| LOCATION | Edinburgh, Signet L |
| MANUSCRIPT | Edinburgh, Signet L, 34 |
| ITEM No. 2 | Decisiones curiae supremae Scotiae - Practicks 1573-1592 |
Decisiones curiae supremae Scotiae - Practicks 1573-1592 : (1573/10/27 - 1583/2)
Author(s):
Incipit:
Decisiones curiae supremae Scotiae - Practicks 1573-1592: (1573/10/27 - 1583/2) .
The first pages are written in neat italic characters, easily readable. Thereafter follows Scottish chancery handwriting with difficult personalised traits. The first part of this text (up to fol. 22r, covering the time span from July 1573 to November 1577) is missing in most other copies of Colville's Practicks. Yet, since the general character of this oldest part of the text does not differ from the more recent parts, I thus deem that it is also genuine and was also written by Colville. It largely corresponds to MSS Edinburgh, UL, Laing III.388a and Edinburgh, NL Scotland, Adv.MS.22.3.4.
Whereas in the last mentioned MS the items are dated at their end, the first four folios of the present MS date them at their beginning, and the remainder of the present MS dates them in the margins. This fact suggests that also the model MS had dated them in the margins.
It thus results that the series of decisions 1573-1577 in the present MS overlaps in time with 236 items in 'Maitland's Practicks'. Yet, as already observed by Lord Elchies, only the case Kelwood v. Earl of Cassils is reported in both collections, and the wording of the two reports does not correspond. I hesitate to think that the lack of correspondences between Maitland's collection and Colville's collection for the years 1573-1577 was a sheer coincidence. I rather prefer a different explanation. I think that Alexander Colville and Sir Richard Maitland had arranged among them who should report which cases, in order to avoid double work. For instance, it might be that Colville (as the younger colleague) only stepped in as a substitute reporter on days when Sir Richard was not present.
After I had seen the MS in 2006 it was misshelved in the Library and was only retrieved several years later. So my transcriptions and notes were the only remaining memory of the MS. Its case reports from the years 1573 to mid July 1577 were particularly valuable because they are lacking in most other MSS. In view of these facts I publish here below all the notes which I took from the vanished Signet MS for the time period in question
Author(s):
No. of pages: Fol. 2r-127v
Incipit:
27 Octobris 1573. Thair was ane Meggot in Newbotle that had warned one Reid to flit and remove fra certane ackers of land. Reid ansuerit, he aught not to be warnit be vertue of that infeftment, nor yit could it be any action, be reason the infeftment was obteined tacita veritate and be circumventioun of the abbote giver theirof. And thairafter question being made of the samyne, the said Megot compromittit the right and tytle of the said infeftment to certane judges arbitratours, who gave forth their decreit that the said infeftment should be on nane availl, bot that the tak whilk Reid had of the saids lands should take effect. It was answerit that the said infeftment could not be taken away be the decreit arbitrall, bot should stand whill it wer reducit. The Lords, notwithstanding of this aledgance, admitted the exception to probation [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 417{/i}].
25 Octobris 1573. In an action of double poynding betuixt the Lord Maxwell and the Ladie Herreis, she desyred ane day to call her warand, who was the Lord Maxwell who had set to her a tak. And the day being assigned, compeired the said Ladies procuratour and alledgit that she was not lawfullie sumondit upon viii. or ix. dayes, bot that she aught to have bene sumondit upon xxi. dayes, conforme to the comon order in warandice. It was answerit that this warandice resultit upon double poynding. And in the action of double poynding they wold call and warne bot upon six days. Et 'accessorium sequitur naturam sui principalis' [maxim of Jus Commune]. The Lordes repellit the reply and fand be interloquiture that the action of warrandice was weightie in it self and behovit to come in upon xxi. dayes [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 417{/i}].
Julii 1573. The Lord Ruthven pursued to reduce the retour whair St. Colme [={i}the monastery{/i}] was ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 417{/i}].
(Fol. 2v) 5 Julii 1573. In ane action pursued be one Kincaid in Campheir againest certane burges men in Edinburgh ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 418{/i}].
7 Julii 1573. It was convenit and contractit betuixt Jonet Crichtoun and James (W)itherspune ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 418{/i}].
2 Octobris 1573. The Laird of Luss desyrit he might be admittit to probe an instrument whilk he aledgit was taken be him in the hands of David Watsone notar ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 418{/i}].
