Seventh report of the Royal Commission on Historical
Manuscripts
– Part II (1879)
From the Papers of James Douglas Esq of Cavers
18. “Letters patent of Remission by King James the Fourth, under
the great seal, to William Dowglas of Caveris,
William Dowglas of Denbray, George Dowglas, William Dowglas,
Thomas Brown, Patrick Runsyman, Peter Don, John Drydane, William
Drydane, Archibald Drydane, James Hardy, John Henryson, John
Langlandis, Robert Buky, James Buky, Adam Dowglas, David Dowglas,
Adam Dowglas, Thomas Patonsoun, James Langlandis of Wiltoun, John
Cavirhill, John Long in Denbray, William Dowglas in Hornishole,
Patrick Camroun, and Simon Glendunwyn, indwellers within the
shire of Roxburgh, of rancor of heart, royal suit and all action
which he could have against them for their treasonable appearance
against him in the field and battle near Striuelin, on St Barnabas'
day last by past, and for all other crimes and actions done by
them to the date hereof, treason against the King's person,
murder and homicide committed on forethought felony, from the time
of the King's coronation, excepted; provided they so satisfied
parties complaining, and who had suffered loss, that the King
should have no just complaint thereanent: taking them under his
firm peace and protection, to endure for their lifetimes, and
discharging all persons from molesting them under pain of
forfeit, or causing their death under pain of loss of life and
limbs. Jedworth 10 February 1488.”
Summary
In the wake of the Battle of Sauchieburn in 1488—where King James III was killed and his son ascended as James IV—a royal pardon was issued from Jedburgh on 10 February. Among those named was William Douglas of Cavers, along with several other Douglases and local men from Roxburghshire. They had taken up arms against the King near Stirling on St Barnabas’ Day, but now found themselves formally forgiven.
This “letters patent of remission” absolved them of treason, rebellion, and other crimes committed up to that date—provided they made amends to any victims. In return, they were granted the King’s lifelong peace and protection, and others were strictly forbidden from harming or harassing them under threat of severe punishment.
The document reflects a moment of political reconciliation, as James IV sought to stabilise his reign by restoring favour to powerful border families—especially those, like the Douglases of Cavers, whose loyalty could shape the peace of the realm.
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