichtbour of the toun shall promeis be his great aith, 
 not to leave the toune in cace of invasioun be the enemye, bot to abyd 
 still withm the samen, and to follow thair magistrates and commanderes 
 as occasioun shall offer, at thair best endevoires, for defence of thair lyives, 
 thair wyffes, bairnes, and estates, so long as the magistrates keipes the 
 toune. 
 
 Item that all keipares of ines, staibleres, and uthers inhabitantes 
 quhasoeuer that receaues or ludges any straingeres, aduerteis the baillie 
 of the quarter whan any strainger hapnes to ludge with thame, or whan 
 any horses of strangeres ar stabled with any of the staibleres, under the 
 pain of tuentie pundis, to be payed to the deane of gild be ilk persone 
 failyeand heirin being soluendo : And in cace of thair inhabilitie to pay the 
 wnlaw, to be banished the toune. 
 
 22 August 1627. 22 August 
 
 1627. 
 
 The quhilk day Mr Thomas Johnstoun, baillie Alexander Jaffray, and Two fyre 
 Mr Alexander Jaffray, and David Adye, ar appointed be the councell to go erected be 
 to the Hill of Brymmound, within the fi-iedome of this burgh, and thair to 
 mark and designe the most commodious pairt for setting up of ane fyir 
 bitt to give notice to the countrie pople of the approtcheing of foran 
 1 c 
 
18 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1627. 
 
 22 August enemeis, as lykwayes to considder quhat pairt about the toune is most 
 — ' fitting for ane uther fyir bitt, and best ansnerable and most conspicuous 
 
 Tno fvrc • • • • • . . 
 
 bittis to be to give show and warning to the keipar of the fyir bitt on the said Hill 
 the^toun"' of Brymmouud, and ordaines the foirnamed persones to report thair dili- 
 gence to the councell, that accordinglie ordour may be geivin for up-putting 
 of the saidis fyir bittes ; as also for interteanuig and keiping tham upoun 
 the tounes charges so long as necessitie shall requyr the same. Conforme 
 to the quhilk directioun the saids commissioneres went to the said Hill of 
 Brymmound, and thair designed and marked the most conspicuous pairt 
 for up-putting ane fyir bitt thairupoun, and causit gadder and erect ane 
 great cairne of stanes thairat, quhilkes thay causit to be buildet, prepaired, 
 and maid fit for receaveing of the said fyir bitt ; and siclyk thay declaired 
 that the east gavill of the Chappell on the Castel hill is the most convenient 
 pairt about the toune for setting up the first fyir bitt, and will give the 
 best and cleirest demonstratioun to the wther fyir bitt on the said Hill of 
 Brymmound. Quhilk report and aduyse being considderet be the councell, 
 thay allow thairof and ordaines the same to be put in executioun accord- 
 inglie with all convenient diligence possible. 
 
 10 October 10 October 1Q27. 
 
 1627. 
 
 All dogrgis Tlie said day the prouest, baillies, and councell being; crediblie 
 
 within the _ ... i i • i • • 
 
 toun to be informed that thair is great harme and skaith sustenit in the countrie, 
 slayne. ^j^^ avdd toun, by the byitting of wod doggis ; thairfoir thoucht 
 
 it expedient that all doggis, both litle and meikle, within this toune, shall 
 be all slayne ; and heirfoir ordaines intimatioun to be maid be the drwm 
 throu the haill streittes of the toune, that all these that hes doggis caus 
 fell thame within fourtie aucht houres efter the chau-ge, wnder the pain 
 of tuentie pundis, to be payed be ilk persoun contraveining, but favour, by 
 and attour that the tua scurgeres ar appointed to fell all doggis that thay 
 find on the streittes, but any blame or harme to be susteined be thame 
 thairthrou. 
 
1628.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 19 
 
 13 February 1628. 13 Feb. 
 
 1628. 
 
 The quliilk day anent the petitioun geuin in to the prouest, baillies, Wg^^j", 
 
 and counsall be Mr David Wedderburne, maister of the e-rammer scoole of 
 
 ° _ Jiowatt. 
 
 this bnrghe, makand mentioun that, for the weill and benefite of his 
 scollares, he had agreit with Andro Howat to instruct and learne thame 
 to wreit, and to schaw thame some principles of arithmetik euerie day 
 betwixt ten and tuelff iu the foirnoone, conforme to the band geuin be the 
 said Andro to that eflfect ; quhairof he thoucht gude to acquant thair wor- 
 ships of the councall, and to crave thair approbatioun and consent thairto ; 
 quhilk band being opinlie red in councall, thay allow thairof as being a 
 mein to further the bairnes in the grammer scoole in thair wreiting, and 
 thairfor ordaines the said band to be registrat in the tounes bookes, ad 
 futuram rei memoriam, of the quhilk the tenour followes : " I, Andro Howat, 
 burges of Aberdene, bindis and oblesses me be thir presentes to Mr 
 David Wedderburne, maister of the grammer schoole of Aberdene, to 
 teache the scollares of the said grammer schoole betwixt ten and tuelff 
 houres, in wreiting and arithmetik, according to the said maister, his 
 directioun, promiseing in the mein tyme, with Godis grace, to liue with- 
 out scandall, imploying all possible diligence for the weill of the said 
 scoole, as also faithfulnes to the maister and his doctoures Avhatsoeuer, 
 in all pointes of deutie, and in speciallie to be rewled and governed in 
 euerie point be the said maister, that concerneth, or shall concerne, my 
 calling in that schoole. As for the reward, I will refer it to the discretioun 
 of the parentes, and withall promiseth to sei"ve the said maister David, 
 the foir noone tyme dureing the tyme of his being maister in that scoole. 
 Thir thinges I promes be the grace of God, vnder the pain of infamie, the 
 yeir of God j"" sex hundreth tuentie aucht yeires, the sext day of 
 Februar, befoir thir witnessis Alexander Gray and George Andersoun. 
 Sic subscribitur, A. Howat, with my hand. George Andersoim. witnes ; 
 Alexander Gray, witness." 
 
20 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1628. 
 
 23 July 
 1628. 
 
 Frascr 
 cliosin ane 
 of the 
 doctouris 
 of tlie 
 griinimer 
 schoole. 
 
 23 July 1628. 
 
 The same day the prouest, bailHes, and councell considering that 
 grammer scooles ar the seminaries both of kirk and poUcie, most necessar 
 it is that thair he painful maisteres and instructeres planted in euerie 
 scoole for the godlie and vertuous educatioun and teaching of the youth 
 in pietie, gude letteris, and gude maneres ; and with all considering that 
 thair being onlie ane doctoui* in the grammer scoole of this burgh, vnder 
 Mr David Wedderburne, present maister thaii-of, thay two ar not habill be 
 thame selffes allane to discharge such exact duetie in teaching and in- 
 structing the youth in the said scoole as the exigence of tliat service 
 requyres, and harwith haveand respect that a nichtbour of the toun (who 
 obscuires his name) out of his zeale to the floorisheing of the said grammer 
 scoole, hes gavin in to the councell of this burgh the soume of fyve 
 hundreth merkis money, quhilk he hes mortified for euer, to be laid on 
 bank, and the annuel rent thairof to be employed pro tanto as ane help 
 for mantenance of ane vther doctour, to attend and instruct the youth in 
 the said grammer schoole, thairfoir the saidis prouest, baillies, and 
 councell, findis it uerie expedient that thair shall be ane vther doctour 
 conjoyned to be a fellow laborar with the maister and present doctour of 
 the said scoole, for the better and more exact instruction and education of 
 the youth being thairin for the tyme ; and for this effect thay have maid 
 nominatioun and election of Mr Alexander Fraser, sone to vmquhill Adame 
 Fraser of Finzeauch, as ane young man qualefied for the chairge, and 
 recommendit to thame be the principall of the college, and be the said 
 Mr David Wedderburne ; and for his painis and service thay give and 
 grant, and be thir presentes gives and grantes to the said Mr Alexander, 
 yeirlie, and ilk yen- during the will and plesour of the councell of this 
 burgh allanerly, the soume of a:ie hundreth pundis money to be payed 
 to him as follows, viz., — ane hundreth merkis to be payed to him be the 
 deane of gild of this burgh out of the accidentes of the deanrie of gild, and 
 fiffcie merkis be the tounis thesaurar as the annual rent of the saidis fyve 
 
1628.] RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 21 
 
 hundreth merkes, mortified as said is to that vse, to be payed at two vsuall 2.3 July 
 termes of tlie yeir, Witsonday and Martimes in winter, be equal portiones, — 
 
 Frjiscr 
 
 the first termes payment therof beginand at Martimes next to come, in this cliosin ane 
 
 instant yeir of God, j™ six hundreth tuentie and aucht yeires ; with the °]opJo„j.;3 
 
 speciall condition that the said Mr Alexander tak no kynd of scolladge of tl'e 
 
 ..... grammer 
 from any of the bairnes being within the said scoole, but that he content schoole. 
 
 himself with the said stipend of ane hundreth pundis allanerlie, during the 
 
 councellis pleasour, and that in full satisfactioun of all he can crave for 
 
 his service in the said scoole during his abode within the same ; and the 
 
 said Mr Alexander being personallie present, acceptit the said charge in 
 
 and vpon him, with the condition foirsaid, and gave his aith de fideli 
 
 administratione. 
 
 26 JSovemher 1628. 26 Nov. 
 
 1628. 
 
 The quhilk day the prouest, baillies, and counsell considering that Statute 
 
 • • • • • tVn Gil t til G 
 
 the wark of repairing of the commoun calsies of this burghe is alredye ticmolislie- 
 begun, and that the said wark is greatlie hinderit be a number of choppis ^.'^j^ppig 
 biggit and extendit on the kiugis calsie outwith the gutter ; and withall 
 haveand respect that choppis aucht not to be tollerat, as being a deformitie 
 to the kingis hie streites, and a diminesheing of the same ; thairfoir 
 statutes and ordaines quhair any choppis ar or salbe fund biggit in haill 
 or in pairt outwith the commoun gutter, vpoun any pairt of the kingis hie 
 street, that the samen salbe taken in againe within the gutter, sa that 
 samekill of any chop as is outwith the gutter salbe takin doune and 
 dimolishit, and na choppis to be biggit oiitwith the gutter in any tyme 
 comeing, but prejudise to dimolishe the haill choppis quhair thair is any 
 decreit or ordinance of counsall standand for that effect, and sic uther 
 choppis as the awnares of houssis hes not warrand of counsall to big the 
 same, and ordaines intimatioun to be maid heirof be the hand bell throw 
 the haill streitis of the toun, chairgeing all nichtbouris and inhabitantes 
 that hes choppis, or any pairt thairof outwith the commoun gutter, to tak 
 
22 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1C28. 
 
 26 Nov. 
 1628. 
 
 Statute 
 aneut the 
 demolislie- 
 ing of 
 clioppia. 
 
 17 Dec. 
 1628. 
 
 Commis- 
 sioun for 
 appre- 
 hending 
 Jesuittis 
 seminarie 
 and mess 
 preistis, 
 and 
 excom- 
 municat 
 Papists. 
 
 doune and dimolishe tlie same, and to draw thame within the gutter, that 
 the samen may be current and have passage, and that the calsies may 
 be biggit and repairit in a compleit and ordorlie forme. 
 
 17 December 1628. 
 
 The said day, in presens of the prouest, baillies, and counsall, compeiiit 
 Mr Williame Guild, minister of the kirk of King Eduard, and Mr Alexander 
 Ross, minister at the kirk of Inshe, commissionares, direct be the bishop 
 and ministris of the diocie of Aberdeine to the lordis of his Majesties most 
 houourabell Privie Couusall, anent the papistis in this diocie, and gave in 
 and exhibite befoir the saidis prouest, baillies, and couusall, ane commis- 
 sioun given be the saidis lordis for searching, seiking, taking, and appre- 
 hending of all Jesuittes, seminarie and mess preistis, and excommunicat 
 papistis : Quhilk commissioun the prouest, baillies, and couusall ordaines 
 to be registrat in the tounes bookes, ad futuram rei memoriam, quherof 
 the tenor followes : " Apud Halierudehous, secundo die mensis Decembris 
 anno domini millesimo sexcenteshno vigesimo octavo, Forsameikill as the 
 Lordis of Secret Couusall ar informed be the Commissionares frome the 
 presbitries of Aberdeine and Murray, that thair is a very great and con- 
 tinewing grouth of poprie withiu the diocies of Aberdeine and Murray, 
 and that thair insolencies, presumptioune, and pryd is come to that height 
 that they dar opinlie avow thair professioun, to the offence of God and 
 disgraice of his Maiesties governament ; they have thair ordinarie con- 
 venticles and meitingis in sindrie pairtis of the cuntrie for the exerceise 
 of thair fills religioun, and now at last sundrie Jesuites and seminarie 
 preistis haveand come frome beyond sea to this kingdome, they have 
 tane the boldnes to resort to the burghe of Aberdeine quher they have 
 poysoned dyverss of the inhabitantis thairof with thair hereticall opiniones, 
 and hes corrupted thame in thair obedience and alleageance, keiping thair 
 meitingis within the said burghe upouu the Sondayes befoir noone in tyme 
 of devyne service ; quhair they and utheris popishlie affected within the 
 
1628.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 23 
 
 said bui'ghe hes the exerceise of tliair religioun, and in all tliair puLlict ^[^^g*'" 
 
 meitingis they vaunt of tliair numberis credite and freyndship, disdaining — 
 
 . . r>ii-ii' . Commis- 
 
 and contemning the ordouns and censures oi the kirk, and gives great sioun for 
 
 occasioun of offence and scandall to the kirk and to the trew religioun f,en'(jjn„. 
 presentlie professit within the kingdome : For remeid quhairof in tyme Jcsmttis 
 comeing the Lordis of Secret Consall hes given and grantit, and he the and mess 
 tenor heirof gives and grantis full powar and commissioun, expres bidding aliT 
 and cliairge, to Patrik, Bishop of Aberdeine, and to the prouest, baillies, ^„°|^at 
 and ministeris of Aberdeine within thair awin boundis, and within the Papists, 
 boundis of the auld toune of Aberdeine, conuinctlle and seuerallie, to pas, 
 searche, seik, and tak all and sindrie Jesuittis, seminarye and mess 
 preistis, and excommunicat papistis lyand at the home, banting, frequent- 
 ing, and repairing within the said bm'ghe of Aberdene and auld toune 
 thairof, and to committ thame to ward within the tolbuthe of Aberdeine, 
 and to deteane thame thairin upoun thair awin expensses, ay and quhill thay 
 resaive directioun frome the saidis Lordis concernmg thame, with power 
 lykwayis to the saidis bishop, prouest, baillies, and ministeris to try and 
 informe thame selffis, quhen, quher, and be whome thir unlauchfull con- 
 venticles and meitingis ar keipit and holdin within the said burght of 
 Aberdeine and auld toune thairof; and accordinglie to searche, seik, tak, 
 and apprehend all sic persones who keipis the said unlauchfull conventicles 
 and meitingis, and the awnares and maisteris of housses quhair they ar 
 keipit, and to committ and deteane thame in ward in maner foirsaid : 
 And for the better executioun of this commissioun, with powar to thame 
 to convocat the inhabitantes of the said burght and auld toun sa oft as 
 neid beis in armes, and to mak oppin durris and use his Majesties keyis, 
 and to dorse and performe all and ewerie uther thing quhilk may tend to 
 the executioun of this commissioun, firme and stabill haveand and for to 
 haulde, all and quhatsumeuir thingis salbe laufullie done thairin ; chairgeing 
 and commanding heirby all and sindrie the inhabitantis within the said 
 burght, and utheris his Majesties subiectis whome it may concerne to 
 reuerence, acknawledge, and obey, concur, fortifie, and assist the saidis 
 
24 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1628—1629. 
 
 17 Dec. 
 1C28. 
 
 Commif!- 
 sioun for 
 appre- 
 hending 
 Jesuittis 
 seniinarie, 
 and mess 
 preistis, 
 and 
 excom- 
 niunicat 
 Papists. 
 
 commissionares conunctlie and seuerallie in all thingis tending to the exe- 
 cutiotin of this commissioun ; and for this effect to pnt thameselflfes in 
 armes and battens, and awate upoune the saidis commissionares. . . 
 Cliairgeing and commanding lykwayes the said Bishop of Aberdeine, 
 pronest, baillies, and ministeris thairof, that they and eurie ane of thame 
 have a speciall caii- and regaii-d to cans diligent attendence be given that 
 naine of thir Jesuittis, seminarie and mess priestis, nor na excommunicat 
 and rebellious traffecqueing papistis be sufferit to hawe resset or beild 
 within the said burght or auld toune thairof, and that na unlauchfull con- 
 venticle nor melting be keipit within the said boundis . . . and suffer 
 not thair toune to be infectit nor sclanderit with the just imputatioun of 
 suche crymes. . . • 
 
 18 Feb. 
 1629. 
 
 Ordinance 
 for bigg- 
 ing of 
 the Tol- 
 buith 
 steipill. 
 
 18 February 1629. 
 
 The samen day the prouest, baillies, and counsall thinkis it expedient 
 that the pricket of the Tolbuith steipill salbe biggit and perfyted in all 
 convenient diligence ; and that aikin tymber salbe provydit and bocht to 
 that efiect quhairevir the same maybe hed, and ordaiues the tounes 
 thesaurer to furneis moneyes for bying of the said tymber, quhilk salbe 
 allowit to him in his comptis. 
 
 1 April 
 1629. 
 
 Twa siluer 
 coupis 
 giuen be 
 Inglis for 
 serving at 
 the com- 
 munioun 
 tabillis. 
 
 1 April 1629. 
 
 The quhilk day in presens of the prouest, baillies, and counsel), 
 convenit in the counselhous, compeirit PauU Inglis, merchand burges of 
 Aberdeine, and gave in and presentit unto thame twa siluer coupis of 
 tuantie ane vnces weyght, quhilk he fi-elie gives and dedecattis to St Nicolas 
 paroche kirk of this burghe for serveing at the Lordis tabill the tyme of 
 the ministratioun of the holy communioun in all tyme comeing: Quhilkis 
 two couppis the saidis prouest, baillies, and counsall accepted, render- 
 ing thankis to the giver for his religious and charatibill dispositioun in 
 
1629.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 25 
 
 giveng tbairof for the use forsaid, and promising to male the same fiu'th i April 
 
 command to that effect ; lyke as instanthe they causit grave the said — -' 
 
 Paull Inglis name thairupoune, in memorie that he wes the giver thairof coupis 
 
 to the kirkis vse, and delyuerit the same to George Andei'soue, maister f,',gnsfor 
 
 of kii-k wark, to be keipit be him to the vse abov specifieit allanerKe, wha serving at 
 
 . . . . tl'e com- 
 
 grantis the ressett thairof, and promeissis to be comptabill, and mak the munioun 
 
 p 1 T T tabillis. 
 
 same furthcumand accordmghe. 
 
 8 April 1629. 8 April 
 
 1G29. 
 
 The prouest, baillies, and coimsall, upoun certaine gude respectis and The 
 considerationnes moveing thame, dischau-ges the maister of the grammer gnimmer 
 
 schuill 
 discliairffct 
 
 schoole of this bm-gh in giveing his scholares leive to the bent, or in 
 exacting any bent silver frome thame in tyme comeing, be resoue of the f'ojne ^ 
 inconvenientis that fallis out frequentlie be the occasioun forsaid. bent silver. 
 
 njuli/ 162d. 17 July 
 
 1629. 
 
 The said day, in presence of Paull Menzeis of Kyndmondye, prouest. Magi- 
 and Patrick Leslie, baillie, compeired William Huntar, smith, frieman of the iiuntar. 
 said burgh, and actit and oblegit him to work the yron work for the y,"'j"^';[',Ij. 
 pryckit of the Tolbuith of this burghe, sufficientlie to the contentment of of the 
 
 '11 • • n ^ Tolbuith 
 
 the magistrates and uther honest men comitted to the owersiemg of the stciplc. 
 said wark, ay and quhill the wark be compleitlie endit and perfyted : For 
 performance of the quhilk yron work of the said pryckit, to the content- 
 ment of the said magistrates, the said William faud James Mathewsone as 
 cautioner for him, and to pay and delyuer to the said magistrates of the 
 said burghe for the tyme the soume of ane hundreth pundes Scottes money, 
 in caice he failzie if he doe in the contrar, and that by and attour the 
 working of the said wark in maner forsaid ; for quhaes travelles, and 
 paines to be tane be the said William in the said bussiues, the saidis 
 magistrates of the said burghe obleissis thame and thair successouris to 
 
 1 D 
 
26 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1629. 
 
 17 July 
 1G29. 
 
 Magi- 
 strates. 
 Hiuitair. 
 Anent the 
 yron wark 
 of the 
 Tolbiiith 
 steiple. 
 22 Sep. 
 1629. 
 
 Couneell. 
 Wedder- 
 burne. 
 
 28 Oct. 
 1629. 
 
 Visitouris 
 appointit 
 for the 
 schooles. 
 
 pay to the said William, four merkes Scottes money for ilk steane of 
 wrocht yron work of the sufficiencie forsaid, and the said William actit 
 him to releiff his cautioner of the premisses, and of all that may follow 
 thairon. 
 
 22 September 1629. 
 
 The said day the prouest, baillies, and couneell for dyuerse gude 
 respectis and consideratiounes moveing thame, agries to give tuantie 
 merkis quarterlie to Mr David Wedderburne, maister of the grammar 
 schole, of augmentatioun to his stipend, of fourscoir pundis, to be payit to 
 him be the tounes thesaurar during the councellis plesour and his gude 
 deserveing allanerlie, the first quarteris payment begynnand at hallow- 
 mes nixt. 
 
 28 October 1629. 
 
 The samen day Mr Thomas Colinsone, Mr Alex. JafFray, Thomas 
 Nicolsone, Andro Meldrum, baillies ; Mr Robert Farquhar, deane of gild, 
 and Willeame Forbes, ar chosin visitouris of the schooles of this burghe 
 till Michaelmes nexttocum, quha being present, acceptit the said chairge 
 in and wpoun thame, and promist to do thair diligence thairin, and to 
 report the same to the counsall. 
 
 13 April IZ April \^m. 
 
 1630. 
 
 Solemnitie The quhilk day the prouest, baillies, and counsall, understanding that 
 at the"^'*^ Alexander lining of Drum, is to be buriet in Sanct Nicolas kirk of this 
 the Laird burghe, the xxii. day of Apryll instant, to the quhilk buriall they ar 
 of Drum, earnestlie invitit be the present Lau-d of Drum, his sone : Thau'foir, and in 
 consideratioune of the long contineuit freyndschip betuixt this toune and 
 the hous of Drum, as lyikwajas in regard that the said Alexander hes left 
 in legacie ten thousand pundis to be mortifiet for mantenance of poore 
 scholares to be brocht up in the grammer schole and college of this 
 
1630.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 27 
 
 btu'ghe, togidder with sex hundreth merkis to the edifice of our kirk, and ^^g^P''^ 
 
 four himdreth merkis to the tounes hospitall, the counsall findis it ex- ^ ^ — ^_ 
 
 pedient that the toune sail honor the buriall of the said Laird of Drum to be xisit 
 
 efter the best forme they can ; and for this effect it is appointit that the ^[„^iaii of 
 
 baillies ewerie ane within thair awin qviarter, sail inroll sa mony of the '^jj^.^JJ^^^ 
 inhabitantis for caryeing of pickis and muskattis to accompanye thair 
 magistrattis at the said buriall, lykeas they appoint the tounes great 
 ordinance to be all shott in significatioune of the tounes love and respect 
 caried to the defunct and hous of Drum. 
 
 26 Jfay 1630. 26 May 
 
 1630. 
 
 The samen day the prouest, baillies, and counsall, thay ar to say Ordinaiice 
 Paull Mengzeis of Kynmundie, prouest, Thomas Colinsone, Mr Alex, forbigging 
 Jafii-ay, Thomas Nicolsone, Andro Meldi'um, baillies ; Mr Dauid Ruther- the auld 
 fuird, Gilbert Mengzeis of Petfoddellis, Thomas Crombye of Kemnay, Mr CoUege.''^*^ 
 Robert Farquhar, deane of gild, Robert Skeyne, thesaurer, John Leslie, 
 Andro Howysoune, and Alexander Duff, findis it expedient that thair 
 be a loft biggit in the south yle of the auld kirk, and at the south 
 end of the said yle, aboue the tailzeouris dask, for the principall, regentis, 
 and studentis in the college of this burghe, in respect they find that pairt 
 to be most commodious for heiring, and most convenient for the college, 
 the entrie quhairof they ordane to be biggit outwith the kirk anent the 
 pairt forsaid, and appointis Mr Robert Farquhar, deane of gild, and George 
 Andersone, maister of kirkwark, to be maisteris of wark to the bigging of 
 the said loft, and the expenssis and chairges in bigging thairof to be payit 
 with the kirk moneyis, and quhat salbe debursit thairon, ordanes the 
 same to be allowit in the kirk comptis. 
 
 Eodem die. 
 
 Eodem die. Ordhi^nce 
 The samen day the prouest, baillies, and counsell, considering that maister of 
 the sacristar and keipar of the paroche kirk of this burgh hes beine in vse for'^.^Y^ 
 in tymes bygane to resaive payment of his fie of fourtie pundis from the ™entof tlie 
 
 stipend. 
 
28 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1G30. 
 
 Eodemdie. coUectour to the kirk sessioune out of the moneyis destinat for the poorc, 
 Ordinance whilk they find nocht agrieable with resone that the poore sould be any- 
 maister of way dcfraudit of thair dew, and thairfoh sonld be payit be the maister of 
 for'pay'-'^ kirk wark out of the kh*k moneyis, lykeas for that effect they ordane 
 mentof the Qeorge Andersone, present maister of kirk wark, to pay to Thomas Co wye, 
 stipend. secraster, fouvtie pundis money for his fie, of the Martimes and Witsonday 
 termes last bypast, and siclyke ordanes the maister of kirk wark and his 
 successouris to pay the said fourtie pundis yeirHe in tyme comeing to the 
 said Thomas and his successouris, sacristares, and keipares of the ku-k for 
 the tyme, at Witsondey and Mertimes in wynter, be equall portiounes, 
 whilk salbe allowit to him in his comptis. 
 
 4 June 
 1C30. 
 
 Solemnitie 
 to be usit 
 for the 
 Queenes 
 delyuerie 
 of a yong 
 sone. 
 
 4 June 1630. 
 
 The said day the prouest, bailhes, and counsall having this morning 
 received a letter frome the Lordis of his Majesties most honourabell Privie 
 Councell, mackand mentioune that they have laitlie resauit adverteisment 
 of the Queenes Majestie hu- most happie and comfortable delyuerie of a 
 sone, to the exceiding great blissing of this natioune, for the which, as it 
 becometh gude subiectis to expres thair joy in most solemne maner, so 
 they thocht gude to adverteis this burghe thairof, to the intent they may 
 give ordour and directioune for using a solemnitie within the same, in 
 suche ample and full maner as at any tyme heirtofoir they hawe beine 
 accusturaed, as at mair lenth wes conteinit in the said letter, daitit at 
 Halieruidhous, the secund day of Junii instant, quhilk being red in coun- 
 sall, they all gave praise to God for suche joyfull newis, and ordainit the 
 samen to be presentlie published and divulgat to all the inhabitantis of 
 this burghe, that they may give praise to God for these gude tydingis ; 
 and for this effect ordaines the toune to be warnit be sound of trumpet at 
 the mercat croce, and be the drunii passand throw the haill streittes of the 
 touue, to assemble thameselffis this efteruoone in thair pariohe Idrk, and 
 thair to give most humble and hartie thankis to God for hir Maiesties 
 
1G30.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGII OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 29 
 
 hcippie delyiicrie of a sone ; and efter ending of sermone, ordaines bonefyires 4 June 
 to be put on throw all the streittes of the tonne, the haill bellis to ring, ^ ^ — 
 the croce to be deckit and hung, a taffill to be coverit thairat, twa peice to be usit 
 of "wyne, ane quhyit and the uther clairat, to be run thairat, and given to Qygglfgg 
 all that pleasses call for the same, the sugar and spyce to be brocht thither 
 in gi'eat abundance, a number of glasses to be cassin, the tounes haill sone. 
 great ordinance to be shott, and all the youthes of the toime to tak thair 
 muskattis and accompanye thair magistrattis throw the streittes of the 
 toune in singing psalmes and praising God ; thairefter to pas the tyme in 
 shuitting than- muskattis all the nicht ower at thair plesom-, and all godlie 
 meiTiness and pastyme usit that may expres the joy and gladnes of the 
 hartis of the people : And ordaines the deane of gild and thesaurer to 
 furnishe the pulder, wyne, suggar, and glasses to the crowd forsaid, as is 
 above devysit, and the expensses to be debursit thairon the comisall or- 
 daines to be allowit to thame in thair comptis. 
 
 9 June 1630. 9 June 
 
 1630. 
 
 The samen day the prouest, baillies, and counsall thinkis it expedient 
 that ane commissioun be procured frome the Lordis of his Majesties most ing of 
 honourabell Privie Counsell to the Shirefif of Aberdeine and his deputes, 
 prouest, and baillies of Aberdeine, for apprehending of all these wemen that 
 wer given up and delaited be Marioun Hardie, as witches, and ordaines the 
 said Marioun Bardie's depositioun thairanent to be drawin up, and to be 
 subscrivit be the Bishop of Aberdeine, and be the magistrattis and ministeris 
 of this burghe, for the better procuiring of the said commissioim, and the 
 deane of gild to deburse the chairges thairon, quhilk salbe allowit in his 
 comptis. 
 
 14 July 1630. 
 
 ]4 July 
 1630. 
 
 Anent the 
 
 The said day the prouest, baillies, and counsall ordaines the soume mer of Mr 
 of fourtie pundis to be given to Mr Dauid Wedderburne, maister of the Hume. 
 
30 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1630. 
 
 14 July Grammer schole, for making his cliairges to Edinburgh, being chairgeit to 
 
 1G30. , 
 
 ^ —J compeu: befor the Lordis of Privie Counsall, anent the new grammer set 
 
 new gram- out be Mr Alexander Hume, quhilk soume they ordaine to be peyit to 
 
 Alex?^ ^^^^ Dauid, be Robert Skeine, thesaurer, and the same to be allowit 
 
 Hume. Iq ijjj^ ijig comptis. 
 
 28 July 
 1630. 
 
 Chalmer 
 admittit 
 doctour 
 of the 
 grammer 
 schoole in 
 place of 
 Fraser. 
 
 28 July 1630. 
 
 The said day the prouest, baillies, and councell considering that Mr 
 Alex. Fraser, ane of the doctouris of the grammer schole of this burghe, 
 hes demittet the place in thair handis, be resone of his resolutioun to employ 
 his studies elsquhair, and that Mr Thomas Chalmer, sone to vmquhill Mr 
 Thomas Chalmer, burges of the said bm-ghe, a tounes bairne, is a meit and 
 qualefiet youthe fitt for supplie of the said roume, thairfoir they have 
 nominat and electit, and be thir presentes nominatis and electis the said 
 Mr Thomas Chalmer to be ane of the doctouris of the said grammer schoole 
 in place of the said Mr Alexander Fraser, and for his paynes and travellis 
 they give and grant to the said Mr Thomas, yearlie, and ilk yeir during 
 the will and plesour of the counsall allanerlie, the soume of arie hundreth 
 pundis of stipend, to be payit to him as followes, viz., — the soume of 
 ane hundi*eth merkis be the deane of gild out of the accidentis of the 
 deanrie of gild, and fyftie merkis be the tounes thesaurar for the annual 
 rent of fyve hundreth merkis mortifiet be a nichtbour of the toune, as a 
 supplie of the provisioun appointit for the second doctour of the said 
 schole ; and that at twa vsuall termes of the yeir, Witsunday, and Martimes 
 in Avinter, be equall portiones, the first termes payment thau-of begynand 
 at Martimes nixt, j™ vi'' and threttie yeuis instant, with this speciall con- 
 ditioune, that the said Mr Thomas tak no kynd of scoUadge from any 
 bairnes within the said schole, but that he content him selff with the said 
 stipend of ane hundreth pundis during the counsallis plesour allanerlie, in 
 satisfactioime of all that he can crave for his service in the said schole, sa 
 lang as he abydes within the samen ; and the said Mr Thomas being per- 
 
1630.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 31 
 
 sonallie present, acceptit the said chaii'ge in and upoun him, with the con- 28 July 
 ditioun forsaid. — 
 
 Chalmer 
 
 21 October 1630. 
 
 of the 
 
 The quhilk day the haill gild brethrein of this burghe being warnit grammer 
 to this day be the hand bell, and conveinand for the maist pairt within place of 
 the Tolbuith, it wes exponit to thame be Robert Alexander, deane of gild, ^g^j^Q^j. 
 that the toune of Edinburghe had latlie directit missive to this burghe, 1C30. 
 desyrand ane commissioner to meit with the burrowes at Edinbm-ghe, The Gild 
 upoun the tuantie aucht day of October instant, tutcheing the plantatioun answer"'" 
 of a bushe fisheing, vrgeit be the kingis maiestie, lykeas conforme ^"d'lt'o'se 
 
 °' ° o ' •/ concerning 
 
 thahto the counsall had alreadie nominat Maister Vedaet Lowsone, com- the bushe 
 
 missionar for this burghe, for helping of the said Conventioune; and becaus 
 the mater of the said fisheing concernis the said gild brethreine in par- 
 ticular, and that the said toune of Edinburghe had directit heir certain 
 articles and overtures to be advyseit and answerit to be the said com- 
 missionar, at the said melting the said deane of gild causit the samen 
 "articles to be publictlie red in presens of the said gild brethrein, whilkis 
 ai'ticles and answeris maid thairto ar hehin insert as followes, viz., — First, 
 gif our associatioun with England be expedient. It wes refuisit. Item, 
 gif the Englishe, obeying the lawes of the countrie, may be sufferit to 
 plant in ane pairt of the Yles : it wes refuisit vnto the tyme thair be ane 
 vnioun, becaus the burrowes will undertak the fisheing be thame selffis, 
 and it is onlie proper to thame be thair liberties. 
 
 Item, the burrowis vndertaking the fisheing, gif it be expedient that 
 the nobilitie and gentrie be admittet to stok with thame : answerit, that 
 they will be content to admitt thair stoking, with conditioun that thay 
 have not libertie to import any commodities from forrane cimtries, except 
 so muche as may serve for the furniture of thair awin houssis allanerlie. 
 
 Item, gif thay salbe admittit, how far thair stok salbe adventurit in 
 exporting and importing, and wpoun quhat conditioun thay salbe ad- 
 mittet, and gif thay salbe refuisit, gif the burrowes will undertak it allane? 
 
 fisheing. 
 
32 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1630. 
 
 Aud if the burrowes condiscend to vndertak it, in quhat maner, if as thay 
 vse it presantHe be burgessis at thair pleasour, or in ane companye ? For 
 answer, the gild brethreiue agries that the burrowes vndertak the fisheing 
 be thame selffis aUane, provydiug it be done be the burgessis of everie 
 burghe at thair plesure, and nawayes to be done be companyes. 
 
 1 December 1630. 
 1 Dec. 
 
 1630. The said day the prouest, bailHes, and counsel! haveand considera- 
 
 Ordinance tioun that the new grammer laitlie reformed be Mr David Wedderbume, 
 to the ... 
 
 thesaurer maister of the grammer schuile of this burghe, can nather be printit nor 
 of Wedder- publisllit for the vse of yong scholares, whome the same concernis, vnto 
 burne. tyme the same resaive approbatioune from the Lordis of Counsall : 
 
 thairfoir they have thocht meit and expedient that the said Mr David 
 address himself with the said wark to Edinburgh, in all convenient dili- 
 gence for procuring the saidis Lordis thair approbatioun thairto, and 
 ordaines the soume of ane hundreth pundis money to be debursit to him 
 be the tounes thesaurer for making of his expenssis in the said erand. 
 
 21 Oct. 
 
 1G30. 
 
 Tlielsikl 
 
 brcthrcnis 
 
 answer 
 
 and advysc 
 
 concerning 
 
 the Bushe 
 
 fisheing. 
 
 1 Dec. 
 1G30. 
 
 1 December 1630. 
 
 Xi lib of The counsall grantis fourtie pundis of fee yeirlie to Robert Mailing, 
 
 to Mailing for his paynes in rewling of the tounes time clokes to witt, the kirk 
 
 Ihig'the' clok, Gray Frier clok, ku'k and Tolbuith clokes, and ordaines the tounes 
 
 tounes thesaurer to ansuer him of tuantie merkis, and the Mr of kirk wark of 
 clokes. 
 
 fourtie merkis yen-lie, in compleit payment of the said soume during his 
 service, at tua vsuall termes in the yeir, Witsonday and Martimes in 
 wynter, be equall portiounes, begynnand the first termes payment at Mar- 
 times last, and so furth yeirlie thairefter, ay and quhill he be dischargit be 
 the counsall. 
 
1631.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 33 
 
 9 March 1631. 9 March 
 
 1631. 
 
 The said day the prouest, baillies, new and auld councellis, haveand Ordinance 
 consideratiotme that the hospitall of this burghe, quhilk wes fandit of auld "n^auouris 
 in the years of God 1459, be vmquhill Mr John Clatt, channon of Aber- ygj^iug^f 
 deine, who in his tyme fiindit the hous quhilk is the hospitall, togidder theTowncs 
 with ane annual rent of four pundis money out of Mondynes, within the 
 Schyrreffdome of Kincardyn, and some Ruiddis in the toun of Kiatoir, for 
 mantenance of ane cheplane to serve in the said hospitall, is now of laite, 
 within these thrie yeiris bygane, not onlie repaired and enlarged in the 
 edifice thairof, both in lenth and hight, and maid meikill more commodious 
 and easefuU for Bedallis then it wes abefoir ; bot lyekwayis thair is morti- 
 fiet and given thairwnto be the liberalitie and cheritie of gild burgessis 
 of this burgh, dy verse soumes of money, quhilk now be the cairful owersicht 
 and manageing of the magistrattis and councell of this binrghe for the 
 tyme, is incressed and come to suche grouthe, that the annual rent thairof 
 will intertaine some fyve or sex honest decayed brethrein of gild of this 
 burghe, in meait and clotheing eftir a decent and comelie forme ; and since, 
 praised be God, the rent of the mortifiet moneyis to the said hospitall is 
 growin to suche perfectioune be the liberalitie and charitie of merchandis, 
 gild burgessis of this burghe, thay find that nane sould injoy that benefite, 
 nor be admittit, nor plaiced in the said hospitall, except onlie decayit 
 brethren of gild of this burghe ; as lyekwayes they find that these quha 
 ar alredye admittit, and suche as salbe admittit in the said hospitall heir- 
 efter, sould have competent provisioun and allowance for thair honest 
 intertainement in meait and clothing in all tyme comeiug, that thay be 
 not burdinable nor chairgeabill to any ; and for this efi"ect, haveand con- 
 venit dyverse of the gild brethrein of this burghe, wha had frielie given 
 and mortifiet of thair meanes to the said hospitall, efter mature delibera- 
 tioune and advysement, the saidis new and auld councellis be advyse 
 foirsaid, appointis, ordanes, and allowes to everie bedall within the said 
 1 E 
 
34 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1631. 
 
 9 March hospitall alredie adraittit, and that salhappin to be admittit within the 
 
 - — ' samen heii'efter be the magistrattis and councell of this burghe for the 
 
 of CounsaU tyme, the soume of ane hundreth pundis Scottis money yeirlie, for than* 
 
 of the°""* mantenance and provisioun, to be payit to everie ane of thame monthHe, 
 
 Bedallisof out of the rediest of the rentis of the said hospitall be the maister thairof 
 the Tonnes 
 
 hospitale. for the tyme, extending ilk month to the soume of aucht pnndis sex schil- 
 lingis aucht pennyes, the first monethis peyment begyuand wpon the 
 first day of Apryill nixt to cum, and so furth to be payit proportionallie ilk 
 moneth in all tyme comeing ; as lyikwayis by and attour thair ordinar 
 allowance forsaid for thair alimentar chairges, the saidis new and auld 
 connsallis appoints and ordanes that thair salbe gownes, sarkis, hoise, and 
 shoes furneist to everie ane of the saidis bedallis as than* necessitie sail 
 requyre, be the sicht and directioun of the counsall of this bm'ghe for the 
 tyme : And in lyik maner, thay declair and ordane that the cull our of thair 
 gownes and habitt salbe sad tannis in all tyme comeing : And appoints 
 and ordanes twa hundreth towns loadis of peites to be yeu-lie given and 
 laid in to thame be the maister of the said hospitall for the tyme : Lyke- 
 as thay appoint Paull Inglis, present maister of hospital, to give and fur- 
 nishe to thame sex plaites, sex trinsheouris, twa brotclothes, sex servioles, 
 twa pottes, twa pannes, ane speit, ane pau* of rax, ane cruik and tanges, 
 and ane laiddill : As also to furnishe and give gownes and clothes to the 
 thrie present bedallis alredie enterit in the said hospitall — To witt, James 
 Leslie, Willeame Thomesone, and Robert Stewart, all gild burgessis of 
 this bm-ghe, of sad tannis, Inglis cloth or Scoths clothe, as he may most 
 commodiouslie have the same, and quhat the said maister of hospitall 
 deburssis thairwpoune, is ordanit to be allowit to him in his comptis : 
 Witli speciall alwayes conditioun and provisioun, that the saidis bedallis 
 and thair successoris wha salhappin to be plaiced and admittit within the 
 said hospitall at any tyme heu-efter, salbe all singill persones wanting 
 wyiffes, and that thay keep thair ordinarie dyet at bed and buhd within 
 the samen hospitall, and onnawayes be fund vaiging on the streites, nor 
 drinking in ailhousses nor tavernes, nather yet passing out of the towne 
 
1631.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 35 
 
 to landward or elsqiihair, without licience of the magistrattis of the said 9 Marcli 
 
 burghe for the tyme had and obtenit thairto : And lyikwayes, that everie — ' 
 
 morning and evening thay convene alltogidder in thair oratour, and have o/coun"an 
 
 thair ordinar pubhct prayeris for the King, the Kirk, the Tonne of Aber- "J th"*'""'' 
 
 deine, and all thair benefactouris, efter reiding of ane chaptoiir in the Bedallisof 
 
 . the Tounes 
 
 Bybill ilk morning and evenmg: And that they, and euene ane of thame hospitale. 
 
 be present at the sermones and prayeris appointit for thame : And keip 
 
 and observe the injunctiones foirsaidis, and all other injunctiounes to be 
 
 set downe to thame heirefter, be the councell of this burghe for the tyme, 
 
 vnder the pains of deprivatioune. 
 
 30 Jiarc/i 1631. 30 March 
 
 1631. 
 
 The quhilk day the prouest, baillies, and councell gives and grantis Ordinance 
 to Mr David Wedderburne, maister of thair grammer schole, the soume of Tliesaurer 
 ane hundreth merkis money to help to defray the greit chairges quhairin "ffygj^jjfy 
 he hes bein drawin be his long attendance in Edinburgh, Sanctandrews, bume. 
 and Glasgow, in the purches and obteining of the councel and clergies of 
 this kingdome, thair approbatioun and allowance to his new reformed 
 grammer, to be payit to him be Alex. Stewart, thesaurer, quhilk soume 
 they ordane to be allowit to the said thesaurer in his comptis. 
 
 4 May 1631. 4 May 
 
 ^ 1631. 
 
 The said day it is statute and ordainit be resone of the great in- Ordinance 
 solencie of scholares at nicht-walkis, some attending thair parentis, and scliolares 
 wtheris the maister of the musick scholl, in a gi-eater number then may lo^jyik"^ 
 Bufficientlie serve at sic occasiounes ; that na scholar within this burghe '"'^ll^'s- 
 salbe siTflferit to repau' to any lyik or nicht walk in tyme comeing, except 
 onlie four scholares of the musik schole, whan the maister himseHf is 
 desyrit : And ordaines intimatioun heirof to be maid to Patrick Dauidsone, 
 maister of the said musick schole, to the effect he pretend no ignorance, 
 
36 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1631. 
 
 \ 63 1^ ^^^^ certificatioun gif he contra veine this present ordinance, to be dischargit 
 
 — frome any lyikwalk heireftir himselff. 
 
 Ordinance 
 
 againis 
 
 scholares 
 
 repairing 22 June 1631. 
 
 to lyik 
 
 walkis 
 
 22 June ^^^^ ^^7 presens of the prouest, baillies, and councell, com- 
 
 1631. peirit Mr Robert Barone, ane of the ordinar ministeris of this burghe, and 
 
 Anent tiie (Jeclau-it that certain weill affected nichtbouris of the tonne had grantit to 
 planta- _ <^ _ 
 
 tioneoftlie a voluntarie contribntioune of fyve thousand and four hundreth merkis, 
 Futtie. Scottis money, or thairabout, whUk wes devysit be thame to be mortifiet 
 and employit on annnallrent in all tyme comeing, for provisioun of ane 
 minister to the kirk of Futtie, desyrand thau-fou* that thair wisdomes wald 
 be pleased to tak the necessitie of that plantatioune to thair serious con- 
 sideratioune, and to deliberat in dew tyme anent the finding out of a 
 qualifiet persone to fill the roume, sieing the moneyis grantit ar to be 
 payit at Martimes nixt ; whairanent the saids prouest, baillies, and 
 councell advysing, and being can-full (in respect of the said mortificatioun, 
 and necessitie of the poore people of Futtie, whome that mater doeth 
 chieflie concern e) to have the roume plantit with all convenient diligence, 
 thau-foir they thocht meit and expedient to deall -with Mr Alexander 
 Ross, minister at Inshe, a tounes bairne, for undertaking of the chairge of 
 the ministrie at the said kirk of Futtie; and for that effect instantlie 
 nominat Mr Vedast Lowsone, baillie, to deall with the said Mr Alexander 
 thairanent, in the toimes name, and to report his diligence to the counsall 
 this day aucht dayis. 
 
 11 Sept. 11 September 1631. 
 
 1031. ^ 
 
 Oldmance The councell ordaines the thesaurer to pay to George Andersone 
 
 to tilG 
 
 Thesaurer. twentie-fyve pundis ane sh., debursit be him on the wark of the tolbuith 
 steipell, whilk salbe allowit to the said thesaurer in the comptis. 
 
1631.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 37 
 
 14th September 1631. ^\UT' 
 The said day in presens of the prouest, baillies, and counsall, com- A Bybill 
 peirit personallie Gilbert Hervye, elder, and gave in ane great bybill to Henry to 
 serve for the use of the beddallis in all tyme comeing : Lykeas the same ®" 
 VP'es instantlie delyuerit to Paull Inglis, maister of St Thomas Hospitall 
 to that eflfect ; and the said PauU ordainit to cans chengzie the same to 
 the Latrone of the Oratorie of the said hospitall. 
 
 5 October 1631. 5 October 
 
 1631. 
 
 Item, it is statute and ordanit that thair salbe no kynd of fleshe or 
 vivares bocht or sauld on the mercat day, or any mercat or arles given begining 
 thairwpon in tyme comeing, till aucht houris in the morning at the ^grcattis. 
 soonest, neither sail it be lesum to any flesher, frie or unfrie, to cixtt 
 and carve thair beifF and muttone on the shulderis and flankis as vsuallie 
 hes beine heirtofoir, nor yit to spuilzie the caircages of beiff or muttone in 
 the craig, spar rib, or any wther pairt quhatsumeuer, under the payne of 
 fourtie shillingis, to be exacted of the contraveinur for the first fault, and 
 confiscatioun of the beiff and muttoun so spuilziet or carved, for the 
 secund fault, to the vse of the tounes hospitall ; and that na mercat be 
 maid on meill and malt befoir tuelff houris in the day at soonest, accord- 
 ing to the auld statutes maid thahanent of befoir. 
 
 Eodemdie. Eodemdie. 
 
 Item, the prouest, baillies, and counsall ratifies and approves the tiomfe^of 
 statutes and ordinances maid be thair predecessouris, magistrattis, and gt^tuto 
 counsall of this burghe, againis blasphemares of Goddis holie name, pro- 
 phaneris and brakeris of the Lordis Sabbothe, with the statutes maid 
 againis cowperis, wobsteris, cordoneris, and purchessares of suspen- 
 siounes and advocatiounes againis the magistrattis and counsall of the 
 
38 EXTRACTS FROM THE [1631 
 
 Eodemdie. same biirglie : ressettaris of strangeris and settaris of houssis to thame 
 Ratifica- without licience of the magistrattis, and anent the keiping of the loche 
 the aiikl and burne fx'om filthe and polutioune ; againis keipares and gaddereris of 
 statutes. middingis on the commonn streites ; againis all abstracteris of cornes fi-om 
 the tounes commoun mylnes : anent officiares for wearing daylie thair 
 siiirdis and halbertis, and all and sindrie wther actis, constitutioimes, 
 and ordinances quhatsumeuer maid be thair predicessouris for observeing 
 gude rewle and ordour within this burghe, to be keipit and observit be the 
 nichtbouris and inhabitantis of the samen efter the forme and tenour 
 thairof in all poyntis, vnder the paines conteinit in the saidis actis to be 
 wpliftit of the contraveinares, but favour. 
 
 12 October 12 October 1631. 
 
 1631. 
 
 Onlinance The said day the prouest, baillies, and counsall thinkes it raeit and 
 
 oTa'^^'°^ expedient for the ease of the fleshouris, friemen of this burghe, and 
 fleshous. advancement of the tounes commoun gude, that a fleshous salbe biggit 
 in all convenient deligence, at the back of the tounes new hous, on the 
 north syid of the castell gett, and nominatis George Moresone, deane of 
 gild, maister of wark to the bigging therof, wha is ordainit to provyd 
 materiallis therto, and the expenssis to be debursit be him thairwpon, to 
 be allowit to the said deane of gild in his comptis. 
 
 Eodemdie. Eodem die. 
 
 againis The samen day the prouest, baillies, and counsall hes statute and 
 
 fleshouns. ]iha,i na fleshour within this burghe, shall slay ony nolt, sheip, nor 
 
 wther gudes, nor bestiall, wpoun the kingis hie streites, nor without 
 housses, in tyme comeing, vnder the payne of fourtie shillingis, to be 
 peyit be the contraveinar to the deane of gild, toties quoties, as they 
 sal happin to failzie thauin. 
 
1631—1632.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 39 
 
 2 November 1631. 2 Nov. 
 
 1C31. 
 
 The said day the prouest, baillies, and counsall ordanes Johnne Ordinance 
 Leslie, thesaurar, to debiirse to Mr James Rait, minister at Mariekirk, the xhesaurer. 
 soume of ane hnndreth merkis Scottis money quhilk wes grantit to him 
 abefoir be act of counsall of the dait, the sex day of November 1627, of 
 help to the bigging of the brig of Lnther, and reparatioun of the north- 
 watter brig, be resine the wark is neir perfytit alredy. 
 
 21 December 1631. 21 Dec. 
 
 1G31. 
 
 The prouest, baillies, and counsall ordanes George Moreson, deane Ordinance 
 of gild, to visite the vaultis of the wardhous, and to caus help, and repair Deane of 
 thame in all convenient diligence, the expenssis quhairof salbe allowit to 
 the said deane of gild in his comptis. 
 
 21 December 1631. 21 Dec. 
 
 1631.' 
 
 The said day the councell, considdering the great paynes takin be Ordinance 
 Robert Melvill in rewling of the tounes three clokis, towitt the kirk, J," MeluiU ' 
 gray frier, and tolbuith clockis, grantis to him tuantie merkis of augmen- 
 tatioun to his ordinarie stipend of fourtie lib, mackand now in all four- 
 scoir merkis money, thairof feftie merkis to be payit to him be the maister 
 of kii'kwark for the twa kirk clokis, and tuantie pundis be the tounes 
 thesaurer for the tolbuith clok yeirlie, at Witsonday and Martimes in 
 winter, be equall portiounes, the first termes peyment begynnand at 
 Martimes last bypast. 
 
 25 January 1632. 25 Jan. 
 
 1632.' 
 
 The said day the prouest, baillies, and counsall ordanis Mr Vedast Ordinance 
 Lowsone, maister of kirkwark, to putt wp commodious seittis and shelffis maister of 
 
 kirk wark. 
 
40 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1632. 
 
 25 Jan. in the Colledge Librarie for the vse of the bookes and studentis thairin ; 
 
 and appointes the haill bookes within the kirk librarie to be transportit 
 to the to the said librarie within the Colledge, thairia to remaine in all tyme 
 Srk w'iirk comeiug : And for this effect the saidis bookes to be put in inventar and 
 catalogue, and delyverit accordinglie to the bibliothecar be the said Mr 
 Vedast Lowsone, and quhat expenssis he deburssis in putting wp of the 
 saidis seattis and shelffis, the counsall ordanis to be allowit to him in his 
 comptis. 
 
 8 February S February 1632. 
 1632. 
 
 Ordinance The said day the prouest, baillies, and counsall ordanis the tounes 
 
 of'^bellfm twa drummeris to go throw the haUl streites of this burghe togidder 
 
 houris at daylie, heirefter at four houris in the morning, and aught houris at nicht ; 
 
 evin, and and Johne Pollak, as the yonger man, is ordanit to pas to Andro Inglis 
 
 fyuehoui-is . „ , . . , ^ . ^ ^ 
 
 in the hous at all occasiounes lor keipmg the saidis dyetis : Lykeas they appoint 
 
 ane of the great bellis in the kirk steipUl, with the commoun bell, and 
 
 the bell of the gray frier ku'k, to be rung euerie day in tyme comeing, the 
 
 spaice of halff ane hour, at fyve houris in the mornmg, and nyne houris at 
 
 ewin. 
 
 morning. 
 
 Eodemdie. Eodem die. 
 Contract 
 
 betwixt The quhilk day the prouest, baillies, and counsall admittis and 
 
 of Aber- receaves Mr Robert Dounye, bibliothecar of the tounis librarie within 
 
 Mr^Robert colledge of this burgh, during all the dayis of his lyiftym, wpoun the 
 
 conditiounes specifiet in the contract underwritten, past betwixt the 
 Bibliothe- f _ ' 
 
 car. counsall and him thairanent : Quhilk contract, be mutuall consent of both 
 
 the pairties, is ordanit to be registrat in the tounes bookes ad futurarn rei 
 memoriam, and to the effect executioun may be direct thairin, as neid 
 beis in maner specifiet thairiatill, off the quhilk contract the tennour 
 followes : — " At Aberdeine, the aucht day of Februar, the yeir of God, j" 
 
1632.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 41 
 
 sex hundreth tlirettie twa yeii-is, It is appontit and agriet betwixt the Eodemdie. 
 richt honorabill Paull Mengzies of Kynmundie, prouest of the burglie of Contract 
 Aberdeine, Thomas CoHnsone, Mr Alexander Jaffray, Andro Meldrum, tlieTowne 
 George Johnstoun, baillies of the said burgh, George Moresone, dean of ^[.j^^ ",^,1 
 gild, and Johue Leslie, thesaurar of the same burghe, for thame selffis, be ^^'1^^^°^^' ' 
 vertew of thair generall offices, and in name and behalif of the councell Bibliothe- 
 and communitie of the said burghe on the ane pairt, and Mr Robert 
 Dounye, sone lawfull to vmquhill Williame Dounye in Banchorie, on the 
 wther pau't, in forme, substance, and effect efter following — that is to 
 say, Forsameikill as vmqiihill Thomas Reid, Esquire, Secretar for the 
 Latine tongue to our late Soverane, King James of blessed memorie, for 
 the love he caiyed to the said touue of Aberdeine, and wishing the new 
 colledge and scholes thairof sould florishe, be his letter will and testa- 
 ment, left in legacie to the said tonne of Aberdeine his whole librarie of 
 bookes, quhilkis bookes he ordauit to be put in the bibliothek of the said 
 new colledge, thah'in to remaine in all tyme comeing : And withall the 
 said vmqiihill Thomas, haveand consideratioun that ane bibliothecar wes 
 requyrit in suche a citie, wha sould be comptabill for the saidis bookes to 
 the consall and clergie of the said toune and colledge, according to the 
 catalogues of his resset, and that thair could be nane had without a 
 meanes quhairby to leive, thaii-foir he left in legacie the soume of sex 
 thousand merkis Scottis money, as a patrimonie be the quhilk the biblio- 
 thecar of the said bibliothek micht leive, whilk soume he ordanit to be 
 imployit wpoun annuallrent be the prouest, baillies, and counsall of the 
 said burgh of Aberdeine, with advyse of Mr Robert and Mr Adame Reidis, 
 his brether german, ay and while the annuallrent thairof sould accress 
 with the stok to suche proportioune as the samen micht by so meikle 
 gude land lyand within the said burghe or schirrefdome of Aberdeine, as 
 sould pay yeMie of siluer rent the soume of sex hundreth merkis money 
 foirsaid, whilk soume of sex hundreth merkis as the yeirlie rent and 
 dewtie of the said land, be destinat, mortifeit, and appointit to be given 
 for mantenance of a bibliothecar and keipar of the said bibliothek in all 
 1 p 
 
42 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1632. 
 
 car. 
 
 Eodem die. aiges to come ; lykeas he nominat and designit the said Mr Robert 
 Contract Dounye, his sister sone, to the said office, and to the rent and benefite 
 the I'owne thairof induring his lyftyme, whome he appointit to hold the doore of the 
 dein'and ^^^^ bibHothek opin and patent four dayis in the weik, to the effect the 
 Mr Robert schollares and clert>;ie of the said burghe of Aberdeine micht haue the vse 
 
 Douny, ... 
 
 Bibliotlie- of the saidis bookes within the samen ; lykeas also he nominat and 
 appointit the prouest, baillies, and comisall of the said burghe of Aber- 
 deine for the tyme, as haueing the cair and chah-ge of the manageing of 
 the saidis moneyis, and wah-ing of the samen wpon the bying of land, to 
 be perpetuall patrones of the said bibliothecar, and to haue the full power 
 of his nominatiouii and admissioun in all tyme comeing, as the said 
 vmquhill Thomas, his letterwill and testament, daited at London, the 
 nynteine day of May, the yeir of God, j"" sex hundreth tuantie-four 
 yeris, at lenth proportis, conforme quhairwnto the prouest, baillies, and 
 counsall of the said burghe for the tyme, receaved fi-om the executom-is 
 of the said vmquhill Thomas Reid, his whole librarie of bookes, according 
 to the catalogue thairof, quhilkis were all impute be thame in the librarie 
 of the said colledge, and ar yet all extant within the samen, in als gude 
 caice as they wer the tyme of thair ressett and intromissioun thairwith ; 
 lykeas also they resaived frome the saidis executom-is at the feast of 
 Martimes, in the yeir of God sex hundi'eth tuantie-fyve yeiris, the 
 soume of thrie thousand four hrmdreth thretteine pundis twa shillinges 
 wsuall Scottis money, in satisfactioune of the said legasie of sex thowsand 
 merkis, becaus the remanent thairof wes exliausted, pau'tlie for quote and 
 confirmatioune, and pau-tlie evicted frome the saidis executoris, sen the 
 deceas of the said vmquhill Thomas, for unknowin debtis not conteinit in 
 his testament : Quhilk soume of thrie thowsand four hundreth threttein 
 pundis twa shillingis, be the cau-full manageiug of the prouest, baillies, 
 and counsall of the said burgh for the tyme, hes accressed with the 
 annuallrentis thairof, sen the tyme fou-said of the said toune of Aberdeine 
 than- mtromissioun with the samen, to the soume of sex thousand pimdis 
 money foirsaid, whairwith they entend, God willing, how sone thay can 
 
1G32.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 43 
 
 car. 
 
 find convenient occasioune, to by so mnche laud as will extend to sex Eodemdie. 
 hundreth merkis money in yeirlie rent, or sex chalderis of victnall, to be a Contract 
 constant provisioun and stipend to tlie said bibliothecar in all tyme come- the Towne 
 ing, for implement of the will of the defunct ; and, in the mid tyme, till (]ei^^!|^nd 
 the said occasioune of bying some peice of land may be had, and to the Mr Robert 
 intent that the saidis schollares and clergie of the said tonne and colledge Bibliothe- 
 be not longer frustrat of the wse and benefite of the saidis buikis, the 
 saidis protiest, baillies, and counsall hes admittit and resauit, and be 
 thir pi-esentis admittis and resaives the said Mr Robert Dounye biblio- 
 thecar of the said librarie during all the dayis of his lyiftyme, wha pre- 
 sentlie lies acceptit, and be thir presentis acceptis the said chairge and 
 office in and wpoun him, wpoun the conditiounes underwrittin — that is to 
 say, the said Mr Robert grantis him to have resaved the day and dait 
 heu-of fi-om the saidis prouest, baillies, and counsall, the haill buikis within 
 tlie said librarie, whilkis apperteinit to the said vmquhill Thomas Reid, 
 Esquyer, with the haill bookes left to the said colledge be vmquhill Mr 
 Duncan Liddell, doctor in phisick, togidder also with all wther buikis 
 within the said librarie, giuen thairwnto be quhatsumeiier persone or per- 
 sones at any tyme bygaine, conforme to the severale catalogues thairof 
 subscryveit be the said Mr Robert; lykeas the said Mr Robert bindis 
 and obleissis him, his airis, executouris, assignayis, and successouris 
 quhatsumetier, to keip the saidis haill bookis, and to mak thame extant 
 and farthcumand within the said librarie, with all wther bookis that 
 happinis to be given and put within the said librarie thairefter, during 
 the said Mr Robert hes lyftyme, comforme to the catalogues maid and to 
 be maid thairwpoune ; and lyikwayes the said Mr Robert, conforme to 
 the will of the fundater, sail hold the doore of the librarie patent and 
 opin four dayes of the week the whole yeir, alsweill in tyme of vacance as 
 at other tymes, to witt, Monday, Wedinsday, Freday, and Saturday, 
 euerie ane of these dayes in sommer, frome sevin houris till allevin afoir- 
 noone, and frome twa till five in the eftirnoone ; and in the winter tyme, 
 frome nyne till tuelfif in the afoirnoone, and frome twa till four houris in 
 
44 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1632. 
 
 car. 
 
 Eotlem die. the efternooiie : and siclyik he sail .admitt no schollar to be ane ordinar 
 Contract student within the said librarie without ane subscryuet warrand fi'om the 
 
 l)Gtvvixt 
 
 tlic Towne magistrattis and counsall of Aberdeine, and these wha salbe depute be 
 dein'and thame : whilkis students at thair entrie to the said librarie, sail give thair 
 Douny^*^ ' ^^^^ they sail not tak out ane book forth thairof, nather sail they 
 
 Bibliothc- blot any book, nor tear the leaves of ane book, nor fold the leaff of ane 
 book, quhamn gif they contraveine, they sail pay the triple of the pryce 
 of the book : whilk warrand for admissioun of the saidis studentis to the 
 said librarie, the said Mr Robert sail keip and registrat the whole names 
 of the saidis studentis in ane paper booke, according to the tyme and 
 warrand : Item, he sail not len furth ane book to any man, of quhat 
 estate or degrie so ever he be : Item, he sail mak tables and indices of 
 ■ the haill buikis within the said librarie. ordine alphabetico, of everie 
 science be thame selfEs, for the commodious wse of the saidis schollares : 
 Item, he sail keip the saidis bookis frie from dust and con-uptioun, and 
 sail haue a fyre for that effect as necessitie requyres : Item, he sail sub- 
 iect himselff to all these conditiounes, and quhatsumeuer els salbe thocht 
 fittmg be the counsall of Aberdeine for the tyme, to be set doun heir- 
 efter for the weill of the saidis studentis, buikis, and bibliothek ; for 
 the quhilkis caussis the saidis prouest, baillies, and counsall, bindis and 
 obleissis thame and thair successoris, prouest, baillies, and councall of the 
 said burghe in tyme comeing, to thankfullie content, pey and delyver to 
 the said Mr Robert Dounye yeirlie, and ilk yehe during all the dayis of 
 his lyftyme, the soiime of sex hundreth merkis money foirsaid, at twa 
 wsuall termes in the yeir, Witsonday and Martimes in winter, be equall 
 portiounes, the first termes peyment thairof begynnand at the feast of 
 Witsonday nixttocum, in the yier of God, j™ vi*^ threttie twa yen-is, and 
 so furthe termlie thairefter, induring his lyftyme : Provyding allwayis 
 that how sone it sail happin, the prouest, baillies, and councell of the said 
 burgh, to by so muche land as will extend in yeirlie rent to sex hundreth 
 merkis, or sex chalderis victuall, for the vse of the said bibliothecar, the 
 said Mr Robert, sail accept the rent of the said land fra thane furth, and 
 
1632.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 45 
 
 manageing thairof himselfF in full satisfactioune of his said stipend of sex Eodemdie. 
 hundrcth merkis in all tyme tliairefter, during the spaice foirsaid, all Contract 
 fraud and gyill secludit; and for the mair seciu-itie, baith the saidis thcTowne 
 pairties ar content, and consentis that thir presentis be insert and regis- 
 trat in the buikis of Councell and Sessioun, or tonnes buikis of Aberdeine, »' lifl'ci t 
 
 ... . . Doiiny, 
 
 to hawe the strenth of ane confessit act and jndiciall decreit, that letteris Bibliothe- 
 and executoriellis of horning be ane singill chairge of sex dayis, and all 
 wther executoriellis necessar, the ane but prejudice of the wther, may be 
 direct thairon in forme as effeiris. And to that effect constitutes thair 
 lawfull procuratouris, promittendo de rato be thir presentis, written be 
 Walter Guthrie, writtar in Aberdeine, and subseryveit be the saidis pairties, 
 dey, moneth, yeir, and plaice foireaidis, befoir thir witnessis. Sir Thomas 
 Burnet of Leyis, knicht baronet ; Mr Robert Reid, minister at Banchorie ; 
 Mr Patrik Dun, docter of phisick ; Mr Vedast Lowson, lait baillie, burges 
 of Aberdeine ; and Johne Ingrahame, clerk depute thairof Sic sub- 
 sciibitur, P. Menzeis, prouest ; Thomas Colinsone, baillie ; Mr Alexander 
 Jaflfray, baillie ; A. IMeldrum, baillie ; George Johnstoune, baillie. Mr 
 Ro. Dounye, Su- Thomas Burnet, witnes ; Patrik Dun, Avitnes ; Mr 
 Vedast Lowsone, witnes ; Mr Robert Reid, witnes ; Jo. Ingrahame, 
 witnes. 
 
 29 February 1632. 29 Feb. 
 
 1632. 
 
 The said day the prouest, baillies, and counsall haveand considera- Ordinance 
 tioun, that the stipend allotit to Thomas Cowye, sacristar, is but verie "f t)Je*i|"j'|^ 
 meane, and scairce habill to interteane him honestlie, sieing he wantis the sacristar. 
 benefite of baptismes that he had abefoir, and quhilk is now bestowit on 
 Alexander Gray, reidar, as a forder help to him : Thahfoir they have 
 thocht gude, statiit and ordainit, that the severall penalties eftermentionat, 
 salbe upliftit and resaived be the said Cowye, to his awin behowe, as a 
 supplie and help to his provisioun, frome all and quhatsumeuir persones 
 within this burghe wha sal happin to be convict heu-eftir in any of the 
 particulares following, viz. : — Of ilk persone convict of fornicatioun, 
 
46 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1632. 
 
 2^^Feb. threttein s. iiiid. ; frome ilk adulterar, foui'tie shillingis ; frome ilk persone 
 
 - — convict of sclander befoir the session, sex shillingis ; and frome ilk persone 
 Ordinance 
 
 in faiiouris accuisand ane wther of sclander wnjustlie, sex shillingis ; frome ilk persone 
 sacristan^ convict of brak of the Sabboth day, four shillingis ; frome ilk persone 
 warnit to compeir befoir the sessioun, and not compeirand, toties quoties, 
 thretteine s. four d. ; frome ilk persone convict of scolding and blasphem- 
 ing of Goddis name, fovu* shillingis ; frome ilk persone that gives wp thair 
 banes for marriage, and performes not the same accordinglie, tuelff shil- 
 lingis ; for proclamatioune of banes and mariage of all and quhatsumeuir 
 persones within the kirk of this burghe heirefter, fra ilk pairtie, tuelff" 
 shillingis ; frome ilk persone convict for resset of banishit persones, tuelff" 
 shillingis ; fi-ome ilk persone con^dct for setting of housses to strangeris 
 without licience of the magistrattis, and being delaitted be the said 
 Thomas, thretteine s. iiiid. ; fra ilk persone warnit to the examinatiounes 
 and not compeirand, sex shillingis ; fra ilk fornicatour failzeand to mak 
 than* repentence at the day appointit be the sessioun, thretteine s. iiiid. ; 
 for the buriall of ilk persone in the kirk, tuelflf shillingis, and in the kirk- 
 yard, sex shillingis, and this, by and attour the fourtie pundis of stipend 
 to be payit yeirlie to the said Thomas Cowy, during his service, be the 
 maister of kirk wark ; and, for the better obteaning peyment of the saidis 
 penalties, and putting of this present act to execution, the saidis prouest, 
 baillies, and counsall, ordainis the tounes ofBciares and serjiandis to concur 
 with and assist the said Thomas in poynding and destreingzeand thairfoir, 
 as they salbe requyrit. 
 
 11 April 11 April 1632. 
 
 Ordinance The said day the prouest, baillies, and counsall appoints Mr Vedast 
 
 of i<irk Lowsone, maister of kirk wark, to tak out the tounes kirk bell callit the 
 wark. Laurence, furth of Williame Walkeris barque, whairin the said bell wes 
 shippit to hawe beine transportit to Midleburghe, thair to hawe beine 
 cassin of newe be resone of a rift thauin ; and that becaus belles, and 
 
1632.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 47 
 
 all metall of that kynd ar forbidden gudes exceptit furtli of the peace H April 
 betwixt the kingis of Britane and Spayn, and so is lyable to the danger - — 
 of Dunkirkeris, to be takin as laufull pryse, and to endanger lyikwayes to the M' 
 the haill glides and merchandise in the said burgh. wark^ 
 
 13 June 1632. 13 June 
 
 1632. 
 
 The samen day the prouest, baillies, and counsall votes and concludes Ordinance 
 •J r ■! J ^ againis 
 
 all in ane voce, that quhan any stair or chop within this burglie salhappin foirstairis 
 to fall or decay hereftir, it fall nawayis be lesume to the heretour of the choppis. 
 landis to qiihom any sic stair or chop belongis, to big wp or repair the 
 same of new againe, becaus the kingis hie streitis is greatlie nidderit and 
 wrongit thairby. 
 
 13 June 1632. 13/""^ 
 
 The samen day the prouest, baillies, and counsall, advysedlie con- 
 
 Anent tlie 
 admitting 
 
 sidering the great hurt susteanit be the toune be the admitting of dyverse of bur- 
 
 . . . . . o gesse. 
 
 and sindrie persones burgessis of this burglie gratis, but payment of any 
 
 compositioun, wha not onlie makis benefite thairby thameselffis, but lyik- 
 wayes procures by thair admissioun alsa great libertie and freedome to 
 thair children, as uther nichtbouris of the toune, wha hath gevin dew 
 satisfactioun and payment for thair burgesship, for remeid qu.hairof 
 thay have all in ane voce statute and ordanit, and be thir presentis statutes 
 and ordanes that the sones and dochteris of all burgessis of this burgh, 
 alsweill gild brethren as craftisman, wha sail happin to be admittit heir- 
 efter gratis, salhave na benefite nor fredome be thair fatheris burgesship, 
 nather befou" nor efter his deceas, but be payment of compositioun thair- 
 foir, at the modificatioun of the prouest, baillies, and counsall for the tyme. 
 Persones of counsall present, Paull Menzeis, prouest, &c. 
 
48 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1632. 
 
 13 June 
 1632. 
 
 Ordinance 
 to t!ic 
 deane of 
 gild con- 
 cerning 
 elwandis 
 and mea- 
 Bouris. 
 
 20 June 
 1032. 
 
 Anent tiie 
 day lie 
 catecheis- 
 
 13 June 1632. 
 
 The saraen day the proiiest, baillies, and counsall ordariis George 
 Moreson, deane of gild, to visite and consider the haill weychtis and 
 measotuis quhilk Thomas Clerk, takisman of the tounes weyhous and toll 
 customes, lies in his custodie and keiping, and the samen being fund suffi- 
 cient, to stampt thame "with the tounis stampt, that na uther weychts nor 
 mesouris be vsit be him during his takis, but sic as ar stampit as said is. 
 And siclyke that the said deane of gild cans stamp the haill raerchandis 
 elvandis, and wechtis of this burghe betwixt and the fyfteine day of Julii 
 nixt, and to caus intimat to thame be the drum, that na elne nor weycht, 
 uustampit with the tounes stampt be vsit be any of thame, nather within 
 nor without the toune, in thair buithes, commoun faires, nor utherwayes 
 in tyme comeing, vndir the paine of ten pundis, to be peyit be the con- 
 traueniar, toties qxioties, incais of failzie, to the deane of gild of the said 
 burghe for the tyme, and imployit on the commoun warkis and effairis of 
 the toune, whilk intimatioun wes instantlie maid be the drum passand 
 throw the haill streites of the toune, to the effect nane sould pretend 
 ignorance. 
 
 20 June 1632. 
 
 For samickill as catecheising, whilk is a most effectuall meanes for 
 instructing of Christanes in the groundis of thair religioim, haith not bein 
 so cairfuUie exerceisit within this congregatioun these many yeiris bygane, 
 as the necessitie of such a busienes doeth requyre, whairthrow ignorance 
 hath so muche prevaillit amongst ws, and the present ministeris of this 
 burghe tackand the mater to thair serious consideratioun, thay be advyse 
 of the magistrattis and counsell have resolued upoun a constant course 
 for supplie of that defect in tyme comeing, and have appointit for that 
 effect the exercise of the catecheising to be performed be Goddis assist- 
 ance everie day of the weik heireftir, except Setterday allanerlie, within 
 the parochie kirkis of this burghe, both in the sommer and wyuter 
 
1632.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 49 
 
 seasones, from twa houris till four houris in the afternoone : Tliairfoir it is 20 June 
 
 1632. 
 
 statute and ordanit that all and qiihatsumeuir persones within this burgh — " 
 
 .^^116 lit) til 6 
 
 alsweill maisteris and mistressis of families as haue bairnes and servandis daylie 
 capabill of instructioun sail repair to thair paroche kirkis at all occasiounes p^^'^^''^^'^- 
 as they salbe warnit be the kirk officer, thair to be catecheisit and instructit 
 in the materis of thair faith and Christiane religioune ; and the persone 
 absent being maister or mistres of a familie, to pay tuantie schillingis of 
 vnlaw, and ilk bairne and servant sex schillingis aucht pennyes of vnlaw, 
 foties quoties, to the collectour of the kirk sessioune, for the vse of the 
 poore, and the maisteris of ilk familie to be comptabill for thair bairnes and 
 servandis to the effect forsaid : And ordanis intimatioun heirof to be maid 
 out of pulpitt in both the kirkis of this burghe, that nane pretend 
 ignorance. 
 
 15 August 1632. 15 Aug. 
 
 1632. 
 
 The samen day Alexander Chalmer, Robert Irwing, Johne Mylne, Coupares 
 Wm. Andersone, Johne Maleis, and Cornelius Calder, cowpares, compeirand alient^the 
 all personallie in presens of the counsall, gave thair corporall and solemne g^]™"„jj^^ 
 aithes, that thay sail not put thair burne on any salmond to be packit be 
 thame in tyme comeing, but onlie on sufficient fishe, full reid and sweit, 
 and nather ar gillit nor sour fishe, wnder the pain of deprivatioun. 
 
 Eodem die. Eodemdie. 
 
 The said day the magistrattis and counsall wndirstanding that the Anent the 
 act and ordinance maid and set doune wpon the tuantie thrie day off fir'am°^ 
 August 1626, restraining the nichtbouris of the toune to pas beyond the peites. 
 Bowbrig Wollmanhill, and outwith the Gallowgett port, to by any fir come- 
 ing to this burgh to be sauld, and dischairgeing the bringeris of fir* to the 
 towne frome affmaking of tlian leadis, hes not beine put to dew execu- 
 tioun, bot that the same is daylie contraveinit both be the nichtbouris and 
 bringeris of fyr to the toime to sell, notwithstanding of the certificatioun 
 1 G 
 
50 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1G32. 
 
 Anent the 
 bying of 
 fir and 
 peites. 
 
 Eodcmdic. conteiiiit in the said act : Thairfoir they ordaine the forsaid act and ordin- 
 ance to be intimat be the drum throw the haill streitis of the toune of new 
 againe, that nane pretend ignorance, with this additionn, that the bringeris 
 of peites to the toune to be sauld in tyme comeing, and nichtbouris of the 
 toune bying of peites at any of the pairties befoir prohibite, sal incur the 
 pain and unlawes conteinit in the said former act, towitt, wnder the payne 
 of fyve merkis to be payit to the deane of gild be ilk nichtbour contra- 
 veinand the premisses, and confiscatiouue of all sic fyr and peittis as salbe 
 maid owergaine eftir thair comeing to the toune to be sauld. 
 
 12 S|pt. 12 September 1 632. 
 
 erectin*of prouest, baiUies, and counsall considering the great necessitie 
 
 fontancs. quhahin the nichtbouris of the toune standis throw want of poore and 
 cleane watter to serve thair houssis, and that the most pairt of the watter 
 quhairwith they ar presentlie servit, comeing onlie frome the loche is 
 filthillie defyillit and corruptit, not onlie be gutteris daylie rynning in the 
 burne, but also be litsteris, and the washing of clothes, and abwssing of the 
 watter in sindrie partis, with wther sortis of uncleannes : And being most 
 can-full to provyd a remeid for serveing of the toune with pure watter, 
 and in a more easie maner, have all in ane voce thocht meit and expedi- 
 ent that fontanes salbe erectit for that effect with all convenient diligence : 
 And becaus the same must be done at the tounes commoun chairges, they 
 ordaine the haill nichtbouris and inhabitantis of this burgh to be warnit 
 be the drum to compeir in the Tolbuithe on Freday nixt, the fourteine 
 day of September instant, to give thair advyse thairanent, and thair con- 
 sent to be craveit to stent the toune be taxatioune for peyment of the 
 necessar chairges to be bestowit on the said wark. 
 
 I632! 12 September 1632. 
 
 Anent „ , . 
 
 Wedder- The samen day the prouest, baillies, and counsall, givis and grantis 
 
 burnes new 
 grammer. 
 
1632.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 51 
 
 to Mr Dauid Wedderburne, maister of the grammer schole of this burghe, ^^|g^P'- 
 the soume of ttia hundreth merkis Seottis money, for printing of the new — 
 
 Ancnt 
 
 grammer laitHe set out be him be resone of his dedicatioim of the same to Wedder 
 
 burnes new 
 grammer. 
 
 the magistrattis and counsall, whilk soume they ordaine to be payit to 
 the said Mr Dauid be George Moresone, deane of gild, and the same to be 
 allowit to tlie said deane of gild in his comptis. 
 
 19 September 1632, 19 Sept. 
 
 1632. . 
 
 The said day the haill toune, both brethren of gild and craffcismen, xhelouncs 
 being conveinit in the tolbuith for giveing answer to the overture proponit !|°"^ft"ti,g 
 
 unto thame abefoii-, anent the erecting; of fontanes within this burgh, for erecting of 
 
 ' . ° . . fontanes. 
 
 serveing the toune with pure and cleane watter in a more easie and commo- 
 dious maner nor in tymes past, wer all in ane voce content, and consentit 
 that fontanes sould be erectit within the said burgh in all convenient 
 diligence to the effect foirsaid, and the gild brethren wer content for thair 
 pau't to be stentit be taxatioun for defraying of the chairges to be bestowit 
 thau-wpotm, lykeas Thomas Gairdyn, tailyeour and deacone, conveinar 
 of the haill craftis of this burgh, for himselfif and in name of the saidis 
 craftis promeist the soume of ane thowsand merkis Seottis money to the 
 help and furtherance of the said wark, to be payit pairt and pairt lykas 
 the same proceidis, provyding thay be frie of the said taxatioun ; and the 
 saidis fontanes being erectit, they wer content to contribute and be stentit 
 with the rest of the nichtbomis of the toun to the mantenance and up- 
 holding of the samen in all tymes thairefter. 
 
 19 September 1632. ^^esT^' 
 
 Willox 
 
 The prouest, baillies, and counsall uominatis and appointis Alex, appointit 
 
 Willox, wricht, to be keipar and rewlar of the tonnes commotin clolds, ^[^g 
 
 towitt, the tolbuith clok, the clok of the hie kh-k and colledge kirk, as and riugar 
 
 lyikwayes to ring the tonnes commoun bell in the tolbuith steipill at fyue common 
 
 belL 
 
52 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1632. 
 
 19 Sept. hoiuis in tlie morneing, and uyne houris at eviB, and ilk Wedinsday to 
 — -' the counsall at auclit houris in the morning, for the spaice of ane yeir 
 appointit nixt efter the dait heirof ; and grantis to the said Alex, for his servise and 
 the^bck* fie during the said spaice, the soume of ane huudreth merkis Scottis 
 of 'tl e "^'^"^ money, to be payit to him quarterlie be the maister of kirk wark and 
 common tounes thessaurar, viz. : be the said Mr of kii'k wark, fourtie merkis, and 
 be the thessaurar fourtie pundis money, begynnand the first quarteris 
 payment wpon the first day of October nixt ; lykeas the said Alexander 
 being personallie present, acceptit the said chairge, in and wpoun him,- 
 and promeist to do ane honest dewtie thairin. 
 
 19 Sept. 19 September 1632. 
 
 1632. 
 
