Thus, on the eve of the meeting of the Scottish Parliament, Glencoe was in the mouths of all Scotchmen of all factions and of all sects.  William, who was just about to start for the Continent, learned that, on this subject, the Estates must have their way, and that the best thing that he could do would be to put himself at the head of a movement which it was impossible for him to resist.  A Commission authorising Tweedale and several other privy councillors to examine fully into the matter about which the public mind was so strongly excited was signed by the King at Kensington, was sent down to Edinburgh, and was there sealed with the Great Seal of the realm.  This was accomplished just in time.595 The Parliament had scarcely entered on business when a member rose to move for an inquiry into the circumstances of the slaughter of Glencoe.  Tweedale was able to inform the Estates that His Majesty’s goodness had prevented their desires, that a Commission of Precognition had, a few hours before, passed in all the forms, and that the lords and gentlemen named in that instrument would hold their first meeting before night.596 The Parliament unanimously voted thanks to the King for this instance of his paternal care; but some of those who joined in the vote of thanks expressed a very natural apprehension that the second investigation might end as unsatisfactorily as the first investigation had ended.  The honour of the country, they said, was at stake; and the Commissioners were bound to proceed with such diligence that the result of the inquest might be known before the end of the session.  Tweedale gave assurances which, for a time, silenced the murmurers.597 But, when three weeks had passed away, many members became mutinous and suspicious.  On the fourteenth of June it was moved that the Commissioners should be ordered to report.  The motion was not carried; but it was renewed day after day.  In three successive sittings Tweedale was able to restrain the eagerness of the assembly.  But, when he at length announced that the report had been completed; and added that it would not be laid before the Estates till it had been submitted to the King, there was a violent outcry.  The public curiosity was intense; for the examination had been conducted with closed doors; and both Commissioners and clerks had been sworn to secrecy.  The King was in the Netherlands.  Weeks must elapse before his pleasure could he taken; and the session could not last much longer.  In a fourth debate there were signs which convinced the Lord High Commissioner that it was expedient to yield; and the report was produced.598