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15 January 1591 Deposition of Geillis Duncan  confirmed that a letter was sent to Janet Fairlie at Leith, that a cat was baptised and thrown in the sea to raise a storm, and that Agnes Sampson had said: 'Now the king is going to f[etch? ind?] his wife, but I shall be there before them.' [WEMS 152]

27 January 1591 Trial of Agnes Sampson  Agnes Sampsoune in Nether Keythe prosecuted by Mr David McGill, found guilty of:

1.      foreknowledge by witchcraft that William Markestoune, servant of Thomas Watsoune in Inveresk, was 'bot ane deid man';

2. knew from William Blake's sark that his sickness was an elf-shot;
3. healed by witchcraft Johnne Thomsoune in Dirletoun, though he remained a cripple;
4. laid her life for that of Many Nicolsoune who died nevertheless;
5. showed by witchcraft to a poor woman sent to her by the friends of David Lyndesay, tinker in Dalkeith, who had lain sick for thirty weeks and had not spoken for three days that if he lived past Wednesaday he would recover, which he did;
6. cured Johnne Peiny in Preston by prayer and incantation;
7. used prayer and incantation to cure Halyburntoun, guidman of Inchcarne, and declared that no surgery or physic could help him, and he died as she foretold;
8. cured by prayer and devilish charmes Bessie Aikenheid, spouse to Thomas Vans in Haddington;
9. would not go to Lady Roslene when she knew by devilish prayer that she would not recover;
10. consulted about wife of Johnne Young, shepherd at Bairfute, said wouldn't recover on ground, but would either recover or die if raised; lifted, died;
11. knew if people would die or recover by her prayer - if she stopped once in he prayer the person was bewitched, if twice the person would die;
12. foreknew from devil and told Patrick Porteous he would live only eleven years;
13. foreknew from Devil last Michaelmas storm with great damage by land and sea;
14. foreknew from Devil the queen would not come to this country unless the king fetched her;
15. taught her prayer formula by her father;
16. foretold by her devilish prayer that wife of James Kirkcaldy, burgess of Haddington, would recover;
17. healed John Ker of who lay mortally sick in house of Alexander Fairlie in Longniddrie;
18. healed Johnne Duncan in Musselburgh;
19. six or seven years ago foretold death of Issobel Hammiltoun, spouse of James Powar; husband too mean to pay for raising of devil to heal her;
20. cure the guidwyfe of Camroun who went on stilts from birth;
21. healing the son of the laird of Reidhallis by witchcraft, whom the surgeons had given up;
22. curing Robert Diksoun in Bowtoune last summer "quha wes suspect be the woman he gat the barne with, or hir mother, quha had putt sum quheit or vthir thingis in his dowblett; and causit him to leif of the said dowblett;"
23. curing the wife of Johnne Cokburn the sheriff of Hadingtoun who was bewitched "be the wich of Mirrielawis, be the blast of ewill wind, one Hallaw-ewin."
24. curing Alesoun Ker, wife of Johnne Restoune, of a sickness contracted through Catherene Gray, a witch;
25. curing wife of Robert Caringtoune in Traprene who was bewitched by "vmqle Johnne McGill, desyring the said Robert to pass and tak the said Johnne McGill, and gif him fair wordes, and desyre him to pass the seik wyffe; and gif he zaid with fairness, guid it was; bot gif he will (wald) nocht, desyrit him to cause ane young man ga to him, and inquyir quha gart him do itt, and to caus him cum to his wyffe;and gif he refusit to cum, to bring him againis his will; quha being brocht in her presens, sche wes twyis, in xxiiij houris, extreme wod and out of hir wit."
26. acquitted of "her develisch practesis, and namely of hir passing to Natoun Kirk vnder nycht, with the witch of Carbarrie and vtheris; and thair taking vp the bwrit people, and junting of thame, quhairof scho maid inchantit powder for Wichcraft."
27. coming to the son of Robert Bailzie in the Pans last summer who was very sick for the time, and only gripping him and speaking some words, and the child was cured and made whole;
28. healing Johnne Hammiltoune in Sammelstoune, whobeing troubled by an ailment in his feet came to her, and she sent him away cured next morning;
29. coming to James Libbertoune's wife in Over Libbertoune who was sick, using her devilish prayers for her health, and said when she passed away that if she did not come again shortly she would depart; she not returning the said James's wife departed within three days;
30. by her devilish prayers healing Lady Kibabertoune "quha wes diseasit of ane havie diseis";
31. curing the vmqle Robert Kerse in Dalkeith who was heavily tormented with witchcraft and disease laid on him by a Westland Warlock when he was in Dumfreis; which sickness she took on heself and kept it with great groaning and torment until the morning, at which time there was a great din heard in the house, which sickness she cast off herself "in the cloise" so that a cat or dog might have got it, and notwithstanding it was laid upon Alexander Douglas in Dalkeith, who dwindled and departed with it and the said vmqle Robert Kerse was made whole.
32. foretold by her devilish prayer that the vmqle Patrick Hepburne in Banglais that he would die, as her prayer stopped, and would not visit him.<Prayer quoted> ;
33. the first time she began to serve the devil was after the death of her husband, moved by poverty she agreed to renounce Christ and serve him and she and her children would be rich and have power to be revenged on her enemies; on second visit she was marked "in the rycht kne, quhilk mark sche belevit to haif bene ane hurt ressauit be hir fra ane of hir bairnis that wes lyand in the bed with hir; quhilk hurt wes nocht haill for half ane yeir."
34. "the Dewill apperit to hir in liknes of ane dog, att quhome sche socht hir haill responsis; and quhene sche putt him away, sche chargeit him to 'depart on the law he lewis one'; quha with thay wordis is coniurit and passis away."
35. sailing, with certain of her accomplices, out of North Berwick in a boat like "ane chimnay" (the Devil going before them like "ane ruk of hay") to a ship called The Grace of God into which she entered, and the Devil caused her to drink wine and gave her other good cheer; of which she and her company gave a part to those that were in the "flott" boat; and while she was there she did not see the mariners, nor did they see her; and when they came away the Devil raised an evil wind, he being under the ship, and caused the ship to perish, and she delivered twenty shillings to Gray-maill, who was with her in the said ship, for his "on-waitting";
