The history of the houses of Douglas and Angus written by Master David Hume ...

Of George Douglas, the second George and fifth Earle of Angus.

TO James succeeded his uncle George, by the consent of our whole writers, who (all) speaking of King James the second, call this George the Kings fathers sisters sonne. So the King and he, are brother and sisters children. We need not to impugne the received op•…•…∣nion; The time and computation of years will admit it sufficiently, for though he were born two years after his fathers marriage 1400. yet shall he not passe 63. at his death. Neither doth any other thing that I know of, hinder us from beleeving this deduction. Wherefore we will fol∣low them, though we have no other monument to testifie so much ex∣pressely, or to hinder him from being sonne to James. There is this scruple in it, that Buchanan calls James Kennedie (Arch-bishop of Saint Andrews) of greater age then George Douglas. Which if it be true, then George could not be his brother, for their mother was first married to Angus. We have monuments of him as Earle in the year 1452. May 24. and in the 1461. the last of September; and of his sonne retoured heir to him in the 1463. So that he hath been Earle about 10. or 11

years. But our histories say it was he that assisted Creightoun to spoile the Earle Douglas Lands of Strabroke, &c. from about 1445. or 46. years, and so his time shall be 17. years.* 1.1

He married Elizabeth Sibauld daughter to Sibauld of Balgonie Treasu∣rer of Scotland for the time, profitably, and not dishonourably. For his place of Treasurer was a place of credit and honour, and himself* 1.2 descended of honourable race, viz. the Earles of Northumberland; who were of that name in the dayes of Malcolme Ke•…•…more, and Grand∣father to the said Malcolme by his mother, and had the leading of the* 1.3 English Army that was sent in for his aide against Mackbeth, to the num∣ber* 1.4 of 10000. men. We finde also the name of Sibards in the dayes of King Alexander the second to have been in good account, of whom Buc∣hanan writes that they entertained feed against the Earle of Athol, as al∣so that the said Earle of Athol being burnt in his lodging in Hadinton, the chief of the Sibards whom he calleth William, without any further* 1.5 designation (Boetius calleth him John) being suspected thereof because of their known enmity, was called in question for it, and arraigned. And although he proved by the testimonie of the Queen, that he was in For∣faire at that time (some 60. miles from Hadinton) yet the Judge thought not this sufficient to absolve him, because the other party alledged that his servants and followers had been seen very many of them in the Town. And although he offered to purge himself by combat, it could not be accepted: Whereupon he fearing the power of his adverse party (which were the Cumins) fled into Ireland with a number of his name. By which relation it appears that this name hath been in good account, and this marriage no way disparageable. It was also profitable in effect, but more in hope, which was to have succeeded heir to the estate of Balgo∣nie, both Lands and Moveables, she being his onely daughter, and he himself and his Lady of good age, the Contract also being made so that he should be heir, failing heirs male of his own body, whereof there was small appearance; Yet (as it often falls out in such cases, the Di∣vine providence eluding humane wisedome, that they may know that there is a directing and over-ruling wisedome and power above theirs) that hope was disappointed. His mother in law dieth, his father in law marrieth a second wife, and by her hath heirs male to inherite his Lands. I think if he had known what was to come, he would not have done it. And yet is Balgonie disappointed also, for his sonne had but one daugh∣ter who was married to Lundie, and so transferred it from the name, where he thought to have settled it. Angus gets with his Lady. 3000. Marks of portion, no small summe in those dayes when portions we•…•…e little and the terms of payment long.

His children were Archbald, and another son▪ whose name we have* 1.6 not. Some tell us of James Earle of Angus, and Lord Warden of the borders. But when should he have been Earl of Angus? for Archbald suc∣ceeded to George; and to Archbald his grand-childe Archbald. The truth is this James was before son to William, as hath been said; yet it may be that he hath had a son named James also, though Writers do not name him. He had foure daughters; first Elizabeth, married to Robert Gra∣hame

