Letter from the Scottish Convention to the Prince of Orange, April 24, 1689

May it please Your Majesty,

The settling of the monarchy and ancient government of this Kingdom admitting no delay, we did upon the eleventh instant proclaim Your Majesty and your royal consort, King and Queen of Scotland, with so much unanimity, that of the whole house there was not one contrary vote. We have nominated the Earl of Argyll, Sir James Montgomery of Skelmorlie, and Sir John Dalrymple, in our name, to attend Your Majesties with the cheerful offer of the crown, and humbly to present the petition or claim of right of the subjects of this Kingdom, as also to represent some things found grievous to this nation, which we humbly entreat Your Majesty to remedy by wholesome laws in your first Parliament. And in testimony of Your Majesty and the Queen's acceptance, we beseech Your Majesties in presence of these sent by us to swear and sign the oath herewith presented, which our law hath appointed to be taken by our kings and queens at the entry to their government, till such time as your great affairs allow this Kingdom the happiness of your presence in order to the coronation of Your Majesties.

We are most sensible of Your Majesty's kindness and fatherly care to both your Kingdoms in promoving their union, which we hope has been reserved to be accomplished by you, that as both Kingdoms are united in one head and Sovereign, so they may become one body politic, one nation to be represented in one Parliament. And to testify our readiness to comply with Your Majesty in that matter, we have nominated commissioners to treat the terms of an entire and perpetual union between the two Kingdoms, with reservation to us of our church government, as it shall be established at the time of the union. These commissioners do wait Your Majesty's approbation and call, that they may meet and treat with the commissioners to be appointed for England at what time and place Your Majesty shall appoint. And if any difficulty shall arise in the treaty, we do upon our part refer the determination thereof to Your Majesty. And we do assure ourselves from Your Majesty's prudence and goodness of a happy conclusion to that important affair, so as the same be agreed to and ratified by Your Majesty in your first Parliament.

We do likewise render Your Majesty our most dutiful thanks for your gracious letter brought to us by the Lord Ross (a person well affected to your service), and for your princely care in sending down these troops which may in the meantime help to preserve us and when the season offers may be employed towards the recovery of Ireland from that deplorable condition and extreme danger to which the Protestants there are exposed. The guarding our coasts with a good fleet, preserves England as well as us from an invasion, and, as it is the interest of England to contribute to secure us from the first impressions of the common danger, so we shall not be wanting on our part to give our assistance for reducing of Ireland that all Your Majesty's Kingdoms may flourish in peace and truth, under the auspicious influence of your happy reigns.

Signed at the desire of the Estates and in our name by our President.