(Fol. 3r) 6 Novembris 1573. In the action pursued be the Laird of Inschbraikie againest the Lady Tullibardon and the Comptroller, her spous, for his entres, and Mungo Graham who was the executour of the Lord Grahame Inschbraikie ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, but transposes this item after the next item, p. 419{/i}].
6 Novembris 1573. Their was one Hume who desyrit leters conforme to ane decreit arbitrall againest one Fentoun. And after litiscontestation was made ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 419{/i}].
Anent the same tyme the Lords decernit that a tak set of teind schaves be a kirkman, and he dying soone thairafter, that the imediat sucessour to the benefice is not obleist to keep his tak, if he that obteinit the tak and assedatioune come nevir in possession be vertue of the samyne, nor obteined any inhibition servit theirupon [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 419{/i}].
Ther was a contract made betuixt the Laird and Lady Rosyth that, becaus they could not live togither in sik love as aught to be betuixt man and wyfe, and unto the tyme that God mollified their hearts, the Laird should give unto her yerly certane chalders of victuall to her honest sustentation ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 419, undated{/i}].
(Fol. 3v, not dated) The Laird of Carmichell obteined the gift of the lands and heretages perteining to umquhile the Laird of Whytlaw be reason of his forfalture. And geting leters upon his gift and infeftment following theirupon, warned the Lady, Whytlawes mother, to flit and remove ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 420, dated 1571(!){/i}].
17 Novembris 1573. A. B., mother to Sir Neill Montgomerie, had a nyntein yeir tak of certane teynds, set to her be the pryour of Whithorne. The whilk being outrun, Neill obteinit ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 420{/i}].
29 Novembris 1573. William Fraser in Leith had found caution of lawburrows to A.B. And theirefter, he and the man meiting in the feilds, he chased him with a drawne sword, betuixt Restalrig and Leith ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 420{/i}].
24 Novembris 1573. The Laird of Urie, after many and sundry defences and alledgances made againest the execution of a decreit arbitrall, pursuit be Dalkeith (a)t length, alledgit and took him to his reclamation [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 420 - ending as follows:{/i} assignit ane terme to him to prove. Contrarium decretum fuit per dominos in mense Novembris inter comitem Arrolis et Willelmum Deratore(m)].
(Fol. 4r) 24 Novembris 1573. Their was a gift obteined be one Hamiltoun, a burges sone in Edinburgh ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 421, first phrase is a bit longer{/i}: Thair wes ane minor callit Hamiltoun, ane burges sone in Edinburgh, obtenit the gift of the ward and mariage of ane another Hamiltoun ... ].
1 Decembris 1573. Thair was one called Cuik in Moray [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 421{/i}: ... et de iure canonico ea quae desunt instrumentis possunt per testes probari, ca. Cum Joha. heremita, extra, de fide instrumentorum [X.2.22.10].
1 Decembris 1573. Ther was a poor woman that had obteinit ane decreitt of spuilzie agains ane Scrymgeour of the Myris ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 421{/i}].
(Fol. 4v) [{i}Different handwriting starts here, much more time-consuming to read. From here onward, dates (if any) are written in the margins, but now many items lack a date.{/i}].
3 Decembris 1573. In the action intented be the abbot of Dunfermling againest ane George Crightoun for recognition of the landes of Clunie, Mr. George had ane terme assigned to him for useing of farder diligence ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 422, but has date 9 December{/i}].
9 Decembris 1573. Ther was ane poor man that pursued m(y) Lo(rd) (...) for ejection furth of ane (ffovine) of the quhilk the poor man had takes for certain termes to run. [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 omits the item, but adds its date 1573/12/9 to the end of the subsequent item{/i}].
The Laird of Buckleuch with concurance of the kinges advocat desyred ane retour to be reduced ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 422{/i}].
2 Julii [{i}= January?{/i}] 1573. There was ane Ogilvie that persewed ane Spaldeing for ejection forth of certain landes and allss callit for the bygaine profeitts ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 422 - also dated 2 Julii 1572{/i}].
(Fol. 5r) Thair was ane called A. B. that had certain landes in tack and assedatioun of the Erle of Craufurd, who had warned the tennentes ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 423{/i}].
Thair was ane called A. B. that persewed the Laird of Inchbrakie for ejecting him furth of certain landes lyand about the town of Auchterradan ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 423, dated 26 Junii 1573{/i}].
