Aberdeen, the Covenanters & the Montrose Letter

This letter from the Marquis of Montrose was written at a turbulent time in Aberdeen’s, and indeed Britain’s, history.  Following the outbreak of Civil War in England, there were two opposing sides – supporters of King Charles I, and Parliamentarians, to which the Covenanters belonged.  It was Aberdeen’s misfortune that it was Royalist when the Marquis of Montrose was a Covenanter, and Covenanted when Montrose was a Royalist.  The Marquis offered the Burgh the chance to surrender to the King’s army or face the sword.  Aberdeen refused, and the Battle of Justice Mills was fought on the very same day.  Montrose triumphed in the battle and the Covenanters were defeated.

Transcription:
Loveing freindes
Being heir, for the maintenance of Religion and liberty and his Maiesties just
authority and service thes ar, in his Maiesties name to requyre you that
immediately, upon the sight heirof you, rander and give up your towne In the
behalf of his Maiestie Otherwayes that all old persons women and children
doe come out and reteire themselfs, and that those who stayes expect no
quarter
I am as you deserve
Montrose

[Originally published as our Document of the Month in January 2008]