Douglas book > Angus memoirs

216 ARCHIBALD DOUGLAS, SIXTH EARL OF ANGUS.
declared to Magnus his intention of quieting the Borders. He hoped that,
with the cordial co-operation of England, and by vigorous and concerted
measures, their condition would be no longer cause of complaint by either
country. Next to the serving of his own king, he had accepted office to
please Henry, and he offered, if James would permit him, to accompany
Henry into France with live hundred or a thousand men.
Before the arrival of the English envoy the Earl of Angus had been, on
15th March, appointed lieutenant of the East and Middle Marches, and
letters were issued by the Council to the principal barons in the Marches,
commanding them to appear before the lords and engage to assist him in
the discharge of his office. On 27th March a large number of these did so,
solemnly binding themselves by oath, and under the highest penalties, to rise
with all their power, on twenty days' warning, and assist Angus in upholding
the authority of the king against the thieves of Liddesdale, Eskdale, and
Ewesdale. This bond was to endure until Candlemas (2d February) next.
Bobert, Lord Maxwell, was at the same time appointed warden of the West
Marches. Both wardens had the authority of the Council to take pledges
from the lairds for their obedience and service, and in case of refusal each
was to assist the other in enforcing compliance. 1 Within a few days Angus
departed to the Borders, but on what business does not appear, and he had
returned to Edinburgh by the 8th of April. 2
King Henry the Eighth was highly gratified by the appointment of
Angus as warden of the Marches, as well as by the Earl's whole conduct and
demeanour in Scotland, and in testimony of his regard, commanded Magnus
to present to the Earl one hundred pounds. At the same time the envoy
complained that the disorders on the Borders still continued. Without
1 Acta Dominorum Concilii, voL xxxv. Iris Criminal Trials, vol. i. pp. 127-129.
fols. 8-13, MS. General Register House. The - State Papers, Henry viii., vol. iv. pp. 352,
bond by the lairds is printed by Pitoairn in 353, 358, 359.