The auld Ladie [{i}blank space{/i}] callet Nicollas Wodcook to emprove ane instrument, useit be the Laird, hir sone, wherintill wes conteint that shoe wes content to give over and renunce to hir sone hir lyfrent ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 423, 'Nicolas Wodcuik', dated 3 Februarii anno 1573{/i}: ... The Lordis fand this instrument to mak no faith, quia de iure tam civili quam canonico testes in uno et eodem tempore presentes et requisiti esse debent, l. ultima, C. d. [C.4.21.20.1].
Februarii 1573. Johne Smallet in Dumbarton tuck to emprove ane instrument produced be the Laird of Folwood and maid be umquhill Porterfeild, who wes departed. There was four witnesses insert in the instrument ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 423, 'Johne Smolat', 'Fullwod', dated 2 Februar 1573{/i}].
(Fol. 5v) The Erle of Mortoun, regent for the tyme, persewed the Countesse of Aregyle, spouse to umquhil the Erle of Muray, regent, for to exhibit certain jewales ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 424. Full text Adv.MS.22.3.4, Heading:{/i}] Cogitur aliquis exhibere quod non suo sed alieno nomine possidet. [{i}Text:{/i}] The Earle of Mortoun, regent for the tyme, persewit the Countess of Argyll, spous to umquhile the Earle of Murray, regent, for to exhibite certane jewallis quhilkis apperteint to the Queinis majestie. Scho compeirit and alledgit scho aucht not to produce nor exhibite thame, becaus the jewellis apperteinit to hir barenes, and that sho possest thame executorio nomine, and be Act of Parliament it wes provydit that the Earle of Murray micht haif frie dispositioun of the saids guidis and geir. The Lordis of Secreitt Counsell, with ane greatt pairt of the Sessioun being thair, for that effect decernit that scho aucht to exhibite, quia actio exhibitoria e(s)t preparatoria iudicii, et sic salvis iustis defensionibus cogitur quis exhibere qui non sibi sed aliis possidet, ut custos aut commodatarius - Co. eodem [C.3.42.8 pr.].
The same tyme my Lord Argyle and Countes of Muoray being putt to the horne, becaus sche wold not exhibeit the saides jewels ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 424. Full text Adv.MS.22.3.4, Heading:{/i}] The husband may be put to the horne for the wyfis caus. [{i}Text:{/i}] The samine tyme my Lord Argyle and Countes of Murray being put to the horne becaus scho wald not exhibite the saids jewellis, my Lord hir husband desyrit ane resolutioun and judgment of the Lordis of Counsell, gif that he that was hir husband micht (nocht) be put to the horne for hir caus and suld for hir fault incurr ony danger. The Lordis ansserit that of the law off Scotland vir est caput uxoris et censetur dominus omnium bonorum quae possidet uxor. And sua in that caice could not be seperatit, and behoveit to be hornit with hir - ius commune videtur contrarium sentire [directly against an engrained principle of Jus Commune - see C.4.12].
The Laird of Frendracht persewit the intrometters with the goodes and gear of umquhil the Laird of Gight ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 424{/i}: ... The Lordis decernit the said intromettours to releive the said Laird of Frendraucht, conforme to the practique betuix Alexander Geich and certane strangearis. Februarii 1573].
The Laird of Clackmanan gave in ane suplication and desyred to be hard to produce certain wreittes newlie come to his knowledge ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 424, Februarii 1573{/i}: ... conforme to the meaning of the commone law ({i}= the Jus Commune{/i})].
The same day the Lord Oliphant persewed certain tennantes of his own for spolyation of certain teynd scheaves ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 425{/i}].
The Bischope of Sanct Androwis, Douglas, persewit the Laird of Gairne ... [{i}at the end, legal reasons are given, in Latin{/i}] [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 425, but it starts with a heading:{/i} Ony benefice vaikis in the kingis handis he may dispone ..., {i}and ends as follows (I correct here the garbled Latin):{/i}] Quia maiorem habet potestatem rex hisce temporibus in ecclesiasticis, et est rex iam quasi summus pontifex, qui de plenitudine suae potestatis disponit omnia.
