Douglas book > Angus memoirs

142 SIR GEORGE DOUGLAS OF PITTENDRIEGH.
Douglases were also in conflict with the Eegeut, who had banished the Earl of Angus to
France. In the absence of the greater part of the English troops on the Continent, the
Earl of Surrey was appointed to defend the Borders against the Scots, and along with
Dacre made successful raids into Scotland. He was approached by George Douglas,
Lord Home, and David Hume of Wedderburn, who desired to be received to the peace of
the English king. Albany was absent from the kingdom procuring succours, promised by
the King of France, for the prosecution of the war with England, and the application of
Douglas and Home was conditional on the arrival of Albany in Scotland, and, as they put
it, the consequent infringement of the liberty of the king, and prosecution of the war.
The suppliants, indeed, were at this time between two fires. Estranged from
Albany on the one hand, they were, on the other, menaced with raids from Surrey's
troops, and naturally sought to preserve their lands and houses from destruction.
On their behalf Surrey wrote to Cardinal Wolsey for instructions as to what he
should do if they came in to him, and if in that case he should desist from his
intended attack on Home Castle, Jedburgh, and Teviotdale. He thought that if
they could be brought in, the East March at least would be secure, for without them
Albany could do little in that quarter. In replying Wolsey told Surrey to use his own
discretion in making war or forbearing, at the same time not to allow himself to be
diverted by " feigned drifts." If he thought it better not to destroy the houses of
George Douglas and the Homes, he might admit them upon bonds and hostages never
to return to Scotland till the young king was " at his own rule." At the same time he
was not to forget that they had formerly broken their oaths, and to do nothing rashly.
A few days later Surrey again wrote that if Douglas aud the Homes could come to
terms with Albany, they were not likely to come to him ; but if they did not send their
pledges at the time appointed, he would do thein some displeasure. Probably they did
so ; for a day or two later, Surrey wrote to Queen Margaret, who wished to escape from
Edinburgh to England, recommending her to employ George Douglas as her escort, as
he would serve her best for Angus' sake, and offers to pay him if she will promise £1 00. *
When his brother, the Earl, made his escape from France, George Douglas went to
England, to expedite his brother's return. Wolsey took advantage of their presence
in England to confer with them on Scottish affairs, and after several interviews with
them at St. Albans, arranged for the Earl's return into Scotland on the understanding
that he should support the interests of England. Wolsey's opinion of George
Douglas was that he was " a man of more knowledge and experience than the Earl." 2
1 Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic. Henry VIII., vol. iii. Nos. 3325, 3330, 333S.
3361, 3365, 3369. September 1523. - Ibid. vol. iv. Nos. 489, 701, 707, 727, 750.