r. Robert Bruce, then the leader of the Presbyterians. His
own version is printed in the first volume of the Bannatyne Club
Miscellany, and is embodied, with modifications, and without
acknowledgment (as references to such sources were usually omitted at
that period), in Calderwood's History.

It is thus better to follow Mr. Bruce's own account, as far as it goes.

The preachers heard the 'bruit,' or rumour of the tragedy, by nine
o'clock on the morning of August 6. By ten o'clock arrived a letter from
James to the Privy Council: the preachers were called first 'before the
Council of the town,' and the King's epistle was read to them. '_It bore
that his Majesty was delivered out of a peril_, and therefore that we
should be commanded to go to our Kirks, convene our people, ring bells,
and give God praises.' While the preachers were answering, the _Privy_
Council sent for the Provost and some of the _Town_ Council.

The preachers then went to deliberate in the East Kirk, and decided 'that
we could not enter into the particular defence of' (the existence of?)
'the treason, seeing that the King was silent of the treason in his own
letter, and the reports of courtiers varied among themselves.'

This is not easily intelligible. The letter from Falkland of which
Nicholson gives an account on August 6, was exceedingly 'particular as to
the treason.' It is my impression, based mainly on the Burgh Records
quoted by Pitcairn, that the letter with full particulars cited by
Nicholson, was written, more or less officially, by the notary, David
Moysie, who was at Falkland, and that the King's letter was brief, only
requiring thanksgiving to be offered. Yet Nicholson says that the letter
with details (written by the King he seems to think), was meant for the
preachers as well as for the Privy Council (cf. p. 38, note).

The preachers, in any case, were now brought before the Privy Council and
desired, by Montrose, the Chancellor, to go to church, and thank God for
the King's 'miraculous delivery from that vile treason.' They replied
that 'they could not be certain of the treason,' but would speak of
delivery 'from a great danger.' Or they would wait, and, when quite sure
of the treason, would blaze it abroad.

'They' (the Council) 'said it should be sufficient to read his Majesty's
letter.'

This appears to mean that the preachers would content the Lords by merely
reading James's letter aloud to the public.

'We answer