of Fintrie; second Margaret, to Duncan Campbell; third Giles; and fourth Alison, of whose marriage there is no mention. He had also a son naturall, of whom are descended the house of Bonjedward. His daugh∣ters* 1.7 were not married in his own time (belike they have been young) but their brother in the year 1476. contracts with Robert Grahame of Fin∣trie, to marry his sister Elizabeth, failing her, Margaret; and failing Mar∣garet, Giles; and failing Giles, Alison; so soon as a dispensation can be obtained, for they were within the degrees then forbidden, she being the third from Mary Stuart the Kings Daughter, and Robert Grahame in the same degree (belike) son to James Grahame. The portion is 400. Marks. Margaret was married to Duncan Campbell (we know not of what house) in the year 1479. Her brother contracts for 600. Marks, and findes Ro∣bert Douglas of Loghleven, and Alexander Ramsay of Dalhousie suretie for it. Her mother gives her bond for their relief.

To return to Earle George, we finde that he was a man very well accom∣plished;* 1.8 of personage tall, strong, and comely: Of great wisedome, and judgement. He is also said to have been eloquent. He was valiant and hardie in a high degree. His father (carrying the name of George also) we saw how by his mothers help he raised and advanced the house many wayes, almost doubling the estate of it, as it was before him, this man reares it up a great deal higher upon the ruines of the house of Douglas: yet doth he also diminish his own patrimonie and revenues of Angus, whiles to gain service and dependancie, he bestowes liberally, chiefly his lands of Angus, for he redacted the greatest part thereof from pro∣pertie, to superioritie onely, there being above 24. Barons, and Lords in Angus, that hold their lands of the Earles of Angus. His determination was fully to follow the King, though against his Chief and Cousin. But* 1.9 the King who had espoused the quarrell, and made the Earle Douglas party, was nearer to him in bloud, and therefore reason inclined his minde more to him. Besides he was a King, duety required his assistance. Hope also swayed the ballance greatly: There is hope of a Kings libe∣rality, chiefly when Lands come in dealing and parting. And he being a Douglas, and the Lands having belonged to a Douglas, he had great probabilitie to expect a large share in them. For to whom could they b•…•… given so justly and pertinently? His brother Bishop 〈◊〉〈◊〉 could well egge him on. There was no hope of rising for him, that huge tree of Douglas standing which over-topt all others, and over-shadow∣ed the whole borders, and almost the whole Kingdome. He was younger (this Bishop) than Angus, but wise, vertuous, learned, and of authori∣ty: Experience also had given occasion of late to think that the house of Douglas drew all to themselves. The maiden of Galloway (the Earle of Wigtons daughter) was thought fittest to have been matched to some other Douglas being near to the Earle (as was thought then) and the house too great already in the Kings eyes, not to beaugmented. But he would none of such wisedome, he marrieth her himself, and disappoints them all, who could look for any rising by these mens means? Or in their standing in such greatnesse? yet the cause seems to go higher than the Kings cause. For even when the Earle of Douglas had the Kings au∣thority

on his side, and Creighton was denounced Rebell, Angus assists Creighton against the Kings authority. Wherefore in all likelihood the course hath begun in King James the firsts time. Then hath the house of Angus entred into friendship with Creighton in the dayes of William Earle of Angus, which hath continued in the time of Earle James his sonne, whose Lands Robert Fleming therefore did burn and spoile in the Baro∣nie of North-Berwick. And now that course begun then, is here prose∣cuted by Earle George to the utmost point. A pitie of such dissention in these houses, or one house rather, against which if it had not been thus divided in it self, their enemies could hardly have prevailed. For it cannot be denyed but the house of Douglas had great wrong, and was treache∣rously dealt with by Creighton, neither did it ever intend any thing against the King; but the King was drawn to the partie against it: though in the good cause of it, it committed errours, it is to be pitied, and lamented; for who doth not. Also George Earle of Angus declares not himself o∣penly against the house of Douglas for a time. The support that he is said to have given to William Creighton is said to have been done covertly at the spoiling of Strabroke and Abercorne. Neither after that, untill such time as the King declared himself openly, slew William Earle Douglas at Stirlin, and made open Warre against James who succeeded to him. Then he also declared for the King, and bent his whole force and power to aide him. He had that same year before 1452. the 24. of May, taken a course for keeping good order in his Countrey of Liddesdale, and to keep his Castle of the Hermitage safe for him, and that his folks should do no hurt to others, nor receive any of the enemies. He had for that purpose made Sir Archbald Douglas of Cavers (Sheriffe of Roxbrough) and William his sonne, Bailiffs of Liddesdale, and keepers of the Castle, who undertook, and bound themselves to do what we have said, for which he allowed them a large recompence and reward, as the Indenture thereof (yet extant) doth testifie. He is stiled in it Warden of the east marches, William Earle of Douglas being then alive. Some give unto him the honour of the battell in which the Earle Douglas was defeated in Annandale, where the Earle Murray was slain, and Ormond taken in the year 1455. Others attribute all to the Lord Carlile, and John∣ston.

