I may with freedom make this address to You in laying humbly before you suggestions which being better pollished by your mature and sharper Understandings may tend to the Universall Good of the whole Kingdom In order to which I wish you all consider that its the fear of the LORD that teacheth Wisdom without which no project nor purpose can attain a blessed success or arrive at a happy end It s onely they that acknowledge the LORD that have the promise to be directed and guided in their paths It were a great Mercy to this Land if this were practically beleeved by all especially by you who may greatly influence your inferiours and it were but a sutable effect of that Gospel-Light which hath shined in most parts of this Nation since the reformation and to stir you up the more effectually to this Look back and consider the many Mercies the LORD GOD hath bestowed upon this Land since ever we were a People that though we be far short of many other Nations in outward advantages yet it hath been our happiness to receive both Honour and Spirituall Blessings beyond the most in Europe for both which I shall give some instances As for Honour it was the Glory of our Naion after long and many bloody conflicts with the Romans to set bounds to the Roman Empire that we had matter to say as GOD Himself said to the Sea Job 38.11 Hitherto shalt thou come but no further and here shall thy proud waves be stayed Though it s our duty to say as Psal. 115.1 Not unto us O LORD Not unto us but unto thy Name give Glory For though this was the LORDS mercie yet he made use of the valour and conduct of that renowned King Corbredus surnamed Galdus the twentyfirst King of Scotland and the courage and valiant indefatigability of your noble Ancestors so that the Roman-Armie consisting of above ten Legions or sixty thousand men when they first came under the Command of Julius Agricola they were so beaten and worn out by the Scots and Pights that they came to twenty thousand who came to be so beleaguered within their trenches and brought to that straite that they sent their Ambassadors to our King who commanded in Chief which because it may be looked upon as a greater Glory in the Vulgar esteem then any other Kingdom in Europe can boast of I have thought fit to insert their address and speach here as not unworthy of record which is as followeth Upon this occasion having granted them liberty and cessation of Armes there came four Grave and Venerable Men from the Roman-Camp cloathed with Roman-Gowns no less decent then gorgious to these confederated Kings sitting in the Assembly of the Nobility of both Nations when they approached to the presence of the Kings did prostrat themselves upon the ground who immediatly at the command of these Kings being raised up one of them who was appointed as Spoksman said Most invincible PRINCES the Roman-Army and their Commanders though Conquerors â—f the World implores Your Favour whom they â—ave these many years prosecuted by Hostile-War â—nd humbly begs your pardon and mercy Neither â—ould there any thing fall out amongst such glorious Actions for your Honour and Renown or more worâ—hy of memory amongst your Posterity then that the Roman-Ambassadors should have fallen down at our feet to whom all Kings and People being subâ—ued are forced to pay obedience Ye have overâ—ome us we acknowledge with you is the power of â—ur Life and Death by reason of the anger of the Gods whom we have found to be highly offended for â—ac War which we have most unjustly engaged you â—â—to Use these at your own pleasure so as 〈◊〉 may advance your Glory and Renown All we â—eg is that ye may overcome your wrath who have â—vercome the Conquerors of the World Or if ye â—ill rather choose to be subdued by your passion kill â—very one of us to the last man for we cannot deny â—â—â—t we have deserved it But it is a small matter â—â—at ye who inhabit the uttermost ends of the earth â—ould conquer by your Valour all other Mortalls by â—hich ye do transcend the highest pitch of Human â—ower but it will be yet more when ye have overâ—â—me many more powerfull if yet ye shall preserve â—ive so many brave men We have felt the force of your armes we have felt the wrath of the Gods we humbly implore we may feel your Mercy and Clemency and because we acknowledge our selves beaten and rendered unto you what ever conditions of Peace ye shall appoint us we are willingly to accept These things being said they all weeping did throw themselves down at the feet of thesâ— Kings and with many tears prayed they would spare their conquered and submissive Petitioners And intreated they might be satisfied that thâ— Gods had so aboundantly avenged themselveâ— upon them for this unjust War and the impious wrongs they had done unto them This is particularly related by our Scots Historian Hector Boyes in the life of this King Corbrâ—dus Galdus who asserts the most he had seâ— down concerning our conflicts and wars witâ— the Romans he had it not onely from thâ— Famous Brittish Historians but from the Romaâ— Writters themselves particularly from Coâ—nelius Tacitus Lampridius Herodianus Paulâ— Diaconus Elius Spartanus Strabo c as maâ— be seen in Boyes his Epistle Dedicatory to K. Jamâ—â— the fifth Now I suppose that neither France Spain Germany nor England c can boast of sucâ— an Honour as the LORD GOD did heâ— by put upon this our Nation according aâ— Honour is ordinarly esteemed by the most 〈◊〉 people of the world Scaliger in his Epitaph upon Geo. Buchanan our â—ountrey-Man and our Historian closes it up â—ith thir two lynes Imperii fuerat Romani Scotia limes Romani Scotia eloquii finis erit Again as to Spirituall Blessings consider â—cotland was amongst the first of the Nations â—ho embraced the Christian-Religion which â—as at the time when Donald the first did reign 〈◊〉 Scotland about the Year 187 after CHRIST'S â—irth And also were amongst the first that â—id forsake the Idolatrie and Superstition of the Roman-Antichrist and all this by the speciall Mercy and Providence of GOD who all aâ—â—ngst hath given eminent evidences of his great â—egard and compassion unto Scotland both beâ—ore Christianity was embraced and when we â—ere Heathens and also when we were lying â—nder the darkness of Popish-delusions as was â—imessed by our deliverances from the Tyrraâ—y of the Danes obtained by signall Victories â—nder severall of our Kings of some of which â—he Famous Predecessors of the Families of â—rroll and Marischall were eminently instruâ—entall at Luncartie and Barrie And from the powerfull invasions of the â—orvegians under Acio who was defeated by King Alexander the third and from the miâ—â—culous deliverances from the unjust and horâ—â—d devastations by the Edwards the first second and third of England by the incomparable Valour of William Wallace
