Note 1144 — INTRODUCTORY NOTICE TO BOOK FIFTH. (continued 2)

It is impossible to vindicate the Queen's conduct in "this infamous marriage," even when acquitted of being in any way accessory to Darnley's murder. That event occurred on the 9th February 1566-7. Bothwell, who was denounced as his murderer, submitted to a mock trial on the 12th April; and on the 19th, he obtained from the Queen in Parliament a ratification of several lands, &c., as Keeper of the Castle of Dunbar. On the 24th of the same month, the Queen was way-laid, and forcibly carried off to Dunbar, where she was coerced to agree to an alliance with a man who was then married. To accomplish this, Bothwell brought the Queen to the Castle of Edinburgh on the 29th April. He obtained a sentence of divorce from his first wife on the 7th May; his marriage with the Queen was proclaimed on the 12th of that month; and having created him Duke of Orkney, on the 15th their marriage was celebrated. Thus within the period of three months all these events happened. One month later, the Queen surrendered on Carberry-hill, and Bothwell made his escape: they never met after that day.