But however that was, in the year 1457. he defeated the said Earle,* 1.10 and Henrie Percie Earle of Northumberland on the east border (which* 1.11 was his wardenrie) in a bloudy battell. For the Earle of Douglas, and Northumberland (a fatall Warriour to the Douglasses) having conveened an Army, and come to the Merse, began to spoile and burn the Coun∣trey. But the Earle of Angus set upon the Forragers and drave them to the hoast. The Earles moved with this indignitie (though many that were gone out to forrage were not yet come in) advanced and presented him battell, which he also accepted. After a sharp conflict on both sides with a greater courage and spite than strength, the victorie, which a long time was doubtfull which way to incline, at last fell to the Earle of Angus, not without some losse. The number of the slain was equall, but the English were put to flight, and many of them made prisoners. A

chief cause of this defeat was the suddennesse of the enemie in giving bat∣tell, and his not staying for the rest that were abroad, and had been sent out to forrage the Countrey. For they being laden with bootie, when they heard the noise of the fight, were so farre from coming to succour their fellows, that for fear of loosing what they had gotten, they took their way directly home into England. This victorie did not a little re∣create the King, being wearied both with civill and forraine Warre. For this service, which was exceeding pleasing and acceptable, the King gives him a new Charter of the Lordship of Douglas, upon a resig∣nation, which he had gotten before when the Earle Douglas was forfeited. What other Lands he got we have no speciall mention.

So the Earle Douglas being now forfeited, his brother slain, himself banished, and with small either effect, or effort, entertaining hostility by small incursions, rather than doing any thing for the advan•…•…ing of his main businesse, the face of the world was quite changed. The Earle of Angus was now made Lord of Douglas; and howbeit he came some∣what short of that huge greatnesse and puissance of the former, yet was he nothing inferiour in place of authority, in credit and account, in action and employment, as we said in the beginning. Nothing was done but by him, and under his shadow. Bishop Kennedie had the greatest vogue; he upheld the Bishop by his power, and by him men did come to finde favour, and did seek to have credit. We will set down two examples for all the rest, but those remarkeable, and sufficient to show of what great account and authority he hath been. The one is of our own Nati∣on, the other of a Forrainer.

The first is in the same year 1457. the 13. of May. We heard of James Lord Hamilton a faithfull, franke, and forward friend for the Earle Douglas, so long as he was a friend to himself by any action. He leaving himself, Hamilton also left him: I mean, seeing the Earle had lost that so sair occasion (if not to cast the Dice for the Crown, as the Lord Hamil∣ton said to him) yet to cast the Dice for the victory, and to give or take conditions of peace, which he had at Abercorne, being moe in number than the King; the Lord Hamilton was come in to the King upon this, that same night. He was received by the King, but not greatly credi∣ted, for he was committed to Rosselin (a Castle then of the Earle of Ork∣neyes) and afterwards (say our writers) freinds interceding for him, he was released out of prison, and received into most inward friendship. Thus sarre they go, but what friends these were, or how the friendship was made they do not tell. The Earle of Angus evidents tell us; and show that it hath been he that did him this friendly office. For whether before to move him to intercede for him, or after in token of thankfulnesse (though it be most likely it was after, because it is done at Tantallon, which must be after his releasement out of Rosselin) he giveth to this Earle George a memorable remembrance. He, I say, being a noble man, and a notable active man besides, gives him his bond of service (or Man∣reid) and that in ample forme, and submisse terms, excepting none but the King and Queen. And that I may not seeme to speak without a war∣rant in so great a matter, scarce to be beleeved of some, and that I do ra∣ther

amplifie things than set down the naked truth, I will set down the very words of the band, as it is extant in the hands of the Earle of Angus,* 1.12 which now is copied word by word, that every man may judge of it, as he thinks good.