whereof the Dean of Gild hath in his custody to which every person concerned to know its Vertues and how to use the same is referred CHAP. III. Concerning the Antiquity of ABERDEEN AS for the Antiquity of the City of ABERDEEN it is certain that Ptolomie the most Ancient Geographer who lived about 1500 years since in the dayes of Antonius Pius the Emperor in his Geographicall-Tables making a description of the Isles of Brittain to wit Albion and Ireland with the little adjacent Isles he calls this City Devana and the River adjacent thereto Diva whom Camdenus the English Historiographer in his Britannia cites for proving the Antiquity of Aberdeen whose words are these Devana Urbs per-antiqua a Ptolemeo nunc vero Aberdonia id est Devae ostium Britannica dictione ab ipsis Scotis appellatur So that for Antiquity this CITY may be reckned amongst the most ancient of this ISLE This City was Erected into a Burgh-Royall by Gregorius who for his Justice Temperance and Fortitude was surnamed the Great and was the 73. King of Scotland whose Honorable Acts both in Scotland England and Ireland are at length set down in Hector Boyes History and in Buchannans in the year after the birth of CHRIST 893 years So that since Bon-accord was erected in a Burgh-Royall it is seven hundreth fourscore twelve years this year being the year 1685. After the decease of the said King Gregory the Erection and Infeftments given by him to this City by the iniquity of the times and many incursions were lost for Edward the first King of England called Langshanks made it his work to burn and destroy all the old Evidents and Monuments within this Kingdom where ever he came or his Power could reach Moreover in the time of King David Bruce the City being surprysed with an Army of Englishes sent by Edward the third of England most of the Inhabitants Men Wives and Children were all put to the sword and killed the City burnt for six dayes together as Spotswood and Boyes Histories declare all our Registers and Old Evidents were destroyed about the year 1330 because the Citizens a little before had killed the Souldiers that keeped Garison in the Castle who had sorely opprest them and taken it and rased it to the ground It being then re-built upon the Hills where it is now seated having formerly been cituated from the Green and Eastward under the Hills except the Castle-gate hence it is called the New-Town of Aberdeen and not with relation to that Burgh of Barronie which is now the Bishops seat since is was translated from Mortlick in the time of King David anno 1137 according to Spotswood pag. 101. when Nectanus was Bishop the foundation of which Bishoprick was by King Malcome the second Anno 1010 at Mortlick In King James the fourth his time Bishop William Elphinston builded the KINGS Colledge in the Old Town that Town being seated near the River of Don about a 1000 space from Aberdeen is commonly called the Old Town of Aberdeen not as if it were of greater Antiquity then the Burgh-Royall of Aberdeen for I was informed by a very intelligent Gentleman near that place that there were some old Evidents designing it the Old Town of SEATOUN after the Lands thereto adjoyning But the Bishop of Aberdeen hath had his residence there ever since his Seat was translated from Mortlick where there was a Magnificent Structure of a Cathedrall builded thereafter as also a stately Colledge custome and iâ—norance calls it the Old-Town of Aberdeen it having been Erected in a Burgh of Barrony in favours of the Bishop of the Diocess of Aberdeen It is reported that some call Aberdeen only Urbs a Town and the Old-Town where the Bishop's Seat is Civitas a City But I take that distinction betwixt a Town and a City as it relates to a Bishop's-Seat to be the spurious product of a Popish-Institution because many Towns were called Cities before there was a Bishop in the world A Town propperly reâ—ates to the Buildings and Houses a City denotes the Citizens and Free-men that are the Inhabitants But for this let these that would â—ppropriat the name of a City to a Bishop-Seat â—ead the Bishop of Cajetan de Institutione Reipub. â—â—b 1. Tit. 3. sub fine and he will show what 〈◊〉 City is CHAP. IV. Concerning the Government of the City of ABERDEEN WE have matter to bless GOD for the equall and just constitution of Government which is in our Ctiy and particular Common-Wealth granted to us by our KINGS and left unto us by our Worthy Ancestors which is thus Our Town-Councill is chosen yearly out of the whole Citizens and Burgesses of the City the Roll of our whole Brethren of Gild being first read at every Election of the Council which holds upon the Wednesday before Michaelmess-day there being a large Catalogue drawn up of all the Brethren of Gild amongst us every Person whom any of the Old-Councill desires to be lifted among these out of whom the New-Councill is to be chosen is presently set down in that new list and when the list is compleated by the reading over the whole Brethren of Gild of the Town there is an indefinit number set down upon a large sheet of Paper with lines drawen after every one of their names and this