Letter of the Prince of Orange to the Scottish Convention, March 16, 1689

This letter was presented to the Scottish Convention, March 16, 1689, by the Earl of Leven.

A printed version of the text can be found on pages 1 and 2 of The acts & orders of the meeting of the estates of the kingdom of Scotland holden and begun at Edinburgh, the 14th day of March, 1689, Edinburgh: Printed by the heir of Andrew Anderson, 1690 (Wing / S1161).

My Lords and Gentlemen,

We are very sensible of the kindness and concern that many of your nation have evidenced towards us and our undertaking for the preservation of religion and liberty which were in such eminent danger. Neither can we in the least doubt of your confidence in us, after having seen how far so many of your nobility and gentry have owned our declaration, countenancing and concurring with us in our endeavours, and desiring that we should take upon us the administration of affairs, civil and military, and to call a meeting of the Estates, for securing the Protestant religion, the ancient laws and liberties of that Kingdom, which accordingly we have done.

Now it lies on you to enter upon such consultations as are most probable to settle you on sure and lasting foundations, which we hope you will set about with all convenient speed, with regard to the public good and to the general interest and inclinations of the people, that after so much trouble and great suffering, they may live happily and in peace, and that you may lay aside all animosities and factions that may impede so good a work.

We were glad to find that so many of the nobility and gentry, when here at London, were so much inclined to an union of both kingdoms, and that they did look upon it as one of the best means for procuring the happiness of these nations, and settling of a lasting peace amongst them, which would be advantageous to both, they living in the same island, having the same language, and the same common interest of religion and liberty, especially at this juncture when the enemies of both are so restless, endeavouring to make and increase jealousies and divisions, which they will be ready to improve to their own advantage and the ruin of Britain. We being of the same opinion as to the usefulness of this union, and having nothing so much before our eyes as the glory of God, the establishing of the reformed religion, and the peace and happiness of these nations, are resolved to use our utmost endeavours in advancing everything which may conduce to the effectuating the same. So we bid you heartily farewell.

From our Court at Hampton, the seventh day of March 1688/9.