Be it knowne to all men by thir present Letters, me James Lord Hamilton, &c. to be comen, and by these presents to become Man of speciall service and retinue, for all the dayes of my life-time, to an high and mighty Lord George Earle of Angus, Lord Douglas, and Warden of the East and middle marches of Scotland, foregainst England. Before, and against all them that live, or die may; mine allegeance to our soveraigne Lord the King, and my band of service to our soveraigne Lady the Queen Mary now present, allanerly out-tane. Promising all and sundry dutifull points in bands of retinue contained, to observe and keep to my Lord foresaid, as effeirs, for all the said time. In witnesse of the which thing I have gard set my seale. At Tantallon the 13. day of the moneth of May, the year of our Lord 1457, &c.

It hath been no small matter, nor small authoritie of him to whom it is given, that hath moved such a man to give such a Band. His credit hath been great, and Hamilton hath either received great benefit at his hand, or expected to receive some. I take it, that he hath procured his li∣bertie, and obtained to him that favour in Court that our Writers speak of, to be of the Kings inward friends. I suppose also that kinred hath been of some moment to move him to it. The reason of my conjecture is, because we have heard before, that Elizabeth, sister to Margaret (Countesse of Marre and Angus, and Grandmother to this Earle George) was married to Sir Alexander Hamilton of Cadyow (as some call him) by which mean this James Lord Hamilton might be third from her, and the Earle of Angus and he Cousins twice removed, or fourths in kin, as we speak. But this I referre to them that have the monuments of that House. However, what more honour could have been done to the great House of Douglas in the greatest grandour thereof, than what is here done to the House of Angus? Neither is it any dishonour to him that doth it. It is but folly to think so: Houses have their beginning and grouth: Mine to day, thine to morrow. This same Lord Hamilton by these be∣ginnings, within a few years (17. or 18. at most) shall lay such grounds of greatnesse, as shall lift his House above any subjects, to the very top of all, so as to have the Crown entailed to his Posteritie, and to enjoy it for a while as Regent and Governour. Let us remember the changes of the world, and the vicissitudes of Fortune, and let every man bear with pati∣ence, and hear with calmnesse, either what he is now, or what he was be∣fore. And this for the first domestick witnesse of honour and authoritie, credit and greatnesse of the House of Angus in this mans person.

The other amongst Forrainers was greater; which is this: The King* 1.13 of England, Henry the sixth, being overthrowne, and put out of his King∣dome and Countrey of England by the Duke of York, Edward the fourth; he, and his son, and his Queen being come into Scotland for re∣fuge, he indents with George Earle of Angus for his assistance, to help to

restore him to his Kingdome, and bindes himself to give unto George Earle of Angus, and his heires, Lands lying betwixt Trent and Humber, worth 2000. Marks sterling of yearly rent. 2. That he should erect it in a Dutchie, and infeft the said Earle therein, in as free Knight-service as any Land in England; and that the Earle, and his heires, should be Dukes thereof. 3. That in time of peace between Scotland and England, it should be lawfull for the said Earle, to repaire to England to his Dutchie, or to Court, or where he pleased, with an hundred horse in train. 4. And that if there happened to be warre betwixt the Countreyes, it should be lawfull for him to send 24. armed men, who should be under the King of England his protection, to gather and up-lift for his use, the rents and re∣venues of the said Dutchie. 5. That it should be lawfull for him, during the warres between the two Countreyes, to serve the King of Scotland; which should no wayes prejudice him in the enjoying of his Lands; nei∣ther should it be a cause of forfeiture or unlaw. 6. That he should not be bound to answer in person to the Parliaments of England, or any other Court of Justice; and that neither he, nor his Tenants, should be fined for his non-compearance. 7. That this Indenture should be showne to the Pope, and ratified by him. And so it was; sealed and subscribed with a (Henry) as long as the whole sheet of Parchment, the worst shapen let∣ters, and the worst put together that I ever saw. And (as I beleeve) it hath a particular Letter of confirmation of the Pope in the hands of the Earle of Angus. It is thought that when William Earle of Douglas went secretly into England, that his errand was to this, or some such purpose, to have made a proffer of his service to King Henry, on these or the like conditions. For even then the seeds of civill discord were sowne, and be∣gan to bud forth. But either because things were not as yet come to any ripenesse, or for that the Earle of Douglas was fallen into disgrace with his Prince, nothing was done. Now about the year 1460. (in the minori∣tie* 1.14 of King James the third) King Henry came into Scotland, and did thus transact with the Earle of Angus; A rare thing, and whereof the like example is hard to be found in any subject, except it be the Earle of Douglas, concerning the Dutchie of Turaine with the King of France, which is not unlike in many things. Howsoever, this shews how little inferiour the house of Angus hath been to the house of Douglas in credit and authority at home and abroad.