is given to the present Provest Bailies and whole Old-Councill that every one may make choise of thirteen Brethren of Gild to be named for the New-Councill for the year to come and most Votes or Marks make up the number Next they of the Old-Councill choose out of their own number four who are called the Old-four which being added to the former thirteen make up the number of seventeen Brethren of Gild. And lastly having got the Roll of all the present Deacons of Trades there are two of these Deacons chosen which make up the compleit number of ninteen for the Councill the year ensuing The new chosen Counsellors being all sent for and come in the afternoon the whole Old and New-Council with the six Deacons of Trades and the four Deacons of the Old and New Councill which make up ten Deacons of Trades and thirty Brethren of Gild making up in all the number of 40 Votes they altogether choose first the Provest then four Bailies a Dean of Gild a Thesaurer a Master of the Kirk-work and Bridge work a Master of the Mortified Moneys a Master of the Gild Hospital a Master of the Shoar called Master of the Impost and six single Counsellors who bear no Office but sit and Vote in all Effairs that come before the Councill with the two new Deacons of Trades If in this Election there fall to be one having equall Votes the Provest in this caice hath the casting Vote This way of Election was determined by the Convention of Burghs and ratified and approved by King James the sixth after the difference that â—ell out at the Common-Cause 1593. When any matter of more then ordinary
importance comes to be consulted off if the present Councill find it meet they call the former years Councill and joyne both in consultation and determination And if it be a business of setting on of a Tax or levying of Money whither for Nationall or Particular Usâ— or such like the consent of the whole City is called for in a Publick Head-Court conveened by Authority of the Magistrats where the reasons of the said Tax or Imposition are holden forth by the Provest c. unto them So by this it is evident to the Judicious that we have the best Ingredients and Advantages of all the severall sorts of Government And to compleat our Power our Provest and Bailies are made Sheriffs within their own City and Freedom-Lands by K. CHARLES the first 1633 by which our Citizens are fred from the Power of any Sheriff that at times have sought to oppress them yea to pannell them for life without a just cause as in Allexander Rutherford Provest his time when the Sheriff-Deput pannelled a Burger called Patrick Corser for resetting stollen Brass which he had bought on a Maâ—ket-day innocently and would not admit of surety for any summ of money whatsoever offered by the Provest the Sheriff having a pick against the man pannelled which the Provest perceiving that no reason could prevaill commanded Patrick Corser down staires upon any hazard that might follow and so fred him As also the Magistrats a moneth or thereby before the yearly Election cause the Drummer go through the Town inviting all the Inhabitants Free-men to come and hear the accounts of all the Office-bearers counted fitted and subscrived by the Magistrats and the rest of the Auditors of the counts chosen in the day of the Election for that end so that any that pleases may see how uprightly all the Towns-Revenues and Moneys received are bestowed CHAP. V. Concerning the Fidelity and Loyall-Duty which the Citizens of Aberdeen have alwayes payed to their SOVERAIGNES together with the gracious Rewards conferred thereon and the signall Evidences of Honour put upon many chief Magistrats thereof THis City having been erected into a Burgh-Royall by King GREGORIE the Great and Priviledged with many Donations by Him as some Notes and Scrolls bear Record gathered by the Recorders and Town-Clerks afterwards The Principall Evidents being destroyed in the common Callamities of these sad times formerly hinted at This City was had in speciall favour with many of the succeeding KINGS as by King William surnamed for his Valour and Fortitude the Lyon He built a Palace in Aberdeen where sometime he remained with his Court which afterward he dedicated to a new order of Friars called the Trinity-Friars for setting up an Abbacie for them two of that order which Pope Innocent the third had newly Erected being recommended by the Pope and sent from Rome To this Abbacie he gave Gifts and some Rents intending if he lived to give them greater this Order was erected 1211. Which Abbacie was burnt when the City was destroyed where now the Trades-Hospitall stands being re-edified but of late years by Dr. William Guild Likewise it is Recorded that the three Kings Alexanders had here in this City a pleasant Pallace which afterwards was translated to the Friars-Predicators or Dominicans Alexander the second did greatly adorn this City and give it Liberties and Priviledges the like with Pearth 1214 which was the first year of his Reign immediatly after the death of his Father King William Boyes holds forth in his History pag. 283. ver 65. That this KING came to Aberdeen with his Sister Isobell after he returned from England and honored it with many Priviledges as King Gregory King Malcome the second and David brother to King William had done before It is said he called this CITY His own City the Infefâ—ments of the said King Alexander the second under his Seal in green Wax is yet extant as a Record of the Priviledges given by Him to this City having by Providence escaped from the common Calamity King Robert Bruce in these most troublesome times wherein he began to Reign or recover his Kingdom out of the hands of Edward the first King of England being beaten severall times and finding all his attempts unsuccessfull retired to ABERDEEN as a place of safety where he found that his Enemies and his former bad success might be overcome for when he had no hope of his Effaiâ—s but despaired of all Victory intending to go