 Support The said day, anent the supplicatioun given in to the prouest, 
 
 fhe coun- baillies, and counsall be Thomas Gairdyn, tailyeoiu-, deacone conveinar of 
 craft^ ''"^ the haill cruftis of this bm-ghe, for himselif and in name and behalflf of the 
 liospitall. remanent deacones and brethren of the saidis craftis, mackand mentioun 
 that thay had causit build and repair the Trinitie Freiris Place of this 
 burghe, quhilk Mr Willeame Guild, ane of the tounes ordinar ministeris, 
 hed laitlie conqueist and mortifiet to be ane hospitall for decayit craftis- 
 men within the samen, wpoun the bigging quherof they had bestowit the 
 best pairt of the moneyes quhilk they had to the foir in thair commoun 
 boxes, sua that thair stok and rent for the present wilbe but verye meane ; 
 and seing that poore decayit craftismen hes no place in the gild brethrenes 
 hospitall, and the nichtbouris of the craftis are most willing to contribute 
 to the wark according to thair power, wherbe thair brethren may be sup- 
 pliet, and the toune and sessioune easit of a burdeine : Thairfoir thay 
 humblie desyrit thair wisdome of the coimsall to put to thair helping 
 hand to the furtherance of the wark : And in regaird that thay ar mem- 
 beris of this commoun wealth, to grant unto thame thair cheretabill help 
 and support thairunto, for the quhilk thay sould endevore to approve 
 thameselffis thankfull and both reddie and fordward in any thing concern- 
 
1G32.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 53 
 
 iiig the gude and weill of the tonne according to thair power, as in the 19 Sept. 
 said supplicatioun, at lenth wes contenit ; quhaii-anent the saidis prouest, — ' 
 baillies, and counsall, advysing, and considdering the necessitie and gudnes grant*ed be 
 of the wark, they g aue and grant, and be than* presentis gives and grantis ^Ij^j to^hc 
 to the deacones and maisteris of the craftis of this burgh, the compositioun ^^^^^}^^ j] 
 of ane gild burges sic as they sail present to the counsall (except the gild 
 wyne siluer), whilk wilbe twa hundreth merkis yeirlie, and ilk yeir for the 
 spaice of fyve yeiris nixt eftir the dait heirof, to be imployit on profite, 
 and furth comand be thame in all tyme comeing, to the behoue of the 
 decayit craftismen wha salhappin to be admittit in the said hospitall as 
 bedallis thairof ; with conditiouu alwayes, that the deacones, maisteris, and 
 friemen of the saidis craftis and thair successoris carie and behave thame- 
 selffis dewtifullie in all thingis to the counsall, whiche shall tend to the 
 commoun weill and benefite of the toune, and bear bui-dyne thairin with 
 the gild brethren thairof, according to thair power. And at the expyring 
 of the saidis fyve yeiris, that they mak just compt and rekning to the 
 counsall of the wairing of the saidis moneyes, quhilk salbe acquired be 
 the saidis compositiounes, togidder with the yeirlie annualrent that sail 
 accress thau'wpoun. Persones of counsall present, Paull Mengzeis of Kin- 
 mtuidie, prouest ; Thomas Collinsone, Mr Alexander Jafifray, Andro Mel- 
 drum, George Johnstoun, baillies; Mr Vedast Lowsone, Patrik Leslie, 
 George Morisone, John Leslie, Mr William Moir, Johne Lowsone, Mr 
 Robert Skeyn, Alexander Ramsay, Thomas Mowat, George Meldrum, 
 James Cryistie, tailyeour, and William Ord, wricht. 
 
 3 October 1632. 
 
 The counsall ordanis letteris to be direct be the magistrattis to the 
 
 3 Oct. 
 
 1632. 
 
 lairdis of Arbuthnot, Drum, Leyis, Muchall, Elsick, and vther barones and anenrthT 
 
 gentlemen in the Mearnes, to meit at the calsies of Month Cowye, on Mon- pf^t^,"'"^ 
 
 day nixt, the aucht day of October instant, for sichting: of the saidis calsies 
 
 V . n , • n , . Ml • ,1 . of Month 
 
 calsies, and to considder what wiii repair the same, to the eiiect report Cowye. 
 
 thairof may be maid to the lordis of Privie Counsall. 
 
54 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1632. 
 
 17 Oct. 
 1632. 
 
 Ordinance 
 anent the 
 begynuing 
 of tlie 
 flcshe, 
 meill, and 
 malt 
 
 mercattis. 
 
 17 October 1632. 
 
 The said day the prouest, baillies, and coitnsall ordaiuis intimatioun 
 to be maid be the hand bell throw the haill streites of the towne, that na 
 fleshe be bocht nor sauld till the same present the mercat, and that na 
 mercat be maid thairof till aucht houris in the morning ilk Seterday, wndir 
 the panis of ten pundis money, to be peyit be the contraveinar to the 
 deane of gild, toties quoties ; and that na mercat be maid of meill till 
 allevin houris, and of malt till tuelff houris ilk mercat day, wndir the lyik 
 panis and vnlaw ; and the baillies, with the constables, per vices, to attend 
 that na abuse be committit anent the premisses. 
 
 7 Nov. 
 1632. 
 
 Ordinance 
 to tiie 
 deane of 
 gild. 
 
 7 November 1632. 
 
 The magistrattis and councell appointis Mr Mathew Lumisden, deane 
 of gild, to cans weir twa hundi-eth frankis wpoun furnisheiug of confec- 
 tiounes for his Maiesties comeing into this his ancient kingdom of Scot- 
 land, whUk soume salbe allowit to the said deane of gild in his comptis. 
 
 9 Jan. 
 
 1633 
 
 Ratifica- 
 tioune of 
 the act 
 maid anent 
 superflu- 
 ous ban- 
 queting. 
 
 9 January 1633. 
 
 The said day the prouest, baillies, and coimsall ratifies and approves 
 the act and ordinance maid be the prouest, baillies, and counsall of this 
 burghe for the tyme, wpoun the ellevint day of October 1626 yeirs, againis 
 wachting, and scoalling, and superfluous banqueting at baptismes ; and 
 ordaines the same to be put to dew executioun againis the transgressouris 
 thau'of in tyme comeing, vnder the paynes thairin conteinit ; with this addi- 
 tioun, that nane be fund danceing throw the touue at marrage feastis, nor 
 yit any persones invytit or desyrit to nichtwalkis heireftir, bot a few num- 
 ber of the narrest nichtbouris of the defunct, vnder the lyck paynes, and 
 that the maister of musick school bring with him onlie four schollares to 
 everie lyikwalk quhuerunto he is desyrit himselflf, for eschewing of pertur- 
 
1633.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 55 
 
 batioun; and ordaines intimatioun of the said act to be maid out of ^^^^g- 
 
 pulpitt of new againe in both the kirkis of this burghe, on sonday nixt - — 
 
 eftir sermone, to the effect nane pretend ignorance. tioun of 
 
 the act 
 maidanent 
 
 23 January 1633. ous ban- 
 
 The said day in presence of the prouest, bailhes, and councell, com- 
 
 queting. 
 
 23 Jan. 
 1633. 
 
 pemt George Jamesone, painter, burgess of Aberdeine, ai", and executor ■pjj^pjj'^^gg 
 to umquhill Wilhame Jamesone, wi-ittar in Edinbui-ghe, his brother ger- be the 
 mane, and expouit and declairit, that the said umquhill Williame, befoir jamescn. 
 his deceas, left his haill mathimaticall instrumentis and bookes in legacie 
 to the toune for the use of the professor of mathimaticques within the 
 coUedge of the said burghe, and studentis in that professioun present and 
 to come : And conforme thairto the said George delyuerit instantlie the 
 saidis haill instrumentis and bookes, at the directioun of the magistrattis 
 and counsall, to Mr Williame Johnstoun, doctour in phisik, and present 
 professor of mathimaticques within the said colledge, be ane special! 
 inventar writtin and subscryveit be the said Mr Williame on the end of 
 the catalogue of umquhill secretarie Reidis librarie. . . . 
 
 20 February 1633. 20 Feb. 
 
 1033. 
 
 At Halyruidhous, the sewent day of Febriiarie, the yeire of God, Act of his 
 j™ sex hundreth and threttie three yeires, anent the supplicatioun pre- pAvie 
 sentit to the Lordis of Secret Counsell, be the prouest, baillies, and coun- ane"u tile 
 sail of the burghe of Aberdeine, making mentioxm that where they fontaues. 
 hawing takm to thair consideratioun the great necessitie quhairin thair 
 toune stoode throw want of pure and cleane watter, and how that the 
 watter whairwith the said toune was served, came frome ane litle loche at 
 the syde of the toune, whilk is so filthilie defyled and corrupted, not onlie 
 be gutteris daylie running in the loche, but also by the letstaris who 
 wash all their cloathes in the said loch, and by the nighbouris of the 
 
56 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1633. 
 
 20 Feb. 
 1633. 
 
 Act of Id's 
 
 Maiesties 
 
 Privie 
 
 Counsell 
 
 anent the 
 
 fontanes. 
 
 toune who wash all thair cloathes there, and suche of the nightboures as 
 dwell ewest to the loche, thay cast all thaii- i31th and excrementis in the 
 same, so as the watter comeing thevefra to the said toune is so corrupted 
 and vnsavourie in the taste, and of suche ane greene and vncomelie 
 cullour, as nather the nighboures of the toune, nor strangeris repairing 
 thaii-to, can make anie vse of the said watter: And the supplicantes 
 being carefull in imitatioun of other pairtes, and in speciall of the nigli- 
 bour countrie, where great care is tane for preserwing of thair watter, to 
 prowyde a remeid for the serveing and furnishing of thair toune with 
 pure and cleane watter, they concluded and fund it meit and expedient, 
 with vniforme voice, that ane draught sould be drawin frome ane spring 
 within ane mylne of thair toune, by the quhilk the watter sould be drawin 
 frome that spring to the said toune, and that some fountanes sould be 
 erected in the most convenient pairtes of the said toune for that eflfeck : 
 And becaus this work could not be brought to perfection, but vpoun the 
 commoune charges of the said toune, they thairfoii- warned the haill 
 nighboures of thair said toune be towik of drum, to conveene with thame 
 vpoun the fourteine day of September last, for giveing of thair advice 
 anent this worthie and commendable worke, and thair consent to ane 
 taxatioun to be imposed vpoun the said toune for that effect : And 
 according to the appoyntment, the haill communitie of the toime, both 
 gild brether and craftismen, haveing conveened in the tolbuith of Aber- 
 deine, vpoun the nynteine day of September last, and the overtour and 
 propositioun foresaid, and the expediencie and necessitie thaii-of, for 
 furnishing and serving of the said toune with pure and cleane watter, and 
 the erecting of fountanes to that effect being intimat and schawn vnto 
 thame, the haill bodie of the said toune, all in ane voyce, agreed vpoun 
 the expediencie and necessitie of the said work, and the erecting of foun- 
 tanes to that effect : And all the gild brether consented to be stented for 
 defraying of the chau-ges of that work, and wheras the deacoun con- 
 veener of the craftes his consent to the stenting wes craved for himselff, 
 and in name of the remanent craftis of the toune, he for himselff, and in 
 
1633.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 57 
 
 name of the haill bodie of the craftis, acknowledging the necessitie of the 20 Feb. 
 
 bringing of the watter, and erecting of the foimtanes to that effect, con- — 
 
 sented to contribute, and to be stented with the rest of the nighbonres of i\iaiesties 
 
 the tonne toward the mantenance and vphaulding of the watter draught QQ^j'sgU 
 
 and fontanes to be erected as said is : bot thay made scruple to be '™eiit the 
 
 . „ . fontanes. 
 
 stented in any soumes of money for brmging of the worke to perfection, 
 
 bot offered ane certane soume of money to that effect, prowyding that 
 thay wer frie of taxatioun : And vpon this litle difference betwixt the 
 craftes and gild brother, this important work tending so far to the weill 
 of the said toune, and preserving of the health alsweill of strangeris 
 repairing thairto as of the proper inhabitantes of the same, is lyke to be 
 frustrat, to the disgrase of the said toune, and to the heavie grief of the 
 honest and weill disposed citizens thairof : And the gild brother, vpon 
 whome the most pairt of the burdeine of this work will ly, refuises in anie 
 case to be stented, vnlesse the commoun and observed custome in materis 
 of this kynd be observed, and that the haill inhabitantis of this bm-ghe, 
 alsweill gild brother as craftis be stented, wherin they respect not so 
 muche the payment of the soume, whilk thay will freelie and willinglie 
 vnderly, as the preparatiue whilk the refuissale of the craftis may pro- 
 duce in matteris of this kynd heirafter : And whereas this oppositioun 
 and contradictioun made be the craftes being dewlie considderit, is ane 
 mater of no moment, and aucht not to be respected in so important a 
 cans as this, seing than* pairt of anie stent to be imposed wpoun the said 
 burghe will onelie extend to the sewint part, being sett and collected at 
 the greatest rigour, and the portioun of the gild brother will extend to 
 sewin parts of aucht, and the stent to be imposed wpoun the craftes being 
 considderit, with thair offer, there will not pas three hundreth pundes in 
 difference betweene than- offer and the stent, quhilk is a mater of no 
 moment, and not worthie to be respected in suche a commoun cans so 
 neerlie importing the weall and credite of the said toune : humblie 
 desyiring, thairfore, the saidis Lordis that the saidis supplicantis may ha we 
 commissioun and warrand be act of counsall in raaner, and to the effect 
 1 H 
 
58 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1633. 
 
 20 Feb. 
 1G33. 
 
 Act of liis 
 
 Maiesties 
 
 Privie 
 
 Counscll 
 
 anent the 
 
 fontanes. 
 
 15 May 
 1633. 
 
 Act dis- 
 charging 
 wcmen to 
 wear 
 playdis 
 about thair 
 hciddis. 
 
 vnderwi-ittiu, lykas at mair length is contenit in the said suppHcatioun : 
 Quhilk being read, heard, and considderit be the saidis Lordis, and they 
 being thairwith, and with the two actes of counsall of the said burghe off 
 Aberdeine, conteiuyng the proceedinges in this mater weill and throghlie 
 advised, and finding this wark neerlie to eoncerne the weill and credite 
 of the said tonne : Thairfore the saidis Lordes hes giwin and grantit, and 
 be thir presentes giwis and grauntes warrand and commissioun to the 
 saidis prouest, baillies, and counsall of Abei'deine, to sett doune ane cer- 
 taine soume of money toward the forderance and advancement of the 
 worke foirsaid, to be payed be the haill nighboures and inhabitantes of 
 the said burgh, and to nominat and appoint certane stenteris to stent thair 
 saidis nighboures ; and the said stent being set doune, ordanis letteris to 
 be direct, charging the persounes stented to mak payment of that soume, 
 that thay and ilk ane of thame salbe stented vnto, to the collectouris to 
 be nominat and appoynted to that effect be the saidis proviest, baillies, 
 and counsall of Aberdeine, within three dayes nixt after the charge, vnder 
 the paine of rebellioun, and putting of thame to the horne : And if thay 
 failzie thairin, the said space being bypast, to denunce this disobeyeris, 
 i-ebellis, and put thame to the horne, and to escheit, and gif neid beis, 
 to poynd and distrenzie : with power lykewayes to the saidis prouest, 
 baillies, and counsell of Aberdeine, if neid beis, to committ to waird suche 
 of the persounes stented, as refuise to mak payment of thair stent to the 
 saidis collectours as said is, to remaine thairin wpoun thair awin expenssis 
 till thay mak payment of thair said stent. Extractwn de libris actorum 
 secreti consilii S. D. N. Regis, per me Jacohum Prymrois, clericum eiusdem, 
 sub ineis signo et subscriptione manualibus. Sic subscribitur, Jacobus Prym- 
 rois. 
 
 15 Mmj 1633. 
 
 The said day the prouest, baillies, and councell, considering the incivill 
 forme of behaviour vsit be a great many wemen in this burghe, of gude 
 qualitie, wha resortis both to kirk and mercat with thair plaidis about thair 
 
1633.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN 
 
 59 
 
 heidis, and be thau- example the meaner sort of wemen wsis the same 15 May 
 
 1G33 
 
 forme of inciviHtie, quhilk gives offence to strangeris to speik reprotche- — ' 
 
 • • • • ■ • • Act dis" 
 
 fuUie of all wemen generallie of this toune : for remeid quhau-of, it is cliarging 
 
 statute and ordanit, that na wemen within this burghe, of quhatsumeuer jQ^™g^^. 
 
 rank, qualitie, or degrie thay be of, preswme, or tak wpoun hand to resort playdis 
 
 1-1 • 1 1 • 1 -T 1 1 • 1 -T • • about tliair 
 
 to ku'k or mercat with thair plaidis about than- heidis in tyme comeing, heiddis. 
 
 with certificatioun to these that salhappin to failzie and contraveine this 
 
 present ordinance, not onlie sail thair plaidis be shamfnllie markit with a 
 
 tar stik to thair disgrace, bot lyikwayis confiscat and takin frome thame 
 
 be the officeris in quhat pairt soeuu- thay be fund haveand thair plaidis 
 
 about thair heidis ; and ordainis intimatioun to be maid out of pulpit in 
 
 bothe the kirkis of this burghe, on Sonday nixt, that nane pretend 
 
 ignorance, and to the effect executioun may follow thairon fra thane 
 
 forth. 
 
 29 May 1633. 29 May 
 
 1633. 
 
 The said day the prouest, baillies, and counsall gives and grantis Licence 
 libertie and licence to the principall and regentis of Kingis College of ^ ye prin- 
 Aberdeine, to crave ane voluntarie contributioun of the inhabitantis of "^'P'^" 
 
 ' _ ... regentis of 
 
 this burghe to help to the reparatioun of the steipill of the said colledge tiie Kingis 
 laitlie dimolishit and brokin doune be tempest and storme of weather. Colledge. 
 
 4 June 1633. 4 j^^g 
 
 lfi33. 
 
 The prouest, baillies, and counsall grantis twa hundreth merkis GraiiTfor 
 money to Williame Merser, musician, for defraying of the chairges bestoAvit -^"^ * 
 be him in printing of a poesie whilk he hed laitlie composit and dedicat to 
 the toune. . . . 
 
60 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1G33. 
 
 4 June 
 1G33. 
 
 Ordinance 
 to the 
 Thes- 
 saurar. 
 
 4 June 1633. 
 
 The prouest, baillies, and counsall being informed that Mr Williame 
 Forbes and Mr Robert Bai'on, doctouris in divinitie, and twa of the ordinar 
 niinisteris of this burghe, is wi-itin for be the Ai-chbishop of Sanct Audrous, 
 to teache befoir the kingis majestic at Ediuburghe, hes thairfoir ordainit 
 the tonnes thessaurar to debnrse to ilk ane of thame the sonme of ane 
 hundreth merkis money, for making of thair chau'ges to Edinburgh, to the 
 effect foirsaid. 
 
 19 June 
 1633. 
 
 Ordinance 
 to the 
 Tlies- 
 sauiar. 
 
 19 June 1633. 
 
 The said day the baillies and counsall ordainis Charles Keilo, thes- 
 saurar, to deburse the soume of ane hundreth and allevin pundis money to 
 Eduard Raban, printer, for printing of ane bulk dedicat be Doctour 
 Barron to the counsall, and alse for printing of same poiesies writtin be 
 Mr Dauid Wedderburn and Mr George Robertson e, wpoun the kingis 
 maiesties comeing to this his ancient kingdome, and salbe allowit to the 
 said thessaurar in his comptis. 
 
 Eodem die. 
 
 Solemnitie 
 
 of tiie 
 
 Riugis_ 
 
 Maiesties 
 
 corona- 
 
 tiouue. 
 
 Eodem die. 
 
 The samen day the baillies and counsall being trewlie certifiet that 
 yisternicht, the auchteine day of Junij instant, our most dread and gratious 
 soverane Charles, be the grace of God king of Great Britane, France, 
 and Ireland, Defender of the Faithe, did resaive the croun of this his 
 ancient kingdome of Scotland at Halirudehous : Thairfoir thay ordainit 
 the same to be signifiet to the haill toune, and publict sermone to be maid 
 in the kirk, that the people may resort thairto, and giue thankis to God 
 for so glad tyidingis ; the haill bellis to be imng ; baill fyres to be set on be 
 everie man befoir his awin house ; the croce to be hung with tapestrie ; 
 twa punsheounes of wyne, with the spycerie in great, to be brocht and 
 
1C33.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 61 
 
 spent thairat ; the tnelff peice off ordinance on the Castellhill to be shot, Eodemdie. 
 and the nichtboures of the tonne, eftir sermone, to accompanye thair Solemnitie 
 magistrattis, expressing the melodie of thair hartis, m praising and sing- Kingis 
 ing of psalmes, and thaheftir the youthes and wther weill affected per- 
 sones, to spend the rest of the day in schooting of muskatis and burning 
 of poulder : And ordaines Mr Matho Lumisden, deane of gild, to provyd 
 the wyne and spycerie, to the effect foirsaid ; and what he deburssis thair- 
 wpoune, salbe allowit to him in his comptis. 
 
 corona- 
 tioiinc. 
 
 14 August 1633. 14 August 
 
 1633. 
 
 The samen day the prouest, baillies, and counsall, thinkis it meit and A wapin- 
 . . . ... schaw in- 
 
 expedient that thair salbe a publict wapinshaw of all the inhabitantis of dieted. 
 
 this burghe, fensible persones, wpoun Wadinysday nixt, the tuantie ane 
 
 day of August instant, quhilk thay ordaine to be intimat be the drum 
 
 throw the haill streites of the toune, chargeing all fensible persones, both 
 
 frie and wnfrie, to prepair thame selffis, and be in redynes to giue thair 
 
 musture and wapinschaw in the linkes of this burghe the day foirsaid, in 
 
 thair best armour, to witt, with pikes, corslettis, and muskattis, wnder the 
 
 payne of fourtie pundis, to be payit be ilk persone absent. 
 
 14 August 1633. H August 
 
 ^ 1633. 
 
 The said day the new and auld coimsallis being conveinit in the gia^siiig 
 tounes counsal hous, and haveand consideratioun that Doctor Williame ^l^'^ 
 Guild, ane of the ministeris of this burght, hes this day voluntarlie wnder- Grayfrier 
 takin, for the glorie of God and for the publict gude and benefite of the ' • 
 inhabitantis of this burghe, frielie on his awin chairges and expensses, to 
 glass all the wyndoes of the Grayfrier kirk of this burghe, with sic con- 
 venient diligence as he possiblie can, except the southeast gavill windo of 
 
62 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1683. 
 
 i4^Au|ust the said kii-k, whilk is all glassit be Alexander Stewart, merchand, wpon 
 
 ^ — his proper chairgis : whilk kii'k, for mony yeiris heirtofoir, throw laik of 
 
 glassing glass wyndoes, hes lyen waist without ony divyne worship or exercise 
 
 does^^(J"the ^'h'^ii'iii) houbeit the same be a pleasant and magnifick edifice lyand in the 
 
 Grayfner j^^rt of the toune, verie commodious and easefull for the whole inhabitantis, 
 kirk. ' _ ' 
 
 and could not hitherto (eftir many essayes) be gotin performed : Thairfoir, 
 and to the effect the chah-ges, whiche the said Doctor Williame Guild now 
 bestowis, be not in vaine ; and that the said kirk whilk wes buildit and 
 dedicat to Goddis worship and service, sould not stand waist as formarlie 
 it hes done, the saidis new and auld councellis, all in ane voce, hes evir 
 heireftir appoiatit the morning and evining prayeris, both sommer and 
 wynter, to be daylie red be the townes reidar in the said Grayfrier kirk, 
 as being the most commodious kirk for that use, howsone the wyndoes 
 thairof salbe glassed, and hes appointit some commodious daskis and seatis 
 to be erected and set up for the ease of the nichtbouris and inhabitantis 
 of the toun thairin. 
 
 2 October 
 1633. 
 
 2 October 1633. 
 
 to^thc^Mr^ The samen day the new and auld counsallis and deacones of cx'aftis 
 
 wark ^ of this burghe convenit at the electioun, ordainis the great bell of the kirk 
 lyand on the shoir to be send to Flanderis, in James Farquhares barque, 
 callit " The Macki-ell," whau-of Patrik Findlay is maister undir God, and 
 thair to be cassin of new againe of the same proportioun as the said bell is 
 for the present, be the cair and owersicht of Walter Robertsone, merchand : 
 and Mr Thomas Gray, Mr of kirk wark, is appointit to agrie with the 
 skipper for the fraucht, as also to satisfie the whole chahgis in casting the 
 same of new againe, whilk salbe allowit to the said Mr Thomas in his 
 comptis. 
 
1633.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 63 
 
 20 November 1633. 20 Nov. 
 
 1633. 
 
 Tlie said day the prouest, bailies, and counsall, finds and declaires The doc- 
 
 that Mr Thomas Chalmei', secund doctour of the grammer schole of this of "the 
 
 burghe, is, and soiild be lyable to the maisteris admonitioim as the wtlier fp^i^™™^^^ 
 
 doctoiir, and obey his directioun both in doctrine and discipline, and in all to obey the 
 
 niciistcrs 
 
 wther thingis concerning the weill and florislieing of that schole as salbe diicctioua 
 
 prescryveit unto him, and thaii-for wes ordanit sua to conforme himsellF in doctrine 
 
 tyme comeing, whUk the said Mr Thomas personallie present promeist to ^|^*|;||g*' 
 do and performe. 
 
 4 December 1633. 4 Dec. 
 
 1633. 
 
 The said day the prouest, baillies, and counsall nominatis and Doctor 
 
 appointis Andro Meldrum, baillie, and Maister William Moir, commis- penses to 
 sionares, to pas south with Doctor Williame Forbes, ane of the ordinar " 
 ministeris of this burghe, wha is laitlie callit heirfra to be Bishop of Edin- 
 burgh e, and to congratulat his consecratioun in the tounes name ; and 
 ordainis Robert Skeyne, thessaurar, to deburse the soume of four hundreth 
 merkis Scottis money, to the saidis commission eris to acompt, for mack- 
 ing of the said Doctor Williame, and his whole companyes chairges in 
 thair southgoing till he be in Edinburghe. 
 
 11 December 1633. " ll Dec. 
 
 1633. 
 
 The quhilk day in presens of the prouest, baillies, and counsall of 
 
 the burghe of Aberdeine, compeirit Maister Patrik Dun, principall of the chambers 
 
 coUedge of the said burghe, and exponit and declairit to thame that for for^^tu-"'*^ 
 
 scairstie of chamberis and want of beddis to serve the haill studentis ''e"tsinthe 
 
 College. 
 
 within the said colledge, sindrie of the schollares wes forceit to ly in the 
 toun housses, quhair they wer buirdit to the great hinderance of thair 
 studies : and sieing that Doctor Williame Forbes, ane of the ordinar 
 ministeris of this burgh, quha bed his duelling in the backhous of the 
 
64 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1634. 
 
 ii^Dec. said colledge, is callit to be Bishop of Edinburgh, and to remove thither 
 ^ -— shortHe, he thairfoir earnesthe intreatit thair wisdomes of the counsall 
 cliaiiibers that they wald be pleasit to grant him eutrie to the said backhous, to the 
 for'stu-"'' eflfect he may caus big wp chamberis and beddis thairin for the ease of 
 College ^'^^ the schollares in tyme comeing: Quhairanent the saidis prouest, baiUies, 
 and counsall advysing, thay find the petitionares desyre most reasonable, 
 and thairfoir gives and grantis libertie and licience to him to enter pre- 
 sentlie to the said backlious, and to big wp chambeiis and beddis within 
 the samen, for the weill and ease of the studentis within the said colledge 
 in all tyme heirefter, provyding allwayis that the said principall and 
 regentis of the said colledge, nor thair successouris, claim e nor pretend 
 na richt to the Grayfrier kirk of the said burghe in tyme comeing, but as 
 neid beis, that they renunce the samen in the tounes fauouris. Lykeas it 
 is heirby declamt be the saidis prouest, baillies, and counsall, and als be 
 the said Mr Patrik Dun, that the said Grayfrier ku-k is and sail be allwayis 
 exceptit fm-th and fra the dispositioun and mortificatioun maid be the toun 
 to the maisteris and memberis of the said colledge, of the Grayfrier's 
 plaice and yard thairof, and that the samen kirk wes, is, and salbe speciallie 
 and particularlie reserveit to the toime as ane of thair awm kirlds, to be 
 wsit be thame for Goddis worship and service in all tyme comeing. . . 
 
 -i2Ych. February 1634. 
 1C34. " 
 
 Lord The quhilk day anent the complaint giuen in to the prouest, baillies, 
 
 Kcythe, g^j-^^j counsall of the burghe of Aberdeine, be Willeame Lord Kevthe, Sir 
 
 Irvvingis, ° _ ^ ' 
 
 contia Alexander Irwing of Drum, knicht, Robert Irwing of Fedderet, and Marioun 
 Douglas, relict of vmquliile, Alexander Irwing of Drum againes Androw 
 Meldrum, baillie, bm-ges of Aberdein, mackaud mentioun that quhair 
 vmquhile Su' Robert Keythe of Benholme, knicht, grandvncle to me, the 
 said Willeame Lord Keythe, and the said vmquhile Alexander Irwing of 
 Drum, father to the saidis Sir Alexander and Robert Irwings, and husband 
 to the said Marioun, men in thair tymes notourlie knawin be thair gude 
 
1634]. 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGII OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 65 
 
 careage to this ancient and worthie toune in all dewtie and loyall freynd- 12 Feb. 
 schip, as become afFectionat freyndis of thair plaice, being callit to thair — ' 
 rest, wer lionorablie interred within the paroche kirk of the said burghe at Keythe, 
 thair awin earnest desyre, to crowne the zeall quhilk thay caried in thair contnf'*' 
 lyftym to the said toune, and haveand thair lyen now be the spaice of Meldrmn. 
 certane yeires, the said Andro Meldrum haveand his wyiff laitlie depairtit 
 within this burghe, he be himselff at the least wtlieris in his name, con- 
 traire all Christiane pietie or regaird to the bodie of these honorable 
 defunct persones, quhilk aught not onlie to hawe beine spairit, bot honored, 
 and quhais corps not being as yit putrifiet and consumed to dust, lies 
 diggit vp thair graves, castin vp and removeit thair bodies, brokin thair 
 kistis, and hes vsit suche wther inhumane outrages wpoun these honor- 
 abill corps as become no gude Christiane ather to hawe performeit or beine 
 accessorie vnto, as wes notourlie knawin to thair wisdomes of the counsal], 
 to whome the said compleinares had tane thair first recourse for redress, 
 desyirand thairfor thair wisdomes of the counsall to have consideratioun of 
 the premisses, and to tak sic ordour thairanent as may assuage thaii* greifF 
 conceaved for the same, and may incite the saidis complainares, heirefter 
 to intertene that loyall freyndschip quhilk befoir many ages hes beine bred 
 and euer since continewit betwixt the toun and thair predicessouris, whilk 
 they did earnestlie desyre be the said petitioun, as in the said complaint 
 subscryveit with thair- handis at length is conteanit. Sic subscribitur, 
 Wm Keith, Sir A. Irwing, Robert Irwine." The saidis compleinares com- 
 peirand pei'sonallie in presens of the saidis prouest, baillies, and counsall, 
 and the said Andro Meldrum being also personallie present, and the said 
 complaint at lenth red in thair audience, the said Andro Meldrum declairit . 
 be vertew of his solemne oath that what wes done in the said mater wes 
 by his knowledge and consent, nather gaue he any ordour nor desyrit his 
 said vmquhill spous to be buriet in the grave quhair she now lyes, and 
 thairfoir protestit he be frie of any damage, hurt, or prejudice, that the 
 toun or kuk salhappin to susteane thairby in thair right and priviledges 
 to that pairt of the said kirk in tyme comeing ; in respect of the quhilk 
 1 I 
 
66 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1634. 
 
 12 Feb. 
 1634. 
 
 Lord" 
 
 Keytlie, 
 
 Ii'wingis, 
 
 contra 
 
 Meldrum. 
 
 12 March 
 1634. 
 
 Ordinance 
 
 ancnt 
 
 burgesses 
 
 formaking 
 
 of thair 
 
 residence. 
 
 26 March 
 1G34. 
 
 Ratifica- 
 tioun of 
 tlie act 
 again is 
 mastisiie 
 and cur 
 doggis. 
 
 complaint and declaratioun foirsaid, the prouest, baillies, and counsall, for 
 setling of the busines, ordaines Mr Alexander Jaffray, baillie, Mr Patrik 
 Dwn, Patrik Leslie, and Mr Thomas Gray, four of thair number, to tak 
 notice, and try all thairanent, and the premisses being fund of veritie to 
 tak sic ordour thairwith as they sail think expedient. Persones of coun- 
 sall present, Sir PauU Mengzeis of Kynmundie, knicht, Prouest Gilbert 
 Mengzeis of Petfoddellis, Mr Alexander Jaffray, Johne Hay, Thomas 
 Nicolson, baillies ; Mr Patrik Dwn, Patrik Leslie, Mr Thomas Gray, Johne 
 Leslie, Robert Skeyne, Mr Willeame Mou-, Robert Smith, James Robert- 
 son, Thomas Mowat, Paull Colinson, James Crystie, tailyeour, and Wil- 
 leame Ord, wricht. 
 
 12 March 1634. 
 
 The said day it is statute and ordainit be the prouest, baillies, and 
 counsall, that all bm-gessis and friemen of this burgh, alsweill alredie ad- 
 mittit as to be admittit heireftir, sail mak thair actuall residence, and 
 remaining within the same burghe in tyme comeing, according to the 
 actis of thair admissioun, and wther actis and ox'dinances maid and sett 
 doun againis burgessis for making of thair residence, and that thay sail 
 nawayis duell nor keip opin buithes in the countrie at na tyme heireftir, 
 vnder the paine of deprevatioun, ipso facto ; and ordaines the deane of 
 gild and his successoris to put this present ordinance to dew executioun 
 in all poyntis. 
 
 26 March 1634. 
 
 The samen day the prouest, baillies, and counsall, ratifies and ap- 
 proves the act and ordinance maid and set doune by than* predicessouris, 
 prouest, baillies, and counsall of the said burghe for the tyme, with con- 
 sent of the haill toune, wpoune the fourteine day of February 1623 yeiris, 
 againis the haveares and keipares of mastishe and cur doggis within the 
 same burghe in tyme comeing ; and ordainis the said ordinance to be 
 intimat throw the haill toune be the drum, to the effect nane pretend ignor- 
 
1634.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 67 
 
 ance, and that all sic mastishe and cur doggis be removeit and put away 26 March 
 
 witliin fourtie auclit liouris, vnder the payne of fourtie pundis of wnlaw, ■; — " 
 
 to be payit be all persones to the deane of gild. _ tioun of 
 
 the act 
 againia 
 
 . , mastishe 
 2 April 1634. and cur 
 
 doggis. 
 
 The samen day the prouest, baillies, and counsall ordains ane letter ^^^^^'^^ 
 
 Ordinance 
 
 to be drawin wp in the tounes name, and subscryveit be the magistrattis, 
 and send to Midleburghe to Herman de Pitt, merchand thair, for casting anent the 
 the prayer bell of new againe, conforme to the commissioun alredie send the'prfyer 
 to him with the said bell, and quhat chairgis salbe debursit wpon the 
 casting or transporting bak of the said bell, the saids prouest, baillies, 
 and counsall ordainis the same to be advanceit and payit be Mr Thomas 
 Gray, Mr of kirkwark, whilk salbe allowit to the said Mr Thomas in his 
 comptis. 
 
 6 August 1634. 6 August 
 
 1634. 
 
 The prouest, baillies, and counsall grantis the soume of four hun- Support 
 
 dreth merkis to the maisteris and regentis of the Colledge of auld Aber- Q^^jj^j^^j^g 
 
 deine, for thair help to repair the steippill of the said Colledge, whilk wes of iwld 
 
 1 . , Aberdeine. 
 
 brokm doune wpoun the day of Februar 1633 yens, be extreme 
 
 tempest and storm of weather, to be debursit be the deane of gild, &nd 
 
 the same is ordanit to be allowit to him in his comptis. 
 
 13 August 
 1634. 
 
 13 August 1634. " Act^ 
 
 Lord is of 
 
 Followis the tenour of ane act and ordinance of Secret Counsall, Counsall 
 grantit be the Lordis thairof, in favouris of the necessitous people of ^f'^i^g''^"''' 
 Cathnes and Orknay, wha ar in great distres and miserie throw famine, people of 
 whilk the saidis Lordis hes recommended to the cheretabile help and and Ork- 
 supplie of all the inhabitantis within the schirreffdome of Aberdeine. Smitous 
 
 " At Edinburghe, the nyntein day of Junij, the yeire of God j" sex ^J^^^ 
 
 famine. 
 
68 
 
 EXTRACTS FKOM THE 
 
 [1635. 
 
 13 August hundreth threttie four yeiris, anent the supplicatioun presented to the 
 — Lordis of Secret Counsall be Johne, Bischope of Caithnes and Bischop of 
 
 Act of • 
 
 Lordis of Orknay, makand mentioun that quhair the pitiefull and deplorable 
 
 Couiisall estait of the people within the counties of Caithnes and Orkney, of whome 
 
 of'the'^°'' S^'®'''^^ numberis by famyn hawe miserablie perished this yeire, hath 
 
 people of mowed the saidis supplicantis, out of thair bound dewtie and Christian 
 
 aiulOrk- commiseratioun of thair calamitie, to present to the saidis Lordis the 
 
 cXm\toii3 clesolatioun quhilk, in these boilnds, is lyk to fall out if some present 
 
 tyme of course be not taine for preventing: of the samen ; for this last harvest 
 
 dai th and . . 
 
 famine. befoir the comes wer fullie ryped and cutt doun, such tempestuous and 
 bitter weather blew frome the ocean vpoun theise pairtes, that the cornis 
 wer sone blasted as thay never filled, and what semed to be filled did 
 nowayes answer to the peoples expectatioun, the boll of aittis in many 
 paii'tes not gewing ane peck of meale ; and whair thair did appeare to be 
 ane chalder of beir, the same did not rander the fourt pairt to the seid 
 quhairby the third rig lyeth vnsown, and in many pairtis the halff is not 
 sowin, quhilk hes caused so greate dearth and famyne in these partis that 
 multitudes dee in opine feildis, and thair is nane to burrie thame, bot 
 whair the minister gois furth with his man to burrie thame wher they ar 
 found, the ground yeildis thame no cornis, and the sea affoords thame 
 no fisches as formarlie it wount to do, the picture of death is seene in 
 the faces of manie, some dewore the sea waire, some eat dogs, some 
 steall foullis, of nyne of a familie, sewin at once died ; the husband and 
 the wyfe expyring at an tyme, manie ar redacted to that extrematie 
 that thay ar forced to steale, and thairefter ar executed, and some hawe 
 desperatlie rune to the sea and drowned thameselffes ; so gi*eat is the 
 famen, that the people of mean estate hawe nothing, and theise of great 
 rank hawe nothing that thay can spair, humblie desyring thairfoir the 
 saidis Lordis, that thay may hawe thair letteris of recommendatioun in 
 fawouris of thais poore people in maner and to the effect vnderwrettin, 
 lykas at mair length is contenit in the said supplicatioun, quhilk being 
 hard, red, and considderit by the saidis Lordis, and thay finding the desyre 
 
1635.] RECORDS OF TPIE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 69 
 
 thairof resonabile, thairfore the saidis Lordis hes recommendit, and be 13 August 
 
 1(134: 
 
 the tennour heirolF recommends the pitiefull and deplorable estait of the — 
 
 . Act of 
 
 poore people in tlie countrie of Orkney and Zetland to the charitable Lordis of 
 consideratioun of the Lordis of his Maiesties Priuie Coimsell, the sena- Qou,'saii 
 touris and memberis of the College of Justice, the prouest, baillies, conn- ^^'^1^^''''°''' 
 sail, and communitie of Edinburgh, and to all otheris weill disposed Chris- people of 
 tians, to burghe and land within this kingdome; and siclyik, the saidis and Ork- 
 Lordis recommendis the pitiefull and deplorabile estait of the inhabitantis 
 within the boundis of Caithnes to the charitable consideratioun of all the ty"|.° ^ 
 inhabitantis to the brughe and land within the schirreffdome of Aberdeine, famine, 
 and to the prouest and baillies thau-of, and to the borrowis, prouestis, 
 baillies, counsellouris, and inhabitantis benorth the samen, requesting 
 thame, and ewerie ane of thame, to extend suche proportioun of tliair 
 Christian charitie and benevolence towardes the releiff and supplie of the 
 necessitueis and deplorabill estait of thais poore people, as the nature of 
 the caus requyres. Extractum de lihris actorum." 
 
 20 October 1634. 20 Oct. 
 
 1634. 
 
 The said day the prouest, baillies, and counsall gives and grantis Coiriis^ 
 thair speciall powar, commissioun, and warrand to Patrik Leslie, prouest, 
 Mr Thomas Gray, Mr Matho Lummisden, and Mr Robert Farquhar, deal with 
 
 Doctor 
 
 baillies, and Mr Patrik Dun, principall of the Colledge of this burghe, to Joline 
 
 deall with Mr Johne Forbes, doctour and professour of divinitie in the accept 
 
 Kingis Colledge of Aberdeine, to accept wpoun him the chairge and func- "i^g'fJJiJg!" 
 
 tioun of ane of the ministeris of the said burgh, in plaice of umquhill tion of the 
 
 Williame, Bishop of Edinburghe. within this 
 
 burghe. 
 
 19 November 1634. 29 -^^^^ 
 
 1G34. ' 
 
 The samen day Mr Thomas Gray, baillie, gave in ane great brasin ^ i,^se • 
 
 hearse for decoratioune of the kirk of this burghe, whilk wes ordauit to S'^en be 
 
 . . . . j^'i' Thos. 
 
 be himg wp in the sovith yle of the new kirk, for serveiug of the kii-kis Gray 
 
 n . . to the new 
 
 wse m all tyme comemg. kirlj 
 
70 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1635. 
 
 17 Dec. 
 1634. 
 
 Anent the 
 charge 
 gevvin to 
 tlie toiiii 
 for rysing 
 in armes 
 againes 
 the licht 
 horsemen. 
 
 17 December 1634. 
 
 The said day tlie prouest, baillies, and counsall being chairgit, be 
 vertew of our Soverane Lordis letteris, to rjse in arms, assist and concur 
 Avith Thomas Crombie of Kemnay, shii-eff of Aberdeine, and the noble- 
 men, barones, and wtheris within the said schirefidome, wha have receavit 
 the lyke charge, to pas, follow, and persew Adame Gordon, brother to 
 Johne Gordoune of Park, Gordon, yonger of Invermarkie, 
 
 Williame Gordone, son to Gordone of Gellachie, Johne Gordone, 
 
 son to the gudeman of Achannachie, Nathaniell Gordoune, son to the 
 gudeman of Ardlogie, Alex. Leith, brother to the gudeman of Harthill, 
 Robert Gordon, brother to the Laird of Gight, Johne Gordone in Rothie- 
 may, William Ross in Ballivet, Makgillivoriche, servitour to the 
 
 laird of Park, and all wther brokin men being in thair company e, quhair- 
 evir thay may be apprehendit within the boundis of the schirrefdome 
 foirsaid, and to exhibite and present thameselffes to justice, to vnderly 
 thair deserveit punishement for thair abuse and contempt of his Maiesties 
 authoritie and lawis, in braking furth vpoun the laird of Frendraucht 
 his grvnd, spoyling and laying of the same waist, all in ane voce thocht 
 it meit and expedient to adheir to the exemptioun grantit be our late 
 deceassit soverane, King James the Sext, of blessed memorie, to the toune 
 and haill inhabitantis thairof, exeming thame frome all such raidis. 
 
 1^ Jan- 14 January 1635. 
 
 1G35. 
 
 Maie^ti'eT^ The quhilk day in presens of the prouest, baillies, and counsall of 
 letter pre- the burghe of Aberdeine, conveinit in the toimes counsalhous, compeirit 
 the coun- Mr Patrik Chalmer, syreflF-clerk of Aberdeine, and declaiiit that in absence 
 sell. ^£ rjij^Qj^^g Cromby, syreff principall of Aberdeine, for the present at Edin- 
 
 burgh, he delyuerit yesterday, the xiii* day of Januar instant, to Gilbert 
 Colinsone, baillie, his Maiesties missive direct to the baillies and counsall 
 of this burghe ; and as he then requyrit the said baillie to conveine the 
 
1635.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 71 
 
 remanent baillies and counsall, and to opin the said missive, and to give JJie Kingis 
 
 . Maiesties 
 
 redie and due obedience to the desyre thairof, so now the said Mr Patrik letter pre- 
 of new againe, in name of the said syreflf to whome the delyuerie of the the'coun- 
 said missive, and report of the obedience thairwnto wes committit be his 
 Maiestie, requyrit the whole baiUies and counsall presentlie assemblit, to 
 opin, read, and considder the said missive, and to give dew obedience to 
 his Maiesties royall plesour thairin conteanit ; quhilk missive being pre- 
 sentit with all dew reverence, in presence of the said prouest, baillies, and 
 coimsall, was opinit and publictlie red in thair audience, whau-of the 
 tenour followis : — 
 
 " To our trustie and weelbeloued the baillies and councell of our cittie 
 of Aberden, 
 
 Charles R. Trustie and weelbeloued, we greet yow weel, whereas we 
 ar informit of some seditious convocatiounes practised amongst yow, 
 comeing as we heir especiallie frome the electioun yow have latelie made 
 of one Patrik Leslie for your prouest, whom we wer informit to have 
 wrongit your trust in his careage at our late parliament, and thairfoir to 
 hawe deserved no suche chairge, and in regaird we hawe alwayes formerlie 
 found yow forward for our service, and accordinglie have dispensed oiu* 
 favour to yow in quhat micht concern your liberties and priviledges, 
 now being cairfull of that which may concerne our service and the peace 
 and weell of that our citie in redressing of the abuses past, and prevent- 
 ing the lyke inconvenient, it is our pleasour for that effect that yow 
 remove the said Patrik Leslie frome being your prouest, and in his place 
 we wish yow to mak choice of Sir Paull Mengzes, who wes formerlie in 
 that chairge ; so not doubting of the performance of this our plesour, we 
 bid yow fareweell frome our court at Whithall, the 10th of December 
 1634." Eftu- publict reading of the quhilk missive and all respective con- 
 sideratioune takin of the tenour and contentis thau'of, the saidis prouest, 
 baillies, and coimcell all in ane voce, with all submissive dewtie and 
 obedience, humblie acknowledgit thameselffis bund to the speedie and 
 reall performance of his Maiesties royall plesour thairin conteanit; 
 
72 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1635. 
 
 14 Jan. 
 16G5. 
 
 TlieKingis 
 Maiesties 
 letter pre- 
 sentit to 
 the couii- 
 sell. 
 
 lykeas the said Patrik Leslie, present prouest, for himselff and his awin 
 interest, humbUe acquiesced in his Maiesties plesoui- signified concerning 
 him be the said missive, and instantlie conforme thairto, dimittit and 
 laid douue the said office of prouestrie at his Maiesties feit, to the effect 
 choice may be maid of the said Su- Paull Mengzeis to be prouest in his 
 sted, according to the wari'and and desyre of the said missive, whair- 
 wpoun command was given to the baillies to conveine presentlie the late 
 counsall of this burghe, the yeir immediatlie bygaiue, with the haill 
 deacones of craftis, and thay that have vote with the present counsall in 
 the electioun of the prouest and remanent magistrattis of this burghe ; 
 and accordinglie the said auld councell, in the yeir immediatlie bypast, 
 with the sex deacones of craftis being fullie conveinit in the said counsall- 
 hous, and his Maiesties missive aboue writtin being againe publictlie 
 red in thair audience, the saidis new and auld counsallis, and haill 
 deacones of craftis, being seuerallie demandit be the said Gilbert Colinson, 
 baillie, whome they wald chuise to be prouest in place of the said Patrik 
 Leslie, who had voluntarlie dimittit his office of prouestrie as said is, thay 
 all in ane voce, with all submissive respeck and obedience acknowledgeit 
 thame selffis bund not onlie to the redie and present performance of his 
 Maiesties royall plesour signified be the said missive, bot lyikwayis to 
 everie wther thing lying in thair possibilities that may concerne his 
 Maiesties service ; lykeas instantlie be thair wniforme voyces they elected 
 and choosed the said Sir Paul Mengzeis to be prouest of this burghe till 
 Michaelmes nixt to cum, in place of the said Patrik Leslie; and the said 
 Sir Paull being personallie present, acceptit the said office of prouestrie 
 in and wpoun him, and gave his aith for faithfull administratioun thaixin. 
 
 11 Feb. 
 
 1635. 
 
 Ordinance 
 to tlie Ml- 
 of kirk- 
 wark. 
 
 11 February 1635. 
 
 The quhilk day the prouest, baillies, and counsall, haveand red and 
 considerit the compt of Walter Robertson, dean of gild of this burghe, of 
 his debursementis at his late being in Flanders on the casting of the great 
 
1635.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 73 
 
 bell of Sanct Nicolas paroclie kirk of the same burglie, callit the "Lau- n Feb. 
 
 rence," and stoking tliairof, and for fraucht outward and hameward, and - — 
 
 , , . . . , , . , . , IIP Ordinance 
 
 wther charrges requisete in that busmes, qnhiJk wes cassm and stocked oi to the Mr 
 
 new againe in Midleburghe, in anno 1634, being send thair for that effect 
 be warrand of the magistrats and counsall for the tyme, be resone of a 
 great rift in the same, qnhairthrow the said bell wes wnprofitabill, and 
 could not serve for publict vse, they find that the said Walter lies de- 
 bursit and advanceit of his awin proper moneyis on the casting and stok- 
 ing of the said bell, and for the outward and hameward fraucht and 
 vther charges in that busines, the soume of tuelff hundreth fourscoir fourtein 
 pundis sevinteine schillingis Scottis money, comptand onlie dolour for 
 dolour; and tliairfoir they ordaine Robert Johnstoune, maister of kirk- 
 wark, to refound and pey back againe the lyik soume to the said Walter 
 Robertsoune of the rediest of the kirk moneyis in his handis, quhilk salbe 
 allowit to the said Mr of kirkwark in his comptis. 
 
 26 3Iarch 1635. 26 Mar. 
 
 1635. 
 
 The quhilk day the prouest baillies, and counsall haveand this day Missive 
 receaved a gratious and favourable missive frome the kingis most excel- Maiestie. 
 lent maiestie, thay ordaine the same to be registrat in thair counsall booke 
 ad futuram rei memoriam, whairof the tenour followis, " To our trustie and 
 weelbeloved the prouest, baillies, and counsall of our citie of Aberdein." 
 " Charles R., 
 
 Trustie and weelbeloved, we greet your weell, Vnderstanding of your will- 
 ing and redie obedience to our letter in removeing of your late prouest, and 
 accepting Sir Paull Mengzeis, knicht, in that chairge, we doe thairin acknow- 
 ledge your gude affectioun to our service, and giue yow hartie thankis for 
 the same, assureng you that heirefter wee wilbe spairing to giue any suclie 
 furder ordour vnles thair be some speciall occasioun moveing ws thair- 
 unto : As for your signature sent wnto ws for ratifieing your liberties, 
 we have at this tyme returnit the same to our advocat to be conferred 
 
74 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1635. 
 
 26 Mar. 
 1635. 
 
 Missive 
 from his 
 Maiestie. 
 
 with the last ratificatioune of our late royall father, and yff uothing be 
 materiallie disconforme, or yff any thingis be added by yow of new whairbe 
 we nor nane of our gude subiectis ar prejudgeit that he forthwith caus 
 exped the same wnder our cachet and seallis, vtlierwayis to returne it 
 dirated by him vnto ws, that it may pas oure signature heir, and be 
 returned back for that purpose ; we bid you farewell, frome our Court at 
 Whythall the tuelff day of February 1635. 
 
 8 April 
 1635. 
 
 Ordinance 
 to the dean 
 of gild 
 anent the 
 Bishopis 
 buriall. 
 
 8 Ajyril 1635. 
 
 The quhilk day the prouest, baillies, and counsall, ordainis the totmes 
 haill tuelff peice of ordinance to be shot the morne at the bimall of 
 vmquhill Patrik, late Bishop of Aberdeine, in testimonie of thair affectioun 
 and deserveit respect to him, thairof thrie peise to be shot at the lifting 
 of the corps out of the cheppell on the Castelhill, and the wther nyne to 
 be shot howsone the buriall passis by the tounes merche at the Spitillhill, 
 and thairifter the said haill ordinance to be chairgit and shot of new 
 againe at the interring of the corps, and the haill bellis to be toUit during 
 that ilk tyme ; lyke as they appoint Walter Robertsone, deane of gild, to 
 caus mont and mak in redines the said ordinance to the effect fou'said, 
 and what he debursses thairwpoun salbe allowit to him in his comptis. 
 
 13 May 
 1635. 
 
 Licence 
 grantit to 
 Jame- 
 souue. 
 
 13 May 1635. 
 
 The quhilk day the prouest, baillies, and counsall of the burght of 
 Abirdeine wnderwrittin, thay ar to say, Sir Paull Mengzeis of Kynmondy, 
 knight, prouest, Gilbert Collisoun, Maister Thomas Gray, Maister Mathow 
 Lumysden, Maister Robert Farquhar, baillies ; Walter Robertsouu, deane of 
 gild; Robert Cruikschank, thesaurar; Robert Johnstoun, Thomas Mortymer, 
 George Mengzeis, Robert Alexander, Dauid Aidye, Alexander Burnett, 
 Thomas Paip, Paull Mengzeis, Hew Andersoun, goldsmith, and George 
 Pyper, wricht, being conveinit in the tounes counsallhouse anent the peti- 
 
1635.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGII OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 75 
 
 tioun gewin in to thame be George Jamesoun, indweller in the said ^f^^^ 
 burght, makand mentioun, that for sameikle as a greate pairt of the play- ^. — 
 feild belongeing to the toune whair comedies were wont to be actit of grantit to 
 auld besyde the well of Spa, is spoilled, brockin, and cariet away be speat ^oiJ^e. 
 and inundation of watter, and is lyabill to the same danger, and incon- 
 venient heireftir, so that unles some course be taikin to withstand suche 
 speattis and invndatiounes, the whole playfeild, within a short space of 
 tyme will alluiterlie decay, and serwe for no wse ; and the said George 
 tacking notice of the tounes prejudice heirin, and withall havand con- 
 sideratioun how this little plott of ground may be vsefull to the toune 
 heirefter, out of his naturall aflfectioun to this his native citie, he is content 
 wpon his awin chairges, not onlie to mak some fortificatioun to withstand 
 the violence of speattis in tyme coming, bot lykewayes to mak some 
 policie and planting within and about the said playfeild for the publict 
 vse and benefitt of the toune, wherof he hes takin occasioun be this his 
 petitioun to acquaint thair wisdomes of the counsall, humblie desyiring for 
 this effect, that ther wisdomes will be pleased to grant him frie libertie, 
 licence, and tolerance to mak sic building, policie, and planting within 
 and about the said plott of ground, as he sail think most fitting and con- 
 venient, both to withstand the violence of the watter fra doinge forder 
 harme thairwnto, and to the effect the same may redound to the publict 
 wse and benefitt of the toune : onlie this muche he desyiris for his trawellis, 
 cost, and expenssis to be bestowit on this work, that he may hawe 
 a lease of this plott of ground and the wse thairof to his awin behowe 
 during his lyftyme allanerlie, and eftir his deceas, he is content that the 
 magistrattis and councell of this burght for the tyme intromett thairwith, 
 and apply the same in all tyme thaireftir in the publict wse and benefitt 
 of the toune as they sail find most convenient, without any recompense 
 to be sought be him, his aires, executoris, assignayes, or successoris, for 
 any chairges that he salhappin to bestow thairwpoun, as at mair length 
 wes contenit in the said petitioun : quhilk being red, hard, and considderit 
 be the saids prouest, baillies, and counsall, and thay thairwith being ryplie 
 
1 
 
 76 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1635. 
 
 13 Jlav 
 1635. 
 
 Licence 
 prantit to 
 Jame- 
 soune. 
 
 advysed, thay find the desyir tliairof to be most reasonable as being a 
 motioiin tending to the publict gude and benefitt of the tonne, acknow- 
 ledging thairby the petitionar to expres himselflf as a weall affected citizen 
 towards the furtherance and incres of policie in this his native toune ; 
 and thairfoir be thir presentis thay giwe, grant, and sett to the said 
 George Jamesoun a lease and tack of the said plott of ground callit the 
 Playfeild during all the dayes of his lyftyme allanerlie, his entrie thairto 
 to be and begin the day and date heirof, with full power, libertie, and 
 priuiledge to him to build and mack sic policie and planting in and about 
 the said plott of ground in all pairts, and throughout the haill bounds and 
 limites thairof as he sail think most convenient, payand thairfoir yeirelie 
 during his lyftyme to the thesaurar of the said burght for the tyme in 
 name of the toune, thrie shillings foure penneis vsuall Scottes money at 
 the feist of Witsonday yeirlie, if the same be asked allanerlie, for all vther 
 maill or dewtie that may be requyred thairfore dm'ing the space forsaid, 
 with this alwayes conditioun and prowisioune, that immediatlie eftir the 
 deceis of the said George, the magistrattis and counsall of the said burght 
 for the tyme, in name of the toime, or thaii* thesaurar in thair name, sail 
 hawe full and frie power to mell and intromett with the said Playfeild, 
 haill policie, building, and planting within and about the same brevi manu, 
 without any proces of law or declaratour, and to apply the same to the 
 publict vse and benefitt of the haill toune in all tyme thaireftii", without 
 any recompense to be gewine be the toune to the aires or executors 
 of the said George, for any cost or charges he sail happin to mak and 
 debiu'se in planting and building thairvpoun, quhairimto the said George 
 Jameson consentit, and agriet and accepted of his lywerent tak aboue 
 Avrittin wpoun the conditioun foirsaid. 
 
 ; 
 
1635.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 77 
 
 3 June 1635. June 
 
 1G35. 
 
 The samen day the prouest, baillies, and counsall being crediblie Colinsone 
 informet that ane reverend fader in God, A dame, Bishop of Dumblane, is a'«^Koss 
 
 ' . ciiosin 
 
 to be transplantit frome his former chairge in that bishoprick, and to be commis- 
 
 resaueit and admittit Bishop of Aberdeine wpon Sonday, the second day aucnt the 
 
 of August nixttociim at HaHerudehous : Thairfoir thay think meit and Alienleinc 
 
 expedient to direct commissionares frome this burghe for attending of the t":>|isi)lan- 
 
 f _ . . tatioune. 
 
 said dyet, and to congratulat the said reverend father his transplantatioune 
 
 and new admissioun in the tonnes name, and thairwith to mak his con- 
 voye hameward to this burghe wpoun the tounes chairges, for the quhilk 
 effect they instantlie nomiuat Gilbert Colinsone, baillie, and Mr Alexander 
 B,oss, doctor in divinitie, ane of the tounes ordinar ministeris as commis- 
 sionares for thame, and ordaines Robert Cruikschank, thesaurar, to deburse 
 the soume of four hundreth merkis to the saidis commissionares to ane 
 compt for making of the said reverend father and thair awin chairges, 
 whilk soume salbe allowit to the said thesaurar in his comptis, of the quhilk 
 soume the said Gilbert Colinsone, baillie, delyuerit bak to the thesaurar 
 the soume of at his returne frome Edinburgh, in re- 
 
 spect the said reuerend father wes not redie to come north till the begin- 
 ning of September nixt. 
 
 3 June 1635. 3 June 
 
 1635. 
 
 The prouest, baillies, and counsall appointis a not to be guien to Mr Anent our 
 Robert Petrie, thair agent, of the names of the nichtbouris of the toune boures 
 quha ar chairgit for conceallit moneyis at the instance of the Earle of f"™^^"''''' 
 Kennowle ; and Mr James Baird, advocat, to be employit as the tounes cealled 
 procuratour, to compeir befoir the Lordis of Sessioun for defence of the 
 said actioun, and informatioun to be send to him for that effect. 
 
78 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [IG35. 
 
 3 June 
 1635. 
 
 Statute 
 anent tlie 
 playding 
 packed in 
 the tounes 
 packhous. 
 
 3 June 1635. 
 
 The samen day the proiiest, bailHes, and counsall hes statute and 
 ordanit, and be thir presentis statutes and ordaines that ilk pack and 
 fardell of playding, whilk salhappin to be packed heirefter in the tounes 
 commoun packhous, haveing lyen in the said packhous twa nichtis efter 
 paking, sail pay nichtlie fra thane furth, ay and quhill the same be trans- 
 portit and removeit out of the said hous, the dewtie following to the 
 tounes tennent and takisman thairof — viz., aucht pennyes for ilk pack, 
 and four pennyes for Uk fardell, and the nichtboures of the toune to be 
 frie of the said bygaine dewtie befoii* the dait heirof. 
 
 3 June 
 1635. 
 
 Taxt Roll 
 of the 
 burrowis. 
 
 3 June 1635. 
 
 The Generall Taxt Koll of the whole burrowis of this kingdoms, 
 maid and set doune at ane particular conventioun, haldin at Edinburghe 
 in October 1635, be the commissionares thair convenit and appointit for 
 that effect, bearand ilk burghes pairt of the soume of ane hundreth pundis 
 of all taxatiounes, ordanit to continew for the spaise of thrie yeares and 
 longer dm-iug the burrowes plesour : — 
 
 Edinburghe, 
 
 Perth, . 
 
 Dundie, . 
 
 Aberdeine, 
 
 Stirling, 
 
 Glasgow, 
 
 Sanctaudrous, 
 
 Dysart, . 
 
 Linlithgow, 
 
 Aire, 
 
 Hadingtoun, 
 
 28 lib., 15ss. 
 5 lib., lOss. 
 9 lib., 6ss., 8d. 
 8 lib. 
 
 1 lib., 16ss. 
 5 lib., lOss. 
 3 lib. 
 
 1 lib., lOss. 
 
 1 lib., lOss. 
 
 2 lib., Iss., 4d. 
 1 lib., 16ss. 
 
1635.] 
 
 RECOKDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 79 
 
 Kirkaldie, 
 Montrose, 
 Coupar, 
 
 Anstruther Easter 
 Drumfreis, 
 Innernes, 
 Brechin, 
 Irwine, 
 Elgine, . 
 Jedburghe, 
 Kirkudbrighe, 
 Vigtoun, 
 Petinweyme, 
 Dumfermliue, 
 Dumbartane, 
 Reinfrew, 
 Lanrik, . 
 Abirbrothok, 
 Bruntyland, 
 Peibles, . 
 Carraill, 
 Kinghorne, 
 Tayne, 
 Selkirk, 
 Anstruther Waster, 
 Culros, . 
 Dunbar, 
 Bamfif, 
 Whythorne, 
 Forfar, . 
 Rothesay, 
 Forress, 
 
 2 lib., 6ss., 8d. 
 2 lib., 13ss., 4d. 
 1 lib., 4ss. 
 
 1 lib., llss. 
 
 2 lib., 4ss. 
 2 lib. 
 
 1 lib. 
 
 1 lib., 3ss. 
 1 lib. 
 
 0 lib., 18ss. 
 
 1 lib. 
 
 0 lib., 15s8. 
 0 lib., 15ss. 
 0 lib., 12ss. 
 0 lib., 12ss. 
 0 lib., lOss. 
 0 lib., 16ss. 
 0 lib., lOss. 
 0 lib., 16ss., 8d. 
 
 0 lib., lOss. 
 
 1 lib., 4ss. 
 
 0 lib., 148S., 8d. 
 0 lib., 12ss. 
 0 lib., lOss. 
 0 lib., 6ss., 8d. 
 0 lib., 12ss. 
 0 lib., 12ss. 
 0 lib., 8ss. 
 
 3 June 
 1635. 
 
 Taxt Roll 
 of the 
 burrowis. 
 
 0 lib., 
 0 lib., 
 0 lib., 
 0 lib.. 
 
 5ss. 
 
 6ss., 8d. 
 
 5ss. 
 
 Gss. 
 
80 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1635. 
 
 3 June 
 1C35. 
 
 Taxt Roll 
 of the 
 burrow is 
 
 Rutliglein, 
 
 North Bervick, 
 
 Cull en, 
 
 Name, 
 
 Lawder, 
 
 Innerkeithiug, 
 
 Kelranye, 
 
 Annan, . 
 
 Sanchar, 
 
 Lochmaban, 
 
 New Galloway, 
 
 0 lib., 
 0 lib., 
 0 lib., 
 0 lib., 
 0 lib.. 
 
 5ss. 
 4ss. 
 4ss. 
 4ss. 
 5ss. 
 
 0 lib., lOss. 
 0 lib., 3ss., 4d. 
 
 0 lib., 
 0 lib., 
 0 lib., 
 0 lib., 
 
 3ss., 4d. 
 3ss., 4d. 
 3ss., 4d. 
 Iss. 
 
 9 August 
 1(>S5. 
 
 Licicnce 
 for aiie 
 Frensche 
 schoole. 
 
 9 August 1635. 
 
 The counsall grantis licience to Alexander Rolland to teache ane 
 Frensche schoole within this burghe for teacheing of the youth, sic as sail 
 pleas to come wnto him, and for that effect to put wp ane brod or signs 
 befoir his schoole doore, to give notice of the said licience to all wha ar 
 desyrous to learne the Frensche tongue. 
 
 23 Sept. 
 1635. 
 
 Deserting 
 of tlie 
 ordinar 
 dyett off 
 election. 
 
 23 September 1635. 
 
 Apud Aberdenvigesimo tertio die niensis Septembris anno doniini millesimo 
 Sexcentesimo Trigesimo quinto. 
 
 The quhilk day the prouest, baillies and councell of the burghe of 
 Aberdene, eftir following, Thay ar to say Sir Paull Mengzeis of Kynmundie, 
 knicht, prouest, Gilbert Colinson, Mr Thomos Gray, Mr Matho Lumisden, 
 and Mr Robert Farquhar, baillies, Walter Robertson, deane of gild, Robert 
 Cruikshank, thesaurar, Robert Johnstoune, Daiiid Aidye, Alexander Burnet, 
 Thomas Mortimer, Thomas Paip, George Mengzeis, Paul Menzes, Hew 
 Andersone, goldsmith, and George Peyper, wricht, nane being absent but 
 Gilbert Menzes of Petfoddellis, Patrick Leslie, and Robert Alexander, being 
 
1626.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 81 
 
 convenit iu the counsalliotis of the said burghe as wpoun the ordinal- day ^^gg^P*^" 
 of thair electioun, in a peaceable and qnyet maner, for electing and chtising p^^"^ 
 of the new connsall and magistrattis of the same burglie for the yeir to come, of the 
 to witt, whill Wedinsday immediatlie preceiding Michaelmes, iu the yeir tiyett'of 
 of God MVP threttie sex yeiris, according to the decreit pronunceit be our election, 
 late soverane Lord King James, of blissed memorie, in the moneth of 
 December 1592, aneut the electioim of the connsall, prouest, baillies, deane 
 of gild, thesaimir, and other officemen of the said bnrghe in all tyme 
 thaireftir, compeirit in the midtyme in presens of the saidis prouest, 
 baillies, and counsall, ane reverend father in God, Adame, Bishope of 
 Aberdeine, ane of the lordis of his maiesties most honourabill privie 
 counsall, and Thomas Crombye, shirelf principall of Aberdeine, whome the 
 said reverend father desyrit to be eye witnes, and to bear testimonie of 
 his proceidings in the present busines ; and befoir any thing proceidit in 
 the said electioune, the said reverend father affirmet both be publict 
 and privat discourse oft and dyvers tymes had be him with the magis- 
 trattis and most pairt of the counsall, that thair is ane notor and evident 
 divisioun sensiblie seine amongst thame, anent the electioun of thair magis- 
 trattis and counsall, to the apparant danger of the commounwealth ; for 
 preventing qiihairof the said reverend father desyrit the counsall presentlie 
 conveinit, with wniforme consent to continew the present dyet of thair 
 electioun, till sic tyme as he may acquant his maiestie and lordis of secret 
 counsall thairwith, that ordor may be given be thame for setling of the 
 present divisiotm and of all factious plottis amongst thame heu-eftir, quhilk 
 continuatioun of the dyet, the said reverend father declairit sould be 
 but brak or prejudice of the tonnes liberties ; lyke as accordinglie he 
 craveit the voces of the counsall presentlie conveinit if they wald consent 
 to the said continewatioun : And eftir they wer all voceit be his lordship 
 thairupoun, sevin of thame, to witt. Sir PauU Mengzeis, prouest, Gilbert 
 Colinsone, Mr Thomas Gray, baillies ; Walter Robertsone, deane of gild ; 
 Robert Johnstoune, George Menzeis, and Paull Mengzeis, consentit at the 
 said reverend father's desyre to the continuatioun of the present dyet of 
 1 L 
 
82 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1635. 
 
 23 Sept. the electioun and nyane of thame, viz : Mr Matho Lummisden, Mr Robert 
 — ; Farquhar, baillies ; Robert Cruikshaiik, tbesaurar ; Dauid Aidye, Alexr. 
 of the Burnet, Thomas Mortimer, Thomas Paip, Hew Anderson, and George 
 dyett'of PyipGr, disassentit to any continuatioun of the present dyet of tliair elec- 
 election. tioun, bot that the same sould go on this day, according to the decreit 
 foirsaid given be our said late soverane lord King James of happie 
 memorie, and anniversarie custume continuallie observeit sensyne, sieing 
 they wer heir assemblit in peaceable maner for that effect. And the said 
 reverend father be resone of the diversitie of the saidis voyces and of the 
 distractioun and divisioun he sies amongst the present magistrates and 
 counsall, out of his auctoritie as ane of the lordis of his maiesties privie 
 counsall, in his maiesties name requyrit thame to dissolue and desert 
 the present meiting, and to continew all proceiding in the said electioun, 
 till he acquant his maiestie and lordis of privie counsall thairwith and 
 that thair plesure and commandiment be reportit bak againe to thame 
 thairanent, and in the midtyme willit and commandit the present magis- 
 trattis, counsall, and officemen, to continew in thair severall statiounes, 
 and in keiping and exerceing everie ane his awin place and office during 
 the said space, as they will be ansuerable to his maistie, declairing that 
 this continuatioun sould be but brak of thair liberties : Qidiilk command 
 given be the said reverend father in his maiesties name, the saidis prouest 
 baillies, and counsall instanthe obey it, and conforme thairto, brak wp and 
 dissolued thair present meiting ; and the persones disassentares aboue 
 named tuke instrumentis that they wer willing and redie for thair pairtis 
 to proceid to the said electioun in peaceable and calme maner conforme to 
 the foirsaid decreit given be our said late soverane King James of blissed 
 memorie, protesting that they be frie from exerceing of any office, or sit- 
 ting as counsallours fi'ome this tyme furth in respect they wer chosin 
 thairto onlie for ane yeir, whilk expyris this present day, and that quhat- 
 sumeuir detriment the toune sail susteane in thair liberties or utherwayis 
 be deserting of this present dyet, that the same be not impute to thame, 
 bot that they be frie and blameles thairof, be resone of thair willingnes 
 
1635.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 83 
 
 and redienes to preceid presentlie to the said electioun, according to the ^^^^g^P'- 
 
 foil-said decreit and consuetude inviolablie heirtofoir observeit sen the — 
 
 Deserting 
 
 giving thairof, lykeas the foirnamed persones consentares aboue named, of the 
 protestit in the contrair, in respect of thair consent given to the foirsaid ^yett^o'if 
 continuatioun at the desyre of the said reverend father, for the gude and election, 
 peace of the comraoun weall ; and the said reverend father, as abefoir 
 requyrit and desyrit the present magistrattis and counsall to continew in 
 thair seurall places and government of the toune, ay and quhill his 
 maiesties plesour or warrand frome the lordis of secret counsall be direct 
 to the toun thairanent, as they wilbe ansuerable to his maiestie at thair 
 heighest chairge and perrell. 
 
 7 October 1635. 7 Octolier 
 
 1G35. 
 
 Apud Aberden, septimo die mensis Octoberis, anno domini millesimo sex- ciiargefor 
 centesimo trigesimo quinto. decdon^of 
 
 The quhilk day in presence of the prouest, baillies, and counsell of ^'^^^ "^^^^ 
 the burghe of Aberdeine conveinit in thair councelhous for making elec- and magi- 
 tioun of the new counsell and magistrattis of the said burghe for the yeire &c. 
 to come, for obedience to the chairge eftirspecifeit, gewin to thame for that 
 effect, and for preservatioun of the tounes liberties, compeired Richard 
 Foullartoune, and declairit that ane noble and potent erle, Johne, erle of 
 Traquair, lord thesaurar depute of this kingdome, had directit to him oure 
 soueraine lords letteris, gewin be dely werance of the lordis of his maiesties 
 most honourable privie counsall, for chairging the prouest, baillies, and 
 counsall of the said burghe, and otheris hawing woce in thair electioun, 
 to proceid this day to the electioun of thair new counsell and magistrattis 
 for the yeir to come, in respect that the ordinar dyet of thair electioun 
 wpoun considerable respects wes continewit ; lykeas the said Richard 
 declaired that conform to the warrant of the saids lettei'is he had causit 
 Robert Merser, messinger, charge particularlie the prouest, baillies, and 
 counsall of this burghe to that effect, quilkis letteris the said Richard 
 
84 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1635. 
 
 7 gawe ill and prodiicit befoir the said prouest, baillies, and counsell as the 
 
 — ^ warrand and gi'ound of thair meitting for making of the said electioun, off 
 the new the quhilkis letteris the tennour followes, — " Charles be the grace of God, 
 counccll. j^ijjg of Greate Britaine, France, and Ireland, defendar of the faith, to 
 oure loiuttis, Robert Merser, messingeris, our schirreffis in that pairt coniu- 
 nctlie and seuerallie, speciallie constitute, gi*eitting, Forsameikill as the 
 lordis of oiu-e prinie counsell ar informed that of late there hes beine some 
 contestatioun within oure burghe of Aberdeine amongs the nighboures and 
 inhabitantis thairof anent the electioune of the magistrattis and counsall 
 of oure said burghe ; quhilk contestatioune is yit fostered and interteanied 
 within the same burghe, for preventing whairof, and for the better preserwa- 
 tioun of the liberties of oure said burghe anent the electioim of thair 
 magistrattis and counsall, the ordiner dyet whairof hes beine wpoun 
 some considerable respectis continewed, Oiu-e will is heirfou-, and we 
 charge you straitlie, and commands that incontinent thir oure letteris sene, 
 ye pas and in oure name and auctoritie, command and charge the prouest, 
 baillies, counsell, and otheris, hawing vote in the electioun of the magis- 
 trattis of oure said burghe, to proceid in a calme and peaceable maner to 
 thair said electioun, upoun Wedinsday nixt, the sewiut day of October. 
 . . . Gewin under our signet at Edinburgh, the penult day of Septem- 
 ber, and of oure reigne the elleuint yeire 1635." Eftir the productioun and 
 reiding of the quhilkis letteris, and in calling of the name of God by publict 
 prayer according to the accustumed maner, the saidis prouest, baillies, 
 and counsell proceidit to thair electioun in maner following. . . . 
 Sir Paull Mengzeis, prouest and moderator for the tyme, finding Patrik 
 Leslie to be present, whome his maiestie wpoun just occasion of offence 
 remowed the yeire bygaine frome the office of prouestrie, causit publictlie 
 reid in counsall his maiesties letter direct to that effect ; as lykcAvayes 
 causit reid the letter direct to the prouest, baillies, and counsall of this 
 bm'ghe latelie in September last be my Lord Archbishope of Sainct Androus, 
 primat and Lord High Chancellar of this kingdome, whairby his lordship, 
 for the caussis mentioned in the said letter, willed and requyred thame in 
 
1635.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 85 
 
 his maiesties name that they suld not make chnse of the said Patrik Leslie 7 October 
 
 1-1 • 1 • ^62^- 
 
 to be thair prouest, nor yit suffer hnn to haue woyce m than* counsall, and — 
 
 „ . ..... T Election of 
 
 thairfor the said Sir PauU Mengzeis, prouest, m his maiesties name and the new 
 
 auctoritie, requyred and commandit the said Patrik Leslie to remowe frome 
 
 this present electioun , . . And the said Patrik Leslie declared that 
 
 he hawing obeyit his maiesties letter in remowing from the oflSce of 
 
 prouestrie, quhilk buir no remowinge of him frome being a counsellour, 
 
 he wes this day come for obedience to the chairge of secret counsall, 
 
 gewin to him to elect the new councell and magistrattis. . . . And 
 
 hawing got the letis from the handis of Mr Robert Farquliar, baillie, to 
 
 woyce as a counsellour and begim to wote, the said Sir Paull, Gilbert 
 
 Meingzeis of Petfoddellis, Gilbert Colinsoun, baillie, and Robert Johnstoun, 
 
 impedit and interrupted the said Patrik from any forder woyceing. . . . 
 
 and siclyk the said Patrik allegit that the most pairt of the counsall ap- 
 
 prowes and consentis to his proceiding and voceing in the said electioun, 
 
 and the said Sir Paull protestit agaiiies the said Patrik Leslie for impeding 
 
 and hindering of the said electioun, and keiping wp of the lites contrair 
 
 to the command of the saids letteris as he allegit. And the said Patrik 
 
 protestit in the contrair, in respect he wes willing to giwe his woyce and 
 
 the lites from him when he had endit, quhilk the fofrnamed persones wald 
 
 not permitt, in respect thay ar commandit be my Lord Chancellares letter 
 
 not to suffer him to hawe any voce ; and becaus the said Patrik Leslie 
 
 keipit up the lites that wer drawin up for chusing of the new counsell be 
 
 the space of thrie or foure liom-es or thairby, and wald not giwe thame 
 
 out of his hands till he sould sett to his nottes and woyce to the samen, 
 
 the prouest causit draw up the samen litt ower againe on ane other paper, 
 
 and desyrit the counsall present to give their woyces for chuseing of the 
 
 counsall ; lykas, accordinglie, the said Gilbert Collisoun, Maister Thomas 
 
 Gray, baillies ; Gilbert Mengzeis, Robert Johnstoun, Walter Robertsoun, 
 
 Robert Alexander, George Mengzeis, and Paull Mengzeis, gawe thair 
 
 woyces of new againe and markit the said paper ; and Mr Mathew Lum- 
 
 mysden and Mr Robert Farquhar, baillies, refused to mack any new 
 
 electioun in respect thay hawe gewine thair woyces alredie to the lites 
 
86 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1635. 
 
 7 ^^g"^^"" filst drawin wp and presentit ; lykeas also Thomas Mortimer, Robert 
 ^, — Cruikshank, Dauid Aedye, Alexander Bm-nett, Thomas Paip, Hew Ander- 
 
 Election of -n n t 
 
 the new soun, and (jreorge ryper, refused to nott or give than- woyces to any litt 
 councell. except that quhilk wes fii'st di-a-svin up and markit be the said Gilbert 
 Mengzeis and the foure baillies, quhilk wes gewin be Mr Robert Farquhar, 
 baillie, to Patrik Leslie to be woyced be him, whome the prouest, Gilbert 
 Mengzeis, and Gilbert Collisoun, wiolentlie, as thay allegit, impedit be 
 following him frome place to place in the counsalhous, and drawing of the 
 said Patriks hand and the pen frome the paper ; and the said Patrik 
 Leslie desyrit the clerk to come and sie him mark the saids lites, conforme 
 as he hes done to the rest of the hous, whahwnto the clerk ansuered he 
 wes content SAva to do if the prouest, baillies, and counsall wold command 
 him to that effect; and the said Patrik desyred a woice of the hous 
 whither or no the clerk suld attend his marking of the lites, quhilk the 
 prouest as moderator, the said Gilbert Mengzeis and Gilbert ColUsoun 
 wald not suffer to go to wotiug, be reasone of my Lord Chancellares war- 
 rant to the contrair; and the said Patrik taking the new lites in his 
 hands, and begynning to nott the same eftir he had gewin his uote thairto, 
 the prouest tuke the new lite out of his hand. . . . and immediatlie 
 thaheftir the said Patrike Leslie went out of the counsalhous and returned 
 bak againe within a short space with the said first lites in his hand, notted, 
 and woyced be him in presence of Robert Merser, messinger, and nottar, 
 as he declared and presented the same to the saids Thomas Mortimer, 
 Robert Cruikshank, and remanent persones, his adherentis aboue named, 
 for putting thair nottes and woyces thairto, desyring the clerk to attend 
 thair marking, notting, and woycing of that litt as he had done abefoir. 
 Bot the said Sir Paull Mengzeis, prouest, &c. . . . commaudit him to 
 the contrair, becaus the said Patrik Leslie had alterit the forme of the 
 electioun be carieing the lites furth of the counsallhous, and putting his 
 notes and markes thairunto in ane uther hous privatlie be himselflf allane, 
 and presenting the same markit be him as said is . . . Lykas the 
 said Su- Paull requyrit the saids Maister Matho Lummysden, Maister 
 Robert Farquhar, baillies, Robert Cruilcshank, Thomas Mortimer, Alexander 
 
1G35.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 87 
 
 Buniet, Dauid Aedye, Thomas Paip, Hew Andersoun, and George Pyper, 7 October 
 
 to proceid in the said electioun, as thay who hes woce thairin, and to nott ^, — ^ 
 
 . 1 . r. 1 Election of 
 
 thair wyoces wpoun the said second lite, whairunto the remanent oi the the new 
 
 counsall wha had power to wote had alredie woted. . . . Quhilk thay 
 
 all refuised to do, and wald wote to no lites except that qiihilk the said 
 
 Patrik Leslie, the said Gilbert Mengzeis, and the foure bailies, had alredie 
 
 notted. . . . Lykas the said Patrik gewing the first lite to thame 
 
 furth of his said markis. . . . thay all went on and sett to thair 
 
 noites and voyces to the samen desyiring the clerk to number thair nottes 
 
 and woyces, quhilk the said prouest. . . . inhibite the clerk to do, be 
 
 resone of the blotting of the said lite. . . . And the saids Patrik 
 
 Leslie, Mr Mathew Lummysdene, Mr Robert Farquhar, Robert Cruikshank, 
 
 Thomas Mortimer, Alexander Burnet, Dauid Aedye, Thomas Paip, Hew 
 
 Andersoun, and George Pyper, be resone of the said contramand gewin 
 
 to the clerk to number thair woyces, went avay all of thame togidder 
 
 abruptlie furth of the counsalhous, and left and deserted the said electioun 
 
 for thair pairtis. In respect whairof the said Sh- Paul Mengzeis, . . . 
 
 protestit against thame and ewerie ane of thame for thair wilful contempt 
 
 of the said chairge, and that thay be ansuerable to his maiestie and lords 
 
 of privie counsall for the same ; and the said Mr Mathew Lummysden 
 
 . . . and remanent persones. . . . protested in the contrair. . . . 
 
