Although the king had given precise instructions to the Earl of Traquair for the new general assembly, with a parliament to follow, his own decision to return to the south signalled a departure from the allowances he had hitherto made to Scottish politics. Superficially he was yielding yet more ground to the Covenanters, and a full programme of reform would result from it; but he harboured thoughts of suppression and revenge. Such thoughts had never truly been absent from Charles's mind, but through the efforts of Hamilton and cautious English advisers he had gone far, as he thought, in being responsive to the Scottish situation. Now the negative dimension was more overwhelming. He would attend to Traquair's dispatches more to ensure that his few caveats were not overstepped than to look for signs of a loyal group in Scotland.

Charles, however, was not one altogether to close his options. Though Wentworth had received his summons to lend his support at the king's side, the projected campaign was for the new year. Particular care for the border garrisons and the preparation of the war effort would await the ending of the Scottish assemblies – in case any advantage could be won. Until then the Covenanters were to be allowed thoroughly to disgrace themselves, if for no other reason than for the sake of the king's esteem and the benefit of his support. Direct military threats would therefore be held off, as indeed was expedient also for reasons of cost.