Note 46 — VI. SCOTTISH AFFAIRS—THE ARBITRATION—THE WAR. A.D. 1291–1296.

Sir James Mackintosh, accepting Hume’s story without examination, talks of “the circumvention of the estates of Scotland, at Norham, in 1291.” But in the records of the period there is not the slightest trace of any “circumvention.” Edward met the estates of Scotland at their own request. Army he had none, at that time, with him. He met them on equal terms, for public conference. He told them frankly, and at once, in what capacity he came—i.e., as superior lord. They demurred. He then gave them time to deliberate, and appointed a second meeting in the following month. To speak of these proceedings as a “circumvention” is a mere abuse of language.