This Indenture took no effect, it being now too late, and King Henries estate brought to so low an ebbe, that both his friends and his fortune ha∣ving forsaken, and turned their backs upon him, his aide could not suffice against the whole power of England to make head against King Edward, and to stoppe the current of his victories. Notwithstanding Angus gave him a taste of what he could have done for him, and shewed him in a no∣table exploite, how available his service would have been, if his case had not been desparate, and past recovery. Which though it were not re∣warded with a Dutchie, yet doth it not want, nor ever shall want the due reward of high praise and honour as one of the hardiest, and greatest in∣terprises, that hath been atcheived by any subject.

The Queen (King Henries wife) had obtained of her friends in France

a few souldiers, 300. of which were in the Castle of Anwick with Mon∣sieur* 1.15 Brissac their commander. King Edward following his victories, and that he might prevent or suppresse any commotion that might arise in the North parts, or out of Scotland was come to Durhame with a great Ar∣my. He himself remaining in the Town, sent abroad his Commanders to take in all such Castles as stood good for King Henry. Amongst others he sent the Earle of Warwick to besiege Anwick with 20000. men. He had another Army lying about Bambrough not far off from this, and a third besieging another Town. King Henry (and more especially his Queen) being very solicitous, for the French men dealt with the Earle of Angus very instantly to have them relieved. He promised to do his best, and performed no lesse than he promised. He assembled to the num∣ber of 10000. horse, amongst whom there were 500. empty horses or moe (for commonly the best appointed have ever two horses for service) upon which he might mount the French-men, and bring them away. So he marches toward Anwick, and when he came within a little space of the Castle, he ranged his men in order of battell in the sight of the Eng∣lish Army, making show as if he would have invaded them, or at least that he meant to bide them battell if they should offer to set upon him, or hinder him in his purposed businesse. In the meane time he sent those 500. spare horse conducted by some choice troups to a posterne of the Castle to receive the French, and so brought them away. Some of the the English esteeming it a great affront, to suffer them to be carried away in such sort from under their noses, advised the Earle of Warwick to stay them. But he was resolute in the contrary, and told them, that he had no commission to fight. And (sayes he) who knowes what more aide these may have near hand in the parke, or some other place. And suppose they have not, these are certainly all choice men able enough to sustaine our charge. They cannot take the Castle with them into Scotland; let them take the men, I shall get the Castle, which is all that my commis∣sion bears. And so he lets them go, who returned into Scotland with the French men, an acceptable present chiefly to the Queen of England. This was a fair assay and preamble of his ensuing services, which being prevented by King Henries destinie, and his death, were smothered in the cradle, and his Dutchie engrossed in parchment to have lien betwixt Trent and Humber, is confined to a narrower precinct within the com∣passe of a Coffer.

Notwithstanding of this greatnesse and power, to make him yet stron∣ger, and more puissant on the borders, he did excambe his Lands in the Maines and Clarberon with Robert Grahame of old Monrosse, and got for them the Lands of Eskedale upon the border.