 And than the said Sir Paull Mengzeis, prouest, and sic uthers of the 
 
 magistrattis and counsall as remaned with him, to witt, Gilbert Colin- 
 
 soun, Maister Thomas Gray, baillies, Gilbert Mengzeis, Robert Johnstoun, 
 
 Walter Robertsonn, deane of gild, Robert Alexander, George Mengzeis, 
 
 and Paul Mengzeis, for obedience to the chau-ge of the saids letters, and 
 
 for preserwatioun of the tounes liberties proceidit to the electioun of the 
 
 said new counsall. . . . and . . . thay electit, nominat, and 
 
 choosit thir persounes eftir following, viz., Gilbert Cullen, Thomas Colli- 
 
 soun, Johne Hay, George Johnstoun, yo^, Willeame Forbes, yo"", George 
 
 Moresoun, Thomas Nicolsoun, Paull Collisoun, George Cullen, Robert 
 
 Smyth, Paull Inglis, James Robertsoune, Willeame Patrie, James Chrystie, 
 
 tailyeour, and Robert Forbes Baxter, to be of the new counsall of this 
 
88 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1635. 
 
 7 October burghe for the yeire to come. ... to the quhilk new counsall swa 
 — ^ electit. . . . thir foure personis of the auld counsall. ... to 
 the new witt, Sir Paull Mengzeis, Gilbert Mengzeis, Robert Johnstoune, Mr Thomas 
 councell. Gray, wer electit and chosin to be lykewayes counsellours. . . . Thay 
 proceidit to the electioun of the magistrattes and uther officemeu of the 
 bm-ghe for the yeir to come. . . . and . . . thay electit and 
 chusit ane honorable man, Robert Johnstoun, to be prouest. . . . and 
 . . . thay electit and chusit Johne Hay, George Johnstoun, youngar, 
 Wnieame Forbes, younger, and George Moresoun, to be baillies. . . . 
 . . . thay electit and chusit Paull Colinsoun to be deane of gild. . . . 
 and thay electit and chusit Robert Smyth to be thesaurar. 
 
 4 Nov. 4 November 1635. 
 
 1635. 
 
 Ordinance The samen day the prouest, baillies, and counsall expresslie dis- 
 
 againis tlie ^ ... 
 
 carying of charges and inhibites any Wind bowattis to be cariet throw the toune 
 heiraftci', ather be schollares or wtheris quhatsumeuir, wnder the payne 
 of braking of the saidis bowattis and warding of the cariers thairof, and 
 ordanis intimatioun heirof to be maid be the drwm, that nane pretend 
 ignorance; and siclyke the saidis prouest, baillies, and counsall statutes 
 and ordaines that na maner of persone be fund vagand on the streites 
 efter ten houris at nicht, wnder the payne of warding, and to be wther- 
 wayis punishit at the descretioun of the magistrattis, according to thair 
 demerites. 
 
 bowattis 
 on the 
 streittis. 
 
 4 Nov. 
 1635. 
 
 Money 
 collected 
 for the 
 ministers 
 of the 
 Palatinate 
 to be lent 
 for the use 
 of the 
 minister 
 at Futtie. 
 
 4 November 1635. 
 
 The said day the prouest, baillies, and counsall ordainis the moneyis 
 in Andro Burnetis handis, collectit for the distrest ministeris of the Pala- 
 tinat to be upliftit be . , . and employit on profite for the wse and 
 behove of ane of the tonnes ministeris, sei-ving the cure at the kirk of 
 Futtie ; lykeas now as then, and then as now, they destinat and appoint 
 the said soume to the use foirsaid in all tyme comeing. 
 
1635—1636.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 89 
 
 18 November 1635. 18 Nov. 
 
 1635. 
 
 The samen clay the prouest, baillies, and counsall bemg ci'ediblie Anent a 
 informed that the right reverend father in God, Adame, Bishop of Aber- [heBi'shop! 
 deine, is to repau- to this his diocie shortlie for making of his residence 
 thairin with his familie and servandis, and considering that he cannot be 
 commodioushe easit within his awin pallace in auld Aberdeine for the 
 present, thairfoir they appoint Robert Smith, thesavu-er, to tak and pro- 
 vyd ane comodious ludgeing within this burghe for the said bishopis use 
 till Witsouday nixt wpoun the tonnes chairges, and to have the same 
 redie and prepaii-it againis his heir comeing. 
 
 Apud Aber den quinto die mensis Februarii, anno domini millesimo sexcentesimo 5 Feb. 
 
 trigesimo sexto. 
 
 The qnhilk day, in presence of Robert Johnstoun, pronest, Panll Decreit 
 Collisoun, deane of gild, Paull Inglis, James Robertson, James Crystie, Privie 
 tailyeom-, and Robert Forbes, baxter, fom-e of the present councellouris of a,°™t''ti,e 
 the burghe of Aberdeine, conveinit in the tonnes counsalhous, compeuit ^1,^^^°" ?^ 
 Mr Mathew Lmnmysden, burges of the said burghe, and produceit ane stiattis and 
 
 councGll 
 
 decreit of the lordis of his majesties most honorable privie counsell, of for this 
 the date the tuentie sext day of Januar last by past. . . . quhairoff 
 the tennour followes : — " At Edinburghe, the tuentie sext day of Januar, 
 the yeire of God M sex hundreth and threttie sex yeires, anent oure 
 soweraine lords letteris direct makand mention, fibrsameikle as his majestie 
 is informed that the prouest and others, officers of the biu-ghe of Aberdeine, 
 hes beine chosin this yeere contrare to the approved custome of that 
 bui-ghe used at all preceiding tymes, wherin his majestie being unwilling 
 that anie innovatioun be made, or any factious or unlawful way be used, 
 quhilk may procure and foster distractioun in the said toune ; and anent 
 the chairge giwen to Robert Jonston, present pro west, Sir Paull Mengzeis, 
 late prowest of the said burghe, George Jonstoun, Johne Hay, George 
 1 M 
 
90 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1636. 
 
 the magi- and Walter Robertson, clerk of the said bnrghe, to hawe compeirit befoir 
 conncell the saids lords in maner following, to witt, the present provest and baillies, 
 
 5 Feb. Moreson, and Willeame Forbes, present baillies of the said burghe, Gilbert 
 — ' Colisone, Mr Thomas Gray, Mr Mathew Lummysden, and Mr Robert Far- 
 
 Dccrcit • • 
 
 Lordis of quhar, late baillies of the said burghe, Gilbert Mengzeis of Pitfoddells, 
 
 Councell Walter Robertson, merchant, Robert Alshonnar, George Mengzeis, Paull 
 
 el"ect'on'of ■'^^^S^®^®' JO'^g^i') "^^ho wes counsellers of the said bnrghe this last yeir, 
 
 the mag 
 strattis s 
 conncell 
 
 yeh*'&c those who were in office this last yeere bygaine, to have compeii-ed 
 
 be thame selffis, or be twa of their number for either syde ; and the per- 
 sons forsaids who were counsellei's of the said burghe this last yeere by- 
 gaine, and the said Walter Roberson, clerk, to have compeirit personallie 
 before the saids lords at a certaine day bygaine, and the said Walter 
 Robertson to have brought and exhibite with him the acts of the electioun 
 of the present provest, baillies, and counsell of the said burghe, with the 
 haill acts, minuts, instruments, and protestatiounes tane in the said elec- 
 tioun, and the lytis of both the saids pairties at the electioun, to have 
 bene scene and considderit be the saids lords ; and if it sould be fund that 
 the said electioun hes not beene made according to the usuall and accus- 
 tomed maner observit in the said burghe, that than and in that cais to 
 have heard and scene thame decernit to nominat for this yeere maister 
 Alexander Jaffray to be thair provest ; and thair officers, who this last 
 yeere had the chairge to be continewed ; and the persons forsaids who 
 wer counsellers of the said burghe this last yeir, to have ansuerit upoun 
 tliair behaviour and cariage in the said electioun, and for thair proceiding 
 thairin aganis the ancient custome of the said burghe ; and thay and all 
 the personis forsaids to have compeirit in maner forsaid, wnder the paine 
 of rebellioun and putting of thame to the horne, with certijScatioun to 
 thame if thay failzied, letteris sould be direct simpliciter to hawe put thame 
 thairto ; lykeas at more length is conteaned in the saids letteris, execu- 
 tiouns and indorsatiouns thairof, quhilks being callit, and the saids Sir 
 Paull Mengzeis, George Johnstoune, Gilbert Mengzeis of Pitfoddells, 
 Walter Robertsone, merchant, Robert Alshonner, George Mengzeis, and 
 
1636.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 91 
 
 Paull Mengzeis, yonger, Mr Robert Farquhar, Gilbert Colisone, Mr Mathew 5 Feb. 
 Lummisden, and Walter Robertsone, toune clerk, compeiraiid all person- 
 
 Dccrcit 
 
 allie ; and the said Robert Johnstoun being excused by ane testimoniall, Lordis of 
 
 testifieing his infirmities and inabilitie to travell ; and the saids George CQ^^^cell 
 
 Johnstoune and George Moresone compeirand in name of the saids Johne f nen); the 
 ^ _^ _ election of 
 
 Hay and Willeame Forbes, and the said Mr Thomas Gray being excused the magi- 
 
 in respect of his absence furth of the cuntrie afore the charge foirsaid councell 
 given to him for his compeirance, the said Walter Robertsone, clerk, for yg\/''&(; 
 obedience and satisfactioun of the chairge foirsaid, given unto him, pro- 
 ducit and exhibite befoir the saids lords the process of the electioun of 
 the present prouest, baillies, and counsell of the said burghe, with the 
 acts, minuts, instrumentis, protestatiounes, and lyts made and tane in the 
 said electioun ; quhilk proces, acts, instrumentis, lytis, and protestatiounes 
 being red, hard, and considderit be the saids lords, and thay being thau-- 
 with and withall that wes proponed, producit, and alledgit be either 
 pairtie in this mater weele advysed, the lords of secreit counsell findis 
 and declaris that the said electioun hes not beene made in that faire and 
 peaceable maner quhilk became dewtifull and goode subjectis to have 
 done in a mater of this kynde, quhilk hes occasioned and fosters some 
 factions and hearts-burning among the neichbouris of the said burghe, to 
 the disturbance of the ptiblict peace and tranquillitie of the same, and 
 thairfore the saids lords, according to his majesties missive letter, written 
 and directed to thame, hes nominat, made, and electit . . . the said 
 Mr Alexander Jafifray to be provest of the said burghe for this present 
 yeere, to witt, till the ordinar tyme of electioun about Michaelmes nixt ; 
 and lykewayes hes continowit and continowis that same space the baillies, 
 deane of gild, thesaurar, and counsellers of the said burgh, being traffic- 
 queing merchants and actuall inhabitants within the same burghe, and 
 suche as ar of anie other conditioun or qualitie, that they be removed 
 and others chosin in thair place, in than- severall charges, places, and 
 offices whairin they servit this last yeere bygaine, to witt, afore Michael- 
 mes last, ordaining and commanding thame as thay will be ansuerable 
 
92 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1636. 
 
 the magi- to the furtherance and advancement of thair place and chairge, and good 
 councell of 'the said burghe, as thay and everie ane of thame will ansuer wpoun 
 
 5 Feb. upone the dewtie of thair chau-gc to accept the said charge in and upon 
 thame, and to continew in the administratioun and discharge thairof till 
 
 Dccrcit 
 
 Loiflis of the tyme foirsaid, commanding heirby the haille inhabitantis of the said 
 Councell burghe to reverence, acknowledge, and obey the magestratis now nominat, 
 electioifof ^^®*^^®^> continewed be the saids lords in all and everie thing tending 
 
 the mag 
 strattis a 
 councell 
 
 ye'ir'^&c contrare at thair peiTcU, commanding also the persons who sail have 
 
 vote in the said electioun, heireftir to make thair electioun in a faire and 
 peaceable maner, according to the ancient custome of the said burghe, so 
 that his majestic be not farther trublit thairwith ; and the saids lords de- 
 claris that thir presentis salbe without prejudice of the liberties of the said 
 burgh heirefter, and quherwnto this decreitt and ordinance sail mak no 
 derogatioun. Extractum de libris actorum secreti consilii S. D. iV. regis per me 
 Jacohum Primerose, clericum euisdem sub meis signo et suhscriptione manualihus. 
 Sic suhscrihitur Jacobus Pi'gmrois." Efter production and publict reiding of the 
 quhilk decreit, the said Maister Mathew Lummysden intimat the samen 
 to the saids Robert Johnstoune, Paull Colisone, PauU Inglis, James Robert- 
 soun, James Crystie, and Robert Forbes, requiring thame to g-ive obedi- 
 ence thairwnto, be removing thameselffis frome thair places andoflfices 
 whairin thay haue serwit fra Michaelmes last, and be giving way to the 
 prouest, baillies, deane of gild, thesaiu-ar, and couusellouris, electit in 
 thair rowmes be the decreit abouewrittin. . . . For obedience to the 
 quhilk decreit, iutimatioun, and requisitioun . . . the said Robert 
 Johnstoun, Paull CoUisoun, Paull Inglis, James Robertsoun, James Crystie, 
 and Robert Forbes, for thame selflSs and thair awin interest, with all dew 
 respect instantlie removed thameselffis ftu'th of the cotmsalhotis in peace 
 and calme maner, and gave way to the prouest, baillies, deane of gild, 
 thesaurar, and councellouris elected in thair rowmes be the said decreit 
 . . . and siclyik wpoun the tent day of the said moneth of Februar, 
 the yeir of God foirsaid, compeirit within the tounes couselhous, Alexander 
 Gariauche, messinger, and producit oure soueraine lords letteris, given 
 
1C3G.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 93 
 
 and direct be the saids lords of privie counsell ... be wertew \q^q' 
 whairof the said Alexander Gariauche, in oure soweraine lords name and — 
 
 Dccrcit 
 
 auctoritie, chairgit the said Mr Alexander JafFray to conveine within the Lordis of 
 counselhous of the said bm-ghe, within tuentie four houres efter the charge, Councell 
 under the paine of horning, and there to accept wpoun him the office of 
 prouestrie of this burghe till the electioun at Michaelmes nixt, and to give the 
 his aith for faithfull administratioun thairin, and siclyk chargit Gilbert councell 
 CoUison and Mr Mathew Lummysden, twa of the baillies of the said burghe ye'ij.'^'^&c. 
 the yeire bygaine ; the other two baillies, to witt Mr Thomas Gray and 
 Mr Robert Farquhar being absent out of the toune, the ane at his woyage 
 in France, the other in Edinburghe ; and in lyik maner chairgit Sir Paull 
 Mengzeis, Robert Johnstoun, Patrik Leslie, Walter Robertsoun, merchant, 
 Thomas Mortimer, Robert Alexander, Dauid Adye, George Mengzeis, 
 Thomas Paip, Paull Mengzeis, Hew Andersone, goldsmith, and George 
 Pyper, wricht, to accept the office of counsellouris m and wpoim thame, 
 and thairwith such other particular offices as thay did bear and exerce 
 the yeire bygaine. . . . and to giwe thair aithes for faithfull adminis- 
 tratioun of the samen . . . conforme to the tenour of the saids let- 
 ters in all poyntis whau-of the tennour followes : " Charles . . . For- 
 sameikle as the lords of oure privie couusaill, upoun dyvers good respectis 
 and consideratiouns importing the peace and quietnes of oure burghe of 
 Aberdeine, and setling the government thairof this present yeere, hawe 
 made choise of Maister Alexander Jaffi'ay to be prouest of oure said 
 bm-ghe for this present yeere, and hawe continewed the baillies, deane of 
 gild, thesaurai-, and counsell, who served the last yeere, to supplie the 
 same place and charge this yeere, Oure will is . . . that . . . 
 you . . . charge the present prouest, baillies, deane of gild, the- 
 sam'ar, and the remanent personis who wer wpoun the counsell of om-e 
 said burghe this last yeere bygaiu, to conveine in the counselhous of 
 oure said burghe within tuentie foure houres nixt efter thay be chairgit 
 be yow thairto, and theire to accept the saids offices respectiue wpoun 
 thame. . . . wnder the paine of rebellioun and putting of thame to 
 
94 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1636. 
 
 5^eb. oure home . . . Given under our signet at Edinburghe, the tuentie 
 -— sext day of Januar, and of oure reigne the ellevint yeire M sex hundreth 
 
 Dccrcit o •/ 
 
 Lordis of threttie sex." For obedience to the chairge of the whilkis letteius and de- 
 
 Councell ci'eit foirsaid. . . . compeirit personallie within the said counselhous 
 
 anent the ^he said Maister Alexander JaflFray, and declared and profest publictlie in 
 election of ' r r 
 
 the magi- presence of the counsell. . . . that he wes nowayes accessorie to the 
 
 strattisand .„ .... t • -i ^ i e 
 
 councell procuremg oi any suche warrant frome his majestie to the saids lords oi 
 
 yeir,''&c. pi'ivie councell for making nominatioun or electioun of him to the said office 
 of prouestrie, neither wes he desyrous of suche a bui'dine, newirtheles hum- 
 blie acquiescing in his majesties royall pleasure . . . the said Maister 
 Alexander JaflFray acceptit of the said office of prouestrie of this burghe 
 in and wpoun him till the ordinar tyme of electioun at Michaelmes nixt 
 . . . and lyikwayes compeirit the saids Gilbert Collisoun and Maister 
 Mathew Lummysden . . . and . . . acceptit the said office of 
 baillierie . . . Siclyik the said Walter Robertsoun, merchant . . . 
 acceptit the office of deanrie of gild . . . And in lyk maner the saids 
 Sir Paull Mengzeis, Robert Johnstoun, Thomas Mortimer, Robert Alex- 
 ander, Dauid Aedye, George Mengzeis, Thomas Paip, Paull Mengzeis, Hew 
 Andersone, and George Pyper . . . acceptit the office of counsellouris 
 . . . Moirouer, the saids prouest, baillies, and counsall, tacking to thair 
 considderatioun whereas be the saids lords decreit . . . it is speciallie 
 declared that the baillies, deane of gild, thesaurar, and counsellouris of 
 the said burghe . . . shuld be continewit . . . thay being 
 alwayes trafficqueing merchants and actuall inhabitantis within the said 
 burghe . . . and in respect Gilbert Mengzeis of Pitfoddells, who 
 was a counsalour last yeire, is nowayes a merchant trafficquer, bot is the 
 kingis barone, and hes bene commissionar chosin for the barounes of the 
 shirrefifdome of Aberdeine to parliament and conveutioun of estates, it wes 
 . . . fand . . . for the most pairt that the said laird of Pitfod- 
 dells falls within the compass of the said exceptioun . . . lykas they 
 declare him not to be a counsalour . . . thaifefter compeired the 
 said Patrik Leslie, who was chairgit as being a counsallour the yeere 
 
1636.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 95 
 
 bygaine , . . and producit ane act of the saids lords of secreit coimsell, 
 
 wliairby thay hawe exemit him to be a counsallour for this present yeire — 
 
 Dcci'Git 
 
 for the caussis conteinit in the said act whairoff the tennour followes, — Loidis of 
 " At Edinburgh, the tiientie eight day of Januar, the yeire of God M sex councell 
 hmidreth and threttie sex yeires, Anent the supplicatioim presented to the gjg^jj'^^'^^f 
 lords of secret counsall be Patrik Leslie, merchant, burges of Aberdeine, the magi- 
 
 str<ittis fiticl 
 
 makand mentionn that whair he hes had no litle cans of greif and dis- councell 
 pleasom* this long tyme bygaine for his majesties offence tane aganes him y^^j/'^^g 
 wpoun occasioun of his behaviour at the late parliament, and he cannot 
 express how farre this grief oppresses and vexes him both in the spirit 
 and persone ; and for reparatioune thairof, he will studie in all tyme come- 
 ing to the wttermost of his endevouris to approve himselff a most duetie- 
 full and obedient subject to his majestie ; and wheiras he is upoun the 
 counsall of the burghe of Aberdeine for this present yeire, he fears that 
 this sail breed some new matter of offence to his majestie and the saids 
 lords, and thairfoir his humble petitioun to the saids lords wes, that he 
 might be fred and exonered of this chairge . . . Quhilk being . . . 
 considdered be . the saids lords . . . the lordis of secrett counsall 
 ordaines . . . the prouest and baillies of the said burgh of Aberdeine 
 to provyde and foresie that the prouest, baillies, and counsell of the said 
 burghe subsist of nyneteine persounes, and that the said Patrik Leslie be 
 nane of that number." . . . Efter the reiding of the quhilk act . . . 
 thay electit ane utlier counsallour in his place in maner following, to witt, 
 the sute roll of the haill brethren of gild of the said bm-ghe being red, 
 thair wes nominat farth thairof certaine gild brethren to be ane lite for 
 chuising a counsellour in place of the said Patrik Leslie . . . and 
 fm-th of the said lite, Mr Willeam More wes electit and chosin to be a 
 counsellour in his roume during the said space . . . 
 
96 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1636. 
 
 24 Feb. 24 February 1636. 
 1636. 
 
 Aiulro" The quhilk day anent the petitioun gewin in to the prouest, baillies, 
 
 admUtit counscll be Andro Meluill, burges of this burghe, rnakand mentioun 
 
 maister that forsameikill as in the moneth of October last, he grave in his peti- 
 of the . . . . . f 
 
 musick tioun to the coiinsell then for the tyme, desyiring to be admittit maister 
 
 schoole. ^£ ^1^^ musick schoole of this burghe, now vacand be deceas of vmquhill 
 
 Patrik Dauidsone, last maister thairof, in regaird of the said Andro his 
 
 long serwice as doctor of the said schoole vnder the said Patrik, be the 
 
 space of these eighteine yeu-es bygaine, and of the councellis promeis 
 
 made to him two yeires since, that he shud be preferred to that place if 
 
 he outleiwed the said Patrik : to the quhilk former petitioun the counsell 
 
 continuvet thair answer till thair farder advysement, and in the meane 
 
 tyme appoyntit the said Andrew to continew in attending the said 
 
 schoole, and in the vptaking of the haill benefitt thairof to his awin vse ; 
 
 and now, becaus the said schoole and the youth thairin cannot be con- 
 
 venientlie taught nor disciplined without the help of a doctor, and that he 
 
 cannot enter in conditiounes with any for that effect till first he know 
 
 the councellis pleasure if thay will admitt him maister, he thairfoir hum- 
 
 blie supplicat the saids prouest, baillies, and counsell that thay wauld be 
 
 pleased to grant him admissioun to the said office of maister of thair 
 
 musick schoole, and to the stipend and casualities belonging thairto ad 
 
 vitam vel ad culpam ; as for his qualificatioun for the place thair wisdomes 
 
 hes had pruiff thairof for a long tyme, be his continewall teichimge of the 
 
 youth in musick these eighteine yeii-es past, and as for his diligence, lyff, 
 
 and conversatioun, than- wisdomes ar witnesses also thairwnto, whair- 
 
 anent he submit tis himselff to thair awin censm-e, as at more length 
 
 wes contenit in the said petitioun : quhilk being red, hard, and considderit 
 
 be the saids prouest, baillies, and counsell, and thay being thairwith weill 
 
 advysit, and withall havand consideratioim that the said Andro Meluill 
 
 hes gewin sufficient pruiff of his qualificatioun in the airt of musick, and 
 
 of his paynfulnes and diligence in attending on the said schoole contine- 
 
1636.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGII OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 97 
 
 wallie sen liis first entrie tliairin be the space of these eighteine yeires ^^ggg''" 
 bypast, as lykewayes be reasone of his gude lyff and conversatioun, and ^ ^ — 
 of his bypast eareage without scandall or repruifi", the saids prouest, Melville 
 bailHes, and counsall, all in ane voyce, without oppositioun or contra- nJajg'tel.' 
 dictioun, lies admittit and receaved, and be thir presentis admittis and °^ 
 
 ' _ ... musick 
 
 receaves the said Andro Meluill to be maister of the musick schoole of schoole. 
 this burghe, for instructing of the youth in tlie airt of musick, singing, 
 and playing, ad vitam vel ad culpam : quhilk fault, if any sal be committit 
 heirefter be the said Andro worthie of deprivatioun, salbe tryed be the 
 prouest, baillies, and counsall of the said burghe for the tyme, as onlie 
 judges thairto ; and gewis and grauntis to the said Andro the samen 
 yeirlie stipend out of the tonnes commoun gude, and the lyke salarie and 
 scholage of his scholares quhilk wes due and in vse to be payed to the 
 said vmquhill Patrik Dauidsone, the said Andro finding a qualifeit doctor 
 vnder him to teache his scholares and to attend with him on the schoole, 
 and siclyk he and his doctor taking wp the psalme in both the kirkis of 
 this burghe, bothe at preiching and prayeris morning and evening, 
 Sabbath day and weik dayes ; and the said Andro compeiring personallie 
 in counsell, acceptit the said office in and wpoun him with the burdine, 
 conditiounes, and for the stipend and salarie aboue specifeit, and gave 
 his aith for his diligence and faithfull administratioim thairin. 
 
 16 March 1636. IC March 
 
 1636. 
 
 The samen day the counsall appoyntis Hew Anderson to tak ordour Anderson 
 . . . . . . appoynted 
 
 with these that layes fuilzie on the kinge his streit, in the Gallogett and to tak 
 
 wnder the staires thairof, and to confiscatt all that salbe fund lying layens of 
 
 thairon any longer space then tuentie foure houres. on tile 
 
 streittis. 
 
 N 
 
98 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1G36. 
 
 16 Marcli 
 l(j36. 
 
 Stra- 
 
 quhyne, 
 
 Straitton, 
 
 dischargit 
 
 of kcpiiig 
 
 of 
 
 schoolles. 
 
 27 April 
 1G3G. 
 
 Ane edict 
 to be 
 
 served for 
 ane doc- 
 tour to the 
 granimer 
 schoole. 
 
 29 June 
 1G3C. 
 
 Boyd 
 
 adniittit 
 
 ane of the 
 
 doctouris 
 
 of the 
 
 grammer 
 
 sciioolc. 
 
 16 March 1636. 
 
 The said day the prouest, baillies, and counsall vnderstanding that 
 IMariorie Straquhyne, and , her daughter, and alse Margaret 
 
 Straitton, hes at thair awin hands, without licence craved or obteinit 
 of the tounes councell, taken wp English schoolles within this burghe, 
 and teaches thair schollares to reid, thairby prejudging the maisteris of 
 the English schoolles who ar authorized and admittit be the counsall ; 
 thairfore dischairges the foirnamed persones, and ilk ane of thame, fra 
 keiping or haulding of any schoolles within this burghe for teaching the 
 bairnes to reid, efter the Ruid day nixt to come ; and incace they keip 
 any schoolles thairefter, that the same be for learning of bairnes to sew 
 and wywe pearling allanerlie, and no farder, and that be licence and 
 warrand of the tounes councell, had and obtenit to that eflfect, and no 
 wtherwayes. 
 
 27 April 1636. 
 
 The samen day the prouest, baillies, and counsell ordanes ane 
 publict edict to be sei'veit on Sonday nixt at both the kirk doores of this 
 burghe, and at the colledge yett, inviteing all yong schollares wha ar fitt 
 to teache grammer, and ar desyirous to be admittit ane of the doctouris 
 of the grammer school of this burgh in place of Mr Thomas Chalmer, last 
 doctor thairof, to compeir within the sessioun of the same burghe, wpoun 
 the tuantie nynt day of Junij nixt to come, at twa houres efter noone, to 
 wndirly tryall of thair learning, gude lyfF and conversatioun, to the eflfect 
 the best and most qualifiet, efter tryall and examination, may be admittit 
 to the said vacant rowme in place of the said Mr Thomas Chalmer. 
 
 29 June 1636. 
 
 The said day anent the edict serveit to this day for filling wp of the 
 place of Maister Thomas Chalmer, ane of the doctors of the grammer 
 
 J 
 
1C36.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 99 
 
 school! of this burffhe, now vacant in the tonnes hands be his dimissioun, 20 June 
 
 1636 
 
 compeirit Avithin the kirk sessioun hons Maister James Boyd, lawfull sone — ' 
 
 to Archibald Boyd, burges of the said burghe, and offert himselff reddie admJttit 
 
 and willing to wnderly tryall and examinatioun for the said plaice, wha (loetoun'r 
 
 being examined and tryit in his literatm-e, gude lyff" and conversatioun, ^^'^ 
 ° . . ' & ^ ) gnimmer 
 
 was fund meit and qualifeit for the place. schoole. 
 
 20 July 1636. 20 July 
 
 1G3G. 
 
 The same day the prouest, baillies, and counsell ordaines Walter Gratitude 
 Robertsoun, dean of gild, to deburse feftie pundis money to Maister Dauid burue. 
 Wedderburne, maister of the grammer schoole, for his paynes in drawing 
 wp of new vocables for the weill and benefite of the young schollares 
 within the said grammer schooll, whilk soume salbe allowit to the said 
 dean of gild in his compts. 
 
 5 October- 1636. 5 October 
 
 1G3G. 
 
 The quhilk day the prowest, baillies, and counsell being crediblie Ane 
 informed that the plague of pestilence incressis at Londoun, Newcastell, a™poynted 
 and dyveris other tonnes in England, as lykewayes in Holland, and in 
 Elsingoore in Denmark, and that sindrie of our nightbouris of this burghe 
 ar for the present absent out of the cuntrie in some of these pairtis ; in 
 consideratioun whau-of, and of the danger that may ensew, alsweill be 
 oure awin nightboures, as be strangeris repairing to the port and herbrie 
 of this burghe, the saids prouest, baillies, and councell, appointis a watclie 
 of tuelff personis to be keipit both day and night at the blockhous, and 
 sic other pairtis as the magistrattis sail think expedient for watching the 
 herbrie, and taking just notice and tryell of all shippis cuminge witMn 
 the same frome forane cuntries ; and for this effect ordains the drum to be 
 send throw the tonne, chairging all nightboures and inhabitantis of this 
 burghe, that salhappin to be warnit be the tounes officiares for keiping of 
 
100 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1636. 
 
 5 ^^^'^^'^'^ watche, that tliay keip the same in propper persone, vnder the paine of 
 
 — tuentie pundis of wnlaw, to be preceislie exactit of ilk absent, toties quoties, 
 Anc 
 
 watche but favour, to be payed to the deane of gild for the publict vse and bene- 
 
 appoynted. fitt of the toune 
 
 5 October 5 October 1636. 
 
 1636. 
 
 Theasurcr. The samen day the prouest, baillies, and counsall grantis tuelif rix 
 
 touiies. dolouris to Robert and Nicholas Brastounes, Inglishmeu, to mak thair 
 chau'ges in cumming to this toune fra Edinburghe, and remaining heir be 
 the space of fyiftein dayes, and returning frome this bak againe to Edin- 
 burghe, being broght liither for advysing with thame anent the erecting 
 of ane correction hous, to be payed to thame be George Meldrum, the- 
 saurer, quhilk salbe allowit to him in his compts. 
 
 12 Oct. 12 October 1636. 
 
 1636. 
 
 Tlie craftis The said day Williame Andersoun, goldsmith, deacone of the 
 
 beTaxt '° hammermen, and George Pyper, deacone of the wrightes and coupares, 
 bretlirciie compeirand in presens of the prouest, baillies, and councell, reported and 
 of gild declau-ed, in name of the haill craftis of this burghe, as havand speciall 
 tliousand warrand and directioun frome thame, that they ar content to contribute 
 by 'a^tcne- '^'^ the brethreine of gild for the soume of two thousand merkis, Scottis 
 ment for money, for helping to by a commodious tenement of land in this bru'ghe, 
 rection to be a correctioiui hous for the wark of mackiag of braidcloath, vpoune 
 the conditiounes efter following, and no wtherwayes, viz. : — 
 
 In the first, That thair granting to the erecting of the said hous be 
 nowayes prejudicial! nor hurtfull to the craftis, liberties, and commoun 
 decreit betAvixt the brethrein of gild and the craftis of this burghe. 
 
 Secundlie, That the same be nowayes prejudiciall to the saids craftis 
 in bying of woll within this burghe on the mercat dayes, befoir Witsouday 
 or eftir the same, conforme to the said decreit. 
 
 lious. 
 
1G3G.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 101 
 
 Thirdlie, The said craftismen consentis to be stentit for thair pairtis 12 Oct. 
 
 with the rest of the inhabitantis of the toune, for the said tua thousand — ' 
 
 merkis, for this present yeire allanerlie, for bying of the said hous, and consent to 
 
 disassentis to any farder taxatioun heireftir for that caus. witlfthe 
 
 Fourthlie, That the craftis salbe acceptit to putt in than- talent to l^'etlnene 
 
 ..... . of gi'd 
 
 the said hous, according to thair habilities, with the brethrein of gild, and for tno 
 
 to receawe proflfitt and commoditie thairfoir, according to the proportioun merkis to 
 
 of the moneyes to be gewin in be thame. ni^iVfoi-^' 
 
 Fyiftlie, lucais the said hous decay, and that thair be no employ- ai'c cor- 
 
 J. t/ rectioii 
 
 ment thairin, in that cais the saids craftis to receaue bak againe frome the hous. 
 awnares of the said hous sic taxatioun and impositioun as thay happin to 
 be stentit to for bying of the said hous. 
 
 Sextlie, That the workmen in the said hous by no yarne to mak in 
 claith, and that thay tack in no yarne to be wowin in the said correction 
 hous, except sa meikle as salbe wrought and spun witliin the same 
 allanerlie, and no more. 
 
 To the quhilkis haill conditiounes and articles the prouest, baillies, 
 and councell agreit and condiscendit, with this limitatioun and restric- 
 tioun, that whairas in the fourt article, the saids craftismen desyres that 
 thay be acceptit to put in thair talent to the said hous according to than* 
 habilities, with the brethreine of gild, and that thay receave benefitt 
 accordinglie, quhilk is granted to the saids ci-aftismen, prowyding that 
 thay contract presentlie with the merchantis undertakers of the said 
 work, and giue in and advance presentlie thair pairt of the moneyes 
 requisite for accomplishment and perfyting of the same, according to the 
 proportioun of than- vndertaking, wtherwayes refuisses any benefitt to 
 thame for the space of ten yeires to come; quhilk being intimat to 
 Thomas Robertson, deacone conveinar, and George Pyper, wricht, and 
 thay tackand to advyse thairvpoun with the craftis, thay efter advyse- 
 ment with thame, reported and declaired to the magistrattis that for the 
 present nane of the craftis were disposed to lay in or advance any 
 moneyes to the said work for ten yeires to come. 
 
102 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [163G 
 
 9 Nov. 9 November 1636. 
 
 1G3G. 
 
 Aneliillcr samen day tlie prouest, baillies, and counsall, ordaines Andro 
 
 to be Burnett, maister of the mortifiet moneyis, to cans build and erect with all 
 erected ... ... 
 
 at Pet- convenient diligence, ane piramid or pillar vpoun the landis of Petmedden, 
 givin and mortifiet be vmquhill Doctor Liddell, for mantenance of sex 
 bursares in the college of this burghe, and that according to the draught 
 and modall alredie drawin be advyse of Doctor Willeaine Johnstoun and 
 Mr Wm. Moir to that effect, and to agiie be than- advyse, and be advyse 
 of Johns Liddell, with ane meson for bigging thairoff, and what he de- 
 burses thairwpoun to be allowit to him in his comptis. 
 
 14 Dec. 
 1636. 
 
 Ane loft to 
 be biggit 
 in the 
 (Jrayfrcie 
 kirk for 
 the niagi- 
 strattis and 
 councell. 
 
 14 Dec. 
 1636. 
 
 Iicport of 
 Commis- 
 sioner sent 
 to a meet- 
 ing of the 
 burrowes. 
 
 14 December 1636. 
 
 The samen day Mr Willeame ]\Iou-, maister of ku-kwark, wes ordainit 
 to big and erect in most decent and comelie forme, ane loft within the 
 yle of the Grayfi-ier kirk of this burghe, befoir the pulpett, for the use of 
 the prouest, baillies, and counsall. . . . 
 
 14 December 1636. 
 
 The said day, in presens of the prouest, baillies, and counsall, com- 
 peireit pei'sonallie Thomas Mortimer, baillie, commissionar direct frome 
 this burghe to ane particular mciting of the burrowes at Edinburghe, wpoun 
 the fyfteine day of November last bypast, and made report of the bur- 
 rowes proceidinges in suche materis as wes handlit at the said meiting, 
 and producit the extract of the actis thakofF, and also of thair dealling 
 with my Lord Highe Thesiu'ar and remanent lordis of privie counsall, 
 anent the matter of the custumes intendit to be hightit, and doune calling 
 of the dollouris, and withall, the said commissionar declauit that he 
 haveing gottin certaine knowledge (at his beinge in Edinburgh the tyme 
 foirsaid), that thair was a letter purchest frome his majesties handis for 
 annulliug of the last electioun of the magistrattis and counsell of this 
 
1G36.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 103 
 
 biirghe, -which did tend greatlie to the owerthrow of our ancient privi- 
 
 ledges, he, by supplicating of the saids lords, and trew relatioun of the ^ — -' ^ 
 
 calme and peaceable proceedinges of the said electioun, procurit fronie Commis- 
 
 their lordships ane missive direct to his sacred majestic, testifieing the to^a^j^eet- 
 
 same ; off the quhilk missive he broarht with him the iust copie under the j"^ °f ^'"^ 
 _ ^ ° _ . . burrowes. 
 
 subscriptioun manuall of James Prymroise, clerk of privie counsall, to 
 the effect the same may be registrat in the tonnes bookes, and made ex- 
 tant to the posteritie, ad futwam rei memoriam, quhilk being red in pre- 
 sence of the saids prouest, baillies, and counsall, thay fand that the said 
 Thomas hes dewlie acqnyttit and dischairgit himselff in the said commis- 
 sioun, and all in ane voce ratifiet and allowit his proceidingis in the pre- 
 misses, and ordanit George Meldrum, thesaurar, to debin-se to the said 
 Thomas the soume of for defraying of his super 
 
 expenssis at the said melting, witb the soume of 
 
 debursit be him for extract of the saidis actis of burrowes, and wpoun 
 sindrie wther the tonnes effaires in Edinburgh ; lykeas thay ordanit the 
 copie of the letter foirsaid to be insertit in the Counsall Register of this 
 burghe, to the effect aboue specifiet, quhairof the tennoui* followes : 
 
 Most Sacred Soueraine. 
 
 There was a petitioun givin in to youre maiesties counsall, the last 
 counsall day, in name of the prouest and baillies of Aberdeine, compleaning 
 vpoun some sinister informatiouns made to your maiestie, that the former 
 dissensions and distractiounes there, did yit continue, quhairby your 
 maiestie wes moued to direct a warrand vnder your royall hand, to the 
 bishops of Aberdeine and Ross, and either of thame, to take notice of thir 
 distractiounes, and accordinglie to provide for settling the peace of that 
 biu'ghe ; this petitioim being at length heard, and we finding oure selffs 
 verrie farre interest and wronged, that the sinceritie of oure honest and 
 vpwi-ight endeavouris in the prosecutioun and following out of that bus- 
 sienes according to your Maiesties royall directioun sould be brought in 
 questioun, be priuat persones abusing your maieteis sacred eares to thair 
 oune corrupt endis, we did recommend to the B. of Ros to call for the 
 
104 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1636. 
 
 14 Dec. 
 1636. 
 
 Report of 
 Coinini.s- 
 sioner sent 
 to a meet- 
 ing of the 
 b Iirrowes. 
 
 warrand frome, on Thomas Cargill (in whois bandis the same wes), and to 
 exhibit it befoir ws, and the said Thomas having delivered this warrand 
 to the said bischope, he produced it in counsell, sealled and closed, and at 
 oure desyre openned the same : which being red be onre clerk in connsall, 
 the informatioun wes fund be the whole table to be abusive, without ground 
 or warrand of truth, and that as your maiesties sacred eares wer abused 
 therein, so this bussienes being formerlie by your maiestie remitted vnto 
 ws, and we having accordinglie settled the same for the good of your 
 maiesties service and peace of that toune, we find om-eselflSs so muche 
 touched in oure obedience and diligence in discharge of your maiesties 
 former commandementis so muche wronged be this informatioun, that we 
 ha we preswmed, in justificatioun of oure owne procedours, to testifie the 
 trueth, that there occurred nothing at the counsall table thir many yeires 
 bygaine wherein we took so great paines as in this, and having spent a 
 nomber of dayes thairwpoun in end, we brought it to a goode and pace- 
 abill conclusioim, and since that time they have lived in that Christiana 
 harmonic and dewtifuU obedience which becometli good and faithfull 
 subjectis ; and at the last electioun of thair magistrattis for this sub- 
 sequent yeare, there was euche ane vnanime consent in that action, 
 as the lyke hath not beene scene in that toune, and amongs the Avhole per- 
 sonis who had voice in the election, there is but ane who differed frome 
 the rest in the choise of thair prouest, which is not vsuall in suche actiones : 
 This being the trewe state of the bussienes, we ar bold to represent the 
 same to your maiesties royall consideratioun, humblie beseiking your 
 maiestie to approue of what we hawe formerlie done heu"in, and to take 
 suche course for punishing suche informeris, and barring suche gi'oundless 
 and vniust informatiounes, as in the deepnes of your maiesties royall judg- 
 ment sail be thought most fitting; and so praying God to blisse your 
 maiestie with a long and happie reigne, we rest your maiesties most 
 humble and obedient subjectis and servantis. Suhscribitur. Sant Andrewes, 
 Traquair, Glasgow, Hadintoun, Winton, Southesk, Da. Edenburgh, Jo. 
 B. of Moray, Jo. Rossen, Val. Brechinensis, Ja. Carmichaell, Sir Thomas 
 Hop, Jo. Hamiltoune. Vera copia. Sic subcrihutur, G. Piymrois." 
 
1G36— 1G37.] RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 105 
 
 21 December 1636. 21 Dec. 
 
 1636. 
 
 The samen day tlie prouest, baillies, and connsall ratifies and ap- Ratifica- 
 
 prowis the act and ordinance made be thair predicessoures wpoun the 
 
 tion of the 
 act aganes 
 
 allewint day of October 1626, againes superfluous banquetting at bap- ^"P'^''"^^,^ 
 tismes, and ordaines the said act to stand in force, and to be putt to exe- queting. 
 cutioun in all pointes againes the contravenares thairof in tyme coming, 
 and to be intimat of new againe out of pulpitt for that effect, in both the 
 kirkis of this bui'ghe on Sonday nixt, that nane pretend ignorance thairof. 
 
 1 February 1637. i Feb. 
 
 1637. 
 
 The quhilk day in presence of the prouest, baillies, and councell. Discharge 
 1 TIT • Tiir 1 T 1 • • T n 1 • Lumysden 
 
 compeired Maister Mathew Lumysden, commissionar du-ect irome this of his 
 
 burghe to the lordis of his maiesties privie counsel], for presenting vnto sion^'^Jnent 
 
 thame this tounes diligence in searching of the licht horsemen, and after J;^^ 
 
 ° _ ... . horsemen, 
 
 he had at length declaired his haill proceedingis in that busienes, and how 
 
 the saids lordis of privie counsell had continewit the mater till the first 
 councell day of Junij nixt to come, the said commissionar producit a nott 
 of the said continewatioun extract furtli of the bookes of secrett counsell, 
 and withall he made report of his diligence in all other particulares con- 
 tenit in his commissioun, and in speciall he produceit ane acquittance 
 vpoun the payment of this burghes fourt and last termes taxatioun, pay- 
 able to the Lords of Sessioun, quhilk is ordanit to be registrat ad futuram 
 rei memoriam. And fiirder, the said commissioner declairit that be his de- 
 bursmentis in some of the tounes commoun efiaires, he was super expendit 
 in nyne dollouris, whairof he is ordanit to be refoundit be George Mel- 
 drum, thesaurar, and the same to be allowit to him in his comptis ; and 
 the prouest, baillies, and counsell havinge hard and considderit the diligence 
 vsit be the said commissioner in his said commissioun, thay fand that he 
 dewlie acquyttit and dischairgit himseljff thairin, and thairfoir allowit of 
 the samen in all pointes. 
 
 1 0 
 
106 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1637. 
 
 8 Feb. 
 1G36. 
 
 Contract 
 betwixt 
 the toun 
 and the 
 con 1 parti - 
 naris of 
 the wark 
 of the 
 correction 
 lious. 
 20 Jan. 
 1641. 
 
 This day, 
 at com- 
 mand of 
 tlie coiin- 
 sall, the 
 prin'.' 
 contract 
 betwixt 
 the conn- 
 ccll and 
 the M" 
 of the cor- 
 rection n 
 hoHS wes 
 delvuerit 
 to Mr Rt. 
 Fiirqnhar, 
 baillie. 
 " Robert 
 Farqiihar." 
 
 8 February 1637. 
 
 The quhilk day, in presens of the prouest and baillies of the burghe 
 of Aberdeine, convenit in the tonnes counselhous, compeirit personalHe 
 the pairties contracteries in the contract underwrittin, subsciywit with 
 thair hands, made anent the erecting of ane correction hous within the 
 said burghe, and consentit to the registratioun of the said contract in the 
 councell register of the said biirghe, thairin to remaine ad fiituram rei 
 memoriam; and to the effect executioun may be direct thairon as neidbeis, 
 at the instance of ather of the pairties in maner specifiet thairintill, to the 
 quhilk the saids prouest and baillies interponit thair authoritie, and ordanit 
 the said contract to be registrat in the saids books to the effect foirsaid, 
 whairof the tennour followes — " At Aberdeine the aucht day of Februar, 
 the yeir of God sex hundreth threttie savin yeares, it is appointed, 
 contracted, fiuallie endit, and agiiet betwixt Maister Alexander JafFray, 
 prouest of Aberdeine, Johne Hay, Andro Meldrum, Thomas Mortimer, and 
 John Leslie, baillies of the said biirghe ; George Rickard, deane of gUd, 
 and George Meldrum, thesaurar of the said bm-ghe for thameselfis, invertew 
 of thair offices, and tackand the burdine on thame for the councell and 
 commiuiitie thau'of on the ane pairt, and the said John Leslie, Maister 
 Robert Farquhar, George Moresoun, Mr Thomas Gray, Walter Cochrane, 
 Williame Scott, Alex. Farquhar, and Adame Gordon, burgesses of Aber- 
 deine, for thameselfis, and in name and behafif of suche wther persones 
 thair compartineris as salbe pleasit with thame to be wndertakeris of the 
 work wnderwrittin and takand the burdine for thame, and also for the 
 maisteris of the said wark on the wther pairt in forme and effect follow- 
 ing, that is so say, forsameikill as it is thocht necessar and expedient be 
 the haill nichtbouris and inhabitantis of the said burghe, alsweill burgesses 
 of gild as craftismen, being convenit within the Tolbuith in twa seuerall 
 Courtis wpoun the sewint and twelflf dayes respectiue of October last by- 
 past, that ane correctioun hous salbe erected within the same burghe, and 
 the tred of making of bredcloath, carseyis, seyis, and wther manufactoris 
 
1G37.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 107 
 
 lious. 
 
 settled thairin, for advancing of wertew and suppressing of vjce amongst 8 Feb. 
 the comonnes : And seing the erecting, furnishing, and manteinmg of the — 
 
 . . Contract 
 
 said hous with toohs, iustrumentis, wooll, and wther furniture, to sett and betwixt 
 keip the maisteris servandis and prisoneris at wark, will draw to great anVt°lie" 
 chairges and expensses whilk the toune is not habill to wndergo wpoun Qf''" 
 the commoun chairge, being alredie burdinit with great debt ; thairfore the^wark 
 the saides prouest, baillies, counsall, and communitie, have voluntarlie correction 
 grantit ane taxatioun of twa thousand markis Scottes money to be payed 
 to the persones, wndertakeris aboue named, and thair compartineris, ad- 
 mittit or to be admittit to that societie, as ane help and supplie to tham 
 for erecting and furnishing of the said wark, quhilk soum of twa thousand 
 merkis the saidis prouest, baillies, and counsall, for thameselfis, and takand 
 the burdiiie on thame for the communitie of the said burghe, binds and 
 obleissis thame to pay and delywer to the saids persones wndertakeris 
 betwixt the date heu-of and the fyfteine day of March nixt to come, but 
 longer delay, and giwes full libertie, power and commissioun to the 
 saidis wndertakeris to erect the said correctioun hous with all convenient 
 diligence, and to plenishe the samen with workeris and weauers of bred- 
 clothe, carseyis, seyis, freiss, and all wther clothes, stulEs, and wther 
 manufactories that ar made, hawe bein, or salbe made within Sainct 
 Paullis Wark in Edinburghe, unto the quhilk hous, and to the maisteris 
 and workeris to be planted thairin, the saidis prouest, baillies, and coun- 
 sall, giwes full fredome and libertie to vse and exerce the said tred in 
 maner abouewrittin during thair remaining within the samen allenarley, 
 with this expres conditioun, that it sail nawayes be lesome to the mais- 
 teris of the said hous nor thair seruantis to resaiwe yairne nor wark from 
 any persone whatsumevir to be wrought within the samen for wages, but 
 onlie to the merchandis, erectoris, and furnisheris of the hous, to be wrought 
 to thair beliowe, nather sail it be lesome to the said maisteris and workeris 
 to cutt or sell any clothe but in haill peisses, at least twelff elnes in 
 length, and that onlie to the erectoris and furnisheris of the said wark, 
 and be thair pernissioun to merchandis, burgesses of the said burghe. 
 
108 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1637. 
 
 8 Feb. 
 1637. 
 
 Contract 
 betwixt 
 the toun 
 and tlie 
 compart i- 
 neris of 
 the wark 
 of the 
 correction 
 hous. 
 
 for the whilk soume of twa thousand merkis to be payed as said is, 
 and for the causses aboue specefeit, the saidis John LesHe, Maister 
 Robert Farqiihar, Mr Thomas Gray, George Moresoun, Walter Cochi-ane, 
 Williame Scott, Alexander Farquhar, and Adame Gordonn, persoues 
 wndertakeris foii-saids, faithfullie bindis and obleisses thame, thair aires 
 and executoris, with all convenient diligence efter the resett of the 
 said money, to erect and fornish ane correction hous to the said toune 
 of Aberdein, and to hawe the samen clair and redie, plenished with ane 
 maister and workmen, and fm-nished with tooUes and instruments neces- 
 sar, and wooll to be wrought, within sex moneths space nixt efter the 
 payment to thame of the said soume, with ane sufficient prisone whairin 
 the maister of the said coiTection hous sallbe obleist to resawe fra the 
 magistrattis of the said bm-ghe all vagabonds, strong and stiu-die 
 beggares, idle and maisterles persones strong in bodie and habill to 
 work, servants disobedient to maisteris, children disobedient to parentis, 
 lend leivars, pyikers, commoun scoldis, and wncorrigible harlottis, not 
 amending be the discipline of the kii'k, as they sallbe pleased to send 
 thairwnto, upoun whome the said maister sail vse suche discipline and 
 cori'ectioun as is vsed in the correctioun hous of Edinburghe, or in any 
 wther correctioun hous elsquhair, or as the saids magistrattis sail appoint 
 him to inflict Avpoun the saids prisoneris, and to keip thame close in 
 prisone, and not suffer thame go abroad, and to hald thame at con- 
 tinewall wark till thay be releassit be warrand from the saids magistrattis, 
 and to giwe the saids persones such competent dyet as thay sail deserve 
 be appoyntment of the saids magistrattis, and to do all wther dewtie to 
 thame that the maister of the correctioun hous of Ediuburghe is obleist 
 to do to the prisoneris send to him be the magistrattis of that toune, 
 and to suffer nane of thame to be reHved with meat, drink, or clothing, or 
 any wther thing be any freind or wther means, bot be the maister of the 
 hous, except be speciall warrand from the saids magistrattis, and to hawe 
 and keip ane habill man to attend the saids prisoneris, and hald thame at 
 wark, and to caus ane of his servands everie Sabboth day reid prayeris 
 
1637.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 109 
 
 liouse. 
 
 wnto thame : With speciall alvayes prouisioun that the saids prisoneris 8 Feb. 
 sail not exceid the number of ten persones to be at on tyme in the said — " 
 hous, as alse that the said maister be nawayes obleisit to resawe within betwixt 
 the lions naturall fooles, bedleims, lunatick, creppill, impotent, decrepit, a,',d\*iie" 
 deaff, dumb, or infectionat persones, bot onlie such as salbe sound in 
 bodie, healthfull, corrigible, and habill to "wirk, not wnder the aige of the wark 
 tuelif years, nor aboue the aige of sixtei : For interteaning of the quhilkis correction 
 prisoneris not exceiding the number of ten personis at on tyme as said is, 
 the said prouest, baillies, and counsall, bindis and obleissis thame and 
 thair sucessoures, magistrattis and counsall of the said burghe, to cans 
 the collector of the knk sessioun thairof to pay yeirelie and ilk yeire to 
 the maister of the said hous the soume of twa hundreth and fourtie 
 pundis vsuall Scottes money, be fower equall portioues, to witt thriescoir 
 pundis money foirsaid, ilk quarter during the space of ten yeires begyn- 
 nand, the first quarteris payment immediatlie efter the said hous beis 
 erected and plinished, with ane maister, servantis, and meterialls for 
 working ; and if any generall seiknes or infectioun salhappin to come 
 amongst the prisoneris in the said hous, the said maister salbe obleist wpoun 
 his awin chau-ges to interteane the seik for the space of twa dayes, if the 
 mimber of the seik personis exceid not foure persones at on tyme, and if 
 the seik personis exceid the number of foure at on tyme, than the saids 
 magistrattis to be obleigit to take order for thair mantenance or release ; 
 lykeas the persones wndertakeris abouenamed, obleissis thame that the 
 maister of the said hous the first yeire of his entrie thairwnto, sail resaive 
 from the saids magisti'attis ane prenteis, and ane wther prenteis ilk twa 
 yeares thaireftir, duiing the said space of ten yeares, and that frielie with- 
 out any prenteis fie to be givin with thame, quhilkis prenteisses being 
 within the age of fourteine yeires, and aboue the aige of tuelff yeares, 
 salbe obleigit to serue in the said correctioun hous for the space of nyne 
 yeires as prenteis, and ane yeire thaireftir for wages, and being aboue 
 the age of fiburteine yeiris, salbe obleigit to serue in the said hous for 
 the space of sewin yeu'es as prenteis, and twa yeires thaireftir for 
 
110 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1637. 
 
 8 Feb. 
 1(;37. 
 
 Contract 
 betwixt 
 the toun 
 and the 
 comparti- 
 neris of 
 the wark 
 of the 
 correction 
 house. 
 
 competent wages, whilkis prenteisses the said maister salbe obleigit to 
 interteane in meat and cloathes during thair prentiship as becometh tbame, 
 and faithfullie and trewlie to instmct thame in all pointis of tlie craft of 
 bredcloath making, and wther cloath and stu.fFs wroclit in the said hous, 
 whilk the maiester can do himselflf, and to conceall na poynt thairofif 
 fra thame ; lyikas the saidis prenteisses and ewrie ane of thame salbe 
 obleigit straitlie, befoir thay resawe thair libertie, within thrie yeires thair- 
 eftir to pay tuentie pimds money foirsaid to the correctioun hous for mak- 
 ing ane stock to help to manteane it. Off the quliilkis soumes swa to be 
 resaived from the prenteisses to be send to the said hous be the magis- 
 trattis allanerlie at the tyme foirsaid, the saidis wndertakeris obleisis 
 thame to mak just compt, reckning, and payment to the prouest, baillies, 
 and counsall of the said burghe at the tyme of the wpgiveing of the said 
 wark, to be employit be thame fra thanefurth wpoun the commoune effairis 
 of the toune. For the quhilkis causses the saids prenteisses to be resaued 
 in all tyme cuming frome the saids magistrattis, and lykewayes all wther 
 prenteisses to be admittit within the said hous, sail resawe the lyke benefit 
 at thair admissioun to be friemen of thair awin treddis as any wther 
 prenteis to a fi'ie craftisman within the toune. And forder, the maister 
 of the said hous salbe obleigit to resawe from the saidis magistrattis all 
 personis qulia ar sound in bodie and healthfull, wha willinglie will be con- 
 tent to kaird and spin wooU not exceiding the number of ten personis at 
 one tyme to be within the said hous, wnto the quhilkis persones the said 
 maister salbe obleigit to furnish wool, kairdis, and wheillis for kairding 
 and spynning sa meikill as thay salbe habill to wirk, and to pay 
 to the saids persones for kairding and spynning of ewery stane weycht 
 of wool, comptand tuentie thrie pund weicht of spun yarne for ane stane, 
 fourtie schillings money foii'said, and so proportionallie for ewie pund 
 weicht, or als much more as is or salbe payit in the coiTCctioun hous of 
 Edinburghe for the lyke weicht and wirk ; and lyikwayce, the maister of 
 the said hous salbe obleist to keip ane register book quhairin to insert the 
 entrie and relcassing of ilk prisoner, and the proceedingis of those who 
 
1637.] 
 
 KECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 Ill 
 
 salbe appointit owersieris of the said lioiis and prisoners for goode order 8 Feb. 
 keiping: lyikas the saids persones wndertakeris bindis and oblessis thame ^ — ' 
 and than* foirsaidis to cans the maister of the said hons condiscend and betwixt 
 agrie to all the foii'said conditiounes, and to be oblist to the saids prouest, arid die" 
 baillies, and counsall for performance tliairof: and siclyik thay bind ^g^P'^j'*' 
 and obleiss thame and thaii* foirsaids to manteane the said hous for the the wark 
 vse befoir mentioned, for making of bredcloath thairin, and for ane cor- conection 
 rectioun hous to the said toune of Aberdein, wpoun the conditiounes 
 abouewrittin for all the dayes, space, yeires, and termes of ten yeires 
 nixt eftu' the erecting of the samen ; and failzeing thairof, to pay the said 
 soume of twa thousand merkis to the saids prouest, baillies, and counsall, 
 for the public vse and benefit of the toune. Lastlie, it is agriet betwixt 
 the saids pairties, that if eftir the expyring of the first sewin yeires of the 
 ten yeires befoir speceifeit, the prouest, baillies, and counsall of the said 
 burghe for the tyme think it not expedient longer to vse the said hous 
 as ane hous of correctioun, nor thau'eftir to burden the maister thairof 
 with resawing frome thame of any more prisoneris within the samen, and 
 does release all those who sail happin to be imprisoned in the said hoixs 
 for the tyme, frathancefurth the saids magistrattis and counsell sail be 
 fiie frome payment of the said soume of twa hundreth and fourtie pundis, 
 whilk thay ar obleist to give yeirlie be foure seurall portiounes in the 
 yeire to the said maister for intertenement of the saids prisoneris ; and 
 the said maister to be fiie frathancefurth frome resawing any more pri- 
 soneris or prenteisses from the saids magistrattis. Lyikas the saidis 
 persones wndertakeris (in cais of withhalding of the said soume of twa 
 hundreth and fourtie pundis) salbe frie frome refunding of the said soume 
 of twa thousand merkis, albeit the wark decay eftir the expyring of the 
 said sewin yeares befoir mentionat, it beinge alvayes in the will and 
 optioim of the saids prouest, baillies, and counsell to continew in pay- 
 ment of the said twa hundrethe and fourtie pundis yearlie till the expyir- 
 ing of the whole ten yeires befoir specifeit, or to dischairge the same at 
 the end of the first sewin yeires as said is. In the quhilkis caisses the 
 
112 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1637. 
 
 8 Feb. 
 1637. 
 
 Contract 
 betwixt 
 tlie toun 
 and the 
 coniparti- 
 neris of 
 the wark 
 of the 
 correction 
 hous. 
 
 saids pairties to stand bund and obleist ilk ane for tliair awine pairtes to 
 wtheris, in maner abouewrittin, all fraud and gyill secludit ; and for the 
 mair securitie, baitb. the saids pairties are content, and consentis that thir 
 presentis be registrat in the books of counsell or burrow court bookes of 
 Aberdeine, to hawe the strength of ane confest act and judiciall decreit, to 
 the effect letteris of horning wpoun ane siugiU chairge of ten dayes, and 
 all wther executorialls necessar, the ane but preuidice of the wther may 
 be direct thau'on in forme as effeiris, and to that effect constitutes con- 
 junctlie and seuerallie thair lauchfull procuratoris promittendo de rato be 
 thu* presentis, writtin be Johne Ingrahame, clerk-depute of the said 
 burghe, and subscryvit be baith the saids pairties, day, moneth, yeire, and 
 place fou'saids, befoir their witnesses — Walter Robertsoun, commoun 
 clerk of the said burghe, Mr George Robertsoun, Walter Guthrie, nottaries 
 public; and the said Johne Ingrahame. Sic subscribitur. Al. Jafifray, 
 prouest ; J. Hay, baillie ; A. Meldrum, baillie ; T. Mortimer, baillie ; Johne 
 Leslie, baillie and wndertakers ; George Rickard, deane of gild ; George 
 Meldrum, thesaurer; Robert Johnstoun, Patrick Dune, Thomas Gray, 
 coimsellors and wndertakeris ; Thomas Robertsoun, WUliame Ord, aboue 
 named, with my hand at the pen led be the conottares under subscryvand, 
 becaus I cannot wreitt. 
 
 22 Feb. 22 February 1637. 
 
 1G37. 
 
 Act a^nes The said day, in respect of the abuse latelie croppin in within the 
 
 of'^the^^^'^'^ timber mercat of this burghe, in that dyvers and sindrie personis, alsweill 
 timber extraneares as inhabitantis within this burghe, regrattis and foirstallis the 
 said timber mercat, and byis barkis, timber, and timber wark fiirth thairof, 
 to be sauld againe be thame befoir the same ly and remaine in the mercatt 
 place till the ordinar houre, to witt, till Saturneday at tuelff houres in the 
 day, to the great hurt and prejudice of his maiesties lieges, both to burghe 
 and land : Thairfou- it is statute and ordainit be the prouest, baillies, and 
 counsall, that whosoewir sail by any bark, timber or timber wark in the 
 
1637.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 113 
 
 mercat of this burghe to be sauld againe (except onlie wpoun Saturday 22 Feb. 
 
 after tuelflf hoiires in the day), that the contraveinar sail incur the wnlaw — 
 
 Actagane.s 
 
 of ten pundis, toties quoties, to be payed to the deane of gild, to be wpliftit foistalleris 
 preceislie but fauour, alsweill from extranearis duellin in landart, as frome timber 
 the inhabitantis of this burghe whatsumewir coutraveining the premisses, "ler^at- 
 
 15 March 1637. 15 March 
 
 1C37. 
 
 The quhilk day, whereas vpoun occasioun of the late vacancie at the Anent the 
 . . . . cliappell of 
 
 Sanct Clementis cliappell in Futtie, by transportatioun of Doctor Alexander Futtie. 
 
 Ross, Avho latelie served the cure thairat, to the particular service of the 
 
 toune of Aberdeine and ministrie thairof, it wes thought gude that thair 
 
 shuld be aiie cleir evidence and demonstration to all posteritie, of the end 
 
 and full extent of the mortificatioun of suche moneyis and arable land as 
 
 wer mortefeit for the said service of Futtie, that the same might remaine 
 
 efter the death of the mortefearis, ad perpetuarn rei memoriam, for avoding 
 
 all scrupule, dout, question, or danger that might heireftir ensue ; thair- 
 
 fore the prouest, baillies, and councell of the said burghe, patrones of the 
 
 said chappell and of the saids mortificationes, does heirby declair that the 
 
 saids money es and land wer noewayes mortifiet for erecting and planting 
 
 a new minister within the said burghe of Aberdeine, or for suppleing any 
 
 chaii-ge quhatsumeuir, aither of doctrine or discipline within the same, 
 
 bot onlie for serving the cure at the said chappell of Futtie, be preaching, 
 
 cateclieising, and owerseing cairfullie the maneris of the poore people, 
 
 inhabitantis within the said toune of Futtie, and redressing abuses amongs 
 
 thame, with the concurrance of the saids magistrattis of Aberdeine, and 
 
 vsing all other pastorall functiouns incumbent to a preachour of God's 
 
 word, and in respect that, besyd the ordiiiar catecheising befoir the com- 
 
 munioun in the said burghe of Aberdeine, the pastours thairof hes ane 
 
 extraordinar catecheising, eache of thame ones in the weik throughout the 
 
 whole yeire, it is thought meit for the better furtherance of the said ex- ^ 
 
 traordinar catecheising, that he who sail serve at the said cliairge of Futtie, 
 
 1 P 
 
114 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1637. 
 
 15 March shall concur with the tounes ministeris in this extraordinar wark anes in 
 
 1637 
 
 ^ — ^ the weik, in catecheising that quarter of the toune quhilk is called Futie 
 chappell of quarter, with this expres provisiouu and declaration, that the said con- 
 Futtie. currence shall give no ground to him nor to any otheris succeiding him 
 in the said chairge of Futtie, to be repute any wayes minister of Aber- 
 deine, or to clame any thing quliilk the said title or reputing may import, 
 nather yit to clame any wther benefitt, augumentatioun of stipend, or 
 vther commoditie whatsumewer more nor the proffitt and anuualrent of 
 the money es and land mortefieit, and to be mortefieit, for the said chairge 
 of Futtie may afford ; in testimonie whairof thir presentis are subscry wit 
 be the saids prouest, baillies, and councell, in presence of Doctor Robert 
 Barrone, Doctor William Guild, Doctor James Sibbald, and Doctor Alex- 
 ander Ross, present ministers of the said burghe, and of Mr Willeame 
 Robertsoun, now serving the cure at the said chappell of Futtie, as wit- 
 nesses required to the premisses, and testefeing the same to be of treuth 
 and veritie, who also, in testimonie thairof, hawe subscrywit thir presentes 
 with thair hands, day moneth yeir and place foirsaids. 
 
 Mr R. Barroune, minister and profes- A. JafFray, prouest. 
 
 sor in Aberdene, of divinity. J. Hay, baillie. 
 
 W. Guild, minister at Aberdene. A. Meldrum, baillie. 
 
 Mr Ja. Sibbald, minister at Aberdene. F. Mortimer, baillie. 
 Mr Willeame Robertsone. Johne Leslie, baillie. 
 
 Thomas Robertsone, counsaller. Mr F. Gray. 
 
 George Richart, dene of gill. 
 
 George Melldrume. 
 
 Mr Wm. Moir, Mr of the kirkvork. 
 
 Walter Cochrane. 
 
 Patrick Dime. 
 
 Andro Burnet, elder. 
 
 Patrik Dowie. 
 
 ]\Ir Johne Moir. 
 
1637.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 115 
 
 sages 
 about the 
 toun. 
 
 12 April 1637. 12 April 
 
 1637. 
 
 The same day the prouest, baillies, and counsell ordanes intimatioun charge for 
 
 to be made be the drum throw the haill streittis of the toune, charging yf"^;^)'^'? 
 
 all and sindrie persones that hes laid any middiugis or fuilzie within this "'S'^ aff . 
 
 ^ _ , °, , thestreittis 
 
 burghe, on the piiblict streittis, and about the portis, as lyikwayes at the and com- 
 Bowbrig, and on the kingis commoun yett, betwixt the same and the "^"""P**® 
 Justice mylnes, at the Woman hill, the Gallowgeit port, and betwixt the 
 same and the Seikhous, the Justice port, Castell Hill, and at the toimes 
 commoun buttis on the north syid thairof, and at the timber laires on the 
 southsyid of the Castell Hill, and on whatsumeuer wther pairt within or 
 aboute this burghe, that thay remowe and tak away all the saids mid- 
 dingis within ten dayes nixt eftir the chairge, vnder the paine of ten 
 pundis money, to be payed be ilk persone contraveining, to the deane of 
 gild for the publict vse of the toune, to be exactit but favour, toties quoties, 
 quhilk intimatioun and chairge wes accordinglie gewin be the tounes 
 commoim drummer to the effect nane shuld pretend ignorance thairof. 
 
 14 June 1637. 14 june 
 
 1637. 
 
 The quhilk day, in presence of the prowest, baillies, and counsall, Lummis- 
 
 compeired Mr Mathew Lumysdane, commissioner direct frome this burghe, ^fj^\)ai-gg 
 
 for keiping the day of Junii instant, befoir the Lordis of his of hiscom- 
 
 ... . . mission. 
 
 Maiesties Privie Counsall at Edinburghe, anent the matter of the licht 
 
 horsmen ; and after he had declaired his haill proceidinges in that busie- 
 
 nes, and how earnest he was with the saidis Lordis for procuring thair 
 
 dischairge of the tounes fyne anent the said licht horsmen ; in end the 
 
 said matter wes continewit to the fourt day of July nixt to come, quhilk 
 
 day this bm-ghe is appoyntit to be present be thair commissionar, and to 
 
 produce sic forder diligence as thay wold vse in the premisses ; and, 
 
 forder, the said commissioner declaired that he had resawed frome my 
 
 Lord Highe Thesaurar, of this kingdome ane letter direct frome his 
 
116 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1G37. 
 
 14 June 
 1637. 
 
 Lnmnnis- 
 dcn, his 
 discharge 
 of his com- 
 mission. 
 
 Maiestie to the prouest, baillies, and counsall of this burghe, anent oure 
 tounes ministeris, quhilk letter the said commissioner exhibite in counsall, 
 and the same beinge opinit and red, was ordanit to be registrat in the 
 tounes counsall book, quhairofF the tennour followes : — 
 
 " To oure trustie and weilbeloued the prouest, baillies, and councell 
 of oure burghe of Aberdeine, Charles R., 
 
 Trustie and weilbeloued, we greit you weill, hawing takin into our con- 
 ^ideratioun the meannes of your ministeris present prouision and stipends, 
 and that inrespect of the eminencie of thair charge, it is requisite yow 
 hawe able and qualifeit men for discharge of the fiinction of the miuis- 
 terie, it is oure pleasure that yow lykwayes tak the same into your 
 consideratioun, by provyding thame with suche competencie of augmenta- 
 tioun as may be answerable to the dischairge of such a publict place, and 
 that either by stenting of the houssis and inhabitantis within that burghe 
 (as wes latelie done by Act of Parliament for oure citie of Edinburghe) or 
 wtherwayes, as yow shall think may best eflfectuat that end, whairin 
 expecting to heir of your diligence, which we will accompt as gude ser- 
 vice, we bid yow fair weill frome our Court at St James, 13 May 1637." 
 
 21 June 
 1C37. 
 
 Mortimer 
 
 chosin 
 
 commis- 
 
 sionar 
 
 anent the 
 
 licht 
 
 horsemen. 
 
 21 June 1637. 
 
 The quhilk day the prouest, baillies, new and auld councellis of the 
 burghe of Aberdeine eftii-named, thay ar to say Mr Alexander JafFray, 
 prouest, &c., Johne Hay, Thomas Mortimer, &c., beinge convenit in the 
 tounes counselhous, electit, nominat, and chusit Thomas Mortimer, baillie, 
 commissionar for this burghe, to keip the fourt of July nixt befoir the 
 Lords of his Maiesties most honorable Privie Counsall, anent the mater of 
 the licht horsmen, and for productioun of om-e tounes diligence thairin, 
 and to supplicat the saidis Lords inrespect of our diligence, that our toun 
 be frie of any fyne, and in lykmaner gewis commissioun and warrand to 
 the said Thomas Mortimer to represent to the Lordis Highe Chancellar 
 and Thesaurar, and remanent Lordis of Privie Counseil, om-" just reasones 
 
1637.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 117 
 
 quhy thay sould not give any farder augmentatioiin of stipends to oure ^^^^""^ 
 
 ministeris, and to petitioun thair Lordsliips that they wilbe pleased to — 
 
 . 1 • • TP Mortimer 
 
 mak remonstrance to his Maiestie thairoi, and all wther thmgis to do lor chosin 
 
 obviating suche' aiigmentatiounes, conforme to the instructionnes gewin gio"""*' 
 
 to the said Thomas for that effect ; and, farder, gewis power to the said ^^^^ 
 
 Thomas to deall with his Maiesties High Thesaurer for passing onre horsemen. 
 
 tonnes signature, as also to deall with his Maiesties advocat for docking 
 
 the same, and to compone and agrie for getting the same signed by his 
 
 Maiesties hand and past throw the seallis, and with power also to the 
 
 said Thomas to deburse in all thir particnlares as he finds to be requisite 
 
 for effectuating the same to oure tonnes behowe, and to lift moneyes as 
 
 neid beis for that effect, promitting to hauld firme and stabill whatsum- 
 
 ewer the said Thomas shall do in the premisses, and ordaines threttie 
 
 doUouris to be debursit to the said commissioner for macking his chau-ges 
 
 in the said commissioun to ane compt, to be payed to him be George 
 
 Meldrum, thesaurer, qnhilk salbe allowit in his comptis. 
 
 21 June 1637. 21 June 
 
 1637. 
 
 The samen day ordaines the tounes sex officiares to gett new coittis Coats to 
 of reid Inglis cloath for the generall conventioun of burrowes appoynted to tlie 
 to hauld at this burghe, the fourt of July nixt, and ordaines George 
 Rickard, deane of gild, to by the said cloth, and to cans mak and furnishe 
 the same as apperteines. . . 
 
 26 July 1637. 26 July 
 
 1637. 
 
 The said day it is statute and ordanit that if any tapster finst aill, Tapstaris 
 bier, or wther drink to mariner or soiour, not being solvende, the not pay- ^aiinerls 
 ment sail nowayes frustrat the skipper or merchand of the marineris 
 service, nor hinder thame frome the sea, being bound to thair voyage. 
 
118 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1637. 
 
 19 Aug. 
 1637. 
 
 Report of 
 commis- 
 sionar 
 anent the 
 licht horse- 
 men. 
 
 16 August 1637. 
 
 The qiihilk day, in presence of the prouest, baillies, and counsall, 
 compeirit personaUie Thomas Mortimer, bailHe, commissionar chosin for 
 this burghe, to keip the fourt of July last befoir the Lords of his Maiesties 
 most honorable Privie Counsall, anent the mater of the licht horsemen, 
 and for produceing of the tounes forder diligence thairin, and to supplicat 
 the saids Lords inrespect of the said diligence, that the toune be frie of 
 any fyne : as also to represent to the Lords Heighe Chancellar and 
 Thesaurar, and remanent Lordis of Privie Counsell, the tounes just 
 resones quhy they sould not give any forder augmentatioun of stipend to 
 thair ministeris, and to petitioun thair Lordships that thay wald be pleasit 
 to mak remonstrance to his sacred Maiestie thahof ; and efter the said 
 Thomas had declairit his haill proceedingis anent the premisses, he pro- 
 ducit ane act of the saids Lords of Secret Counsall dischairging the toune 
 of the fyne of fywe thowsand merkis, vs^hairin thay wer adjudgeit abefoir, 
 for thair alledgit neglect of diligence in the executioun of thair office 
 aganes the lawles and brokin men of the name of G or done, and wtheris of 
 the licht horsemen ; and lyikwayes produceit aue extract of the actis of 
 the late generall conventioun of burrowes, haldin at this burghe in July 
 last, togidder with the tounes eque wpoun the payment of than- burrow 
 mailles in exchequer, and the eque of Petmedden, for the termes of 
 Martimes and Witsonday last bypast : lykeas also the said Thomas 
 produceit ane copie of the remonstrances, answeris, and replyes given in 
 be him and Doctor Ross befoir the saids Lords Chancellar and Thesaurar 
 anent the augmentatioun craveit be the ministeris of thair stipends, whilk 
 being red in presence of the saidis prouest, baillies, and counsall, and 
 withall the said Thomas having maid report how far he had procedit in 
 the mater of oure tounes signature : They find that the said Thomas 
 Mortimer, commissionar foirsaid, hes done ane uerie fathfull and exact 
 diligence in all the particulares aboue mentionat, and wtheris committit 
 to his charge, and thairfoir exoneris and dischairges him of the said com- 
 
1637.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 119 
 
 missioun, simplidter, and foreuir : lykeas tliey ordaine the said act of dis- ^^g^"^" 
 
 cliaii-e-e of the fyiie aboue specifeit, to be insert in the tonnes bookes ad — 
 
 • ■ «. 1 1 -11 11 Report of 
 
 futuram rei memonam, on the quhilk act the tennour followes : — commis- 
 
 " At Edinburghe, the fourth day of July, the yeir of God, j" sex hun- aneiH the 
 
 dreth and threttie sewine yeires, aneiit the terme assigned be the lords of '''-''thoise- 
 
 , , . men. 
 
 privie counsall to the prouest and baillies of the burghe of Aberdeine, to Discharge 
 
 hawe compeired personallie befoir the lordis of privie counsall this present of thair 
 day, and to hawe giwen in a report of thair more exact diligence done be the Hcht 
 thame in the executioun of thair offices aganes the lawles and brokin men lio'semen. 
 of the name of Gordoun, be whome the peace of the cuntrie wes dis- 
 quieted and trubled, as at more length is conteaned in the principal! 
 letteris raised heirwpoun, quhilkis being called this present day, and the 
 saidis prouest and baillies of Aberdeine compeirand be Thomas Mortimer, 
 baillie, thair commissionar, and the saids lords haveing at length hard 
 and considei-it the report of thair diligence in the executioun of thair 
 offices aganis the said brokin men, and the saids lords remembring and 
 considering that the fynes imposed wpoun the said burghe of Aberdeine 
 was rather to stirre thame vp to a farder diligence then to punish thame 
 for anye alledgit bygaine neglect of thair duetie, whairwpoun no proba- 
 tioun wes deducit, nor nothing verefied and provin againes thame, and 
 finding the diligence now reported be thame to be satisfactorie and suffi- 
 cient, and that thay hawe answerit the dewtie incumbent to thair charge, 
 thau-fore the saids lords hes remitted and discharged, and be the tennour 
 of this present act remitts and dischairges unto thame the fyne formerlie 
 decerned aganis thame of fyve thousand merkis, and declaires the prouest, 
 baillies, counsall, and whole commimitie and inhabitantis of the burghe of 
 Aberdeine to be fred, exonered, and releived thairof for ewir. Extractum de 
 lihris actorum secreti consilii. S. D. N. Regis per me Jacohum Primroise cleri- 
 cum eiusdem, sub meis signo et suhscriptione manualibus. Sic suhscrihutur. 
 Jacobus Prymrois. 
 
120 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1637. 
 
 13 Sept. 13 September 1637. 
 
 1637. 
 
 A voluii- The quhilk day in presens of the prouest, baillies, new and auld 
 
 tribut^on" '^o'^i'^cellis, compeirit Johne Kennedy, baillie of the biu'ghe of Air, and 
 
 to be ^ producit ane act extract furth of the buikes of his Maiesties Secrett Coun- 
 
 for helping sail, mackand mentioun that thair ar fyfteine persones skipperis and 
 
 some'Tn-'" niarineris inhabitantis of the said burghe of Air, latelie takin prisoneris 
 
 habitants \)q i\^q Turkis, and careit be thanae to Salie and Ararirs in Barbarie, quhair 
 of the toun ; _ , _ ° .... 
 
 of Air thay are deteined in most miserable slauerie, bondage, and captivitie till 
 
 captivitie they be redemed be ane great ransom, and thairfoir the lords of privie 
 
 Turkis'^ counsell lies recommendit the saids poore captives to the Christian and 
 
 charitable consideratioun and compassioun of all estates of persones, both 
 
 to burghe and land within this kingdome, requesting and desyring all 
 
 noblemen, prelatts, barroues, and gentilemen, sessiounes of kirkis, presbi- 
 
 tries, prouestis, and baillies of burrowes, and all wther his Maiesties sub- 
 
 jectis of quhatsumewir rank, qualitie, or conditioun thay be, both to 
 
 burghe and land, to extend suche proportioun of their benevolence and 
 
 charitable supplie towards the releiff of thair afflicted brethrein as thay 
 
 sail think expedient, and to delywer the same to Robert Gordoun, Johne 
 
 Knicht, and the said Johne Kennedy, baillies of Air, and George Meason, 
 
 clerk, or any of thame, who ar appoyntit be the saids lords to be resaueris 
 
 and ingadderares of this charitable and voluntar contribution, as the said 
 
 act, dated at Edinburghe the tuentie ane day of Aprill last bypast at more 
 
 length proportis, and conforme thairto, the said Johne Kennedy humblie 
 
 petitioned the saids prouest, baillies, and counsall, that thay wald com- 
 
 miserat the distrest estate of thir poore captives, and accordinglie Jjestow 
 
 thair charitable contributioun wpoun thame in sic measour as they sould 
 
 think most convenient; lykas at the late conventioun of burrowes, hauldin 
 
 at this bvu-ghe in July last, the said Robert Gordoun being than comrais- 
 
 sionar for the said burghe of Air, crawed this burghes contributioun to the 
 
 effect foirsaid, whairanent the saidis prouest, baillies, new and auld, coun- 
 
 cellis, advysing and having a Christian compassion and fellow feilling of 
 
1637]. 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 121 
 
 such a pitiefull cahimitie that hes befallen the Christian brethrein and isSep. 
 
 nightboures be thair detentioun in sic miserable captivitie and bondage ^ — 
 
 vnder the barbarous Turkes, thairfoir hawe voluntarlie condescendit and taire con- 
 
 agreit to give a voluntarie contribution for the vse foirsaid, to be wplifted vpiiftg°" 
 
 and collected amongst the inhabitantis of this bura-he in maner foUoAving, for helping 
 ° ... . _ ^ to ransom 
 
 that is to say, thay appoynt the ministeris of this burghe to acquaint the some in- 
 
 people out of pulpett in both the kirkes on Sonday nixt with the lament- of the toun 
 
 able estate of the poore captives, and thairwith to exhort all the inhabit- ffom'thair 
 
 antis of this burghe of all rankes to extend thair charitable help towardes captivuie 
 
 . . . . . " ith the 
 
 the releiff of the saids captives, and for this effect appointes the foure Turkis. 
 bailKes to stand at the kirk durres, twa at euerie dur, on Sonday nixt 
 following the said intimatioun, for collecting of the said contribution, and 
 the baillies to cans wreitt the names of all those that contributes, that 
 thairby notice may be takin of the absentis, and thair charitable contribu- 
 tion craved also to the saidis captives. 
 