out of the Kingdom till better times might fall out and get Forraign Forces for his assistance Incontinently the Citizens of Aberdeen came and exhorted Him to better hopes and more confidence and gave Him assistance both in men and money and followed him to the Town of Inverurie where they fought with the Enemie and obtained his first Victory whereof they were the speciall Instruments and Helps the King being so sickly that he was carried in his Bed as Boyes â—elates fol. 312. whence there began to be a method setled to recover the Kingdom By which service he was moved to bestow upon the City of ABERDEEN the whole Lands of the Kings-Forrest called the Stockâ—d-Wood with the whole parts and pendicles of â—he same with the Mills Waters Fishings â—mall Customs Tolls Courts Weights Meaâ—ures Free Port and Haven and all other Priviledges and Liberties whatsomever pertaining or that might pertain justly to a Royall-Burgh within this Realm Under the Reign of King David Bruce John Randell Earle of Murray being for the â—ime Governour of the Kingdom amongst â—his chiefest Designes for recovering the Kingdom he saw it was most expedient to pursue David Cumming Earle of Atholl whom King Edward of England had appointed Governour for him and having collected his Forces came â—traight to Aberdeen where notwithstanding â—he Tyrrany of the Enemies they were under â—he was informed where David Cumming was knowing their Loyaltie to King David Bruce â—heir Naturall KING and so straight way pursued him Some years after the Englishes having conâ—inued their Rapine and Cruelty in Aberdeen â—y keeping a strong Garison in the Castle the Citizens taking Counsell how they might free themselves of that Yoke and Servitude at last resolved to fall upon the Garison whom they cut off and thereafter levelled the Castle with the ground Whence it was that in honour of that resolute Act they got their Ensignes-Armoriall which to this day they bear witness that late Book of Heraldry set forth by Sir George Mckenzie of Rose-haugh Knight His Majesties Advocat who hath blazoned the Arms of Aberdeen particularly thus The Arms or Ensigns Armoriall of the Burgh Royall of Aberdeen beareth Gules three Towres triple towered in a double-Tressure counter flowred Argent supported by two Leopards propper the Motto in an Escroll above BON-ACCORD whence there are these Verses Arx triplex arcem testatur ab hoste receptam Hostis utrinque doces tu Leoparde genus Lillia cum Clypeo voti Rex pignora jussit Esse color fusi signa cruoris habet Haec
hostes sensere Bona at Concordia virtue Qua res usquè viget publica culta domi In English thus The threefold Towres the Castle showes regain'd From Enemies who it by force mantain'd The Leopards which on each hand ye view The cruell temper of these foes do shew The Shield and Lillies by the Kings-Command As pledges of his great good-will do stand The Collour calls the Blood there shed to mind Which these proud Foes unto their cost did find And BON-ACCORD by which doth safely come To Common-Wealths establisht was at home I. B. And upon the reverse of the Seal of the said Burgh is insculped in a field Azure a Temple Argent St. Nicholas standing in the Porch Mytered and Vested propper with his Dexter-hand lifted up to Heaven praying over three Children in a Boylling Caldron of the first and holding in the Sinister a Crosier Ore these were the Old-Arms of the Burgh-Royall of Aberdeen as His Majesties Advocat in his book above-mentioned relates After the Castle was thus taken and ruined the English being deeply affected therewith as also with the loss of their men did gather their Forces together to avenge this Injury against Aberdeen The Citizens then following Joannes Fraser who Commanded these Forces that adhered to the Interest of King David Bruce did most stoutly fight the English in their own Church-Yard and although with much Blood and the loss of many of their men yet at last obtained the Victory Hence four years after Edward the third having sent a great Navie to recover his loss in thir Northern-parts his Forces fell upon Aberdeen after they had spoiled the Religious-Houses and the City they coming by surprize and greatly incensed for the loss of their men which they had sustained both in the Garison and in the forementioned Fight did cut off Men Women and Children none being spared except such as had by flight saved themselves they burnt the City six dayes together as hath been touched above and being thereafter re-built is ever after called the NEW-TOWN of ABERDEEN King David Bruce had ever after a great favour and respect for Aberdeen and sometimes dwelt in it and set up a Mint-House here as some peeces of Money not long since extant with the inscription of Aberdeen did testifie and the King did ratifie and approve of all the Donations of Lands Waters Fishings and all other Priviledges which King Robert his Father or any of his Predecessors had formerly given or granted to the said Burgh because of their good Service both to his Father and himself against the common Enemie Also all the King James's 1 st 2 d. 3 d. 4 th 5 th and 6 th did all ratifie and approve all these Priviledges and Donations of what ever any of their Predecessors had done before and some of them witnessed their favourable Respects to the Magistrats thereof upon severall occasions As for instance King JAMES the fourth upon a complaint made against SIR JOHN RUTHERFORD of Tarlane after one of the Elections when he had been chosen Provest having for many years enjoyed that Office The King wrot to the Town Councill desiring an exact account of the ground of the Complaint made against His Loved Familiar SIR JOHN RUTHERFORD as the Kings Letter dated November 5. 