Series 3 > Scottish correspondence of Mary of Lorraine

256 THE SCOTTISH CORRESPONDENCE OF
Unfortunately, alike for the Dowager’s peace of mind
and for the general harmony of the realm, the Scots did
not take kindly to the supply and help that was afforded
to them.
This is seen even in the midst of the allied offensive of
February 1548-9. The Franco-Scottish army doubtless
meant to seize the favourable opportunity presented by
the trial for treason of the Lord High Admiral of England,
but unfortunately their own divided counsels crippled their
power to make ‘ our wayage . . . profitabille to yowr
grace service.’ [No. CXCIX.] Lady Home’s letters,
written in March, show that not only did the French and
Scots pull ill together, but that the French themselves
were not always amenable to discipline. There was solemn
meaning in her warning that ‘ your grac maun be vere
scherp batht on the Franch men and on the Scottis men
or it will nocht be weill.’ [No. CCL] Seven months
later Alexander Gordon had to point the same conclu¬
sion. ‘ Ther cowme ane greitt bill of complantt to the
capitane of Dumbartane of the spwlzeing of the 111 of
Cumray . . . done be marinoris of the kyngis schyp.’
The writer did his ‘ diligence to apleis the capitane to the
satisfactione of baytht the partis,’ but in the bitter state
of feeling it can have been no light task to ‘ put the best
ordour therto we may.’ [No. CCXIX.]
It is equally clear, however, that the services of the
French were as advantageous as they were unwelcome.
As the war assumed its later character, the assistance of a
trained army of professional soldiers became invaluable.
When reinforcements first arrived for the siege of Droughty
in December 1547 Methven wrote that French ‘ cappi-
dennis has intelligens of ordour of men on the feildis ;
alsua ... to asseg and ordouring arttalzerij.’ [No.
CXLIX.] With the passing of the months the need
increased for a systematic prosecution of the war. Home