Act, 6 October 1697, Edinburgh

Att Edinburgh the Tuenty day of January J^aj vi^c nyntie seven

A1697/1/19

A1697/1/19¹

Letter: royal

Letter to the King anent a ship taken in Orkney by ane English man of war

A Letter from the Councill to the King Anent a Scotts wyn Ship taken at Keirstoun in Orkney by ane English man of warr read votted and approven And appointed to be transcribed and Carryed through the Councelors houses in the Afternoon that it may be Despatched by a flying pacquet this afternoon with a Further Letter to the secretaries of state.
Folloues the tenor of the Letter
May it please your sacred Majestie Having had a Complaint exhibit to us in Councill That a ship Belonging to some of our merchants Called the Kathrine of Dysert James Symdone master having Come homeward the Length of the road and bay of Carstoun in Orkney wher she was at Anchor closs upon the Land was their with her Crue seized and Carryed away by ane English frygott called the Woolage frygott one Stapletoun Captain as if she had been Laufull prise which being a manifest violation of the rights of this your ancient Kingdome and a heavy Loss and Greivance to your good Subjects Concerned And in effect of that Consequence as to the security of our trade that it may in a Great manner frustrat the payment of your Majesties Customes We thought it our duety speciallie for preventing the Grudges and animosities so Likely to arise from such practises To Lay the case before your Majestie with all Submission Most humbly Intreating that your Majestie would Cause give the necessary orders to make the Captain of the frygatt make full restitution both of the ship and Loading and damnages of the parties Concerned And that Because of the frequent Insults we have suffered of this kinde If it please your Majestie such Intimation and orders may be Given to all ships of warr and other ships and their Commanders and masters That they presume not to seize atttacque or molest in any Sort Any ship or vessell belonging to your Leidges of this Kingdome within the harbours roads and waters therof which will both tend to the honour of this your ancient Kingdome The securitie and Encouragement of the Trade therof and the Great Satisfaction of all your Majesties good subjects We are May it please your Majestie Your Majesties most Loyall most faithfull and most obedient subjects and servants sic subscribitur Poluarth Cancelar Queensberry Argyll Leven Annandale John Hamilton Teviott Raith Beilhaven J Hamiltone James Steuart A Hope John Maxuell.