The names of Dundee and Balcarras, written by their own hands, may still be seen on the original roll.

Balcarras afterwards excused what, on his principles, was, beyond all dispute, a flagrant act of treason, by saying that he and his friends had, from zeal for their master's interest, concurred in a declaration of rebellion against their master's authority; that they had anticipated the most salutary effects from the letter; and that, if they had not made some concession to the majority, the letter would not have been opened.
In a few minutes the hopes of Balcarras were grievously disappointed.
The letter from which so much had been hoped and feared was read with all the honours which Scottish Parliaments were in the habit of paying to royal communications: but every word carried despair to the hearts of the Jacobites.

It was plain that adversity had taught James neither wisdom nor mercy.

All was obstinacy, cruelty, insolence.

A pardon was promised to those traitors who should return to their allegiance within a fortnight.