ANALYSIS OF THE STUART PERIOD
JAMES I. MARCH 24, 1603-MARCH 27, 1625.
SECTION I, THE TITLE AND ACCESSION OF JAMES.
1. The Title of James Stuart. James was the son of Mary of Scots, Mary was the daughter of James V., and James V. was the son of Margaret, the elder daughter of Henry VII. The claim of James was admitted by Elizabeth, and generally acknowledged by the English nation; the parliamentary title was however in the house of Suffolk, by virtue of the testament of Henry VIII., with the advice and consent of parliament. But this did not prevent the quiet accession of James; the people were in favor of the hereditary principle, and signified their approbation when Cecil proclaimed the new monarch in front of Whitehall, 24th March. The only precautionary measure deemed necessary by the minister, was the seizure in London of eight hundred vagabonds, who were sent to serve in the fleet.
2. James's journey from Edinburgh. Eager as James was to proceed to England, which he held to be the Land of Promise, his poverty detained him till Cecil forwarded a sum of money. He set out on the 6th April, and by the 13th had reached Newcastle. At Newark, he ordered the execution of a thief without trial, which was taken to be a proof of the king's hasty temper and disregard of law. On the 27th, James was magnificently entertained at Hinchinbrook, by Sir Oliver Cromwell, related to the minister of Henry VIII., and uncle of Oliver, afterwards the Protector. Theobalds, the seat of Sec. Cecil, was