 13 September 1637. 13 Sept. 
 
 1637. 
 
 The samen day the prouest, baillies, and councell hes sett doune and Iniimction 
 injoyned the order following to be keipit and observit be Thomas Coywe, gacristar 
 sacristar, in furnishing of the kirk with candill in the winter season, be- f,"!;"^^/,'',^^ 
 twixt Halowmes and Candilmes in tyme coming, viz : at morning and "^^^^g'"''" 
 evening prayeris, the said Thomas is injoyned to putt tuo lightis in everie kirk, 
 ane of the thrie hearssis hinging in the bodie of the kirk, to be lichted a 
 litill befoir the prayer bell begin to ring ; wpoun preiching dayes, he is 
 appoynted to putt in the hearse, forganes the pulpit, foure lichts, and these 
 to be lichted at the ringing of the secund bell. In the south syd of the 
 kirk he is appoyntit to hawe tuo lichtis in the tuo hearssis, ane in everie 
 hearse ; and in the north syd of the kirk als mouy, and ane licht directlie 
 vnder the bellis in the croce kirk. Item everie day at fywe houres in the 
 morning he is appoynted to licht tuo lightis in the bodie of the kirk, thairin 
 to continew quhill day licht ; and other tuo lightis in the evening, to con- 
 1 Q 
 
122 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1638. 
 
 13 Sep. 
 1637. 
 
 Iniunction 
 to the 
 sacristar 
 anent the 
 furneshing 
 off candill 
 to the 
 kirk. 
 
 3 Jan. 
 1638. 
 
 Anent the 
 (loctoris 
 of tlie 
 grammer 
 schoole. 
 
 tinew efter the prayeris till sewin houres at night, and all thir lightis to 
 be fair lightis, to witt, to be at least tuelflf pennie candill, for furneshing of 
 the qiihilkis lightis in tyme coming, the councell assignis to the said 
 Thomas the deutie of the haliedayes fische, extending yeirelie to the 
 soume of foui-tie four pundis sex schillingis eight pennies ; and be thir pre- 
 sentes gewis him power to exact and wplift the said duetie fra the pos- 
 sessouris and occupiares of the salmond fishings of the Raick, Midchyngill, 
 pott, and fuirds on the watter of Dee, according to the auld vse and wont, 
 viz., for ilk lialfFnett of fourteine halffnettis of the Raick, tuentie thrie 
 schillingis four penneis, for ilk halfFnett of tuelfi" halfnettis of the Midchyn- 
 gill, sexteine schillingis eight penneis, for ilk halflfnett of tuelff halffnettis 
 of the pott, thretteine schillingis foure penneis, and for ilk halffnett of 
 tuentie halffnettis of the fuirdis. ten schillinges, and with powar to the 
 said Thomas Cowye to giwe acquittances and dischairges thairon to the 
 occupeares of the said fishinges ; and as neid beis, to call, charge, and per- 
 sew thairfoir, and all thingis to do for wplifting of the said deutie, quhilk 
 necessarlie is requyred to be done thairanent, promitting to hald firme 
 and stabill ; the entrie of the said Thomas to tlie wplifting of the said 
 yeirlie deutie be vertew of this present act, is declared to be and begin 
 for the fishing nixt to come, of the cropt and yeire of God j™ sex hundreth 
 threttie aucht yeires, and so furth yeu-elie thairefter, dureing the will and 
 pleasour of the prouest, baillies, and counsell of this burghe for the tyme, 
 allanerlie. 
 
 3 January 1638. 
 
 The said day, the prouest, baillies, and counsell ordaines the soume 
 of ane hundreth pundis payed yeirlie be the toune to ane of the doctoris 
 of thair grammer schoole, and the salarie and schoUage payed be the 
 schollares to the other doctor of the said schoole, to be equallie devydit 
 betmxt the said twa doctouris in all tyme cominge, in respect of thair 
 equall burdine and paines, and this divisioun to begin at the first change 
 of any of the present doctoxu-s. 
 
1638.] 
 
 RECOKDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 123 
 
 3 January 1638. 3 Jan. 
 
 1638. 
 
 The qtihilk day, the proiiest, baillies, and eounsell, considering that gati^ 
 in tymes past thair hes beine great abuses committit within this bm-ghe ^"'j^gg'^'^'^ 
 at lykewalkis both in convocating multitudes of people frome all pairtis 
 of the toune, and in superfluouslie spending of deseart and confectiounes 
 at sic tymes, which breidis great disordour and confusioun, thairfoir 
 and for eschewing of the lyik abusses heireftir, thay have statute and 
 ordanit, and be thir presentis statutes and ordaines, that none be invited 
 or desyrit to a lyik walk within the btirghe at ua tyme heireftir, except 
 onlie tuelff honest men of the ewest freynds and neirest nichtboures of 
 the deceassit persone, and the magistrattis nawayes to be invited at any 
 sic occasiounes as being in office, vnles thay be of the qualitie foirsaid, 
 and siclyik that na confectiounes nor deseart be presented at lyik walkis 
 ^Adthin this burghe in tyme coming, of what conditioun soeuer the deceassit 
 persone be, vnder the paine of fourtie punds, to be exactit of ilk contra- 
 veinar, toties quoties, but favour, and payed to the deane of gild for the 
 publict benefitt of the toune, quhilk act wes intimat to the haill toune 
 convenit in thair heid court, wpoun the nynt day of Januar instant. 
 
 31 January 1638. 31 jajj_ 
 
 1638. 
 
 The quhilk day, the prouest, baillies, and councell ordaines the soume ContHbu- 
 of ane thowsand merkis contribute be the nichtboures of this burghe for captives''of 
 the distressit captives of the burghe of Air, to be delyuered with all dili- the burgh 
 
 • IT -I ... of Air. 
 
 gence, wpoun thair band to restoir the same, incais it be not employit 
 accordinglie within tuo yeires eftir the date of thair band. 
 
124 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1638. 
 
 21 March 21 March 1638. 
 1638. 
 
 ThcTectuic The said day, Doctour Williame Johnstoun, professour of matlieina- 
 
 mathe ticques within the colledge of this burghe, compeirand in presens of the 
 
 matics to prouest, baiUies, and counsel], wes earnestlie intreatit and desyrit be 
 be in a four i-ti /-i ^ • •/> 
 
 yeires thame to contryve his ordmar lecture oi the mathematieques m a foiu'e 
 
 couise. yeires course, to the effect the studentis and heirares may ha we the com- 
 
 moun benefite at the change of everie course as in other professiounes ; 
 
 to the quhilk des^TC the said Doctour Williame Johnstoun most willinglie 
 
 condiscendit and agriet and promeist so to do, albeit to his gryter paiiies, 
 
 as being most profitable for the schollares and studentis of mathema- 
 
 ticques. 
 
 iig^P"' 11 April 1638. 
 
 ance'toun "^^^ same day, Robert Cruikshank producit ane acquittance gewin be 
 
 of Air on ^j^g toune of Air on the recept of ane thowsand merkis contribute be this 
 the ressett _ ^ ^ ^ 
 
 of our con- toune towardes the relieff of thair nichtboures, captives in Argires, con- 
 for releiff teuing the said toune of Airis band for reporting a certificat that the 
 captives, saids moneyes ar employit to that vse, and that within twa yeiris eftir 
 the date of the said band, quhilk is dated at Air the fyfteine of Februar 
 1638, vnder the paine of refounding back againe the said thowsand merkis. 
 
 25 April 25 April 1638. 
 
 1638. 
 
 Missive The said day, the prouest, baillies, and councell haveand resauit ane 
 
 Maiestic. missive letter direct to thame frome cure souerane lord, the kingis most 
 excellent Maiestie, thay ordane the same to be registrat in the counsall 
 register of this burghe, ad futiiram rei memoi'iam, quhairof the tenom- fol- 
 lowes : To oure trustie and weilbeloued the prouest, baillies, and coun- 
 cell of Aberdeine and ministrie thairof — 
 
 " Charles R., Trustie and weilbeloued, we greit you weel, hawing 
 
1638.] 
 
 RECORDS OF TPIE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 125 
 
 vnderstood frome the reverend father in God, the Bishop of Aberdeine, -^gg^'"' 
 of the testimonie giwen by you at this tyme of your affection to our ser- — 
 
 1\1 issi vG 
 
 vice, which is the more considerable in regaird of the neglect of otheris, from his 
 wee giwe you hearty thankis for the same, wilhng yow to continue as yow 
 hawe begune, and be assured we will not be unmindfull thairof when any 
 occasioun shall offer, whairby you may find the effects of oure princely 
 favour. Wee bid yow fairweill ; frome oure court at Whitehall, the nynt of 
 Aprile 1638. 
 
 16 May 1638. 16 May 
 
 1638. 
 
 The said day the prouest, baillies, and counsell ordaines intimatioun AnenTthc 
 to be maid be the drum throw the haill toune, that na taverne nor aill °^ •„ 
 
 ' wyne, aill, 
 
 seller within this burghe sell any wyne, aill, or bier in tyme coming eftu- or bier, 
 ten houres at evin, under the paine of ten punds of unlaw, to be exactit 
 of the contraveinar, toties quoties, efter convictioun, but fauour or mitiga- 
 tioun, and employit on the tounes commoun effaires. 
 
 23 May 1638. 
 
 23 May 
 
 ^ . . . . 1C38. 
 
 The said day George Pyper, deacone, convemeir of the craftis of this — 
 
 burghe, Wiileame Nicolsone, deacone of the hammermen, Willeame Ord, of craftes 
 
 deacone of the wrights and cowpei'is, Johne Middiltoune, deacone of the colivocat-' 
 
 baxtares, James Geddes, deacone of the tailyeouris, George Farquhar, ^"ffj'ig'^iij 
 
 deacone of the cordonares, James Clark, deacone of the wobstaris, and armes. 
 
 Thomas Dempster, deacone of the fleshoures, being convenit befoir the 
 
 prouest, bailKes, and counsell of the said burghe, for the riott eftir specifeit, 
 
 and compeiring personallie befoir thame, wer accusit for convocating the 
 
 haill ffiemen of thair saidis craftis, with all thair servantis and prenteissis, 
 
 vpon Mononday last, the tuentie ane day of Maii instant, be fy ve houris 
 
 in the morneing at the craftis hospitall, and thaireftir convening thame all 
 
 at the mercat croce in armes be eight houris, and in the meintynie, when 
 
 as a number of seckis of meill to the number of fourescoir seckis or thairby 
 
126 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1638. 
 
 23 May that wer broclit in that day frome Skeine, to hawe beine embarked in 
 
 1638 
 
 — Martin Schankis schip, wes stayed and laid doune at the mercat place, 
 
 DcticoriGS 
 
 of ciaftes the saids craftis with thair servantis and prentisses being convenit at the 
 
 convocat-' ™ei"cat crocc in armes as said is, with swords, pistollis, and lang wapynnes, 
 
 ingr tliair tbay mellit and intromittit with the said wictuall, wiolentlie and at thair 
 
 craftis in ~ ^ 
 
 amies. awin handis compellit the men that brocht in the same to carie it on thair 
 awin horssis fra the mercat place to the said hospitall, and convoyit the 
 same the haill way in armes as said is, notwithstanding that thay wer 
 commandit and chairgit be the magistrattes, and particularly be Mr 
 Thomas Gray and George MoresoTui, baillies, in his maiesties name, to 
 dissolue thair tumultuous and mutinous melting, and to desist and cease 
 from melling with the said wictuall or caiTieing the same away, bot depairt 
 and go home in peace to thair houssis, quhilk thay most proudlie and con- 
 temptuouslie disobeyit, be going on insolentlie in carieing away of the 
 said wictuall to thair said hospitall, whairby they keip, haiild, and detein the 
 same as yit; quhilkis deacones being acci;sit of the said convocatioun, in- 
 solencie, contempt, arid disobedience to thair lawfull magistrattis, thay 
 confest thair mettinge at the said hospitall the tyme foirsaid, and that the 
 said deacone, conveinar, gaiue order and directioun for that meitting, and 
 that the haill friemen of the saidis craftis, with thair haill servants and 
 prenteissis, suld be in reddines to stay the transportatioun of any victuall 
 out of the herbrie of this burghe, bot denyes that thay gawe command 
 or wer anywayes accessorie, airt or pairt, of the melling or intromitting 
 with the said victuall, or tacking away of the same, bot wes mellit with 
 and cariet away be a confused multitude, wha wald not be stayed be 
 thame as thay alledgit, and for quhome thay culd not auswir : anent the 
 quhilkis premissis, the saidis prouest, baillies, and counsell haAving taikin 
 in tryell and probatioun, they fynd the saidis haill deacones, and prin- 
 cipallie the said George Pyper, deacone conveinar, giltie of the said 
 convocatioun, and conseqTientlie of the said tumult, disorder, and com- 
 motioun that followit thairupoun, as lyikwayes of the said contempt 
 and disobedience gewin to the command and chairge foirsaid of thair law- 
 
1G38.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 127 
 
 full magistrattis, in sa far as the said craftismen, tliair servandis and ^^g^g^ 
 
 prenteissis wer all convenit in armes the tyme forsaid, at command and — 
 
 1P1--T1 111 1 in 1- Deacones 
 
 be warrand oi than- saids deacones, and wald not be stayed irome than- of craftes 
 
 •wiolent melling with the said wictnall, and carieing the same to thair coJJvocnt-' 
 
 said hospitall, notwithstanding of the chairge forsaid, gewin to thame to '^l^^^f^fl'^ 
 
 desist and cease thau'fra, and to depairt and ga hame to thair houssis in armes. 
 
 peace ; and siclyik finds that the said Thomas Dempster, deacone of the 
 
 flesheris, was personallie present in armes, and assistit the away tacking 
 
 of the said wictuall, be convoying the same fra the mercat place to the 
 
 said hospitall ; in respect wherof the saids prouest, baillies, and counsell 
 
 decernis and adjudges the said George Pyper, deacone conveinar, in ane 
 
 vnlaw of ffourescoir pundis, and ilk ane of the remanent deacones aboue 
 
 named in ane vnlaw of ffourtie pundis, to be payed to the deane of gild 
 
 of this burghe for the publict vse of the toune, and ordaines the said 
 
 haill deacones to be presentlie committed to waird, and to remaine 
 
 thairin till thay pity the saidis vnlawes ; and lykwayes ordaines thame 
 
 to satisfie and pay the awnares of the said victuall the full pryces thairof, 
 
 sic as sould hawe beine payed to thame be the merchandis that bought 
 
 the same, and to restoir and delywer back againe to the tennentis 
 
 inbringeris of the said victuall, thair awin seckis, or the just valour and 
 
 pryce thairof; and withall ordaines the saids haill deacones to compeir 
 
 within the tolbuith of this burghe, in ane fenceit court, and thair in pre- 
 
 sens of the magistrats and counsall, humblie to crawe God and thame 
 
 pardone for the said riott and dissobedience, and promeis opinlie newir to 
 
 commit the lyik in tyme coming. 
 
 4 Jufy 1638. 4 July 
 
 1638. 
 
 The said day, the prouest, baillies, and counsell ordaines Adame ^ ],^of 
 Gordoun, maister of impost, to cans big and put wp ane heid of steine steincwark 
 wark at the end of the Trinitie frieris burne, forgainis the kirk of Futtie, andVoad-^ 
 for livering and loadning of shippis and barqueis thairat, quhilk at all "'"^ 
 occasiounes cannot convenientlie floitt with thair gudes. 
 
128 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1638. 
 
 IJgfg^y 16 July 1638. 
 
 Tlie coun- The quhilk day the prowest, baillies, new and auld couusellis and 
 
 ccllis rC" 
 
 fiisall as of deaconis of craftis, with dywers wther nightboures of gude respect within 
 subscrywe toune, who wer warnit to be present this day to giwe thair adwyse in 
 nant"^*^' matter eftir following, being convenit in the tounes counselhous, it 
 
 wes exponit to thame be Robert Johnstoun, prowest, that adverteisment 
 is come frome South that some nobillmen, barrones, and ministeris ar to 
 repair to this burghe on Friday nixt, the tuentie day of Julii instant, and 
 to deall with the magistrattis and councell, as also with the bodie of the 
 toune, for mowing thame to subscrywe the neAV covenant and oath 
 obtrudit of late vpoun this kirk and kingdome, without warrand from his 
 Maiestie, or Lordis of Privie Counsell ; quhilk covenant being presented of 
 befoir to the magistrattes and councell of this b\u*ghe vpoun the sexteine 
 day of Marche last, be some barrones and commissionares fra some of the 
 burrowes, to hawe beine subscrywit at that tyme, the magistrattes and 
 councell then plainelie and absolutelie refuisit to subscrywe the same, for 
 divers just reasones signifiet and imparted be thame to the saids barrones 
 and commissionares : lyikas notice being gewin to his sacred Maiestie of 
 oure refuissall to subscrywe the said covenant, his Maiestie wes thair- 
 wpoun gratiouslie pleased to direct his missive to the prouest, baillies, 
 and councell of this burghe, acknowledging that thair refuissall to be 
 gude service done to his Maiestie, which he declaired to be the more con- 
 siderable in regaird of the neglect of otheris, willing ws to continew as 
 we haue begwn, and assuring ws that he shuld not be vnmyndfull thairof 
 when any occasioun shuld offer whairby we might fynd the effectis of 
 his priucelie favour, as the said missive gewin frome his court at Whythall 
 the nyut of Aprill last, at more length proportis. In consideratioun 
 whairof, as lyikwayis be reasoun of his Maiesties proclamation this day, 
 published at tlie mercat croce of this burgh, whairby his Maiestie not 
 onlie makes ample declaratioun that his true meaning and intentioun is 
 Qot to admitt of anie innovatiounes uther in religioun or lawes, bot cair- 
 
1638.] 
 
 RECOllDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 129 
 
 fiillie to mantein the true Protestant Christian religioiine professit and ic July 
 
 1638 
 
 estabHshed in this kingdome, and nowayes to suffer the lawes to be — ' 
 
 infriugit, bot lyikwayes requyres and heartihe wishes all his gude people cellis le- 
 
 cairfullie to aduert to any suggestiones in the contrair, and not to permitt befoil- to°^ 
 
 thameselffis blindlie, vnder pretext of religioun, to be led in disobedience, s"bscrywe 
 . . ... ^ . . . . the cove- 
 
 and draw on (infinitlie to his Maiesties greiflf) thair awin rwine, as at mair nant. 
 
 length is contenit in the proclamatioun, and therefor the said Robert 
 Johnston, prouest, most earnestlie desyred the said new and auld coun- 
 cellis and deacones of the craftis, convenit as said is, to carie thameselffis 
 wyislie and circumspectlie in the busienes, exhorting thame to continew 
 in thair dutiefull obedience and service to his sacred Maiestie, and to 
 refuise as of befoir to subscrywe any such covenant, vnder the paine of 
 his Maiesties high displeasour, and as thay would eschew thair awin 
 rwine and loss of oure toune liberties, for quhilk eifect causit reid opinlie 
 in councell the said proclamatioun : eftir the reidinge quhairof, the saids 
 prouest, baillies, new and auld councellis, and deacones of craftis, and 
 remanent nightboures present for the tyme, finding thahby such a reall 
 testimonie not onlie of his Maiesties sinceritie for manteinance of the true 
 religioun professit and established in this his Maiesties ancient kingdome, 
 lawes, and liberties thairof, bot lyikwayes of his Maiesties speciall grace 
 and favour in passing ower all bygaine misdemeanours of his subiectis, so 
 long as his Maiestie sies not royall auctoritie shaiken afif be thame : 
 Thairfoir the saids prouest, baillies, coimcellis, deacones of craftis, and 
 remanent nightboures convenit for the tyme, representing the bodie of 
 the toune, declaned that thay were resolved, Godwilling, according to 
 thair bund duetie and alledgance to thair sacred soveraigne, to continew 
 in obedience and loyaltie to his Maiestie, and nowayes to do or attempt 
 anything that may giwe his Maiestie just occasioun of offence, and for 
 this effect votted and concluded that the magistrattes and counsall sail 
 absolutlie refuis as of befoir to subscrywe the said covenant as magis- 
 trattes and counsallours, or in name and takand burdine wpoun thame for 
 the bodie of the toune : bot if any particular persoue of the toune or 
 1 R 
 
130 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1638. 
 
 16 July counsell, of tliuir awin acord as privat men will tak wpoun tliame to 
 
 1638 
 
 — ' subscrywe the same, notwithstanding- of this his Maiesties gracious de- 
 
 ccllis re- claration fou'said, published as said is, thay declair that what thay do in 
 
 befoirto"* this kynd salbe wpoun thair awin perrill and hazard, as thay wilbe 
 
 subscrywe answerable to his Maiestie. 
 the cove- 
 nant. 
 
 24 July 24 July 1638. 
 
 1638. 
 
 Anent the The quhilk day in presens of Mr Thomas Gray and George More- 
 
 escaping .... . . . . 
 
 of Alexr. soun, baillies, Elizabeth Keith, relict of vmquhill, Willeame Leisk of that 
 
 Seward."' ilk, being accusit for being airt and paht of the oscaiping of Alexander 
 
 Keith of Balmuir out of waird furth of the tolbuith of this burghe, the 
 
 tuentie third day of July instant, in ane trunck whairin he wes secretlie 
 
 inclosed be the said ladye of Leisk, and Marie Keith, daughter of the laird 
 
 of Ludquhairne, be the assistance of Hay, relict of wmquhill, 
 
 Maister Gilbert Keith, minister at Skeine, wha wer lattin in to the waird- 
 
 hous to visite the said Alexander Keith, declairit that quhat scho knew 
 
 of that busines scho wald not tell it till scho wer convenit befoir Supreme 
 
 Judges ; bot it being declarit to her be the baillies, that the toune wes 
 
 lyabill to great prejudice be the said Alexander his escaiping, she ansuerit 
 
 that quhen the matter was in plotting, scho spak to her brother in thir 
 
 termes, " God forbid that the toune of Aberdeine be wrangit ;" and forder, 
 
 scho declarit that there was none that helpit to put her brother in the 
 
 trunk bot oulie herselff, Ludquhairne's daughter, and ane wther gentill 
 
 woman callit Hay : and the rest of the wardouris, to witt 
 
 Johne TillideflF, Thomas Watsoun, his wyf, and Willeame Gordoun, being 
 
 demandit quhat they knew of the busines, declairit that at Alexander 
 
 Keith's intreatie they wer remowit to the heighe chamber of the said 
 
 wau'dhous, and knew nothing of his escaiping, neither did they sie any 
 
 persons thair but onlie the wemen, Nathaniell Leysk, and George Panton. 
 
1G38.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 131 
 
 Eodem die. Eodem die. 
 
 The said day in presens of Maister Thomas Gray and George More- Sleick 
 
 • • • officiGr 
 
 soun, baillies, Robert Sleike, ane of the tonnes ordinar serjands of the said committit 
 bnrghe, being accnsit for snffering and permitting of Alexr. Keith of Bal- ^° waird. 
 muir to escaip furth of waird yeisterday be his sleuth and neghgence, and 
 for being airt and pairt thairof, he being keipar of the wairdhous, and 
 hawinge the keyis thairof for the tyme, and not hawing his nichtboures 
 with him at the opning of the doore according to the injunctiounes, and 
 for snffering and permitting Elizabeth Keith, ladye of Leysk, Marie Keith, 
 daughter to the lau-d of Ludquhairne, Hay, Nathaniell Leysk, 
 
 and George Pantoun, to hawe access to the wairdhous for accomplishing 
 of the said work, denyit that he was anywayes airt or pairt of the com- 
 mitting of the fact, or that he knew anything thairof, but confest the 
 escaiping of the said Alexander be his sleuth and negligence, in that he 
 sufFerit the foirnamed persones to go wp to the wairdhous and remaine 
 thair till the turne wes done, and till the trunck whairin he wes inclosit 
 wes brought out of the wairdhous and cariet to the pier, whairas he 
 sould not hawe permittit any trunck, kist, or coffer to hawe beine trans- 
 portit or cariet furth thairof, bot by the consent and warrant of the magis- 
 trattis or some of thame, for the quhilk the said Robert wes committit to 
 waird, thairin to remaine till the magistrattis tak forder ordour in the 
 busines. 
 
 25 July 1638. 
 
 The quhilk day the prouest, baillies, and councell ordaines a com- 
 missioun to be procured frome the lords of his Majiesties most honorable 
 privie counsall for searching, seiking, and apprehending of Alexander 
 Keith of Balmure, who escaped by a slight out of waird furth of the tol- 
 buith of this burghe vpoun the tuentie thrie day of July instant, and sic- 
 lyik to send for letteris to inhibite all the lieges to intercommoun with 
 him, as also to rais letteris againes the laird of Ludquhairne and his com- 
 
132 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1638. 
 
 25 July plices, to vnderly the law for tacking violentlie and perforce frome Robert 
 
 — -' Merser and Robert Irwing, messingeris, tuo captives, to witt Willeame 
 
 sioun to be Daniell and Willeame Fywie, in Conyach, "whome thay had apprehendit 
 
 for scarcli- '^po'^m captioun raised againes thame at the tonnes instance, as being his 
 
 iiig and maiesties rebells for the caussis mentioned in the saids letteris of captioim, 
 appro- . ..... 
 
 hending and ordaines to send informatioun in thir particulares to Mr Robert Far- 
 
 of .AIg^i* • ^ J 
 
 Keytli. quhar, baillie, who is presentlie at Edinburghe, and withall to desyre him 
 
 to gett om* tonnes signature advysed and consulted with his maiesties 
 
 advocat, and to gett the same docketed be his lordship, that the same 
 
 thaireftir may be in all convenient diligence send to court to be past be 
 
 his maiestie, and ordaines to wrett to the said Mr Robert to deburse sic 
 
 sums as salbe requisite for all theise efifaires, and what he sail deburse thair- 
 
 wpoun, ordaines to be refoundit to him be the thesaurar at his returne. 
 
 8 August 8 August 1 638. 
 
 1G38. 
 
 A wapiii- The quhilk day fForsameikill as be act of parliament it is appointed 
 
 indicted. that thair shall be publict wapinschawing keipit yeirlie, alsweill to burghe 
 as land, throughout the whole kingdome, for obedience to the quhilk act, 
 and according to the laudable custome observed in this burghe, hes ap- 
 pointed a wappinschaw of all the inhabitantis of this burghe, fensible per- 
 sones, to be keiped, God willing, on Friday, the sewinteine day of this 
 instant moneth of August, and for that effect ordaines ane chairge to be 
 gewin be the drum, chairging all the inhabitantis within this burghe, both 
 frie and vnfrie, fensible persones, to prepare thameselffis and be in redines 
 to giwe thair mustures and wapinschawing in the commone linkis of this 
 burghe, the foirsaid seventin day of August instant, weill furnished and 
 armed with pickes, corslettis, muskattis, bandelines, and swordis, vnder 
 the paine of fourtie pundis, to be payed be ilk persone absent, or that 
 comes not sufficientlie armed, and giues thair aith that the armour thay 
 bring belongis properlie to thameselffis, to be payed to the dean of gild to 
 the publict vse of the toune. 
 
1638.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 133 
 
 15 August 1G38. 15 August 
 
 1638. 
 
 The samen day the proiiest, bailHes, and counsall findis it expedient Thebaillies 
 
 that thair shall be foure capitanes, foure lieutenentis, foure ensingzies, and t^mak'^^'^ 
 
 tuelff seriandis, for leading and commandine: the inliabitantis of this c''"!® 
 
 . . . . . capitanes 
 
 burghe at the ensewing wapinschaw appoyntit to hauld the sewinteine and com- 
 
 • • ■ ■ nitindGrs <it 
 
 day of August instant ; and incaice any difference arryse amongst the the wapin- 
 
 commanderis anent thair places, the same to be decydit be lott, and ap- 
 
 pointis the baillies to mak chuise and nominatioun of suche as thay sail 
 
 find to be most capable and fitting for commandement. 
 
 15 August IGdS. ^^ulT^ 
 
 The prouest, baillies, and councell having this morninge receaved a ^.J,",g^]'Jg 
 
 pacquett, wherein was inclosed a letter direct to thame frome his sacred sacred 
 . . ... . . Maiestie. 
 
 maiestie, and ane other frome his maiesties commissionar, the Lord Mar- 
 quis of Hammiltoune, quhilkis letteris being disclosed at the counsell- 
 table and opinlie red thairat, the magistrattes and coimsell ordaines the 
 samen to be registrat in thair councell register, thairin to remaine ad 
 futuram rei memoriam, whau'of the tenour folio wes : — 
 
 " To oure trusty and weilbeloued, the prouest, baillies, and comicell 
 of Aberdeine, 
 
 " Charles R., 
 
 *' Trustie and welbeloued, we greet yow well, hauing vnderstood how dutie- 
 fuUie yow carried yom* selffis at this tyme in what concerned the good of 
 our service, and particularlie in hindering some stranger ministeris frome 
 preaching in any of your churches, we hawe taken notice thairof, and do 
 guie yow hartie thankis for the same, and doe expect, as your careage 
 hitherto hath beine goode, so yow "will continew, assuring yow that when 
 any thing that may concerne your good shall occur, we will not be 
 vnmyndfull of the same. Wee bid yow farewell, frome oure court at Oat- 
 lands, the last day of July 1638." 
 
134 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1688. 
 
 15 August 
 1638. 
 
 The Lord Marquis of Hammiltoun, his grace letter. 
 
 " For my very louing freinds, the prouest, baillies, and counsell of 
 
 lieare of the great zeale yow beare to his sacred maiesties service, and 
 lyikwayes not onhe yow, but your toune ar still pressed to subscrywe a 
 covenant nowayes acceptable to his maiestie, and thairfoir I, as his com- 
 missionar, doe earnestlie requyre yow cahfullie to avert, and so far as 
 lyes within your power in a fair and peaceable way, to hinder the sub- 
 scriptioune thairof by anie within your toune, as you wald deserue thankis 
 frome his maiestie, and receaue favouris frome him as occasioun sail offer. 
 Thus with my hartie wishes for your prosperities, I rest your verie louing 
 and assured good freind, HAMILTON." 
 
 The quhilk day the prouest, baillies, and councell of the burghe of 
 
 from his X..-—, .g, . 
 
 Majestic. Aberdeine vnderwrittin, thay ar to say, Robert Johnston, prouest, Mr 
 
 Thomas Gray, Mr Mathew Lumysdane, George Moresone, baillies, Mr 
 Alex. Jaffray, Thomas Mortimer, Mr Willeam Moir, Alexr. Burnett, eldar, 
 Robert Cruikschank, younger, Alexander Jaffray, Willeame Trup, Adame 
 Gordoun, George Mengzies, Thomas Paip, Paull Mengzies, Robert Leslie, 
 Johne Malice, cowper, and James Hall, cordoner, being convenit in the 
 counsalhous of the said burghe as wpoun the ordinar day appointit for 
 electioun of the new counsall, magistrattis, and officemen of the same 
 burghe for the yeire to come, and after incalliug of God, the said Robert 
 Johnstoune, prouest, exhibite a letter direct to thame frome his sacred 
 maiestie, quhilk wes sent to him be the Marquis of Huntlie, together with 
 a particular letter of the said Lord Marquis direct to the said Robert hira- 
 
 Aberdeine. 
 
 Halyruidhous, 10 Aug. 1638. 
 
 26 Sept. 
 1638. 
 
 26 September 1638. 
 
1638.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 135 
 
 self, reqiiyring him to dclywer his maiesties letter to the counsall, quhilk ^^gg^P'* 
 was instantlie opinit and publictHe red iu audience of the counsell, quhairof ^ -7-;' 
 the ten our followes : — from his 
 
 " To oure trustie and weilbeloued the prouest, baillies, and councell ^^^j*^^^"^- 
 of oure citie of Aberdeine, 
 
 " Charles R., 
 
 " Trustie and weilbeloued, wee greet yow well, whereas wee hawe at 
 seuerall tymes wnderstood, and now particularlie by oure right trustie 
 and weilbeloued cosen and councellour, the Marqueis of Hammiltone, oure 
 commissionar, how dutiefullie and cairfullie yow hawe caried your selffis 
 at this tyme in what concerned the good of oure service, wee hawe 
 thought fitt to tak notice of it vnto yow againe, and to give yow hartie 
 thankis for the same. And as wee hawe now found yoiu- affection in a 
 singular way, so wee do assure yow that we shall hawe a particular cair 
 of what shall conceme yow, being confident that yow will still continew 
 to carye your selffis as yow hawe done for the furthering of oure service, 
 and in so far as yow can in a fair and peaceable way wee authorise yow 
 heu'by to hinder any other frome taking anie course that is derogatorie 
 therewnto, and so we bid yow fairweill frome oure court at Bagshot, the 
 7 September 1638." 
 
 Efter reiding of the quhilk letter, in consideratioun of the contentis 
 thairof, the said Robert Johnston, prouest, Mr Thomas Gray, and George 
 Moreson, baillie, for thameselffis and in name of sic otheris of the coun- 
 cell as will adliere vnto thame, protestit that nane within this burghe 
 who hes subscryvit the covenant be putt vpon litt, or be chosin a coun- 
 cellour or magistratt at this electioun inrespect of the present caice and 
 estate of the toune whairin it standis, for feare of givinge offence to his 
 Maiestie, and breiding alteratioun in the toune ; to the quhilk protesta- 
 tioim, George Moresoun, Thomas Paip, and Paull Meingzie, thrie of the 
 councell, adherit, and thairwpoun asked instrumentes, &c. 
 
136 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1638. 
 
 vice book. 
 
 s Oct. 5 October 1638. 
 
 Exhibition The said day the right noble Marqueis, George Marqueis of Huntlie, 
 
 be the 
 
 Marquis of El'le of Eugzie, Lord Gordoun, and Badgenocht, having schawin and 
 
 rf"his^ exhibite to the prouest and baillies of this burghe his Maiosties declara- 
 
 Maiesties tioun anent the annulHng of the Service Book, Book of Cannons and Hiffh 
 declaration ..... . . 
 
 anent the Commission, dischairging the pressing of the fywe articles of Perth 
 
 of the scr- Assemblie, macking all persones ecclesiasticall and civill, of what tittle or 
 
 degrie soeuer, lyable to the tiyell and censure of Parliament, Generall 
 
 Assemblie, and other judicatories competent, anent the not giveing to 
 
 ministeris at thair entrie any other oath than that which is contained in 
 
 the act of parliament, anent the subscryweing and renewing the Confes- 
 
 sioun of Faith subscrywit by his Maiesties father of blessed memorie, and 
 
 his houshold in anno 1580, and generall band followeing thau*wpoun, 
 
 anent the indiction of a Generall Assemblie to be hauldin at Glasgow, 
 
 the tuentie ane day of November, and a Parliament at Edinbnrghe, the 
 
 fyfteine day of May, j"* sex hundrethe threttie nyne, and anent his 
 
 gracious goodnes in forgetting and forgeving all bygaines and indiction 
 
 of a fast for craveing of Gods blessing to this Assemblie : the said noble 
 
 Marques signifiet to the saids prowest and baillies, that by warrant frome 
 
 the Lord Marqueis of Hamiltoun, his Maiesties commissionar, and Lordis 
 
 of Privie Counsall, he was to caus ane of his Maiesties herauldis pro- 
 
 claime this day at the mercat croce of this burghe his Maiesties declara- 
 
 tioun foirsaid, and thairfoir desyred the saids prouest and baillies, with 
 
 thair tounes counsell and otheris most respective nichtbouris of the toune, 
 
 to be present at the said proclamatioun, whairwnto the saids prouest and 
 
 baillies most hartielie and willinglie condiscendit, promising to attend 
 
 the said proclamation, and to applaud the same with most joyfull acclama- 
 
 tiounes, for suche reall expressions of his Maiesties most gracious favom* 
 
 and goodnes bestowed vpoun this his ancient kingdome for setling of 
 
 the peace thairof, both in kirk and State. 
 
1638.j 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGII OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 137 
 
 8 October 1638. 8 Oct. 
 
 1638. 
 
 The quhilk day the pronest, baillies, and counsel!, wpoiin just and Discharg- 
 knowin consideratioimes mowing thame, and namelie be resone of some {"fynej^^ 
 disorderlie and vnpeaceable careage of the trayned band, hawe dis- ^>'•^^^^■ 
 chairgit, and be thir presentis dischairges the cumpanie of the said 
 trained band, that hawe beine exercising thame selffis in armes in dreilling 
 sen the late wapinschaw, frome any forder dreilling, convocatioun, 
 musturing, or lifting of armes within the toune, or in the feilds, till tliay 
 procure a new warrant fi'ome the magistratts and counsell for that effect, 
 vnder all hiest paine and danger that may incur for thair disobedience be 
 the lawes of this kingdome, and ordaines intimatioun heu-of to be made 
 be the drum throu the haill streittis of the toune, commanding and 
 chairging in our soueraine Lordis name, and behalff of the Lord Prouest 
 and baillies of this burghe, that no inhabitant within the same of what- 
 soeiiir ranck, qualitie, or degrie, presume or tack vpoim hand to touch 
 di'umme, lift cullouris or armes, or vse any suche publict exercise of 
 dreilling or convocatioim in tyme comeiug, wntill thay be warranted be 
 the magistrattis and councell to that effect, vnder the paine aboue 
 specifeit, quhilk chau-ge was instantlie intimat be the drum to the effect 
 none should pretend ignorance thairoff. 
 
 8 October 1638. 8 October 
 
 1638. 
 
 The quhilk day the right uobill Marqueis, George Marqueis of Huntlie, '^^^^ tonnes 
 
 COUSGllt to 
 
 Erie of Engzie, Lord Gordoun and Badyenocht, accumpanied with the subscrywe 
 
 right worschipfull Sir Alexander Irwing of Drum, knight, schirreff of Aber- fession of 
 
 deine, commissionares appointit be the Lord Marqueis of Hammiltoune, ge',elall"^ 
 
 his maiesties commissioner, and by the Lords of his maiesties most honor- ^'"^"^^ '^P^ 
 
 ..... . poyuted 
 
 able privie counsell, for requyreing all his maiesties lieges of whatsoewir be his 
 
 rank and qualitie within the schirrefdome of Aberdeine, to subscrywe the be sub- 
 Confession of Faith, dated the second day of Marche 1580, togidder with 
 
 1 S lieffcs. 
 
138 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1638. 
 
 8 October 
 1638. 
 
 The tonnes 
 consent to 
 subscrywe 
 the Con- 
 fession of 
 Faitli and 
 general! 
 band ap- 
 poynted 
 be liis 
 Maiestie 
 to be siib- 
 scrywed 
 be all his 
 lieges. 
 
 the generall band for mantenance of the trew religion, and the kingis 
 person, dated in anno 1589, conforme to his maiesties royall commande- 
 ment and warrand givin for that effect be his maiesties declaration and 
 letteris patent, published at the mercat croce of this burghe wponn the 
 fyft day of October instant, hawing schawin and exhibit the said Confes- 
 sioun of Faith and generall band, markit and snbsciyuit be the clerk of 
 privie counsell, to the prouest and baillies of the said burghe, the said Lord 
 Marqueis of Huntlie requyred the saids prouest and baillies to subscrywe 
 the same, and to convene thair counsell and whole bodie of thair towne, 
 and to requyre thame also to subscrywe the said Confession of Faith and 
 generall band, as thay will be answerable to his maiestie and to the 
 saids Lords wpoun thair dutie and obedience : the saids prouest and baillies, 
 in hmnble acknowledgment of his maiesties pious and gratious disposi- 
 tioun and affectioun to the puritie of God's trueth, and thairby finding 
 thameselfiis bund in duetie and conscience to obey his maiesties royall 
 commandiraents, causit conveine this day within thair tolbuith the whole 
 bodie of thair toune be touk of drum, and being convenit, Mr Alexander 
 Jaffray, prouest, causit reid publictlie in thair audience his maiesties de- 
 claratioun foirsaid, togidder with the said Confession of Faith and generall 
 band, and requyred thame all to subscrywe the same conforme to his 
 maiesties royall pleasour published to that effect, as thay will answer at 
 the contrarie wpoun thair obedience ; lykeas the said Mr Alexander 
 Jaffray, prouest, for remoweing all scrupill out of the mynds of the people, 
 desyred Doctor Robert Barroun and Doctor James Sibbald, tAva of the 
 tonnes ministeris, to subscrywe the said confession and band, who, befoir 
 thay gave thair subscriptiones, declared and protested befoir God and all 
 men that wer present, that thay wer to subscrywe the said confessioun 
 as it condemneth and abjureth all popish eiToris, idolatrie, and supersti- 
 tion, reallie and indeed repugnant to God's holy word, and that thay do 
 not wnderstand Perth articles and Episcopall govemament, or any doctrine, 
 rite, or ceremony not repugnant to scripture, or to the practice of the 
 ancient or moderne reformed and sound churches, or to the confessioun 
 
1638.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 139 
 
 of the Church of Scotland registrat in the acts of parliament, to be con- 8 October 
 demned and abjured in it, and desyred that ane act sould be sett doune — 
 and enacted heirwpoun, in perpetuall evidence and testimonie of this thair consent to 
 conceptioun and vnderstanding of the foirsaid oath or confessioun ; lykeas, the Cmi-^ 
 accordinglie thay did subscrywe the same in presens of the magistrattis °q 
 and of the toune convenit as said is, and the said Mr Alex. JafFray, generall 
 prouest, Johne Hay, and Willeam Forbes, declaired that thay wer to sub- poynted 
 scrywe the said Confessioun of Faith riglitlie wnderstood, and as it doth ^^igstie 
 condemne and abjure all popish erroris, idolatry, and superstitioun repug- *o 
 nant to God's holy word, and that thay wnderstand not Perth articles be all his 
 nor Episcopall governament to be abjured in it, and also without preju- 
 dice of sound and laudable discipline authorysed and approven by the kirk 
 and lawes of this kingdome, whairwpoun thay desyred ane act, ad futuram 
 rei memoriam, and immediatlie thaireftir thay did subscrywe the said 
 Confessioun of Faith and generall band, to the quhilk declaratioun made 
 be the saids prouest, baillies, and ministeris, the most pairt of the bodie 
 of the toune, convenit as said is, adherit, and so went on and subscrywit 
 the samen confessioun and generall band accordinglie, with great harmonie 
 and applaus ; lykeas Robert Crukschank, younger, adheres to the foirsaid 
 declaratioun made be the saidis prouest and baillies, notwithstanding that 
 he subscrywit the said confessioun and band, eftir the assemblie. 
 
 10 October 1638. ()ct. 
 
 In the fii'st, the prouest, baillies, and counsell ratifies and approves 
 
 Statute 
 anent the 
 
 the act and statute maid be thair predicessoures anent the keiping of the keping of 
 sermones on the Sabboth day, whilk they ordaine to hawe effect and to mones. 
 be putt in executioun againes the contraveinares, vnder the paines tliairin 
 contenit, towitt, wnder the paine of twentie schillingis to be payed be 
 ilk persone contraveinand, quha salbe fund absent from sermones ather 
 befoir or afternoone on the Sabboth, to the collectour of the khk sessioun, 
 for the vse of the poore, toties quoties, and incais of iuhabilitie or refuissall 
 
I 
 
 140 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1638. 
 
 10 Oct. 
 1638. 
 
 Statute 
 ancnt the 
 keping of 
 tlie ser- 
 mones. 
 
 of any oflfending in this kynd to pay the said penaltie presently effcir 
 tryell and conviction, the ofFendares to be pwnished in thair bodies be im- 
 prisonment, or aftir sic wther maner as the magistrattis sail injoyne, con- 
 forme to the Actis of Parliament made againes the brakeris of the Lordis 
 Sabboth. 
 
 31 Oct. 
 1638. 
 
 TheTaill 
 inhabi- 
 tants of 
 the toini, 
 fensibill 
 persones, 
 to be 
 trayned 
 vp in 
 militarie 
 exercise. 
 
 31 October 1638. 
 
 The said day anent the supplicatioiin giwen in and presented to the 
 prouest, baillies, and counsell vpoim the sewinteine day of October in- 
 stant, be the subscryuares of the militarie band, for thameselffis and repre- 
 sentand all wtheris of this b\n-ghe who hes in mynd to follow militarie 
 exercise of old in vse, bot now dishanted in this bin-ghe, humblie intreat- 
 ing thair wisdomes of the counsall, that the said militarie exercises for 
 thair educatioun and handling of armes and vse of militai-ie discipline be 
 not interrupted nor hinderit, since the same wes undii'takin be wan-ant 
 frome the late magistrattis and counsell, bot that thay may hawe culloris, 
 drum, and vse of the said exercise and militarie discipline as formerlie 
 thay had, promising, by God's assistance that thair salbe no disorder nor 
 trubill be occasioun thairof as far as in thame lyes, as at more length was 
 contenit in thair said supplicatioun, quhau-enent the prouest, baillies, new 
 and auld counsallis having deliberatlie advysit, howsoewir the said exer- 
 cise vpoun just grounds and reasenes was dischairget and interrupted, 
 newirtheless, in hope of a more duticfull and respectiue cariage heir- 
 eftir, thay find the exercise in itself laudabill and profitabill, and neces- 
 sarie for the common weill, and thairfoir thay hawe statute and ordanit, 
 and be thir presentis statutes and ordaines that the haill nichtboures of 
 the toune, alsweill brether of gild, as craftismen and other inhabitantis 
 thairof, fensabill persones, sic as pleassis to learne to handle thair armes, 
 salbe traynit and instructit in the said militarie exercise of dreilling, and 
 for that effect maid instantlie choose and nominatioun of Johne Leslie, 
 ane of the present baillies, to be capitane, Mr Thomas Mei'ser, lieutenant. 
 
1638.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 141 
 
 Johne Mengzeis ensengyie, Walter Moresone, Alexander Alshinour, and ^j^gg'" 
 
 Andro Knowis, seriandis, to whome the saids proviest, baillies, and conn- — 
 
 , . p , . P 1 MT The haill 
 
 sail committs the present chairge of the said militane exercise oi dreilling, inhai/i- 
 
 and that during the covmsellis pleasonr, with power to the said capitane the\oun, 
 
 and remanent officiares to cans carrye culloiiris, beat drummes, and lift fensible 
 
 . . . persones, 
 
 armes for dreilling and trayning wp of the nichtboiiris of the toune sic as to be 
 
 pleassis, in militarie exercise and discipline weiklie ilk Monenday, begyn- vp m^*^ 
 
 nand wpoun Monday nixt, the fyft of November, at ancht honres in the ^g'/g^se*^ 
 
 morning, and so further weiklie thaireftir dm-mg the counsallis plesour 
 
 as said is, prowyding allwayes that sic persones as sail frequent and vse 
 
 the said exercise carrie thameselffis modestlie and calmelie, and that thay 
 
 reteir to thair houssis at tliair dissolving ilk day of thair meeting, without 
 
 shooting or spending of pulder ; and forder, the saids prouest, baillies, and 
 
 counsall hes dischairgit, and be thir presentes dischairges, the late militarie 
 
 band and all bandis to be made of that kynd heireftu-, except sic as salbe 
 
 warrantit be the magistrattis and counsall of the bm'ghe for the tyme. 
 
 5 November 1638. 5 Nov. 
 
 1G38. 
 
 The quhilk day anent the petitioun gewin in to the prowest, baillies. Petition 
 and councell be a great number of the nichtboures of this burghe, con- directing 
 cerning the directing of a commissioner to the Generall Assemblie, indicted ^"f- 
 
 coiiirii IS" 
 
 to hauld at Glasgo, the twentie ane day of November instant ; of the sioncr 
 quhilk petition the tenour followes : — Please your w[orships] my Lord General 
 Prouest, baillies, and counsall, we ane great number of your brethrene ar 
 informit that ye intend to send ane commissioner to the Assemblie, and 
 the materis to be handlit thairin being so weichtie and important, we 
 desyre your worships seriouslie to consider with ws the inexpediencie of 
 sending ane commissioner, for the reassones follomng, and if thair be ane 
 chosen that we be callit and conveinit in the tounes hous, and consent to 
 his instructiounes befoir his iiistructiounes be subscrywit be yow, sieing 
 the gude or ewill thairof glaides or greives the haill bodie : The resones 
 
142 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1638. 
 
 5 Nov. 
 1G38. 
 
 Petition 
 anent the 
 directing 
 of ane 
 commis- 
 sioner 
 to the 
 Generall 
 Assembly. 
 
 ar, first to considder if it be fitting to send ane commissioner at all, sieing 
 at this tyme ye hawe no warrant, direction, or command by missive or 
 letter frome his Maiestie, or his hienes commissioner for that effect, as in 
 former Assemblies ye was wont to hawe ; and if it be objectit the pro- 
 clamatioun to be ane sufiicient warrant, it is ansuerit thairto, besyd the 
 proclamatiounes, this burgh was ewir in vse abefoir to resawe his Maiesties 
 missive, his Commissionares, or the Lordis of Privie Counsell ; secondlie, 
 the commissionares chairges (the Assemblie sitting long as is expectit) 
 will be exceiding great, and your worships kuowes sufficiently quhow 
 great the tounes burding is alreddie, quliilk we ar confident your worships 
 will strywe rather to diminish (as your predecessoures did this last yeir) 
 then to augment the samen ; thirdlie, the commissioner that sal happin to 
 be chosin (if any be), quhow weUl affectit soewir, must neids ather dis- 
 please his Maiestie (as God forbid), to quhome this toune stands so mutche 
 obleist, or cure neighbour bu.rrowes, or sail wrong the trust committit to 
 him be this burghe, or wtherwayes wrong his awin conscience in assent- 
 ing or disassenting, protesting or not protesting; fourthlie, if any com- 
 missioner be chosin, that he be suche a persone quha hes subscrywit the 
 Confessioun of Faith and generall band now warranted be his Maiestie 
 and Lordis of Secret Counsell, and quha will be gracious to his Maiestie 
 and his commissioner, as not subscrywer of the first covenant, nor in any 
 caice ane assenter or conniver yairto; fyiftlie, that inregaird of the 
 weightie materis in hand, the haill brethreine of gild and bodie of this 
 toune (being abusieres concerning oure consciences) sould be convenit 
 and be acquaint with the iniunctiounes and uistructiounes to be gewin to 
 the said commissioner to this Assemblie, and that his commissioun be so 
 limitat that wpoun quhatsumewir respect he presume not to transgres the 
 meanest poynt of his commissioun ; sextlie, we earnestlie desyu- that oure 
 commissioner (if any be chosin) be expresslie by his commissioun directit 
 and commandit not to voice againes the kingis prerogative, articles of 
 Perth, nor Episcopall governament ; and if anything be concludit in the 
 said Assemblie againes ather of these, in that caice the commissioner be 
 
1638.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 143 
 
 obleist to disassent tliairfra, and in name of this bm-ghe and bodie thairof. 5 Nov. 
 
 16*38 
 
 protest in the contrair, sieing we hawe all for the maist pairt subscrywit 
 
 the Confession of Faith and generall band warranted be his Maiestie and anent the 
 
 Lords of Secret Counsell, with these reservatiounes quhilkis ar enactit in of'ane"^ 
 
 your bookes : remitting the consideratioun of these particulares to yoiu- cpmmia- 
 . . .... sioner 
 
 wisdimes, we expect your answer. Quhilk petitioun being red, hard, and to tlie 
 
 considderit in counsell, and thay therewith being advysit, in respect of Assembly. 
 
 the weicht and importance of the busienes, thay ordaine the haill toune 
 
 to be warnit be the hand bell to conveine the morne in the tolbuith at 
 
 ten houres, to giwe than- advyse whether a commissionar sail be send or 
 
 not to this ensewing assemblie ; and if any salbe send, to resolue vpoun the 
 
 tenour of his commissioun and instructiounes, whairwnto he sail be tyed 
 
 and limited. 
 
 7 November 1638. . 7 Nov. 
 
 1638. 
 
 The samen day the prouest, baillies, and counsel!, finding be the Anent the 
 petitioun gewin in to thame be a great many of the nichtboures of this Assemblie 
 burghe, vpoun the fyft day of November instant, that thay ar desyrous 
 that no commissioner be send at this tyme to the Generall Assemblie, 
 indicted to hauld at Glasgo, the twentie ane day of November instant, for 
 the caussis at length sett doune in the said petitioun, thay therefoir find 
 it not expedient to conveine the toune for that purpose, since thay hawe 
 alreadie declaired thair mynd and advyse thairin be thau' said petitioun, 
 and be resone thairof the counsell ar content that no commissionar be 
 du-ect frome this burghe at this tyme to the said Assemblie, except thay 
 gett a particular letter or warrant frome his Maiestie, or frome his hienes 
 Commissioner, or Lords of Privie Counsell in his Maiesties name, for 
 sending thair commissionar to the said Assemblie, as formerlie thay hawe 
 beine in vse to receawe when thay directed commissionares to bygaine 
 Assemblies. 
 
144 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1639. 
 
 2 January 2 January 1639. 
 
 1639. 
 
 Leslie" T\\Q qiihilk day Patrik Leslie, late prowest, wes chosin commissioner 
 
 chosH) Edinburffbe, for attending the defence of the actionnes intentit at the 
 
 commis- _ o ' D 
 
 sionar instance of the creditoures of Alexander Keith of Balmnir, against the 
 Alexr. magistrattes of this bnrghe, the yeire immediatlie bygaine and this pre- 
 sent yeire, be reason of the said Alexander his escapiug out of ward furth 
 of the tolbuith of this burghe in the moneth of July last, and the said 
 Patrik is ordanit to keip the eight day of this instant in Edinburghe for 
 that effect, and to employ Sir Thomas Hope, his Maiesties advocat, and 
 alse Sii' Thomas Nicolsoun, Mr Roger Mowat, and Mr James Baird, advo- 
 cattis, to compeii-e for the magistrattis in the saids actiounes. 
 
 5 January 
 163"J. 
 
 Aueut tlie 
 actiones 
 intentit 
 aganes the 
 magistiats 
 be the 
 creditoris 
 of Alexr. 
 Keyth. 
 
 5 January 1G39. 
 
 The quhilk day the haill toune, both brethrene of gild and craftis- 
 men, being warnit be the hand bell to conveine this day witliin the 
 tolbuith, and conveinrng thairin for the most pairt, it wes expouit to 
 thame be Maister Alexander Jaffray, prouest, that the prowest and 
 baUlies of this burghe, the yeire bygane, so lykwayes the present prouest 
 and baillies for thair entres, ar summundit at the instance of the creditoris 
 of Alexander Keith of Balmure, to compeir befoir the Lordis of Counsell 
 and Sessiovm to heii-e and sie thameselflfis decernit to mak payment to 
 the saidis creditoures of the soumes of money debtfuU to thame be the 
 said Alexander Keith, be resone of his escaping furth of ward out of the 
 tolbuith of this burght, in the moneth of July last bypast, efter he was 
 arrested thairin at thair instance for the said debtis ; and inrespect the 
 said Alexander Keith his escaiping wes nowayes in default of the magis- 
 trattis for the tyme, bot onlie be a slight, he hawing causit inclose him- 
 selff within a trunck, and convoy himselff thairin furth of the said waird- 
 hous to the peir and shoir of this burgh, quhair he had a bott attending 
 him, in the quhilk he was transportit be sea to his awin hous at Boddum ; 
 
1639.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGII OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 145 
 
 as lyikwayes be reason the magistrattis hawe bene vsing thair best 5 Jan. 
 
 diligence for apprehending of the said Alexander Keith, be procuring a ^ — | 
 
 commissioun frome the Lordis of his Maiesties Privie Counsell for that actiones 
 
 effect ; and that thairwpoun the late magistrattis, and a number of nicht- "Jranef the 
 
 boures with thame, hawe past to Stratherne and maid searche for the magistiats 
 _ ^ _ _ _ be the crc- 
 
 said Alexander Keith, bot culd not apprehend him, the said Maister ditomis of 
 
 Alexander Jafiray thairfoir inquired of the toune if thay ivald contribute kej th. 
 
 for releiff of thaii* magistratts of sic soumes of money as shall happen to 
 
 be evicted againes thame for the escaping of the said Alexander Keith ; 
 
 and, in the meane tyme, if they wilbe content to contribute to send out 
 
 men of new againe for searching and seiking of the said Alexander ; 
 
 and the toune being conveinit as said is, both brethreine of gild and 
 
 craftismen, thay not onlie disassentit to contribute for releiff of thair 
 
 magistrattis of sick soumes of money as salbe evictit againes thame for 
 
 the escaiping of the said Alexander Keith furth of ward, bot lykwayes 
 
 disassentit that any commissioner be direct to Edinburgh to attend on 
 
 that proces, bot that the magistrattes wreitt to the tounes ordinar pro- 
 
 curatouris and agentis for thair awin defence, and that nothing reflect 
 
 againes the bodie of the toune to thair prejudice ; and as for the searcliing 
 
 and seiking of the said Alexander Keith, the toun for the most pairt con- 
 
 disceudit to contribute for defraying the chairges of thrie scoir men to be 
 
 furneist and send frome this burghe for his searching and seiking, for the 
 
 space of fyfteine dayes, and to be taxt for that effect, whairwpoun the 
 
 said Mr Alex. Jafifray, prowest, askit act and instrumentis. 
 
 16 January 1639. 16 Jan. 
 
 1639. 
 
 The quhilk day, anent the ouertures proponit to the magistrattis be Overtures 
 
 the brethreine of gild and haill deacones of craftis convenit in the tol- beThe"' 
 
 buith vpoun the ellevint day of Januar instant, for the better defence of I'lethrene 
 
 , , . . . and 
 
 the towne now in thir dangerous tymes, when trubill and warr is likelie craftis for 
 
 • • defence of 
 
 to fall out throughout this haill kingdome, quhilkis owertures thay desyrit the toim. 
 
146 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1639. 
 
 ^1639" magistrattis to represent to the tounes counsell that spedie order 
 
 — may be takin thairwith, whairof the tenour followes : — 
 
 Overtures 
 
 proponit In the first they desyre that the tonne be provydit with pnlder, and 
 
 brethrene ^'^^ effect that no pulder be sauld be the merchantis of this biirghe, 
 
 °*f'!'^f"'^ that latehe arryvit frome Flanderis and Dauskin, to no persone whatsum- 
 craftis for _ •' . 
 
 defence of ewir, nather to burghe nor land, but onlie to the deane of gild, whome 
 thay desyi-e to by fi-ome the nichtboures all thair pulder at a reasonable 
 pryce, and then to distribute the same amongst the nichtboures of the 
 toune ; and whosoewir sellis anie pulder to any other except to the deane 
 of gild, to incur the wnlaw of ane hundreth punds, and that this be in- 
 timat be the drum throw the haill streites of the towne. 
 
 Item, thay desyre that all the portis of the toune be closed and 
 locked everie night. 
 
 Item, that thair be a nightlie watche of twentie foure persones out 
 of the haill inhabitantis of the toune, both frie and vnfrie, and that ilk 
 man watche in proper persone, vnder the paine of fywe punds, to be 
 payed be the absent. 
 
 Item, that thair be catbands of ime provydit and put on at everie 
 port, and other convenient places quhair formerlie thay hawe beine, and 
 that thair be lockis provydit for the same. 
 
 That the great ordinance be brocht in within the towne, and putt in 
 a sure place, that they get not wrong. 
 I That no strangeris be ludgit within the toune till first the magis- 
 
 trattes be acquainted. 
 
 That the baillies pas throw the haill towne, ilk baillie throw his 
 awin quarter, and sight and consider how everie fensible man is furneist 
 with armour, that thay who wantis may be causit provyd thame selflSs in 
 all possible diligence. 
 
 That the back gettis and vennellis be all closed. 
 
 That victuall be restraned to go out of the cuntrie ; and the brethrene 
 of gild and deacones of craftis, in name of the haill craftis of this burgh, 
 ar content to be taxt for sic soumes of money as salbe requyred for per- 
 formance of the premisses. 
 
1639.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 147 
 
 Wliairanent the provost, baillies, and counsall advysing, thay allow 16 Jan. 
 of the saids owertures as necessar and profitable for the publict good of ^ — 
 the toun in these dangerous and trubilsome tymes, and for the better per- proponit 
 formance thaii'of, thay ordaine Walter Cochrane, deane of gild, to enter {^rethrene 
 craftismen in all convenient diligence to repair the haill portis of the gild and 
 
 criiitis I or 
 
 toun, and in macking of catbands and all thingis neidfull thairwnto, and defence of 
 to lift moneyes on profitt for defraying of the chairges that salbe debursit 
 thairwpoun, becaus the toune ar content to be taxt and stented for 
 refounding of the said chairges. 
 
 26 January 1639. 26 Jan. 
 
 1639. 
 
 The quhilk day anent the siipplication gewin in to the prowest, Chusing of 
 baillies, and counsell, be the collective bodie of this burghe, mackand men- of"varr^ 
 tion that it is too manifest that this whole kingdome, throw the present capitanes, 
 
 , and vntler 
 
 distractiones and divisioimes thairof, standis in feare of hostilitie and officieris. 
 apparent warr (quhilk God avert), and that other cheiff burrowes who ar 
 not in so great danger as this burghe, ar daylie (to thair great commenda- 
 tion) exerciseing thameselffis and thair haill inhabitantis in martiall dis- 
 cipline vnder thair capitanes, liewtenentis, and other officieris, and hes 
 thair councell of warr appoynted for rewling, commanding, and directing 
 of thair capitanes and cumpanies in thir apparent trubles ; nevertheles 
 this towne lyes still in securitie, without tacking any suche course or 
 ordour for his Maiesties service, and thair awin saiftie, entreatting thair- 
 foir thair wisdomes of the councell to tak the premisses to thair con- 
 sideratioun, and to accept frome the supplicantes the twa littes giwen in 
 with thair petition, and to nominatt and chuis out of the ane litt sa mony 
 as thay shall think most fitt, to sitt conclude and determine as councell 
 of warr within this burghe, and to appoynt and nominat out of the other 
 litt four persones most fitting to be capitanes over the foure severall 
 quarteris of this biu'ghe, both for exercising all fensible persones in 
 militarie discipline, and siclyk for leading thame wpoun all suche peices 
 
148 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1639. 
 
 26 Jan. 
 1639. 
 
 Chusiug of 
 councell 
 of warr, 
 capitanes, 
 and vnder 
 officieris. 
 
 of service that shal happiu to occur in these trubilsome tymes, als oft as 
 salbe fund expedient for his Maiesties service and defence of this burghe, 
 as at mou- length was contenit in the said supplicatioun ; quhilk being 
 red, hard, and considerit in councell, and thay thairwith being advysit, 
 thay find the desyre thairof to be werie expedient, and conforme thairto, 
 they instantlie nominat and chusit Mr Alex. Jaflfray, prowest, Johne 
 Hay, Willeame Forbes, Thomas Mortimer, Johne Leslie, baillies ; Lieu- 
 tenent-Colonell Willeame Johnstoune, Thomas Nicolsovm, Mr Thomas 
 Gray, George J ohnstoun, George Moresoun, Mr Robert Farqiihar, Thomas 
 Collisoun, Paull Collisoun, Mr Patrik Chalmer, Willeame Patrie, George 
 Bruce, saidler, and Hew Andersone, goldsmith, to be a councell of warr, 
 and siclyik nominat and chusit the said Thomas Nicolsone to be capitan 
 of Futtie quarter; George Johnstoun, capitan of the Greine quarter; Mr 
 Thomas Gray, capitane of the Ci'uiked quarter ; and George Moreson, 
 capitane of the Evin quarter, during the pleasour of the councell of this 
 burghe allanerlie : and in lyik maner nominat and chuse Willeame Hay, 
 Alexander Robertsoun, Alexander Burnett, younger, and Willeam Cut- 
 berd, to be lievtents ; Johne Mengzeis, Thomas Buck, James Collison, and 
 Walter Moreson, to be ensengzies beraris ; Andrew Burnet, younger, James 
 Blakhall, Johne Ray, Alex. Ashenour, Mr Robert Innes, Henrie Dwn, 
 Andi'O Knowes, Charles Kelo, Thomas Gairdyne, tailzeour, Willeame 
 Andersone, couper, George Pyper, wricht, and Alex. Patersone, armorar, 
 to be serjands, towitt, thrie for ilk companie, quhilkis haill persones electit 
 to the generall ofiices aboue writtin, ar chosin during the councellis 
 plesure aUanerlie, and with conditioun that thay ressawe thaii" ordour 
 frome the counsell, als oft as occasioun shall offer. 
 
 4 March 4 March 1639. 
 
 1639. 
 
 Councell The quhilk day, the prowest, baillies, and counsell, all in ane woice, 
 
 Gordoun. condiscendis and agries to accept of the band of warrandice giwen be the 
 Lord Marqueis of Himtlie to the toune anent the escaiping of Willeame 
 
1G39.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 149 
 
 Gordoun, sometyme in Melingsyid, furtli of the wairdhous of this biirghe ; ^^^^'^^^ 
 
 and be resone of thair ressait of the said band, the counsall continews the — 
 
 .... 1 . p Councell 
 
 prosequuting of the commission raisit at the tonnes instance tor appre- Gordoun. , 
 
 hending of the said Willeame Gordoun, during the spaice contenit in the 
 
 said band. 
 
 Eodem die. Eodem die. 
 
 The said day, the prowest, baiUies, and counsall of warr, in considera- The tonn 
 tioun of the intelligence gewin to the towne that thair is ane great armie fgjt^*^^"'^'' 
 coming hither from the south for persute and invasion of the toim, 
 ordaines the toune to be fortified in all convenient diligence after the best 
 and surest maner that salbe thought meitt and expedient be the counsall 
 of warr, and for that effect ordaines the haill inhabitantis within this 
 burghe to prosequute the work as thay salbe appoynted, be casting of 
 fousses and ditches according as thay ar lyable in taxatioun, till ane thou- 
 sand elnes of ground be cutted, and the persone absent or deficient in 
 working of his pairt of the wark fou'said after directioun, to be deprywit 
 of his fredome, by and attour the refounding of sic chau-ges as salbe 
 bestowit in working of the work in absence of the persone deficient, and 
 for wther penaltie as salbe imposit vpoun thame be the magistrattes ; and 
 neither magistrattes, ofiicemen, ministeris, wedowes, nor na wther inhabit- 
 ant within this burghe to be eximit frome working of thair awin pairtes 
 of this wark, notwithstanding of any immunitie thay may challenge in 
 wther of the tounes efiaires. 
 
 15 March 
 
 15 March 1639. — 
 
 Consent 
 
 The quhilk day, the haill toune both burgessis of gild and craftismen of glicTand 
 
 being convenit in the tolbuith be the drum going throw the haill streites, ^Q^/^J.t"gg" 
 
 the toun, 
 and to by 
 muskats 
 and pickis. 
 
 Maister Alexander Jafiray, prouest, causit publictlie reid in than* audience 
 
 the act and ordmance, of the dait the fourt of Marche instant, maid and muskats 
 
150 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1639. 
 
 15 March 
 1639. 
 
 Consent 
 brethrene 
 of gild and 
 craftismen 
 to fortifie 
 the toun, 
 and to by 
 muskatis 
 and pickis. 
 
 sett doune be the counsall of warre anent the fortiffieing of this burghe, 
 and casting of trinshes and fousies about the same, and craved thair con- 
 sent thairto : eftir reiding of the quhilk ordinance, the haill towne declairit 
 thameselffis content thairwith, and wilHnghe promeist ilk ane for thair awin 
 pairtes, to wnderly, obey, and fulfill the said ordinance efter the forme and 
 tenom* thairof in all pointes : Lyikas the nichtboures of the toune con- 
 venit as said is, wer content, and condiscendit and agriet that the magis- 
 trattes sould by twa hundreth muskattes, with bandieliers, pulder, ball, 
 and matche, and ane hundi-eth pikis frome the Lord Marqueis of Huntlie, 
 for serving of sic thair inhabitantes as hes not armour to furnish thame 
 selffis, and to give band for peyment of the saidis armes in the tounes 
 name. 
 
 16 March 16 March 1639. 
 
 1639. 
 
 Tlie~deane quhilk day, fforsamiekill as the toune being convenit in the tol- 
 
 tlLsaurar ' ^"^^^ wpoun the fyfteine day of Marche instant, condiscendit and agriet 
 
 ordanit to that the magistrattes and councell shuld by tua hundreth muskattes, with 
 
 band to the bandelieris, pulder, and leid affering thairto, with ane hundreth pickes, fra 
 
 Huntly^for Lord Marqueis of Huntly of his maiesties armour latelie send to his lord- 
 
 tlie mus- gjiip from England : thairfoir the counsall ordaines Walter Cochraine, 
 
 K^ttlS UUCl 
 
 pickis. deane of gild, and Andro Burnet, thesaurar, to giwe thair band to the said 
 Lord Marqueis for payment of the pryce of the said armes at Martimes 
 nixt, with ane halflf yehes annuall, viz., for ilk muskatt, bandelier, and 
 reast, tuelff pundis Scottes money, for twa pund of pulder, Inglis weycht, 
 to ilk muskat, threttie sex schillingis Scottes money, for ilk pik, fourtie 
 aucht schillingis, for twa hundreth pund weicht of matche, threttie sex 
 pundis four schillingis, extending iia all to thi'ie thowsand thriescoir 
 nynteine pundis four schillings, with ane hundreth twentie thrie pundis 
 for the said halflf yeires annuall thairof ; and the prouest, baillies, counsall, 
 and communitie become actit to releiwe the saidis deane of gild and the- 
 saurar, of the premisses, and of all that may follow thairon. 
 
1639.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 151 
 
 20 March 1639. 20 March 
 
 1639. 
 
 The quhilk day, the councell giwes power and commission to the Anent the 
 prouest, bailhes, Patrik Leslie and Robert Johnstoun, to consult and ad- ^"""jg^^njf 
 vyse whair the tonnes evidentis and registeris salbe pntt in custodie and registeiis. 
 keiping in this dangerous time, and what they do thau-anent the counsell 
 promettis to haidd firme and stabill. 
 
 Eodem die. Eodem die. 
 
 The said day, the prouest, baillies, and coimsall, ordaines Willeame Kirk 
 Blakbm-ne, maister of khkwark, to len fywe hundreth merkis of the kirk {fe^IeTft^to" 
 moneyes to Walter Cochraine, deane of gild, for the tounes vse ; and the ^^^^ toun. 
 said Walter to giwe band thairfoir, payable at Witsonday nixt, quhairanent 
 the coimsall obleissis thame to releiwe him, and sic of the kirk moneyes as 
 the said Willeame hes besyd him, attour the said fywe hundreth merkis, 
 the counsall desyres him in this dangerous tyme to putt it in the best 
 custodie he can, as if it wer his a win. 
 
 Eodem die. Eodem die. 
 
 The samen day. Doctor W^illeame Johnstoune and George Moresoun Commis- 
 
 ar chosin commissionares to pas to the nobilitie of the covenant convenit direcuothe 
 
 at Montrois, and to capitulat with thame vpoun sic articles as shalbe "obilitie of 
 
 . . . . the cove- 
 
 gewin in commissioun to the saids commissionares, anent the repairinge of nant. 
 
 thair armie to this burghe, as lyikwayes to confer be the way with the 
 Erll Marshall wpoun the same busienes, that his lordship wald be pleased 
 to contribute his assistance to the saids commissionares for the peace and 
 quyet of this toune, and George Jamesoun is appoyntit to accumpanie and 
 assist thame in the said commissioun, quhilk is gewine to the effect follow- 
 ing, viz., to petition and desyre the nobilitie that they send in a peace- 
 abill maner ane hmidreth men at the most for holding of thair committie 
 
162 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1639. 
 
 Eodem^die. in the auld college, and publicatioun of the actis of the generall assemblie 
 
 Commis- in the cathredrall kirk of this diocie ; and if the college and cathedrall 
 sionares ■, i(»i«> 
 
 direct to the kirk be not made patent to thame for that effect, to declare unto tnarae 
 "he cove-"^ that tliay sal have onre paroche kirk patent for the said intimatioun, the 
 nant. nobilitie alvayes keipaud thameselffis and thair forces alse far distant frome 
 this burghe as the Marqueis of Huntlie sail do with his forces. 
 
 Eodem die. Eodem die. 
 
 Thesanrar The said day Andro Bui-net, thesaurar, exhibit on the counsell tabill 
 
 deane of . . 
 
 gild. the "wreittis and bands of the tounes mortifiet moneyes sealled within a 
 codwair, and desyrit, in respect of the present imminent danger, that thay 
 be put wp in sure custodie amongst the tounes evidentis ; and Walter 
 Cochraine, deane of gild, exhibit lyikwayes the bands and wreittes belong- 
 ing to the deanrie of gild, sealled and bund togidder in a paper, and de- 
 syred the same in lyik maner tobe putt amongst the tounes evidentis, 
 quhilk wes accordinglie done. 
 
 25 March 25 March 1639. 
 
 1639. 
 
 Comirirs- The quhilk day, in respect that Doctor Willeame Johnstoun and 
 
 dhcct of George Moresoun, who wer directed commissionares from this burghe to 
 new agaiic the Erie of Montrois wpoun the twentie day of Marche instant, with Mr 
 nobilitie. Robert Gordoun of Straloch, and Doctor Willeame Gordoun, commis- 
 sionares, lyikwayes to his lordship frome the Marquis of Huntly, did 
 receawe a delaying answer at that tyrae frome the said Erie of Montrois 
 to suche propositiones as thay did remonstrat to his lordship : thafrfoir 
 the prowest, baillies, and counsall thinkis it expedient to direct the same 
 commissionaris of new againe to the said Erll of Montrois, and to pro- 
 pone to his lordship and otheris of the nobilitie there present witli him, 
 the articles following, and to crawe thair answer thairwpoun, off the quhilkis 
 articles the tenour followes : — 
 
 J 
 
1C39.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 153 
 
 It is desyred be the toune of Aberdeine tliat thay may hawe assur- 25 Maicli 
 
 163t) 
 
 ance that no hostilitie be vsed againes thame, nor nane of thair magis- ^ — -' 
 trattes, ministeris, nor otheris, thair inhabitantis, be forced in thair con- sionares 
 sciences, nor wronged in thair bodies nor gudes, and that thair toune be ne\v'^agane 
 left in peace, as thay ar content to giwe a peaceable entrie to the nobilitie 
 and thair armie. 
 
 Item, if auie particular persones giwe any offence, that it be repared 
 in privat, but reflecting vpoun the publict peace. 
 
 Item, that the toune be not urgit to receawe nor harbour mair people 
 nor thay may convenientlie ease. 
 
 And the toune promeissis a peaceable entrie, and issue, and sic accomo- 
 datioun as thay can affoord, during the abod of the nobilitie there. Sub- 
 scrywed be the prowest and baillies, and be the Marquis of Huntly as 
 consentar the 25 day of Marche 1639. 
 
 28 March 1639. 28 March 
 
 1639. 
 
 The quhilk day the haill toune, both frie and vnfrie, being convenit xhe^e of 
 
 in the tolbuith be the drum, Mr Alex. Jaffray, prowest, schew and de- Montrois 
 
 ' . - . , . answer to 
 
 clan-ed to thame the articles mentioned in the act immediatlie befoir cure com- 
 
 writtin, quhilk the magistrattes and counsall had send with thair com- ^opoTu"" 
 
 missionares to the Erie of Montrois and remanent nobilitie of the covenant 
 
 approching towards this burghe with thair armie, and withall the prouest 
 
 schew the answer quhilk oure commissionares had receawed in wreitt to 
 
 the saids articles, of ithe quhilk answer the tenour followes : — The Erie 
 
 of Montrois did expres that his intended woyage for Aberdeine is oulie 
 
 for performing the appointment of the late generall assemblie according 
 
 as it hath bene done in other places, and in no way to do the smallest 
 
 wrong or injurie to any (as perhaps is supposed), nor vse the meanest 
 
 violence, except in so farre as liis lordship and his lordschipis folloAveris 
 
 salbe be necessitat for thair awin saiftie and than- caus ; inrespect of the 
 
 quhilk diligence vsed by the magistrattes and coimsell in directing com- 
 
 1 u 
 
154 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1639. 
 
 28 March missionares to the said Erll of Montroise, and of the said Erie, his answer 
 
 1639 
 
 — forsaid gewin to the saidis com missionares, the tonne declared that thay 
 
 Montrois ar Content to receawe the said nobillmen and thair followeris, and to har- 
 
 ourrcon°- ^'^^^ tliame eftir the most commodious maner thay can, and desyres the 
 
 missionaris niae;istrattes to eriwe ordour ilk baillie throw his awin quarter for that 
 
 proposi- ° *^ . IT- 1 . 
 
 tiones. effect, and for furneshing competent ludginges unto thame sic as the toune 
 
 can affoord. 
 
 Eodemdie. Eodem die. 
 
 Thetownes The samen day Mr Thomas Gray, Thomas Nicolsone, George John- 
 quytteT^ stoun, and George Moresone, the foure capitanes latelie chosin be the 
 charge counsell for trayning and exercising the inhabitantis of this burghe fen- 
 sible persones in militarie exercise and disciplin, laid doun and quyttit 
 thair chairge, in presens of the toune convenit this day in the tolbuith, 
 be resone of the cessatioune of imployment for defence of the toune be 
 armes, quhilk the toune publictlie acknowledged that thay wer not abile 
 to doe nor to withstand the great power and armie approching to this 
 bm'gh, a great many of the inhabitantis hawing alreddie deserted and 
 left the toune, and thay hawing no help nor supplie of men frome the 
 cuntrie to resist the invasioun of the said armie. 
 
 Memorandum on Saturday, the penult day of Marclie 1639. 
 
 Entrie of The Erll of Montrois, Generall of the armie, accumpanied with the 
 
 armie. Erll Marshall, the Erll of Kingorne, Generall Leslie, the Lord Coupar, the 
 Lord Elcho, the Lord Eraser, the Maister of Forbes, and many barones of 
 Angous, Mearnes, Mar, and Buchan, come to the toune of Aberdeine with 
 thair armie of horsse and fute, whau- thay entered and marched through 
 the toune to the linkis, and there they pitched thair camp, being accompted, 
 sex thowsand men, satt at thair counsell of warr, and thaireftir the Erles 
 of Marshall and Montrois, Generall Leslie, and the greatest pairt of the 
 armie marched that day fi'ome the linkis to Invenirie, leaving behind 
 
1639.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 155 
 
 tliame the Erll of Kingorne witli auglitene Imndreth men to ly in the tonne Eodemdie. 
 till thair bak cuming ; and befoir thay marched out of the linkes, the Entrie of 
 
 the first 
 
 nobillmen send for oure proiiest and baillies, and chairgit thame to fill vp armie. 
 and cast in oure trinshes in all possible diligence, and to enter to wark 
 for that effect on Mononday nixt, and to continew thairat till all the 
 trinshes wer filled vp againe, vnder the paine of plundering and raising 
 oure toune, quhilk wes accordinglie obeyit. 
 
 2 April 1639. 2 April 
 
 ^ 1639. 
 
 The quhilk day the haill toune being convenit be the drum in the charge 
 Grayfreir Kirk, it was publictlie declaired and schawin to thame be Mr fh^nobili- 
 Alexander Jafifray, prouest, that the Erll of Kingorne for himselfi", and in '-'"^ 
 name of the Erie of Montrois, generall, and remanent nobilitie of the pre- 
 sent armie within and aboiit the toune, hes peremptorlie commandit and 
 chairgit the toime to dismount thair cannones, and to delywer thame to be 
 placed befoir the Erll Marshall his hous in the Castellgett, and thairwith 
 to delywer oure haill pulder and buUett to be sequestrat for thair service 
 and vse, as lyikwayes to tak doune and remowe oure haill catbands with 
 all possible diligence ; and siclyik shew and declared that the nichtboures 
 of the toune are commandit to receawe within thair houssis the haill fute 
 soiouris of the armie, and to giwe thame intertenement in bed and buird 
 for sex schillings aught pennies ilk soiour in the day, for the spaice of 
 eight dayes, for payment whairof the said Erll of Kingorne commandit 
 the prowest and baillies to giwe thair word and assurance to the nicht- 
 boures of the toune that thay shuld be thane fallie payed ; lyikas the said 
 Erll of Kingorne promeist to relieve the saids prouest and baillies thairof, 
 and to male thankfull payment of the allowance foirsaid for everie soiour 
 so long as thay wer intertenit in this burgh, and thah-foir inquyred of the 
 toune convenit as said is what answer thay wald giwe, and what course 
 thay wald tak in the premisses, quha answered that it behoved thame to 
 obey what is injoyned since thay ar vnder bondage and thraldome for the 
 
156 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1639. 
 
 2 April present, and nowayes liabill to resist, and thairfoii- consentit to giwe obe- 
 — dience to the foirsaid injunctiones. 
 
 3 April 3 April 1639. 
 
 1G3!). 
 
 The toun The quhilk day the prouest intimat to the toune convenit be the 
 
 subscrywe drum in the Grayfreirs Kirk, that thay ar requyred be the nobUitie to sub- 
 iiant°^^" scrywe thair covenant, and article following eiked thahunto, vnder the 
 paine of disarming thame and confiscatioun of all than- goods, of the quhilk 
 article the tenour folio wes : — The article of this covenant quhilk was at 
 the first subscriptioun referred to the determinatioun of the Generall As- 
 semblie, being now determined at Glasgow in December 1638, and thairby 
 the fywe articles of Perth and the governament of the kii-k by bishops 
 being declared to be abjured and removed, and the civill places and power 
 of ku'kmen declared to be unlawfull, we subscryue according to the deter- 
 mination of the said frie and lawfuU Generall Assemblie hauldin at Glas- 
 gow; in witness whahofif we hawe subscrywit the haill premisses with 
 oure hands. Eftir the reiding of the quhilk article, the toune tuke to be 
 advysed befoir thay wald giwe thair answer. 
 
 9 April 9 April 1639. 
 
 1G39. 
 