36. guilty upon her own confession that she, by art of witchcraft, sailed to a ship where there was an "vncouth" woman, and the "Irsch tailzeour" and his wife were principals there; and that Rychard Grahame was another of the principals, who had wrought much mischief;
37. coming to Alesoune Inglis, Dauid Robesounis wife, who was sick; he chased her away and would not let her use her witchcraft to cure his wife because she was reported to be a witch; and having met with Dauid Robesounis servant, she said to him 'if his master had not spoken the words he spake, his wife would be a whole woman walking on her own feet'.
38. When she was sent for to heal old Lady Edmestoune, when she lay sick, before the said Agnes departed she told the gentlewomen that she would tell them that night whether the Lady would heal or not; and appointed them to be in the garden after supper, between five and six in the evening. She went to the garden to "devyise vpoun hir prayer" at which time she charged the Devil, calling him 'Elva' to come and speak to her, and he came in over the dyke in the form of a dog and came so near to her that she was afraid and charged him 'on the law that he lewit on' to come no nearer, but to answer her; and she asked whether the lady would live or not. He said 'Her days are gone'. Then he asked 'If the gentlewomen, her daughters, where they were?' And she said that 'The gentlewomen said, that they were to be there'. he answered. 'One of them would be in danger, and he should have one of them.' She answered 'It should not be so.' And he departed from her, howling. From this time till after supper he remained in the well. When the gentlewomen came in the dog came out of the well and appeared to them, at which they were afraid. In the meantime, one of the said gentlewomen, Lady Torsenze, ran to the well, being forced and drawn by the Devil, who would have drowned her were it not that the said Agnes and the rest of the gentlewomen got a grip of her and with all their strength drew her back again, which made them all afraid. The dog went away thereafter, with a howl. Then she said to he gentlewomen that 'She could not help the lady, in respect that her prayer stopped; and she was sorry for it.' Moreover, after that she and one of the sisters carried her 'deid' to a room, where she remained frenetic three or four days, and crippled for a quarter of a year, until she used her devilish enchantments to conjure the spirit again, and she stayed with her the time that she lay; and when she could not stay any longer herself, she sent her son to stay with her; and when either of them was present, she was well enough; but when they both left her, she was as bad as she had been before.
39. she did the will of the goodwife of Gallowshiels, for which she was not paid as soon as she wished, therefore she said to the goodwife 'She would repent it' and within a few hours thereafter the said goodwife took a madness and her tongue shot out of her head and swelled like a pot; wherefore she sent to her the thing that she wished and begged her to come to her, but she said to the servant 'Go away home, for the goodwife is well'.
40. the delivery of a letter which Johnne Fiene, clerk, made in George Mutis bakehouse, in the Pans, acompanied by the goodwife of the house, Gelie Duncan, Bessie Robsoune, Jokkie Gray-meill, Jonet Gaw, Erisch Marioun, the weaver's wife of Seaton, Robert Griersoune, the goodwife of Spilmourfurd-mylne called Meg Begtoune, Jame Sparrowis wife called Kait Wallace, who gathered there for raising storms to prevent the Queen's home-coming to Scotland; after consultation whether Gelie Duncan or Bessie Thomsoune was most suitable to send the letter with; and concluded to send the said Gelie, which letter was sent to Marioun Lenchope in Leith: The effect whereof was this: 'Marioun Lenchop, ye shall warn the rest of the sisters, to raise the wind this day, at eleven hours, to stop the Queen's coming to Scotland.' So that they who were convened at the Pans should do their part to the east, and to meet them that were in the Pans; and at their meeting they should make the storm universal through the sea. And within eight days after the said Bill was delivered, the said Agnes Sampsoune, Jonett Campbell, Johnne Fean, Gelie Duncan and Meg Dyn baptised a cat in the weaver's house in the following way: First, two of them held one finger in the one side of the chimney 'cruik' and another held an other finger on the other side, the two 'nebbis' of the fingers meeting together; then they put the cat thrice through the links of the cruik, and passed it thrice under the chimney. Thereafter, at Begie Todd's house, they fastened to the four feet of the cat four joints of (dead) men; which being done the said Jonet fetched it to Leith; and about midnight she and two Linkhops, and two wives called Stobbeis, came to the Pier-head, and saying the words 'See that there be no deceit amongst us' and they cast the cat into the sea, as far as they were able, which swam over and came (back) again; and those that were in the Pans cast in another cat at 11 o'clock. After which, by their sorcery and enchantment, the boat perished between Keith and Kinghorne; which thing the Devil did, and went before with a staff in his hand.
41. making a picture of wax in the likeness of Mr Johnne Moscrop, father-in-law to Ewfame McCalzane, and the said Ewfame's wish, for the destruction of the said Mr Johnne, and went with the said picture to a brae above a 'walter' on the lands of Keith and raised the spirit who conjured the picture to serve for the destruction of the said Mr Johnne; and delivered the same to Jonett Drumond, servant of the said Ewfame; and bade her put it under her god-father's bed-head or the foot of the bed; and this she did four years ago, before the said Ewphame was delivered of her last birth;
42. putting 'mwildis' or powder made of men's joints and members, in Natoun Kirk, under Ewphame McCalzane's bed ten days before her birth; which 'mwildis' she conjured with her prayers to stopping and 'slaiking of grinding' the time of her birth;
43. taking the pain and sicknes of Lady Hirmestoune, the night of the delivery of her birth;
44. using a prayer and conjuration when she healed sick people<conjuration>;
45. Charming the horse and cattle of George Diksoun from dying, thirteen of whose kye, oxen and horses died by the evil means of Johnne McGill; and after she had been given a stone of cheese and half a stone of butter by George Diksoun's wife, no more died;
