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

82
LETTERS OF JAMES IV
[1507
would make a settlement rather than precipitate more
serious trouble. James is a thorough believer in friendship
between princes ; but a king is bound by his royal oath
to support his subjects in their just causes. There is a
demand for restitution or reprisal. James has sent Rothesay
herald to declare his goodwill and to ask that these private
controversies be settled for the sake of public peace. He
is being pressed to remove the suspension and put the
letters of reprisal in force. H.
126. James IV to Louis XII, [August 1507]. n.l. 185 ;
b.m. 73 ; a. 83.
Robert [Cockburn], postulate of Ross, delivered at
Edinburgh on July 28 the letters given (signatas) by
Louis on July 10 at Briangon.1 James is grateful for the
kindness and goodwill expressed, and is delighted to hear
of his health and distinguished successes. His frequent
references to Scottish interests deserve the warmest
acknowledgment. The postulate reported the levying of
Germans in His Majesty’s territories, and therefore asked
for four thousand trained foot to be sent to Genoa or
Savona as soon as possible to meet the threatened attack
of the King of the Romans upon Milan. James at once
admits the old Franco-Scottish relations for mutual de¬
fence, strengthened by ties of blood, which make him feel
that he must stand or fall with France. He was anxious,
therefore, to send troops, but immediate transport to
Genoa or Savona is not feasible. Longer notice should
have been given. He is sending a courier for more precise
information : how many thousands, and at what Scottish
port the French fleet will take them on board. None will
be readier at a critical juncture to listen to an appeal from
Louis, who at the request of James sent aid to the Duke of
Gueldres for the defence of his land, a favour, as the
postulate will not fail to say, valued as though rendered
to Scotland. H.
1 See No. 115.