(Fol. 6r) Thair wes ane tack sett be umquhil Hamilton, Bischope of St. Androis, to his concubin Grissell Semple Ladie Stanhouse, and failzeing of hir to Johne Hamilton hir sone, and failzeing of him to William Hamilton his brother, bastardes to the said bishope [{i}these five words are written very clearly and in bigger letters{/i}]. The Ladie maid William hir secund sone assigney to the tack. Quhilk wes not fund lawfull be the Lordes. Quia non ita cavebat assedatio, nor nae word of assignation to the samen [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 425, but does not emphasize the 'bastardes'{/i}].
12 Februarii 1573. The Laird of Westerweems warned certain men to hear and sie some of his landes, quhilkes wer in wod sett, be laufullie redemit ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 426{/i}].
.
(Fol. 6v) Mr. James Gray advocat obteinit ane decreitt agains ane maister David Rollok of Powis [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 426{/i}].
The tennentes and intromitters with the teyndschaves perteining to the kirk of Ma(?)gul being persewed be George Douglas Bischope of Muoray ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, dated 1573/2/19{/i}].
Thair wes ane Johne Irving who obteint ane infeftment upon ane peice of land of the Lord of St. Johne, in the quhilk ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 427{/i}:] ... The Lordis, efter long disputatioun and lybelling, admittit Menzeis lybell to probatioun and not the uther, and thocht quod magis constabat de illius titulo, et favorabiliorem fovebat causam - magna pars dominorum in contraria fuerunt opinione.
The master of Gray persewit and called Zoung Balumbie ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 p. 427 corresponds, ending:{/i} pars dominorum in contraria fuerunt opinione].
(Fol. 7r) [{i}The handwriting gets ever more hasty, using more abbreviations, and uncommon forms of letters, in particular at the beginning of words, e.g. writing 't' as if it were letter 'l'.{/i}].
It wes fund be the Lordes that the quhosoever consigned ony money for redemption of ony landes and takes upon the samen ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 427{/i}].
.
The same day it wes fund be the Lordes that after excommunication horning sould be granted, or letres of caption sould be given. [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 427{/i}].
March 1573. Sir Neill Montgomerie and the kinges advocat persewed the air and pupill of umquhil Sir Johne Campbell of Lundie ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 427, dated 1573/3{/i}].
Their wes ane Strauchan that had sett ane few of certain landes to another callit Strauchan ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 428{/i}].
28 Junii. Into ane action persewit be the Laird of Sklopie againest N. Balfour ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 428, dated 28 Junii{/i}].
(Fol. 7v) 25 Maii 1573. The auld Lord Rosse obleist him, su(o)s aires and successores, to ane A., to pay yearlie furth ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 428{/i}]: ... nam 'ex qua persona quis lucrum sentit, eius factum prestare debet': lex Ex qua, ff. de regulis iuris [D.50.17.149].
Thair wes ane Johne Johnstone that pursued the service of ane inqueist to be reduced ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 429{/i}].
The Laird of Fyvie, being persewed for spuilzie, ansuerit ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 429{/i}].
Thair wes ane contract of mariadge betuix the Laird of Rossythe and the Laird of Forrett ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 429. Case: tocher paid and other dispostions made by both parties, but marriage does not follow --» unjust enrichment claim for both sides, but each side may withhold disgorgement until the other party equally disgorges{/i}].
(Fol. 8r) Androw Wood of Strauchfu(r)d persewed Johne Patersone of Pitkellie for the molestation ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 430, 'Strauchfutie']{/i}.
November 1574. Thair wes ane partie in the Uther House that had produced two or thrie witnesses in the 2 or 3 terme. It wes alledget that nae witness aught to be receavit, becaus the matter wes transacted and agriet ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 430, dated 1574/11{/i}].
The comendatour of Dunfermleing persewed the aires and dochters of ane George Creichton of Clunye to enter aires to their father with certification as of law ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 431, dated 1574{/i}].
(Fol. 8v) 1574. Thair wes ane contract betuixt Meldrum and his mother and Mr. Johne Grant hir spous ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 431, dated 1574{/i}].
15 Jan 1574. In the action of reduction of the decreit of divorcment given aganis Dame Joane Stewart Countes of Argyll, it wes said that the Lords of Session wer not judges competent for reduction of the causses matrimoniall, as they wer not judges competent in the first instance of the samen. It wes answerit that the Lords wer superior judges to the commissaries and to all causses decyded be the commissaries, and swa wes judges in this caice. The quhilk wes fund be interloquitour of the Lordes to be of trouth. [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 431{/i}].