46. charming the kye and oxen of Rychard Spens farmer at the time in Hirmestoune, and James Whyte in Gosfurd by going up between them in pairs in the byre, stroking their backs and wombs, and saying 'Ave Maria' often over them;
47. being one of five at a Convention at the Kirk of Garvett, east of Burnside, with Meg Stillcart, Gray and Jonett Campbell and another who has since died ;
48. being at the Convention between Cousland and Carbarry with Agnes Straitton and the Witch of Carberry, where she quarrelled with her master the devil as 'sche had newir gottin guid of him, and said she would renounce him, but never did; and he promesit to hir att that tyme, that nathing sould ga agains hir.';
49. convened at Foulstruther with the guidwyffe of Spilmour-fuird, Gelis Duncan, Bessie Thomsoun, Gray-meill, Agnes Stratoun and another three and consulted how to harm David Seton and his goods; first Gelis Duncan, Bessie Thomson and Gray-meill hauled up a rope at the bridge and Agnes Sampson called 'Hail, hola!' the end of it was very heavy. And when they had drawn it up, the devil came up at the end and asked if they had been good servants. They asked how they might harm David Seaton and his goods. He gave them 'cleir thingis, as itt were sum peaces of glasse, brayit and mixit with sum peces of coirdis, and sum vthir thingis amangis thame; and baid lay ane threid langis the mwre, and commandit to saw the peces of glas langis the mwre' so that whatever came over first should perish suddenly. But David was prevented from coming that day as they expected, the harm fell on the goods of the labourer and his daughter who has since then been heavily vexed by terrible visions and apparitions, and her body tormented by an evil spirit by which she has been most piteously possessed; she was the chief instrument of this, 'ressaving guid deid fra James Porteous and Rychard Crummy to the end foirsaid'; and directed Bessie Thomson and Annie Stratoune to Foulstruther 'to craif ane lok salt owre the dur heid' and if they had gotten it the harm would have fallen on David Seton and hisgoods, and because the salt was refused the harm fell on the hind's barn and goods.
50. Confessed before his Majesty that the Devil in the likeness of a man met her going out in the fields from her own house at Keith between five and six in the evening when she was alone, and commanded her to be at North Berwick kirk the next night. And she went there on horseback, taken by her godson called Johnne Couper and alighted at the kirk yard, or a litle before it, about eleven in the evening and they danced along the kirk-yard. Gellie Duncan played to them on a trump, Johne Fiene, 'misselit', led all the rest, the said Agnes and her daughter followed next; besides there were Cait Gray, George Mottis wife, Robert Greirsoune, Catherene Duncan, Bessie Wrycht, Issobel Gylour, Johnne Ramsayes wife, Anne Rychardsoun, Jonett Gaw, the wife of Nicoll Murray (the tailor), Cristiane Caringtoune alias Lukit, Masie Aichesoun, Marrioune Patersoune, Alexander Quhytelaw, Marioun Nicolsoune, Marioun Bailzie, Jonett Nicolsoune, Johne Gray-meill, Issobell Lauder, Helene Quhyte, Margret Thomsoune, Marioune Scheill, Helene Lauder, Archie Henillis wyfe, Duncan Buchquhannane, Marioune Congiltoun, Bessie Gwlene, Bessie Broune the wife of the smith, Thomas Burnhill and his wife, Gylbert McGill, Johnne McGill, Catherene McGill, with the rest of their accomplices, above a hundred persons of which there were six men and all the rest women. The women first made their homage, and next the men. The men were turned round nine times widdershins, and the women six times. Johnne Fien 'blew vp the duris, and blewin the lychtis' which were like big black candles sticking round about the pulpit. The Devil started up himself in the pulpit, like a big black man, and called every man by his name, and every one answered 'Here, master'. When Robert Greirsoune was named they all ran to and fro and were angry, for it was promised that he should be called 'Rob the Comptroller alias Rob the Rowar' for expressing his name. The first thing he asked was 'If they had kept all their promises and had been good servants?' and 'What had they done since the last time they convened?' - On his command they opened up the graves, two within the kirk and one outside, and took off the joints of their fingers, toes and knees and divided them up amongst them; and the said Agnes Sampson got for her part a winding sheet and two joints, which she kept negligently. The Devil commanded them to keep the joints upon them until they were dry, and then to make a powder of them with which to do evil. Before they departed they kissed his arse. He had on a gown and a hat, which were both black; and those that were assembled, partly stood and partly sat. Johnne Fiene was always nearest to the Devil, at his left elbow. Gray-meill kept the door.
51. When a friendship ('hamelines') was developed between her and Barbara Naipar in Dalkeith, Cameron-brig-end and such places, the said Barbara complained to her that a man called Archie had done her great wrong, and asked her advice how to be revenged on him. Whose answer was that 'She would give what help she could'. And after consideration ('puttioune') between them, the said Agnes prepared a bonny little picture of yellow wax, which she enchanted and conjured under the name of Archie, in the east end of the dovecot of Craigmillar, in the Devil's name; and gave power to the said picture that as it melted away before the fire, so the man whose picture it was would consume and pine away until he was utterly consumed; and so delivered the picture to the said Barbara, who said to her 'Take good care that nothing be done to hinder the purpose'.
52. She enchanted by her sorcery a little ring with a stone in it for the said Barbara Napier, which ring she received from the said Barbara [so that] she might allure the heart of Dame Jeane Lyon, then Lady Angus, to love and favour her; which ring she sent back to the said Barbara by her daughter within ten days, to be used for the aforesaid purpose;
53. guilty of being a common notorious witch and user of sorceries and enchantments, with the invocation of her master the Devil, abusing the poor simple people and therewith drawing them from leaning on the mercy of God and [instead] believing in the support of the Devil. SENTENCE For this cause the said Agnes was ordained by the Justice, pronounced by the mouth of James Scheill, Dempster, to be taken to the Castle of Edinburgh, and there bound to a stake and strangled until she was dead, and thereafter her body to be burned to ashes; and all her moveable goods to be forfeit and brought into the use of our sovereign lord, etc. (Dittay Pitcairn pp.230-41)