He contracted his sonne Archbald, and his heir apparant to Catherine daughter to Alexander Earle of Huntly, or to any other of his daughters which the said George should choose. The portion 2000. markes, the termes of payment 10. years, 100. markes every terme. That if Arch∣bald should die, his brother (whom the Indenture doth not name) should marrie one of the said Earle of Huntlies daughters. That the Earle of Angus should give his sonne 100. mark Land in Angus. That Archbald

after he be seven years old shall be given to the Earle of Huntly, and the Earle of Huntlies daughter to the Earle of Angus. The Indenture is da∣ted at Saint Andrews 1461. the last of September. This marriage took no effect, what ever were the cause thereof.

Either before or after this there fell out a dissention amongst the Estates about the choosing of a governour and protectour for the young King James the third. In which he and his brother Bishop Kennedie with the greatest part of the Nobilitie, opposed themselves to the Queen, who pre∣tended to be Tutrix, and had now usurped that place a year, while as the Nobilitie being busied in the Warres, had no leasure to look into these things. The Queene and such as followed her remained in the Castle, and the other party in the Abbey of Halyroodhouse. A Convention being appointed, the Queene and her faction came to the Parliament house, and declared her Tutrix, So soon as this was known, the Earle of Angus, and James Kennedie came up to the market place, where the said Bishop declares that their intention was nothing else but to maintain their old law, and the ancient practice of the Countrey, which was that in such cases the Nobilitie should choose one whom they thought most fit to undergo that charge of governing, which was for the good both of the King and Countrey, whereas they of the other party intended nothing but their own particular advantage, as he should show more evidently, in time and place convenient. After this speech, as they retired to their lodging, they were advertised that those who were in the Castle with the Queen, were coming down in armes to assault them, or to have hindered them from making this declaration. The Earle of An∣gus thinking it a great indignitie, that they being more in number, and better in qualitie, should give place to the weaker, and the meaner and in∣feriour partie, and that in such sort as might seeme to be a direct flight, could scarce be retained, but that he would needs turne upon them and fight, though he were not armed, as they were. But the matter was composed by the mediation of the Bishops of Glasgow, Galloway, and Dumblane, and assurance given for a moneth. After the expiring where∣of, having entred into a new consultation, with more peaceable and calme mindes, both parties agreed, that the King and Countrey should be go∣verned by foure Noblemen, two of which should be chosen out of the Queenes partie, and two out of the other. For the Queen she chose Willi∣am Lord Grahame, and Robert Lord Boyd, then Chancellour; for the o∣other side they chose Robert Earle of Orkney, and John Lord Kennedie, all chief of their Name and Families. Here is no mention of the Earle of Angus, which makes me think he hath died in this mean time, during the Truce, otherwise being principall of this other side, they would not have neglected him. Sure he died much about this time, which seemes to* 1.16 have been in the year 1462. Neither did his brother Bishop Kennedies bu∣sinesse* 1.17 go so well after this. He was buried in Abernethie amongst his Predecessours.

His wife (after his death) is said to have married a younger brother of the Captain of Crawford, and that she got from her sonne Archbald the Lands of Balmoodie in Fife, and that the house of Balmoodie is de∣scended

of her. Which notwithstanding, we finde her binde her self for relief of her sonne for the payment of her daughters portion, 1479. as a free person making no mention of a husband. It is true he might also have been dead; then the space being 17. or 18. years. But if her sonne were so liberall as to give her such Lands, he would never have troubled her to binde her self for his relief in the payment of his sisters portion in likelihood.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Sibard his wife.
• * 1.2

  Originall of the house of Balgonie, Sibard.
• * 1.3

  Buch. lib. 7. 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 1.4

  Sibaulds.
• * 1.5

  Sibaulds.
• * 1.6

  His children.
• * 1.7

  The originall of the house of Bonjed∣ward.
• * 1.8

  His person.
• * 1.9

  He followeth the King a∣gainst the Earle Douglas his Chief.
• * 1.10

  1457.
• * 1.11

  He over∣throwes the Earle Douglas & Percie in a bloudie battel in the Merse.
• * 1.12

  Bond of Man∣reid and ser∣vice by the Lord Hamil∣ton to him.
• * 1.13

  Indenture betwixt King Henry the sixth and him.
• * 1.14

  1460.
• * 1.15

  He brings the French out of Anwick Castle.
• * 1.16

  His death.
• * 1.17

  1462.