21 Jan 1574. The Erle of Eglinton persewit ane of his tennentes that dwell in another schire to compeir att his dwelling place of N., where he wes in use to hold his head courtes ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 432{/i}].
(Fol. 9r) In the action betuixt the Laird of Kellieswod and certain wthers anent the delyvering of reversions ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 432{/i}].
1574. My Ladie Argyle, dame Joane Stewart, persewit to reduce ane decreit of devorcement, given againest her be the commissaries of Edinburgh ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 432{/i}].
8 Februarii 1574 The Erle of Huntlie wes pursuet be ane Forbes to warrand to him certain landes quhilkes wer sett him in few be the said Erle. [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 433{/i}].
(Fol. 9v) Eodem die. Thair wes certain exequitours summond for the haveing of certain gear, intromittit be them, perteining to the persewar. They compeired and alledgit ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 433{/i}].
It wes fund be the Lordes that the action for the proffeits of the decreitt, that is past of befor, may come in upon twentie ane dayes warneing, lik as the principall decreitt. [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 433{/i}].
Februarii 1574. Thair wes ane Daisson persewit att the instance of ane bailzie and the kingis advocat for the deforceing of ane officer and breaking of ane arreistment ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 433:{/i}] ... It was ansserit that albeit he wes not thair personallie himselff, zit his wyf and familie was thair, et 'ubi quis habet uxorem, focum et larem, ibi censetur habere domicilium' [maxim of Jus Commune - see C.10.40.7.1] - als wes befor practized in ane actioun betuix ane Bothwell being in Orkney himselff, and his wyff and familie being in Edinburgh, quha was haldin to be lauchfullie summondit, haveing summondit whair his wyff and familie wes, altho absent himselff. ... Magna pars dominorum in contraria fuerunt opinione. Nam ubi gravitas causae tam magnum potuit afficere preiudicium, and the breaking of arreistment, quhilk is tinsell of the geir, necesse fuit partem de ea re personaliter certiorari [{i}this other rule of Jus Commune is indeed more pertinent to the case{/i}].
8 Februarii 1574. In ane action betuixt the Lord Yester and Andro Ker, his good brother, ... quia provisio hominis facit provisionem legis cessare [maxim of Jus Commune] [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 434, 'Lord Zester'{/i}].
About the same tyme their wes ane Galbreth persewed for the setting of ane tack ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 434{/i}].
(Fol. 10r) 22 Februarii 1574. The Erle of Morton as donatour to the ward and non-entres of certaine of my Lord of Angus his landes in Selkirk ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 434{/i}].
The same day my Lord Angus being persewit to hear and sie certain of his landes in Selkirk decernit to be in non-entrie, compeiret certain of his vassalls and tennentes and alledget, he aught not ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 435{/i}].
Martii 1574. Alexander Balfour of the Deane Milne persewit certaine tennentis of Auld Lyndoris being heretable possessores ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 435{/i}].
(Fol. 10v) About the same tyme in ane action betuixt the Laird of Cheyne and certaine burgesses of Aberdeen ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 435{/i}].
The Laird of Halbot persewit the Erle of Eglintone for spoliation of certaine goodes ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 436{/i}].
18 M(artii) 1574. In ane action among ... Hamiltones of Camskeith ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 436, dated 1578/3/18(!){/i}].
The same day the Lordes fand be interloquitour betuixt ane Lindsay of Balmill and another Lindsay ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 436{/i}].
The provoist of Linkluden warnet certain tennentes that had landes of him after the (escheit) of the tack to flit and remove ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 436{/i}].
(Fol. 11r) [{i}The ink is now very pale, rendering the transcription even more cumbersome.{/i}].
Alexander, sone to umquhill my Lord Grahame, annaliet certaine landes to Grahame Laird of Calendar, and therafter he maid Mungo, his brother, assigney to the reversion of the landes ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 436{/i}].
The towne of Rugland persewit the provoist and bailllies and the inhabitantes of the town of Glasgow for wrongous takeing from them of ane laidill full of everie lead of wictuall ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 437:{/i}] ... et de iure admittuntur ad testimonium illi qui sunt de eodem collegio, et maxime quando res est talis quae aliter probari non potest -, de probatione [X.2.19.5]. The Lordis admittit the witnesses, notwithstanding of the former alledgance.