Trials listed in Larner et al Sourcebook as " – – 1590"

? ? January 1591 Confession of Agnes Sampson; Earl of Douglas  ANNA SIMSON, a famous Witch, is reported to have confessed at her death, that a picture of waxe was brought to her, having A.D.written on it, which, as they said to her, did signifie Archibald Davidson; and shee, not thinking of the Earl of Angus, whose name was Archibald Douglas, and might have been called David-son, because his father's name was David, did consecrate it or execrate it, after her forme; which she said, if she had knowne to have represented him, shee would not have done it for all the world. (Home of Godscroft)

27 January 1591 Confession of Agnes Sampson  [How she joined the devil; failed attack on David Seton; North Berwick convention; spells; black dog familiar; "of the 102 articles of her dittay sche confessit 58. Sche deit maist penitentlie for her sinnis, and abusing of the simple people renuncet the devil, quhom sche oftentymes callit 'Fals decever of God's pepill'; and had hir only refuge to God's mercie in Christ Jesus, in quhom alane sche was assurit to be saif, as that theif quha hang at his right hand.""Besids this Agnes Samsone there were brint in Hadintoun Gilbert Mackgill and Jhone his son, Catharin Gray na les skillit then this Samsone, Jhon Gordoun alias Graymeill, Erish Marioun, Meg Dun, and other twa, whose particular pointis were long to describe, ane in Dalkeith, ane in Dumfreish, quha for the most part confirmit sondrie of the saidis conventionis quhairat Agnes Samsone was, and manie other points of her dittay; quhairin they them selfis hath bene partiners.""One Jhone Feane alias Cunynghame confessit him self partiner with Agnes Samson and others in sondrie of these conventions by sea and land, and that he wrote ane letter at one convention and sent it to Leith for raising ane storme there, as their convention in the Pannis sould doe the like, to stay the Quene of Scotland to come in Scotland. Quhilkis all he denyit obstinatlie unto the death."There are moe then fourtie apprehenddit and under triall and examinatioun instantlie, quhairof we remit the severall pointis unto the ischue." (Enclosed with Bowes to Burghley 526 23 Feb.1591)  

29 January 1591 Donald Robson's deposition to the Council that he saw Robert Grierson at the kirk finding fault with the devil because the king's picture was not ready, described the devil's black gown and ill-made scull-cap; that it was Euphame MacCalzean who had got Grierson to speer at the devil.[WEMS165-6]

no date Sampson, Bothwell  About this tym many Witches wer tane in Lowdien, wha deponit of some [ ] maid be THE ERLE BODOWELL as they allegit, against his Maiesteis persone: Quhilk commiyng to the said Earlis eares, he entred in ward within the Castell of Edenbrouch, desyring to be tryed; alleging that the Deuell, wha was a lyer from the begynning, nor yet his sworn witches, aucht not to be credited. Specially, ane renowned midwyf callit ANNY SAMPSOUN, affirmed, that sche, in company with nyn vthers witches, being convenit in the nycht besyd Prestounpannes, the Deuell their maister being present, standing in the midis of thame, ther a body of wax, schaipen and maid be the said Anny Sampsoun, wrappit within a lynnyng clasith, was first delyuerit to the Deuell; quhilk, efter he had pronuncit his verde, delyuerit the said pictour to Anny Sampsoun, and sche to hir nyxt marrow, and sa euery ane round about, saying 'This is King James the Sext, ordonit to be consumed at the instance of a noble man, Francis Erle Bodowell!' Efterwart again at ther meting be nycht in the kirk of North Berick, wher the Deuell, clad in a blak gown, with a blak hat vpon his head, preachit vnto a great nomber of them out of a pulpit, having lyk leicht candelis rond about him. The effect of his language was till knaw what skaith they had done; whow many they had gained to ther opinion sen their last meting; what succes the melting of the pictour had tane, and sic other vain toyes. And because ane ald sely pure plowman, callit Grey Meill, chancit to say, that "nathing ailit the King yet, God be thankit!" the Deuell gaif him a gret blaw. Then dyuers amang them enterit in raisonyng, maruelling that all ther deuelleie culd do na harm to the King, as it did till others dyuers. The Deuell ansuerit, "Il est vn home de Dieu." And certanly he is a man of God, and dois na wrang wittingly, bot is inclynit to all godlynes, justice and vertu; therefor God hes preserued him in the midis of many dangers. Now efter that the Deuell had endit his admonitions, he cam down out of the pulpit, and caused all the company to com kiss his ers, quhilk they said was cauld lyke yce; his body hard lyk yrn, as they thocht that handled him; his faice was terrible; his noise lyk the bek of ane egle; gret bournyng eyn; his handis and legis wer herry, with clawes vpon his handis and feit lyk the griffon, and spak with a how voice! (Sir James Melville Memoirs)