 A new~ The quhilk day the toune being convenit be the drum within the 
 
 gewm^be Grayfreir Kirk, it was declaired to thame be Mr Alex. Jaffray, prouest, that 
 
 the iiobili- the nobilitie convenit heir in this present armie, had expreslie commandit 
 
 tie to the ■, • • i i i i i t • n tt -i i 
 
 toun, with and mjoyned that the toune shuld m all dihgence possible fortifie thair 
 answer blockhous for the tomaes defence aganes forane enemies, and lyikwayes 
 thairto. ^-j^^^ the toune shuld subscrywe the covenant, and contribute with the rest 
 of the kingdome in all thinges for defence of the common caus ; and 
 forder, seing as the nobilitie alledges the toune wes the caus of thair 
 heir cumming with thair armie, the nobilitie thairfoir wald exact fi-ome 
 the toune a taxatioun of ane hundreth thowsand merkis, togidder with 
 
1G39.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 157 
 
 the licaill cliairges of the soiouris since thair coming to Aberdeine, off the 9 April 
 qnhilkis taxatiounes and chairges the nobilitie declaired that thay wald — ' 
 
 • A new 
 
 hawe the covenanteris in Aberdeine to be frie ; whairunto it was answered cliarsc 
 be the toune convenit as said is, that thay wer content to fortifie thair fi^^nobiU- 
 blockhous, and the most pairt also wer content to subscrywe the covenant, t'e to the 
 
 . ... . . . , toun, with 
 
 and to contribute proportionablie in tyme coming in that bnsenes with thair 
 the rest of the burrowes, bot refused and disassented to pay the foirsaid thah-to. 
 taxatioun of ane hundreth thowsand merkis, since thair wes no just 
 ground nor reasone to impose the same vpoun thame, nather wer thay 
 habill to pay the same ; and if the nobillmen, notwithstanding of the 
 tounes refuisall, will insist to hawe the said taxatioun, thay desyre a com- 
 petent tyme for the space of a moneth or thairby, to be granted to thame 
 to remowe thameselffis, wyffis, and bairnes, with bag and baggage, out of 
 the toune, and thaireftir lat the nobillmen dispose of the toune at thair 
 pleasiu'e. 
 
 10 April USd. 10 April 
 
 1639. 
 
 The quhilk day, eftir sermone made be Maister James Row, minister, Thetownes 
 
 the toune for the most pairt subscrywit the nobilities covenant. tion of die 
 
 covenant. 
 
 15 April 1639. 15 April 
 
 163'J. 
 
 The quhilk day, the toune being convenit this day in the tolbuith Hay, Far- 
 be the drum, it wes exponit to thame be the prouest that the Erll of Moleson 
 Montrois and remanent nobilitie convenit heir with thair armie, had ap- jjg^t^jg"*'^'^ 
 pointed and nominat Johne Hay, baillie, Mr Robert Farquhar, Mr Thomas "fb'l't'e to 
 
 /~t 1 r~i Tir i • • p 1 • 1 t gocoinmis- 
 
 Uray, and Ueorge Moresoun, to go commission ares irome this burghe sionares 
 to the nobillitie and commissionares of the tables in Edinburgh, to joyne burgh."' 
 and concur with thame in all things tending to the glorie of God, the 
 king's honor, the mantenauce of the true religione, lawes and liberties 
 
158 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1639. 
 
 iS^April of the kiugdome, and thairfor inquyred of the tonne convenit as said is, 
 
 ^ — gif thay will consent to the directing of the saids commissionares to the 
 
 qiihar effect foirsaid, and mak thaii* chairges during thair employment in the said 
 
 appoynted ^ommissioun, wha answered, that since thay hawe subscryvit the cove- 
 
 nant, thay must neidis concur and contribute in all thingis concerning the 
 nobilitie to _ _ _ _ _ _ , 
 
 gocoinmis- same, and thairfoir consentis that the saids commissionares be directit 
 to Edin- south, and that thair expenssis be made at the common chau-ge of the 
 buig.i. toune, and that a commissioun be gewin to thame, sxibscryvit be the magis- 
 trattes and counsall to the effect aboue specifeit. 
 
 cove- 
 nanters. 
 
 Eodcmdie. Eodem die. 
 
 Piotesta- The said day the iuhabitantis of the burghe of Aberdeine, being con- 
 
 WiUeame venit in thair Tolbuith be the drum, anent the directing of commissionares 
 for hlm^ to Edinburgh in the matter of the covenant, Willeame Erskiue, burges of 
 selff, and Aberdeine, for himself, and in name and behalff of the remanent nicht- 
 the auld boures and inhabitantis of the said burghe, quha wer first subscryveris of 
 the covenant, protestit that thay and everie ane of thame be frie and 
 liberat fra payment of any taxatioun or impositioim to be sett or imposit 
 vpoun the toune, for intertenement of the souldiouris of the armie during 
 thair abode in Aberdeine, and for qiihatsumewir wther cans bygane con- 
 cerning the covenant, preceiding the date heirof, in respect it was the 
 directioun of the nobilitie that Avere heire present with the armie, that 
 these who first subscrywit the covenant in Aberdeine shuld be frie of all 
 bygane bui-dines and taxationes to be imposit vpoun the toune concerning 
 the said covenant, be resone thay wer not the occasioun of the saidis bur- 
 dings, as thay alledgit, and thairwpoun the said Willeame Erskine askit 
 act and instrumentes. 
 
1639.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 159 
 
 17 April 1639. ' 17 April 
 
 The said day in presens of the prouest, baillies, and counsall, com- ^^v^ 
 
 peirit Andi'O Burnet, thesaurar, and gawe in and produceit befoir thame Burnet, 
 
 ane compt of the soumes of money deburset be him at command and be ilis^d"-'^'' 
 
 warrand of the magistrattis to the persones eftir named, for intertenement ^^^^^^^ 
 
 of thameselffis, thair sojouris, and followeris, at the late heir being of the capitanes 
 
 southland armie, viz., to Capitane M'Gill ane hundreth twentie foure of the 
 
 pundis, to Capitane Hay foure scoir fyftene pundis sevintene schillingis 
 foure penneis ; to the Laird of Lawers, leader of aucht hundredth Argyle 
 men thrie hundreth threttie thrie pundis sex schillings aucht pennies ; to 
 Capitane Cambell tuantie pundis ; to Harie Lindsay ten pundis foure 
 schillingis twa penneis ; and in respect the said thesaurar debursit the 
 saids soumes be warrand of the magistrattes, as said is, and for preveining 
 a forder prejudice to the toune incais the moneyes had not bene delywered, 
 he desyrit the counsallis allowance and approbatioun thairunto ; eftir con- 
 sideratioun quhairof, and of the knowin gude done to the tomie by the 
 debursing of these moneyes, whilk hinderit the sojowris frome plundering, 
 the saidis prowest, baillies, and counsall, in ane voice ratifiet and approveit 
 the compt abouewrittin, and ordaines the saids soumes to be allowit to 
 the said thesaurar in his comptis, but preyudice alwayes of the protesta- 
 tioun made be Willeame Erskyn in fauouris of the auld covenanters. 
 
 arnne. 
 
 20 April 1639. 20 April 
 
 1G39. 
 
 The quliilk day, both the councellis being convenit, concludes all in 
 ane voice that supplie be sent frome this burghe to concur with the commis- 
 nobilitie and gentrie for defence of the cuntrie againes the Laird of Banflf meitt at 
 and his confedarattis, opposeris of the covenant and disturbares of the 
 peace, and that ane commissioner be send for this effect frome this burghe 
 to the nobillmen and brrones wlia ar to meitt at Monymusk on Monday 
 
160 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1639. 
 
 20 April 
 1639. 
 
 Moir 
 
 cliosin 
 
 commis- 
 
 sionar to 
 
 meitt at 
 
 Mony- 
 
 mosk. 
 
 nixt at auclit houres ; lyikas instantlie Mr Willeame Moir wes cliosin com- 
 missioner for keiping of the said meitting, and to be acquantit with the 
 noblemenis mynds what course thay will tak in the busines, and the tonne 
 ar ordanit to be presentlie convenit that order may be gewin for sending 
 out a supplie of men to the effect foirsaid. 
 
 Eodemdie. Eodem die. 
 
 Thetownes The said day, the haill toune, both frie and unfi-ie, beine: convenit in 
 
 consent to _ '' ... . . ' 
 
 send four- the tolbuith be the drum, condiscendis all in ane voice that fourscoir men 
 
 to iMony- be sent to meit the nobilitie and gentrie at Monymusk, on Monday nixt, at 
 
 musk. aucht houres in the morning, togidder with commanderis fitt for a com- 
 
 panye, and that ilk persone be in redynes in his best armour, as he salbe 
 
 warnit, vnder the paine of ane hundi'eth pundis, and wardmg of the per- 
 
 sones unwilling to go in that service. 
 
 A watclie Item, it is ordanit that a nightie watche be sett of fourtie persones, 
 
 appoynted. ^^^j man to watche in pi-opper persone, vnder the paine of ten pundis, 
 to be exacted of ilk persone absent, toties quoties. 
 
 6 May 6 May 1639. 
 
 1639. 
 
 Thesaurar The quhilk day the counsall ordaines Andi'o Burnet, thesaurar, to 
 
 1' arquhar. . 
 
 refound to Maister Robert Farquhar, ane hundreth dolouris advanceit be 
 
 him in Edinburghe for defraying of his awin and the rest of the commis- 
 
 sionares charges, wha wer direct to attend the tables, attour the fourtie 
 
 doloiiris debursit be the said Andro to the saids commissionares at thair 
 
 south going, wliilk salbe allowit to the said thesaurar in his comptis. 
 
1639.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 161 
 
 Eodem die. Eodemdie. 
 
 The said day, the tonne being convenit be the drum in the tolbuith, A letter 
 Mr Alexander Jaffray, prouest, causit reid and intimat vnto thame the taibJcs to 
 letter direct frome the nobilitie of the taibles to the prouest and baillies ^^nd the 
 
 i lourt man 
 
 of this burghe for sending the fourt man to the bound rod, off the quhilk to tlie 
 
 . Bound rod. 
 
 letter the tenour followes : — " To oure worthie fremdis the prouest and 
 baillies of Aberdeine. Right Honorabill the approaching of his Maiesties 
 shipes to the number alredie of tuentie nyne, within the firth aboue North 
 Bervick, where thay hawe bene since yesterday in the efternoone, giues 
 ws iust reason to feare that the land armies on the borderis will mak ane 
 suddane assault ; these ar therefoir earnestlie to intreatt you to vse all 
 possible diligence to haist to Edinburghe (which is the place appointed for 
 the first randevous to these in your boundis), the fourth man in your 
 schireffdome, alsweill within burghe as to landward, sufiicientlie armed, 
 and with ten dayes provisioun of victuall ; we expect that with your fute 
 companies yow will send a competent number of horsemen with carabines, 
 pistollis, gunes, or jack and lances. We know not how soone the charge 
 may be gewin be the enemie, and therefoir we most yet againe entreat 
 a speedie dispatche, as we salbe your affectioned freindis and servandis. 
 Sec subscribitur Dalhousie, Balmerino, Naper, Forrester. Edinburghe, first 
 May 1639." Eftir the reiding of the quhilk letter, the prouest inquyred of 
 the toune, both brethreine of gild and craftismen, convenit as said is, what 
 course they will tak in the buisienes, quha tuke to be advyisit, and to giwe 
 thair ansuer thairanent on Fridday nixt, the tent of May instant. 
 
 10 May 1639. 10 May 
 
 1G39. 
 
 The quhilk day, the toune being convenit be the drum in the tol- The tonnes 
 buith, it was declared to thame be Maister Alexander Jaffray, prowest, the^nobm- 
 that ane letter was direct to him and to the baillies from the Lord Eraser, ties letter, 
 the Maister of Forbes, and some barones, schawing that certaine persones, 
 1 X 
 
162 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1639. 
 
 10 May enemies to the peace of the churche and state, wer to assault the toun, 
 
 1639 
 
 — and to captivat the same to thair behowe, and thairfor willit the toun to 
 answer to advert thair awin skaith, promeising thair assistance vpoun adverteisment, 
 ticTsTetter' withall desyring the toun to giwe notice thairof to the Erll Marschall, 
 who wilbe redie to giwe his aid as neid requyres ; quhilk letter being red, 
 the prouest demandit of the nightboures convenit if thay thought it ex- 
 pedient to acquaint the Erll Marschall with the busienes, and to crawe his 
 lordshipes help and assistance, whairunto thay willinglie condiscendit, 
 prouyding alvayes if any cuntrie man salbe send hither to the effect foir- 
 said, that thay be interteneit wpoun thair awin chairges and expenssis, as 
 is done be the gentrie and otheris that repaii-es to the toune of Montrois 
 for thair help and defence againes the forane enimie ; and forder, the 
 toune being desyred be the prouest to giwe thair answer anent the send- 
 ing of the fourt man of thair towne to the bound rod, conforme to the letter 
 direct to thame for that effect frome the nobilitie of the tables, quhilk 
 letter being intimat to thame wpoun the sext of this instant, thay tuke 
 this day to be advysit anent the gewing of thair answer thairwnto, and 
 thair answer being craved, as said is, thay declared that, in respect of the 
 present danger whau'in the toune standis of invasioun both be brockin 
 hielandmen and cuntrie gentillmen, as lyikwayes be resone the greatest 
 pairt of the uichtboures of the toune ar gone out of the cuntrie, and that 
 the halfif of the toune ar ilk nicht vpoun watche, they wer not habill in 
 these respectis to send any men to the bound rod, quhilk thay desyred the 
 magistrattes to remonstrat to the taibles, and to schaw thame the tounes 
 just excuse be reasone of thaii- paucitie and weaknes, and that the toun 
 are threatned to be invaded both be foran and intestine enimies, for quhilk 
 caus thay ar seikand help frome the nobellmen and gentrie to defend thair 
 toune, and so ar made altogidder vnhabill to send any men to the bound 
 rod. 
 
1639.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 163 
 
 13 May 1639. 13 May 
 
 1639. 
 
 The quhilk day the toune being convenit in. the tolbuith be the drum -pi^g 
 
 townes 
 
 for gewing aniswer to the Erie of Marschall, his letter direct to the prowest *° 
 and baillies of this burghe on Satterday last, the allevint of this instant, cannon, 
 whairby his lordship desyres the len of sex peice of cannon for the vse of 
 the toune of Montrois : quhilk letter being publictlie red in audience of 
 the toune, and thay being asked be the prowest if thay will consent to len 
 sex peice of thair cannon to the said Erll Marschall for the vse foirsaid, 
 thay all in ane voice, refaisit to len any of thair munitioun out of the 
 toune now in this dangerous tyme, becaus sex of thame belongs to the 
 Kings Maiestie, whairin his Maiestie lies the tounes bond for redelywerie 
 thairof, when thay shalbe requyred, so that without his Maiesties speciall 
 command and warrand in wreitt thay cannot tak vpoun thame to len any 
 of his Maiesties cannon, and as for the vther sex belonging to the toune 
 thay stand in als great neid thairof thamesellEs, and are lyabill to the same 
 danger that the toune of Montrois ar, and so cannot, without thair awin 
 great prejudice, len any of thair cannon at this tyme, and thairfoir desyirit 
 thair magistrattes to remonstrat thair just and lauchfull excuse heiranent 
 to the Erie Marischall, not doubting but his lordship will tak the same in 
 gude pairt ; and siclyik, anent the letter direct the day foirsaid to the 
 magistrattes and councell of this burghe frome the Lord Eraser, the 
 Maister of Eorbes, the Laird of Frendraucht, and some other of the 
 barrones and gentrie, schawing that the Laird of Banff and his associatis 
 had brockin the peace of the cuntrie, plunderit dyveris of the Laird of 
 Towies tenentis, and come to the Barnezardis of Towie, and thair in opin 
 hostilitie persewit the said noblemen and otheris that were with thame, 
 and not getting thair intent but some of thair awin companie hurt, went 
 away to mak thameselffes stronger, for quhilk caus the said nobillmen, 
 with thair confederatis, hawe resolued to follow thame, desyring ws thair- 
 foir to send suche a supplie of men out of oure toune as we may spair 
 to meitt the Erie Marishallis, and thair companies at Kintoir this Mononday 
 
164 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1639. 
 
 13 May at niglit, as at moir length wes contenit in the said letter, quhilk being 
 — ' also opinlie red in audience of the toune convenit as said is, the prowest 
 lefusall to inquired of thame what answer thay wald giwe thairwnto, who declared 
 caunon ^® reson of the danger of invasioun whairwnto oure toune is presentlie 
 The touncs ^J^^-'® now in this trubilsome tyme both be forane and intestine enemies, 
 answer to oure towne being continewall watched, and a quarter of the towns being 
 direct to ilk night on watche, so that ilk fourth night euerie man most neidis 
 from the watche, as lyikwayes inrespect a great many of oure nightboures and 
 Frascr and iiiliabitants are gone out of the cuntrie, and sindrie and dyveris of thame 
 Maister of are daylie going furth thaii'of and leawing the toune, thay thairfore, all 
 in ane voice, answered that thay culd not possiblie, for the present, send 
 any supplie of men since they stand in neid of help of men to guard and 
 defend thair towne, quhilk thay in the lyikmaner willed thair magistrattes 
 to represent to the said nobUlmen and barrones, and to mak thair lauch- 
 full excuse at thair hands, lyikas the said nobillmen and barones, be thair 
 former letter direct to the toune, willit thame to seik supplie of men from 
 the Erie Marshall, for guarding oure toune frome the persute and invasioun 
 of the said Laird of Banff and his adherentis, and so they culd not at the 
 present send furth any supplie of men. 
 
 16 May 
 1639. 
 
 The townes 
 answer to 
 tJie Laird 
 of Banff 
 and his 
 associattis 
 anent thair 
 demand of 
 frie quar- 
 teris to 
 thair 
 8oiouris. 
 
 16 May 1639. 
 
 The quhilk day the haill toune, both frie and wnfrie, being warnit to 
 this day be the drum passand throAV the haill streittes of the toune, and 
 convening for the most pairt within the Tolbuith, it wes exponit to thame 
 be Mr Alexander Jafiray, prowest, that the Lah-ds of Banff, Haddo, Gight 
 elder and younger, Foverane, and dy weris wtheris of the gentrie, who come 
 in this toune yeisternicht, declaired be thair commissionares to the magis- 
 trattes that thay wold hawe frie quarteris to thair soiouris during the 
 tyme of thair abod in this burghe, as the nobillmen who wer laitlie heir 
 had frie quartei'is also for thair soiouris, and that thay wald hawe this 
 quartering imposed and laid onlie wpoun the auld covenanteris within 
 
 r 
 
1639.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 165 
 
 this bui'ghe, seing thay hawe beine exonered frome quartering iu tymes ^^^.'^^^y 
 bygonne, whaii-with the nightboures being advysit, answerit all in ane — ^' 
 voce that thay wold not separat nor divyde thameselffis frome the anld answer to 
 covenanteris, since they ar all memberis of on bodie and incorporatioun o'rBan'ff^ 
 with thame, bot wald willinfflie contribute and bear burding with the ^""^ 'l'^ . 
 
 . . . . associattis 
 
 saids auld covenanteris for thair greater ease of suche ane heavie burding, aneiu thair 
 and for eschewing the plundering of thair houssis and gudes whairwith f,.ie quar- 
 they wer threatned; lyikas for that effect thay wer content to harbour 
 and quarter the soiouris of this present armie, and to bear equall burding soiouris. 
 pro rata with the saids auld covenanteris, prowyding that thay contribute 
 lyikwayes with the rest of the bodie of the toune for defraying of the 
 chairges debursit wpoun the first and second quartering of the soiouris of 
 the tuo bygaine armies, as also for these debursementis that salhappin now 
 to be bestowed on this third armie, and all other debursementis that sail 
 heu'eftir occur for quartering of soiouris, proportionablie according to the 
 estate and meanes of everie nightbour iu the toune, and with conditioun 
 lyikwayes that all protestationes made heirtofoir be aiild covenanteris for 
 thair exemptioune frome suche contributioiuies be now rescinded, and 
 that the haill inhabitantis of the toune, but exception of persones, be 
 lyable as on bodie to contribute for quartering all soiouris, both for by- 
 gaines and to come. As for the wther desyre maid be the saidis barones 
 and gentrie for sending furth some inhabitantes of this burghe with thame 
 in his Maiesties service as thay alledgit, it wes answerit be the toune that 
 thay wer not abill to send furth any of thair tounes men, be resone a great 
 many of thame wer removed to foraine cuntries, whairof some ar alreddie 
 employed in his Maiesties service with his navie lying in the firth, and 
 the remanent who are remaining in the toune ar ower few to guard and 
 watche the same in thir dangerous tymes, the toune having rather neid 
 of supplie of men, nor to grant any of thair few number to go frome 
 thance. 
 
166 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1639. 
 
 armie. 
 
 27 May 27 Jfaw 1639. 
 1639. 
 
 Tcn~tiiiou- '^^^ quliilk day the haill toune, both frie and unfrie, being war- 
 sand jjj^ ^]^jg (jg^y -[jg ^j-^g (Jrum passand throw the haill streittes of the tonne, 
 imposit and conveninge for the most pairt in the laich counselhous of the tolbuith, 
 
 vpoun the . . itutai i t rr 
 
 tounfoi-tlie it wes exponit to thame be Mr Alexander Jafiray, prouest, that the Jlide 
 iuu"*^'^*" of Montrois, Generall of the present armie, the Erles of Marshall, Atholl, 
 nobilitie of ■^^^So^'i^) Lords Fraser, Cowper, Drummond, Maister of Forbes, 
 the present Maister of Gray, and other nobillmen and barrones heir present with 
 thame, hawe imposit vpoun the inhabitantis of this burghe the soume of 
 ten thousand merkis Scottes money, to help to defray thair soiouris wages 
 in this present expeditioun againes the Laird of Banff and his associattes, 
 and declaired that thay wald hawe the same to be preceislie payed to thame 
 this day, or the morne befoir ellevin houres at farrest, whairin, if the toune 
 failziet, the soioris wald be permittit to spoill and plunder the toune, to the 
 owerthrow and ruine thairof, and thaii'foir the prowest inquired of the 
 toune convenit as said is, what course thay wald take thaii-anent, quha 
 all in ane voice but oppositioun or contradictioun, for eschewing of the 
 danger threatned, wer content to contribute proportionablie, and pro rata, 
 and to be stentit be taxatioun with all convenient diligence for payment 
 of the said soume of ten thousand merkis, ilk persone according to thair 
 generall rankis and estates, but exceptioun of any inhabitant whatsumewir 
 that may pretend immunitie frome payment of taxatiounes, and as for suche 
 nightboures of the toune that ar absent out of the cuntrie, some night- 
 boures that wer present tuke burdeine for thame and promeist to pay thair 
 pairt of the said taxatioim ; and becaus the said ten thowsand merkis 
 cannot be sett and wplifted in sic haist, as the sume most be payed to 
 the nobilitie, the toune desyres the magistrattes and wther nichtboures of 
 the toune of best moyen and habilitie, to lift the said soume vpoun the 
 bank, and to giwe thair band for repayment thairof, with ane halff yeires 
 annuall of the same, of the quhilk band and soumes of money foirsaid, both 
 principall and annuelrent, the toune couvenit as said is, obleissis thame 
 
1639.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 167 
 
 ilk ane for thair awin pairts to warrand, frie, releiwe, and skaithles keip 27 May 
 
 1639. 
 
 the saidis prowest, baillies, and wtheres that salbe bund for the same, and — ' 
 
 that be payment of the said taxatioun, ilk ane for thair awin pairtes, as sand 
 
 thay salbe taxit and stentit conforme to the stent roll to be gewin ont ^^^lii 
 
 thairwpoun, within tuentie foure houres nixt thaireftir, vnder the paine of vijoun the 
 . . . ... tounforthe 
 
 poynding of thair reddiest gudes and geare, and wairding of thair per- Generall 
 
 sones, the ane but preuidice of the wther; whairwpoun the said Mr remanent 
 
 Alexander Jafifray, prowest, for himselif, and in name of those that salbe "^g prgggn^ 
 
 bund for the said soume, askit act and instrumentis. armie. 
 
 2SMa^im. 28 May 
 
 1639. 
 
 The quhilk day, the toun being convenit in the tolbuith be the drum, The toun 
 • • • disdruicd 
 
 it was mtimat to thame be Mr Alexander Jaffray, prowest, that the Erie 
 
 of Montrois, Generall of this present armie, and the remanent nobillmen 
 
 and barrones heir present in this toune, hawe concludit and expreslie de- 
 
 claired be warrant from the taibles, that thay will hawe oure tounes tuelff" 
 
 peice of cannon transportit heu-fra to the tounes of Montrois and Dundie 
 
 for thair defence againes the invasioun of luglishmen, and that lyikwayes 
 
 thay wall hawe the haill inhabitantis of this burghe disarmed, and thair 
 
 haill wapynnis and armour, both offensive and defensive, to be exhibite 
 
 and delywered in the tolbuith of this burghe, to suche as salbe appoynted 
 
 to receawe thame, for arming of all persones in the armie who ar not suffi- 
 
 cientlie armed ; lyikas publict proclamatioun is made throw the haill 
 
 streittis of the toune, be sound of trumpett in name of the said Lord 
 
 Generall, chairging all the inhabitantis of this burghe to exhibit thair 
 
 whole armom-, both offensive and defensive, in the tolbuith, within tuo 
 
 houres efter the chairge, vnder the paine of confiscatioun of all the goods 
 
 and geare of suche persones as wold not delywer thair armour within the 
 
 spaice foirsaid, by and attour the punishing of thair persones ; and thair- 
 
 foir the prowest inquyred of the nichtboures of the toune, convenit as said 
 
168 ' EXTRACTS FROM THE [1639. 
 
 28^M^iy is, what tliay will do, and how thay shall carie thameselffis in this bueienes, 
 — since he and his colligis, the baillies, cnld not gett the same hinderit nor 
 disarmed, stayed, notwithstanding of all the reasones thay culd bring or alledge 
 againes the wnlauchfnllness of suche chairges, and albeit thay had offerit 
 that the toune shuld marche in armes, and goe forward with thame to any 
 service thay hawe adoe for the king and cuntrie, so being thay wold not 
 doe suche indignitie to oure toune as to disarms thame, bot wold permitt 
 thame to bruike thair awin armour ; anent the quhilkis particulares the 
 nichtboures advysiug, declared that, since thay wer not habill to resist, it 
 behowed thame to suffer and give obedience ; lyikas accordinglie thay 
 went furth to thair awin houssis and causit bring thair armour to the tol- 
 buithe, and delywered the same to Sir Robert Grahame of Morphie knight, 
 commissioner appoynted for receawing thairof. 
 
 29 May 29 May 1639. 
 
 1639. 
 
 ^ "ote The quhilk day James Guthiie of Petforthie, and Johne Grahame, 
 
 vpon the ^ . 
 
 payment baillie of Montrois, declaired to the Erlis of Marishall and Montrois, and 
 
 of ten other nobillmen present with thame, w^ithin thaii- ludging in skipper Ander- 
 
 merkis"'^ soun his hous on the north syid of the Castellgett, and in presence of Mr 
 
 imposed Alexander Jaffray, prowest of Aberdeine, that, according to the ordour 
 vponthame . p i • i i .n r • c 
 
 be the gewm to thame frome the said nobillmen for receaving irome the prowest 
 nobihtie. baillies of Aberdeine of the soume of money efter specifiet, thay had 
 
 receaved in reallie doun tauld moneyes frome Andro Burnet, thesaurar of 
 the said burghe of Aberdeine, in name of the haill bodie of the toune the 
 Boume of ten thowsand merkis vsuall Scottes money, imposed wpoun the 
 said towne of Aberdeine be the said nobillmen, for paying the wages of 
 thair soiouris of this present armie ; quhairwpoun the said Mr Alex. Jaffray, 
 prowest, asked insti-umentis. 
 
639.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 169 
 
 29 May 1639. 29 May 
 
 1639. 
 
 Item this day the Erll of Montrois, Generall of the armie, caiisit mell Tlie townes 
 
 and intromett with tuelff peice of demiculvering, whairof sex belonges to of'^cannon^ 
 
 the king, and other sex to oure tonne, and causit carie and ship thame in aila'ba'n'^'^ 
 
 a barq of Dundie, the master callit Willeame Coiill, to be tranesportit some "^'''''t ^^'th 
 ^ ' , , . . be the Erie 
 
 of thame to Montrois, and some to Dundie, and lyikwayes tuke with thame of Won- 
 
 oure pulder and ball. 
 
 7 June 1639. 7 June 
 
 1639. 
 
 The qtihilk day the haill toune, both frie and unfrie, being warnit be 
 the hand bell passand throw the haill streittes of the toune to conveine 
 presentlie within the Tolbuith, and a verie few convening, the greatest 
 pau't of the nightboures hawing remowed thameselffis out of the toune, 
 and daylie ma of thame yit remowing, AVilleame Forbes, baillie, causit 
 reid publictlie in presens of these quha wer convenit, the remonstrance 
 presentit in wreitt to the said baillie and his colliggis, be the tonnes 
 foure commissionares, to witt Johne Hay, baillie, Mr Eobert Farquliar, 
 Mr Thomas Gray, and George Moresoun, who wer latelie send to 
 Edinburghe in the moneth of Aprill last, be ordour frome the Erie of Mon- 
 trois and sic otheris of the nobilitie as wes then present hen- in Aberdeine, 
 bearand that the saids commissionares after thair coming to Edmburghe, 
 wer deteinit thair be the spaice of sex weikis, and at thair coming having The townes 
 presented thameselffis to the Lordis tables, thay and some wther few nicht- the remon- 
 boures of this burghe wer fyned in the soume of fourtie thowsand merkis, j^glfg'^tQ 
 and confyned for the spaice of fywe weikis till thay sould either pay or thame be 
 
 1 r ■ r.1 thair foure 
 
 report the tounes answer anent the said lyne ; and eitir report of the commis- 
 townes refuissall to pay the samen for the resone showin to the saidis tiuirwer 
 Lordis, the said commissionares wer committit to waird within the Tolbuith , 
 
 ' _ Edinburgh 
 
 of Edinburghe, be a warrand subscrywit be the nobillmen and commis- l>e «ip- 
 
 sionares for the shyres and burrowes whairin thay remanit be the spaice of the'"^" 
 ^ y nobillmen. 
 
170 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1639. 
 
 7 June of tuentie foure houres, till be the mediatioun of the prowest and baillies 
 — of Ediaburghe, and of Willeame Gray of Pettindrum, thay obtenit libertie 
 
 ThetoWllCS i-i 1 1 Ti • 1 1 r ^ • TO? 
 
 answer to to retuine home to this burghe to deall with the toun for thair reheii 
 strance°"' wpouii band gevin be the saidis commissionares as principallis, and the 
 thame^bc ^^^^ Willeame Gray as cationer for thame; as lyikwayes wpoun thaii* 
 thair foure great oath, solemnelie sworn, for thair returne bak againe to Edinburghe, 
 sicmaies and to obey thair directiounes, or then to reentir thair persones in ward 
 semi to^' within the said tolbuith of Edinburghe betwixt and the first day of July 
 Etlinburgh nixt, wnder the paine of fourtie thowsand pundis ; and seing the tyme 
 poyntment approaches of the saids commissionares thair reentrie, thay desyrit the 
 nobilfmen. toune to frie and liberat thame of the said fourtie thowsand merkis, that 
 thairby thay may be free of thair reentrie and incarceratioun in waird. 
 Eftir raiding quhilk remonstrance, sic nightboures of the toune as wer 
 convenit, not exceiding the number of twentie persones, answerit that the 
 toune was nowayes habill to pay any suche fyne as wes imposit, inrespect 
 that sin thair subscryving of thair covenant, thay ar so wrakit and wndone 
 in than- estates, that thay ar skairce abill to interteine thameselffis and 
 thau' families, far les to pay any fyne, be the occasiounes followeing, first, 
 be free quartering of the whole fute soiom-is, and mony gentlemen and 
 horssis of the first armie, to the number of sex thowsand men, some of 
 thame the space of avight dayes, and the most pau-t for the space of 
 fyften dayes ; secondlie, be the fi*ie quartering of the Earle Marshallis 
 armie, consisting of the number of aught hundreth men or thau'by, the 
 space of four dayes ; thirdlie, be frie quartering of the Laird of BanflSs 
 cumpanie of ane thowsand men, horssis, and fute, or thairby, the spaice 
 of aught dayes ; fourthlie, be frie quartering of the Earle Marshall and 
 Mernes companye, to the number of ane thowsand men, horse, and fute, 
 or thairby, the space of thrie dayes befoir the coming of the Earles of Mon- 
 trois, Atholl, Kingorne, Lords Cowpar, Drummond, Eraser, Maister of 
 Forbes, with thair forces, and thaireftir for interteining both the armies, 
 consisting of sex thowsand men, horse, and fute, the space of four dayes, 
 besyids the exacting frome the toune the soume of ten thowsand merkis. 
 
1639.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 171 
 
 the remon- 
 strance 
 
 the taking of tliair tuelfF peice of cannon, "witli pu.lder, ball, and thair liaill 7 June 
 
 furniture, the disarming of thair nichtboures ; and lastlie, be leaving the — 
 
 toune so disarmit and disabled, whairby thay ar exposit to the mercie answer to 
 
 and danger of all enimies that pleassis to invade thame, for which respectis, 
 
 and many wther consideratiounes, the nightboures convenit as said is. 
 
 . . . , . ■ tliainc be 
 
 humblie desyrit that thair magistrattes wald represent and putt wp this thair foure 
 
 thair just grewances to the noblemen, gentrie, burroAves, and wtheres sionarcs 
 
 havand vote and poAver at the tables in Edinburghe, and be resone thairof gejlji^tlj*^^ 
 
 to petitioun thame that thay and thair commissionares may be fred and Etli»ljurgh 
 
 liberat of suche ane heavye and intollerable burdine laid wpoun thame poyntment 
 
 without any just ground or reasone, and that thair commissionares may hawe nobi'lhnen. 
 
 thaii' band delywered bak again e to thame to be cancelled and distroyed. 
 
 10 June 1639. lO June 
 
 1G39. 
 
 The quliilk day, the haill iuhabitantis of this burghe, both frie and Tlietownes 
 ■\vnfrie, bemg warnit be the drum to convene this day in the tolbuith, and !,^^]'"pp"o- 
 convening thairin for the most pairt representand the bodie of the toune, 
 thay wer demandit be Robert Johnstoun, late prowest, gif all or any of Mr Alex, 
 thame had any accusatioun, challenge, or grevance to giwe in againes thair'pro- 
 Mr Alexander Jaflfray, thair present prowest, of any disloyaltie or mis- ([(^fjf,,*]! 
 cariage committit be him in his said office of prouestrie, to the hinderance a"'' g'"'? 
 
 • n/r • • • • T T 1 PI carenge if 
 
 oi his Maiesties service, or to the prejudice and hurt of the toune, thay all his oflSce. 
 in ane voice, but any oppositioun or contradictioun, answered that thay 
 had no point of disloyaltie or miscariage to say againes him, nor any brak 
 of duetie in his office to lay to his chairge, but be the contriar thay giwe 
 him thair approbatioun and applause that he has dischairgit and acquytted 
 himselff in his said office most dutifuUie and honestlie as ane loyall and 
 gude subject to his Maiestie, and as a most cairfull and painefull magis- 
 tratt for the weill and gude of the toune ; lyikas the haill inhabitantis 
 convenit as said is, declared in ane voice that thay do adhear trulie and 
 sincerelie to his Maiesties proclamatioun gewin at York, the tuentie fyft 
 
172 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1C39. 
 
 10 June of Aprill last, and published at the mercatt croce of this burghe vpon the 
 — * sext day of Junij instant ; and to his Maiesties gi-acious and frie pardon 
 testimonie thairin containit, and offeris thameselffis most willing and redie to expres 
 batlon^'"" tl^^ii' realitie and sinceritie heirin, and in approving thameselffis loyall and 
 Mr^Alex* subjectis to his Maiestie, be going on in his Maiesties service at thair 
 
 Jaffray, vttermost endevomis, and particularlie as thay salbe injoyned at this tyme 
 west, of liis l>e the Lord Vicount of Aboyn, his Maiesties lievtenent in the north, and 
 ami g'ude ^^^^ effect desyred the said proclamatioun to be x-egistrat in the tonnes 
 jarease in buikes ad f uturam rei rnemoriam, vpoun the quhilkis premissis the said 
 Robert Johnstoune, in name of the said Mr Alexander Jaffi-ay, prowest, 
 and also in name of the baillies, counsall, and communitie of this burghe, 
 asked act and instrumentis. 
 
 14 June 14 June 1639. 
 
 1639. 
 
 Thetownes The quhilk day, the toune being convenit be the drum in the tol- 
 
 ing^thaT" ^^^^^^) being callit be the sute roll and the absentis noted, thay that wer 
 thair present disassented that oure townes late commissionares, towitt, Johne 
 sionaies Hay, baillie, Mr Robert Farquhar, Mr Thomas Gray, and George More- 
 ward' oV" soun, shuld returne back to Edinburghe to reenter thair persones in waird 
 fynes*^m "^vithin the tolbuith of Edinburgh, notwithstanding of the band gewin be 
 posed vpon thame as principallis, and Willeame Gray of Pettindriam, cationer for 
 sonleVther thair reentrie in the said waird, under the paine of fourtie thowsand 
 be'^payed '^ punds, betAvixt and the first day of July nixt to come, and disassentis 
 that the fyne of fom-tie thowsand merkis imposed wpoun the saidis com- 
 missionares and some few wther nichtboures of the toune be the nobilitie 
 and wtheris of the Tables, should be payed, or any pairt thairof, inrespect 
 the Lord Vicount of Aboyn, his Maiesties lieutenent in the north, hes this 
 day gewin a peremptorie chairge in wreitt vnder his lordships hand, to 
 the prowest, baillies, counsall, and commrmitie of this burghe, to the con- 
 trarie, commanding that the saids commissionares shuld not in any caice 
 go south, or pay the said fyne, or any pairt of the same ; and farder, in 
 
1639.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 173 
 
 caice any inconvenient fall legallie wpoun tlie saids commissionares or 14 June 
 
 tliair cationer for tliair not reentrie in waird, the brethreine of gild sic as — 
 
 « , . 1 -m • 1 • 1 •! Thetownes 
 
 wer present ar content to contribute tor thair relein pairt and pan-t lyik, disassent- 
 
 according to tliair meanes, with the whole bodie of the toune, and the ["ifif'^' 
 
 deacones of craftis desyred a tyme to be gewin thame to advyse for gewing commis- 
 
 thair answer in the premisse, and the saidis commissionares protestis for re-enter in 
 
 costis, skaitlies, and damnage againes the toune incaice thay suffer any tlmt the 
 
 prejudice or damage be this delay ; and the prowest protestit in the con- ^^"^^ ^^^^ 
 
 trail-, alledging he shuld vse no delay but sic as he was necessitat to, be t''ame and 
 
 .... . . . ... some other 
 
 his Maiesties service in the dispatche of the nichtbouris and inhabitantis nichtbouris 
 
 • be liftvcd 
 of this burghe that ar to marclie furth this day with the Lord Aboynes 
 
 armie towardes the Mearnis. 
 
 Eodem die. Eodem die. 
 
 The said day, the prowest intimat to the toune convenit this day be The toune 
 
 clitir**'it to 
 
 the drum, that all fencible persones, both frie and wnfrie in this burghe, marche in 
 conveine at the mercat croce in thair best armour at the first touk of the ti™Lord''' 
 drum, to marche fordward with the present armie led be the Lord Vicomit ^boyne. 
 of Aboyn in his Maiesties service againes the covenanteris, conforme to 
 the warrant and ordour gewin for that effect be the said Lord Vicount 
 of Aboyn, his Maiesties lievtenent in the north, and that nane who enteris 
 in service and tackes armes desert thair service and returne back fra the 
 armie, without licience, vnder the paine of death and confiscatioun of all 
 than* goods moveable. 
 
 Eodem die. Eodem die. 
 
 The toune being convenit, as said is, ar content and consentis that A watche 
 
 all the inhabitantis of this burghe, both frie and vnfrie, fensible persones, ^l^P^^"'^*^" 
 betwixt sextie and sexteine, keip the watche in propper persones be 
 course as thay salbe warnit, vnder the paine of ten punds, to be payed be 
 
174 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1639. 
 
 Eodcm die. ilk persone absent, toties quoties, wnforgewin, aud that sic nichtboures as 
 ar abowe the a; 
 man sufficientli 
 abowespecifeit. 
 
 A watche ar abowe the aige of sextie yeires, being able in meanes, furnish a fensible 
 appojnted. ^^^^ sufficientlie armed for keiping watche for thame, vnder the paine 
 
 17 June 17 June 1639. 
 
 1639. 
 
 The quhilk day, the toune being convenit in the tolbiiith be the drum, 
 it wes exponit to thame be Mr Alexander Jaflfray, prowest, that the Lord 
 Vicount of Aboyn, his Maiesties lieutenant in the north, and Colonell Wil- 
 leame Gun, who hes the chaii-ge and conducting of the present armie 
 lyand in this burghe for his Maiesties service, hes commandit the magis- 
 trattis to conveine the toune, and to signifie to thame that the said lieu- 
 tenent, for the furtherance and advancement of his Maiesties service, must 
 The Lord neids hawe frie quarteris wpoun the inhabitantis of this burghe for iuter- 
 de'man'd'of tenement of foiu-e hundreth futemen and twa hundrethe horsmen of the 
 foriiuer ^^^^ armie for the space of fyfteine dayes, or then the toune must furnishe 
 tenement moneyes for thair intertenement during the spaice foirsaid, at the pro- 
 armie and portioun following, towitt, sex schillingis daylie for ilk fute soiour, and 
 answer'"'* fyfteine shillings daylie for ilk horsman, and the toune fornishing the 
 moneyes, the said Lord Aboyn and Colonell Gun promeissis to giwe secu- 
 ritie to the towne for refoimding back againe to thame of sic moneyes as 
 thay shall presentlie advance and furnishe to the vse foirsaid, and 
 thairfou- inquned of the toune convenit as said is, what answer thay will 
 giwe to the saids propositiones, quha eftir advysement and consideratioun 
 of the busienes, answerit all in ane voice, that thay ar content that ane 
 thowsand dolouris be lifted in banck and gewin to the said Lord Vicount 
 Aboyn for intertenement of the fou-said number of horsmen and soiouris 
 for the spaice of fywe dayes, rather or the toune shuld be burdinit with 
 the frie quartering of thame, and desyrit the magistrattis to try whair 
 moneyes may be had, and to lift the same wpoun band, to be subscrywit 
 
1639.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 175 
 
 be the pro west, baillies, deane of gild, thesatirar, and certaine otlieris of 17 June 
 
 tlie most specfall men of the toune, thay getting alvayes securitie frome — ^ 
 
 the said Lord Aboyn and Colonell Gwn, for refounding of the same bak Aboyn, liis 
 
 againe to the tonnes thesaurar, with ane halfif yeires annueh'ent thairof at the"touri^^ 
 
 Martimes nixt, and the toune convenit as said is, all in ane voice, but ^o"" '"t^""" 
 
 . . . . . . . tenement 
 
 oppositioun or contradictioun obleissis thame to frie and reliewe thair of Ids 
 
 magistrattis and sic as salbe bund with thame for the said soume of ane tl'e^town'es 
 
 thowsand doloims, of the haill contentis of the band to be gewin be thame 
 
 for the same, incaice the said soume be not refondit bak againe to thame 
 
 be the said Lord Aboyn, and to contribute pro rata be taxatioun with the 
 
 haill bo die of the toune for thair releiff. 
 
 answer. 
 
 Memorandum. — Albeit the toun condiscendit to len ane thowsand 
 dolouris to the Lord Aboyne and Colonell Gwn for the caussis contenit 
 in the act immediatlie befoirvi-ittin ; nevirtheles, becaus the Erlis of Mar- 
 shall, Montrois, and Kingorne, come with ane armie of four thousand men 
 or thairby to the Brig of Dee in the morne thaireftir, the eighteine day 
 of Junij, and tuke in the said brig the nynteine day of the said moneth, 
 at the intacking whairof the said Lord Aboyne and Colonell Gwn with 
 thair whole companie, both horse and futt, left the feildis and fled ; thaii*- 
 foir the moneyes wer not delyvered to thame. 
 
 26 t/wne 1639. 26 June 
 
 1639. 
 
 The quhilk day, the prowest, baillies, and councell, ordaines the The toune 
 toune to be convenit the tuentie aught of Junij instant, and the Kings convenit, 
 Maiesties letter direct to the magistrattis and councell of this burghe to be Maiesties 
 intimat to the nichtboures of the toune, and thair consent tobe craved for ^^^^F 
 
 intimat to 
 
 releiff of the prowest, baillies, deane of gild, and thesaurar, of the soume thame. 
 of sewin thowsand merkis borrowit be thame and gewin to the noblemen 
 cftir manifestatioun of the peace, for saiffing the toune vnplundered and 
 
176 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1639. 
 
 2G June 
 1639. 
 
 The toune 
 to be 
 convenit, 
 and liis 
 Maiesties 
 letter to be 
 intimat to 
 tliame. 
 
 Eodem die. 
 
 Charge for 
 restorhig 
 of plun- 
 dered 
 goods. 
 
 spoilled be the soiouris of thair armie, qiihilk was absolutelie concluded to 
 hawe beine done, if the foirsaid soume had not beiue presentHe furnished 
 and delywered to thame for compensatioun to thaii- soiouris of the spoill 
 of the toune. 
 
 Eodem die. 
 
 The said day, the prowest, baillies, and counsell ordaines a chairge 
 tobe gewin be the drum to all inhabitantis in this burghe byares and 
 havares of any goodes plundered frome thair nichtboures or otheris quhat- 
 sumewu-, that thay restoir the same to the righteous ownares within thrie 
 dayes eftir the chau'ge, with certificatioun to all these in whose posses- 
 sioun any plundered goods salbe fund thaireftir, that thay salbe conveiued 
 and punished as actores and plunderares thameselffis. 
 
 Eodem die. 
 
 Ordinance 
 to the 
 Tliesaurar. 
 
 Eodem die. 
 
 The samen day the councell ordaines Andro Burnet, thesaurar, to 
 borrow sex hundreth merkis to helpe to pay the poore peopill, inhabitantis 
 of this burghe, of a pau-t of thair chairges debursit and susteaned be 
 thame in quartering of soioui'is the tyme of the herbering of the late 
 armies, quhilk soume thay ordaine tobe allowit to the said thesam-ar in 
 his comptis. 
 
 28 June 
 1G39. 
 
 Tlie Kings 
 Maiesties 
 letter 
 manifest- 
 ing the 
 peace. 
 
 28 June 1639. 
 
 The quhilk day, the haill toune, both frie and vnfrie, being warnit 
 be the drum passand throw the haill streittes of the toune, to conveine this 
 day within the tolbuith, and conveining thairin, for the most pairt repre- 
 sentand the bodie of the toune, Maiester Alexander Jafifray, prowest, inti- 
 mat to thame the missive direct to the prowest, baillies, and counsall of 
 this burghe frome oure dread soueraine the kingis sacred maiestie, mani- 
 festing the peace betwixt his maiestie and the nobilitie of the covenant, 
 
1639.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 177 
 
 and causit reid publictlie the said missive in audience of the tonne, whairof 28 June 
 the tenour folio wes : — " To oure trustie and weilbeloued the pro west, 
 
 The Kiiif^s 
 
 baillies, and councell of Aberdeine. Charles R. Trustie and welbeloued, Maiesties 
 wee greet yow well, hawing fullie vnderstood of your constant afFectioun man[fe.st- 
 to oui-e service and sufiferingis, for the same we giwe yow heartie thankis, '"^ '-''^ 
 and as heirtofore wee hawe written, we will not be vnmyndfull thairof : 
 but oure subjectis who had offended ws, hawing at this tyme given ws 
 satisfactioun, accepting of that which we propounded vnto thame, we hawe 
 thought it fitt to acquaint yow therewith, to the end yow do not proceed in 
 any thing touching hostilitie, but that yow setle your touue in a peaceable 
 way, and so we bid yow heartilie fareweill. Frome oure camp at the Birkes 
 the 18 June 1639." After the reiding of the quhilk missive, the said Mr 
 Alexander Jaffray, prowest, shew and declaired to the toune, convenit as 
 said is, that it is notourlie knawin to thame, notwithstanding of the mani- 
 festatioim of the peace betwixt the king and the nobilitie, that the magis- 
 trattis of this burghe wer forced to furnishe and borow the soume of sewin 
 thowsand merkis money, and giwe the same to the Erlis of Marshall, Mon- 
 trois, and Kingorne, to be distribute amongst the soiouris of thair late 
 armie at the intaking of the brig of Die, for saifBng the toune vnplunderit 
 and spoilled be the soiouris, and that the prowest, baillies, deane of gild, 
 and tliesaurar, hes gewin thair band for payment thairof bak againe at 
 Martimes nixt, with ane halflf yeires annuall to the persones eftirnamed, 
 fra whome the same wes borrowed, ilk ane for thair awin pairtes, as is 
 wnder writ tin, viz, : borrowit 
 
 Fra Gilbert Hervie, elder, . . Thrie thowsand merkis. 
 
 Fra Thomas Robertson, 
 
 Fra Johne Fraser in Watterton, 
 
 Fra Mr Thomas Gray, 
 
 Fra George Richard, 
 
 Fra Richard Cruikshank, . 
 
 Fra Willeame Forbes, eldar, 
 
 Fra Alexander Howyesone, 
 
 Tuelff hundred merkis. 
 One thowsand merkis. 
 Foure hundreth merkis. 
 Thrie hundreth merkis. 
 Thrie hundreth merkis. 
 Twa hundreth merkis. 
 Twa hundreth merkis. 
 
 1 z 
 
178 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1639. 
 
 28 June Fra Joline Raitt, . . . Ane hundreth merkis. 
 
 — -' Fra Patrik Fergussoune, . . Ane hundreth merkis. 
 
 Maiesties Fra Andi'ow Howyesone, . . Ane hundreth merkis. 
 
 man[fest- ^^'^ Dauid Lindsay, . . Ane hundretli merkis. 
 
 ing the 
 
 peace. 
 
 And thairfoir inquired of the toune, convenit as said is, if thay will 
 The tonnes . . , , i • • ■ I ^ n • i i- 
 
 consent to file and wan'and than- magistrattis of the soumes of money particularlie 
 
 for fi'ieiii° aboue writtine, and annualrent thairof, at the hands of the particular per- 
 
 of than- sounes befoir named fra whome the same wes borowed, wha all in ane 
 magis- ' 
 
 trattis of voice, but any oppositioun or contradictioun, consented and become bund, 
 
 thowsaiid actit, and obleist to frie and liberat the said prowest, baillies, deane of 
 
 gcfwhuo S^^^ thesam-ar, of the foirsaid soume of sewin thowsand merkis and 
 
 tlie noljill- annuelrent thairof, till the same be payed, at the handis of evexie ane of 
 men at tlie ^ ' _ jr j ' 
 
 intackin^^ the particular persones befoir named, fi-a whome the same wes borrowit, 
 of Dee. " and for that effect ar content to be taxt and stentit for the same, howsone 
 the magistrattis and counsall for the tyme sail think expedient, and that 
 taxtares and stentares be chosin thairof on the haill inhabitantis of this 
 burghe ; lyikas thay become obleist to pay ilk ane than- awin pairtis of 
 the said stent, conforme to the taxt roll to be sett doune, and gewin furth 
 thau-anent within thrie dayes miet eftir the chaii-ge, vnder the paine of 
 poynding and horning and wan-ding of thaii- persones, and ar content 
 that letteris be direct to that effect be the Lordis of Counsall and Sessioun 
 at the instance of the prowest, baillies, deane of gild, and thesaurar of 
 this burghe for the tyme. 
 
 Eodcm <lie. Eodem die. 
 
 Gray and The samen day, the toune being convenit be the drum within the 
 
 chosin'^' tolbuith, thay all in ane voce electit, nominat and chused Mr Thomas 
 
 commis- Gray and Mr Patrik Chalmer, than- commissionares, to pas to the toun of 
 
 sionares to ' ... 
 
 go to his Bervick in England, to cure dread soveraine the kingis sacred Maiestie 
 
 INIfticstic nt 
 
 Bervick. who is there for the present, and to mak remonstrance to his Maiestie of 
 
1639.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 179 
 
 cure townes sufferingis, and of thair great loss and skaitli both of men Eodcni die. 
 
 and glides, sustenit be thame be occasioun of the repahing of the severall f-j'ay and 
 
 armies to this burghe in the moneths of Marche, Aprill, Maij last, and chosin 
 
 June instant, and most humble to petitioun his Maiestie in the toimes sioiiaies' to 
 
 behalff, to repair and sett wp thair losses efter sic forme as his Maiestie, 'l"^ 
 
 . , , , ^ . . Maiestie at 
 
 out of his princelie wisdome, shall find most convenient, and ordaines ane Bervick. 
 
 commissioun to be gewin to the saids commissionares to the effect foir- 
 said, and ane letter to be drawin wp in most humble and submissive 
 maner, and direct from the prowest, baillies, and counsall of this burghe, 
 to his Maiestie to the same effect, and for making of the saids commis- 
 sionares expenssis in the said commission, tliay appoint the soume of fywe 
 -himdreth merkis to be gewin to thame be Andrew Burnett, thesaurar, to 
 ane compt, quhilk salbe allowit to him in his comptis. 
 
 2 Juli/ 1639. 2 July 
 
 1G39". 
 
 The quhilk day, it was intimat be the prouest to the haill toune a IcTter of 
 convenit in the tolbuith be the drum, that the Erie Marshall had written Ma,.sijl,n;g 
 a letter to the magistrattis and counsall, shawing that he had taken ["^g'^^^y" 
 exceptiounes againes the toxin e, in that some of his soiouris that foUowit 
 him at the Brig wer committit in waird, and that his Lordship wes in- 
 formed that the nichtbouris of this toune wald not suffer James Geddes, 
 Andro Rob, and some otheris, inhabitantis of tliis burghe, who wer at the 
 Brig Road with the said Erie Marshall, to returne to the toune ; quhilk 
 letter being red publicthe, the niclitboures for keiping of the publict peace 
 declaired that thay wer content that the fou-named persones be receaved 
 and admittit within the toune, and promeist to do no harme, nor to vse 
 any deid of violence againes thame or any of thame heirafter ; and as for 
 Georg Keith and Alexander Kempt, who ar in the tolbuith for convoying 
 some soiouris of the armie for plundering of some nichtboures houssis, the 
 toune wer content that the magistrattis should tak ordovu- with thame 
 and after thair tryall and censure, to dismiss thame furth of waird. 
 
180 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1639. 
 
 11 July 
 1639. 
 
 Thetowne3 
 answer to 
 thcdemaud 
 made to 
 thame for 
 imposing a 
 taxatioun 
 for pay- 
 ment of a 
 pairt of the 
 quartering 
 moneyes. 
 
 11 July 1639. 
 
 The quhilk day, the haill toune being convenit be the drum passing 
 throw the haill streittes, it wes exponit to thame be the prowest, that some 
 iiihabitautis of this burghe of the meaner sort, be quartering of the soioris 
 dyvers tymes of sindrie armies, wer brought to extreme povertie, for 
 quhoes help and support in some measour the prowest declaired that it 
 wer expedient, if so be the toune wald consent, that to the former taxa- 
 tioun granted for the ministers stipend and the poore, thair be addet some 
 foure or fyve thowsand merkis, that be that meines the poore nichtbouris 
 may gett some help and payment for thair quartering, according to thar 
 mein estates, some of thame halff payment, some les, some mou-, accord- 
 ing to the discretioun of the magistrattes ; quhairwnto it wes answerit be 
 the toune in ane voice that thay wald giwe no support nor grant, nor stent 
 thameselffis for any sowme of money quhatsumewir for quartering of 
 soiouris, vntill suche tyme as the commissionares returned bak frome his 
 Maiestie with thair report, and answer to the greivances gewin in to his 
 Maiestie be this burghe, as lyikwayes till the ending of the Generall 
 Assemblie and Parliament, indicted to hauld in August nixt, eftrr the end- 
 ing quhairoflf thay will then advyse wpoun the busienes. 
 
 17 July 
 1639. 
 
 Anent the 
 entrie of 
 tenentis to 
 tempill 
 landis and 
 abbottis 
 laudis. 
 
 17 July 1639. 
 
 The quhilk day the new and auld counsallis votes and concludes 
 that quhair any persone sail enter be dispositioun to any of the temple 
 lands within this burghe, and to the lands holdui of old of the abbacie of 
 Aberbrothock within the same, whairof the superioritie belongis now to 
 the towne be vertew of his Majesties late gift and donation, sail pay a 
 yeires dcAvtie of the land wherwnto they enter ibr the vse and bene- 
 fitt of the tonnes commoun gude, and ane air to pay onlie the double 
 of the feu dutie contenit in thair auld infeftmentis ; lyikas it is also 
 declairit that albeit the sone or dochtour of the heretour of these landis 
 
1639.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 181 
 
 enter thairto be dispositioun of tliair parentis, thay sail onlie pay for tliair 17 July 
 
 eutrie as ane air, and no forder to be exactit of tliame thairfoir, and Mr — 
 
 Robert Farqiiliar dissassentit to the exacting of any forder entres silver eutrie of 
 
 frome any assignay, or to other persone whatsnraewir entering to any of {gjjfpjjf 
 
 these tenementis, bot as is done be the maaristrattis to intrantis to any lamiis and 
 
 ' ... . abbottis 
 
 other bm-gage tenement within this burghe, be resone that the saids tern- landis. 
 
 pill tenementis and lands hauldin of old of the abbacie of Aberbrothok, ar 
 
 now disponit be his Majestic to the toune to be hanldin in frie burgage, 
 
 and thairfoir bemg now of the lyik nature of haulding with the remanent 
 
 bm-gage tenementis within this bm-ghc, alledgit that the entrie of tenentis 
 
 sonld be all after anc forme, and thairwpoun askit instrumentis. 
 
 24Jw7vl639. 24 July 
 
 ^ 1G39. 
 
 The quhilk day the prowest, baillies, and counsall dischairges Mr Jj^'^y'^'p 
 
 Dauid Wedderburnc of foure pvmd ten schillingis restand be him for his burne and 
 
 pairt of the calsey be quytting his haill quartering moneyes debtfull to thah-'"^ 
 
 him be the toune, quhau-with the said Mr Dauid wes content, and accord- ^"artenng 
 ' _ _ ' moueyis. 
 
 inglie dischaii'git the same, and siclyik dischau-ges Robert PauU of twentie 
 merkis for his buith maill of the Martimes and Witsonday termes last 
 bypast, be quytting for the same the haill moneyes debtfull to him for 
 quartering of soiouris, extending to fiftie ane pundis ten schillingis, 
 whairwith also the said Robert Paull wes content and dischairgit the 
 same simpliciter. 
 
 31 JuIj/ 1639. 31 July 
 
 1639. ^ 
 
 The said day the counsell appointis Andro Burnet, thesaurar, to Thcsauiar 
 deburse the soume of thriescou' eighteine schillingis foure penneis to ^''^'q^'i^''- 
 Mr Robert Farquhar, whau-in he was super expendit for the foure com- 
 missionares chairges that wer sent to Edinburgh in Aprill last to the 
 Taibles, and some debursement to Nathaniell Leysk, quhilk soume salbe 
 allowit to the said thesaurar in his comptis. 
 
182 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1639. 
 
 Eodem die. 
 
 Eodem die. 
 
 The coun- 
 cellis ob- 
 leisment of 
 tliame and 
 thair suc- 
 cessourcs 
 to releive 
 tiie present 
 prowest, 
 baillies, 
 deane of 
 gild, and 
 thesaurar, 
 of the 
 moneyis 
 gewin to 
 the nobill- 
 nien. 
 
 Eodem die. 
 
 The same day, forsameikill as wpoun the tuentie aught of Jiinij, the 
 haill toune, both brethreine of gild and craftismen being convenit in the 
 tolbuith, consentit and agreit for the soume of sewin thousand merkis 
 money, quhilk wes borrowit vpoun the twentie day of the said moneth of 
 June, to be gewin to the Erlie of Montrois, Marishall, and Kingome, eftir 
 the intaiking of the brig for saiffing the toune wnplundcred, and that the 
 prowest, baillies,* deane of gild, and thesaurar, has borowed and gewin 
 thair band for the said sewin thowsand merkis to the particular persones 
 fra whome the same wes borrowit, to be all payed at the feast of Martimes 
 nixt, with ane halff yeires annuall thairof to that terme ; thau-foir the 
 prowest, baillies, and councell binds and obleissis thame and thair suc- 
 cessoris, prowest, baillies, and councell of this burghe successive, ane after 
 another, to be lyable in payment of the said soume of sewin thousand 
 merkis to the said particular personis fra whome the same is borowed 
 with the annualrent thairof, ay and quliUl the same be payed, togidder 
 also with the soume of ten thousand merkis borowit of befoir be the 
 magistrattis and gewin to the said nobillmen, for defraying of thair 
 soiouris wages at thair second coming with thair armie to this burghe, the 
 27th May last, and for that effect obleissis thame and thair successoris, suc- 
 cessive ane after another as said is, to releiwe the present prowest, baillies, 
 deane of gild, and thesaurar thairof, be resone the toune ar content to be 
 taxt and stentit for the saids soumes, howsone the magistrattis for the 
 tyme shall think expedient. 
 
 Eodem die. 
 
 A missive 
 to be direct 
 
 of Eiun-"*^ The same day the counsell, inrespect that the missive direct to thame 
 
 burgh for ^^iq toune of Edinburgh for sending a commissioner to the Generall 
 excusnig ° _ _ 
 
 ourabsencc Assemblie, requyres that the commissioun be direct frome the prowest, 
 
 Generall baillies, cotmcell, ministrie, and kirk sessioun of this burghe joyntlie, and 
 Assemblie. 
 
1639.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURG II OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 183 
 
 be resone our ministeris ar out of the cuntrie, thairfoir finds it expedient Eodemclle. 
 
 that no commissioner be direct to the Assemblie, bot that a missive be A missive 
 
 direct to the prowest, baillies, and counsell of the burghe of Edinburgh, to tl'ie tmm 
 
 berand oure excuse that we culd not at this tyme send a commissioner to {Ju,^rh"for 
 
 the Assemblie, be occasioun of the absence of oure ministeris, and that we excusing 
 . 1 • 1 ourabseiice 
 
 nawe not a Im-k sessioun throw thair absence. from the 
 
 Geuerall 
 Assemblie. 
 
 Eodem die. Eodemdie. 
 
 The samen day Mr Thomas Blakhall confessis in presens of the Blakhallto 
 prowest, baillies, and counsell, that he past to New Castell in England, for'scliilig 
 and there sauld his shippis laidning of bear and malt, notwithstanding of °^,Jjj'lJj^"^^ 
 his band gewin to the towne that he should not transport the said shippis Newcastle, 
 laidning of victuall out of the kingdome, wnder the paine of two thow- 
 sand merkis to be payed to the deane of gild, alledging he lies licience and 
 warrand from his Maiestie to do the same ; inrespect quhairoff, the coun- 
 sell ordaines the said Mr Thomas to be persewit be the dean of gild befoir 
 the prowest and baillies for the twa thousand merkis, to heir and sie him- 
 selff decernit to pay the same be resone of his contraventioun of the said 
 band. 
 
 7 August 1639. 7 August 
 
 1G39. 
 
 The quhilk day the prowest, baillies, and counsall, notwithstanding 
 at the last counsell day it wes thought expedient, for the resones contenit 
 in ane act made at that tyme that no commissioner shuld be direct frome 
 this bxn-ghe to the Generall Assemblie now approaching, yet inrespect 
 thay ar informed that exceptioun wilbe takin againes this burghe incaice 
 no commissioner be send to the said Assemblie, thairfoir thay nominat Forbes 
 and chuisit Willeame Forbes, baillie, commissioner for this burghe, for commis- 
 keiping of the said Generall Assemblie at Edinburghe, the day of 
 
 August instant, with continewatioun of dayes, and ordaines ane commis- Generall 
 
 ^ • r 1 re tit r • ^ AsSemblic. 
 
 sioim to be gewin to him for that effect, and the thesaurar to furnishe 
 moneyes for macking of his expenssis. 
 
184 
 
 EXTRACTS FRQM THE 
 
 [1639. 
 
 Eodemdie. 
 
 Eodem die. 
 
 Discharge 
 be Gray 
 and Chal- 
 mer of 
 thair com- 
 missioun 
 to his 
 Maiestic. 
 
 The said day, in presens of the prowest, baillies, and councell com- 
 peirit Mr Thomas Gray and Mr Patrik Chalmer commissionares direct 
 frome this burghe to Bervick, for making remonstrance to his Maiestie 
 of oure tonnes sutferingis, and of thair great lossis both of men and goodis 
 siistenit be thame, be occasioun of the repairing of the seuerall armies to 
 this burghe in the monethis of Marche, Aprill, May, and Jime last, and 
 eftir thay had at length declaired thair proceedingis in the said commis- 
 sioun, and how thay wer graciouslie acceptit of his Maiestie, and had 
 delywered to him oure tonnes letter, thay producit the copie of the peti- 
 tioim putt wp be thame to his Maiestie in the behalff of the toune, whairof 
 the tennour followes : — " To the kingis most excellent Maiestie, the 
 humble petitioun of the citizens and wther inhabitantis of the citie of 
 Aberdeine, most humblie showing vnto your dread and sacred Maiestie 
 that these poore petitionares your Maiesties loyall subjectis, in these 
 trubilsome tymes, and especiallie since February last, hawe susteaned 
 many and great losses by being inforced to giwe frie quarteris to fywe 
 seuerall armies bro^^ght thither, some consisting of thrie, some foure, and 
 some sex thowsand men, horse and fute, sometymes by the spaice of thrie, 
 sometymes of eight, and sometyme of fyfteine dayes, and by being com- 
 pelled to cast downe thair trinshes, remowe thair catbands, taking away 
 tuelff peice of cannon, pulder, ball, and all wther furniture perteining 
 thairto, by disarming thame of all thair muskattes, pickes, corslettis, 
 swords, and pistollis, exacting frome thame sexteine thowsand merkis in 
 moneyes, whereoff sex thowsand merkis was exacted efter your Maiesties 
 letteris touching the peace were manifested, cutting and wholly destroy- 
 ing there corne with horses, restrayning the taking of salmonds in there 
 fishings, and taking away fishe befoir slaine by plundering many houssis 
 in the said citie, battering the bridge of Dee, and demolishing the porche 
 and other pairtes thairof, by all which the poore petitionares ar damp- 
 nified, the soume of tuelff thousand pundis sterling, and mairower and 
 
1639.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 185 
 
 besyids the killing of foure of tlie saids citizens in defence of the said Eodemdie. 
 bridge, and the wounding of many more, and the fyning by the tables of Discliarge 
 threttie twa person es of the said cittie in the soiime of fortie two thou- andChal- 
 sand merkis Scottes money, and confyning and wairding within the tol- [i',ah.°coin- 
 buith of Edinburghe of foure of thame, vntill thay shuld mak payment of missioun 
 the said 42,000 merkis ; lyikas these foure ar obligit to reentir there per- Maiestie. 
 sones in prison the last of August nixt, or otherwayes pay fortie thowsand 
 punds Scottes, all which tend to the vtter vndoing of the poore peti- 
 tionares and the said cittie : thay most humblie pray your Maiesties 
 gracious and tender consideratioun of the premisses, and that your 
 Maiestie wilbe graciouslie pleasit to grant wnto thame (as a way for 
 helping to restoire tliair losses) a tack of thair customes, great and 
 small, and impost of wynes betwixt North Esk and Spey, frielie for 
 ten yeires, at leist ane assignatioun to the tack dewtie thairof; and 
 if any taxatioune happines to be granted for the spaice of ten yeires, 
 to be frie thairof within thair cittie ; and if your Maiestie sail think 
 that the granting of these thingis may be of greater value than there 
 saidis losses susteanit in your Maiesties service, in that caice they onlie 
 desyre to hawe the benefitt of thame ay and quhill it sail be made 
 knowin vpoun just accompt that .thay ar satisfied for thair saids losses, 
 extending to the said soume of tuelff thousand punds sterling, and 
 no longer ; and that your Maiestie wald caus redely wer the band 
 gewin be Johne Hay, Mr Robert Farquhar, Mr Thomas Gray, George 
 Moreson, and Willeame Gray, burges of Edinbm-ghe, thair cationer for 
 re-entrie of thair persones in waird, vnder the paine of ffourtie thousand 
 punds Scottes ; and lastlie, that yovir Maiestie wilbe lyikwayes graciouslie 
 pleased to provyd for thair indempnitie in tyme coming, and (as in 
 humble duetie bund) thay sail daylie pray for your Maiesties long and 
 prosperous reigne in health, honour, and happines ; and farder, the saids 
 commissionares declared that some few dayes efter the giving vp of 
 the said petitioun, thay gatt presence againe of his Maiestie, and after a 
 short repetitioun made be thame of the effect and contentis of the said 
 1 2 A 
 
186 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1639 
 
 Eodemdie. 
 
 Discharge 
 be Gray 
 and Chal- 
 mer of 
 thair com- 
 missiouu 
 to his 
 Maicstie. 
 
 petitioun, thay humblie supplicatt his Maiesties gracious answer thairwnto, 
 who shew thattie in regaird of the absence of the Erie of Traquair, his 
 thesaurar, he culd not for the present giwe a determined answer to thair 
 petitioun, bot promeist and gawe thame assurance that he shnld not be 
 vnmyndfull thaii-of, and of oure tounes suflferingis and losses for thair 
 loyaltie in his service, and suld giwe thame satisfactionn howsone he fand 
 convenient occasioun ; quhilk report abowe writttin being made be the 
 saidis commissionares of thair proceidingis in thair said commissioun, the 
 prowest, baillies, and counsell findis that thay hawe done ane sufficient 
 and honest diligence therin, and hes acquyttit thameselffis sufficientlie in 
 what wes intrusted to thame, and thairfoir exoneris and dischairges thame 
 of thair said commissioun. 
 
 14 Aug. 
 1G39. 
 
 J affray 
 chosin 
 commis- 
 sion ar to 
 the Parlia- 
 ment. 
 
 14 August 1639. 
 
 The quhilk day, the counsall nominattis and electis Maister Alex- 
 ander Jaffray, prowest, commissionar for this burghe for keiping his 
 ]\Iaiesties Parliament appointed to hauld at Edinburghe, the twentie sext 
 day of August instant, and ordaines ane commissioun to be gewin to him 
 for that effect vuder the townes secret seal], and the subscriptiounes of 
 the baillies and clerk, with particular instructiounes in suche materis as 
 salbe gewin to him in commissioun ; and for macking his expenssis and 
 suche as accompanies him, and also for paying oure tounes dues in his 
 Maiesties Exchequer, as lyikwayes oure dewes quhilkis wer payable at 
 the late conventioun of Burrowes hauldin at Dumfermlin in July last, 
 ordaines the soume of twa thousand merkis to be gewin to the said com- 
 missionar to ane compt, to be payed to him be Andro Bm-net, thesaurar, 
 quhilk salbe allowit to him in his comptis. 
 
1G39.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 187 
 
 4 September 1639. 4 Sept. 
 
 1639. 
 
 The said day, the connsall ordaines Walter Cochraine, deane of gild, Ordinance 
 
 to compt with the baxteris, and Willeam Scott, for the breid and bier coffc *° , 
 
 ^ _ ' ' deane of 
 
 for the armies, and the thesaiirar to pay thairfoir according to the deane gild and 
 of gilds subscryvit compt, quhilk saline allowit to the said thesaurar in 
 his comptis. 
 
 thesaurar. 
 
 11 September 1639. 11 Sept. 
 
 1639. 
 
 The quhilk day, the baillies and counsell ordaines Walter Cochraine, Ordinance 
 deane of gild, to take ane exact accompt of the dealles, timber, and deane of 
 yron work that wes furnishit be Willeame Rollaild, George Johnstoun, ^I'd. 
 Willeame Scott, Jolme Scott, and sic wther nightboures of the toune 
 wha prowydit for the sconsses and fortificatiounes and fenceing of the 
 muuitioun within and about the toune, befoir the heir coming of the late 
 armies from the south, and ordaines the said deane of gild to pay to the 
 saidis persones sic [soumes] as shalbe justlie restand to thame, quhilk 
 salbe allowit to him in his comptis. 
 
 Eodem die. Eodemdie. 
 
 FoUowis ane nott of the dettis and soumes of money contracted by 
 the toune of Aberdene, the yeire immediatlie bygaine, be occa- 
 sioim of the late trubles that fell out in the kingdome diu-ing 
 that tyme, and of the seuerall armies that come to this burghe 
 in the monethis of Marche, Api-ill, May, and Junij last bypast, 
 1639, as the comptis of Andrew Burnet, thesaurar, and Walter 
 Cochraine, deane of gild, the said yeirej does testifie : — 
 
 Imprimis at Martimes 1638, boiTOwit be Andro Burnet, thesaurar, of 
 
 Doctor Cargillis mortifeit moneyes, j"" iij*^ lib. 
 Off Mr Patrik Coplands moneyes, j™ iij'^ xxxiii lib., vj ss., viij d. 
 
188 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1639. 
 
 11 Sept. Off Secretarie Reids moneyes, i™ lib. 
 
 1639 
 
 ^ — Off the Ladye Drummes moneyes, ix*^ lib. 
 
 to the All payable at Martimes 1639, with ane yeires bygaine annuelrent thairof 
 deaiie of ^j^^^. ^gj,j^g_ 
 
 Item at Witsonday 1639, borrowit be the said Andro Bm-net, thesaurar, 
 of Futtie kirk moneyes, j"" iij° xxxiij lib., vj ss., viij d. 
 
 Item borrowit frome Mr Johne Gellie, minister at Monymusk, sex thow- 
 sand pundis. 
 
 Frome Patrik Davye, vj'' Ixvj lib., xiij ss., iiij d. 
 
 Frome Gilbert Hervye, eldar, ij™ lib. 
 
 Frome Johne Fraser in Wattertoune, vj*^ Ixvj lib., xiij ss., iiij d. 
 
 Frome Thomas Robertsoun, viij^ lib. 
 
 Frome George Rickard, ij° lib. 
 
 Frome Patrik Fergusson, Ixvij lib., x ss. 
 
 Frome Androw Howyesoun, Ixvj lib., xiij ss., iiij d. 
 
 Frome Willeame Forbes, eldar, j'' xxxiij lib., vj ss., viij d. 
 
 Frome Mr Thomas Gray, ij° Ixvj lib., xiij ss., iiij d. 
 
 Frome Richard Cruikschank, ij'' lib. 
 
 Frome Alexander Howyeson, j" xxxiij lib., vi ss., viij d. 
 
 Frome Dauid Lindsay, Ixvj lib., xiij ss., iiij d. 
 
 Frome Johne Raitt, Ixvij lib,, x ss. 
 
 All payable at Martimes 1639, with ane halff yeirs bygaine annuall thairof. 
 Summa of the prineipall soumes befou* writtin, borowit be the said Andro 
 
 Burnet, extendis to the somne of sevinteine thowsand, thrie liun- 
 
 dreth ane lib., xiij ss., iiij d. 
 Item restand to the said Andro Bmnett, whairin he is fund super expendit 
 
 at the fute of his thesaurar compt, sevin hundreth sevin pundis, 
 
 eightene ss., elleviu d. 
 Nota, payed be the said Andro Burnett, a pairt of the dettis aboue- 
 
 writtin, viz. : — 
 To Mr Thomas Gray, ij*^ Ixvj lib., xiij ss., iiij d. 
 To Richard Cruikschank, ij*^ lib. 
 
 J 
 
1639.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 189 
 
 To Alexander Howyesone, j'' xxxiij lib., vj ss., viij d. ''^16^39''' 
 To Danid Lindsay, Ixvj lib., xiij ss., iiij d. ^ - — ' 
 
 Summa payed be the said Andro Burnet of the foirsaid borrowit moneyes, to the' 
 
 extendis to sex hundreth thrie scoir sex pundis, threttene ss., foure d. gjjj"*^ °^ 
 Item at Witsonday 1639, borowit be Walter Cochrane, dean of gild, frome 
 
 Patrik Duvye, LIr of the gild brethreinis liospitall, of the said hos- 
 
 pitall moneyes, viij° lib. 
 Frome Willeame Blakburne, Mr of the kirkwark of the Bridge of Dee 
 
 moneyes, iij° xxxiij lib., vi. ss., viij d. 
 Frome George Gordoun, collectour of the kirk sessioun of the poores 
 
 moneyes, iiij° lib. 
 Item of the Gildwyne silver, iij'' Ixxviij lib., xvj. ss., iiij d. 
 All payable at Martimes 1639, with ane hallf yeires bygaine annuall at 
 
 that terme. 
 
 Summa of the principall soumes borowit be the said Walter Cochrane, 
 extendis to the soume of tua thousand tuelff pundis thrie shillings. 
 
 11 October 1639. 11 October 
 
 1639. 
 
 The said day, the prowest, baillies, and counsall discharges holding Act dis- 
 of any kynd of mercat, or selling keall, fruict, or any wther sort of wair thVholdfug 
 on the Sabboth day in tyme coming within this burghe, vnder the paine ^yjj^^f 
 of confiscatioun of all goodes offerit to be sauld, and ordaines intimatioun ^^'^g**,^"" 
 to be maid be the drum on Setterday nixt, and on Sonday out of pulpett, bath day. 
 that nane pretend ignorance heirof. 
 
 23 October 1639. 23 October 
 
 1639. 
 
 The said day the prowest, baillies, and councell ordaines that no Anent the 
 mercat be maid of tymber brocht frome the Hielands to this burghe befoir mercat. 
 ten houres ilk Fridday and Setterday, vnder the paine of ten punds of 
 wnlaw, to be exactit of ilk persone conti'aveininge, toties quoties, for the vse 
 
190 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1G39. 
 
 23 October and benefitt of the tounes commoun warkis, and that nane by bark nor 
 
 1639. 
 
 — tymber to sel againe till the mercat be endit, and the toune and cunti'ie 
 timber people serveit, wnder the lyik paine, and ordaines intiinatioun heh-of to be 
 meicat. made be the drum passand throw the haill streittis of the toune on Setter- 
 day uixt, that nane pretend ignorance. 
 
 23 October 
 1639. 
 
 A bell to 
 be rung for 
 convening 
 and dis- 
 olving 
 of the 
 schoolles 
 at thair 
 ordinarie 
 liourcs. 
 
 23 October 1639. 
 
 The quhilk day the prowest, baillies, and counsall considdering that 
 the schollares in all the schoolles within this burghe does not tymouslie 
 keip the hoiu-es of than- convening and dissolving as is prescrywit vnto 
 thame, thairfoir and for observing of better conformitie and gude ordour 
 in tyme coming ; thay hawe statute and ordanit that the bell of Gilbert 
 Leslies schooll salbe preceislie rung ilk day for both convening and dis- 
 solving of the whole schoolles at the seuerall houres following — viz., at 
 sex houres in the morning, thaireftir a little befoir se\\dn till the hour 
 strick ; at ten houres befou- noone and twa hom-es eftirnoone, for conven- 
 ing of the haill schollares ; and siclyik at nyne hoiu:es, tuelff houres, and 
 sex houres at nicht, for dissolving of the haill schooUe, and that na 
 maister direct than- bairnes hame at nyne, tuelff, or sex at ewin till the 
 said Gilbertis bell first ring ; and ordaines intimatioun heu'of to be maid 
 to all the maisteris and schollares within thair schoolles, that nane pretend 
 ignorance, and that gude ordour may be keiped accordinglie in all tyme 
 heireftir. 
 
 20 Nov. 
 1639. 
 
 Anent 
 keiping of 
 seiTOones. 
 
 20 November 1639. 
 
 In the first the prowest, baillies, and counsell ratifies and approves 
 the act and statute maid be thair predicessoris anent the keiping of the 
 sermones on the Sabboth day, whilk thay ordaine to hawe effect, and to 
 be putt to executioune againes the contraveinares wnder the paines 
 thairin conteinit, towitt wnder the paine of tuentie schillingis, to be payed 
 
1639.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGII OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 191 
 
 be ilk persone contraveinand, quha salbe fund absent frome sermones 20 Nov. 
 ather befoir or after noone on the Sabboth, to the collector of the kh-k — ' 
 sessioun for the vse of the poore toties quoties, and incaice of inhabilitie or keping of 
 refiiisall of any offending in this kynd to pay the said penaltie, presentlie 
 eftir tryall and convictioun the offendares to be punished in thair bodies 
 be imprisonment, or after sic wther maner as the magistrattis sail injoyne, 
 conforme to the Actis of Parliament made aganes the brakeris of the 
 Lordis Sabboth. 
 
 20 November 1639. 20 Nov. 
 
 1639. 
 
 Item, it is statute and ordanit that everie man keip cleine the streetis Anent 
 befoir his awin hous, and if any privie be castin doune on the streitis or of d'e^ 
 wnder staires, the indwellar in the houssis nixt adjacent thairto salbe ciene*'^ 
 obleist to remove the same befoir aught hoxu-es in the morning, wnder the 
 paine of fom'e merkis, to be exactit of the contraveinar but favom*, and 
 the hous being tryit out of the whilk the privie is brocht, the awnar 
 thairof sail pay ten merkis thau-of, the halflf to the maister of the hous wha 
 salbe wrongit, and the wther halff to the deane of gild, and the servand 
 fund giltie of casting out suche privies to be joggit for the space of twa 
 houres ; and siclyik, it salbe lesome to any persone wha pleassis at thair 
 awin hand to take away ilk morninge quhatsumewir fulzie thay find 
 uther on the streittis or wnder staires to thair awin vse but controlment, 
 and if any makis impediment to pay fom'tie shillingis of vnlawes toties 
 quoties. 
 
 Item, it is statute and ordanit that na hyrer of horsses within this Hyrers of 
 
 liorsGS. 
 
 burghe tak any more hyre for his horse fra any of his Maiesties lieges bot 
 onlie eighteine penneis for the myill, and that nane that hes horse to hyre 
 refuis to serve of that pryce vnder the paine of ten pundis, to be payed be 
 the contraveinar toties quoties, but prejudice to the magistratt to compell 
 thame to serve his Maiesties lieges of the pryce foirsaid, wnder the paine 
 of wairding of thair persones. 
 