Eodem die my Ladie Countes of Crawfurd Campbell, haveing gift of the ward and mariadge of the aires of Corswall, persewit J. Campbell heretrix of the same ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
(Fol. 11v) 8 Mai 1575. Maxwell of Calderwood callit for reduction of infeftmentes of landes ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
Sibilla Drummond and Riddoches, hir bairnes, persewit Alexander and James Murrayes for spoliation of certain goodes pertaining to Ridoch, hir husband ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
7 Maii 1575. In the action betuixt the Laird of Stanehouse and his brethren Robert Hamilton and Gavin Hamilton, sone to umquhill the commendator of Kilwynning ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
(Fol. 12r) Maii 1575.The bishope of Murray persewit ane gentilwoman for tinsell of hir lyfrent befor the baillies ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
13 Maii 1575. In ane action persewit be the Lord Glamis ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
8 Junii 1575. In ane actione betuixt Jone Duglas of Creighill [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4:'of Tilliquhilli'{/i}] and Witherspone Lithgow and Hamilton his mother ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
10 Julii 1575. Dame Joane Stewart Countes of Argyle persewit for the reduction of ane decreitt of divorcment given be the commissaries of Edinburgh betuixt hir and hir umquhil spouse ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
16 Junii 1575. The deane of Restalrig, being now provyded, called for reduction of ane tack, sett be Lauder, his predecessor ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
.
(Fol. 12v) 19 Junii 1575. Gilbert Primrois, chirurgiane, donatour to the warde and mariadge of ane Clepane ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
2 Junii 1575. In the action of long tyme debatted befor the Session of Radie betuixt the Ladie of Radie and the air of Sir William Scott of Balverie ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
23 Julii 1575. In the said action of translatioun it wes alledgit ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
(Fol. 13r) 13 Junii 1575. The executor of umquhil the Lord Borthwick, being summondit and he also in the same summondis to transfer in the ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
Ult. Junii 1575. Sibilla Drummond persewit Ollyver [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 instead:{/i} Alexander] and James Murrayes brethren to Tulliebardine for spoliation ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
Julii 1575. Patrick Murray of Philliphauche persewit the provoist and baillies of Selkirk and inhabitants theirof ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
27 October 1575. Robert Calendar of the Maner, haveing comprysed tackes perteining to ane Gilbert Ra. ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
(Fol. 13v) 9 Julii 1575. Earle of Sutherland desyrit to be exeemed fra the Erle of Gutries, wha be vertue of the Queinis commission granted to him ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
In the action betuixt the Laird of Drydaine and Mr. Johne Hendersone ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
Laird of Fintrey persewit the Laird of Innerquharitie for the douncastding of ane watter gang ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
(Fol. 14r) November 1575. Ladie Joane Stewart warnet the Lord of Ogilvie to flit from ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
November 1575. The Laird of Quhittinghame, haveing obtenit the non-entres of the landes pertening to the Laird of Spott, summond ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
11 November 1575. Riddoch air and Drummond mother persewed Murrayes for ejection ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, see also 1575/5/8{/i}].
(Fol. 14v) Certaine tennentes, occupyers of certain landes and aikaris of Lethington persewed the old Laird of Lethington and captain David Hoome for double poynding ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
Laird of Skirling callet for fulfilleing of ane obligation quharby the obligeant wes bund to infeff him in certaine landes. Anserit, the band wes proscryvet be the act of parliament, bearing obligationes not persewit within 40 zears to prescryve ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
David Somer, burges of Edinburgh, persewit ane woman callit Ryne for fulfilleing of ane decreitt, obtenit be him againest hir befor the prevoist and baillies of Edinburgh ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
Laird of Balfor had obtenit ane decreitt againest Leslie of Ochterschyr for great soumes of money for the spulyie comitted be him in the castle of St. Androis ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
(Fol. 15r) Ane man, callit for spulyie of corne, schorne and taine of his ground, excepted 'No spulyie', becaus ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
24 Januarii 1575. It wes fund be interloquutor that the kinges advocatt might persew to improve ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
Lord Oliphant intented reduction againest the division of the landis of N. ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
24 Junii 1575. The Lordes ex officio summond ane notar to try him upon alledgances betuixt the Lairdes of Glenbervie and Udnie anent requisition of ane mariadge and causet him produce his prothocoll of his principall instrument. And after they had considerit the samen, Glenbervie anserit to prove otherwayes nor wes in the instrument at the least quo [{i}blank space{/i}] instrumento. Quhilk the Lordes would not receave [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
In the action betuixt Hoome of Huttonhall and Walter Ker ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
Colquhown of Kipmaidillie reclaimet fra ane decreitt arbitrall betuix him and the Laird of Novill his brother, desyreing the samen to be reduceit ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
(Fol. 15v) 13 Januarii. In the action persewit be the Kings advocatt and Richardsone for reduction of ane breiff ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds. The case was also debated in 1575/2/10, see below{/i}].
