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

88 LETTERS OF JAMES IV [1507
Provost of Crichton, while he remains furth of the realm
and forty days later.
138. James IVto Louis XII, Holyrood, September 20,11507.
N.L. 195a ; b.m. 78 ; R. 87.
This courier delivered at Edinburgh on September 17
His Majesty’s letters given (signatas) on August 23 at Blois,
in which James was thanked for a goodwill which he would
have preferred to show in action rather than merely to
express. The steady friendship desired by Louis he will
maintain by deliberate choice, as well as on the ground
of close alliance. Louis, for various reasons, thinks that
the thousands of infantry which he asked for need not be
sent, yet thanks him as much as if he had really sent them.
To the request of Louis that a force of infantry should be
kept ready, so that it may be sent quickly to France
(isthic) if the need again arises, James answers that he and
his subjects will come to his defence at need, but he begs
Louis to give him timely notice, so that the troops may
set out well prepared on the appointed day. Whatever
happens to Louis James regards as also happening to
himself.
139. James IV to Louis XII, [September 20, 1507].
n.l. 194 ; b.m. 76 ; r. 86.
James Hamilton, Earl of Arran, is going to visit Louis,
bearing a full answer to the recent request for foot soldiers.
Would Louis kindly send timely notice of his wishes so as
to give James opportunity to satisfy them. The tie of
blood even more than the traditional alliance makes him
wish to deserve well of Louis, and he will do by him as
he would desire to be done by. His Majesty will hear this
from Arran, who will be the readier to serve him for his
close blood relationship. H.
1 R. prints Sept. 27.