1487. recorded in the Towns Books doth bear Again King JAMES the fifth was often in Aberdeen and did singularly shew Favour and Respects to the Familie of the MENZIESES who for many years did wisely and happily Govern our City Also King JAMES the sixth did not onely confirme in Parliament all the Ancient Priviledges and Liberties given to this City by his Royall Predecessors but likewise when â—s by the Laws of this Nation the King might have exacted his Burrow-Mailes in Sterling-Money which would have been nothing else but the utter undoing and extirpation of this Re-publick He out of his Princely Clemency and Favour which he did ever bear to this his Ancient-City did of new again Re-erect and found the samen and did quite abolish and abâ—ogat the payment of Sterling-Money by dissolving the same from the Crown in Parliament so far as concerns this City allennarlly the like benefit being denyed to any other Burgh in the Kingdom as also disponning and giving of new the Burgh Common-Lands Fishings and all other Liberties thereof whatsomever for payment of current money allennarly And at the same time honored our then present Provest THOMAS MENZIES of Durne or Cults with the Title of Knight-hood in his own Privy-Chamber in the presence of the best sort of the Nobility of both the Kingdoms whom he acknowledged before them then present worthy of that honour be reason of his Birth besides the good service lately done by Him and the City of Aberdeen to the King by the gentle entertainment of his Honorable Servants who came at that time to visit Aberdeen by the Kings appointment 1617. This SIR THOMAS MENZIES of Cults having procured that Famous Pearl which was found in the Brook or Burne of Kellie as it runs into the River of Ythan which Pearle for beauty and bigness was the best that hath been at any time found in Scotland our said Provest having found by the Judgement of the best Jewelers in Edinburgh that it was most Precious and of a very high Value went up to London and gifted it to the King this was in the year 1620. Who in retribution gave him twelve or fourtteen Chalders of Victuall about Dumfermling and the Custom of Merchant-Goods in Aberdeen during his life But it pleased GOD he dyed at Wooller on the Border in England in his return home Nevertheless this did signifie the speciall Favour the King did bear to our then Provest though he did not live to enjoy the effects of the Kings Royall and Princely Respects This Pearle was reported to be one of the Jewells of the Crown of England Likewise when the King called the Commissioners of both Kingdoms to treat anent the Union betwixt Scotland and England ALEXANDER RUTHERFORD Provest of Aberdeen being one of the four chosen for the State of the Burrowes the King did put it upon Him to speak in behalf of the Burrowes who did acquite himself so satisfyingly to the King that pulling a rich Diamond Ring from his Finger he gave it him as a token of his Royall-Respects I have heard some relate that when he had delivered his discourse in our Scots-dialect which was not so intelligible at that time to the English Commissioners he spoke to the same purpose in Latine that the Bishops might understand then gave a like account to the Nobility amongst the English Commissioners in the French-Language which did affect the King with very much complacency who carried a singular Respect to the Subjects of this his Native-Country and Ancient Kingdom and made every thing acceptable that had a tendency to the repute thereof The Battell of Harlaw did witness the Zeal of Aberdeen against the Enemies of the King and for the
recollect what I knew or had read concerning it at least since the fatall Overthrow thereof in the dayes of King David Bruce about the year 1330 by the totall burning of it and the universall slaughter of those that did not escape And finding that Sir Robert Sibbald Dr. of Phisick the Kings Geographer by a warrant from Authority had emitted an Advertisement for a true information of the several Shyres Burghs Universities c of this Kingdom I looked on it as a fit Opportunity to communicat what I knew unto â—ou that ye might dispose thereof â—s ye should see meet I have thereâ—ore set down a Survey of Aberdeen at some length that all may see â—nd perceive what a City it is and â—ath been not onely for consideâ—able Buildings but also as to the â—enown of its Inhabitants If there â—e ought judged worthy of Praise â—r Remark ye may look upon that â—s an incitement for imitation and â— quickning motive for your Posâ—erity to endeavour a studious Proâ—ress in the commendable wayes of Vertue for here may be seen the â—minent Evidences of that Loyaltie which was conspicuous in your Ancestors Also the Princely Rewards and Royall Marks our â—overaignes did bestow upon your City and Magistrats Here also may be seen the assiduous care and diligence our Magistrats have at all occasions evidenced for advanceing Vertue and what might tend to the Honour and Reputation of the City If Rome had matter to glory of her Heroes in severall Generations Aberdeen hath not wanted occasion to speak well of many of her Rulers in diverse Ages I love not to be guilty of giving the least appearance of evil or what may savour of flatterie or ostentation One thing I aim at is that ye may out-vye all that have gone before you in Vertue Wisdom Fidelity and care of the Wellfare of your Common-Wealth And in a word that I may say as the Wise-man said of the Vertuous Woman That your own works may praise you in the gates which is the earnest desire of Right Honorable A cordiall Well-wisher to the prosperity true Honour and Wellfare of ABERDEEN and all its Rulers PHILOPOLITEIUS Epistle to the Reader COURTEOUS READER IT may be lookt upon by some that this Survey of Aberdeen may savour of Ostentation seeing there are few or perhaps no other Town in the Kingdom that is descryved or hath any of their Acts published To which I may say that such vanity in so doing far from my mind seeing there is nothing more ordinarie amongst all Nations then to set down what hath been the most remarkable Providences of GOD to their Countries and Places of their Nativity whereby Posterity may observe the Mercies of the LORD to their Ancestors