Not until after his departure did the Scots resolve, as has been mentioned before, to send an ambassador. Notice of their intention was first sent to Bellièvre in France: but on this occasion the inquiries of the English government [A.D. 1640.] were more successful than they had been before. The original of the letter addressed to Louis XIII fell into its hands: it had Colvil arrested, and some time afterwards, Loudon also, who had again come to London. Richelieu was very fortunate in having declined to recognise the mission of Colvil. He had Bellièvre told that the French government had been wiser than he. King Charles knew of the hostile intention of the French court: the strongest impression must have been produced on him when he now also became aware how cordially it was met on the part of the Scots. He determined to make the discovery a motive for the resistance which he wished to offer to his rebellious subjects. FOOTNOTES: [154] Baillie i. 218: ‘The Kings own exposition, declared to us by all the Communers, and taken first at their mouth by many extemporary penns, and there set down by themselves to be communicat to all, gave tolerable satisfaction.’ No doubt this was the original of the promise, which at a later period was so often brought home to the King, but which he never acknowledged. [155] The Marquis his advise to the King. Berwick, July 6. Burnet, Dukes of Hamilton 144. This shows more sagacity than anything else that fell from Hamilton, so far as I know. [156] ‘For many things may be contrary to the constitution of a church, which of themselfs are not simply unlawfull. For whatsoever is absolutely unlawfull in one church, cannot be lawfull in the other of the same profession.’ Charles I to Traquair, Oct. 1, in Burnet, Dukes of Hamilton 158. [157] ‘All civil places and power of kirkmen to be unlawfull in the kingdom.’ [158] ‘Commissioners of shyres chosen (to be) one (of the lords of) artickells.’ Balfour ii. 360. [159] Baillie, Oct. 12, 1639, notices all this. [160] ‘Persuadés que pour l’honneur de leur pays et le bien de leur religion ils ne doivent point laisser executer l’accord fait en termes généraux entre le roi de la Grande Bretagne et ceux du covenant, qu’ils ne fassent bien expliquer en quoy consistent leurs privilèges.’ [161] ‘Nous ne consentirons jamais, que tant et tant d’alliances faites entre les deux royaumes soient jamais teintes par la moindre soupçon de notre côté.’ 20/30 Août.