sion of the general assembly, authorized to
go with lord Loudon, Warriston and Barclay, to the king, to importune
him to call his English parliament, as the only and best expedient to
obtain an honourable and lasting peace; but his embassy had not the
desired effect.

After his return, he was chosen moderator to the general assembly _anno_
1643, and when the English commissioners, _viz._ Sir William Armyn, Sir
Harry Vane the younger, Mr. Hatcher and Mr. Darly from the parliament,
and two ministers, Mr. Stephen Marshal a presbyterian, and Philip Nye an
independent, from the general assembly of divines at Edinburgh, where
the general assembly of the church of Scotland was then fitting, craving
their aid and counsel upon such an emergent occasion, he was among the
first of those nominated as commissioners to go up to the parliament and
assembly of England. And so in a little after, Mr. Henderson and Mr.
Gillespie, with Mr. Hatcher and Mr. Nye, set out for London to get the
solemn league ratified there (the rest of the commissioners staying
behind until it should be returned). Upon their arrival at London, and
having received a warrant from the parliament to sit in the next
assembly (which warrant was presented by Mr. Henderson), the assembly
sent out three of their number to introduce them; at their entry Dr.
Twisse the prolocutor welcomed them unto the assembly, and complimented
them for the hazard they had undergone on their account both by sea and
land, in such a rigorous season (it being then November); after which
they were led to a place the most convenient in the house, which they
kept ever after[64].

Again in the year 1646, being sent down from London to attend the king,
then with the Scots army at Newcastle, at which time the general
Assembly appointed also Messrs. Robert Blair, James Guthrie, Robert
Douglas, and Andrew Cant, to wait on his majesty; here Mr. Henderson
officiated for some time as his chaplain; and although he and Mr. Blair,
of all the presbyterians were the best beloved of the king, yet they
could by no means prevail upon him to grant the first demand of his
subjects, yea, he obstinately refused, though they besought him on their
knees.

In the interval of these affairs, a series of letters was continued
betwixt the king, assisted by Sir Robert Murray on the one hand, and Mr.
Henderson on the other; the one in defence of Episcopacy, and the other
of Presbytery, which were exchanged from the 10t