192 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1G39 
 
 20 Nov. Item, the jDrowest, bailies, and counsell ratifies and approves the 
 
 — ' statutes and ordinances made and sett doune be thair predicessouris, 
 Batiiica- . . . 
 
 tion of magistrattes and counsall of this burghe, against blasphemares of God's 
 simdry Holie Name, prophanares and brakeris of the Lordis Sabboth, with the 
 statutes made against cowpares, wobsteris, cordoneris, and purchessoures 
 of suspensiounes and advocatiounes againes the magistrattis and counsall 
 of this burghe, ressettares of strangeris, and settares of houssis to thame 
 without licence of the magisti-atts, againes superfluous banquetting at 
 baptismes, wachting and scoalling, anent the selling and distributing of 
 coll, lyme, and sklaitt, anent the keiping of the loche cleine frome filth 
 and corruptioun, againes keipares and gadderares of middingis on the hie 
 streittis, againes abstracteris of cornis from the tounes commoun mylnes, 
 anent ofiiciares for careing daylie thair swordis and halbertis, and all 
 and sindrie wther ordinances, actis, and constitutiones whatsumewir maid 
 be thair predicessoris for observing gude rule and ordour within this 
 burghe, to be keiped and observeit be the nichtboures and inhabitantis of 
 the samen efter the forme and tenour thairof in all pointes, wnder the 
 paines contenit in the said actis, to be wpliftit of the contraveinares but 
 favour. 
 
 27 Nov. 27 November 1639. 
 
 1639. 
 
 Moreson The said day, the prouest, baillies, and counsell appoints George 
 
 to tak'ane Moresoun to tak ane accompt of the muskattes and pickes sauld and dis- 
 muskauis^ posit to the toune be the Marquis of Huntlie, and gewin out to the nicht- 
 and pickis. boures of this burghe in the monethis of Marche and Junij last, and ordaines 
 the said George to report his diligence thairanent this day aught dayes. 
 
1639.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 193 
 
 till the 
 spring 
 
 19 December 1639. 19 Dec. 
 
 1639. 
 
 The quhilk day, the haill toune, both frie and vnfrie, being warnit be Letter 
 the drum passand throw the haill streittes of the toune to conveine this n'obUlmen 
 day within the tolbuith, and conveining thamn for the most pau-t, repre- f„/°jtcl.. 
 sentand the whole bodie of the toune, it wes exponit to thame be Patrik tcneing of 
 Leslie, prowest, that he had received a letter from the Erll Marshall, mandcris 
 whairin was inclosed a commoun letter direct frome ye nobillmen at south 
 to the said Erie Marshall, and to the nobillmen, barrones, and heretouris 
 of the shirrefdome of Aberdeine, and to the magistrattis of this burghe, 
 with a list of the names of the commanderis and oflSciares that ar ap- 
 pointed to be intertenit at the commoun chairges of this whole schirref- 
 dome till the spring of the yeire, beiring a nott of the pay allotted 
 monethlie to everie ane of thame, the first moneths pay begynning the 
 first of December instant, as the said commoun letter at moir length beires, 
 whairof the tennom- followes : — " To the right honorable the Erie Marishall 
 and to the remanent nobillmen, barrones, and heritoures of the schirref- 
 dome of Aberdeine, and to the magistrattes of the burghe of Aberdeine. 
 Honorable and lowing freyndis, whairas diverse cavillers and souldieris, 
 out of thair affectioun to religioun and thair native cuntrie, haue come 
 hame frome thair imployment abroad to mak offer of thair service heir, 
 whose expenssis, paynes, and gude will deserves kynd vsage, and most be 
 payed wpoun the commoun chairges of the kingdome, and becaus all 
 nationes in Christendome hath warres and exercise of armes, and we know 
 not how long it sail please God to continew oure peace, it is necessar that 
 the officiares and souldiares that ar come home, both for militarie discipline 
 and exercise of armes, and as the most convenient and easie way of the 
 officiares intertainment may be keipit till the spring of the yeu"e, and dis- 
 tribute throw the haill shyres ; and thairfoir we have sent yow ane list of 
 suche officiares with thair seuerall chairges and quantitie of pay, as we 
 conceive to be most necessar for thair vse, recommending to your care to 
 conveine with diligence and sett doune a course for thair pay and intertene- 
 1 2 B 
 
194 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1639. 
 
 19 Dec. ment, and dispose so of thame as tbay may be most vsefull to yow, and 
 
 — ' may best instruct your men in all your seuerall parocbiues (being contryved 
 
 Letter • • • . 
 
 from the in companyes and regimentis) to exercise tbair armes, and wbat salbe 
 
 at*soutir' bestowit for tbair pay, salbe allowit in tbe first end of tbe commoune 
 
 for inter- taxatioun and contributioune of tbe sch vires : for tbe performance 
 
 teneiiig of . . . , . , , ^ 
 
 some com- qubau'of, your cair of preservatioun of religioun, and saiftie of tbe cuntrie, 
 
 tilUhe"^ trust wilbe sufficient motives, wbicbe is tbe ernest desyre of your affec- 
 spring. tionat and faitbfull freindis. Sic suhscrihitur Marshall, Montroise, Mar, Sea- 
 fort, Kingborne, Loudone, Dalhousie, Lowtbean, Sinclau-, Balmerino, For- 
 rester, A. Forbes, Yester, Arthure Erstyne :" qubilk letter being publictlie 
 red in audience of the toune, convenit as said is, tbe prowest inquyred of 
 thame what tbay wald do thairanent, and what obedience tbay wald giwe 
 to tbe desyre thairof, to the effect answere may be accordinglie returned 
 to the said Erll Marshall, wha all in ane voice, without any oppositioun or 
 contradictioun, willinglie consentit and agriet for tbair pairtes to contri- 
 bute with the nobillmen, baiTones, and heretoures within this schm-ef- 
 dome for the intertenement of tbe saidis commanderis fra the first of 
 December instant till tbe spring of tbe yeire, proportionablie, conforme 
 to tbe generall stent roll of the whole schirrefdome in former taxatioune. 
 
 Followes tbe list of the officiares for the shyre of Aberdeine, to be 
 payed out of tbe commoun contributioun be the toune and shyre of 
 Aberdeine, frome the beginning of December 1639. 
 
 Lieutenent Colonell George Foi'bes, monetblie, to be payed 133 lib. 
 6ss. 8d. 
 
 Capitaine George Mackengzie, 66 lib. 13s8. 4d. 
 Capitaine George Forbes, 66 lib. 13ss. 4d. 
 Lieutenent Robert Lumsdane, 30 lib. 
 Lieutenent Willeame Forbes, 30 lib. 
 Enseugzie James Cruikshank, 24 lib. 
 Ensengzie Frances Forbes, 24 lib. 
 Sergeant Johne Mathie, 12 lib. 
 Sergeant James Litbgow, 12 lib. 
 
 I 
 
1639.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 195 
 
 Sergeant Johne Cowper, 12 lib. 19 Dec. 
 
 Sergeant Johne Minister, 12 lib. — ' 
 
 Sei-geant Alexander Lovell, 12 lib. f,.on^ the 
 
 Summa, 501 lib. 6ss. 8d. nobillmeu 
 ' at south 
 
 for inter- 
 
 * teneing of 
 
 some com- 
 manderis 
 
 Eodem die. till the 
 
 spring. 
 
 The said day Patrik Leslie, prouest, signifiet to the tonne convenit as ^"'^cmdie. 
 
 said is, that James Smith, merchant, burges of this burghe, as assignay to f"^e raised 
 
 the Marquis of Huntly, is vrging payment fronie the magistrattis and of the 
 
 counsell for the muskattis and pickes bocht for the toune fra the said gewiffto 
 
 Lord Marquis in the monthe of Marche lastbypast, and thahfoir inquired p^^"" 
 
 of the nichtboures what thay will doe in the busienes, quha answered in 
 
 _ ^ tlie armes 
 
 ane voice that thay wald not pa;^ for that armour, except thay be com- receawed 
 pellit be law to do the same, be resone not onlie that the armour gottin fiome the 
 frome the said Lord Marquis, bot lykwayes the most paht of all the Huntly^ °* 
 armour within the toune wer plundered and takin frome thame be 
 armies that come to this burghe in the moneth of May and Junij last 
 bypast, and sic as wer preserved wnplundered, wer tackin frome thame at 
 the intaking of the Bridge of Dee, and tliairfoir desyred the magistrattes 
 and councell to raise suspensioun of the chairge that salbe gCAvin at the 
 instance of the said James Smith, for the pryce of the said armoitr for the 
 resone aboue specifeit, and als becaus they wer a pairt of the armes send 
 heir be his Maiestie to the said Lord Marqtiis for his Maiesties service, and 
 that sic armes as the toune receaved wer all lost in that service ; and Wil- 
 leame Blakburne, Alex. Alshoner, and Thomas Cushnie, for thameselffis 
 and in name of sic nightbom-es of the toune as had not receaved any pairt 
 of the said armes, protestit that thay be frie frome payment of the same or 
 any pairt thairof, and thairwpoun asked instrumentis. 
 
196 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1640. 
 
 1 Jan. 
 1640. 
 
 J affray 
 chosin 
 commis- 
 sion ar 
 to Edin- 
 biirgli. 
 
 1 January 1640. 
 
 The said day, the proviest, baillies, and councell, for satisfieing the 
 desyre of ane missive direct to thame frome the commissionares of Edin- 
 burglie, tuitching the particular eftir specifeit, of j;he date the tuentie fyft 
 day of December last bypast, electit, nominat, and chuisit Mr Alex. Jaf- 
 fray the pronest of the said burghe commissionir for thame, to meit and 
 conveine with the remanent commissionares of bm-rowes to be assemblit 
 at Edinburghe wpoun the sewint day of Januar instant, for heiring of the 
 report of Mr Willeame Cunynghame, his diligence in his commissioun 
 laitlie to Court, and for advysing wpoun what is most incumbent to be 
 done for the gude of religioun and the cuntrie, and ordain es ane commis- 
 sioun to be given to the said Mr Alexander for that effect, subscryvet be 
 the magistrattis in dew forme as effeires. ' 
 
 8 Jan. 
 1640. 
 
 Anent the 
 rcssett of 
 strangeris, 
 and no 
 houssis to 
 be sett to 
 excom- 
 mvnicat 
 papistis. 
 
 10 Jan. 
 1640. 
 
 Suspension 
 to be raised 
 of the 
 ciiargcs 
 for the 
 JIarquis of 
 Huntlyes 
 armour. 
 
 8 January 1640. 
 
 The quhilk day, the pro west, baillies, and counsell ordaines ane act 
 anent ressetting of strangeris, of quhat qualitie soewir thay be, without 
 leiwe of the magistrattes, to be iutimat be the drum throw the haill toune, 
 to be observed vnder the paines thairin contenit, with this farder addi- 
 tioun, that none sett houssis to excommunicat papistis, wnder the paine 
 of confiscatioun of the maill of the hous to be sett in this kynd, for the 
 publict vse and benefitt of the toun and punishment of the persones setteris 
 of sick houssis, at the arbitriment of the magistrattis, whilk act wes ac- 
 cordinglie intimat be the drum passand throw the haill toune, that nane 
 sould pretend ignorance. 
 
 10 January 1640. 
 
 The quhilk day, fforsamekle as Walter Cochraine, laite deane of 
 gild, and Andro Burnet, late thesaurar of the said burghe ar chairgit 
 
1640.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 197 
 
 be vertew of letteris of horning rasit at the instance of Robert and lO Jan. 
 
 James Smythes, merchandis, burgessis of Aberdeine, as assignayas — ' 
 
 lauchfullie constitute be ane noble and potent Marquis George Marquis of foberaiscd 
 
 Huntlie to the soumes of money wnderwrittin, to mak payment to the pf,^rggg 
 
 saidis Robert and James Smythes or uther of thame, of the soume of thrie for the 
 
 11- • • T f> -IT • • • 11 Marquis of 
 
 thowsand thrie scon* nyntein pundis foure shillmgis money as principal!, Huntlyes 
 
 with ane hundreth and thrie punds money for ane halff yeires annuall 
 thairof, togidder with the soume of aile thowsand punds of liquidat ex- 
 penssis, togidder also with the ordinar annualrent of the said principall 
 soume till the soume be payed, conforme to the band gewin be the saidis 
 Walter Cochrane and Andro Burnet to the said Lord Marquis thairwpoun,- 
 of the dait the sexteine day of Marche j™ sex hundreth threttie nyne 
 yeires, registrat in the bookes of councell and sessioun wpoun the tuentie 
 aucht day of December in the said yeire ; and becaus the band foirsaid 
 was gewin to the said Lord Marquis for twa hundrethe muskattis, with 
 thair furniture, and ane hundrethe pickes delyverit be his lordship to the 
 toune of Aberdeine, of his Maiesties armour that wer send laitlie to the 
 said Lord Marquis for his Maiesties service, whilkis pickes and muskattes 
 with thair fm-niture being all plunderit and tackin frome the nichtboures 
 of this burghe be the late armies that come to this toune, in the moiiethis 
 of May and Junij last, quairthrow the nichtboures of this burghe that 
 resawed the saidis muskattis and pickes refuissis to pay the same, bot hes , 
 desjTit to raise suspensioun of the chairge foirsaid gevin be vertew of the 
 saidis letteris of horning ; thairfoir the prouest, bailHes, and councell of 
 the said burghe eftirnamed, thay ar to say Patrik Leslie, prouest, Mr 
 Thomas Gray, Mr Matho Lumysdane, Mr Robert Farquhar, Mr Willeame 
 Moir, bailhes, George Moresone, George Mengzies, Alexander Burnet, 
 Adame Gordoun, Willeame Andersone, cowper, and James Hall, cordoner, 
 ordaines Alexander Jaflfray, present deane of gild, and Thomas Buck, pre- 
 sent thesaurar, to give thair band as cationeris for the saids Walter 
 Cochrane and Andro Burnet for raising of the said suspensioun, and for 
 payment to the pairtie chairger, of the saids soumes, principall, expenssis 
 
198 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1640. 
 
 10 Jan. 
 1640. 
 
 Suspension 
 to be raised 
 of tlie 
 charges 
 for the 
 Marquis of 
 Huntlyes 
 armour. 
 
 and annualrentis, incais it salbe fond be decreit of tlie Lordis of Counsfell 
 and Seesioune, that tliay aucht so to do eftir thie discussing of the siispen- 
 sioun to be raisit thairanent ; lyikas the prouest, baillies, and counsell 
 abouenamed, binds and obleissis thame and thair successoris, prouest, 
 baillies, and councell of the said bm-ghe present and to come, to waiTand 
 frie releiwe and skaithles keip the saidis Alexander Jafifray and Thomas 
 Buck, thair aires, executoris, and successoris of thair said cationrie and 
 haill soumes of money, principall, expenssis, and annualrentis aboue speci- 
 feit, and of all that may follow thairon at all hands and againes all deadlie. 
 
 15 Jan. 
 1640. 
 
 Psalms to 
 be sung 
 daily at 
 evening as 
 well as 
 morning 
 service. 
 
 15 January 1640. 
 
 The quhilk day, the prouest, baillies, and counsell, consideiing that 
 praising of God be singing of psalms, is in itseljff most laudable at all 
 tymes and occasiounes, and especiallie eftir publict prayeris both evening 
 and morning everie day as befoir and eftir sermones, and that hitherto the 
 practise of that exerceis hes not beine wsit within the kirk of this burghe 
 at the evening prayeris as in the morning, and thay being most willing 
 and caii-fuU that equall respect be had to Goddis publict worship amongst 
 thame, hes appointit, and be thir presentis appoyntis the maister of the 
 musick schoolle with his scholares to attend the evening prayeris to be 
 red nichtlie, bothe sommer and winter, within the paroche ku-k of this 
 burghe ; and eftir reiding of the pi'ayeris, to praise the Lord be singing 
 of psalmes with the congregatioun in all tyme coraeing. 
 
 29 Jan. 
 1640. 
 
 Jaffray, 
 liis dis- 
 charge of 
 his com- 
 missioun. 
 
 29 January 1640. 
 
 The quhilk day, in presens of the prowest, baillies, and councell, com- 
 pired Mr Alexander Jaffray, late prouest, commissioner chosine for this 
 burghe to ane meitting with the remanent burrowes at Edinburghe, 
 wpoun the se^vuit day of Januar instant, with continewatioune of dayes, 
 for heuing of the report of Mr Willeam Cunniughame his diligence in his 
 
1640.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGII OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 199 
 
 commissioun latelie to court, and for advysing wpoun quliat is most 29 Jan. 
 incumbent to be done for the gude of religioun and the cuntrie, and made — ' 
 declaratioun at length of suche materis as wer treatted at the said meitt- iiis ail.' 
 ing — namelie, that thair is ane subsidie granted be the nobihtie, gentrie, 
 and burrowes present thairat of ten merkis Scotts money, to be wplifted missioun. 
 of everie hundrethe merkis of yeirlie rent deu and payable to whatsumewir 
 persone within this kingdome, alsweill to burghe as landwart, for defraying 
 of the chairges bestowed on the late trubles, and releifF of theise that hes 
 wndergone the burdine, and deburst out moneyes, wictuall, or other pro- 
 wisioun in that commoun business, and thairwith declared that he insisted, 
 alse earnesthe as possibhe he culd, that oure tounes debursments and 
 losses in these trubles shuld be satisfied and refoundit be the said sub- 
 sidie, quhilk was refuisit, as lyikwayes dyvers wther petitions of that kynd 
 made be some of the gentrie for refounding of thair losses was also 
 refuisit ; and forder, the said Mr Alexander Jafifray, commissioner foirsaid, 
 producit the copie of the latter will and testament of wmquhill Mr 
 Robert Johnstoun, Esquire, resident at Londoun, quhairin he has left the 
 soume of sex hundreth punds Stirling money to this burghe to be im- 
 ployed in forme and maner, and wpoun the conditioun mentioned in his 
 said testament, qilhilk is of the date at Londone, the threttie day of 
 September, j"" sex hundreth threttie nyne yeires, the coppie whairof sa 
 far as concernis the said legacie heireftir followes — viz., also I giwe and Legacie, 
 bequeath wnto the prowest and baillies of Aberdeine, in the said realme johnstoun 
 of Scotland, sex hundreth punds sterling, wpoun thair putting in sufiicient *° ^^^^g^""" 
 surities wnto my saidis executores and owersier, to imploy the said soume deine. 
 in a stock to remaine in perpetuitie forewir, that the poore people of the 
 said citie of Aberdeine may be sett at wark in lauchfuU treddis and 
 manufactories for the benefite of the commounwealth, quhairby the aged, 
 blind, leame, and impotent people of the said citie of Aberdeine may be 
 releiwed yeii'lie out of the profite and incres of the said stock. 
 
200 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1640. 
 
 5 Feb. 
 ]640. 
 
 Anent the 
 General 1 
 Band of 
 Releiff. 
 
 5 February 1640. 
 
 The quhilk day the prowest and baillies hawing resawed instnic- 
 tiones frorae the nobilitie at southe wnder thair handis, and some of the 
 gentrie and burrowes, anent the forme of payment of the subsidie appointed 
 to be wplifted of all persones within this kingdome, alseweill to burghe as 
 landwart, for defraying of the commoun chairges bestowit on the late 
 trubles, togidder with ane copie of the generall band appointit to be sub- 
 scrywit for payment of the same subsidie, as lyikwayes a letter sensyne 
 frome the noblemen, whairby thay recommend Mr David Dalgleish, 
 minister at Cowper, to be ane of the ministeris of this burghe, and withall 
 bering thair advyse to this burghe to keip vnion as other burghes with 
 the rest of the nation for manteuing the puritie of religioun and liberties 
 of the kingdome, and the saids instructiounes, generall band, and missive 
 being all red and considderit in couucell, and thay finding that no answer 
 culd be returnit thau-anent till first the busienes be emparted to the bodie 
 of the toune, and that thay expres thameselffis how thay ar affected in all 
 these particulares, thairfoir thay ordaine the haill toune to be warnit to 
 Twysday nixt, the ellevint of this instant, to the effect the premisses may 
 be intimat to thame, and thay required to giwe thair answer and advyse 
 thairanent. 
 
 Followis the tenour of the saids Instructiones, Generall Band, 
 
 and Missive. 
 
 Instruc- 
 tiones 
 anent the 
 IJand of 
 Releiff. 
 
 The Instructiones. 
 
 Forsamekill as manie and dyvers nobillmen, gentilmen, burgesssis, 
 and vtheris, out of thair gude affectiones to religione and liberties of this 
 kingdome, haue debursed moneyes, gevin out wictiiall, or ingadged 
 thameselffis for soumes of money, and vther provisioune necessar and 
 vrgent for the publict vse of this kingdome, the releiff quhairof wes ex- 
 
1040.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 201 
 
 pectit to liaue beine made by Act of Parliament, and now sieiug the 5 Feb. 
 determinatioune of tlie Parliament is delayed, and the tyme thairof as — ' 
 yit wncertane, quhairby these who have ingadged thameselffis, or debursed tiones 
 the saidis moneyes or wther provisiounes, lyes out of payment, alsweill of ^"^"| 
 principall as annnalrent, to the hazard of thair credite and danger of thair ReleifE. 
 fortunes, quhilk is contrarie to equitie and resone, seing the benefite 
 arrysing to ws, alsweill in removeing of oiu" evilles as in the seciu'eing 
 and reforming of religione ar equallie communicate to ws all, according 
 to oure seucrall estates and degries we aucht thairfoir in equities to 
 beare ane proportionall biuxling of the saidis chairges, according to oure 
 estates and fortunes : for effectuating quhairof, necessar it is that the rule 
 of proportioune be keiped, and everie man, alsweill to burglie as land- 
 wart, pay ane equall and proportionall pairt, according to his estate and 
 yeirlie rent of lands, money, traid, or wtheris, quhairby yeirlie profite and 
 commoditie arryses : and to the effect the samen may be performed in the 
 most equitable and fairest way, it is necessar first, that the generall 
 band be subscryvit be all the noblemen, gentlemen, heritoUris, and wtheris 
 ■\^dthin the shirefdome, quha salbe convened for that effect be the persone 
 intrusted efter specifeit, and quhilk persone sail make ane accompt thairof 
 betwixt and the sevint day of Marche nixt to come, with a particular 
 note of the names and designatiounes of these who hawe subscrywit the 
 same, and of these quho refuise or delayes to subscrywe the samen, 
 alsweill burghes as landwertmen. 
 
 Next, that the noblemen, gentilmen, and wtheris heritouris within 
 ilk presbitrie, at leist so manie of thame, as eftir intimatioune to be made 
 to thame, may conveine and mak choyse of foure or mae suorne landit 
 men or vtheris of gude fame and credite, who sail tak exact tryell in like 
 maner as thay sail think fitt of the yeirlie worthe of everie man's rent, 
 estate in wictuall, money, or wther rent, quhairby yeirlie proflfeit and com- 
 moditie arryses without biu'ghe, and to distinguish the particular rentis 
 of ewerie seuerall paroche. 
 
 Secondlie, thay must keip the particulares of everie particular man's 
 1 2 0 
 
202 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1640. 
 
 5 Feb. 
 1640. 
 
 Instruc- 
 tiones 
 anent the 
 Band of 
 Keleiff. 
 
 rent besyd thameselffis, that the samen be not divulgat but to thair awin 
 nichtboui-es among thameselffis ; thirdlie, the saids persones sail take vp 
 and esteime the saids rentis, all as frie rent, without deductioun of any 
 burding except ministeris stipendis and few-dueties, and wtheris dew to 
 his Maiestie, or wtheris superiouris, with clauses irritant ; the rent of 
 buyares and sellares of wictuall, and wtheris handleris and trafficqueris 
 without burghe, most be estimat according to thair stock. 
 
 Lyfrentaves must pas as heritouris, and thair rent gevin wp in lyk 
 kynd as heritouris ; consideratioune most be had, quhat grassnmes ar 
 payed at the entrie and small dewtie thairefter, that thair rent may be 
 esteimed conforme ; so soone as the saids persones hes takine ane exact 
 tryall of ilk man's particular rent within ilk parochin of that said pres- 
 bitrie, thay must set doune ane roll of the parochinares within that pres- 
 bytrie, togidder Avith the total soume in cumulo of the rent of the said 
 parochine, alsweill in wictuall as money, quhilk roll most be subscrywit 
 be thame, testifeing the samen to be trew, wpoun thair honour and 
 credite, according to thair knowledge. Than is ane appointed in ewerie 
 presbitrie within this kingdome for agenting of this busienes, and sie it 
 putt to ane speidie and finall conclusioune, quho most be answerable to 
 giue ane accompt thau-of, and to report the same to these at Edinburghe, 
 quho salbe instrusted in the commoune bussines, and that betwixt and the 
 said sewint day of Marche nixt to cum ; and for the knowing of the pro- 
 portioun dew be the burghes, it is condiscendit that the magistrattis 
 within burghe sail mak choyse of thair ordiner number and quantitie of 
 persones vsit in lyke caises, who salbe sworne to mak ane just and trew 
 estimatioun of everie manis rent within the burghe, of burgage, land, and 
 trade, thair dwelling houssis onlie exceptit, and give wpe the same in 
 particular to the saidis magistrattes, who salbe obleist to report the same 
 in cumulo to these who shall resyde at Edinburglie, vnder the saids 
 magistrattes hands on thair credite and honoiu- ; and for eschewing of 
 the discowerie of ewerie manis estate, within or without burghe, quhairby 
 thair credite may be indangered, it is to be remembred that evcrie man 
 
1640.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 203 
 
 must pay for his rent except the ministeris stipends, few-dueties, and 5 Feb. 
 wtheris foirsaids as frie rent, without anie burding or debt, walued bollis, — * 
 or wther dewties quhatsomewir ; for recompence quhairof, ewerie debtor tiones 
 sail have retentioiine frome his creditour of anie proportionale pairt, p"^"[,Jf'^ 
 according as the impositioxme salbe layed on, and the annuelrent salbe Releiff. 
 frie of anie wther payment for that soume qnhairout the said proportionall 
 pairt salbe deducit, and sail not be stentit for the same, whether he dwell 
 within burghe or without burghe, pro wy ding alwayes that incaice the 
 said annuelrent be not payed yeirlie, at least within thrie moneth thair- 
 eftir, thair salbe no retentione of the said proportionall. 
 
 The lyik proportionall retentione is to be had for walued bollis, or 
 wtheris burdingis or dewties payed out of the lands or rentis, and least 
 the said commoun releiff sould be hiudred or delayed in anie sort, it is 
 condiscendit that gif the said report sail not come frome the saidis 
 parochines, or presbi tries, or burghes respectiue, at the day to be prefixed, 
 in that caice, it is determined that these who salhave trust in the com- 
 moune affaires sail have power to impose vpoun the saidis presbytries, 
 parochines, or burghes sick a proportionall pairt as thay sail think expe- 
 dient ; so we intreat yow to sie all thir things done, as we salbe youre 
 assiu'cd freinds. Sic suhscrihitur, Argyll, Rothes, Montrose, Eglintoun, 
 Wauchope, J. Burghly, J. Smyth for Edinburgh ; James Fletchir, Dundie ; 
 Tho. Bruce for Stirling; T. Semple, M. Campbell. Edinburgh, 18 Jan. 
 1640. 
 
 The 
 
 The GeNERALL Band. generall 
 
 We, the prowest, baillies, counsall, and deacones of craftes and 
 wtheris of the burghe of Aberdeine, onder subscryvand, considering how 
 just and neidfull a thing it is to ha we the commoune charges bestowit in 
 the lait trubles of this cuntrey payit, and these quho have ather wnder- 
 gone the burding or hawe debursit out money, victuall, or vther proui- 
 sioune, be payed and releiwit of the same alse speidilie and tymouslie as 
 
204 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1640. 
 
 5 Feb. may be, doe heirby heartilie, frielie, and willinglie oflfer and promeis for 
 — ' ws and oure successotu'is, to pay and delywer to 
 (Jeiicrall > or tliair dcputtes appointed for the samen, the 
 
 Band. soumc of ten merkis money Scottes of .everic Imndretli mcrlds of yeirlie 
 rent dew and payable to ws and the remanent burgessis, inhabitantis, and 
 wtheris lyable in extentis within oiu*e said burghe for biu-gage and trade, 
 or wther commoditie Avithin bnrghe and liberties thairof, and that conforme 
 to the estimatioiine to be made be ane competent number of the ablest, 
 most judicious, and wnderstanding honest men to be chosine be the magis- 
 trattes and counsall of the said burghe, for setting doune ane estimatioun 
 and valuation of all the saidis inhabitantis, burgessis, and wtheris forsaids 
 within the said burghe, or lyable thairto of thair estates and meanes dew 
 to thame be burgage, land, trade, or wther commoditie within bin-ghe and 
 liberties thairof (thair dwelling houssis, hospitallis, college, or schooll 
 rentis being exceptit), and quhilk estimatioune so to be made, we obleis 
 ws with all diligence to expeid and report the samen in cumulo vnder the 
 magistrattes hands to the saidis collectouris and thair foirsaids, and sail 
 pay the said soume of ten merkis of euerie hundi-eth merkis of rent fok- 
 said betwixt and the first day of April nixt to cum, togidder with ten 
 merkis money foirsaid for everie hundreth merkis failzie, and annualrent 
 thaireftir incaice of retentioune eftir the said day of payment, termelie, but 
 prejudice to sute executioune heirwpoun ; and becaus that everie man 
 alsweill to burghe as landward payes for his rent as frie rent, and not 
 burdined with any dett or wther burding, except as in the seuerall bandis 
 exceptit, thairfoir it is heirby declairit that the debtour shall have reten- 
 tioune frome the creditour of the lyik soume payit be him out of everie 
 hundreth merkis of annualrent or wther bm-ding, pro vy ding the said 
 annualrent or wther dewties be alvayis payed within the yeire, at the 
 least within thrie monethis thaireftir, otherwayes he sail hawe no reten- 
 tioune of the samen, and for the more securitie, we ar content and con- 
 sentis that thir presentis be insert and registrat in the bookis of counsall 
 and sessiouu, to have the strengthe of ane decreit of the lordis thau'of, that 
 
1640.] RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 205 
 
 lettres of horning on sex dayes and wtlires as eifeires may pas lieirwponn, 5 Feb. 
 
 and thairto we constitute onre procnratoris. ^, — 
 
 The 
 
 In witnes quhairof we hawe subscryvit thir presentis with otu-e handis Generall 
 written he Robert Neill, servitour to Willeam IngHsh, wreitter. 
 
 The Missive. 
 
 " To onre afFectionat and worthie freinds the pronest, baiUiee, and 
 counsall of Aberdeine, These. Worthie freinds being remembered of 
 the great want youre cittie hath of some minister, and beinge cairfuU 
 tliat ye might be provydit with on of the best in thir pairtee, we hawe 
 writtin eai'nesthe to Mr Dauid Dalglesh, minister at Cowper, a man of 
 great learninge and abilities, both for preaching and sustaning disputes 
 againes papistes, wishing God his paines may be etFectuall amonges yow, 
 and that ye may be all cairfull to keip vnion as wther burghes with the 
 rest of this nation, for mentening the puritie of religioun and the privi- 
 leges of the kingdome, and that ye wold lay asyde all prejudices, and 
 labour to hold out those evillis intendit for both ; doe not as many who 
 think themselffis tyed to mentein thair former practise ; remember how ye 
 hawe beine mislead against the whole kingdome with some particular 
 persones who desserted yow, and seing by oure cariage we hawe vindi- 
 catt oureselfSs frome these aspersiounes which thay suggested to yow, and 
 without any by respect hawe onlie sought the publict good, we doe most 
 earnestlie beseach yow to joyne with us heartilie heii'in, and latt the 
 euidence heirof be suche as to remove frome oure adversaries all hopes of 
 your concurrance, that so thay may be diuertit fi'ome landing amongst 
 yow, and making yovu- tovm the principall seatt of war and divisioun ; and 
 if any among yow heartneth enemies to come, ather convert thame by 
 richt informatioun, or els remowe thame, and joyning with us by all your 
 best meanes to preserve the bodie of this kingdome frome mine, we sail 
 acknowledge yow as fellow feiluig memberis thairof, and be in everie 
 
206 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1640. 
 
 6 Feb. thing youre most afifectionnat freinds to serve yow. Sic suhscribitur AxgyW, 
 — ' Kothes, Montrose, Dalhousie, Lowthian, Tester, Lindsay, Balmerino. Edin- 
 burgh, 25 January 1640. 
 
 11 Feb. 11 February 1%^0. 
 
 1640. ^ 
 
 The toun The quhilk day, the toune being convenit in the tolbuith be the 
 
 convenit. . . 
 
 hand bell, Patrik LesHe, prowest, shew and exponit to thame that the 
 
 nobilitie at south, with some of the gentrie and burrowes had send thau- 
 
 instructiounes vnder thair hands anent the forme of payment of the sub- 
 
 sidie appointed to be wplifted of all persones within this burghe, alsweill 
 
 to burghe as landwart, for defraying of the commoune chairges bestowit 
 
 on the late trubles, togidder with a copie of the generall band appointed 
 
 to be subscrywit for payment of the same subsidie, togidder also with a 
 
 letter sen syne frome the nobillmen, whairby thay hawe recommendit Mr 
 
 Dauid Dalgleish, minister at Coupcr, to be ane of the ministeris of this 
 
 burghe, and withall bering thair advyse to this burghe to keip vnion as 
 
 other burghes with the rest of the natioun for mantening of the puritie of 
 
 religioun and liberties of the kingdome ; quhilk instructiones, generall band, 
 
 and missive being oppinlie red ia audience of the toune, convenit as said 
 
 is, the prouest inquired of thame what answer shuld be returnit to the 
 
 nobilitie concerning the same, quha tuke to be advysit for geving thair 
 
 answer thau'anent till Friday nixt, the fourtene of this instant. 
 
 14 Feb. 
 1640. 
 
 TheT^nes 14: February 1640. 
 
 answer 
 
 anent tlie fphe quhilk day, the toune being convenit within the tolbuith be the 
 
 subscryv- •■■ . . 
 
 ing of the hand bell for gewing thair answer anent thair subscriptioun of the generall 
 
 Band of band, and contributiones accordinglie for defraying of the commoun chairges 
 
 andoU'ier bestowit in the late trubles, as lyikwayes for gewing thair answer anent 
 
 parti- ]yjj. Dauid Dalgleishe, minister at Cowpar, who is recommendit be the 
 
 mandit of nobilitie to be one of the ministeris of this burghe, and withall anent thair 
 thame. 
 
[1640. 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 207 
 
 vnion and joyning with the rest of the natioun for mantening the puritie ^^q^q^' 
 
 of reliffioun and liberties of the kiugdome, and being demandit vpone ^, — 
 
 _ ° _ o ' o i Tlietowncs 
 
 everie ane of the same particulares, answered as followes : And first, anent answer 
 
 • • fluent tliG 
 
 the subscryving of the generall band, thay ar content for than- pairtes, subsciyv- 
 according to the weaknes of thair meanes, to go on subscrywe and con- Qf„gpQ|"^ 
 tribute proportionablie with the remanent burrowes and bodie of the 
 kingdome, and be resone thairof desyres thair magistrattes to entreatt and other 
 the nobihtie that thay wald be pleased so to respect oure toune in that cnjares de- 
 contributionn, that thay may be satisfiet amongst the rest of what thay [Jlame' °^ 
 hawe reallie deburst and spent on the armies during the tyme of the same 
 trubles. Nixt, anent the keiping of vnion with other burghes, and joyn- 
 ing with the bodie of the kingdome as fellow feilling memberis thairof 
 againes forane invasioun, in that particular also thay promeist to contri- 
 bute thair best helpis for the publict good of the kingdome ; and last, 
 anent the planting of the said Mr Dauid Dalgleish in the vacant roume of 
 oure ministrie, thay answered, becaus the provisioun and stipend of that 
 minister must be payed be a voluntarie contributioun of the inhabitantis 
 of oure toune, thay wold not contribute to any but to those whome they 
 knew and vnderstude both of his giftis, lyff, and conversatioun, and de- 
 claired that thair ar sindrie worthie men within this province whois giftis 
 and lyff is weill knowin to thame, off whome they desyred thair magis- 
 trattes and coimsell to mak chois who sail give content both to the nobi- 
 litie and whole kh-k of Scotland, and thairfoh' desyred thair magistrattis 
 to wreitt to the nobillmen for macking a charitable constructioim of thair 
 proceidingis heirin, and not to suffer any forder harme or violence to be 
 vsed wnto thame, bot to esteime thame as fellow feilhng memberis of the 
 bodie of this kingdome. 
 
 18 February 1640. 18 Feb. 
 
 1G40. 
 
 The samen day, in presens of Patrik Leslie, prowest, and Mr Wil- jn^pi-gca- 
 
 leame Moir, baillie, Issobell Davidsone, servant to Johne Smith, fleshour, tion® 
 
 against 
 
 wes convict and put in amerciament of court for vsing imprecationis aganis the cove- 
 nanters. 
 
208 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1640. 
 
 18 Feb. 
 1G40. 
 
 Impreca- 
 tions 
 agaiust 
 the cove- 
 nanters. 
 
 the covenanteris be saying, Let newer the covenanteris hawe any pairt in 
 the kingdome of heavine, nor no pairt moir nor schoe had gude of thame 
 ane number of traitoris, and being forbidden to curse, for saying shoe 
 should neither ban thame nor blood thame, bot bursen be thow within ; 
 Johne Smith foirsaid become cautioner for the said Issobell Davidsoun for 
 payment of sic vnlaw as the counsell sail modifie for hir transgressioun to 
 forbeare, Sor the quhilk the said Issobell is ordanit to be putt in the joigs, 
 thairin to remaine fra nyne houris to tuelff ; farder, the said Issobell ordanit 
 to pay ane dolour to the deane of gild, and to be frie of her personall 
 punishment. 
 
 19 Feb. 
 ir,40. 
 
 Act anent 
 Rob, 
 Calsey- 
 macker. 
 
 19 February 1640. 
 
 The said day, the prowest, baillies, and councell ordaines Andro 
 Rob, calsiemaker, personallie present to tak doune the tuo long jeastis 
 infixit be him m the midst of the kingis calsie forgaines the tenement of 
 Dauid Aidye in the Greiue for holding wp the fou-wall of his house whairin 
 he dwellis, and to sett the saids trees within the gutter alsneir to the said 
 Avail as possible may be, and that withall convenient diligence, to the 
 effect his maiesties Hedges may have frie passage that way at all occasiones, 
 but trubill or impediment, whilk the said Andro Rob promeist sa to doe. 
 
 11 ]\Iillc1lC 
 
 1640. 
 
 Deane of 
 Gild .ap- 
 p(i3-ntc(l to 
 advance 
 vjc nicrlcis 
 to Lieu- 
 tenant 
 Colonell 
 Forbes. 
 
 11 Ilarch 1640. 
 
 The said day, the prowest, baillies, and counsall ordaines Alexander 
 Jaffray, deane of gild, to advance and deburse the soume of sex hundreth 
 merkis money to Lieutenant Colonell George Forbes for himselff, and to 
 help to pay the rest of the commanderis wha ar recommendit to the toune 
 be the Earle Marshall his missive letter, du-ect to the councell for that 
 effect, whilk soum salbe allowit to the said deane of gild in his comptis. 
 
IGiO.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGII OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 209 
 
 8 April 1640. 
 
 1640. 
 
 The quliilk day, the prowest, baillies, aud coimcell of the buro-he of J-iffi'iy 
 ... . chosm 
 
 Aberdeme being convemt m the tonnes counselhous, electit, nommat, and commis- 
 
 chusit Mr Alexander JafFray, than- lait prowest and commissioner of parha- nieHTiiif^ ^ 
 
 ment, to be commissionar for this biirghe, for keiping of a meiting of the ^^^i^yftig 
 
 nobihtie, barrones, and burrowes of this kingdome, appointed to hanld at and estates 
 
 Jliclmburgh the sevinteine day of Apryll instant, conforme to the missive burgh. 
 
 direct for that effect to the prowest, baillies, and coimcell of this burgh e 
 
 be the commissionares of the burghe of Edinburghe, dated the tiientie 
 
 fyft day of Marche last bypast, with power to the said Maister Alexander 
 
 Jafiray, to treatt, resone, vote, conclude and determine with the estates 
 
 there to be convenit vponn such materis as salbe treatted at the said 
 
 meitting tending to the glorie of God, and mantenance of religion, lawes, 
 
 and liberties of this kingdome, promitting to hauld firme and stabill what- 
 
 sumeAVu- thau' said commissioner shall doe in the premisses, and ordaines 
 
 Thomas Buck, thesaurar, to deburse the soume of tlirie hundreth merkis 
 
 money to the said commissionar for macking his expenssis to ane compt, 
 
 quhilk salbe allowit to the said thesaurer in his comptis. 
 
 9 April IQAO. 9 April 
 
 1640. 
 
 The quhilk day, the toune being convenit in the tolbuith be the Chusing of 
 handbell for electing and choosing of taxstares to stent the nightboures for iTerft- 
 and inhabitantis of this burghe, who hes subscrywit the generall band of J"^^!^*'^®^. 
 releiflf, for payment of the soume of ten merkis money of everie hundreth payment 
 merkis of yeu-lie rent, dew aud payable to thame for bm-gage, land, trade, or tent partis 
 wther commoditie within burghe and liberties thairof (thair dwelling- to'tlie™^ 
 houssis, hospitallis, college and school rentis being exceptit), and that for g^""^^^ 
 defraying of the commoun chau-ges bestowit in the late trubles of this 
 kingdome, and whaii'as sindrie of the nichtboures makis scrupule to sub- 
 scrywe the said band becaus it is not set doune thairin for what spaice of 
 
 1 2D 
 
210 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1640. 
 
 9 April 
 1640. 
 
 Chusing of 
 taxtarcs 
 for stcnt- 
 ing tlie 
 toim for 
 payment 
 of thair 
 tent partis 
 confonne 
 to tlie 
 General! 
 Band. 
 
 tyme the said contributioune sould endure; thairfoir, and for satisfeing 
 the haill inhabitantis of that surupule, Mr Thomas Gray, baillie, caused 
 reid publictlie in thair audience a letter direct frome the nobilitie and 
 otheris of the committie at Edinburghe to the prowest, baillies, and 
 counsall of this burghe beirand that the said contributioun sail in- 
 dure for the yeire of God 1639 allanerlie, off the quhilk missive letter 
 the tenom* followes : — " To our worthie freindis the prowest, baillies, and 
 counsall of Aberdeine. Worthie freinds, we hawe hard of some doubtis 
 yow mak anent the subscription of the band for the tenth pairt ; and first 
 in the durance thereof; for answere wherewnto yow may mend it in the 
 margine (for the yeire of God 1639 allenerlie.) SecundHe, yow say that 
 some will pay money and not subscrywe the band. This will not be 
 received ffome any, seeing it is of ane ill example, and will open a doore 
 to many inconveniences, we hope ye will goe on hartilie as other burghes 
 in the kingdome, and giwe no occasioun of suspitioun, but rather to be a 
 gude example to the rest of that shyre, we have thought it fitt to levie a 
 regiment to be vnder Colonell Monrois command, which is appomted for 
 the north, as weill to keip off foraine invasion as to redres intestine 
 jarris, whome we intreatt yow further and assist in all things tending to 
 the weill of the cuntrie ; and becaus we have no tyme in this present to 
 wreitt moir largelie to yow, yow shall know that we ar to send on to 
 yow and the rest of that shyi-e with such instnictiounes and informatiounes 
 as ar fitting to be repi*esented to yow and thame for the weill of the 
 cuntrie in generall and yourselffis in particular, to which tyme we rest 
 your affectionat friends. Sic suhscrihitur Montrose, Lowthian, Balmerino, 
 Burghly, Forrester, Patrik Hepburn of Wachtoun, F. Hepburne, Richard 
 Maxwell. Edinburghe, 20 March e 1640." Eftu- the reiding of the quhilk 
 letter, the tonne convenit as said is, electit, nominat, and chusit George 
 Richard, Mr Patrik Chalmer, Robert Smith, Alexander Farquhar, James 
 Smith, Thomas Gray, Thomas Burnet, Robert Forbes, Walter Cochrane, 
 Willeame Forbes, elder, Dauid Aidy, Johne Leslie, George Pyper, Wil- 
 leame Ord, wricht, James Christie, tailyeour, and James Hall, cordoner. 
 
1640.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 211 
 
 to be taxtares and stentares for setting doune ane estimatioun and valua- 9 April 
 tioun of all the inhabitantis of this burghe svibscryvares of the said band, -;— 
 of thair estates and meanes due to thame be burgage, land, trad, or taxtares 
 wther commoditie within burghe and liberties thairof (except befoir ex- th"'" 
 ceptit), and for setting doune and giving furth a stent roll thaii-wpoun ^^y'^g^^'j 
 subscrywit with than- handis beirand the particular soi;me of money whair- of thair 
 wnto ilk persone is stentit, quhilkis taxtares being all personallie present confdrme 
 except the said George Ricard, acceptit the said chairge in and wpoun Qg^Jg^-aii 
 thame, and gave thair solemone oathes for stenting thair nichtbouris Band, 
 wprichtlie according to thair knowlege, without partialitie or respect of 
 persones, conforme to the order prescryveit be the said generall band, to 
 the quhilkis taxtares abouenamed, Mr Thomas Gray, Mr Wm. Moir, baillies, 
 wpoun considerable respectis, wer conjoynit to sitt as taxtares with thame 
 as being abill, judicious, and vnderstanding men for setting of the said 
 stent, and was sworne to that effect. 
 
 15 April 1640. • 15 April 
 
 1G40. 
 
 The quhilk day, the prowest, baillies, and counsell, for satisfactioun ^^^^..^ 
 of the desyre of a letter dii'ect to thame frome the Erll Marischall, dated at advancitto 
 Dunnotter the tuelff of Aprill instant, ordaines the soume of ane thowsand colonell"* 
 merkis money to be advancit and delyvered to Levetenant Colonell George '^o'''^^^- 
 Forbes be the deane of gild, thesaurar, and Mr of the Impost, proportion- 
 ablie amongst thame as followes, viz., be Alexander Jaffray, deane of gild, 
 twa hundreth merkis, be Thomas Buck, thesaurar, foure hundreth merkis, 
 and be Patrik Moir, Mr of Impost, foure hundi-eth merkis, qi;hilkis soumes, 
 with the soume of sex hundred merkis formerlie advancit be the deane of 
 gild to the said levetenant colonell Forbes, is ordanit to be refoundit bak 
 agane to the advanceris thairof in the first end of this burghes taxatioun, 
 payable to the nobilitie be vertew of the generall band of releiflf. 
 
212 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1640. 
 
 15 April 15^;m71G40. 
 
 1640. ^ 
 IsobelBlak The said day, Issobell Blak, spous to William Baxter, convict, be the 
 
 joggit depositioun of witnessis, for injuring and slandering of George Boyes, 
 laxfisher, in saying he had stolen a kow from Petfoddellis, and sould have 
 bein haugit thairfoir, fifor the quhilk the said Issobell is ordanit to be 
 joggit or then to redeime herselfif be payment of ane dolour, and to crave 
 the pairtie offendit pardon in a fenceit com-t on Friday nixt, otherwayes 
 no redemptioun fi'ome the joggis. 
 
 22 April 22Ji?n71640. 
 
 1640. 
 
 Liceiice quhilk day, anent the supplicatioun gewin in to the prowest, 
 
 fjcwiii to baillies, and counsell be Andro Rob, calsiemaker, mackand mentioun that 
 
 Rob anent , ' . . / ' . 
 
 tliebigging quhair out of ignorance he did latelie put wp ane stair for entring to his foir 
 steppis of hous biggit be him in the south syid of the Greine, hopeing the same sould 
 Ills stair, gather give olfence to any, nor yit be preiudiciall to the kings hie streit ; 
 
 and becaus the said stair is so necessar for a passage to his said hous 
 whilk he hes biggit wpoun his great expenssis for decoratioun of that 
 paii't of the toune sa far as in him lay, thairfoir he humblie desyrit thair 
 wisdomes that thay wald be pleasit to suffer the said stair to stand wn- 
 dimolished, ffor the quhilk he sould obleis himselff to i-epair and help any 
 defect in the calsies of this burghe whilk he laitlie repaint, and that 
 wpoun his awin expenssis diu-ing his lyftyme, as in the said supplicatioun 
 at lenth was contenit, whilk being at length considderit be the saidis pro- 
 west, baillies, and counsell, and eftir occular inspectioun had be thame 
 being convenit wpoun the ground abefoir for that effect, thay fund that 
 the said hous cannot be convenientlie servit wanting a stair to enter 
 thairwnto, and that the holding wp of the said stane steppis does not 
 hinder the passage in the kingis hie streit, thau-foir thay hawe giwen and 
 grantit, and be thir presentis giwes and grantis licence and tolerance to 
 the said Andro Rob to hold and keip wp the stane steppis biggit be him 
 
1640.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 213 
 
 to the foirsaid wall of the said hoiis for entrins: to the owerhous thau-of 22 April 
 
 164:0 
 
 wpoun the couditioiines eftu- following, ffor the qiihilk licence abouewrittin — ' 
 
 the said Andro Rob bindis and oblessis him, his aires and successoures, ^ewin to 
 
 heretabill proprietares of the said fifoirhous, to pay and delywer to the ^,ebi^'gi"ii 
 
 thesaurer of the said biirsrhe tuentie sex schillingis aucht penneis Scottis °^ 
 
 . . . . . steppis of 
 
 money of yeirlie dewtie in all tyme coming, efter the said Andro his his stair. 
 
 deceas whom the same salhappin, and in the meane tyme to wphold, man- 
 
 teane, and repair the new calsies of this bm'ghe, biggit and to be biggit 
 
 thairin in all the defects and ruynes thairof on his awin proper charges 
 
 and expenssis duringe his lyftyme, whilk the comisall ar content to 
 
 accept in satisfactioun of the said yeirlie dewtie during the said space, 
 
 and thau-eftir the said fou'hons to be onlie aflfectit with the payment of the 
 
 samen yeirlie dewtie of tuentie sex schillings aught penneis in all tyme 
 
 thaireftir, to be payed at Witsonday and Martimes in winter be equall 
 
 portiounes to the thesaurar of this burgh for the tyme ; provyding 
 
 alwayes if the charges to be made be the said Andro in furneshing sand 
 
 and steanes for repairing the defectis of the saidis calseyis exceid in a 
 
 yeir the foirsaid yen-lie duetie of tuentie sex ss,, eight d. ; in that caice 
 
 the toun to be lyable in payment to him of the super plus of his deburse- 
 
 mentis for sand and stanes, nor the said yeirlie duetie extendis to. 
 
 5 May 1640. 5 May 
 
 1640. 
 
 In presence of Mr Robert Farquhar, baillie, Helen Mearnes, spous to 
 Willeame Wilsoun, watterman, convict of her awin confessioun, and be 
 the depositioun of witnessis, for injuring of Janet Walker in rugging her 
 be the hair, and casting a cap at her [ordered] to forbeare, &c., . . . 
 her vnlaw modefeit to fourtie shillings. 
 
214 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1640. 
 
 G May 
 1640. 
 
 Jaffrayes 
 discharge 
 of his com- 
 missioun. 
 
 Instruc- 
 tiones for 
 com- 
 manderis 
 and 
 
 soiouris. 
 
 6 May 1640. 
 
 The said day, in presens of the pro west, bailhes, and counsell, com- 
 peirit Mr Alexander JafFray, lait pi'owest, commissionar chosin for this 
 burghe to the ParKament and Generall Assemblie laitHe hauldin at Edin- 
 burghe, and to twa wther meitingis of the estates sensyne, tuitching the 
 efifaires of this kingdome, and made ane ample deolaratioun of snche 
 materis as wer treatit at the saids twa last meittiugis, as he had done 
 abefoir of the proceidingis in Parliament and Assemblie; inrespect quhairoff 
 the saidis prowest, baillies, and coimsall findis that the said Mr Alexander 
 hes dewlie and faithfullie acqnytit himselff in his saids commissiounes, 
 and thairfoir dischairges him of the samen. 
 
 Followes the particular instructiounes and ordour sett dotine be the 
 estates of this kingdome for mantenance of commanderis and soiouris of 
 the regimentis appointit to be levied for the publict service of the cun- 
 trie, quhilkis instructiounes the said Mr Alex. Jaffray producit, and the 
 prowest, baillies, and counsall ordaines the samen to be registrat in the 
 counsall register ad futiiram rei menioriam. 
 
 Efter dew consideratioun and long debait be the nobilitie, barones, 
 and burgessis convenit for the tyme at Edinburghe, the sevinteine day of 
 Aprill instant, anent the most expedient and easiest way for defence of 
 oure religioun, lyves, and liberties in this vrgent extremitie, efter con- 
 sideratioun 'had of oure present estate and conditioun, togidder with all 
 objectiounes and inconvenientis might follow, being confident that all who 
 loves religioun or the liberties of this kingdome, will rather adventm-e 
 what they have than run the hazard of being perpetuallie miserable, hawe 
 thoght it necessar that the tent pairt of the rentis alreddie appoyntit 
 be with all possible diligence ingathered and sent to Edinburghe to the 
 collectoris generall appoyntit for that effect, togidder with the valua- 
 tiounes and bands which ar not yet come in, for effectuating quhau'of, the 
 collonellis in euerie shirefdome or presbiteries, togidder with the nobill- 
 men and gentillmen there, ar appointit to haist in the saids valuatiounes, 
 
1640.] 
 
 RECOEDS OF THE BURGII OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 215 
 
 bands and money betwixt and the tuelff day of May next to come at 6 May 
 
 fardest ; lyiltas the said chairge is imposit vpoune thame, with certifica- — ' 
 
 tioun if thay doe not send in the said money or dihgence betwixt and the tiones for 
 
 said day thay salbe lyable thameselfEs thairto — viz., the Earle of Mar- ^^jgyjg 
 
 schall, the Lord Fraser, and the Maister of Forbes for your schyre, who 
 
 r> 1 11 • 1 • soiouns. 
 
 sail hawe power to seik acompt of the collectoris, and put everie man to 
 
 it according to the last instructiounes ; lyikas the haill commissionares 
 
 of burrowes presentlie convenit wer appointed to giwe either reall moneyes 
 
 or securitie for payment of thair seuerall pau-tes, with thair valuationes 
 
 betwixt and the said tuelff day of Maij nixt to come ; and becaus efter 
 
 exact tryell be commoun calculatioun of the said tent pairt, it is found 
 
 that the present necessar imployment will neid a stock of money alsweill 
 
 for payment of the twa standing regimentis for the south and north, and 
 
 of the commoun magazines and oflSciares of artiliaries, as of the third 
 
 pau't of the wther soiouris pay, to be levied out of the schyres conforms 
 
 to the proportioun of everie schyre ; therefoir all in ane voice efter long 
 
 reasoning and disput, thought most fitt that when we shalbe necessitat to 
 
 bring ane armie to the feildis, or to defend anie pairt of the cuutrie which 
 
 salbe invaded, that all the men who sail be sent out or made vse of within 
 
 any schyre or schyres sail be intertained according to the proportioun of 
 
 men and quantitie of wictuellis where out of they come, or to whome they 
 
 sail belong, for the spaice of fourtie dayes efter thair outcoming, conforme 
 
 to the proportioun of the saids schyres, and that by and attour the said 
 
 tent pairt — viz., for your proportioun tua thousand ane himdreth foote, 
 
 twa hvmdreth horse, twa hundreth cariage horse, twa hundreth guardis 
 
 hagbutteris, tua hundreth pyners. A commone soiour hes for meat and 
 
 drink munethlie ane firlott twa peckis nieall, ane firlott malt, with twa 
 
 schillingis in the day of money. All wther officers vnder the ensignes to 
 
 have pay payit the twa pau-t thairof in meall and malt, and the rest in 
 
 money. 
 
 The capitane of foot not being a soiour of fortunes, twa furlots 
 wheat, ane boll twa furlotts meall, ane boll malt, twa bollis aites, and 
 
216 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1640. 
 
 6 May 
 1640. 
 
 Instruc- 
 tiones for 
 com- 
 manderis 
 and 
 
 soioui'is. 
 
 aughteine punds money. The lievtennent of foot the lyk kynd — twa fur- 
 lots quheat, ane boll meill, twa furlots malt, ane boll aitts, twelff punds 
 money. 
 
 The ensignes of fate of the lyk kynd — ane furlot quheat, thrie fur- 
 lotts meill, twa furlotts malt, ane boll aites, and aught punds money. 
 
 The soiom-is of fortune of the lyk qualitie to hawe the lyk proportion 
 of victuell, and all the rest of thair pay in money. 
 
 A capitane of horsse to have thrie furlotts wheat, twa boUis meill, 
 ane boll twa furlottes malt, foure bollis twa furlottes aites, and twentie- 
 foui-e punds monethlie. 
 
 A lievtennent of horsse, twa furlotts wheat, ane boll twa furlotts 
 meill, ane boll malt, thrie bolls aittes, and sexteine pund money. 
 
 The cornet of horsse is to have twa furlotts wheat, ane boll meill, 
 thrie firlotts malt, thrie bolles aittes, and twelf punds money. 
 
 The trumpetar, thrie fm-lotts meall, ane furlott twa peckis malt, ane 
 furlott twa peckes aittes, and aughteine pundis money. 
 
 The corporall the lyck victuell, and twelf pundis money. 
 
 The horsraan the lyck victuell, and sex pundis money. 
 
 The carriage horsse, for boy and horsse, ane firlott twa peckis meill, 
 ane furlet malt, ane boll aites, and threttie ss. money. 
 
 The guard and pyiners to have the lyck pay as the common soiouris. 
 
 As also it is thocht fitt that the Committie of Warre in ilk schirref- 
 domes cast the proportioun of men out of everie paroche, and cause thame 
 be enrolled and commanders appointed to bring thame out upoun adver- 
 tissement. 
 
 And siclyik that the provisioun of armes be maid with all diligence 
 be the tennent who is able to buy, or be the heritouris quhair the tennent 
 is not able. 
 
 And siclyik it is appointit that the heritouris within everie schyre 
 or committie of warre thei'ein appointit commissaris, ane or ma, within 
 ewerie presbiterie, to tak wp alse mucke victuell by and attour the said 
 tent pairt as will iutertaine the proportioun of men forrsaid to come out 
 
1640.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 217 
 
 ns 
 soiouns. 
 
 of the seuerall scliyres, for fourtie dayes at least ; quliilk proportioune is 6 May 
 to be taken wp conforme to the rentis of the said presbyterie or shyre. — ' 
 
 And becaus the men must come out of euerie schirrefdome according tiones for 
 to thair number, and thair interteinement must be according to thair 
 rentis, thairfoir it is appointit, first, that if anie schyre be found efter dew ^^.^ , 
 calculatioun, to be stentit in the divisioun foirsaid to moir than thair dew 
 proportioun, it is declaired tharefter exact tryell, vpon remonstrance it 
 salbe remedied : Secundlie, it is declaired that thir men, or anie necessar 
 pairt thairof, salbe imployed according to the most vrgent necessitie for 
 defence of any pairt of the kingdome which salbe in danger for the time. 
 
 Thirdlie, if any schirrefdome or burghe sail give out moir provisioim 
 in victuell or money than thair dew proportioun, efter valuatioun of the 
 haill kingdomes, it is hereby declaired that, efter compt and rekning, the 
 same salbe repaid ; and if thay have payit out les, the same most be payed 
 into the common collectour, to mak wp wther mens losses. 
 
 It is earnestlie recommendit to all the shy res in the kingdome, that 
 colonellis be chosin where thay ar not as yet, and that the haill schyres 
 be maid wp in companies, everie man as thay lye in thair paroches, 
 betwixt sextie and sexteine, to be in readines wpoun all necessar occa- 
 siounes to defend thameselffis from any suddane invasionn, or to assist 
 thair nightbouring shyres, as tha}^ sail gett ordour, and necessitie requyre. 
 
 Where the valuationes ar not trewHe done, it is appointed that what 
 is concealled shalbe confiscat for the publique vse. 
 
 It is also appointed, that those of the committie of warr shall hawe 
 power to designe the men, and cause put thame out when thay get 
 orderis. 
 
 6 May 1640. 6 May 
 
 1640. 
 
 The said day, the prowest, baillies, and counsall, considering that Ordinance 
 Johne Leith of Harthill does continew in his disorderis and miscariage be johne 
 shooting of gunes and pistolls out of the wyndoes of the wairdhous, 
 
 1 2 E ' 
 
218 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1640. 
 
 C May 
 1640. 
 
 Ordinance 
 anent 
 Johne 
 Leitli of 
 Haitliill. 
 
 whairin he is detenit prisoner, and daylie caries wapones wpoun bim as 
 if be war at libertie, qubilkis ar secretlie convoyit to him at the saids 
 wyndoes, notwithstanding of many admonitiounes and chairges gevin to 
 him in the contrair ; tbairfoir thay all in ane voice ordaines the wyndoes 
 of that chamber in the wairdbous whairin he remaines to be secmit in all 
 convenient diligence ather be plet stansheounes and tirleiss of yron, or 
 some wther suir devyce that be may be debarrit frome the lyk insolencie 
 beireftir. 
 
 12 May 
 1640. 
 
 Straquliyn 
 convict of 
 dinging 
 Beith. 
 
 12 May 1640. 
 
 The said day, in presence of Patrik Leslie, prowest, and Mr Willeame 
 Moir, baillie, James Straqiihyn, servant to Mr Robert Farquhar, baillie, 
 convict of his awin confessioun for the dinging and stricking of Willeame 
 Beith wpon the mouth and face Avitb his hand, to the effusion of his blood ; 
 for the qubilk the Councell ordanes the said James to be wardit for aucbt 
 dayes, or then to redeme him selff be peyment of four merkis. 
 
 Eodemdie. Eodem die. 
 
 Patersoncs 
 convict. 
 
 The same day, in presence of Mr Wm. Mou*, baillie, Jeane Patersoun, 
 spous to Johne Wilsoun, convict of her awin confessioun for saying that 
 shoe hard it said that John Lindsay, tinclar, had stollen a siluer quarter 
 mease out of the Earle Marshellis place ; and Jeane and Elspet Patersones, 
 dauchters to Alexr. Patersone, hornei", convict be the depositiounes of 
 sindrie famous witnessis for casting ower of Agnes Ribbons, spous to Johne 
 Lindsay, tincklar, and ryving of her cursh off her beid [ordered] to forbear 
 &c. ; and the said Alexr. Patersone, horner, become actit and obligit not to 
 trubile nor molest the said Johne Lindsay, his wyf, bairnes, and servantis 
 be way of dead under the paine of fourtie pundis ; and the said John 
 become actit and obleigit not to trubile the said Alexr. vnder the lyik 
 
1640.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 219 
 
 paine of ffoiirtie pundis, for the quliilk tlie counsall orclaines the said 
 Jeane Patersone to be joggit, or then to redeme hu'selff thairfra be pay- 
 ment of ane dolour to the deane of gild, and to crave the pairtie ofiendit 
 pardone in a fenced court, under the payne of jogging. 
 
 27 Jlfrtw 1640. 27 May 
 
 1640. 
 
 The quhilk day, anent the missive direct to the prowest, baillies, and Commis- 
 councell of this burghe frome the commissionaris of burro wes on the com- cliosin to 
 mittie of estate, desyiring that our commissioner of parliament may keip Jl^'enL'"'' ' 
 the secund day of Junij next at Edinburglie as the dyett whairwnto the 
 parliament wes prorogat, off the quhilk missive the tenour followes : — 
 
 " To our loving freindis and niclitboures the prowest, baillies, and 
 councell of Aberdeine. Loving freinds and nichtbom-es, whairas tlie parlia- 
 ment wes prorogat to the second of June nixt ensewing by his maiesties 
 warrand, in consideratioun quhairof, and inrespect of the eminent danger 
 we now stand in, we thocht gude first to lett yow know that the English 
 (whether freebuters or kingis schippis we know not) hawe takin sindrie of 
 om'e Scottis men coming frome Holland and France, .and hawe confiscat 
 thair gudes and schippis, striped thair men naked, and wsed thame with 
 all kynd of hostiUtie, quhairof we admire, no injurie being done to thame. 
 We sent to the deputie Governour of Berwick (who hath two of our 
 shippis) to demand a reason of thair taking, who retixrnes answer that 
 he can give no answer untill he acquaint the councell of England with 
 oure letter. AVe wer in hops that the parliament of England noAV sitting 
 sould take matteris to heart, and not suffer the busines come to ane 
 nationall quarrell, bot be all appearance, oure long suffering is likelie to 
 turne to oure mine if the same be not prevented ; and nixt, inrespect of 
 the manie prejudices may aryse incaice Ave neglect what is propper to us 
 for preservatioun of oure liberties, we entreat that thair commissioneris of 
 parliament may keip the said dyet, and to be heir a day or two befoir the 
 tyme, that, by Godis meanes, to preserve this land frome miserie and 
 
220 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1640. 
 
 27 May threatued slaverie. The dyet is peremptour, whiclie, if once slipped, can- 
 — ; not be regained, and makis ws the moir earnest to hawe everie thing done 
 sionar incumbent to "ws, leist oure posteritie suld blame ws for neglect of what 
 the ParHa- ^"^J Conduce for preservatioune of oure religioun, lywes, and liberties, 
 ment. which sould be oure cheifest cair, and is the earnest desyii's of your loving 
 freinds and nightbouris. Sic siibscribitur, J. Smith, Richard Maxvell, Tho. 
 Bruce for Stirling. Edinburgh, the 9 of May 1640." For obedience and 
 satisfactioun of the desyre of the quhilk missive, the prowest, baillies, and 
 councell nominatis and appointis Mr Alexander Jaflfray, late prowest and 
 commissionar of parliament, to keip the forsaid dyett, whairwnto the said 
 parliament is prorogat, with power to him to treatt, reasone, vote, con- 
 clude, and determine with the estates of this kingdome, to be convenit 
 wpoun all materis to be treated in parliament tending to the glorie of 
 God, the mantenance of the true religioun, lawes, and liberties of this 
 kingdome, conforme to the commissioun givin to him at the first doune 
 sitting of the said parliament ; and becaus Mr Alexander Jaffray gawe in 
 his compt this day in presens of the counsall, of the soume of two thow- 
 sand merkis receawed be him at the first going to the parliament in the 
 moneth of August l-^st, 1639, frome Andro Burnet, then thesaurer, as lyik- 
 wayes of the soume of sex hundreth merkis receaved be him sensyne 
 from Thomas Buck, present thesaurar, being employed sen Michaelmes 
 last twa seuerall tymes commissionar for this bm-ghe to Edinburghe, first 
 in October, and thau-eftir in Aprill last, at the fute of the quhilk compt 
 the said Mr Alexander is fund super expendit in the soume of ane hundreth 
 threttie nyne pundis ; thairfoir, and for payment to him of his said super 
 expenssis, and for macking of his chairges in his present commissioun to 
 the parliament, the prowest, baillies, and counsall ordaines the said 
 Thomas Buck, thesaurar, to deburse to him the soume of fywe- hundreth 
 merkis money to ane compt, quhilk salbe allowit to the said Thomes Buck 
 in his thesaurar comptis. 
 
1640.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGII OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 221 
 
 Eodem die. Eodem die. 
 
 The said day, the haill toime being warnit be the drum, and conven- J'^'^'^j^^P|Jg 
 ing for the most pairt in the tolbuith, Patrik Leslie, prowest, causit reid committe 
 and intimat publictlie vnto thame the precept direct to him and to the silver and 
 baillies be the Erie Marshall and remanent of the committie of the schiref- 
 dome of Aberdeine anent the silver wark, goldsmith wark, and cunzeit 
 moneyes belonging to the inhabitantis of this biirghe, otf the quhilk pre- 
 cept the tenotir followes, " Ws. Willeame, Earle Marshall, and remanent of 
 the committie of the schu-efdorae of Aberdeine undersubscryvares, conforme 
 to the warrand direct to ws be the estates of this kingdome, be thir pre- 
 sentis commandis and ordaines yow the prowest, bailies, and magistrattis 
 of the burghe of Aberdeine to tak wp a trew and exact inventar of all 
 the inhabitantis within the citie of Aberdeine, and liberties thairof wpoun 
 thair great aith of veritie of all silver wark, goldsmith wark, and cunzeit 
 money perteining to thame, and that wpoun consideratioun that the same 
 may be imployed and cunziet for the publict vse of the cuntrie vpoun suflS- 
 cient securitie to be gevin to thame thairfoir, at thrie pinidis for ilk vnce 
 silver, and for ilk vnce gold, to be payed within yeire and 
 
 day thaireftir, with certificatioun to all concealleris, that not onlie the 
 said silver and gold, bot all thair movable gudes sail be confiscat to the 
 publick vse for thair disobedience and contempt, quhairof we will yow to 
 mak intimatioun to your people, as ye will be answerable ; subscryveit be 
 ws at Aberdeine, the aucht day of May 1640, and this to be done both to 
 covenanteris, and not covenanteris, and that ye report your diligence 
 heiranent betwixt and the xv day of May instant. Sic suhscrihitur Mar- 
 schall A. Forbes, Alex. Eraser, S"' Wm. Forbes, J. Forbes, Leslie, George 
 Baird, M. J. Baird ; " and siclyik the said Patrik Leslie, prowest, intimat 
 to the tonne, convenit as said is, the Erll Marshallis letter direct to the 
 prowest and baillies of this burghe, desyiring the haill toune to meitt his 
 lordship in armes at the Brig of Die the morne, in the eftir noone, off the 
 quhilk letter the tenour followes : — 
 
222 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1640. 
 
 Eodem die. 
 
 Precept 
 
 from the 
 
 committe 
 
 anent 
 
 silver and 
 
 goldsmith 
 
 wark. 
 
 Charge to 
 tlie tonne 
 to meitt 
 the Erie 
 Marshall 
 at the Brig 
 of Dee in 
 
 " To my loving freinds the prowest, and baillies of. Aberdeine. My 
 very loveing freinds, these ar to show yow that I intend (God wiHing) on 
 Thursday nixt in the eftirnoone to be at Aberdeine, quhair I will bring 
 with me Generall Maior Munro and his regiment, for qiihome I pray yow 
 cause prowyd victuallis, for the payment, for nothing sail be takin without 
 reddie moneyes, ye alwayes approving yourselffis gude cuntrie men, and 
 withall ye sail be in armes and meitt ws at the brig of Dee, that we may 
 joyne for defence of your toune, and of so many honest men as sail be 
 fund thairin, and for the peace of the cuntrie about, but I wish ye be better 
 conveened, nor ye wer at your last wappingshawing. So not doubting of 
 your cair and diligence hehin, I rest youris lowing freind, Sic subscriliitur, 
 Marshall. Dunoter, 26 May 1640." Conforme to the quhilk letter and for 
 obedience thairwiito, the toune wer chargit be the said Patrik Leslie, 
 prowest, to be in reddines the morne be tuelff houres in armes at the 
 mercat croce, and to marche thairfra with thair magistrattis to the Brig 
 of Die for meitting of the said Erie Marishall and Generall Maior Munro 
 thairat, and convoying thame thairfra to the toune. 
 
 29 May 29 J% 1640. 
 
 1640. 
 
 convenit "^^^ quhilk day, Patrik Leslie, prowest, causit red publictlie in audi- 
 
 for sub- ence of the Imill toune, convenit this day in the tolbuith be the drum, the 
 
 the^articles articles underwrittin proponit and gewin in yisternicht to the magistratts 
 
 presented q£ ^j^-g j^urghe be the Erie Marshall and Generall Maior Munro, immediatlie 
 to thame ° ' 
 
 be the after thair incoming to the toune with thair armie, and declaired that the 
 EarleMar- . n i • i i i • • i i- i 
 
 shall and magistratts oi this burghe wer chairgit to subscrywe presentlie the saidis 
 
 Malor^" articles, befoir the souldiouris laid doune thair armes or removed off the 
 Mmro. streets ; Ijnkas than instantlie the prowest and baillies and sic of the 
 niclitbouris as wer present with thame, for obedience to the chairge sub- 
 scryvit the saidis articles, and wer commaiidit to convene the haill toune 
 this day, to the effect thay might lyikwayes subscrywe the same, wha being 
 
1640.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 223 
 
 convenit in the tolbuith, as said is, the Erll Marshall and Generall Maior 29 May 
 
 Munro being both present for the tyme, requyred and commandit the — 
 
 nichtboures and inhabitantis to subscrywe the saidis articles, as thay wald convenit 
 
 be answerable wpoim thair perrill ; for obedience to the quhilk chairge, the g°pyving 
 
 inhabitantis suche as wer present, subscrywit the saids articles, whairof ^''^ aitidea 
 
 1- ' ^ presentea 
 
 the tennour followes : — to tliame 
 
 " The tuentie eight day of Maiy 1640. Articles of Bonaccord, to be Earlc Mar- 
 
 condiscendit wnto be the magistrattis of Aberdeine for thameselffis, and Q(i|||,,!^"f 
 
 taking the burdinge wpoun thame for all the inhabitantis, to be presentlie 
 
 sealed, subscrywit, and delywerit to Generall Maior Munro, as hawing 
 
 warrand fi-ome the Earle Marischall in the estates name of this kingdome, 
 
 and Generall Leslie. 
 
 1. First desyres the magistrates to giwe in a roll or list of theise 
 inhabitantis, absent or present, that hath not subscrywed the Covenant 
 and Generall Band, that thay may be disarmed as bad and evill patriottis. 
 
 2. Desyires the prowest, magistratts, and all the inhabitants to gieue 
 thair great oath of fidelitie not to correspond or keip interchange of intel- 
 ligence with any that hes not subscrywed the Covenant and Generall 
 Band, under paine of lossing thair lyflFs and confiscatioun of their goods. 
 
 3. Desyres thay condiscend willinglie to contribute to the intertain- 
 ment of the regiment, according as thay salbe stentit in paying of thair 
 tent pairt ; and the soldatesta being quartered in thair toune, that they 
 be obleiged, for thameselffis and thair inhabitantis, not to harme or injure 
 thame indirectlie, vnder the paine of death. 
 
 4. Desyires thay be obleiged, for thameselffis and inhabitantis, not to 
 heare any minister preache within the toune who hath not subscryed the 
 Covenant, under the paine of being banished the toune, both preacheris 
 and heareris. 
 
 5. Desyires the regiment, being quartered and billated within the 
 toune, may be intertained during thair residence thair in meat, di'ink, and 
 ludging, according to the generall ordour subscryved be the Committie of 
 Estate for the twa pairt of meanes allowed to inferiour officiares and 
 
224 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1640. 
 
 29^May souldiouvis a day, according to the list of pay to be givin in to the toune- 
 
 — schip be the Generall Major under his hand, in name of the Committie of 
 
 convenit Estate, the Generall, and the Eai'le Marisliall. 
 
 scryving ^- Desyu'cs the magistrattis to delywer to the Generall Major, befoir 
 
 the articles j^ig entrie, in name of the Committie of Estate, Generall Leslie, and the 
 presented _ ... . . 
 
 to tliame Earle Marishall, the keyes of thair portis and entries, of thair magassmes 
 
 1)6 the • • • 
 
 Earle Mar- and storehousses, tolbuith or melting hous of the tonne, togidder with the 
 Genei-alf keyes of thair joylhous and prison, to be wsed at his pleasour dui-ing his 
 Mhiro ^I'bod thair for the good of the kingdome, and saifftie of the tonne and regi- 
 ment against intestine or forrane enemies, in name foirsaid. 
 
 7. Desyires that all the cornes in store within the tonne be put 
 wnder inventar for interteining of the regiment, in pau-t of payment of 
 than- tent pairtis : and that magistratis and inhabitantis be obleiged to 
 pay the rest in moneyes once in the fourthnicht, according to the ordour 
 of paying the third pairt of the soldatista thair pay in money, till thay be 
 super expendit of their tent pairt. 
 
 8. Desyires thay be obleiged to delywer all the cannon, spair armes, 
 ammunition n, spaids, shoolis, or mattockis thay hawe or can command, on 
 thair great oath, to be vsit at his pleasure, in name foksaid, for the good 
 of the kingdome against intestine or forane enimies for both thair saiffi- 
 ties ; and that thay be obleiged, be thair gi-eat oath, to joyne with him 
 and his regiment or associatis in fechting or working againes the enemie 
 to thair power, in quhatsoewir the Erie Marshall and he commands thame 
 for the good of the kingdome and their awin saiffities. 
 
 9. Desyires thay be obleiged to sett all thair baxteris and browsteiis 
 to work, and cans prowyd, and hawe in redines against the secund of 
 Junij, tuelff thowsand pund wecht of biscott bread, togidder with a 
 thowsand gallones of aill and beir, to be putt in small barrellis, for the 
 intendit expeditioun, for which thay salbe payed, or at least allowed, in 
 the first end of the tent pairts. 
 
 10. Desyires that, in testimonie of thair Bonaccord with the solda- 
 tista that lies come so farre a marche for thaii- saiffities from the invasioun 
 
1640.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 225 
 
 of forrane enimies, and the slaverie thay and thair posteritie miclit be 29 May 
 broclit under, thay may be pleased, out of tliair generositie accustomed, ■ — ' 
 and present thankfuhies to the soldatista for keiping of good ordour and cnnvenit 
 eschewing of plundering, provyd for thame twelff bunder pah- of echoes, ggjiy^j^^ 
 togidder with thrie thowsand elnes of hardin tyiking or saill canves for tl'c articles 
 making tliair tentis, to ease and frie the soldatista fra the great mvnda- to tliamc 
 tioun of raines accustomed to fall out in the northren climat. Earle*]Uai-- 
 
 11. Desyires against the secund of Junij, to provyd for the intendit 
 expeditioun for setling good order in the countrey, and for suppressing J^j-'^'o'^' 
 oure intestine enimies and evill patriotts, that fiftie horses may be in 
 readines for transporting of oure cannon, ammunitioun, spair armes, and 
 prouisioun whithersoewir the Earle Marischall leadis the armie ; which 
 being accordit to, sealed, and subscrywed by the magistrattes and 
 ministrie for tliameselffis, and takmg the burdine, as said is, for all the 
 inhabitantis of the toune, we will entir the cittie freindlie, and be answer- 
 able for oure selffis and soldatista for any disordour beis committit be any 
 of oure number or vnder oure command ; and encaice of not obeying and 
 fulfilling of thu' oure resonable demands, so far as concernis the militarie 
 paii't alanerlie, we doe heirby signifie unto yow, in name of the Estate . 
 and Genertill of the armie, that we will tak suche ordour and speidie com-se 
 with yoAV and all the inhabitantis refractorie, as may strick terror in the 
 hearts of all vther oure opposites following your example in disobedience, 
 as evill and wicked patriotts; for eschewing whairof we lieartilie desyre 
 your subscriptiounes and seall to thir reasonable demandis, or a peremp- 
 torie present answer of Bon-accord or Mal-accord. 
 
 10 June 
 
 10 June 1640. 1G40. 
 
 Warrandis 
 
 The said day, the wan-ands direct be Generall Major Monro for from 
 
 interteining his soldioures, and lykwayes for thair shoes and thrie thow- Mdol-^ 
 
 sand elne of hardin, and otheris thaiiin contenit, ar ordanit to be registrat t^^he 
 
 in the Counsall book ad futuram rei memoriam, quhairof the tenour followes : souldiouris 
 
 of his 
 
 1 2 F reeiment. 
 
226 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1640. 
 
 10 June " Pi'owest, you shall be pleasit to caus delywer to the beirer heirof, my 
 
 ^ — ' secretarrie, called Nmiane Johnstoune, these moneyes appointed to be 
 
 from payed for the showes, extendmg to the somme of sevin hundreth and tuentie 
 
 Maior^" pundis, togidder with thrie thowsand elne of hardin for the soldatista 
 
 Monro thair vse, for whiche these shalbe your waiTand ; taking a not of ressaitt 
 
 anent the . i,.iiaii'ii- 
 
 soiildiouris frome the secretarrie vnder his hand. As also desyires by thir preseutis 
 
 regiment, jow to caus delywer unto him fywe thowsand pund Scottis, for cleiring 
 
 the rest dew to the officeris and souldieris of the regiment preceiding 
 
 thair entrie in this toune the twentie-aught of May, and that according to 
 
 my instructiounes subscryved by the Committie and Generall for that 
 
 effect ; and this warrand, with the secretarie's not of ressaitt in my behalf 
 
 of the same, wilbe allowed to yow as payment in the first end of your 
 
 tent pairts. In verifiicatioun quhairof I have subscrywit thir presentis 
 
 with my hand, at Aberdeine, the sext of Junij 1640. Sic siibscribitur, 
 
 Robert Monro." — " Worthie fi-eindis, ye sail be pleasit to resaue heir 
 
 according to my promise vnder my hand, the allowance of entertene- 
 
 raent allowed, conforme to the order sett doune by the Committie of 
 
 Estate, for interteining of inferiour officiaires and souldioures quartered 
 
 . in your toune, according to the Uvo paht and third cache day, viz., To 
 
 everie commoun souldiour, foure schillings a day ; to everie serjant, audit 
 
 schillings a day ; to every Scriver, capitane of armes, furier, and furer, 
 
 everie on sex schillings audit penneis a day; to everie corporell, fyve 
 
 schillingis foure penneis a day ; to everie drummer, fyve schillingis foure 
 
 penneis a day: and according to this allowance yow shall caus these tliay 
 
 ar quartered with keip what they gett in accompt, quhairof the officiares 
 
 must hawe a duble, and thair double most be subscrywit by the officiares, 
 
 and thair double by yow or your clerk ; and quhat salbe deburst for the 
 
 said interteinement salbe allowed after compt in the first end of your 
 
 contributioun : and so I rest your freind to power, sic suhscrihitur, Robert 
 
 Monro." — The accompt goeth on frome the 28th of May at night, and this 
 
 warrand is to be keiped by the magistrattis of the toune. 
 
1640.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 227 
 
 nJunelUO. 17 June 
 
 1C40. 
 