It wes fund be the Lordes in the action betuixt the Lairdes of Fordell Hendersone and Luchatt, that ane mylne and mill landis ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
Laird of Lye persewit ane Bruce to warrand ane peice land to him, annaliet to him titulo oneroso be Bruce ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
The Laird of Dalzell raiset letres upon ane contract betuixt him and Drumlanrig, for contravention of ane contract that wes betuixt them for the assythment of ane slaughter ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
(Fol. 16r) 26 Januarii 1575. Forbes, sone to my Lord Forbes, constitut assigney to the richt of ane action (in) quhilk ane woman callit Barkley, spouse to Andro Forbes, who wes sleine in the feild of Aberdeen, betuix the Forbesses and Gordownes, persewit the master of Elphinston for ejecting of him furth of the landes of Innernochtie ... [{i}much Latin:{/i}] “{i}probandi', 'modum tertii', 'Quia exceptio falsi semper audienda est' [Jus Commune]. 'Nonnulli dominorum in contraria fuerunt opinione. Nam sententia ex falsis instrumentis lata non tenet, et dictus Forbes apparebat ex malitia sua reportare commodum [Jus Commune argument], si predicta assignatio fuisset falsa' [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
22 Januarii. Hamiltoun persewit the Laird of Glencorse, callit Boyd, for casteing doun ane mylne ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
(Fol. 16v) Laird of Haining redeemed ane peace of land frae ane Calder wha had fyve zeares tack thairof ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
Laird of Kilmahall wairnet tennentes to remove ... [{i}omitted in Adv.MS.22.3.4{/i}].
29 (or 7) Februarii 1575. In ane action betuixt ane Maxwell and ane A.B., the ane of the parties ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, date xi. febr.{/i}].
10 Februarii 1575. It wes pronuncit as of befor betuixt the lairds of Fordell and Luchat that efter the proponeing of ane peremptor ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
20 Februarii 1575. The Bischop of Glasgow Boyd obteined decreitt againest Alexander Horne of Glenshyre for the trobbleing him ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
20 Februarii 1575. The Laird of Binoch persewit ane Oliphant, spous of umquhil Clepane, brother to umquhil the Laird of Carslogie ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
(Fol. 17r) 21 Februarii 1575. The Commendator of Nevbottle persewed the Laird of Conhauch for reduction of his few ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
22 Februarii 1575. Charles Erle of Lennox persewit the Laird of Luss to hear and sie certain landes laufullie redeemed ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
(Fol. 17v) 24 Januarii 1575. In ane actioun persewed be my Ladie Craufurd and the kinges advocat for his entres againest the aires of Corswall ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
Their wes ane burges of Edinburgh callit Naper, who had ane tenement in wodsett, and he be vertue ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
The guidman of Bog Meldroum persewed for reduceing of ane horneing used againest him be Johne Rew of Aickinheid ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
(Fol. 18r) 18 March 1575. In the action betuix ane called Elphinstoun and ane poor man called Knieland, he charged the man ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 451:{/i}] as appeiris to be conforme to the commone law: ff. de solutio. l. Obsignatione [D.46.3.73, garbled] l. Solutio [D.46.3.23].
The Commendator of Paislie persewit ane Stewart to remove frae certain landes ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
Eodem die there wes certain gentlemen of the Craufurdes persewed for breaking of laborows ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
The Ladie Melgum, my Lord's Lindsay sister, haveing obtenit decreitt befor the commissaries that the Laird had committed adulterie and shoe simpliciter divorced frae him, persewed for hir tocher guid ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
(Fol. 18v) 7 Maii 1575. Ther wes ane great multitude of people to give thair oathes de calumnia ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
The Bischop of Orkney as abbot of Hallirudhous tuik to prove ane exception againest the persone ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
14 Maii 1575. The Laird of Pitmillie persewit the principall and rest of the members of the colledge of St. Androis for spulyie ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
(Fol. 19r) The Laird of Gadzeart raiset letres and summond the young schireff of Air ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
1576. Their wer of the benefice of Culper asseigned in the thriddis quhilk payet victuall ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
25 Maii 1576. Their wes ane, obtenit decreit againes Home of Nynewall ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
26 Junii 1576. Their wes ane, callet McIllvane, persewed Johne Craufurd ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
(Fol. 19v) Robert Cunynghame of Ladielaid warned my Lord Marr and uthers to remove frae certain landes ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, dated Junii 1576{/i}].
