There follows a memorandum sent by Albany to Du Prat, the chancellor of Francis I, describing the outcome of the Battle of Linlithgow Bridge. It is interesting to note the numbers quoted, especially the conservative estimates given to Lennox’s force, and the insinuation that he was ambushed. Was Albany was being liberal with the truth in order to give Angus a bad name? The rest of the text goes on to discuss how the pro English Douglases can be usurped from power. The reference to the garrison at Dunbar is interesting as this is Albany’s main enclave in Scotland manned by a French garrison.
 
Reprise of the Memorandum by Albany to the Chancellor [Du Prat] for Francis 1, [November December1526], Teulet I, 69, H.iv 2539

Scotland is suffering from the violence and licence of Angus and his friends. James is learning to be profligate, greedy and wicked; and he cannot escape from their hands. Lennox gathered some men to join with Margaret, the chancellor [Beaton], Argyll, Moray and others; but Angus was aware of it , and along with Arran, his chief enemy, collected six or seven thousand men , with whom he surprised Lennox and his force of over four thousand, Lennox himself being among the slain. Angus is set upon destroying the house of Lennox and has deprived the chancellor of his estate and office, and treats all partisans of France in a like fashion. He has surrounded the King, fourteen years of age, with a murderous and wicked crew without reference to parliament. If Francis would preserve the old alliance and avail himself of Scotland he should represent the case to Henry and Wolsey through Jean Joaquin, especially as Henry is interested in the safety and welfare of one of who is so near to the English crown.

If Henry will permit Albany to visit Scotland, Francis might order him go and redress the matters, returning at once after putting James and the government in Margaret’s hands with a satisfactory council named by the estates, Margaret being placed in possession of her jointure on condition that Henry does not receive or support in England Angus and his adherents. Francis may bind Albany on pain of forfeiture not to exceed his instructions and to return at the stated time.

If Francis approves, Albany will deliver Dunbar to persons chosen with advice of Margaret and the said council; the castle had better be thrown down than fall into English hands.
I Francis sees his way to offer Henry a defensive peace for the three kingdoms without condition he will know how to put the …………will satisfy France. Meanwhile as time will be necessary and the present juncture is not suitable, Francis will perhaps think it well to send for news of James, and also in the interest of Lennox’s children, supported by a request from Aubigny, in considerations of the services rendered by the household of Aubigny to Scotland. The envoy should have credence to James and the estates of the bishops of Aberdeen, Argyll, Moray, and others advisable: Margaret should also have full instructions suitable of the estate of the affairs.

Margaret, the chancellor and other party should be asked in particular what they are prepared to do, and whether they are satisfied that Margaret and their council should govern; also on what Albany is expected to do, If he is sent, the guarantees offered, and the persons upon whom to rely, with assurance under their seals, and information as to whether actions are to be secret or notified to the people or estates.

Hopes of marriage in terms of the treaty of Rouen should be held out, Albany to enlarge upon the subject when he goes.

The proposed envoys will be able to take fresh supplies of victuals and powder, maintain hope in the garrison of Dunbar and deliver his pension to the captain with encouraging letters. Unless steps are taken the place will be put into the hands of the English, who will obtain the alliance they have always sought as soon as Angus and his party can convene the estates, although they could not convene them in requisite form or conclude any agreement of importance without the consent of the said estates and of Albany who they have not yet discharged of his office ; and they could not discharge him without giving him due notice. 
As the duke understands that, if Henry desires a marriage between James and his daughter, his demand will be granted, it will be well to take prompt measures and affect a breach between Angus and Arran. , otherwise the Franco Scottish alliance is lost. Francis should consider this. The English are trying to isolate James from his friends and have him at their will.

As the English may not have the goodwill to grant what Albany has suggested, Francis will perhaps keep this project to himself, if he does not expect acceptance, and will devise some scheme independently. Meanwhile he should send to Scotland secretly and make sure of Dunbar.

The duke recommends the despatch of M. de Saignes with a herald who has been continually in Scotland; the sooner the better.