 The said day, Mr Mathew Lumisdane, baillie, wes chosin commis- Lummis- 
 
 sioner for this burghe to the General Convention of Burrowes, appointit chosin 
 
 to begin and howld at the burghe of Irving the sewint day of July nixt s^n\"^.'^" 
 
 to come, with continewatioun of dayes; and ordaines ane commissioune to the 
 
 ' . . 1 Generall 
 
 to be gevin to him for that effect, vnder the tonne's secrett seal], and Conven- 
 
 subscriptioun of the magisti'attes and clerk ; and siclyik ordaines Thomas Burrowes. 
 
 Buck, thesaurer, to debm-se sex hundreth merkis to the said commissioner 
 
 for payment of the tonnes dewes at the said conventioun, and making his 
 
 awin expenssis thairat, quhilk salbe allowit to the said thesaurar in his 
 
 comptis. 
 
 n June 164:0. 17 j^.ne 
 
 The quhilk day, the prowest, baillies, and counsall appointes measones The~Gray- 
 
 and wrightis to be enterit presentlie to the wark of the Grej'frier kirk for to'^{,g ^g"^*^ 
 
 prepairine' convenient seattis within the same to the memberis of the pared for 
 
 ... . . . tlie Gene- 
 
 Generall Assemblie indicted to hauld and begin at this burghe the tuentie rallAssem- 
 
 eight day of Julij nixt to come, and appointis George Anderson to attend 
 
 the warkmen, and to assist George Mengzies, maister of wark till the 
 
 perfy ting thairof, and the expensses and chairges to be debursit be the said 
 
 maister of wai'k thairupon, is ordanit to be allowit to him in his comptis. 
 
 8 July 1640. 8 July 
 
 1G40. 
 
 The quhilk day, in presens of the prowest, baillies, and Counsell of Dimissioun 
 
 the burghe of Aberdeine, compeirit Mr Dauid Wedderburne, maister of burne'^of 
 
 the grammer schoole of the said burghe, who, eftir due consideratioun of of^jnf-gfei. 
 
 his weaknes and inhabilitie of bodie to discharge the said functioune in of tl»<2 
 
 1 • r 11 1 • c 1 -I ■ grammer 
 
 suche exact and painfull maner as the exigence of that place reqmres, he schoole. 
 
 being now past the age of thriescoir yeires, and having conthiewit 
 
 fourtie yeires in the said service, with the applaus and acceptatioun of the 
 
228 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1640. 
 
 8 July Counsell and toune, thairfoir the said Mr Dauid, voluntarlie of his awin 
 
 — consent, unsoacht or compeUit, frielie dimittit, dischairged, renunced, 
 
 AVediicr- ^^iiA simjyliciter owergawe, and be thir presentis wilKngHe, hartclie, and 
 
 his office friehe dimittis, dischairges, renunces, and simpHciter owergiwes his said 
 
 of maister ofRcc and functioun of the maister of the gi-ammer schoole of this burghe, 
 
 of the Ill- 
 
 jriammer with his yeirhe stipend due and payable to him for the same ; and all 
 schoole. Ijenefitt he may ask or crawe be his said office in any tyme heirefter, in 
 the hands of the prowest, baillies, and Coiincall of this bm-ghe, as in the 
 hands of his superioures, of whom he hauldis the said office, to the effect 
 tliay may dispose thairwpoiin, and may chuis and admitt any other they 
 think litting to exercise the said functioun and chairge of maister of thair 
 grammer schoole in tyme coming. Quhilk dimissioun the saids prowest, 
 baillies, and Councell accepted and receaved ; and thairon Patrik Leslie, 
 prowest, for himselff", and in name of the prowest, baillies, and Councell, 
 asked act and instrumentis. Lyikas the said Mr Dauid, in token of this 
 his dimissioun, lies subscryvit the same with his hand. 
 
 M. DA.VID Wedderburne, 
 Sexagenarius et vltra. 
 
 15 July 
 1640. 
 
 Chalnicr 
 
 admittit 
 
 maister 
 
 of the 
 
 grammer 
 
 schoole. 
 
 15 July 1640. 
 
 The said day, the prowest, baillies, and Councell elected, nominat, 
 and chused Mr Thomas Chalmer, sone lauchfull to umquhill Mr Thomas 
 Clialmer, advocat in Aberdeine, to be maister of the grammer schooll of 
 this burghe in place of Mr Dauid Wedderbm-ne, last maister of the said 
 schoole, who, in respect of his old age and debilitie of bodie, hes dimittit 
 his place in the Councellis hands, to the effect thay might mak chuis of 
 any thay thocht most fitting to fill the said vacant rowme. To the quhilk 
 place the said Mr Thomas is admittit wpoun the conditiounes condi- 
 scendit on betwixt the Councell and him, specifeit and conteinit in the 
 contract past betwixt thame thairaneiit, of the date of thu* presentes, 
 whairof the tenor foUowes : — 
 
1640.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN 
 
 229 
 
 At Aberdeine, the fyfteiue day of July, the yehe of God j"" sex 15 July 
 
 huiidreth and fourtie yeh-es, — It is appomted, contracted, and agi'iet be- — ' 
 
 twixt Patrik Leslie, prowest of the burghe of Aberdeine, Maister Thomas admittit 
 
 Gray, ]\lr Mathew Liimisdane, Mr Robert Farquhar, and Mr Williame ^^^^^^^ 
 
 Moir, baillies of the said burghe, Alexander JafFray, dean of gild, and grammer 
 
 schoole. 
 
 Thomas Buck, thesaurar of the same burghe, for thame selffis and in 
 name and behalflf of the Councell and communitie of the said burghe, on 
 the ane part, and Mr Thomas Chalmer, sone lauchfull to vmquliill Mr 
 Thomas Chalmer, advocat in Aberdeine, on the other pairt, in substance 
 and effect efter following, — That is to say, fforsameikill as Maister Dauid 
 Wedderburne, late maister of the grammer schoole of the said burghe, be 
 reasone of his great aige and inhabilitie of bodie, hes voluntarlie and frielie 
 dimittit his said office in the handis of the saids prowest, baillies, and Coun- 
 cell, to the effect thay might mak chuse and nominatioun of any thay thoght 
 most fitting to fill the said vacant roume : and the saids prowest, baillies, 
 and Councell having certaine knowledge and experience of the literature 
 qualificatioun and gude conversatioun of the said Mr Thomas Chalmer, and 
 of his habilitie and sufficiencie to dischairge and occupie the said plaice, and 
 to performe all duetie incumbent thairto, — he having served as doctor in 
 the said grammer schoole dyveris and sindrie yeires hehtofoir, have thair- 
 fore elected, nominat, and admitted, and by thir presentis electis, nominatis, 
 and admittis the said Maister Thomas Chalmer to be maister of the gram- 
 mer schoole of the said bm-ghe of Aberdeine ad vitam vel ad culpam ; quhilk 
 fault, gif any shalbe committit be him worthie of deprivatioun, shalbe 
 tryed and judged be the prowest, baillies, and Councell of the said bm-ghe 
 for the tyme, as onlie judges thairto. Lyik as the said Maister Thomas 
 hes accepted, and be thir presents accepts, the said chairge and functiomi 
 in and wpoun him, and faithfuUie promittis, bindis, and obleissis him to betwixt 
 teache and instruct his schollares in the airt of grammer, gude letteris, and Mr" 
 and maneris, and to exercise doctrine and discipline as apperteins, con- q/,™,^!*^^ 
 forme to the lawes of the said schoole alreddie sett doune and to be sett '^^^ste'- 
 
 doune at any tyme heu-efter, be the prowest, baillies, and Councell of the grammer 
 
 schoole. 
 
230 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1640. 
 
 15 July 
 1640. 
 
 Contract 
 
 betwixt 
 
 the toun 
 
 and Mr 
 
 Thomas 
 
 Chalmer, 
 
 maister 
 
 of thair 
 
 grammer 
 
 schoole. 
 
 said burghe for the tyrae, and to observe and keip the saids lawes and 
 injunctiounes strictlie and preceislie as thay ar sett doune, or salbe set 
 doiine heirefter, efter tlae forme and tenour thairof in all poyntes, and to 
 find sufficient and qualifiet doctoures, ane or ma, vnder him to teache and 
 examine his schollares, and to assist him both in doctrine and discipline, 
 as the exigence of that service sail require : for the quhilkis caussis and 
 dew performance thairof the saids prowest, baillies, and Councell obleissis 
 thame and thair successoures, prowest, baillies, and Councell of the said 
 burghe for the tyme, to content and pay to the said Mr Thomas Chalmer 
 yeirelie, and ilk yeire during his continewance in the said office, the 
 somme of two hundreth merkis vsuall Scottis money, to be payed to him 
 be the tounes thesaurar at two vsuall termes of the yeire, Witsunday, 
 and Martimes in wynter, be equall portiounes, — the first termes payment 
 thau-of begynnand at the feast of Martimes nixt to come of this instant 
 yeire, j" sex hundreth and fourtie yeires, and that by and attour his 
 sallarie and schollage, to be payed to him quarterlie be his schollares 
 eftir sic proportioun as wes in vse to be payed to the said Mr Dauid 
 Wedderburne, \iz., be ilk tounes bairne quarterlie, thretteue shillingis 
 foure penneis ; be ilk landvart barne quarterlie, twentie sex schillingis 
 aught penneis ; be ilk tounes barne to the doctour sex schillings aught 
 penneis,- and be landvart barnes to the doctour, thretteine schillings 
 foure penneis quarterlie. Quhilk stipend and salarie aboue writtin is 
 heirby declaired to be in full contentatioun and satisfactiomi of all farder 
 stipend or salarie he may ask or crave at any tyme heirefter, except in so 
 far as he may wpoune just grounds procuire by his supplicatioune to the 
 prowest, baillies, and Counsall of the said bm-ghe for the tyme, renun- 
 ceand be thir presentes all other judicatorie for craving any augmentatioun 
 of stipend, or decyding in any questioun or confroversie whatsoewer 
 betwixt the tonne and him, except allanerlie the said prowest, baillies, 
 and Councell for the tyme, all fraud and gyill secludit. And for the more 
 secm-itie, the saids pairties ar content and consentis that thir presentis be 
 registrat in the buikes of Councell or Burrow Court buikes of the said 
 
1640.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 231 
 
 burghe, tliairin to reraaiiie ad futuram rei memoriam, and to have the 15 July 
 
 strength of aue confessit act and judiciall decreit, that letteris and execu- — ' 
 
 toriellis of hornmg may be direct heuin vpoun a single chairge of ten betwixt 
 
 dayes, and all other executoriellis necessar may be direct heiiin in forme *''^^?}'" 
 
 as effeiris, and to that effect constitutes thair Tliomas 
 
 1 1 • • • 1 Clialmer, 
 
 lauchiull procuratores, promittentes ae 7-ato be thir presentis, written be maister 
 
 Walter Robertson, clerk of the said burghe, and subscryvit be the saids g^.a^^'er 
 
 paii'ties, day, moneth, yeire, and place foirsaidis, befoir thir witnesses, — schoole. 
 
 Maister Alexander Jaffray, late prowest of Aberdeine; the said AValter 
 
 Robertsoun, Mr George Robertsone, and Walter Guthrie, notaris publict. 
 
 Sic subscribitur, Patrik Leslie, prowest ; Mr T. Gray, baillie ; Mr Robert " 
 
 Farquhar, baillie ; Mr Willeame Moir, baillie ; Al. Jaffray, dean of gild ; 
 
 Thomas Buck, thesaurar ; Mr Tho. Chalmers. Mr Al. Jaffray, witnes ; 
 
 W. Robertsone, witnes ; Mr George Robertson, witnes ; Walter Guthrie, 
 
 witnes. 
 
 15 July 1640. 15 July 
 
 1640. 
 
 The quhilk day the prowest, baillies, and councell tacking to thair Pension to 
 consideratioun that Maister Dauid Wedderbm-ne, late maister of the burne^"^ 
 grammer schoole of this burghe, in regaird of his old aige and inhabilitie 
 of bodie to serve in that functioun efter suche a laborious and toilsome 
 maner as the exigence of that place doeth requyre, voluntarlie vpon the 
 eight day of July instant, dimittet his said office in the councellis hands, 
 to the effect they might make chuse and nominatioun of any other thay 
 thocht most fitting to vndergo the chairge, and with all havand respect 
 that he had served fourtie yeires in that statioun with commoun applaus 
 both of the councell and communitie of this burghe, and lyikwayes be 
 reasone he hes the burdine of a wyff and childreine ; in these considera- 
 tiounes, the saids prowest, baillies, and councell gevis and grantis to the 
 said Mr David ane pensioun of twa Inmdrethe merkis money yeirlie during 
 all the dayes of his lyftyme, to be payed to him be the tounes thesaurer 
 
232 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1640. 
 
 15 July out of the tonnes commoun gnde at Martimes and Witsonday be equall 
 — ' portiounes, begynnand the first termes payment thairof at Martimes nixt 
 Wecider- to come in this instant yeire of God, j™ sex hundreth and fourtie yeires, 
 burne. ^^^^ f^irth. termelie thaireftir duringe his lyftyme ; with this alvayes 
 conditioun, that when the councell of this burghe for the tyme, sail find 
 out ony vther meanes equivalent or more nor the pensioun abouewrittin, 
 that the said Mr Dauid salbe lyable to dimitt the fou-said pensioun, and to 
 accept of the secund provisioun, and to undergo sic chairge thairfoir as 
 the councell of this burghe for the tyme shall injoyne him and that he is 
 able to dischairge. 
 
 22 July 
 1C40. 
 
 Leslie and 
 J affray 
 chosin 
 commis- 
 sionares 
 to the 
 Generall 
 Assemblie. 
 
 22 July 1640. 
 
 The quhilk day Patrik Leslie, prowest, and Mr Alexander Jalfray, 
 late prowest, wer chosine commissionares for this burghe to the Generall 
 Assemblie, hi dieted to begin e and hauld at this burghe the twentie aught 
 day of July instant, with contiaewatioun of dayes, and ordaines ane com- 
 missioun to be gewin to thame for that efiect, vnder the tounes secreitt 
 seall and subscriptiones of the baillies and clerk. 
 
 „ , ,. Eodem die. 
 
 Eodem die. 
 
 A guard The said day Patrik Moir wes appoynted to be keiper and distributer 
 
 Assemblie. partizeanes to the nichtboures of the toune quha ar appointed to be 
 
 ane guard for attending the Generall Assemblie, for eschewing of dis- 
 ordour and confusioune thau-in, throw throng and multitude of people 
 that wald trubill and disquyet the commissionares and memberis of the 
 Assemblie, if thay wer not hauldin out be a guard. 
 
ICttO.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 233 
 
 JEodem die. 22 July 
 
 1640. 
 
 The samen day, in presens of the prowest, baillies, and counsell, Lumis- 
 
 . . . . . 1 • f- 1 • tliiiics (lis- 
 
 compeint Mr Mathow Lumisdane, bailhe, commissioner chosm lor this cliaige of 
 
 burghe to the Generall Conventioun of Bnrrowes of this kingdome, whilk nii'ssi^',"'a(; 
 
 began and held at the burghe of Iruing, Avpoun the secund day of July the Con - 
 _ ° & o' r t/ ./ vention of 
 
 instant, and made ample declaratioun of the whole proceidingis at the Bimowes. 
 said conventioun, and thairwith producit the agent .of burro wes his 
 discharge and acquittance gewin to this burghe wpoun the payment of 
 thair whole dues quhilkis wer payable at the said conventioun — namelie, 
 on the soume of twa hundreth thrie scoir thrie pundis money, as the said 
 acquittance does testifie ; inrespect quhairof the prowest, baillies, and 
 counsell fund that the said Mr Mathew had acquytted himselff duelie in 
 his said commissioun, and exoneris him thairof. 
 
 Eodetn die. ■ Eodem die. 
 
 The quhilk day, forsameikill as the Erie Marschall, who is appoynted Charge 
 by the Committie of Estate to wplift a regiment of men within the of the' 
 schirrefdome of Aberdeine for the piiblict service of the kingdome, hes }a'ilt^',.e- 
 chairgit the magistrattis of this burghe to furnishe out of oure toune ane "^^^J^g 
 of the companyes of the said regiment, and to hawe thame in redines to touue. 
 marche in all convenient diligence wpoun the nixt aduerteisment, with 
 fourtie dayes lone : thairfoir the prowest, baillies, and councell ordaines 
 intimatioun to be made be oppiii proclamatioun at the mercat croce of 
 this burghe, as also throw the haill streittes of the toune be the drum, 
 chairging all and sindrie inhabitantis of this burghe, alsweill frie as unfrie, 
 maisteris, servantis, and prenteissis, that nane of thame remowe furth of 
 this burghe without licieiice of the magistrattis, till the said companye of 
 men be lifted for serving in the said Erll Marischallis regiment, vnder the 
 paine of tinsell and loss of all friedome and libertie, thay or any of thame 
 who salbe fugitive hawe, or may hawe, heireftir in this burghe ; and 
 1 2 G 
 
234 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1640. 
 
 22 July siclyik chairgeiug suehe inhabitantis of this burghe, maisteris, servantis, 
 
 — and prenteissis as hawe alredie removed thameselflSs, and hawe beine 
 
 that nanc fugitive out of the toune in prejudice of the publict service of the euntrie, 
 
 habitantVs thay retiirne bak agaiue within this burghe within fyfteine dayes 
 
 rcmowe ^ nix.t efter the chairge, vnder the paine aboue specifeit, quliilkis premisses 
 
 toune. wer accordingHe pubHshed and intimat both at the mercat croce, as lyik- 
 wayes be the di'um throw the haill streittis of the toune. 
 
 Eodcmdie. Eodem die. 
 
 Letteris to The samen day the prowest, bailHes, and councell findis it expedient 
 be direct , . . .... 
 
 to the nio- that letteris be writtin to the moderatores of Presbytries within this 
 
 of Presby- diocie, desyring thame to requyre thair brethreine of the ministrie to 
 
 sendh/°'in ^dverteis, and desyre thair parochineris to prouyd and send to this toune 
 
 vivarcs for all kynd of vivares, sic as beiff, muttoun, lambis, foullis, esra'is, butter, 
 the Gene- , . ^ , , ' . ' . , . . ' 
 
 rallAsscm- cheis, fishes, wyld meat, venisone, and sic wther prowisioun as the 
 
 . euntrie can affoord, with grasse, corne,^ and stray for horsses, for serving 
 
 of the nobillmen, gentrie, commissionares of burrowes, and ministeris that 
 
 ar to be heir at the Generall Assemblie, to be hauklin in this burgh the 
 
 twentie aucht day of J uly instant ; and, forder, that thay desy ir thair 
 
 brethreine of the ministrie to intimat to thair parochineris, if any of the 
 
 inhabitantis of this toune, maisteris, servantis, or prenteissis, be fugitive 
 
 within thair boundis, that thay chairge thame to returne hither vnder the 
 
 paine of tinsell of all friedome, and benefitt, and libertie thay hawe, or 
 
 may hawe, heireftir in this burghe, and vnder all hyest paynes to be 
 
 incurrit be thair ressettares and keipares prescryit be the Committee of 
 
 Estate, and siclyik ordaines proclamatioun to be made of the premisses at 
 
 the mercat croce of this burghe, and throw the haill streittis of the toune 
 
 be the drum, quhilk wes accordinglie done. 
 
1640.] RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 235 
 
 3 August 1640. 3 August 
 
 1G40. 
 
 The qxiliilk day the prowest, baillies, and counsell ordaines the Act The 
 
 made anent the reiding of the mornmg and evening prayeris in the Gray- }|e'Yedln*' 
 
 freii- Kirk of this bure;he to be putt in executioun immediatlie eftir the ^'11^" 
 ° ^ , , . fner Kuk. 
 
 dissolving of the present Generall Assembhe, in respect that the seattis 
 buildit in the said kirk for accommodatioun of the Assembhe "wdll serve 
 convenientUe for the people resorting to the prayeris ; and ordaines this 
 present Act to be intimat out of pulpitt on Sonday nixt in both the kirkis 
 of this burghe, and to begine and reqeawe executioun and be put in 
 practise wpoun the morne immediatelie thaireftir, conforme to the mynd 
 and tenour of the said former Act of counsall, of the date the 14 of August 
 1633 yeii'es. 
 
 3 August 1640. Eodemdie. 
 
 The said day, the prowest, baillies, and counsell being convenit in the Mr Andro 
 tonnes councel hous, for making nominatioun and electioun of ane minister chosin ane 
 to serve in this burghe in the vacant roume of doctor James Sibbald, ane of 
 thair ministeris, who is deposed from his ministrie be this present generall Ministers, 
 assemblie now sitting in this burghe, for not subscryving the covenant, 
 and for other causses mentioned in the proces of his deprivatioun ; and 
 efter matvire advysement and deliberatioun taken be the saids prowest, 
 baillies, and councell thairanent, thay in end condiscendit wpovm a list of 
 actuall ministeris for making of the said electioim, out of the quhilk list 
 thay elected, nominat, and chuised Maister Androw Cant, minister at New- 
 battle, to be ane of the ministeris of this burghe, actuallie to supplie and 
 fill the vacant roume of the said doctour James Sibbald, the toune alvayes 
 giveing thair consent and allowance thairwnto, Ifor quhilk effect thay ar 
 ordanit to be convenit this day be the drum in the new kii-k immediatlie 
 eftu- the sermon e, and the said electioun to be intimat to thame, and thay 
 to be inquyred if any of thame hes ought to say againes the said Mr 
 
236 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1640. 
 
 3 Aug. 
 J 640. 
 
 Mr Andro 
 Cant 
 
 cliosin ane 
 of the 
 Tonnes 
 Ministers. 
 
 Andro, his doctrine, lyff, or conversatioun, or any other reasone to allege 
 why he aucht not to be admittit and receaved in the said vacant roume of 
 thair ministrie, that thaireftir the magistratts and councell may go on and 
 proceid in the busienes as the exigence thairoff sail reqnyre . . . and 
 the said toun being convenit, as said is, thay all in ane voice allowed of 
 the said electioun of the said Mr Andro Cant to be thair minister . . . 
 
 12 Aug. 
 1640. 
 
 Jaffray 
 chosin 
 commis- 
 sionar to 
 tlic Com- 
 niitte of 
 Estate. 
 
 12 August 1640. 
 
 The qiihilk day Mr Alexander Jaffray, late prowest, wes chosin com- 
 missioner for this biu-ghe for keiping of the Committie of Estate at Edin- 
 burghe, conform e to the missive direct to this bm-ghe for that effect frome 
 the Lordis of Committie, and instructiones ordanit to be gewin to the 
 said commissionar for representing this bm-ghes greivances to the said 
 Committie of Estate, and the soume of twa hundreth merltis appointit to 
 be gevin to him for making of his expenssis to ane compt, to be deburst 
 be Thomas Buck thesaui-ar. quhilk salbe allowit to him in his comptis. 
 
 Eodem die. 
 
 A com- 
 pany of 
 soionris to 
 be levied 
 to the Erll 
 Marisliall 
 fortliepnb- 
 lict service 
 of tlie 
 cuntrie. 
 
 Eodem die. 
 
 The samen day, in presens of the prowest and baillies, the brethreine 
 of gild being convenit in the Grayfreir Kirk be the drum, Patrik Leslie 
 cavisit reid publictlie in thair audience ane peremptorie letter direct to the 
 magistrattis and Councell of this burghe from the Erie Marisliall, quhairof 
 the tenour followes : — " To my lowing freinds the prowest, baillies, and 
 toune counsell of Aberdeine. — Verie loving freinds, I thocht thair had 
 beine no necessitie in putting yow in mynd to wplift that company c that 
 comes frome your toune; bot since my bi'other schawes me that ye intend 
 nothing bot delayes, I againe putt yow in mynd to hawe that companye 
 compleit against Tuysday nixt at nicht at the farrest, for he most marche 
 alonges with the rest on Thursday. And gif this be not done, ye will 
 force me tak ane course with these oure tounes people as thay hawe not 
 
1G40.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGII OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 237 
 
 as yet fund the lyik. Bot hoiping ye will not putt me to that paines, I 12 Aug. 
 
 rest your lovmg freind, sio subscribitur, Marischall. Dunoter, the 9 of •• — 
 
 August 1G40." — Quhilk letter being opiulie red, the prowest scliew to the ofToilmrif 
 
 brethreine of gild, convenit as said is, that as he had in J;ily last impairted |° thc^Erif 
 
 this busienes to the whole bodie of the toune, so now, in respect of this Mansshall 
 
 ' _ ^ for the pub- 
 
 last and peremptorie chairge, he desyres that thay will tak the same to lict service 
 
 than- serious consideratioun, and resolve wpoun some solid course for cunuie. 
 
 leveing of the said companye tymouslie to the said Erll Marischall, lest 
 
 throw longer delay his lordship tak a harder coiu-se with the toune thair- 
 
 anent. And withall the prowest declairit that such of the inhabitantis 
 
 as wold offer thameselffis frielie and willinglie to this service, that the 
 
 toune sonld defi'ay thair chairges, and thay sould be frie of the taxatioun 
 
 to be impoisit for recking furth of the companye. The brethreine of gild, 
 
 so many as wer present, offered thameselffis willing for thair pairtis to 
 
 contribute for leveing of the said companye of soiouris, according to thair 
 
 awin proportioun, the craftis contributing lyikwayes for thair pairt what is 
 
 due to thame in the lyik caise, — since everie ane of thame lies prenteissis 
 
 or servantis who ar fencible persones and habile for service, and so may 
 
 furnishe many ma men nor the brethreine of gild may do. After the 
 
 quhilk answer, the magistratts went to the craftis hospitall, quhair thay 
 
 wer convenit to the effect foirsaid be ordour and warrand from the magis- 
 
 trattis, who having demandit what the craftis wold doe for obedience to 
 
 the chairge foirsaid in furnishing ane companye of men to the said Erll 
 
 Marischall, conforme to the warrand gewin to his Lordship from the Com- 
 
 mittie of Estate, the craftis, in tokin of thair obedience and willingues to • 
 
 the publict service of the countrie, gawe wp to the magistrattis a list of 
 
 the names both of frie craftismen and prenteissis, sick as thay could spair 
 
 or furnishe, quhilhis wer inroUit be the magistrattis, and assurance gewin 
 
 be the decones of craftis that nane of thame sould be fugitive nor remowe 
 
 out of the toune in prejudice of the said service. 
 
238 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1640. 
 
 19 Aug. Id Augrist 164:0. 
 
 These The qiiliilk day tlie prowest, baillies, and Councell oi-daincs sick bnr- 
 
 move'if out gsssis of gild, frie craftismen, and prenteissis within this burghe as desertit 
 when the"^ and left the toune, and absentit thameselffis the tyme of the wptacking 
 Tonnes of the tounes companye for the bound rod, to be depryvit of thair fre- 
 weTtack- dome, conforms to the certificatioun gewin to thame be oppin proclama- 
 bedepryvit ^^^^^'^ mercat croce of this burghe, and be the drum throwe the 
 
 f^ed ^^'e ^^^^^^ streittis of the toune, that naue should hawe remowed out of the 
 toune vnder the paine of deprivatioun and forfaiture of thair fi-iedome and 
 libertie : and the deane of gild is ordainit to cause execute the sum- 
 moundis to the effect foirsaid again es the particular persones that absentit 
 thameselffis, and to caus summond thame be oppin proclamatioun at the 
 fnercat croce of this burghe, wpotm fyfteine dayes warning. 
 
 Eodemdie. Eodem die. 
 
 Warrant The said day in presens of the prowest, baillies, and councell, Mr 
 
 Robert Robert Farquhar, baillie, declaired that, conforms to thair ordoiu* and 
 
 for the'^"^ directioun, he had deburst to Generall Maior Monro in the beginning of 
 
 moneycs Junii last, for tuelff hundreth pair of shoes to his soioui-is, sewin hundreth 
 advaiicit ^ . _ pit i- •• nii- 
 
 be him and twentie pundis. Item, lor hardm to his soiouns sex hundrethe thrie- 
 
 andliardin scoir sex pundis, thretteine schillingis, foure d. Item, for foiu-tie dayes 
 to Monroes \qt^q Iq g^x scoir soiouris furneist out of this toune to the boimd rod, 
 
 soionns _ _ ' 
 
 and for . vnder the conduct of Capitane Robert Keith, brother to the Erll Marishall, 
 dayes Lone and delyvered all to the said capitane wpomi the aughteine day of August 
 Towncs instant, as ane of the companyes of the said Erlis regiment, eight hun- 
 Coinpany. (ji-gth thriescoir nyne pundis : quhilkis debursementis the counsall acknow- 
 leges to be gewin be thair order, and thairfoir ordanes the same to be 
 allowit to the said Mr Robert in the first end of the moneyes debtfull be 
 him to the toune, whairanent thir presentis shalbe warrant, and dischairge 
 to him pro tanto. 
 
1640.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 239 
 
 Eodem die. 19 Aug. 
 
 1G40. 
 
 Memorandum. — Deburst be Alexander JafFray, deane of gild, at com- 
 mand of the magistrattis and coiincell to Generall Maior Monro, for 
 harden to his soiouris, tuentie foure pundis, nyne ss., by and attour the 
 soume of ane thowsand merlds money, quhilk was deburst be Mr Robert 
 Farquhar, baillie, to that vse, conforme to the act immediatlie preceiding. 
 
 9 September 1640. 9 Sept. 
 
 1C40.' 
 
 The quhilk day, forsameikill as wpoun petitioun putt wp be the Hay, Aidy 
 burghe of Inuernes to the burrowes in thair late Generall Convention, commis- 
 hauldin at the burghe of Irving, in the moneth of July last bypast, the 
 burrowes wer pleased to appoint twa commissionares for Ediubm-ghe, twa 
 for Perth, twa for Dundie, twa for Aberdeine, and twa for Elgine, to 
 meitt at Inuernes the twentie twa day of September instant, for trying 
 of the grounds and occasioune of the divisioun and distractioun that is 
 fallin out amongst the inhabitantis of the said burghe of Invernes, con- 
 cerning the electioun of than* magistrattis and councell, and suche wther 
 particulares as ar mentioned in thair petitioun, and for setleing and 
 pacefieing of the said distractiones, and making of ane perfyit reconcilia- 
 tioun and agriement amongst thame ; thairfoir the prowest, baillies, and 
 councell for satisfactioun of the burghes pairt of the act and ordinance of 
 burrowes sett doune anent the premisses, electit, nominat, and chuisit 
 Johne Hay, late baillie, and Dauid Aedye, commissionares for this burghe 
 of Aberdeine, to keip the said meitting at Invernes, the foirsaid twentie 
 twa day of Sepf"' instant, with continewatioun of dayes, and thair to 
 advyse, consult, resone, vote, conclude, and determine with the remanent 
 Commissionares of the burrowes there to be convenit, wpoun suche 
 materis as ar gevin thame in commissionun frome the said generall con- 
 ventioun of Burrowes at Irving, for setliug of the divisioun and 
 distractioun that is fallen out within the said burghe of Invernes, and 
 
240 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1G40. 
 
 9 Sept. 
 1C40. 
 
 Hay, Aidy 
 chossin 
 commis- 
 sionares to 
 Invcrnes. 
 
 11 Sept. 
 1640. 
 
 Christen 
 Brow con- 
 vict. 
 
 23 Sept. 
 1640. 
 
 Names 
 of the 
 provost, 
 baillies, 
 and 
 
 coiincell. 
 
 for setting doune a solid order and forme auent the electionn of thair 
 magistrattes in all tyme coming for intertening of peace and vnitie 
 amongst thame. 
 
 11 September 1640. 
 
 The said day Christen Brow, in Sklaittie, convict and putt in 
 amerciament of court for injuring Elspet Donaldsoun, spous to Andro 
 Burnet, calling hir a lier in her throt, in the publict mercat, to forbear, 
 and James Mathosoun become cationer for the said Elspet for payment of 
 sic vnlaw as the counsell sail modefie. The vnlaw of the said Christen 
 modefiet to ten merkis, provyding if sho satisfie the pairtie be craveing 
 hir pardone in a fenccit court, the said Christen BroAV to be free for 
 payment of fyve merkis of the said vnlaw. 
 
 23 September 1640. 
 
 Folowes the names of the Prouest, Baillies, and Councell of the 
 burgh of Aberdene, chosin vpon the tuentie third day of September 1640, 
 for the yeir to come : — 
 
 Patrick Leslie, Prouest. 
 
 William e Forbes 
 
 Thomas Mortimer 
 
 Johne Leslie 
 
 Alexander Jaffray, Baillies. 
 
 Maister Alexander Jaffray, late Prouest. 
 
 Doctor Patrick Dwn. 
 
 Robert Crukshank, Deane of Gild. 
 
 James Robertsoun, Thesaurar. 
 
 Williame Blakburne, Maister of the Kirk and brig warkis. 
 David Aidy. Patrick Duvie. 
 Walter Cochrane. 
 
 Thomas Gray, Maister of the Gild Brethrenes hospitale. 
 Alexander Ramsay, Maister of Lnpost. 
 
1640.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 241 
 
 Thomas Burnett, Maister of the Mortifeit moneyis. 23 Sept. 
 
 Maister Alexander Gordon. — ' 
 
 George Pyper, Wright of the 
 
 Thomas Clerk, Wobster. 
 
 and 
 
 23 September 1640. comicell. 
 
 Eodemdie. 
 
 The samen day the prowest, baillies, new and auld councellis, with a nigiitiy 
 consent of the deacones of craftis, all personallie present at the electioun, appointed 
 appointis a watche of tuelf persones to be keiped everie night, beginning 
 at eight houres at evin till fywe honres in the morning, for keiping and 
 watching of the wairdhous of this burghe, in respect of the insolence and 
 miscareage of Johne Leithe of Harthill, and some other of the persones 
 that ar presentlie lyand within the same. And the said watche to 
 continew wnto the tyme a solid order be sett doime for the sure keiping 
 of the said wairdhouse in tyme coming, and the haill inhabitantis of this 
 biu-ghe, both frie and nnfrie, ar ordanit to keip watche as thay salbe 
 wai'nit to that effect be thameselffis in than* owin propper persones, or be 
 a sufficient habill persone for thame, under the paine of ane unlaw of 
 tuentie sex schillingis eight penneis, to be payed be ilk persone absent to 
 the deane of gild for the publict use of the toun, and furnishing candill 
 and other necessaris to the watche, by and attour the refoundiug of suche 
 losses as the toune shall happin to incurr, in default of any that sail be 
 absent fra the watche, being warnit thairto as said is. 
 
 3 Octoher 1640. 3 October 
 
 1640. 
 
 The said day the Councell ordaines searche to be maid be the Seaixhe to 
 Baillies for sic rwnawayes as hes fled frome Capitane Robert Keythe's f^^."?!^^^ 
 company, and thair maisteris and putteris out of these rwnawayes wha wayes. 
 hes recept thame since thair away coming, to be made lyable to present 
 thame befou- the magistrattis, and thay to tak notice of suche as may be 
 convenientlie had within the toune for the publict service, with diligence. 
 
 1 2 H . 
 
242 
 
 EXTRACTS FllOM THE 
 
 [1640. 
 
 7 October 7 October 1640. 
 
 1640. 
 
 Dr Wm. The samen day, in pi-esens of the prouest, bailHes, and councell, 
 
 chosen compeuit, Mr James Sandelandis, civihst ; Mr Johne Lundy, humanist ; 
 cipal ^'tiie Robert Ogilvy, sub-principall ; and ]\Ir Alexander Gairdyne, ane of 
 ColieX regentis of the kingis college of Aberdeine: and declaired that doctour 
 
 Willeame Guild, ane of our tounes ministeris, is chosin principall of thair 
 college, and thaii-foir desyired the magistrattis and councell to give way 
 to his transplantatioun, for the reasones following gevin in be thame in 
 wreitt under thair hands, whairof the tenour followes — " Certaine resones 
 represented be the memberis of the Universitie of Aberdeine to the prowest 
 baillies, and counsell of Aberdeine, quliaii'by the present necessitie of 
 hawing Doctour Guild transplanted to the office of principalitie is 
 declared. 
 
 " 1. Becaus without ane present principall the whole estate and rentis 
 of the college ar lyklie to be shaken louse ; for the principall representing 
 the dean, and the takes being sett for his lyftyme, quhairin the cheiff rent 
 of the college consistis, neither the said takes nor anie other evidentis 
 can be formallie passed without the said principall presentlie in office. 
 
 " 2. The principall be oure fundatioun is admitter both of Bursares 
 and regentis of philosophic ; and now presentlie there are thrie bursares 
 and on regent to be admitted, quhilk cannot be done without ane 
 principall. 
 
 " 3. The Kirk of Machar is destitute of ane minister, quhilk cannot be 
 ■ planted without the principall, he representing the deane, quho wa^ both 
 persone and mmister of Machar. For these present necessities and many 
 other urgent and grawe causses, we intreat the prowest, baillies, and 
 counsall shall tak to heart the case of our universitie, and shall not shaw 
 thameselffis opposeris or hinderares of the foirsaid transplantatioun, as we, 
 the memberis of the Universitie shall evir be willing to assist and serve 
 your wisdomes according to our strenth and poAvcr. Subscribit the 
 sewint October 1640. Sic subscribitur, J. Sandilands, Civilist ; M. Jo. 
 
1G40.] RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 243 
 
 Lunde, humanist ; M. Ro. Ogilvie, sub-principall ; M. A. Gairdyne, regent." 7 October 
 Quliilkis resones being red; hard, and considderit be the saidis prouest, — ' 
 bailHes, and counsel), and thay thairwith being at lenth advysit, and Guild 
 being unwilhng for the causscs aboue writtin, and for sindrie other bc°Piind- 
 respectis moving thame, to enter in contestatioun with the said Universitic 
 or yit with the said doctour Guild, ther pastor, for opposing his trans- College, 
 plantatioun; and finding him inclyned to remowe, thay thairfoir gave 
 way to his transplantatioun, and consentis thau-wnto, with this alvays 
 conditioun, that the said doctour Guild reraane in this burghe, and 
 exercise his functioun of the ministrie within the same till Witsonday 
 nixt, quhilk he promeist to do, als cairfullie and painfullie as possiblie he 
 culd, Lyikas the Counsall ordaines to intimat to the toune the said 
 doctour Guild his transplantatioun, to the effect be thair advyse aue 
 other minister may be chosin to supplie his roume. 
 
 14 October 1640. ' U October 
 
 1G40. 
 
 The qtihilk day the Prowest, Bailies, and Counsall, at the desyre of The bell 
 Doctoiu- Willeame Guild, now primar of the Kingis College of Aberdeine, °* ^ 
 condescendis and agries to len him the bell of the grammer schuill of this 
 biu-ghe, for the vse of the said college wpoun his ticquett, to be givin for 
 redelywerie of the same back againe, betuixt and Lambes nixt to come, 
 to be thane putt wp againe in its awin houssing, wpon the said Doctoiu* 
 Guild his chau-ges. 
 
 22 October 1640. 22 October 
 
 1G40. 
 
 The quhilk day it wes exponit be Patrick Leslie, prouest, to the x^e toim 
 nig-htboures of the toune, convenit in the tolbuith be the drum, that the 
 
 o ' _ _ ' Lord bin- 
 
 Lord Sincler come yesterday to this bm-ghe, who shew that his regiment clare aueut 
 
 of souldieris wer approching to this toune, quhairof fywe hundreth wer teVing of 
 
 to come in this day, and thairfoir desyu-ed that thay might hawe quarteris 
 
 within oure towne for thair awin payment ; and for oure townes better 
 
 grammer 
 .schoole 
 lent to 
 
 his soiours. 
 
244 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1640. 
 
 22 ()ctober assurance thairanent, Mr Robert Farquliar, commissar, wold take vpoun 
 
 — him to pay the nichtbom-es of thair quartering moneyes, anes ilk week. 
 
 and tlie Lyikas the said Mr Robert being personallie present, declaired opinlie in 
 
 clareancnt ^^^^ court that he had resawed from the said noble Lord thrie 
 
 the quar- thowsand merkis money, to be deburst be him, for intertinement of his 
 termg of . . . 
 
 hissoioiirs. soiom-is SO long as the said soume might last, quhilk he accordingly 
 promeist to pay ilk fridday, to the inhabitantis of this burghe vpovm 
 quhome the saids soiouris sould be quartered, conforme to the ordinarie 
 allowance formerlie bestowed wpon soiouris be Generale Maior Monro, at 
 his late being in this burghe, and quhan the said thrie thowsand merkis 
 salbe spent, the said Mr Robert Farquhar promeist to do his best to 
 prowyd for thame thairefter, as he sould resawe ordar and wan-and 
 for that effect. And thairfoir the said Patrik Leslie, prouest, inquyrit of 
 the nightbom-es, convenit as said is, quhat answer thay wald giwe to the 
 said Lord Sincler, to his desyre aboue specifeit : quha all in ane voice, be 
 resone of the said Mr Robert Farquhar his promise of payment to thame of 
 thair quartering moneyes, so far as the said thrie thowsand merkis might 
 extend to, and of his promeise lyikwayes to wse his moyan and diligence 
 for thair payment thairefter, were content and consentit to accept and 
 resawe the said regiment of soiouris and thair commanderis, and to giwe 
 thame quarteris within thair houssis, wponne the conditiounes aboue 
 mentioned, payed be the said Generall Maior Monro for his soiouris. 
 
 23 October 23 October 1640. 
 
 16i0. 
 
 George The same day, in presence of Mr Alexander Jaffray, baillie ; George 
 
 convict. Ross, hors-hyrer, convict for drawing a durk and persewing Johne 
 Dempster, fleshom*, tliis day, and stricking at him thanwith, throw the 
 juip; James Forbes, fleshour, become cautioner for the said George to pay sic 
 vnlaw for the said riot as the counsall sail modefie, and the said George 
 became actit to releiwe his said cationer, and Alexander Clerk, wobster, 
 became actit cationer and law-burrowes for the saidis Johne Dempster 
 
1640.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGII OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 245 
 
 and George Ross, that atlier of tliem sail be frie of the vther be way of 23 October 
 dead, in tyme cummg, vnder the paine of ane hundredth pnndis, and they — ' 
 become actit to relieve their said cationer. The wnlaw of the said George Ross^^ 
 Ross modefeit to aucht merkis, to be payed to the deane of gild, and to 
 be committit to waird till the same be payit, and thau'eftir to crave the 
 pairtie pardon in fenced court. 
 
 28 October 1640. 28 October 
 
 1640. 
 
 The said day Mr Willeame Moir, late baillie, was chosin commissionar 
 
 .. . chosin 
 
 to the Committie of Estate at Edmburghe, as he that was nommate commis- 
 Commissioner for this burghe be the said Committie, with Mr Alex- the'com- 
 ander Jaffray, late prowest, quho is latelie returnit frome Edinburghe, g^^j^^g 
 and whose absence is to be suppliet be the said Mr Willeame Moir, whome 
 they appoint to represent oure Tounes greivances to the said Committe, 
 by the lying of tuo Regimentis of souldiouris in this Toune, towitt the 
 Lord Sinclair and Maister of Forbes regimentis, and to petitioun that the 
 Toune may be fred of thame both, at the least of ane of thame, for the 
 reasones to be sett doune in the Instructiounes to be giwin to the said 
 Commissioner: and siclyik giwes him commissioun to deall with Mr Andro 
 Cant, minister at Newbotle, for his repairing hither with all convenient 
 diligence, for accepting wpoun him the functioun of ane of the ministeris 
 of this toune, conforme to the act of the late generall assemblie, and 
 ordaines the soume of ane hundreth merkis to be gewin to the said Mr 
 Willeame for macking his expenssis, to ane compt to be payed be Robert 
 Cruickshank, deane of gild, quhilk sail be allowit to him in his comptis. 
 
246 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1640. 
 
 'i64oJ^" 11 November 1640. 
 
 Patrick 
 
 Leslie The quhilk day, anent the missive direct fronie the Prowest, Baillies, 
 
 commis- Councell of the Burghe of Edinburghe to the Prowest, Baillies, and 
 
 ti'ie'parli'a °f burghe, for keiping of the parliament appointed to sitt 
 
 ment ami doune the nyntene day of November instant, and also for keiping a 
 ing of tiie meitting of the bnrrowes, the sexteine day of the said moneth, immediatlie 
 buuowis 'befQij. -the dounsitting of the parliament; off the quhilk missive the 
 tennour followes : — "Richt honorable and loving freinds and nichtbouris, 
 Whairas the commissioneris of the burrowis of this kingdome, laitlie 
 convenit at Irwing, lies appointed ane meitting of the whole bun-owes, 
 to be at this our burgh of Edinburghe, the sexteine of November nixt, 
 with continewatioun of dayes, immediatlie befoir the dounesitting of the 
 parliament; theise ar thairfor according to thair directioun to requyre 
 yow to send your commissioneris sufficientlie instructed, not onlie for 
 keiping of the said conventioun, appointed to be wpoun the said sexteine 
 of November nixt, bot also for keiping the dyet of parliament, and that 
 suche as yow shall send to the said parliament be men favoiudng and 
 practised in the elFaires of tlieu" estate, and of thaii- degrie, and rank, and 
 merchand trafficquer, beiring bnrdine, and indwellar within your burghe, 
 and who may tyne and win in the caus of the burrowes, and in the 
 particular of youre burghe, for whome youre burghe will be answerable, 
 and who will abyid consteintlie at all suche conclusiones as sail be maid 
 be the most pairt of the burrowes, and that you conteine bot on persoun 
 in your commissioun to the parliament, without prejudice to you to direct 
 moe if you pleas, as assessouris, of the qualitie abo we writ tin, to hawe 
 voice in absence of your commissioner. The whiche particular aboue 
 writtin, we requyre yow to keip and observe vnder the generall paines 
 contenit in the actis of borrowes maid thairanent. As also that yow send 
 your commissioneris suflficientlie instructed for staying of friemen from 
 being pertineris with vnfriemen and vnfi-ie skipperis. Item, for stopping 
 of casting out of ballast abowe the Queenffenie. Item, anent the 
 
IGiO.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 247 
 
 explaining and eulaii-ging of the jurisdiction gewin to the conveutioune H Nov. 
 of burrowes. Item, anent the procuring of letteris for causirige of -; — 
 
 Pfl-triclt 
 
 vnfriemen to find catioun not to vsurp the liberties of tlie borrowes vnder Leslie 
 ane liquidat pecuniall penaltie. Item, for dischairging the lait augmenta- gj'l^f^ig. 
 tioune of the customes and lait impost wpoun the tune of wyne, or '^j™p^^']'?j^ 
 rectifieing the present book of raittes, conforme to the 17 act of the said meut and 
 last generall conventioune. Item, that yow send with your commis- i,°^fof the 
 sioneres ane perfyt compt of the impost layed wpoun all goodes 
 transported or imported to or frome your port to or frome the provinces 
 of Pichardie and Norman die, with payment thairof frome the first of July 
 1638 to the first of July last, to the effect the saidis compts may be fitted 
 be the commissionares, thair to be convenit, conforme to the 32 act of the 
 said late generall conventioune. Anent all and whiche particulares aboue 
 writtin we expect your commissionares sufiicientlie instructed, as you 
 tender the weilfair of the burrowes, and vnder the paine of tuentie pundis, 
 and thus committing you to the protectione of Almightie God, we take 
 oiu" leive, and restis youre loving freindis and nichtbouris. The prowest, 
 baillies, and councell of Edinburgh, subscryving be Mr Alexander Guthrie, 
 our common clerk, at our command. Sic suhscrihitur. A. Guthrie, Edin- 
 burghe, this 2 of September 1640. Item, to send with yonr commissioner 
 your pairt of the soume of ane thowsand pundis, grantit to the burghe of 
 Ku-kcudbricht, to be payed to the agent, conforme to the 31 act of the said 
 last generall conventioun." Quhilk letteris direct wpoun the back — " To 
 the richt honorabill our loving freindis and nichtbouris, the prowest baillies 
 and counsall of the burghe of Aberdeine, these." Efter reiding of the 
 quhilk missive, and for satisfactioun of the desyre thairof, the magistrattes 
 and counsall nominat and chuisit Patrick Leslie, prowest, commissioner 
 for this burghe, for keiping the dyett, foirsaid, of the parliament, as 
 lyikwayes the said meittiug of the burrowes, and siclyik nominattis and 
 appointis Mr Willeame Moir, who is presentlie at Edinburghe, commissioner 
 for this burghe at the committie of estate, to be assessour to the said 
 Patrick Leslie, prowest, both at the parliament and meitting of the 
 
248 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1640. 
 
 11 Nov. 
 1460. 
 
 Patrick 
 Leslie 
 cliosin 
 commis- 
 sionar to 
 the Parlia- 
 ment and 
 to a meitt- 
 ing of the 
 burrowis. 
 
 burrowes, and to voice for him in his absenee, and instructiounes 
 appointit to be gevin to thame anent the tounes greivances, be the lying 
 heir of tuo regimentis of souldioures, and anent suche wther particulares 
 as salbe thought convenient to giwe tham in commissioun concerning this 
 burghe ; and ordaines commissiounes to be giwin to tham under the 
 tounes secreites seall; and the subscriptiounes of the magistrattis and 
 clerk, both for the pai-liament and raeitting of the bxuTowes, and appointis 
 the soume of thrie hundreth merkis to be gewin to the said Patrik Leslie, 
 prouest, to ane compt for macking of his expenssis in the saids commis- 
 siounes, to be payit to him as followes : towitt, twa hundreth merkis 
 be James Robertsoun, thesaurer, and ane hundreth merkis be Robert 
 Cruikshank, dean of gild, quhilk salbe allowit to thame in thair comptis. 
 
 18 Nov. 
 1C40. 
 
 Act of the 
 committe 
 of estates 
 of Parlia- 
 ment anent 
 the prj'ces 
 of scliooes, 
 boottes, 
 hyddis, and 
 tanning of 
 leather. 
 
 18 November 1640. 
 
 The act of the committee of the estates of parliament set doune 
 anent the pryces of shoes, boots, hydis, and tanning of leather, quhilk is 
 ordanit to be proclaimit at the mercat croce of this burghe, and to be 
 registrat in the tounes counsell booke, thairin to remaine ad futuram rei 
 memoriam, and to the effect the samen may be put in executioune within 
 this burghe fiiedome and jurisdictiouii thairof eftii' the forme and 
 tennour of the samen in all pointes vnder the peines thaiiincontenit : of 
 the whilk act the tennour followes : — 
 
 " At Edinburghe the t van tie sex day of November, j™ vi'^ fourtie yeares, 
 the committee of the estates of parliament with advyse of the nobilitie, 
 commissionares of the shejTes and burrowes convenit for the tyme, have- 
 ing appointit ane number of cache estait to setle the pryces of the shoes, 
 bootis, hydis, and tanning of leather, whilkis personis, after full delibera- 
 tioun thairanent, resoluit and concludit wpoun thais articles wnderwrittin, 
 whiche thay presentit and producit in presence of the said committee of 
 estaites, nobilitie, and commissionares foirsaid, and after the samen 
 articles war red and considerit in thair whole presence, and they all in one 
 
1640.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 249 
 
 woice ratifiet and approveit the samen as they ar heireftir set doune; of the 18 Nov. 
 whilkis articles tlie teunom- followis : — — ' 
 
 Thais on the committee appointit for setling some course to the committe 
 
 cordineris, hes, after deliberatioun, considderit that, inrespect of the pryceis °f y^rlh- 
 
 of the roiiffhe hydis ar almost at the samen rate sold for the present that nientancnt 
 
 . . . . the pryccs 
 
 they war sold this tyme tuellf month, hath thairfoir thoclit expedient that of sclioocs, 
 the pryceis of the roughe hydis may be ordanit to be sold in maner fol- hycklis'aml 
 lowing, viz.:- ^^^i 
 
 That the best ox hyid be sold for eight merkis, and inferiour sortis of 
 oxen hydis for fyve pxnid, seven merkis, and four pimd, and so furthe ac- 
 cording to thair worthe, being rouche hydis. 
 
 Item, the best kyne hydis being rouche, be sauld for four lib., and the 
 inferiour sortis for fyve merkis, thrie pund, and four merkis, and so furthe 
 according to thair worthe. 
 
 Item, that thaii- be allowit for tanning of the best ox hyid for materi- 
 allis, paines, and gaines, fiftie shilingis, and for the second sortis of ox 
 hyidis and kyne hydis, ane heid, fourtie s. ; and for sur performance heir- 
 of, it is ordanit that the magistrattis of each burghe and justices of peace 
 in landward, sail have power to cans mak oppin the bark pottis for wisiting 
 the leather, and for urging the tanneris to sell the samen at the prycis 
 foirsaids, at the discretioun of the magistratis and justices of peace, con- 
 forme to the ordour befoir prescryvit of the rouche hyidis : and the con- 
 traveiner, in refusing to sell the rouche hyids at the pryces foirsaidis, to 
 pay fourtie shilingis for ilk hyd, and the tanner whae refuissis, to pay 
 thrie pund for ilk hyd, by and attour the fulfiling of the act, and tlie 
 penaltie to be devydit as followeth, the ane halff to the delaiter, and the 
 wther halff to the magistratis or justices of peace, for the vse of the 
 publict. 
 
 And siclyik ordaines that the cordineris sell the shoes and bootis as 
 follows, viz. : — 
 
 The inshe of thrie soillit shoes of the best leather, to be sold at twa 
 shilingis twa penneis the inshe. 
 
 1 2 1 
 
250 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1640. 
 
 18 Nov. Item, the sectmd sort of thrie soillit shoes to be sold at tuantie 
 
 — penneis the mshe. 
 committe Item, the inshe of singUl soillit shoes of the best sort, at sexteine 
 
 of l?rlia- penneis the inshe. 
 
 meiitancnt Item, the secund sort of single solit shoes at fourtein penneis the 
 
 the pryces . 
 
 of scliooes, inshe. 
 
 hyddis and Item, the inshe of bairnis shoes double sollit, of the best sort, at sex- 
 
 tenne penneis. 
 
 Item, the secund of slichter leather, double sollit, at fom'teine 
 penneis. 
 
 Item of singill soillit of aucht inshis and wndir, at tuelff penneis the 
 inshe. 
 
 Item, that wemens shoes, timber heilit, of the best sort, be sold at 
 tuantie sex penneis the inshe. 
 
 Item, the secund sort timber heilit shoes, at tuantie penneis the inshe. 
 
 And anent the prycis of bootis, it is ordanit that thair be allowit of 
 the best leather for each insh of the length of the foote of bootis, the 
 quadruple of the prycis of the inshes of the best sort of shoes, being 
 tuantie sex penneis for cache inshe thairof, the topis being large, and of 
 the best leather. 
 
 Item, that the secund sort of leather maid in bootis, that the inshe 
 of the length of the foote thairof, be sold at the quadruple pryce of the 
 shoes maid of the secund leather as is befoir prescryvit, extending the 
 pryces of the said shoes of that sort to tuantie penneis the inshe, the 
 topis thairof being also lairge. 
 
 And the said committee of estates, with consent foirsaid for sindrie 
 caussis and consideratioimes, haue thought fit for the bruche of Edinburgh e, 
 that the cordonaris -within the said burghe sail have for eache inshe of 
 shoes of the best sort of leather thritie penneis, and for the secund sort of 
 leather, tua shilingis for the inshe, and so furthe according to the lyik 
 proportioun in singill solit and wemenis shoes ; as also thay sail have the 
 quadruple of the pryce of the inshe of the best leather of shooiie for the 
 
1G40.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 251 
 
 inslae of the best leather of bootis, and siclyik of the second sort, accord- 18 Nov. 
 ing to ihe samen proportioun of the secund sort of shoes. And the — ' 
 penalties againes refuisaris to sell at the prycis foirsaidis, and the fynis coinmittc 
 of not sufficient gear, to be confiscat, the ane hallf to appertaine to the of i4'^ii|il 
 delaiter, and the wther half to the Judge for the wse of the publict, and mentanent 
 
 Tiil6 CG& 
 
 who refuissis to work and leaveth of, to pay fourtie pundis, by and attour of scliooes, 
 punishement to be inflictit on thair personis, toties guoties, as thay salbe hyddis,'aiul 
 chalengit and fund guiltie, and thair penalties to be imployit in maner fy^tijer" 
 befoir prescryvit, and thaise of the poorer sort to be punishit at the dis- 
 cretioun of the Judge. 
 
 2 December lQ4iO. 2 Dec. 
 
 1640. 
 
 The said day the magistratis and counsell, inrespect of the lend Patrick 
 vitious and scandalus lyf and conversatioun of Patrik Stewart, ane of the depryvcd 
 beddellis in the gild bretherenes hospitall, quho hes fallin in the sin of j*,^ 
 adultrie with Margaret Shirres, spous to Williame Scott, mariner, confest be Gild Bre- 
 
 tlicrGiics 
 
 thame both in the presence of the kirk session, have thairfoir depry vit and Hospitall. 
 be thir presentis depryvis the said Patrik SteAvart of his place in the said 
 hospitall, and of all^benefitt thairof in tyme coming, and declams him to 
 be incapable of the said place in any tyme heirafter ; and farder, ordaines 
 him to be presentlie tackin furth of ward out of the Tolbuith of this burghe, 
 and had to the mercat croce, and thair be oppin proclamatioun the caus of 
 his deprivatioun to be publictlie intimat, and his goune to be instantlie 
 takin from him and pullit ower liis held at the mercat croce, and to be 
 baneist the toune as ane vnvorthie member to abyd in the samen ; lyikas 
 publict intimatioun was maid at the said mercat croce, that whosoeuir 
 sould resave him in thair hous, or giue him any ludging frome this day 
 fiirthe, they sould pay the unlaw of ten pundis to the deane of gild un 
 forgivin, to the tonnes wse, and be lyable to farder censur as the magis- 
 tratis and counsell sail find the circumstances of thair fault to deserve. 
 
252 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM TFIE 
 
 [1640. 
 
 16 Dec. 
 1640. 
 
 Toole 
 
 vacance 
 dis- 
 
 cliairgit. 
 
 16 December 1640. 
 
 The quhilk day, the magistratis and counsuU, all in ane woice, dis- 
 chargis the masteris of all the scollis within this burghe frome keiping 
 of anie yule wacance, or giving than* scollans any tyme to play, except 
 wpoiin the ordinar play dayis ; and for reformeing of the bygaine abuses, 
 ordaines the saidis masteris to attend thair charge, both in teacheing and 
 examining of thair scollaris as at wther ordinar tymis in the yeir, 
 inrespect of the act of parliament dischargeing all suche waccance ; and 
 ill place of the said yule wacance, the counsall grantis to the scolleris 
 thrie dayis play at the begining of ewerie quarter, whilk was intimat to 
 the masteris personnallie present. 
 
 23 Dec. 
 1C40. 
 
 Lcslye Iiis 
 discharge 
 of his com- 
 mission at 
 the Parlia- 
 ment and 
 meitting 
 of the 
 burrowis. 
 
 23 December 1640. 
 
 The said day, Patrick Leslie, prowest, compeir and in presens of the 
 counsall, whae, being commissioner direct frome the bm-ghe to the late 
 melting of parliament and conventioun of buiTOwes, hauldin at Edinburghe 
 in November last, maid ane ample declaratioun of suche matteris as wer 
 treatit of and handlit, both at the parliament and burrowis. Lyikas the 
 said Patrick produceit ane letter frome the Committie of Estates to the 
 counsell of this biu'ghe, with ane act of the said committie, and the actis 
 of biuTowis anent the soume of ane hundrethe and feftie thowsand gilderis, 
 appointit to be lent and advancit be the whole burrowis of this kiugdome, 
 for the wse of the publict. In respect of the whilk report, the counsell 
 findis that the said Patrick hes dcwlie acquytit himselff in his com- 
 missioun, and thairfoir discharges him of the samen for ewer. 
 
1641.] 
 
 RECOEDS OF THE BUEGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 253 
 
 6 January 1641. 6 Jan. 
 
 Followis the iniunctionis maid and set doune be the prouest, bailyies, Iniunc- 
 and counsell of this burghe, to be keipit and observeit be the Sacrister or tlic kirk 
 kirk warden tharof, in all tyme cuming. sacustar. 
 
 Imprimis, it is ordanit that the Sacrister be present himselfF at all 
 sermonis and commone prayeris, evening and morning, and sail wear his 
 gotme, with ane staff in the kirk for choping of sleiperis, as also for re- 
 moveing of meane men and boyis whae occupeis honest men's daskis, and 
 will nather remove nor mak roume to men of better qualitie and strangeris, 
 and for that effect to goe frome kirk to kirk in tyme of sermone. 
 
 Item, for preserveing the windowis unbrokin, aither himselff or his 
 servandis, ane of thame at least salbe continowallie present in the kirk 
 frome the oppening of the duris in the morning till they be shut at nicht ; 
 and if it sould happin that any of the windowis sal be brok in the nicht, in 
 that cais, wliane they crime to oppin the dm-is in the morning thay sail 
 weire all the windowis, and if they find any brokin, they sail intimat the 
 samen to the master of kirk wark, for cleiring thamesalffis thairof, wther- 
 wayes they sail mak report of the brakeris thairof, or else pay the skaith 
 thameselffis. They sail keip preceislie the magistratis dask fast shut, till 
 the magistratis come thameselffis, and not oppin the samen to any of 
 what qualitie soeuer they be, till the magistratis come to the kh-k ; and 
 incais any sould tak exceptioun againes the sacraster thairfoir, in that 
 cais he sail declair he lies no key, bot that officiaris whae attendis the 
 saidis magistratis hes that key. He sail command his servandis everie 
 Saterday at night to watter and sueap the flooris of the kirkis, and diclit 
 ewerie dask, least honest men sould spoyle tliair clothis and hattis thairon. 
 
 In respect that the steippill getis great skaith throwe sleuth in 
 leaveing oppin the doris and windowis thairof night and day, the great 
 windis blowing throw within the steippill, and the raine roting the timber 
 thairof, thairfoir it is ordainit that all the doris and windowis, heighe 
 and lauche, be ewer fast, bot whane the bellis ar in ringing, and thairafter 
 
254 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1041, 
 
 6 Jan. the laiche windowis to be fastenit everie night, and especiailie iu winter, 
 J . — for eschewing* the great skaithe that may occur thairthrow. For 
 tions to observeing the preceis tyme of ringing on the bellis of the Sabbothe day, 
 sacrfsto. ordanit that the kirk bellis be rung as followis — viz., the first bell at 
 
 halflfnyne, the secund at nyne, and the third at halff ten houris ; and on 
 the weik dayis — the first bell to ring at halif sevin preceislie, the secund 
 at sevin, and the third bell at halff hour to audit in the morning, and the 
 bellis to ring ane quarter of ane hour at ilk tyme, and for the prayeris the 
 bell to begin at halff hour to sevin in the morning, and to ring to sevin 
 houris ; and at nicht to begin at halff hour to fyve, and to ring till fy ve 
 houris compleit ; and in the winter seasone, the candlis to be all lichtit 
 and set in order befoir the bell be halff endit ; and for observeing dew 
 tyme in oppening of the kirk doris, it is statut and ordanit that the kii-k 
 doris betwixt the first of November and the last of February salbe 
 oppenit no sooner nor fyve houris in the morning. Twa candlis thane to 
 be lichtit, and shut at halff sevin at night, twa candlis still bm-ning ; and 
 all the rest of the yeir, the doris to be oppenit preceislie at four houris in 
 the morning, and shut at nyne houris at nicht ; the sacrister himselfif, or 
 ane of his servandis, being ewer present, as also that thay hawe ane cair 
 of keiping the kirk yeardis frome horssis and wther bestiall cuming 
 thairin, and frome drying any kynd of clothis thairin, or webis ; and that 
 they suffer not the scollaris nor wtheris thairin at any pastim, nor to cast 
 stanes on the kirk, whilk hes bein oftymis sufFerit in thair default, they 
 not being present. Item, that the sacrister, nor neane of his servandis 
 lay tapestrie befoir none, except suche as thair qualitie deservis the 
 samen, and that to be done be advyse of some of the magistratis or 
 master of kirk wark. 
 
 Item, that he suffer none to goe or walk in the croce ku-k in tyme 
 of sermone heirafter. 
 
 Whilkis iniunctionis aboue writin war instantlie intimat to Thomas 
 Cowie, present sacrister, wha was chargit to performe and obey the 
 samen in all pointis. 
 
1641.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 255 
 
 17 February 1641. iJ^Feb. 
 The saraen clay, it is ordainit be the proiiest, bailzeis, and Counsel], Actaganes 
 
 • • ••••• • tll)Stl*1.C"' 
 
 that if any nighbour or inhabitant within this brughe salbe fund to grind tgi-jg 
 
 any of thair cornis at outlandis milnis, whilk tholis fyre and watter within 
 
 ' comes 
 
 the toune, the personn contraveining in this kynd sail not only be lyable from the 
 in payment of double multur to the taikisman of the tounes milnis for mylnes. 
 thair abstractit cornis, bot also salbe unlawit in thretein shilingis foure 
 penneis, to be payit to the deane of gild, for ilk boll of thair cornis 
 abstractit be thame, toties quoties, for the publict wse and benefit of the 
 toune ; whilk act was intimat to the whole toune, conveinit in the tolbuith 
 wpoim the fyft day of Marche 1041, to the effect nane sould pretend 
 ignorance. 
 
 17 March 1641. 17 March 
 
 1641. 
 
 The said day, Peter Hay, James Morgan, his servand, and Andro Hay and 
 . „ . „ , his ser- 
 
 Mowat, pickiemen at the townes commone mimes, m presens oi the pro- vantis 
 
 uest, baillzeis, and Counsell, was convict and piat in amerciament of court 
 
 for exacting of ane goupin out of ewerie seckfull of malt grund at the tonnes 
 
 myliiGS 
 
 saidis mylnes mor nor the dew multur and knaueship allotit to the tackis- convict, 
 man and his servandis for thair service, and in particular for deteaning 
 within the saidis milnes of the malt belonging to James Crystie, tailzeoir, 
 and Wm. Patirsoun, maltman, till they sould be answerit of the said exac- 
 tioun mor nor the dew multur and knauship. 
 
256 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1G41. 
 
 17 Marcli 
 1641. 
 
 Ordinance 
 of councell 
 agancs 
 scrvantis 
 gewares 
 of any 
 more nor 
 the (lew 
 multure 
 and 
 
 knavee- 
 sliip for 
 grinding 
 of thair 
 maisteris 
 malt and 
 agancs 
 pickie- 
 men ex- 
 actcris of 
 more nor 
 thair due. 
 
 19 March 
 1G41. 
 
 Vnlgine 
 and Bellie 
 
 Eodem die. 
 
 The samen day, flforsameikile as the prouest, bailzeis, and Counsall, 
 considering the great abuss cropin in of lait within this bi'ughe betwixt 
 honest menis servandis within the samen and the pickiemeu at the tonnes 
 commone mihiis, in the giveing and exacting of more nor the dew multur 
 and knaiieship for the malt grund at the saidis milnis, be thair masteris 
 knoweledge or allowance, to thair great prejudice : Thairfoir, and for 
 eschewing of the lyik decait and frandfull dealling in tyme coming, 
 the saidis prouest, bailzeis, and counsall ordaines intimatioun to be maid 
 be the drume throw the haill streites of the toune, That nae servand 
 grinding malt at any of the tounes milnis sail pay moir nor the dew mul- 
 tur and knaueship for thair masteris or mestressis malt, conforme to the 
 measure appointit be the Counsell for that effect; and if any servand 
 contravein and transgres this present ordinance, be giveing of ane gowpin 
 or any wther quantitie of malt mor nor the dew multur according to the 
 measure foirsaid, or if any pickiemen or thair servandis at the saidis 
 milnis salbe fund guiltie of resaveing or exacting of any farder nor thair 
 just dew, the servandis haveand the chairge of the malt salbe accomptit 
 as stealleris of than* masteris guidis, and the pickiemen or wther servandis 
 about the milne as receptaris of stollen malt, and salbe punishit accord- 
 inglie be scurging and banishment, or vthervayis at the arbitriement of 
 the magistratis. 
 
 19 March 1641. 
 
 The said day, Helene Vulgine and Margaret Bellie was convict and 
 put in amerciement of court for injuring and stricking mutuallie ilkane of 
 thame the wther, and scrating and ryveing of wtheris faces to the effu- 
 siouu of other of thair blodis. Alexander Findlater, litster, cautionar for 
 the said Helene Vilgine, and Wm. Gray, wricht, cautioun for the said 
 Margaret Bellie, for payment of sic vnlaw as the Counsell sail modifie for 
 thaii" saidis convictionis. 
 
1C41.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 257 
 
 25 March 1641. 25 March 
 
 1G41. 
 
 The quliilk day the prouest, bailzies, and Cotinsell, considderliif^ that Election 
 the commissionaris whae wer appohitit be the late Generall Assemblie to George 
 meit at this brughe the twantie fourt day of Marche instant for planting ,^;',jfgtgi. 
 of the wacand placis of the ministrie within the samen, lies refuisit to 
 grant warrand for transplanting to the ministrie within this brughe of 
 Master Johne Annand, minister at Innerness, of whome the Counsell, with 
 consent of the haill toune maid electioun, and that in respect the said 
 Master Johne was bot laitlie ti-ansplantit be the said Assemblie frome the 
 kirk of Kynnoir to the said toune of Inuernes, whair he is scarcelie weill 
 setlit as yit : Thairfoir the saidis prouest, bailziqp, and Counsell, being 
 carefull to have the wacancie of thair pulpittis supplied be ane wther 
 
 qualifeit and habill persone, hes electit, nominat, and choisin, and 
 
 with consent of the whole toune convenit in the tolbuithe electis, nominatis, 
 and chuisses Mr George Gilespie, minister at the kirk of Weymes, to be 
 ane of the actuall ministeris of the said brughe, as ane man fit and 
 habill for the place. Whilk being remonstrat to the saids commissionaris, 
 they ordainit the said Mr George Gillespie to be transplantit frome his 
 present charge at the kirk of Weymes to the ministrie of this brughe. . . . 
 
 31 March 1641. 31 March 
 
 1641. 
 
 The quhilk day, efter sermone made be Doctor Williame Guild in Mr Andre 
 
 the auld ku-k of this brughe. Master Andro Cant, whae by the Act of the ^^'^"J 
 
 late Generall Assemblie was ordainit to be transplantit frome Newbottell ane of tlie 
 
 ^ _ ministers. 
 
 to Aberdein, was publictlie and solemnlie resaveit ane of the actuall 
 ministeris of this brughe, with commone applaus of the haill congrega- 
 tioun conveinit for the tyme, and in presence of the bretherene of the 
 presbitrie of Aberdein, whae instantlie gave him the hand of fellowship. 
 
 2 K 
 
258 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1641. 
 
 7 April 7 AprillQAl. 
 
 1641. 
 
 Dcane of The said day, the prouest, bailzeis, and Counsell ordaines Robert 
 
 calsi'e- Cruikshank, deane of gild, to enter Andro Rob, calsie maker, to wark 
 mackci. -^vith all convenient dilligence for calsaying of that pairt of the kingis 
 streit forgaines the mid milne in the Greine, and the calsay passand fi-ome 
 the Braidget by Patrik Walkaris hous to the tolbiiith, and the gutter to 
 be laid with flag stanes. 
 
 28 April 
 1641. 
 
 Ratifica- 
 tion of the 
 Act maid 
 aneiit tiic 
 entrie of 
 tencntis 
 to Tcmpill 
 Laiulis 
 and Ab- 
 bottis 
 Landis. 
 
 28 April 1641. 
 
 The said day, the prouest, bailzeis, and Counsell ratifies and ap- 
 provis the act of Counsell of the dait the tuantie sevint day of July 
 j™ vi*^ thretie nyne yeiris, maid be thair predecessoris anent the entrie of 
 tennentis to temple landis and abbottis landis within this brughe, whairby 
 it is ordanit that ilk intrant tennent, as assigney, sail pay ane yeares 
 dewtie of the land whairwnto thay entir to the tonnes thesaurer for the 
 benefit of the commoun guid, and ane air to pay onlie the double of the 
 fewdewtie conteanit in the predicessoris infeftment; and that the sone 
 or dochter of the heretour of any of thaise landis entering thairto be dis- 
 positioun of thair parentis, sail pay onlie for thair entrie as ane air, and no 
 farder to be exactit of thame, for the samen ; and ane clause to be insert 
 in ewerie infeftment and saising to be givin of the saidis landis of the 
 ten our above writin. Lyikas instantlie the saidis prouest, bailzeis, and 
 counsell ordaines saisin to be givin to Patrik Gordon, litster, of the 
 foirland and Avarkhous of the tenement in the Netherkirkget, conforme to 
 the dispositioun thairof maid to him be Johne Forbes, sone to umquhile 
 Johne Forbes, for the compositioun of fourtie merkis, to be payit to the 
 tonnes thesaurer; and ane wther saising of the inland and yeard of the 
 said tennement, to be givin to Michaell Findlater merohand, for the com- 
 positioun of wther fourtie merlds of entres siluer, in consideratioun that 
 the said haill tenement is become ruinous and likelie to decay. 
 
1641.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 259 
 
 4 May 1641. 4 May 
 
 ^ 1641. 
 
 Helen Sherar, convict of her awin confessioun for casting a cvp and Sherar and 
 ane trien muskkin stoup at Margrat Burnett, and hitting of hir thairwith, fo"iMct! 
 to the effusion of hir blood, to firbear ; and the said Margrat wes convict 
 for pvitting hands on the said Helene, and for preassing to tak the said 
 Helenes bairne from hir, for the quhilkis injuries they both were ordanit 
 to be jogget, or than to redeim thameselffes thairfra as followes, viz. — the_ 
 said Helene be payment of fourtie ss. of wnlaw to the deane of gild, and 
 the said Margrat be peyment of twa merkis money. 
 
 7 May 1641. 7 May 
 
 The whilk day, the whole toune being warnit to this day be the The tonus 
 hand bell, and conveinand for the maist pairt within the tolbuith, it was tfoun^of 
 exponit to thame be Patrick Leslie prowest, that the magistratis and ^qj^j^^^*'^ 
 counsell, considdering the great abuse committit be dyuerse inhabitantis maid 
 of this brughe in persewing maliciouslie thair nighbours befoir the com- persewers ■ 
 missar and schirreff in actions whairunto the prouest and baillies ar bgfoir'in- 
 competent judgis, and thairby not onlie draveing thameselfBs and thair j^^j"^ 
 pairties to extraordinarie paines and charges, bot also disclameing their 
 ordinar judicatorie and neglecting their dew respect to the toune and 
 liberties thairof, had inactit and ordanit, conforme to dyverse auld 
 statutis and ordinances maid be thair predicessoris, magistratis and 
 counsell, of this brughe abefoir, that it sail naevayis be lesume to any 
 nighbour nor inhabitant within the samen to persew ane wther befoir the 
 schirreff or commissar, in actiouns whairwnto the prouest and baillies of 
 the said brughe ar judgis competent, bot that all sick actions sallbe per- 
 sewit befoir the saidis magistratis in tyme comeing^ under the paine of ten 
 pundis of unlaw, to be exactit of ilk persone contraveineand, be the dean 
 
260 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1641. 
 
 7 May 
 1641. 
 
 Tlie tonus 
 
 ratifica- 
 
 tioun of 
 
 the act of 
 
 counscU 
 
 maid 
 
 aganes 
 
 persewers 
 
 of actions 
 
 befoir 
 
 inferioiir 
 
 judges. 
 
 of gild toties quoties, for the weill and benefit of the toune, as in the 
 ordinance of counsell maid thairanent of the dait the fyft day of May 
 instant at lenthe is conteanit : And thairfoir the said Patrick Leslie, pro- 
 west, inquyiit of the toune convenit as said is if they wer content to 
 adhear to the said act, and giue thair approbatioun thairwnto ; quhae 
 finding the samen to be deliberatlie set donne for the wcill of the inhabi- 
 tantis of this brughe, gave thair consent thau'to, and ratifiet and approveit 
 the samen in all pointis, bot any oppositioun or obiectioun in the contrair. 
 
 19 May 
 1641. 
 
 Act for 
 diniolesli- 
 ing the 
 fauld 
 biggit in 
 the Linkis. 
 
 19 May 1641. 
 
 The said day the prouest, bailyeis, and counsell ordainis the fauld 
 bigit vpoun the linkis benorth brabneris goat to be dimolishit and cast 
 down and the faill to be cuttit and laid in the lair whair thay wer castin 
 be the directioun of the deane of gild, whilk wes accordinglie done. 
 
 Eodemdie. Eodem die. 
 
 Restraint The samen day the prouest, bailyeis, and counsell ordaines that na 
 
 0 f C*l 1*C 111 
 
 sand from sand be taken hen-after frome the hill besyd the castell hill, callit the 
 IiUl'"'^" heiding hill, as in tymes past, under the paine of fourtie shilingis, to be 
 exactit of the contraveiner but fauour, and the master of impost to hawe 
 ane cair to see that abuse reformit, and to report his diligence thairanent 
 to the counsell. 
 
 26 May 26 Mzt/ 1641. 
 1641. 
 
 Statute The said day the prowest, bailyeis, and counsell statutis and ordainis 
 
 anent the ^j^^^ mail nor woman whatsomeuer, nether stranger nor inhabitant, 
 
 mercut. presume nor tak vpoiui hand to sell or buy any wooll in tyme coming, or 
 
16il.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 261 
 
 to arle any wool!, till the samen present the commone mercat of this brughe ^^^^^ 
 wpoun the mercat day, and remaine thairin till aucht houris in the morning, 
 and neane to be sold, coft, nor arlit befoir that hour, and if any sail con- anent the 
 trowein in buying, seling, or arleing any wooll befoir the samen present mercat. 
 the mercat, and remaine thairin till ihe hour foirsaid, the contraveinar 
 alsweill sellar as buyar sail incur the wnlaw of ten pimdis toties quoties 
 efter convictioun, and the samen to be tryit alsweill be aith of pairtie as 
 be witnessis, and ordaines intimation heirof to be maid be touk of drum 
 throw the haile toun, quhilk was done. 
 
 14 June 1641. 14 June 
 
 1641. 
 
 The said day, in presence of the prouest, compeirit, John Straquhan, -^ct anent 
 merchand, and Peter Moir, skipper, whae ar presentlie bound to Dantzick, ing of pas- 
 and become actit bund and obleist to transport nae persone nor persons out^Tthe 
 whatsumeuer, nor passingeris, in the said ship this present voyage, unles 
 the said merchand and skipper acquaint the magistratis thahwith, and 
 thair warrand had and obtainit thairunto, under the paine of fyue hundreth 
 merkis money to be payit be them to the dean of gild for the publict vse 
 and benefit of the toune incais of failyie. 
 
 15 Jwie 1641. 15 June 
 
 1641. 
 
 The said day Mariorie Jack, spous to Thomas Marshell, was convict Mariorie 
 and put in amerciement of court for injureing of Elspet Gray, and callit ^^^^ 
 hir whoore, wpoun Friday last. The unlaw of the said Mai'iorie modifeit 
 to twa merkis, to be payet to the deane of gild. 
 
262 
 
 EXTliACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1641. 
 
 15 June 
 1641. 
 
 Andersone 
 and Makie 
 convict of 
 usui-ping 
 the rights 
 of gild 
 burgessis. 
 
 Eodem die. 
 
 The said day, in presence of the pronest, bailHes, and counsell, William 
 Andersone and John Makie, coupers, friemen of this bm-gh, wer convict 
 of thair awne confessioun for frauchting of William Walker, skiper, his ship 
 laitlie to Norrovay, contrair to the priuiledgis and liberties oi craftismen, 
 and bringing of the said ship to this brughe, loadenit Avith timber and 
 daillis, contrair to the pri^dleges and liberties of the said burghe as said 
 is, and thairby wsurping the libertie of gild burgessis, whairanent they 
 refendt thameselffis in the connsullis will, be thair supplicatioun subscriuit 
 with thair hand. For the quhilk, tlie said Wm. Andersone and Johne 
 Makie wer unlawit in the soume of ane hundrethe poundis, to be payit 
 eqiiallie betwixt thame to the deane of gild ; and ordains the said deane 
 of gild to buy the said loadening frae the saidis couparis for the vse of 
 the toun, as he buyes the lyk commodities frome strangeris and unfiie- 
 men, be resone they haue no richt to traid with ouersea wauis. 
 
 16 June 
 1641. 
 
 Moreson 
 
 admittet 
 
 ane of tiie 
 
 doctouris 
 
 of tiie 
 
 granimer 
 
 schoole. 
 
 16 June 1641. 
 
 The said day anent the edict serveit to this day for filing up of the 
 place of Master James Boyd ane of the doctoris of the grammer scoolle of 
 this burghe, now waccand in the tounes handes be his dimissioun, com- 
 peu-it within the kirk sessiomi hous, Master Robert Morisone, lauchfull 
 sone to vnquhill Johne Moriesone, bmrges of the said burghe, and ofiferit 
 himselff reddie and willing to underly tryall and examinatioun for the said 
 plaice, whae, being examinat and tryit in his literature, guid lyf and con- 
 versatioun, was fund meit and qualifeit for the place, and thairfoir the saids 
 prouest, baillies, and counsell hes admittit, and, be thir presentis, admittis 
 the said Mr Robert Moriesone to be doctour of the said grammer scoole 
 during thair plesour, in place of the said Master James Boyd, and grantis 
 to the said Master Robert yeirlie dureing the space foirsaid for his service, 
 the stipend quhilk the said Mr James had obefoir, viz., the soume of ane 
 
1641.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 263 
 
 Imndrethe merkis, to be payit to him yeirlie at the feast of Witsunday, be 16 June 
 
 the deane of gild, togidder with the profit and annueh'ent of the soiime of — ' 
 
 fyve huiidrethe merkis, mortifiet for that wse be ane neighbour of the admUtet 
 
 tomie, whae obscuirit his name, to be lyikwayes payit to the said Mr Robert j1"ctoiiri'r 
 
 at the term foirsaid, be the master of the mortificatiounes ; and the said t''^ 
 
 . grammer 
 
 Master Robert being personalHe present, acceptit the said charge m and schoole. 
 wpoun him, and promeisit to acquyitt himselff faithfullie thairiatill. 
 
 2S June 164:1. 23 June 
 
 1641. 
 
