1 7 8 HISTORY OF THE OUTER HEBRIDES. 



those nominated by him, before showing favour or over- 

 sight to any of the Islesmen. King James was a little 

 suspicious of his lieutenant exceeding his authority. 



An Act of Parliament during the same year, entitled 

 "Anent the Lewis Adventurers," refers to a petition by 

 the members of the Syndicate, craving that the exemption 

 from actions against them, as granted by the Privy Council 

 on yth July, be extended to themselves and their followers, 

 as well for causes to be " intentit " as for those already 

 " intentit." But Parliament, considering that this extension 

 might cause the ends of justice to be defeated, referred the 

 decision to the senators of the College of Justice, who were 

 to be requested by the King to find a way of granting the 

 petition of the Adventurers, without prejudicing the interests 

 of suitors. And the Estates agreed to ratify whatever action 

 might be taken in the matter. 



The preamble of this Act deserves special attention. 

 The cloven hoof is displayed in the avowed intention of 

 "ruiting out of the barbarous inhabitants occupiaris of 

 the same of befoir, void of all religioun and humanitie."* 

 The Adventurers were to teach the Lewismen religion and 

 humanity by deporting or exterminating them. 



On 3Oth October, the Adventurers, who were then ready 

 to set out for Lewis, petitioned the Privy Council for 

 amplification of a supersedere, and exemption from actions, 

 granted by the Council for one year on 7th July, and re- 

 mitted to the King and the senators of the College of 

 Justice. The importance attached by the Adventurers to 

 this dispensation is significant 



The foregoing official records clearly demonstrate the 

 origin, nature, and objects of the plot laid by the King for 

 the "ruiting out" of his subjects in the Island of Lewis. 

 It originated in his impecuniosity ; its character was ruth- 

 lessness itself ; its purpose was to fill the Exchequer. To 

 justify a course of action which was wholly indefensible, he 

 had recourse to hypocrisy ; and James VI. could play the 



* Acts ofParl.,\o\. IV., pp. 175-6. 



