Letters of fire and sword

Letters of fire and sword were a Scottish legal instrument. If a criminal resisted the law and refused to answer his citation, it was considered treason in the Scottish courts; and “letters of fire and sword” were sent to the sheriff, authorising him to use either or both these instruments to apprehend the contumacious party.[1]

Well known letters issued

Letters of Fire and Sword were issued against the following clans:

• Clan Gregor under James the VI
• Clan Chattan under James the V
• Clan Cameron

References

1. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1898, page 464, Fire and Sword

 This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain:  Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable 1898 edition page 464 entry Fire and Sword

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