no date Sampson, Bothwell, Grahame  Most of this winter was spent in the discovery and examination of witches and sorcerers. Amongst these Agnes Samson (commonly called the wise wife of Keith) was most remarkable; a woman not of the base and ignorant sort of witches, but matron-like, grave and settled in her answers, which were all to some purpose. In her examination she declared, "That she had a familiar spirit, who upon her call did appear in a visible form, and resolve her of any doubtful matter, especially concerning the life or death of persons lying sick." And being asked what words she used when she called the spirit, she said her word was, Holla, master, and that he had learned her so to do. She farther confessed, "that the earl Bothwell had moved her to inquire what should become of the king, how long he should reign, and what should happen after his death; and that the spirit having undertaken to make away the king, after he had failed in performing, confessed it was not in his power, speaking words she undertood not, but, as she did take them, the words were, Il est homme de Dieu." Richard Graham, another notorious sorcerer, being apprehended at the same time, made the like confession of Bothwell, which was the cause of his committing in April following; for such curiosities are not thought to possess the minds of those that wish well to their prince, and hath proved the cause of many men's ruin. (John Spottiswoode(1851) History of the Church of Scotland v.II pp.411-2)

end January 1591 Execution of Fian  "the saide Doctor Fian was soon after araigned, condemned and adjudged by the law to die, and then to be burned according to the lawe of that lande provided in that behalfe. Whereupon hee was put into a carte, and beeing first strangled, hee was immediately put into a great fire, being readie provided for that purpose, and there burned in the Castle Hill of Edenbrough, on a Saterdaie, in the ende of Januarie last past, 1591. The rest of the witches which are not yet executed, remayne in prison till farther trialland knowledge of his Majesties pleasure" (Newes from Scotland)

?? 1590/91 Prestonpans accusations and executions  John Fean, Johne McGillis, Johne Gordon, Katherine Gray, Gilbert McGill, Meg Dun of Prestonpans; Agnes Sampsoune of Nether Keith; Ewfame Makcalzene of Cliftonhall - executed. Preliminary proceedings taken in pre-trial process of Jonet Straton, Donald Robinson, Meg Begtonne, Catarine Wallace of Prestonpans (LLM Justiciary Court MSS 26/2, 2/2)

3 February 1591 Escaped witches pursued in England  "Some of the worst sort of witches - discovered here - are eschaped and fled into England." The King desires that they may be apprehended and delivered to him, and would send David Seaton of Tranent, gentleman, - who knows them - to search them out. Has agreed to give Seaton letters to Sir Henry Woddrington, Sir John Forster, and Sir John Selby to assist him, and to arrest and keep in safety such as he shall find, that they may be delivered into Scotland or otherwise as shall best please her majesty and her Council. (Bowes to Burghley 520)

13 February 1591 King wants witch returned from England  [Prays Burghley ] for warrant to Sir John Selby to send hither the Scottish witch taken in England and committed to prison in Berwick, for whom the King earnestly calleth. (Bowes to Burghley 522)

23 February 1591 Witches questioned, Fian executed, to be published  Encloses a note of the matters proved against the witches, whereof some are already condemned and executed. "These witches have confessed many things in their abuse of Godes name and yealding themselves to evill spirittes. And many thinges are told to please the examiners - chieflie the King - to wynn grace, and that are farre more strange than trewe, as my self and others touched with a shamelesse and drunken woman [Geilis Duncan? cf her accusation of Bowes' complicity in Bowes to Burghley 552 (15April)] can prove: wherein my name and place suficeth to give them matter to rattle at as they list and were - I thinck - suborned. And yet in the discription of my person they have so farre erred as the King and the examiners sufficientlie condemned the tale, notwithstanding that this rogish woman perswaided that the Inglish ambassadour, being a litle black and fatt man with black haire, and soone after the King's departure into Denmark - as I am informed - had bene with them in a celler and given them gold to hange up and charme a tode for the hurte of the King in his life, and to hinder the issue to come of his bodie." Many things they told which they recanted at their execution. John Fianne, executed in Edinburgh, at his death denied all he had acknowledged, saying he had told those tales by fear of torture and to save his life. The King will have their examinations printed soon after they are ended. At his request he [Bowes] has written to the officers of the Borders to apprehend such witches as have escaped to England; and asks Burghley to send warrant to Sir John Selby and other officers that they may be delivered for the King to the deputy warden of the East Marches in Scotland. (Bowes to Burghley 526)

23 February 1591 King calls for return of witch from England  The King calls daily for delivery of the Scottish witch taken in England ... (Bowes to Burghley 527)

24 March 1591 Scottish witch returned from England; questioned  "The witch lately taken in Ingland and comytted to safe custody in Barwicke is delyvered into Scotland agreeable to the King's desyre; wherewith the King is well pleased. This woman hath accused many others, and is found to have practysed sundry wicked actions by her sorceryes." (Bowes to Lords Burghley and Hunsdon 542)

no date, 1591 Graham, Bothwell, Napier & Mackalzean  Among other things, some of them did show, that there was a westland man called Richard Graham, who had a familiar spirit, the which Richard they said could both do and tell many things, chiefly against the Earl of Bothwell. Whereupon the said Richard Graham was apprehended, and brought to Edinburgh; and being examined before his Majesty, I being present, he granted that he had a familiar spirit, which showed him sundry things; but he denied that he was a witch, or had any frequentation with them. But when it was answered again, how that Amy Simson had declared, that he caused the Earl of Bothwell address him to her; he granted that to be true and that the Earl of Bothwell had knowledge of him by Effe Machalloun and Barbary Napier, Edinburgh women. Whereupon he was sent for by the Earl Bothwell, who required his help to cause the King's Majesty his master to like well of him. And to that effect he gave the said Earl some drug or herb, willing him at some convenient time to touch therewith his Majesty's face. Which being done by the said Earl ineffectually, he dealt again with the said Richard to get his Majesty wrecked, as Richard alleged; who said, he could not do such things himself; but that a notable midwife who was a witch, called Amy Simson, could bring any such purpose to pass. Thus far the said Richard Graham affirmed divers times before the Council; nevertheless he was burnt, with the said Simson, and many other witches. This Richard alleged, that it was certain what is reported of the fairies; and that spirits may take a form, and be seen, though not felt. (Sir James Melville Memoirs ed. A. Francis Steuart (1929) pp.353-4)