 The qiihilk day, in presence of Patrick Leslie, prouest, and Alexander James~Peir 
 Jaffray, bailyie, James Pen-, borne in Nisbit, besyid Haddingtoun, as he assaiJi'ting 
 alledgit, being accusit for cruell hurting, wounding, and bloddi-aveing of Crombie. 
 Johne Crombie, chapmane trader to England, vpon the tuantie nynt day 
 of May last bypast, on the mercat streit of the said brughe, by giveing the 
 said Johne nyn diverse wounds with ane durk, Confest the samen. As 
 lykewayis being accusit on his behauiour and affairis in thir northe 
 pairtis, and whether or not Jonet Stark, whome he brocht with him in 
 thir quarteris, be his lawfull wyf, confest that he had no wairis for seall, 
 neither any trad or calling heir, but pretendit he was goeing north to 
 wisit freindis ; confest the said Janet was not his lawfull wyf, but ane 
 concubin ; quhairfou- the said James haveing remanit within the wardhous 
 of the said brughe be the space of tuantie dayis and aboue, and not 
 haueing meanes neither to intertain himselff nor to pay the chirurgian for 
 cureing the said John, the saidis magistratis decernis and ordanes the said 
 James his best plaid, with his pistole, and ane pair of blewshankis, to be 
 presentlie apprysit for paying the oflficiaris of suche money as is restandto 
 thame, and the superplus to be delyverit to the chirurgiane. Whilk 
 guidis wer instantlie delyverit and apprysit, the plaid at aucht pundis, 
 the pistoll at tuantie sevin shilingis, and the shankis at saxtein shilingis, 
 and wer delyverit be himselff to Thomas Urquhart, chirurgian, for the 
 wse foirsaid. And as for his ryot, the saidis magistratis ordaines the said 
 
264 
 
 EXTRACTS FKOM THE 
 
 [1641. 
 
 23 June 
 IC-tl. 
 
 Jcimes Peir 
 convict of 
 assaulting 
 Crombie. 
 
 6 July 
 1C41. 
 
 Fraser 
 convict of 
 injuring 
 Bessie 
 Forbes. 
 
 Eodem die. 
 
 Watsone 
 convict of 
 dinging 
 over Mar- 
 garet 
 Andre. 
 
 Eodem die. 
 
 Robert 
 Massie 
 convict for 
 putting 
 hands on 
 Win. Gor- 
 don. 
 
 James Peir to bepresentlie [sent] to Morpeth as ane sojour for this brughe 
 to the companie of Capitane Robert Keith, vuder the conduct of John Scot, 
 sergand, in the most commodious way, for preventing of his flicht ; whae 
 instantlie, be his great oathe solemnelie suorne, promeist not to desert nor 
 leaue the said John Scot, nor to withdraw him from his companie, wnder 
 the paine of hanging. 
 
 6 July 1641. 
 
 The said day Elspet Fraser, spons of Duncane PhiHp, fermorar, was 
 convict for injming of Bessie Forbes, spous to Johne Dempster, piiblictHe 
 vpoun the hie streit, be vttering syndrie and dyverse injmious and scolding 
 speeches aganies hir. The vnlaw of the said Elspet modifiet to four 
 merkis, to be payit to the deane of gild. As lykwayis, shae wes ordanit 
 to mak ane publict mendis to the pairtie offendit in presens of the 
 magistratis, be craveing hir pardoun, and promeising not to dae the lyk in 
 tyme cuming. 
 
 Eodem die. 
 
 The samen day Christane Watsone, spous to Johne Touch, warkman, 
 was convict of hir awin confessioi;n, for striking and dinging over ane 
 poor woman callit Margrat Andro, wpoun the calsay, and thairby braking 
 of hir arme. James Rany, cordiner, cautioner for payment to the deane of 
 gild of sic unlaw as the councell shall modefie ; for the quhilk the councell 
 ordaines the said Christian to pey four merkis to the pairtie wrongit, and 
 to satisfie the chu'iu-geon. 
 
 Eodem die. 
 
 The same day, in presence of John Leslie, baillie, Robert Massie, 
 glasir wricht wes convict for putting violent handis on Wm. Gordon, 
 tailzeom-, vpone Sunday last, at nicht, be taking from him his bannet and 
 joyp, and stricking him with his hand in the face, and appealling him to 
 the combat, whilk combat the said William refuset. For the quhilk, the 
 
1641.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 2G5 
 
 7 July 1641. 
 
 councell ordanit the said Robert to pey four merkes to the deane of gild, 
 and wtlier four merkes to the pairtie wrongit, and to crave him pardone ^ ^— 
 in presence of the magistrates, and ordanes the said Robert to be wardit fliassie 
 till he mak satisfaction accordinglie. putting 
 
 liaTids on 
 Wm. Gor- 
 don. 
 
 7 July 
 1641. 
 
 The quhilk day the magistratis and counsell for just respectis j^^j"^ 
 moweing thame, dischargis any ringing or tolluig of bellis in the tyme of ciiarging 
 buriallis; as lyikwayes discharges the setting of the bier and mortclothe on abuses at 
 the gravis of any defunct persones whosoeuer, in any tyme heiraftir, as 
 smelling of superstition ; whilk was instantlie intimat to Thomas Cowrie, 
 kirk sacristir, personallie present. 
 
 9 July 1641. 9 July 
 
 ^ 1G41. 
 
 The quhilk day, the haill toune being warnit be the drume, to con- Lord Sin- 
 veine in the Tolbuithe, and being convenit thairin for the most pairt the' tou'ii^ 
 representand the bodie of the toune, it was exponit to thame be Thomas 
 
 . ... . . billetnig 
 
 Mortimer, bailzie, in respect the Lord Sinclair cannot haue moneyes for the of his 
 present for intertainement of his regiment of soiours lyand in this toune, 
 that the toune wald thairfoir be pleasit to advance to his lordschip fyve 
 thousand pundis for intertaining of thame, or thane that thay wald accept 
 the soioris in thair houssis, as they should be billettit wpoun thame, and 
 giwe to ewerie soiour intertainement till the samen should amount to ten 
 pundis, at quhilk time they sould be disburdenit of any farder advance- 
 ment to thame ; besyidis, that the said Lord Sinclair, and Maister Robert 
 Farquhair, commissair, sould giew thame band for repayment to the 
 toune of what they sould fm-nish and advance ather in present moneyis or 
 be intertaineing of the soiouris in maner foirsaid; whilk desyre the 
 toune convenit as said is taking to thair consideratioun, answerit that thay 
 ocht not to be furder burdenit for advancement of money for intertaining 
 1 2 L 
 
266 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [16il. 
 
 9 July 
 1641. 
 
 Lord Sin- 
 clarc iuid 
 the toun 
 anent the 
 billetinjj 
 of liis 
 soiours. 
 
 of soioris, but proportionablie with the rest of the borrowis and whole 
 kingdome, and what the committie of estates shall injoyne to be done in 
 this kynd be the whole kingdom and borrowis, thay ar content for thair 
 pairt to contribiit accordinglie and no farder, and that becaus they have 
 alreadie payit thair tent and twantie pairtis to the full extent with thair 
 woluntar contributioun, and had furnished and send soioris to the airmie; 
 and withall, they had latelie advancit for the wse of the publict in 
 Flanderis tuantie thousand merlds money, quhairof as yit they haue 
 receivit no payment, and thairby ar so disablit and weakened in thair 
 meanis as thay may not advance any moir in this kynd. 
 
 10 July 
 
 Ifilrl. 
 
 Intinia- 
 tioun 
 anent the 
 soiours. 
 
 10 Jithj 1641. 
 
 The quhilk day the magistratis and counsell, all in ane woice, ordaines 
 intimatioun to be maid be the drum that the soioris whae ar quarterit in 
 any houssis within this burgh sail remaine in thair avne quarteris till 
 Wednesday nixt at night, at the ordinarie allowance of four shilingis for 
 ilk soior in the day ; and in the meano tyme to certifie the nighboris with 
 whome they ar quarterit, that they salbe satisfiet be the commissar, Mr 
 Robert Farquhar, as he hes promesit to the consell for this present weikis 
 quartering, and till Wednesday nixt, but longer delay. 
 
 12 July 
 1G41. 
 
 The tou)ics 
 consent to 
 quarter 
 the Lord 
 Sinclares 
 soiouris for 
 tuentie 
 dayes. 
 
 12 July 1841. 
 
 The said day the toune being convenit in the Tolbuith be the drume, 
 it wes exponit to thame be Thomas Mortimer, bailzie, that Master Robert 
 Farquhair, commissar, is willing and readie, conforme to his promeis, to 
 satisfie and mak payment to the nighbouris of the toune of all bygane 
 quartering muneyis restand to thame for quai'tering of the soioris of the 
 Lord Sinclaris regiment till Wednesday nixt; and that the said Lord 
 Sinclair is desyrous that the toune wilbe pleasit to quarter his soioris, be 
 the sicht and directioun of thair magistratis, for the space of tuenetie 
 
1641.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 267 
 
 daps to come, beginning on Wedinsday nixt, the foiu-tene of July in- 12 July 
 
 stant, for foiu' shilingis in the day for ilk soiour, according to wse and — ' 
 
 wont, for the quhilk tuantie dayis quarteris, the said Master Robert (ionsent to 
 
 Farquhair, commissar, is content to act himselff in the tonnes buikis, for tilg^LoJij 
 
 payment thairof to the nighbouris at the tuantie dayis end, ilk ane for Sinclmes 
 
 ^ . . ° ... soiouns for 
 
 thair avne pairtis, according to the number of soioris quarterit wjDOun tuentic 
 thame ; and thairfoir the bailzie foirsaid, desyirit the toune convenit as 
 said is, in respect that the said Master Robert Farquhair is content to act 
 himselff" for payment to thame of thair quartering money dureing the 
 said space, that they will condiscend to accept of the saidis soioris to be 
 quarterit Avith thame, as the magistratis sail appoint, dureing the said 
 tuantie dayis ; to the whilk the toune willinglie condiscendit, in testimonie 
 of thair affectioun to the service of the piiblict, and Aver content to accept 
 of thame for payment, to be maid be the said Mr Robert Farquhair to 
 thame, as said is. 
 
 3 August im. 
 
 The quhilk day in presence of William Forbes, baillie, William Walker, Walker 
 lax fisher, Aves convict and put in amerciament of court be the depositiones ^,°j"7ing°^ 
 of sindrie famous Avitnesses, admitted, suorne, and examined, for injureing l"s master, 
 of James Andersone, his master, be provocking the said James, and saying 
 he should work aganes his maister's will, and for mispersoning his said 
 maister, be calling him theiffes geit, and for shooteing his said maister in 
 the Avatter, and for hitting him with a stone in the breist. 
 
 Eodem die. Eodenulie. 
 
 The quhilk day, in presence of Thomas Mortimer, baillie, James James 
 Alexander being accuset be Alexander Davie, litster, for comeing to ^juvfctf*^' 
 Patrick Jack, younger, litster, his hous in the Gallowget, and injureing 
 the said Alexander be saying to him quhat lies had he spockin on him, 
 avoweing he sould beat the said Alexanders skin, and. for stricking the said 
 
2G8 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1641. 
 
 3 August Alexander with his hand ; quhilk being refervit to the said James his aith 
 — ' of veritie, refuisit to swear : Quhairfor the said bailhe held the said accusa- 
 Alexaudcr tioun as confest, for the quhilk, the conncell adjudges the said James in 
 
 couvict. 
 
 four merkis of vnlaw, and to crave the pairtie offendit pardone. 
 
 Band The quhilk day, in presens of the prowest, bailzeis, and counsell 
 
 to"the'' " of the burghe of Aberdein, compeirit Master Robert Farquhar, burges of 
 niciiibons ^j^g g^^^-^ burghe and commissar in the northe, and declairit that vpon 
 
 lor(iUiiitcr- o ' 1^ 
 
 mg^tlie remonstrance maid be him to the inhabitantis of the toune, convenit in 
 Sinclaics the Tolbuith, the tuelflf day of July last, that he was exhaustit in moneyis, 
 legnneiit. ^^^^ thairby maid unhabile to advance any farder for furnisheing of the 
 sojers of the Lord Sinclair his regiment, lyand in this burghe, the toune 
 at that tyme, out of thair respect for the publict service of the kingdome, 
 and to plesour the said Lord Sinclair, tuik vpoun thame and condescendit 
 to quarter the soiors of his regiment for the space of tuantie dayis thair- 
 eftir, till money es wer provydit, vpon the said Master Robert his promeis 
 thane maid to the toune, that he sould satisfie thame for the said tuantie 
 dayis quarteris, towit four shilingis ilk day for ewerie sojoris intertaine- 
 ment at the expyreing of the samen tuantie dayis ; and becaus the said 
 regiment of sojors ar yet lyand in the said bm-ghe, and intertainit be the 
 nichtbouris of the toime, whae formerlie had thame in quartering the 
 tuantie dayis bygane, the said Master Robert became actit and obleist 
 to pay to the nighbouris and inhabitantis of this burghe, on whome the 
 saidis sojoris ar or salbe quarterit, wther tuantie dayis quarteris, at the 
 proportioun aboue writin, beginning on Wednesday the fom'th of August, 
 and sicklyik continowallie thairafter, sae lang as the saidis soioris remainis 
 in this burghe (he alwayis continowing in the said office and charge of 
 commissar), and that of the first and rediest of the money he happenes to 
 resave aither of his avne proper money, or of the money belonging to the 
 publict. 
 
1641.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 269 
 
 ouie 
 
 townes 
 
 losses. 
 
 25 August 164:1. 25Aiigust 
 
 1611. 
 
 The quliilk clay, the balzeis and counsell finds it expedient that Commis- 
 commissioun be givin and send to Patvik Leslie, prouest, the tonnes pTOuefit\o 
 commissionar at Parliament, and to Master Wm. Moir thair present with Petition lus 
 
 ' inajcstie 
 
 him, to petitioun his Maiestie for ane gift of the tack dewtie of oure tonnes for some 
 customes, and for the great and small impost of the wynes arryveing and culaics in 
 wentit in oure toune, and that oure toune be fred and liberat of all "^"'"'^^ °^ 
 taxationes and subsidies whatsumeuer to be impoisit wpoun the kingdome 
 and burrowis dureing the space of ten yeires, or for sick space of tyme as 
 the samen with the foirsaidis giftis may be procured, in regau'd of oure 
 tonnes extraordinarie losses be the troublis that hes continowit in this 
 kingdome thu- thrie yearis bygane ; bot findis it not fitting to seik ane 
 tak of the customes to the tounes behove, for respectis moveing the 
 consell, but onlie the tak dewtie thairof ; and siclyik ordaines oure patent 
 of admiralitie to be send to the saidis commissionaris for procureing of 
 the Duk of Lenox his subscriptioun thairwnto. 
 
 6 September 1641. 6 Sept. 
 
 1641. 
 
 Elspet Smith, servant to Alexr. Cuming, maltman, wes convict this Alex, 
 day be the depositiones of sindrie famous witnessis, admitted sworne and convict^ 
 examined, for putting violent handis on Elspet Craig, spous to Johne 
 Milne, tailzeour, be ryveing doun the said Elspet Craig hir hair about her 
 eyne, and for abeiseiug hir face, and making the same bla, and for trailling 
 hir in be the curtch to hir sellar, and thairby almost Avirreing the said 
 Elspet Craig : Quhairfoir the said Elspet Smith wes instantlie adjudget in 
 ane unlaw of four merkis, to be payit to the deane of gild, and wes ordanit 
 to compeir befoir the baillies in ane fencet court, and crave God and the 
 pairtie wrongit pardon, and the said Elspet Smith become actit not to 
 trubill nor molest the said Elspet Craig heirefter be deid of wrong, vnder 
 the pain of banishment. 
 
270 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1641. 
 
 17 Sept. n September 
 
 1641. 
 
 Anent two The quhilk day, iu presence of Johne Leslie, ane of the baillies of the 
 
 the Round burghe of Aberdene, compeu-ed Johne Stewinsoun, mercheant burges of 
 r.ible. ^i^g g^-^ burgh, heretabill proprietar of the mercheant booth, presentlie 
 occupeit be him, lyand in the Round tabill, on the north syd of the 
 Huckster wyn, quhilk sumtyn pertenit to wmquhill Duncan Donaldson, 
 and thaireftu- to wmquhill Robert Ramsay ; and in respect that the two 
 boothes on ilk syd of the said mercheant booth and dwelling housses 
 aboue the same belonges heretablie to Gilbert Hervie, eldar, who hes 
 gewiu consent to the said John Stewinson to strick out a window in his 
 said booth, whair newir any windo Aves abefoir, thairfoir the said John 
 Stewinsoun become actit and oblest, and be thir presentes bindis and 
 oblessis him, his aires, assigneyes, and successores whatsumeur, heretabill 
 proprietares of the said booth, to warrand frie and skaithles keip the said 
 Gilbert Hervie, his aires, assigneyes, and successores, heretabill proprietares, 
 possessouris, and occupeares of his two mercheant boothes, nixt and con- 
 tigue adjacent to the said John Stewinsones booth, on ilk syd thairof, as 
 lykwayes the heretouris possessoris and occupeares of the duelling houssis 
 aboue the saids mercheant boothes, of all danger, hurt, detriment, skaith, and 
 inconvenient that the said Gilbert or his forsaids may susteane and incur 
 in his saidis boothes and vpper houssis aboue the same, be the present 
 stopping and breaking of the forsaid wall of the said John, his mercheant 
 booth, and siclyke perpetuallie in all tyme comeing : And wheras tlier is 
 ane bolt of yron infixt in the foirsyd wall on ilk syd of the said John 
 Stevinsones booth doore to denotat and signifie in all tyme comeing, the 
 space of bounds appoynted on the said foirwall, for haveing of standis or 
 buirdis to hauld cloth and other merchandiies thairwpon ; quhilk boundis 
 is designet to be ane elne and ane halfif" quarter of ane elne, outwith the 
 foir wall of the said Johnes mercheant booth, on the east syd thairof, 
 betwixt it and the eastmest booth laitlie occupiet be wmquhill Andro 
 Howesone, and now be Alexander Middeltoun, and on the west syd there 
 
1641.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGII OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 271 
 
 is clesignet tlirie qnarteres of ane elne, outwith the foirwall towards tlie ^^g^j'*'' 
 booth now occupeit be Robert Smith, be the brecking and stopping of the ^ — ^ 
 qnhilk wall there is ane of the said yron boltes takin furth therof : Thair- booths in 
 foir the said John Stewinson obleissis him and his forsaids, not onlie to xab^"""*^ 
 infrie the said bolt of yron in the pairt quhair it wes infixt abefoir, bot 
 also to keip thair merchandice to be put out at the booth door, within the 
 boundis aboue designet on the foirwall, and nowayes to transgres the 
 saidis boundis in any tyme heirefter ; and the said John bindis and 
 obleissis him, with all diligence to put up on his awin charges, betwixt his 
 awin booth door and the eistmest booth door ane louse moveing press or 
 tafFell for easment of himselff and the possessor of the said eistmost buith, 
 to be occupeit be ilk ane of thame, proportionablie, according to the saids 
 desiignet merches ; and tlae steins taken out of the said John Steuinsones 
 booth for stricking out of the said window, ar declairid heirby to pertein 
 to the said Gilbert : Quhilkes premisses the said Johne Stewinson obleisses 
 him and his foirsaidis to keipe, observe, and performe to the said Gilbert 
 Hervie and his foirsaids in all thinges as is above wreiten vnder the pain 
 of fyve hundreth merkis vsuall Scots money, to be payit be the said 
 John and his forsaids in caice of failzie, and that but prejudice of per- 
 formance of the premisses, and of sic action and execution as may be 
 competent to the said Gilbert and his forsaidis to that effect. 
 
 Eodem die. Eodemdie. 
 
 • In presence of William Forbes, baillie, Peter Crombie, merchant, Tetcr 
 was convict and put in amerciament of court be the depositioun of sindrie convict, 
 famous witnessis, admitted, suorne, and examinet, for comeing at nyne 
 houiis at ewin to John Scott, tailzeour, his hous, and injuring Marie 
 Crystie, spous to the said John, be stricking the said Marie with his hand 
 in the breist, and thairby dinging her over, — to forbear, his wnlaw modiefeit 
 to aucht merkis, to be payet to the deane of gild. 
 
272 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1641. 
 
 6 October 
 1641. 
 
 Anent the 
 buriallia 
 in the 
 kirkyard. 
 
 6 October 1641. 
 
 The samen day it is statut and ordanit be the prouest, bailzeis, and 
 counsell, that the gravis for the burialHs in the kirkyeard of the brughe 
 salbe decentlie and ordourhe maid in tyme coming, begining at the south 
 east styill of the said kirkyeard, and so goeing along in ordour round 
 about the haill kirkyeard as salbe enjoy nit be the master of kirkwark, 
 and the kirk officiar to haue ana cair to see this act preceislie observeit, 
 that no ordour be givin for braking of the earthe and making of gravis in 
 the kirkyeard, but as is aboue specefiet. 
 
 25 Oct. 
 1C41. 
 
 Thel>kl 
 
 baiTowes 
 
 and 
 
 plieasses to 
 be com- 
 j)rj-scd and 
 lent to tlie 
 niaisteris 
 of tlie cor- 
 rection 
 bous. 
 
 25 October 1641. 
 
 The whilk day the old barrowis and pheasses of the pack hous ar 
 ordanit to be presentlie comprysit be Mr Wm. Moir, bailzie, Johne Jaffray, 
 the thesaurar, Williame Ord, wricht, and James Smith, hammerman, and 
 being comprysit, the consell grantis the leu of thame to the masteris of 
 the Correctioun hous, till Candlemes nixt, to be delyuerit back againe to 
 thesaurer at that tyme in alse guid caise as they are resaueit, or thane the 
 masteris of the said correctioun hous to keip the saidis barrowis and 
 pheasses at the pryce for whilk they shalbe apprysit, to be payet be thame 
 to the present thesaurar. 
 
 20 Nov. 20 November 1641. 
 
 1641. 
 
 Smith and The said day James Smith, wobster, and Alexander Kempt, wricht, 
 
 convict. wer convict for comeing in the monethe of August last to the hous of 
 Alexander Sangster, wobstei-, vnder clovd and silence of night, and braking 
 wp the dore of the said Alexanderis hous with ane foir hamer, and entering 
 the samen wdth draven suordis in thair handis; for the whilk, the counsell 
 ordaines the said James Smith and Alexander Kempt to be wardit till 
 this day audit dayis, and thairefter to be baneist the toun. 
 
1641.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGII OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 273 
 
 Eodem die. 30 Nov. 
 
 1641. 
 
 The samen day, Williame Dancane, servitur to Thomas Walker, Duncan 
 cordoner, was convict foi' comeing to the buithe of James Hall, cordonar, 
 vpon Saterday last, at night, and draweing of ane quhinger, and th air with 
 etleing to haue presewit the said James, and for injm-iouslie speiking 
 to the said James dii^t m his cheick becaus he wald not suffer his servand 
 to goe out of the chop with him to eat ane lambis leg as he desyrit, for 
 the quhilk, the counsell ordanes the said Williame Duncane till remain in 
 ward till Frydday come aucht dayis, and that day, in tyme of court, to 
 compeir in presence of the magistratis, and crave the said James Hall 
 pardone for his offence, and act himselff for his behauionr in tyme 
 comeing, vnder the pain of 
 
 Eodem die. 
 
 Eodcm die. 
 
 ■ Robert Gordon, tailzeowr, convict and put in amerciement for Gordon 
 drawing of a quhinger to William Walker, skipper, and etling to haue 
 strickin him thairwith, thay being both efter drink ; for the quhilk the 
 said Robert Gordon wes ordanit to be wardit in the wardhous of this 
 burgh till he releive himselff out of ward be payment of a dolour to the 
 deane of gild. 
 
 11 December 1641. \l • 
 
 Sara Fowler this day wes convict and put in amerciement be the Sa 
 
 depositiones of sindrie famous witnesses, admitted, sworne, and examined 
 for scolding and mispersoning of Andro Birnye, merchant, in the calling of 
 him Canherit Carle, and for saying thair wes no carle that threw about a 
 key of a booth door in Aberdeen bot micht haue gewin hu- waill, and for 
 vaiging and exclameing on the streites, and glueing a lye to the said Andro 
 his wyff, and sayeing shoe wes als gentill a woman as shoe wes her selff ; 
 for the quhilk the councell ordanes the said Sara to be committed to ward 
 1 2 M 
 
 Fowler 
 convict. 
 
274 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1G41. 
 
 11 Dec. 
 IGll. 
 
 Sara 
 
 Fowler 
 
 convict. 
 
 15 Dec. 
 1641. 
 
 Thrie 
 da)-es play 
 grantit 
 to the 
 solioiares 
 at tiie be- 
 ginning of 
 ilitquarter. 
 
 22 7)ec. 
 IG-tl. 
 
 Patent 
 llobert, 
 Dulce of 
 Lennox, to 
 the touu 
 of the 
 office of 
 adiniralitie 
 within 
 tliair 
 boundi.s. 
 
 in the tolbiiith, thairin to remain aucht dayes, and to crave the pairtie 
 pardone in a fencet court, with certificatioun if shoe be convict heirefter 
 to be joggit. 
 
 15 Decemher 1641. 
 
 The quhilk day the prouest, bailzeis, and counsell condiscended and 
 agried that the haill scolleris within the scoollis of this burgh have thrie 
 dayes play at the begining of ilk quarter, and that in recompence of the 
 yule waccance whilk is now dischargit be actis of the generall assemblie 
 and parliament, begining thair first thrie dayis play at Candlemes nixt, 
 1G42. 
 
 22 Decemher 1641. 
 
 The prouest, bailzeis, and counsell ordaines the patent grantit be the 
 Duk of Lennox, his grace to the prouest and bailzeis of this burghe, 
 wpoun the office of admiralitie within the boimdis mentionat in the said 
 patent, to be registrat in the tounes buikis, thairin to remaine ad futuram 
 rei memoriam, whairof the tennour followis : — " Be it kend till all men be 
 tliir present letteris Ws James,- Duck of Lennox, and Richmond, Earle of 
 Darnley, Lord Torboltoun, Methvein Obignie, and Sanctandrois, great 
 admii'all and chalmerlane of the kingdome of Scotland, that for sae meikle 
 as we understanding perfytlie the guid, trew, and thankfull service done 
 to vmquhill Lodvock duck of Lennox, our vncle of vorthie memoiie, be 
 our trustie and welbelowit the prowest and bailzeis of the brughe of 
 Aberdeine, thairfoir and for the lyk service to be done and performit be 
 thame to ws and our successouris, as occasioun sail offer, to haue maid, 
 constitut, and ordanit lykas we, be thir presentis, mak, constitute, and 
 ordaine the saidis prouest and bailzeis of the said burghe of Aberdein, 
 and thair successoris, prouestis, and bailzeis thairof, present and to 
 come, coniunctlie and generallie, our werie lawfull undoubtit and irrevoc- 
 able admirall deputtis within the said brughe of Aberdein port and 
 herberie thairof, and betwixt the watteris of Die and Don, including bothc 
 
1641.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 275 
 
 tlie saidis watteris and riveris on bothe the syidis tliairof, and tliat dureing ^^g^j^' 
 our will and pleasour allanerlie, and ay and qiihill they be discbargit be p^ ^— 
 Avs ; and givis and grantis to tbame tbe said office of Admiralitie Avithin Robert 
 the boundis and dureing the space aboue exprest, with all full casualities, Lennox^ to 
 priviledges. and immunities pertening and belonging thairto, with full 
 power to the saidis prouest and bailzies of the said burghe of Aberdeiu office of 
 and thair successoris foirsaidis, present and to come, eoniunctlie and within 
 seuerallie to substitut under thame clerkis, serjandis, dempsteris, and all i|ou"n]is_ 
 wther memberis and officiaris of court neidfull, to elect, creat, and cans 
 be suorne, and to tak thair aithis, with cautioun for dew admiuistratioun, 
 for whome our sadis deputis salbe hauldin to answer, courtis ane or mac of 
 the said adrnkalitie alse oftin as neid beis, within any boundis of the 
 pairtis aboue exprest, to hauld, affix, affirme, and continow, preceptis 
 and all wther executoriallis necessar, in whatsomewer actiones and caussis, 
 alsweill criminall as civill, concerning the said admu-alitie within the 
 saidis boundis, againes and in favouris of all pairties haveand entres, to 
 du-ect and cans be execut decreitis, arreastmentis, poindingis, and all 
 wther executoriallis give pronunce and cans be put to dew executioun in 
 all pointis, wnlawis, bloodwytis, and amerciamentis of the saidis courtis 
 to wphft and resaue, and generallie all and sindrie wther tliingis, to doe 
 wse and exerce anent the premisses, sicklyik and alse frielie in all respectis 
 and conditiones as the saidis prouest and bailyeis or thair predecessoris 
 wseit or exerceisit the said office of admiralitie within the saidis boundis, 
 or as any wther deputis of the said admiralitie wsit and exercit the 
 samen at any tyme by gane, or as we micht doe our selffis if we wer 
 personallie present, dischargeand be thaise presentis lyik as we be thir 
 presentis, expreslie discharge all and whatsomewer deputis and substitutis 
 in the said office if any be, within the boundis aboue written, of all farder 
 wseing and exerceising of the samen, and of all stoping, debaiing, or 
 impeding of the saidis prouest and bailyeis or thair successoris foirsaidis, 
 in the lawfull bruiking and joyseing of the said office within the saidis 
 boundis, and dvireing the space aboue exprest. And farder, we be thir 
 
276 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1642. 
 
 22 Dec. 
 1641. 
 
 Patent 
 Robert 
 Duke of 
 Lennox to 
 tlie town 
 of the 
 ofBce of 
 admirafitie 
 within 
 thair 
 boundis. 
 
 presentis ratifie and approve the saiclis prouest and bailyeis of the said 
 brughe of Aberdeine and thair predicessoris thair possessing, vseing, and 
 exerceising of the said office of admiralitie within the boundis aboue 
 specifieit, at any tyme bygane preceiding the dait heirof, with thair haill 
 laufull and legall procedours thairintill. Prowyding alwayis as it is heirby 
 speciallie prowydit that thir presentis be naevayis extendit to matteris of 
 prysse nor pyrecies, whilk we alvayis reserve to be jndgit in our principall 
 court of the said AdmiraHtie, and alse that the saidis prouest and bailyeis 
 of the said brughe of Aberdein and thair siiccessoris foirsaidis, mak just 
 compt rekoning and payment to ws or any wtheris in our name, haveing 
 our power, of the haill casualities to be intromettet with be thame be vertew 
 of thir presentis, whanesoewer they salbe requyrit for that effect, the trew 
 and necessar expenssis to be deburst be thame in the discharge of the said 
 office, being alwayis allowit to thame in the first end thairof, and for the 
 mair securitie we ar content and consentis that thir presentis be insert 
 and registrat in our principall court buikis of the said admiralitie, thairin 
 to remaine ad futuram rei memoriam. And to that effect constitutis 
 
 our irrevocable procuratoris, coniunctle, and seuerallie 
 promitten, de rata, ^-c. In witnes whairof, written be Robert Hay, servitouv 
 to Thomas Forrest, writer to the signet, and principall clerk of the said 
 admu'alitie, we hawe suvscry vit thir presentis with our hand, and commandit 
 our seall of office of the said admiralitie to be affixit thairto, at Halyrud 
 hous, the allevint day of November, the yeir of God j™', sex hundreth 
 fourtie ane yearis. — Et sic subscribitur. J. Lennox and Richmond." 
 
 5 Jan. 
 1C42 
 
 Act aiient 
 the tonnes 
 mort- 
 clothes. 
 
 5 January 1642. 
 
 The quhilk day the prowest, baillies, and councell vnderstand- 
 ing that the dueties payable for the tounes mortcloathes ar not dewlie 
 nor tymeouslie payed by theise who seikis the wse thairof at bimall, be 
 reason the said mortclothes ar given furth befoir payment be receavit for 
 the same, whairthrow delayis is maid of payment, and petitiones given in 
 
1642.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 277 
 
 to the counsall for dischargis, for remeid wliairof it is ordanit tliat tlie ^^g^"' 
 thesaurar shall not giue furth any of the saids mort cloathis to any whatsom- — 
 
 , _ — Act tlllGllt 
 
 euer within or witliout burgh, till he receave present payment m hand, at the touncs 
 the least ane sufficient pledge for the same, conforme to the former Xthes. 
 ordinance maid tliairanent. 
 
 11 February 1642. 11 Feb. 
 
 1642. 
 
 The said day, the coimcell considering, that the Lord Sinclans regi- Aet for 
 
 . irTii removing 
 
 ment is removed from tins burgh southward vpon thair march tor Ireland, of the 
 
 ordanis the court de guard quhilk was bigit be Generall Major Monro, g^^^lgf^ 
 
 vpon the mercat place, to be takin doun and the streete maid free thairof, 
 
 and Jannet Tpuch, spous to AVilleame Scott now in his absence furth of 
 
 this realme, to be requirit be George CuUen and George Menzies to tak 
 
 doun the same, in respect the timber whairwith the said hous wes bigit, 
 
 belongit to the said Willeame Scott, and if she refuise, ordanes the 
 
 samen hous to be instantlie demolishit, and the timber and daills thairof 
 
 to be carried to that place on the shoir quhairfra they wer takin, and thair 
 
 laid doun and steplit to the behove of the said Willeame Scott. Conform 
 
 quhairvnto the said George Cullen and George Mengzeis past immediatlie 
 
 to the dwelling hous of the said Willeame Scott, and being debarred frome 
 
 acces to the said Jannet Touch, in absence of her said husband, reqiiirit hu* at 
 
 hir said dwelling hous to red the streete and calsey of the said timber and 
 
 daillis, and to tak thame to hirselff, certifeing hir if she refuisit, the toun 
 
 wald cans carry thame to the place whairfra thay wer takin. And siclyke 
 
 the said George Cullen and George Menzeis past to the dwelling hous of 
 
 John Scott, son to the said Willeame, and requirit him alse at his said 
 
 dualling to the effect foirsaid. And seing thay could not haue access to 
 
 the said John Scott nor yit to the said Jannet Touch, his mother, they tuik 
 
 instruments on thair reqwsitioun in the handis of Johne Ingrahame notar 
 
 publict, and protestit that the toune be free of all action, skaith, and damage 
 
 thairanent in all tyme coming, in presens of Mr Alex. Menzeis, of Kinmundie, 
 
 and Wm. Mm'car, burgessis of Aberdeine, witnessis present and requirit. 
 
278 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1642. 
 
 16 Feb. 
 1642. 
 
 Commis- 
 sion to 
 Faiquhar. 
 
 16 February 1642. 
 
 The samen day the councell ordaines the provest and bailhes to 
 STibsciyue ane commission to Mr Robert Farquhar of Mowny, to tak course 
 and agree with James and Robert Smithes assignayis constitute be the Mar- 
 ques of HuutHe to the tounes band, for the pryce of the armour bocht be the 
 magistrats fra the said Lord Marques for the tounes vse, in Marche 1639, 
 and that for releife of Walter Cochrane, late deane of gild, wha is bund to 
 the said Lord Marques for the pryce of the said armes, quhairanent thir 
 presentis sail be a warrand to the saids provest and baillies, and the 
 council and thau* successors ar herby obleist to releive thame thairanent. 
 
 Eodemdie. 
 
 Lummis- 
 dane his 
 discharge 
 of his com- 
 mission. 
 
 Eodem die. 
 
 The samen day, in presens of the provest, baillies, and councell, 
 compeirit Mr Matthew Lumisdane, baillie, commissionar chosen frome this 
 burgh vpon the twentie nynt day of December last, for attending at 
 Edinburgh the discuss of the tounes twa suspensions, the ane raisit 
 against the maisteris of the correction hous, and the other against the 
 Lord Marques of Huntlie, James and Robert Smithis, his lordships 
 assignayis, for the armes receavit be the toune from his lordship, as also 
 for attending the matter of tounes customes set to thame be the Earle 
 Marshall, and other the tounes eflfaires committed to his chahge, and maid 
 report of his haill proceidiugis in the saids particulars, quhau'anent the 
 provest, baillies, and councell findis that the said Mr Mathew Lumisdane 
 hes deuly acquytit himselff in the said commission : lykeas the said Mr 
 Mathew gave back to John Jaflfray, thesaurar, foui-scoir merkis money of 
 the four hundx'eth merkis quhilk he receavit for making of his expenssis 
 and payment of his debursements in his said commission. 
 
1G42.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGII OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 279 
 
 16 February im. 16 Feb. 
 
 ^ 1G42. 
 
 The quliilk day the provest, baillies, and councell inrespect the ministeris The lec- 
 
 • ■ ■ tiii'GS d>n(l 
 
 of this burghe ha\ae appoiiitit and agreit among thamselffis to keep ana morning 
 ordinal- lector thrise euerie weik in place of the evening prayers ; than-- be?n the*** 
 foir finds it expedient that the saids lectors, as lykewayis the morning auUl kirk, 
 prayers, be maid and keipit in the aulk kirk of this burghe till Hallow mess 
 nixt, as the most convenient place for the same, notwithstanding that be 
 ane former act the morneing and evening prayeris have bene said in the 
 Gray frier kirk. 
 
 16 March 1642. 16 March 
 
 1842. 
 
 The said day the provest, baillies, and councell considering that Actaganes 
 than- ar diverse Actis of Parliament maid against blasphemaris of Godis and 
 holie name, conteining alsweill pecuniale as bodily punishments to be in- ^^^^i'^'''^^- 
 flicted vpou these that shall be noted and hard banning and swearing, 
 conforme whairunto sindrie actis have bene set doun be the magistratis 
 and councell of this bin-gh from tyme to tyme for restraining of that 
 hainous sinne within this citie ; quhilkis actis, throw the not punishing 
 of delinquentis, have not receavit due executioun, quharby the sinne multi- 
 plies and increasses to the high dishonour of God, and scandall of the 
 gospell. For remeid quhairof, and for curbing and punishing all offendars 
 in this kynd within this burgh, the saids provest, baillies, and councell 
 ratifies and approves all actis and statutes maid be thair predecessouris 
 thairanent in any tyme bygane, and particularlie ane act of the sewint 
 day of December 1605, and of new statutis, and ordainis that ilk master 
 and mistres of ane farailie within this burgh sa oft as any of thame happins 
 to be found banning or swearing any sort of oath, sail pay aucht d. to the 
 vse of the poore, and ilk servant four penncis, quhilk salbe presentlie 
 payit or exactit of thame be the Mr of the familie, or wtherwayis allowit 
 
280 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM TPIE 
 
 [1642. 
 
 16 March in thair fie be thair maisteris, and this to be extendit alsweill to women 
 — - servands as to men servants, and ane box to be in euerie famib'e for this 
 
 Act <1*''<111GS • • ■ • • T 
 
 bannaies effect ; and for restraining of bairnes frome sweaiing, that thair be pahners 
 swearares euerie familie, and the bairnes to be punished thair with in the hand so 
 aft as they be found swearing, and thay of the poorest sort that offends in 
 this kynd, sic as beggars, scoldis, and vagabonds not haveing meanes to 
 pay the penalties, to be put in the joggis be the captors efter mentionat, 
 and to stand thairin for the space of three hours or longer, according to 
 the gravitie of thair fault. And becaus swearing and curseing is most 
 frequentlie vsit vpon the common streetes of this bm-ghe at the burns 
 held, flesh, fishe, malt, and meill marcats, and at the mercat croce, quhair 
 coall, fruit, and sic sort of commodities ar sold, thairfoir the magistratis 
 and councell hes nominat and chosin thir persones efter following captors 
 and searchars to note all such persones, both landwart and tovmes persones 
 as shall be found banning and swearing at any pairtes befoir specifeit ; 
 Towit for the flesh marcat, fruit and keall sellaris about the croce, David 
 Melvell, Gilbert Hervie, eldar, Alexander Williamson, baxter, Alexander 
 George and George Ross for the timber mercat ; Thomas Clerk, William 
 Lumisdane for the malt, meall, and fishe mercats ; Johne Maleis, Alex. 
 Burnet, John Galloway, Alexander Henrie, for the the shoir; Alexander 
 Burnet yonger, John Duncome ; for the Grein, James Blackball, Alex. 
 Blak, younger, Alex Fiudlater; for the burne heid, Leonard Leslie, 
 Charles Dune ; for the flour milne, and boundis thairabout, Andro Meldi-um, 
 Patrik Annand; for the Overkerkget and Scoolehill, Andro Ingrahame, 
 George Pyper, and Thomas Cushnie ; for the Gallowget, on both the 
 syds thairof, Charles Robertson, William Forbes, elder, Patrik Jack, 
 younger, Hector Smithe, and Henrie Dune ; for the Bredget, on both the 
 syds thairof, James Christie, William Innes, Andro Rait, and Alex. 
 Hovieson ; for the Gaistraw, David Lindsay, William Nicolson ; to 
 whome powar and commission is hereby given to exact the paines and 
 mulcte aboue specifeit of this statut, and incais any resist and refuis to 
 give obedience, that the said captors note and give in thair names to the 
 
1642.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 281 
 
 and 
 swearares. 
 
 magistratis, that thay may giue orcTour for punishing and censureing -^^j^*™^ 
 
 thame conform to the mynd of this act. And forder, the saids captors ar — 
 1-1 • • • r- •!• • T Actaganes 
 
 heu-by appomtit to vesit famihes ance at least a month, to sie what ordonr bannares 
 
 is in the famihes, if thair be boxes and exactiones, if thair be palmers and 
 
 censures, if thair be amendiment and reformatioun, and if the pecuniall 
 
 mulcte doe not redress and mak thame amend, then these delinquentis, 
 
 whither thay be maisteris or servantis, parents or children, to be delated 
 
 to the Session, and publict repentance ordanit for thame in such maner as 
 
 the Session shall think fitt ; and if thair be any childi'en scoollars, to sie 
 
 thame condignelie punished by thair masteris ; if thay be no scollars and 
 
 young ones condignelie punisht by thair parentis, if parents neglect, the 
 
 magistrats to correct thame ; and if they be ydle, wickit rogues liveing 
 
 without all ordour, and be found to continew in this wickit sin, than 
 
 to be brought to the correctioim hous, and thair to be exemplarlie 
 
 punished at the sicht of the foirsaid captors, and by any other that 
 
 shall apprehend thame on the streete or else where. And thir captors 
 
 to continew till Michaelmes nixt to come. 
 
 30 March 1642. ^^^l^^^ 
 
 The said day John Jafifray, thesaurar, is chosen coUectour and Thesanrar 
 
 receaver of the prycis of muskatis and pickis bought be the toun frome the coMectOT 
 
 Marques of Huntlie in March 1639, and eif neid be with power to the °^ ''''^ , 
 ^ 1 o 1- piyces or 
 
 said John Jaffray to call and persew the nightbors and inhabitantis within muskattis 
 this bm-gh that receavit any of the saids muskatis and pickis befoir the '^"'^ P^*^'^'^- 
 baillies, and to obtaine decreits thairwpoun, and to caus put the same to 
 dew executioun, and to report and give accompt of his diligence to the 
 magistratis and counsell quhan he shall be requyrit to that effect 
 
 2 N 
 
282 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1642. 
 
 30 March 
 1642. 
 
 The~ 
 phcissis 
 lent to the 
 masters of 
 the corrcc- 
 tiouu hous. 
 
 6 April 
 1G42. 
 
 Act 
 
 againes 
 prentcissis 
 and 
 wtheris 
 sitting in 
 daskis 
 ■vvitliin the 
 kirkis of 
 this 
 
 burghe. 
 
 Eodem die. 
 
 The quhilk day the prouest, baillies and councell ar content to 
 len the pheissis to the maisteris of the correctioun hous till the first day 
 of June nixt to come, and in caise they keepe thame any longer, that they 
 pay twa hundreth feftie sevin pund ten shillingis for the same conforme 
 to the compt of the buying of thame, produceit and red in presens of the 
 councell. 
 
 6 April 1642. 
 
 The quhilk day the provest, baillies, and councell considering the 
 great abuse committed be dyvers and sindrie commoun people, prenteissis, 
 young boyis, and other persones of meane qualitie within this burghe, 
 who pi'esumptuouslie takis upon thame to sitt in eminent roumes and 
 honest mens daskis at preaching and prayers within the kirkis of this 
 burghe, no such places being due to people of thair qualitie, and notwith- 
 standing of divers actis formerlie sett doun and intimat in the contrair, 
 whirby sindrie of the councell and wther persones of gude note ar oftymes 
 debarred frome thair awne daskis and disappointed of seatts convenient 
 for thame ; for remeid whairof, and for repressing the lyke abuse in tyme 
 comeing, the saids provest, baillies, and councell statutis and ordanes that 
 whatsumeuer person or inhabitant of the burgh, of inferior sort, and of the 
 meine qualitie foirsaid, whether they be maried or vnmaried, sail be 
 fund guiltie of the said disorder, in tacking presumptuouslie vpon thame 
 to sitt in any eminent roume or honest mens daskis within any of the 
 kirkis heh-efter, shall be raised and taken furth of the saids daskis be the 
 kirk officiar, and shall be vnlawed ilk ane of thame in tuentie schilling for 
 the vse of the kirk work, and ordanes intimatioun to be maid thaii'of out 
 of pulpit in both kii'kis of this burgh on sonday next, to the effect nane 
 pretend ignorance. 
 
1642.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 283 
 
 Eodem die. 6 April 
 
 1642. 
 
 The said day the provest, baillies, and councell ordanes George Orclinance 
 ]\Ienzeis, maister of the kirk work, to cans mak ane greene cloth with ane maister of 
 silk frengzie, for covering the foir paii't of the loft in the auld kirk whair 
 noblemen vsed to sitt, and that for the vse of the said noblemen whane 
 occasion shall offer of thair sitting, there. And the expenssis to be 
 deburst thairin, the councell ordanes to be allowit to the said maister of 
 ku'k work in his comptis. 
 
 Eodem die. Eodem die. 
 
 Bonaccord 
 
 The samen day the councell gevis and grantis thair bonaccord siluer coupgewin 
 
 • • • totllG VSG 
 
 cup double overgilt to the maister of kirk work, for the wse and serwice of tliekirk. 
 of ye kirk in all tyme comeing. Quhilk cowpe vpone the last day of 
 May 1643yeiris, wes delyverit be Walter Cochrain, deane of gild, to Wm. 
 Blakburne, maister of kirk wark, to be exchangit be him for wther coupes 
 for the vse forsaid, according to the weicht quhilk it weyis. 
 
 13 April 1642. 13 April 
 
 1642. 
 
 The samen day the sumonds raisit at the tounes instance against Anent the 
 
 the two colledgis of auld and new Aberden, concerning the patronage of of t'h"yrk 
 
 the kirk of Sanct Nicolas is appointit to be led on and execute ae-anis "l.^^"* 
 
 , . ° ^lcolas. 
 
 tham to the first day of Junii nixt to come. And siclyke the tounes 
 
 lettres of lawborrowis raisit aganis those who caste up the tounes moss 
 
 and incroache vpon the tounes freed ome at the heid of the den of Miu'thill, 
 
 and vpon the tounes marchis betwixt thame and Gilcomstoun, to be laid 
 
 on and execute with all convenient diligence, an to be prosecute thair- 
 
 efter as necessitie sail require. 
 
284 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1642. 
 
 13 April , 
 
 1642. iLoaem die. 
 
 Act forane The qiiliilk day the provest, baillies, and councell taking to thair 
 
 taxatioiui. consideration the great burden of dett whairin the toun is involued be 
 reason of the lait troubles that has bene in this kingdome these four yeiris 
 bygane ; quhilk dett being aboue fourtie thousand pundis money, the 
 tounes whole commoun gude will not amount to so much as will pay the 
 anuelrent and profite thairof, besyde that the commoun guid hes its awin 
 ordinarie burdins, which dois exhaust the same, and seing the dett 
 increases throw not paying the anuelrent, the councell thairfoir thiukis it 
 fitting for staying the forder growth of the said dett, that the toun be 
 stentit for twa thousand fyve hundreth merkis for defraying ane half 
 yeiris anuell thairof fra Mertimes last 1641, to Witsonday nixt to come 
 1642 ; and withall, that they be taxt and stented for payment of thair 
 ministers stipends, and defraying the chairge deburst vpon thair tran- 
 sportation to this burghe frome the places of their former residence, in the 
 soumes of money following — viz., in the soume of ane thousand pundis 
 debui-st vpon the transportation of our three ministers ; towit fyve 
 hundi'eth merkis to ilk ane of thame. Item for two yeu's superplus of Mr 
 Andro Cant's stipend is payit to him yeirlie out of the teyudis of the 
 parochin of Sanct Nicolas, four hundreth and tuentie pundis. Item for 
 ane yeirs stipend, hous maills, and coalls to Mr John Oswald and Mr John 
 Row, mmisters, fra Mertimes 1641 to Jilertimes 1642, twa thousand three 
 hundreth merkis ; extending in all to the soume of four thousand six 
 hundreth and twentie pundis. And for the better effectuating heirof, 
 ordanes this thair resolution and conclusion to be remonstrat to the haill 
 tonne, to be convcnit in the tolbuith on Tuysday nixt at their held com-t, 
 and thaii' consents to be then cravit to the same, and to be taxt and 
 stentit for the saids soumes for this present yeir allanerlie, for staying the 
 farder increas and grouth of the toimes dett, till it please God that some 
 meanes or way be found out heirefter to help and releive the same ; and 
 if the toun condiscendis, to go on accordinglie with all convenient diligence 
 
1642.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 285 
 
 in setting and lifting of tlie said taxation for the generall vses befoii- ^^^^P"^ 
 specifeit. 
 
 22 Ajjril 1642. 
 
 Act for ane 
 taxatioun. 
 
 22 April 
 
 The said day, in presens of Mr Alex. Jaffiray, prouest, and Mr Wm. 
 Moil-, baillie, Elspet Meldrume, spous to Archibald Meldrume, wes convict Meklmme 
 for resetting of prophane people within hir hous, and for scolding, waging, 
 and blaspheming Godis name, and thairfoir wes ordanit to be committit 
 to ward within the tolbuith, thairin to remain fourtie audit houris, and to 
 pay to the deane of gild aucht merkis of wnlaw befoir shoe be sett at 
 liber tie. 
 
 4Jfayl642. 4 May 
 
 ^ 1C42. 
 
 The qnhilk day Patrik Leslie, lait provest of Aberdene, in face of the Piotcsta- 
 . . .. . . .. tion Leslie. 
 
 councell of the said burghe, exponit and declairit that seing his maiestie 
 
 hade mortified and gifted to this burghe furthe of the bishoprick of 
 Aberdene and Ross, a competent yeirlie rent for paying thair ministers 
 stipendis, that it was not expedient to taxt the toun for thair stipends 
 except for so much thairof as his majesties said mortificatiounes doth not 
 extend vnto ; and for himselfif and in name of the most pairt of the 
 inhabitantis of the said burghe as he alledgit, protested aganis the tax- 
 ation now stenting and imposeing vpon the said burgh for the ministers 
 stipends, and that they now, and in all tyme heirafter, should be free of 
 any pant thairof, notwithstanding of the councells ordinance of taxting of 
 the burghe for thair ministeiis stipends foirsaid, since it was never the 
 custome of this burghe to taxt for thair whole stipend, and the preparative 
 is dangerous. As lykewayis protestit that he and siich others who hade 
 first subscrived the covenant, and haue given no offence neither to kirk 
 nor cuntrie, should be free of any pairt of the foirsaid impoisit taxation 
 presentlie appointit to be raisit in this burghe, or shall be impoisit or 
 stentit heirefter for paying of the priucipall soumes or annuellis, or any 
 pairt thairof which was exacted frome this burghe in tyme of the late 
 
286 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1642. 
 
 4 May troubles, and for himselff and the foirsaids adlierentis to the protestation 
 p formerhe maid in a pubHct court in this burgh be unquhill Wilhame Erskin, 
 
 tion Leslie, then burges of this burghe, in his awin name, and in the name of his 
 adlierentis for the effect foirsaid, which was of the date at Aberden the 
 fyfteine day of Apvile 1639 ; and on the premisses the said Patrik requirit 
 act and tuik instrumentis ; and Mr Alex. Jaffray, present provest, pro- 
 testit in the contrair, inrespect of the councells ordinance, and the tounes 
 consent to the granting of the said taxation for the ministers stipends for 
 this present yeir allanerlie, in ane heid court, na opposition being maid 
 against the same ; as lykewayis in regaird of the tounes consent 
 formerlie grantit to be taxt for releif of the soumes of money exacted of 
 thame dureing the tyme of the lait troubles, and lying heir of the armies, 
 and thairon askit instrumentis ; and the said Patrik Leslie adhered to his 
 former protestation made in name and behalf of the first Couenanters, as 
 he alledgit, quha consentit not. 
 
 11 May 11 Mar/ 1642. 
 1642. 
 
 Licence to The said day grants licence and tollerance to John Dickson of making 
 
 vse'his "red go^ff balls within this burgh dureing the councells plesure, and his gude 
 
 gouff'^'^'"" careage and behaviour allanerlie, inrespect thair is not such ane tradisman 
 
 ballis. in this bm-gh, and that he hes produceit ane testificat frome the toun of 
 Leith of his bygane guid life and conversatioun amongst thame. 
 
 27 May 27 Mar/ 1642. 
 
 1642. 
 
 David In presens of Mr Thomas Gray, baillie, Dauid Philp was convict for 
 
 Philp con ^^]j.jj^g helter out of Wm. Anderson hors heid, and for striking his 
 
 servant thairwith sindrie straikis, efter that the said Wm. Andersones 
 
 horse hade rin throw the said Dauids corne land. 
 
642.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN, 
 
 287 
 
 30Jiayl642. 30 May 
 
 1642. 
 
 The said day Margrat Bellie, spous to Robert Dewny, and Cliiistan Bellie and 
 • • Wilson 
 
 Wilson, relict of nmquliill Patrik Cheine, for injureing each of thame the convict. 
 
 other, for sindi-ie scandalous and scolding speiches, thairfoir wer ordanit 
 
 both to be put in the joggis, or thane to redeime thameselffis thairfra be 
 
 payment ilkane of thame of fourtie schillings to the dean of gild, and not 
 
 the les they both ar ordanit to compeir befoir the pulpit the nixt Lords 
 
 day in the auld kirk efter the ending of the sermon befoir noone, and 
 
 craive God and the congregation pardon. 
 
 Eodem die. Eodem die. 
 
 The said day, in presens of the provest and Mr Thomas Gray, baillie, Aidye con- 
 George Aidye, wricht, convict be the deposition of sindrie famous witnesses 
 admitit sworne and examined, for drawing a whinger to Dauid Cramond, 
 sklaiter, and striking of him thairwith on the breist to the effusion of 
 bis bloode, to forbear ; for the quhilk the councell ordanes the said George 
 to stand in waird aught da^ns, or to redeime himselff thairfra be payment 
 of twa dollours, the ane to the deane of gild, and the wther to the pairtie, 
 and to mak a publict amends in the tounes court, in presens of the 
 magistrats. 
 
 8 Jw?ie 1642. 8 June 
 
 1642. 
 
 The said day Christan Mure, spous to James Forbes, flesher, was Mure 
 convict for injureing and sclandering Thomas Dempster, flesher, his Avyff, 
 and bairnis, in saying that the said Thomas father was hangit, and 
 calling his bairnis theeffs and theeffes geits, and vttering many execrable 
 oathes aganis thame ; for the quhilk the said Christan is ordanit to be com- 
 mittit presentlie in waird, and to remaine thairin till Freddy nixt, and to 
 pay aucht pnndis of vnlaw to the deane of gild befoir she be takin furthe 
 of waird, and the said vnlaw being payit, ordanes the said Christan to 
 
288 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1642. 
 
 8 June compeir befoir the magistratis within the tolbuith in ane fencit court, and 
 — ' thair confes and acknowledge her wrong, craw the pairties injured pardon 
 vict. and forgivenes, and promis never to doe the lyke heirefter, and in caise 
 the said Christan refuis to do the same, ordanes hir to be put up again in 
 waird, thairin to remaine ay and quhill she amend publictHe as said is. 
 
 wemen. 
 
 15 June 15 June 1642, 
 1642. 
 
 Lady The quhilk day fforsamekle as ane noble Lady Kathrene Forbes, 
 
 j^^j.'j^'^™jY Lady Rothimay hes freelie given and mortified to the provest, bailies, 
 
 fication covmcell, and communitie of the bure-he of Aberden the soume of ane 
 of ane . ° 
 
 thousand thousand pundis vswall money of Scotland, to be employed or laid on 
 mainten-'^ anuelrent for the pious vse contenit in the letteris of mortificatioune 
 maistrcs of ^i^cl^rwretin, quhilk soume the said noble lady hes alreddie delyverit in 
 schoole to gude and reall moneyis to the provest, baillies, and thesaurar of the said 
 you^g ^ burgh, vpon the tent day of Junii instant, as thair acquittance given on 
 the receipt thairof pi-oportis ; lykeas the saids provest, baillies, and 
 thesaurar hes dely vered the same soume of ane thousand ptmdis to Patrik 
 Moir, present master of the tounes mortified moneyis who grantis the 
 recept thairof, to be employit be him be advyse of the councell to the 
 proper vse quhairwnto the same is destinat. Inrespect whaii-of the councell 
 of the said burgh in testimonie of thair thankfullnes to the said noble lady, 
 and for hir ladyships assurance that the said soume of ane thousand 
 pundis salbe employit perpetuallie in tyme comeing to the wse appointed 
 be the said mortification, they ordaine the samen mortification to be 
 registrat in thair councell register, to remaine ad futuram rei memoriam, 
 whanof the tenour followes : — " Be it kend to all men be thir presents, me, 
 Katherin Forbes, relict of the right honorable vlnquhill Willeam Gordoim 
 of Rothimay of guid memorie, for the honor of God, and for the love I 
 heave to vertew in woman, and to all women vertuouslie disposed, and to 
 testifie my love for the burgh of Aberdein whauin I was educat and bred 
 the most pairt of my youth, to have freelie given, mortified, and destinat, 
 
1642.] RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 289 
 
 and be tliir presentis freelie gives, mortifies, and destinates to the provest, 15 June 
 baillies, councell, and commnnitie of the said burghe of Aberdeine and to — ^' 
 thair successors, provest, baillies, councell, and communitie of the said Kotliiemay 
 burghe in tyme comeing, the soume of ane thousand pundis vsuall ficaJion*^'" 
 current money of Scotland, which I have alreadie caused to delyver to the •'^"^ , 
 
 _ _ ^ , . thousand 
 
 present provest and baillies of the said burghe, to be waired and employit pundis for 
 vpon land or annualrent whair they find most convenient imployment, ^"eo/ane 
 and the yeirlie annualrent thairof, sic as the same shall affoord and render ggj^o^lg to* 
 for the tyme, to be givin and bestowed be the said provest, baillies, and ^"''"g '^P 
 
 . young 
 
 counsell of the said burgh, present and to come, towards the help and wcmen. 
 mantenance of ane woman, to be ane mistress for keepeing ane schoole in 
 the burghe of Aberden, and teacheing young women and lases to reid, 
 wreit, and sew, and any other airt or science whairof they can be capable, 
 of the qualitie and with the conditiones efter specifeit — viz., This woman 
 and mistres of schoole to be a widow of honest report, grave and modest 
 cariage and behaviour, and who haue lined both in the tyme of hir 
 widowheid and in hir cariage and cohabitatioun with hu- husband of gude 
 lyfe and conversatioun, ft-ee of publict scandall, and that shall be 
 feligiouslie disposed, fearing God, or to be ane virgin' or maid of aige and 
 discretioun, grave and modest, fit for suche a chairge, and if it shall happin 
 the said widow or maid to marie or to prove scandalous in thair cariage 
 lyfe or conversation efter they be admited to the said place, vpon just 
 tryall and notice to be takin be the said provest, baillies, and counsell for 
 the tyme, in that caice, she to be depryved of the said benefite and piit 
 frome the place, and ane other woman of the qualitie and conditiones aboue 
 specifeit to be chosin and put in hir place, lykeas, be thir presentis, I 
 giue and grantis to the said provest, baillies, and counsell, and to 
 thair successoris provest, baillies, and counsell of the said biu-ghe, 
 perpetuallie in all tyme comeing, the full and absolute . right of pa- 
 tronage, presentation, and admission of the said widow or virgin who 
 shall injoy the said place and benefite belonging thairto in all tyme heir- 
 efter. Reserveing alwayis to me, the said Kathrene Forbes, Lady widow 
 
 1 2 0 
 
290 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1642. 
 
 15 June 
 1(;42. 
 
 Lady 
 
 Rotliicmay 
 hir morti- 
 fication 
 of ane 
 thousand 
 pundis for 
 mainten- 
 ance of ane 
 maistres of 
 schoole to 
 bring vp 
 young 
 wemen. 
 
 of Rotliiemay, dureiug my own lyfetyme, the presentation of the said 
 woman, widow, or virgin, and admission to the said place be advyse of the 
 said provest, baillies, and councell for the tyme. And lykwayis with this 
 speciall provision and condition, that if it shall happin any of my kindred 
 or freinds of the name of Forbes or Setoim to present thameselffis, efter 
 just examination, and try all to be maid be the said provest, baillies, and 
 councell of the qualification and conditions, to demand and sute the said 
 place and benefite belonging thairto, she to be preferrit befoir all other 
 whosoever, ceteris paribus. And farther, it is my speciall will and appoint- 
 ment, becaus the said schoole cannot be presentlie erectit, nor ane woman 
 of the qualitie and condition foirsaid presentlie found out, that the anuel- 
 rent and profite of the said soume sail accress and be added to the prin- 
 cipall soume, and the profite of the whole soume, alsweill principall and 
 byrane anuelrentis, to be bestowit and given to the said mistres of schoole, 
 in all tyme comeing ; and this mortificatioun and schoole to be erected 
 and set vp be the said provest, baillies, and councell with all possible 
 convenient diligence. And since I haue committed the charge to them, 
 to be managed and governed in all tyme comeing, as they will answer befoir 
 the tribunall of our Lord Jesus Christ, whan He shall appear to judge the 
 quick and the dead, that they shall faithfullie performe the conditions 
 aboue specifeit in all pointis. And for the man- securitie, we ordane thir 
 presentis to be registrat in the buikis of counsell or burrow court buikis of 
 Aberdeiue, thair to remaine, ad futuram rei memoriam, 4'C- 
 
 2G July 
 1G42. 
 
 Donaldson 
 convict. 
 
 26 July 1642. 
 
 The samen day Duncane Donaldsone wes adjudget in ane vnlaw of 
 twantie merkis for stijiking of Johne Inglis, sone to wmquhill Paull Inglis, 
 to the effusion of his blood Lykeas Paull Colinsone wes adjudget in the 
 lyik soume of tuantie merkis for injuring the said Duncan, both the saidis 
 vnlawis to be payit to the deane of gild. 
 
1642.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 291 
 
 12 August 1642. 12 Aug. 
 
 In presens of Mr Wm. Moir, baillie, Andro Mowat wes convict of his Andro 
 
 . Mowat 
 
 awin confession for striking and dmgmg of Alex. Melvill, his servant, with convict, 
 the bits of ane brydle, and giveing him ane bloodie strak thairwith in his 
 thigh, and sindrie blae strakis on his back, and Alex. Mitchell became 
 cationer for the said Andro to present him befoir the coiinsell on Wedius- 
 day nixt, for sic vnlaw as the connsall sail modifie. 
 
 16 August 1642. 16 Aug. 
 
 1642. 
 
 The samen day James Smith, laxfisher, and Elspet Hoode, his spous. Smith, 
 wer convict for injureing of James Rany, laxfisher, vpon the elevint day ^nd Rany 
 of August instant, lykeas the said James Rany was convict for injm-e- co^'^ict. 
 ing of the said James Smith the day foirsaid, conforme to the depositiones 
 of diuerse famous witnessis verified and known to the counsell, and thair- 
 foir the said James Smith was adjudget in ane vnlaw of ten merkis to be 
 payit to the dean of gild, and the said Elspet Hoode to pay four merkis 
 to the dean of gild, as lykewayis the said Elspet is ordanit to crawe the 
 said James Rany pardon for hir offence committit aganes him vpon freday 
 nixt in ane fencit court within the Tolbuith vnder the pain of jogging. 
 Lykeas the said James Rany was ordanit to pay four merkis to the said 
 deane of gild for his offence committit aganes the said James Smith. 
 Tandem the said James vnlaw remodifiet to fyve merkis be the counsall, 
 and the said Elspetis vnlaw dischargit inrespect she wes joggit. 
 
 19 September 1642. ^^^^ 
 
 1642. ' 
 
 The said day, in presence of Maister Alex. Jafiray, provest, and Mr pijjj^nd 
 Wm. Moir, baillie, David Philp and Elspet Eraser, his spous, both convict Fi'aser 
 and put in amerciament be the depositiones of sindrie famous witnesses 
 admited sworne and examined, the said David for dinging and striking 
 
292 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE 
 
 [1642. 
 
 19 Sept. 
 1642. 
 
 Philp and 
 
 Fraser 
 
 convict. 
 
 Issobell Thomson, spous to Nicolas Bustoim, maister of the corection hous 
 m the aniies and heid, thairby geweing hir many bla strakis in both the 
 armes, and dinging hir violentHe to the earth, quhairthrow she lay deid, 
 and wes tane vp be George Gordon, ofl&ciar, and sindrie other persones, 
 and caried to the hous of Patrik Ker, officiar, whair she lay ane long space 
 litle better nor deid. As lykewayes the said Elspet wes convict for saying 
 lay Weill frome you, she is not sihh to na body heir, to forbear, fFor the quhilk 
 wrong the said Dauid wes committit in waird, and gave satisfaction con- 
 forme to the ordinance of counsell. 
 
 30 Sept. 
 1642. 
 
 WmTwal- 
 ker skipper 
 oblist not 
 to trans- 
 port per- 
 sons to 
 forane 
 countrie. 
 
 30 September 1642. 
 
 The quhilk day, in presence of Patrik Leslie, provest, compeired 
 Wm. Walker, skipper and maister of the gud ship of Aberdeen, callit the 
 John, and voluntarlie become actit and oblist that he sail not transport 
 any persone or persones furth of this kingdome to Zeland, nor to no foran 
 countrie, or any pairt quhatsumeuer without speciall licence, consent, and 
 advyse of the said Patrik Leslie. Lykas the said William oblist him to 
 give vp ane just roll to the said Patrick of the haill names of the persons 
 that he sail receave within his ship, vnder the pain of fyve hundreth 
 merkis money to be payit be said William to the said Patrik for the 
 piiblict vse of the countrie, and thiis for ilk persone the said William 
 happins to transport furth of this herbrie to any other pairt without 
 licence asket and gewin. 
 
 5 October 
 1642. 
 
 Tliesaurar 
 collector 
 of the 
 niuskat 
 nionej' 
 
 5 October 1642. 
 
 The said day the provest, baillies, and counsell nominatis and ap- 
 pointis Thomas Burnet, thesaurar, collector of the moneyes restand be the 
 nichtbouris and inhabitantis of this burghe for the guns, muskatis, and 
 picks, coft and resauit be thame, and ordanes the said thesaurar to caus 
 put the letteris of horneing alreadie raisit in the said matter to dew 
 
1642.] 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 293 
 
 execution aganis sic as refuissis or delayis to pay, and the said thesaurar C October 
 to give ane accompt of his diligence to the counsell efter Martimes — -' 
 
 . Thesaurar 
 mxt; collector 
 
 of the 
 inuskat 
 
 19 October 1642. Oct. 
 
 1642. ' 
 
 The quhilk day, the provest, baillies, and connsell ordaines the Ordinance 
 whole bursars alreadie admitit, or to be admitit, within the colledge of ti"e*^^^ 
 this burghe, diligently to attend and be ordinar hearars of all pnblict colledge. 
 lessons and lecturs to be teached be the professors of divinitie, matha- 
 matiques, or other publict lessons whatsumewer, within the said colledge, 
 dureing the tyme that they resaue the benefite of the saids burses, and 
 on nawayis to absent themselues thairfra, without ane lauchfull excuse, 
 notified and knowin to the saids professours ; and that they wear daylie 
 ane blak goun and blak hatt or blak bonnet, both upon the streits of the 
 toun and within the colledge and kirk during thair courses in philosophic; 
 whairin if it shall happin thame to faillie, or if (as God forbid) it shall 
 happin any of tham to mak apostacie and defection frome the true 
 protestant religion profest within this kingdome, at any tyme heirefter, 
 in that cais the bursar or bursars, contraveinars of tliis present ordinance, 
 to be depry vit of thair burses for that yeir. . . , 
 
 23 November 1QA2. 23 Nov. 
 
 1642.' 
 
 The said day, the provest, baillies, and counsell gives and grants the 
 
 soume of four hundi*eth merkis money, for supplie of the work of the ^o"" '"cpair 
 
 . of the 
 
 colledge of this burgh, and to help to repair the same. . . . colledge. 
 
 Eodem die. 
 
 Eodemdie. 
 A Tveeklie 
 
 The same day, the provest, baillies, and counsell thinks it meit and jgg^^ 
 expedient that ane Ebro lesson be teachit weiklie in the colledge of this Hebrew to 
 
 * ° be in the 
 
 colledge. 
 
294 
 
 RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 [1642. 
 
 23 Nov. burgh till Lambmes nixt, and oi-daines Patrik Leslie, provest, and Doctor 
 
 — Patrik Dune, principall of the said colledge, to deall with Mr Johne Row, 
 A weeklie . . r ^ iv 
 
 lesson in ane 01 the tounes ministers, for that eifect. 
 
 Hebrov 
 to be in the 
 
 ^u^Dcc. 1^ December 1642. 
 
 1642.' 
 
 Swan~ The said day the provest, baillies, and counsell vnderstanding of the 
 
 do™OT of literatur and qualification of ]\Ir David Swan, and of his habilitie to dis- 
 giarainiir chairge the place of ane doctor in the grammer scoole, hes receauit and 
 admitit, and be thir presents receaues and admits the said Mr David as 
 ane of the doctors in the said grammer scoole, ad bene placitum consilii 
 tantum, with the casualities and pension belonging thairto, payable at tua 
 termes in the yeir Witsinday and Martimes be equall portions, the first 
 termes payment beginnand at Witsinday nixt, for the half yeir fra 
 Martimes last. 
 
 21 Dec. 21 December 1642. 
 
 1C42. 
 
 Act contra The same day the provest, baillies, and counsell ordane the haill 
 
 yoole day. 
 
 inhabitants of this town thaii- bairnes, repair and keip the scoole preceislie 
 vpon Sunday nixt and the weik therefter, vnder the pain of ten punds ; 
 quhairof intimation ordanit to be maid be the drum passing throw the haill 
 streits of the toun for that efiect. 
 
 Eodemdic. 21 December 1642. 
 
 J^lor6SOii • 
 
 to set The said day, the counsell ordanes Mr Robert Moreson to set caution 
 
 caution. -^.^ continuance with his charge in teaching the principalis of arith- 
 
 metik, within the colledge of this burgh, till Michaelmes nixt ; and that 
 he shall be ane ordinar hearer of all publict lessons, and shall not mak 
 defection frome the religion presentlie profest. 
 
INDEX. 
 
\ 
 
INDEX. 
 
 Aberdeen, provost and magistrates of, 240. 
 Aboyue, The Viscount, 172, 173, 175. 
 Adam, Bishop of Dunblane, 77 ; of Aber- 
 deen, 89. 
 Adye, David, 17. 
 
 Alexander, Robert, dean of guild, 31. 
 Anderson, George, master of kirkwark, 25. 
 Annand, Mr Johne, minister at Inverness, 
 257. 
 
 Arbuthnott, Laird of, 53. 
 Athol, Earl of, 166, 170. 
 
 Baird, Mr James, advocate, 77. 
 
 Baird, Mr James, advocate, 144. 
 
 Balmerino, Lord, 194. 
 
 Banff, Laird of, 159, 164. 
 
 Baron, Robert, D.D., 60, 138. 
 
 Barron, Rev. Robert, 14. 
 
 Blakhall, Mr Thomas, 183, 
 
 Bonaccord, articles of, 223. 
 
 Boyd, Mr James, a doctor of the grammar 
 
 school, 262. 
 Bowbrig, 49, 115. 
 
 Brastoune, Nicholas, Englishman, 100. 
 Brastoune, Robert, Englishman, 100. 
 Brymmond, Hill of, 17, 18. 
 Burnet, Sir Thos., of Leys, 45. 
 
 Caithness and Orkney, bishops of, and 
 peojile of, 67. 
 
 Cant, Mr Andrew, minister at Newbattle, 
 235, 245, 257. 
 
 Chalmer, Mr Thomas, doctor of the grammar 
 school, 63, 98. 
 
 Chalmer, Mr Thomas, master of the gram- 
 mar school, 228, 229. 
 
 Chalmer, Mr Thos., 30. 
 
 Chalmer, Mr Patrick, sheriff-clerk, 70. 
 1 
 
 Chapel on the Castle Hill, 18. 
 
 Clatt, Mr John, canon of Aberdeen, 33. 
 
 College Library, 40. 
 
 Colinsone, Thomas, baillie, 26. 
 
 Correction House, 100, 106. 
 
 Coupar, Lord, 154, 170. 
 
 Cowye, Thomas, sacristar, 45. 
 
 Crombie, Thomas, of Kemnay, 27, 70. 
 
 Cullan, Mr Gilbert, baillie, 15. 
 
 Dalgleish, Mr David, minister at Cupar, 200, 
 207. 
 
 Dalhousie, Earl of, 194. 
 
 Davidson, Patrick, master of the grammar 
 
 school, 35. 
 Doizglas, Lady Marion, 64. 
 Dounye, Mr Robert, bibliothecar, 40. 
 Dun, Doctor, 14, 69. 
 Dun, Dr Patrick, 45, 63, 66. 
 Drum, Laird of, 26, 27, 53. 
 Drummond, Lord, 166, 170. 
 
 Edinburgh, Bishop of, 63, 64, 69. 
 Elcho, Lord, 154, 170. • 
 Elsick, Laird of, 53. 
 English School, 14. 
 
 Farquhar, Mr Robert, deau of guild, 26, 27 ; 
 
 bailUe, 106, 160. 
 Farquhar, Mr Robert, commissary, 244, 266, 
 
 of Mowny, 278. 
 Forbes, Capt. Arthur, 4, 10. 
 Forbes, Lieut.-Col. George, 194, 208, 211. 
 Forbes, Lady Katherine, 288. 
 Forbes, Master of, 154, 161, 166, 170, 215, 
 
 245. 
 
 Forbes, Patrick, Bishop of Aberdeen, 71. 
 Forbes, Pi-ofessor John, D.D., 69. 
 
 2 P 
 
298 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Forbes, William, doctor in diviuity, 11, 14, 
 
 GO, G3. 
 Forrester, Lord, 194. 
 Foverane, Laird of, 164. 
 Fraser, Adam of Fiuzeauch, 20. 
 Fraser, Alex., doctor of the grammar school, 
 
 30. 
 
 Fraser, Lord, 154, 161, 166, 170, 215. 
 Fraser, Mr Alex., 20. 
 Frendraucht, Laird of, 70. 
 
 Gallowgate Port, 49, 116. 
 Gellie, Mr Johu, minister at Monymusk, 
 188. 
 
 Gight, Laird of, 164. 
 
 Gillespie, Mr George, minister at Weymes, 
 257. 
 
 Gordons, broken men of the name, 118. 
 Gordon, Dr William, 152. 
 Gordon, John, in Kothiemay, 70. 
 Gordon, John, of Park, 70. 
 Gordon, Mr Alex., a regent at King's College, 
 242. 
 
 Gordon, INIr Robert, of Straloch, 152. 
 Gordon of Ardlogie, 70. 
 Gordon of Auchauachie, 70. 
 Gordon of Gollachie, 70. 
 Gordon of Gight, 70. 
 Gordon of Invermarkie, 70. 
 Gordon, AVilliam, in Melingsyde, 149. 
 Gordon, William, of Kothiemay, 288. 
 Graham, John, baillie of Montrose, 168. 
 Gray, Alex., reader, 45. 
 Gray, IMaster of, 16C. 
 Gray, Thomas, master of kirkwark; 67. 
 Gray, William, of Pettindrum, 170. 
 Guild, liev. AVril., D.D., 22, 52, 66, 114, 242, 
 243. 
 
 Gun, Colonel William, 174, 175. 
 Guthrie, James, of Petforthie, 168. 
 
 Haddo, Laird of, 104. 
 Hallow mes.s, term of, 279. 
 Hamilton, Marquis of, 134, 137. 
 llarthill, Gudeman of, 70. 
 Hay, Captain, 159. 
 Hay, John, baillie, 15. 
 Hervie, Gilbert, 6, 37, 270. 
 Hope, Sir Thomas, 144. 
 Howat, Mr Andrew, 19. 
 Hume, Mr Alex., 30. 
 
 Huntly, Marquis of, 134, 136, 137, 148, 150, 
 192, 195, 197, 278, 281. 
 
 Inglis, Paull, merchant burgess, 24, 34, 37. 
 
 Irvine, Robert, of Fcdderat, 64. 
 
 Irving, Sir Alexander, of Drum, 26, 64, 137. 
 
 Jaffray, Mr Alex., 17, 26, 27, 41, 66, 116, 
 138, 144, 164, 168, 171, 186, 196, 199, 
 209, 214, 232, 236, 244, 285, 291, 
 
 Jamesone, George, painter, 55, 75. 
 
 Johnston, Dr AVm., 55, 102, 124, 151. 
 
 Johnston, Mr Thomas, baillie, 15. 
 
 Johnston, Robert, provost, 134. 
 
 Justice, Port, 115. 
 
 Keith, Alex., of Balmuir, 130, 131, 144. 
 
 Keith, Lord William, 64. 
 
 Keith, INIary, daughter of the Laird of 
 
 Ludquharue, 130. 
 Keith, Mr Gilbert, minister at Skene, 130. 
 Keith, IMr Robert, brother of the Earl 
 
 Marischal, 238, 241. 
 Keith, Sir Robert, of Bcnholm, 64. 
 Kennedy, John, baillie of Ayr, 120. 
 Kinghoin, Earl of, 154, 170, 177, 182, 194. 
 Kinnoul, Earl of, 77. 
 Kings College, Aberdeen, 69. 
 
 Laurence, a bell of St Nicholas church, 73. 
 
 Lawers, Laird of, 159. 
 
 Leisk, William, of that ilk, 130. 
 
 Leith, John, of Haiihill, 217, 241. 
 
 Lennox, Duke of, 274. 
 
 Leslie, General, 154. 
 
 Leslie, Patrick, provost, 25, 193, 206, 218, 
 
 221, 232, 242, 244, 247, 252, 285, 292. 
 Leys, Laird of, 53, 
 Liddell, Dr Duncan, 43. 
 Lothian, Earl of, 194. 
 Loudon, Earl of, 194. 
 
 Lowsone, Mr Vedast, baillie, 36, 39, 40, 46. 
 Lumysden, Mr Mathew, 5. 
 Lundie, Mr John, humanist, lying's College, 
 242. 
 
 Mackye, Colonel, 10. 
 M'Gill, Captain, 159. 
 Mar, Earl of, 194. 
 
 Marischal. Earl, 151, 154, 162, 166, 170, 177, 
 182, 193, 194, 208, 211, 221, 233, 237. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 299 
 
 Melville, Andrew, master of the music school, 
 96, !)7. 
 
 Meldrum. Andrew, baillie, 2G. 
 Menzies, Gilbert, of Pitfoddels, 27, 66. 
 Menzies, Sir Paul, provost, 15, 25, 27, 41, 
 66, 72. 
 
 Merser, William, musician, 59. 
 
 Moir, Mr William, master of kirk work, 102. 
 
 Moir, Mr Wm., baillie, 218. 
 
 Monro, Major-General, 222, 226, 238, 244. 
 
 Month Cowie, 53. 
 
 Montrose, Earl of, 152, 154, 166, 167, 177, 
 182, 194. 
 
 Moreson, Mr (ieorge, dean of guild, 39. 
 Moi'ison, Mv Robert, doctor of the grammer 
 
 school, 262. 
 Mortimer, Mr John, baillie, 15. 
 Mowat. Mr Koger, advocate, 144. 
 Muchall, Laird of, 53. 
 Musick School, 14. 
 
 Nicolson, Sir Thomas, 144. 
 Nicolson, Mr Thomas, baillie, 26. 
 
 Ogilvy, Mr Robert, sub-principal. King's 
 College, 242. 
 
 Patrick, Bishop of Aberdeen, 23. 
 Pitmedden, lauds of, 102. 
 
 Raban, Edward, printer, 60. 
 
 Raitt, INIr James, minister at Marykirk, 39. 
 
 Reed, Mr Adam, 41. 
 
 Reid, Mr Robert, minister at Banchory, 41, 
 45. 
 
 Reid, Thomas, Latin secretary to James VI. 
 41, 
 
 Robertson, George, a writer of poesies, 60. 
 Robertson, Mr Wm., minister at Futtie, 114. 
 Rolland, Alex., teacher of French, 80. 
 Ross, Mr Alex., minister at Inch, 22, 36, 
 114. 
 
 Ross, William, in Ballivat, 70. 
 
 Rothiemay, Lady, 288. 
 
 Rutherfurd, Mr David, alderman, 15. 
 
 Sandelandis, Mr James, civilist, 242. 
 Seaforth, the Earl of, 194, 299. 
 Sibbald, James, D.D., 114, 138, 235. 
 Sinclair, Lord, 194, 243, 244, 266, 268. 
 Stewart, Patrick, beddel in the Gild 
 
 Brethrens Hospital, 251. 
 St Catherine's Hill, 7. 
 St Clement's Chapel, 113. 
 St Thomas Hospital, 37. 
 Swan, Mr David, doctor of the grammar 
 
 school, 294. 
 
 Table, The Round, in Aberdeen, 270. 
 
 Urquhart, Thomas, chirurgeon, 263. 
 Urrie, John, drill master, 10. 
 
 Wedderburne, Mr David, master of the 
 
 grammar school, 19, 20, 26. 
 Wollmanhill, 49, 115. 
 
 Tester, Lord, 194. 
 
 Zetland, 16. 
 
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