These letters were examined and compared with Mary's handwriting, by the English privy council, and by a great many of the nobility, among whom were several partisans of that princess.

They might have been examined by the bishop of Ross, Herreis, and others of Mary's commissioners.

The regent must have expected that they would be very critically examined by them; and had they not been able to stand that test, he was only preparing a scene of confusion to himself.

Bishop Lesley expressly declines the comparing of the hands, which he calls no legal proof.

Goodall, vol.ii.