15 April 1591 Graham accuses Bothwell; Grierson dies in prison  The King said that as Bothwell had been before charged of evil practices with the witches "so now upon the examinacioun of Richard Graiham - the pryncipall of the witches heere - before the Counsell and others appoynted to deale with him, it is come to greater matter." For Graham, fearing to die either by the law or by Bothwell's hands, prayed to live in prison or banishment, promising to reveal all he knew. He confessed that Bothwell urged him to devise means to hasten the King's end, and drove him to it to avoid his own destruction. Bothwell told him [Italian necromancer's prophesy]. It was devised that a waxen image of the King should be made, "one tode to be enchanted and hanged up, and a peece of the head of a yonge calf newly calfed to be taken." This was uttered by sundry witches, especially Jely Dunkyn, who was wont to assemble the witches at Graham's command. The King said that Jely Dunkyn and others confessed at first that Bothwell had dealt with them, but afterwards denied it and accused him [Bowes].
Graham acknowledged that Bothwell - hearing that some of the witches had accused him, and that Graham was to be examined - dealt with him to accuse him [Bowes] of practising with him to destroy the King, saying that Bothwell and Bowes begin with like letters, which might suffice to make the witches think it was Bowes that had travailed with Graham. Therefore, at his late examination, Graham charged him [Bowes] with it, and Jely Dunkyn continues to accuse him; but he was supposed to have dealt with Graham four days after Lammas Day, and at that time Asheby was resident in Scottland for her majesty. Graham declared that during his imprisonment Bothwell had several times sent him money, persuading him to stand fast to the denial, "and to say that Bothwell had bene with him to enquyre whether his mother had bene bewitched or not," and for no other matter. For the further examination and disposition of these matters the Council entreated the King to be present, and to stay the arraignment of three witches. Whereupon the King came hither yesterday, and heard Graham confirm his deposition. He returned in the evening to Dalkeith, purposing to be here again to-day and to remain sometime to proceed in these behalfs with diligence. "The erle Bothwell is sent for to be heere to morow; and some towardes him, being especially charged with knowledge and practyse of sondry particular matters heerein, are lykewise commanded to appeare." Thus the truth shall be known.
Postscript - "This daye Robert Greyson, one of the three witches to have been examyned, died, and as it is thought by the extremyty of the tortours applyed to him. He hath confessed litle, and yet it is said by the rest that he was pryvy to all their accions." (Bowes to Burghley 552)

17 April 1591 Graham, Bothwell and Chirnside  Bothwell appeared before King and Council, questioned by Chancellor admitted he knew Graham, first met him three or four years before "and he regarded the fellow so litle as he could not gyve any certen accompt in these behalfes." With passionate words he threatened the life of any that would affirm that he had conspired with Graham against the King. The Chancelor asked what had passed betwixt him and Graham, telling him that Graham had charged him with an evil device against the King's life. Bothwell said that Graham had offered him a ring of sundry colours, showing him that there was a spirit enclosed in it whereby he might know what should betide himself, and whether his servants dealt truly with him, which ring he scorned: affirming constantly that no matter conerning the King ever came into conference betwixt them. He alleged that this matter grew not only by Graham, but sprang rom his enemies ... [offered himself for trial by sharing torture with his accusers]
Archibald Chirnseed, Bothwell's servant, was charged by Graham to have brought him money sundry times from Bothwell, persuading him to stand fast in his course promised, that Bothwell might get his life and liberty. Sundry other things, Graham says, passed betwixt them. Whereupon Chirnseede was sent for. Bothwell affirms that he had sent him to Aberdeen before the letters came, so Lord Lindsey is commanded to take him and bring him hither.
Postscript - this day Bothwell and Graham, being confronted before the King and Council, Bothwell prayed the King to know what he would charge him with. The King answered, with practice to have taken his life. Bothwell asked if he would lay any other matter than that only. The King said it sufficed, and willed him to clear himself thereof. Bothwell desired that this might be recorded, and being granted, he asked Graham how he could charge him herewith.Graham still affirmed that he had urged him to do this against the King, and had sent Chirneseede and his man to persuade him. Bothwell utterly denied any such dealing with him, alleging that Graham's testimony was of no credit. And if Chirnseede or his servant had practised herein it was without his privity, and he left them to answer for themselves. Hereupon he is returned to the castle, showing a good countenance in hope of his speedy delivery.(Bowes to Burghley 554)

21 April 1591 Chirnside and Nisbett charged to appear  "The Kingis Majestie, with advise of the Lordis of Secreit Counsaill, ordanis letters to be direct chargeing Niniane Chirnesyde, servitour to Francis, Erll Bothuill, and Nesbitt, servand to the said Niniane, be oppin proclamatioun at the mercat croceis of the heid burrowis of this realme and all utheris placeis neidfull, - quhilk his Hienes and the saidis Lordis at Haliruidhous or quhair it sal happin thame to be for the tyme the saxt day of Maii nixt to cum, to ansuer to sic thingis as sal be inquirit of thame concerning the perrelling of his Majesteis persone, croun and estate..." (Register of the Privy Council of Scotland iv, 610)

23 April 1591 Bill for Escorting Witches

(Burgh of Edinburgh Treasurer's Accounts)

27 April 1591 Bothwell accused by Graham; Barbara Napier's letter  [King proposes to arraign Bothwell] against whom little of importance is discovered beyond what was known to the King before his departure on Wednesday last by the depositions of Richard Graham, who steadfastly stands to his charges against Bothwell.Bothwell alleges that these troubles are brought on him by means of England, charging chiefly therein Sir John Carmichael and Mr Robert Bruce, minister in Edinburgh. [...] The Chancellor bitterly told him "that his fault heerein to the King was grater then consulting with witches, which is death by the lawes of this realme, and which offence Bothwell hath already taken on himselfe." [Bothwell refuses to say more until assured of pardon for all other offences]

