After the king's death, a parliament assembled at Perth; the title of the captive prince to the sove reignty was recognised, and Albany's authority as regent was confirmed. The first acts of his govern ment were a renewal of the treaty with France, and an insincere negotiation for the release of the. prince.
About this time the flames were first kindled in Scotland for burning heretics. James Resby, an Eng lish priest of the school of Wickliffe, was condemned at Perth by a clerical council, who delivered him over to the secular power. Edward was now more intent upon extending his influence on the continent, than subjugating the Scots. Donald, lord of the Isles, received a signal defeat at Hallam; being compelled to make submissions and deliver hostages for his fu ture observance of peace.
A papal bull which had been drawn tip against Eng land by Urban the Fifth, was now promulgated; threat ening with infamy and spiritual punishment, all per sons who durst invade Scotland.
A series of border hostilities marked the weakness of the government, and the turbulent character of the people. Negotiations were again opened for the re lease of prince James, without effect; and Albany, having governed the kingdom for thirteen years, or, including his direction in the councils of his father and brother, thirty-four years, died at the age of eighty. He was succeeded in the regency by his son Murdoc; and during his government of four years, Scotland was nearly in a state of pure anarchy.
The death of Henry in France, and the appointment of the duke Of Bedford as protector of England, pre sented at length an expectation to the Scots that their captive prince would be set at liberty. With the con currence of the councils of both kingdoms, a treaty was agreed upon. Forty thousand pounds in lieu of maintenance and education, were promised by the Scots in annual instalments of two thousand; and the boroughs of Edinburgh, Perth, Dundee, and Aber deen, granted a security for the payment of the prince's ransom.
James espoused the duke of Somerset's 'daughter, and received as her portion a remission of ten thousand pounds of his ransom. After a captivity of nineteen years, he arrived in Scotland, and was received with universal acclamations.
James the had attained his thirtieth year when he returned to govern his native kingdom.
In order to reform the police of his kingdom, it was necessary to maintain peace with England. A truce for seven years was concluded, which afforded leisure and opportunity for promoting that object. Murdoc and two of his sons were apprehended, condemned, and executed. James, the regent's youngest son, es caped to Argyllshire, was pronounced an outlaw, and fled to Ireland; whence he never returned.
The frequent assembling of parliaments during this reign, evinces the king's confidence in his people, and their reverence for his authority. Many salutary laws were enacted, which he enforced with a resolute au thority. The acts of this parliament form the first of a regular series of Scottish laws, and display a consid erable degree of political prudence. The highland chiefs had rendered themselves obnoxious to the go vernment, and an example of severity was necessary. For this purpose a parliament assembled at Inverness, which the Highland chiefs were summoned to attend. Many of them were instantly seized and cast into prison; and a few of them were executed. The lord of the Isles and his brother suffered a temporary confine ment.
Notwithstanding the amicable relation maintained with England, it was deemed expedient to renew the ancient league with France. The depressed condition of the latter kingdom, suggested the propriety of a marriage alliance between the dauphin and the prin cess royal of Scotland. In lieu of dowry, six thousand men were required and promised, to aid the French against the English. A scene of rebellion was again exhibited in the Highlands. The lord of the Isles, who had regained his liberty, raised the standard of rebellion, and burned Inverness; but was subdued, and confined in Tantallon castle. Donald Balloch, a rela tion of the chief, ravaged Lochaber, and defeated the Earls of Mar and Caithness; but fled to Ireland.
The marriage of the dauphin to the princess of Scotland was an unhappy connexion for the bride. She was conducted to her betrothed husband at the age of twelve, lived nine years in splendid misery, and fell a sacrifice to unfounded jealousy.