(i) Assignation of debts by Margaret, Elizabeth, Anna, Mary and William Elphinstone...

(i) Assignation of debts by Margaret, Elizabeth, Anna, Mary and William Elphinstone (Elphingstoun), lawful children of Harry Elphinstone of Calderhall and his wife Elizabeth [née Henderson], and executors for their deceased grandfather Sir Thomas Henderson, with the advice and consent of their father, Sir Thomas Nicolson of Carnock, and Master John Gilmour, advocate, their 'tutors testamentaris'. [nominated by the testator] On 21 February 1643 they obtained a decree from the lords of council and session for the payment of debts to Sir Thomas Henderson from James Fowler (£38 with 20 marks 'expenses'), Jean Hay (200 marks with 20 marks), John Dickson (100 marks with 10 marks) and James Edington (£220; no 'expenses' shown). Dates of the bonds for most of these sums are given. Edinburgh, 16 March 1643. (ii) The executors now appoint William B[? r]owne, servant to Master John Ellies, 'undowbted and Irrevocable cessioner and assignay', to see that the decree is carried out and to collect the debts. They agree to have this arrangement registered in the books of council and session, to have the force of a decree of the lords, and appoint [blank] their procurators. The document was written by David Skougall, servant to Adam Watt, writer to the signet. The witnesses are Thomas Elphinstone 'our brother', and James Douglas, [? student] in Edinburgh. ['Signed' by] three of the four sisters [in very childish hand, probably the same for all their names], and the witnesses. 'Harie Elphinstoune consentis'- [Endorsed, in three different hands]:, 16 March 1643. (iii) 1. The procurator [unnamed] for the Elphinstones consents to the registration. 2. Names of parties. 'Registrat'. 3. 'Assignation be the bairnes of Harie Elphingstoun with consent of their tutors Testamentaris [nominated by the testator] to William [? Browne]'. [Remainder illegible]. Edinburgh, undated