"Rynian Chirmseede - whome in my former letters I named Archbald Chirneseede - and David Nesbeth his servant have not hitherto appeared, notwithstanding that Bothwell promysed that they should come in." [Proclaimed to appear on pain of treason] but it is thought they will withdraw, for Graham has more matters against them, proving their dealings with him for the King's death and other sorcery and wickedness. .. Barbara Naper, one of the principal witches, wrote to Bothwell to stand fast, showing that his enemies had devised his dittay - that is, his indictment, which letter was delivered to a woman to take to one of Bothwell's servants to convey to Bothwell. Being open it was read by sundry, whereof one instructed Robert Bruce, who advertised the King. But the woman burnt the letter.
[Bothwell] begins to think his case more dangerous than he looked for, for the preachers in their sermons and in private exhortations to the King and councillors urge that these matters be examined, the innocent protected, and the guilty cut off. (Bowes to Burghley 555)  

4 May 1591  Deposition of Janet Stratton in the presence of the king, duke of Lennox, Chancellor Maitland and others that toad drippings had been sent to Edinburgh and the king's picture passed around and given tp the devil so that James Stewart, prince of Scotland should be wracked 'for my Lord Bothwell's sake and for the gold and silver that he has promised and should give usm with victual to me and my bairns.' [WEMS 171-3]

5 May 1591 Proposed trial of Bothwell, Chirnside  King to Bowes said evidence against Bothwell for conspiring his death was so weak as the assize of the nobility would hardly be satisfied to declare him guilty. He was determined to try the truth to the bottom, and execute justice speedily. The King, the Chancellor, and other councillors still labour to discover all things clearly ... ministry directed to ordain a general fast with prayers for this discovery, which was solemnised on Sunday the 2nd instant.
"That it was an oversight to deferre the apprehension of Roynion Chernsyde untill Bothewell was chardged with the facte, as your lordship hathe noted: it is answered, that this was done that no skarre moughte be geven to Bothewell to staye his appearance." It was thought that Chernsyde would have come with Bothwell as he used to do; and now, because Bothwell undertook to bring in Chernsyde and Nesbett, and sent Pennycowke his servant to Chernsyde and thereby knoweth his mind, which shall give little light to the truth, therefore no great labour is made to take Chernsyde, who is returned out of the north.
Bothwell has certified the King and Council that Chernsysde, being guilty of crime for consulting with Graham and other witches in his own particular causes, dare not present himself to answer in the actions of Bothwell before the King pardon his own faults.Upon special remission for himself in those particulars he will come in and abide trial for all things done by him in behalf of Bothwell. (Bowes to Burghley enclosed with 559)  

7 May 1591 Examination of Bessie Nisbet, MacCalzean's servant who confessed her mistress gave her a loaf to deliver to Kate Muirhead or Jennie Stewart, but she gave it to the servant of James Nesbit the jailor; when the wrapping was undone the loaf fell apart and a letter was revealed. MacCalzean denied she had done this, but admitted the letter was like her writing and like other letters she had written.[WEMS 181-2]

8 May 1591 Proposed trial of Bothwell, Chirnside  This convention is so slender, chiefly of the nobility, as the trial of Bothwell cannot proceed; yet his friends press for the trial. [King wants advice of Elizabeth?] (Bowes to Burghley 559)  

? May 1591) Carmichael writes first draft of Newes from Scotland?  The tricks and tragedies he [the Devil] played then among so many men and women in this country will hardly get credit by posterity; the history whereof, with their whole depositions, was written by Mr James Carmichael, Minister of Haddington. (Sir James Melville Memoirs ed. A. Francis Steuart (1929) p.353)

8 May 1591 Barbara Napier tried  Barbara Naipar, spous to Archibald Douglas, Burgess of Edinburgh (brother to the Laird of Carschoggil) was put on trial for witchcraft. The assise found her guilty of:

1. seeking consultation from Anne Sampsoune, and Wich, to help Dames Jeane Lyoune, Lady Angus, to stop her vomiting when she was pregnant; further, consulting Annie Sampsoune to secure the affection of Lady Angus, and get her to pay (Barbara?) what she was owed, and for this purpose gave Annie a ring and sent her a linen courchie; all this in contravention of the Act of Parliament, in consulting her and seeking her help. 'being ane Wich'.
2. Consulting the said Annie Sampsoune to help her husband Archobald Dowgals, 'quhen he wes in the Westland, att the raid of Dumfreis; her husband being fir the tyme vnder feid ['at feud']with the hous of Cowhill.'
3. consulting with 'Rychie Grahame, and Nicromanser and abusar of the people' seeking help for her son, and paying him with three ells of 'bombesie' and five quarters of 'broune'; this was done in John Ramsay's house outside the Westport of Edinburgh, contrary to the Act of Parliament, at which time she inquired of the said Rychie Grahame if the King would come home or not.;
4.  'haunting' and consulting with 'ane Wich and Nicromancear' contrary to the Act.

She was acquitted of

1.  consulting the said Rychie for a stolen doublet of the late George Ker, her husband;
2.  consulting Annie Sampsoune about making a picture of the late Archibald Earl of Angus, to his destruction;
3.  attending the conventioune of North-Bervik, and
4.  all the other heads of the Dittay except those of which she was found guilty.