The Laird of Pitmillie persewed the principall with the rest of the colledge of St. Androis for spulyie ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
26 Novembris 1576. Their wes ane Kid, persewed another for spulyie of certaine zoung stottis, quhairof ane was ane drawing ox ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
The Laird of (N.) [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 has just a blank space{/i}], haveing obtenit decreitt againes the Erle of Arroll ... Some of the Lordis thocht the same agains equitie and the meaning of the commone law, nam non solum debet considerari damnum emergens, sed lucrum cessans [maxim of Jus Commune] [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, p. 455{/i}].
(Fol. 20r) 13 November 1576. Their wes ane Kello, minor annis, persewed to hear and sie certaine infeftmentes and retoures reduced ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
15 November 1576. Allan Cathcart persewed Mr. Archibald Stewart for reduction of ane decreitt of non-entres ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
The same day in ane action betuixt ane young and auld for reduction of ane tack ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
Their wes ane Gardin, sone to umquhil the Ladie Reidie, persewed the hous of Balverrie for reduction ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
(Fol. 20v) It wes fund be interloquutor that, giffe the defender desyred ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
The same day. The Laird of Ladyland, called Barclay, warned ane poor man to remove frae ane peace land ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
The same day. Thair wes ane poor man callit Cairnes, who had ane action againest the Erle of Cassilis and had the benefit of the poor mans table ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
24 November 1576. Laird of Boyne persewed Patrick Gordone ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
(Fol. 21r) The same day. Ladie Moncurr obtenit decreitt againest the Laird theirof ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
26 November 1576. Johne Carkettill, persewed be Adam Bischop of Orknay for delyverance of ane reversion ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
The Laird of Kelwood persewed the Erle of Cassilis, being infant, for spoliation of certain goodes, tane away be Cassellis father as escheitt goodes ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
Thair wes ane Ramsay. Obtenit decreit againest ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
(Fol. 21v) About the same tyme. The Laird of Westbarnes in Fyfe persewed the Laird Anstruther to delyver ane reversion ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
20 Junii 1576. Bishop of Brechin persewed the Laird of Garnock ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}].
(Fol. 22r) Eodem tempore. Johne Wardhall in Leith persewed the yowng Laird of Corrie as air to his father to fulfill ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds, and ends:{/i} Anserit, the band man be first transferit. The Lordis fand thair (misseit) no translatioun].
11 Julii 1577. Lord Zeister persewit Robert Stewart fewar of Orknay ... [{i}Adv.MS.22.3.4 corresponds{/i}.{i}From here onward, Colville's Practicks are also reported in several other MSS{/i}].
[{i}Fol. 63r-66r are written by another hand, and so are fol. 122r-125r. Fol. 66v is left blank. At the end of fol. 121v a note observes that some text is missing: '... deest'. I thus assume that in the model MS from which the main scribe copied, some sheets had been lost, and the scribe was aware of this fact. So he left free space on fol. 63-66 and 122-125, and the missing text was thereafter inserted there from another MS.{/i}].
[{i}Last items:{/i}] Feb. 1583. Ker of Mersingtoun, haveing obtenit ane decreit of non-entres of the lands of Dalcorse.
(Fol. 127r) Feb 1583. The umquhil Erle of Arran, Hamiltoun ..., persewed ane Craufurd ... kirklands of Kinnelle.
In the action persewed be the Ladie Lundy.
(Fol. 127v) [{i}Last item:{/i}] Their wes ane Cunynghame, sone begotten upon (...) (wyfe) be the Laird of (G)arnes that contracted with Cunynghame ... [{i}explicit:{/i}] his own tyme d(......) huc videbat(ur) (?......) (?......) tamquam iuri et equitati contrarium. Sed (magna pars dominorum?) tamen (fuerunt?) (de contraria? opinione?)