Robert, steward of Scotland, lieutenant of the most serene prince David, by the grace of God illustrious king of Scots, with the consent of all the prelates, barons and the entire community of the kingdom of Scotland has ordained the reverend fathers in Christ Lords William and Patrick, bishops of St Andrews and Brechin, and Lord William Livingston and Lord Robert Erskine, knights, our messengers, special ambassadors and deputes to negotiate and agree with the most excellent prince the lord Edward [III], by the grace of God illustrious king of England, or his deputes, concerning the liberation of the king of Scotland.