9 May 1591 Bothwell and English party  "The Lorde Bothewell of Scotelande is committed to Edenboroughe castell for conspyringe the King's death by socerye as they say. He standes upon his truthe and cravs that by combate agaynst his accuser, thoughe never so mean a person, he may defend him selfe.We say that he shall dye: the Scottes would the contrarye; but yf he dye they spare not to speake that to hyme as to others we mayke ther Kinge a boucher to serve our tournes." (R. Carr to William Jenison 560)  

9 May 1591 Barbara Napier charged  [Bowes] was informed this morning that Barbara Naper, arraigned yesterday, was charged with practice for the destruction of the King, to have been done by the devil and the other witches, at the motion of Bothwell, as Graham affirms; as also for the death of the late Earl of Angus, and many other sorceries, witchcrafts. and consulting with witches.
"By the counsell assigned to her, and by her chalendges and shiftes, she both put of the gentlemen returned to have bene of her assise, in whose places others of this towne - where she hath many kynsfolke and freendes of good credyt - were receyved, and also contynued the matter in debate untill two of the clocke in this morning, before the jury or assise - as they terme it - could be chosen and chardged." The assise have acquitted her of practising the destruction of the King and death of Angus, and found her guilty for consulting with witches: no judgement is given, but she is at the King's pleasure. This is not fallen out as was looked for, and further consideration will be had of these matters, which daily slide into great dangers. It is thought she will either seek to redeem her life by discovery of things known to her, or else confess all things at her death.
Postscript in Bowes' handwriting - "By these begynnynges yourlordship may easily see what the ende wil be; and that these are lyk to ocupye the King with troubles nott fytt for hym. Yf I had a cypher with your lordship I wold wrytt somethinges more planely."(Bowes to Burghley 561)

10 May 1591 Sentence on Barbara Napier  On this day a letter was produced 'subscryuit be the Kingis Maiestie and his hienes Chancillar ...Forsamekill as Barbara Naper, spous to Archebald Dowglas burges of Edinburgh, wes convict in ane Court of Justiciarie, haldin in our Tolbuthe of Edinburgh, Þe aucht day of May instant, for Þe seiking of consultatioune fra Annie Sampsoune ane Witch, &c. ... Quhairvpoune, na Dome is pronunceit aganis hir as yit. Oure Will is heirfoir, and we charge yow, that incontinent efter the sycht heirof, ye pronounce the Dome againis hir, for the saidis crymes, according to the lawis of our realme and Actis of Parliament : That is to say, that scho sall be tane to the Castell-hill of the burcht of Edinburgh, and thair bund to ane stail besyde the fyre and wirreit Þairat quhill scho be deid; and Þairefter hir body brunt in the said fyre, and all hir movabill guidis escheated to our vse as convict of the saidis crymes. As ye will ansuer to ws vpoune your office and obedience. Quhairanent thir presentis sall serve yow as sufficient Warrand. Subscryuit with our hand, at Halyrudhous, the tent day of Maij, 1591

11 May 1591 Barbara Napier condemned, pleads her belly  On the 11th May she had been condemned to be strangled and burnt for offences similar to those of Euphame M'Calyeane; but, "when the staike was sett in the Castel-hill, with barrells, coales, heather and powder, and the people were looking for present executioun, her friends alledged she was with child, wherupon the executioun was delayed, till that alledgance was tryed (Register of the Privy Council of Scotland iv, 645n)

May 1591 Barbara Napier condemned  Upon Saturday, the 8th of May, Barbara Naper, sister to William Naper of Wright's Houses, was convicted by an assise for art, part, and consulting with witches. The nixt Tuisday she was condemned to be wirried till she were dead, and thereafter to be burnt. When the staike was sett in the Castell Hill, with barrells, coales, heather, and powder, and the people were looking for present executioun, her freinds alledged she was with child, wherupon the executioun was delayed, till that alledgance was tryed. In the meane tyme, these that were upon her assise were summouned to underly the law upon Moonday, the seventh of June, for wilfull errour, in cleanging her in treasoun against the king's persoun. The jurie men came in the king's will. [...]  Barbara Naper was convicted onlie of consulting with Richard Graham and Agnes Sampsoune. That she consulted for the death of the king or the Erle of Angus she denied. In respect of the Act of Parliament against naiked consultatioun was not putt into executioun, it was thought hard to execute her. (Calderwood vol.V pp.128-9)

21 May 1591 Assise of Error on Barbara Napier  [Bowes sending Henry Locke to report to Burghley, who will] show how greatly the King is disquieted by the absence of the lords summoned to the convention, and matters practised at the trial of Barbara Naper "to defeate the King's intended course for the execucion of justice agaynst witches and consulters with them"; out of which causes ill effects daily spring, threatening peril to the King, sedition to this country, and division in the principal boroughs. Next he will show "the resolucions taken to reverse by errour the verdict of Barbara Naper's assise, to arraigne Effam Mackalean and other chardged with witchcraft, with better regarde to proceede to an honourable tryall of Bothwell at tyme to be founde convenient." (Bowes to Burghley 568)

24 May 1591 Proclamation against Ninian Chirnside  Niniane Chirnesyde, servitor to Frances, Earl Bothuill, who had, with others "tressonablie conspirit the death of oure Soverane Lord be witchcraft, sorcerie and utheris traturous and diabolicall meanis" having been lately denounced rebel for not appearing to take his trial for the same, proclamation of the fact is ordered at the market crosses of the head burghs [to be apprehended, or killed under pardon] (Register of the Privy Council of Scotland iv,624)

26 May 1591 Assise of error announced  The assize of error to reverse the verdict given in favour of Barbara Naper is proclaimed. The assizers are commanded to be here two days before their appearance in court, that the King may speak with them. Thus to reverse the verdict is lawful, but a great novelty, not hitherto practised. The King is earnest about it; it may open the way to other matters, and he would be present at the hearing. Many look that the success thereof shall not thoroughly please him. [...] The King continues at Falkland, purposing to come hither on 4th June, to deliberate with the convention upon the assize of error and trial of other witches, and for the time of the arraignment of Bothwell. (Bowes to Burghley 569)

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