Stirling peerage

STYLING HmSELF EARL OF STIRLING. 5
as we got it, for the purpose of enabling them to facilitate their
preparation. Though they had not the production itself, they
had a copy of it, which gave them all the requisite informa-
tion ; and accordingly they did use some despatch in sending
one of the Counsel, and the agent, to Paris. Now in
regard to the day of trial, I have to say that it cannot be
delayed beyond the ■29th instant. There is no desire on the
part of the Crown to hurry it on ; but the interval is perfectly
sufficient to enable them to be prepared with their defence.
I state that day, not for the convenience of myself or the
Court, but from the necessities of the Court. For myself per-
sonally, it might be more convenient to put off the trial till
the 6th of May, as fixing it for the 29th instant will force me
to return to Edinburgh to attend at the trial earlier than I
could wish ; but the necessities of the Court require that it
should come on on the 29th ; and I have therefore to move
that day for the trial.
Mr Robertson. — In regard to the document, which is a
most important one, I wished merely to state the fact that we
did not see it till we went to the Justiciary Office yesterday.
I have no right to dictate the day, but I do not see that there
can be any objection to the motion I have submitted.
■ Lord Meadowbank. — Monday the 6th May is in tiie
middle of the Glasgow circuit, and there is a great deal of
business there to be got through, which must render it impos-
sible for any of us to come here on that day.
Mr Robertson. — We are anxious to have the day so fixed
that there can be no farther pretence for delay on the part of
the prisoner.
Solicitor General. — The Prisoner's Counsel may be per-
fectly prepared by the 29th. I will take their chance. We
are obliged to fix it for that day, in consequence of the neces-
sities of the Court. It will be for my learned friend to shew
grounds for continuing the diet. The Counsel and agent
have been in Paris for ten days.
Mr Robertson. — They left London for Paris on Monday.
They had inquiries to make in London which they conducted
with all speed and anxiety, and they have important inquiries
to make in Paris. I have a letter from Mr Inglis giving me
an account of what they have done.
Lord M'Kenzie. — There is an immense deal of business
before the Glasgow circuit, and Lord Meadowbank cannot
possibly leave it.