Since the interference of Edward the First, the Scots had attached their interests to those of France; but the establishment of an English party in Scotland, rendered that kingdom a scene of domestic discord and intrigue until its union with England. A national council, consisting chiefly of the dignified clergy, met at Perth soon after the arrival of the fatal news from England; and the queen, as Regent. assumed the reins of government. Alter the battle of Flodden, the war continued between the English and the Scottish bor derers. An embassy was sent by the Scots to Den mark, to solicit a of troops and ammunition. Little attention ‘‘ as given to their representations, and intestine strife continued to agitate and perplex the government. The English were informed of every material transaction, and neglected not to avail them selves of their advantage.
The Earl of Crawford was appointed to superintend the administration of justice on the north side of the Forth, and Lord Home on the south. John, Duke of Albany, was invited to assist or supersede the queen in the government, and a temporary regency, includ ing the queen, was appointed; but her marriage with the Earl of Angus eventually undermined her ambi tious schemes. The nobility became disaffected to her authority, and the office of chancellor was conferred upon her personal enemy, James Beaton, archbishop of Glasgow.
Scotland was at this time in a state of anarchy, and to such a degree had the public disorder increased, that it became unsafe to travel without armed attend ants. Albany's arrival was daily expected, and it was hoped that his authority would control the public dis order. He arrived at Dumbarton with a fleet laden with ammunition and warlike stores A parliament was assembled at Edinburgh, which restored the forfeited estates and honours of his family, and his regency was to continue until the king should attain his eighteenth year. The influence of England was successively exerted in disturbing the regent's authority, and inflaming the mutual jealousies of the disaffected peers. A mandate from Albany directed the local authorities to revive the laws of James the Fourth, and to govern by them; but in this salutary policy he was opposed. Four lords were appointed by the parliament to have the charge of the royal infants, and to be wholly independent of the queen. The peers accordingly repaired to the castle of Edinburgh, whither she had retired. Upon their approach the
gates were thrown open, and the queen commanded them to explain the purport of their visit, which they had no sooner done, than she exclaimed, " Drop the portcullis." The queen meanwhile escaped with her in fant sons to the castle of Stirling, whither she was pur sued by Albany with 7000 men. By the command of his mother, the infant king delivered to the regent the keys of the fortress. The princes were then consigned to the charge of the Earl Marischal, and the Lords Borthwick and Fleming. Angus and Home fled to their estates in the south. The queen soon follow ed them; and Albany summoned the loyal barons to meet him near Edinburgh, to ptirsuethe fugitives, and to repel their meditated incursions into the kingdom; while the fugitive lords entered into a solemn engage ment with Angus to deliver the princes from the re gent's power, and to assist each other in overturning his authority.
The death of the royal infant, the Duke of Ross, which happened at this time under very suspicious circumstances, excited much odium against Albany, who was indirectly accused as the cause of his death.
Angus and Home, despairing of subverting the go vernment of Albany by force, returned into Scotland, and retired quietly to their estates; and the queen re paired to London, where she was kindly received by her brother. Although Henry concluded a truce with Scotland, he was so dissatisfied with Albany, that he despatched a letter to the Scottish parliament, de manding his dismission from the office of regent. A spirited reply was returned; and the Earl of Home being suspected of abetting the existing disorders was seized; the regent now requested permission to visit France, for the ostensible purpose of seeing his fa mily, which was granted. But he appointed d'Arcy, a Frenchman, to succeed Home in the wardenship of the marches, and Lord Fleming to the office of cham berlain.
Albany's removal was the effect of Henry's resent ment, and preparations were now made for the recep tion of Margaret. Upon her arrival a council of re; gency was formed; but the discord between the queen and her husband, the Earl of Angus, inflamed the ani mosities of their respective friends. The Earl of Ar ran retired to Glasgow, and Angus, with the partisans of England, continued at Edinburgh. The country was thus divided into two factions.