Series 3 > Letters of James the Fourth, 1505-1513

LETTERS OF JAMES IV
71
1507]
an enterprise will be deliberate, and the realm will not be
left unless it is safe. After adequate precautions have been
taken, no protests from others and no ordinary dissuasion
will avail to delay so pious a project {tam sanctum et pium
iter). H.
105. James IV to the Widow of the late O'Donnel, Stirling,
April 22, 1507. n.l. 173 ; G. 241.
He received at Stirling on April 20 her letters of March 13
from Donegal, referring to her late husband, assuring the
King of her continued regard, and recommending her son
to his loyalty and goodwill. He is delighted to hear that
she is well; and she may be certain of his reciprocal
affection. He thought highly of her husband ; and the
friendship will find its own witness in the successor,
whose interests James studies to promote, especially if he
follows in the father’s footsteps, as the King hopes that he
is likely to do. H.
106. James IV to O’Donnel, [? May 1507].
n.l. 281 ; G. 242.
James has his letters of April 16, and congratulates him
on his welfare and the goodwill expressed. The King has
never repented kindness shown to O’Donnel’s father. He
was most worthy of his ancestry and most loyal to James,
as indeed James expects also of the son, to whom he
desires to be of service and will demonstrate it when
occasion arises. H.
107. James IV to the General of the Premonstratensians,
Holyrood, May 1, 1507. n.l. 109 ; b.m. 52 ; g. 246.
Henry, Prior of Whithorn,1 extorted royal letters to the
General asking that his house should be ranked first of the
1 Henry Makdowell was provided on Nov. 26, 1503 (Vat. Transcripts,
Register House, iii). H.