the neglect or ommission of such thankfull remembrances is threatened Psal. 28.5 Because they regard not the Works of the LORD nor the operations of his hands he shall destroy them and not build them up Amongst the many sins for which the LORD is pleading a controversie with this Nation this may have its own weight that we are not thankfull that the LORD did furnish us with well Qualified and Able Men to bear rule in Cities and Shyres which when they are removed without successors sutable to fill their roomes is no small stroak on a Nation according to Isa. 3.1 2 3. For behold the LORD the LORD of Hosts will take away from Jerusalem the Mighty Men and the Man of War the Judge and the Prophet the Prudent and the Ancient the Captain of â—iftie and the Honorable Man the Counsellor and the cunning Artificer and the Eloquent Orator Wherefore I hope none will misconstruct me â—or making a respectful remembrance of these whom the LORD honoured and doth at this time honour â— be worthy Magistrats of our Town in their day and generation for it is said Prov. 17.6 The Glory of Children are their Fathers Another Reason is that it may be these who are in Authority in the Nation over us nay be induced to have a respect to some Great Persons who in their place deserve to be honored with all that respect which is due yet not to the â—rejudice of the interest of Burghs To obviat which judge it not amiss to shew forth what good subâ—â—cts and of what due esteem a Burgh or City â—ight to be had in that in times of greatest need â—ave been so usefull in their Soveraignes-Service â—â— particularly Aberdeen hath been many times â—â— History and Records can witness It were to be wished that all the most considerable Burghs in this Kingdom would set apart some of their ablest Men to collect out of their ancient Records what hath been most remarkable in their Towns in former Ages or at present that the Nation might be convinced of their usefulness and of that respect and honour that ought to be put upon them so as it might be seen they ought not to be born down or discouraged when any weighty Concernment of theirs comes in question Upon these accompts I have made this short Essay hoping at least it may be a motive to induce and stir up a more accurat Pen to be employed in this or the like not onely in reference to our City but also to the rest of the Cities and Towns of the Nation who without vanity shall subscryve my self at present according to truth PHILOPOLITEIUS A succinct SURVEY Of the Famous CITY OF ABERDEEN CHAP. I. Concerning the Situation of ABERDEEN Its Longitude and Latitude ABERDEEN is a City in the North of Scotland near the mouth of the River of Dee within the Province of MARR which is a part of the Shyre thereof It lyeth within the North Temperat Zone though much inclyning to the colder side thereof being much nigher to the Pole then to the Equinoctiall-Line for its Latitude or distance from the Equinoctiall-Line is 57 degrees and 10 minuts and its distance from the Pole is onely 32 degrees and 50 minuts It s Longitude or distance from the Meridian of the Canarie Islands is 22 degrees and 30 minuts It is a Parallell or equall Latitude and climate with the Merchant-Isles in Nova-Britannia in America the Southmost cape in Norway called the Noas of Norway Stockholme in Swedland Lavonia and the middle parts of Russia and territories of Muscovia in Europe the Cosacks and other middle Countries in Tartary in Asia In which Parallell the longest day is of length in Sun-shine 17 hours and 40 minuts being within the tenth Climate reckning the first Climate to begin where the longest day is 13 hours long and every Climat to be that space in Latitude wherein the longest day is half an hour longer and consequently the length of the shortest day at Aberdeen is 6 hours and 20 minuts viz. as much as the longest day wants of 24 hours From the first day of the moneth May to the twentytwo day of July it is constant day light the Sky all that time never fully setting even at midnight for the
Peace of the Kingdom 1411. where the Provest and many of the best Citizens did assist to gain the Victory of that day with the loss of their lives Also that fatall Battell of Pinkie where there were lost and killed many brave Towns-Men of Aberdeen that went thither though at so far a distance for the Honour of their Soveraign and of the Nation King CHARLES the first in the year 1633 at his Coronation in this Kingdom confirmed and ratified all our above written Priviledges and Liberties of new given and granted by his Royall Father and Progenitors with this addition making and constituting the Provest and Bailies Sheriffs within their Burgh and Freedom-Lands and the Priviledge of having an unground Malt-Market and honored PAUL MENZIES of Kinmundie then present Provest with the Honour of Knight-hood In the year 1649 when the Parliament of Scotland out of their dutifull Respects and Loyaltie to their undoubted Soveraign King CHARLES the second had proclaimed Him King of Great Britain France and Ireland and immediatly did choose Commissioners of all the three Estates of this Kingdom to invite their King to this his Ancient Kingdom to receive the Crown which had now of right descended to him from 108 Kings The Parliament made choise of ALEXANDER JAFFRAY of Kingswells Commissioner for Aberdeen to be one of the two Burrowes to go over to Holland to the King who was a Wise Pious and Discreet Man all his time And he to be faithfull to the City he had his Commission from intreated the Parliament to consider the most important Article in his Commission that so he might undertake that weighty Employment with the greater Alacrity which was to visit the counts of the extraordinary losses of Aberdeen relating to the Publick The Parliament had that respect to him and was so desirous to grant his so just demand that forthwith they did Deput some fit Members who after hearing and considering made their report and thereupon the Parliament by an Act did acknowledge themselves as the Representative of the Nation to be justly resting to the City of Aberdeen the summ of nine hundreth threescore and nine thousand Merks and did grant the Cess of the City to be allowed to them for as many Moneths as drew to eighteen thousand Merks because this great summ that was due to them had exhausted the summs of Money that was Mortified to Hospitals Schools the Colledge and the Common-Poor of that City and had ruined almost the Common Thesaurie thereof but this was all they could spare at that time till an opportunity might fall out to make them more full payment which hitherto hath ever failed and hath been the cause of the severall heavy burdensom Taxations that have of late years been laid on and of procuring that relief which hath been obtained thir five or six years bygone by the Magistrats who withall have made themselves lyable to the grudge of such as are so selfiish that before their particular suffer but a little they could let the Publick come to utter ruine and perish without remedy and unavoidably but of two evils the least is to be chosen But to return Our abovenamed Commissioner obtained also an Act of Parliament that no Souldiers should be quartered in Aberdeen for three years thereafter such was the great respect the Parliament had to him whereupon he went to the King with the rest of the Commissioners of the three Estates And after his return being Commissioner to the Convention of Burrowes at Queensferrie obtained half a merk down of Aberdeens proportion of the 100 Pound of Stent-Roll which was a great advantage to the City He being chosen that year Provest of Aberdeen went with the rest of the Commissioners the next year 1650 to the Hague in Holland where it pleased GOD so to prosper their endeavours as to bring the King home with them Aberdeen being the first City of the Kingdom he came to there he was received with all the Demonstrations of joy and cheerfullness that the Magistrats and Inhabitants could evidence as also the Silver-Keyes of the City were delivered to him by the Provest who tame sometime before to prepare for the Kings reception with an Eloquent and Pertinent Harrangue therewith made by Mr. James Sandilands of Cotton the Cities Recorder or Clerk In the end of February and beginning of March 1651 the King came to Aberdeen where he stayed a week at which time Mr. Robert Farquhar of Munie was Provest Alexander Jaffray who had been Provest the former year having been taken Prisoner at Dumbar-fight which was on the third of September 1650. the King was pleased to honour our then present Provest with the Honor of Knighthood together with Patrick Leslie of Eden who had been Provest some years before with the like Honor. As also in the Year 1681 GEORGE SKENâ— of Fintray was Honoured with the Title of Knighthood at EDINBURGH by JAMES Duke of Albany and York then Commissioner to the Parliament of SCOTLAMD for the late KING CHARLES the Second His ROYALL-BROTHER CHAP. VI. Concerning the STATE of ABERDEEN AS for the State of ABERDEEN if it be taken for the Yearly Revenue of their Thesaurie it is not so considerable as some lesser Towns in the Kingdom It is mostly exhausted in paying Stipendiaries and other incidencies especially since the time of Queen Mary at which time our Freedom-Lands and Salmon-Fishings were all fewed out to particular men which though it brought in considerable summs at first yet now the Fewes both of Lands and Waters are but very inconsiderable all of them extending but to seven hundreth sixteen Pounds ten shillings Scots money Yet that it may appear how considerable this City is in reference to the Kings Exchequer if we consider the Customs and Excyse of Merchant-Goods one with another as also the Excyse of Ale Beer and Aquavitae or Strong-Waters with the Yearly Supplie given to the King by Act of Parliament this City one Year with another will be of in-come to the Exchequer about thirty thousand Pounds of Scots money If this were duely considered it might easily be perceived that the Prosperity and Flowrishing of this City is of speciall concernment to the King and the Publick Interests of the Nation and incaice of its decay the prejudice of both will be no less considerable We acknowledge we have severall of the Chiefest Staple Commodities in the Kingdom as Plaiding Fingrams Stockings Salmond Stuffs Serges Sheep-skins and Lamb-skins When Plading was giving good price in Holland the old Conservator SIR PATRICK DRUMMOND frequenty reported that the Kingdom of SCOTLAND was more obliedged to the City of ABERDEEN for the abundance of money the Merchants thereof brought to the Nation then to all the Towns of this Kingdom besides but the Trade of this so profitable a Commodity is greatly decayed and become very low The Rivers of Dee and Don besides what is brought from Ythan and Ugie which two last Rivers belong to the Earle MARISCHALL and
and that never enough admired Prowess and Conduct of that Famous and most Renowned King Robert Bruce Wherefore it remaineth that when the LORD GOD hath blessed you with times of Peace and Tranquillity that ye should say with King David Psal. 116.12 What shall we render unto the LORD for all his benefits towards us that we are not under the power and constant fear and slavery of cruell and enraged enemies killing our Children and dear Relations ravishing our Virgins Wives and Daughters spoiling our Goods burning our Houses depopulating our Towns and Cities and in a word ruining laying desolat our Countrey without Inhabitants This hath been the Lot of many of your Ancestors in sundrie former Generations and should not these considerations move and excite you to bethink yourselves what shall we do for the Honour of the GOD of our Mercies for the good of our Native-Countrey in these our dayes and for the Advantage of our Children and Posterity in succeeding Generations Though I doubt not but there are many brave and eminent Spirits amongst the Nobility and Gentry of Scotland that can judge whaâ— â—hings are most conducible to all these Honoâ—able Ends now mentioned yet under favour â—nd with your liberty I shall presume to menâ—â—on a few things unto you It is reported by Plutarch in the life of Theseus â—â—at such was the barbaritie of Ancient Times â—â—at men placed their vertue and valour in killâ—â—g slaughtering and destroying of men and 〈◊〉 best in oppressing of others and making of â—â—â—ves yea it is to be regrated that in our â—â—me they are by many reckoned the sharpest â—â—d prettiest men that can over-reach and go â—â—yond or oppress their peaceable Neighbours Whereas the Doctrine of Christianity teachâ—â—h its professors more myld and righteous â—â—ings not to render evil for evil Thes. 5.15 â—ath 5.44 much less to do any evil withâ—â—t a cause The Primitive Christians were 〈◊〉 a far other Spirit as is testified by Origen â—â—stin Martyr Tertulian in their Apologies parâ—â—â—ularly by that famous letter which Marcus â—â—relius Antoninus Emperour wrote to the Senat â—â—d People of Rome wherein he showes that 〈◊〉 his great distress he had called the Christians 〈◊〉 his assistance who came without Weapons â—â—munition Armour or Trumpet as men abâ—â—ing such preparation or furnitur but onely â—â—â—â—sfied in the trust of their GOD whom they â—â—â—ry about with them in their Consciences This 〈◊〉 far contrary to the old Barbaritie which alace hath revived to the full under the defection and apostacy from the purity and simplicity of Christianity as is evident by the frâ—quent and bloody wars amongst both Papists anâ— Protestants But now it is that the LORD GOD iâ— calling for these illustrious and splendid Veâ—tues which are most sutable and congruâ—â— to the Spirit and Light of the Gospell whicâ— if they were more in esteem and practice yâ—â— should have little use for that Valour and Veâ—tue which Heathens and Infidels do so mucâ— cry up and admire If ye were laying youâ— selves out to Honour GOD by seeking aftâ—â— truth and doing righteousness the LORD GOD would doubtless employ his Power anâ— Providence to preserve you in peace and proâ—perity Exod. 34.23 24. And in order to this it were requisit in thâ— first place that the Sheriff head Courts in eveâ—â— Shyre which meet twice or thrice every year were improven to better purpose then meâ—â—ly to cite the names and to make the absenâ— lyable to fynes and these present to give moneâ— upon Instruments both which might be doâ—â— to good purpose if the Courts when coâ—veened did improve their Meetings to bettâ—â— Ends As First Every Court would notice the diâ—cords within their respective Shyres and Pâ—â—vinces for what ever cause the difference were â—hich was a speciall effair that some of the best â—f our KINGS did ever much concern themâ—elves in to agree all discords amongst Subâ—â—cts that were at variance See Buchanan in â—â—e beginning of the Reign of K. Gregorius â—ag 177. And to forbear mentioning more K. James the sixth took much pains in this to â—ood purpose see Spotswood Pag. 364. See â—sal 133.1 throughout Behold how good â—â—d how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell toâ—â—ther in unitie c. So these Courts might appoint fit persons â—â—ch as are preferable for Prudence and Skill 〈◊〉 the Effair or are of most probable Quaâ—â—y as near in relation or in great favour and â—â—spect with the Parties so the difference may 〈◊〉 taken away Friendship and Union made 〈◊〉 unnecessary charge and expense prevented 〈◊〉 being heard at Law that so there might 〈◊〉 no distance heart burning rancour or â—ath in any of the respective Shyres but love â—â—d mutuall friendship which is one of the â—â—iefest ends and designs of the Law of GOD â—â—d Men. This would transcend the Laws of Justice â—â—d Righteousness for where true Love and â—eaceable and friendly disposition were in the â—â—minion Parties would rather condescend to 〈◊〉 losers of their due right then brake the â—â—s of friendship and love It is reported by some of the Historians of our Nation to the great commendation of the Old-Barrons of the Mearns that there never fell out any debate amongst them but their Neighbours did so concern with it that they took no respit till the matter was put to a friendly close If this were the custom and way of the whole Nation what a mercy it would be to our Countrey and whole Kingdom what great advantage it would be to the Publick and to Particular Families it is easie for every one to judge Concordia res parvae crescunt discordia maximae dilabuntur This was an old saying in Salustius and holds true in all Ages and in all respects Next it were fit that in these Head-Courts consideration were carefully and cordially had of such Acts of Parliament whether old or late that did most concern the good of the Countrey and in order thereto that some of the most fit persons and of most publick spirits and activity in every corner and precinct of the respective Shyres were appointed to see these put in Execution and to report at the next Head-Court their diligence First If this were our Hye-wayes for Travellers would be neatly repared Secondly Bridges where most danger is would be builded carefully up though upon the account of the publick charge in each respective Province Thirdly Sturdy-Beggars Theeves Robbers â—dle-Persons notably supprest Fourthly Our Countrey in Planting Parking Hedging and Dycking beautifully trimmed Fifthly All pollicie as Dove-houses Warâ—ands or Cunningers commendably advanced Sixthly The Poor in every Parish conscienâ—â—ously provyded Seventhly The Young-ones put to Schooles and Trades timely and in fit season and all vertue â—iety and good order should eminently flowrish Eightly Scandalous and provocking Sins â—s Drunkenness Whooring Swearing and Oaths â—nd idle gaming at Cardes and Dyce c puncâ—â—ally punished Whereby the LORD GOD of all our â—ercies would graciously be pleased to multiâ—â—y his Blessings of Peace